Hey guys Its Natsu here.
I am back! Ah it feels so good to come back to you guys. I know that I've been lacking updates lately and there's been a reason for that. I am still a student and I have final exams. I've been so busy lately I've had no time for the story. I promise I'll give it my best to work harder on this story. I wouldn't be here without you guys and I owe you one. Anyway new chapter cookie (I've missed that...) Enjoy it every one!
Ch 30: The four horsemen.
The Dragon Tournament had only lasted a few short days but it was an incredible turn out with each day. And the final battle was no less popular. Connor and Natsu were to battle later that evening and everyone was hyped up for it. And in celebration for two of their wizards making it to the final fight, Fairy Tail was doing what they do best. Throwing a massive party in a nearby bar.
"Cheers everyone!" Master Makarov cheered happily as he drank from his mug of ale "that prize money is ours!" He continued openly. The reputation was great but more money to pay off Fairy Tail's numerous bills was even better.
"To Connor and Natsu!" Lucy cheered as well.
The whole guild raised their mugs and whooped with glee. Connor and Natsu high fived.
"You better be ready Cus I'm gonna bring you down" Natsu said with confident, but not unfriendly smirk.
"Believe me Cus I'll make you fight for it" Connor replied as he returned Natsu's smirk.
"Kick ash face's ass for me eh Connor?" Gray requested.
"You too scared to do it yourself ice queen!?" Natsu roared at the ice make wizard.
"Scared of you!? Why would I be scared of a guy with pink hair!?" Gray retorted.
"Because I'm stronger than you, you droopy eyed freak!"
"That's it pinky, you're going down!"
As usual a full scale brawl began to ensue from their bickering. And pretty soon wizards flew through the air.
Lucy and Connor sighed in unison "they never learn..."
Connor glanced at Erza who simply sat eating her strawberry cake "are you going to stop this?" He asked more as an expectation than a question.
"It's a celebration Connor I'm simply going to let them go a little crazy tonight.." Erza replied taking another bite of her cake.
"All of you aren't nearly as manly as me!" Elfman shouted as he tossed a smaller wizard through the air right into Erza's cake.
Erza stared at the squashed pastry and faced the rambunctious wizards now equipped in her heavens wheel armor "you shall suffer for this!" She roared as she rushed into battle.
Connor, Lucy and Wendy narrowly dodged the quickly approaching brawlers and took a seat at the bar.
"Geez these guys never learn do they..." Cana complained as she drank from her barrel of ale "absolutely no restraint..."
Connor laughed a little at Cana as he also took a drink from his mug while Wendy and Lucy simply sweatdropped at the two of them.
The party went on for quite a while and the brawl had ended. Most of the guild members had left to return to the Domas Flau to await the final fight of the tournament. Although Connor sat at a table staring out a window into the dark sky of the night.
"Hey Cus, what are you thinkin about?" Natsu asked his self proclaimed cousin. He took a seat at the table beside him.
"I don't know really..." Connor replied as he stared into the night sky. The moon looked dull and almost lifeless that night. Connor just knew something wasn't right "It's probably just nerves" he said quietly.
Natsu gave Connor a toothy grin "nervous to take me on huh? Makes sense" he said confidently, oblivious as always.
Connor turned his attention to Natsu and smiled when he saw the goofy grin on his face "you'd better watch out Natsu, cockiness like that will end up being your downfall. Of course I'll probably beat you before then." he said with the same cocky tone Natsu had used.
"We'll see pretty soon won't we?"
"I guess we will"
"Good luck Cus" Natsu held out his hand.
"You too Cus" Connor took his hand and shook it.
The two smiled at one another and then headed out of the bar. It was time to settle this and see who truly was the strongest dragon slayer of Fairy Tail and of Fiore.
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OUTSKIRTS OF CROCUS
The moon shone dimly as four figures approached the capital of Fiore. All four wore dark robes that covered their entire bodies. Although they were not entirely similar.
One was a fairly large male and each step he took had a power to it. His strength was evident even under his robe as his muscles seemed to want to escape the suffocating robes.
Another seemed to be a small boy. He was much shorter than the rest and he seemed almost drained of energy. He swayed back and forth every time he took a step and he breathed heavily.
The third was clearly a young woman as her bust showed under the robe. Dull blond hair slipped out of the hood and her hands were pale. Her gait was much like a stumble. It seemed looking at her would make your stomach churn.
The final one was also a young woman. Every step she took purely exuded power but she also sent a feeling of dread, like what you feel just before death. Her golden eyes seemed to give a dull shine and an almost piercing stare. And the little sliver of silver that showed from under the hood hair shone like a reaper's blade in the moonlight.
"It's about time we got here.." the larger one groaned "I've waited too long to destroy something..." he slammed his fists together and cracked his knuckles.
"I agree with War" the young boy said as he licked his lips "there must be so much tasty food down there.."
"You'll get sick if you eat too much Famine..achoo!" The first young woman sneezed "I feel cold.." she shivered.
"Don't tell the boy what to do pestilence!" War shouted as he raised a fist into pestilence's face.
Pestilence shivered and shrank back "I-I'm sorry war" she shook more and sneezed again.
"Quit sniveling Pestilence!" Famine shouted as he took a deep breath and bent over on his knees "you're a horseman for darkness sake" He wheezed out.
"Enough! All of you!" The final young woman ordered "you're all pathetic!"
The trio bent down on one knee and hung their heads low, facing the young woman "yes lady Death..." they said in unison "please forgive us" their voices were shaky, almost like they feared her. She was clearly in charge.
"You are spared for now" Death said as she waved her hand "do not anger me again" she warned.
"Lady Death, what is our battle strategy" War asked eagerly.
Death turned her attention to the large man "you're name is War and you ask me for a battle strategy?" She smirked "no one knows war better than you do my dear.."
War smiled happily and rose to his feet "the entire city is distracted with the tournament, I suggest a blitzing attack, get in there quick and destroy all we can"
"Then I'll raid the homes" Famen said "ensure there are no survivors" he giggled maniacally.
Pestilence sneezed again and wiped her nose "then I will infect the city, weaken their soldiers so that the attack is sure to succeed"
"I suppose you aren't as pathetic as I thought you were" Death admitted with a shrug. She held out a hand into the air and a scythe appeared in her hand. The black handle was decorated with various runes in a bright blue color. The blade was bright white and seemed to be made of pure moonlight. "While you attack the city.. I shall find the runaway Lord.." she breathed out excitedly as she caressed her scythe. Each horsemen smiled devilishly "now go!" Death ordered "show them the apocalypse to come!"
They rushed into the city, ready to destroy all they saw before them. Darkness had arrived in Crocus, and it would destroy anything in its path.
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"Welcome ladies and gentlemen, to the final fight of the Dragon Tournament!" Lola shouted into his Mic "Today we see the greatest of all dragon slayers here before us to fight for the title and recognition of being the best slayer alive!"
Slendy was practically drooling with excitement "Today's final competitors are Natsu Dragneel and Connor Coccino!" He roared their names with gargantuan amounts of energy and the crowd roared with him.
"These two have climbed their way to the top, using skill, strength, and raw dragon slayer power" the king announced "now they will fight with even more gusto and be pushed to their very limits"
"Will the competitors please enter the arena!" Lola shouted again.
Natsu and Connor quickly smirked at each other and leapt into the arena then quickly took their places.
"Good luck you guys!" Lucy called to them.
"Go Natsu!" Happy cheered.
"Kick his butt, Connor!" Gray shouted yet somehow keeping his cool demeanor.
"All of Fairy Tail is behind you two!" Erza called out over the numerous cheers from her fellow guild members.
The stadium was filled with cries of excitement and cheers to each side of the fight. Natsu and Connor faced each other and smiled.
"You ready Cus?!" Natsu called as he ignited his fists.
Connor smiled, he knew this would be a tough fight, and that required something special. He drew his sword and got into position "I'm ready to bring you down!" He called back.
The sight of Connor's blade, the one he only used on his strongest opponents, spurred Natsu on "then let's go!"
"Ready! Begin!" Lola roared.
Just as the two competitors began to dash toward one another, a large explosion resounded through the air. All attention was turned to large cloud of smoke quickly rising from the city. Another large blast came from another side of the city, and another and another. They were under attack.
Another blast exploded into the stadium and a figure emerged from a large hole in the wall. A young woman in black robes appeared, wielding a scythe "people of Fiore! Your precious capital shall fall to us soon!" She called "you wizards had better do something soon!" She teased as she looked up at Fairy Tail. Panicked cries filled the arena as citizens scrambled to the exits
Makarov glared at the young woman and just as he was about to attack her himself another explosion boomed from the city. He clenched his fists and pointed at his wizards "Fairy Tail! Defend Crocus!" He ordered "Connor! Natsu! Take care of her!" And with that he led his guild into battle each of them concerned for the friends they left in the stadium.
The other guilds in attendance soon followed. Each wizard finding some way to reach the city. The stadium was soon empty with nothing but Natsu, Connor, the stranger, and the sounds of battle remaining.
"Who are you!?" Natsu roared as he ignited his fists "you know what I don't care! You're going down!" He rushed her with a loud battle cry.
As Natsu arrived to attack her she simply sidestepped out of his way and giggled as he crashed into the wall "you imbecile, I am Death! the leader of the four horsemen of the apocalypse!" She announced.
Connor stared at her in fear, his sword shaking in his hand. He shook it off and rushed her as well.
Death faced him and dashed at him as well, her scythe glinting in the moonlight. They met and their steel collided with a satisfying clang. Natsu growled lowly and attacked Death from behind. She swiped at Connor's legs with the back her scythe and tripped him onto his back. She then spun her scythe around and slammed the pole into the side of Natsu's face. The dashing Natsu was sent onto the floor. She then giggled as the two boys stood back up. They attacked her in unison. Kicks and fists flew through the air, the occasional clang of Connor's sword and Death's scythe. Death seemed to only be playing with the two of them, laughing heartily as they struggled to hit her.
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"Re-quip! Heavens wheel!" Erza yelled as she re-quipped.
The city was in chaos. Dark creatures had invaded the city. Their bodies were made of swirling energy and they seemed to be able to mold into whatever form they wished. Erza had seen them morph from a vulcan to a full wyvern. Crocus soldiers and guild wizards fought valiantly against the beasts, but seemed to be losing ground.
"Circle sword!" Erza sent a storm of swords flying onto the enemy creatures, slaying them instantly. The soldiers down below cheered and waved at her thanking her for her assistance. She smiled down at them and flew off. She searched around occasionally assisting the men, yet the creature's numbers didn't seem to fall "I need to find the source of these monsters.. something or someone is making them using magic.. and I need to take it out" She thought to herself.
Erza followed the monsters tracking from where they entered the city. She had just reached the edge of the city when she saw a man standing on a cliff overlooking the capital.
"Yes my dark soldiers!" The man cried "destroyed everything!" He laughed happily as he saw the destruction in front of him.
Erza landed behind the man and returned to her hearts kreuz armor "are you the one creating those creatures?!" She demanded.
The man turned to face Erza, his black hood and robes hiding his face "I am War, member of the four horsemen, and master of all things combat! So yes I am the one making those creatures"
Erza re-quipped a pair of long swords and got into ready position "then you shall fall" She threatened.
War smirked "a knight, how basic" He held out his hands and a pair of dark red pistols materialized in his hands "it shall be fun killing you"
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Lucy had somehow been separated from the rest of the guild and was now running through the city. What she had seen was not pretty. Soldiers scrambled around the streets fighting off large dark creatures. She helped occasionally as the soldiers seemed tired and sluggish, almost as if they were going to pass out any moment.
"Moo!" Taurus mooed as he hacked away at a few dark creatures who had gained an upper hand against a group of wizards.
"Look its Lucy Heartfilia!" one wizard called as he pointed at her.
"what a hottie!" another shouted.
"oh Luucy you seem popular!" Taurus commented "say, think you could give me a smoooch after this?" the bull asked with hearts in his eyes.
"I think you've done enough for today, Taurus" she dismissed the spirit with an annoyed look on her face. She faced the soldiers "are you guys okay?" They nodded in response. Lucy smiled "You guys get out of here, I've got this all under control" she smiled confidently with a quick peace sign. The soldiers smiled and ran off.
"So little wizard, you have this under control" A young man's voice said creepily behind her.
Lucy jumped and faced the source of the voice and stared at the form in front of her. The figure was about the size of a small boy and he certainly sounded like one "who are you calling little wizard! You're smaller than me!"
The boy recoiled and pulled the hood of his cloak further down "I have a growth problem okay!" He stamped his feet as if he was throwing a tantrum before doubling over and wheezing "ju-just one minute" he held up one finger as he caught his breath then stood
Lucy stared at the boy with a confused look on her face "who are you?""
The boy stood tall again and faced the blond "I am Famine, a horsemen of the apocalypse, and I am here to.." he stopped "wait I don't have to tell you anything!" He snapped.
"Horsemen of the apocalypse?" Lucy, the intelligent young woman she was, instantly put the pieces together "you're the ones making these creatures! You're after Connor!"
"Dang it! I've said way too much!" Famine shouted angrily "I suppose I was going to kill you anyway.. I'm hungry and you look delicious..." he licked his lips hungrily.
Lucy shivered with disgust and took a key from her belt "Sorry but I don't plan on being eaten anytime soon!"
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Fortunately for both Wendy and Gray they had managed to stick together. Unfortunately for the two of them it appeared that all hell had broken loose where they were. Soldiers looked sickly and tired. They were pale, coughing, some were retching on the ground but they still fought valiantly.
"Man, this place has gone nuts" Gray commented.
"We have to help them" Wendy rushed to a soldiers side and began to frantically heal him.
Dark monsters began to swarm the pair and the group of soldiers "Ice-make: Ice bringer!" Gray summoned two blades of ice and hacked away at the beasts and they instantly dissolved into nothingness "I'll keep you covered Wendy! Get those soldiers back up!" Gray rushed off into battle to defend his young friend.
Wendy worked as fast as she could to heal the wounded and sickly men. Although no matter what she did the men did not recover "they won't get better Gray!" She cried "it's like they're under some kind of spell"
"Just keep trying Wendy!" Gray shouted as he slew another beast.
"It won't do you any good.." a young woman's voice said with a little sneeze.
Gray had finished off the monsters in the nearby vicinity and turned to face the voice. The form of a young woman stood before him "what do you mean by that?" He got a bad feeling from her, a sneaking suspicion that she was responsible for this.
"I am Pestilence...one of the four horsemen" the girl sighed out as she sneezed again "I enchanted these men with a never ending sickness, and they will die from it..."
"Damn you" Gray growled "we're going to stop you and your buddies"
Pestilence shrank back "you're scary... I'll have to kill you" she raised a hand and sickly green energy glowed from her palm.
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And so the battle for Crocus began. The four horsemen had invaded and encountered the powerful wizards of Fairy Tail. But would Fairy Tail be able to stop these harbingers of darkness.
Hey guys Its Natsu here.
Phew chapter done. I hope you guys enjoyed this latest entry in our crimson dragon saga. The following chapters are gonna be a pain in my... we'll stop there lol. Anyway I hope you liked the latest chapter and I promise I'll work as hard as I can to get the next one out to you.
Til next time guys :)