Lordlexx – I get the same feeling it's why I usually try to make the chapters at least 5000 words or more but I tend not to go on too much unless its relevant otherwise its just pointless filler no one cares about but I'll do my best to at least try and make the chapters a little longer no promises though.
The Rayvenwolves – 100% agree no Dragon Slayer should be timid though I could understand when she was a kid but she's like 20 now so it's a no haha.
Etherious X – Thanks for the support that's how I always do things I've never really considered adding random stuff that isn't relevant in some way to the plot though I will admit there is definitely room for improvement but to be honest my biggest concern is that my fic is legible since it annoys me personally when I read a story and it is just littered with spelling errors. Yeah a little off topic but again thanks for the support haha.
Enough of that though on with the chapter it's pretty big this time!
I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.
True Destruction
/Near The Capital Of Bosco/
"General Antilles the Alvarez forces just wiped out Xantar and Gorum," a panting soldier cried as he burst into a large war room.
"Let me guess no survivors?"
The soldier nodded quickly clearly in a panicked state as the General sighed.
"It seems they seek the end of our kingdom then, go to the barracks and rest for now you'll need it for later."
"Sir," the soldier half heartedly saluted as he stumbled out of the war room leaving the man alone.
Two days ago the Alvarez Empire had arrived on the shores of Bosco declaring war simply because they were in the way of an opponent they actually cared about, the lacrima he was sent that recorded the battle terrified him and it was that moment he knew Bosco was finished.
Starting up the lacrima he sat down at the table and watched it play out.
/Two Days Ago – Bosco Coast/
"Oi keep that thing steady we've gotta capture every detail," a man hissed as the second person hummed in agreement.
A sizeable force had been massed on the beachfront and adorning the hills with large cannons mounted inside fortified bunkers a defence that would ward off almost all attempts at attack, unfortunately for them they were dealing with Alvarez.
It was currently night as a thick fog seemed to have rolled out onto the sea masking the approach of the enemy as the soldiers shuddered from the rain as a bolt of lightning lit up the sky.
"Oi look there," a soldier shouted as a hand could be seen pointing into the mist as a strange shape appeared followed by several more.
It became quickly obvious that this was the invading force as an alarm rang out over the area as the soldiers began preparing themselves for what was coming.
"Ten, twenty, twenty five … how many airships did they send!"
The Alvarez ships stopped just before the beach as the soldiers braced themselves for an invading army that never came, instead two figures stood atop the lead airship as a spotlight flashed upon them.
"Hey what's that guy doing," a soldier said as one of the two men jumped off the front of the ship and began to plummet towards the crowd.
"Holy shit …"
The man landed in the centre as the entire earth beneath them shifted upon impact with almost everyone within thirty metres of the impact zone was immediately killed, the man twirled his staff in his hands as hundreds of bolts of purple lightning began to travel out towards the soldiers on the ground who were recovering only to be fried to death.
"Zoom in on that guy!"
"Oh fuck I know who that guy is," one of the soldiers near the recorder gasped in shock. "That's fucking August he trashed the Scarlione Capital by himself!"
August was casually tossing around powerful spells perfectly suited to cause massive damage to the area killing hundreds of soldiers with ease as they attempted to attack; the soldiers on the cliff had opened fire on the airships only for their attacks to be intercepted by eight elemental Dragons which circled around destroying the guns on the cliffs.
"Pathetic Bosco scum feel fear as the heavens descend to crush your pathetic lives," a voice boomed as the soldier with the lacrima zoomed in on the closest airship.
"What the fuck that's God Serena one of the Ishgar Four why the hell is he on Alvarez's side!"
"Isn't it obvious the bastard defected, get the Major on the line the Ishgar High Council will need to be informed. God Serena was virtually unrivalled with only the former Wizard Saint Natsu Dragneel from Fiore being able to match him but those foolish bastards on the Fiore Magic Council had to call for his execution!"
"Yeah he might have been a Demon but as far as Demons go he's one of the nicest ones you'd ever meet, now with him in exile and God Serena defecting to Alvarez there isn't much hope for the continent. Scarlione and Fiore are the only two nations with enough manpower to fend off these bastards and Scarlione fell years ago and Fiore has gotten complacent choosing to stamp out anything dark!"
"Someone tell the Major that we need reinforcements!"
"They won't arrive in time that would be foolish do you not see what is happening before your eyes, one man is thrashing our entire army with another simply playing defence for their airships! Order the full retreat."
"The Royal Family won't like that sir-!"
"To hell with the Royal Family they can die on their thrones if they think this shit is beatable don't even try to convince yourself retreat isn't the best option just look at that!"
A large bolt of lightning struck the cliff face near where they were as it dragged across the rock tearing it apart as many either fell to their deaths or died from electrocution.
"I'll have the messengers spread the word and inform the Major along with the other reports," the soldier said as he disappeared from view.
"Right then guess we'd better get the hell out of here before the whole facility collapses in on itself," one of the soldiers said before beings struck by lightning dying on the spot.
"SHIT JUST FUCKING RUN FOR IT," another soldier roared as the Bosco army that spent two days fortifying a defence was torn apart and picked off in less than an hour by one man.
What followed was a brutal campaign where the Alvarez forces took control of towns killing every last living thing there then scorching them to make room for their airships to land, millions dead and hundreds of years of history burned to make room for landing pads for airships.
As the forces quickly took control of the borders the population of Bosco was reduced by two thirds in two days with the remaining third pretty much waiting for the end knowing that Alvarez wasn't taking prisoners or even willing to annex them.
/Present Time/
"General!"
"What is it now," the General sighed as the soldier panted.
"Th-they're here!"
The General nodded slowly as he looked around the war room picking up a sword that had been sitting across a map looking at it almost in a fond remembrance of a war from long ago.
"Tell me boy how old are you?"
"I'm sixteen sir!"
"Sixteen … have you made peace with whatever Gods you believe in?"
"I- fuck this is it isn't it," the soldier said his voice cracking slightly as the severity of the situation dawned upon him.
"I'm afraid it is son we lost most of our forces just after the initial assault we had no fucking chance against these dogs but what the Royal Family wants the Royal Family gets, tell me would you like to come meet your true executioners?"
"Th-the Royal Family sir?"
Eyeing the blade in his hand the General nodded as the soldier responded with his own.
"Come with me."
Walking down the hallway with his sword in hand the General marched over to what appeared to be a throne room where a greedy looking man with a monocle, a pompous looking woman and a fat teen all sat on their thrones with servants holding food platters up for them to eat from.
"Ah General Antilles how goes the war," the King asked as the General gripped his sword even tighter before looking to all the guards who nodded in silent agreement.
"Guards leave us please," the General said as the guards complied leaving much to the shock of the Royal Family as the servants backed away.
"Hey where do you think you're going," the boy snapped as the General marched towards the throne.
"You have sent millions to their deaths when we had an opportunity to flee the country, our forces combined with those of Fiore could have had an impact but you bastards decided you suddenly knew what was best for the country and prevented that. Well guess what the country is about to fall so I in the name of all those who have died needlessly shall exact some revenge, soldier make the fat one who ordered your execution kneel!"
The sixteen year old didn't even flinch as he drew his sword and stabbed the fat boy in his kneecaps forcing him to his knees as his parents looked horrified.
"Antilles what are you doing to my son this is treason!"
"Oh it seems you didn't hear me oh mighty King of nothing you don't have an Empire to fucking stand on, for your crimes against the Bosco people I deem your crime punishable by death!"
Bringing his sword down Antilles decapitated the spoilt fat child of the King and Queen who cried out in shock only to have the servants forcibly restrain them and drag them over to Antilles.
"Soldier the Queen goes next!"
"Understood sir!"
"You can't do this Antilles I am KING!"
"You were King only as long as we allowed you to be you fool, King Toma of Fiore and Queen Illyandra of Scarlione were beloved by their people and only interfered in state affairs when they had good reason and when they did they listened to the words of their people before acting. You chose to interfere because you didn't want to lose your Empire, your wealth and status. You are a vile disgusting individual and you will pay."
As the Queen was stabbed through the knees the General raised his sword once again bringing it down with a powerful swing decapitating her as the King cried out in horror.
"And now for you … make him kneel!"
The soldier stepped forward taking him from the servants who stood behind the General as he stabbed the man through the knees.
"Let this man rot in hell for the heavens shall not be corrupted by such filth," the General growled as he brought the sword down cutting the Monarch's head off as the gathered group all came to grips with what they had just done.
"You servants are free to do whatever you wish, I would pray that you escape this but knowing who is leading the charge I highly doubt such a fate is possible. As for you boy, no after what you just did you are a man, you are free to do whatever the hell you want until you die. My prayers are with you all and I'm truly sorry."
The servants nodded gratefully and the soldier saluted as they all exited the room leaving the General alone staring at the door.
"A truly marvellous performance I must say had I seen that from the people of Bosco I might not have ordered it to be razed."
Snapping his neck behind him a young man with black hair and black and white robes sat on the King's throne with a small smile on his face.
"Obviously you are with Alvarez and since you said you ordered Bosco to be razed you must be a high ranking officer, so who are you?"
"High ranking yes I am indeed, you are looking at Emperor Spriggan himself General Antilles of Bosco."
"So the Emperor takes to the battlefield himself rather than letting soldiers do his work for him, I salute you sir however we are still enemies so I have to ask why are you here?"
"I watched the executions, your reasoning behind them. Bosco was a corrupt country with an almost endless list of sin and disgrace to its name, I ordered it razed because it was unsalvageable General, when managing an Empire one does not seek to take on a cancer rather cut it out and prevent the spread of infection Bosco being the cancer."
"Bosco wasn't perfect but did you truly have to massacre everyone including the children?"
"An interesting topic the children for they are so impressionable, say I did leave them alive but killed their parents what would they be like growing into adults? Children are like sponges who leech off of their environments in order to mould themselves into the next generation, a combination of old values combined with the power of youth and change. To bring in a generation who would have witnessed my Empire killing off their parents and elders would only lead to strife later on when they could organize and rebel something I simply must avoid."
"But you've never done this to other Empires!"
"Tell me General Antilles how many children do you think were in Bosco alone, ten million, twenty million? Ten thousand is a sizeable army, five hundred who train their magic every day of their lives is the equivalent of that same ten thousand if not more. The other nations I have invaded had children yes however those nations were far smaller and unlike Bosco they were either not corrupt like Bosco or were willing to surrender allowing me to spare the parents of said children nipping the idea of revolution in the bud so to speak."
"But still the amount of people killed by Alvarez … how can you sleep knowing you've ordered the deaths of so many?"
"A real ruler must be able to live with the burdens of command and sacrifice if he or she is fit for the position; Queen Illyandra of the Scarlione Empire is the closest example of such a ruler. Strong and kind with a strong set of moral values and principles who is willing to fight alongside her own people seeing herself more as a servant of the world than a ruler of it, I only invaded Scarlione because Illyandra would not have sat idly by and allowed me to invade Fiore or Bosco in the way I am and so she had to unfortunately be removed."
"But why invade countries like this aren't the continents across the sea enough for you!"
"What I am building General is a true Empire, an Empire should span all corners of the world with everything and everyone calling it home, with a united world humanity as well as all the other races will be free from the threats of the old world the Magic Councils and High Council refuses to acknowledge, free from the hatred and bigotry towards the other races and free from the black Dragon."
"Achnologia, you would directly oppose that thing!"
"It is one of the reasons why I am uniting the world you know, Achnologia has gone unchallenged for almost 1000 years free to destroy and consume at his leisure. The moment the Empire is unified we shall prepare to finally end the tyranny of that thing and then … we take the fight to the Gods and Devils themselves."
The General just looked at Zeref who just sat on the throne completely serious in his declaration.
"You would fight that which should never be fought … are you a madman!"
"Well that all depends on what your perspective of madness General, to you the idea of fighting the Gods and Devils is madness but to me it is an everyday occurrence. My own brother also knows the struggle between the ascended and the mortal coil and chooses his own path truly respectable."
"And does he choose to declare war on the higher beings?"
"No however he does not follow their beliefs to the letter either, a compromise between the two I suppose you could say. My brother was never destined for greatness and yet thanks to the meddling of Achnologia both he and I were thrust into the world and forced to forge our own paths with a body count of millions beneath our feet."
"Who are you really, you say you are Emperor Spriggan but no one outside of your Kingdom ever sees you?"
"Catching on quick I see, everyone knows me on this side of the ocean but for something fairly dark. I am Lord Zeref the creator of the Books of Zeref and one of the darkest mages to ever walk the earth," Zeref said as the General took an unconscious step back.
"And the day you disappeared you went and formed the Alvarez Empire …"
"Indeed I created the Empire with the help of a good friend who still serves me to this very day, but enough about memory lane for I have a war effort to manage."
"You might be Zeref but I shall do my utmost to eliminate you for the people of Bosco," the General said sharply as he assumed a stance with Zeref rising from the throne.
The General rushed Zeref and went to stab him in the chest only for the sword to stop a mere inch from it as some sort of invisible force prevented him from pushing further, looking up at the man Zeref still had the same small smile as the tip of the sword broke off.
"For what it's worth I am sorry," Zeref said softly as he tapped the General on the forehead and the man froze. "Hybrid's Aura: Calamity Tap."
Within a moment the General's head flew across the throne room hitting the wall above the door before exploding into blood and chunks of skin, blood spurted out of his neck spraying Zeref's face as he just stood there impassively.
As the body dropped to the floor footsteps could be heard as August walked into the throne room.
"My Lord you took care of the Royal Family yourself?"
"No it was this man, General Antilles was his name, he was a rare example in this country of a decent human being. I ensured his death was swift, how goes the battle?"
"98% extermination Lord Zeref with the remaining 2% hiding out within caves and bunkers between here and the Fioran border, Serena is currently heading out to deal with them."
"I see then our work here is almost done, have the troops occupy this castle for the time being and let Serena do all the work he has led quite a sheltered life this last decade and a half."
"As you command my Lord," August said with a small bow as he exited the throne room leaving Zeref alone to mull over recent events.
"The time is almost upon us then but I wonder which side will come out on top, will it be me and the forces of Alvarez, Natsu and his friends or Achnologia and the end of everything? No I don't believe the outcome really matters I was just- I know I have to fight Natsu you don't- yes I understand," Zeref said as he grit his teeth seemingly in pain for a brief moment before vanishing through a portal.
/Magnolia – Natsu's POV/
Team Natsu walked through the portal with Natsu carrying Wendy now that Mavis was able to move around normally, the group stood before the closed doors of the guild hall as Natsu heard chatter behind it thanks to his enhanced hearing.
"It'll be fine Natsu they wouldn't have all come back if they weren't prepared to see you," Erza said with a small smile as Natsu nodded.
"And we'll just beat the shit out of any of them who thinks anything other than an apology right," Elise added as Natsu's smile turned into a chuckle.
"Right, well then time to face the music," he sighed as Mira pushed open the doors as all talk ceased immediately.
The moment Team Natsu walked in they were met with shocked stares as Erza looked over all of them with an appraising look.
"Natsu my boy you've returned, you were successful I see," Makarov said quickly as he rushed to them. "Is Wendy injured?"
"No she just used a lot of magic power, we killed two members of the Leichart 12 and one of the Spriggan 12 along with around I'd estimate 1500 soldiers around mid tier level in strength."
"Speaking of them I should probably let you know that all Guild Masters, S Class Mages and Wizard Saints have been called to the palace in Crocus by tomorrow to discuss the impending invasion. It was not so subtly hinted at that I invite you along, you'll also be surprised to know that even mages like Jellal and Crime Sorciere got an invite."
"Well at least the King is taking this seriously," Natsu sighed as his attention moved to the others who were still staring at him. "Had a good enough look at the monster then, don't worry I won't be your Guild Master for much longer I'm just here because gramps asked me to be."
"Natsu settle down a moment you know they wouldn't have come if they weren't sorry for the way they acted, isn't that right everyone?"
"Gramps I'll be honest I don't care what they think of me it's been such a long time, I'm not here for them I'm here for Fairy Tail and my home country. Now that I'm here I hereby relinquish the title of Guild Master over to Makarov Dreyar, now that I've done that I need to get Wendy to a bed."
Natsu walked past everyone and into the infirmary slamming the door shut as the majority of the guild hung their heads in shame knowing that Natsu's anger towards them was justified, Makarov sighed as he made his way up to his office with Mavis hovering through the wall to the infirmary.
"Natsu are you alright?"
"I want to say I'm mad at them but really I'm just disappointed in them, years of loyalty towards them and they turned on me. I never really thought about how I feel towards them yet now that I'm back here suddenly I'm feeling as angry as I did when I first found out."
"I don't blame you Natsu but they do clearly regret their choices and though it isn't enough to forgive them I do believe they deserve a chance at the very least don't you?"
"Some of them maybe but there are many of them who've known me for years Mavis naming me Fairy Tail's new Ace among other things and what did they do the moment a single damning thing happened to me they chose to do what was easy and follow the Council's bullshit!"
"You can feel the emotions coming from the hall Natsu many of them are truly sad about what they did-."
"What was it like having Precht experiment on your body after Zeref brought you back here," Natsu asked suddenly as Mavis froze.
"You know of the-!"
"Lumen Histoire yes I was Guild Master so naturally I found out, back to the question though how did it feel having someone who you trusted enough to found a Guild and fight alongside experiment on your body because by your logic you should forgive him for that."
"That isn't fair Natsu, Precht was foolish and I regret picking him as Second Master Warrod should have gotten the title instead but circumstances forced my hand. What Precht did to me was despicable and I will never forgive him but at the same time he was what we can never be a mere mortal, Precht saw me and Zeref never ageing and never fearing death and it terrified him. The idea of what comes after life is a topic few ever discuss simply because of the fear of what is the next great adventure, those of us like you who have been blessed with the gift of eternal youth and immortality don't have to fear death as much since we can simply wade through life but to humans they get one chance many not even granted a century so naturally they aren't going to be perfect in how they behave!"
"What exactly is your argument Mavis the idea of eternal youth and immortality doesn't equate as to why I should forgive any of them?"
"It really does though Natsu and I will give you an example, look at Macao and Wakaba who are already getting on in years. Wakaba smokes and although it is for his magic he is slowly killing himself through it, how many years do you think the man has left Natsu to earn forgiveness?"
"Are you seriously using this as justification for their actions Mavis!"
"I'm saying don't make the same mistakes I have in the past," Mavis cried as Natsu looked at her in surprise as several tears slid down her cheeks. "I was known as the Fairy Tactician back in my time and I earned such a title by creating some of the most ruthless and suicidal strategies Fiore had ever seen, many sent off on missions were sent to their deaths and back then I didn't bat an eye because I was far too foolish to understand how fleeting life is!"
"So what you're essentially trying to tell me is I should forgive them because they could walk outside of these doors and die, what's stopping me from just never speaking to them again did you consider that I might not want things to go back to the way they were?"
"Then why are you here?"
"Necessity," Natsu replied immediately.
"So you truly don't care for them, no one even though some of them you once put your life on the line for?"
"I care about as much as I would care for a passing stranger Mavis, I do not seek revenge nor do I seek their deaths or anything to befall them I just don't want to know them any longer."
"You took their betrayal a lot harder than anyone could have thought; does anyone else know how you feel?"
"Erza probably figured it out early on and chose to let me deal with it, usually she speaks up when she feels she needs to so since she hasn't she thinks I'm able to handle it alone. Elise probably knows because Eliza told her and she's much like Erza and speaks up when she needs to, Wendy isn't the type to speak up on such things even with a massive confidence boost she's a very reserved person. Jason has no idea what we're on about and Mira will probably chew me out later."
Mavis chose not to reply as the two sat in silence for several minutes before Natsu finally spoke.
"Mavis I want you to answer something for me, truthfully and with as much detail as possible. What exactly is the connection between you and Zeref I know the part about how he did something to you but beyond that I can't figure out the connection?"
"You really want to know …?"
"Zeref will come for you even the Gods of Life and Death told me to keep the two of you apart and I want to know why?"
Mavis sighed as she floated over to the window looking out across Magnolia.
"My story will take some time and we can't do it here, what I'm about to tell you is the very reason this war will be fought Natsu."
Nodding Natsu opened up a portal as the two walked through re-emerging in the forest not too far from the city.
"Yes I suppose this will do, tell me do you know how Zeref came to be?"
"He showed me how our parents died and my … death, then I saw Ahnkseram offer him power which he accepted."
"Well that's good it means we don't have to go over the origins of his power, now brace yourself because you are about to be in for a shock," Mavis said as her eyes glowed Crimson Red and Galaxy Blue nearly knocking Natsu off the stump he decided to sit on as he activated his own.
"Impossible, you can't do that your just a-!"
"Mortal? Tell me Natsu how do you think my body has survived all these years never once ageing or showing any sign of determination?"
"How do you have the Hybrid's Aura Mavis not even the Gods and Devils know you have it?"
"A closely guarded secret Natsu that was covered up expertly by Zeref himself that is how they do not know of my power; however the origin of my power is something rather complicated which resulted in my current form."
"The coma … you can't wake because your heart is fractured," Natsu muttered as Mavis nodded.
"I should by all accounts be dead but my reason for living is tied with Zeref's own, Zeref and I we- the two of us have a long history. Over a hundred years ago before Fairy Tail was founded I lived on Tenrou Island as a slave of sorts I suppose … but rather than simply tell you this sorry tale I will show you."
Mavis' eyes glowed and the two appeared on Tenrou in the distant past as Natsu looked around not liking what he saw.
"Despite what you see they aren't classified as a Dark Guild, 109 years ago the world was a far cry from the order and semblance it holds now. This was a time before there was something stopping the wars between the guilds and the Magic Council did nothing to hinder them in their efforts. The guild you see before you was known as Red Lizard and they were warring with a guild I told you about before by the name of Blue Skull."
"Geoffrey," Natsu sighed as Mavis nodded.
"Yes the guild Red Lizard were pushed off the mainland and found refuge here on Tenrou Island, sadly I was forced into service to work off a debt my parents managed to leave behind and to say I was treated harshly would be an understatement."
Natsu saw a small blonde haired girl who seemed rather malnourished and shy cleaning around the guild hall.
"You were pretty adorable for a little kid."
"As were you Natsu," she replied with a giggle as Natsu raised an eyebrow. "You'll find out soon trust me."
Natsu simply nodded as the two watched the younger version of Mavis go about doing her chores until she accidently bumped into one of the guild members who kicked her just for touching him.
"I got lucky that day normally they would beat me to unconsciousness, anyway the man sitting at the bar there is the Guild Master a man by the name of Zeeself. Zeeself was much like Geoffrey although he was terrible at executing his plans which resulted in the guild as it was, his only redeemable quality was-."
"Father!"
The two watched as a young girl around the same age as Mavis ran into the room as Zeeself brought her in for a hug.
"Zera my little angel how are we this morning?"
"Father it's my birthday what did you get me?"
"I got you these shoes I stole off a child from the mainland," Zeeself said proudly as Natsu shook his head.
"I don't want those who knows who wore them before me they could have all sorts of diseases!"
"Oh alright then darling we'll just have to go and find you a better pair I suppose I could throw these at that brat Mavis …"
"No you can't give her those she doesn't deserve them I'll take them just so she doesn't get them," the girl named Zera said defiantly as Zeeself laughed.
"Too right my dear too right!"
"You never wear shoes …"
"Because I never got any and learned to go without," Mavis said with a sad smile. "I learned to live with what I had as a child and I think it made me a better person."
The memory shifted to one where the forest was on fire and there were dead mages everywhere, Natsu and Mavis saw the younger Mavis running away in fear only to come across Zera who was in the woods crying.
"You helped her didn't you?"
"Of course I did I've always been the kind of person to help those in need besides Zera was a product of the environment she was raised in though you'll see."
Natsu watched as the young Mavis and Zera escaped the massacre that was no doubt going on around them and flee into the heart of the forest where the Tenrou Tree was, again the memory warped and it was years later with Mavis looking as she does now with the girl Zera also looking much older.
"It was just Zera and I on the island from that day forward everyone else perished in the attack, thankfully the library was left intact and so I studied diligently every day alongside Zera and we became close almost like sisters."
Natsu and Mavis were standing on top of one of the bookshelves looking down on a man with blonde hair and another man with brownish hair talking to a younger Mavis.
"Points if you can figure out who that is Natsu," Mavis said as Natsu's eyes narrowed at the blonde.
"Is that gramps' Dad?"
"Yuri Dreyar one of the founders of Fairy Tail and that man there is Precht you already know him though."
"Kind of strange seeing him so young and … polite."
"This was the day I met them, Warrod is around somewhere I can't remember where but none of this is relevant I just wanted you to see the assembly of the team so you can understand this next part."
The scene shifted to a desolate town with no sign of nature anywhere, Natsu and Mavis watched as the younger version of Mavis as well as Zera, Precht, Yuri and Warrod make their way out of town being chased by the Blue Skull guild.
"We tried to get back something Blue Skull stole from Tenrou back and were chased out of the town as a result, what they stole I've realized wasn't really worth all the effort we put in to get it back since what followed because of it was our fault. Still this next part is the part in my story we should pay attention to."
The scene shifted to the group panting in a forest as Yuri began to speak.
"Did we lose em!?"
"I'd say we've managed to throw them off the trail, can we all agree messing with mages when we can't do magic ourselves is a really bad idea," Precht said as Natsu's jaw dropped.
"Hold on are you telling me PRECHT of all people didn't know how to even use magic until he was already an adult!?"
"He became a natural once he got magic didn't he a true shame once he got a fix of magic he simply wanted more," Mavis smiled sadly.
"Well if we want to try getting back into Magnolia I suppose there's only one thing for it we'll all have to learn how to use magic," Warrod sighed as Precht looked at him disapprovingly.
"Aren't you supposed to be the level headed one?"
"We can't leave that artefact in the hands of Blue Skull Precht if what Mavis said about its power is true leaving such a thing with them will only lead to disaster!"
"Speaking of Mavis where did she go anyway," Yuri asked looking around as the three noticed she had gone missing.
"I'm this way," the real Mavis said as the two moved through the forest towards a lake.
The memory Mavis was sitting by the lake … sulking, Natsu couldn't help but snort in amusement as the real Mavis glared at him. It wasn't until movement in the lake caught his attention did he stop laughing, when he saw who was in the lake however he shook his head.
"Are you actually serious right now why is he even here?"
In the lake was a naked Zeref who seemed to be having a bath, memory Mavis and memory Zeref just looked at each other for around half a minute before Zeref began to walk towards her with his robes materializing around him as he walked.
"My apologies I didn't realize people still trafficked these woods I apologize for exposing myself."
"N-no its fine I don't mind really," memory Mavis said with a slight blush as memory Zeref smiled.
"You seem troubled what seems to be the matter?"
"Its this guild in a town not too far from here they've stolen a very important artefact from my home and they don't understand the consequences of misusing it. My friends and I want to get it back but we aren't mages so we don't have the means to stop them."
"I see … you have the potential to be a powerful mage though why have you never trained?"
"I have the ability to become a mage?"
"I can see it with these eyes you have a powerful light within you, have you never trained?"
"Well I never really had the chance because of where I grew up you see so …"
"Ah I see, circumstance. Magic is something every single person on Earthland can learn and harness to unfathomable heights, all you need is the will to use it and the drive to grow strong and you surely will gain the power you seek to stop these mages."
"How do you know so much, wait are you a mage!"
"Yes I'm a mage however my magic is a little bit different than a regular human's, why?"
"You could teach us, please help us I'll do anything!"
"You should be careful making promises like that some people actually come to collect on them, more importantly however why would I help you?"
"Would you have even told me you were a mage if you weren't considering it?"
Zeref looked at Mavis wide eyed before chuckling softly and stepping out of the lake.
"I suppose that is a fair point, I shall teach you on one condition. Both you and your friends must not touch me."
"Not touch you, why?"
"My power is currently unstable after a powerful bit of magic I did earlier so until it stabilizes it seems to kill most things that I touch."
"Oh … well that sounds like a reasonable request then, still not being able to touch other living beings is quite sad."
"What I gained from performing such a volatile spell was worth it, since we will be working together what is your name?"
"I'm Mavis," the memory Mavis said cheerfully.
"My name is Zeref, go and tell your friends I can instruct them and return to me here if all goes well."
Memory Mavis nodded and ran off into the forest as the memories shifted to the group learning magic from Zeref, Zera gained the ability to use Fire Magic, Precht gained his iconic Bullet Magic and Yuri was able to use Lightning Magic.
Warrod took a bit more work with Zeref needing a different method of drawing out his potential finding that his power came from nature rather than some inner force granting him his iconic Nature Magic.
Mavis however was still unable to use magic aside from her Illusion Magic, the memory resumed at a point where the two were alone.
"So you are still unable to use magic Mavis?"
"I've tried every method you told me about and I still can't do it, Zeref it's been weeks is there something wrong with me?"
"No there's nothing wrong with you Mavis it's just that your magic is … interesting to say the least, hold still for a moment and you will understand your magic," memory Zeref said as his eyes began to glow as Mavis took a step back clutching her head before looking at him in surprise.
"That magic is so-!"
"Cold, frightening, powerful? I've heard all the names for it trust me for it is similar to my own magic, still to believe a mortal could use the Black Arts …"
The memory began to twist and distort as Natsu looked to Mavis who seemed off in her own thoughts, the memory came upon one where the two were alone in a forest and clearly some time had passed.
"I finally found you," memory Mavis said with a small smile as memory Zeref looked at her with a single eyebrow raised.
"Mavis I've been wondering why you've been following me, something you need from me?"
"Zeref I- about my condition I need to ask something if its not too much trouble?"
"If I can answer it then I will Mavis."
"I've been looking into the Black Arts and my magic itself and I came across something that I don't understand, why is your magic signature mixed with my own?"
Memory Zeref stopped smiling and began to pace around deep in thought as Mavis watched each tiny detail with a critical eye.
"How to put this … alright I think I have an idea, what do you know of the origin of a particular element?"
"Nothing it is assumed that the elements have existed since creation," Mavis replied honestly as Zeref nodded slowly.
"All elements come from a source you see with many of them lost to time, the element of Black Magic you and I have … comes from me."
"But you just said they are lost to time so that means-!?"
"I'm not that old," Zeref added quickly as Mavis just turned her head confused. "I never told you the origin of my power Mavis nor did I ever really plan to, I've come to realize however that you have been cursed through no fault of your own by having my power therefore I feel obligated to tell you what I really am."
Zeref's eyes glowed as his black aura surrounded his body with a powerful pressure engulfing the two, Natsu could tell Zeref had just used the same memory ability that Zeref used to show him his past and what Mavis was using now.
After several moments Mavis stumbled back as Zeref knelt down to help her up.
"You have been cursed to never die from age due to the magic; you and I are somewhat alike now however we are also different. Mavis you should not try to befriend me I'm not someone you should be around, the people I've killed and the sins against nature I've committed-."
"What are you saying Zeref I don't care if you are some Hybrid and and nobody is beyond redemption, let me help you Zeref you aren't a bad person like you think and I'm sure your brother would agree-!"
"My brother … my brother couldn't say anything even if he wanted to he has no memory of me anymore, I gave you your answers you should go I can feel my magic-."
Before Zeref could pull away Mavis moved forward and kissed him much to his shock as the black aura began to flare around both of them with Mavis' eyes that began to glow the same colour as Zeref's own as the Black Wizard looked into them in shock.
Both Zeref and Mavis began to jerk violently until Zeref finally managed to separate them as he fell back panting hard, looking at Mavis in shock he slowly moved a hand up to his face and placed two fingers just under his right eye before pulling it away looking at his own blood.
"My … my power Mavis what have you done …"
Waving a hand next to him he summoned a small mirror and saw blood was pouring out of his eyes, nose and ears as a result of whatever just occurred. Moving over to Mavis he saw the same thing had occurred to her however at that moment he noticed something that froze him in place.
"It's gone … I don't believe it!"
His eyes moved to Mavis' core as he noticed half of Ahnkseram's soul was lodged inside it, wiping the blood from his face Zeref had to think.
"Ahnkseram's soul has been split in two, was this what he meant about keeping away from others when my magic is volatile? This can't be possible by all accounts I should be dead or at the bare minimum I shouldn't be able to use Hybrid's Aura?"
The memory slowly began to fade as Natsu and Mavis ended up back in reality with a lone tear slowly making its way down her cheek.
"What did you do Mavis?"
"Nothing intentional, in truth from the time I first met Zeref I had a crush on him I don't really know what made me kiss him at the time I suppose it was one of those in the moment type scenarios, through that kiss I think it fractured the soul that never knew love into two with Zeref getting one half and me getting the other."
"It can't have been that simple?"
"There is more, though the soul was split in two it lived on. The soul within Zeref was Ahnkseram's will, his ideals and his conscience. The soul within me contained the darker half of Ahnkseram that plagued Zeref such as his anger, envy, greed, sorrow, agony and insanity. At the time I only wished to take away Zeref's pain after what he showed me and my wish was answered at the cost of my consciousness, in exchange for taking away those aspects of Zeref I was to forfeit my physical body."
"Is Hybrid's Aura really capable of something like that," Natsu murmured deep in thought.
"Now keep in mind Zeref has the consciousness of Ahnkseram within him still and he most likely seeks me to reforge his soul and you must NEVER let that happen, he's had years to regain the power he lost from that day and he has done so and then some. If Zeref were to regain the other half of his soul he would change and not even I could tell you what would happen though I can theorize. The first possibility is he simply gains the power and nothing changes, the second option is he gains the power and the emotions and he becomes either a better person or a ruthless one."
"And the final option?"
"There is a memory, it is faint because it is from a time long since past when the Gods and Devils warred in the mortal realms. I see Ahnkseram himself using the Hybrid's Aura as he faced down a combined force of the strongest Gods and Devils of the time but there is something different about it. Unlike you and Zeref where your hair goes black and your eyes glow Galaxy Blue and Crimson Red his hair was as white as snow, one eye as white as the rumoured plane of nonexistence and the other as black as the void with stars visible within. The power within was so frightening I can't watch it further."
"The complete Hybrid Form Life and Death mentioned it to me when I met them, to think Ahnkseram has it. I won't let Zeref get a hold of that half of his soul Mavis I swear."
When Mavis looked into Natsu's eyes expecting to feel reassured instead she was now concerned, that look in Natsu's eyes was one of trouble that she'd seen many times. Her fears were confirmed as he stood up and walked through a portal with Mavis quickly following behind as the two ended up in the room of Lumen Histoire.
"Natsu what are you doing!"
"Something really really stupid," he replied as his hair went black as he began to exude a powerful aura. "Talk to you in a minute eh Mavis," he said with a grin before turning to her naked form.
Walking up to the crystal Natsu got down on one knee and shattered the crystal with his Crash Magic catching her body in his hands.
"NATSU STOP YOU CAN'T-!"
Placing his head on her chest his eyes scanning her magical core he placed her on the floor before placing a hand over her heart.
"I will relieve you of your burden … let's see just how much of a piece of piece of work this Ahnkseram guy is in person then, Hybrid's Aura: Soul Transference!"
Natsu's arm began to pulse with Black Magic as the soul of Ahnkseram began to move from Mavis and into Natsu, the process only went for a moment but the moment the soul left her body the ghost Mavis faded and the eyes of the real one shot open to meet the frozen form of Natsu, his eyes wide with no particular emotion visible on his face.
"What have you done …"
RIP to ending it there but we'll be getting our first glimpse of Ahnkseram next chapter, I know this one was pretty long I wanted to give everyone an idea of what happened in Bosco since we didn't really get that in the manga even though I didn't elaborate on it much I still feel it was about appropriate.
And yes I committed sacrilege by summing up Fairy Tail Zero in one chapter but it wasn't the entire focus just certain components of it I hope you all understand.
Anyway I hope you all enjoyed it and I'll see you in the next chapter!