Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or any of the characters, it all belongs to our Lord and savior Hiro Mashima. I am only responsible for specific attacks and an occasional original character. Enjoy the story to your full abilities. I'm here to satisfy, not disgrace the Fairy Tail name.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
*Sound*
"Attack name!"
Natsu opened his eyes and they immediately widened. Zeref was standing in front of him with his back turned. They were in Natsu's mind. Zeref looked around. "Wow… you have a pretty open mind Natsu." He said and Natsu could sense humor in his voice. Natsu couldn't help but snicker at that. "Earlier… you said Acnologia didn't receive that order from you… so where is he now?" Natsu asked. "Well… it is your mind and he could be anywhere."
"Hey there." Zeref's eyes widened. "Huh?" He turned to the source of the voice. His look turned to a glare. "What have you done Acnologia!?" He yelled and his eyes turned blood red. Acnologia smirked. "Well. Simple, I did the same thing I did to you, to your brother." Acnologia said and Natsu frowned. "What did he do to you?" He asked Zeref and Zeref couldn't come up with an answer. "I don't know…" Acnologia smirked.
Natsu scowled at that. "I just fed off his magic and made myself stronger," Natsu growled and glared at the Dragonic man. "You...what?" Zeref muttered. "How dare you…" Zeref began to leak massive killer intent and black magic power. "Also. If you don't beat me now, he will go through the same process you did… everything around him will die and all because of me." Natsu's eyes widened. "Are you telling me…" Zeref muttered. And he took a step forward.
Acnologia could feel his magic power but he wasn't worried. "THAT YOU ARE THE ONE WHO PUT THIS CURSE ON ME!?" Zeref yelled and his magic power skyrocketed. Acnologia smirked. "Oh, that? Of course, I did. You were just too stupid to figure that out." Zeref disappeared and in a split second, he had delivered a punch to Acnologia who caught his fist. Acnologia may have caught the fist but the force of it sent him sliding back.
Acnologia grinned ear to ear and his long blue hair grew shorter. He gained scale marks on the sides of his face and his forearms. "Dragon force?" Natsu asked and he received a nod from Zeref. "I am going to kill this dragon Natsu!" Zeref yelled at him and Natsu smirked. "Let's do this!" He yelled. Acnologia disappeared and aimed to take out the weak link which was Natsu but he was surprised when Natsu slipped his head to the side, avoiding the punch. Acnologia jumped back in surprise as Natsu's power skyrocketed as well.
"What? You think you are the only one who can enter dragon force?" Acnologia assessed the situation and he frowned. He wasn't in a good position. He could create a portal but it would take too long. He didn't have much time to think as his thoughts were interrupted by a heavy punch to the face. His eyes widened. He may have been thinking but he was also paying attention. Who had hit him? Natsu stood there with a smoking fist and a smirk.
"Natsu… I think if we kill him… the curse will be lifted…" Natsu's smirk got wider. "Let's slay a dragon," Zeref smirked as well and he bumped fists with Zeref. Natsu and Zeref began to leak red and black energy. Zeref's eyes were black and Natsu's were glowing green brightly. Natsu had deep red scales lining his face. "Let's go!" Natsu yelled and they took off. Zeref discarded his large jacket and toga, he was left in black pants and a red tee. Natsu was honestly surprised by this attire but he shrugged it off.
Natsu was surrounded by flames and Zeref was glowing with black magic. "Fire Dragon's Talon!" Natsu kicked at him and he ducked. Natsu proceeded to grab him and Acnologia's eyes widened as a familiar spell appeared around him. "Amaterasu?" He growled out and Natsu smirked. They were then both consumed by black flames. Acnologia gritted his teeth and Natsu proceeded to punch him in the gut. This caused him to hunch over slightly. Natsu headbutted him and he tightened his grip.
"Chaotic Dragon's Grip Strike!" Acnologia yelled and Natsu winced. He then retaliated with a large explosion. "Fire Dragon's Grip Strike!" Natsu yelled and they were both blown backward. Zeref took that opportunity to plant his hands on Acnologia's back. Acnologia's eyes grew large and he tried to move away but he was too late and he felt his life force draining. Acnologia jumped back and he grabbed the left side of his chest. "You b-bastard!" He yelled and he scowled.
Natsu could tell Acnologia was in pain. He dashed forward. "Fire Dragon's Annihilation Fist!" He punched Acnologia in the face and he stumbled back before he retaliated. "Chaotic Dragon's Crushing Fist!" He punched Natsu in the face and Natsu flew back. He may have had his life force drained but he wouldn't make the same mistake twice. He dodged a strike from an oncoming Zeref and he kicked him in the gut. Zeref hunched over before uppercutting Acnologia. Acnologia slid back and put his hands on the floor to stop himself.
Natsu then came from above. "Fire Dragon's Fang!" He yelled and he heel kicked him in the head. Acnologia hunched forward and Zeref kneed him in the face. This combo attack was strong enough to send him flying back. "Why aren't you using magic?" Natsu asked. Obviously, he was using magic enhanced attacks but he had death magic…
"He eats it remember…" Natsu's eyes widened in realization and he looked at the now standing and glaring Acnologia. He began to charge a roar. Natsu's eyes widened. "Uh oh…" They didn't have time to dodge as the attack neared them and so he reared his head back and let out a breath attack. The attack was barely able to stop Acnologia's superior roar but it gave Zeref enough time to join in as he moved his hands in a circular motion before positioning them in that familiar way that Hades and Acnologia did. He let loose a torrent of black magic and it matched Natsu's. Acnologia roared louder and his attack grew stronger.
The other two began to channel more magic power as well. The attacks were tied at the moment until Acnologia yelled. "I'm going to kill you both, then I'm going to destroy humanity like I should have centuries ago!" The attack was becoming too much for Natsu and Zeref to handle and Zeref thought of something. "You said that you eat death magic right?" Zeref asked and Natsu nodded, temporarily giving Acnologia the upper hand. "Then absorb this!" Zeref yelled and he began to pour magic.
Natsu's eyes widened and he began to absorb the magic through the pores in his skin. Natsu's roar began to get larger surprising Acnologia who began to slide back. He grunted as he channeled more magic but it was pointless as Natsu's roar grew so large that it completely consumed Acnologia's. Zeref grunted as he was almost out of magic power. "Die!" Natsu yelled through the roar as it consumed Acnologia. Acnologia roared in pain and the roar died down to reveal him on his knees.
He was scorched in multiple places and he had blood coming out of the corners of his mouth. Despite his beaten state, he was grinning. "Oh wow… I didn't think I had trained you… so well…" He began to shakily stand up. "You won't beat me!" He yelled as he stood up. He then began to run toward the panting Natsu and Zeref. Zeref received a magic-enhanced punch to the face and Natsu was kneed in the gut. They both stumbled back before charging forward.
Natsu punched Acnologia in the chest and he got winded, making him unable to counter Zeref who kicked him in the side of his head. Zeref then grabbed him as he slid back and pulled him in, delivering a heavy punch to his face. Acnologia grabbed his arm and kicked him in the chest. Zeref coughed up saliva and he was sent flying backward, seemingly down for the count. Natsu came in with a roundhouse to the side and Acnologia jumped over it, landing behind Natsu and punching him in the back.
Natsu stumbled forward and he grinned as Zeref flew past him. He knew this fight was crucial but it was honestly amazing to fight with his lost brother.
They gained their balance and looked at Acnologia who's magic energy was getting greater by the second. Natsu grinned and Zeref grinned as well. He seemed to be feeling the same way, even if he couldn't use his magic. Natsu began to charge up magic power and Zeref did as well. They continued to look at the dragon with grins. Acnologia had a manic smile on his face as if he was having more fun than ever before.
Acnologia jumped at them, breaking the staring contest and he grabbed them both by their faces. He slammed them to the ground and he grinned largely as he thought he had won. He then was kicked in the chest by Natsu. He slid back and his eyes widened as he went to block an oncoming punch to the face from Natsu. He was instead kneed in the gut by the fire dragon slayer. He hunched over, coughing up saliva.
Acnologia responded by punching Natsu in the face. Natsu rolled back from the force of the punch and Zeref came from above with a magic-enhanced punch. Acnologia slipped to the side and caught Zeref by the throat with one hand and he lifted him high into the air. In a flash, Acnologia sprouted a black tail with blue markings. The tail had a blade on the end of it and it darted toward Zeref. Natsu stood up and his eyes widened as he reached out.
Zeref was impaled through the chest with the blade and it held him in the air after he let go of his throat. Zeref began to cough up blood. Acnologia's eyes widened however as Zeref grabbed his tail with an iron grip. He began to smirk as blood poured through his teeth. He started to absorb the life force from Acnologia. Acnologia flung him around and he slammed him into the ground. Acnologia roared and he charged up a breath attack.
Zeref's eyes widened but he felt accomplished as he saw the dark bags under Acnologia's eyes. Acnologia unleashed the breath attack on Zeref and he flew back. Zeref slid to a halt on his back and he smiled at Natsu who ran to him.
"It's ok Natsu. I'm immortal remember. This will heal, protect until then, he is almost on death's door as of right now." Natsu hesitantly nodded and he stood up, directing his look to Acnologia who was panting heavily and his magic was almost completely depleted. Natsu was in pretty much the same shape.
(PLAY OST: THE ULTIMATE FINAL DEATH BATTLE)
Natsu blasted off and his body was coated in flames. "Raaaah!" He let out a battle cry. "Fire Dragon's Annihilation Fist!" He yelled and he punched at Acnologia. His punch was aimed to the face and he hit his mark. Acnologia slid back and he stumbled for a moment. "Chaotic Dragon's Talon!" He yelled and his leg was cloaked in dark magic. He kicked Natsu in the chest heavily but Natsu caught his foot, absorbing the impact. "Fire Dragon's Grip Strike!"
His hands erupted and Acnologia roared. "Chaotic Dragon's Horn!" He yelled and he headbutted Natsu. Natsu flew back. He flipped onto his feet and he slid across the ground. His arms went ablaze. "Fire Dragon's Secret Art! Fire Dragon's Fist!" He yelled and he punched at Acnologia. A large fist made of fire was sent toward the dragon.
"Chaotic Dragon's Death Ball!" He yelled and he threw a large ball of black magic at the fist. The attacks canceled each other. A large cloud of dust and smoke was kicked up. "Fire Dragon's Hammer!" Natsu yelled as he burst through the cloud and he slammed his hands down in a double hammerfist to Acnologia's head. He leaned forward heavily but this opened an opportunity.
"Chaotic Dragon's Secret Art! Chaos Spin!" He yelled and he did a hard backflip, kicking Natsu with a black coated foot under the chin. Natsu was caught by surprise and he flew into the air. He groaned in pain but he caught himself in mid-air. Natsu reared his head back and his mouth filled with black flames. "FIRE DRAGON'S ROAR!" He yelled and he unleashed a torrent of flames from his mouth.
Acnologia responded in kind and he reared his head back. "CHAOTIC DRAGON'S ROAR!" He yelled and he unleashed a wave of black chaotic magic from his mouth. The attacks clashed and canceled each other out. Natsu fell to his feet and wasted no time, he jumped forward at immense speed, surprising Acnologia.
'Is he getting stronger by the second!?' He yelled in his mind. He dodged a punch to his head and he punched at the fire dragon slayer's face. Natsu leaned back, slipping the punch. He then kneed Acnologia in the gut. Acnologia responded by elbowing him in the temple. Natsu stumbled to the side and his eyes widened as Acnologia swept his feet. Natsu put his hands down and caught himself in a handstand. He did a flaming spin kick and it connected with the side of Acnologia's head.
Acnologia stumbled to the side too as Natsu jumped back. Natsu and Acnologia were both breathing very heavily and both of their heads were ringing. Not only that but they were almost unconscious from pain and various wounds and bruises. Natsu was bleeding heavily from his head and he was cut in random places. He was scratched up pretty much everywhere on his body and he had black and blue bruises everywhere. As much pain as he was in, he had to power through it.
Natsu gritted his teeth and he jumped forward. "Fire Dragon's Claw!" Natsu yelled and he elbowed Acnologia in the gut. "Chaotic Dragon's Hammer!" Acnologia yelled and he slammed a magic-infused hammer fist onto the back of Natsu's head. Natsu fell forward but he caught himself in the pushup position.
Natsu's head caught fire and he lunged forward. "Fire Dragon's Sword Horn!" He yelled and he slammed his head into Acnologia's chest. Acnologia coughed up blood and he was sent flying back. Natsu face planted and he managed to sit up. He leaned back on his hands and he watched as Acnologia mirrored his actions.
Natsu heard footsteps and a recovered Zeref walked to his side. "I guess this is it?" He asked and Natsu shook his head. "No. It's not over yet." He said and he stood up shakily. Acnologia did as well but his tail sprung forth again. It was smaller and less intimidating. His skin began to change color and it took on a black hue. He began to increase in size.
Natsu clutched his chest and he began to feel blood leak from the corners of his mouth. "The curse is beginning to take effect…" Acnologia said in a demonic voice and Zeref's eyes widened. "Why are you doing this!?" He yelled and he wanted to stop him but he was out of magic power. Acnologia's power was getting higher by the second and Zeref could feel fear for his little brother's life.
Natsu began to pour fire from every pore in his body. He growled deeply and Acnologia looked confused. "What? Why is that happening?" He asked aloud and Zeref frowned. The flames he was leaking were demonic. "The Etherious…" He whispered. The curse must be having a different effect because he is an Etherious. "Natsu?" He asked and Natsu looked at him. The look in his eyes was… hungry.
The scales around his face turned black and his eyes turned slitted. His eyes took on a red hue and his canines began to get slightly longer. The diamonds on his arms and chest began to change shape around his body. They turned into a familiar symbol on his arm. They surrounded his guild mark and formed a black circle of flames.
He grinned and his wounds began to heal. "This power…" Natsu mumbled. He clenched his fist and he began to emanate a dark aura. His flames were back to red and they seemed hotter than ever. "I like it." He whispered and his voice took on a darker tone. He didn't seem to have a different mindset but the power he was releasing was scary.
He took a step forward and the ground in the black void was then cracked. Then entire mindset seemed to shatter and Natsu grinned. Acnologia began to grow. He got larger and larger until he let out a roar. He was in his complete dragon form now. The area around them was a flat area. It was grassy and Natsu could feel the soft grass through his sandals.
"Natsu Dragneel. You and your brother are all alone now. I am about to wipe you off the face of the earth. Say goodbye."
Natsu glared at Acnologia and his red pupils seemed to glow. A gust of wind blew through the air and Natsu felt a spike in his magical power. Acnologia seemed to have one too and the large dragon seemed to smirk. "Die!" Acnologia yelled and it swung its massive tail toward Natsu and Zeref. Natsu grabbed the magic depleted Zeref and jumped out of the way faster than the eye could see.
After being set down, Zeref frowned and he sat in a meditating position, beginning to regenerate his magical power. Natsu disappeared from his spot and he was instantly in front of the large dragon's snout. He lifted his hand and he punched the dragon in the nose.
Acnologia roared and his head flew back. Natsu then began to fall and Acnologia fell on his back. Natsu landed on Acnologia's arm and the dragon growled, flailing his arm violently. Natsu flew into the air and his eyes widened. Acnologia slammed his arm down on Natsu, creating a large crater with Natsu's body.
Natsu coughed up blood and he scowled. After Acnologia pulled his hand back to check the aftermath Natsu blasted toward him and kicked him in the chest with a fire coated foot. Forgetting to yell his attack. Acnologia went to grab him after sliding back but Natsu was gone. He began to look around and he felt his magic power beginning to drain.
"Acnologia! Zeref may not always be around people but I can tell you one thing!" Acnologia threw him off of his back and Natsu slid back. He stood up with a large grin and images of people began to appear behind him.
"I'm never alone! I have the entire Fairy Tail guild behind me!" Natsu pushed off and Acnologia roared as Natsu jumped. He charged up a breath attack. Natsu erupted into crimson flames and his comrades appeared behind him. Zeref reached out to him as well. "Go Natsu…" He whispered.
Natsu roared and Acnologia let out his breath attack. Just as Natsu was about to be consumed, a large dragon made out of fire appeared behind him. "FIRE DRAGON SECRET ART! CRIMSON LOTUS DRAGON BLADE!" Natsu roared out and he connected with the breath attack.
After a moment Natsu powered through the breath attack and he flew toward Acnologia. His fire began to shape into wings around him before turning into a spear shape and finally a sword. He connected with Acnologia's chest and Acnologia roared in pain as Natsu passed through with ease, blowing a hole in the black dragon's chest. Natsu flew and he slid to a halt. He face planted and he smirked. He laid on his back and watched Acnologia begin to shrink.
Zeref and Natsu began to glow white. "What the?" Natsu asked as he looked down at himself.
"The Curse. It's fading…" Zeref said and he began to shakily stand up. Zeref then hunched over and began to vomit. Harshly. His vomit was black goo that began to slide across the ground. It latched onto Acnologia who barely lifted his hand and a portal opened. He crawled through and it closed behind him. "He got away…" Natsu said and he sat up. He was about to pass out from magic deprivation.
"So what now?" Natsu asked Zeref. Natsu then felt a pain in his chest. He clutched it hard and Zeref's eyes widened. "N-Natsu!" He yelled and he ran to Natsu's side who collapsed. Zeref placed a hand on his chest. Natsu was unconscious and his heartbeat was slowing down. Zeref realized what was happening.
"I'm truly sorry Natsu… as much as I want to stay here, I'm afraid that I can't do that. It seems that since the curse has faded, there is no use for there to be any Etherious… I know that you probably wanted to me to stay but…"
Zeref began to chant. He started to glow white. "I won't let my little brother die in my arms again." He began to channel his life force into Natsu and he smiled fondly. His face began to grow more wrinkled and he began to lose a lot of mass. "D-Damn it…" He said as he was greeted with immense pain. He began to turn to ash. "Thank you, Natsu… truly… I love you… Brother…"
He whispered and he disappeared. The pain in Natsu's chest vanished and his breathing stabilized. He began to get younger and he reached the point where he looked similar to what he had seven years before that. A tear trailed down Natsu's cheek in his sleep.
-Tenrou Island-
Hey Mavis… the voice came from a ghostly Zeref who was walking toward a smaller woman about his age with long blond hair, green eyes, and a white dress. "Z-Zeref!?" She yelled in questioning and he nodded with a genuine smile. Tears began to well up in her eyes. She dove at him and hugged him tightly. "It's good to see you again." He whispered and she began to nod rapidly.
"Now about that kiss… how about we try that again…" He whispered and he lifted her chin. Before he could lean down to kiss her though she jumped up and smashed her lips to his first. His eyes widened but he smiled into the kiss and immediately began to return it. After she pulled back and he hugged her close. "I love you, Mavis Vermillion." He said and her tears got larger. "I love you too Zeref Dragneel." She said and her eyes began to tear up as well.
-Elsewhere-
A man with blue hair was angrily ordering workers around. He was at the top of a large tower that was under construction. His frown then turned to a smirk as the image of a red-headed woman and a pink haired man crossed his thoughts. "It's almost time for our rematch Natsu Dragneel. I will summon Zeref using that red-headed bitch that you call your lover." He said with a grin. "This is all going according to plan." The man let out an evil laugh and he began to emit fark energy. A large magic circle appeared in the sky. A large dragon came out of the portal and it had on a golden chain around its neck.
"Time to begin preparations." He said and the dragon nodded smally. "Go!" He yelled and pointed in a random direction. The dragon took flight in that direction.
-Thanks for reading this chapter, I know it may not have been long but I honestly put a lot of thought into it. Leave a review and don't forget to follow/favorite! All appreciated. I may participate in the upcoming NaruHina event in May but I will be sure to keep up with this story as well. Anyway… tune in next time to Salamander of the Fairy Tail Family: Book Three: Comatose Natsu? Grand Magic Games?