Dragon Slayer

by shinji01ikari

Erza is weakened against her fight from the last of the elemental four and Natsu decided to help Erza by binding her to a life long pact.

13. Chapter 13

Dragon Slayer

Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy tail

"Speaking"

'Thoughts'

"Magic"

AN: I've read a few reviews asking for a recap of the story up to the last chapter so here it goes.

During the fight against the Phantomlord guild Natsu found her in a weakened state from over using her powers, and Natsu being the nice guy that he is decided to help Erza by transferring half of his remaining magic and in turn binding her to him. After he marked her, she felt attracted to Natsu physically to the point where it invaded her in her dreams. It's also good to point out that the feeling she had for Natsu was that of a sister to her brother unlike Mirajane who has feelings for him since they were kids. Now Erza realized that she is lusting after Natsu and after pleasuring herself for the first time using Natsu to get her off made her feel guilty, but came to a decision to keep him close and learn more about the guy and try to start a real relationship with Natsu and see how it goes.

And through the time she spent together with Natsu helped her to develop romantic feelings for him and in turn reducing the lust she feels for him and it was during her time with her mother that she realized how much he cared for her and tries to forget her unrequited feelings for Jellal. She decided to confess which Natsu beats her to it with the help of Erza's mother, while asking her to keep it a secret so he could sort out the feelings he has for her and Mirajane. Another thing worth mentioning is due to the fact that Erza is trying to get Natsu's attention with the help of their new living arrangement, allowed Natsu to view the women around him in a different light especially Erza and Mirajane.

After their return from her mother's country, Natsu is then asked by Mirajane to accompany her with a mission that he accepts. During that mission Mirajane almost lost her life in the process prompting her to confess her feelings before she dies, Natsu unable to see her die and lose someone important to him caused him to mark her to save her life, and because she already has feelings for Natsu didn't have any effect on her. It was also during this mission that he found out about the mark and felt guilty for forcing her to love him. It was after that mission that he tried to push away Erza from him even if she ends up hating him, and it was during the fighting festival that Mystogan was revealed to be Jellal from Edolas which they didn't know and it didn't help the fact that he looked guilty and sad when he saw her. All the unrequited feelings she had for the azure haired man came rushing back and she was caught up in the past.

Natsu saw her meeting with Jellal and saw how happy she is deciding to leave for awhile, hoping that the time he spent away with her would push her in Jellal's direction. It only worked on the first few days until the joy of meeting Jellal once again wore off and just wanted to see Natsu and hear him say the words he has difficulty expressing. After his return and see the kiss they shared strengthened his resolve to let her go even if she doesn't want to leave.

Well I guess that's a pretty good summary of what has been happening up until the last chapter. Thank you for those who have reviewed and pointed out my mistakes as it helps me improve my writing.

Last time:

"Did you say anything?" Natsu asked hearing her whisper something. "Really?"

"Uh-huh" Mirajane nodded as she felt Natsu loom behind her.

"Are you sure?" Natsu asked again wrapping his arms around Mirajane more precisely on her sides.

"Let go of me Natsu" Mirajane ordered her voice shaky as Natsu's fingers started to run up and down her sides.

"Are you sure you didn't say anything?" Natsu asked again as she began to writhe under his hold, tickling his beautiful captive as her laughter filled the empty halls. She managed to break free from his hold and began running circles around the hall until he finally caught her with both of them falling to the floor. Fortunately for her Natsu was able to catch and break her fall. They laugh for awhile until stopped and stared at each other the distance between their faces slowly disappeared until it was just a few centimeters when the door of the guild flew open.

"Natsu! Erza's been abducted!" Lucy shouted shocking both Natsu and Mirajane.

Chapter 13: Hello and Goodbyes.

"By who?" Natsu asked removing himself from his current position as the dread in the pit of his stomach slowly grew; he didn't want to believe that he gave her away to someone that would hurt her.

"It's a man with blue hair." Lucy replied as Gray appeared seconds later followed by Juvia.

"Are you sure about this?" Natsu asked again a mixture of fear and anger in his voice.

"Yes." It was Juvia who replied as he focused his attention on the rain woman. "Juvia was walking back to Fairy Hills, when Juvia saw Erza in an alley with a blue haired man that knocked her unconscious, Juvia tried to help her but Juvia was knocked out before Juvia could do anything. Juvia is sorry."

Natsu clenched his fist in anger at his stupidity for putting Erza in danger. "I know this is a stupid question, but do you know where they could have taken her?" Natsu asked in desperation as Juvia nodded in the affirmative.

"Yes, when Juvia woke up, Juvia saw a note in Juvia's hand pointing to where they could've taken Erza." Juvia took out the note on her coat's pocket and handed it to Natsu.

The note read. 'Go to the Tower of Heaven, an hour's boat ride South of Akane Resort. I suggest you hurry Salamander if you still want to see her alive.' He didn't care about the rest of the message and how the sender knew him and based on the hand writing it was a female who left the note. He hated himself for not only lying to Erza just to push her away to a man that intends to hurt or even end her as he basically handed her to him on a silver platter.

"We have to hurry Natsu, it's been four hours since Erza's been abducted and it takes at least two hours to reach Akane!" Gray spoke as the Ice mage knew the urgency of the situation.

"We need to leave now Natsu!" Lucy added looking at the unusually quite Dragon slayer.

"Aye!" Happy chirped. "We need to save Erza!"

"Yes, Juvia will help too!" Juvia volunteered wanting to help her new friends and be useful to her beloved Gray-sama.

Natsu looked at his friends, their eyes filled with determination to help one of their own. He crumpled the note burning it and a look of determination burned beneath his eyes. "Alright, let's all meet up in the train station, and then we'll leave!" Everyone nodded and went back to their separate homes to get some needed supplies. He merely watched them leave before he turned around to see Mirajane smiling at him in understanding. "I'm sorry…"

Mirajane's smiled wavered a bit as he said those words, a word that she doesn't want to hear from him in case he chooses Erza over her. "Come on, Natsu I'll help you pack." She offered as they made their way out of the guild into the quiet streets of Magnolia and into the apartment that both Natsu and Erza calls home. She felt like she had intruded on their private domain and couldn't help but wonder how they spend their time with each other as some her insecurities ate at her. Wishing that she was the one living with Natsu, she was the one that would be the first to greet him good morning and the same one that would say goodnight and bask in his warm embrace, and simply remain at his side as long as he'll have her.

She followed Natsu to what she could assume as Erza's room and it didn't take a genius to figure out that they have been sharing the same bed. If they are doing it is anybody's guess as her eyes landed on the picture frame on the nightstand and saw the picture of Natsu, Erza, and what she could assume as Erza's mother latched rather provocatively around his arm behind her, the man named Tanaka that once visited the guild. She took the picture frame as her heart clenched at what she saw at the picture. Natsu's hand intertwined with Erza's as they are both smiling because of how happy they are around each other. Mirajane decided that Erza's apartment is the last place she'd want to be.

"I'm done, let's go, I'll walk you home before I leave." Natsu's voice brought her back to reality and gave him a smile.

They left the apartment and silently walked along the streets. Their hands laced together, grateful that no one broke the silence that enveloped them. Mirajane looked at the unusually quiet Natsu, wondering what he is thinking as the uncertainty of their relationship prey at her weaknesses and insecurities. She knew all too well that her promise to never let him go is nothing more than wishful thinking in her part to keep her fears at bay. She knew what's really important is his decision to stay with her or leave her for Erza, the first person to claim his heart as her own. She is so deep in thought that she didn't notice that they have arrived at the front door of her house.

"We're here." Natsu spoke rousing Mirajane from her musings.

She looked at him, the house behind her, and to the hand intertwined on her own. She wanted to ask him to stay and leave Erza to whatever fate has in store for her for choosing another man over Natsu, but instead she urged him to bring her back.

"I will…" Natsu replied and seemed to have been deliberating on something.

She had once again decided to step down for another woman, this time to her former rival. She decided to be happy for him even if she has to watch his happiness from afar, even if his happiness lies on someone else. "Can I go along?" she tried.

"No…" Natsu replied shaking his head. "It's my problem…"

"I see…be careful, ok." Mirajane nodded her voice cracking.

Unable to see one of the woman that held a part of his heart crying, he placed his hands on her cheeks and gently pressed his lips upon hers hoping to stop her tears. Mirajane's tears fell the moment his lips touched hers as if telling her that this'll be the last time that they'll share an intimate moment together, she wanted to be selfish and make him stay with her, tell him that the others would be enough to save and bring Erza back. Natsu pulled back and wiped away the tears from her eyes. "Are you ok Mira?"

"I, I don't think so…" she replied with a sad smile. "You should go Natsu, every second counts…"

"Mira…" Natsu began as Mirajane's worst fears are slowly realized when she saw the look in his eyes. She had already prepared herself for the countless responses that would come from him, that he loved her but he just loved Erza more, that what they had was something especial but it was Erza that held his heart, and finally he couldn't love her as much as Erza. "Trust me…ok."

Those simple words banished all of her doubts about losing him to Erza, it was a promise that he would come back and do something about their situation. That he wouldn't just leave her. It was enough to make her happy beyond words and made her jump at Natsu in joy, kissing him fiercely and pouring all the emotion she has for him. Natsu for his part was stunned at her reaction and fell on his back, luckily for him, his pack cushioned his fall. He was in pain but it was nothing knowing that Mirajane is happy.

"Come on, I'll accompany you to the station." Mirajane stated standing up from her current position and pulling Natsu upright.

"But you're already at your house." Natsu replied as she merely smiled and dragged him along. "I don't get you, Mira."

"Me too, Natsu." Mirajane chirped making him look at her curiously before shrugging his shoulders and returning her smile. "Hurry up."

The walk towards the station is still another silent affair for the two, but the sad and gloomy atmosphere earlier had disappeared and replaced with a lighter and calmer mood. Mirajane now know that he wouldn't give up on her and will wait for his return along with her rival for his affections. They arrived at the station to find that he's the only one left and they're ready to go and rescue Erza. Everyone looked at the couple and wondered when they started going out.

"What took you so long Natsu?" Gray suddenly spoke a pronounced tick mark visible on his forehead.

"I was talking to Mira, you perverted Popsicle!" Natsu snapped back glaring at the Ice mage.

"Natsu, somebody left us another note." Lucy broke through the arguing pair and handed said note to Natsu. "A man working here in the station said a man gave it to him and told him to give it to us."

Natsu took the note and read what it says. 'Don't worry too much on catching up to Titania, I've decided to help you by delaying her captors from reaching their destination.' He didn't know who this person is, but he's grateful for her help as the note carried the same female scent the first one had. "Alright, all we have to do is to catch up to them and rescue Erza!"

"Aye, we'll save Erza!" Happy announced as everyone nodded in agreement.

Natsu is about to ride the train when a hand stopped him. Looking back he saw Mirajane who pressed her lips over his as the rest of team Natsu went wide eyed at the sight, both Lucy and Juvia are blushing at the couple's display of affection. While Gray's jaw fell on the floor at the sight and Happy is merely nodding saying something along the lines that he knew this day would come.

"Come back to me, Natsu." Mirajane asked as much as she ordered him to return.

"Aye!" Natsu replied with a big toothy grin before riding on the train dragging a stunned Gray inside.

Mirajane giggled as the train left with half of Natsu's body dangling of the window from his motion sickness kicking in. She walked back to her home as thoughts of how to get Erza to agree of sharing Natsu with her buzzing inside her head.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Three hours after Erza's abduction and a two and a half hour lead from Team Natsu.

"What's with all the commotion?" Jellal asked his hood in place to hide his identity, wondering why the train stopped from moving.

"I'll look into it." Simon volunteered that tall muscular man stood up, his magic circle activating under his feet and he disappeared seconds later. After a few seconds he reappeared again. "The railroad tracks have been destroyed up to the next station.

"What happened, Nyaa?" Millianna the cat like girl asked.

"Didn't you hear?" the suit wearing block man named Wally replied. "The track was destroyed."

"Do you think some Dark guild did it?" Sho the dark skinned blonde asked holding a single playing card, inside a woman with scarlet hair bound with magic draining cuffs that held a betrayed look on her beautiful features.

"We'll just have to walk from here on out, were going to cut through the forest and go straight to Akane." Jellal spoke standing up from his seat. "That woman is never around when you need her."

The group nodded and disembarked from the train to walk the rest of the way to Akane that will take them at least two and a half hour on foot. Unbeknownst to them a female figure with an observation Lacrima is currently watching them from the shadows making sure that they have gone deep into the forest. She dropped down from her perch and walked near the railroad tracks but far enough that she wouldn't be seen.

"Now you only have half an hour lead against Salamander." She extended her hand as her magic seal appeared; the tracks that were destroyed by her own magic quickly repaired itself much to the wonder of the workers. "Now that that's done, I still have more than enough time to return to Era for the second phase of his plan."

Back at the Magic Council's base at Era Ultear couldn't keep the smile off her face after seeing Jellal and his followers walk through the forest heading to Akane giving Salamander and his friends more than enough time to catch up. Moments later Siegrain, Jellal's thought projection burst in to the room, prompting her to destroy the Lacrima on her hands.

"Is something the matter, Siegrain?" Ultear asked standing from her chair and approaches her current Master.

"Some dark guild destroyed the tracks heading to Hargeon." Siegrain replied in annoyance.

"I see should I go there and repair it then?" Ultear offered trying to contain her amusement.

"There's no need. I've decided to walk the rest of the way." Siegrain declined a confident smirk adorning his features. "Besides it will also delay those from Fairy Tail."

"If you'll excuse me then I'll take my leave." Ultear bowed and left. "Now I just need to convince the rest of the members of the magic council to fire Etherion on the Tower of Heaven."

Team Natsu less than an hour away from Erza.

The team is busy chatting among themselves about the latest gossip which is Natsu and Mirajane's relationship. More so about their recent show of affection, unable to fathom how they managed to hide their relationship not to mention keep it going due to Natsu's idiotic tendencies. The five of them huddled together at the opposite side of the carriage.

"Juiva didn't know Natsu-san and Mirajane is a couple." Juvia whispered looking at Gray for answers.

"Don't look at me." Gray replied. "I always knew that Mira liked Natsu when we were kids, but I always thought that he just amuses her. She was quite the demon when we were kids." He caught Juvia stealing glances at him with a blush dusting her pale cheeks.

"You're naked again Gray." Lucy remarked quite amazed at the Ice mage's ability to strip without leaving his spot.

"What!" Gray asked in shock.

"However, the question is. How long do you think this has been going on behind ours back?" Lucy poised the question sounding like Natsu and Mira's relationship is forbidden or illegal. "Even though I've only known him for a short time, and I'm sure his not interested in girls. Otherwise he would've have made a move on Me." the number one Celestial mage added. Not that she is tooting her own horns, but she's merely confident in her own looks like most women in Fairy Tail.

"Natsu has a thing for strong and beautiful women." Happy spoke in a lecturing tone. "And based on the previous missions we did, you weren't any help." The blue cat then listed the times they went on a mission where Natsu had to save her behind. To her credit she did defeat all her enemies on her own, it's just that Happy choose to state the times she needed help just to tease the blonde.

"Oh, shut up you stupid cat!" Lucy snapped causing Happy to snicker at the blonde.

Juvia for her part is elated to hear her Love Rival being humiliated by the blue cat, hoping that her beloved Gray-sama take a shine on her. "Why don't ask Natsu-san?"

All eyes landed on her like she's crazy and blushed not because of embarrassment but because of Gray's lack of clothes.

"Why didn't we think of that?" Gray asked rhetorically before smiling at Juvia's direction and in turn made her glare at her Love rival. Gray sat opposite of the nauseous Dragon slayer lying motionless on the bench. "Hey how long have you been going out with Mira?"

Natsu looked to his side to see Gray waiting for his reply. "A month and a half…" He replied groaning as the carriage jolted a little.

Gray and the others are stunned at the revelation. Sure a month and a half isn't that long, but for it to remain a secret from the gossip wagon around Fairy Tail it is quite an achievement. "I can't believe you managed to keep something like that a secret for that long?" Gray asked in amazement.

"Unlike you I could keep a something for long period of time…unlike you and your clothes." Natsu couldn't help the barb and flashed him a grin.

"You want to fight flame brain?" Gray snapped ready to pummel the Dragon slayer sick or not.

"Pop-Mpmm!" Natsu remark was cut by his sickness as Gray just sighed.

The rest of the group sat opposite the sick Dragon slayer having different thoughts about him. Lucy for her part is completely blown away at how obvious the two's relationship when she looked back and couldn't believe that she an aspiring novelist didn't saw the signs immediately.

'The way Natsu would smile for Mira and vice versa, the jokes that only the two of them find funny, and practically the fact that they go out on jobs alone.' Lucy thought while watching Natsu when another thought struck as she dismissed it earlier at how farfetched the idea. 'Is he going out with Erza?' the question didn't sound so farfetched now that she found out about Natsu and Mira. She recounted the times when the two would return from their training and Erza seemed to be happier than usual even though her face doesn't change from her usual stoic appearance. She appeared to be more relaxed especially around Natsu. 'Does that mean he's two timing them?' she looked thoughtfully at the sick Natsu but still gave him the benefit of the doubt.

"Natsu-san?" Juvia spoke seating beside Gray quite bashful at their current arrangement.

"?" Natsu groaned questioningly.

"Do you know where the tower is?" Juvia raised her question and everybody looked thoughtful for a moment.

All of their heads dropped down in dismay realizing they don't know where the place is. The note only said that it's an hour bout ride south of Akane which is quite a large area to cover thinking that the tower was something small and quite hard to see.

"Don't…worry about…it." Natsu mumbled as everyone looked at him. "We'll find her soon enough, just take a rest you guys."

Everyone looked at him quizzically at how thoughtful he's being, they shrugged and realized he is right and nothing would happen if they worry too much. One by one they decided to take a nap except for two people.

"Hey Natsu." Gray spoke with his eyes still closed.

"Hmm?" Natsu queried.

"Don't you find this person helping us suspicious?" Gray asked leveling him a stare.

Natsu forced himself on a sitting position with a serious expression setting on his face. "I know. I also have a feeling that I know this person from somewhere."

"What do you mean is he a friend then?" Gray wondered.

"Not really." Natsu replied scratching his cheek. "It's more of an enemy that has taken an interest on me."

"What?" Gray demanded.

"Well back at Galuna Island. I've fought that crazy guy right?" Natsu started as Gray nodded remembering a man of the same description. "You see after I defeated that guy and we return back to the town…"

"Yeah, I remember it back the way it used to be after it's destroyed." Gray cut in as Natsu nodded. "What does this have to do with that guy?"

"And you say I'm stupid." Natsu's gibe earned him a tick mark from the ice mage. "He told me that he uses a lost magic called the Arc of Time that allows him to manipulate the time around inanimate objects, or something."

Gray nodded taking in the information. "So do you think he's the one helping us?"

Natsu is about to reply when he placed his hand over his mouth and mumbled. "Time's up." Natsu's head slumped to the side as his motion sickness took over him.

Gray just shook his head and took a nap knowing that they still have at least a few hours before they reach Hargeon.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Erza silent sat on inside her jail contemplating on how much an idiot she is for not following her instincts. Wallowing in her anger and misery from another betrayal from the person she thought that came back for the better betrayed her yet again. The only silver lining to it was her feelings for the man isn't as strong when she was still a little girl, blunting some of the heartache that was sure to overwhelm her being. She looked at the hooded man in front leading the group and the only thoughts that are running on her mind is about anger and bringing the man to justice for his crimes.

FLASHBACK

Erza is briskly walking towards the train station dragging her large cart filled with her belongings, behind her Jellal wearing a frown after wasting almost an hour just waiting for her to finish packing.

"Tell me why did you do that Jellal?" Erza asked calmly.

"Because I own you." Jellal replied simply causing Titania to stop taking offense at his arrogance at claiming ownership of over her.

Erza spun from her heels and walked up to Jellal gripping his collar and bringing him face to face against Titania. "You don't own me!" she snarled.

Jellal merely placed a hand on her wrist removing her hold and taking a step back while leveling her a blank stare. "Of course I do." her eyes narrowed at the azure haired mage trying to hold off her anger. "Ever since I spared your life that day at the tower, I've own you. From the toes of your feet to the tips of your scarlet hair, I own you and merely rented you, your freedom so you could experience what life has to offer…think of it as a sign of my love for you before you leave this world." By the end of his speech his face has adopted a smirk.

Erza couldn't believe the words coming from him, and before she knew it she took a step forward and slapped the azure haired man. "What are you talking about? I thought you've change…that you've returned back to your old self, that's why we're heading to the tower to save everyone." She asked hurt that he would betray her yet again.

Jellal merely looked at her and slowly started to laugh at her confusion. "Let me tell you something Erza…" she instinctively jumped back as he began to speak his eyes obscured by his bangs. "Believe me when I tell you that I love you…" the words didn't have the same effect as last time as Erza Requips a sword to defend herself. "But sadly my dream takes precedence over you."

Jellal tried to attack Erza but before he could act the blade's edge landed on his neck. "Don't make any sudden movements. I don't want to hurt you." Her voice held a hint of sadness in them.

"Hurt me?" Jellal asked finally looking at Erza in the eye to reveal Zeref's mark. "I've already won this little battle."

It was then that Erza realized she couldn't move her arms as seconds' later snake like runes crawled from where Jellal touched her earlier and sent a powerful shock knocking her unconscious. Jellal took a step forward and lifted Erza of the ground carrying her bridal style.

"You've grown Erza." Jellal whispered and glanced to his back upon hearing an intruder.

"What have you done with Erza?" Juvia demanded standing at the opposite of the alley. "Juvia will not allow you to kidnap Erza!" "Water L-" Somebody knocked Juvia out before she could finish her spell as she collapsed on the ground.

"I'm sorry for leaving our meeting place, but we were worried." Simon explained standing behind the sleeping woman.

"It doesn't matter let's go."Jellal ordered as the tall man propped the unconscious Juvia on the wall and followed his leader.

Seconds later a woman with raven hair walked in front of Juvia, her amusement written all over her face as she dropped on one knee and placed a note on her hand before walking away. Simon used a powerful sleep magic on Juvia that would keep her asleep as long as nobody would wake her up, and apparently nobody noticed her along the alley for the following reasons.

One, the sun was already setting by the time of Erza's abduction. Two, the building where she is currently slumped over is eclipsing the sun and her usually dark clothes made her barely noticeable due to the building's shadow, and finally the place she's currently left to sleep is rarely used by the townsfolk and it was because of the fact that one of the townsfolk that used that path is Lucy who's apartment is nearby. Thus, it was Lucy who found Juvia on her way home from the guild.

Jellal and his companion Simon arrived at the Train station where the rest of his entourage is waiting. The group upon seeing their leader flocked around him having different reactions after seeing the person that they believed betrayed them for her selfish reasons. It was Sho the one that believe at Erza the most held the most grudge from the group.

"Sister…" Sho muttered looking at Titania with bitter nostalgia.

"Use your card magic and seal Erza inside it to prevent her from escaping." Jellal ordered which he gladly obeyed. "Let's go."

Everyone nodded in agreement as they all boarded the train.

FLASHBACK END

The whole trip for Erza had been a blur as she didn't even bother to listen to their conversations during their trek through the forest. They reached a cliff near the shoreline and she felt all the energy in her body leave her from the painful memories of her childhood. Her only solace is the armor she wore and the necklace that Natsu gave her that kept her painful past from picking her apart. The group took a small ship towards the place that held her painful past. The ride towards the island was uneventful but it didn't stop the sad memories from rushing back to her. They arrive at the tower and what she already knew is confirmed as she look up at the imposing structure as groups of people lined-up to greet their Master cheering for his success. It didn't take long before they reached the dungeon of the tower and much to her chagrin they left her at the same cell she inhabited when she first arrived at the tower where they left her with the knowledge that her end will start at midnight.

Meanwhile Team Natsu arrived at Hargeon Town and immediately traveled towards Akane Resort where they made a decision to spend the rest of the week after their successful rescue of Erza. They rented a boat and with the help from their unknown benefactor and Natsu's sharp sense of smell they managed to find the Tower of Heaven and decided to approach it stealthily. Upon entering the tower where they realized that they have immediately been found forcing them to wipe out most of the soldiers. After clearing the enemy soldiers Jellal greeted the group and the moment Natsu heard his voice, he shot through one of the passage ways to hunt down the man that betrayed his trust and threaten Erza's life followed by Happy.

Sho visited Erza from her cell to tell her about Natsu's arrival which made her heart soar and a smile grace her lips and came to the decision to meet with the others. She managed to distract the young man and knock him out and escape. Erza managed to meet with the other's inside a large dining hall but much to her dismay Natsu isn't with them and found out that he's probably after Jellal. She wanted to leave and stop Natsu from killing himself by facing Jellal on his own. She asked them to leave, that she will find Natsu on her own and leave the tower with him but they insisted to help her out till the end making her smile at how lucky she is to have friends that care for her. Erza then told them her story on how she is related to the people on the tower before Fairy Tail and during that time Sho appeared and voiced her betrayal and the lies Jellal told them but with the help of Simon proved Erza's innocence. The happy reunion is interrupted when Sho decided to defeat Jellal on his own taking Erza along with him.

Natsu on the other hand ended up in a room filled with cats where he met two of Erza's former friend's, Millianna the feline loving girl and Wally the edged mage. It didn't take long before Natsu defeated both of them using his skills and some quick thinking by distracting Milliana with Happy long enough to land a cheap shot at Wally knocking him out. Natsu asked the cat girl where Jellal could be found while still wearing the cat helmet making her comply willingly and after finding out his location he blew a hole in to the wall and flew out heading to the top floor. Jellal declared that they should all play a game where he unleashed his trump card. The Trinity Raven from the Death's Head Caucus guild. Juvia and Lucy fought Vidaldus Taka and with their combined efforts and with the use of Unison Raid they defeated one of the members.

Natsu got into an unfortunate accident with Fukuro where the half owl half man mage used Natsu's motion sickness to incapacitate him long enough for him to devour Natsu whole allowing him to use his Fire Dragon Slayer powers. It was then that both Simon and Gray arrived with Gray defeating Fukuro with the use of his "Ice Blade: Seven Slice Dance" freeing Natsu from the owl man but not without obtaining some heavy injuries from the fight courtesy of Natsu's Dragon Slayer magic. Natsu immediately recovered as Simon told him about Etherion is about to be used at the Tower prompting Natsu to finish his search before that happens asking Simon to carry Gray to safety. The tall man agreed but not without asking him to protect and save Erza in his steed which Natsu is more than Happy to comply as he races towards the top of the Tower.

Erza continues to plead with Sho to release her and stop his suicidal move by confronting Jellal on his own. But along the way they encountered the only remaining member of the Trinity Raven. Ikaruga a master swordswoman wielding her Mugetsu-Ryu and began attacking Sho with Erza blocking all of her sword's attack. She managed to get out of her prison by using Ikaruga's attack to break out of her dimensional prison. Ikaruga used Garuda Flame immediately after she got out which Erza countered with her Flame Empress armor that is immediately shattered by her opponent, destroying armor after armor even her most powerful armor shattered from Ikaruga's blade. She took a deep breath and look at her opponent as her magic seal appeared with Natsu's over it before she's engulf in a pillar of flames and revealing herself in her Dragon Slayer armor.

Ikaruga used her Garuda Flame on Erza only for it to be ignored and absorbed seconds later by her armor. Both women start their battle anew but this time Erza holds the winning hand as Ikaruga's sword is unable to cut through Erza's armor and attacks before they separated for the final clash. Ikaruga's beautiful kimono lies in ruins while Erza is unscathed. Ikaruga sheathed her katana and entered a drawing stance as Erza raised her halberd in the air as flames engulf the blade. A rock fell from the ceiling hitting the waters below signaling both combatants to attack.

Ikaruga quickly draws her katana and manages to perform five consecutive strikes hitting Erza before she could attack, leaving five distinctive marks on the floor up to the wall behind Erza covering Titania in dust and debris. Ikaruga was about to sheath her katana when Erza exploded out of the cloud of dust with a burst of speed and stabs both her blade and halberd forward multiple times with each strike causing a crack at Ikaruga's katana, shattering due to Erza's relentless assault before slamming her blade on the floor as a massive pillar of fire exploded beneath Ikaruga engulfing her in flames as she landed a few feet from Erza.

After her quick and absolute victory against Ikaruga, Erza immediately went after the man that betrayed her twice and not only endangered her and her friend's lives but more importantly, he threatened to end Natsu's life if he ever gets to him first. So Erza ran as fast as she could to make sure that everything is settled before he arrives, she knows that he's strong and has come a long way from their training but Jellal's strength is equal to one of the Ten Wizard Saints and she didn't want to have regrets of losing Natsu due to her weakness.

"JELLAL!" Erza roared as she exploded out of the floor in her Dragon Slayer's armor glaring at the man sitting at his throne.

"I see you really care for that boy to arrive here before him, I've got to say I'm quite jealous of Salamander for gaining your affection." Jellal stated with a hint of jealousy in his voice. "Only seven more minutes until Etherion strikes, could you stop me until then?"

"That is more than enough time to defeat you!" Erza stated charging at Jellal swinging her massive halberd downward.

Jellal saw the attack coming and dodge to the right as the weapon crushed what used to be his throne. Spotting an opening, he sent a shade towards Erza that's easily blocked by her shield and sent the other one to attack Jellal who blocked it by sending another of shades to counter her attack. Erza pulled her halberd off the rubble aiming her blade at Jellal, firing large fireballs at his direction that he countered with a blast of dark magic. Blocking his eyes from the dust and debris, he's barely able to dodge Erza's attack by jumping backwards sending another wave of his shades to push Titania back. The two powerful mages continued their clash with Titania gaining the upper hand for every explosion he creates the flames gets absorbed by her armor.

Jellal landed a few feet from Erza. "Tell me Erza; don't you plan to return to your precious Salamander?" he dusted himself off and meet her eyes. "There's only four minutes left. Do you intend to die here with me?"

"No." Erza replied simply. "I plan to defeat you and drag you away from this place, so you could atone for the crimes that you've committed, and after everything here is said and done I'll finally get the answer that I wanted to hear." She remarked pointing her halberd at him, the flames surrounding her flared up from her determination and charged at the Azure haired man.

Jellal dodge her initial assault and began shooting his shades at her, her shields blocking some of the attack while she cleaved through those that were able to get through. Jumping in the air and spins like a buzz saw forward her body shrouded in flames as he cursed inwardly at the damage the attack would cause. He stood his ground and took the full brunt of the attack creating an explosion on impact. The moment the dust has settled Jellal is on the floor with Erza's foot on his chest, her blade aimed a few inches from his face.

"Finish me Erza." Jellal spoke taking on a calm expression as Erza's scowl wavered. "I know that you know that this Tower is incomplete, that it will require 2.7 billion Edeas to power this tower." He smiled ruefully at Erza. "My dream is over before it even started and my greatest regret is losing you Erza."

Erza lowered her weapon as it disappeared into thin air. "Then stop all of this and let's leave this tower together." She looked at him as her scowl faded into a solemn look. "I spent the last 8 years trying to be strong so I could save everybody and especially you…and if I can't save you I'll happily die with you to save you." She smiled a little when she went back to all the memories she gained in the past 8 years in Fairy Tail and the last few months with Natsu. "But I finally found a reason to live in Natsu. Even if we got together due to unusual reasons and even if he tried to push me away because of his guilt, I won't give up on our relationship as much as I won't give up on you." This time Erza smiled and lifted her feet of him while offering him a hand. "Let's go…Jellal."

Jellal looked dramatically to the side. "I can't… I'm already beyond saving Erza. My body has been possessed by Zeref and I'm nothing but his doll doing his bidding. You should-Owww!" his dramatic monologue is abruptly ended by Erza who dropped the butt of her halberd on his stomach. "Why did you do that…!" he wheezed.

"Enough of your self-loathing banter!" Erza snapped scolding Jellal like a little kid. "Now come on, we have less than two minutes to leave."

Jellal reached for her hand and the moment they touched his faced twisted into a sick smile as the binding spell crept up along her arms. "I'm sorry Erza...but I win"

At Era, the magic council has offered a prayer to the lives that would be sacrificed from firing Etherion after Siegrain and Ultear's plan has succeeded. Outside of the Tower of Heaven, Team Natsu with the exemption of Natsu and Erza along with the rest of Erza's friends watched as a massive pillar of light descended upon the Tower enveloping it in white light. The power of Etherion was enough to blot out the night sky and bathed everything in white light. Seconds later after the light has dissipated, the tower is revealed to be unharmed. Its outer shell destroyed revealing the giant Lacrima underneath. The moment that the information about the failed attempt at the tower's destruction, chaos ensued throughout the magic council giving Ultear enough time to initiate the second phase of their plan. It was already too late when the council realized that they have been tricked and the building they are currently residing crumbled as Ultear made sure that Etherion won't be fired again.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"What happened?" Erza demanded thrashing from her bindings.

"It seems that that my plan to use the council's Etherion to supply the tower 2.7 billion Edeas worked." Jellal remarked standing over Erza. "You seem to be confused, here let me enlighten you." Jellal walked back and Siegrain appeared opposite Jellal.

"It's been awhile Titania Erza." Siegrain greeted.

"So you were a part of this all along!" Erza glared at the other man that smiled at her remark. "I should have taken you down when I had the chance."

"Yes and I'm thankful you didn't because I wouldn't be able to defend myself if you did." Siegrain remarked walking beside his so called brother. "And like you said I'm a part of his plan." The moment he stepped beside Jellal his image wavered for a second before he became translucent and finally merged with Jellal.

"A thought…projection?" Erza whispered in disbelief.

"Yes, I used my thought projection 'Seigrain' to infiltrate the magic council to further my plans, to use Etherion to power the tower." Jellal smiled darkly at the woman and used his shades to lift her off the ground. "So… did you enjoy the freedom I gave you?" he asked as he summoned a pillar of Lacrima behind Erza. "The freedom I gave you is all part of my plan to resurrect Zeref, and as expected you never stop to meet my expectations. You became a powerful mage in eight short years and that's what I need to resurrect Zeref, a powerful body that can contain his immense magical powers."

Erza bit her lower lip in frustration tasting her own blood as tears stung her eyes. "Natsu…I'm sorry…" Jellal placed his hand on her chin and lifted her face to look at her.

Jellal wiped tears from her eyes and placed another kiss on her lips that seemed to intensify the tears coming from her eyes as he slowly pushed her towards the Lacrima. "Don't worry Erza the moment you get absorbed by the Lacrima your body will be decomposed and recomposed into Zeref… I always loved you Erza Scarlet."

Erza silently watched him walk away from her just like last time when he cut her from everyone else because of the freedom she wanted. She continued to silently cry as she wished that she didn't left things unsaid with Natsu and told him she knew and didn't care how they ended up together. She endured the pain and didn't fight as the Lacrima slowly absorbs her body along with her magic powers and strength. Her armor flickered like a dying flame before it disappeared leaving her in her white sleeveless blouse and blue skirt.

"I wish…I could see you…one last time…Natsu…" Erza whispered in resignation smiling sadly. "I'll always…love you…"

"ERZA!" her eyes went wide when she heard his voice and felt the Lacrima that's absorbing her shatter and feel the strong arms that surrounded her. She looked up to see the unmistakable face of Natsu Dragneel. "Erza belongs to me and I won't let you have her!" he declared.

"Natsu…" Erza wrapped her arms around his neck and cried. "Why did you come here you idiot… I hate you, you idiot!" she chided as she continued to cry in his arms and even though the words coming from her mouth are demeaning he couldn't stop from smiling.

"Yeah, I'm pretty stupid for chasing a girl who hates me." Natsu replied as his grin became wider that was ever possible. "Besides can you blame me for loving her too much?"

Erza just continued to cry tears of joy as she reveled in his warm embrace. "I love you Natsu…I don't care if we became a couple because of a stupid mark…all that matters to me is that I can stay by your side."

Natsu smiled warmly at her declaration. "I know…" he propped her on the wall and stood with his full height. "Wait here and watch me as I give you your freedom!" she silently nodded and her doubts of Natsu's ability to defeat Jellal disappear as she watched him go into a fight for her.

Natsu glared at the man that used her and is willingly going to sacrifice her to revive some dead mage. "You made Erza cry…" he spoke through clenched teeth as smoke rises from where he stood with his flames angrily whipping around. "…you used her emotions and kindness to lure her in." Jellal looked amused at his words. "I trusted you to keep her safe and happy but all you did is use her…I can't forgive you for that, but I can't forgive myself more for giving her up! That's why…I'm going to defeat you and free her from her past!"

Natsu catapulted himself towards Jellal, shocking the dark mage at his speed. Natsu's "Fire Dragon Iron Fist" connected exploding on his chest but before he could get any farther, Natsu managed to grab his arm and followed through his "Fire Dragon's Claws" exploded on his abdomen. Jellal crashed into the far wall as Natsu prepared another attack. Widening his stance as his magic seal appeared beneath his feet and used his "Fire Dragon's Roar" the torrent of flames carved a path towards Jellal exploding on impact blowing a good portion of the wall that can be visible outside. Not waiting for an invitation used his "Fire Dragon's Sword Horn" charging at where he thinks Jellal is shattering the Lacrima from his take off.

Natsu hit his target square in the gut sending them flying out of the tower. Natsu flipped in midair landing on one of the Lacrima protruding from the tower watching the explosion from afar. Natsu narrowed his eyes when he saw something flew out from the explosion and seconds later Jellal appeared in front of him. Jellal aimed his left palm at Natsu while supported by his right arm firing a sphere of Heavenly magic towards Natsu sending him crashing back to where they first started.

"Natsu!" Erza shouted after seeing Natsu drop from the ceiling.

Natsu stood up and glanced at Erza giving her a reassuring smile. "I'm fine…"

"I'm quite impressed Salamander, but is that all a Dragon slayer can do?" Jellal asked looking not much worse for wear, coming down from the hole Natsu made floating in mid air. "I'm quite disappointed."

"We'll see about that!" Natsu exclaimed charging at Jellal propelling himself with his flames aiming a punch at Jellal vanished. "What the?"

Jellal appeared behind Natsu and delivered powerful backhand sending him crashing to the floor. It is the first of the many hits that would come at Natsu's way as Jellal with the use of his Meteor Spell allowed him to move at super human speeds and deliver powerful blows on Natsu. Natsu crashed on to the wall after receiving a powerful kick in the gut, Jellal didn't give Natsu the chance to recover as he delivers a powerful punch right on his head sending him in and out of consciousness. Natsu stumbled out of the hole barely conscious as Jellal merely watched him in amusement.

"Get down!" Natsu did as the voice commanded avoiding Jellal's kick. Looking up he saw Erza call out to him and saw the look of worry in her face and offered her a shaky smile.

Sensing danger and from the look of fear in Erza's eyes, he rolled to the side to avoid the heel drop Jellal aimed at his head. Natsu pushed himself off the ground and landing on his feet, he shakes his head to rid himself of the cobwebs from earlier. Jellal merely smiled and begin his attack anew but this time Natsu is able to predict were his attacks are coming from and allowed him to block most of his attacks.

"You can try to predict my movements but that doesn't mean you can catch me!" Jellal exclaimed landing two more blows at Natsu. 'I need to end this quickly the magic is seeping out of the Lacrima.' he thought furiously readying himself for another attack.

Charging at Natsu for the umpteenth time and aiming for his torso, the attack connected pushing Natsu back a few feet and couldn't help but smirk at his victory. He frowned when he tried to pull his arm back and realized he caught him. Natsu delivered an elbow on the back of his neck and followed through with his "Fire Dragon's Claws" sending the azure haired man crashing onto another wall adding more damage to the tower.

"There's more where that came from!" Natsu exclaimed aiming burning fist where Jellal crashed. "You may be fast, but that doesn't mean I can't catch you the moment you attack me!"

Jellal came out off the rubble glaring at the Dragon slayer. "That was a fluke Salamander, and nothing more!"

Natsu extended his hand and gesture for the Jellal to bring it angering the azure haired mage. Blinded by his anger Jellal charged at Natsu doubling his speed and just like earlier Natsu caught his attack and delivered an attack of his own afterwards as Erza watched in amazement at Natsu's tenacity and ability to level the playing field. She couldn't help but reprimand herself for doubting Natsu when he never once failed her or any of their friends. But her hope is short lived when Natsu gets blasted by Jellal's Grand Chariot spell sending Natsu's tumbling across the floor, inflicting some serious damage on the Dragon slayer.

"Natsu!" Erza called out gaining the attention of the Dragon slayer. "You need to destroy the Tower to stop him from completing the ritual."

Jellal froze at Erza's words and glared at the woman. "Thanks for the heads up Erza, now I'll show you what Fairy Tail is famous of, what I'm famous of!" Natsu grinned both of his hands caught ablaze causing Jellal to attack immediately hitting Natsu with a flurry of attacks but the flame in his hands continues to burn stronger. After enduring all of Jellal's powerful blows and the flames on his hands grew to half his size used the short break to use his "Fire Dragon's Brilliant Blaze" the fireball he created is three times the size of the normal and released it at the center of the room. The resulting explosion was so powerful that it blew off the towers roof while creating a giant crater and spider web cracks on the Lacrima floor. Erza saw Natsu facing off with an enrage Jellal scanning the surrounding area as the magic within the tower seeps into the air.

"You insolent brat!" Jellal seethed rushing towards Natsu but this time keeping distance knowing that the young Dragon slayer found a weakness in his Meteor spell and decided to attack from far, firing spheres and beams of light rained down on the Dragon slayer. "Grand Chariot" Jellal exclaimed firing another set of seven pillars against Natsu sending him sprawling in front of Erza while adding more damage to the already deteriorating tower.

"Natsu!" Erza crawled towards Natsu who tried to stand up even from the massive damage he absorbed. "Are you ok Natsu?" she asked as Natsu tries to force himself to stand even if his body refuses to obey him.

The sight in front of Jellal only fueled his anger as he surveyed the destruction of the crumbling tower. He crossed his arms on top of his head creating a black orb that absorbs the shadow around them. Erza immediately noticed this placed herself in front of Natsu stunning the Dragon slayer.

"Stop it Jellal!" Erza screamed as Jellal ignores her completely. "It won't do you any good if kill the sacrifice!" she reasoned hoping that it would be enough to stop him from killing Natsu.

"It doesn't matter Erza if you die!" Jellal stated shocking Titania. "All I need is someone that is equal to the level of a Wizard saint and I could easily find someone with that description."

"Get out of the way Erza!" Natsu ordered.

"No!" Erza countered. "I will protect you Natsu!"

"Goodbye Erza I'll be sending you and Salamander to the afterlife together!" Jellal bellowed as the sphere in his hand steadily grows in size. "Altaris" he threw the black orb towards the two carving a path of destruction.

"Stupid woman!" Natsu growled forcing his battered body to stand up and pushing Erza behind him.

"Natsu…" Erza asked in disbelief.

"Fire Dragon's Roar!" Natsu released the attack seconds later just in time to block the attack.

Erza covered her eyes to protect her from the blinding light and debris, she opened her eyes to find Natsu standing in front of her. The smile failed to form in her face when Natsu collapsed face first into the floor barely conscious.

"So the bug still has the strength to move." Jellal remarked as he slowly landed on the floor.

Erza turned Natsu over and gasped when she sees the damage Jellal's last attack did to Natsu. His body littered with injuries and grimaced in pain as Erza cradled him on her lap and cried. She wanted to fight and protect Natsu but her body lost all if not most of her strength and magic when the tower tried to absorb her. She wanted to protect Natsu with her body but he protected her instead leading to his current predicament. She didn't move from her spot and just cried even when Jellal walked towards them and the first time in her life lost the will to fight.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Natsu could hear a voice calling out to him. 'I know that voice…' the more he listened the clearer it becomes. '…Erza…but something's wrong…her voice is cracking…filled with sadness and regret…' he frowned inwardly at what he's hearing. '…she's not supposed to be crying or even meant to be sad…she should always be angry or frowning and most importantly smiling…'

Please protect my daughter Natsu…

Please save Erza Salamander, Only you have the power to do that…

Natsu knows those voices both of them asked him to keep Erza safe and I promised to protect her. It is after the realization that he felt something wet touch his cheeks. He opened his eyes to see her leaning over him as her tears wet his cheeks and see the sadness in her brown eyes. "Please don't cry…Erza…"

"I'll spare his life if you come with me and finish the ritual. There's still time." Jellal offered as Erza looked at the offered hand and remembered the time he reached out to her in friendship, but this time it was different as this time he wanted to sacrifice her in exchange for his paradise. "Choose quickly Erza. I'd rather loose you to the ritual than waste your life."

Natsu knew the look on Erza's eyes and didn't like it one bit. "Don't Erza!" but even as Natsu tried to stop her. She has begun to gently pry him from her body with Jellal steadying her. His pleas landed on deaf ears as she continued to walk away. "Stop Erza!" Natsu ordered grabbing her leg causing her to look back and smile sadly at Natsu.

"Please let me protect you this time…" Erza spoke but before she could take another step Natsu held her leg tightly. Natsu tried again but this time Jellal's boot met his face sending him rolling along the floor. "Natsu!" Erza tried to go to him but the firm grip on her shoulders stopped her.

"Let's go Erza, we don't have much time!" Jellal pressed dragging the scarlet haired woman to another Lacrima container.

Natsu's back slammed painfully against the wall as he grimaced in pain; his body already reaching its limit. "If only there was fire in this place!" Natsu growled pushing his body to stand while glaring at Jellal, pounding his fist at the floor in frustration. It is then that he notices the Lacrima fragments scattered around him and a desperate idea formed in his head. He took a fistful of the Lacrima shards and began eating the crystals ignoring his body's request to regurgitate the harmful substance as he took in more and more.

The two stopped from walking when they heard the Dragon slayer made choking noises while grasping his neck. Natsu fell on his hands regurgitating some of the Lacrima shards as Jellal looked in amusement while Erza looked in horror at what Natsu is trying to do.

Erza shrugged off Jellal's grip and ran back to Natsu. "Stop it Natsu! Don't eat the Lacrima…" she stopped and looked back as seven pillars of light appeared around Natsu. "No!"

"Grand Chariot" Jellal spoke sending the pillars crashing on Natsu creating another explosion, after the dust have settled an unconscious Salamander lay on the floor before it gave way as he fell below.

Erza's body shook with rage as she rounded the azure haired mage aiming a punch on his face. "JELLAL!" Jellal clicked his tongue and caught her wrist and twisted it behind her back. She tried to break free but he only twisted her arms tighter. "Bastard! I thought you weren't going to kill him…"

Jellal snarled at Erza holding her face towards him. "I'm sick of this love sick game you're playing; you're mine Erza and no one else's!" His face softened and pulled her closer. "Besides think of it as mercy" he smiled sweetly at her. "I merely ended his suffering; he would've died either way from eating the Lacrima."

Natsu fell a few floors below with the ceiling collapsing on top of him. "I'll protect you…Erza!" Natsu growled as the debris covering him exploded from the sudden burst of his magic powers, flames violently whipped around him forming a shape of a Dragon as he focused his sights on the ceiling. Narrowing his eyes as scales formed around his eyes, growling in anger raising his right arm forward as flames surged forth. On top Erza stood in front of the Lacrima her eyes empty and devoid of life as the man behind her waited for her to enter and just as she was about to enter the Lacrima she felt the floor shake and seconds later flames shot out from the floor in the form of a dragons talons and dragged the Azure haired mage down.

Jellal is stunned at the sudden attack not to mention the unbearable heat that surrounded his body and suddenly came face to face with an enrage Natsu, their foreheads colliding making him wince in pain. He felt fear for the first time from the look of death Natsu is directing at him before he is flung to the opposite wall. He groaned in pain and his eyes widen in shock and quickly cast his Meteor spell to avoid being crushed into nothingness as Natsu's fist blew a large portion of the wall. He grins after dodging the attack thinking that he could still outmaneuver him with his Meteor spell and charged at him as his face fell when his fist is caught by Natsu and countered with a punch of his own sending him flying back.

"Grand Chariot" Jellal commanded hitting Natsu with another devastating attack but before he could celebrate Natsu burst out off the cloud of smoke. He felt his head is going to be crushed from his iron grip as he slammed him into the wall creating cracks around him.

Natsu raised his captive above shoulder level dragging his face across the wall. Jellal tried to break free but Natsu only tightened his grip as he fired spheres and arrows of light at Natsu covering him in a cloud of smoke and remained unharmed as the Salamander snarled in anger and slammed his fist on his gut. Jellal felt his ribs shatter from the initial strike that slowly gained in number and speed, digging him deeper into the wall as the cracks grew larger.

Natsu pulled his fist back as the flames grew larger and glared at the man. "This is for making Erza cry!" he slammed his fist in his gut with such force that in completely destroyed the wall behind him. Jellal coughed blood from the powerful attack as Natsu glared at the man before dragging his face along the Lacrima wall and throwing him like a ragdoll on the floor. Jellal used his Meteor spell to get away. Natsu catapulted himself after Jellal appearing behind him, stunning the azure haired mage. "This is for using her!" he brought down his clasped hands together over his head sending Jellal crashing through a few floors below. Jellal managed to turn in mid air and fired another set light spheres at Natsu who swung his arms in a wide arc destroying his attacks with his flames before it could reach him.

Jellal landed on his hands and feet after crashing through a large room giving him enough time to look up and see Natsu wielding a giant fireball above his head. "Altaris" he quickly cast the spell at the same time Natsu released his, the two powerful spells collided creating a powerful explosion leveling a whole floor on the tower. He jumped back as Natsu landed as if nothing just happened and vaulted after him and began pummeling him to the ground.

Erza merely sat from where she last stood and hoped that Natsu is alright as explosions continued to rock the tower and magic seep through the cracks. Outside the tower the rest of Team Natsu watched as explosions erupted from every level of the tower and what seemed to be two dots in the fighting in the air. The one they recognized as Jellal is continued to get pummeled by Natsu and thrown back inside the tower.

"Is that Natsu?" Lucy asked unable to believe how powerful the Dragon slayer is.

"I believe so." Gray muttered his respect and a little bit of fear growing for Natsu.

"Natsu-san is amazing!" Juvia added as the rest of them nodded.

Simon merely watched and prayed for Natsu's victory deciding to leave with the others knowing that he'll most likely get in the way and die causing the woman he loved more grief than needed. "Please save her Salamander…"

"Did you say something, Nyaa?" Milliania asked looking at the towering man.

"Nothing." Simon replied as she nodded and watched as the tower crumbles.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Jellal continues to run away from Natsu while dodging his attacks and in turn destabilizing the tower more. Realizing that his plan is completely ruined, he came to the decision of destroying the tower with both Erza and Natsu in it. He shot another "Altaris" spell at Natsu sending him a few feet back giving him enough time to create a hole through the ceiling and blast his way through every floor with Natsu quickly at his trail. Erza heart sank when Jellal exploded out of the floor but it was immediately replaced with relief when she saw fire burst through from the same hole. She called out to him but he ignored her and realized that she must've angered him from willingly wasting her life. So she continued to watch as Natsu beat Jelllal to death.

"Natsu…stop!" Erza screams getting the attention of both men. "Don't kill him…"

Natsu felt betrayed by her words yet he couldn't disobey her, giving Jellal enough time to get away with a distraction by attacking Erza. Natsu quickly rushed to her aid cradling the woman in his arms as Jellal flew off into the sky.

"Why?" Natsu asked simply his voice surprisingly calm making Titania uncomfortable.

"I, I want to save him Natsu…" Erza began as he remained quiet. "I spent the last eight years trying to become strong so I could save him…and now is my chance, please save him…for me."

She knew what she was asking of him is difficult to swallow; she wouldn't fault nor hate him for her failure. "Fine…but no promises." Erza smiled and couldn't help the tears from escaping from her eye. He made a promise and that is enough for her.

Upon reaching his desired height Jellal looked at the tower he spent eight years to build to attain paradise only for him to destroy it. "It doesn't matter. I'll rebuild this tower even if takes me another eight years." He extended both of his hands as four magic seals appeared in front of him representing each element and began to cast a spell that both mages know.

"He's going to completely destroy the tower with that spell!" Erza exclaimed realizing that it would not only destroy the tower but kill both Natsu and her.

"Abyss Break" Jellal roared as he fired a beam of light from his hand and grows bigger every time it passes on one of the seals.

"Hidden Form: Crimson Lotus: Phoenix Blade" Natsu roared his flames violently whipping around him before launching himself towards his opponent shattering the floor beneath him from the force of his lift off. His body wrapped up in flames forming a large blade with him at its tip charging the massive beam of light head on as they collided in mid-air stuck in an impasse. "There's no freedom for someone possessed by a ghost." Natsu exclaimed before his attack carved through Jellal's attack as it dissipates as he passes through and hits Jellal creating a massive explosion in mid air.

Erza watched as Jellal fell unconscious back on the tower, smoke emanating from his body filled with burns and injuries after taking the full brunt of Natsu's attack that pierced through Jellal's Abyss Break spell. Seconds later Natsu landed on the tower shattering the floor beneath him, his flames whipping wildly as he stared at the defeated Jellal.

"So this is Natsu's true power… this is Dragon slayer…" Erza remarked in amazement before her expression is replaced with one out of fear when he collapsed out of exhaustion. She caught him before he even hits the floor. "You truly are amazing Natsu…" she whispered wrapping her arms tightly around him before the tower shakes again signaling her to leave.

She takes one last look at the man that betrayed her twice, but instead of regret, her eyes held pity for a man blinded by his dreams of paradise that he is willing to sacrifice the one he loves to reach it.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Erza ran as fast as her weakened body carrying an unconscious Natsu on her back. The tower has reached its breaking point from all the damage it took during Natsu's rampage as all the magic it absorbed seeps out from the Lacrima.

"Just hold on a little longer Natsu." Erza stated as she continues to run. She felt Natsu cringed along with the pain filled groans that would occasionally slip through his mouth.

The floor beneath her collapsed and she fell through a couple of floors below. Erza groaned and saw Natsu sprawled a few feet from her still unconscious and immediately went to his side to check on him. She felt bad to see him suffer so many injuries for her. She looked around as the tower continues to deteriorate and realized that escaping the tower is impossible because even if they managed to get out the explosion that it will cause would surely kill her friends and destroy the surrounding towns. She looked at the liquid Lacrima and made her decision.

"This time I'll be the one to save you Natsu…" Erza smiled kissing Natsu on the lips as she gently placed him on the floor and walked towards the Lacrima. "If what Jellal said is true…all I need to do is allow the tower to absorb me and I'll be able to buy them enough time…"

Erza placed her hands on the liquid Lacrima and she screamed in pain as it began to absorb her draining her of her remaining strength and magic. This caused Natsu to wake up to see Erza get absorbed by the Lacrima.

"Erza!" Natsu shouts as he pushes his body of the ground. "What are you doing Erza?" he stumbled as he ran towards her landing face first a few feet in front of her.

Erza reached out as already half of her body is absorbed by the Lacrima. "I have to this Natsu…if I don't…none of us would survive from the resulting explosion of the tower." She smiled as Natsu starts to cry in frustration. "I can't imagine my life without my friends in Fairy Tail…and I can't live with myself if I failed to protect you Natsu…I love you…"

And with Erza's final words she allowed herself to be absorbed by the Lacrima as Natsu cried in anger and frustration, watching her silhouette disappears through the crystal. "Erza…YOU IDIOT!" Natsu screamed in anguish pounding his fist on the floor.

"Please leave Natsu…I'll delay the towers explosion until you could leave the tower…I'll always be watching you Natsu…" Erza's disembodied voice echoed only adding more grief to the Dragon slayer.

Natsu stood up and stared at the Lacrima that absorbed his Erza and placed his hand on it, trying to follow Erza and drag her back and chew her ass for doing something his known for. His hands sinks a few centimeters before it stops.

Please leave Natsu…

Erza's voice repeated in his head. "Fuck that! I can't believe your telling me to leave after getting this far." Natsu growled before he collapsed on his hands and knees as unimaginable pain surge through his body.

I'll delay the towers explosion until you could leave the tower…

Natsu slams his fist on the floor shattering the Lacrima. "I'm not leaving this place without you!" he began eating the Lacrima shards even as the pain he experienced increased. He knows that he's already at his limit both his magic and his body as he continues to eat the Lacrima feeling the familiar surge of immense magical energy through to his body.

I'll always be watching you Natsu…

Natsu stood up breathing heavily while clutching his chest as seconds later Dragon Force activated. "I made a promise to your mother, Simon and especially you! That I'll protect you!" he declared before slamming his burning fist in the Lacrima. The Lacrima has solidified stopping his fist but it didn't deter the Salamander as he flared up even more forcing his hand through the Lacrima feeling his limb being torn apart as he pushed the rest of his body through.

"ERZAAA!"

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Erza felt that she is floating inside water. She felt at peace yet sad at the same time knowing what she had to do to save her friends and Natsu. She tried to be happy knowing that she saved them from death especially the one she loved. But she knew that she only have a single regret in her short existence and it wasn't that she wasn't able to save Jellal, it's because she had to die to save Natsu and they haven't had a chance to talk things out.

Erza opened her eyes to see that she is floating in a clear liquid, her injuries all but healed, and her clothes replaced with a white dress. She wondered if this is what death is like. Lonely and depressing as she searched through the endless points with a single source of light can be seen in front of her. She let out a humorless laugh at her current situation. Stranded in limbo in the middle of nowhere, but she merely took it as punishment for her past sins because her friends and Natsu's safety is what's important. She slowly closed her eyes to embrace the darkness when she felt the light from afar grew in strength.

A scene started playing in front of her. Dark clouds surrounded the sky mirroring her sorrow as rain continued to pour on the world. Then she heard voices she's familiar with but it isn't the one she's used to as the scene change from the dark skies down to the group of people mourning. People she have grown to love are crying, none of them wearing a smile, all dressed in black, and none of them happy nor proud of her sacrifice to save them. The mage council arrived and granted her the title of a Wizard Saint to honor her sacrifice.

"I didn't want this…" Erza whispered as tears started to pool around her eyes.

Another familiar voice broke the somber mood as everyone looked at a furious Natsu. The salamander walked in the middle of the crowd as they parted like the red sea. She felt some relief that the person she loved would snap them out of their sadness and tell them that she didn't want them to be sad. But when Natsu slammed his burning fist on her to tombstone destroying it and demanded them what the grave is for when she is not dead, raging about why she can't die as some of the attendees subdued Natsu. Her cries accompanied his screams of anger and rage as he continued to thrash from his captors.

"Oh Natsu…I'm sorry…I only wanted for you to be happy…" Erza said between sobs as she continues to cry.

Natsu's screams soon faded out into existence as the scene change again this time it's in one of the many entrances of Magnolia with just Team Natsu.

"Where are you going Natsu?" Lucy asked trying to hold back the tears while holding Happy in her hands.

"I'm leaving this place…I've lost two important people in my life in this guild…" Natsu replied his voice devoid of any humor and filled with bitterness for his weakness. "I promised to protect both of them and I failed them both."

"Damn it Natsu!" Gray shouted stomping towards Natsu gripping his vest. "Stop this nonsense! You're not the only one suffering here. Do you think Erza would like it if you left? She would…"

Natsu snapped at the mention of Erza's name, swatting away Gray's hand and grabbing his shirt pulling him close to his person. "Don't lecture me about Erza or what she would think! You don't know her well enough to lecture me what she would think. None of you did!" He seethed before letting go of Gray's shirt and turning his back.

"Are you coming back Natsu?" Happy asked tears running down his cheeks.

Natsu glanced back and giving his partner a smile for the first time ever since the funeral. "Of course!" this time his smile faded. "I just don't know when Happy, but I promise to come back so look after our house for me ok."

Happy nodded wiping the tears from his eyes. "Aye!"

Natsu smiled one more time before he left. Walking towards the gates stopping for a moment as another figure appeared beside him before both of them left.

"Natsu don't leave…please I sacrificed my life so you could live and be happy with our friends…not this…" Erza cried unable to believe that her sacrifice only made him sadder. "Please I don't want this anymore…somebody please save me…" Erza continued to cry, her knees pressed against her chest chanting Natsu's name filled with sorrow and mostly regret for him and her friends sadness. "Please save me Natsu…"

Amidst her sadness she didn't notice the person standing behind her. He shook his head and wrapped his arms around her. "How could I keep my promise if you can't stop crying?" his voice warm and soothing causing Erza to freeze and slowly turned her head to look behind her.

"Natsu…" Erza whispered looking at the face of the man that chased after her even in death.

"Hey…" he replied lamely before he got tackled by the depressed woman and continues to cry on his chest. "Stop crying Erza…you know you're not supposed to cry…I like it better when you're angry and not crying even if you look like a demon."

The woman on his chest wiped away the tears from her eyes and glared at the Dragon slayer slapping him in the face. "What do you mean by that Natsu?" Erza demanded from the stunned dragon slayer. But rather than cower in fear he smiled.

"That's better." Natsu placed a hand on top of her head making her blush and smile. This time it was his turn to frown at the woman before wrapping her in a tight embrace. "Don't ever do that again Erza! Don't scare me like that!"

This time it was Natsu's turn to cry as she smiled at how much similar they are. "I'm sorry Natsu…"

Natsu pulled back and held her at arm's length locking eyes with her. "Then promise me two things Erza!" She nodded before Natsu continues. "First. Don't ever waste your life ever again!" she nods again making him smile. "Finally. I don't want to see you cry ever again Erza."

"I promise, Natsu…" Erza responded as they settled into a comfortable silence until she realized something. "Did you die Natsu, how did you find me in here?"

Natsu crossed his arms and began thinking. "Hmm…no, I don't think I'm dead, but finding you isn't that hard Erza." She nodded in acceptance. "I came here to save you and to tell you something that I should have said before all of this happened…" Erza wondered what he meant until it struck her. "I love you Erza Scarlet, I just wished…" her face became fearful as Natsu removed his scarf and wrapped it around her neck. "I should've said it sooner."

"What do you mean Natsu?" Erza asked noticing that everything around her feels hazy and something seems to be pulling her away from him even though she's still in his arms. "What's happening Natsu? I don't like this feeling." She wrapped her arms around him tightly in fear of losing Natsu.

"It's ok Erza…when you wake up you'll be back with our friends in Fairy Tail." Natsu replied grinning at Erza as she becomes transparent and the pulling sensation becomes stronger. "Remember I always love you Erza… Promise me you'll never cry again Erza, you're never meant to cry. So smile…" he unwrapped his arms and took a step back. "I'll always look over you and please tell Mira…I'm sorry." He added and gently pushed her back.

Outside, the tower's ability to contain the magic it absorbed failed and seconds later it exploded. The blast radius quickly expanding, racing towards the rest of Team Natsu threatening to take them with it, but before it could reach them it stopped expanding a few feet from them. The dome of magical energy began to shrink to where the tower is as seconds later something shot out from it side heading towards Akane beach as it continues to shrink before shooting all of its magical energy towards the sky.

The group found Erza along the shoreline clutching his scarf as the realization hit them of what happened to Natsu. The sun slowly rising from the sky but this time the glorious sight did nothing to lighten the mood as their plan to enjoy the resort never came to pass.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

It was a rainy day when all of Fairy Tail gathered at one grave with a monument of a fierce dragon standing tall. Everyone in the guild is mourning the death of one of their own. Everyone cried unable to believe that the loud and obnoxious Dragon slayer would die, even when facing powerful opponents a few days rest is all he needs to bounce back to his old self. Nobody wanted to believe his death as both Laxus and Gajeel, people he defeated despite the odds watched from the back of the crowd. Lucy and Happy cried at the lost of someone dear to them but nobody took it worst than the scarlet haired woman standing in front of the grave.

She didn't cry as she silently stared at the name embedded on the stone and the memories that came along with it. She looked up at the sky and allowed the rain to wash over her, the rain acted as her tears that she can't shed anymore. The armor she once shed because of him returned, they remained the same yet the armor she erected around her heart are tougher and stronger than any magic armor ever created. She clenched her fist on his scarf. The only thing he left her after he saved her from the tower.

Promise me you'll never cry again Erza, you're never meant to cry. So smile…

"I don't think I can do that anymore Natsu." Erza whispered her voice hollow and devoid of any emotion.

"Are you ok Erza?" Gray asked placing a hand on her shoulder. The moment she turned around made him feel sorry for the woman, her eyes are empty like all the life has been sucked out of her as she smiled.

"No, I don't think so…" Erza replied as she turned around and began to leave even as the magic council arrived to grant Natsu the title of a Wizard saint.

Meanwhile at the guild Mirajane silently manned the bar wiping the counter that never dries. She didn't believe that he's dead and would walk through the guild doors wearing his goofy smile. He made a promise to her that he'll come back for her. So she'll wait no matter how long it takes she'll wait for him. She caught a glimpse of herself on the polished counter to see herself crying even as she smiled.

"Please comeback…Natsu…" Mirajane whispered.

Her mournful cries filled the empty halls of the guild. She continued to cry for what seemed like hours until she heard the footsteps of the mages of Fairy Tail. She wiped the tears and put on a smile to greet everyone, the same smile that would welcome his return. Everyone arrived and she could feel the sad atmosphere that loomed over the guild and decided to fix it as quickly as possible. It took her awhile but she managed to remove the depressing atmosphere with the help of Gray and Happy.

"That woman…" Mirajane scowled inwardly after finding out where Erza had gone.

Back at her apartment Erza lay motionless on the bed staring blankly at the picture on her nightstand, feeling tired after five days without sleep.

"Maybe…when I wake this'll be all a bad dream…right Natsu…" Erza muttered clutching his scarf as sleep slowly took over her.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

AN: here's another chapter of my fic. Don't have anything to say only that I've been listening to Komm Susser Todd while writing this chapter that's why it ended like this and as always reviews are appreciated.

OMAKE:

Fairy-Tastic Four

The people of Magnolia are in chaos as the skies over it are covered in darkness as a dark giant can be seen behind it. But beneath the chaos four people ran towards the enemy and landed on top of Kardia cathedral. All of them dressed in a black and blue spandex known throughout Fiore as the Fairy-Tastic Four. Once they were ordinary mages but after receiving an immense amount of magical energy from the explosion of the Tower of Heaven altered their genetic make-up giving them enhanced physical capabilities.

"Your evil ends here Acnologia!" a man with rose colored hair exclaimed pointing at the skies, the leader of the group known as Mr. Fantastic due to his body's ability to expand and contract like rubber but commonly known as Natsu Dragneel Son of Igneel.

"Be careful Natsu" a lady with beautiful Scarlet hair warned her husband. Erza Scarlet Dragneel also known as the Invisible woman with the ability to turn invisible by erecting a shield around her body blocking light from hitting her.

"Yeah listen to Erza you second hand gum!" a gruff voice added earning him the ire of their leader. Gray Fullbuster also known as the thing and the stupid rock courtesy of Natsu, the explosion transformed his body into Lacrima giving him immense durability and strength.

"Stop fighting you two his already coming!" the final member of the group admonished her body wrapped in flames. Lucy Heartfillia also known as Torch after declining their leaders offer to give her his former title due to her ability to use fire.

A loud roar pierced the skies as the epic battle between the four super powered mages against the Dragon of destruction, where it didn't take long before they are overpowered by the Dragon as he left them on the earth as he descended into the skies and end their pathetic existence. But just as their defeat is about to come an unexpected help came from the fifth member of their group unable to join since they are already known as the Fairy-Tastic Four and became a free lance heroine.

"I'll protect you Gray-sama!" Juvia the Silver surfer exclaimed as she used her powers to defeat the Dragon of destruction offering her life in the process, thus, ending the dark reign of Acnologia as they mourn for the loss of their fifth member.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

The Incredible Hulk

It has been a month since she last saw him after the events of the Tower of Heaven, sacrificing his life for her own. They all thought that he died until they found him unconscious on the beach as they wondered how he survived. It was days later during their stay at Akane when they found out how he survived. She was knocked unconscious by a coconut dropping on top of her head as Natsu thought Lahar the future leader of the rune knights attacked her. Natsu's temper flared as his body began to transform, his muscles bulging under his shirt, his height increase, and his skin toned changed into a deep shade of green. The emerald titan began pummeling the future rune knight into the ground until Erza woke up to find the menacing creature before her.

Natsu stopped and saw the look of fear from Erza's eyes and even through his incredibly reduced mental capacity he knew full well that he scared her. So he left leaving Erza to herself and to wonder what happened. It didn't take long before the great hunt for the Green giant ensued started by the enraged Lahar. Erza heard a powerful roar and knew that she finally found him as she noticed rune knights flying in the air.

"HULK SMASH!" Natsu 'the Hulk' Igneel roared swatting away ten rune knights as he continued on his rampage.

"Stop him! Use any means possible!" Lahar ordered as his rune knights swarmed the green beast.

"STOP!" a voice echoed throughout the area as everyone looked at Titania Erza. "All you're doing is making him stronger by fueling his rage!" she walked towards Natsu as the men parted afraid of Titania's wrath. Lahar was about to demand her to stop before the flat side of Erza's sword shut him up.

She reached her target as Natsu calmed down looking down at the woman he love. She tried to place a hand on his green cheek only for him to flinch but it didn't deter Erza and placed a soothing hand on his face.

"Erza…" Natsu the Hulk muttered ashamed of his behavior.

"It's ok Natsu… I know it's a misunderstanding…" Erza offered before she Requips into her Purgatory armor and placed an Iron grip on his ear dragging him down to the earth. "What I can't forgive is all the damage you've been doing all over, I can't have my future husband eating away at our budget because of his destructive tendencies!"

"I'm Sorry!" Natsu whined before the epic beat down on the Emerald beast started.

The rune knights began cheering for Titania pummeling Natsu to the ground still in his Hulk form. Lahar on the meantime recovered and saw the beat down and erected a banner starting a betting pool. Titania gets tired first or the Hulk will outlast her and run away before she kills him. After that day Lahar retired from the service as he left the Council as a Millionaire as he's the only one that bet on Natsu and won.

Old Maid

The faith of the people residing inside the tower of Heaven rest upon the shoulders of two members of the magic council Siegrain and Yajima. Dueling it out at the oldest tradition of the council to settle disputes a game of Old Maid. Both combatants locked with each other with Seigrain holding three cards one of them is a ace of hearts, king of spades and the other the joker. His gamble to take the card that Yajima pushes up has succeeded and he became complacent as he did the same.

He draws a card from the elder mage and gets the Ace of clubs leaving him with just the king and joker as he looked at the old man. "It's a futile attempt elder Yajima I'm already prepared for the consequences."

Yajima took a card looking at Siegrain. "Are you? This is your brother we're talking about…" he clicked his tongue at picking the joker and offered his hand to Seigrain purposely raising the Joker thinking that he'll pick it up.

Siegrain smirked as his hand landed on top of the Joker. "Of course… I'll do anything to stop him from reviving Zeref!" he then took the other card, drawing out the king of clubs finally disposing all of his cards as he stood triumphant over the elder mage. "We fire Etherion!"