Chapter 24 - Knife To The Heart
Tenrou Island
Now regrouped after defeating several members of the Seven Kin of Purgatory including Bluenote Stinger. The Fairy Tail guild had one major thing to focus on. Unfortunately, it had something to do with Gray being an idiot. With an attitude and thought process that makes Natsu look like the genius of the guild.
"I still don't see it. How is this my kid?" Gray asked.
"Gray-sama, I never took you as a neglectful parent!" Juvia said with tears in her eyes.
Lucy sighed, "She's you with Juvia's dead stare." she said while pointing at Miyu.
Miyu looked really annoyed and didn't want to spend time explaining herself. Especially with the time distortion that brought her into this timeline. That and while Miyu didn't have any hatred towards her parents. She wasn't a fan of the teenage version of her mother who acts like a fangirl, but her teenage father is much worse. Though that could just simply be because Gray is a grown man who doesn't pay attention to the fact that he strolls around in his boxers.
"I'm not proud of having an exhibitionist for a father either." Miyu said.
"I'm not an exhibitionist!" Gray yelled.
"Ironically, mother grows a pair and constantly reminds you to keep your pants on." Miyu replied, not caring for Gray's reaction.
"Juvia suddenly gains a dark side like Lucy that gets mad at me?" Gray asked.
Lucy snorted, "Well you are her husband and father of her child. Juvia, you have to be more strict with your husband." she said to the water mage.
"I don't want to offend by beloved." Juvia said with a sad face.
"But you have to be a woman Juvia. It's about time you lay down the law and tell Gray that you don't like it when he flashes his half naked body in front of other women." Lucy said.
"I don't flash my body." Gray said.
That's when Erza hit him on the head, "Gray, put your clothes back on! You're not only committing infidelity, but also showing your body to children!" she shouted.
Gray yelled as he noticed his situation, "I'm cursed! That's the obvious reason for this!" he exclaimed.
Then Juvia forcefully put a sweater on him, "Lucy is right! I will not allow you to run around naked anymore, my love!" she said.
"Juvia, I don't want your itchy sweater!" Gray yelled.
"Put on you wife's sweater! She clearly put lots of effort into giving it to you!" Erza commanded.
Among the many things Erza hated, it was infidelity and people who cheat on their spouses. Erza wasn't religious, but she heard that lusting after another person is considered adultery of the heart from a priest during one of her missions. She did not want one of her surrogate brothers to betray the love given to them by another woman.
"I'm ashamed of you Gray, I thought I taught you better than that." Erza said.
"You didn't teach me anything!" Gray yelled.
"I taught you manners and proper behavior while I taught Natsu basic literacy. Now be grateful and thank your wife, it's a nice gift after all." Erza explained.
Gray shivered as he looked down at his sweater. It wasn't anything stupid or disturbing, but just a normal looking sweater with nice fabric that made the skin feel comfortable. It even had the Fairy Tail emblem on the left side of the breast.
"They're nice sweaters too ice head! Juvia used to make them when we worked in Phantom." Gajeel spoke up.
"Juvia gave you a sweater?" Levy asked.
"Yeah, the rain woman was giving them as a sign of friendship and all the crap. I took one mainly because Jose didn't pay for the heating bill during the winter." Gajeel answered.
"I also put special clips so that you can't take it off." Juvia said with delight in her voice.
A smile crept up Miyu's face as she saw her father struggling to remove Juvia's sweater. Now all Gray needed were some pants. Meanwhile, the rest of the present guild were trying to think of a new plan now that they reunited. At the same time, ignoring the wild ramblings going on in the background. Just because the strongest members of Grimoire Heart were defeated, the guild itself wasn't gone and still had a strong presence on the island.
"I'm still inclined to retreat. Though I think Gildarts took the boat off of the island." Makarov said.
"We can take them old man! We're together again and can team up on whoever is left!" Natsu said optimistically.
"I don't think they will want to give up either." Mira said.
Makarov sighed, "I understand some of you are frustrated and others are fearful of another attack. However, we can't risk just attacking wildly. Especially with a part of us who are still injured and exhausted." he said.
Mira winced, mostly from pain as she barely survived fighting Azuma. The barmaid just regained her power a few weeks ago and wasn't at the same level as two years ago. Defeating Elfman and Evergreen was a whole other thing. Her brother had just mastered Take Over Magic and Evergreen was still a pretty arrogant upstart. The reason Mira lost was because she let her guard down when Evergreen lied about being pregnant with Elfman's child.
Some of the other guild members, like Evergreen and Elfman, looked tired. Even Lucy was slowly feeling exhausted as she had been spreading the servants thin. Only now working to recall them as the robotic invasion force was finally defeated.
"Then we can set up two teams. One for attack, one to defend." Natsu suggested.
"It does sound simple, but realistic." Levy said.
"I volunteer for offense." Gajeel said.
"We have to think this through, no rushing into things!" Makarov exclaimed.
"OW!"
Everyone snapped out of their meeting as they heard Gray scream in pain. They turned to see that a wedding ring was forced onto his finger. What made things worse for him was the fact that Erza was hammering away at the ring.
"There, now you can't run away from this." Erza said.
"Couldn't you have finished hammering it before you screwed it onto my hand!?" Gray asked.
"I had to adjust it." Erza said proudly.
Erza was no blacksmith, but she knew how to maintain her armor. With everything she's been through, Erza knows how to put back her armors for whenever they break. Though Ikaruga made Erza really appreciate the time and effort Erza puts in. Because the Titania does not want to frequently lose her armor because of someone who can destroy things in one sword slash.
Natsu restarted the conversation with his guild master, "So, how do you suggest we handle it master?" he asked, thinking some level of civility will motivate the old man.
"This will be quite difficult to consider. As well as risky." Makarov said as he knew Hades would refuse to leave the island.
So there was no other choice than to strike.
A while later
After a long search, Fairy Tail's counterattack team found the airship where Grimoire Heart had landed. The area was relatively quiet and there was no sign of security or trap and barrier spells to defend the airship. Before anyone jumped, Erza spoke up as this seemed to convienent.
"Lucy, do you think you can disable any transparent barriers?" Erza asked.
"It looks clear Erza." Wendy spoke up.
"Wendy, these are experienced and dangerous dark mages. They can be crafty with their skills." Erza explained to the young girl.
"Magic Cancel." Lucy said as she extended her palm.
The group saw some sort of distortion. Along with what appeared to be a pair of magical signatures briefly flashing. Most of the group realized that they weren't alone, but at least now there weren't any traps in the way. They were right to think that as two servants appeared as they released their astral forms.
"You have finally appeared Fairy Tail." said a dark skinned version of Okita Souji.
Then Ashiya appeared behind the two servants, "It seems that the fairies have finally appeared. All Hades had to do was wait. And here I thought that the elderly grew patient with their old age." he said. "I will leave you two to deal with them." Ashiya said before making his exit in Astral form.
"Who are we working against Lucy?" Erza asked as she drew her weapons.
"I'm looking at Atalanta and Okita's alternate and slightly darker selves." Lucy answered. "Atalanta is much more animalistic despite being able to communicate and I think Okita might be feeling a bit more murderous." she said.
"Then their styles are different, despite some semblance of their other selves." Erza said.
"Then I'll go first! Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Natsu yelled as he started attacking first.
Okita alter immediately jumped towards Natsu and attempted to block the punch with her Rengoku sword. Despite being able to block the heavy attack, Okita alter still slid backwards from the impact. Before being punched across the ground by Natsu.
"I am not a shield you fool." Rengoku told Okita alter.
Okita made a mental note as she quickly drew the blade and ran towards Natsu. Whereas Atalanta alter took on the rest of the group by herself.
"Flight Armor!" Erza called out. "I'll hold her off! The rest of you go in!" she ordered.
"You heard the lady." Lucy said as she along with Wendy and Gray ran up to the airship.
As Erza used her enhanced speed to dodge Atalanta's arrows and meet the woman face to face. She was met with a clawed attack that nearly hit her face. Erza countered the next clawed swipes with her swords before kicking Atalanta alter in the chest, causing her to stumble back. The animalistic servant quickly recovered and pounced at Erza who moved out of the way in time. Then finding herself on the defense with the wild kicks and clawed strikes.
Right before being surprised by Atalanta biting down on her shoulder with her elongated fangs. Erza let out a cry filled pain before stabbing Atalanta alter in the abdomen and making the dark servant retreat backwards. The Titania winced as she quickly moved towards cover to cover the wound. Remembering that Lucy said that Atalanta alter is much more animalistic, it left Erza wondering if she was poisoned or was filled with some negative effect of some kind.
She wouldn't have the chance to think about it her cover was destroyed by several dark arrows. Moving once again, Erza avoided the dark arrows while trying to create strafing runs at Atalanta alter. All the while Natsu was having some difficulty with Okita alter's sword style.
Unlike the original Saber class servant, this Okita was just copying her other self's style and having issues with maintaining it. As they felt kind of sloppy and messed up compared to the other swordsmen Natsu face.
"Fire Dragon's Claw!" Natsu yelled as he sent Okita Alter skidding into a tree.
As Natsu ran after his opponent, Okita alter suddenly threw her sword at him. Natsu barely avoided it, but not without the Rengoku sword cutting a part of his vest and into his flesh.
"Nice try!" Natsu said before tackling Okita alter down and punching her.
"You idiot! I am not a ball you can throw!" Rengoku yelled angrily.
Seeing her screw up, Natsu generated a bow and arrows with his fire. Where he proceeded to fire arrows at Okita alter, pinning her to a tree as a result. It took Okita alter some time to try and pull out the arrows but not enough as Natsu punched her in stomach with enough force to knock down the tree.
"How are you holding up Erza?" Natsu asked.
"A few scratches and bites will not stop me." Erza said as she blocked a few of Atalanta alter's arrows. "I practically raised you, so this is nothing new." she said.
As mentioned many times before, Natsu and Erza see their relationship of that of siblings. With Erza being the overbearing control freak and Natsu being the immature brat with an animalistic attitude.
"Then let's trade." Natsu said.
Before Erza could say anything, Atalanta alter jumped away as several arrows nearly pierced her. The dark feral looking servant looked up to see her attacker was still trying to take her out from a distance. Which left her open for Erza to strike.
"You shouldn't have looked away!" Erza said as she sliced at Atalanta's chest.
Causing the Berserker to crash a few meters away into the ground.
"And who do I have to thank for the assistance?" Erza asked, sounding grateful.
Her ally had jumped down to reveal himself, "I did, Erza." Shirou said, in his temporary adult form.
"Shirou? How did you get on the island?" Erza asked.
"I'll explain later, right now you have to help with that airship." Shirou said.
"I'm not leaving you alone to face that servant." Erza said.
"I'm not alone Erza." Shirou said as Arthur came out of the forest to combat the feral servant.
"Just go!" Arthur shouts.
Erza sighed, "You owe me a long explanation." she said as she went to get Natsu. "And a punishment for not staying home where it's safe!" she added.
"So mean." Shirou said before generating his swords.
Now Shirou and Arthur would be the ones facing the alter servants.
Inside the airship maintenance vents
When no one looked, Happy lead the way down the vents once he saw those servants. He felt like he should have left a note but time was of the essence. Regardless, it was reckless but a good attempt at recon.
"Do you even know where we're going tomcat?" Charle asked.
"Inside of the airship obviously!" Happy answered, very happily.
"I know that! I want to know, where in the airship we're going!" Charle exclaimed.
"Maybe somewhere important that we can sabotage the ship or somewhere that has a lot of intel." Happy said.
"Forgive me if I lack faith in your scouting ability." Charle said.
"I'll always forgive you Charle." Happy said.
"Can we focus on making a plan! We're deep in enemy territory and I don't want to be surrounded if we end up in the wrong place!" Panther Lily said, with much frustration in his voice.
"Calm down Lily, it's not like they would check the vents. They never do that." Happy said.
"But we could potentially fall down a grate or make enough noise to gain their attention." Charle said in a negative manner.
"At the very least, we should try mapping out our route so we don't get lost." Panther Lily suggested.
"Okay, I think I already see a room already. Maybe they have paper and a pen." Happy said as he looked through a grate.
"What do you see?" Charle asked.
"Maintenance stuff I think. Maybe we're in an engine room or something." Happy said.
"Move over, let me see." Panther Lily said as he wanted to look as well.
It would be at this specific point in time where Charle would be correct. As her earlier reasoning for wanting to be cautious in the vents came in. Because the grate they stood on had fallen apart and the three exceeds fell down with a loud crash.
"I guess we could have done that better." Happy admits.
"We need to move before some guards arrive." Panther Lily said.
"I don't suppose we could somehow blend in could we?" Happy asked.
Name: Happy
Presence of Concealment Rank: D-
Panther Lily sighed, "Let's just figure out where we are." he said a she stood up.
"Though Happy was right for once. We are in the engine room. Assuming that giant piece of machinery is somehow connected this flying death trap." Charle said.
"If it is, we should mess with it. In a manner of not hurting ourselves I mean." Happy said.
By now, Happy was smart enough to not do what Natsu would do. Which would be brutally smashing the equipment in hopes of it harming Grimoire Hearts. Though whether or not this is the engine, Happy didn't want to accidentally cause an explosion that could kill him and his fellow felines.
"Better not for now." Panther Lily said.
At the same time, in the distance
There were things even worse than the demons from the Book of Zeref. The dark mage is an ancient and powerful wizard who is believed to have had dark intentions for this world and a hate for humanity. While some of those beliefs soon became true, there was at least one creature even Zeref fears. The concept of dragons has been debated to be merely a myth, a story to tell children. Even with infamous dragonslayers, many thought it was a unique magic. Like the Godslayers who have a special magic that makes them more powerful than any ordinary mage.
However, regardless of one's religious and spiritual beliefs. Individuals like Zancrow were not trained or granted powers by a god. If that were the case, no one would be afraid of the hulking dragon that was making its way to Tenrou island after having been rudely awakened.
Yet, there are those who are fully aware of dragons and actually wish to see these creatures. The desire for knowledge whether they be good or bad has driven people to insanity and desperation. Because that would be the best way to explain the individuals in a hidden lab on a nearby airship that was currently spying on Tenrou Island.
"Status report." an officer on the airship said.
"Foreign bogey closing in on the island, mach 1 speed at the very least." an operator said.
"Did Grimoire Heart have a contingency unit?" the officer asked.
"Sir, it's not Grimoire Heart." another operator answered.
Soon enough, a big holographic screen appeared and the officer was subjected to the images of a giant winged reptile moving over the sky. The officer quickly started putting the details together.
"I want that Daphne woman to release her experiments. The emperor has no doubt wanted us to test this creature." the officer said.
"Releasing the test subjects at once." an operator said.
With Daphne
On another part of the airship, Daphne was giddly watching as a pair of soldiers was pushing out one of the cages on the top deck. Daphne would finally get to see the results of her creations and the hard work she had been building up to. Though it did sadden her, she never intended to turn her little dragons into pit fighters for war.
"Then again, I never said I was doing this for peacekeeping stuff. I can always make more his majesty gives me more bones." Daphne said as the cage was pushed towards the edge. "Then again, I wonder if I can salvage anything." she said.
"Opening the cages in 10 seconds!" one soldier said.
Daphne quickly took cover, "Ready when you are boys." she said.
"Release!" the same soldier said as the cage was opened and Daphne's dragon came falling out.
"No baby! You have to flap your wings!" Daphne yelled.
Luckily, despite being a lizard, the dragon quickly learned. As it started flying high in the sky and as it wanted to rip apart Daphne and the soldiers. It focused on the sight of the dragon that it smelled in the distance. Daphne must have done a poor job when it came to developing a learning curve for her little experiments. Though it's not as if she had any intention to create dragons capable of becoming graduate students.
"My babies can't solve quadratic functions, but they can sure fight. They're almost as good as my Matamo-chan!" Daphne said as she pulled out her box. "Any of you boys want some? It's got nutrients!" she said, offering another box.
The soldiers ran away in terror as if Daphne's snacks were the dangerous threat.
"What? My breaths stinks or something?" Daphne asked. Then she had an idea, "Mint flavor! Or maybe little Matamo-chan but tiny and in a box of mints! That's genius!" she said as she ran back to her lab to get to work.
In the meantime, the airship's inhabitants were going to release the rest of Daphne's experimental dragons.
With the rest of the group
As the group made their way to the center of the airship. They found themselves in a room with a glass ceiling and a throne surrounded by a pair of large decorative horns.
"This place is creepy." Wendy commented.
"I guess this dark guild really wants to try hard at being evil." Lucy said.
"Didn't you say you and Shirou took down dark guilds in the past Lucy?" Wendy asked.
"Yeah, but they were small fries. I remember there was this fairly large guild with this creepy guy who just wants the world to hate him." Lucy explained. "I guess if you want to be famous, just prove how evil you are with your evil decorations." she said as a joke.
"Then how do you make a legal guild famous?" Gray asked.
"I think Fairy Tail already has that covered Gray, don't worry." Lucy said, despite her love of the guild.
Despite Fairy Tail being a fun, loving and accepting place for all wizards. Everyone always has to be reminded of how irresponsible everyone is.
"So where are these big shots?" Gray asked as he looked around.
"Hey guys!" Natsu's voice rings from the hallway.
"Natsu?" Lucy asked as she saw the dragon slayer and Titania arrive. "What happened to the enemy servants?" she asked.
"Reinforcements arrived." Erza answered.
"Who…" before Lucy could ask, they were interrupted by a new presence.
"Fairy Tail, are you here to receive the same beating I gave to your master?" Hades asked as he entered the room.
"The only one getting a beating is you! No one mocks the old man!" Natsu yelled.
"And is this what it takes to be a wizard in the guild? Screaming angrily?" Hades asked, further mocking the mages.
"That's it, I had enough of this jerk! Fire Dragon's Roar!" Natsu roared.
As Natsu released a torrent of flames at Hades. The former guild master of Fairy Tail raised up his hand to redirect the fire magic around his body, essentially nullifying it. However, that didn't mean that everyone was going to take their turns fighting. As Erza and Gray jumped into fight as well.
"Ice Make: Hammer!" Gray yells as he drops a giant hammer of ice over Hades.
With a single arm, Hades caught the weapon and shattered it with ease. Before dodging an incoming attack from Erza.
"You will pay for hurting our master and attacking our sacred land!" Erza yelled.
"Child, you are too young and naive." Hades said he avoided Erza's attacks.
"Heaven's Wheel!" Erza yelled as she changed armors.
"Ice Make: Arrows!" Gray yelled as he unleashed a wave of ice arrows.
Hades extended both arms at the two different projectiles, "Grimoire Chains!" he shouts.
With his chains, Hades flicks away the arrows and flying swords. With those out of the way, the chains started chasing after Erza and Gray. Before they could be caught by Hades, Natsu appeared over Hades' head.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Natsu yelled as he tried punching Hades on the top of his head.
Hades barely had time to react and was sent skidding across the floor. Hades quickly recovered and blocked the next incoming attack from Natsu.
"You are quite strong, but you lack experience boy." Hades said before parrying Natsu's next hit.
"Ark!" Lucy yells as she hits Hades while he's distracted. "We may be inexperienced, but we make up for it teamwork. Right Wendy?" she asked.
Wendy nodded, "Right! Fast wind that run the heaven... Vernier!" She shouts as she enhances everyone's speed.
"Now we're talking!" Natsu said as he and the rest of his group started chasing Hades around the room.
"Grimoire Ray!" Hades yells as he tries to take them all out in one hit.
Only to miss as Erza, Gray and Natsu managed to move out of the way and crash into Hades. The following result was the elderly man being sent flying into the air. Where all three started hitting him back and forth like a volleyball.
"Hit him Lucy!" Erza yelled.
"Random Ball!" Lucy yelled, causing Hades to crash into a wall.
"Don't allow him recover!" Erza ordered.
Just as everyone was about to converge on Hades. The older man looked more than well enough to keep fighting. It appeared that despite the quick and heavy blows around his body. The Fairy Tail guild had yet to truly harm their former guild master.
"Fools, you will be the ones needing to recover." Hades said as he lifted his eyes patch. Revealing that his eye had a strange inscription, "This old man still knows many tricks. Many that you are not well prepared for." he said as he blasted everyone away with his bullet magic.
Soon enough, everyone watched as Hades was surrounded by a lot of black magic. The room was beginning to be dark and clouded as more black magic surrounded Hades. With his revealed eye glowing bright red, Hades began to show the true nature of his black magic.
"My Demon's Eye will show you a world that surpasses your imagination." Hades said before the room's atmosphere felt heavy. "More so, despite the surprise of you all defeating my Seven Kin of Purgatory, I do not come unprepared. For the Girmoire's Heart will be your doom." he said as everyone felt their magic starting to drain.
"Lucy, what's going on?" Wendy asked.
"I don't know, maybe there are magic circles or tools being used somewhere." Lucy said as she tried scanning the room.
"I don't care what you do old man! You won't beat us with flashy magic!" Natsu yelled.
Erza nodded, "That is right, we will push on whatever you throw at us!" she said with determination in her voice.
"Makarov really did a poor job in showing you all the reality of the world of magic." Hades said with the intent to kill them all.
With the exceeds
The strange machine began to glow brightly, "This is definitely important." Happy points out.
"Maybe we should get to safety then. Who knows what sort of magical radiation is escaping the contraption." Charle suggested.
"A good idea, I doubt we can just disconnect it or turn it off with a button." Panther Lily said before hearing lots of footsteps.
Where a legion of Grimoire Heart grunts had entered the room and surrounded the exceeds. Maybe they should have ran out of here when they had the element of surprise.
"Happy, do you have any of those cards on you?" Panther Lily asked.
"Aye sir! Ventus always loans me about 2 or 3 on our adventures." Happy said as he shared the class cards.
Panther Lily took a quick look, "I hope this one does me good." he said, taking a random card.
"I'll take one as well." Charle said, knowing her combat prowess is nonexistent.
Happy looked at the remaining cards, "I think this one is good." he said, handing over a card.
"And how do I use it?" Charle asked.
Happy quickly helped her, "Like this Charle, just put some magic into it. You gotta let it spread to your body, like clothes except they just put themselves on." he explained.
"I think I'm getting it." Charle said as she was suddenly dressed like Medea. "Now I just feel silly." she said.
Happy put on the last class card, "No time for that Charle!" he said as he transformed into Robin Hood. "We got a war to win!" he said.
"Don't let them near the heart! Master Hades will lose his power if it's destroyed!" A random dark mage said.
"Well I guess that answers the question that if we should destroy that creepy looking reactor/engine thing." Happy said. "Congratulations on telling us your weakness you jerks!" he said before shooting at a dark mage's mask with his arrows.
"Why do always go for that villain trope!?" another dark mage asked.
"I guess it's all we really know." Someone answered.
Panther Lily transformed into Beowulf by this point, "Then you should have stayed quiet and fought!" he said as he makes a heavy sideways slash with Hrunting. "You two try to destroy the heart!" he said.
"Aye sir!" Happy said after shooting another dark mage.
Charle took a deep breath, "Fighting should not be too difficult, especially when I have someone else's magic." she said as she raised her paws. "Hopefully this is an effective offensive spell." she said as several magic seals appear behind her.
Suddenly Charle started barraging the heart with heavy blasts of energy. The results of the blast revealed several tubes around the room being destroyed with the heart of the airship being close to shattering.
"I cannot believe that worked." Charle said as she prepared another barrage.
Only to feel a slash from behind her back. Charle let out a pain filled cry as Happy caught her in his arms. The blue exceed looked up and glared as Emiya Assassin revealed himself with his knife drawn.
"Charle my love, are you okay?" Happy asked.
"I think he just nicked me, but I can't move so much." Charle answered.
"You'll pay creepy guy!" Happy said.
Emiya did not acknowledge Happy's threat, instead he decided to pull out a gun and prepared to fire at the two exceeds. Only for the bullets to miss as Charle managed to create a barrier to deflect each round.
"I can still provide support, now go defeat him Happy. It's all on you and Lily now." Charle said.
"This is for you Charle!" Happy said as he gently placed her to the side. Happy then proceeded to charge at Emiya, "This is what happens when you make an enemy out of Fairy Tail!" he yells as he avoids more bullets.
Emiya quickly drew his knife again and tried to slash at Happy. Only for Happy to block the knife strikes with his crossbow at the last second. The exceed then proceeded to jump and try to kick to kick Emiya with his enhanced agility. However, the Assassin was too quick with his hands and sent Happy skidding back with a punch.
However, the exceed wasn't frail anymore and started rapidly firing at Emiya. The Assassin dodged each crossbow bolt with ease as he continued firing back at Happy who was shielded by Charle.
"Happy, try having your projectiles hit the heart. Maybe it can be destroyed in the crossfire." Charle said as some stray bullets hit the heart.
"Good idea Charle!" Happy said as Charle's shields made a few bullets ricochet into the heart.
Emiya narrowed his eyes as he realized he had to change up his tactics. While some could argue that the exceeds ruined their plan by announcing it out loud. It didn't help that the Assassin was in a narrow space and had to rely on distant fighting. Especially with some of those defenses making his bullets fly at heart of the airship.
'I'll have to reevaluate my tactics.' Emiya thought as he avoids more crossbow bolts.
"Come at me jerk!" Happy yelled.
"Very well!" Emiya said as he rushed at Happy.
Back with the group
Hades raised his fist as a sphere of black magic appeared, "This is magnificent, primordial magic and none of you have the courage to seek it. Your morales are your weakness, something that must be cleansed of this world in order to create the perfect utopia." he said.
"What you are saying is purely madness! You are speaking of mass genocide!" Erza shouted.
"All things come with sacrifice! There must be no weakness! That is why I must find Lord Zeref in order to obtain all primordial magic!" Hades shouted back.
"You are willing to kill just to sate your curiosity!? Your hunger for power is driving you that much!?" Lucy asked, sounding outraged.
"As I already said, none of you are willing to go far. Holding yourselves back, fearing the unknown and believing in good versus evil. This world no longer has room for these ideals!" Hades said as his sphere started to split and move around the room. "From the Book of Zeref, Nemesis!" He casts.
The fragments of the dark orb split and enter the rocks debris of the room that were destroyed during the fight. Soon enough, dark monstrous shadowy figures came out from the debris. All of them surrounded Hades as if they had looked up to him as a leader. All of them, prepared to attack when commanded to.
Natsu then punched the floor, "I don't care what you want and I don't care what you want to do! We're not giving up because you think we're just dumb kids!" he yelled. "Juice me Lucy!" he yelled.
Lucy nodded, "Fire Storm!" she said, casting a large tornado of flames for Natsu to eat.
"We're not done here hold man!" Natsu yelled as he coated his body in fire.
"For once, I agree with Natsu! We're not quitting because you think we're naive and weak willed!" Gray added.
"We will strike you down! Then end your insanity!" Erza exclaimed as she picked up her swords again.
Hades scoffed at the blind optimism from the younger generation. He then commanded the monsters he made to attack all at once.
"Sanctuary!" Lucy yells out, creating a crystal barrier around her group.
This allowed everyone to get the chance to prepare as the monsters failed to break open the barrier. It also reduced the thick air that Hades created when he revealed his demon eye. Thus allowing everyone to breath and clear their thoughts before rushing out.
"Power of the stout arms that tears heaven... Arms." Wendy said, granting greater strength to her group.
Lucy then lowered the barrier and let out her friends. With all of them surprising the monsters with their attacks.
"I'm super fired up now!" Natsu yelled as he burned through several monsters.
"Don't just talk, flame brain." Gray said as he pierced several monsters with a wave of icicles.
Seeing as how the main force of the group were attacking. Lucy took a risk and decided to attack Hades from a distance.
"Cover me Wendy." Lucy said as Wendy nodded. "Ark!" She yells as she fires a large sphere of light at Hades.
"So much power Holy Maiden and yet you waste it on morales." Hades said. "I heard so much and yet I am very disappointed to see that you are a fearful child. Have you considered mastering your unique magic at all?" she asked.
"Lucy doesn't have to answer to a crazy old man like you!" Wendy snapped.
"That's right, magic isn't about being the most powerful or having the most spells. You don't need to destroy the world just because you don't like how other people use it." Lucy said, learning from her independent years. "But that doesn't mean I won't fight when my friends or others are threatened. Lightning Spree!" She shouts.
All around Hades, orbs with the symbol of the Goddess Clan surrounded him. Each orb then began to glow before shooting powerful beams at Hades. Hades raised his hands up and generated a magic circle that absorbed the attacks. He then rapidly created several magic seals that appeared in front of Lucy.
"Amaterasu: Formula 28!" Hades said before trapping Lucy in a cylindrical shockwave.
"Sky Dragon's Roar!" Wendy roars in an attempt to stop Hades' spell from finishing.
The technique only managed to make Hades stumble back and lose focus for a moment. However, it gave Erza enough time to get the drop on Hades and ram him straight through the floorboards.
"It's as I said! Our teamwork makes up for our inexperience!" Erza shouted.
Before Hades could retort, he felt his black magic dying down. The remaining monsters disappeared and the room's atmosphere felt a lot more light. Hades clutched his demon's eye as he felt the powerful magic leaving it.
"No, this is impossible!" Hades exclaimed. "What happened to the Devil's Heart!?" he asked.
With the exceeds again
*CRACK*
"It's destroyed!" Charle yelled as the glass behind the heart shattered with the liquid inside already leaking out.
"We did it! Now what?" Happy asked while avoiding another gunshot.
"We finish these bozos off, obvious! Ooh, nice sword." Panther Lily said as he stole a sword.
"I spent four months of wages on that Musica Sword!" a random dark mage yelled.
Panther Lily could see the unique magic of the sword radiating within the blade, "I'll hang on to it." he said.
"Hey!" the same dark mage yelled very angrily.
Panther Lily proceeded to ignore the dark mage's demands for the sword to be returned. As he used his enhanced strength as Beowulf to break through the crowd.
"Now is a good time for a tactical retreat." Charle said as she stood up.
"Aye!" Happy responded in agreement.
Seeing the issue was far from being fixed, Emiya decided that now is a good time to run as well. He quickly threw a couple of grenades at the exceeds before diving into the crowd of grunts that Panther Lily was fighting. Where he had the chance to use Presence of Concealment while everyone else was distracted. Thus slipping away quite easily.
"Stupid jerk!" Happy yelled as the explosives almost took off his head.
Luckily Charle managed to block it in time, "Very rude indeed, I can see why this is so difficult. All I did was block a few projectiles and shoot at reinforced glass. Why am I so tired?" She asked.
"You gotta build up that strength Charle." Happy said. "Now let's get out of here!" he added.
"Yes, this place is too stuffy for me." Charle said as she started levitating. "Luckily I cannot get air sick." she said as she flew towards the ceiling and blasted it.
Charle then created magic seals under Panther Lily and Happy. Where she proceeded to levitate them and follow her through her homemade exit. All the while avoiding the various ranged attacks from the dark mages. Including the angry and bitter dark mage who previously owned Panther Lily's Musica sword.
"Give that back! You damn dirty thief!" the dark mage yelled.
Happy sweat dropped, "To be fair, dark mages aren't honorable types. You know, even if they get paid the money doesn't come from honest work." he said.
Panther Lily liked Happy's thinking, "I guess you're right. It's an honest transaction through dirty deeds." he said.
"You're still stealing from another criminal." Charle points out.
"I think morality isn't really going to be contested here." Panther Lily said.
That's when the entire airship started shaking and everyone heard a loud shock. Panther Lily quickly reverted to his chibi form and started holding his ears like an adorable animal.
"Was that lightning!? Is it raining again!?" Panther Lily frantically asked.
"We better get to the surface and find out." Charle said.
"Or better… we find a room and hide!" Panther Lily exclaimed, fearful of a lightning storm.
Happy sighed, "Of all the things to be scared of." he said.
"Shut up!" Panther Lily yelled.
Back with the others
A few seconds earlier, Hades was about to continue the fight despite the loss of power. Deep down, he thought it was just temporary and that there was some sort of disconnection between himself and the heart. However, he was soon surprised byt eh ceiling shattering as a streak of yellow lightning came in and crashed between him and the Fairy Tail wizards.
"What is this now?" Hades asked.
The guild was surprised to see who interrupted their fight.
"Laxus!?" everyone asked.
"What's that jerk doing here!?" Natsu asked very angrily.
"Saving your butts, what do you think?" Laxus asked as if his appearance is meant to be natural and expected.
"Weren't you banished?" Lucy asked.
"Who's Laxus?" Wendy asked, having joined the guild after Laxus was banished.
"That doesn't matter right now. What matters is we stop this clown." Laxus said as he cracked his knuckles.
Hades cracked his neck, "I see, someone else who refuses to see the true path of sorcery." he said.
Laxus then charged up his body again, "I don't know what you're talking about old man, but no one messes with my old man's guild." he said.
As Laxus prepared to charge at Hades and ignore everyone else. Ashiya Douman had suddenly appeared in front of Laxus. Even with the great speed that Laxus had, he was unable to react to Douman's appearance as he was slashed by the Alter Ego's weapons. Resulting in a large explosion sending him flying back into the group.
"I guess that's what you get for stealing a fight." Natsu said.
"Shut up! He just surprised me is all and ow!" Laxus shouted as he held his wound.
Lucy scanned the wound, "That's not good, I think Douman's attacks are able to pierce through magic." She said.
"I also doubt you could detect me in time." Ashiya said as he teleported away.
Everyone spread out in an attempt to locate or prepare for the Alter Ego's attempt. Only for Natsu to be sent crashing with several quick swipes along with Erza who was hit from behind after Douman teleported again.
"Ice Make Shield!" Gray yelled as he managed to react in time.
However, it didn't matter as Douman easily cut through the shield and hit Gray as a result. Douman let out his maniacal laugh as he continued to blitz through the wizards.
"Where were you when I need you earlier!?" Hades asked very angrily.
"Do not stress yourself, it's bad for you at this age." Douman said, ignoring Hades' question. "I did my best to find the Fairy Glitter, but it's not there anymore." he said, though secretly hiding some details of his own.
"Then what was that light I saw earlier!?" Hades asked.
"We should speak after we finish off these "naive children" that you speak of. Your Path of Sorcery demands it doesn't it?" Douman asked in a mocking tone.
"We will have words." Hades said as he quickly recovered.
However, as the two were about to continue their battle. Charle destroyed a part of the floor underneath them and came out flying.
"I think this is the exit." Charle said only for Douman to suddenly appear in front of her. "Jiggolo!" she shouted in fear.
"Eh?" Happy asked.
"Did she just scream Jiggolo?" Panther Lily asked.
In the spur of the moment, Charle was sent crashing down after Douman landed an attack on her. Happy glared at Douman just as Panther Lily turned into his muscular form. As the larger exceed managed to engage Douman in a close quarters fight. Happy raised up his crossbow at Douman.
"Yew Bow!" Happy yelled.
"Happy no! Aim for Hades!" Lucy yelled.
"This guy hurt Charle!" Happy responded.
"Hades is his master! Hit him and Ashiya is defeated!" Lucy explained.
Happy groaned as he attempted to aim his weapon at Hades. Who at the same time was facing Natsu and the others. Which was even more difficult for Happy as his weapon was about to fire and there was no clear shot. Thus, the blue exceed had to leave it to chance for his Noble Phantasm to hit it's intended target.
Luckily, Laxus managed to land a heavy punch to Hades. Making the old man stumble back as he blocked Laxus' incoming strikes. Before being hit by the poisonous arrow from Happy's crossbow.
"I did it!" Happy yelled.
"What!?" Hades asked as he felt a surge of pains filling the side of his body.
"Lightning Dragon's Roar!" Laxus roared as he blasted Hades into the back of the room.
Charle slowly recovered, "Oh my head." she said.
Wendy quickly picked up Charle and started healing her. As the fight continued in the background, Lucy noticed Charle's attire and realized she used a class card. Then immediately recognized the clothing to belong to Medea the Witch of Colchis which gave her a good idea. Though Hades might be getting weaker thanks to Robin Hood's Noble Phantasm, Medea's Noble Phantasm is more effective.
"Wendy, do you think Charle can move soon?" Lucy asked.
"I highly discourage it!" Wendy exclaimed.
"I'm afraid I wish to return back to sitting in the back Lucy-san. Fighting is too difficult." Charle said with a sigh.
"I just need you to do one thing! And I've already started reaching some exhaustion with my magic!" Lucy explained.
Lucy would explain her plan to use Rule Breaker as the rest of the group continued to dogpile Hades with their combined might. Though the amount of pressure they dealt wasn't as much as some of them had to deal with Ashiya Douman. Who constantly moved around and disappeared in between brawls with no way of being detected.
"This guy is getting on my nerves!" Laxus yelled as he missed hitting Douman.
"Angry? Let it spread." Douman whispered before letting himself get hit.
"I feel less angry when I actually get to hit you!" Laxus yelled.
"Grimoire Ray!" Hades shouts as he blasts through the Fairy Tail wizards. "Douman! I want them defeated now! Destroy the airship if you have to! It no longer matters by this point!" he yelled.
"And what is your request?" Douman asked.
Hades raised his hand revealing his command seal, "With the command seal and for the path of sorcery! I command you, Ashiya Douman, to reduce these children into nothingness!" he shouts as the seal glows.
Douman smirked as he started floating into the air as he started activating his Noble Phantasm. Above Douman, the manifestation of the vengeful spirit Akuryō-safu, Fujiwara no Akimitsu, appeared in the shape of an orb. However, before Douman could finish his attack. Natsu quickly struck Hades while he was open.
"Why you…!"
"Sky Dragon Wing Attack!" Wendy yelled as she lands her surprise attack.
"I have him now!" Charle yelled as she floated over Hades.
Hades glared at everyone as he felt his patience reach it's limit, "Kat-"
Natsu landed another blow before Hades finished, "Oh no you don't!" he yelled as Charle summoned a curved knife.
"Rule Breaker!" Charle yelled as she stabbed Hades on the arm.
Unlike normal blades, Rule Breaker's function was to sever the connection of most high level magic. As a result, the command seals on the back of Hades' hand had disappeared and severed the magical flow between him and his servant. Douman felt this as his magic collapsed and he fell into the ocean.
"No!" Hades yelled.
"Yes!" everyone yelled.
It was best not to explain the detailed mess that was Fairy Tail's final attack. As it resulted in a giant explosion that ripped apart the Grimoire Heart. Leaving Hades defeated and with a big shocked face on his injured body.
"We did it!" Natsu shouted as he pulled Lucy in for a hug.
The girl laughed as everyone cheered. At least until the rest of the Grimoire Heart grunts. All of them heavily armed and seemingly angry as they see their unconscious leader's body on the remaining parts of the airship.
"Fairy Tail defeated Master Hades! Get them!" a grunt yelled.
"And get my Musica Sword back too!" that one grunt shouted.
"This is my sword now!" Panther Lily said, defending his new weapon.
That's when Makarov arrived, "I think you youngsters should quit while you're ahead." he said, looking better from his injuries.
"It's Master Makarov! We can't win now!" one of the dark mage grunts said.
"On second thought, I'll let the dog go for a run. Sic 'em boy!" Makarov commanded.
Suddenly Hassan Lobo came running out and chased after the grunts. All of them screaming as a dangerous mythical animal gave chase to them. It was unlikely that someone would escape without being maimed.
"I think that's the end of that." Makarov said.
"Hey Master, look who's back." Lucy said as she pointed at Laxus who looked uncaring.
Makarov nodded, "I see, I did not expect to see you here Laxus. SO WHY ARE YOU HERE!? DON'T YOU REALIZE THAT YOU'RE BANISHED!" he yelled.
Laxus still did not look like he cared.
"I think he's needs physical discipline." Lucy suggested.
"I'll be sure to recall Lobo." Makarov said, making Laxus nervous. "But first, I think I need to speak with the former master. If he's still alive that is." he said as he moved past them.
Then Shirou and Arthur arrived, "Hey, we're here too! And we brought gifts!" Shirou said.
Lucy was about to question why they were here when she saw Atalanta Alter and Okita Alter being dropped on the ground. Both looked fairly beaten up and tied up with some ropes.
"I think I need a tetanus shot." Arthur said as he revealed several bite marks.
Erza steps forward, "Then this is where I come in." she said as she used Requip to transform into a cute nurse. "Come here boys, let nurse Erza heal you." she said.
"Nope." Arthur said as he started running.
"Come back! You need immediate treatment!" Erza shouted as she chased after him with a giant syringe.
With Daphne's Dragons
Upon release, the prototype dragons screeched as they took to the skies at blazing speeds. Where they approached a large dragon with a black hide, blue markings and a gray belly. The dragon hovered in the middle of the air as if it were waiting for the dragons to arrive. As the first incoming prototype clawed at it's target's face and unleashed a torrent of green fire behind the dragon.
Unlike the dragon they targeted, the prototypes lacked any real intelligence. Much to chagrin of most human beliefs, not all magical creatures are stupid and incapable of thought. Just like this dragon as it was the Black Dragon of the Apocalypse. For in a quick swoop, the apocalyptic dragon ripped off the head of the first dragon that attacked it.
With a roar, the rest of the pack came right in and let out sonic screeches that would have made buildings collapse with all of the vibrations they unleashed. Instead, the Dragon of the Apocalypse only looked like someone had burped in it's face. The second incoming protoype would quikcly meet it's end with a clawed slash to the underbelly with a third being obliterated with a small blast.
"These are not real dragons, but they should not walk this world either." the dragon said as it continued combating it's attackers.
On the airship
Daphne frowned, "That big old lizard's hide is stronger than matome-chan 1.0." she said.
Apparently, her original recipe for her disgusting snack gave it a hardened exterior. With that in mind, Daphne now felt concerned about the damage output of her pet project. Along with how tough the dragon seemed to be.
"We need something to drill through that scaled monster's hide. It looks like magic ain't enough.' Daphne points out.
"Daphne is right sir, Acnologia appears to be heavily resistant against most magical attacks." an operator said.
"We lost five more prototype dragons! Acnologia is about to leave again!" another operator shouted.
"Keep all eyes on that winged beast! Emperor Mateus wants it studied!" the lead officer commanded.
"Two more down, one left!" an operator said.
"Come on baby! Show mama the fruits of labor!" Daphne yelled as if her prototype could hear her.
The beast landed a heavy blow!" an operator said.
Daphne sighed, "Hitting it ain't enough." she said before seeing the last prototype dragon's death. "We can't send anymore captain. It's just a waste by this point." she said calmly.
The officer hit his fist against a guard rail, "I will have to report this to his majesty then. Maybe see to it that a better scientist can deal with this monster." he said before stomping off into his office.
"Sure thing! I'll just stick around and tweak my babies!" Daphne said before walking back to her lab. "That Acnologia fellow seems to be tough and my babies aren't as smart as it either. Maybe I should read to the or something." she said to herself.
Now Daphne wondered how strong Acnologia truly is and what exactly could harm it since brute force was going nowhere. Maybe they spy on the Fairy Tail guild since the dragon is heading over there. Perhaps they have a better chance of damaging the Black Dragon of the Apocalypse.
TO BE CONTINUED..