Dragon Slayer
Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy tail
"Speaking"
'Thoughts'
Last time
"You've matured quite well Natsu, good looking too" she whispered to herself licking her lips "you'll be a great pet one day, but until that day keep on getting stronger".
Meanwhile on Galuna Island a lone figure stood in front of the Demon incased in a sphere as it slowly regenerates.
"We'll see how well you all perform against a fully regenerated Deliora as this is more entertaining than playing servant to a fool"
CHAPTER 6: Facing off with a demon
Gray by all means wasn't having a great day as he trudged through the path towards the village carrying a unconscious Natsu over his back while dragging Erza's cart filled with all of her belongings which in her case is a lot coupled with Lucy, the woman whose name is Ultear who bears a uncanny resemblance to her deceased master, and finally his and Natsu's luggage. He was tired, no scratch that he's worn out and close to exhaustion. He stopped and unceremoniously dropped Natsu causing him to groan but still remained unconscious as he took a lungful of air and sat on a large tree root protruding from the ground.
"Why…did… you… crawl… to Erza's side of the bed?" Gray asked as he looked down on Natsu's current state. Natsu's covered with bruises and one swollen lump on his cheeks courtesy of an early morning beating from Erza herself as he lightly kicked the unconscious Natsu before looking up and almost giving him a heart attack as Erza is standing a few feet from him tapping her foot impatiently.
"What's the holdup?" She asked with a little edge in her voice causing Gray to shrink in his spot and mutter a weak 'I'm tired'. She looked at Gray's haggard form and the still bruised and unconscious Natsu and decides to stop and rest.
"Thanks… what's in those bags anyway?" Gray asked wondering if she carries all her extra armor around inside those luggage's.
"These?" Erza asked pointing to her cart filled with luggage's "food" was her short reply as Gray gave her a 'Are you Joking?' look. She grabs one heavy looking steel suitcase and placed it in the middle of their camp. She sat in front of the suitcase it and slowly opened it causing smoke to seep through as a blinding light engulf the area hiding its contents. As the lights faded Erza handed him a slice of cheesecake as well as giving the others a piece.
"Eat" Erza said as she sat beside Natsu and started to eat her favorite addiction besides gambling.
Gray just looked at the suitcase in the middle and to his surprise it wasn't just a suitcase. It was a mini fridge as he could see two more of the different kind of sweets their eating and just stared at Erza as realization struck him.
"uhm… Erza" she looks at him expectantly "does every single one of those bags there contains sweets?"
"Yes" as everyone gawked at her while Happy was just listening nibbling on a fish he got out of nowhere "BUT… Some of them contain ingredients for cooking"
'What is it with women and their sweets?' Gray thought as he wondered how Erza could consume all that as just thinking about it makes him sick.
"Hey what did Natsu do anyway?" Lucy asked as she never really knew why Natsu went flying past her and landing outside of the ship onto the beach.
"Ask Erza" Gray replied as he clearly remembered her threat earlier the day. 'She may have forced me to keep it a secret but, it doesn't mean she can't tell it herself' Gray thought as they all looked at her expectantly.
Erza glared at Gray before clearing her throat as she recollects the events that lead to Natsu being unconscious on the side.
FLASHBACK
Erza's Dream
Erza is sleeping in the bed in the captain's quarters with Natsu sharing the same bed as hers though there was a wall of pillows between them separating them from each other. Erza is half asleep when she felt movement from Natsu's side of the bed and heard him walk away towards the bathroom. Sensing his return Erza rolled to her side facing away from Natsu quickly feigning sleep as she felt the bed shift at his returned.
"You know, You're not good at lying" Natsu whispered in her ear his warm breath sending shivers down her spine causing her eyes to open wide and looked up at Natsu propped on his elbow with a knowing smirk on his face causing Erza to blush.
"What?" Erza asked trying to sound annoyed but the blush on her cheeks denied her of any annoyance she's trying to show. While Natsu just looked at her with his smirk still in place as he reached to her face and removed a stray lock on her flustered face causing her to blush like a radioactive tomato.
"Stop that!" she ordered as she swiped away his hand and rolled to the side facing away from him as she tries to control her rapidly beating heart and the dirty thoughts that running through her head. Too occupied in her own thoughts and she didn't notice Natsu climb over the wall made out of pillows until he straddled her waist and pinned both of her shoulders as she stared deep into his eyes not noticing the mischievous glint in them.
Outside Erza's Dream, Due to Natsu being a rowdy sleeper. He manages to roll over the wall of pillows over to Erza's side of the bed pinning the sleeping knight under him.
"What are you doing Natsu?" Erza asked as she looked away after noticing the mischievous glint in his eyes.
"I'm just helping my beloved knight relieve some of her pent up tension" Natsu said as he nuzzled her neck and gently sucking on her earlobe causing her to release a pleasurable whimper at the sensuous gesture. She started rubbing her thighs together which didn't go unnoticed by Natsu as he deliberately placed his knee between her thighs and pressed it against her sex making her freeze at his touch.
Meanwhile outside Erza's Dream. Natsu was having a hard time adjusting to his human bed which would occasionally move as he tried looking for a comfortable place to sleep at the same time his leg slipped in between the sleeping knights thighs pressed against her sex.
"Please stop" she asked him still not facing him as her resolve might crumble if she looked him again in the eye. Deep down she wanted this but two things stopped her from taking action. One somebody might hear them as she won't be able to bear the embarrassment and finally the whole act itself was unknown to her and that fear got to her.
Meanwhile Natsu enjoyed seeing the apprehension in the always straight forward knight. It was a remarkable sight to see, He also noticed her new choice in sleeping wear, gone was her cotton pajamas replaced with a black silk nightgown that stops just above her knees showing off her smooth porcelain skin.
"I like your new look Erza, but isn't this kind of too revealing?" Natsu said still smiling patiently, confident at the fact that he already has her. Erza stared at him wide eyed as she covered her more than sizeable chest from Natsu as he just grinned at her, it angered her that Natsu was easily having his way with her as she began to struggle from his hold so she could beat the crap out of him for making her feel this vulnerable.
Fearing imminent bodily harm he captured her lips in a searing kiss causing her eyes to widen before she completely succumb to his kiss. She was in heaven as she allowed Natsu to dominate their kiss as he expertly explored her mouth tasting every bit of her, her lungs were burning, the need to breathe was being overruled by the intense lip lock they're in, she didn't paid attention when Natsu took hold of both of her hands and raised them above her head as Natsu deepened the kiss until she heard a small click of something locking into place. Natsu sat up as he took a lungful of air grinning over the flustered knight who tried to reach him to continue their kiss only to feel the cold steel that surrounded her wrist, looking up she realized that Natsu just cuffed her into the bed.
"What the hell are you doing? Let me go Natsu" she hissed. She was pissed, one moment she was having a very heated make out session with the object of her desires and then cuffs her on the bed next, she tried to rein in on her temper as to not wake up the others but seeing that smug look on Natsu's face just irritates her to no end.
"Sorry about this Erza, but that's just the reason I have to restrain you" he said apologetically trying to calm the slowly building storm that is Erza.
Baffled at his response she asked him why and the only reply she got was 'an experiment'. She struggled again. He kissed her again and slowly succumbs to his advances. Natsu sensing that she has calmed down as she eagerly reciprocated the kiss; he cupped her left breast almost like weighing it amazed by its firmness and size as his hand couldn't contain it. Erza gasped as she felt Natsu's palm against her clothed breast as he slowly kneads the fleshy globe in his hands making her moan into the kiss enjoying the feeling of Natsu's palm against her breast. Feeling a little bolder Natsu moved his hand a little higher and found what he was looking for, the harden nub at the peak of Erza's breast pinching it and giving a sharp tug with his thumb and forefinger causing Erza to gasped and arch her back, her wrist straining from her cuffs, pressing her body towards Natsu ending their lip lock as he stared at the beautiful knight beneath him panting with a look of desire deep within her brown eyes.
"Natsu" she called to him. A thin sheen of sweat has formed over her body making her clothes cling to her body as her beautiful scarlet hair clings to her face. Her body felt hot almost feverish and the heat that's coming out from Natsu adding more fuel to the fire as she continued to stare at Natsu who by now is atop her supporting his weight by his arms as he continues to admire her.
"Erza…" Natsu replied with longing as he quickly initiated a kiss that slowly deepens as their tongues enter the fore as he begins to fondle her left breast generating appreciative moans from Erza. As their lips parted a thin stream of saliva connected them before Natsu gave her a quick peck on the lips as he started trailing kisses from her chin to her jaw line as he suck and nibble on her earlobe before stopping at her neck where he bit her to see two dots that could easily be missed if one would not look closely, he kissed it before placing his lips sucking on the spot causing Erza bite her lower lip to stop the pleasurable moan that would try to escape as she writhed in pleasure. After leaving his mark he continued kissing her neck to her collarbone down the valley of her breast before returning to her lips.
After their lips parted he removed the cuffs binding Erza to the bed post. He saw some red marks on her wrist caused by the steel cuffs and felt bad about restraining her to the bed. So he kissed her wrist were the marks are before claiming her lips again as she encircled her arms around Natsu deepening their kiss. After a while Erza felt her clothes become a hindrance as she started to remove her gown. Natsu noticed this and he got off her and sat beside her. She removed her only piece of clothing showing her bra clad chest until it too came off showing of her impressive breast before crossing her arms to hide them as embarrassment struck her. She looked at Natsu who easily resembles a fish out of water as he just stared at her and made her giggle and making her forget her embarrassment.
"Like what you see?" she asked as she crossed her arms under her breast making them more pronounce. Natsu could only nod and swallowed the lump that formed in his throat making her giggle and making her breast jiggle giving Natsu a very powerful nosebleed as his eyes drank in the sight before him. After recovering from his nosebleed he looked at Erza again from her marvelous breast to her collarbone, her red lips until he met her eyes as they entered an uncomfortable silence. Erza was gonna ask what's wrong before Natsu with the speed of a jungle cat pounced Erza capturing her lips.
Meanwhile Gray was walking towards Erza and Natsu's room as Lucy asked him to get the two and seeing that he has nothing better to do he obliged.
'Ultear… she really resembles my master, I clearly remember Master mentioning that she once had a child. She never really talks about her past so I can't really confirm my suspicions. I guess I'll just have to do a little investi…' Gray snapped out his musings when he heard a strange noise coming from Erza and Natsu's room.
"N-Natsu" Erza moaned out. Gray's eyes almost popped out of their sockets as he heard Erza moan out Natsu's name.
"Be quiet" was Natsu's muffled reply.
"What the hell! Those two are already doing the deed. Damn… I didn't know he's that desperate to get laid to do it with Erza" he heard Erza moan again "I guess Erza loves it too based on those sound she's making" Erza moaned again "I guess she does" Gray a little irked that an idiot like Natsu got laid before he does and decided to spoil their fornication.
"Hey, Natsu!" Gray shouts as he slammed the door open and got a little disappointed that they're weren't doing the 'deed'.
Erza shot up her sword in hand as she scanned the room for any enemies only to find Gray with just his boxers. "What the hell is that about?" Erza snapped causing Gray to flinch. She was annoyed that her dream met an abrupt end not noticing the head buried in her cleavage as she thought she was holding a pillow or something.
"Gray shut the hell up I'm trying to sleep" Natsu said before he buried his face deeper in Erza's cleavage then grabbing both of her breast and pushed them together like a pillow to muffle the noise. Erza realized that it wasn't a pillow wedge between her breasts but Natsu and she blushed not because of anger but because how cute Natsu look sleeping and comfortably wedge between her breast. She then realized that Natsu just violated her personal space and Gray was looking so left with one option.
"NATSUUU!" she roared before she grabbed a fistful of his pink locks and slammed him face first into the wooden floor and began beating him to within an inch of his life.
"What was that?" Lucy asked Ultear who shrugged as they enjoyed a nice cup of tea when she heard a frightening roar come from the captain quarters before a mop of pink hair slammed into their table, bounced off the floor, and landed on the beach as Happy flew towards Natsu and began poking him with a stick.
Seconds later a very grumpy Erza came out. Lucy wanted to ask what happened but decided that it would be very detrimental to her health if she did. So she just sat to her chair and finished what's left of her tea.
FLASHBACK END
"Well… what did Natsu do?" Lucy asked.
"He was… being inappropriate" Erza's short reply blushing as fragments of her dream ran rampant in her mind. While Lucy just stared at the blushing Erza wondering why she was blushing when she said Natsu was being inappropriate.
Ultear raised an eyebrow but said nothing; Gray gave a snort at that as Erza Glared at him. "How inappropriate… is inappropriate?" Lucy asked.
"I'm not inclined to answer that" Erza replied blushing.
'Unless Erza enjoyed it' just the thought made Lucy giggle as she realized that Erza is closet pervert.
"I always knew you liked Natsu" Happy said nodding sagely causing Erza to blush but remained calm.
"I can neither confirm nor deny it" was Erza's simple reply.
Natsu groaned in pain as he woke up from his Erza induced sleep. "I'm gonna beat the shit out of the one who attacked me in my sleep" he muttered rubbing his sore cheek then he noticed a person's shadow loom over him. Looking up he saw a very annoyed Erza and then he remembered who's fist that came raining down on his person, He shot up "You! What the hell Erza! I was sound asleep and the next thing I knew you toss me to the floor and began beating the crap out of me"
"You were being inappropriate" Erza said annoyed then blushing as she remembered her dream before her annoyed look returned
"Inappropriate? Since when does me sleeping became inappropriate" Natsu asked while Gray and Erza just sighed.
"Natsu, I knew you're a little slow, but I didn't think you're that stupid" Natsu just glared at Gray "tell me where you were sleeping last night"
"At the other side of the bed" Natsu said matter-of-factly.
"You didn't know you rolled over the other side of the bed, you're practically lying on top of Erza" Gray replied to the Dragon slayer.
"WHAT! That was Erza" Natsu asked a little shocked as Gray and Erza just nodded. "I guess that explains why Erza's scent was so strong, but still that doesn't prove that I was being inappropriate" Natsu finished crossing his arms and puffing his chest in annoyance.
"Well, what you can say about the pillows that you're using last night then" Gray asked
"Hmm... They were comfortable if you ask me they were soft yet firm, smells nice too just like...Erza" Natsu just came to a realization that they were Erza's and Gray was right based from his smug look and strangely enough Erza's blushing "don't tell me those weren't pillows" Natsu looked at Gray who just nodded smirking all the time before he slowly took a glance at Erza afraid that it would be his last but steeled himself nonetheless. Swallowing the lump on his throat he looked at Erza's blushing face?
"What the hell! Why are you blushing, didn't I just touched your chest" Natsu asked more annoyed than scared.
"yes you did, you didn't just touched them you basically groped me the whole time you were wedge between my breast" Erza said with an unreadable look causing Natsu to pale as he didn't just touched her but he basically violated her. He could only wish a quick and painless death "but... Because you were asleep and didn't know what you were doing, I'll let it slide for now... Let's go" Erza picked up the case and threw it on her cart before she walked past a stunned Natsu.
"Erza liked it" Lucy whispered to Gray who just nodded.
"Don't ever mention it to anyone, what happened here will be taken to your grave, unless Erza tells it herself, if you don't want to die a most painful death" Gray informed.
"Now I'm more terrified of Erza" Lucy said as she looked at Erza's trail
"Aye, you should be afraid, Lucy" Happy added flying past her before she followed Happy.
"Hey Natsu" Ultear asked as she nudged Natsu who snapped out of his stupor.
"Huh? What? Oh Ultear what's up?" Natsu asked as he just noticed that they left him behind.
"Where moving, let's go" Ultear said as she grabbed onto Natsu's arm and began to drag Natsu. "You should have told me that you're wild in bed, I would've made it worth your while" she told Natsu in a sultry voice.
"Uh, sure maybe next time" Natsu replied not knowing what she clearly meant.
"I'll hold you to that" Ultear replied as she began to drag Natsu.
They arrived at the village shocking the villagers clearly not expecting any visitors specially their saviors.
"Welcome back, you should have said that you were gonna visit so we could have prepared something" the village chief said as the rest of the villagers welcomed them.
"You don't have to, were here on official business from the guild, but if you could spare us some rooms" Erza asked which the villagers gladly provides. "Where's Natsu?"
"Over there" Gray pointed with his thumb.
Erza followed the direction of Gray's thumb to find Ultear coming down from Natsu's back before stumbling only for Natsu to catch her, their face's only inches apart. Erza made an audible growl and made the villagers step back before stomping towards the two.
"Sorry about that" Ultear said never moving away but instead chose to move closer much to Natsu's discomfort backing away from her advances.
"Uh, don't worry it's just an aaacc-" Natsu wasn't able to finish as he was dragged by the ear by none other than Erza "Oww, what the hell Erza" nursing his sore ear.
"Don't waste time playing lovey dovey with this woman and go get unpacked we need to wake up early" Erza retorted, jealousy seeping in her voice which Ultear didn't miss as a devious smile forms in her face.
"Sorry I didn't mean to insinuate anything, I just tripped and you can go Natsu your leader is right; we need to be early tomorrow" Ultear said accentuating the word leader which made Natsu angry.
"You're not the boss of me Erza, stop ordering me around, she's not the leader of this group I am" Natsu exploded as Ultear backed away smiling on the inside while displaying fear and confusion on the outside.
"this team might be named after you, but I'm the strongest wizard in our group, and that gives me seniority over you and if that's not enough reason for you" Erza leaned in close to Natsu "you haven't beaten me in any of our fights not even during our training" hitting a nerve Natsu whispered something which Erza didn't hear and asked him to repeat himself.
Natsu on the other hand was angry not at Erza but himself and confused at the same time as he wondered why he got angry in the first place. Natsu always challenged the strongest members of Fairy Tail because he recognize their strength and test his skills, but the most important reason is to avoid tragedies like Lisanna and Erza pretty much trampled on his resolved to become strong and protect those important to him including her. So in a matter of blind anger he said something he didn't mean. "I hate you" Natsu said almost meaning every word before brushing past Erza and ignoring Ultear's attempt of comfort.
"Hey where are you going Natsu?" Lucy asked concerned for Natsu.
"To blow off some steam, I'll be back later" Natsu said before stomping outside the village.
Erza felt like the wind was knocked out of her as Natsu said those words, he always told her that he hated her when they were kids, but she knew he didn't mean any of it and hearing him say it like he meant it made her want to cry for reason unknown to her. 'Stupid Ultear, stupid attraction, stupid emotions, stupid love', "stupid Natsu" Erza whispered to herself before bottling up her emotions and putting up her usual mask of indifference.
"Hey Erza are you all right, you know Natsu didn't mean that" Gray said even though they fight a lot he and Natsu always had each other's back.
"I know his just being a kid, don't worry about me I'm fine, let's go to our rooms to unpack we have a long day tomorrow" Erza said before leaving Gray behind.
'This is quite interesting' Ultear thought as she followed behind slowly faking a sprained leg.
Time passed and still there are no signs of Natsu returning which made Erza and the others worry even more so Erza as thoughts of what if's started to run in her head and it only made worst when his still not back even when everyone has turned in and she decided to go and look for him. After walking for a while she clearly pick up the smell of burnt trees and sure enough she found Natsu lying down on a giant tree stump. Thinking he was asleep she approached the spot carefully as to not wake Natsu.
"What are you doing out this late at night Erza?" Natsu spoke startling Erza.
"I could say the same to you" Erza replied as she sat beside Natsu who sat up but never took a glance at her and instead just looked up at the stars as they sat in relative silence. Erza fearing the worst was about to start a conversation but Natsu beat her to it.
"I'm sorry" Natsu said out of the blue startling Erza.
"Huh? What?" Erza asked
"I'm sorry about earlier, I didn't mean what I said about me hating you, I guess, I don't know, gahh, I forgot what I was sorry for in the first place, just sorry ok" Natsu said out of breath making Erza laugh releasing all of her fears all at once "what, is it something I said" Natsu asked annoyed he just apologized and she just laughs.
Erza noticed Natsu facing away but stopped him by grabbing his arm "I'm sorry. It's just, I'm happy that's all and I'm sorry too Natsu" Erza apologized as she sighed happily and accidentally leaned on Natsu's shoulder stunning Natsu but found it strangely comfortable. Erza noticed her current position and tried to move back but Natsu put her arm around Erza making her blush.
Natsu wrapped his scarf around Erza "you must be cold" Natsu said while blushing and looking away. Erza blushed and wrapped it around herself tighter enjoying Natsu scent.
"Thanks" Erza replied snuggling closer to Natsu she could have re-equipped to something warmer but who's complaining, not her that's for sure.
"yeah, yeah don't mention it" Natsu said trying to sound cool but the light pink on his cheeks ruined it and they settled at another comfortable silence.
"Hey Natsu"
"Yeah"
Erza swallowed the lump forming on her throat "do you like... Ultear" she asked fearing his answer but her not knowing is worse.
"Ultear? Why don't you like her" Natsu asked as he began to run his fingers along her silky strands enjoying the feel of it.
Erza sighed contently 'doing this with Natsu, it feels like were real lovers, I could stay like this forever' she thought but realized Natsu asked a question "No, I don't like her" she replied some of her irritation seeping in her voice.
"Well that makes the two of us, she really looks pretentious to me, and very clingy too" Natsu said
Erza sighed, she really thought he liked her "too clingy huh, why, don't you like it when women cling to you" Erza teased
"nah, I don't really know what I like about women, but if I were to choose I'd still prefer the women in our guild, like you and Mirajane for example" Natsu replied honestly which made Erza blush but a little bothered that Mirajane was included.
"You know"
"What"
"being with you liked this, it feels like were lovers" Erza teased as she pressed his arms between her sizeable breast making Natsu stare in disbelief before standing up and backing away from her and he started sputtering making Erza giggle. "Hey calm down, I'm just joking, besides who would want to date an idiot like you"
Natsu stopped sputtering taking offense in the idiot comment "well, at least Mirajane appreciates an idiot like me" as he stuck his tongue out to Erza.
"Who said I didn't appreciate you?" Erza replied arching an eyebrow making Natsu gawk at her before she giggled and went up to Natsu, grabbed his hand before dragging him back to the village.
"Let's go back lover boy, we still have a long fight ahead of us tomorrow" Erza said back as Natsu just smiled. He really could get used to this as they happily walked back.
Meanwhile a figure hidden in the shadows snarled at the scene.
"Enjoy your little time with my Dragon Slayer, tomorrow might be your last" before fading out of existence.
"Hey Ultear, what are you doing up so late?" Lucy asked as she wiped the sleep off her eyes.
Ultear dispersed the orb "nothing just looking if the weather would be fine, that's all" she replied which Lucy accepted due to her sleep addled mind as they went to sleep.
The next day leaving early towards the same shrine were they first fought and defeated Deliora making small talk along the way as the others asked noticing the two seemed closer if the fact the two are walking ahead of the group at the same pace and just few inches apart.
"So what time did you returned Natsu" Gray asked
"Don't know" Natsu replied
"So why are you two acting lovey dovey, did you two did it last night?" Happy asked as they immediately jumped away from each other sputtering nonsense as Lucy and Gray just looked at each other and immediately knew something was up with the two but left it at that.
Arriving at the temple they heard a piercing roar as the temple was wrapped in a explosion as a giant sphere floated from the ruins before shattering as the colossal form of Deliora landed before aiming it's fist towards Natsu and the others.
"everyone prepare yourself" Erza said as she re-equipped to her heavens wheel armor flying away, Happy grabbed Lucy flying her away while Natsu used his flames to increase his leap while Gray created a ice pillar to propel him up as Deliora's fist slammed at their current location. Landing a few feet away Erza immediately began barking orders
"Lucy go and distract Deliora with Sagittarius, while we destroy Deliora" Erza ordered as Lucy summoned Sagittarius.
"Sagittarius were in charge of distracting that monster, if you can't get away fast enough return to the spirit world immediately I'll recall you after that" Lucy ordered which Sagittarius immediately complied.
Sagittarius began his assault launching arrow after arrow while moving quickly gaining Deliora's attention as it opened its jaw to fire off an energy beam before a flame propelled somersault kick from a Happy guided Natsu shuts it's mouth close stopping the attack while Gray began to encase its feet with ice, giving Erza enough time to use her Circle of Swords attack as hundred of bladed weapons rained upon the Demon destroying everything within its range and covering it with a cloud of dust.
"Is it over?" Lucy asked as she stood by Sagittarius and the others, until another deafening roar was released as a yellow light was visible behind the dust. Natsu, Gray, and Erza immediately went into action as the energy beam was fired off from its jaw clearing the cloud of dust revealing it unscathed. Gray immediately Erected a wall of ice blocking the attack for a few seconds before it shattered just in time as Natsu released his Fire Dragon's Roar blocking the attack yet again as Erza used the delay to recall the weapons she used preparing for another attack, and as Natsu stopped his attack was the same time Erza released another Circle of Swords that collided with Deliora's attack creating an explosion and another cloud of smoke.
"Well that's it for my Heaven Wheels armor, I've exhausted all of my available weapons" Erza said as she re-equipped to her now second strongest armor the Purgatory armor.
"So they don't go back to that storage thingy" Natsu asked as he wiped the sweat on his brow.
"Yes, once their destroyed I need to replace them" Erza explained as they regrouped.
Meanwhile a female figure was watching from a far in her hand was a orb inside was a fragment of the demon. "I guess they really are the strongest team in Fairy Tail to be able to fight toe to toe against my puppet" she said amused "but a building is only as strong as its foundation, and that foundation is you Titania, so you've got to go"
Team Natsu's short break was quickly ended as Deliora's massive fist emerged from the smoke as they immediately began to scramble. Deliora followed up its attack and fired off another energy beam this time clearly aiming it at Erza who was caught off guard as she braced herself catching the full brunt of the attack shocking everyone as Erza carried by the attack until it hit a rock formation creating a massive explosion.
"Oh my god, Erza" Lucy gasped
"Erza" Gray and Happy screamed at the same time.
Meanwhile the female was laughing at how easily she disposed of Erza. "I guess Jellal overestimated your abilities, I always knew that fools faith in you is misguided, don't worry my little Dragon Slayer I'll make sure you live"
"No, Erza..." Natsu looked at where Erza is supposed to be as anger washed over him before taking a deep calming breath. "Lucy... I want you to go and check Erza and can you call Taurus, I'll need his help" Lucy hesitated for a moment before complying.
"Okay Natsu, thanks for the help Sagittarius" the Archer spirit saluted before vanishing as Lucy summoned Taurus.
"What can I do for you Miss Lucy, and you're as beautiful as always Miss Lucy" Taurus gushed with hearts in its eyes.
"Thanks Taurus, but were in a tight spot and I need you to go to Natsu and help in any way you can" Lucy ordered
Taurus scanned the area to see a towering beast a few meters away that seems to be waiting for something and the damaged to the area as a large section of the forest became a wide clearing "I see Miss Lucy, I'll do my best" as Lucy began to go check on Erza.
"Make me proud Taurus, I'm counting on you" Lucy shouted back as Taurus held himself from gushing out and just nodded.
"So what's the plan?" Gray asked ripping his ruined shirt.
"I'll fight it one on one" Natsu said simply as Gray grabbed his vest pulling Natsu close to his person in anger.
"what do you mean one on one, didn't you see how it easily took out Erza, I won't allow it, you stopped me from using the Iced Shell so I could live so you could fight a losing battle and die" Gray seethed as Natsu brushed Gray's hand off before taking a stand.
"I won't die Gray I'll just buy enough us enough time till Erza's back... Besides I'm the only one in our group that could replenish his magic"
"Yeah, you can replenish your magic but that doesn't include healing your injuries" Gray snapped back
"Yeah, yeah I know but it's the only way" Natsu replied.
Gray seeing the determination in his rival and friend just sighed "fine, but don't blame if you die and Erza revives you so she could kill you personally because of your stupidity "as Natsu just grinned" so what you want me to do?" Gray asked as Taurus arrived.
"I want you two to create a gap" Natsu replied
"Why?" both Gray and Taurus asked
"I'm gonna bring hell on earth" Natsu replied grinning as realization dawned on Gray.
"You're crazy you know that, fine, how far?" Gray asked
"A mile and a half" Natsu replied
"fine, you Taurus I want you to run a mile and a half opposite of my direction, once your there I want you to start creating a 20 meter gap that should be enough to stop the fires from spreading and don't stop till you reach the half way point understand" Gray instructed as Taurus nodded "don't die on us Natsu" was Grays parting words before they began their run towards their destinations.
Gray ran as fast as his feet could carry him as every delay could mean Natsu's life after a few minutes a reaching his destination he immediately created a ice pillar as he rode it to the treetops to see if Taurus has arrived. Luckily for him he did and began tearing the trees running from his left as he also noticed Natsu and Deliora in the middle fighting. He quickly descended from his post and faced his right opposite Taurus's direction as he used his Ice bridge against the trees freezing them to their core before shattering to pieces as he continued his assault on the plant life and after half an hour he blasted to the last set of trees revealing were Taurus started at the same time Happy arrived.
"Is Taurus done Happy?" Gray asked while catching his breath.
"Aye, his already finished his part" Happy reported
"Erza?"
"She's hurt pretty bad Gray but Lucy's bandaging her up" Happy reported
"Could she still fight?" Gray asked.
"I don't know Gray, she's still unconscious and Lucy asked Taurus to carry Erza to a safer place" Happy replied sadly "you need to get out of here this place is going to be an inferno" and just as Happy said a loud roar was heard and a sudden increase in temperature, looking up they saw the source of the sudden rise in temperature, up in the air was Natsu using his Fire Dragon's Roar on a massive scale as he spun around bathing the trees around Deliora in flames which quickly spreads to the remaining trees.
"Let's go Happy take me to where Erza and the others are" Gray asked Happy
"Aye" Happy replied as he guided Gray to the others.
Just as Gray and Taurus left Happy landed beside Natsu.
"What do you want me to do Natsu?" Happy asked
"fly up in the air and see those two's progress and tell me so I can begin" Natsu said cracking his knuckles as Deliora deliberately ignored Natsu and began walking away towards the village, he quickly jumped ahead of Deliora, jumping upward and delivering a powerful flame propelled kick to Deliora causing the monster to stagger backwards.
"Where do you think you're going?" Natsu grinned before a massive backhand collided against Natsu sending him back to the ground, coughing up some blood he stood up and charged again, as he used his Fire Dragon's Iron Fist on Deliora's left leg causing it to fall on one knee as it used its huge arm to swipe Natsu away only for him to jump on it and use as a ramp as he deliver another flaming kick to the back of its head sending it to its arm and knees making it roar in annoyance as it tried to stand up again, Natsu propelled himself up in the air until reaching the highest point possible before descending back using the his momentum to increase the amount of damage he would inflict. Rearing his head back, puffing his cheeks releasing a massive torrent of flame slamming on the back of Deliora forcing the Demon down stopping it from standing up covering it in flames as it roars in pain. Releasing his attack Natsu saw the severely burnt back of Deliora smiling at his handiwork.
"that was easier than I thought" Natsu said while falling back to the ground until all of the burn marks instantly healed in front of him as it began to move hitting him with another backhand sending him crashing go the ground.
"Well, I guess I have to incapacitate you my precious Salamander if I'm to destroy this worthless village" the female figure said.
"shit" Natsu dodged Deliora's fist as he collapsed to his knees clutching at his side as the impact broke two of his ribs hampering his movements as Deliora's feet slammed against him, tossing him a few feet in the air crashing into the trees until he hit a large tree, falling to the ground clutching his dislocated shoulder, coughing a large amount of blood, his fingers digging on the dirt as he sucked up the pain, using the tree as support, he stood up leaning his dislocated shoulder against the tree, he grimaced in pain as his shoulder popped back in its socket and just in time to dodge another kick from Deliora.
"I can't fight this thing toe to toe, not yet anyway, so the only option is to run" Natsu thought as he run away as fast as his aching body could take him as the for the next half an hour was spent dodging and running away from Deliora with a few close shaves until a small sign of hope flew by next to him.
"Natsu they're done, are you alright?" Happy asked concerned for his friend.
"yeah, I'm okay" Natsu forced a smile "now go to Gray and the bull guy and tell them to get as far away as possible this place is going to be an inferno"
"Aye, be safe Natsu" Happy flew away towards Gray and Taurus as Natsu lured Deliora back to the center of the forest. As he arrived he waited for Deliora and as expected it aimed a fist at his spot, jumping up and landing on its arm using it as a ramp and jumped, shooting flames from his hands caused him to spin like a top.
"Fire Dragon's Roar" Natsu roared as he used all of his remaining magic powers to increase the power of his attack as it easily enveloped a large area of the forest, after a few seconds he stopped to see almost two thirds of the forest ablaze and spreading quickly.
"Success" Natsu grinned before he was hit by a tree trunk in the air as he plummeted in the burning forest. It slowly walked towards Natsu's location and stopped and looked around to see the fire diverted to one location until a huge fireball slammed against Deliora as it staggers backwards as two more impacted against it burning of large area of its tough skin and before the burns could recover Natsu exploded out of the inferno.
"Fire Dragon's Wing Smash" as two huge flaming whips slamming on its torso making it fall backwards as a massive crack appeared before regenerating like earlier.
"so you can heal, huh?, well with all this fire in my disposal, let's see who runs out first, my magic or you healing capabilities" Natsu challenged as Deliora released a roar as if to accept the challenge as Natsu began his counterattack. At the same time Natsu began his counterattack the female controlling Deliora noticed a crack at the sphere where a fragment of Deliora is stored making her smile in amusement.
"You really are quite impressive Salamander, I just can't wait till you're mine" she gushed as she embraced herself from the thought of owning Salamander, until another sphere floated besides her making her frown.
"Ultear, so how's the resort" the familiar voice of Siegrain spoke as she put on her mask of obedience.
"Ah, yes it is quite nice here in Akane, you should have joined me, I'm sure I could find something we could do to entertain ourselves" the woman now known as Ultear enthused though disgusted at the thought.
"Sorry, but I have no time at such useless activities, so be back the day after tomorrow" Siegrain's voice disappeared.
"I still wonder why my master chose a weak minded fool like you" her rant was halted as another crack appeared on the orb as continues to expand."To think you could push my puppet to its limit, but it's time to end it"
For almost an hour as Natsu fought off Deliora toe to toe with the near infinite supply of fire he unleashed all the attacks in his arsenal, and slowly but surely he noticed the change in Deliora as it takes more time to recover as he pushed himself further as even with the near infinite source of fire his already running on steam and his injuries refused to be ignored. Blocking another punch from Deliora he stumbled backward before taking another stomach full of fire.
"Time to end this" rearing his head back and puffing his cheeks as he released another torrent of flame, crossing its colossal arms as it slowly pushed forward towards its target ignoring the burns it has acquired. Natsu realized that he needed to try something new, narrowing the funnels that he formed in his hands and the same as his mouth, the flames became a thin and concentrated beam increasing its power, Deliora persisted as it tried to reach Natsu, a few feet from grabbing its target, Deliora's hand shattered as the beam continues melting its forearms before hitting it straight in the head melting half of its face. Natsu landed on his butt as he ended his attack, looking at the unmoving form of Deliora, from his shattered hand to its disfigured face, he sighed finally able to relax at being able to defeat Deliora on his own as he stood up and began limping towards where Erza and the others are, as if a strange connection towards Erza was pointing him to the place where Lucy could have taken her.
"I just hope they're alright" Natsu murmured as he continued his walk until he was sent flying to a burning tree falling over him, before a crushing force pinned him to ground as he released a scream from the pain.
As Natsu began walking away he didn't notice its shattered hand returned, as quickly as it returned it swatted away the limping Dragon Slayer smashing him against a burning tree and pinning him with its hand. Natsu looked up to find Deliora looming over him and its melted arm and head slowly regenerating.
"What kind of ahhh" Natsu screamed in pure agony as it added more weight on its hand; Deliora roared looking down at its captive before opening its mouth as a bright light appeared. "damn it, it can't end like this, I haven't found Igneel yet, sorry gramps, everyone, Lucy, Gray, Happy, Mira... and Erza..., I just hope you can forgive me for this stupidity" Natsu looked at Deliora defiantly as the light began to grow and the next thing he knew Deliora looked away and fired off in a distance creating a huge explosion, as it continues firing all over the area until it stopped, Natsu looked around to find the fires he created extinguished leaving just small pockets left. Deliora lifted up the Dragon Slayer off the ground, crushing him inside its fist before throwing him back to the ground with such force as he recoiled from the impact. Natsu is on his hands and knees coughing up blood as he passes in and out of consciousness, he willed his body to stand up and continues to limp towards his enemy until they stood in front of each other.
"you've made a mistake in keeping me alive, I'll make sure to defeat you this time" Natsu shouted up Deliora who just looked down at him, Natsu tried to shake off the dark spots clouding his vision and the screaming pain in his body. He tried to suck in some of the remaining fire only to be knocked out of him as Deliora kicked him, as he sailed away hitting debris along the way before he stopped in the ground rolling.
"Is that all you... (Coughs) can do, Lucy hits harder than that...ahhh" Natsu taunted as he tried to get up only to receive a powerful punch. As it lifted its giant fist off the ground to find a half conscious Dragon Slayer writhing in pain, rearing its fist back to deliver another blow, as its fist was about to connect its whole arm exploded to pieces to its shoulder, Erza arrived looking at it with death written all over her face.
"I knew you'd come Erza..."Natsu muttered before succumbing into unconsciousness.
Gray arrived at a cave where Lucy is tending a badly injured Erza, bandaging her injuries.
"How is she?" Gray asked as he checked Erza back in her white sleeveless shirt and blue skirt as some blood has seeped through a fabric.
"Damn, we should have asked for some help" Gray seethed as he punched the wall in frustration.
"Hey where's Natsu? Don't tell me he stayed behind" Lucy asked worry etched over her face "why did you leave him Gray, he could die out there"
"I know damn it, but he's the only one that can fight Deliora, I will run out off my magic if the fight takes too long and I promised myself to never use the Iced Shell and even if I want to help, I can't, I won't survive inside that inferno" Gray pointed out "we just need to hope for Natsu to win and for Erza to wake up" as he sat on a rock as they waited in silence.
The three waited in the cave as they heard the explosions and the roars of Deliora, as minute seemed an eternity to the three until they heard a set of massive explosions. They looked outside to find the inferno Natsu created extinguished.
"NO!" Lucy gasped
"Lucy stay here, I'm going help Natsu" Gray said as he began to leave until a hand held his wrist, looking back to find a scared Lucy.
"Gray be careful and please bring back Natsu" Lucy whispered as she tried to put on a brave face, Gray gave her a reassuring hug.
"Yeah I'll bring his sorry ass back, now go back inside and look after Erza" Gray reassured her before he left. Just in time as Erza woke up
"Natsu!" Erza shot up before grabbing her head in pain.
"Erza, don't move too much, you'll upset your injuries" Lucy said as she supported Erza.
"How long have I been out?" Erza asked as she looked around to find Natsu.
"You were out for almost an hour and a half" Lucy replied as he noticed Erza searching for Natsu.
"Natsu, where is he?" Erza asked as a bad sense of foreboding took over her being as the reason she was woke up is the terrifying feeling of her loosing Natsu.
"Fighting Deliora" was all Lucy could say as she re-equipped to her Heaven wheels armor and flew off ignoring the pleas of Lucy and the pain all over her body, flying past Gray pushing herself to the limit, Erza saw Deliora lift its colossal fist to find a bruised and bloodied Natsu lying in a pool of his own blood.
"Natsu!" Erza called out to Natsu as she re-equipped to her Dragon Slayers armor arriving just in time to block its attack.
"I knew you'd come Erza..." was the last words Erza heard from Natsu, she glared at Deliora with pure hatred reflected by the immense heat generated by Erza, reeling it's still usable fist to strike both Titania and Salamander only to suffer the same fate as Erza swung the massive blade, the backlash from the swing enough to shatter its other arm leaving it defenseless as she fired a barrage of fireballs exploding on Deliora staggering it backwards.
"I had no reason to fight you except from the fact that we need to stop you from inflicting more pain on people, but...it became personal when you try to end the life of someone I hold dear in my heart...DIE" Erza roared as she launched both of her orbiting shields towards Deliora as a chain made out of fire appeared connecting the two, Deliora tried to swat the small objects away only to weave across its arm wrapping around it and around its massive form before embedding onto ground, Deliora tried to break free only for it to tighten its grip slowly crushing the demon in its burning grip, cracks begin to appear all over its body as it continued to thrash from its grip and as a last ditch effort opens its mouth to fire off another beam as Erza calmly held the blade vertically in front of her its tip touching the ground as a pole extended from the tip embedding it to the earth below creating an immovable shield, Deliora fired its energy beam impacting Erza's blade, stopping it in its tracks as sparks flew all over the place, as the attack died Erza and the blade is still standing unmoved from the previous assault, Erza lifted the blade as it began to glow the same time as Deliora launched another attack, Erza swings her blade diagonally as a its tip extended creating a mile long sword carving a path towards Deliora cleaving it diagonally from the waist up the same time as the chains tightened its grip ripping Deliora to pieces ending its life.
Ultear sighed in disgust as the orb with Deliora's fragment shattered "I guess my play time is up, too bad I wasn't able to kill you... Titania Erza" Ultear jump off her perch as she immediately went back to the village.
Erza immediately ran towards Natsu as her armor dissipated in flames, kneeling beside the unconscious Natsu she immediately checked his vitals to find that his still alive.
"You idiot... Why did you go on your own" Erza asked her voice cracking "you could have died...idiot, idiot, idiot..."
"I know already, so let me rest for awhile, k?" Natsu muttered "be comfortable and act like a pillow" as he buried his head inside her cleavage trying to get comfortable.
"just this once" Erza muttered as she positioned Natsu to a much more comfortable position as they sat in relative silence before Erza spoke again "you went a bit over board" as Erza looked around the area where trees used to stand now a charred wasteland.
"I had to be creative" Natsu replied without opening his eyes
"If this is what happens when you get creative, next time just stick to mindlessly blowing stuff at least they don't end as bad as this" Erza teased as Natsu just grunted in annoyance as they settled at another comfortable silence.
"I knew you'd come back, I'm glad... your alright" Natsu muttered
"Me too, I thought I lost you... Natsu" Natsu hummed a response as another silence entered. "I guess now is a good as ever" Erza took a deep calming breath "Natsu... I think I love you, I don't know a single thing about having a relationship, but... I think if we work at it we might be able to create something that would last a life time... So what do you say Natsu?"Erza took a deep breath as she finally said and the only thing left is Natsu's decision so she waited a few second "...Natsu?" until a snore erupted from the now asleep Natsu, An eerie silence enveloped the burnt wasteland as the only sound that could be heard was snoring and a rock being crushed into dust. Erza felt like squeezing the life out of Natsu as she practically poured her heart out and he sleeps on her. Erza stood up dropped Natsu on the ground and marched off passing Gray who just arrived.
"Where's Natsu?" Gray asked as Erza literally growled at him.
"That idiots over there" Erza pointed through clenched teeth where she abruptly left Natsu before marching onwards "stupid Natsu"
AN:Well here's another chapter I made this a little longer than usual since I wasn't able to update my desktop crashed and I lost 300gig worth of files and I have to rewrite the whole thing and there's work that never ends as the paperwork keeps on pilling on me won't they ever end leaving me with just an hour or so of free time. I'm already halfway done for the next chapter, R&R please till next time.
JAne
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