A/N: Hello everyone and welcome back! Sorry if this is late but you probably know the drill by now when it comes to that sort of thing.
Last chapter, Igneel's resolve was rebuilt after some coaxing from "Grandpa Igneel." Donning an advanced set of armor and saying his goodbyes, albeit heatedly, Igneel sets out on his own to finish the fight between Fairy Tail and the dark mage Aya Higurashi. It's a text-book suicide mission and he knows it…but that doesn't mean the rest of Fairy Tail are going to take this sitting down.
The battle for the future is about to come to a head.
This chapter, will start to lead to the end of things as the third to last chapter…it will all be coming to an end soon. I know how the end will play out from here so I hope I don't screw things up.
I'm honestly surprised that I've made it this far.
Regardless, I will do my best to make these last three chapters the best that I can make them for your reading pleasure.
So, before we continue; here is a shout out to you guys, the wonderful readers and reviewers who are holding out the end.
Kazenoseiren: Hello and welcome back; I'm doing fine, how about you!? Yes, I've been on vacation since the beginning of May (college gets out earlier than high school here in the states). You have to wait till the end of June? That sucks. Yeah, last chapter with the morgue was a tough one to write; a lot of heavy emotional stuff to get into. Please don't cry, I don't want to feel like a jerk. The end is just two chapters away, so I hope it will turn okay to your expectations.
Mistwing: Hello and welcome back! Sorry but Lucy is not the one who knows where the realm of time is; the one who does might surprise you. I'm glad you liked Knight's backstory…I'm actually thinking of expanding upon that with a sequel/companion story for this. Glad you liked the dragons; I've waited a long time to let those guys make an appearance. This chapter will lead up to moment you've been waiting for; Aya vs Igneel!
Ichihime4: Hello, how are you? Don't worry about forgetting your name, happens to us every now and then. Yes, the final confrontation between Aya and Igneel is just one more chapter away so prepare for even more goose bumps. No it's not bad to say you laughed when Levy and Lucy fought. If that's how you react when you're surprised by something, that's just fine…actually, it's nice to know that scene took you by surprise. Overall, it was very emotional for everyone. Yes, I'm surprised myself that I've made it this far and it's sad that this story will be ending soon. Though I will spend some time working on my other story for a little bit (I've neglected to update it since March plus I need to edit the chapters I have so far) and I'm glad to know you'll read it as well-I think you might like it. Thank you for your continued to support!
The-Unnamed-Artist: Hello; what's happening!? Please don't cry! Yep, Igneel has gone lone wolf but he won't be alone for long. I'm glad you've gotten caught up with this but I hope you can bear the suspense for just a little bit more. Yes, I find your reactions to be very funny-don't be embarrassed. Please don't lose sleep over this! You…really think my story is that good and that I'm an amazing author? Aww, you're making me blush. I hope you got my PM and that it answered your question. In regards to your Ch24 review, I'm sorry I made you upset over the character deaths. Sorry about disturbing you with Gray and Sam but the best way I can justify that is that, although it's morbid, Gray was in just too much shock and pain to comprehend that his son was dead. And yes, future Aya; kept you on your toes didn't I?
Darkhope: Hello and welcome back! I'm sorry for making you sad; please forgive me! Yes Natsu and Lucy had to face Igneel turn his back on them in order to protect them. Yes, Igneel is on the war path and he's not going to let anything stop him; the future rests on his shoulders now. Yes, I know how I want the ending to play out…prepare for some serious feels!
millervaleriecamille: Hello and welcome to the story! Thank you for the compliment, for me, detail is everything. I'm glad to hear that the Nalu scene for Chapter 20 turned out alright for you. Yes, this story is playing out better than I hoped for-especially with the character relationships/interactions. You have three kids and were able to read this in two days!? Wow, that's impressive. Glad to know you're hooked on this. As an author, that's good to know about one's story. I hope you'll read up to the end!
Dani: Hello and welcome to the story! Wow…just…wow. It's been a while since someone has complimented my writing in the way that you did. I just don't know what to say! From the bottom of my heart; thank you…just thank you. I'm sorry I made you cry last chapter…I never thought my writing would provoke that sort of response from people. I'm glad you like my writing. I try to keep it as grounded to the real world but still keep it within Fairy Tail as much as I can…plus all the extra detail helps. Yeah, I know I gave Sam a brutal death but that's how it played out…thanks for not hating me! Yes, Igneel and Knight have a unique relationship and Igneel saying goodbye was tough to write…but Igneel won't be alone for long. You know Igneel is Natsu's son when he said, "I'm all fired up." The future is in Igneel's hands and he doesn't intend to lose it. Once again thank you so much for the heartwarming compliments about my writing…I really, really appreciate it. And you're not annoying me, what would make you think that? Also, I hope the wait for this chapter wasn't too long for you. Once again; thank you.
Nonny: Hello and welcome to the story! I hope the wait for this wasn't too long for you!
Bea: Hello and welcome to the story; glad to know you like it. So you're a Sting and Yukino fan? Yes, they have a daughter in the future and I do wish I could draw out everyone in the future and post it somewhere for you to see…but I can't draw. There is a Sting and Yukino moment in this chapter so I hope it's what you were looking for!
So, now that that's cleared up, let's get started with this anticipated chapter.
Get ready people; the final fight is near!
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CHAPTER 21: United We Stand
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The Realm of Time; The Keeper's Castle-Inner Sanctum…
In the center of The Keeper of Time's sanctuary was an open area, located several levels above the lower floors. The area was horseshoe-shaped in arrangement but sank down slightly like an amphitheater. From the center of the area, a beam of light pulsed and stretched high into the sky; piercing and dissolving the clouds it passed through and reaching high into the star filled abyss above.
And sitting in front of the light, was a solitary figure. Instead of her usual attire, she now wore a black from fitting, sleeveless bodysuit with a red trim. The bodysuit had light armor interwoven into the material to cover the integrated boots, back, chest and abdomen. A pair of half finger sleeves ran up from her hands to her elbows.
Aya Higurashi sat with her legs crossed and left arm extended before her. Before her outstretched hand, levitating by its own accord and Aya's magic, was the Master Time Key. The key alternated between a light green and blue glow as a concentrated beam of energy was directed from the key. The energy in turn was slowly whittling away at the pentagon shaped barrier before Aya.
Aya's eyes were closed shut as her brow wrinkled in concentration. Sweat beaded on her forehead and neck. Aya let out a strained grunt as slowly, if ever so slowly, the barrier before her turned from blue to pink before it disappeared in a cluster of pixels.
Aya let a self-satisfied smile form on her lips as another barrier took its counterparts place. But it didn't bother her as much as the other ones had. This barrier was weaker and after she broke down this one the others would follow.
She could already feel her magic being returned twofold from the destroyed barriers.
For three days she had whittled down the barriers that protected the sarcophagus of The Keeper of Time. Three days since she had killed the brats of Fairy Tail; the only ones capable of opposing her plan.
Aya smiled again; her plan was so close to fruition that she could taste it.
When she and her former compatriots had stumbled upon the Realm of Time and the Keeper's Castle, she had expected the Keeper to retaliate and kick her group out. But, to her joy, the Keeper had been dormant for ages.
It had not expected for its domain to be found.
And it was this factor that allowed Aya to trap The Keeper in its resting place; keep it trapped and allow her to obtain the means to control its power.
Yes, everything was coming together now.
Then, suddenly, something pulled at the strings of her concentration. It was a sensation at the back of her mind…on the tip of her ability to sense magic.
This feeling was a familiar one.
It was of a magic signature that she recognized; a magic signature that had appeared at the edge of the realm and was closing in a steady rate.
Aya opened her eyes, an annoyed glint in her eyes, before she let a smug smile form on her lips.
"So…"Aya said as she looked over her shoulder, as if seeing the new arrival, "you're still alive boy."
Aya chuckled darkly.
"You're a persistent son of a bitch Igneel Dragneel; I'll give you that much."
Aya's eyes squinted in amusement.
"And you've come alone…noble but ultimately foolish and suicidal. But if you're so eager to die; I'll be more than happy to grant you're wish."
The white of Aya's eyes turned black while her iris' turned blue before they flashed once. Tendrils of shadow drifted out from her own before pooling on the ground and running out of the small depression and over the steps of the stairs that led up to the depression like streams of flowing water.
"Come," Aya said before turning her attention back to the sarcophagus, "I'll open the door for you."
Aya said before she began to cackle to herself.
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Meanwhile-at that same time; Fairy Tail Guild…
"Stop…" Lucy pleaded, "Igneel, please stop!"
Igneel ignored her.
"Stop him!" Lucy cried out, "Somebody please stop him!"
Natsu quickly gave chase after his son with Lucy close behind him.
But it was too late, for Igneel was already out the door.
"Knight; now!" Natsu heard yell.
He opened the door just in time to see the Celestial Spirit plunge his sword into the ground as a magic circle flared to life beneath Igneel. There was an audible, high-pitched whine as the magic surrounding Igneel became supercharged.
The young mage looked over his shoulder with pained expression.
"Goodbye." Igneel whispered as the light became brighter and brighter.
"NO!" Natsu and Lucy screamed in terror as the fire mage made a lunge for his son…
…only watch him disappear in a brilliant flash of light.
Natsu, still in his lunge, could only fall and slide on the ground. He frantically pushed himself onto his hands and knees as his fists began to pound on the runes that lined the magic circle in anger and desperation.
"Come back!" Natsu yelled, "Igneel come back!"
But it was of no use; Igneel was gone.
His son was gone.
"No!" Natsu raged in denial, "No, no, no!"
Lucy fell to her knees as tears cascaded down her cheeks from her eyes. Lucy shook her head while her hands gripped at her hair.
"Not like this…" Lucy choked out, "not like this!"
Natsu stopped slamming his hands on the ground before gripping the stones tightly. Tears fell from his eyes as he gritted his teeth together.
"Why?" Natsu said, "Igneel, why?"
The rest of the Guild that had followed Natsu and Lucy were now outside as well, starring in disbelief at the vacant magic circle where the young mage had disappeared from. Levy walked up to Lucy and kneeled beside her friend, wrapping her arms around the distraught spirit mage. Lucy in turn buried her face into Levy's shoulder and found it hard to contain her sobs.
"I'm sorry," Levy muttered, trying to comfort her friend, "I'm so sorry Lucy."
The magic circle suddenly glowed slightly and began to fade away into small strings of energy that lifted off the ground and into Knight's sword which was still implanted into the ground. Knight proceeded to remove the claymore from the ground and sheath it at his hip.
"It was the only way." Knight said, his tone heavy with sadness and regret, as his voice caught everyone's attention.
"What?" Natsu asked, looking up at Knight and rising up on his knees.
"Igneel knew that time was short…that Higurashi was close to accomplishing her goal. He knew he had to act fast if he wanted to carry out his mission. He knew that in order to protect you and the others…he would have to fight alone."
"Knight…I don't understand…how could Ingeel know this? Why did he choose to go alone? We could've helped him!" Lucy said, pulling away from Levy.
Knight sighed deeply.
"Believe me or not, but Igneel was approached by an astral projection of your adoptive father," Knight said, looking at Natsu, "Igneel the Fire King."
Natsu let out a startled gasp as he became slack jawed along with everyone else present.
"I-Igneel!? M-my father!?" Natsu said in disbelief.
Knight nodded.
"Your father informed Igneel of how Aya Higurashi intends to carry out her plan and where she is. He gave Igneel the location along with a boost in power so that he can properly combat Higurashi."
"But…but that still doesn't explain why he did this." Lucy said, the confusion evident in her voice.
"…This was a contingency plan." Knight said as he looked to the sky, "Should all else fail, should the others fall in battle and Igneel was the only one left, he would find a way to go after Higurashi on his own. He would carry out the mission to the end…without your aid. Igneel left us behind so that we could not follow him…to ensure that we would live on."
"No," Natsu said, refusing to believe what Knight was saying, "Igneel wouldn't do something like this. There has to be another way!"
Igneel looked back down at Natsu.
"There is none." Knight said, "You have to understand, Igneel knew from the beginning that the battle might play out like this. He chose not to think about it…he thought he and the other kids would be able to stop Higurashi. But he failed…and now this is all that he can do to ensure that the future is saved."
"There's no way he can know that!" Natsu protested, "He's walking into a death trap for all we know; he's going to get himself killed!"
Knight shook his head.
"He will not fail...even if he dies in the process, he will not fail."
Natsu and the others could only stare wide eyed at Knight.
"How…how can you say that?" Wendy asked, stepping forward.
"Igneel is your master, isn't he?"
Knight lowered his head and walked over to Lucy.
"Igneel is no longer my master," Knight said, his words taking everyone by surprise, "before he left, he ended his contract with me."
Knight opened a slot in his armor and removed his Spirit Keys. He then took Lucy's hand and placed the keys in her open palm, closing her shaking fingers around the silver and crystal keys.
"I am now under yours and Natsu's command." Knight said, stepping back with a bow.
"I have now come full circle."
Lucy looked at the keys and then to Knight. A hopeful look filled her eyes.
"Then…then this means you can tell me where Igneel is!" Lucy said, her voice filled with hope.
"I…I order you to tell us where Igneel is!" Lucy said.
Knight rose back to his full height and looked down at Lucy as if he was regarding her in some way. His hands clenched together into fists.
"I…I cannot."
Lucy paused hearing Knight's words. Her smile faltered as her brow furrowed in confusion.
"What?" Lucy asked, "Knight…I…I gave you an order didn't I?"
Knight didn't answer and turned his head slightly so he couldn't look Lucy in the eye.
"D-didn't I!?" Lucy said, rising to her feet as her tone became desperate.
Knight still didn't answer.
"Knight I gave you an order; so answer me!" Lucy said in a mixture of confusion, fear and anger.
"I'm sorry Lucy but I cannot divulge that information." Knight said.
Natsu was quickly on his feet and stormed over to the celestial spirit.
"You're our spirit now, right?" Natsu hissed as he glared at Knight.
"I am." Knight said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"Then answer her!" Natsu growled.
"I can't."
Natsu grabbed Knight by the front of his chest plate as the veins popped in his arms and neck.
"I am sick of people jerking me around! Why can't you just give me a straight answer!?"
"…Because he was ordered to." Porlyusica said as she stepped forth from the crowd.
"Am I right?" The medicine mage said as he looked at Knight.
"Indeed, you are correct." Knight said.
"Porlyusica?" Master Makarov said, "When did you get here?"
"I've been here," Porlyusica said, giving the Guild Master as sideways glance, "in the infirmary; keeping to myself. I overheard the commotion and followed everyone out."
Porlyusica sighed. She wasn't used to getting this much attention.
"But that's not the point. What is, is that Ingeel ordered his celestial spirit not to tell where he has gone…" she then looked to where the teleportation circle had been, "and to erase the means for which he disappeared."
"Correct." Knight answered.
Natsu and Lucy looked back to Knight with dejected looks in their eyes.
"…Why?" was all Natsu could ask.
"It was Igneel's final order to me. He wanted to make sure that no one could follow him. He wanted to make sure that you could remain protected this way."
Lucy lowered her head and looked at the keys in her hands before squeezing them shut.
"Igneel you selfish jerk." Lucy bit out in pain as her shoulders shook slightly. Natsu wrapped his arm around Lucy's shoulders and pulled his mate close as he rubbed his thumb across her shoulder.
The remainder of the Guild lowered their heads in sadness…knowing there was nothing they could do to help Natsu, Lucy or Igneel.
Knight's head slowly straightened as did his posture. He sensed that there was someone standing a few feet behind him.
Someone he recognized.
"I cannot tell you where Igneel has gone…but that doesn't mean she can't." Knight said as he turned around.
"Isn't that right…First Master?"
The mages of Fairy Tail followed the Celestial Spirit's gaze to find a familiar sight before them. Standing with her hands behind her back, a familiar and gentle smile on her face, was the First Guild Master of Fairy Tail…Mavis Vermilion.
"Master…Master Mavis." The mages of Fairy Tail said in disbelief while the members of the visiting Guilds starred at their counterparts as if they were crazy.
"There's no one there." Yukino Aguira said in confusion as she looked around.
"That's because the spirit of the First Master of Fairy Tail only appears to the members of our Guild. Or to be more specific, only if you have the Fairy Tail emblem." Makarov said.
Yukino could only nod in confusion as she looked to where the others were starring.
Meanwhile, the First Master looked to the Celestial Spirit.
"Very astute of you Celestial Paladin," Mavis said, "I'm surprised you know of that."
"I was Guardian to the Celestial Spirit King himself. You didn't think he'd learn or know about The Keeper and The Realm of Time do you?"
"Ah, that would explain things." Mavis said with a bright smile as she rubbed the back of her neck.
"But, we're getting off track here," Mavis said as she looked back to her Guild, or Natsu and Lucy to be more specific, "after all, we have more pressing matters concerning your son don't we?"
Lucy stepped forward towards the First Master.
"You know where Igneel is Master Mavis?" Lucy tentatively asked.
Mavis nodded.
"I do Miss Heartfilia. Your son has gone to The Realm of Time; home to The Keeper of Time."
"The Keeper of Time?" Lucy asked.
"Yes. A being that has the ability to control and manipulate time; the guardian to such power in fact from its domain-The Realm of Time. It would seem your son has gone there to fight a dark mage who intends to abuse this power…a dark mage who intends to jeopardize the future…am I wrong?"
"Yes…" Lucy said, "But how do you know this?"
"And does this have anything to do with my father?" Natsu asked.
"I will answer both of your questions at once. You see, The Keeper of Time had its power locked away after the Dragon Civil War. The power of time magic had been abused during the war and The Keeper wanted to ensure the power could never be used again. So it passed its knowledge of time magic onto the first magic council and the dragons that helped seal the power away. One of those dragons was your adoptive father-Igneel. As time went on, the knowledge of The Keeper's realm faded from memory. But Igneel knew that the location of the realm should at least be known by someone in case something happened with The Keeper, which now appears to be the case, and he sought me out. Igneel and I met on a mission one day and the dragon approached me seeing if I would hear him out on an important issue. So I listened and Igneel explained that he had been searching for many years for someone he could pass a secret onto, a secret that could be entrusted to others. He heard of Fairy Tail and what we stood for-the good we were doing in the world-and knew who the secret could be trusted to. So I agreed to Igneel's proposal and the dragon not only explained where The Keeper resided…but how to get there. I passed this knowledge onto my replacement and he passed it onto his…but it once again faded from memory."
Mavis sighed and fixed the mages of her Guild with a firm, determined look.
"Until now. It would seem your son was visited by you foster father and given the location and means to find The Realm of Time. But I too, know where he has gone…and I will give that information to you all now."
This revelation brought about a series of whispers and surprised chatter from amongst the Guild.
"Really!?" Lucy asked, her heart filling with hope.
"Yes. I was unable to assist in the previous battle where your son's comrades were killed…but I will not sit by and watch that young mage go to battle alone. We are Fairy Tail, we stick together no matter what."
This brought a battle cry from Fairy Tail.
"What's the ghost saying?" Lyon asked.
"She's saying," Makarov said, "that she will give us the means to go after Igneel and to enter The Realm of Time."
"Then we want in." Sting spoke up.
"We have just as much stake in this as the others." Rouge added.
Mavis smiled.
"You're more than welcome to join; the more help, the better." Mavis said as Makarov relayed what she said to all present.
"Now here's what we need to do," Mavis said as she looked to Levy, "Miss McGarden. I need you to follow my instructions as I guide you through this."
"What do you need?" Levy asked.
Mavis then instructed Levy to create a magic circle, similar to the one Igneel had used. After Levy had finished the circle, Mavis gave a satisfied smile.
"Okay everyone, join hands and concentrate your magic." Mavis said as Makarov relayed the instructions to all present.
The united front of mages stepped into the magic circle which now took up most of the street so that all of Fairy Tail and the accompanying groups from other Guilds could fit in; their hands joined together and eyes closed in concentration.
The circle glowed to life as it became supercharged.
"I will not be able to join you all on this. I do, however, think it won't be hard to find you're wayward mage. I wish you the best of luck…and I have faith that you will succeed."
"Thank you Master Mavis." Lucy and Natsu said.
Mavis nodded and watched as the circle flared to life and the mages were teleported to a realm beyond their own.
Mavis smiled once more as she looked to the sky whilst she began to fade away as well.
"You will succeed too…for the future now rests on your shoulders…Igneel Dragneel."
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With Igneel …
It didn't take Igneel as long as he thought it would, thanks to his armors enhanced agility, to reach The Keeper's castle…or what constituted as a castle.
The main body of the castle was made of massive cubes that were built right into the mountain while smaller, octagon shaped buildings hovered in the air by some unknown force, only to be linked by terraces, walkways and winding stairways that led to the main buildings. From the center of the castle, the beam of light still fired into the sky.
Igneel had no doubt in his mind that that was where he would find Aya Higurashi.
Reaching the base of the mountain, where the natural rock began to gently rise, Igneel made his way up the smooth stone pathway that led to a winding set of stone stairs that led to the castle. Taking the steps two and even three at a time, Igneel made his way up the zig-zag shaped stairs until he reached the front door.
The doors were large and mainly featureless, with only lines of engraving and a single line splitting the door down the middle.
"Now how to get in?" Igneel said to himself.
As if to answer his question, the doors suddenly split apart with a gentle hiss.
Igneel was instantly on guard. Something wasn't right…but he had no other options.
Slowly crossing the threshold, Igneel entered a large, open chamber that led to a long, straight hallway. From there, the hallway led further into the castle. Long shafts of light provided illumination from large, blue and white stained glass windows from in the roof.
Igneel was halfway through crossing the chamber when a voice spoke up, seemingly out of nowhere, and echoed all around.
"You're a stubborn son of a bitch, has anyone ever told you that?" the voice spoke.
Igneel knew that voice…
"It runs in the family Higurashi, what can I say?" Igneel retorted.
Aya chuckled.
"You're a tough one to kill boy? Compared to your sister, you just won't stay down." Aya taunted.
"Normally I would find that to be an admirable quality but in your case, it's become a pain in the ass."
Igneel glared at his surroundings but continued on.
"Tell me boy, what is it you hope to accomplish? You've come this far but you must realize that it was a pointless gesture?" Aya inquired.
"I've come here to kill you…and ensure that the future you hope to create doesn't come to pass."
Aya's laughter bounced off the walls of the massive hallway that Igneel had now entered.
"Kill me!?" Aya chortled, "So that's your brilliant plan!? What makes you think you could do that!? Lest you forget, I kicked your ass seven ways to Sunday last time we met and you still think you can kill me!?"
"I've got an ace up my sleeve now." Igneel replied.
Aya cackled again.
"Get real boy. Soon enough, I shall unlock a power source so great that no one will be able to stand in my way. The Guilds of Fiore are powerless to stop me and your friends are dead, which leaves you all alone…just like your future."
Igneel clenched his hands into fists. He was getting real sick of listening to Aya's laughter.
"I still have time Higurashi. Even if I die, I'll take you down with me."
"Time?" Aya said, "Time was your ally. But you should've realized by now that it has abandoned you. You had time in the begging…but now it's mine. Time will be mine to control…and you will be powerless to stop me."
"How much you want to bet?" Igneel asked as he quickened his pace.
Aya chuckled darkly.
"I'm not betting anything." Aya said, amused.
"What's the matter, you afraid?" Igneel taunted.
"No…and it would seem that neither are you. You seriously have a death wish don't you?"
"If it involves my hands around your neck, then yes; I do."
"Kinky," Aya said as long streams of shadow suddenly materialized before Igneel from down the hallway, "but I'll have to pass."
From within the shadows, humanoid figures began to spawn from the darkness; figures, Igneel was familiar with.
"Mannequins." Igneel hissed, his voice low.
"Seeing as you do have a death wish, I'll be more than happy to grant it." Aya said as her shadow army finished forming.
"Tell you what boy, if you can make it past my mannequins and somehow make it to me, I'll grant you the courtesy of a final duel. But seeing as how things are now…I doubt that will come to pass. Good luck Igneel Dragneel…not that it will do you any good."
Aya gave a final bout of amused laughter before it tapered off.
The mannequins raised their arms as they formed a variety of edged and blunt weapons; their featureless faces locked onto Igneel.
Igneel smirked beneath his facemask as his eyes began to glow. He then cracked his neck and flexed his wrists so that they also cracked.
"Let's dance." Igneel said as he bolted forward with his enhanced strength. Igneel leapt up into the air, his feet leaving divots in the stone floor, with his right fist pulled back and left arm extended; light energy forming in his closed fist.
Igneel soared over the first three rows of mannequins and landed in the center of the mannequins, fist and body smashing down and causing the mannequins to shatter like glass. His fist connected with the floor and caused the pent up energy to explode outward, causing the mannequins to be blasted to bits. Igneel slowly rose from his crouch, a smile hidden beneath his mask. He could feel the power his grandfather had given him course through his veins.
Igneel formed a staff of hard light in his hands as the remainder of the mannequins charged forth. Bracing himself in a defensive stance, Igneel kept his staff at the ready. When the first mannequin was within reach, Igneel lashed out by swinging the staff out and smashing the mannequin across the head, causing it to instantly shatter. He then pivoted on his foot, performed a quick spin and then swiped the staff out and under the legs mannequins in his range. Although their legs had been shattered, the mannequins pushed themselves up with their arms, poised to strike, but Igneel brought his boots down and curb stomped them into the floor; finishing the attack.
Igneel planted the staff in the floor, hoisted himself up so that the staff moved behind his shoulder blades, and spun himself around and around, his feet kicking out and smashing mannequins away. Lest he get dizzy, Igneel lowered himself so his feet were planted on the ground once more.
He completed the move just in time to dodge an arm swipe from a mannequin.
Igneel brought his forearm up and deflected the arm blade from the mannequin, the attack bouncing off the strengthened armor. Igneel jabbed the end of his staff through the chest of the mannequin causing it to explode into a hundred pieces. He then performed a similar move that deflected the strike from a mace before smashing the mannequin to bits.
The mannequins weren't particularly powerful but what they lacked in strength, they made up for in overwhelming numbers. He had seen countless numbers of people fall to a wave of mannequins all because they underestimated the shadow soldiers.
More mannequins appeared and Igneel changed his staff into a hard light sword. Igneel spun the sword around his hand once before holding it in a horizontal stance, his left hand braced against his right arm.
Igneel once again waited for the mannequins to draw close and with a series of stylized twists and strikes, Igneel cut the mannequins down to size. Deciding to take the offensive, Igneel formed a small hard light knife in his left hand and held it in a reverse grip. Igneel cut down two mannequins and ran to the nearby wall which he then proceeded to run up. When he was about to lose his footing, Igneel stabbed the knife into the wall providing a handhold. Igneel then concentrated his energy into his sword and tossed it into a mannequin, which shattered it, and let it imbed itself into the floor. Igneel shielded his eyes with his free arm as the sword suddenly exploded in a brilliant flash of light. When the roar of the explosion and the blinding light faded, Igneel lowered his arm and saw a small, smoking crater in the floor…and that the rest of the mannequins had been vaporized in the blast.
Dropping down from the wall, his feet cratering the floor beneath him, Igneel cracked his neck and shoulders and continued down the hallway. Igneel proceeded to enter a chamber that was far larger than the entrance chamber. Igneel let out a low whistle as he looked around the chamber noting the long and wide stained glass windows set up high towards the ceiling; the light passing through casting an ambient glow about the chamber.
Igneel noted that the sound of his boots echoing of the polished stone floor quickly faded away, adding to how great the scale of the chamber was.
A grand stairway was set good couple of feet away from Igneel. The steps led up to a broad landing that could have at least held two small houses set side by side each other. Two sets of stairs branched off to the left and right but curved up to another landing of equal size. The pattern continued for five more levels before breaking off with a hallway centered at the top of equal size to the one he just left. Igneel had to squint his eye in order to get a better look.
At least he had a clear idea of where he needed to go, which in this case, was up.
Igneel hadn't taken more than two steps before a series of mannequins materialized at the top of the stairs.
"I was wondering when you'd show up." Igneel muttered as he formed two hard light swords in his hands.
The mannequins charged forth and Igneel met them head on, cutting the first three down with a single swipe of his arms.
The next mannequin to strike had increased the thickness of the blades on its arms and struck out at Igneel with surprising speed. Igneel was able to block the arms by quickly crossing his swords in an "X" shape. The mannequin pushed Igneel back with inhuman strength, making him grit his teeth while his boot armor dug into the floor. Igneel saw out of the corner of his eye a mannequin circle towards him with its hand shaped into that of a jagged claw.
Not wanting to test out whether his armor could resist being torn at, Igneel broke contact with the mannequin and ducked slow, swiping the living shadow's feet out from under it. While the mannequin flailed about in the ground, Igneel turned to the approaching one and tossed his swords at it. The blades connected and blasted it to pieces. Igneel quickly sprung to his feet and smashed his boot down on the fallen mannequin. Igneel formed two hard light gauntlets on his hands and finished off the remaining mannequins with a series of quick blocks and jabs.
Igneel quickly ran up the steps with an annoyed grunt.
"These things are starting to piss me off." Igneel thought as he performed a quick wall climb to the next level.
As soon as Igneel pushed himself up and over the top, Igneel saw that a new series of mannequins had formed to confront him; this time in greater numbers.
Using his momentum from his climb and his enhanced strength, Igneel seamlessly transitioned from pushing himself up to a forward roll and then a power slide. Igneel then made a semi-circle kick that knocked down the mannequins who his feet connected with. Flipping up, Igneel formed two small combat axes in his hands and began to hack into mannequins as soon as his boots hit the floor.
But the mannequins were undeterred as they surged at Igneel.
Igneel, despite his strength and power, found that he couldn't block or counter every attack that was focused at him. Hands, blades and a whole menagerie of weapons connected with Igneel's armor and an exposed skin that wasn't covered by the armor. Sparks flew off Igneel's armor, leaving slight gashes and scrapes in the matte black finish.
"Get the hell away from me you bunch of faceless fucks!" Igneel roared as he combined the axes together and made a hefty and large, two handed long sword. Ingeel swiped his sword across the mannequins in front of him, severing their heads and shattering them, before spinning around and performing a similar strike on the ones behind him. Igneel spun his sword once around his arm, high above his head before plunging the sword into the ground, causing a powered shockwave to blast forth from the sword.
While Igneel was unaffected, the blast wave shattered the surrounding mannequins and gave Igneel the breathing room he needed.
Igneel rose, his sword resting across his shoulders as he breathed in deeply through his nose.
Turning his attention to the stairs, Igneel opted to take the right side up to the next level deciding to take a quick respite, if it were possible.
Igneel was halfway up the stairs when the whistling of air caught his attention. Igneel's head snapped up and as soon as his eyes locked onto the source of the sound, the light mage leapt back down the stairs.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Igneel yelled as he slid back on his feet.
Dropping all the way down from the ceiling, a Bruiser landed where Ingeel once stood; the impact of its landing nearly propelled it through the stone of the stairs. The Bruiser let out a groan as it pulled itself up and out of the hole it had made and slowly descended the stairs with mindless determination.
"Bruiser," Igneel hissed as he readied his sword, "she's not pulling any punches is she?"
The second sound of whistling air once again reached Igneel's ears.
"Oh come on!" Ingeel raged as he leapt away from his current spot.
A second Bruiser plummeted from the ceiling and landed just as the first one had.
Ingeel slowly stood up as he glared at the two hulking shadow monsters.
"Two Bruisers!?" Igneel said aloud, "What a bunch of bullies!"
The Bruisers lumbered forth and Igneel took a defensive stance, plotting out his next move in his head. Attacking directly wasn't an option so that meant either from the sides or the back.
Igneel brought his sword level with the ground and charged forth, the blade digging into the floor. Igneel sidestepped at the last minute, just as the first bruiser was about bring its fist down upon him. Igneel pivoted on his foot, brought his sword up and slashed across the bruisers back. The heavy long sword cut into the bruiser but it seemed to have a minimal effect on the giant. The wound quickly sealed up and the second Bruiser took the opportunity to aid its brother by moving with surprising speed and thrusting its fist at Igneel.
Igneel blocked the attack with his sword but the force of the punch caused Igneel to slide back as the soles of his boots squeaked loudly on the floor before his back connected with the opposite wall, leaving a small divot in the stone.
Igneel pushed himself off the wall and swapped out his sword for a single light gauntlet.
"You two must be made from a stronger shadow." Igneel mused as he charged up the energy in his hand.
"Let's see you try this on for size!" Igneel said as his right hand snapped up with his left hand braced against his forearm.
Igneel fired a concentrated beam of light form his hand and directed it at the first Bruiser. The beam connected with the Bruiser's right shoulder and Ingeel brought diagonally across the things torso, cutting in in two. The Bruiser let out a surprised grunt as it fell apart.
The thing wasn't dead yet but now that it was incapacitated, Igneel could focus on the second Bruiser. Igneel charged the energy up in his hand again and kept his arm pulled back, close to his hip. Igneel dashed forward and the slid on his knees between the Bruiser's legs. He then snapped his left hand out to spin himself around and jumped off the ground into the air. Ingeel snapped out his right and nailed the bruiser in the back; his hand punching through and out the chest.
Then something happened that Igneel hadn't been expecting.
The Bruiser let out a confused grunt before the hole sealed shut around Igneel's forearm.
"The fuck!?" Igneel yelled as he tried to pull his arm free.
The Bruiser looked over its shoulder at Igneel before its arm reached back, grabbed Igneel and yanked him from its back. The bruiser then slammed Igneel to the ground repeatedly as the young mage let out a surprised cry and a string of explicatives.
The Bruiser let Igneel go before he rolled onto his back. Igneel let out a pained groan.
The Bruiser raised its foot and proceeded to bring it down upon Ingeel with the intent of crushing his chest.
"Shit!" Igneel said as he brought his forearms up to block the attack. The foot connected with Igneel's arms and the young mage let out a sharp cry from the force. The Bruiser increased the strength and force into its leg and Igneel pushed back; the lights on his arm joints glowing brightly.
Igneel let out a strained groan through gritted teeth as he pushed back with all the strength he could muster.
It was then out of his peripheral vision that Ingeel saw the first Bruiser stand back up; it's two halves having reconnected. The arm of the Bruiser then changed into a buzz saw like blade and the weapon spun to life with a high pitched "whir."
The Bruiser then walked over to its partner and looked down at Igneel. It then slowly began to lower the saw towards his neck.
"Oh shit!" Igneel said, his eyes wide in panic.
He was trapped and he knew it.
"Shit, shit, shit, shit!" Igneel repeated as the blade drew closer and closer.
What the hell was he going to do!?
He refused to die like this; not when he was so close to completing his mission! Not when he was about to avenge all that had been lost!
"White Dragon's Roar!" A voice suddenly called out.
A white beam of energy struck the Bruiser just before the saw was an inch away from his neck. The laser blasted the shadow being away from Igneel and into the wall of the landing along with shredding its way through the Bruisers arms and chest.
"That voice," Igneel thought, "it can't be!"
"Pisces, get that thing off of Igneel!" Another voice called out.
"Right!" Two voices said in unison.
Igneel watched as a boy with tanned skin and long, grey hair, dressed in armor that appeared to be made from fish scales, appeared behind the Bruiser. The boy than took the spear in his hands and jammed it to the Bruisers back. The boy than used his inhuman strength to flip forward and use his spear as leverage toss the Bruiser forward and rip his spear out at the same time. Igneel watched as the Bruiser flew over him only for it to be intercepted when a woman of impossible beauty appeared beneath it. She had long dark hair and wore armor similar to the boy's. She then twisted her body sideways and kicked her foot up with such force that the Bruiser went sailing into the air.
"Honey now!" The woman said.
A beam of blue energy shot forth from behind Igneel and hit the Mannequin midflight. The creature disappeared in a flash of light and a terrific explosion.
"Sting, it's getting back up!" a voice said again.
Ingeel, still on his back, looked forward.
"Uncle Sting…Aunt Yukino." Igneel said in disbelief.
Standing just a few feet away from Igneel was Yukino Aguria and Sting Eucliffe.
"I got him." Sting said as he planted his foot forward.
"White Dragon's Roar!" Sting roared as the powerful beam of energy once again shot from his mouth. The laser hit the still recovering Bruiser but before it could so much as stand, the laser blasted the creature to kingdom come in a terrific blast of light and blocks of stone.
"Nice." Sting said with a satisfied smirk.
It was then that the woman and the boy joined up with Sting and Yukino…before being accompanied by another celestial spirit.
A spirit Ingeel thought he would never see again.
"…Knight?" Igneel whispered as he slowly pushed himself up to his knees.
"Nice shot dad," The Son said as he slapped Knight on the shoulder with an impressed smile, "that was awesome!"
Knight raised his hand ruffled his son's hair with it before it was swatted away.
"Indeed, that is one of my favorite attacks." Knight said as the Mother hugged Knight's free arm close to hers. She leaned up and quickly pecked Knight on his mask.
"Your father is really cool," the Mother said, "oh how I missed going into battle with you."
If Igneel didn't know better he would have sworn there were small hearts forming around the Mothers head as she rested her cheek against Knights arm.
"Looks like we got here just in time," Said a new voice, "another minute and we would have had a very messy situation on our hands."
Igneel looked to his left and saw Makarov walking in his direction with Natsu and Lucy close behind with Loke and Virgo at Lucy's side…along with the rest of Fairy Tail and the accompanying guild members.
"Master Makarov…Mom…Dad…" Igneel said in disbelief.
Lucy walked up her son…and slapped him hard across the face with a sharp "SMACK." Igneel's head snapped to the side as while his eyes widened in surprise.
"You idiot!" Lucy screamed as she shook her wrist to shake out the pain from slapping Igneel.
"Don't you ever pull a stunt like that again, you hear me!?"
Igneel numbly turned his head back and blinked twice.
"I deserve that." Igneel said.
It was then that Igneel found himself taken into a tight hug by Lucy and Natsu. Igneel hesitantly returned their embrace.
"I'm so glad you're okay." Lucy whispered as she and Natsu pulled back.
"How…how did you find me!? Why are you here!?" Igneel said, his tone becoming a mixture of surprise and desperation.
"We're here because we are not letting you fight this on your own." Natsu said as he gripped his son's shoulders.
"As to how we got here," Makarov said, "we were given the location of this realm by an old ally of ours…and from there, all we had to do is follow the sound of fighting and the destruction you caused."
Makarov crossed his arms as the rest of the amassed mages formed a semi-circle around him and Igneel.
"Natsu is right young man," Makarov continued, "We weren't going to let you embark on a suicide mission. You are a mage of Fairy Tail…you are one of us. And as you should know, we stick together no matter what; no matter the challenge and enemy."
"We're a family," Natsu said, "We are a nakama."
"But more importantly," Lucy added in, "you're our son. And we will see this through to the end whether you want our help or not."
Igneel lowered his head and let out a frustrated sigh.
"I already made my peace," Igneel said, "I was prepared to die no matter the cost; I didn't want you all to get involved."
Igneel looked back up at his parents.
"Why can't you understand that I did this so I could protect you!?"
Lucy and Natsu gave a sympathetic smile and Lucy gently cupped Igneel's cheek with her hand.
"We know you wanted to protect us…but we're not letting you fight this alone. Igneel…we lost Lilly and we can't stand the thought of losing you…if you were to die, I don't know what I'd do." Lucy said.
"But we're here now," Natsu said, "and we're sticking with you no matter what."
"And if you go down," Makarov said, "we'll go down with you; together."
Igneel exhaled slowly throughout his nose before he slowly rose to his feet. He then looked at everyone who followed behind him.
Makarov was right. They were his family…his Guild.
He should've known they would have found a way to catch up with him, one way or another.
"There's no way I'm going to convince you otherwise is there?" Igneel asked as he rubbed the back of his neck.
He received a collective "HELL NO" as a response.
Igneel chuckled to himself before cracking his neck.
"Alright…but if we do this, you're following my lead. I know what the hell we're up against and I'll be dammed to have come this far to die now."
Igneel looked at everyone present before him one more time.
"Are you ready?"
Igneel received a collective series of nods and words of affirmation.
"Then let's go!" Igneel said as he turned on his heel and performed a wall climb in the manner he had done before. The mages followed behind him or raced up the stairs to the third level.
As soon as the mages had once again gathered, the mannequins returned.
This time in full force, not from the front…but from above.
Pools of shadow formed on the ceiling, spawning mannequin after mannequin as they dropped down to the floor or crawled down the walls in an endless wave after wave. Many were the standard mannequins that had been fought before while others were Bruisers.
"Here they come!" Igneel yelled as he made to hard light swords in his hands and intercepted a falling mannequin.
"Don't underestimate them," Igneel yelled as the fighting began, "they may be weak but they make up for it in numbers and don't get me started on the Bruisers!"
Igneel ducked from a strike and subsequently cut the attacking mannequin down.
"Watch each other's backs! If you get bogged down, don't let them swarm you!"
Makarov held out his hands, palms up and used his Light Blast spell to vaporize a group of mannequins and followed up with his Rain of Light spell to destroy another group. Lucy had Loke use his Regulus Gatling Impact spell to take down two Bruisers while Virgo used the chains wrapped around her wrists in a whip like fashion to clobber a series of mannequins.
"Knight!" Lucy called out, "Help Igneel clear a path up the stairs!"
"Yes m'lady!" The Celestial Warrior said as he cut his way to his former master.
"Yukino look out!" Sting said as he sidestepped Yukino and used his White Dragon's Claw to destroy the mannequin that was poised to attack her.
"Don't worry, I got your back." Sting said as he took Yukino's hand into his own.
It was then that the Sons spear flew passed Sting's head while the Mother leapt over Sting and landed on two other Mannequins. It wasn't long before the two mages found themselves once again encircled by Mannequins.
With her hand still holding Sting's, Yukino turned so that they were literally back to back.
"And I have yours." Yukino said as Pisces stood ready to defend their master.
As more mannequins streamed forth, the fighting intensified and the mages found themselves separated into defensive groups as they fought their hardest against the onslaught.
Erza, now in her enhanced Heaven's Wheel Armor stood with Jellal, Meredy and Kagura.
Jura stood with Chelia while Gildart's backed up Cana who in turn was protecting Porlyusica.
Wendy fought with Romeo, her need to protect her mate guiding her fighting as she and Romeo combined their wind and fire spells together. Elfman fought with his sisters while Laxus teamed up with Freed, Bickslow and Evergreen as each member worked in tandem with the other.
While Juvia stood with Gray as the two combined their enhanced powers, Levy and Gajeel found themselves in a different situation.
"Solid Script: Guard!" Levy said as she threw up a barrier before her, blocking a series of mannequins from reaching her and Gajeel.
"Hurry Gajeel!" Levy said, "My barrier can't hold them back forever!"
"I'm trying!" Gajeel said through gritted teeth as he kept his eyes clenched shut.
"C'mon concentrate…concentrate!" Gajeel thought as he tried to summon his Dragon Skin.
Saito had said the power could only be brought about through the power of concentration and will power. But then again, Saito had been trained to use the power he was born with since he was little. Gajeel had been given the power in the spur of the moment in a desperate attempt by his son to save his mother before he died.
And Gajeel would be damned if he let something like that happen again.
He could use his iron magic, sure, but he knew they were all in for the fight of their lives; any advantage they could be given would prove invaluable.
"Gajeel, they're breaking through!" Levy cried out again.
Gajeel grit his teeth. He could sense the power in the back of his mind but it refused to come forth.
"Gajeel!" Levy said as her barrier began to break.
"C'mon…c'mon…" Gajeel said.
"Don't you fail me now," Gajeel thought, "don't tell me my son gave this power to me for nothing!"
And then, as if the thought of Saito had called the Dragon Skin forth, Gajeel felt the runes on his body begin to course with power. And before he knew it, his body was covered in his son's signature, jet black armor.
"Alright!" Gajeel yelled triumphantly.
"Levy, get down!"
Levy didn't waste time. As soon as she heard her mate's words, she dropped to the floor as her barrier shattered.
As if guided by an unseen hand…or the ghost of his son, Gajeel formed two arm blades that sprung forth over the tops of his hands and charged the mannequins.
The mannequins own arm based weapons struck Gajeel but did nothing to the Dragon Skin clad mage. Gajeel let out an amused cackle as he cut the mannequins to ribbons.
With the threat dispatched for the time being, Gajeel helped Levy stand up before taking a defensive stance in front of her.
"Don't leave my side shrimp," Gajeel said, "I'll handle these things."
Levy smiled as she rested her hands on Gajeel's back, a small smile on her face.
"I don't intend to." Levy replied to Gajeel.
And while all the various fought, bled and defended each other from the mannequin horde, Igneel, Natsu, Lucy, Makarov and the celestial spirits pushed forth to the upper levels.
"These fucking things keep coming!" Natsu raged as he used his Fire Dragon's Claw attack to take down a Bruiser only to see it replaced by a cluster of mannequins.
"How many of the damn things are there!?"
"As many a Higurashi wants!" Igneel said.
"How can we stop them!?" Lucy asked as both Loke and Virgo dispatched a mannequin that got too close to Lucy for comfort.
"By taking her down." Igneel hissed.
They were almost at the top which meant they were getting closer to Higurashi. The mannequins were putting up an even fiercer resistance so that had to mean something.
A wave of mannequins surged forth and crashed into the group, nearly taking them down had it not been for Makarov and Knight who used their shields to take the brunt of the attack. Makarov and Igneel created two concentrated beams of light and blasted the mannequins to pieces, creating an opening.
"Go ahead, I'll stay here and hold 'em off." Makarov said as he formed a shield of light in one hand while charging up a ball of light in the other.
"Don't wear yourself out old man." Igneel said before anyone could argue the Guild masters statement.
As Igneel ran up the nearby stairs, Lucy looked from her son to Makarov.
"Are you sure?" Lucy asked.
"I am; now go!" Makarov said as more mannequins appeared.
Natsu grabbed Lucy's wrist and pulled her with him as he followed Igneel.
"He'll be fine, we have to go with Igneel!" Natsu said.
Lucy could only nod in a worried manner but knew she had no other option.
They were at the top now; the final level where the hallway Igneel had spotted earlier led further to the center of the castle. It was long but not too long that the end couldn't be seen. From there a flight of stairs led to who knows where.
Before Igneel or the others could cross forth into the hallway, four Bruisers landed in front of them as they fell from the ceiling. Crawling out of their craters, the shadow creatures lumbered forth, poised to attack.
And the mages knew they would keep in coming until Higurashi was stopped.
"Igneel," Natsu said, not looking at his son, "go after Higurashi, we'll handle things here."
Igneel paused slightly before looking at Natsu.
"Are you sure?" Igneel asked.
Natsu gave his trademark grin as he cracked his knuckles.
"Don't worry about us, we can handle these freaks." Natsu said.
Igneel looked from his father to Lucy, Loke, Virgo and Knight.
"Go," Lucy said with a confident smile, "We'll be right behind you."
Igneel nodded, taking his mother's words as his signal to go on. Turning back to the Bruisers, Igneel ran forth and leapt up and over the fist Bruiser to cross his path. Performing a quick somersault, Igneel rolled forward onto the floor before snapping up into a full on sprint.
"I'll hold you to that!" Igneel called out over his shoulder.
And then Igneel disappeared down the hallway and up the stairs.
"Don't worry Igneel," Lucy said as her spirits prepared to guard her, "we won't let you down."
XXXX
Igneel triple timed it up the second set of stairs he came across.
With each step he felt he was getting closer to his ultimate goal.
Still, the amount of stairs he had to cross was starting to irritate him in all the wrong ways.
"How many damn stairs are there in this godforsaken place?" Igneel bit out.
"This is getting really old."
Igneel's question was answered when he reached the top of the stairs. He came upon a large landing and at the end of it was an open space like that dedicated to some form of elevator.
"Nowhere but up." Igneel mused.
A soft hum suddenly caught Igneel's attention and he saw a light shadow descending closer. The lift was coming down at a steady rate. Igneel faced the descending lift…only to see that the lift wasn't empty.
The lift was of an open, platform design and appeared that it could hold a large amount of passengers.
But those features went unnoticed by Igneel.
His attention was immediately drawn to a dark purple sphere hovering just a foot off the lift. The sphere was rapidly crackling with energy as a high pitched whine was emitted from the sphere.
Igneel instantly knew what the ting was; it was a shadow bomb.
At least, a severely scaled down version of the one that had destroyed Magnolia Town.
And it was primed to blow.
Igneel was in the process of throwing up a hard light shield when the bomb detonated in a brilliant flash of light and deafening roar of thunder.
XXXX
The floor shook beneath Natsu and Lucy's feet as the two mages brought down the final Bruiser that had impeded their progress.
"What the hell?" Natsu said as the vibrations increased in intensity before the sound of a massive explosion reached his ears.
And from the sound of it…it was close to where…
"Igneel!" Natsu whispered in panic and concern.
…to where Igneel was.
XXXX
As the dust settled, the last remnants of the shadow bomb disappeared revealing a swath of destruction in its place. The lift, although covered in scorch marks, was still intact. The rest of the area was gutted by the blast.
Stone had been dislodged and upturned and large cracks had split open in the walls.
At the base of the second flight of stairs was a large pile of rubble. Now, normally this would be a typical sight in the presence of such destruction.
That is, until a low groan was emitted from the rubble. A large chunk of stone began to shake before it was shoved forward and away from the pile. And from within the pile, Igneel crawled out.
He was covered in dirt and had a nasty cut on his forehead. His armor was scorched, battered and barely clinging to the main vest which was in even worse shape.
Igneel let out a series of dry coughs as he paused on his hands and knees.
"That," Igneel said with a cough, "was uncalled for."
Igneel touched his hand to his head and felt the cut on his forehead. It wasn't deep but it was bleeding at a steady rate. Igneel noticed Lilly's bandanna was missing from his forehead and left eye. Quickly looking around for the piece of cloth, Igneel knew the chance of finding it were nonexistent.
Not after that explosion.
"Damn." Igneel muttered before sighing in resignation.
Igneel stood, albeit shakily on his feet before he winced and hissed in pain. Igneel quickly clutched his side as his right shoulder and forearm guard fell off and clattered to the floor.
"Armor's shredded." Igneel hissed as he took stock of his situation.
His armor was damaged beyond repair. Although he had managed to form a light shield, the protective barrier could only do so much to stop the blast. Regardless, the armor had done what it had been designed to do…and that was keep him in one piece.
Still, the damage had been done.
Igneel reached beneath his left armpit and quickly found the emergency release tab for his armor. Pulling it, Igneel watched as his left shoulder and forearm guards fell away before being followed by his vest. His face mask, which was shattered on the one side, pulled back before falling away. Last to break away was his leg armor; first the thigh rig and then his shin guards.
Igneel winced again, still clutching his side which hurt like hell.
One or two of his ribs must have been bruised.
Igneel slowly began to apply a healing spell to his side if only to numb the pain. He didn't have time to properly mend the wound.
Walking back up the stairs one at a time, each step punctuated by a grunt until the pain was numbed. Igneel crossed the landing and stepped onto the lift pad. The lift sank down slightly before rising once more back the way it came.
Igneel stood with his back turned away from the opposite end of the lift as he slowly began to calm his breathing.
His heart was pounding in his ears and he could fell the warmth of his blood flow through the veins in his wrists.
He was close now.
He was close to confronting Higurashi.
He had no allusions as to what was to come. He would kill Higurashi or she would kill him.
It was a classic example of winner take all…and the prize was the future.
The lift finally reached the top of the castle and Igneel found himself outside the main building. Looking down, Igneel saw that he was several levels above the main building.
Looking out, Igneel couldn't help but smile. The view was amazing; he could see for miles and miles throughout the realm. A gentle breeze pulled at his hair and cooled his skin against the warmth of the suns. Igneel closed his eyes and took in deep breathe, reveling in the sensations.
But, sadly, his moment of tranquility had to come to an end. Igneel opened his eyes with a renewed determination glowing in his emerald green irises. His smile faded and settled into a firm line.
Turning on his heel, Igneel stepped off the lift, letting it descend back down before he walked up a small set of steps which led to amphitheater like depression. At the center of the depression, Igneel saw a solitary sarcophagus. Although it was dormant, Igneel got the feeling that whatever resided in there was somehow looking back at him.
But…something was off.
Igneel knew the light he had seen reaching into the sky had come from this spot.
But now it was gone.
Igneel tensed; that could mean only one thing…
"So…you've come after all, boy." Aya Higurashi said as she materialized from a pool of shadow that formed from behind the sarcophagus. Aya walked forward at a languid pace as she gently caressed the polished stone of the coffin.
"You are stronger than before…you are standing here after all." Aya said as pulled her hand up sharply, clasping her fingers shut.
"But I wonder how strong."
Aya's sharp blue eyes met Igneel's determined green.
"The final barrier has been destroyed. The Keeper's power is mine to command. Can't you see? You've lost."
Aya's eyes began to glow as cruel smile formed on her lips.
"But still, you stand here, determined to fight against the inevitable."
"I haven't lost yet Higurashi. So long as I breathe, I still have a chance of taking you down."
Aya chuckled darkly.
"You make it sound like you were destined to do this…when in reality you were destined to die."
Igneel created a hard light sword in his hand, his fingers drumming along the grip.
"The future is not set in stone Higurashi." Igneel said, "The future is ours to make. If I have to die to make my future possible…then so be it."
Igneel pointed his sword at Aya.
"But even if I die…I'll be taking you down with me."
Aya smirked as she formed two hard shadow swords in her hands.
"Confident aren't we? Very well…come Igneel Dragneel." Aya said as she flexed her wrists back, swords pointed behind her.
"Come and show me…WHAT YOU'RE MADE OF!" Aya said in a tone of absolute delight as she and Igneel charged one another.
The final battle for the future had begun…
…But only one would stand tall.
XXXX
A/N: So there you have it folks! This took me a little longer than I had hoped but I was satisfied with what I did for this chapter. Not as long as the others but it's packed full of content.
So, next time will be the penultimate chapter; the fight you have all been waiting for-Igneel vs Aya!
I will get to work on it as soon as I can; hopefully it won't take me as long to write as the last few chapters.
Next time; Chapter 22: Endgame
As per usual, if you guys have any comments or questions, please put it in your review and I'll make sure to respond to you in the next chapter.
Once again; thank you for your patience.
Until next time; read, review and most importantly of all, HAPPY READING! WE'RE ALMOST DONE PEOPLE; ONLY TWO MORE TO GO!