Chapter 61 – Motives Behind Actions
By the time this chapter's over, you will be flipping out.
To Recap:
With the combined efforts of Nic, Natsu, and Pavo, Dan was defeated, and shared his long and uninteresting tale afterwards. The gang finds the clock piece, and Nic also finds the Iron Plate, only needing to acquire two more Plates. Byro soon arrives with Kanaloa and fights off Nic's group. After dealing with Kanaloa, they try fighting Byro, but their Magic did nothing to his Nullification Magic. Natsu resorted to close combat, but he failed, leaving for Nic to use his physical combat and Pokémon powers to defeat Byro. After everyone meets up, the clock pieces come together to make the Infinity Clock, and that's when the Reborn Oracion Seis arrives and takes it, leaving Angel to bask everyone in a destructive light.
Chapter 61 – Motives Behind Actions
Nic's eyes slowly opened, coming out of the haze that he was in. Not too far away from him, Greninja slowly arose with his trainer. They both sat up, feeling themselves on what felt like fine, black leather.
"You're up." Nic recognized the voice, and he slowly turned to where the feminine voice resided. Sitting with one leg over the other. There she was, a grinning Erza.
"E-Erza?" Nic looked around, seeing that beside her was Vanessa and Venusaur lying on the floor beside his trainer. His eyes averted to the remaining surroundings, which looked like a fancy lounge with dark pink bricks. Suffice to say it didn't lack in the fashion department.
"The last thing that happened…was Angel using her Magic." Greninja's memory slowly began to process. "After that, everything went white."
A familiar face sparkled close by, revealing himself to have longer hair than last time. "Me~n. What a relief that you are safe from harm's way." Ichiya was the familiar face, and he looked satisfied when Nic and Greninja were seen awake. The two were up pretty early compared to the rest, as Gajeel, Cana, Sophie, and the others were still coming around not too far behind them. "Think not, for we are happy to have swooped in and rescued you and your beloved parfume."
"We were fortunate that sir Ichiya came to rescue us before the tomb collapsed." Erza explained. "Unfortunately the Legion Corps and the Reborn Oracion Seis got away."
Lucy looked down at the ground. "We didn't get a chance to counterattack."
"Those creeps have definitely gotten stronger since last time, that's for sure." Gray remarked.
Pavo struck a pose out. "And how! And once and for all, we shall be as extravagant as the mighty peacock!"
Nic turned towards Ichiya. "We appreciate the save, thank you." He sounded genuine, and didn't seem at all bothered.
Ichiya continued to sparkle and struck a pose. "Man! I know you and your animal comrades would do the same." He struck yet another pose. "Unfortunately it was only I who helped with the Christina Advance. Hibiki and the others are currently on another mission, but rest assure, we shall rush to all of Fairy Tail's side! MAN!"
"We should try and get some more recovery while we still can. Lucy and Michelle are re-reading the Key to the Starry Heavens as we speak to see if they missed something, or how to get it back at least." Erza stated. "We should all lay low. Especially you, Nic."
Nic wanted to say something, but when he followed logic, it did make sense. With Nic defeating the Legion Corps' leader, Byro, that meant he might become a prime target, and the Reborn Oracion Seis would want to take him down too. Aside from the small bruises he still had, he decided to lie back down and gazed up to the ceiling.
Greninja followed suite, which left Vanessa and Erza to talk. The younger Pularis sibling turned to the redhead, frowning. "Tell me, what are you gonna tell him?"
Erza frowned as she stared at Nic as he was in a calm sleep. He looked so peaceful when he slept, in contrast to the stress and burden he had to carry for the longest time. As far as she knew, he needs all the rest he can get.
"I don't know." The Requip Mage answered, looking down sullenly. "Watching him take blows constantly for us can be disheartening, and I don't know how to tell him that I…" He caught herself and cut herself off there.
Vanessa looked up to the ceiling with a smile. "It's no rush. Everyone knows that." Knowing that made Erza flush a small red. "Still, it's alright. You just need to go at your pace, and protect each other, just like how he protects me, like a good older brother would."
Hearing her words of comfort, Erza began to relax and sat back in the black leather couch, and Vanessa soon followed, leaning closer to Venusaur before going out like a light.
A few more hours rolled by, and by that time, Nic and everyone else was up. Natsu was up and getting some food into his belly, Nic was taking it easy with one ear with an earbud in as metal rattled through with low volume.
Cana was seen chilling with some fine wine in her hand, resting her elbow with her hand supporting her chin. "Well this bites. This Infinity Clock stuff's hurting my brain."
Pavo sat in between her and Sophie. Unlike the two, he tried to keep a smile. "Oh quit your whining! We're all safe, riiiiight?"
"Well I guess so." Sophie still felt a little bummed. Pavo caught the mood and he too frowned in silence. The mood was making him very uneasy, and it personally made the peacock man feel grim, to which he couldn't accept.
He looked at the two with crossed arms. "I know it is bad…but, we have to keep moving forward. If there is a light up ahead, it must be reached." Cana and Sophie turned to look at him as he preached. "Living in a pit of sorrow is never good. Trust me, even the bravest can lose heart, but as long as you have hope…you can't fail."
Sophie caught on quickly and she grinned. After Pavo's speech, she actually felt much better, as did Cana. Both female mages grinned happily at Pavo.
"Well, thanks. Guess we needed that." Cana figured.
"Yeah, thanks. Uh…" Her eyes narrowed as she saw the circles under Pavo's eyes, and he actually looked more pale than before. "Hey uh, Pavo? Are you alright?"
The peacock dancer seemed unwell, yet they expected him to answer in contrast. As they knew, he smiled, despite this one being fake.
"Yes, I'm quite capable!" He assured.
The girls weren't fooled in the slightest. They knew that Pavo seemed under the weather, but they honestly couldn't tell that if he was going through something, or Angel's attack had hit him hard. Either way, they both may as well figure that he may have had it rough since Dahlias, and helping Nic out however he could. Maybe the fatigue was catching up to him? They would be too.
The mages looked at each other in concern and dropped the subject. "Alright." Cana bluntly shrugged.
Nearby, Nic overheard everything, but didn't press the matter as he had one ear in with his hardcore metal. He looked on as he heard Pavo feeling and looking sick, and he had a feeling something was off, and this involved something from their first encounter. He was still some sort of mystery. Like the girls, he too dropped the matter and heard a gasp from close by.
It turned out the gasp came from Lucy as her eyes were wide and she closed the book, swallowing a lump. "Guys…I got it wrong. Very wrong."
Her team surrounded her, and Vanessa, Nic, and Greninja were close by, and everyone else heard her realization.
Erza stepped in. "Lucy, what is it?"
Lucy turned to look at Erza. "The clock pieces, now I get it." She stood up from her seat in a hurry. "It turns out we weren't supposed to gather them!"
"We weren't?" Erza asked.
"This book was a warning! I re-read it, and it turns out the book, it had a different message. I warned us not to assemble the Infinity Clock!" Her eyes shook as she stared at the book on the table. "Just how…how did I miss it?"
"This is bad." Michelle said worriedly. "This is way out of hand."
Wendy looked just as discouraged. "So we did the exact opposite."
"So…we were puppets for the Oracion Seis." Happy figured.
Carla nodded. "I'm afraid so. We walked right into their hands."
Lucy's body began to shudder at the epiphany falling onto her. She put her hands over her eyes as tears of revelation and guilt began to slowly drip down. "I got so careless. I thought I was doing the right thing…but, I was wrong." Tears dripped to the table a couple of times. "Dad, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry, everyone."
Everyone looked on at Lucy's self-pity, not having any say. They couldn't say anything, for there was nothing to be said. But luckily, someone managed to speak up, and it was none other than Ichiya.
"It would seem your good intentions were misguided." He stated.
Lucy turned away. "That's putting it mildly. Something's gonna happen, and it'll be all my fault."
Natsu, unlike her, was unfazed. "Nah, if anyone's to blame it's your old man." He sounded so relaxed and nonchalant as he sat back with arms behind his head. "He made things too complicated; besides if you ask me, that book could have had the phrase 'Do not gather the clock pieces' in bold letters."
Gray smiled as he caught onto Natsu lightening the mood. "If he wanted you to not gather 'em, then he would've just told you."
"But apparently some can't think like others." Erza noted.
"Ain't that the truth." Lucy turned towards Natsu. "I like the easy way!"
"Aye, cuz we get more time to play!" Happy cheered.
"Yeah! And who doesn't like to play?"
Hearing the two, Lucy's sorrow and self-pity began to slowly wear away, and she smiled.
"Ah, there's that smile again!" Pavo enthused.
Lucy perked up. "Yeah, I just can't help but smile when everyone's putting me back on my feet."
"Well good, cuz no sense in worrying!" Natsu remarked lightly.
Lucy smirked towards him. "Are you actually trying to cheer me up?"
Natsu scowled as he turned away. "So?"
"I think Natsu could use a tip or two in flirting." Gray's words sparked a strong glare from Natsu, who instantly rushed to get in front of his face.
"Those are fighting words!" Natsu proclaimed.
"Oh yeah? How's about I shove them down your throat!" Gray retorted.
Guild Master Bob, the crossdresser from the Lullaby incident, popped up in between the two, breaking their little argument and embracing them both. "You two shouldn't be fighting over little ole' me!"
"GAH! Not over you!" The two shouted as they tried worming their way out, but to no avail.
Lucy sweatdropped with a nervous smile, but felt comforted by their antics. "Guess some things never change."
Ichiya had arms behind him as he stepped forward. "Everyone fails sometimes, but you can always make it right. Don't be sad. Look around you. You've got so many friends who care about you, and no power can ever chance that. It is their love that shall guide you forward."
"Yeah." Lucy smiled.
Nic, Pavo, Cana, Sophie, and Greninja all turned towards the other and smiled at Ichiya's words of sheer wisdom.
In the Magic Council domain, the frogs were working as hard as ever, and Org was standing, looking out at the scenery ahead. Unlike the other Magic Council members, he seemed less weary. He was originally as stoic as could get, but after Fairy Tail has done so much in the past, he seemed to have mellowed out some. One could say he may favor Fairy Tail more than the rest, which is accurate enough.
"I can feel a disturbance, and it's growing steadily." He affirmed. When he got word that the Reborn Oracion Seis escaped as of recently, he was on edge, and the wind was making matters uneasy for everyone.
He turned when he heard firm footsteps. The familiar figure made him less weary. "Ah, Gran Doma."
The chairman of the Magic Council stopped as he passed by Org. His two eyes showed discomfort, as they have been or quite some time. "Hmm, Org."
"You know, things happen." Org started the conversation. "It'd do you good to know you can't control everything and everyone."
Gran Doma slammed his stave's end into the flooring, making frog workers nearby flinch. "Do not speak of Nic Pularis! He may have unworldly power, but that gives him no right to defy me!"
Org stared at Gran Doma, unfazed by his demeanor. "Actually when you think about it, he has every right to." He turned to face the outside. "When you think of the stars not appearing, and that level of near-infinite power, Nic Pularis does have a heavy burden. I for one pity the boy for that much."
Ever since Nic defied and humiliated the Magic Council several days ago, the Council was in a major uproar. Gran Doma was completely outraged that Nic overpowered and humiliated his name. The entire Council was not allowed to interfere or they'd feel the wrath of Dialga and Palkia, to which they were helpless against last time. They dare not take their chances again, yet the position they in, suppressed by a power greater than theirs, was leaving a horrible taste that they just couldn't accept. Only Org was able to let the matter slide.
Gran Doma growled. "You fool. You know there is no power greater than that of the Magic Council! I still shall not accept this. The boy has doomed us with this power he has."
Org turned towards him. "Gran Doma, I'd rather not take my chances against the likes of those who serve under Nic. The ones called Dialga and Palkia, despite what you think, have greater power to even fend against the likes of Acnologia."
Gran Doma, fed up with this talk, decided to change the subject. "And these years of those meddlesome Fairy Tail pests aside, how are those reports?"
"I'm afraid these three years were very unkind sir." Org responded. "Still, reports are coming in that Celestial Mages are unable to call their Spirits still. Many were caught in heaps of trouble because of that. Sadly we can only deduce that it's a cause related to the Celestial Spirit World."
"I know that!" Gran Doma barked. "This has been news for several months now, and we still can't find the answers we're demanding!"
"With all do respect, we'd best put our fate in that the matter will be solved soon. These reports and innocent lives at stake keep piling on, yet we have no way of knowing who or how the matter will be solved." Org turned and slowly began to walk away. "Please try and develop some patience, it'll do good for your health."
Gran Doma stared coldly outwards as Org walked off. The pressure he was giving off made the nearby frogs scurry as fast as possible. His low patience, his demanding composure, having no answers to the Celestial Spirit incident, his grudge on Fairy Tail, and especially Nic, made his eyes shake.
"Mark my words, the Magic Council will have the answers and their way. No outside force will change that."
Despite the distance, Org heard Gran Doma and sighed. "The poor fool's over his head."
The next day, Fairy Tail was given a ride home back to the Guild Hall. Once there, the news went to the members present.
"The Oracion Seis. I never thought I'd hear that name again." Macao said.
Erza confirmed Macao's concerns. "Our guild was responsible for their members' arrest; and from what's happened they not only acquired new members, but grew to a greater level of strength than before."
"How they escaped from prison is beyond our comprehension." Sophie commented with a sour note. "To have grown to such a level, it's unfathomable."
Carla held a small cup in her paws. "We didn't get a chance to fight back. That one blow left us hopeless."
"Sorry, but I feel that it's my fault." Michelle insisted.
Lucy put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Hey, don't feel down. Remember what Natsu said? My dad left this mess for us to clean up, without an explanation as well."
"Do you know how your dad got into this mess with the Infinite Clock?" Wendy asked.
Lucy shook her head. "Honestly, I wish I knew."
"Well that matter can be dealt with later on." Nic moved the conversation into the right direction. "We'll have to locate the Reborn Oracion Seis, and then covet the Infinite Clock."
"Of course finding them is another key." Greninja remarked.
Vanessa looked uneasy. "Aren't we missing some people? I think it'd be best to round them up so that our odds strengthen."
"I agree, but Gildarts and Laki haven't returned yet." Max informed.
Erza looked down at the ground. "It's time like these, we need as much power as possible."
Natsu clenched his fists. "No problem, because we got all the power right here!" Of course he was referring to himself, but him alone wouldn't stop the Oracion Seis at all.
Nic was standing idly, sunglasses on his V-neck. He was just as on edge as everyone else, but he had to keep himself as calm as possible. They were currently at square one once more, and finding solutions were harder than what one would think.
Despite how he was trying to lighten things up, the sickly-looking Pavo gloomed.
As though by sheer coincidence, their prayers came to a close, and the guild doors opened.
"Yo!" Bickslow of the Thunder God Tribe entered. "The Thunder God Tribe is back."
Evergreen winked. "Of course you missed us, but don't worry, we're back."
Freed noticed the uneasy vibe as he scanned the startled faces. "Excuse me, but are we intruding on something?"
Nic and Greninja turned towards the other with surprise, and Pavo blinked.
"Okay, so let me get this straight." Bickslow said. "So you guys gathered clock pieces, only to realize it forms the Infinity Clock and it will count down to the end of the world?"
"Yet the only upside is that Luminous got another Plate, meaning we're one step closer to getting the stars back in the sky." Evergreen said, leaving a brighter note. "Honestly, we leave for a couple days and you guys can't do anything right without us, can you."
"Actually, now that you mention it, I have heard some rumors going around." Freed explained, making heads turn towards him.
"While we were on our mission, I was in the market, getting ingredients for our meal that night. While I was walking about, I heard Rune Knights conversing of the destruction of Shirotsume Town's churches. Apparently the culprits were a hooded man carrying a large scythe, and his accomplice who had great speed."
"I remember those descriptions perfectly, and who better than Erigor, now dubbed Grim Reaper, and Racer." Sophie recalled accurately.
"From what I can gather, church attacks intensified as of late." Freed concluded.
"Wait, you knew? So why didn't you tell us?" Bickslow barked at him.
"I told you two over dinner that same night. I can only assume you were raptured by my cooking to pay attention." Freed explained, much to Bickslow and Evergreen's embarrassment.
"But why churches?" Erza asked. "I still can't seem to grasp their motives."
As they pondered, Nic was left in a heavy contemplation. There was a three-way struggle going on and he had little idea as to how this should be comprehended. Key ideals were still out of place, but all that was on his mind at the moment was Pavo.
When he glanced at the peacock dancer, something still didn't feel right. There wasn't anything normal about him, that much is certain. The man has always been a mystery, and how he decided to get involved on his own accord was something that Nic intended to find out.
Still, he couldn't shake off the feeling he saw those sickly eyes before. He might have, but that would've been a long while back.
'Nic.' Nic's eyes widened as he heard a familiar voice inside his head, and it was all too familiar.
He blinked, only to find himself in a field of white. His senses were completely blank as he was left baffled by the sudden field of white all around him.
"This field. Do I…I think I know this place." He confirmed. "But wait, if this is true, then-"
The white all around began to dim, showing him floating in black space, where pink and blue stardust was scattered all around. From his previous encounters, he knew full well that this was none other than Dialga and Palkia's doing.
"Dialga, Palkia; is that you?" Nic asked loudly.
His answer was heard as the pink stardust in front began to converge, as was the blue stardust. They accumulated rapidly, creating two towering figures that flashed pink and blue lights. When the lights faded, there they were, Dialga and Palkia.
"Young Nic Pularis." Dialga said, getting straight to the point.
"It's been but a brief visit from last time, but this visit has but a higher caliber." Palkia foretold.
Nic stared up at them, having a feeling where this was going, but he had to be sure. "So what's this about? It can't be to congratulate on acquiring the Iron Plate, am I right?"
Dialga looked down. "Sadly, but this matter does involve the Plates."
"As it always does." Palkia noted. He turned towards Nic. "Nic Pularis, tell me, do you remember the last time we were in your sub-conscious?"
Nic's eyes narrowed as he contemplated with a hand to his chin. He considered the number of times Dialga and Palkia contacted him via sub-consciousness, which was very little. The last time he recalled them contacting as such was probably before the Edolas incident.
Thinking back to that incident, his eyes widened as he caught on. He turned his head up towards Dialga and Palkia, shock all over his face at the epiphany he had.
"It seems you realize it." Palkia deduced. "And what you are thinking is correct. Arceus will need the energy accumulated from the Plates once more."
"While Arceus is restoring his power, you can't use the Plates you have on hand for 24 hours. Do you understand?" Dialga reminded him.
It was tough, very tough. But knowing the sacrifices that were meant to happen, Nic had to obligate to those sacrifices, and if it meant not using the Plates, then so be it. He remembered the warning from before, how he would be in a reboot stage, and that experience left him to quarrel bare-handed with Knightwalker back in Edolas. The Plates' individual Types stored up a lot of power, so he should be able to prolong Arceus health for some time. The amount of moves he used, and the number of Plates added since last time increased, so he should hopefully keep Arceus safe for some time until he finally gets the 18th Plate.
Nic nodded. "I understand fully. Begin the transfer."
Dialga nodded. "Very well." He and Palkia raised their heads and roared up to the space above them. Nic's body was then going numb and shined a multitude of colors, each color matching his Plates. He had sixteen different colors flashing consecutively all over his body.
The procedure made him grunt harshly as he forgot the pain he had to endure. "M-My body is-!" Recalling the draining feeling, he grunted harshly as the flashing all over his body escalated, soon leading him to wincing a lot.
Finally, his body let loose a rainbow beam of light that shot straight up, far beyond their sights. The light beamed up to where it met the pale and withered Arceus. The Alpha Pokémon was engulfed in a strong light, to which his body began to gradually absorb.
In reality, Nic was grunting harshly as his body shuddered. Everyone was startled and gathered around Nic as he grunted in pain and didn't know why.
"Nic, what's wrong?" Mira asked.
"Is he okay?" Lily asked.
"What's happening to him?" Vanessa panicked.
Nic grunted harder and started to stumble back against the wall. His back hit the wall with a definite thud. His whole body began to shine so many colors that represented his Plates, catching them all by surprised.
Natsu jerked in surprise. "Hey man, what's going on? Why are you glowing so many colors?" The Dragon Slayer questioned.
Erza and Greninja looked worried the most. Both redhead and Pokémon sprang in front and saw Nic in an incredulous amount of pain as his body was giving off a vast array of lights.
"Nic! Can you hear us?" Erza exclaimed. "Say something!"
Nic let out a long and loud grunt as his shine brightened, blinding everyone present. His grunt diminished and the light flourished all around the Guild Hall for a long, several seconds. The light soon began to fade, and everyone uncovered slowly to find Nic slumped back to the ground.
Greninja and Erza slowly set themselves down to help Nic up. The two saw Nic panting just a little, but no physical harm was dealt, which was what relieved them.
"Are you okay? What was that light?" Greninja asked.
"I-I'm fine guys." Nic, still feeling the aftershock, and despite what he said, was seen uneasy. "Just…give me some space."
Everyone backed away, and Greninja and Erza stepped back to allow Nic to get some air. He was seen panting and unbalanced, but he was able to hold himself up and finally calmed down.
"That light was super manly. What was it?" Elfman asked.
"It seems to have something to do with Nic. He's all worn out." Lisanna observed.
Nic finally settled down and sat in a nearby chair. He dazedly looked down at the table, disregarding Cana and Pavo sitting down at the same one.
"Guys." He said. "Listen…"
After a minute of explaining the situation, everyone was left in sheer distortion. Pavo's huge mouth was gaping.
"I'm afraid…I'm powerless for 24 hours." Nic summarized.
That one sentence was like an Icy Wind, sending a horrific chill down everyone's spines as their trump card was left powerless. For Erza, it wasn't an Icy Wind, but a Blizzard. Hidden fear was in her eyes as she stared at Nic with the revelation of how he would be completely vulnerable for 24 hours. To her, she was getting this overwhelming feeling; something so foreboding, that she was having a rough time hiding the fear in her eyes.
Greninja crossed his arms, understanding the predicament with blank eyes. "So, it's back to what happened in Kalos, right?"
"So Nic's gonna be in this 'reboot' stage for an entire day?" Vanessa questioned.
"I don't know about you, but I think our odds just dimmed." Elfman bluntly stated.
Despite how worry was getting around, Nic was expecting this. He wanted to assure everyone that he was alright; but before he could get up to argue his position, a hand slapped down on a table. "Everyone silence!" Pavo barked out, which made everyone as quiet as Noctowl. They all turned towards him as he held up a passionate fist.
"Yes Nic may have no power, but what does it matter? Whether or not he has powers makes no difference, for he has us to back him up! And he has Greninja and the others! Besides, with his combat, the Oracion Seis cannot touch him!" He held up a fist high in the air. "So in the name of everyone let's do our best as always, and say aye!"
"AYE!" Everyone yelled with confirmation with Pavo. So what if Nic couldn't use his Pokémon powers? He still has six loyal-beyond-death Pokémon and his combat experience to back him up. To everyone, they looked beyond this predicament; but for a certain someone, she wasn't so easily convinced.
As everyone was being cheered up by Pavo's declaration, Greninja was just like Nic; never as rowdy as everyone else, but still happy nonetheless. He couldn't help but notice Erza having a hardened look on her face.
"Nic." Erza's voice was firm, and he slowly turned to find Erza standing closer to him than last time.
Nic's grin faded away and saw the concern she had hidden away behind her hardened expression. He had a feeling something was wrong. "Erza, is everything alright?"
"Can we talk outside?" The redhead turned and walked outside. Nic followed right behind her while everyone began to cheer on.
As they were getting their moral back up after all that's happened, footsteps were heard on the second floor the tavern-like Guild Hall. Everyone's attention turned to find the culprit that was Kinana. She had a shadow over her eyes as she hesitated down the stairs.
"Kinana." Macao remarked with heavy concern. "You shouldn't be up."
"You're still too tired. You're in no shape to be moving like that." Wakaba told her, but the call had fallen on deaf ears as the barmaid stumbled down the steps, her feet reaching the bottom. When everyone looked at her, they now saw what appeared to be sharp green eyes, almost like a snake's.
She picked up a fork as she made way towards a wall. "Wasted…too much time…" She was mumbling negatively as she walked to one of the walls. "The sorrow…is what drives me forward…" She started picking the fork into the guild wall's writing along the wall in some peculiar language.
"Kinana, what are you doing?" Levy asked.
Nic and Erza were outside the Guild Hall, where a light breeze brushed past them, but with the Infinity Clock looming about, the breeze was more malevolent than comforting. Erza stayed silent as she had her back turned to Nic, who was still uneasy as to what Erza wanted.
After what felt like forever, Erza turned towards Nic as his sunglasses were still off. Her gaze was fierce, which left Nic even more uneasy.
"Nic, I know how much everyone means to you, and I know you have the universe burdened on your shoulders. Everything must be stressful for you, believe me I know that feeling as well. I understand that you have a lot going on right now, and I know you have everyone to back you up." Nic wasn't liking where this was going. He could hear the hint of regret in her voice.
He decided to get to the point. "Erza, if you have something to say, then say it."
Erza's tone was colder than a Sheer Cold.
"Nic, you're staying behind."
Nic's eyes widened slightly at Erza. He couldn't tell if she was serious or was getting out of hand. Yet he tried to be careful as to how to approach this predicament. "Erza, if this is a sick joke, or if you're really holding me back, then it won't wo-"
He was cut off when a loud shing and a flash happened. Nic grew stiff when Erza was holding a sword at him.
"Erza…" He didn't understand what was going on with her, whether it'd be manipulation or paranoia.
Her tone was far sharper than a Slash.
"I'm not asking you, Nic. You have to stay here."
The wind shifted in between them, the friction between them increasing with every second passing. Nic would normally understand Erza since they're both so serious, but the regret behind her stern and demanding gaze was making him feel doubt.
"Erza, what's going on? Why are you asking me to stay behind?" He asked harshly.
"My reasons are something that I can't share." She said with swift vigilance.
"So you're implying that I just stand by with my Pokémon while you all risk your lives to stop the Reborn Oracion Seis and Legion Corps and get back the Infinity Clock? Is that what you want?!" Nic's tone was making Erza hold back the urge to shudder. Underneath his demanding tone was a hint of doubt, but she swallowed and pressed on.
"That's exactly what I'm saying. You'll only be putting yourself in danger."
"I'm sorry…but I can't believe you." Nic told her. He slowly clenched the sword pointed at his throat and used his strength to move the sword away. "Tell me, why are you doing this?"
His eyes met hers and vice versa. There was a huge amount of uneasiness and it was as though a war was gonna break out. Nic was so confused. He didn't understand why Erza was being so reluctant. As for the redhead, she knew that there was no easy way. This was the only option she had. To keep Nic back…she had to…
"Fine." He let go of her sword and turned away. "If you're not gonna tell me, I'll be taking my business back to helping get that clock." He started to walk back to the closed doors.
"Nic, stop right there!" Erza demanded, but Nic flat-out ignored her and pressed on. "I said stop!" Even louder and colder, Nic's stubborn behavior trumped her.
"NIC…please…" She said her please low. Her body was beginning to shake. "Nic, don't make me, I really don't want to do this." But she saw no other way to see him wrong. Her eyes swelled with regret as her shuddering became violent and she glowed a bright light and slashed a sword as Nic turned back to her.
"I'm sorry! HRAH!"
Kinana was lying on Mira's lap as she fell backwards into another coma. Everyone around weren't sure who or what to be concerned with: Kinana, or the writing she inscribed onto the wall, which was a full paragraph.
"Kinana, is she okay?" Macao asked.
"The gates of Hell…will finally open…" Kinana mumbled softly in her coma.
Wendy turned her attention towards the writing on the wall. "Does anyone know what she wrote on the wall?"
"Do you think she'll be alright?" Lucy asked.
Max crossed his arms. "Honestly, we don't know." Elfman past everyone as he slowly carried her back upstairs. "She's been bothered by that a lot lately."
Levy leaned in and scrutinized the writing. She recognized it and turned towards the group. "Guys, I know this writing."
"How peculiar. It describes a man named Will Neville." Freed translated.
"Wait, for real?" Lucy asked.
Pavo clasped his hands together. "Oh~? And what does it say?"
Levy scrutinized the context. "Well, it's a rough translation, but-" She was cut off when a rumble bellowed, and slashing was heard. Everyone's attention turned towards the doors.
"What was that?" Vanessa asked.
"Are we under attack?" Gray asked.
"Better not be the Oracion Seis or those Legion jerks again!" Natsu made way towards the door and rammed open the doors. "I'm ready for some reve-!" He fell stiff as the site before him made him unable to speak. His spine shuddered as he saw Hell break out before him.
Lucy went around him. "What is it? What's wro…" Lucy trailed doff s her eyes widened and her entire spine stiffened. One by one, the mages of Fairy Tail gathered around the doorway and shuddered at the sickening site. Even Pavo's huge mouth hung open in horror, it almost made him cry.
Everyone's eyes saw the two people engaging in a life or death battle. And the two were none other than Nic and Erza, both angrily attacking each other. This wasn't like the last one they had. They were both pissed.
Nic was using his two hands to hold onto one sword, but Erza had a sword in her other. She slashed, but Nic angled himself and the sword he held, throwing her off and sending her to the ground. That didn't stop Erza from lunging at Nic and striking his abdomen with her pommel. He gagged, but he angrily threw a downward fist to her head, striking her down.
"You guys! Stop!" Cana shouted.
"Whatever the hell is going on, stop!" Gray yelled, but it fell on deaf ears.
Everyone watched in horror as Nic had ascertained a few cuts all over; from the cheeks to all over his arms. Erza had some heavy bruising from Nic's reflexive strokes. Neither side was gonna stop, and even if Makarov were present, to which he was at a meeting, perhaps he might not stop the fight, especially with Nic involved.
Vanessa swallowed hard. She's seen quite a few battles as rough as this. This one time on Route 8, she saw a wild Seviper and Zangoose go at the other, and to her horror still, only the Zangoose came out – alive.
Nic dodged a slash, but as he kicked Erza in her Giant's Armor, he got a punch in the shoulder by her heavy gauntlet, dislocating it. With his shock and harsh grunt, he received a stomp to the chin and crashed to the ground.
"Stop this!" Lucy shouted. "This isn't the time to be fighting!"
Nic found his feet underneath and popped his shoulder back into place. He charged again, but Erza shifted to her Flight Armor, and he had no choice but to block in time and take the bloody slashes to the arms, getting thin cuts. Quickly, he had his instincts take over and he started using his agile reflexes and training to dodge the katana slashes. With an opening, he delivered a sharp blow to her face, followed by an uppercut to the gut.
"STOP!" Lucy began to tear up. "YOU GUYS SHOULDN'T BE FIGHTING!"
"NIC! ERZA! STOP!" Sophie begged as loud as she could.
They still were ignored and as Nic punched Erza's abdomen again, he got punctured in the right shoulder, but only very small, but still painful. Both shot back but continued pounding and slashing away.
Pleading bellowed through the air, and soon Nic was at his wit's end. His eyes were bloodshot, as his anger was at its peak before they'd turn bloody red, and if that happened…he could very well put Erza down. He roared violently as he dashed at Erza with incredible speed, all while Erza rushed ahead in her Lightning Empress Armor with her spear out and covered in lightning.
"STOP!" Vanessa screamed as loud as she could, tears swelling up.
In a bright flash, everyone was startled when a sudden star of water sliced through the spear tip, stopping Erza's attack, and a peacock-like beak aimed and touching Nic's throat.
Both angry individuals went stiff when they were met by Greninja and Pavo becoming the stalemate. Greninja's stare at Erza was cold, while Pavo was angry, but had tears in his eyes.
There was a dreadful silence and it felt as though time had slowed down drastically. Nic and Erza were staring at the ones who held them back, yet their focus was meant on the other.
"Both of you, enough." The icy chill in Greninja's voice was enough to send a chill down a multitude of spines. They've never seen Greninja so hostile. Granted he was the spitting image of Nic, but he only got angry during the Phantom Lord battle and back in Kalos when Nic was gonna die. He was dead serious.
Despite his sickly look, Pavo gritted his teeth at Nic. "You…" His tone was even more devastating than Greninja's. "You…had the daring act of harming the other. UNFORGIVABLE!" His foot had the peacock's beak at Nic's throat still, yet Nic wanted to strike so bad.
"Back away, NOW!" Their tones in unison, both individuals slowly complied. Nic slowly stepped back, and Erza requipped back to her usual armor and stepped back. They both got in a safe distance away from the other before Pavo slowly placed the peacock neck back onto his shoulder, and Greninja stopped holding his Water Shuriken.
Macao stepped forward. "Both of you." His tone was just as grim. "What is the problem? Why were you two fighting?"
Erza had dark shadows blocking her eyes. Her fists clenched as she shuddered. "Nic…"
Nic had a shadow over his eyes as well. His body violently shuddered. Slowly, he turned his back, looking at the forest. He choked a little. "…Fine. You win."
"Nic…" Greninja cut himself off.
"I know where I'm not wanted. If you don't want my help, then don't bother asking me again." He took himself and began to walk off sternly, disregarding the faces that everyone made. Some were left confused, but many were just plain devastated.
Vanessa reached out. "Nic…"
Sophie reached and touched her shoulder. Vanessa looked, only to see her friend frowning and shaking her head. "Just leave him be Vanessa. He needs time." Though it was hard, everyone backed off.
"Erza, inside the Guild Hall this instant." Macao ordered. Erza made way and remained silent as her hair was over her eyes and she made way inside.
Greninja looked back and followed Nic in absolute silence. He'd dare not say anything. Everyone watched with sorrow as Nic and Greninja made way into the forest. He just kept on walking, and inside he was all torn up. The number of scratches he got was nothing, for it felt as though a deeper cut was just made; one that would be extremely hard to sow back together, one that only Erza could mend…his heart.
Macao looked down and sighed. "I guess there's no choice then." He turned towards everyone. "Everyone back inside, we've got some work to do."
Erza sat alone at the bar, her bangs covering her face as her lip quivered. She was so angry, but not at Nic. Nic had every right to be angry at her. She was angry at herself.
As Nic and Greninja pressed on through the woods, the Water and Dark-Type stayed close to his trainer's side. He could feel the bottled up frustration he had, and he only heard but a few words come from Nic as he choked some more."
"Why, Erza? Why?"
A couple hours went by, and everyone was still on edge. Trying to get their minds off of that happened, their attention was redirected towards the location of the Oracion Seis members; of course this tactic wasn't that simple. Cana, being one of Nic's closest friends, his first friend when joining Fairy Tail, couldn't hold herself up too well. Sophie was in the same boat. Vanessa was swallowing her pride and trudging on as best as she could, but she had to guide a certain someone along the way.
Point being, Cana used her Fortune Telling Magic to find the locations of the Oracion Seis, and small groups were decided. While several stayed behind, including Cana, Sophie, and Pavo; Erza was convinced by Vanessa that Nic will be fine.
Cana was currently drinking up the bar like she always does. Mira was wiping off the dust on the counter with a half-grin on her face. The mood from earlier seemed to have lightened up some, although some lingering concern was about, but everyone powered through.
"Cana?" Mira questioned.
The Card Mage looked up at Mira. "Yeah?"
"There's something I can't quite understand. With your Fortune Telling, couldn't you throw more cards to the board than just one for every location?"
Cana sipped her mug, pulling off her best expression of dismay. "I was just finding the Reborn Oracion Seis; nothing more, nothing less. Besides, everyone didn't seem bothered by the choices made when Macao assigned teams."
"Evergreen and Erza are on the same team." Mira bluntly stated.
Cana was hit by realization, but all she did was blink. "Well…Macao's got some work to do."
"I heard that!" He shouted across the Guild Hall.
Sophie and Pavo were both sitting at the same table, sitting back just like everyone else. Team Shadow Gear was nearby, but they tried talking, which helped them lighten up. However, Pavo was another story as his sickly face only put emphasis on the gloom he carried.
Sophie had enough, so she slowly sat up. "I'm gonna get some fresh air. This guild air is making me feel suffocated." She made way out.
Pavo groggily got up to. "Yes, I could use the air to refresh my feathers and cape. This confound air won't do any good as my clothing will get wrinkles." Like Sophie, Pavo got up and made way outside the Guild Hall, to which hardly anyone paid attention to.
Cana sat her empty mug down and sighed. "Well, drowning my doubts didn't work. Better go blow off some steam." The brunette got up from her stool and nonchalantly made way out towards the doors. Everyone noticed Cana walking out and took a mental note that she went out. They were sure they were gonna go check on the beast. He was probably all cooled down by now.
Outside, walking through the forest, Sophie and Pavo were caught up to by Cana, who made way right beside them. They didn't care in the slightest, as they all thought the same thing.
"You too, hm?" Pavo's inquiry was met by a nod from Cana, and the three trudged on towards the direction Nic and Greninja went off to earlier.
"Come on! My feet are killing me!" Evergreen was whining all the way up the rugged mountain pass. Hear team was comprised of herself, Max, Vanessa, and Erza. Evergreen was lagging behind while Max and Vanessa were having no trouble following behind Erza, who remained silent along the way.
Vanessa looked back at the Fairy Mage. "This is what happens when you wear high-heels."
"Well why aren't you complaining?" Evergreen backlashed.
Vanessa turned her attention back ahead. "Because Trainers travel around all over the Kalos region, so this is nothing but a nice walk."
"Vanessa's right. Why bother complaining? It'll only slow us down." Max entered the small tiff that Evergreen started.
"Well sorry, but fairies must be elegant all the time." Evergreen huffed.
Erza had her eyes closed on the walk, wanting to say as few words as possible as she was still too hurt from what she did earlier. "Evergreen, you have plenty of energy, so instead of using it on your little dramatic fits, why not use it to keep your legs moving."
"Well my bad, Queen Erza!" She sarcastically bounced back. "I was hoping for some sympathy from my teammates." She put her fan to her mouth. "But I guess someone doesn't understand sympathy after a small tiff."
Erza stopped dead in her tracks, and just like her, Vanessa and Max grew cold and stiff. Their looks of still sadness cascaded down to the ground as not even the wind could shift from the unsettling mood set. Evergreen immediately regretted what she said and made the matter far more personal than she'd imagined. "Erza, I…" The Requip Mage had tightened fists as a shadow cascaded over her eyes. The distraught sensation never left.
"…just keep moving." Erza slowly pressed forward, her heart hurting from Evergreen adding insult to injury. "I don't want another word out until we reach our destination."
Evergreen lagged behind some more, yet she did feel guilt. Max trudged on in silence for Erza, and Vanessa morosely looked back at Evergreen and shook her head in dismay. They all continued onwards in uncomfortable silence, for Erza's sake.
Cana lead the group through the woods, where she saw what seemed to be some grim footprints scattered about. Recognizing the second footprints as Greninja's tiptoes, the three followed the droopy trail to a small clearing up ahead, where the site was more pitiful than they imagined.
Greninja remained silent as he was perched on a branch, overlooking with sadness and discomforting as Nic had his head against a severely battered tree. All around, thin trees were leaning one way, one was completely tipped over, broken branches laid about, and Nic was seen on the verge of tears as his hands were nearly raw.
Staying cautious, the group slowly made way out as Nic looked down at the ground. His anger fit at rest, they all were safe to approach him.
"This isn't right…I know life is never fair, but…"
"Nic? Are you there?" Sophie's voice made Nic gasp in surprise and he got up and looked at the incoming group. Greninja saw this too and jumped down to meet the three.
"Cana. Sophie. Pavo." Nic said.
Cana smirked. "Are we all calmed down? Do you need to lie down?"
Nic continued to look at the ground and grew uneasy once more. "No, I just…"
"Say no more." Pavo implored. "Listen, what happened, happened." He took another step forward. "Are you ready to go back to the Guild Hall?"
Nic didn't want to answer. Pavo could see the fear Nic had. This was very rare to see, even for Cana and Sophie. Knowing their answer, they all could see Nic didn't wanna go back as long as Erza was there. Wanting to change up the subject, Sophie pulled out some bandages and ointment she brought along.
"I thought this would happen, this'll only sting a little." Sophie applied the ointment all over Nic's cuts and knuckles, and much to her surprise, Nic didn't wince one bit. As she began to wrap bandages around, she looked at Nic.
"Nic, look at me…please." Nic reluctantly complied with Sophie's plea and looked up to see three serious faces. "Everything's gonna be alright."
Pavo took a pose with arms connecting over his head. "Yes, for as friends, we have an obligation to help you in your distress."
"I'm not in distress." Nic argued. "I'm just…"
"Hurt?" Everyone turned towards Greninja, who leaned back against a tree. Everyone could've guessed Greninja had it all figured out since he knew Nic better than all of them put together. If anyone can brighten up Nic, it would be Greninja.
"It's not that hard to figure out. I know-no. We know that Erza means so much to you." The frog looked down. "Believe me, if you or the other Pokémon were holding restrictions, we'd be faltering on what we've achieved."
"Greninja…" Nic trailed off as Greninja continued.
"If you falter, who do we have to depend on but us remaining six? You changed us from what we were to someone we can't live without. That's the same thing with Erza. She cares deeply about you, and your well-being."
Cana turned towards Nic. "He's right. You might be the most important thing Erza needs to be happy."
Nic looked down at the ground, contemplating.
"We all know you love her, and maybe she reciprocates…but that's for her to decide and say to your face." Cana allowed or Sophie to take lead.
"Nic, whatever happens, the matter with Erza and an apology can wait. Please, Plates or no Plates, we'll need you." The Memory-Make Mage insisted.
Nic didn't find this very convincing. The whole argument was tempting, but he was still feeling hurt. It would take more than this to mend the wound. But he also had to give credit where credit was due when they tried. He truly loved Erza, and since she wasn't around, he would have to make do with Greninja and his friends.
Despite his melancholy, he tried to grin. "Yeah, you're right."
Cana smirked. "There's improvement."
Pavo struck a pose with a big grin. "WOOHOO! Oh the greatest of bonds trumps sadness!"
Nic snickered at Pavo being upbeat as always. "I suppose."
Pavo spun about on one leg, laughing. "So what if Erza doesn't need your help? You got us and your Pokémon! Let's find the Reborn Oracion Seis and-!" Pavo gawked as he came to a slow stop, his eyes widening as a startling sensation enveloped him. Nic and everyone's attention grew weary as they saw Pavo's pale body slowly fall over.
"Pavo!" Sophie caught her peacock-obsessed friend and had him supported. Pavo was seen panting and looking unwell. Everyone could sense it; Pavo's Magic Power was declining. He had only so much when he met them.
"Are you okay? What's happening to you?" Cana asked.
Wincing, Pavo was feeling light-headed. "N-no…I'm almost out of time."
Sophie blinked. "Wait, out of time?"
"I-it's nothing!" Pavo assured.
Nic was no fool. Nobody was. They saw that Pavo was running extremely low on Magic, but to have to be drained as such made Nic narrow his gaze as he was starting to get a small case of nostalgia. To have Magic Power loss for no reason, sickly eyes, pale, and lying. This was a familiar sign, and it soon dawned upon him.
Nic gasped at the realization. "…Pavo…you're…" He looked at a shocked Greninja and back at Pavo.
"Pavo, is there something you're not telling us?" Cana asked, despite Pavo's condition.
Pavo began to grow nervous as he stumbled back up to his feet. "No~! Now why would I hide stuff from my friends?"
"Because friends find it very difficult to keep secrets to themselves." Sophie pointed out. Pavo grew stiff as he got cornered. His worries grew when Sophie crossed her arms. "Pavo, your Magic Power has been declining since you met us. What's wrong?"
"Uh…well, I…uh…"
"I think I figured it out." Nic answered. Everyone turned towards him as he stepped forward, the gloom completely gone and replaced by a serious look as before. "Pavo, can I ask you a question?"
"Uh…sure!" Pavo answered.
Of course this question wasn't easy in any way to ask.
"Are you a Celestial Spirit?"
Everyone stopped at that instant. The trees, wind, even the breathing. Pavo began to widen his eyes slowly as Nic had been letting him on. He found himself in no way to lie. Nic and Greninja were glaring the answers right out of him. Pavo swallowed hard, and hesitated.
"I…I…I…" To everyone's shock, Pavo dropped to his hands and knees. Nic and Greninja were caught surprised, but were even more startled when they saw something else.
Tears dripped down onto the grass beneath Pavo as he had wide eyes. His body was shuddering and he found himself unable to do anything but confess.
"Yes…I am." He sobbed. "I am Pavo – Gate of the Peacock."
Everyone's eyes widened at the realization. Cana was the first to react though. "Wait, you were a Celestial Spirit? And you didn't tell us before?" She balled her fists. "Why didn't you tell us?!"
Sophie grew weary. "Cana, take it easy! I'm sure Pavo has a perfectly good explanation." She turned towards Pavo. "A better question to ask is…why are you here?"
Pavo clenched his head, sobbing. "NO! DON'T MAKE ME GO BACK THERE! I DON'T WANNA RETURN TO HELL!" His uproar made everyone jump back as he broke down and sobbed at his feet once more.
As he cried, Nic slowly advanced. When he got close enough, he slowly crouched down. After a small silence of crying from Pavo, he finally spoke up.
"Pavo, it's okay." Nic assured in a calm voice. "We're not gonna hurt you."
Pavo looked up and sniffled. He saw the calmness Nic had, and he sniffled once again before he finally cried it all out up to the sky. "WAAAAHHH!" The four looking on stayed quiet and comforting as Pavo let out his sorrows.
After a couple minutes, Pavo calmed down and sat against a tree.
"Okay, I'm good. Thank you." He thanked.
"We're glad you calmed down." Cana then frowned. "But what was that all about?"
Pavo frowned as he looked at the ground. "I suppose…you have the right to know."
"We know you're a Celestial Spirit now, but I thought Celestial Sprits didn't appear on Earth Land for three years." Sophie recalled. "If that's true, then how did you get here?"
Pavo grew a great deal of regret. "I needed help."
"Help?" Cana was confused. She turned to look at Nic, seeing the confusion he had as well.
"Nobody saw it coming. The Celestial World lost its luster and turned into a bleeding hell. The stars are gone, and we were left to suffer."
"Pavo, what happened?" Greninja asked.
Pavo was shuddering violently as his teeth chattered at the bitter remembrance. He didn't want to remember, but he needed help. Plus, they were his friends. But what he said next, no one was prepared for.
He swallowed and finally spoke. "A Celestial Spirit genocide."
Their hearts stopped and their lips were parted. They found themselves unable to breath as Pavo left them unable to find any room to comprehend as to what he was saying.
Nic's heart slowly pumped again. "A…genocide?" He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
Pavo shuddered some more. "Three years ago, the Celestial World still had no stars. No one knew why. We couldn't be guided or warned by the catastrophe that had fallen upon us. Out of nowhere, a great evil entered our world. Without warning, he began to slaughter!" Pavo paused as the bloody images began to unfold. "Heads were sliced! Hearts punctured! Swallowed by dark shadows and implode! One by one, Celestial Spirits suffered a bloody demise! An apocalypse happened! So many lives lost! They couldn't get to the human world because the evil destroyed their keys and gutted them!"
The four were paralyzed by the haunting tale.
"My fellow brethren fell, and soon enough our numbers were dwindling…sooner or later, some were forced to side with the enemy, and those who didn't, perished." He looked up as tears fell down his face. "This genocide was pure hell! I escaped to find help, but now I'm too afraid to go back there! I don't wanna die at the hands of him!"
Sophie quickly put a hand on Pavo's shoulder before he could breakdown again. "Pavo! Pavo! Relax!" Sophie took a deep breath, and Pavo followed. "In…out…in…out."
Pavo calmed down, and he began to stand back up.
"So that's why the Celestial Spirits were unable to head to Earth Land. Either they were all dead, or they sided with the enemy." Cana stated.
"Hold on, I thought you guys were immortal?" Nic asked. "How could you-"
"Our immortality meant nothing to him!" Pavo blurted out. "Our powers of Celestial Spirits had no effect on him! He shed blood like it was a celebration!"
"But…wait! Loke! And the Zodiacs!" Cana shouted. "What happened to them? And what about this Celestial Spirit King Lucy met?"
Pavo swallowed again. "Our King didn't even have a remote chance! The enemy had so much power, he didn't have a prayer because any prayers could've died!" He panted for a few seconds before recovering. "He and the Zodiacs were all imprisoned, and chained up behind his throne as trophies. With our King overthrown, we were left in peril. Me and only a couple others banded together as a resistance, but we needed more help, so…"
"That brings you to now." Nic morosely concluded. He crossed his arms. "Now I see. You wanted to befriend us so we could help you."
"I'm so sorry for deceiving you! Honestly, I can't forgive myself!" He got to his knees and slowly bowed to the four in front of him. "Please, forgive me. Desperate times call for desperate measures."
Nic looked to the others and saw their faces. They all had the same expression of regret and pity. They all knew that with their better conscience, they knew what had to be done. Nic stepped in front of Pavo and the Celestial Spirit looked up. His eyes widened as Nic was reaching down to him like how their first fight ended. He was so relieved that Nic was forgiving him, as were Greninja and the rest.
"Pavo…we'll do everything we can to help." Nic said.
Pavo gasped harshly. "You…you mean it."
"Of course" Greninja stepped forward. "That is what friends do, right?"
Pavo wiped away his tears and smiled. "Yeah! Yeah, you're right! Thank you!"
However, Nic frowned. "Pavo, I know this will be hard but…please tell us everything you know of this evil. Any information will help."
Pavo frowned again and looked at the ground. "I…I dare not speak his name. I fear too much. He'll find me, and…"
"Pavo, just tell us. We want to help." Cana insisted.
The Celestial Spirit swallowed as he grew excessively nervous. "H-he is known by many names. He is the bringer of Hell. Hell itself. The king of all devils. The destruction of everything. But his real name…we dare not speak." He choked a little.
"Pavo?" Greninja asked.
"His real name, is…is…Lysandre!"
Everything at that moment grew silent once more. A dark and ghastly wind bellowed as everyone's eyes dilated from the horror that was the truth. Cana and Sophie grew stiff at the gory remembrance of the one who wanted Nic dead. The recollection of his left eye and his right-sided scar came clear to them, and they turned towards Greninja and Nic.
Unlike the girls, Nic was left in a state of shock. Greninja understood fully and he was left in a distraught state as well. What they heard, brought back the most bitter memories of that monster. Nic was bottling up all of that fear and frustration of Lysandre, and slowly, his face turned sour and angry.
"So, Lysandre's been hiding out in the Celestial Spirit World this entire time." Greninja figured out.
Cana looked down, discouraged. "Then it makes sense. The same thing happened on Tenrou Island. Zeref's Black Arts was only absorbed by Lysandre. That would explain why immortality doesn't affect him."
Sophie nodded. "He tainted a god, but even so…" She turned towards Nic. "This changes things." They could see the resentment in Nic's gaze. It was cold, but determined.
"Nic, as much as I want to, with Lysandre as the mastermind, we have to-" Cana was then cut off by Nic.
"Cana, there's no argument. We have to go." They could all feel the resolution in Nic's voice. "I feel as worried as you do, but Pavo's world is crumbling beneath that poor excuse of a man. He's been taking his anger out on those poor Spirits. The least we can do is save them by driving Lysandre away."
Greninja stepped forward. "We know he's solemnly after you, but you won't be in this alone. We'll be there, and we'll keep you safe until your Plates are done rebooting." He assured.
Nic smiled. "I appreciate it." He looked down at the ground. "If only Lucy were here, she'd be wanting to help her fellow Spirits…it's for the best."
Seeing as talking him out won't solve the problem, Cana and Sophie both had no choice but to go along and help Nic in being the hero.
"Well, if you're going, guess us two are as well." Sophie said.
Cana put hands to her hips. "We better brace ourselves."
Nic nodded. "Agreed, it'll have to be us five. With our low numbers, we should have a better chance in getting a surprise attack on Lysandre if the time comes. We'll leave the Infinity Clock to Erza and the others…" Nic was caught trailing off after mentioning Erza, so Greninja picked up almost immediately.
"Yes. It would be a huge problem. Having so many numbers would give away our position, plus everyone would be focused on the Reborn Oracion Seis and the Infinity Clock. We'll have to be discrete."
Cana smirked with a raised fist. "Well then I guess it's settled. We're taking an all-expense paid trip to Hell!"
Pavo presented clothes he had on hand. "Here, these are for you." To Cana and Sophie, he presented clothes. "Wear these."
"Clothes?" Cana was given a dark purple dress with light purple arches, and light blue lines with a light yellow underneath (think like the anime in the Eclipse Arc if you've seen it). Sophie was given a white dress with detached sleeves and a skirt, much like the one Lucy wore back on Tenrou Island.
"Listen carefully. Humans cannot breathe in the Celestial World, and even with those clothes, it'd only be a short while." Pavo informed as the two dressed. "However…the monster had distorted so much in our realm, and that rule extended to indefinitely due to his spatial powers, as long as you wear those you're fine. However…" He turned towards Nic and Greninja. "With Greninja being a Pokémon, and with Nic's Plates inside of him, the entire rule has no effect on them."
Cana and Sophie had their dresses on and they looked ready, as were Nic and Greninja. Pavo was getting nervous. He was actually gonna return to the Celestial Spirit World. Hell. The thought of finally going back was terrible, but with his little army, and Nic, Lysandre would surely meet his match.
"Is everyone ready?" Pavo asked, to which everyone nodded.
"Not really. It feels like we're gonna die." Cana joked lightly. "But I'm game!"
Everyone else nodded. Pavo reached out both of his hands. Everyone gathered around in a circle and held hands like on Tenrou Island.
Pavo swallowed, but the smiled. "Then off to the Celestial World we go!"
In a golden flash, everyone became a flash for a few seconds before they completely disappeared.
In the Celestial World, five figures arrived. They all revealed themselves to be Nic and the group. When they uncovered themselves, they looked around, only to be stricken with sheer horror right before their eyes.
What they saw was truly Hell. They were standing on solid, black ground, devoid of any life and had red cracks running all around. The sky was dark purple, and not even a twinkle of stardust was seen due to Lysandre. Shattered fragments of what appeared to be planetary orbs and moons were all around.
Every pathway seen was destroyed, and stained by bits of red. The air was foul and corrosive, like a massacre, probably because that is what happened. All around were blood red crystals.
"What the…oh my god." Sophie muttered, her spine shaking.
"You were right. This is Hell without a doubt." Cana remarked. No one was really prepared for this kind of Hell.
Pavo swallowed and shivered violently. "Only the strong willed can survive, otherwise the vile air will suffocate the weak and make you rot."
Nic's eyes dilated with horror at the black ground and purple sky, it's void infinitely going and getting darker. "Lysandre did all of this."
"Pavo did say he did a single-man genocide. I never imagined he'd do all of this destruction." Greninja said, uneasy as his spine rattled.
Pavo swiftly turned and pointed in another direction. "Let us hurry in that direction, where that pile of crystals are!" Their eyes barely saw it. In the far distance, there was a large mound of blood red crystals, as though it could be used as a large hideout.
"Forwards!" Pavo led the group and they followed, though they kept hiding. They knew they had to be watched, so they hid whenever they could. Sneaking around, they scurried to the other side of the makeshift dome, they snuck towards the entrance of the blood red domain. A giant red crystal was the door, and Pavo moved it with all his might, slowly felling it with a thud.
"Hurry! Hurry! Inside!" Pavo ushered the group in, and he hauled the crystal back up as a door.
Inside, everything was very spacious. "Whoa, not too shabby." Cana said, impressed.
Turning towards them, there were three figures. "LUPUS! CORVUS! VOLANS! DID YOU MISS YOUR OLD PAL?!" Pavo happily shouted with a pose.
Corvus happily clasped his hands together. "P-PAVO! YOU'RE ALLIIIIIVE!"
Volans sat on his knees and opened his eyes. "You took longer than anticipated, Pavo. We barely got out unscathed several times."
Lupus growled and barked at Pavo and who he brought along. "So, this is who'll help us? Better be worth the wait."
Nic and his pals were standing with uncertainty. They'd expected a few more numbers, but just 3 was all they got, and they all were very weird to them.
"Uh…" Sophie was confused.
"So~. This is the resistance against Lysandre?" Cana asked.
Pavo struck a happy pose. "You bet! These are the guys that'll help us!" He presented his friend. "Corvus, Lupus, Volans, meet Cana, Sophie, Nic, and his froggy pal, Greninja!"
"Hey." Cana remarked,
"Hi!" Sophie happily greeted. "Guess we're on the same side!"
"A pleasure." Greninja said.
"Indeed. It looks like we'll be joining forces to stop Lysandre and drive him away, am I right?" Nic replied.
"You bet!" Corvus tipped his black witch hat up. "I'm Corvus – Gate of the Crow!"
Corvus was a slim character of average height with short, spiky black hair underneath a witch's hat. His face had a long nose in the shape of a beak. He had slim arms and legs, yet had crow feet. Jointed to his arms were a pair of black wings that also connected to his gray t-shirt and black overalls.
Lupus growled at Nic and his Greninja. "Well, if this'll take that tyrant down, then let's take our chances. Name's Lupus – Gate of the Wolf."
Lupus resembled that of a humanoid wolf. His slick, thin fur was gray, as well as his snout. His arms were lean with protrusions from the elbows like a Gallade almost. He had strong, gray wolf legs and his claws were black. His bushy tail and long, flowing mane was a midnight blue. He had yellow eyes with black outlining, with no pupils. While his legs had black bands, his biceps had light green armbands with three red claw marks with a black gash running vertically. The same symbol was repeated on his breast attire, which was a one-piece suit that was light green with black trimming on the legs.
Volans nodded as he looked at Nic and Greninja. "We are honored to have you join us in our cause, Nic Pularis. We hope for great things from you and your friends. I am Volans – Gate of the Flying Fish."
Volans looked like a large, humanoid fish-like man. He had a very stocky build, but was nonetheless muscular. His skin was light blue, and his face had deep, serious eyes with black pupils and thin, fin-like eyebrows. He had a wide nose and a frown with two pointed teeth sticking up and out. His thick neck had gills, and his barely noticeable chin had a bushy black beard. The top of his head had a blue fin that was surrounded by bushy black hair. Two other blue fins ran down his back, stopping at the tail. His arms had protrusions on the elbows like Lupus, only much thicker, like fin-like blades. Aside from his thick arms and hands, Volans had legs and feet with brown sandals. He had a long tail with blue fin-like ends. The most emphasis was on the large pairs of wings he had folded behind him. His attire was but a single orange kimono with blue edging and sash. All over his body, there were deep blue markings on the legs, arms, and neck.
Cana sweatdropped. "Well, this is something."
"Yeah, but we're all working together to take down Lysandre. To do that, we have to find him before he finds us." Nic said.
Volans nodded. "Hmm. Yes, and freeing the captured Zodiacs and King himself should be in conjunction."
Corvus raised a fist. "Alright Lysandre, you're going down!"
"HAZA! In the name of friendship, Lysandre shall know defeat!" Pavo exclaimed. "Onwards towards victory!"
On a wide, open pathway that swerved all about through the void high up. The trail past a field of blood red and purple cosmic dust, where it seemed tangible. The low field of negativity and path led as a walkway to a spacious domain that showed the Celestial World in view.
Sitting on a throne nonchalantly, a man swerved his tail as he chuckled. The deadly purple aura engulfing him intensified at this feeling he had. It showed bloodthirst as his teeth turned blood red. He could feel Nic here already.
There he was, Lysandre. He sat with a chuckle. "Well now, seems as though my patience has finally paid off." He said in an amused tone. "7 years, and he finally turns up. Guess my hobby wasn't such a waste after all…it brought him right to me."
A larger view showed him chuckling as six shadowy figures were bowing before him, holding back their smirks of glee.
Behind Lysandre, his chuckling escalating, showed all of them: The 12 Zodiacs. Every single one had torn up clothing, and they had bruises and a few bloody marks. Stains were all over them as they were chained and cuffed by their wrists and ankles against a mighty black wall with bright red markings.
In the middle…was the Celestial Spirit King. 6 Zodiacs were on either side of him. He had a withered old moustache, and his cape was all but tattered and destroyed. His armor was severely destroyed, and he had more bruises and wounds compared to the other Zodiacs.
Lysandre roared with laughter as he was feeling so excited. "I've been waiting for so long! I'm so excited, it makes me wanna gut even more pitiful spirits!" He laughed and roared some more, his bellowing would've paralyzed a normal man and make him go into a distraught stage.
Lysandre calmed down and kept a smirk on his face. In his one corrosive hand, he used his powers to make something spin above his hand. It looked like a rectangular plate that was grim gray. He could feel a lifetime of anguish and the power of souls course through the plate he twirled in amusement with his hand movements.
"So, Nic Pularis, let's see what you and you little resistance can do to reach me and your fellow Spirits…and your little piece of the puzzle."
Are you mentally breaking down? Are you startled beyond comprehension? Behold guys, I present the Celestial Siege Arc! How's that for a hectic twist? So I decided to cut off the Key to the Starry Sky Arc here, since I wanted something more original. If you guys haven't watched the anime, I advise that you do that so you know how the rest of the Key to the Starry Sky Arc goes, because this arc is in conjunction with that arc.
I actually thought of this little idea when I was watching One Piece, one of my other favorite shows. I was watching a little bit of Enies Lobby Arc, Impel Down Arc, and Fishman Island Arc, and then it came to me. So you'll be expecting some strong similarities of characters and locations.
The Celestial Siege Arc will be the second to last arc of this story, meaning the GMG Arc will be the final arc of The Fairy Contender. We're nearing the end people!
Please Favorite, Follow, & Review this story and/or chapter if you are loving this crazy twist!
Next Time: A New Destination