I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.
Eclipse
/City Of Crocus – 8:30PM – Natsu's POV/
Natsu was currently panting quite heavily as he clutched his ribs, silently cursing his fight with God Serena earlier he realized that his injuries weren't fully healed by Wendy. He was snapped out of those thoughts when he blocked another hit from Varnik before being sent flying due to the sheer power behind the blows.
"Why do you hesitate … use it Dragneel or else you will surely die!"
"Is … is that really … what you want," Natsu asked as he wiped the blood from his mouth. "To get me to use the power of E.N.D in a public area just so people hunt me?"
"Well when you put it that way …," Phyrra said as she appeared behind Natsu and he ducked under the slash only to get kicked into another building by Varnik.
"You know how this goes Dragneel I'm sure you had it drilled into you in Scarlione and I'll repeat it here … you aren't ready for this level yet, not while you still refuse to use the gift Lord Zeref gave you!"
"Fuck off Varnik … if the two of you weren't so shit you wouldn't have to gang up on me … I could easily match you or her one on one so don't talk shit just because you got backup this tiAUGH!"
Phyrra stabbed Natsu through the gut with the end of her scythe lifting him up into the air.
"What Lord Zeref sees in you I have no idea … don't presume that you can match the likes of me Dragneel after all what you did in Scarlione to Lady Irene was a fluke and nothing more."
Phyrra drove the point home by twisting the scythe as Natsu cried out in pain.
"You know nothing and are nothing, you are nothing but a weapon of Lord Zeref to use as he sees fit!"
"F-fuck you," Natsu said as blood poured from his mouth but he maintained a grin. "I'm … me … and nobody else … not Zeref's … not anyone's … except Erza …"
Phyrra frowned as she forced the scythe deeper into Natsu's gut until it pierced through his back.
"There not so talkative now are we?"
Just as Phyrra began to laugh Makarov arrived on the scene and his eyes went as wide as saucers.
'NO AM I TOO LATE!'
"OH NO NATSU," Mavis cried as she flew over to him and recoiled in shock at the scythe protruding from his back.
"This doesn't concern you old man leave," Varnik said as Makarov clenched his fists.
"You will pay … for what you've done … YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS," Makarov roared as light appeared on his index and middle fingers as an overwhelming amount of magical power was released by the aged Guild Master who now had tears streaming down his enraged face.
Varnik and Phyrra didn't appear too concerned however as they simply allowed Makarov to gather more magical power.
/Natsu's Mindscape/
"Oh looks like I'm back here again," Natsu sighed as he looked around until he noticed Igneel standing on top of a hill nearby.
"It seems even I have underestimated the power of those who serve under Zeref," Igneel said as he jumped down to where Natsu was shaking the area as he stood over him.
"If I don't use E.N.D Igneel I'll die but if I use it people will know who I really am what should I do?"
"What you have always done Natsu … fight, crush all who stand before you as a true King should."
"So you think I should use it consequences be damned?"
"Do you see any other way out of this mess because I don't, given time I could teach you techniques that I haven't yet but we don't have that time."
"Techniques like what?"
"Oh nothing too major … well except one that would place you at least on that Irene woman's level without you needing to use E.N.D," Igneel said with a cocky smirk as Natsu's jaw dropped.
"Fuck's sake Igneel why didn't you teach me this either during the time we were coming back from Scarlione or just after!"
"Because I had assumed that opponents such as that Irene and Famine were few and far between, I've been gone from the world a long time and you have grown in power considerably so I had assumed you had what you needed to win any battle. But after witnessing these events I now realize my thoughts were foolish and you need to learn more about your power or else you'll get killed as stronger and stronger opponents crop up."
" … if I use E.N.D and shit goes south will you still teach me whatever it is that you just spoke of?"
"A lot of lives ride on your shoulders Natsu and at this point you are the strongest true Dragon Slayer therefore not doing so would be foolish."
"You'd better because if I get that silence until you feel like speaking crap I'll force myself in here by jumping off cliffs!"
"Shut it brat I said I'd teach you alright!"
"I have to make sure Igneel you seem to keep distancing yourself from me for no real reason so any assurance I can get would be good."
"Look … you'll hear from me soon but as things are right now I cannot teach you these techniques, in order for me to teach you them you would have to leave everything behind for months and you've already done it far too many times to your mate."
"Fine … we'll discuss it later then … for Erza's sake, but you'd better be speaking once this crap is over," Natsu said as he closed his eyes and began to feel that same immeasurable pain once more.
/Outside the Mindscape/
Outside the mindscape Mavis was shouting at Natsu and trying to get a response, his blood had begun to pool beneath him as his body lay limp on the scythe.
"Natsu please you have to wake up if you don't-!"
"M- Mavis … keep it down … head hurts …"
"Oh my god Natsu stay awake whatever you do just don't walk near any bright lights!"
"It's … ok … it hurts … I feel … cold … but no lights …"
Mavis just began to cry as Natsu took in laboured breaths.
"Enough of this nonsense kill the old man Phyrra and let's get going," Varnik said as Phyrra nodded and went to draw her scythe from Natsu only to find it wasn't moving.
"What the-!"
"You can smack me around all you want … but kill them … it'll be a cold day in hell before I let you do something like that," Natsu growled as he held the scythe in place with a black scaled hand.
"Oh goodness it can't be …," Mavis said as she floated over to Makarov.
"What's happening to him," Makarov asked in shock as Natsu's hair began to change to black with pink streaks and his body became covered in black scales and his feet became talons.
"This is who he really is … the ultimate Demon … E.N.D."
Makarov's jaw dropped at Mavis' words when Natsu began to stand up his wounds burning away as he ripped the scythe from Phyrra's grasp and cleared some distance with it still sticking out of him.
"This feels really weird," Natsu said as he yanked the scythe out of himself and noticed that it had bits of his flesh still stuck to it.
To everyone's surprise the wound slowly began to repair itself inside until it was completely sealed.
Natsu looked over at Makarov with a saddened expression. "You understand why I told no one right?"
"Yes … but still … are you-?"
"No I'm not evil gramps I'm still me just … a Demon."
"Nonsense you are a weapon for Lord Zeref or have you already forgotten that," Phyrra snapped.
Natsu turned a glare towards Varnik and Phyrra the latter who had just picked up her scythe.
"Well now you've got what you wanted … the Demon's come out to play now but guess what," Natsu said with a grin that revealed his razor sharp teeth. "Neither of you get to live to see the next sunrise."
Natsu's demonic wings began to form as he hovered off the ground and his arms began to morph into blades one of which he pointed at Phyrra.
"You will be the first … for casually saying you'd kill gramps."
"Is he really going to kill them," Makarov asked in shock as Mavis nodded.
"It must be done they pose a major threat not just to us but all of Fiore … he's just doing his duty to the country as a Wizard Saint just as you would … I didn't want him to use this power and he promised me that he wouldn't unless he had to so I'd say he was almost dead."
"I'd better help him," Makarov said as he began to walk forward only for Mavis to float in front of him and shake her head.
"No he must do this himself now … this is how he beat Famine in Scarlione, trust in Natsu and please … tell no one of this he never chose this."
Makarov closed his eyes and thought of the situation before opening them and looking at Natsu in front of him before sighing.
"I won't say anything … if Natsu was truly evil then I'd know by now, besides he's fighting to protect and that is all that matters."
Meanwhile Natsu was growling as steam began to come off from his body, his anger still rising at the two in front of him.
"Stand down E.N.D that's an order," Phyrra barked.
"Fuck off Alvarez scum I only answer to the Gods and Erza!"
"Even with this increase do you truly believe that you can beat two of us," Varnik shouted as Natsu grinned with his eyes narrowed.
"Like I said earlier … you'll be the first to go … for threatening my family."
"Battle is unavoidable then we may need everyone here to subdue him Phyrra."
"No … the gate must be opened … if need be we will sacrifice our lives to open it for the Emperor!"
"Ah yes … good point Phyrra I'd almost forgotten, very well let us hold nothing back," Varnik said as he slipped into a fighting stance and began to exert an overwhelmingly powerful amount of magic power which terrified Makarov and left Natsu with slightly widened eyes.
"That man's power is stronger than Gildarts by leaps and bounds!"
"But so is Natsu's he hasn't even begun to show what he's capable of," Mavis said with a determined expression as Phyrra began to release her own magic power which didn't rival Varnik's but was far higher than even Gildarts' which nearly made Makarov drop to his knees from the sheer pressure.
"The entire area is shaking this place will be drawing attention soon," Makarov managed to say as Natsu silently nodded.
"You two are powerful but remember … you brought this power of mine out to play and now you're gonna pay for it …"
"Not even shaking in fear you must be incredibly brave or incredibly stupid," Phyrra said as Natsu shook his head and began to release his power which was full of Dark Magical Energy as well as all of his own.
"I'm not gonna hold back after what you two did earlier … don't worry though it'll be a quick death!"
Natsu's power began to suck the buildings towards him as he rose higher in the sky, a black and red aura around him.
"Famine had a taste and I've somewhat acclimatized to this form … let's see how you two fare," Natsu said as he pointed a bladed arm at the two and a shower of buildings began to rain down on the two who promptly vanished with speed that shocked Makarov.
"Shinigami Harvest Swipe!"
Natsu blocked the strike with his bladed arm as the other one became a claw once again and became surrounded with black flames.
"Etherious Black Flame Claw!"
Taking a swipe at Phyrra she moved back to dodge the attack but was shocked when Natsu's claw physically extended and slashed her across the side of her face causing her to recoil in shock.
"He can extend parts of his body!"
"This Demonic power I feel coursing through me … my scales answer to it and adapt … I'm still somewhat unused to that," Natsu said as he took a swing at Phyrra with his sword arm which she blocked. Natsu then kicked her with an overwhelming amount of force sending her flying down into the ground as she destroyed several buildings.
Natsu flew down to continue but once he reached the impact zone he blocked a powerful strike from Varnik with his wing and another scythe strike from Phyrra who swiftly reengaged him.
"Shinigami Soul Explusion!"
"Paragon Art: Rite Of Magical Explusion!"
Natsu began to feel two overwhelmingly powerful magic's smash into him as he began to be pushed back slightly.
'They are using their magical power and converting it into explosive magic pushing me back … interesting but I wonder …'
Dark Magic began to flare around Natsu as Varnik and Phyrra began to be pushed back.
"So my magic can push yours back huh well then let's see how you take this," Natsu said as he increased the output and it pushed the two off balance for just a moment but that was all Natsu needed to perform a sweeping kick that knocked the both of them off their feet.
Varnik immediately recovered due to his magic and was propelled into the air with what seemed to be Wind Magic however Phyrra wasn't so lucky and saw Natsu's leg raised above his head.
"Etherious Black Flame Hammer!"
Brining his leg down full force Phyrra immediately coughed up blood as the blow shook her insides as she was smashed several metres into the earth, Natsu then did a back flip avoiding a powerful blow from Varnik who then landed a kick on his face.
"Don't forget there are two opponents not one!"
"True but I told you she would be first … but if you really want to die then fine," Natsu said as he rushed Varnik and the two began to exchange blows with Phyrra now climbing out of the hole Natsu had put her in.
"You dare … make a mockery of me," she roared as more of her body began to convert to nothing but bone and she charged forward engaging Natsu who began fending off the two's attacks.
The fight began to destroy many parts of the city they were in as Natsu either hurled them through buildings or an attack missed, Natsu was beginning to get sick of this and grabbed Phyrra by the neck.
"Time to keep my promise," he said as he blocked another strike from Varnik and flew high into the air before bringing Phyrra back down and smashing her into the ground creating a large crater that continued to expand the more pressure he applied.
"Paragon Art: Rite Of Untapped Potential!"
Natsu immediately focused his attention on Varnik who was now rushing him with an angry expression, flying out of the crater Natsu was suddenly tackled by Varnik back to the ground and punched in the head with what felt like trains.
"Damn old bastard, Etherious Black Flame Claw!"
Natsu went to slash Varnik's face and like Phyrra he dodged the initial attack and Natsu's attack extended however as it did Varnik grabbed the claws and snapped them off causing Natsu to let out an inhuman roar as he bit into Varnik's arm with his razor sharp teeth causing said man to punch him in the head several times before Natsu finally let go and the two cleared some distance.
"You bastard that hurt," Natsu shouted as he watched his fingers regrow thanks to E.N.D.
Varnik looked up and saw Natsu standing there regenerating his lost fingers and the large amount of blood around his mouth that he assumed Natsu either didn't know about or didn't care about and frowned.
"Three Layered Magic Circle: Tri Cannon Sigma!"
A powerful blast was fired directly at Natsu who just began to take a deep breath.
"Elemental Dragon's Triple Etherious Roar!"
Natsu let out a roar that was pitch black that tore through the attack that Varnik had fired at him and said man barely dodged it as he dived out of the way.
Natsu rushed towards him and was about to engage him when he felt the entire area begin to shake, turning to Varnik he noticed the man had a smile on his face.
"We have succeeded."
/At The Eclipse Gate/
Mira was currently in her Sitri Take Over and locked in combat with Granvill who was sporting a wide grin.
"You've failed Fiore mages any moment now he shall arrive and end this pathetic kingdom!"
"You dare speak down to me human," Sitri said as she struck Granvill and sent him flying across the room.
"It … doesn't matter what you do now Demon … the gate is already active … he's coming!"
"Who is coming?"
"The gates creator you fool!"
Sitri at this point was tired of the humans' foolish talk and was about to land the killing blow as everything simply stopped and she could only look around.
"How is this possible no human magic can stop me!"
"Perhaps not Sitri … but a God's can …"
Sitri noticed a man who seemed to wear all black walk past her and began walking towards the gate.
"You were a strong Demon once Sitri before you … fell to a human."
"I was beaten by Mirajane … a deal was struck I don't regret a thing, who are you to speak to me this way!"
"You know who I am Sitri just as you know what Natsu really is … your Demon blood compels you to kill me as the abomination after all just as the God's blood does."
"That man is long since dead you aren't him!"
"Well sorry to say this but I'm very much alive and … well in a pretty sour mood," the man said as he turned around to face Sitri his eyes glowing crimson red.
"Zeref … impossible you should be dead!"
"Ahnkseram keeps me going as always Sitri but you already know that … as you can see I'm a little busy here."
"So this really is all you're doing then!"
"Of course who else could command such loyalty from their followers than a God, I have a plan and its time it was enacted."
"And what is this plan!"
"Hmm I could tell you or … you could live through it and find out," Zeref said with a smile as he placed a hand on Granvill and he disappeared. "Sorry but I kind of need him just as I need the rest for my final plan I'm sure you can understand. Anyway on with the demonstration," Zeref said as he whatever spell he was using to keep the area frozen and Sitri immediately charged at him and tried to kill him only for her attack to seemingly phase through him and the next thing she knew she was pinned against the wall by magic restraints.
'I didn't even see him move!'
"Now observe as I reach into the past and conjure up a nightmare that will bring Fiore to its knees so that I may claim it for the good of all, but first a little change of scenery might be a good idea," Zeref said as both he and Sitri appeared outside in a courtyard overlooking the city with the Eclipse Gate behind him.
"Zeref stop this madness!"
"Hmm no I don't think so," Zeref said as he snapped his fingers and the gate began to release a phenomenal amount of magic power that shook the land for miles. "I think it's time this world remembered a terror lost to the ages … one that humanity used to fear more than the likes of Demons, Gods or themselves."
Sitri watched as the gate began to open revealing a white magic substance that let out a light over Crocus that made it look almost like it was daylight.
"Right now there are seven Dragon Slayers in Crocus … let us see how they stack up …"
At Zeref's statement a head began to emerge and to Sitri's horror she knew exactly what it was.
"Zeref you can't they'll destroy everything!"
"That is the plan …"
The Dragon that began to come through looked to be made from stone and slowly but surely it walked through the portal of time and once free let loose a mighty roar that could be heard by all before jumping down to the town below.
Sitri was even more horrified when a second one began to emerge as Zeref released the restraints that bound her.
"Let us see how you handle this situation … and let us see what those who bear witness decide to do, the true colours of Fiore are about to be put on display," Zeref said as he disappeared and Sitri began to run knowing she stood no chance against multiple Dragons.
/Natsu's POV/
Natsu was frozen in shock at the roar that shook the entire area; Varnik who had grabbed a bloodied Phyrra began to laugh.
"We'll settle this another day Dragneel mark my words."
Natsu snapping out of his shock was about to attack the two when he noticed them vanish and in their place was his brother … Zeref."
"Hello Natsu I see you've finally regained use of E.N.D although you hardly know how to use its full power …"
"You … you did this didn't you!"
"Yes I did … I opened the gate and have moved my people far from here. So tell me Natsu do you hate what I've done, do you despise me? If given the chance would you kill me, would you use all your power to wipe me from the earth?"
Natsu just grit his teeth as Zeref continued to smile at him.
"If so then redirect that anger at the real enemy …"
"Are you actually fucking kidding me, the real enemy … YOU are the real enemy here!"
"But you forget of another who also commands great power and has the power to consume the world it is he you should be directing this rage to."
"But you're trying to destroy Fiore, you actually ruined Scarlione! Fuck Achnologia for now why shouldn't I focus on you!"
"Because all I'm doing is training you."
Natsu seemed lost for words at the statement as Zeref smiled.
"You see all of this is to prepare you for what's coming if you aren't able to handle situations like this then your final goal will be impossible to reach."
"Wait … so you … are destroying countries … killing millions … to train me?"
"It may sound awful but it is for the greater good."
"I'm not buying one word of that shit Zeref you have your own agenda," Natsu growled as Zeref continued to smile away. "You're up to something and to do it you need Achnologia gone!"
"Achnologia is a threat Natsu and needs to be destroyed … you are the weapon that will do this for me."
"But you're killing countless amounts of people to do this that's insane!"
"Perhaps but someone needed to take the fight to him after all the Gods and Devils cower in their realms hoarding untold powers to themselves which could destroy Achnologia but they choose to allow us all to suffer at the hands of the monsters unending hunger."
"So you choose to become a God yourself to fight them … and create me to fight them is that it?"
"What my plans are aren't for you to know Natsu … you will just fight what I need you to fight and that's all I need."
"Fuck you I'm not your pawn!"
"It doesn't matter if you want to or not Natsu for you see you'll be forced to fight Achnologia one day its inevitable after all there are only so many times you will be able to run from him before he finally corners you."
"That may be but that's my concern that I'll have to deal with in the future not now, right now in front of me I see you releasing Dragons on a densely populated city which means you are my enemy!"
"A shame … and no I'm not your enemy Natsu for you see I just called them here they are the ones rampaging around destroying the place," Zeref said as several roars shook the area. "I really do enjoy our talks Natsu but I must be taking my leave now … do try not to die in all this alright?"
"You fucking coward I'll get you one day," Natsu said as Zeref vanished leaving the Dragon Slayer to exit his E.N.D state and begin running towards where the Dragons were coming from.
/A Hill Overlooking Crocus/
"You sensed that magic did you not?"
"Indeed it was the same as Lord Zeref's."
"No not that one Kyoka the other one, the one that felt like … his signature."
"You mean E.N.D's don't you Mard Geer can we go see him please!"
"Silence Seilah even if he is down there we musn't interfere … I'm not sure what is going o but Lord Zeref is doing something and it involves Master E.N.D so we are to avoid this battle and anyone involved am I clear?"
"But I want to meet him!"
"Patience Seilah I want to as well but for now Mard Geer is correct and we must follow his guidance … still E.N.D has returned such an interesting development."
"Indeed and I look forward to figuring out who it is down there," Mard Geer said as the three disappeared.
/Several Mountains Away/
"I cannot consume them … they have already been absorbed into my being! As much as their presence irritates me I must endure to consume them a second time could cause a paradox within myself … I'll find you for this Zeref this I swear!"
"Well you won't have to look very far … Achnologia."
The mighty Dragon looked down at the smiling Zeref and blinked several times.
"Is this some sort of joke?"
"No."
"I could consume you right now you know."
"Actually no I can get away faster and you know it so how about we have a civilised conversation?"
"A conversation with my sworn enemy … how amusing but be quick because I'm growing rather … hungry."
"Let me ask you this … why did you go to Scarlione that day?"
"I was sent a message from one of my Four but I took little notice and decided to take my time getting there … then I smelt a Dragon and that piqued my interest enough to make my way there in earnest."
"So you were curious about another Dragon?"
"Well considering I've consumed all of them knowing even one is alive I have the urge to consume them, but no there was another reason. My Herald informed me that his opponent was E.N.D and I was curious … if I tortured him would it take me to you?"
"E.N.D is hardly linked to me Achnologia even though he was created by me to kill you."
"No creation of yours could ever kill me Zeref you realize who you are talking to right?"
"Oh I know and I also know that you are beatable," Zeref said as Achnologia roared.
"You dare come here and speak of my death Zeref I'll consume you now!"
Achnologia tried to eat Zeref however he vanished leaving a very pissed off Achnologia to destroy the mountain he was on and fly away in rage.
/City Of Crocus Natsu's POV/
Natsu ran through the streets making his way towards the palace as he noticed six Dragons had left the plateau where the Eclipse Gate seemed to be.
"Damn I hope everyone is ok … I wonder what's going on with the tournament surely they have to be seeing this!"
As Natsu continued to make his way up he entered Dragon Force and began to fly up to the plateau and was surprised at the seventh Dragon that was emerging.
Said Dragon had just emerged and was standing on the plateau roaring when Natsu landed in front of him.
'A Fire Dragon …'
"Atlas Flame," roared Igneel as Natsu winced.
"Damn can you not do that my heads already thumping as it is!"
"Sorry but I know that Dragon his name is Atlas Flame and he's a good friend of mine, try to speak to him!"
Natsu nodded as he walked up to the Dragon who noticed the familiar power coming off him and roared before taking a swipe at him.
"Hey you bastard I want to talk to you," Natsu shouted as he landed on its head.
Atlas Flame began to roar as he jumped down into the city below and try to shake Natsu off by grinding his head on buildings.
"What the hell … that's it I don't care who you are I'm gonna eat you!"
Natsu began eating Atlas Flame as said Dragon began to shout.
"You little brat how dare you eat me get off this instant!"
Natsu just ignored him as the Dragon continued to try and shake him with little effect, Natsu as he consumed the flames began to feel a strange power building up within him and couldn't help but feel like he'd grown more powerful.
"Natsu keep consuming his flames its strengthening your own fire," Igneel said as Natsu nodded and continued to eat away.
As he consumed more and more he felt his scales hardening and they went from a light red to blood red crimson, his scales also began to spread to more parts of his body and he felt more and more power flowing through him.
Atlas Flame continued to rampage through the streets smashing his head on buildings until something suddenly hit him.
"Hold on a moment boy … the Dragon who trained you … was it by any chance a Dragon named Igneel?"
Got a bit brutal at the start but I see certain groups that way so yeah … anyway I hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!