(Edited 10/11/21)
(Edited 10/06/22)
I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.
Destructive Vacation
/Kryden Mountains – One Month Later/
The group had been training nonstop for the past month, honing their skills and improving their teamwork. They had each made strides and certainly improved upon what they set out to do, so much so that Natsu had finally deemed the trio ready for the first trial.
He'd been keeping an eye on the trio as he constructed the trial in addition to training his own Crash Magic on the side at night. Eliza had come up with a suitable training regimen for him however he had little time to fully put it to the test unless he wanted to burn himself out.
Shaking his head, Natsu decided not to dwell on that fact for the moment and chose to put his focus on his friends instead. They were the real reason they'd come here to begin with after all.
"All right guys, come on over here," Natsu said as he opened his eyes. "I have something I want to talk to you all about!"
"What's up Natsu," Gray asked curiously as he dispelled an Ice Shield.
"Yeah, what's going on?"
"What's going on Elise is I've finally decided that the three of you are ready to take on the first trial," Natsu grinned as all three mages' faces lit up in excitement. "I've been paying close attention to you all this last week and I think you've got a good shot."
"You really think we're ready," Elise asked, clearly wanting him to say it again which elicited a chuckle from him.
"Yes Elise, you're all ready for this."
"All right!"
"I finished up the trial before sundown yesterday and have just been tweaking it a little. So, whenever you three feel like you're ready, we can get it started."
"I think it's pretty obvious that we're ready now Natsu," Erza replied with a smirk, prompting Natsu to roll his eyes in response.
"Ok then, let's head on in," Natsu said as he held out his hand and the ground shifted upwards revealing a stairwell. "The trial will be held at the heart of Kryden."
"Wait, you built the trial inside the mountain?"
"I built the basics the trial would need as well as protection from highly destructive attacks," Natsu replied prompting Erza to raise an eyebrow in response. "Within this mountain lies an ancient city that many of the people of Kryden used to call home. With the blessing of the Great King, I was allowed to use a section of it to host the trial."
"Hey Natsu, not to sound like a dick or anything, but the history lesson can wait," Gray cut in as he ran toward the staircase. "Let's get going!"
"Alright Gray," Natsu chuckled as the group started descending the stairs.
The group spent the next five minutes walking down the spiral staircase with the trio wondering what kind of trial Natsu had in store for them. Once they finally reached what appeared to be the bottom, they walked out into a well-lit underground city.
"Wow," Elise muttered in awe. "To build something like this so long ago would've been a technological marvel!?"
"It was," Natsu nodded in agreement. "Back when all this was constructed, there was only one other known group with advanced technology at the time, though their name has been lost to time. I only know that they once existed because records exist here about them and how they tried attacking Kryden but failed due to the ambient magic surrounding it."
"Interesting," Elise hummed as she considered the history of the people of Kryden.
"So is this where the trial will be held Natsu," Gray asked as he motioned toward the city at large, prompting Natsu to shake his head.
"The main city itself is not the focus of the trial, the arena over there is," Natsu said as he pointed toward a massive stone structure in the distance. "The first trial is fairly basic and so a simple arena setting will suffice."
"So, what, we're fighting a bunch of monsters that live around here or something," Gray asked which prompted Natsu to shake his head.
"You'll only be fighting the one this time Gray, but don't be fooled into thinking that means it'll be a cakewalk for you," Natsu replied as the group walked toward the arena. "Remember what I told you when we arrived about the strength of the creatures, don't go underestimating them."
"So, we're fighting just the one monster, what does it represent that we have to face as a trial," Elise asked curiously prompting Natsu to nod in approval.
"Good question Elise. The three trials represent three different areas, one of the three of you will be at a disadvantage due to it being your weakest area. This area will be cooperative combat scenarios."
"Cooperative combat scenarios? So, you mean working together as a team during fights, right?
"Essentially yes, but the goal here isn't to beat the opponent, but rather demonstrate your teamwork with one another. You can of course beat the opponent but it won't gain you any extra points if it wasn't a combined effort."
"I think I get the idea," Erza responded, clearly understanding the basic idea of what they were going to be dealing with since she had to face a familiar version of that test during the S Class Promotion Trials.
"And we're here," Natsu said as he spun around and gestured with his hands. "Ready to go in?"
All three mages nodded in the affirmative as Natsu snapped his fingers, the ancient metal gates swinging open to reveal a large open space with a throne similar to the one the Great King appeared on. Walking into the arena proper, Natsu moved toward the throne and sat down with a small smile on his face.
"Are you guys ready to start?"
"Better now than never, right guys," Gray asked only for Erza to cut him off.
"Hold on Gray, think about the area we're in for a moment. We don't know anything about it and there could be any number of traps or other hazards around. Just take a minute to look at your surroundings and you'll notice."
Gray heeded Erza's advice and began to look around the ruined arena. There were several traps scattered around on the arena floor as well as one of the walls decayed to the point of near collapse.
"We're ready," Gray said after being sure they'd found all the traps around the arena. "Bring it on Natsu!"
"Alright then," Natsu replied as he closed his eyes and leant back into the throne. "Let the first trial … BEGIN!"
Powerful thuds vibrated through the earth which immediately put the trio on alert. An audible growling sound soon alerted the group to the approaching point of their foe as a massive claw struck the side of the arena entrance they'd come through only minutes prior.
"What the hell," Gray muttered as a massive beast that looked like a cross between a bird and a Drake forced its way into the arena. "The fuck is that thing!?"
"I figured this would be a suitable test for you all," Natsu replied as the creature reared back and let loose a loud shrieking roar whilst simultaneously releasing a spout of flame from its maw into the air. "This is your first trial, the Wyvern!"
"A Wyvern," Elise gasped as they all took a step back. "These things are offshoots of Dragons, descended from a mixture of the Drakes and Griffons!"
"You know your bestiary well Elise, but will it help you all defeat the power of a Wyvern I wonder?"
"Well, we did say we were ready," Erza sighed as the trio moved closer to one another. "Alright guys, we can do this!"
"Damn right Erza, we've got this," Gray cried as he ripped off his shirt. "Bring it on!"
"Requip – Black Wing Armor!"
Erza changed into her armor and immediately took flight as Elise and Gray shot off in the opposite direction of one another, forcing the Wyvern to look between the trio for a target. Eventually, it decided that Erza being in the air was of less concern and shot toward Gray.
"Oh no you don't you scaly bastard, War God's Covenant – Tempo!"
A black Magic Circle appeared in front of Elise's hand as she seemingly cast a spell, an identical one appearing below Gray's feet mere moments later. Just as the Wyvern was about to crash into him, Gray vanished and appeared behind the Wyvern with a dark blue Magic Circle surrounding his right wrist.
"Thanks for the speed boost Elise," Gray grinned as he aimed his right hand at the thrashing tail of the Wyvern. "Hey, bird brain!? Ice Make – Artic Cone!"
From Gray's right palm, a solid cone of ice shot toward the Wyvern. As if sensing the attack, the Wyvern's neck pulled a one eighty as it looked at the attack with a snarl. Then, as the group thought it would hit, the Wyvern simply vanished.
"What the-!?"
Gray was suddenly flying through the air, blood escaping through his mouth as the Wyvern appeared right next to him, its tail having struck him across the chest. Elise and Erza blinked in complete shock for a moment before pulling themselves together.
"Erza, long range attacks!"
"Right! Black Wing – Moon Flash!"
Swinging the two blades in her hands, Erza fired off dozens of aerial slash attacks to draw the Wyvern's attention toward her whilst Elise dashed toward Gray. The Wyvern seemed to just teleport ever so slightly in order to dodge as it looked up at her and snarled.
"This thing … how is it warping around like that!?"
"Its not warping," Gray coughed as he slowly sat up with Elise's help. "It's just that fast!"
"That ties into what I've heard about them," Elise added as she helped Gray to his feet. "Wyverns are considered a subspecies of Dragon, just like the Drakes. The Drakes got the raw power side and the Wyverns received the speed and dexterity!"
"What options do we have to take this thing out then if its so fast," Gray growled as Erza was swatted out of the sky, crashing into the left side stands of the arena. "Shit, Erza!"
"I'm fine Gray, but I've got an idea," Erza called out from within the dust cloud. "Requip – Lightning Empress Armor!"
Emerging from the dust, Erza appeared with a spear at her back that crackled with powerful lightning. Spinning it around to her front, she pointed it at the Wyvern before looking over at Gray and Elise.
"First, we remove its ability to freely roam the area," Erza cried as she then raised the tip of the Lightning Spear up into the air. "Lightning Empress' – Lightning Discharge!"
A solid bolt of lightning shot up high into the air until it was level with the arena walls. Once it reached that point, dozens of bolts shot out from the original and landed along its edge, forming a barrier.
Once the barrier was formed that prevented any kind of aerial escape, lightning strikes started raining down on the Wyvern's position with the beast snarling whilst dodging them. It didn't take long for it to figure out Erza was the one responsible, seeing her still generating the lightning from her spear.
"Oh no you don't," Elise growled as she noticed the Wyvern preparing to make a move. "War God's Elemental Lances!"
Generating twelve identical yellow lances, Elise charged and leapt high into the air so she could see the area from above. Looking at where the Wyvern was beginning to move, she shot her lances ahead.
"War God's Lightning Torrent!"
Firing her lances, they all vanished as a loud screeching noise struck all their eardrums. The lances had hit home, pinning the Wyvern down as its body was riddled with a deadly torrent of lightning.
"All right you stupid scaly prick, time for payback! Ice Make – Seven Slice Dice!"
Rushing toward the pinned Wyvern, two thick blades of ice formed along Gray's forearms as he cocked back his right arm. Once he was in range, Gray slashed the Wyvern across the face seven times before jumping away as the beast released a powerful stream of flame.
"Whoa crap! This thing isn't out yet!?"
Natsu watched on as the trio pinned the Wyvern.
Natsu watched the trio beat on the pinned Wyvern, eyes narrowed as he analysed their movements. After some consideration, she shook his head and met the eyes of the Wyvern directly.
"Holy crap guys, get back," Gray cried as the Wyvern started to growl whilst slowly getting back onto its feet. "How is it even able to move!?"
"I think it might be adjusting to the lightning," Elise replied as she stabbed it in the side with one of her swords before being swatted away by its tail, sent crashing into one of the walls.
"Elise," both Erza and Gray cried as the Wyvern let out another roar.
Neither Gray nor Erza expected the Wyvern to forcefully rip itself free of Elise's lances, shredding its wings in the process as it stumbled before looking over at Gray with a maddened gaze.
"I think we've pissed it off Erza," Gray said as he took several steps back. "Erza!?"
"Calm down Gray, we'll just have to come up with some other way to take it out! Besides, its way slower now thanks to its injuries, we can use that to our advantage!"
"Well, I think I might have a-!"
Gray was about to fill Erza in on his idea when something shot past him and smashed into the side of the Wyvern, knocking it over as it rolled several times before scrambling to its feet.
"What the hell was that!?"
"Elise," Erza called out as the War God Slayer charged toward the Wyvern. "Elise, what are you doing!?"
"Think you can just toss me around like garbage, I'll slice off your tail you overgrown lizard," Elise snarled as she grabbed onto the end of its tail. "RAAARGH!"
"Holy shit," Gray muttered as Erza ran over to him. "What the fuck …?"
"She's bleeding," Erza noted as blood seeped out of a slowly healing wound on the War God Slayer's right side. "She's likely in a state of Bloodlust."
The Wyvern roared in anger as it tried to flick Elise off of its tail, angered to find that her strength was greater. Elise's muscles bulged as she held onto the tail of the Wyvern with all her strength, snapping Erza back to her senses.
"This is our chance Gray; Elise has it pinned!"
"Oh yeah," Gray nodded as Erza Requiped once more.
"Requip – Purgatory Armor!"
Emerging from the light now clad in one of her most formidable armors, Erza swung the massive spiked mace out to her right side before charging at the front end of the beast. The Wyvern was too focused on roaring at Elise as it charged up another flame attack that it didn't even notice Erza coming in from the front.
"Purgatory Lambast!"
The moment she called out the attack, the Wyvern spun around only to be smashed across the face by the spiked mace. The attack knocked everything out of the Wyvern as it stumbled sideways, its head spinning as it made a strange groaning sound.
Elise laughed cruelly at it as she released its tail and sprinted past it, running toward the arena stands and launching herself up atop one of its walls. Turning back around, she smirked at the staggered beast before launching herself high into the air, right at the centre of the arena.
"This attack will finish you," Elise roared as a black Aura exploded from her right fist. "War God's Armageddon Fist!"
Coming down right onto the Wyvern's back, Elise's grin widened as she heard the crunching sound she'd been hoping for. The Wyvern screeched as many of its bones were cracked from the power behind the attack.
"Alright guys, out of the way," Gray cried out as the entire area started to feel rather chilly. "Ice Make – Skewering Cocoon!"
Elise leapt away as the Wyvern quickly found itself coated by a thick layer of ice that took the shape of a cocoon. Gray then extended his arms out before crossing them as the Wyvern let out another loud screech.
"Ngh-!"
All three spun around at the rather loud grunt of pain Natsu had let out to see blood escape from his mouth. He gripped the sides of the throne hard as he began to cough up blood, the trio rushing to his side.
"Natsu, you ok!?"
"I'm fine Gray," Natsu replied weakly as he wiped the blood from his mouth as Erza practically shoved herself into his point of view.
"What happened Natsu, why are you coughing up blood like this!?"
"I never explained how I can control the creatures did I," was the mumbled reply. "To put it simply … I put part of myself into them in order to … control them."
"But if that's true then the moment it pulled itself from my Lightning Lances," Elise gasped as Natsu rolled up his sleeves.
"Yes," Natsu sighed as he revealed twelve large gashes across them, blood pouring from the wounds as all three recoiled in shock.
"What the hell were you thinking Natsu," Gray snapped as he clenched his fists. "We wanna get stronger sure, but not if its gonna hurt you!"
"Gildarts did the same for me Gray," Natsu replied as he slowly sat back on the throne. "That being said though, you guys all passed the test."
"Well, it doesn't feel so special now that I know we were fighting you," Erza replied as she pulled Natsu into a tight hug.
"I'm fine Erza, I've suffered way worse than this. Trust me, if I didn't think I could handle the pain then I wouldn't have done any of this."
"Well I'm not doing this trial anymore Natsu," Erza snapped back in response. "I won't let you tear your body apart for our sakes!"
Natsu sighed as he looked over to Elise before shifting toward Gray, noting that all three shared the same look. Sighing, he nodded slowly.
"Fine, we won't complete the trials ok."
"Good!"
"We'll still be training though, don't think that's going to change. That being said though, there's something I've gotta do before we leave, alright?"
"We get it Natsu, do what you have to do and meet us at the clouds edge."
"Will do Erza, but before that-."
Natsu threw Erza away from him as the Wyvern appeared right next to Gray and Elise's position, chomping down where Erza had been only to sink its teeth into Natsu's arm instead.
"Ngh-!"
"What the hell, I thought we killed that thing!?"
Natsu simply grunted as the Wyvern continued to push him back, taking a swipe at Natsu he blocked it but was sent flying into a wall. All three looked from where Natsu had gone and back to the Wyvern with Elise making the first move.
"That's it, now it's personal," the War God Slayer snarled as she summoned a single lance and charged toward the beast.
"Gray, we need to back her up! NOW!"
"Right," the Ice Mage replied as he formed two dark blue Magic Circles around his wrists. "Ice Make – Dual-Calibur!"
Summoning two copies of his Cold Excalibur, Gray rushed the Wyvern alongside Elise as Erza was enveloped in golden light.
"Requip – Armor Of The Brilliant Flame!"
Emerging from the Requip already mid-rush," Erza let loose a loud battle cry. All three charged the Wyvern, furious with the beast for hurting Natsu as it reared back its neck and prepared to roast them with another breath attack.
"You've gone and done it now, you overgrown piece of trash! Let's see you take a piece of Natsu after I slice your face open," Elise roared as she dropped to her knees and skidded underneath the dual claw swipe the Wyvern tried to swat her away with. "War God's Dark Strike!"
The Wyvern moved to release its breath attack however Elise skidded right under its head and stabbed it through the bottom of its mouth. Twisting the lance as it drowned her in blood, Elise could only lick her lips as the Wyvern whimpered in pain.
"That's right you piece of filth, SUFFER," Elise cackled with glee as she leapt up onto its neck whilst bringing the lance with her, slicing open a good majority of its throat as Gray charged forward.
"You're not gonna get away with it you bastard," Gray roared as he leapt at the disoriented Wyvern. "Ice Make Dual-Calibur Grand Cross!"
Gray followed up Elise's work by carving an X shape into its face with his Dual-Calibur, the beast roaring in pain as Erza took to the skies on wings made from pure fire and prepared for the final attack.
Holding the Sword Of The Brilliant Flame out to her right, she shot toward the Wyvern right as it managed to wrest itself free from Elise's grasp. The Wyvern reared up on its hind legs to throw the War God Slayer off and flared its wings as it prepared to unleash another breath attack.
Before it had the chance however, Erza struck.
"Draconian Knight's Piercing Strike!"
Cocking back the blade with both hands, Erza thrust it right into the chest of the Wyvern, the beast roaring in agony as it fell onto its back. Erza yanked her blade free and leapt off of its chest, landing next to Gray and Elise who were both likewise panting.
"Is it dying," Gray asked tiredly only for the Wyvern's leg to start twitching.
"I don't think so Gray," Erza growled in reply as the Wyvern flopped back onto its front and shakily rose once more.
"Well then, I guess we'll just have to gut it then," Elise said with a sadistic grin as she summoned a sword to her side.
"That's enough you three, you'll need to put out a lot more power than that if you want to actually kill this thing."
"Natsu," Erza gasped as the Dragon Slayer kicked some rubble off of himself, the Wyvern immediately turning its full attention toward him.
"Gotta admit, I wasn't expecting to lose control of you," Natsu said as he spat out a glob of blood. "Been quite a while since I've fought something like you though so maybe the fault is mine. That being said though, I'm not gonna let you walk away after ripping into my arm like that."
The Wyvern growled but backed away slightly as Natsu started walking toward it, straightening the fingers in his right hand as a mixture of fire and orange sparks coated its length.
Faster than the others could react, Natsu vanished. The next thing they knew, the Wyvern roared before suddenly being cut off. Looking over to the beast, Natsu's entire arm was elbow deep through its eye socket with fire being expelled from its opposite orb.
"Fire Dragon King's Quaking Piercing Claw!"
Gray and Erza looked on in a mixture of surprise and shock while Elise who was still in a bloodlust mind state grinned at the amount of blood oozing from the now deceased Wyvern's head.
Natsu yanked his arm free, the Wyvern's corpse collapsing to the ground with a powerful thud, Natsu himself now standing atop its head, looking down at the others. He sighed and shook his head when he saw Elise looking like it was her birthday, knowing full well they had to curb that at some point.
"You know, the rest of the guild would be creeped out if they saw that face Elise?"
"Who cares," Elise grinned as the trio ran toward him. "That was amazing!"
"I'll say," Gray agreed as Natsu leapt off of the Wyvern's head. "Is it dead this time?"
"Yeah, its dead for real this time," Natsu nodded as he motioned to the giant gaping hole in its eye. "Basically, melted its brain."
"How's your arm Natsu," Erza asked as he lifted it up to show her.
"It'll leave another scar, but I'll be fine," Natsu said as he quickly caught Elise as she was falling over.
"What happened to her?"
"It's her bloodlust state, side effect from her God Slayer powers. From what Eliza told me, she'll be fine with a bit of rest."
"I guess that leaves you time to sort out handing back the powers that the Great King gave you," Erza replied prompting Natsu to sigh.
"Yeah, I'll go do that now. You guys take Elise and meet me at the clouds edge, alright?"
"Right, will do Natsu," Erza replied with a stiff as she took Elise from Natsu's arms. "You'd better believe we'll all be talking about this later though Natsu."
"Sure, whatever you say Erza."
"Natsu …"
"Don't glare at me Erza, I did what I thought was right," Natsu countered evenly. "Now take Elise and get ready to leave, I'll only be a few minutes."
Erza glared at him for several more moments before abruptly snapping her gaze toward Gray who simply nodded in turn. The two walked off, Erza carrying Elise in her arms, leaving Natsu alone in the arena.
"Fuck," he hissed as he ran his hands through his hair. "Maybe I should've told them?"
Shaking his head, Natsu warped into the throne room and knelt before the golden throne once more as the spectre of the Great King manifested itself.
"We observed your trial, Natsu Dragneel," the Great King hummed as he leant forward on his throne. "Your three friends fought admirably, but appear to lack the mental strength to continue, it seems."
"To be fair, everyone is different," Natsu replied as he looked up to meet the Great King's gaze. "If they believe that the power is wrong and refuse to train in fear of my being harmed as a result, who am I to argue against them?"
"A wise viewpoint to reach, Natsu Dragneel. The mind of mortal men is something bound by emotion and, although some are capable of blocking these emotions, they are ultimately ruled by them. Those that can resist emotion lose something, but those who give in to emotion lose out just as equally."
"Yeah, I've seen examples of both throughout the years, Great King," Natsu replied tiredly as he felt the Great King's mind brush up against his own to view the memories. "I've seen living beings act more like machines than the flesh and blood they are comprised of, just as I've seen those born of a machine race act with more emotion than most living beings."
"Indeed, you have," the Great King hummed thoughtfully as he brushed over Natsu's offered memories. "You do realize that the war that rages in Scarlione even now shall one day spill into Fiore, correct?"
"Trust me, I'm well aware."
"The current systems Fiore have in place are failures, not worth the breath used to utter their names. As it stands, Fiore stands less hope than Scarlione in beating back the monsters across the sea."
"I know …"
"We cannot grant you the power to fight them, Natsu Dragneel, for it would go against the Ancient Magics bound to these mountains," the Great King continued as he leant back in his throne. "But we would offer you words of wisdom, should you wish to lend and ear to them?"
"I would be honoured for anything you can provide, Great King," Natsu replied rather quickly as the Great King steeled his ethereal fingers.
"The key to defeating an Empire lay not within the hearts and minds of men, nor do they lie within the loyalty of its valiant troops," the Great King said as Natsu narrowed his eyes, trying to decipher what the King was getting at. "What you face is not an Empire crafted by one seeking glory, wealth or land. No, you face an Empire built for a larger purpose and THAT, Natsu Dragneel, THAT is what will be the key to defeating them."
"What," Natsu muttered as he felt the powers bestowed upon him by the Great King begin to seep away. "What do you mean by that!?"
"I cannot tell you the answer to that, Natsu Dragneel, though I would if I could," the Great King replied sadly as he rose from his throne. "Know that my words shall one day ring true, however, and you will be better off having heard them."
"I see, thank you for your words of wisdom Great King," Natsu replied as he bowed respectfully before the spectral entity. "Hopefully one day I do understand what you've told me."
"We see bright things in your future, Natsu Dragneel. Though bright, the path is littered with a terrible darkness unlike any we have ever known," the Great King said as he extended his arms outward. "Allow us to do what little we can to ease your burden by transporting yourself and your friends to the base of Kryden."
"Really? Thanks, Great King, you didn't have to do that, but I appreciate it."
"It is but a small kindness given in the hope of potential future visits," the Great King said as everything in Natsu's vision started to go white. "Until we meet again, Natsu Dragneel."
In the time it took Natsu to blink, he was back at the base of the mountain alongside Gray, Erza and Elise. All three were knocked out, probably from the sudden shock of being warped down so far by such monstrous power.
Natsu sat in silence pondering what to do next with the group since they still had at least two weeks left before Makarov would even need to know of their return. As he pondered this, the others slowly started to regain consciousness.
"Ugh … I feel like I just got hit by a train," Elise groaned as she rolled onto her front and tried to get up.
"Is this what Natsu used to feel like on them," Gray asked as he clutched his head, seemingly dealing with a powerful migraine. "I'm never making fun of him for that again …"
"Is everyone alright," Erza asked as she managed to rise into a sitting position.
The trio continued to groan and fumble around in a disoriented stupor until Erza noticed Natsu was simply staring at them, a neutral expression on his face.
"I assume this was your doing Natsu?"
"The Great King decided to teleport us all down to the base of Kryden and save us the climb down," Natsu replied as the trio noticed their new surroundings. "You've only been out for about five minutes or so."
"You know, now that I know I don't have to climb down the mountain, I suddenly feel a lot better," Gray grinned as he stood up and began to stretch.
"I don't, can someone carry me," Elise groaned as she flopped onto her back again. "Why does everything hurt so much!?"
"Bloodlust State aftereffects," Natsu replied bluntly, earning a blush from the God Slayer who scratched the back of her head with an awkward smile.
"Ah, my bad. I hope I didn't do anything too crazy or hurt anyone?"
"Nah, you were too busy fighting the Wyvern," Natsu replied with a wave of his arm as Erza made her way over to him.
"Natsu, how's your arm doing," Erza asked as she rolled back the sleeve to reveal the wounds had stopped bleeding and were now little more than grotesque gashes.
"Its fine now, why?"
"Are you sure?"
"Sure as I can ever be Erza," Natsu replied as he started waving it around wildly. "See, just fine."
"Alright then, if your arm is fine then you have to carry Elise."
"What!? Why do I have to do that!?"
"Out of all of us, you're probably the only one fit enough to do it. Otherwise, I'd have Gray or myself do it."
"Of course, wouldn't want you getting jealous," Natsu teased only for Erza to snort in response.
"As if. You wouldn't dare cheat on me Natsu, I know that better than you know it."
"Fair point," he admitted with a roll of his eyes. "So, where are we going anyway since we still have two weeks off?"
"Isn't there a town nearby? Maybe they have something we can do to pass the time until we have to go back," Erza suggested.
"We could go to the beach and relax," Gray chimed in with a tired sigh.
"The beach … That's it Gray, you're a genius!"
"Huh?"
"Look, I have these tickets to some place called Akane Resort; some R&R after what we've done ought to do us some good."
"Natsu, why didn't you tell me you had those earlier!? we could've gone on a date there," Erza huffed, clearly not happy with this new knowledge.
"Well sorry for not organising it or remembering it between folding in Dark Guilds, Demons and Wizard Saints Erza," Natsu snapped back as all four looked away from one another. "Sorry Erza, I'm just a bit tired still."
"Me too Natsu," Erza admitted softly as she sat back down next to him. "So, think we can go to Akane Resort?"
"I don't see why not, assuming you two are in," Natsu asked as both Gray and Elise nodded slowly, both just as tired as Natsu and Erza. "Well then, by majority vote, resort it is."
"Any idea on how to get there from here," Erza asked with Natsu nodding in response.
"We just have to catch the train from here and it will get us to Akane in just a few hours."
"A few hours before we get to relax in a luxury resort," Gray sighed as he practically floated to his feet. "What are we just lazing around here for when there is the best relaxation money can buy just waiting for us!?"
"All right then everyone, let's head on out," Natsu chuckled as they all rose to their feet and started walking toward the nearby town.
"HEY, WHAT ABOUT ME!?"
"Oh, right," Natsu laughed as he turned back around to see Elise glaring at him on the ground. "My bad."
"You jerk, I should beat you black and blue for just ditching me!"
"Settle down Elise, I knew you were there," Natsu laughed as he scooped her up with ease bridal style. "You're pretty light, I'd have thought you'd be heavier."
"If I responded with, are you saying I'm fat, would you have been flustered?"
"No."
"Thought so. But really, you're just strong as hell so it isn't really surprising that my weight doesn't register to you. Can I ask why you thought I'd be heavier though, just out of curiosity?"
"Muscle weighs more than fat and you're muscular so I assumed you'd be heavier. As a general rule, if you see someone rocking a six pack, assume that they're packing muscle if you need to lift them for whatever reason."
"Who has a general rule that specific though?"
"This specific person right here," Natsu grinned as Elise stifled a laugh.
"Well, 'Mister Specific,' I can assure you that I'm actually rather heavy thanks to my muscle, so you're just stupidly strong!"
"And now comes the part where I put my foot into my mouth," Natsu grinned in reply as he shuffled Elise in his arms. "How much do you weigh exactly?"
"You shouldn't ask a girl her weight you know," Elise shot back instantly, giggling when she noticed the flat look on the Dragon Slayer's face. "Ok, I knew you weren't gonna react but I just had to! Before I answer though, how much do you weight?"
"Me? Last I checked I'm a hundred and twenty-two kilograms," Natsu replied as Elise started looking at his arms and neck, noticing just how thick with muscle they actually were.
"Shit, I didn't even notice until you said it but you're actually really jacked!"
"Damn right, Erza never shuts up about it," Natsu said loudly on purpose so Erza would hear them.
"What can I say, it makes hugging him feel all the more rewarding," Erza smirked as Gray started making gagging noises.
"Oh man, save it for the resort!"
"Shut up Gray," Erza snapped as she smacked him over the back of the head.
"But to answer your question, I'm ninety-eight kilograms," Elise said as she flexed her right arm right in Natsu's face. "All muscle baby!"
"I'd be disappointed if you had any fat Elise, being a War God Slayer and the personal student of an actual War God," Natsu grinned as Erza fell back and started pinching Elise's bicep.
"Solid, impressive."
"I try," Elise grinned in response as Erza moved down toward Elise's side. "Oof, that spot the Wyvern hit you left a rather nasty bruise."
"Yeah, it'll heal up though. I have passive regeneration thanks to my God Slayer abilities, though they take longer depending on the type of injury and my proficiency with my powers."
"I've always been rather curious about how God Slayer powers differ from that of Dragon Slayers," Erza admitted as the town came into view. "Aside from the regeneration thing, what else do you get?"
"Well, I'm what's known as a First-Generation God Slayer, meaning that I've been taught personally by the God of my element and have had them wield my body as their own. The significance of that last bit means that, as I grow stronger, I can grow closer to the God my powers came from with the chance that I could even rival their power."
"Sounds just like a First-Generation Dragon Slayer," Natsu hummed in response. "We were taught by a Dragon on how to wield the element and can approach their power if we train hard enough."
"The difference between a First-Generation God Slayer and those who come after it is massive," Elise continued as she looked off into the distance. "Second Generation God Slayers, like Zancrow of Grimoire Heart, get the enhanced healing and raw power right off the bat, but cannot ever go beyond a certain point since the God that should have bestowed the element upon them hasn't wielded their body directly."
"Why do they actually need to wield the body though in order for God Slayers to grow," Erza asked curiously.
"When a God takes over your body for the first time, it rewrites you down to your very DNA. The reason why Mother and I look so similar is because my DNA was rewritten so that Mother's own lies within it."
"Wow …"
"Because of that, I can draw out the full potential of God Slayer Magic through hard work and one day blow past Second Generation God Slayers like Zancrow," Elise replied before sighing and shaking her head. "There is more to it, but the gist of it is that a God Slayer who actually has the support of the God of their element just has greater potential than one who doesn't."
"I get it," Natsu nodded in understanding as they reached the train station. "Makes sense really, considering what Gods actually are."
"As interesting as this topic is, I wanna get onto the train and have a nap," Gray sighed as the others all nodded in agreement.
"Alright Gray, we'll drop it here for now," Natsu agreed as they approached the ticket booth. "Let's get these tickets and get some rest, alright?"
The group nodded again as they paid for the tickets, boarding the train and finding the nearest abandoned compartment. Natsu laid Elise down on one side since her side was still a gross purple colour and decided she deserved more rest.
Sitting down near the window, Natsu leant back and closed his eyes, drifting off to sleep within minutes.
/Several Hours Later – Aboard The Train/
Several hours had passed since the group collectively passed out on the train toward Akane. Unfortunately for Natsu, he'd woken up far before the others due to his current internal injuries thanks to the Kryden trial.
Looking around the room, he couldn't help but grin at his passed-out friends and the rather ridiculous looks they all currently sported.
Elise had shifted onto her front at some point however her right arm was currently wedged into the back of the compartment seat, likely being a rather difficult spot to end up under normal circumstances. Her hair had become rather messy, black strands obscuring his view of her face directly.
Looking over toward Gray, the fool had stripped once again and was, for some reason, stuffed into the space the luggage was meant to go. He idly wondered if Erza had shoved him there at some point or if Gray had somehow managed to get himself in there through a really complex form of sleepwalking.
He looked rather comfy though, so at least he had that much going for him.
Then there was Erza who had taken up the vast majority of the seat he also sat on, laying on her side with drool escaping her lips. Natsu knew he'd have to rib her for that later, but for now, he had his own pain to worry about.
Hearing the compartment door slide open, the woman in charge of refreshments popped her head in and gasped lightly in shock. Looking over toward Natsu, she placed a hand over her chest and sighed in relief.
"Apologies for the scare," Natsu said quietly as he slowly got up and stumbled toward the compartment door. "Best we talk outside."
The old lady nodded and backed out with Natsu exiting right behind her. Not even turning around, he gently slid the door shut as the lady took up position behind her small cart.
"So sorry to barge in on you and your friends like that Sir, I assumed it would be alright since nothing was on the door-!"
"Its fine, the fault was ours for not doing so," Natsu replied gently. "You seemed shocked though? As a hostess aboard one of Fiore's trains, you'd see a lot of scenes like this, wouldn't you?"
"Oh, well yes I do young man," the old lady nodded as Natsu browsed the cart. "I just wasn't expecting … whatever it was I just saw, is all."
"You can be honest with me," Natsu chuckled lightly as he picked up a bottle of whiskey. "It was the guy wedged into the luggage compartment, wasn't it?"
"Was he drunk?"
"No, just somehow capable of going from the seat to joining storage for the remainder of the trip."
"You seem rather relaxed about it, if you don't mind my saying so?"
"Not at all, I've seen quite a lot in my time so this is more amusing for me than anything else."
"In your time," the old lady laughed in turn. "You might be rugged, but you're far from old enough to use that card!"
"Heh, I see. I wasn't aware there was an age bracket for life experience."
"Comes with the number," the old lady smiled as she took the jewel Natsu handed over. "You using that to numb pain?"
"You can tell?"
"The way you're holding yourself right now," the old lady replied as she motioned to his current posture. "Strong and confident young one like yourself should be standing straight as an arrow, not hunched down like that."
"You know your stuff," Natsu grinned as he opened the bottle and took a swig. "But yeah, I've got some internal injuries at the moment so this'll help with that. My magic doesn't allow me to get drunk though."
"Oh? Is that so?"
"So it is. Say, what's your name?"
"Who, me? Isn't it customary for the gentleman to give his name first?"
"Ah, my apologies," Natsu replied in a formal tone as he took a mock bow whilst still holding the bottle. "My name is Natsu Dragneel, Fairy Tail S Class Mage."
"Well I'll be, a living legend rides aboard this very train!"
"Living legend? Excuse me, what are you talking about?"
"Oh, come now dearie, everyone in Fiore knows your name! You're the mage who stopped that power hungry Wizard Saint Jose from blowing Magnolia and all its people right off the map! Hell, people knew your name even before then when you took out one of the Demons Of Zeref at Clover!"
"I wasn't aware my deeds had spread so quickly," Natsu replied awkwardly as the old lady patted him on the cheek.
"No need to be so embarrassed about it, you should be proud! You're one of Fiore's heroes now, a fine example of what a mage should be!"
Natsu met the old lady's gaze and couldn't help but slightly wince at just how honest she was being with him. He could tell by the glint in her eyes, the positioning of her mouth and her current posture that she was genuinely excited to meet him.
"Uh … I suppose you're right; I'm just not used to being the centre of attention."
It was a lie, but it would serve its purpose. Judging by the understanding look in the eyes of the trolley lady, she'd fully believed him at face value.
"I told my Grandkids that you'd be a fine example to follow and after meeting you I stand by it! Not only do you try to protect the common folk, but you're humble about it too!"
"Um …"
"The world needs more mages like you who actually fight for the people and not for the damn Council and their greedy little schemes," the lady continued as Natsu started to zone out and simply contemplate the fact that he was starting to become famous for his deeds.
He idly wondered what the average person in Magnolia thought of him, of what he had done since returning to Fiore. If some random trolley lady who rides the trains out in the boonies thought he was the apex of a mage, what did they think?
And what would they think if they knew what he'd been doing before returning, would they like him then?
Snapping away from those thoughts, he caught the tail end of what the trolley lady was saying which, thankfully, was just asking if he wanted to order anything else. Making sure to be as natural as he could, he robotically picked one item out for the others and bid the lady goodbye before entering the compartment.
Sitting back down, he pondered what kind of effect this fame would have on him when he thought back to what Makarov had said earlier.
"Nah, there's no way they'd make me a damn Saint," he hissed as he took another swig from the bottle. "Too many others to choose from than someone like me."
Leaning back in the chair with a sigh, he noticed Akane Resort in the distance and realized that they'd arrive fairly soon. Shaking his head, he placed his free hand on Erza's leg and started to shake it whilst using his own to nudge Elise across from him.
"N-wha-!?"
"Hey Erza, welcome back to the land of the living," Natsu smiled softly which she returned with a warm smile of her own.
"Drinking already?"
"For my insides, they still hurt."
"Ah, I get it," Erza mumbled as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes whilst sitting up. "Where's Gray?"
Natsu motioned up above them with Erza gaping in shock at Gray being wedged into their luggage compartment. Looking back to Natsu with a frown, he raised his hands up defensively.
"Hey, he was like that when I woke up!"
"Sure he was, and Laxus is the Guild Master."
"I'm serious!"
"Who's serious," Elise mumbled as Natsu poked her cheek with his boot. "You keep doing that and I'll slice them off."
"You'd have to catch me first, sleepyhead."
"Funny," Elise grumbled as she went to sit up only to find herself stuck. "What the hell!?"
"You must have got it wedged in there when you were asleep." Natsu said as she tried pulling it out gently without breaking anything. "I thought it was pretty funny."
"Of course you would," Elise growled as she finally yanked her hand free. "Where's Gray at?"
"Look above us," was Natsu's immediate response as Elise did as instructed, only to collapse into a fit of laughter.
"Oh my-OWOWOWOWOW, my ribs but-HAHAHAHAHA!"
"The hell's goin on," Gray muttered only to find himself unable to move, snapping him awake. "The hell, have I been captured!?"
"Settle down ice pop," Natsu said quickly as he stood up. "I don't know how the hell you managed it, but you somehow got yourself stuck in there when we were all asleep."
"Who cares how I got in here, GET ME OUT," Gray snapped as Natsu dragged him out and tossed him onto the floor.
"Seriously Gray," Erza sighed.
"Nice one perv," Elise added as both of them looked away from Gray in disgust.
"What?"
"Your clothes," Natsu said neutrally as he held them up for him. "Try to keep them on at the resort or our stay will be a short one."
"Ah shit," Gray cried as he quickly scrambled to get his clothes on right as the train pulled into the station.
"Alright guys, looks like we're here," Natsu said as he started grabbing what little luggage they had. "Get ready to move out."
"So Natsu, who's paying for us staying at the resort," Erza asked as she helped get the bags out of the luggage compartments.
"Well, I just so happen to have a whole heap of these VIP passes Jessabelle palmed off on me a while back," Natsu grinned as he summoned four of them from his Requip Space. "All expenses paid, save for dumb shit like breaking stuff."
"You really just had those lying around," Elise muttered in disbelief. "How!?"
"I'm awesome," was the grinning response all three were met with as they looked between one another.
"Let's just chalk it up to another Natsu thing and leave it at that," Erza sighed, the other two nodding in agreement.
"Great! Now that we've sorted that out, let's get going," Natsu grinned as he exited the compartment. "Come on guys!"
The others all rolled their eyes at his antics, knowing full well once they got there he'd likely just sit around and do nothing for the entire duration anyway. To be fair though, they planned on the same thing.
/?/
"Ah Erza, finally back in the world of the living are we," a familiar blue haired figure hummed as he started at a live image of Erza and her friends disembarking a train. "Now we can proceed with the final phase of the plan."
"Indeed Jellal," another feminine voice hummed in agreement as she loomed over the opposite end of the image. "Once we acquire Erza Scarlett, all the pieces for his revival will be in place!"
"We have one problem though," the blue haired man said as his grin slowly morphed into a frown. "Her friends are with her, though more specifically … Natsu."
"Leave it to me," the woman replied confidently, a smirk on her beautiful face. "I have a plan to keep Natsu well away from Erza so that your team can capture Erza with little issue."
"Very well, I leave Natsu to you," the blue haired man nodded. "Make sure Natsu Dragneel does not leave Akane Resort alive!"
"Of course, it shall be done," the woman replied darkly as she disappeared into the shadows.
"The time has come my friends," the blue haired man said as several more figures emerged from the shadows. "Embark to Akane, capture Erza and bring her back to me!"
"And if the other two should intervene," a deep male voice asked, eliciting a cruel smirk from the blue haired man.
"You know what to do, silence them."
"Of course, it shall be done," the man nodded as they slowly receded back into the shadows, leaving the blue haired man alone.
Leaning forward in his chair, he dispelled the image of Erza to reveal a chessboard. Moving one of his bishop pieces, he'd surrounded the sole remaining knight on the opposing colours side.
"Time to see how well you can truly play the game, Natsu," the man smirked as he leant back and closed his eyes. "I've made my play; what will you do in turn I wonder?"
/Akane Resort/
The group arrived at the hotel to the resort after some light sightseeing to scrape together some idea of what they'd do first. It was clear they'd need to discuss it since there was just way too many things to choose from though it would have to wait until after they'd secured the rooms.
"All right guys, I'll go get us these rooms," Natsu said as he summoned the four VIP passes from his Requip Space. "Go on ahead for a bit."
"We'll be over at the casino then Natsu," Erza replied as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Come on, let's go try our luck at the tables."
"Bye-bye money," Elise sighed whilst shaking her head, knowing full well Erza was just going to blow all of their holiday money. "Let's just get this over with," Gray agreed tiredly as the trio left the hotel.
Natsu turned on his heel and strolled up toward the front desk, brandishing the four VIP tickets which had the receptionist sitting up far straighter than before.
"Good afternoon, Sir," the receptionist nodded as she took the four tickets. "I see, four luxury suites-."
"Just the one suite," Natsu cut in quickly as the receptionist's eyes widened in shock. "We're mages from a guild so sharing isn't much of an issue."
"A-are you sure!?"
"Yeah, positive."
"M-my apologies Sir," the receptionist stuttered as she started fishing through the draws, looking for the keys to the suites. "I've never seen nor heard someone sharing their VIP room before!"
"That's all right, no harm done," Natsu smiled as he handed over the tickets. "By the way, know any romantic spots around here I could take my girlfriend?"
"Was your girl the one with scarlet hair?"
"Yeah."
"Akane Battle Palace," the receptionist replied instantly. "A fighting restaurant where you can watch a unique performance where chefs battle each other and cook at the same time."
"And why do you suggest we go there?"
"Your girlfriend," the receptionist whispered as she looked around and leant in close. "She's Erza Scarlett, right?"
"Yeah …"
"They have an item on the menu called Strawberry Cake Showdown," the receptionist giggled lightly, eliciting a small chuckle from Natsu.
"Seriously?"
"Oh yes, I'm completely serious. Everyone across Fiore knows of Miss Scarlett's love for strawberry cake so I'm sure she would be delighted to see her favourite treat crafted in such a manner, no?"
"You know, I think she would," Natsu grinned. "Thanks for that!"
"My pleasure Sir! Anyway, how long will the three of you be staying, just so I can get everything squared away?"
"For a week," Natsu replied as the receptionist started writing something down before pulling out the key to their new room from her desk.
"Here you are sir, the key to your room! Thank you for choosing Akane Reso-!"
The roof above the receptionist came crashing down, a large monstrous creature landing on top of her. Natsu watched as the receptionist was quite literally folded flat, blood spraying his entire body.
"What the hell!?"
"Well well," the creature laughed as he hopped up onto the table. "Seems he isn't all that Grimoire talked him up to be, eh Temp?"
"Shut it Jackal," growled another voice as an even larger one emerged through the hole in the roof, landing on the ground next to his comrade. "Let's kill him and get out of here. Being around all these humans is making me sick!"
"Judging by the smell and lack of magical presence, you two must be Demons," Natsu replied slowly as he took several steps back from the desk. "All right then, which ones are you?"
"The hell are you talking about, small fry," the one called Jackal snapped as Natsu cracked is knuckles.
"Which Demons Of Zeref are you, I want to know your names so I can add them to the ones I've already fought."
"Look at this Temp, the little mage wants to fight! This should be good …"
"Impact!"
The one called Tempester vanished and appeared right in front of Natsu whilst making a hand gesture. The next thing Natsu knew, a powerful shockwave had blasted through his body, sending him flying through several walls before coming rolling to a stop in a nearby hallway.
"Damn, my insides! These bastards mean business," Natsu growled as he swiftly got back onto his feet just in time to see the one called Jackal come charging through the hole in the wall.
"Course we mean business, we're Tartaros you dumbass," Jackal said mockingly as threw a punch at Natsu only for it to be blocked by his forearm. "HAHAHA!"
Natsu quickly realised that the blow had left a seal on him, however before he could act the seal detonated.
"Not so cocky now are ya!? Maybe they only needed to send one of us to take this guy out Temp, that was pathetic!"
"No Jackal, look," Tempester replied sharply as the fire throughout the building started travelling toward the explosion. "This fight is only getting started."
Through the smoke a sphere of fire surrounded Natsu before dying away, revealing Natsu in his Dragon Force state. The two Demons seemed genuinely surprised, but didn't back down even as Natsu started charging an attack.
"You two sure hit hard, but I'm done screwing around," Natsu growled as he vanished and appeared several metres before the two now shocked Demons. "Fire Dragon King's Quaking Demolition Fist!"
Tempester and Jackal took the blow head on, the attack blasting away an entire quarter of the hotel and knocking both Demons outside. Gritting his teeth, Natsu leapt outside to see thousands of shocked onlookers looking at the two Demons in fear.
"This one's strong for sure, no doubt about it," Tempester grumbled as he got back onto his feet. "This is definitely the one interfering with our plans."
"He'll still die like the rest," Jackal scoffed as he rolled onto his front and leapt to his feet. "After all, he's just a human."
"Agreed. But we'd better not hold back, just to be sure."
The two slowly began to morph into even bigger forms as Natsu watched on with a mixture of concern and intrigue. This was, however, all the signal the massive crowd needed to start fleeing in terror.
"So, this is what the Demons Of Tartaros are like," Natsu muttered to himself. "Where the hell are Erza, Elise and Gray?"
Little did he know however that all of this was merely a distraction, one created solely for him.
/Akane Casino/
"And the young lady is on a hot streak!"
"Dang it, I'm out!"
"I'll go another round; I feel my lucks about to change."
Erza and Elise had decided to play some games at one of the tables whilst Gray chose to head straight for the bar. Currently, Erza was cleaning the place out with all her opponents losing tens of thousands of jewel by the bucketload.
"You're a natural at this Erza," Elise said as she watched Erza increase the massive pile of chips next to her.
"Well, I wouldn't go that far Elise, I'm pretty good at this but I'm sure its just my luck tonight?"
"Yeah, that must be it," Elise giggled in response. "After all, no one can be this luck-!"
Everyone froze as they all heard a massive explosion go off, the entire area being shaken violently right as the doors to the casino were kicked open and a horrified looking man staggered inside.
"Everyone get out of here," he cried whilst trying to catch his breath. "There are three monsters tearing up the hotel and they're insanely powerful!"
Erza and Elise looked toward one another and nodded before rushing over to the man, Gray having the same idea as well. All three crowded around the man who was shaking like a leaf.
"Sir, we're mages from the Fairy Tail Guild," Erza said sharply as another explosion went off. "What's the situation!?"
"There's three monsters that just started duking it out at the hotel," the man whimpered quietly. "They looked like regular people one minute and the next one of em's on fire, another's blowing things up with his fingers and another guys causing earthquakes!"
"Sounds like Natsu's fighting whatever the other two monsters are," Elise noted as she looked to Erza. "We need to help him."
"Yeah, let's start getting these people out of here and then go help," Erza replied as Elise cleared her throat.
"All right attention everyone! There is a major threat outside, evacuate immediately and avoid the combat area at all costs! One of our fellow guild members is currently fighting the monsters so make sure not to get in his way!"
At Elise's words, many of the patrons started trying to escape through back exits as Gray placed a hand on Erza's shoulder.
"Erza, I'm gonna run on ahead and help Natsu!"
"Go Gray, we'll be right behind you!"
Gray rushed through the double door and reached the entrance before he narrowly avoided a gunshot from behind him. Skidding to a stop, he spun around already prepared to attack only to narrowly avoid being shot again.
"Damn, I ain't ever missed before. "Must really be out of practice ..."
"You missed him, Wally; you should try starting over from tin cans."
"Hey, that ain't nice!"
"Enough you two, we have a job to do," another voice growled as three figures emerged from the shadows. "The two outside are being pushed back by Dragneel so we need to hurry!"
"You're such a buzz kill Simon!"
"Who the hell are you people," Gray snapped as he prepared to attack the trio. "Are you with the monsters outside!?"
"That's on a need-to-know basis, and you don't need to know."
"Gray what's going on," Elise asked as she arrived only to find Gray being held up by the strange trio of mages. "Who are they?"
"Elise, we've got more trouble!"
"More than you'd think, this guy called Sho used a card and pulled Erza into it and he's getting away!"
"Then what are we standing around talking to these clowns for," Gray said as he took off his shirt. "You think you can just take one of our friends and get away with it, you're going down!"
"War God's Oni Twinblade," Elise shouted as she summoned a double-bladed weapon. One blade was on fire whilst the other was surrounded in darkness.
"Ice Make Cold Excalibur," Gray snapped as he summoned one of his ice blades and pointed it at the guy who shot him.
"We don't have much time to screw around with these guys, they could escape with Erza any minute!"
"You're right we just have to-!"
"Dark Moment!"
"Shit, I can't see a thing! what the hell is going on," Gray growled as his vision vanished entirely.
"War God's Sight Of Midnight!"
Magic Circles surrounded Gray and Elise as they were granted night vision and saw their would-be attackers fleeing out the doors. Following them outside, they saw them sprinting toward the nearby pier.
"Let's go Gray, before they get away," Elise growled as their vision started to return to normal. "That guy used a vision impairment spell!"
"Who cares about that right now Elise, we've gotta worry about saving Erza," Gray snapped in response as the pair chased after the kidnappers.
/Akane Hotels District/
"Fire Dragon King's Quaking Sword Horn!"
"Have you learnt nothing you stupid human," Jackal snapped as he was smashed in the chest by Natsu's attack, coughing up blood. "Touch my body and you will go boom!"
"That may be the case, but your explosions aren't enough to damage me as I am now," Natsu snapped back as he slugged Jackal across the face, sending him crashing through a nearby building.
"Impact!"
Natsu barely dodged the attack, spinning around and landing a swift kick to Tempester's face before blocking another punch from Jackal The explosive Demon then vanished right as Tempester landed on the ground and made a series of hand signs.
"Cyclone!"
A powerful tornado whipped up, sucking Natsu into it before shooting him high into the air. Once he was above Tempester's attack, all the spots Jackal had struck him detonated at once, knocking him even higher as he struggled to regain his bearings.
"This is getting far too dangerous for the civilians," Natsu hissed as his height allowed him to see the level of destruction brought to Akane Resort. "I have to end this now, before more people get hurt!"
Natsu cupped his hands and formed a condensed sphere of Fire and Crash Magic, gritting his teeth as the sphere rapidly expanded until it was a giant raging inferno. Tempester and Jackal stood next to one another, watching the formation of the attack contemplatively.
"Jackal, this attack will most likely end these bodies," Tempester muttered softly. You know what to do."
"Right." Jackal replied as his body start to twitch rapidly, just as Natsu prepared to fire the attack.
"I won't let you Demons kill anyone else," Natsu roared as he launched his attack down at the pair. "Fire Dragon King's Reverberating Nova!"
Natsu's attack descended upon the entire hotel district right as Jackal's body rapidly started to expand to comical proportions. The two Demons were quickly engulfed by the attack as Tempester looked through the raging flames of the Nova and into Natsu's own eyes.
"The Bharam Alliance will be seeing you soon, Natsu Dragneel," Tempester growled as Jackal's body exploded, releasing a powerful mist that was torn to shreds by the Crash Magic. "This … is not … a victory!"
Tempester's body was ripped apart and melted, leaving no trace of the Demon behind as Natsu crashed into one of the still standing buildings. Rolling onto his front, he got to his feet and leapt off of the roof and hit the ground.
Exiting the Dragon Force, he dropped to one knee and coughed up some blood whilst clutching his stomach in pain, his internal injuries from Kryden still ailing him greatly.
"Damn, my body didn't like that one bit," Natsu panted as he looked up only to see Gray and Elise chasing another group of people. "What are those two doing?"
Slowly managing to rise to his feet, Natsu clenched his fists and forced the pain out of his senses, focusing entirely on catching up to the others as he started running along the destroyed beachfront.
"Hopefully whatever they got caught up in wasn't as bad as what I just dealt with …"
/Akane Beachfront/
"Crap, the monsters were defeated; Salamander could be here any minute!"
The group jumped onto a boat which immediately began to set sail. Elise was about to jump on board when she blocked a strike from a woman with pink hair that wore a kimono.
"I'm afraid this boat is already full," the woman smirked as she sheathed her blade. "Perhaps try somewhere else?"
The two separated as Elise landed back on the dock whilst the woman landed on the ship, smirking until it was out of sight.
"Who the hell was that?"
"I don't know, but she's really good," Elise muttered in reply. "That one strike had serious speed and power behind it and I barely managed to block it in time."
"God dammit, they're getting away!"
"Hey, guys are you ok," Natsu asked as he caught up to them.
"I'm afraid not Natsu, the bastards caught Erza and are taking her somewhere," Elise replied, clearly angry that she couldn't save her friend. "I'm sorry …"
Natsu's mind went blank at Elise's words. These people had taken Erza during all of this, but why? Why would they take Erza, what for?
"Please tell me this isn't a joke."
"I'm afraid so Natsu, Erza and I were getting people to safety when this guy snuck up behind us, one minute Erza was there and the next she was inside this card. I chased after the guy but he disappeared," Gray sighed as he kicked a rock away. "Damn it!"
"Alright," Natsu sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. "First off, I don't want either of yourselves for this mess. Erza was clearly taken for a specific purpose if they were willing to go through all this trouble and I know you guys wouldn't have let her go if you had a choice. Second, who are you and why are you following us?"
Gray and Elise looked between one another, clearly confused, until they saw where Natsu's line of sight was and trailed it back to see someone just barely visible from behind a pole. The figure quickly emerged from behind the poll, revealing it to be Juvia.
"Juvia," Gray said as the blue haired girl came toward them. "What are you doing here?"
"Aren't you the one who was talking to gramps about joining the guild," Natsu asked prompting Juvia to nod.
"Master Makarov accepted me as a member of the guild, thankfully, so now I'm officially a member," Juvia replied as she revealed her mark atop her left thigh.
"Well then, if you are a member of the guild then as an S Class Mage, I'm requesting your help on official guild business."
"In regards to Erza being kidnapped, right?"
"Yeah. She's being taken somewhere by boat and we need to find one quickly before I lose the scent," Natsu replied as Juvia narrowed her eyes in thought.
"Well, I saw a boat underneath the pier earlier. It isn't really very big, but it should get us where we need to go," Juvia suggested. "Would that suffice?"
"Hey, I'll take what I can get at the moment Juvia, thank you," Natsu replied with a smile. "Alright everyone, we're going after these bastards so let's go get to this boat! Juvia, lead the way!"
The group made their way down to the area Juvia mentioned and found the small boat tied to a post. It had clearly seen better days but was fortunately still seaworthy. The group jumped on board as Natsu cut the rope.
"Well, whoever owned this probably won't be too happy," Gray said as they sailed out toward the sea. "Any idea where to go from here Natsu?"
"I've just gotta catch their scent Gray," Natsu said as he started sniffing the air. "There, got them!"
"I'll steer the ship Natsu, you just tell me which way to go," Elise said as she took the helm.
"Thanks Elise, and thank you Juvia for helping," Natsu said as he turned to face the blue haired girl. "Sorry for being a bit of a dick back there but I'm really worried about Erza."
"Its alright, I understand," Juvia replied gently. "I know Erza is your special someone, I'd be horrified if something happened to my darling Gray."
"…What?"
"I just know we'll find Erza," Juvia continued, completely unaware that both Natsu and Elise were smirking at Gray who was currently beet red and thoroughly embarrassed. "The power of love knows no bounds!"
"You're right Juvia, love is certainly the most powerful form of magic, right Gray," Elise snickered as Gray grit his teeth.
"Shut up Elise!"
As they sailed, Natsu's mind slowly returned to Eliza's words back on Kryden. He knew that whatever was waiting for them where Erza was no doubt going to be held captive, they would have to fight tooth and nail to get her back.
If push came to shove, he would do whatever he had to in order to save her. If anyone hurt her, he would crush them.
There would be no doubts, he could feel the Dragon within himself roaring in anger at Erza being taken. He wouldn't allow it; he would get her back at all costs.
Even if it killed him.
(Edited 10/11/21)
(Edited 10/06/22)