Hi everyone Azza here!
DragneelX17 – I've been saying for awhile now that there is indeed a sequel and I've already finished the first five chapters for once this wraps up and I suppose I can drop the title now its titled The Tale Of Natsu Dragneel Vol II Wandering Hybrid so take from that what you will.
As for an Elise spinoff guess what it's happening as many of you will no doubt notice I'm posting the first chapter up alongside this so if you want after this go check that out it's called Fairy Tail Avant Garde Daughter Of War but be warned there are end of series spoilers in the first chapter so if you don't want to be spoiled you might want to hold off on reading it.
As for Jason I kind of hoped I could make him a decent character I wanted more characters like Elise but I feel personally I introduced him too late into the story to really have time to flesh him out the same could be said of Azazel but he was never intended to be a main character he's like the rest of Fairy Tail's supporting cast just there on occasion.
galacti – Surely it can't be the first most fics universally bash them for the crime of existing mine surely can't be the first haha.
Lordlexx – Yeah in canon he's completely pathetic I know but in this he's not going to be garbage he's rank number four amongst the Shields and his title is The Slumbering Archangel with power gifted to him by Zeref to match that title. Trust me I was just as disappointed at how garbage his abilities were though I decided he could keep those as a joke anyway but don't worry he's not trash in this.
ChaosofTime – You can rest easy Chaos Wendy isn't being paired with anyone least of all Jason she's not really interested in having a relationship especially with a war on the horizon.
And as far as I'm aware Wendy and Romeo aren't actually canon it's just implied with help from the fandom plus they have so little in the way of interaction with each other I just don't buy it personally I know there were moments but it's way too phoned in for the ending haha and I honestly don't like the pairing I even hate it more than the canon ships like Natsu and Lucy and Jellal and Erza but that is a WHOLE other argument I don't have the energy to debate haha.
Anyway with that out of the way on with the story!
I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.
The Final Conflict Begins
/Natsu's POV/
The moment Natsu emerged from his portal he felt all eyes immediately go on him, he knew he'd kept the Gods and Devils waiting for quite some time so naturally they would be pissed.
"So you finally decided to grace us with your presence eh," Kurama said as he walked over to him. "The higher ups have been locked within the central chamber for weeks and we've all been left to just stand around this place wondering what we're supposed to be doing."
"Yeah sorry about that just had to unite a country so I could have a slightly better chance of beating Zeref and Achnologia you know the usual stuff."
"Well you'd better hope the higher ups look at that being a good enough excuse, come on I'll escort you to the central chambers.
"I thought you were only a projection how come you can move around and stuff?"
"My projection takes power to produce and normally I don't dare to put any more than the bare minimum in but this is a special occasion, on this neutral ground history will be made and the Gods and Devils could potentially unite once more something which hasn't happened since Ahnkseram tried to destroy us all ages ago."
"I'm pretty sure someone told me what this realm was called ages ago but could you remind me what this place is called?"
"This realm has many names depending on who you ask the name I refer to it as is Equilibrius meaning the balance realm since it was once the seat of our two pantheons united and all."
"Equilibrius … I like the sound of that I think I'll call it that," Natsu said as Eliza lazily strolled over to him.
"Well look what the proverbial cat dragged in finally have time to deign us with your presence Natsu hmm?"
"Well I figured you sorry lot might need me for some trivial matter and decided to take time out of my schedule," Natsu smirked as Eliza responded with one of her own.
"I trust it went well?"
"Council got disbanded; all the Legal and Independent mages are prepping for the invasion so yeah I'd say so."
"Well that certainly worked out for the best, I should warn you the higher ups are growing tired of Lord Life and Lady Death's antics."
"Antics?"
"Just- you'll see," Eliza sighed as the three made their way over to a large set of double doors each baring the symbol of the Gods and Devils respectively.
Natsu pushed open the doors and found himself being bombarded with overwhelming power that nearly made him sick, Eliza and even the projection form of Kurama found it hard to withstand the combined auras as Eliza staggered back and Kurama's projection flickered.
"Ah Natsu you finally arrived," Life said as Death dragged him inside.
"Thank you for bringing him you two."
"It was … our pleasure Lady Death," Eliza replied as the doors closed obscuring them from view.
"We've stalled them for quite some time Natsu now we can get this meeting underway," Life said casually as Natsu noticed all sorts of strange props scattered around the room.
"Uh what exactly did you do to stall them?"
"Oh nothing just a little improvised theatre is all we'll show you some other time," Death said with a small yet sadistic smile that sent shivers up his spine.
"Y-yeah now let's get on with this then!"
"Of course now while you were off doing as this lot requested working towards defeating Zeref and Achnologia they were planning on forming a treaty between the Gods and Devils with you as the middle man you see."
"Indeed with your unique classification as a Hybrid you would be the proverbial bridge between the two, the foundation that would help strengthen the bond between God and Devil kind," Life said as Death nodded.
"And what about that other stuff we discussed did you talk to them about any of it?"
"Ah yes the restructuring we mentioned it but they wanted to hear it from you Natsu before they would believe any of it," Life sighed as Natsu nodded.
Looking up at the large podium above him Natsu could see the eyes of the Archons through their hoods gazing down at him with the eyes of the Gods of Creation and Destruction also glued to him.
"Right well you see my idea was to have the Archons take the seats as Gods of Destruction because I believe with the way the Devil pantheon works it would logically make the most sense, Creation and Life are gifts from the Gods and Destruction and Death are the Devils gift it just works you know."
"Wait so you mean we all the current Gods of Destruction get to retire right now," one of the Gods of Destruction asked as Natsu nodded.
In unison all the Gods of Destruction leapt up from their chairs and began cheering opening up portals shouting about their early retirements leaving the rest of the room in shock.
"Uh … well then it seems one third of you are in agreement but what do the rest of you think, to me by each holding half the power it brings balance between both the Gods and Devils which will in turn promote fairness and equality between us. I noticed outside many Gods and Devils were idly conversing with each other which means there isn't any animosity between us at least nothing at present. If you both truly desire peace then both sides must learn to work together and what better way than by having Creation and Destruction truly becoming polar opposites managed by both pantheons equally?"
"Twelve Gods of Creation working alongside the 12 Archons who become the Gods of Destruction … yes such an idea does sound fair for both sides but what about the rest of the pantheon," one of the Gods of Creation asked as Life cut in.
"Yes you see that is where the issues arise you see many of the current God positions are quite pointless for the modern age therefore Natsu, myself and Death found that only the most important positions should remain filled such as War, Time, Chaos, Space, things like that."
"And what would become of the rest of the Gods?"
"They get to retire just like the Gods of Destruction just did," Natsu replied as the Gods pondered this idea.
"And what of the Devil's Triumvirate how will they be affected?"
"Much in the same way however we are beings who embody things and we don't really do anything other than attend pointless meetings anyway so really we just don't have to go to meetings anymore."
"And you believe this is truly the best way for the Gods and Devils to create a strong alliance?"
"I believe it is the only way, both sides must have perfect balance in everything otherwise infighting will inevitably occur, this very realm is named after balance so even having the Council here would be the best choice of action."
"You have given us much to think about Natsu so would you please leave us so that we may deliberate this decision," one of the Archons asked as Natsu nodded and was about to walk away when he found the blade of a pitch black scythe to his neck.
"We'll borrow Natsu for the moment just call our names when you require him back," Death said as Natsu felt the razor sharp blade lightly touching his neck.
"Of course Lady Death," one of the Gods of Creation said as Natsu, Life and Death vanished into thin air reappearing back in that strange house.
"You really are interesting Natsu looks like they will go for the idea," Life said sitting down in one of the recliner chairs as Death wandered off into the kitchen.
"I figured they would anyway since you two are backing it."
"Oh and why do you think that?"
"Because you outrank them," Natsu replied as Life shook his head.
"Indeed we outrank them however they could still decide to say no, the reason why they will say yes is because they have great respect for us. Much in the same could be said about you Natsu, you may not know this but in the short time we have all gotten to know you everyone has gained much respect for you, where Ahnkseram was cold, calculating and ruthless with no regard for anyone but himself you always do what is fair and just ensuring that if it can be done both sides gain equally."
"But this isn't why we brought you here Natsu," Death said returning with three cups of tea. "No what we want to know is why there is half of Ahnkseram's soul currently within you."
Natsu could feel the shift in the air as both Life and Death no longer held that playful look they had in their eyes, no this look was one of business and they were going to get to the bottom of things with the idea of resistance not even an afterthought.
"Well you see I kind of absorbed it from Mavis' body a short while ago …"
"Why?"
"Well I figured that if Zeref is after the other half of Ahnkseram's soul then it would be safest being held by me you know, in order to gain it he would have to defeat me and if he defeats me then everything is over anyway so the loss isn't any greater than before."
"The loss is much greater than before you fool if Ahnkseram managed to possess your body the threat increases tremendously," Death hissed as Natsu flinched seeing her eyes turn pitch black for a moment.
"Indeed such a reckless action was not something we expected from you given the situation at hand, truly disappointing Natsu."
"Yeah well he didn't possess me so there isn't any point complaining about it!"
"But he is still there, chained within your mindscape. You are currently draining that half of everything it is however what will you do if it manages to break free?"
"Chain it back up like I did the first time."
"And if that doesn't work?"
"Kill it before it does any damage," Natsu replied as both Life and Death sighed.
"Natsu you shouldn't have done this there are far too many risks involved," Death said as Natsu shook his head.
"But if I manage to gain Ahnkseram's knowledge I can do so much good with it plus it isn't just his knowledge its half of his power!"
"All power has a price Natsu never forget that, one who acquires power the cheap and easy way will always fall short of one who trains to gain the same power it has been proven time and again."
"Look I don't know about you two but I honestly believe I need all the power and experience I can get, Zeref has had hundreds of years to learn how to use his Hybrid's Aura I've had like less than two actual years learning how to use any so excuse me for wanting a fucking shortcut!"
Life and Death said nothing as Natsu quickly realized he'd lost his temper and calmed down.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to get mad it's just I'm trying to remain calm under all this pressure I've got the Gods and Devils wanting me to mediate I have a country to prep for a war and this Ahnkseram shit it's all just so stressful."
"And to your credit you are handling it better than anyone could ever have expected most would have snapped under the pressure of handling just one of those tasks let alone all of them at the same time," Life said softly.
"Look we may be Life and Death but we do care about you personally and the way you spoke and acted sounded like you didn't really care if you lived or died as a result of your actions, we mistook your words and we sincerely apologize."
"Well I know what I did was dangerous and risky but my reasoning still stands, if I lose to them anyway we're all eventually screwed if no one higher up steps in so this late in the game we have to be willing to take high risks with high rewards."
"Perhaps but even still you should have at least consulted with someone first before doing something like that we could have done the transfer in a controlled environment."
Natsu just nodded as the three sat in silence drinking their tea when both Life and Death looked up at the same time before looking to Natsu.
"It seems they have finished deliberating Natsu we shall send you back, remember we will be watching."
Natsu nodded as everything vanished and he reappeared in the chamber once more without Life and Death with him.
"Natsu we have deliberated and come to an agreement, the Archons will indeed become the new Gods of Destruction and the other Gods who don't hold vital roles will be retired however there is one catch. You Natsu as a Hybrid must take up a seat between us, it will be known as the Seat of the High Arbiter the bridge between the two sides and you will mediate when it is required."
"Is that it?"
"You aren't surprised we are granting you such a position?"
Honestly I kind of expected something like that there are 12 Gods and 12 Devils so ties between the two will be inevitable so having someone in the middle to sort the mess out makes sense and picking either a God or Devil would be unfair so having me there balances it out since I'm both. Just one question what if I disagree with one side will there be any sort of issue arising from that?"
"Why would there be you are both of us the only issue would be if you decide to show blatant favouritism but we both highly doubt that."
"Well looks like this was a success then, so what happens now?"
"Well now we must announce the changes to the Gods and Devils and begin working on uniting the pantheon together, as for you well you have a war to prepare for do you not?"
"So I'm free to go?"
"Yes of course but be prepared for if we need you for anything, oh and Natsu … good luck down there."
Natsu nodded as he walked out of the chamber with Eliza and Kurama still waiting by the door looking up as soon as he left the room.
"How did it go," Eliza asked as Natsu grinned.
"Hey guess what I outrank you now."
"Wh-what!"
"I've been named the High Arbiter on the newly formed Council; the Gods of Destruction have been retired and replaced with the Archons who now sit in their place. Today has been a historic day eh Eliza?"
"Only you could pull of something this ridiculous Natsu," Eliza sighed with a small smile.
"So what's going on with the rest of us Natsu how does this affect our positions," Kurama asked as Natsu grinned.
"Devils and Gods get to retire and do whatever they want the Council will explain more later but for now just know that we all end up better off because of this."
"I take it you will be returning to your world to prepare for the coming conflict then?"
"Yeah Alvarez could invade any day now and time flows differently here so it may have even started so it's for the best."
"Well then good luck Natsu and please make sure Elise survives this or I'll make your life hell," Eliza said with a smile as Natsu sweat dropped.
"Elise can take care of herself but I'll do my best," Natsu said as he opened up a portal and vanished.
/Earthland – Several Days After Natsu Left/
Unfortunately for Natsu it seemed that time within the neutral realm flowed even faster than Terminus and Tartaros with several days passing, the allied forces were currently preparing for battle as the Alvarez forces were spotted on the Fiore/Scarlione border and the Fiore/Bosco borders respectively.
Fairy Tail with the aid of several other guilds including Mermaid Heel, Blue Pegasus and Quattro Cerberus were currently watching the ocean as airships began to appear on the horizon.
"Damn how many do you think there are," Laxus asked as Kagura lowered her spyglass.
"I count at least six hundred," she said grimly as many jaws dropped.
"Are you shittin me six hundred there's no way gimmie that," Gajeel said snatching the spyglass from her hands. "Fuck …"
"Wait its actually true how the hell are we supposed to beat that," several mages cried as Erza silenced them.
"Hold on a moment all the airships have stopped and seem to be in some sort of holding formation, do they plan to bombard the coast?"
/Fiore/Scarlione Border/
On the Fiore/Scarlione Border guilds such as Sabertooth were stationed waiting and watching the same strange actions from their opponents.
"It seems that this is occurring on all three fronts," Minerva said as everyone pondered what was going on.
"Perhaps they are offering us one last chance to surrender," Sting said as everyone watched and waited in agitated silence.
/Fiore/Bosco Border/
At the Fiore/Bosco border Crime Sorciere waited patiently not as shaken by the strange behaviour like the many other guilds surrounding them but still concerned, Jellal wracked his brain trying to think of how such a strategy could benefit Alvarez but found nothing.
"The mages are getting restless," Ultear murmured.
"I can hear the voices of Alvarez clear as day but there are two … their voices drown out everything else it hurts to listen to," Cobra growled.
"And word is this strange behaviour is occurring across all three fronts and Natsu is nowhere to be seen," Meredy sighed as Jellal looked up at the forces in front of them.
"Alvarez are up to something but what it is I do not know, what I do know however is that it won't end well for any of us."
/Zeref's POV/
Zeref sat upon a throne in one of the airships as Irene slowly strolled towards him.
"Preparations are complete Zeref all forces are in position and waiting for the signal, are you sure we should invade?"
"Having second thoughts Irene?"
"No I follow your lead as always I was curious if you do."
"Even if I did it no longer matters the attack must commence as planned, the standing orders are in the hands of the Spriggan and Leichart?"
"Yes and Bloodman has reached his designated location with the Library ship and is awaiting the signal, my initial scans can't find Natsu anywhere in Fiore Zeref I don't think he's here."
"He may not be now but he will be I can guarantee you that he won't miss this war, go and prepare yourself Irene the attack commences in three minutes."
"At your command," Irene said as she walked out of the room with Zeref entering his mindscape.
His mind was pitch black with a single throne illuminated in the darkness with Ahnkseram seated comfortably on it, the Hybrid looked at Zeref and smiled.
"Things are progressing as planned?"
"The attack begins in three minutes."
"And what of Achnologia?"
"He will reach us in approximately two minutes and forty five seconds."
"I see, you know what to do my other half will come when it is ready."
Zeref nodded and exited his mindscape, rising from the throne he began to make his way up to the roof of the airship as the soldiers around him knelt before him. Ignoring them he arrived on the roof of the airship just as Achnologia appeared in the distance.
"ZEREF THE POWER OF THE HYBRID IS MINE TO CONSUME," Achnologia roared as he came crashing into the airship.
Zeref never even moved from his spot remaining stationary in the air as the airship was sent crashing into the ocean.
"Good to see you again Achnologia unfortunately for you this is also goodbye for now."
"WHAT-!"
Achnologia didn't have a chance to finish as the space all around them was seemingly ripped away as Zeref appeared in the Fairy Tail guild hall standing right in front of Mavis who was now all alone and confused.
"Hello my dearest Mavis."
"Z-Zeref what have you done!"
"One of my most loyal followers Irene used a spell of her own creation, Magic of a new age she calls it. A spell known as Universe One compacts space on a grand scale, all of Fiore should be affected by it right now and it's power brought us back together."
"You know I don't have it anymore Zeref why would you want to come to me!"
"You know why Mavis," Zeref replied softly. "Where did Natsu go?"
"I don't know he just left through one of those portals."
"Don't lie to me Mavis you know where he went now tell me," Zeref said darkly as Mavis glared defiantly.
"I know nothing Zeref!"
"Enough of this I'm taking control," Zeref's voice said much more sharply as Mavis suddenly realized she wasn't dealing with Zeref anymore. "I granted him a chance to spare your life and you have squandered that, I shall be taking the information I need by force!"
"Ahnkseram you won't win against Natsu even now he consumes your soul for knowledge there will be nothing left but scraps-!"
Before Mavis could finish her sentence Ahnkseram sent her flying across the room as she was impaled through the back and out the stomach on a wooden beam with Ahnkseram's throat around her neck faster than either her body or mind could process.
"Defiant to the end you little bitch, steal my power then speak to me in such a way you shall die in moments but first what I seek …"
Mavis felt her mind be shattered as Ahnkseram easily found what he was looking for and withdrew grabbing her by the face as blood poured from her mouth.
"You humans are fragile, weak, easy to break. You who led to all this deserve nothing less than to die in agony and I shall relish in every microsecond!"
"I might die … but you will follow soon this day … Natsu won't lose to you," Mavis grunted as Ahnkseram slapped her slicing her face as his hand was surrounded by aura.
"Dragneel is but a child when it comes to aura he is no match for me, I will crush him and all those who follow him before turning on the Dragon and killing him and taking his power for my own!"
Mavis wasn't able to respond as Ahnkseram punched her in the ribs causing her to cry out in pain as she felt her life ebbing away, in her vision behind Ahnkseram was a woman with a black scythe who seemed quite sad.
"So … it is finally my time then … death catches us all in the end … you will soon learn this Ahnkseram …"
As Ahnkseram raised his hand the scythe in the woman's hand raised at the same time and both came down in sync as Ahnkseram pierced her chest killing her instantly in a fit of rage before roughly tearing it out.
"The girl knew little however it does not matter Dragneel will rush to save his friends and when he does he will know pain, one by one they shall die until only he remains!"
Ripping Mavis' body off the beam Ahnkseram disappeared in a flash and reappeared high above the Fairy Tail camp as Irene used her projection magic to cover all of the condensed Fiore so that all could see Zeref.
"A message to those who fight in Dragneel's name," he roared as he lodged Mavis' body unceremoniously onto a flag post much to the Fairy Tail camps horror. "There is no safe place in this world for you to run, no places to hide and no one who can save you from me! Death will not be swift for any of you who dare to resist my will, this is your only chance to surrender if you do not you will all suffer horrific ends at the hands of the Alvarez Empire and myself!"
"YOU KILLED MASTER MAVIS WE'LL NEVER SURRENDER!"
"NATSU WILL KILL YOU ZEREF!"
"DEATH TO THE ALVAREZ INVADERS!"
Much to Ahnkseram's amusement the humans took this as a sign that they actually should rally and drive out Alvarez, exactly as planned.
"Very well you have all sealed your fates, BLOODMAN OPEN THE LIBRARY TO THE PUBLIC!"
Everyone was confused by Zeref's words when a massive island like ship with a strange structure attached to it began to descend from the clouds, once it was lowered to a certain point one of the pillars fell down like stairs hitting the ground creating a large shockwave.
The entire building began to glow as massive power signatures began to erupt from it, everyone was immediately on guard and were still shocked when hordes of Demons began to charge down the massive ramp bloodthirsty and eager for battle.
"And don't think it stops there you shall know true suffering, NEINHART BEGIN THE FINAL HISTORIA!"
Things went from bad to worse as countless more power signatures began to appear all across Fiore as people long thought dead began to rise and combat their former friends and loved ones.
All the while Ahnkseram had a sadistic smile on his face as the sound of combat reached his ears.
"Ahh sweet melodies in my ear, I live for moments like this," Ahnkseram sighed as he flashed away appearing on the ground near some mages. The mages tried to attack him and with speed they couldn't register he flicked them away killing them instantly. "I suppose I should return control now just don't screw anything else up Zeref."
As Ahnkseram released control to Zeref tears began to fall from his eyes as the smile turned from that of sadistic joy to one of pain as Zeref mourned the death of Mavis, her blood all over his hands and face as he vanished to go wash it away in an attempt to try and forget the ordeal.
/Natsu's POV/
As Natsu stepped out of the portal he was shocked to see war raging all around him, the sounds of explosion, cries of death and the sound of Demons rampaging all around had his honed instincts of war on high alert looking around Natsu noticed that certain landmarks weren't where they should have been.
"Irene must have perfected that Spatial Magic, Universe One I think she called it …"
As Natsu began to exit from his cover he saw the battlefield for real, a sea of Demonic hordes, soldiers and magic could be seen for miles with the scent of death overpowering his nostrils as a soldier was blown apart right next to him.
"I was away too long I've got to end this as quickly as possible, my portals won't work properly here because of the Spatial distortion caused by Universe One so I'll have to look for Fairy Tail the old fashioned way …"
Just as Natsu was about to take a step several Demons caught sight of him and began to charge towards him, the Demons looked like abominations leaking the foul substance they called blood no doubt from wounds sustained on the battlefield.
"Sorry but I don't have time for you lot," Natsu said as he raised a hand as he Demons leapt into the air in an attempt to pummel him only to get blown back and blasted into cubes killing them instantly. "I've got to find the others in this madness and soon … I hope everyone is alright."
Little did Natsu know that everything was far from alright.
Natsu does a good thing and the worst happens at the same time, can't catch a break can he. So yes the Alvarez War has begun and it will go for some time with quite a bit of fighting. I'll explain at the start of the next chapter how exactly I plan on working the final arc but for now I hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one.
Oh and RIP Mavis please don't kill me for the savagery I just commited!