Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.
I want to take the time to say Happy Easter to all who celebrate it! To those who celebrate Passover, enjoy that as well! If you don't celebrate either, just enjoy the day!
I also want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a very special someone!
Enjoy this chapter everybody!
Fairy Tail—The Master and the Dragon
Chapter 68
"Look alive! Get the lead out!" Cliff shouted at his scrambling men. "You there! Load up the trucks with as many weapons as you can! And do it quickly now 'cause we don't exactly have all the time in the world. And you two! What did I just say? Move it and get those defensive barriers packed up!"
"Yes sir!" all the men shouted simultaneously as they hurried with their tasks.
Cliff sighed before turning to the Fairy Tail group. "As soon as they finish packing up the trucks, we'll be off."
"That sounds fine," Gracie said. "The sooner the better, though." She turned to the scrambling men. "HE SAID GET THE LEAD OUT!" The men began running around even faster. She crossed her arms. "What are they, lazy?"
Cliff laughed. "A face like your mother and the patience of your father."
"Really? Dad was impatient? I never noticed."
"Unbelievably so."
"Gracie's patience definitely is low," Gray joked.
Gracie glared at him and shook her fist at him. "Watch it, stripper boy."
Cliff laughed again. "You have some incredible friends."
Gracie giggled. "Only the best. Anyway, speaking of my parents, can you answer something?"
"Shoot."
"It's about the Dragon Rider armor. I have a suspicion, but how exactly did I get it?"
Cliff crossed his arms and spat off to the side. "As much as I hate to admit it, Jarvan guessed it correctly. The reason your mother no longer had the armor and it came to you was because the armor is a family heirloom. It's passed on from the current owner to their first born. It's been in your mother's family for generations, moving from person to person."
"Then what happens if there is no one born to the owner of the Dragon Rider armor?" Erza inquired.
Cliff shrugged. "Beats me. There's a lot about it that not even Jewel knew."
"But Gracie didn't even know that she had it," Mira said. "So then how did it come out?"
"The Dragon Rider armor reacts to spirit," Cliff explained. "To be more precise, its purpose is to protect. As long as the user has the deep, burning desire to protect someone, the armor will react and come forth. It is because of this that you were able to summon it without knowing that you possessed it. It came out to help you protect those that you care for."
Gracie smiled as she put a hand to her chest. She closed her eyes. 'Thank you, Dragon Rider armor. And thank you, too, Mom.'
"So then Gracie can call it out whenever she wants?" Natsu asked.
Cliff shook his head. "Not whenever. The Dragon Rider armor's power is far too immense, so the creator of the armor—your ancestor, Gracie—ensured that it could only be summoned when the owner wanted to protect something."
"Wait, I'm confused," Levy said. "If the armor can only come out when the owner wants to protect someone, then how could Jarvan even use it?"
"Jarvan isn't a Requip user like Jewel or Gracie," Cliff explained. "If he was able to take the Dragon Rider armor away from Gracie, it wouldn't ever disappear. He could use it whenever he wants."
"So then only Requip mages can use the Dragon Rider armor?" Erza asked for clarification.
"In simple terms, yes," Cliff admitted. "It is a little more complex than that, though…"
"Well, we don't have to over think it that much," Gracie said with a smirk. "No one is getting their hands on this armor."
"Glad to hear it," Cliff said with a thumbs up.
"So the Dragon Rider armor really gives the user the power to control dragons?" Wendy asked.
"It does," Cliff said. "When the armor comes into contact with a dragon, it connects the user and the dragon in mind, body, and soul. It unites them."
"So then it can only work on one dragon at a time and you still have to touch a dragon while wearing it," Erza said. "It sounds like there are a lot of risks involved."
Cliff scratched his head. "Unfortunately, I don't know all that much about those kinds of specifics. Jewel told me what she knew, but even her knowledge was limited since she had never even seen a dragon before."
"Did Mom ever use the armor?" Gracie asked.
"Once. It was a magnificent sight to behold," Cliff said with wonder.
"If you don't mind, may I ask some questions about something other than the Dragon Rider armor?" Erza asked.
"Go right ahead," Cliff agreed. "We've still got some time to kill."
"I would like to know more about the Jarvan organization. I understand that the focus is weapons and weapon research and I understand that mercenaries of all kinds from all over Earth Land were brought in to protect their secrets. However, there is much that still needs to be understood before we begin this mission."
"Such as?"
Erza closed her eyes. "Such as what kinds of weapon research do they partake in? Is it physical weapons or magic?"
"No magic whatsoever, that much is for sure," Cliff replied. "They tinker with small grade weapons such as swords, explosives, smokescreens, etc. However, what lies deep below the surface is the true evil of the organization. More specifically, human experimentation."
"Human experimentation?" Lucy repeated with disgust and fear.
Cliff nodded. "That's right. A prime example of that is Xeeval Boran." Cliff shook his head sadly. "The poor kid. I did a little digging on him once he popped up. His whole family lived in poverty. He did what he could to provide for them, but unfortunately for him, Jarvan found him. Jarvan offered him money if he agreed to test something. He jumped at the opportunity. However, he would never receive the money, for Jarvan's experimentation led to the creation of Xeeval the Executioner; an inhuman killer."
"So that's what you meant by scientifically enhanced?" Christina asked.
"Exactly. I don't know what the hell they did to him, but whatever it was, they turned him into a monstrosity."
"Human experimentation," Mira muttered as her body began to tremble. "Does…Does that mean that Nikolias…"
Cliff gave her a sad look. "I wish I knew for sure. It is very possible, though. We'll just have to hope that he's still alive and in one piece." He turned to examine the progress that his men were making before looking back at the group. "Jarvan aims to create highly powerful and destructive weapons that he can sell to the highest buyer. Should this organization continue, it's only a matter of time before a war of some kind breaks out."
"I see. So we should be extremely wary just entering Calione," Erza said.
"Pretty much, yeah," Cliff admitted. "Look Gracie, I know that you want to save Nikolias, but this is extremely dangerous. This battle will probably take many lives since it's a battle between mercenaries. You and your friends can wait back to avoid fatalities."
"Oh who do you think you're talking to?" Gracie snapped. "We're going and that's that."
Cliff sighed. "I thought so. Well don't say I didn't warn you."
"Sir," one of the men said as he stood at attention behind Cliff.
"Status?" Cliff asked over his shoulder.
"The trucks are loaded and the men are prepared. We're ready to set out upon your command."
"Good. Let's move out then."
The soldier saluted. "Sir!" He then took off running.
"So you ready then?" Cliff asked Gracie.
"We're more than ready. Bring it on!" she exclaimed while pumping her fist.
Cliff grinned. "Alright then. We ride to Calione!"
As the group made their way to the armored vehicles that sat nestled on the outskirts of the town, a thought occurred to Gracie. 'I wonder if the only reason Niky and I got along so well so fast was because of the Dragon Rider armor. Did I…control Niky into liking me and staying with me?'
Jarvan's fingers flew over the keyboard as he sat at the computer beside the large tube. A wicked grin split his face as his eyes scanned the screen and the progress bars that were displayed everywhere. "What a lovely consolation prize this turned out to be. Once I get my hands on the Dragon Rider armor, my organization and I will be unstoppable. The world will bow at my feet! It's only a matter of time now…"
The door to Jarvan's private laboratory swung open and in waddled Vyril. "Master Jarvan, Cahill tells me that you wished to speak with me. Is there something that I can do for you?"
Jarvan looked up and rubbed his strained eyes. "Ah, Vyril. Thank you for coming so quickly. Yes, I have something I wish to ask of you."
"Ask away. Your wish is my command."
Jarvan spun around in his chair. "As promised, you may continue butchering that Half-Dragon."
A large smile appeared on Vyril's face. "That's so very kind of you, Master Jarvan. Thank you."
"Before you have your fun, though, I would ask that you drain more of his blood. I believe 30 pints should suffice for now."
Vyril's eyes widened. "30 pints, Master Jarvan? That will take some time to collect."
"Do what you must to collect it. I will want to replicate this experiment in the future, so more blood will be needed."
Vyril glanced at the computer screen and then to the large tube. "So how goes progress with this fascinating experiment of yours?"
"Phase Four is progressing nicely," Jarvan replied. "It will be ready by the time she arrives."
Vyril raised an eyebrow and looked at Jarvan. "I'm sorry. 'She'?"
"Gracie Amier."
"She's coming here?" Vyril asked in surprise.
"Yes. Cahill informed me that Xeeval has been killed. Since he was ordered to inform Gracie of where her beloved Nikolias was being held, I can only assume that she and her friends are headed here now. I expect their company early this evening."
Vyril clapped his hands together. "I'm so pleased to hear that your experiment is going so smoothly, Master Jarvan. And I also can't wait to meet the infamous Gracie that everyone is talking about. Tell me; will I be able to cut her open, too?"
"Once I get the Dragon Rider armor from her, she will be all yours, my old friend."
Vyril chuckled giddily. "Oh good. I'm so excited. I get to have more fun. She'll make a lovely addition to my collection of subjects."
"That she will." Jarvan turned back around to face the screen. "The finishing touches are going through now. Please go collect the blood while we wait for our guest."
Vyril nodded. "Yes, Master Jarvan." He then waddled away to where his favorite subject was waiting.
Jarvan looked towards his wrist watch. The time was 3:32 PM. He chuckled darkly. "In just a few more hours, we'll get to meet face to face for the first time, my dear Gracie. And I'll have such a nice surprise for you when you get here."
"WHEEEEE!" Gracie exclaimed as she sat atop the fast moving truck with a smile of pure enjoyment. The wind was whipping her blonde hair around wildly and her hands were thrust into the air like she was on a rollercoaster.
"Are you crazy?" Gray called out the window from inside the truck. "Get in here before you fall off!"
"Since when have you been such a worry wart?" Gracie shouted over the wind.
"I'm not a worry wart, but I know the difference between smart and borderline insane!" Gray shot back.
"Whatever. You don't know what you're missing!"
The group was speeding towards Calione in the armored trucks. The sun was starting to set, but there was still plenty of light. They would definitely reach Calione before dark.
Christina stuck her head out the window beside Gray. "Oh Gracie, would you please come inside? That's very dangerous and it's giving me anxiety."
"You gotta live a little, Christina!" Gracie shouted. "Don't get so worked up over such little things. Here, come join me!"
"Not on your life!" she cried. Gracie laughed.
Cliff sighed from behind the wheel. "She told me that she was 24 but technically 31, yet I'm not convinced that she's not still seven."
"Gracie has always been like this," Erza said with a smile. "When she sets her mind on something she sees it through."
"Ain't that the truth," Cliff joked.
"How is sitting up there not making her sick?" Natsu moaned as he lay with his head on Lucy's lap.
"Pretty sure you know this already, but only you and Gajeel really get motion sickness," Lucy said while running her fingers through Natsu's hair.
"So all of you are Gracie's friends, huh?" Cliff asked.
"Yes and there are many more back at our guild hall," Mira said with a smile.
"I'm so glad to hear that," Cliff said softly. "Growing up, she didn't have any friends. She only had her parents and me and we soon left her behind."
"Why is it that she didn't have any friends?" Christina asked after pulling her head back inside.
"Jewel and Blaine were too afraid to let anyone near her," he explained. "They weren't sure who Jarvan would send after her. For all they knew he could have hired a child to befriend Gracie and lead her right to him. They were paranoid, but rightly so."
"Poor Gracie," Wendy said sadly. "What a tough life growing up."
"Well that's in the past," Cliff said. "Now she has all of these wonderful friends who she can trust wholeheartedly. And now she's so strong. I'm proud of her."
Erza leaned forward. "So where exactly in Calione is Jarvan's base of operations?"
"The northern border. Unfortunately that means that we're going to have to barge through the door and drive all the way through town to reach it. Not exactly a surprise attack."
"And is it safe to assume that Nikolias is inside the headquarters?" she asked.
"That would be the best bet, yes."
"So then we should send a group to retrieve him while the fighting is going on," Mira said.
"He would definitely help a lot," Gray said. He had given up on getting Gracie back inside and had retreated back into the truck to listen to the plans.
"I would normally say great idea, but Jarvan will have some kind of defense measures set up," Cliff said. "It would be too difficult to get inside before taking him and his men out."
"We don't care about difficulty," Mira said. "We will save him as soon as possible and that means as soon as we reach the headquarters."
Cliff looked around to see the look of determination in Mira's eyes. He chuckled. "Could it be that this 'brother' that Gracie mentioned is special to you?"
Mira nodded. "I love him. It's killing me not knowing if he's safe. I need to get him back."
Cliff looked back at the road. "Good answer. Alright tell you what. As soon as we get there, we'll assess the situation. As long as charging in won't endanger you, I'll give you the sign to head in. Deal?"
"That will be fine," Erza said. "Remember Mira; if we're reckless, we won't be helping anyone."
Mira sighed. "I know. Okay, deal."
Cliff gripped the wheel tightly and grinned widely. "Great. And as an added bonus for agreeing with me, I'll floor it." He opened the driver's side window. "Hang on there, kiddo! We're about to kick it up a notch!"
"Fantastic! Bring it on!" Gracie shouted back.
Cliff laughed as he closed the window. "Then here we go!" he cried as he pushed down on the gas pedal until it was pressed against the floor of the vehicle.
The group was fast approaching their destination. And they were determined to save Nikolias and make Jarvan pay.
The large wooden door to the laboratory creaked open and in walked Vyril. He stopped as the door closed behind him and he chuckled evilly. Nikolias' head was hanging limply and he showed no signs of movement. "Are you playing dead? That's a new one. I kind of like it. It feels like you're surrendering."
Nikolias slowly lifted his head and glared at Vyril. "Oh joy. It's you again. You can go away now. I was greatly enjoying the solitude."
"How cold of you. I've come to entertain you and that's how you greet me?"
Nikolias huffed. "I have no interest in your idea of entertainment, so I'll pass."
Vyril shuffled over to his tray table and began sliding on a pair of gloves. "Oh don't say that. What's not to enjoy? You bleed, you scream, I gain valuable information. What could be better?"
"You truly are sick," Nikolias spat. "Just keel over and die, old man."
Vyril pulled on a glove and released it, letting it snap back into place on his hand. "Your insults are becoming tiresome." He bent over and pushed the large metal pail until it was just below Nikolias' feet. He then walked back over to his table of tools and picked up a large saw. "I think it's about time I take my signature move out of retirement."
"Signature move?"
Vyril turned around and waved the saw around with a malicious grin. "Yes. The technique that was my calling card as the Mad Surgeon of Seven."
"Mad Surgeon of Seven?" Nikolias repeated. He chuckled. "Never heard of you. You must be a real small fry."
Vyril walked over to him with the same grin. "Let's see if you're saying that in one moment." He stopped right in front of Nikolias, raised the saw up, and drew it back. "Now for some fun. CRITICAL ONSLAUGHT!" With incredible speed, Vyril swung the saw around until it was a blur of silver. Once he had finished, he stopped and chuckled while resting the saw on his shoulder.
A moment later, blood erupted from Nikolias' chest, each wrist, each thigh, and his neck. He cried out in agony as blood ran from his mouth. All of the blood quickly poured into the large pail. "What the hell was that?" he croaked.
"Critical Onslaught. I swiftly and accurately leave deep incisions on areas of the body where there are major arteries. It is a fatal move, but because of your regenerative abilities you'll survive. Aren't you lucky? You're the first to ever survive my technique."
Talking was difficult with the cut in his throat, so instead he glared at Vyril. 'He's taking a lot of blood at once. Why? He didn't do this last time.'
Vyril watched as the blood collected. He noted how quickly the flow of blood was slowing. "Amazing. Even with this technique, you're healing so quickly. Collecting all of the blood Master Jarvan needs will take longer than I thought. I may only get 10 pints from this visit." He sighed. "And I was so hoping to be done with this errand by the time Miss Gracie arrived."
Nikolias' eyes widened. "What did you just say?" he rasped.
Vyril put the saw down on the table. "Miss Gracie managed to avoid capture in Juniper, but is still on her way here now. I badly want to be there when she arrives, but I have to fulfill my duty first."
Nikolias slowly shook his head. "No. It can't be. There's no way she'd be that stupid."
Vyril walked over to the pail and, having noticed that Nikolias' wounds had healed, began to drag it to the door. "She cares a lot for you which is the reason why Master Jarvan kidnapped you in the first place, but you already knew that. You're fulfilling your end of the bargain beautifully." He opened the door and continued to drag the large pail. "Wait there. I'll be back once I deposit this blood. Then we shall continue collecting the rest." He left with the pail and the door swung closed.
Nikolias clenched his fists. "Gracie," he whispered. "This is all my fault. If only I hadn't been an idiot and gotten caught. Hell, if only I hadn't taken that stupid job, none of this would be happening. You wouldn't be in danger. But still, why would you come all this way to find me? They want you, not me. You're playing right into their hands. They probably want to kill you." He gritted his teeth. "No. I won't let that happen. I won't let them hurt you, Gracie. If you really are on your way here like that jackass said, then I'll be there to protect you!" He yanked as hard as he could on the chains. Massive bolts of electricity shot through his body, causing him to cry out in agony.
But he wasn't about to quit. Even though his body felt so incredibly heavy, he was going to break free. "I will get out."
Another hard yank on the chains, resulting in a massive shock and loud screams.
"I will break free from these chains."
Another hard yank. Another painful electrocution. Another round of screams.
"I will be there for you, Gracie."
Another hard yank. Another painful electrocution. Another round of screams.
"Because…you are…my dear friend…"
Another hard yank. Another painful electrocution. Another round of screams.
"You are…my family."
Another hard yank. Another painful electrocution. Another round of screams.
"YOU ARE MY SISTER, GRACIE!"
And then everything went red.
The armored trucks drove through the entrance to Calione. Citizens on the streets dove to safety as the large vehicles sped down the streets.
"Hang on tight," Cliff said. "These streets are pretty narrow and windy. It's gonna be a bit of a hell ride."
Natsu was ready to blow. "Make it stop! Please make it stop!"
"Hang in a bit more, Natsu," Lucy said.
Gracie took a knee atop the truck's roof and narrowed her eyes. "Calione. It's been a while—17 years to be exact. You won't be taking anyone else away from me. You will give Niky back to me!"
The trucks maneuvered their way along the streets until they eventually reached the northern border.
"There it is," Cliff said. "That little house over there."
"That's it?" Gajeel asked in spite of his discomfort. "I was expecting more."
"Remember Gajeel, we already know that there's more to it than outward appearances," Panther Lily said.
Gracie gritted her teeth. "So that's it. That's the place that my parents actually worked and that's where Niky is. Good. We found it." Suddenly, she picked up the sound of crackling over the roaring winds. She turned her head to the right just in time to see a large ball of fire heading straight for them. Her eyes widened as she rapidly banged on the roof. "UNCLE CLIFF! INCOMING ON YOUR RIGHT!"
Cliff heard her and looked to the right just in time to see the incoming projectile. "Shit!" he hissed as he veered the vehicle to the right.
Gracie ducked and the fireball passed overhead. She could feel the incredible heat on her back through her shirt. The fireball crashed into the earth. "What the hell was that?"
Cliff stopped the truck and whipped out a small black box. He pressed a red button and began shouting, "We've been spotted! Get the barriers set up pronto!"
"They found us?" Wendy asked.
"Looks like it, although I wasn't expecting that attack," Cliff said. "Everyone out now!"
Everyone rushed out of the truck. Just as Cliff leapt out, another fireball connected with the truck. The truck exploded and flames and metal shot out in all directions. The group had to dive to the ground to avoid injury.
"What is going on?" Gray asked.
"Beats me. I don't know this weapon," Cliff said. "Must be new."
Gracie looked around. "We have to be ready for anything I guess."
"It's so nice to finally meet you, miss Gracie Amier," a voice called out. The group turned around to see a bulky, tall man with black and gray slicked back hair standing in front of the house. He was dressed in a fine black suit with a red tie. His cold blue eyes stared straight at them and a smile spread across his clean shaven face.
Cliff stood up and placed himself in front of Gracie. "You're looking old, Jarvan."
Jarvan blinked. "Is that you, Cliff? I was wondering when you would eventually show up."
Cliff was taken aback. "What are you talking about?"
Jarvan waved his hand. "Oh please. How stupid do you think I am? I knew you weren't dead. I knew what was going on the whole time. I just didn't care enough to bother with you." He gave an even wider grin as his eyes locked with Gracie's. "There were more important things for me to deal with."
Gracie stepped out from behind Cliff. "Where's Niky?" she bellowed. "Give him back to me now!"
"Ah the Half-Dragon, right? Sorry, he's a bit busy right now," Jarvan said.
"You bastard! I said now!" Gracie roared.
"Now now. Can we skip this hostility? I want to get to know the girl who has stood in the way of my ambitions. Come, let's talk."
"Like hell! I have nothing else to say to you!"
Everyone stood beside Gracie.
"Give Nikolias back!" a recovered Natsu demanded.
"If you don't, you will pay dearly," Mira said with a dark tone.
Jarvan sighed. "So you really won't talk with me, Gracie?"
"No. Never," Gracie said.
"Very well. Then I'll have to kill your friends so that you won't have the strength to defy me." He snapped his fingers.
As soon as he snapped, something large fell from the sky and created a large dust cloud.
"What the hell is that?" Gray asked.
"A new weapon?" Erza guessed.
Cliff drew his large sword. "Most likely."
All of Cliff's men took up their weapons and stood at the ready behind him. Everyone was waiting anxiously to see what was behind the dust cloud.
The dirt began to dissipate. And what everyone could see nearly took their breath away.
Standing there was a large and strange creature. It had a humanistic body, but it was far from human. Black scales covered its entire bare body. Its hands and feet were enormous black claws with sharp talons. The hands were far larger than they should proportionally be, indicating incredible strength and power. A thick black tail lay at rest on the ground. Large black wings were spread out in the air from its back. Twin black horns jutted out of the back of its skull. Its teeth were pointed and crooked. Its eyes glowed gold.
"No way," Wendy breathed.
"What the hell is this?" Lucy asked.
"This is a sick dream," Mira said.
"It can't be," Gracie said with disbelief.
The creature released a low and powerful roar that sent vibrations through the air and earth.
"What is that?" Christina asked.
"I have no idea," Cliff said.
"I have an idea," Gracie said, her voice wavering from fear.
Jarvan laughed maniacally. "Behold my latest ingenious creation! A new weapon that will revolutionize the world! A weapon that will make the Jarvan Organization all-powerful!"
The creature roared once more.
"BEHOLD! MY HALF-DRAGON!"
