*Reads through the story's stats*
Well, not much-
*Sees new 'review'*
Hello~! What do we have here?
*Sees the review*
… *Sigh* Alright, let's do this again.
*One timeskip later (Because I'm being lazy)*
Hello once again! We're back with the next release of 'Daylight's End' for you and this time I actually tried to write this in the given timeframe of 1 week! (Note, sarcasm.) Ok, but seriously…I didn't know that an internship could beat my ass back all the way to Friday.
Old man: *Chuckle* "Well, gratitude and payments aren't earned by simply lounging around, don't you think so as well?"
Luna: 'Well…' *Smirks* 'It depends on who fulfills such mundane tasks. There are certain…individuals that lack the determination for-'
CAN WE- *Breaths in and out* Can we not do this right now? I'm tired, partially sick and just want to get over this, alright?
Old man: "Alright…still, you might want to take a day free then. Trust me on this, working yourself tired is not the right solution. I'm talking from experience…" *Winces as he moves his leg*
Ouch…yeah, we'll move right to the main event, our 'Review's corner' actually received an addition! Yet…it isn't what I thought it would be. (Well, don't we all expect only rainbows and sunshine, huh?)
Luna: *Spawns in a purple-marked envelope, written by 'dreadix'*'Thinking that Fujimaru already warned about such reviews, we had slightly expected such a message. Though, since you at least didn't write any active insult and included…some personal view, it's tolerable. 'disappointed with the story could have been much better'. You should (before you might have written this) considered 2 things.'
1. We're still going through the 'Loeyur'-arc. I know that this is drawing the storyline ahead by a LOT, but it's the way I wanted to write this story. So don't be too disappointed if the written stuff doesn't fit your likes.
Old man: "And 2. This is (and that fact had been repeated multiple times already) Fire's first fanfiction ever written. Although he attempts to improve over the course of time, he's not too experienced. Give him some space if you will."
Thus, feel free to read every story that you personally enjoy more than this one. For some people that's relatively easy, so please commence in doing so. Well then, with this out of the way let's do the disclaimer and move on.
Luna: 'I'll have no problem doing that. But…might you do the honors, mister?' *Turns towards the old man*
Old man: *Smiles* "I'd be delighted to." *Cough* "All of you youngsters out there, this piece of 'literature'…"
…
Luna: 'No comment on that statement?'
No, none. Just…go ahead.
Old man: *Chuckles* "As tolerant as ever, I see. Now…where was I? Ah yes. 'Daylight's End's' claim and the rights of every OC included in this story go to MrFiretank. 'Fairy Tail' and every OST / Soundtrack mentioned have their rights reserved by their respectful owners, so that their creators get supported for their works."
*Grumbles* Why can't I get paid for writing this?
Luna: 'Maybe one day we'll all have success, but be patient until it occurs. For today though, let's move on the next Chapter. Have fun reading and until next time.'
*Grins* Roll the next Chapter! Whooo!
…
CHAPTER 19 – SPIRITS OF BATTLE
(For more Intensity, play from 'Guilty Crown OST – Basileus')
"Matsuri, on your left!" / "Got it! Take THAT!" The glint of metal under blood shines under the few rays on sunlight, another goon getting incapacitated on 'Full Blood's' front. The charge of two opposite sides was reaching its peak as both forces clashed in the middle, the young mage and the 'White Wolf' leading their respective group. The fight had broken out at full force as fighters, soldiers and mages met each other, weapons ready for this day.
Fujimaru and Matsuri had managed to run a bit further into the enemy lines as they plowed into their numbers. Either unconscious or half-dead was the resulting status of those that crossed 'Kirin's' path. A chest slit here, a broken arm hanging there and the occasional head trauma in between. Both twins obviously weren't aiming to kill. Even with their ex-members thinking otherwise they'll not resent to such acts.
Yet they both didn't hold back for their usage of spells.
"Out of the way! Lightning Magic: Crash Down, Kaminari!" Raising his 'Raijin', Fujimaru swung his weapon instantly after the cast and a neon-yellow circle fired out a pillar of lightning. The impact flung 3 goons some steps back, stunning them temporarily and giving the blond male some free space to work with.
"This silly fight ends here! Wind Magic: Rising Tempest, Entoransu!" The small light-blue circle shot out a thin, concentrated stream of air like a line between 4 enemies, missing them at first. They started to laugh at her attack but it wasn't done yet. "Now, expand!" Concentrated air shot out of the stream's sides, pushing the guys away in a glorious gust of wind. They landed on their backs behind other people, laying there for a while.
Both twins covered each other's backs to fight them off (without any attempted casualties). Because of their pacifistic fighting style they had a hard time fighting alone. Additionally, their Unison Raid had drained a big part of their magic energy, thus leaving the two mostly exhausted. Fujimaru was the physical better one of the two, due to Matsuri's injury leaving close to no space for quick actions and leaving her mostly stationary.
"There's still too many of them. We can't advance towards Jaehn if they keep blocking our path!" / "It's difficult for us, but we can't give up now." The older twin looked to his far right, seeing the only other friendly mage within battle facing off against that tyrant…Dao was currently swiping wildly at Jessica's hands with the intention of ripping them off. The young girl was trying to either block or dodge his aggressive rampage but cuts and bruises started to form on her clothing and skin.
Sietta was fighting with her and went for a straight jab at the white-haired mage, resulting in him dodging aside and landing a heavy blow on her upper arm.
"ARGH! DAMN YOU, stupid jerk!" The red-head became ticked off, starting to jab in quick succession at Dao's chest. The leader of 'Full Blood' didn't expect such a quick riposte, leading to him getting a small stab wound in his stomach. More anger set itself onto his face, sanity and self-control slipping away with every second.
"GGRRRAAHH! I'LL MAKE ALL OF YOU SUFFER!" Realistically, their odds weren't getting better with that. That was why the twins needed to buy them time. Otherwise, should Jaehn recover from his injury…then…
"Come on! We can carry our weight, right Matsuri!?"
"…Yeah. Let's pay them back for their 'hospitality', alright?"
"With pleasure!"
"Yorc, these pigs- …aren't dropping dead! Maybe some support, please!?"
"…I'm- …currently busy myself!" Hammer and sword at hand, both men we're trying to fight off as many enemies as humanly possible. Each full swing created an orchestra of painful screams, broken bones and huge cuts littering their audience. Both of them had like 3 guys cornering them as both fighters defended themselves. Seeing their exhaustion, some of the goons started taunting them…
"HA! You'll both end up in-"/ "When I'm done with you, I'll-"
*SMACK* "MY ELBOW!" / *SLASH* "MY LEG!" Only to end up getting targeted first.
"Shut it, you pig!" / "…Zip it!"
The two men were stuck in the frontlines, trying to take out most of the goons that preferred muscles over brains. The horde was surprisingly well armed, even having newly-factored swords or daggers at their disposal. 'Wait…sharp weapons?'
A cheeky grin formed on Trecht's face when his idea popped up. Not wasting a single second he smacked another guy in the face who held a shortsword…
"Thanks pig, that's mine now!" …and yanked it out of his hands. The weapon was quite a beauty. Polished wooden grip, fine sharpened steel and a leather wrap on the bottom acting as a pommel.
'Well, hope that this thing can help us.' "Oi, Yorc! Catch!" …Perhaps he wasn't thinking this through, since he literally threw that darn thing at Yorc…
Fortunately, the weapon landed right at the ex-mercenary's feet instead of his chest. The man himself pointed a short glare towards the brewer (who simply grinned at his reaction) and picked it up. Now he had two swords at hand and could take on his foes without the risk of getting circled.
Where the goon laid was also a wooden shield on his back. Thanking his luck mentally, Trecht instantly equipped it and wielded his hammer in the right hand. When he saw the 10-15 goons ahead of him, another idea formed inside his mind to raise the battle spirits even more.
"What do you say, partner? The one who gets the least pays the winner a jug of brew?"
"…You're on." Yorc didn't face him again, but the brewer didn't need to. The grin on his face was detectable even like that.
"…!? There's another shooter in the back! Take him down!"
"On it!" The quick-fired bolt of Ulm's crossbow dealt with another one of their marksman, making short work of him with a hit in his shoulder. The two bros decided to stay in the back of the fight and give fire-support.
"DUDE! Behind you!" Well, not entirely…Ulm's job was to give fire support whilst his best friend defended him from any enemy that sneaked by.
"No trouble man! This one's with flavor! HIYA!" Marko's spear got lodged inside the poor guy's leg, making him yelp in pain. One follow-up swing with the spear's flat side knocked him out.
"…Dammit! Can't you just shoot that creepy leader down and end this!? He's giving me the chills!"
"It's not that easy!" Ulm explained as he drew another bolt. "Not only is this guy moving ridiculously fast and hard to hit, but there's also our boss and friend alongside him. Who says that there isn't a chance of hitting them instead?" The projectile was ready and already aimed at another bad guy.
"Crud…you're right. But what can we do now?" Marko held his defensive stance, spear pointed ahead and perfectly vertical in his hands. His eyes looked to the distance, spectating how their friend Jessica teleported in front of Dao's face as she followed it up with a heavy over-head swing.
The mad man however, who anticipated the attack just grabbed the 'Holy Moonlight Sword's' blade, making Jessica's expression turn grim.
"NO, Luna!" The ex-cook was partially aware of her reaction's reason. When they traveled together before, the small mage explained him how she received that powerful magic weapon in the first place. The consciousness inside her sword (called Luna, according to the girl) was technically the manifestation of the weapon. Thus, if Dao was applying such raw pressure onto her…
'She must probably be in a lot of pain…'
"For now, we'll just do what Sietta taught us in training."
A melancholic grin formed on Marko's face. "Think fast, hit faster?"
"Exactly."
(For more Intensity, switch to 'Voytek Pavlik – Rise of the Heroes')
"Head down, squirt!" I was attempting to pull Luna out of Dao's grasp, who was trying to crush her blade with that transformed arm of his. But no matter how much I pulled, it wasn't even slight budging. Sietta's loud voice rang behind me so I complied her request without any second thoughts.
Not even a second later there was the halberd's axe gliding over where my head was. The surprise maneuver caused that maniac to let go of Luna and jump away, dodging her swing by a few centimeters. Though there was still the spear-like tip that actually inflicted a small cut on his cheek.
The expression on Dao's face didn't change, but he started…to lick the blood with an abnormal tongue like a dog…
"Gehahaha! What, can't handle a bit of mundane licking!?" 'EW! He can't seriously- WHEN DID HE APPEAR IN MY FACE!?'
*CLANG*
"Focus, squirt! I don't think you'd love have some battle scars on your face!" Gosh, Sietta just saved me…again! Why is this guy so difficult to fight!? 'Unlike Yorc or the twins, Dao will not hold back to fight. Quite the opposite, he'll do everything in his power to end your life.' 'Not helping! …But what can we do?'
'…I might have thought of something, but it'll probably drain most of your leftover magic capacity.'
'Another spell from your 'Abyssal Cosmos Magic'!?' Every possibility containing that art of magic would increase our odds by a huge margin. Sadly, I didn't possess the amount required for the regular usage. One of my attacks had already been used, draining over 1/3 of my resources.
Yes, not just 1/3 or my magic like the usual spell costs, I mean over 1/3. The reason for that was the projectile arc in combination to the 'Void Strain'. …Yes, I might have ripped that technique's variation off from Luna's previously shown 'Star Gazer', but it did its job and removed Jaehn from the equation.
'Another 'Aurora Arcade Swing' to be precise.'
'Are you sure? That last one knocked me out for a few days.'
'Don't worry. Last time you weren't used to the extreme drain. Now you should be able to at least stand after the spell.' 'That's…not very assuring. But alright!'
"Move out of the damn way, Red!" The shrill scream of Dao drew me back into reality, making me jump whilst Sietta was defending me as much as possible. 'Dammit, I zoned away!' The chief was putting up a good fight against that psycho in general, yet there were some scratches and cuts on her arms and armor.
That same Cheshire-like grin lit up on her expression, halberd raised tauntingly at the angered master. "Fat chance, pug!"
"Sietta!"
"Huh? Squirt? You ok back there?" The red-head spectated how Dao was mentally fuming and stood still as a result. She wasted no time and quickly retreated back to my side, giving me a concerned glance.
"I should be the one to ask you that! …But well, how are you holding up against him?"
Frustration settled on her face, telling me pretty much her whole mood. "Honestly, that dude's tough as nails. Although he isn't properly sane, his battle instinct isn't something to pass by! ...I had to dodge at the last second for a few times already." One of her hands removed itself from the halberd's grip. "And…let's just say that a fail on my part wouldn't end pretty…"
"That's true…still, up for another round?" The only response I received was an incredulous stare, so I elaborated.
"Luna suggested that we use that spell again, the one from our battle with 'Kirin'. Problem is, he'll probably dodge and I cannot chain it up with a second 'Void Strain' since my magic's at a limit…"
Sietta just stared at me for a second…and another one…and even longer…until she responded:
"…Alright…I won't be too much of a help in this state, but I could give you an opening. Just…charge it up until I give you the signal. Got that?"
"Uhm, s-sure! But what if he-"
"YOU'RE DONE FOR, RED! GEHAHAHA!"
*CLANG* Sietta blocked yet another charge attack of Dao. Tiredness and exhaustion began to take their toll on the chief as her legs started to wobble from his sheer strength. Her face was set into a stone mask of concentration…yet there was a slight hinge of panic in there.
"JUST CHARGE IT ALREADY, OR HE'LL TURN US INTO MINCEMEAT!" 'Did I say 'slight'? I meant 'MENTAL BREAKDOWN'!'
"A-Alright!"
(For more Intensity, switch to 'Fairy Tail OST – Prelude to Destruction' [Extended])
Up in heaven was a familiar figure, staring at the television of her favorite bar. On it was the fight between Loeyur and 'Full Blood' going on in full action. Before they had chatted happily away, until Hana crashed through the front door and turned it on. That was 10 minutes ago when the girl associated with the guardian angel challenged the white-haired psycho.
"…" / "…Oh man…" / "C'mon…"
Still, no one was daring to speak out too loud…it was surprisingly silent at the 'Heaven Bar' due to everyone watching in tenseness. Even the perky strawberry-blonde (who usually rambles on to no end) sat at the bar directly, beer in her hand and eyes fixated up ahead…
"Jessie…"
Hana wasn't sure if this would end well. Sure, she had given her the possibly best suited gear for this journey…but that man…Dao, he was out of her league…
She had also witnessed how those 3 other mages switched sides. The blond was proud for Jessica that she had already gotten so much supporters and friends behind her. Now, they would be facing the first real challenge. Compared to this clash, the ones before could have been considered a cakewalk.
'C'mon Jessie…you have the guts to knock him down flat…'
Even her boss was seated in the back rows, yet everyone failed to notice the wise chairman sitting there. 'G' didn't want to disturb them really, just a scotch and he would've been on his merry way. But now he was entranced into the battle as much the rest.
Sparks flew, blows got traded and hits were dodged the entire time between the fronts. Still, the fight between Jessica and Sietta against Dao was taking most of his attention.
The glass gets raised…and another drop of the sweet gold goes down his throat.
"This is it…show us if you have the potential that I saw in you, Jessica Layna."
"This is it…let's go, Luna!" 'Right!' The same energy, the same powerful flow, the same stance. Everything had to be identical like the last usage of our 'Aurora Arcade Swing', except there were two differences.
For this time, I was planning on not passing out which would be possible since my body wouldn't completely get drained…rather 99% of my reserves and make me lose consciousness…hopefully. It wasn't clear if I could withstand the sheer flow alone.
And second off, my target wasn't a sitting duck for this one. Dao was only slightly injured so far (from a 2 versus 1, mind you) and hadn't even barely used his 'Take Over'. There was no guarantee for a clear hit…I had to solely rely on Sietta.
"The full moon rises and shines above all lights in the vast galaxies…" Energy was being drained out of my arms, my torso, my legs…every unused speck of magic left inside my body moved, reaching out to the great light that was forming on the sword's tip.
"…!? If you think that I'll let you use that, then you're dead wrong! DIE!" Dao seemed like he wasn't too happy with that charge, as his sharpened claw-like hand was reaching out towards me. There wasn't much space between us left and I couldn't break my stance…otherwise the spell's used energy will go to waste! 'He's reaching us fast!'
"My strength and will combined shall pierce the darkness-!" Our spell was almost ready…I was so close to its end…but the white-haired maniac was…already before me…
"GOODBYE, GIRLIE!" / 'JESSICA!' / "SQUIRT!"
*SLASH*
(For more Intensity, switch to 'Lucas King – Feel')
…
…
…
Silence reigned on the battlefield from Loeyur's side…
*Drip*…*Drip*
The flow of energy was still going…yet the mage couldn't speak out. Even her spiritual companion had stayed still…
*Drip*…*Drip* "C-…Crap…"
"…N-No…"
Crimson started to stain the bottom off the clearing…nails were covered in the same substance, as their owner didn't attempt to move them away any time soon. A sole hand was weakly gripping the clawed hand in an attempt to keep it in place…
The brewer and inferior leader froze mid-attack, turning to the fight between the two most important members, only to stare at the curtain of red dripping down…
The twins could only watch in horror as the gruesome sight filled their eyes…it was a familiar scene, only this time…they hadn't created this nightmare…
Every solider on the resistance's side was speechless from the battle's current result. A few started to tear up whilst others were angling their heads, facing the ground to cover their own expression.
"S-Sorry…squirt…" *Drip*…*Drip* "S-Seems like I- *Cough* …didn't m-make it in time…"
"No…"
And the mage in question could only watch while the life was slowly draining out of her friend…who had Dao's claw stuck inside of her stomach…
Blood was dripping from her mouth…her eyes started to flutter...senses started to shut down…
'Just like…when I…'
"A-At least…you're…ready for this…Jessica…"
'…had…died…'
Well, people have always said that Sietta would look better in more red…
"NO!"
"CHIEF!"
"…SIETTA!" / "YOU BASTARD!"
Cries from outrage rang from everywhere, but a few people just stayed silent during this…
Matsuri was still experiencing the pain from her physical wound…but this caused her to break down in tears as she cried for her new friend.
Fujimaru and Luna didn't even dare to utter a single word, yet they lowered their heads in respect and sadness alike.
Even Duvac didn't completely freeze. He also directed his eyes to the ground, but whilst fretting for the destiny of the remaining people…so he swore to himself:
"Chief Sietta…your efforts shall not be left in vain."
…
(Stop playing 'Lucas King – Feel' if you've played it)
Days away from the isolated village was a single man walking down the trail of dirt and grass, steps causing the only sound during the silence around him. He had started his travel a few days ago, but he was still at least three more away before his destination was in sight.
"*Sigh*…Just as I was about to start my own travels."
His right arm was rubbing tiredly on his forehead as a small bit of annoyance filled him. He wasn't too thrilled at postponing his plans, but the emergency required his attention. The message was sent to him by his guild, which (somehow) had smuggled the Communications Lacrima Crystal into his knapsack. After hearing about that place's desperation for help, he complied and promised to make that place his first destination.
"Well…can't do much about it now."
His orange hair was slicked back when he raised his only hand once more. The tattered cloak and his loose-fitting dark pants fluttered in the wind that was going through the trees around him. In the sun's light were the reflected rays from his shiny prosthetics, shoulder plates and belt.
"…Hmmm?"
The sole soul suddenly stopped and looked into the distance with his black eyes, where a giant mountain was located and its height filling his view. He didn't know what was wrong…but something was there. 'Was it magical energy? …Maybe.' Whatever he just felt, it didn't seem happy…
"Whatever…let's just hope that they have some good alcohol there."
…
(To be continued…)
(Fire Me): Should I feel bad for letting events turn out like this? Maybe. Do I feel any remorse? Nope.
Hana: "As much as I enjoy some action going on in this story, this seems a bit too far…"
'G': "…She's…not really wrong…"
Everyone: "Agreed." / "Yep." / "True that." / "Ay."
'?': "Wait! What are we all watching?"
Oh, just the fight betwee- WHEN DID YOU GET HERE!? OR RATHER HOW!?
'?': *Shrugs* "No idea. I just slept for a few hours and just appeared here."
…'G'. Explain.
'G': "I'm not entirely sure how this works, but since this is a part of the timeline that doesn't go directly with the flow of the story, I'd say that there's a chance for other people to appear."
*Sigh* *Rubs head in confusion* I…I think I understand…
Hana: "Yada yada, let's just get drunk people!"
Everyone: "YEAH!" / "DRINKS GO ON ME!" / "PARTY!"
'?': "I'm still not sure where this place is…" *Grins* "But I'll enjoy my stay here while possible! Bartender, one drink for me!"
…Well, alright then. *Shrugs* Also a can of cola for me! Oh, by the way Hana! *Turns towards her* Don't forget that I still have my winnings left from our bet. *Grins sadistically*
Hana: *Shudders* "Hey 'Hearts'! Make that two drinks for me! I'll be staying here for a while…"
And with that, we'll see all of us away! Thanks for reading this far and until our next time. *Raises can* You're welcome to have a drink with us as well…be it imaginary or mentally, but welcomed nonetheless. For now…
The Sir's out!