HELLO! Once again, I have made some improvements to this chapter. Please take time to read it again, a lot has changed and you'll notice it's also a lot longer than before.
This chapter was rewritten on 13/01/17
Dragon Gods
A few days later, Lucy awoke with a croaky groan, blinking blearily; her eyes squinted as the harsh light blinded her. Not that her overly sensitive dragon like eyesight helped in anyway, only aiding in hindering her further. She let out a whimper of pain as she stretched out, her body protesting every single movement she made. Her muscles screamed at her to stop moving while she mustered up the strength to ignore the objection of her limbs as she sat up and began rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Letting out a yawn, she stiffened, as her senses were flooded with a range of smells and sounds of various people, their soft chatter alarming her slightly. Lucy opened her eyes, coming face to face with a familiar Exceed, although Lucy couldn't place where she'd seen the feline before. The creature in question stared back at Lucy with both curiosity and relief.
Lucy let out a loud squeal as the Exceed startled her, a pair of light blue, translucent wings busting out from her shoulder blades, causing her body to jerk back and hit the wall from the sudden added weight. The Exceed stared at Lucy with alarm and awe, taking in the sight of the beautiful lucent, shimmering gold and powder blue wings that had sprouted out of the mage's back. Snapping out of her stupor, the cat raised her paws to her mouth, letting out a slew of soft giggled. She spread her own small wings before flying closer to Lucy, settling on the mage's shoulder. Lucy felt the feline nuzzle into her cheek softly, purring as she did so before curling onto her shoulder, its tail swaying gently.
"Holy Shit, Cosplayer really does have wings," Bickslow muttered under his breath, all the Dragon Slayers hearing him as clear as day. Lucy turned to take in her surrounding for the first time since awakening, her eyes growing wide as she was met with a large group of Fairy Tail mages. The group mainly consisted of Dragon Slayers and S Class mages, as well as a few of her other guild mates, all of them looking at her in astonishment.
"Did you think we were lying?" Laxus questioned, turning to the Seith Mage as he raised an eyebrow.
"Of course not! We would never doubt you. Bickslow was simply sceptical about Lucy being a Celestial Dragon Slayer considering she's never mentioned it before nor has she used it before" Freed cut in, looking at Lucy's wings in wonder.
"However, they are different from the ones we saw before" Rogue noticed, Gray and Laxus nodding in agreement.
"What the hell is going on here? It's one thing for Natsu and Gray to keep breaking in, but for the entire guild. Really?!" Lucy questioned, growing agitated at the amount of people who had broken into her home, Mira giggling in response.
"Oh Lucy, we're not in your home. You're in the guild infirmary. You've been unconscious for a week straight. Porlyusica tended to your wounds, you also had a serious case of magic depletion. Wendy here has been monitoring your vitals and stats ever since Gray, Laxus and Rogue returned from your mission in the Exceed Village. Laxus even carried your body all the way here," Mira informed, Lucy frowning as her memory returned. She could distinctly recall entering the cave and calling Loke and Taurus to fight the mage while she freed the Exceeds. However, her spirits had been defeated and her keys were stolen, the mage threatening to shatter Aquarius', however she couldn't remember much after that.
"My keys! Where are my keys?" Lucy asked, her eyes widening in fear, as she looked around frantically.
"Here they are! Frosch kept them safe" Frosch said, holding the pouch in his hands tightly. Lucy smiled in thanks, petting the Exceed as he flew over and handed them to her. Lucy opened the pouch, sighing in relief as she realised they were all safe and unbroken. She clutched them tightly to her chest before blanching, knowing Aquarius was going to murder her for what had happened.
"And the Exceeds? Are they safe?" Lucy queried, turning her head slightly to gaze at the unknown Exceed currently resting on her shoulder.
"Indeed my child, do not fret. You managed to free them. The one besides Cobra is Daphne" Makarov said, gesturing to the Exceed. She had a grey fur coat around her face and bright green eyes. Other than that, Lucy couldn't see much considering she was dressed in a snake costume with teal scales and a milky white underside. The hood covered most of her face with bright purple snake eyes resting on the forefront of her hood while the costume's tale covered Daphne's own. Cobra simply stared at Lucy as she took in his Exceed, listening to the sound of the piano keys and harp strings as her soul hummed.
"The one with Laxus is Corentine, or Cora" Makarov continued, Lucy turning to the pale yellow Exceed with light blue eyes. The ends of her paws and tail was white, a small moon shaped birthmark in the middle of her forehead. She was dressed in a brown strapless dress with lighter brown hemming, a grey and yellow bow wrapped around her tail, along with a grey flower pinned next to her right ear. Cora smiled from her seat, waving from her spot on Laxus' head, the Lightning Dragon Slayer staring at everyone nonchalantly. Lucy said her eyebrows, wondering how the Slayer managed to still look so imposing, even with the adorable Exceed on his head.
"The final one is currently with you. However, she doesn't have a name. She's waiting for you to name her" Makarov finished, Lucy turning to the Exceed who had moved to sit on her lap. Her new Exceed had light beige fur and bright pink eyes, her left ear adorned in a dark brown bow. She was dressed in a white collared button up shirt, along with a light brown tie and a brown skirt that had a white scalloped design on hem. Lucy stared at the cat for a long while, the cat smiled brightly, nuzzling Lucy's belly as her Dragon Slayer tried to come with a name for her.
"Nyla, you're name is Nyla" Lucy said, scratching the small Exceed under the chin, causing her to purr.
"Very well, Nyla it is. Since you've saved them, Queen Shagotte had decided to place them into our care; therefore we have three new Exceeds for our three Exceed-less Dragon Slayers. Normally, they'd continue to live with Queen Shagotte in the Exceed village, but they were just so enamoured with you that they followed you back. Daphne took to Cobra and Cora to Laxus" Makarov stated, his eyes glinting with mirth as Lucy stiffened, her gaze snapping back to him.
"So tell us Lucy, when did you become a Dragon Slayer?" Erza questioned causing Lucy to let out a sigh.
"What? How did you know about that?" Lucy questioned, unsure of when she'd revealed her secrets to her guild mates.
"Do you not remember your fight?" Gray questioned, an uneasy feeling washing over Lucy as she shook her head.
"That guy was going to snap Aquarius' key, you were yelling at him to stop. We ran towards you and you said something about Dragon Force and then we were blasted away by this massive burst of magic and light. You looked like this dragon lady and used Celestial Dragon Slaying magic" Gray replied, Lucy's memory flooding back to her.
"I remember now. I was supposed to talk to Master about that before I left. But then with the job and being out for a whole week. It's a long story and it involved the rest of the Dragon Slayers" Lucy replied, most of the Slayers looking at her in confusion while Rogue, Laxus and Cobra's expressions stayed passive.
"So are you a second generation Dragon Slayer like Cobra and Laxus? Because I'm sure there aren't any Dragons around to teach you…" Wendy spoke, Lucy shaking her head.
"Well technically… I'm not a Dragon Slayer… I'm part Dragon" Lucy replied, everyone staring at her with question.
"What do you mean?" Erza asked, perplexed by Lucy's answer.
"Well you see, it all started years ago…" Lucy began as she told her tale, everyone listening with rapt attention. Once she was finished, everyone started owlishly at her, disbelief evident on their faces. Lucy twiddled her thumbs nervously as she waited for someone to say something, the Dragon Slayers all frowning at her words.
"So, what you're saying is that these nine 'immortals' will attack Earthland, the Celestial World and Edolas? And they'll destroy everything? And the only was to stop them is for us, the Dragon Slayers, to fight them?" Sting questioned, Lucy nodding in response.
"Man! We cannot seem to catch a break" Sting whined, slumping in his seat, a frown on his face.
"Believe me, I agree" Lucy replied, a sympathetic smile on her face.
"So you're basically a Dragon-Human hybrid? Fused with a real Dragon and therefore you're one of the strongest Dragon Slayers?" Rogue questioned, causing both Sting and Natsu to perk up.
"LUCY! FIGHT ME" Both Sting and Natsu yelled, shooting up in their, fists ready to fight.
"No" Lucy replied plainly, causing them to deflate.
"But Luceeeeeeee" Natsu whined, his figure slumped on the floor next to her, his best puppy dog look directed right at her.
"No Natsu" Lucy replied firmly, Natsu grumbling under his breath as he returned to his seat.
"Either way, me being the strongest is just a technicality. Dragon Slaying magic is… foreign and instinctive. Which is the biggest problem because I don't use my instincts in a fight like any of you. All my fights are based heavily on strategy, which key to use, which spirits work well together. None of it is natural. That was the second time I've ever used my magic. I've used it once before, to fight some… people, but not to the extent I used during the fight" Lucy said shiftily, knowing that if she mentioned the fight with the drunks, her team would go ape shit and demand justice for her, even if she was perfectly fine.
"Either way, during the fight… of what I can remember, it didn't feel like I was in control of what was happening. It was as if I was an outsider looking in, my instincts kicked in and took over. I don't know how I managed to use my Dragon Force… I remember wanting to protect Aquarius' key but that's about it. Besides, using it was taxing, I'm pretty sure shifting into it used up both my reserves and Second Origin reserves. I still don't feel as if all my magic power is back and if you say I've been out for a whole week… As I am now, any of the Dragon Slayers here could easily beat me. You have more experience and the only reason I knew any spells was because of watching Natsu and Gray use them for so long" Lucy explained, Erza nodding as she accepted the explanation.
"So do you know anything else about this prophecy or he these immortals are?" Erza questioned, Lucy simply shrugged before turning hopeful eyes towards her guild master.
"Well… we can only assume that these 'immortals' are the Gods" Makarov began, a thoughtful look on his face.
"But then, why do they need us? We're Dragon Slayers, wouldn't you need a God Slayer to defeat a God?" Wendy questioned as she thought of her friend Chelia. Perhaps she could send the Sky God Slayer a message, asking her if she knew anything about the 'Immortals' and whether she'd be willing to help.
"You would believe that wouldn't you… however, that is not the case" came a soft, childlike voice. Everyone turned around to greet the familiar voice, Cobra, the new Exceeds and the past members of Sabertooth looking on in confusion.
"Who the hell is that?" Sting questioned, he stared at the blonde child, who looked no older than thirteen, wondering where she had come from and how she had suddenly appeared without the door opening or closing. Cobra's eyes narrowed suspiciously, he couldn't smell her nor he could he hear her soul, no matter how hard he tried.
"That's Master Mavis, our first guild master and one of Fairy Tail's founder" Mira replied nonchalantly. The new members froze in shock, their eyes bugging out of their skull as they took in the sight of the small child. There was no way she was the founder of Fairy Tail, she was barely a teenager.
"You guys are lying! She's just a child, how could she be the first guild master?" Sting yelled, pointing an accusatory finger at Mavis. Yukino immediately jumped onto Sting, trying to get him to sit down and stop pointing at Mavis.
"Sting! Be respectful" Yukino admonished quietly, however Sting was far too strong for her.
"B-B-B-But I'm not a child! I'm a hundred and thirteen years old" Mavis cried, her eyes watering. Sting and Yukino blanched, the latter smacking the former on his head, Laxus glared at the Light Dragon Slayer causing him to immediately shut up and sit back down.
"No! Of course you are. Please don't cry" Sting said, his voice panicked as he tried to calm the girl down.
"I'm not crying! No, I'm really not" Mavis sniffled, large tears still in her eyes as she tried desperately to keep them from falling.
"LAXUS DO SOMETHING!" Makarov said, everyone sweat dropping.
"What do you want me to do Old Geezer?!" Laxus yelled, an idea popped into Mira's head causing her to immediately leave only to return with a slice of cake. Erza's eyes glistened, her eyes sparkling with diamonds as she took in the delicious sight of the strawberry frosted cake.
"Here you go" Mira said and Mavis immediately cheered up, she sat down on the bed besides Lucy, kicking her legs mindlessly as she gorged on the cake. Erza deflated slightly, pouting as she watched the First Master devour the spongy dessert.
"Okay… moving on. Wouldn't that mean she's over a hundred? Also… isn't she supposed to be dead?" Orga questioned, Mavis ignoring them in favour to eat her cake.
"She is very much dead, her grave rests on Tenrou Island. Master Mavis is only a thought projection," Mira whispered to her, the new members turning to look at Mavis in awe. Cobra's face stayed stoic, so that was why he didn't notice her enter, she wasn't real and had no scent to smell nor a soul for him to hear.
"How powerful was she to be able to exist via a thought projection despite death?" Rogue whispered, mainly to himself.
"Fro agrees" Frosch said, hiding behind Rogue.
"Indeed, I have no memory of something like this ever being heard of" Rufus said, it seemed Fairy Tail had it's own magical secrets that were privy only to Fairy Tail members. There was obviously more to Fairy Tail than their strength and bonds of friendship, Rufus would make sure he'd never forget that.
"First, what did you mean? About the immortals" Makarov questioned, Mavis finished her dessert before turning to the sixth Master, her face stoic.
"You would think that the immortals are Gods, and you wouldn't be wrong. Nevertheless, they are more than just your ordinary Gods. I don't know much myself, but I remember reading a book about them. These Gods used to rule over every world in Earthland and at one point they were just your ordinary deities. They used to be benevolent beings, and ruled with love and compassion… however one day something changed. No one is sure what happened; however, many believe that the Gods were seduced by their own power, their hearts twisted and enveloped in rage and hunger for more power. They turned on their people and enslaved many of their worshippers. Eventually, their hunger for power became their own downfall, they battled each other, seeking to destroy one and other so that they could gain each other's powers… and finally, they destroyed enough of their race that only nine were left. These nine decided to retreat, but swore vengeance, that they would return one day to destroy the worlds and gain ultimate power for themselves" Mavis informed them, everyone listening in with rapt attention.
"Yeah, but what's that got to do with us Dragon Slayers. They'd still need God Slayers" Cana stated as she chugged on her beer, Mavis shaking her head in response.
"No, like I said, they weren't your ordinary Gods. They were beings much stronger than the Gods. You see, this particular race were in fact Dragons" Mavis said, causing everyone to stiffen.
"Dragons?" Wendy whispered in question, Mavis nodding.
"The race of the Dragon Gods or Immortals were born when the Gods of Old and the Dragon Kings clashed, their power bringing life to a whole new species. They were all powerful beings that managed to bring an end to the wars between the Gods and Dragons, enabling them to become rulers of Earthland. That is why you need Dragon Slayers and not God Slayers" Mavis finished, leaving everyone speechless.
"So wait… what you're saying is that, we have to fight these all powerful beings that managed to a stop a war between both the Dragons and Gods? Well fuck, we're never going to be able to win" Gray said, Natsu and Sting turning to him in shock.
"Gray, you can't say things like that. We're Dragon Slayers, we can totally bring them down" Sting said confidently, a grin on his face.
"Yeah, maybe you can't defeat them Ice Dildo, but I'm all fired up now. Let them come, I'll take them all down myself" Natsu said, fire spewing out of his mouth as he pushed Gray, Erza glaring at the two before they could start a fight.
"Flamefuck is right, there ain't no way I'm losing to some old dragons" Gajeel joined in, smashing his fist into his palm as he smirked.
"Were you idiots paying attention to anything the first Master said? These guys managed to end a war between Dragons and Gods" Laxus cut in, glaring at his guild mates.
"I've been thinking about this a lot since I found out you know, and I don't think we can do it. We're not match for them" Lucy replied, turning to the side as she stared at the sheets.
"Luce! You gotta have some faith. We're Fairy Tail. Surely we'll be-" Natsu began only to Lucy to clench her hands into fists. She snapped her head up, looking at her best friend straight in his eyes as she cut him off.
"What Natsu? Did you forget the Grand Magic Games? If it weren't for the Eclipse Gate, we would all be dead. In fact, we all did die. Or did you forget about Future Lucy coming back to warn us of everything?" Lucy questioned, Natsu flinching as the memory washing over him, Rogue looking away from the two, his expression twisting into one of guilt. "We weren't a match for the Dragons; we were basically playthings for them, nothing more. It took two of us to even remotely match the power of one Dragon, and that was Laxus, the strongest one of us Dragon Slayers as well as Wendy. Natsu, the only reason you didn't die was because Atlas Flame helped you. We don't even have dragons on our side. How do you think this is going to turn out? We're Dragon Slayers, but we've never once used our magic to actually slay a dragon and I have no idea what I'm doing or how to even use it properly. Sting and Rogue are the only ones who've actually managed to slay actual dragons and even then I doubt their fathers would have fought with them the way these Dragons will. We're screwed" Lucy informed, realisation dawning on everyone's faces.
"Shit" Sting murmured, scratching his head as he remembered the Grand Magic Games that had taken place a year ago.
"You've been very quiet this whole time Cobra" Erza noted, turning to him. Cobra shrugged, both his eyes closed as he leaned against the wall by the door.
"What do you want me to say? Either way I'm going to be involved" Cobra said simply, his ears twitching as he heard Lucy's soul soar to life, harp strings chiming in happiness as cheery piano tones filled his ears. What had caused her to perk up considerably? Before her soul had been despondent, baritone cello murmurs with the odd tinkling of the triangle echoing through his mind. He focused on her soul, flitting through the feelings, he realised she was happy he was going to help them. Beforehand, she wasn't sure what role he'd play, Cobra scoffing at her thoughts. He wasn't just going to let chaos rule the world, not now, when he'd found Cubellios again. He had promised to take care and protect her and he would do just that. Besides, he still had to free the Seis and there was no way that could happen if the world was suddenly plunged into destruction.
"Not all hope is lost, you may not be able to take on the Dragons alone, but don't forget that you are not alone. Fairy Tail will always be right beside you in every battle you face, whether it be emotional or physical; never forget that. We will always fight to protect the light of this world and to keep both the people we love and those who cannot defend themselves safe. We will always fight to protect the future, not only of this guild but also our dear friends. Always remember that unwavering faith and resilient bonds will bring even miracles to your side. Besides, the prophecy said only you children will be able to stand between the destruction of our worlds and the Dragons, that must account for something" Mavis cut in, smiling fondly at her guild. Everyone looked at one another; smiles on their faces and determination shining in their eyes as the First Master's words filled them with both hope and ease.
"First Master is correct and so now we need information. Lucy, you know most about this prophecy. Is there anything else you can tell us? Maybe on how to defeat these Dragons?" Erza interrogated, Lucy frowning in thought.
"I… that's all I really know. I don't know much else because the Spirit King didn't really say anything else but what I've told you. I have no idea about how we can defeat them, I'm really sorry" Lucy said apologetically, shoulders slugging in hopelessness.
"Is there any way you could speak to the King and ask him about it?" Levy questioned, Lucy shaking her head.
"I could go to the Celestial World, but it's not something that happens lightly. It's a serious breach of contract unless you're invited there. And if you factor in the time difference, one day there is equal to three months here. We may not have that kind of time and it just isn't worth the risk," Lucy answered as she thought things through. Summoning Loke and asking him to speak to the Spirit King may be an option and just as she was going to suggest her idea, Natsu interrupted her.
"You said that that Dragon Dragonos gave you his powers? He's a Celestial Spirit right?" Natsu questioned, Lucy nodding in response.
"Draconis Natsu, his name is Draconis. Just call him Draco" Lucy corrected, Natsu waving his hands in a dismissal manner.
"Well then couldn't you just find his key and question him about it?" Natsu mused, scratching his head. Everyone froze, turning to Natsu in disbelief.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" Natsu questioned, confusion marring his face. His guild mates were all bug eyed and the shock on their faces was bugging him. Cobra simply scoffed at the Fire Dragon Slayer's thoughts, his hands in his pockets as he tried muffle the boisterous sounds of the souls all around him. Luckily, he easily found solace in the calming and gentle melody of Lucy's soul, quickly sinking deeper and deeper into her mind as he let her blissful melody drown out the noise around him.
"Natsu… what you just suggested… it wasn't a stupid idea" Lucy muttered, causing him to grin.
"I never have stupid ideas Luce" Natsu responded as he pat her head, his usual carefree smile on his face.
"I can't believe that idiot got that and I didn't" Gray sulked, Natsu blowing a raspberry in his direction.
"You're not so smart now are you, Ice Breath" Natsu replied, snickering to himself. Lucy simply rolled her eyes, shaking her head fondly as Natsu butt heads with Gray, their magic spiking.
"Now, now boys. Are you fighting?" Erza questioned, coming up behind them. Natsu and Gray stiffened, then grabbing each other by the shoulder they turned around, a terrified grin on their face.
"Of course not Erza" they replied at the same time.
"That's what I thought. Best friends shouldn't fight" Erza responded, nodding at them before turning back to Lucy.
"Now Lucy, is there any way you can find Draconis' key?" Erza questioned, Lucy's face contorted in thought.
"I really wouldn't know. Not all Celestial Spirits have keys to be summoned" Lucy finally replied despondently.
"Is there anyway you could ask someone about it? Like Loke" Mira suggested, Lucy's eyes bugging out before nodding frantically.
"Yes! I can ask Grandpa Crux about it" Lucy said, snapping her fingers. She flicked through her pouch before pulling out the silver key.
"Open, Gate of the Southern Cross, Crux" Lucy summoned, calling the old cross spirit to her side.
"Is there something you need Miss Lucy?" Crux questioned, his legs crossed as he floated beside the infirmary bed.
"Yeah, would you mind telling me if there is a key for Draco? So I can summon him to Earthland" Lucy replied, Crux nodding.
"Indeed, Draconis has a key that lets him be summoned to earth. However, much like the Zodiac only key in existence can summon him and it hasn't been found in a while. Draconis is not a normal spirit; he's a dragon that was turned into a spirit. During the Dragon Civil War, he was left weakened and so returned to the stars to take his place as a Celestial Spirit and recuperate from the war. Nonetheless, he's retained his magnificent power and would still be on par with the dragons you fought in the Grand Magic Games. Especially since he's been recovering for over thirty years in the Celestial World" Crux informed, Wendy frowning in worry.
"Does that mean he'll be like Zirconis…?" Wendy whimpered, remembering her dealings with the perverted dragon. Laxus reached out unconsciously and pet the blunette's hair, Wendy looking up in shock before smiling and nuzzling against the blonde.
"No, Draconis was on the human side of the Dragon Civil War, when he was still on Earthland, he taught many humans how to utilise Celestial Dragon Slayer magic" Crux responded.
"I see, do you have any idea where Draco's key is?" Lucy questioned, Crux shaking his head in response.
"I am sorry Miss Lucy, but Draconis' key has been lost for a hundred years now and he hasn't been summoned in over a hundred and ten" Crux replied apologetically.
"So that's our first priority. We're going to have to split up and try to find that key. We have no idea when they're going to attack therefore haste is paramount. Laxus take the Thunder Legion and leave as quickly as you can. Mira take both Lisanna and Elfman; leave the bar to Kinana. Jellal, I have decided that Cobra would thrive best in your care while on job requests, take him and Meredy. Sting and Rogue, you've been paired with Yukino as well as Rufus and Orga while Gajeel's with Juvia and Cana. Levy with Shadowgear and finally Team Natsu. Try and find jobs with Gate Keys are rewards, if not then try and find jobs in towns, anywhere where magic shops would be prominent. Try as hard as you can to increase your chances of finding this key" Makarov began, delegating out the jobs and teams as rest of the members nodded in reply.
"But, Lucy's Spirit said he hasn't been contracted in years, what are the chances he'll be found in a magic shop?" Lisanna questioned, Makarov freezing.
"You're right… Laxus, Jellal, Mira and Erza, find missions in areas that wouldn't be normally inhabited by lots of people, secluded islands, desserts, small towns and villages. In fact, all four teams have an S Class mage, so you're all cleared to take S Class missions. Remember, time is of the essence" Makarov finished, everyone nodding as they got up to leave. Soon the infirmary cleared out, Makarov frowning as he watched the door close after the last of the members left.
"Third, you seem troubled" Mavis said, Makarov sighing.
"Those children, they've already been through so much, having to fight for their lives almost every day. And now, to think, they've been burdened with such a task. The world truly rests on their shoulders now" Makarov said solemnly.
"You're right, however, even if they weren't directly involved, don't you think they'd find someway to become a part of it? After all, those kids tend to find themselves in situations where they're needed the most, especially Team Natsu" Mavis said, Makarov letting out a small smile.
"Hmmm, you're right" Makarov replied.
"Besides, they're not alone. Fairy Tail will always be behind them. And anyways, I'm sure they'll find a way to come out on top. After all, we are Fiore's strongest guild" Mavis stated cheerily.
Yeah even more changes, Laxus and Cobra's Exceeds have also changed, even their names and stuff. You can check them out on my tumblr princess - - nella . tumblr . com
Please leave reviews and tell me how much you like the revised version and whether I've improved it at all thank you!