This is a story that primarily follows Natsu Dragneel and Lucy Heartfilia past the conclusion of the Tartaros arc. Written for nalu4emily & dragonballwish - Dragon Rage can also be found over on AO3/Archive of Our Own!
Dedicated to: Aspartame Boy, Angel, FairyTail96, Copperreign12, Nami4Life, Blue, snakeboy33, Chlo Grasset, SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan, Apple Yumi 94, mastercheif1229, Klogol, and TaraPasty.
mastercheif1229 - Thank you! I definitely had a blast writing this one out. I almost decided on holding off for another week in order to put everything in a single chapter... but I decided that overloading probably wasn't the smartest decision, haha.
Klogol - Thanks and welcome to the story!
TaraPasty (Chapter 6) - Appreciate your kind words! I really enjoyed writing that Restore chapter. If I'm being honest it's probably my favorite so far of the 10 now posted. Something about the reunion between Natsu and Lucy, the guidance from Hisui, and the overall tensions between the two best friends just pulls you in and doesn't let go! The map scene was specifically a fun one to write and something I felt like really could of happened in canon. This next upcoming chapter somewhat builds off the idea of where Restore stopped at :)
Thank you to everybody for your kind comments, favorites, and support. It means a lot and I really do appreciate it!
Summary: The original five members of Fairy Tail's strongest team battle as one again as they take on the newest black magic cult dedicated to their Dark Lord. Faced with a choice, Natsu hands over control to a power all too unpredictable as past and present collide!
Chapter 10: Party Crashers
The plan was simple. Protect the town of Malba, take down Avatar, and stop the Purification Plan from being performed. Since this is Fairy Tail, nothing is ever simple. Not only would the terrain be changed from that day fourth, but certain people as well.
Natsu yielded his remarks about Gray momentarily in order to focus on the objective at hand. Lives were in need of saving and he couldn't afford wasting precious time thinking about his black-haired friend's conflictions with him.
"Natsu!" Erza's voice rang out over the lacrima as she tried to recapture his attention. "You said you wouldn't space out again... that's the fourth time."
"Er- sorry. What was it that you were asking?" He sheepishly apologized and locked his eyes on the mountain just up ahead.
"It's fine. I just need you focused before we arrive."
"Yeah, you got it."
"What I was asking is do you want to attack at the head or flank from the rear?" She laid out the question before him and he considered his options.
Normally option A, a frontal assault, was his style. But in this case if the scarlet-haired woman commanded the front she could hold priority of protecting the town and help shield it from the attackers. That also opened the door for him and Lucy to deliver an unexpected strike from the rear and they could flush them out into the center and surround them. Option B sounded better once they had been informed by Gray that Avatar was actually multiple branches and on this day nearly the entire cult following would be in attendance.
Apparently watching an entire town's population perish is some sort of spectacle to these clowns.
It's not the desire in death that attracts them, but more the belief that the very action of death will bring their leader to them.
Well, unfortunately for these jokers I have something else in mind for them.
I look forward to seeing it.
"Luce and I will take the rear." Natsu confirmed after finishing his planning and intrapersonal discussion. A headache had formed after all that thinking and he knew if Happy was awake he would get endlessly teased for it.
"Very well, I will defend Malba City from their gates. Gray you hold the the side and engage with anyone who tries to break away. Happy, is Happy there?"
The fire dragon slayer gave his partner a light tap from across his shoulder as the feline grudgingly awoken.
"Aye..."
"Wake up, Happy!" Erza's voice shouted through the mobile lacrima which proceeded to cause the exceed's hair to stand up in fright.
"Aye!"
"Perfect." She laughed on a job well done while the three humans present grimaced. "Happy you'll be our eye in the sky. Keep us aware of anything that goes undetected. Lucy, since you'll be with Natsu, watch his back and vice versa. It's important to conserve your magic because although we're more powerful then they are, we're severely outnumbered and our stamina will be depleted the longer this battle lasts."
"You got it!" Lucy smiled as she thought about which Spirits she might call upon. A twinkle in the light caught her attention and she saw the metallic crimson key.
Maybe...
"Natsu! For once I am pleased you have your destructive nature. Your spells are already massive in size, so you should be able to tear a hole right through their ranks immediately on arrival. Remember though we have no idea what exactly we are dealing with here. Gray you filled us in on as much as you know, but I bet some of your allies kept their true abilities hidden."
"You're probably right. They would of had no reason to reveal their full power since they've had no oppositions until today." Lucy agreed with the redhead's assessment.
"Exactly, Lucy. I see you've become more brighter over the past year as well." She complimented her friend although the blonde was unsure whether or not she should be offended by the phrasing.
Natsu glanced over his shoulder and rolled his eyes while Gray couldn't hold back the chuckle that managed to escape. Happy sported his mischievous smirk, but decided to stay at bay for now.
"I just arrived at the town and they're allowing me entry. I'm ending the connection now... remember save your energy!" She repeated the warning from before. "See you all soon."
Hundreds of hooded figures stood patiently behind their leader on the hill overlooking the town. Word had gotten out of the congregation just outside the city gates and that sent all the inhabitants into a frenzy. It was unclear to them if it was a raid or a protest, but one thing was clear - it wasn't going to end well.
Alok remained silent as he held onto his staff firmly. The mask concealed any expression he may of been showing in that moment. His closest followers were to his left and right as they spoke amongst themselves.
"I noticed Gray and Gômon aren't here with us." Jerome openly stated to Briar. "Do you know the reasoning?"
"Did you forget what just happened before we left? They're dealing with the prisoners." She responded in a manner as if he should of known the reason already.
"I know, but what's the real reasoning? It makes sense for Gômon to remain since he is overseeing their captivity, however Gray has no right to be there."
"Once again... did you forget who was a key contributor in capturing that dragon slayer?" The white-haired cultist gave him a blank look of indifference.
"That is true, but he was not the one who did capture the wizard. It was me." Jerome said rather proudly.
"You forced him into submission by threatening to execute his little girlfriend. Gray actually was holding his own... until whatever happened to the slayer that made him become so dark."
"Yeah! I had that little girlie friend of his right where I wanted her too!" Mary whined. "You should of let me finish breaking her and then I could of gone after him next." By the end of her rambling she had gotten pouty and crossed her arms.
"That doesn't change anything, Briar. Gray may have started the fight, but I'm the reason it ended." He challenged.
"Okay you sealed the win for him then. What does it matter? Why are you so invested in him not being here with us?"
"It's suspicious." His eyes narrowed. "He and our captives were once friends, former guildmates! I know he's a traitor!"
"I doubt that, but even if he is bottom lashes... it doesn't matter at this point."
"What? If he frees that slayer and turns his own strength against-"
"What are they going to do? Nearly every member of Avatar is gathered here today. Say the Council or Gray shows up with his old companions, they can't do anything to stop us."
"You're underestimating them, Briar." Jerome once more glared.
"Am I? Or are you overestimating them? Look Jerome. Fairy Tail has been gone for an entire year and the Council was severely weakened thanks to Tartaros. WE are the strength now. We hold the power. Not these town citizens, not the Magic Council, and especially not a few wizards from a defunct guild."
Her statement was received with a slight frown by Jerome, but nonetheless an acceptive nod.
"This is gonna be a lot of fun! I'm ready to purify!" Abel spoke animatedly in his child-like innocence. D-6 hummed in agreement as he stood ready for a massacre.
"We're really going to meet Zeref! This is so exciting!" Mary giggled and clapped her hands.
Knowing the time had come, Alok went a few steps forward and turned to face his cult followers. He raised his arms in the air as his voice boomed outwards.
"The Purification Plan will from here forth begin! All those down there are to be sacrificed! Their souls will be irresistible for our Dark Lord, Zeref!"
"Yeah!" Avatar roared as one as Alok begin the offering words.
"We offer this bounty of thirty thousand lives so he may cleanse the world and remake it in his image!" Alok raised his gold trimmed staff into the sky. "Purify every single soul in the city!"
"You ready?" Natsu inquired, wanting to make sure his best friend was set for action. It was odd not having his normal companion with him. They made a great team and had amazing timing with knowing what the other planned to do, but the woman who had slowly been capturing his attention day by day was no slouch either.
He figured she would of accepted Gray's horse to ride herself, but was pleasantly surprised at her insistence on sticking with him.
"Almost." Lucy answered as she gave him a wink and held out one of her cherished gold keys in front of him. "There is something else I've been meaning to show you about what I did this past year. I used it during the battle in Margaret Town, but you had already gone after Chelia following Happy's hijacking."
"Don't remind me..." He grumbled in annoyance recalling a few days ago when they crashed the 'party' that Orochi's Fin had planned for Lamia Scale. Having a foot slammed into your face was not the best experience. He had not held back against Bluenote Stinger considering that was all he could do in retaliation for the circus that was that night. At least it wasn't all a total waste. They had saved an entire town and his little sister had opted to come back with them.
"Perhaps this will ease your mind then." She said with a sideways smirk. "Star Dress: Sagittarius Form!"
He was blown away as she began glowing, and literally, transforming. Her attire changed into a green colored coat that went down to just above her thighs. Her sleeves thinned out and stopped after her elbow, leaving her shoulders bare. Her hair slightly rearranged itself and he noticed the Celestial sign that represented Sagittarius on her left shoulder. The mark reminded him of his own that Igneel had left for him that signified him as the king of the fire dragons.
"Eyes up here, pinky." Lucy teased after his gaze lingered just a little longer than it probably should have. Inside she was overjoyed that he found interest in at least her appearance. He was noticing her more and more and to her that meant progress!
Instead of being embarrassed by her call out, he felt himself drawn to the majestic looking bow that she now clutched with her left hand. It had a similar reflectance to the key he had given her and his keen eyesight observed the various engravings along the limbs.
"Now I'm ready." She confirmed as they both slid onto the saddle.
Her idea of staying with him was beginning to become genius, although he saw one flaw and felt like it had to be mentioned considering this could be the difference between life or death. Not like he would let anyone harm her though in the first place.
"How are you gonna hold on to me and shoot? I don't want to risk you falling off."
What was a simple question that should have received a simple response did not exactly happen. To his wonder, and entire amusement, the Celestial mage stuttered.
"I-I was hoping y-you could use your fire... but on me."
The implications that could refer to did not miss him. Not at all. Her own embarrassment only escalated as the look that formed on his face made it seem like he was a second edition Happy. The sequel you could say!
"S-So I can repeatedly hit them with my arrows and you won't have to worry about me falling off!" She hurriedly added with a rapidly darkening tint on her cheeks. "Yeah..."
"Sure Luce." Natsu's canines flashed a smile tauntingly and he situated himself in front of her, summoning the requested fire. He formed two wisps of flame and pinpointed them to remain against her shoulders. That way she could rotate herself wherever she needed to and not have to be confined in one direction.
Lucy raised her bow and they did a few test runs. She drilled four of the five targets, and just narrowly missed the fifth. Her Celestial arrows were automatically set to stun anyways so she didn't have to worry about accidentally taking any lives. Special magic meant special features! The warm tendrils against her were actually somewhat soothing and made her feel at peace. It wasn't burning her either and Natsu had explained that he could control the heat of his fire. On one hand it allowed him to be able to cook his target to a crisp instantly while on the other acted more like a second defense, which in this case was extremally useful.
With an unlimited supply of arrows, courtesy of Sagittarius, Lucy tapped into her Celestial Spirit's reserves. It would be a vital asset so she could save her own magic for when it was needed. The perks also had bonuses which allowed her to not only shoot well, but her aim was heightened to the maximum. As the pack animal raced towards the back half of the assembly he heard four distinct words slip from her lips. It was their battle theme.
"I'm fired up now!"
At the command from the High Priest, the army of Avatar charged down the hill and prepared to annihilate all those innocent people in order to make the supposed promise become reality. With staffs, swords, and clubs in hand, they stampeded across the flat terrain and headed for Malba City. As the cultists approached the gates, they caught a glimpse of red before a massive barricade summoned itself and they crashed directly into it.
Groans of pain and curses followed as the members regathered their belongings and tried figuring out a way to get through the obstacle now blocking their path.
"We have to break it down! Send a messenger to Alok and inform him we need major mage assistance!" The leader of that particular group ordered and a smaller built man hurriedly took off from the main pack.
He ran across the flat and began the journey up the hill until a piercing sound was heard from above. He looked up, just in time, as a spear made completely from ice drove itself into the back the cuff of his sleeve and pinned him into the earth. All of those who had remained back within the closer circle of Avatar spotted an unexpected sight. Well, everyone but one.
"FULLBUSTER!" Jerome shouted in rage as the black-haired man coolly sent him a smirk from high above with the assistance of a blue cat. "I knew it! Briar I told you!"
She had hardly ever been wrong in her life, and so this was an eye opening experience for her. Grinning at her own pun, she held her palm outward. "These infidels will not hinder the Purification Plan! We will stop them!"
"Let's go play!" Abel added in excitement.
A scout from behind them began screeching as they dropped their binoculars in their haste to deliver the terrifying sight to their generals.
"I'm sorry for interrupting you, but we're being attacked from the rear! We're losing a majority of our forces as-"
"What? The council's army is already here?!" Jerome grit his teeth as he faced the scout threateningly. Little did he know a much greater threat was headed right for him.
"Not exactly, no. It's just two people!" The scout explained and pointed in the direction of where damage was being severely done.
Jerome and Briar both faced their attackers readily, but faltered seeing the pink hair and fire that flared all around him. Fire balls raged left and right and were backed by illuminated arrows that dealt a colossal amount of damage to their dwindling numbers.
"Damn that slayer!" He spoke in anger and unsheathed his sword. "You guys take out the traitor. I'll deal with his despicable allies."
"They're monsters! Don't let your guard down!" Mary mentioned and followed Briar to an open area. It wasn't long before spells were being blasted at the ground and in the air as the female Avatar cultist took on an ice cold Fairy.
"You'll regret this betrayal Gray!"
Jerome watched from a distance as the duo either burned through or paralyzed their army. Even though most of them were low level wizards and in some cases had no magic whatsoever, their teamwork was remarkable. He watched the pinkette deliver relentless onslaughts while the blonde picked out strategic and well placed zones to maximize the effects. If the invaders weren't halted soon than their advantage of having mass numbers would be weaker and weaker. They couldn't afford to take that chance. He couldn't give these mages hope.
"You will be a worthy opponent. However, this dark sword I wield was forged in forbidden magic. Let's see how your light spells fair against the dark."
"Having fun?"
"You bet! We're definitely laying it on them that's for sure!"
Natsu, who was preoccupied in sending a spiraling ball of fire at a significant portion of the group, barely saw the black shimmering. He extinguished the wisps of fire and forcefully shoved Lucy out of the saddle, who went tumbling off and rolling into the dirt. He didn't have enough time to discard the saddle himself though and watched as the fused and corrupted blade cut down in a sharp arc directly at him. Having changed his positioning once Lucy was knocked off, the sharp tip missed its main target and instead went right through the skull of the beast they had been riding.
The sudden impact dazed her, but only momentarily. Lucy was back on her feet and quickly realized she was being surrounded by the cultists. She no longer needed the bow and decided a more forceful approach was required. Disregarding Sagittarius' Star Dress, she called upon the one she had trained with the most, besides Loke's.
"Star Dress: Taurus Form!"
The green slitted dress coat disappeared and in it's place was a less restrictive outfit. In Lucy's opinion though it came at a cost since it made her more attractive looking - and therefore attracted more attention. She had cow pattern sleeves and donned a similar fashioned bra. Black pants were supported by a white belt with Taurus's Zodiac symbol in the center of the buckle. Gloves and brown boots finished it off. Most of her top was completely exposed, and a large portion of her right thigh, but it meant little to her. What would mean something is Natsu's reaction to the amount of skin shown off.
If he was mesmerized by my last one then he'll really be a cow jumping over the moon after he sees this.
Lucy thought about summoning Taurus' gate as well, but the rush from the army caused her to toss that idea. She would just have to manage with what she had. Which was all she needed against evil operations such as this.
"Bring it! Earth Wave!"
The powered up whip slapped against the ground as it rampaged all around. Dirt and rock flung about as the hopeful cultists immediately lost that desire. Even with the fire mage distracted, his companion was just as good at dealing with them as he was.
"Take her down!" A brave young adult hollered the war cry as several of them continued the fight and sent purple blasts from within their spears. The bombardment was overwhelming and she had to tap further into the offered reserves.
"Star Shield!" Lucy yelled as a magic circle lit up around her forearms and golden rays materialized in front of her, reflecting most of the spells back at her attackers. With a triumphant grin she cracked the Fleuve d'étoiles once more. This time in its full length. "Earth Wall!"
An entire rock foundation projected from out of the ground as she finally fended them off. In a quick dash, she ran in the opposite direction from them and to where she knew Natsu had gone.
Their eyes locked as the dark mage wore an evil grin. He realized he hadn't skewered the man and now found himself in a predicament. The pack animal crashed due to having been killed mid sprint, and the blond was brought along with it since his sword was still wedged in the animal's head at the time.
"Get off me!" He hollered at the deceased beast and retracted the sword out its crushed skull. Natsu was already waiting for him to emerge as flames spun around him.
"Bastard, you'll pay for that cheap shot!" The dragon slayer growled and his eyes fell upon the murdered animal. "Thanks for helping us out. I'll avenge you."
"It was just a lousy pest. Besides, you should be thankful it died. My original target was you."
"That thing you killed had a life!" Natsu shouted as he darted forward and began to furiously attack the arrogant mage.
"I guess it must be comforting then to know that you will soon join it."
"Fire Dragon's Wing Attack!"
This was the first spell that Jerome had ever seen the slayer use and he was rather astonished by its tremendous power. He hesitantly brought his sword up in front and deflected the first blow.
"You have potential friend, that's for sure. You should join us. You could easily enter the ranks as one of our strongest." The man offered now wondering if it was possible to lure him in with the idea of power - and then backstab him.
"As if I would ever join trash like you!" He countered Jerome's offer and tried roasting him on the spot. That sword of his was being a real nuisance.
If only I get can rid of it.
"Natsu!" The calling of his name distracted him momentarily and with his guard lowered, Jerome seized his chance.
The dark magic blade once more tried to impale him, and with a sharp hiss, he sidestepped the sloppy attempt. Grabbing his arm forcefully he buried his fist into his foe's face.
"Fire Dragon's Grip Strike!"
Entering the billowing smoke in worry, she found the slayer grinning menacingly. Lucy gaped as Natsu had broken Jerome's nose and part of his face was extremely bloody. The cultist had been thrown backwards by the extreme force of the punch.
"Sorry about earlier Luce. He surprised us and I had little time to act." He retracted the odd smile and spoke apologetically.
"I should be thanking you! You saved my life, once again." She giggled, deciding to brush off the aggressive signs. His temper had gotten the best of him plenty of times before and she chalked it up as this one being no different.
"I guess I am pretty good at that, huh?" He mused alongside her before a rapturous laughter broke them out of their friendly banter. "What's going on?"
"Over there!" Lucy pointed to the highest hill and they noticed the masked man enclosed by the final group they had yet to take out.
"Let's finish this Zeref believer and show him why that jerk isn't around anymore in the first place!" Natsu smirked before getting physically shocked. He was positive that yellow-haired walking thunderstorm was nowhere close to here... so why did it feel like he suddenly had been hit with a bolt of lightning?
Natsu. There is some ulterior motive to this entire plan.
What did you just do to me?!
Sorry about that. It's one of my perks I've developed in getting your attention. Anyways, I'm not sure of everything yet but we need to deal with the one in control before this gets out of hand. Something just feels... off.
"Natsu? What's wrong!" Lucy pleaded and kneeled at his side. His sudden cry of pain and falling to his own knees startled her. It looked eerily similar to when they were back in the basement.
"Something isn't sitting right here." He explained as he tried altering the truth in order to keep his other half's presence concealed.
"What do you mean?"
"That man up there. He should be cowering in fear, or fighting back until he accepts defeat... but all he's doing is just standing there."
"It is strange." She agreed and another idea began to form. "One of us needs to force him to act. So, can we see what his actual plan for being here is."
Let Lucy deal with Jerome.
Are you insane? He'll kill her!
Do you not trust her?
What type of question is that? Of course I trust Luce!
Then allow her to take care of him. We've already wounded him, Natsu. She can finish this fight in our place and allow us to engage their leader.
I am NOT leaving her behind!
You've already done that once before. What's another abandonment gonna do?
That reference stung just a little and he failed to manage a comeback this time.
I mean well here, Natsu. I know how dangerous that sword of our opponent is but I also know what power resides in that dagger you gave her.
You do?
Yes. This would also do well in giving your friend a confidence booster that she's been in desperate need of.
The jolts that traveled abruptly through his bodily began to lessen and Natsu faced her thoughtfully. The very idea of her battling this threat alone was unsettling, but it was imperative he take down the guy in charge. If his other half was freaked out by invisible telltale signs then he had to trust his friend.
"Luce... are you fine with fighting him?"
"Yes, you know we always work better together as a- wait... you mean, you mean on my own?"
"Yeah, on your own." He answered truthfully.
"Yes!" She again stated with much determination. "I can handle him. You focus on beating up their boss as per usual."
"Alright." He reluctantly nodded, but still hesitated on departing.
I can't lose you.
Lucy could see the conflict raging on within him and only imagined he must be reliving the past horrors of his life once more. This time though, those fears were about her own fate. It took all of her willpower to not cross the distance between them and achieve what she's dreamed of since he came back into her life. She opted on being supportive instead of possessive.
"This gives me an opportunity to try out the gift you gave me, so go Natsu! I'll be okay! I promise."
The greatest dragon slayer of their generation nodded again, this time more positively. He battled and conquered his protests by remembering a crucial piece to this entire puzzle.
Once we defeat these guys, Rogue's future will have been prevented. Her future will be protected.
I know you're going to want to settle this battle quickly to get back to her, but give me time to assess the situation first. We're good at vocalizing our opinions so try and get him to bite to reveal his full intentions.
Do you know something that I should be aware about?
I have a hunch, but I can't be sure yet. I'll be looking for certain signs in order to decipher the hidden message.
What happens if you find what you're looking for?
Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
That was some shocking news to the pink-haired man. His other half always seemed to be positive or have a plan, but now he was once more being left in the dark. Natsu remembered the strange sensation of when he was taken control of and mentally glared at the specter inside him.
You better not forcefully possess me again.
They didn't reply, but now it was Natsu who was the one with a bad feeling about this entire upcoming encounter. Add it to the already long list of reasons he had for why it was necessary to quickly disarm Avatar's leader. He threw a wide ranged fireball at the top of the hill and used it to shield himself to set up for an unexpected visit.
"Open gate of the Golden Bull: Taurus!"
"Miss Lucy, your smoking hot body has really got me in the mooood!" The cow colored-like Celestial Spirit announced with pink hearts in his eyes.
"Not this again..." Lucy groaned before pointing sternly at him. "Taurus I need you to focus less on me and more on the enemy!"
The humanoid bull followed her finger and his eyes landed on their opponent. The blond-haired man seemed to have already taken a beating and it was time for him to clean the mess up.
"I'll send him packing back to the pasture! Rampage!" He declared and swung his enormous Zodiac axe, the twin-headed labrys, down into the ground. Similar to Lucy's whip spell earlier the action left a wake of destruction in the dried soil.
Jerome, who'd managed to stop the bleeding momentarily, nearly lost his footing from all the shaking but still somehow managed to keep his balance long enough to stay upright. "Your friend made a big mistake leaving you alone here with me. In the end your death will be his downfall."
"Then I guess it's comforting to know Natsu will remain superior to someone like you, because I don't plan to lose!" Lucy countered his cocky grin with one of her own. "Let's get him Taurus!"
"Although you are beautiful I cannot allow you and your fellow imbeciles' actions to go unpunished!" Jerome expressed to Lucy and charged the bull.
They went at it for several minutes as neither warrior backed down against the other. Despite his injured appearance, Jerome's mobility and brilliance were not hindered in the slightest by Natsu's recent assault. Lucy repeatedly attempted to catch him off guard with her whip, but the energy from his sword made her rounds useless. Taurus, whose strength easily outmatched the smaller man he was fighting, quickly found his stamina becoming drained too. It then dawned on Lucy why.
"Taurus! Let me change back!" She cried out after having figured out why her Spirit was struggling to fend off Jerome. Her Star Dress had been depleting his reserves and the dark mage seemed to have worked that idea out himself.
"You've been throwing this entire fight yourself, you realize that right? How you hold strongly with your magic yet have no clue how to use it is beyond my comprehension. Fortunately for you, you won't have to experience the consequences of your failures." He laughed before vanishing. Taurus hastily surveyed where the man might appear but was left astonished when he felt something impale his chest.
"Taurus!"
"My dark sword's magic energy corrodes everything in its path that it strikes! Be it steel or flesh. The end result doesn't change!" Jerome smiled as his orange irises sparkled in delight.
"Miss Lucy..." Taurus whined and he faded away back into the Spirit World.
"Your spirits are useless against me! You might as well surrender now and accept your fate. Your sacrifice will be for a great cause."
That statement by the evil wizard made her blood boil. Her growing resentment of the Black Wizard was finally sparked by the mention of his unspoken name. The hint was rather clear. She never could of known at this point, but the suffering contributed to Natsu would only got worse from here.
He's caused my friend so much pain. Why can't he and his followers just stay away!
Like a twinkling star, Lucy's hand went for another key from the side of her belt. As soon as she touched it, the crimson key reconfigured into her special new weapon.
"What is that?" Jerome spoke aloud intrigued by this sudden revelation. His grin widened as he realized the little girl before him thought she actually stood a chance against his magic enhanced blade with her little toy knife.
Lucy advanced on him, bringing herself closer and closer to her greatest challenge. A real life duel. The dagger was funneling her beliefs. She knew she could trust it. It was almost like it had a mind of its own as it calmed her nerves and prepared them both for a deadly fight.
I can do this. Natsu makes outsmarting his enemies look easy and I've watched Erza wield her sword for years.
Of course it was from there that Lucy realized she didn't have any weaponry like the redhead's surplus arsenal, or that all she had was a dagger... and even that was small in scale when comparing it to Jerome's purple flashing defense.
"Eager to die beautiful? I promise I'll make it painless, unlike Mary."
With a brave face Lucy raised the dagger, just in time, as the dark energy seeped out against the dagger. They both were bewildered as instead of eating away the actual blade like they both thought would happen, a miniature golden shield erupted and then exploded. Jerome was knocked completely off his feet from the blast and he scrambled to relocate his sword. His hand grasped the hilt, but every other movement in his body froze at the terrifying sight.
Lucy watched in awe as Natsu's gift to her transformed once more, but this time instead of a dagger it was a broadsword! Her instincts prepared her to tightly hold onto the newly modified weapon with both hands. However, the broadsword remained as light as a feather. Just like the dagger had formerly had been! Amazingly the weight had somehow stayed the exact same and she reasoned the magical properties inside it were probably why. Lucy now found herself bursting with power. The Celestial mage could see the look of fear on Jerome's face as he understood his victory was not yet sealed. If anything the tides had turned in her favor.
She heard the progressing battle up above and imagined her best friend must be going berserk on their leader. For whatever reason it might be, she hoped he didn't lose focus and make a crucial mistake. This was Natsu though, he always came in clutch when it was needed. Staying on that train of thought, Lucy tried pretending that she was the pink-haired dragon slayer about to settle the score and end the war. The broadsword gleamed from the sun's rays as she leveled the blade evenly.
"It's payback time."
The smoke cleared and Natsu chuckled after hearing the abundance of concerns from the remaining army. One of them mentioned that their was no way this was happening to them. They had around two thousand present and that rapidly had been reduced to less than two hundred in just a few minutes.
"Doesn't matter how many you got. The odds are against you." The dragon slayer grinned as a wave of fire lashed out from his arm. A flaming whip materialized from out of thin air and slashed several foes across their face. It was safe to say their cloaks no longer sported any type of head coverings that they once had.
Alok continued his neutral and passive appearance as he breathed through the silver forged mask. He watched more of his followers fall to the fire wizard and decided strangely then that the time for the message had arrived.
"This is all within the realm of my expectations. Ikusatsunagi hear my words and let the world tremble before your greatness." The High Priest praised confidently.
Whatever name the man was referencing elicited zero fear from Natsu, since he held no knowledge about it nor had ever heard anything like it before. His other half remained quiet in the back of his mind and he narrowed his eyes at the darker pink-haired elder. He sensed the rising magic power around them and wondered where it was coming from. Again, the presence inside him remained idle.
"I don't think so. How about I make you and your little friend tremble at my greatness instead?" He proposed as his eyes narrowed and dark orange flames swirled about wildly.
"Your Eminence, I apologize to interrupt... but it may be wise to postpone the Purification Plan! We're about to lose every single one of our troops and won't have enough wizards left to supervise the sacrifices!" A worried messenger appeared in between them, only to shriek as a purple bullet flew from the High Priest's staff.
An already uneasy army was petrified as they watched one of their own brethren be struck down by Alok with little remorse. The bullet went clean through the messenger and carried on until it wedged itself into a small rock.
"Consider yourself special. You are the first to be sacrificed." He notified the dying young teen in a taunting manner. "The first of many on this day."
"He was your own comrade!" Natsu shouted angrily after the shock wore off. "How the hell could you do such a thing?"
"It is all in the name of Ikusatsunagi..." Alok's voice murmured from within the mask. The second mentioning of this guy began to get on the dragon slayer's nerves. He reached out to his personal decoder.
Have you found anything out yet?
The lack of response frustrated him to no end, but he remained in the right mind. He was trying to limit his emotions from bubbling to the surface. But the cowardness that was just shown, striking down a defenseless human being, was making it very difficult for him to retain.
Alok's staff moved swiftly in his hands and he pointed it straight at the man who had the audacity to defy him. "You will be the next one sacrificed."
The same sized bullet that killed the Avatar messenger fired itself greedily. The remaining cultists off to the side watched in both hope, and horror, as Natsu raised his hand and flung the bullet upwards with ease.
"He deflected it?!" They cried out.
"It would appear you are a very talented wizard. Can you deflect this, though?" Alok questioned in curiosity and raised the staff yet again. This time several rays of purple light expanded itself into a remarkable sized sphere. He thrusted it at his opponent, who instead of trying to block or dodge it, simply jumped into the air and smashed it with a ferocious volley of fire.
"Impressive." Alok commended the excellent showing of strength. "Alas, once you reach my age you learn that you don't need to physically punish your opponent to beat them. You just have to outsmart them." With those words of wisdom, he pointed the tip of his staff into the ground and summoned five gigantic walls that separated them. They were semitransparent and Natsu found himself unable to break through the new barriers.
"Why the hell can't I break it?" He challenged in confusion. Without warning, multiple bullets passed through the wall and raced to finish the distracted slayer off.
Incoming!
Natsu took advantage of the openings he had as he flung himself about and avoided every single one of the black magic attacks. "Oh, but of course your attacks go right through it!"
Once more Alok tried to get the upper hand on the one he looked at as inferior to his plans. He sent a wide variety of spells through the wall, but began to requestion that original thought as a flaming wall was brought fourth in retaliation that burnt everything he cast to a crisp.
"I have tricks too, pal." His foe huffed in anger as they brought their fists together and released a stream of crimson flames at the magical walls. Alok and his supporters gasped as his barriers were melted and the dragon slayer burst right through.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Without hesitation Natsu was upon him and brutally slammed the cult's ruler into the earth. The ground cracked from the impact as an eruption took place atop the hill. Debris flew in all directions and screams rang about while dust prevailed over all who could still see.
"You can't be serious." Jerome said restlessly. "It means nothing that you stopped my corrosion! You have no clue how to fight with a sword!"
Testing that theory, he charged Lucy and brought his sword down in a crushing manner. He was relatively floored, as once again her newly shaped broadsword not only deflected his attack, but even forced him back!
How strong is this girl?! Is it her or the weapon itself?
He waited eagerly to see if his dark energy fused sword would do any type of damage to the chrome blade she now wielded, and to his dismay the answer was clearly negative. He watched in fright as they become engrossed in a deadlock - and then her sword glowed. In a bright flash, a chunk of the steel detonated and fizzled into nothingness. Lucy closed her eyes and felt herself overwhelmed by the love from her Spirits.
"With the defense of the Stars, lend me your power so I may vanquish the dark!"
Reopening them, two golden stars resembled her irises as she broke free from the stalemate and shattered the remaining pieces of what once was Jerome's supremacy.
"No..." The cultist whispered in disbelief as the remaining fragments of his sword dispersed into the ground. They heard footsteps as a third person joined them.
Instantaneously a horrible feeling erupted within her intestines. Lucy clutched at her stomach clearly in physical pain, dropping the Celestial sword in the process. The haughty laughter that came from behind ignited her anger and she helplessly felt herself become immobilized in place. Her throat then felt like it was on fire as her mouth severely ached.
"I'm sorry about your favorite sword." Mary spoke sadly to her friend as she helped the blond back to his feet. "But maybe you can take this one?" She added in amusement while glancing down at the chrome blade.
"Perhaps you're onto something." Jerome thought aloud and grasped the handle, lifting it into his calloused hand. Instantly the broadsword returned to its original configuration. The crimson key that it started out as.
"Do you want me to kill her or would you like to do the honors as compensation?" Mary offered in delight.
He wiped the bridge of his nose, seeing the blood on his finger, as an amused smirk emerged. It was there that he noticed the suffering girl's revealing attire and came up with an alternative solution.
"Maybe instead of killing her... since she likes being so indecent... I should keep her." He revealed with lustful eyes and heard Mary scoff indignantly.
"Why? She's ugly. I'm much prettier than she is."
Jerome ignored his friend's complaints and approached the trapped blonde. He could witness both the pain and freight just through her illuminative brown eyes alone.
This is going to be fun.
His hand stroked her cheek gently while he scanned what he thought were her greatest features. Mary sulked in the background while Jerome explored his new toy, neither aware of the counter enchantments being set in that moment.
"Have no fear Avatar will take good care of you." He smiled as his hand traveled down her nearly bare stomach. She wanted to curse the bastard for touching her, but the excruciating agony in her jaws kept her closed up. Jerome relished in the enjoyment of his new prize as he copped a feel on her right covered breast. His hand slid over to entertain the one on the left, however he never got the chance. Jerome was now the one in agony as her heeled boot shot right up between his legs and delivered a hard dose of karma at full force.
"Glad I made it on time." Another newcomer introduced themselves after reverting the virus' effects. "Status ailments are nullified and immunity enchantment is activated. Whatever spells you have for making people sick won't work anymore!" They disclosed.
"Wendy!" Lucy, now able to speak once more, smiled in happiness after seeing the bluenette and her exceed. "Carla!"
"I'm glad to see you're alright, Lucy!" The humanoid exceed spoke in relief following the scene they had stumbled across on. Both of them had scene the spectacular display of skill by the blonde and then hurried over as soon as she got ambushed.
"Thanks to you all." She admitted and glared at the unconscious cult wizard that had gotten way too handsy. "Enjoy the nap pervert."
"That's so unfair! You can't intervene here we had her!" Mary shouted upsettingly.
"All I did was even the numbers." Wendy remarked as she lowered her stance. "If you don't mind... I want to show you what type of training I've been doing myself Lucy."
That instantly got her friend's attention and interest and the nod received cemented Mary's fate. The youngest dragon slayer sprung up into the air as her body glowed brightly and her hair and eyes turned pink. She had unlocked an entirely new stage of her magic potential.
"Sky Dragon's Wave Wind!" The powerful spell formed a vortex that engulfed the soldiers on standby, then she turned to Mary and sent her flying away with a high-powered breath attack. In just two spells, the sky dragon slayer had discarded any remaining opposition around them.
"Wow, Wendy... that was incredible!" Lucy complimented wholeheartedly, very proud of her friend. She'd never forget the beaming smile across the teenager's face once it reached her.
Priorities had changed. The conversation that he overheard was the reason for it. He tuned out the ongoing battle between his active other half and the High Priest and focused all his mental attention on the frosty battle to the north.
Gray had been dueling the cloning dark wizard for several minutes now and easily was getting around her. Her emotions for the the man she had feelings for were causing him to take advantage and find her weakness. Briar summoned a sphere of purple fire and threw it at him. Of course, he side stepped it with ease and watched as the flames spread across the ground. He froze it before it could get even close to becoming a threat.
"Tell me, Gray. Your brave words about the Book of E.N.D... were they just lies as well?!" She demanded in anger.
"I hate to disappoint you, but everything I said back there about that demon is true. I made my dad a promise. So, no matter what... I will destroy him even if it's the last thing I do."
That was the last thing his other half acknowledged as he came back to the present. He already viewed the ice wizard as someone who needed a close eye kept on him at all times, and now those beliefs were confirmed. The shock wave regathered his attention and he was pleased to find the cult leader face first against the floor.
Well done.
Thanks. I appreciate you responding to me about whatever Ekuanusabi is.
Ekuanusabi? I have no idea what you're-
"Now that the big guy is down this should all be over. I'm sure Lucy won her fight." Natsu summarized, ignoring the other voice inside of him, as his head tilted once the sound of laughter was heard.
"You will still suffer defeat." Alok mocked.
"What?"
Avatar's leader slowly rose back up onto his side. It was almost like watching someone be reborn. "I burned away the flesh of my own face waiting for this day. It was worth every last morsel of pain... and if it were possible I would do it all over again."
Natsu continued to stand above him unfazed. He could only believe his punch had made the once hailed leader become psycho. At this point, he didn't really care though. The jerk had betrayed one of his own. Even worse, he killed them. Alok kneeled before the feet of the newest fire dragon king. He was just about to ask the man what was the matter with him when the High Priest raised his arms and chanted into the heavens above.
"All terrifying god of battle remember our covenant."
NATSU!
"I have brought the promised sacrifice now unleash your fury..."
What?
"Ikusatsunagi, I summon thee!"
The pinkette watched the purple bullet shoot into the blue skies above. At first nothing happened, but then out of nowhere the sky darkened tremendously. Shades of violet spread over them as it danced in a spiral.
You have to give me control, now!
That only angered the dragon slayer further. The laughter reached his nerves and he stared down at the High Priest.
"What did you just do?" He snarled. A behemoth sized foot emerged from the expanding coil as the rest of its limbs followed after it.
"What I've always wanted." Alok declared and gave the fire mage a broken smile. "To purge life like Zeref."
That was the wrong answer, in fact that was easily the worst answer he could of given. In less than a second a strong grip was holding him up off the ground. "Call that damn thing off!"
Alok's grin spread evilly. "This is how the true Purification Plan works! The true sacrifices are the souls of all devoted Avatar members. Every last one of them. The townspeople are just a bonus, and so are you and your friends!"
The war god's other foot landed, flattening several cultists in one instance, as the defeated dark wizards watched in concern.
"We're just pawns?" Jerome whispered in despair after recovering from Lucy's surprise.
"They have pledged their lives to Zeref and now they are giving their very souls!" Alok announced. "The tragedy today will bring him here and from there a new age can begin!"
Natsu's teeth were chattering, but it wasn't from being frightened. Rather... he was enraged. Wisps of fire appeared as Alok's next words doomed him for eternity.
"The god of war, Ikusatsunagi, will not stop until he takes every entity that remains here!"
The dark nature that resided in him revealed itself as he ferociously put Alok out of contention with a loud bang. The whirlwind of dark magic was suffocating and he found his vision becoming increasingly blurred.
Natsu.
What's happening to us?
The god of war is trying to dormant all life that is stationed here.
I don't understand...
He's basically trying to kill everybody with his vast black magic sleeping spell.
How do we stop it?
You can't-
Don't give me that! There has to be a way!
You didn't let me finish. You and your friends can't stop him, but I can.
How?
You will find out soon enough. But forget about that for now. In order for this to work, I need you to fully trust me and relinquish your authority.
Although it wasn't stated directly, the imply was evident. His other half wanted control.
Why do you need to take me over?
Because... we have dormant powers that can do interesting things. One of those traits I can use to save your friends. I have a way that will take out Ikusatsunagi with a single strike... and thus save Lucy before it's too late.
His other half knew the blonde was the key to gaining access and he was right. Not much longer the rebellious acts stopped and the resistance between them diminished. Lucy Heartfilia was going to be his undoing.
Do whatever needs to be done. I trust you.
Whether the universe got wind of the change in command or were alarmed by the war god electing doomsday on it was unknown. However, what was known was the new identity of Fairy Tail's beloved fire dragon slayer.
Horns sprouted from newly black-tipped pink hair as two crimson eyes glowed underneath the purple cast shadow. Flames as dark as the abyss flared to life around him forming fiery armor. A magic circle lit up at his feet as it resembled a ticking time bomb. In reality, it was the key to victory. This one of eighteen Yakuma battle gods was going to be in for a nice surprise.
An extended blade made from pure fire materialized into his claw-like fingers and he grinned sinisterly.
The Destroyer of All was back... and they were free.
A/N: Originally I was going to continue on with this scene... but I decided this was a respectable stopping place considering it was nearing 10K words and only halfway through everything I had prepared. Sometimes that happens, haha. A lot happened in this chapter though that's for sure! Lucy and Wendy got a chance to shine and show off what they've been focusing on in the last year. Meanwhile the rest of their gang has upped their game as well!
In case it wasn't already clear, Dragon Rage focuses on Natsu and Lucy primarily. There will be a few scenes and moments when someone else gets the spotlight for a few lines, but that's rare. I decided early on that I wanted to tell a story of two characters, with different backgrounds and futures, and I am very pleased to see where this has gone so far. Party Crashers is really one of the last "major" chapters that follows canon as from here on out things take shape and get entertaining!
Lucy already recognizes it, but now Natsu is becoming more aware of his friend's feelings in the last year. So, how will he decide to act on it?
Oh and... this thing I've been calling "Dark Natsu" on AO3 has finally taken the floor. Though, I'm sure he's not important in the slightest.
I'll be out of town this weekend, but I look forward to reading your reviews and responding to any questions you all may have once I get back. The next chapter will be released this upcoming Friday (the 14th) and it's a real rollercoaster!
Up Next: Chapter 11 - Special Feelings
