"They…they're gone…" Lucy trailed off as she saw the fated enemy, Jackal, slowly vanish from her eyes. She and Sophie watched as the historias around them began to fade from existence, leaving the air rather dry. "What happened…?"
Sophie looked at everyone. "Is everyone alright?"
They all faced another direction, seeing that they all were thankfully in one piece. Although very heavy in breathing for others, some were more so. The members that once made up the Oracion Seis were heaving somewhat, but that was all. Jellal and Bellona were lucky they only got out with a few scrapes, especially after their grueling battle against Pluto. Gray's group, Wendy, and everyone else all had their share of scuffles tucked beneath them now, but now was another matter itself. This was a time of essence, and they couldn't afford to slow down. Even if they wanted to.
Gajeel rolled his shoulder back, popping it into place. "Gowh!" he winced. "Man, that cruddy ninja cowboy really messed me up. The next time I see him, I'm gonna…"
"Let it go." Macbeth insisted. "And besides, we have more troubles to worry about."
Erik was barely keeping himself up. It was only because Kinana was able to get to him fast enough that he was supported so quickly. "Erik…"
Held by his precious "Cubellios", Erik opened his one eyes. "Hey, don't sweat it…" he staggered back up, albeit shakily. "Man, what a pin this getting to be." He mockingly teased.
However, with what he heard next through his sensitive ears, the wind howled as harshly as the spike he felt. His hearing picked up on a rather…disturbing sound.
Orion looked skywards, seeing the open hole in the sky. "Seems that pillar of light is gone."
"Yeah, I can see that too." Griffon said. "What was that you think? Aniya?"
The Requip Mage requipped here telescope again, getting the visual inside the lens to reveal graphs and magical readings. "…not sure. That one magic signature seems to have significantly weakened at this point." She put it down. "Guess the enemy was spurting magic for a last-ditch, but it's too vague to know from here."
"That case, let's get closer." Orion said. He and the others began to trek, but suddenly his eyes widened. 'Wait…this darkness…'
In a matter of second, the air got insidiously foul. Everyone there could feel it. Natsu and the Dragon Slayers themselves, they smelled it. This familiar sensation of darkness, and this abrupt change in the atmosphere. They could all feel their spines shrivel. Heartrates jacked up uncontrollably. Even Erza found herself completely stones by this Magic Power. No one could explain, but rather than make the ground and air tremble like most magical pressures did, this one was so massive that it was like the earth itself wasn't worth trembling. It was that heavy, and no one could move or say otherwise.
"What…what is this…?" Wendy could feel the world around her slowly spin from this force. "Carla…do you…"
Even in human form, Carla's hair was standing on end. "I feel that too, Wendy…this magic…it's incredible."
"I remember this feeling…" Sophie remembered all too well. She could never truly forget this ominous pressure, not in a million years. "Could it be…"
Gray glared up. "It's coming from up there!"
They all glared up with horror at very vague vibrations in the air. The actual airwaves had a jet-like roar in them that spread across the atmosphere. Some picked up on it quickly -especially Natsu. The Dragon Slayer smelled the air to confirm what he knew. By the look he gave the rooftop, he was right.
Him, and Erza both; the two felt the greatest chills running down their spines as they had a gut feeling of what went down. And they weren't liking it one bit. Only one word spilled from Natsu's mouth.
"Acnologia."
Erza's glare was as sharp as one of her blades. She seethed daggers into the atmosphere with her Aegislash on guard. The battle was far from over.
To say things were awkward would be a terrible understatement. There was no mistaking it, not to Nic or Nic-Greninja that is. The two could feel it, they knew it was real. This was no illusion; illusions don't give off this kind of Magic Power.
Neinhart musingly chuckled as he shakily arose from the ground. The atmosphere around didn't matter. By this point, his care for his own well-being was far from gone. "HahahahaHAHAHA!" His laughter turned uproarious. "Well now, Nic…just what will you do I wonder, against the greatest threat you had to take on? The threat we were supposed to destroy. The one who loathes you the most: Acnologia."
The air was so sharp that simply staring at one another was like cutting them mentally on the spot. Nic and Nic-Greninja calmed down as they fully turned and glared serious daggers at the historia that Neinhart used all his power for. The intensity on the air was already through the roof, literally.
A sharp, hollow wind passed them yet again, yet their purple eyes didn't leave Acnologia. Not for a split second. They retained their calm throughout the impasse.
"It's been a while, Acnologia." Nic said, a hint of dark seriousness in his tone.
The Dragon Slayer was quiet as he looked up and around him. He saw in the far distance. In his nose, he could smell the vague exotic sensation. He looked down at his feet, then at the distance to see flocks of odd birds flying about. Looking down with sharp eyes, he could see the others down below. He could see Natsu, and beside him was Charmander. Lucy had a Klefki, and many more magical animals that he's come to notice and enflamed with nostrils. Once he's taken it all in, he shot more glares at Nic.
Once more, the wind around them picked up.
"This world…it's different…very much so." He said. "I truly has been a while…new Dragon King."
Nic's disposition didn't seem to change. "I already told you. I'm not someone who's comfortable sitting on a throne." He testified. "Not by himself."
Acnologia silently acknowledged this. "I suppose if I was brought to reality again, that means someone is using me." He shot an intense leer to the side. The way he saw Neinhart grow paralyzed with fear by Acnologia's one glare was all the answers he needed. "I see…so be it."
Mere seconds of silence came between the three. The two-against-one glare was one even Neinhart wouldn't get between. The way Nic and Nic-Greninja looked so calmly, one couldn't tell if they sympathized or not. But they knew what came next, and that's when the wind finally stopped.
It was the exact moment the air grew dead silent when Acnologia blindsided ahead, while Nic abruptly exploded into green draconic bursts of energy alongside Nic-Greninja. A green spritz pulsated across the earth against a blue streak. In the middle did they infuse, creating perhaps the most intense shockwave that ripped open the atmosphere itself.
Neinhart screamed as he was blown away. "WOOOAAAH!"
The entire building's rooftop almost completely collapsed to bitter pieces like an earthquake as three forces conflicted. Shockwaves and magical maelstroms blew everything away in an instant when Acnologia's head collided with Nic, who was in his Rayquaza Legendary Force. Nic-Greninja was equally as determined, his dark and purple waters mixing with Nic's green pulsating energy that battled against Acnologia.
Their combined power made each floor of the building cave in. The shockwaves of their one impact caused a tremendous backlash of the walls crumbling, and the shockwaves soon shot into the ground. The down that was the foundation depressed once, even when it was but half a mile down. The ground was picked up by this shockwave, and through it all, the three weren't fazed in the slightest by that one impact.
Time slowed down as everything around them crumbled. It was time to get the fun started,
"W-whoa man! What's going on?!" Happy chirped.
"The ground is breaking around us! We're gonna fall!" Yukino worried.
Erza turned towards Mest. "Mest!"
The mage nodded. "Got it!" He spread his hands out towards the group. "Everyone stay put!" He concentrated his magical energy around him, suddenly vanishing with the others around him, mere moments before the courtyard they were on started cracking apart.
In mere instances later, they all found themselves teleported to the inner gates of the palace. They looked around themselves, seeing the shockwaves tearing up straight lines through the ground. One got so close to them that it made Charmander veer away.
"Even the shockwaves are reaching here!" Richard shrieked.
"But what in the world could create all this?!" Sorano shrieked.
"I don't know…" Aniya was looking through her scope again. This time, having been covered by Orion and Griffon, she glared skywards. Her graphs on the side were revealing ominous flows of Magic Power. The amount was so horrendous that they were literally ff the charts. Her entire body shivered as she glared up. "This is so messed up…what the hell is that thing?"
Orion glared up at the scene. There in midair, he saw three comets suddenly disappear, only to clash again in milliseconds at another point, and then another. It was continual, and each second, shockwave created literal colorful sparks in the atmosphere. 'This force…and this magic…this darkness that I feel…it's tremendous…it's almost making my own insides feel cold.'
"Acnologia."
Everyone turned towards Erza. "Come again?" Griffon asked.
Lucy was staggering. "Did…you just say…?"
Natsu said nothing. He was seething daggers of his own into the sky. He watched as the battle unfolded while the earth crumbled around them. But the earth was far from his mind.
Nic's eyes flashed open, releasing a violent roar of bone-shrilling frequency. The air shuddered as Acnologia glared from below. The Dragon Slayer glared up at Nic's roar of challenge, but he didn't forget the fast figure in front. Nic-Greninja reappeared with a serious face, meeting eyes with Acnologia is just for a split second.
The altered Ninja Pokémon suddenly unleashed barrages of punches and close-range combat. Each impact were nanoseconds of sheer blue limbs spurring with dead accuracy and bone-crushing force. But Acnologia parried with his one arm, his own speeds going unmatched to put Nic-Greninja in his place.
"I remember you." He seethed through a swipe. Nic-Greninja ducked in time as he missed the swipe. The shockwave went so far out that the bordering of the palace gate walls had suddenly reduced to dust a few seconds later.
With the low height, Nic-Greninja unleashed his move. "Scald!" A ripple of mist exploded as a straight pulsating beam of boiling, pressurized water erupted into hot, skin-burning fury against Acnologia. The pressure shot Acnologia across the ground, to which he tread deeply on for traction. The mist abruptly exploded, creating another humid eruption that bloomed like a Foongus.
From the top of the mist cloud, Acnologia shot clean out, but in the air, that's where Nic was waiting.
"Dragon Pulse!"
Seething an intense draconic energy into his mouth, Nic let loose a glistening, laser-like beam of dragon-shaped potency. The attack's head chomped own on Acnologia in midair, who tried covering up. The Dragon Slayer was able to withhold himself for a short while, managing a few grunts until at last the attack dissipated. When it did, he was face-to-face with a green jet-like beam that blitzed into him. He felt instant white in the eyes as the attack shot him into the ground, the Extreme Speed, digging up an intense trail that shredded clean through rock towards its bitter end. Yet through the smoky wake, midair debris was picked up, and a blue comet ricocheted skywards. From there, a green and watery bullet shot from below together. Their passing of other debris stones was so fast that they reduced to dust in midair.
The two bolts quickly caught p with Acnologia, sandwiching him in the climb. The two instantly began a continuous physical blowout against Acnologia. But before they could land their punches together, Acnologia seethed a glare before his body erupted in a shockwave of raw magical energy. The shockwave spread out, causing any stones not disintegrated already to do so. Nic and Nic-Greninja weren't blown up, but the shockwaves were a close one as either reappeared on the ground, out of bounds shortly. Yet the winds reached them, and yet they held on.
Acnologia harshly dropped to the earth, creating a volatile tremor that made everything flatten around him. His glare was as vicious as ever. The two returned the glares.
'Acnologia.' Nic thought.
Nic-Greninja also shared the sentiment. 'He's different,'
Acnologia smiled as he was between the two.
As the three were in another stalemate, watching from afar, Neinhart was glaring at them. He was perched on what was left of the rooftop, overviewing the "entertainment" he was given. With a face still doused in poison, his cheeks had a familiar color of that to his hair. Still, he smirked gleefully as he watched in satisfaction.
'Now this is entertainment.' He smugly thought. He watched Acnologia swipe his arm skyward, erupting two pillars of magic from beneath that Nic and Nic-Greninja easily dodged and closed the distance to strike. 'This power…this rush…the struggle even! Yes, this is truly a sight to behold…now then.'
Nic swerved through the air backwards, catching himself from being blown away by Acnologia. Neinhart raised a palm to his back with a big smile.
"How's about we make this more fun for me?" he chimed sweetly. 'Now's my chance to take out this fool. They'll all see what big mistakes they've made when I take him down thanks to that pathetic dragon…and, now!'
He took the shot. A sharp magical pulse tore through the air at Nic's back. The bullet-like projectile closed in, and Neinhart looked so happy… a blue beam intervened, blocking off Neinhart's attack, much to his horror. When he looked at it, he was speechless.
"What?!" Neinhart exasperated.
Nic glanced down nonchalantly, as if acknowledging the hand that reached out beside him. Acnologia's hand sizzled. He frowned angrily as he leered ahead at the attack he thwarted himself.
"H-Hey! Watch where you're aiming!" Neinhart backlashed. "Were you deliberately trying to…" He didn't finish, not when his eyes locked with the three beasts. He could feel all his blood run ice cold. 'W-wha…what the-?!'
Three animalistic growls echoed through the air. Planes of mental psyche would've been shattered by the sheer force of the straight glare by Acnologia, and the two shoulder glares by Nic and Nic-Greninja. All three said the same thing, and in unison, it was equally as scary.
"Stay out of this." They sniped.
Neinhart wanted to move, but his will was completely broken by the words spoken. All his strength was put into the sweat that froze on sight. He couldn't feel a thing, not even Toxic exhausting his lightheadedness some more.
With the weasel out of the picture, all three immediately shifted their gazes at each other before they respectively drew all their heads back. Acnologia's maw glowed, humidity withdrew into Nic-Greninja, and pulsating black and purple menacing energy flooded into Nic's own maw.
All three opened their mouths wide, expelling intense roars of Acnologia's magic, Nic-Greninja's Scald, and Nic's Hyper Beam. All three attacks met in the center, where the atmosphere cleared overhead as a pillar of atomic energy vibrated and exploded deep within the earth. Erupting blast waves disintegrated whatever debris there was, while the pillar shot skywards with ripples shooting for miles, wiping away all clouds that went throughout the skies afar. It even went as far as the shipwreck, where it surprised the others.
"Woah, the sky!" Matilda whistled.
Dereece covered his forehead with his hand, shielding from the sun. "Did somebody use Sunny Day?"
"I doubt it." Duncan scoffed. "My Magmortar can prove that. Besides, it'd be brighter. Which means…"
"Something's up." Liz said before snapping her gum. "I can feel it from here."
"Yeah, me too." Matilda looked at her hair. It was standing on end. And that doesn't happen too often. Even here, she could feel the air grow cold.
Vanessa looked ahead, her face cast away from the others. In the darkness lying the shadows of the sun, the Pularis girl was glaring forward. Her aura picked up something, and she wasn't liking it one bit. Even her own calm spine was shivering some. 'Nic. Erza…please, be alright.'
The pillar of energy dissipated, but its roar continued outwards over everyone's heads. The glints of residual energy distorted the actual airflow as the battle raged on.
"I see, so that is Acnologia." Orion was told of the creature by the others, and now he caught up to the dilemma. "I've only heard fables about him from my time with Demora. So this is the now fallen Dragon King in action."
"This power…is this really his magic level?!" Aniya was scanning the magical surges, but all of them were through the roof, much to her own shock. "I can't believe this!"
"Just what kind of a man has this much?" Griffon gazed up, looking like he was going to go cold any second.
"That's the dragon that taunted us years ago." Gray added a footnote as he thought back to that insidious time on Tenrou Island. "The only one unconscious at the time was Nic. If it weren't for the Legendary Pokémon coming, we'd be blown off the face of this planet for all we know."
"Legendary Pokémon…I see, so that night on July 7th…"
"You guessed it. But that's a long story as well." Gray looked deeper in thought. "But what I don't get is why that tyrant didn't decide to bring him back."
Happy looked downwards. "Probably because it might be impossible."
"Yeah, didn't Nic eras him and his energy from existence?" Lucy added.
Even now, the sour note was bringing everyone back to that night. First Tenrou Island, then the night that the world learned of Legendary Pokémon taking down dragons, altering time and space, and worst of all…the universal collision between Ragnarok Lysandre and Nic. Just the mere thought alone was enough to paralyze the likes of Erza in her face. Although her face showed more thought than actual resentment.
'So his magic can't work on those whose existence was altered then. If so, then that means not only Lysandre, but also…' The past drew a little further to a certain man who was tainted by the foulest monster imaginable. Nic's Uncle in the Impure Underworld truly was another phenomenon that was intangible, to her that is. For all their sakes it better stay that way.
"Is Nic alright up there?!" Kinana worried. Moments later, another pulse wave ripped through the air, causing her to be blown back into Erik.
"I gotcha!" He caught her in his arms. "You okay?!"
"Erik…" Kinana looked up, seeing her man smiling in comfort for her. It made her all the more assured now.
"If I recall, magic has no effect on Acnologia at all." Sophie said. "Which means, the only reach chance we have, is…"
All three sundered to the ground. The palace foregrounds depressed and erupted to an earthquake when Nic, Nic-Greninja, and Acnologia landed at the same time. The three shared the same confident, but equally as resentful, glares that could melt anything between them. The three released another unison roar before they collided for the umpteenth time, creating yet another shockwave upon physical contact that disintegrated the shockwave debris from their sunder.
The winds shifted pass everyone, and some debris went as far as to their feet, despite the distance they carried. Natsu's glare was fixed solemnly on the battle and nowhere else. Just looking deeper at it now made him think back to his own strife against the dragon. Sure he was a Dragon Slayer, so his pride was on the line, and truthfully, their prides were long extinct when Pokémon showed up. But he's come to accept that. He wasn't going to complain anymore about the circumstances, but the truth was magic has no effect. If this is what it takes to beat Acnologia again, he'll stomach whatever feelings he has. He came to this conclusion the day Nic had slain Acnologia.
But still, just looking at it made him feel something. He couldn't tell what, but just seeing Nic and Nic-Greninja go back and forth with the fury of a dragon made a small lurch expand inside his heart. It wasn't the liveliest sensation, but it was proof there were still parts of him that had to get by. Of course this didn't go unnoticed by Happy. "Natsu..."
"Happy…" Natsu faced his best friend, his disposition turning to a genuine smile. "It's cool, right?"
Happy nodded. "…Aye."
Within the rage cloud, shockwaves blew around, and within that maelstrom of madness, bodies of soldiers were being blown away, or in serious cases, crushed. The dire situation at hand was something pressing, especially for two people rushing to find cover.
Brandish turned to notice the people running at them. "Who's there?" Beside her, Dimaria also turned.
A foot stepped forward. "Guys, it's us!"
"Over here!" a manly voice echoed.
They all turned at the sound, getting the hints of the people heading their way. Suffice to say mild shock was shown as Lisanna and Elfman popped out of nowhere.
"Elfman! Lisanna!" Erza exclaimed.
"Erza! Everyone!" Lisanna caught up to them, with Elfman not far behind. "Are you guys alright?!"
"Don't worry about us, we're just fine." Erza's testimony wasn't reciprocated went another shudder from below caused them all to lose balance for a moment. Once it settled, she looked at them. "More importantly, are you both alright?"
"We're fine!" Lisanna shouted through another wake. Elfman got behind in an attempt to shield her. "Elfman managed to get us out before the whole place was coming down! Big brother Elf!"
Straggling a bit, Elfman looked back, giving a thumbs up at everyone. "Don't worry, we're alive. Takes more than a manly just to keep us down."
A shrilled cry of bloodthirsty calling was in the distance. Seconds later, a dark purple line blitzed at a silhouette in the distance, erupting upon contact in a magnetic field of purple and blue sparks. Bolts made dust clouds rage all around everyone.
"That's it. It's not safe here anymore." Griffon pointed out. "We need to pull out before we're annihilated. This is getting ridiculous!"
"Agreed." Orion turned towards Mest. "Are you able to make one more jump?"
Mest nodded. "Yeah, I can try."
"Wait a sec!" Lisanna looked back and forth, realizing something was off. "Something's wrong!"
"What is it?" Elfman asked.
"Wasn't Ajeel right behind us?"
Elfman's eyes widened and looked back. "Now that you mention it, he was behind us as the place was coming down." The ground shuddered again when he saw Nic glide across the battlefield in a straight line, lashing out Air Slash as he spun like a drill, sending the saws of aerial pressure down at the ground and around to shred and cause deep, intense ditches that Acnologia had to dodge. "Did he get caught up in the blast or something?!"
"Sure hope he's alright." Lisanna mournfully worried.
"We need to get out of here. It's too unstable." Jellal argued.
"He's right. Let's hightail!" Bellona followed his lead, all of them rushing. Although for Fairy Tail's group, Erza especially, they looked back one more time before Mest teleported them.
A dust wave dissipated when Acnologia swiped his arm. His cape flared as he stood on the opposite end of Nic-Greninja and Nic, who took the moment to land beside his partner and glare daggers at Acnologia. The contest of sheer unadulterated force made it clear – to them – what was up.
"You feel that too, don't you?" Nic told Nic-Greninja.
He nodded. "Yeah, all too well." Their attention sharpened on Acnologia. "And I think he does as well by now."
Acnologia took a second to look down at his palm. While his body had nothing but a few scrapes, he took another second to look at Nic and Nic-Greninja. He could see both had scrapes as well, perhaps more so. Yet they ignored the stinging to know by their gazes that he was waning. Acnologia couldn't hide it, but he smirked it off.
"Tch, how disappointing." He scoffed. "But no matter…" He smiled wide as he brought his palm back. Almost instantly, the energy spiraled into a heinous cyclone of raw Magic Power that caused the ground to depress once, then twice, and continual shreds rippled beneath his opponents, who were bracing themselves. "As long as I'm standing, I'm fighting to my last breath!"
Out of respect, Nic and Nic-Greninja smiled as their eyes glowed the same color. "Likewise…LET'S GO!" Together with Greninja, Nic raised his arm high with his partner as the purple on his body shined. A cyclone of dense, unbreakable water filtered between the two and caused another depression. It expelled outwards, washing away any loose gravel within the area. As the mist dissipated, it revealed both with one hand up each, holding onto the saucer that was the glistening purple Water Shuriken.
The air between them shuddered to where intense doesn't begin to describe it. The adversaries made the palace grounds shudder to where cracks were opening up, gushing out some dust around Acnologia, and water and updrafts from the atmosphere around Nic and Nic-Greninja. If one looked closer, spiraling air currents were torn between them.
Neinhart looked too frightened to be processing, even from a far away distance. "N-now…hold on! Wait! I didn't think it'd go like-!"
"BRING IT!" Acnologia roared.
The two violently roared in sheer lust for battle.
Neinhart could feel sheer terror fill his eyes. "Wait…WAIT~!"
The two let loose with their ultimate Water Shuriken, making a fissure literally explode with waves of water and drafts beneath as it rushed pulsating pressured tides on either side of the ongoing saucer. The saucer closed in at speeds as fast as light traveling. But Acnologia read it and roared heinously before all his pressure erupted ahead. His own fist connected with the shuriken, causing an energy ripple to expand outwards. The ripple shot overhead the entire city, again, dissipating the vapor on sight. Moments later, flashes of light beamed skywards before the bulbous waves abruptly collapsed. The atomic energy of pressurized water and energy, and the drafts created a literal hurricane of unadulterated power. The palace itself was reduced to oblivion, what was left of it of course. Miles upon miles of sheer destruction in the form of a pulsating dome in the center of a massive hurricane of magical energy flooded the city. The foundations tore to shreds, and city streets cracked pen to expel this Magic Power, while other avenues expelled.
Teleporting towards the far ends of the empire's walls, the monstrous wake still reached everyone else as they teleported on sight. Once their feet touched the ground, they were almost immediately picked up again.
"What the-?!" Griffon recoiled.
"Are you kidding me?! The magic's reaching even out here?!" Aniya looked ahead, her eyes shrinking in sheer fear of the massive turmoil and destructive climate the clash created. "Wha…what kind of level is this…?"
"Even from here, the power is out of control!" Macbeth covered up as a small wave of humidity rushed from a crack in the earth beside him. "So this is the power up close. How utterly terrifying."
"Don't worry, Yukino! I'll protect you!" Sorano rushed to hover over her sister protectively.
"S-Sorano?!" Yukino gasped.
Happy was nearly blown away if not for Natsu. "I gotcha bud!"
"Natsu!" Happy shrieked.
Lucy hovered behind as well. She held herself up, but her hair was flowing in the winds. "This is freaking insane! Are they really gonna end up destroying the empire like this?!"
"I don't think I even wanna know." Gray said, before his eyes narrowed. 'But I do know one thing…and it's that guy knows better. There's still people here. He might be having fun now, but he knows it's gotta end.'
Erza glared forward, holding her lips tight together as those brown orbs were praying for one thing. 'Nic…'
The shockwaves of their attack were finally coming to an end. Pulsating pressure finally subsided to allow the smoke, dust, and water vapor to clear away what was left…which was nothing but a bare battlefield. The concrete itself was picked up and annihilated.
There, standing in the dead center of it, two eyes of the same color stared down two intense eyes. Scrapes were covering both, but with their feet planted on the ground, the sounds of their roaring shockwaves faded into the atmosphere across the land, their field reduced to oblivion and flat dirt.
The three shared a long, grueling stare once more. Acnologia was the first to speak. "You've gotten strong." He remarked.
"Thanks." Nic half-heartedly said. "I wish I could reciprocate…but I don't."
Acnologia darkly smirked. Nic shared the same one with Nic-Greninja. They seethed more energy around each other and prepared for the next round. Even now, their blood was rushing. Their veins were gushing juice needed to fill their limbs with adrenaline. They both knew it was perhaps pointless now, but they wanted this. They needed this. Just one last time. To give the true respects the once bittersweet rivals had for each other. This was the recognition of a true battle.
Afar, Neinhart was able to use some of his magic to muster up some wind to keep him from suffering direct shockwaves. But still hampered, he was in no way able to get between the scuffle. His dying heart couldn't take this pressure.
'I didn't think it'd come to this!' he gasped in his thoughts. 'I asked for a show, not…this. Even now…why…why don't I get what I want? This is really bad. I have to find a way to get out of here and-GAH!' Toxic bubbles bubbled up again. The paling of his face strengthened as he hunched over in despair. He started to cough again, this time gagging poison than actual blood. "Bleh…it's no use…I can't even move…damnit! Damn you!"
They all ignored his calls of pain and cursing. They just focused on each other as they disappeared again, rushing to a high-speed collision.
As another pulse wave blew Neinhart in his face. He found himself unable to resist. Suddenly, he felt a familiar Magic Power behind. Footsteps were made noticeable to him. "Who's there?!" He looked back, seeing Ajeel of all people walk up behind him. "Ajeel…?" he wondered.
Ajeel said nothing. He gave his emperor a neutral glare, not one of arrogance or snark. Neinhart didn't seem to notice.
"Tch, took you long enough! Now hurry!" He arrogantly pointed as he was spilling blood on the sides of his lips. "Find an opening…and take that son of a bitch down. Make him pay for making a mockery of us…"
Acnologia went to strike with his palm, but Nic swatted it away. Off to the side, seconds later, the landscape completely picked up, pulsating shockwaves churning through the former palace borders. It sailed far, becoming a sea of dust that Nic didn't set sights on, either did Acnologia.
Neinhart's face began to twist into further darkness. "Help Acnologia. Give that beast an opening, and let Alvarez know-no, let the world know, that the real enemy has been vanquished!"
Ajeel said nothing in response. He walked towards Neinhart's side and observed without much as an arrogant threat. His once battle lust was filled with a void put there, one that he had to cope with. One couldn't tell if he was possessed or not. All that mattered was that he was given and order, and he leered at Nic's back to ready his shot.
"Yes, do it. Do it!" Neinhart eagerly shouted.
Ajeel concentrated his magic into a sandy bow and arrow. He slowly raised upon his majesty's order to point the spear-like tip at the ever-moving figures. Even now, they were moving so fast, and puffs of gust made it harder to aim.
"NOW! SHOOT NOW!" the emperor roared through his poison-filled tongue. "MAKE IT ENTERTAINING WHEN WE SHOW THEM HIS HEAD!" he broke into a cackling laughter to prove how insanely far low he's gotten. It was far too late to save him.
Ajeel aimed his arrow, waiting for the right moment when Nic would stop moving, or when he dodged into position. Once ready, Ajeel narrowed his eyes.
"Ajeel. You know what you have to do."
The voice of Yajeel guided Ajeel. He didn't know why, but he knew somewhere in his heart, he knew what he had to.
When Nic and Acnologia backed off again, their feet touched the ground. Neinhart's smirked widened cynically, and Ajeel let loose.
The arrow of hardened hand fired away until it hit something.
Neinhart was smirking happily, but soon he started feeling something numbing. "Gnnngh…what the…?"
Acnologia stopped to look as well. Nic and Nic-Greninja looked behind as they acknowledged his attention. When they turned, they all went wide-eyed in complete shock. The arrow had fired alright…just at the wrong person.
Neinhart looked down at his chest, seeing a protruding head of sand going right through the abdomen. His shuddering figure quivered in shock and pain. "What…how…?" His shuddering eyes slowly turned, seeing Ajeel's serious expression fixed on him alone. "You…what have you done…?"
Ajeel said nothing. His glare was all he had to know.
"You…you traitor…when I get my hands on you…" He felt something below just as his strength was fading. He noticed how he was beginning to sink lower, much to his confusion. When he looked down, he saw his ankles were already underneath a pit of quicksand Ajeel created. "NOOOOO!" he shrieked. "You…you're a disgrace! You've made a mockery of the emperor and Lady Irene's will! I will…I will get you…I-!" He struggled, but the painful strains only made him gag again as the Toxic finally made his blood turn purple. Sprays of the poison painted the sand purple. Although, within seconds, it sunk right in…just like Neinhart.
"Don't you know it's pointless struggling." Ajeel half-heartedly said.
"Ajeel…" Nic was surprised to say the least, but he and Nic-Greninja felt a familiar someone from behind. When they both turned, they saw Acnologia looking at them, standing still as his body looked to be fading in and out.
"Acnologia-!" Nic-Greninja gasped.
The Dragon Slayer said nothing. Instead, he simply smiled in acceptance as the light faded up his neck.
Nic's eyes narrowed. "…Acnologia."
His whole body glowed, yet the last things to fade was his face. Sparkles of him drifted pass them as he gave them a smirk. "Until we meet again…" Those were the final words, before the Dragon Slayer's imaginary figment faded away, for good this time.
Nic looked down, him and Nic-Greninja's energy finally depleting. At the same time, they both were overcast with energy veils, making themselves regular again. "…yeah. Same here." Nic mournfully said.
Greninja said nothing. He simply looked down with Nic at the small acknowledgement of their fallen foe. Perhaps if their battle had prolonged, it'd be a waste. This was like a little sign, a sign that showed Acnologia is moving along in the other world beyond them. As morbid of a thought as it was, it was the only thing to make them feel better.
But in light of this, they knew the threat behind and turned around.
Neinhart had no strength. He was slowly sinking, much to his displeasure. "This…this isn't…" He noticed the three shadows overlooking him. To his horror, he saw Nic, Greninja, and Ajeel glaring over him. "You…you think this is over? You really think this is your victory?!"
Again, they said nothing. Any kind of retort would've been needed or said for him, but Nic knew better. He knew the battle never ends. What was there to be happy about after everything that just happened. Some things were best left unsaid.
Neinhart was so dizzy as he was on the verge of death. He was up to his neck in the quicksand now, and all he did was snicker. "Well, this was fun…" he mused. He looked towards the sky, weakly reaching up at the blue radiance. In his eyes, he could see Irene smiling. "Lady Irene…your radiance…is truly…hahahaha…hahahaha! HAHAHAHAH!"
The sociopathic antisocial tyrant was laughing himself to no end. He has lost all means of sanity as the sands slowly sunk him below. The poison Nic filled him made his eyes roll to the back of his head as it was swallowed by the sank. The twitching arm he had up was numb as the wrists went limp. Slowly, the three watched with pity as the signals were all too clear. Neinhart's hand slowly sunk last, fading into gunk that was his tomb.
Standing now over a pit of sand, there was an eerie silence between the pair. Nic and Greninja looked at Ajeel, who gazed at them half-heartedly. At that moment, they knew by the way he stared, it showed a different set if eyes. Ones that seemed calmer compared to what he was this morning. Life lessons were learned, body counts were staggering, and a hefty price was paid from both sides.
Finally having enough, the Sand Mage glared daggers at Nic before he finally looked down at the sands again, unable to even ball a fist. All Nic and Greninja could do was silently accept his lack of will to fight back.
On this day, at that instant, the will of the Alvarez Empire, the strongest military force, became loose grains in the sands of time.
Sunlight had soon dwindled into the distance, leaving the open office windows to allow radiant full moonlight. The lunar-like energy shined brightly against Arthur's back as he was scribbling away at what looked like documents for supplies and demands by fixed clients. Beside him were two empty flasks of wine. Whether it was slight alcohol or his exertion of work strung by threats was debatable.
He stopped for a moment to sit back in his wheelchair. He glanced over his shoulder to stare at the bright full moon. He was more than surprised at how huge it was, and moreover, how bright it was. "Is the moon always this bright at night?" he mused to himself.
A knock came at his door. "Sir!"
He recognized the voice. "What is it, Marie? You can come in."
The door opened, allowing Marie access to his office. "Sir! We've got important word that you need to hear!" she snapped.
Arthur looked genuinely surprised. "Is that so? What's rushing you, Marie?"
Marie scuffled to his desk and stood completely still. "Sir, we've just received news regarding the Alvarez crusade that was about to happen tonight." She started. "Their top forces were all defeated. The brigade that we've sent was a success in thwarting their plans!"
Rather than outright celebrate, Arthur frowned. "…is that so?" That frown turned to a smiled. "I see."
"The alliance we have sent confirmed this. Images were shown to us and we have full consent to take action necessary to the cause." Marie noticed how Arthur folded his fingers and was overall silent. "…sir? Sir?" she asked. "Are you feeling well?"
"Hmph." He chuckled. "Sorry, Marie. Guess I was a little lost in thought is all." He looked back up at the moonlight radiating his white hair. "I had a feeling in my gut that Nic wouldn't let me down."
Marie nodded in understanding. "It seems thanks to him now this embargo we've been approved of can finally lift…hm, wait a minute." She looked over to his side, seeing a few wine glasses neatly filed up beside one another. "Hold…sir! Have you been drinking wine while working again?!"
Arthur looked back, calmly holding up an empty flask. "Oh, that reminds me. Marie, could you pour me some more. I'm feeling rather excited after this news."
"Sir…" Marie groaned. She knew there wasn't a point. "Fine. Just this once."
"Thank you. Oh, and bring me the whole bottle while you're at it."
"Yes, sir." She walked away in the distance. "If only this world wasn't so scarce on ibuprofen."
In the lush darkness of the moonlight, another landscape was overlooked by forests and mountains that were flowing out as far as the eye could see. Murkrow flew in a small flock over the tree canopy. They were the bringers of bad luck, a fitting theme to suit the darkness in which the forest had kept.
Deep within this tone's tune, a dark-cloaked mystery figure walked passively through the woods under the masquerade of shade. She had a crystal ball in hand and smoked came from the pipe she had fuming from the side of her mouth. By the looks of things, this Spriggan knew where to go from here.
She silently walked into the darkness, letting out one more puff of smoke before it fizzled to thin air, just like her business in the empire. "What path does the future hold now?" she wondered. "Let's see as this story unfolds…I'm dying to know."
A day after the victory they've ascertained, the allied forces managed to set up a base camp in the woods after reconvening with everyone else. Since the ship was beyond possible repair at this point, they made do with the supplies they currently had and settled down for a while. Nic and Wendy tended to the injured with their Healing Magic and Heal Pulse, healing the physical wounds. Although, the mental wounds were another story.
The Peace Jaegers learned from Joey about the fate of Broly, and suffice to say that they were less than happy, and no one could blame them. The guilt Joey felt was deeper than any blade, and he thought they'd kill him. But surprisingly they just silently accepted the consequences.
Speaking of The Freaks, things were a little quiet with Duncan without a kendo stick. He knew that when he had to get back, he would have to make plans to find a suitable substitute. As for Dereece, he held two Poke Balls. It took convincing, but he finally opted to capture the Yanma. Apparently the insect was too fond of them to be let go. So, being the nice guy, he caught it, leaving him with two Bug-types now.
Aniya was admittedly quiet as well. She was distraught over the death of her comrade, but equally as such with the experience and trauma of killing the lamia that ate her sister. A lifetime of pain and anger came to an end, leaving her hollow.
The others were licking their own wounds and waiting around for their next course of action. That is, until Ajeel, Dimaria, Decker, and Valeria wandered into their camp. Brandish the one who chose to speak with him. "I see you're doing well, Ajeel." she stated casually.
The Sand Mage neutrally shrugged. "You can say that."
"We heard about what happened to Minister Yajeel from Lisanna and Elfman." she frowned. "I'm sorry."
As painful as it was, Ajeel meekly looked down. "Don't mention it…" he looked up. "How're you guys?"
Brandish shrugged. "As you can see, we're holding…" she looked back at Natsu. "Although, the pink-haired boy truly has a bottomless stomach. Our rations are nearly out because of him."
From the distance, Natsu let out a large burp. "Ah, yeah! Now that's a banquet!" he cheered.
"Aye, sir!" Happy cheered.
Ajeel did an eyeroll. "Well glad someone is happy."
Behind Brandish, Nic and Erza walked up. "So how's it going?" Nic asked. "About the empire?"
Dimaria glanced away shamefully. "Unfortunately, the empire is completely gone. The Spriggan Pluto and Naga in long-standing recovery, as is Glynda. As you can see, Decker is fine…but the rest were all killed."
"And I take it you're not looking for an apology, right?" Brandish huffed.
Ajeel folded his arms. "This is what Neinhart wanted. This is the price we pay for war." A guilty look crossed his face. "And I just now realize what it means to lose so much."
A nudge from the side caused him to look down. He saw that Trapinch was there, looking up at him. And a caw overhead signaled Yajeel's Wingull that found a perch on Ajeel's shoulder, much to his discomfort.
"You have each other. That's something to prosper in." Erza vaguely smiled. "It's never fun to be alone in times like this."
"So what are going to do now?" Nic questioned. "I'd imagine you'd need some time to think things over, right?"
Ajeel sighed. "I've already made up my mind." He gave them all a rather disgruntled expression. "My grandpa let me big shoes to fill, and I just now learned the hard way how to handle real work…so I think I can at least try and do something. Though I doubt it'll go well." He looked down in dejection again.
"You'll be fine." Nic smiled. "If you think you can get passed wars and loss, I think there's a chance for all of us, don't you?"
Ajeel meekly smiled. "I'm not playing kissup for you or anybody." He retorted. "But I think I get it…I'll give it shot, but don't count on it. But tell that stupid foundation that they can start shipping that stuff again."
Nic reached a hand out. "So we cool?"
Ajeel hesitated, but slowly, he accepted the handshake. "Yeah, we're cool." They shook hands, signaling the truce they've made. "Hey, Brandish."
Brandish perked up.
"Guess since I'm in charge now, guess that means I make the rules, huh? In that case…would you be willing to come back?" he pleaded. "We…could use your help."
Brandish's eyes slowly widened. Shock overwhelmed her from the ground up. "You…what…?"
Lucy smiled. "Did I hear that right, Brandish? You're welcomed back!" she chirped. "This is great news!"
Brandish hesitated for a second. She looked away in shame. "Even after everything that's happened…I'm not sure…" she glanced at Ajeel. "How can I even agree to this?"
Ajeel groaned angrily. "I hate doing this. But I guess I got no choice…" he started lowering himself to the ground. "Brandish…everyone…"
They all turned to see with some surprise shock as Ajeel and the survivors were getting down to their knees and were slowly bending over. They all stood atop as the newly crowned man was doing a ceremonial plea as a token of apology.
"On behalf of the empire, we are sorry for everything we have done." He said dryly. "We have caused trouble, and beg for hopes of good."
"Ajeel…"
He lifted his head. "I know it's a lot to ask, but Brandish…can you please come back? We need help to rebuild, and as a pain as it is, we need you."
Brandish looked down with shock. No words could come to mind for the former Spriggan. She gazed down at Ajeel's head with shock overcoming her. What could she have possibly said or do speak of it. When she looked over at Dimaria, she could see a solemn plea in her eyes as well. She started thinking back to when she spoke to her after her loss, so in a way, even now, Dimaria needed help on a path still. Though she wasn't outwardly going to say it, she could feel slight joy pick her up inside. She gave them all a long, grieving sigh.
"What a pain this is all getting to be." She exasperated. "…but okay."
Natsu stood up with a big smile. "Well guess that means we've done good then!"
"Yeah, thanks for everything!" Wendy chirped.
"Yeah, whatever."
Orion stepped up from behind with all his comrades. "Miss Brandish." He got her attention. "I take it this means that the job we were hired to do has been accomplished then?"
Brandish half-heartedly gazed at them and nodded. "Yes. You have been paid in great deal for your services. This means we have now reached the end of our contract."
Orion nodded. "Then this means our business here is over." He looked back at everyone. "Peace Jaegers, get ready to move out."
"Hold up. You mean you're leaving?" Gray gasped.
"I'm afraid so." Orion reasoned. "We've done what we were hired to do. We have no further obligation to stay in the holds of Brandish if our job here is accomplished." He folded his arms. "That said, you should be finding your own way home as well. You came to stop a potential war, did you not?"
"He's right." Jellal stood up. "Our mission in this alliance was to bring justice to empire who was to bring havoc if not for our interference. I'm afraid we have to do the same."
Erza nodded in understanding. "Very well then. Everyone, pack your supplies, we're moving out."
Gray approached Orion, extending his hand of gratitude and friendship. "Hey man, just wanna say thanks for everything you've done…you've really helped me out."
Orion turned towards Gray, smiling as he shook hands. "The honor is all mine, Gray Fullbuster. I was honored to have met another Devil Slayer whose heart is now cleansed."
Gray smiled. "Well I have you and others to thanks for that." He turned towards Juvia, who knew she was one of those people. Hearts filled her eyes, and Lyon smiled. Beyond those, his gaze went towards Nic, who was talking to Ajeel with Erza about their regards. He turned towards Orion and nodded. "Best of luck to ya."
"And to you."
Lucy walked up to Brandish. "So then…I guess you're staying here then?" she said to her friend.
"Yes, so it would seem." She replied. "I thank you again for helping us."
"Yeah, me too." Lucy's smile softened to somber joy. "Maybe, when you're not too busy, we can probably come and visit each other sometime."
"Don't push it." She sternly replied. She went for a handshake as well, but Lucy brought her into a hug. The action left Brandish warm and fuzzy as the blonde held her tight.
"Yeah, I'll miss you too." She said quietly.
Brandish was stone cold for a moment, but slowly, her own gaze softened. Her eyes also started to mist, and she softly smiled as she returned the hug back. She and Lucy held each other, fearing of when the friends would have to go.
Watching the sentimental vision from afar, Dimaria figured she had to make amends as well. A certain someone was nearby that she had a bitter grudge on once, but she chose to follow Brandish's lead and walked over towards him.
Natsu turned towards her. "Huh? Oh, hey, it's you. How've you been?"
Dimaria swallowed a lump, her gaze on him unsound. "De…Natsu." She struggled to say. "I just…want to apologize for everything I've done. I…wasn't thinking straight."
Despite how she felt, the Dragon Slayer offered his trademark smile. "Hey, it's all good, right?" he asked. "Glad you guys are coming around for a change. You've got a lot to do, right?" He reached out as well. "Well if you need help, talk to us. I wouldn't mind seeing ya again."
Dimaria looked down at Natsu's hand, wanting to pull way, but seeing how he was so kind, she hesitated, but eventually she shook his hand. His grip was so warm than an incinerating hot. She looked up at him, seeing his equally warm smile. It was infectious enough to make her softly smile back.
Kevin was sitting on a rock by The Freaks as Valeria and Decker approached him. Immediately he stood up. "Uh, yeah…? Is everything alright?" he asked shakily.
Valeria turned towards Decker, who nodded at her. She nodded back, and she approached him with something her hand that she offered him.
"What…? Wait, are you for real?" She looked down at the small lacrima in hand. When he clutched it, it started glowing, suddenly expanding into the massive kite that she rode on. "Woah, what the-?!" He looked back to them in shock. "Wait, what's going on?"
"It looks like they're giving you a parting gift." Pantherlily said.
Macbeth grinned. "It makes sense. You did save her life, did you not. I believe this makes you even now."
Kevin looked down at the kite, scrutinizing it with surprise. He recalled how well it flew upon command. It honestly made him nervous just thinking about it, but he accepted out of gratitude. "Thanks." He said modestly. "I don't know what to say…"
Of course Decker knew. He had a kunai pointed to Kevin's face the first chance he got. Kevin paled as he gave him a death glare, then shifted his eyes to Valeria, then back to get the message across. Beads of sweat ran down the Trainer's face.
"Uh…got it." He gulped.
Matilda elbowed Vanessa's arm. "Hey, catch ya later, okay girl?" she winked. "Better get the croc ready for another match next time we meet."
Vanessa calmly smiled. "I'll be certain to keep that in mind." She was again tapped from the side, revealing Liz as she offered one last piece of gum for her. "Thank you." She accepted it. "You take care as well."
Liz slowly popped a bubble, nodding her head calmly.
Richard petted the Hippopotas that he was able to befriend from before. The guy was calmly snoozing, while a snot bubble expanded and contracted. "My young friend, are you ready to come along."
The snot bubble popped, and Hippopotas blinked. "Hm? Huh?" He looked up at Richard. "Where are we going now?"
"To our home continent. I trust that you will be of great help from me, just as you were before. Are you willing?"
Hippopotas stood up and nodded. "Sure, okay!"
"Great!"
Richard wasn't the only one to gain out of this. While he was able to capture the Hippopotas he battled with, certain other Pokémon were debated on. More specifically, the ones that piqued Kinana and Erik. With Lia having been killed, and no one else to turn to, the Ekans and Seviper she had as pets had no one. Out of the sheer kindness of their hearts, Kinana and Erik opted to take the in, much to their mild pleasure. Surprisingly, they were very obedient about it.
Kinana petted Seviper head, making it hiss. "Are you sure this okay, Erik?"
I don't see why not, besides." Ekans hissed over his shoulder. He smirked as he scratched the underside of her chin, making her hiss lightly in glee. "I think these guys like us."
Kinana nodded and turned towards Seviper. "We're not like that lamia. We'll take really good care of you, promise."
She and Erik stared at each other, slightly out of adoration. They knew that when the time came they would have to depart again, but they didn't mind. They knew they'd hear each other again. Erik could hear his precious Cubellios from miles away. But for now, they'll enjoy the other's company until their respective guilds depart.
"Uh…hey, listen." From the side, Aniya appeared.
"Aniya, hey, how's your injuries?" Wendy asked.
She gazed discerningly. "They're fine. But listen…" She turned to the group she had battled with, her entire figure shuddering. "I…I…" She hesitated, swallowing a lump. "I just…you know, wanted to say that I was sorry." She admitted shamefully. "I really caused you guys a lot of trouble with my phobia. Really, I didn't want to make you think it was that personal."
Erik folded his arms. "Hate to break it to ya, but it was personal before we even met."
"Erik." Kinana sniped.
"No, he's right." Aniya groaned. "I didn't mean to take it out on you or think badly or anything. It's just…" she clutched her arm tighter in shame. "Those maws took my sister away. I was all alone. But now that she's avenged…maybe…just maybe…we can get along?" She looked at Kinana. "Uh…thanks for, you know, saving me…even when you were a snake."
Kinana smiled. "It was no trouble. I hope your phobia goes down."
"It will…especially after today." She then turned towards Ekans, who was hooked around Erik's shoulder. The serpent looked neutrally at Aniya. Those snake-like eyes once fazed her, but now that she's come to accept things, maybe there was hope for her. Gingerly, and slowly, she reached for the Ekans, although she was off to the side to avoid the maw in case of poisonous bites.
With a gulp, she nervously stroke her scales once. The light brush didn't faze Ekans much, but she didn't mind. Aniya pulled back.
"Bleh…scaly." She deadpanned. The group snickered for her attempt. "Oh shut up!"
Griffon shook hands with Sophie. "Hope you continue making memories."
"And hopes to you and your ways." Sophie smiled. "I hope you continue with the peace you make for yourselves."
"That's what we live for, right?" he winked at her.
Kagura stepped forward to the group. "So then, suppose there's a way to get home? The ship is broken, so I doubt we'll have supplies to repair it again."
"We'll supply you with another ship." Dimaria said. "You can take the Pokémon that were taken to here back as well. We'll work with what we've for." She looked at the Dragon Slayers. "And don't worry, we'll make sure the ships have lacrima to stabilize your…condition."
"Really?! That's awesome!" Natsu cheered. "No motion sickness for this flight! Yeah!"
Nic nodded. "You have our thanks." We looked back at everyone. "Well then, guess this is it. C'mon, let's get going."
"Right." They all agreed.
"Wait…"
All attention went from the others towards someone else. Dereece especially looked over. "Joey?"
Looking down at the ground, Joey was deeply frowning, as was his Chespin. His arm was able to heal thanks to Nic's Heal Pulse, but his heart was gravely wounded. It didn't sit right leaving things the way they were. Normally he'd wanna party, but this tune was different, and he felt obliged to carry it out for a certain someone.
Looking back at everyone, their eyes started to mist a little. "There's still one more thing we need to do…"
The atmosphere had long gone silent in the joint link high in the sky. When night had fallen, by that time, three aerial ships were prepared. One for the Alvarez, one for the Fiore mages, and one for the Peace Jaegers to head their own way. Once they reached the border of Alakitasia, all three ships had docks loaded onto one giant ship. And the giant ship was for a good reason.
A candle was lit amongst several others. The air was fueled with small candles to set the mood. Meanwhile, beside a bed of flowers where a body laid on, hands dropped objects for each corner. Griffon offered a small empty toast bottle that Broly and him shared once. On another part, Matilda sat a small set of flowers as an offering. Aniya also chose to let go of something as well, as she set her broken visors along the edge. And finally, Liz sat down her broken headphones as her sacrifice.
Everyone was gathered around the two bodies on two beds. On a bed of flowers, Yajeel and Broly's bodies were preserved as their eyes were closed. Offerings from those closest were accounted for to see them off. All heads were bowed, save for Duncan as he leaned against the wall, but still had his head down.
Ajeel overlooked Yajeel's body as he gazed down at his head. Trapinch was off to the side, while Wingull was on Ajeel's shoulder, also mourning.
For the Peace Jaegers, it was also a grave yet honorable loss. They don't do funerals, so this felt out of customs. However, this was what Joey wanted. He wanted to see his teacher off one last time.
At Broly's head, Joey had hands to his side as Chespin, Dereece, and everybody else were offering their prayers for the man who changed his life.
"I uh…I don't even know how to say this." Joey breathed. "But…I always wanted to know what it was like to have a dad, or someone who was there to give you a scolding…my mom, she wasn't anything like that. I didn't have anybody to look to, and Dereece always screwed up."
Dereece shot Joey a look. It was a blind lie, but out of respect, he chose to let it slide.
Joey swallowed before he continued. "I…I never grew up with a dad, or teachers that really liked me all that much. Mostly because they thought I was a nuisance at times when I was supposed to be studying…I try, but…they didn't appeal to me…not until I met Bro."
Orion lifted his head to look at Joey.
"When I first met him, he really was such a badass. He was strong, and confident…but what I think really compelled me was…maybe he felt like me in a way. Someone who tried, and looked up to someone…and he followed in his footsteps, until he had to go and tread his own."
Elfman looked down with Lisanna, and both were mourning for Yajeel and Broly. Though they felt personal with Yajeel, they knew this was just as important to Joey.
"He was a real man, who had compassion, and knew what to do…he was someone who really appealed to me." His eyes began to mist hard, sniffling once. "I never had a teacher who actually took an interest in me, and give me something to really look forward to. I always just admired people from afar, but Bro…he was the first one who was actually there to teach me."
Nic and Erza looked somberly at one another. He then looked at Vanessa. All three were aware he admired them as well, but they didn't help at all. It was Broly who helped Joey.
"He taught me what it was like to really know a connection from someone, a-and to be aware of your surroundings…and know to take fights seriously." He swallowed again. "He was so calm in battle…but he was compassionate, and walked me through it, even when his life was at stake…he helped me, even when I was selfish."
Ajeel could feel his own heart ache. In a way, he understood the pain Joey felt. His grandfather was doing everything to set him on the right path, all the way to the bitter end. And he was greedy, and arrogant, and selfish especially. He never knew how gravely things were different up until recently, now when he looked back at it, he regretted not helping sooner. But that was in the past now.
"I guess in a way…I actually did find the one person to look up to in my life and set me straight. And showed me to be more responsible…and it was you, Bro. You were the only one who gave me that push that I needed."
A small silence fell amongst them again as Chespin quietly drooped his pins again.
Joey began to weep tears that poured down his cheeks. "…I had an awesome teacher." He sniffled.
Gray, Lyon, and Ultear all looked at each other to think the same way. All their thoughts ran to their own teacher, Ur; mother in Ultear's case. In a way, she was the very foundation of why and how they became their own persons, so they could relate to what Joey was going through. Acknowledging the reciprocation, they looked down again.
Dereece put a hand on Joey's shoulder, urging him to continue. With a swallow, Joey continued. "What I'm trying to say is…you never know how precious someone truly is to you, until it's gone…" He lowered his head, silently weeping for his fallen teacher. "Bro…you found your peace because of me. I was so glad to have met you, and to learn from you…I hope that I can try and be a man that you were, and live to be that way until the end…thanks Bro. For everything."
Liz swallowed her own lump to try and keep her cool. Griffon put a hand on her shoulder, hoping it would stabilize her. Matilda and Aniya looked down in remorse. Orion kept a straight face through.
With what was needed to be said done, everyone parted away from the bodies as Brandish forward. "May the spirits of these two souls be free when we go our separate ways. We shall ignite the ship, and let it sail to the beyond. Now…" she pivoted and walked off. "It's time."
Ajeel gave his deceased grandfather one last look before he turned away. Grimacing how, he took a sharp breath before he turned with his group. "
Everyone started following their own ways back through the three tunnels of their own ships. They all went their ways. Although Joey rushed to catch up with the Peace Jaegers before they entered their own tunnel.
"Guys…" he said. "I'm so sorry. I…I didn't mean to have Bro go and…and…"
Matilda shook her head. "No, Joey, you got it all wrong. We could never hate you for what you did."
"But…"
"She's right. Stop making it a big deal." Griffon insisted. "Besides, we all went through the same thing." He looked down at his feet. "We've lost more members than what we can count."
"Number 68…" A silence fell as everyone looked at Orion. He had arms folded as he thought of the random number. "That's the total members we have lost now." He responded. "Listen, Joey, Broly was a long-standing member. He became one of us in hopes of finding peace. If he has chosen you to pass his magic onto, then I am certain he left this world with no regrets. We wanted to find his peace before he died…that's the quest the Peace Jaegers take. And I'm certain that he wouldn't want you to see you like this." He softly smiled. "And besides…for as long as I have known him, not once did he ever let any of us call him 'Bro'. It really shows how much faith he had in you. You're special, Joey. And you should be proud of that."
Joey still had trouble comprehending, but for the most part he got it. "…yes, sir." He said.
"Also…" Matilda rubbed her arm as she looked down. "I didn't want to tell you this because I thought it wasn't a big deal…but Broly told me something before we joined forces."
"That guy Joey may be eccentric, but he has a passion that spells potential." Broly said. "It actually reminds me of myself at times. Who knows, maybe if we join up on this mission after all, perhaps he can show me more of his potential. I can't wait to see what he can do."
Joey did all that he could to keep his tears at bay. "Thanks, Bro…" he swallowed.
"We're not going to tell you how to do what you can. That's for you to do." Griffon said. "In the meantime, don't worry about us. We'll go on. The road is a perilous one after all, and it's a job we take."
Rather than say anything, Liz walked up to Joey to hug him farewell. Even she was in pain from Broly's death, but she had to suck it up. Joey reciprocated the comfort, if only a few seconds. Once parted, Matilda lightly punched his shoulder and winked.
"Be seeing ya around, kid." Together, they all turned away.
As he walked away, Orion smiled. "Take pride and live. Live to be the kind of man that Broly saw in you. Until then."
Joey watched as the Peace Jaegers blessed him with nothing but good luck. In all honesty he expected them to hate him forever. He knew he'd hate whoever messed or hurt Dereece or the others. But, when he thought about it, that is what Broly wanted, to die with peace. Who knows? Maybe he'll find his peace someday.
"Captain Joey." Dereece intervened. "It's time."
Joey bucked himself up and nodded. "Yeah, yeah. I'm coming…" he looked down the hall one last time to see the mercenary guild take off. He turned as well. "C'mon, Chespin." The Grass-type rushed to follow him.
As the Fiore mages walked down their own corridor to the haul of their own ship, Kevin was falling behind as he waved up. "Uh, excuse me? You?"
Up ahead, Richard turned back with the Poke Ball containing his new Hippopotas. "Hm? Yes? Hello my friend. Is all well?"
Kevin rolled his neck and shrugged. "Uh, sure. But I…" he cleared his throat. "But hey, listen. I kinda looked into it, and Nic's wife told me that you have a brother you're searching for, right? So, I'm not sure if this'll help but…" He reached into his pocket, pulling out a piece of paper. "I hope this is something."
Richard looked down at the paper and shakily reached for it. He stared down at it, seeing a town, a location, and a name to match. His eyes were wide with sheer shock. "What…d-do you mean…that you…"
"Yeah, she filled me in on the details. I looked up your brother with what I was given and that's as close as I got. I'm not sure if he's still there or not, but I thought after everything, maybe you'd-!"
He was cut off when Richard pulled him into an embrace. The Search Mage was caught surprised, but he didn't fight as the larger man gave him a comforting hug as tears started swelling in his eyes. "You have given me a blessing on this day, my friend." He silently wept. "Even if it is a small note, I'll take it. You truly are a good man."
Kevin meekly smiled. "Nah, I got issues…I thought after everything that's happened, I think we all could use a little closure. Hope for the best."
Mest walked up towards the rest of Crime Sorciere as they made it to the docking area. "Glad you made it, I needed a word with you all." He said.
"About what?" Meredy asked.
"Better not be a side job, because I'm beat after all this." Sawyer scoffed.
Mest ignored them, showing them all a letter he handed to Ultear. "This was set to us just a few hours ago by a messenger Pidgey. Apparently the princess wants to see you all in person as soon as you get back.
"What?" Bellona looked at Ultear. "Is this true?"
The Time Mage looked at the document in her hand. She scrutinized it considerably before she got to the print and signature on the bottom. Her eyes narrowed. "This is legit. It's no fake if the print is on it."
"You mean she wrote that herself, huh?" Erik asked. "Well this'll be interesting, more so than these ships that aren't making me sick or nothing. About time."
"Yes, well, let's not get our hopes up. We still have to get back." Jellal said. "Erza, I trust you and the rest of the alliance will be parting ways once you reach shore?"
Erza nodded. "Yes. Thanks for everything. You've all been a gracious help. We are in your debt."
Duncan walked passed everyone. "Enough said. Let's get going already."
"Yeah, let's move." Sting said, with Rogue and Minerva agreeing.
Once everyone had left the massive flying ship, the bridges all closed. They retreated to the other ships, leaving them all to slowly drift away. Meanwhile at the sterns of each ship, three small flames were present. Decker with a flaming kunai, Aniya with a flame missile locked and loaded, and Sagittarius summoned by Lucy with an arrow covered in fore thanks to Natsu.
"May these souls' ashes rise to the heavens, free from their bodies and into a new world." Brandish said.
Upon command, Erza chopped forward. "Ready…fire!"
All at once, Decker threw the flaming kunai with precision. Aniya fired a stream of missile-like fire, and Sagittarius fired the arrow. Altogether, the attacks whistled as they arched down onto the ship in different areas. Rather than catch the ship on fire, the strangest thing happened. The wood of the ship began to reduce to golden ash. As the "flames" began to expand slowly, the radiant ashes from embers billowed skywards, escaping into the atmosphere.
All three ships watched sight as they departed separate ways. The Alvarez ship was slowly drifting back to its empire, where reconstruction was to be held. As for the Peace Jaegers, their ways was unknown. They'll go somewhere where they can be. And for the Fiore mages, their course was for home. With destinations afoot, it was time to get going, while watching the flying ship was stationary and drifted magical particles skywards.
Joey was watching at the edge of the stern, his eyes glued to the whole sight. His tear-stained eyes reflected the embers of which consumed the body of his teacher and new friend. Suffice to say that he couldn't contain his memories from flowing.
"Who am I, you ask? Well…I guess it would be rude of me to not answer a question." He pointed a thumb to himself, smirking with pride. "They call me Broly!" He pointed at them accusingly. "And I'm here to kick your asses!"
"You know what, I like you, kid! You got spunk!"
Joey was thinking back to the events that lead to now. He thought to when he first met Broly on that job, and how he was fond of Joey, despite them being enemies. Just bittersweet memories. Then he started to think about the second time they met.
"Remember what I said last night about mercy. When you get into a serious fight, you need to save your breath…because if you really want to praise your opponent, do it when they care. Otherwise, your guard will be as dead as you."
"You're a strange guy indeed." He complimented. "You know this world can use guys like you who can keep everyone guessing. It would make the world a much happier place that way."
"Bro…" Joey looked skywards, continuing to look sad, and yet at the same time was trying to be proud. A soft, yet warm smile pressed on his face.
"He really was a good man, you know." Dereece said, standing right Joey to watch the funeral pyre in the sky. "Look, despite what happened, I just want you to know…I'm proud of ya man."
Joey nodded. "Yeah…" Of course when Dereece said "good', his mind went to more of Broly.
"…Bro."
Joey looked at him in question. "What?"
"You can call me Bro from now on. No need to be so formal around me anymore. Got it?"
"You sure about that?"
"Hey, I wasn't taught to be a liar." He countered. "So how about it?"
A silence fell as Joey blinked. He grinned and gave a cheeky thumbs up. "Cool. Sure thing…Bro."
Joey looked down at Chespin, who was equally as thoughtful. The blonde softly smiled as his eyes misted again. "…yeah…he really was a good guy, wasn't he?" He looked back, staring at the flames. "Goodbye…Bro."
The flames continued, and the Alvarez people went away. As they watched the ashes flutter into the sky, they started to realize their own follies and realizations. Dimaria was silent, as was Brandish. They were deep about this, but not as much as Ajeel, who was thinking about Yajeel the whole time. As he watched the ashes go up, he was thinking to himself and how terrible he was.
"I called it! I knew that creepy troll would goof up! Now I get permission to take the new fleet for a spin?! Invel sometimes you make the best calls!"
"What are you, stupid?! A god is someone who never loses! Someone who has all the power he needs to crush anyone who stands in his way."
"What's the point of power if you can't exercise it?!"
When he realized how faulty he was he wanted to just shoot himself. He made a big mistake before, and only now after his only salvation was dead did he truly get it. "Grandpa…" he muttered as he stared up at the ashes. The only comfort he was offered was when Trapinch brushed him again. Ajeel looked down, giving him a small glare to make Trapinch fear a little. But only this time, he tried to do something different.
Getting down to his knees, Ajeel stared at the Trapinch and slowly reached for it. Very slowly, the Trapinch relaxed when he felt Ajeel's hand brush his top.
"I'm…sorry." He said. Surprisingly, the Trapinch looked up and chirped a smile. It looked like he was okay with it. He then heard another caw as Wingull perched on his shoulder. He grunted at the sudden affection, but in the corners of his lips, a small tug forming a smile appeared. He looked back at the ship afar, seeing it blooming starlight. Maybe now, this was the beginning of a new path. A path he shall take, and he won't be alone. "…watch over me, okay gramps?" he asked the sky, smiling. "I've got a lot of work to do."
Beside him, Trapinch smiled, and Wingull nudged Ajeel.
"Okay, one step at a time you two."
On the Peace Jaegers' ship, they all watched from the stern as they watched the ashes flow. "It's beautiful." Aniya said.
"Yeah, it is." Griffon nodded. "The big guy went out in style. A Peace Jaeger to the end."
Matilda softly smiled. She folded her arms an acknowledged this fact. "Guess we'll be seeing ya around then." She said.
Liz popped one last bubble. She bent over and watched scene in silence.
Orion had arms folded the entire way. He looked up at the beautiful scenery. As morbid as it was, he was thinking back to when he first met Broly. He was quietly thinking of all the memories, the battles, and the intense moments they had on jobs they were hired to do. And through it all, the man was untouchable. As far as he knew, Broly truly was the greatest shield ever. But even so, even shields need to be laid to rest. He smiled softly, accepting the loss. "Rest well…old friend." He mournfully prayed.
And so, the Peace Jaegers all watched as the remainder of their team drifted off as well to the norm.
"He didn't give up on me like others did." Joey said.
Dereece shook his head. "No he did not."
"Even when I screwed up, he was always looking out for me…" Joey paused. "Even if I was weak, he gave me a hope…and actually something to live for."
Dereece looked over at Joey, seeing how dejected he was. He was also shocked at what he said, but he didn't seem to mind. He was his best friend, so all he did was lean in and patted his back in comfort. "It'll be fine man. We'll get through this."
"Yeah…I know." They feel silent as they gazed at the moonlit sky. The moon's radiance served to intensify the golden sparkles to make them look like fireworks for the Fiore mages to marvel and gaze at. Lucy and Natsu were smiling, but Gray took the scene seriously, as did Juvia. Gajeel had also shown a frown as he and Pantherlily were watching.
Nic stood beside Erza, looking at the fading flames. They were long in deep thought about it, but together, they gazed at each other, trying to half-smile.
"We'll get through this…together, right?" Nic asked.
Erza smiled. "Always." She slipped her fingers between Nic's. They leaned on each other as they would do in battle, and will continue to do so through the grief and pain they would feel in the future. This was one of those times. Their fingers mixed and held onto each other, daring to never let go.
Nic leaned against the side of Erza's head. "Yeah…always."
Vanessa walked right beside them, making her spot closer to her brother as she stared up at the ceremony.
"Something you will never forget the feeling of." Sophie said. "Peace."
And so, they all departed on a beautiful yet somber note. Everyone went their separate ways as they were on the sterns, watching the ashes flow into the Ethernano-filled atmosphere. They were all once enemies, and now they were friends bound by a thread of fate and philosophy that would continue to be there for as long as this very reminder was engraved into their minds. As the ashes went skywards, the parting flying ships saw that the last of the ship burning away, making the ashes shape into two figures. The figures of Yajeel, and the tall and compassionate Broly, side by side as their forms in the ashes floated into the beyond for all to see.
Joey watched the ashes rise, a single tear flowing down his right cheek.
Well guys, that's a wrap! I did it. It was long, painful, and a lot of work that I had to do, but it was worth it! I hereby conclude the Revenge of Alvarez Arc/Saga! This was a really long arc that I didn't think would go this far, as it took me 6 months from start to finish. And now it's finally over. And of course, this also means this is the end of the road for the Peace Jaegers and their roles as well.
I want your guys' opinions on the Peace Jaegers. Be honest, what did you think of the Peace Jaegers as a whole? Did you enjoy them? Did you think they made a great impact on Fairy Tail or yourselves? If so, who and why? I just hope you're at peace with your decisions like they were XD
I was pretty proud with the fights to the most degree. I made a TON of fights in this arc, but I felt it was all worth it up to this respectable end. Perspectives were altered (at least I hope), and everyone grew from this experience, including the empire. And yes, the Alvarez Empire will be back, but in a new light. Of course that won't be for a while. In the meantime, please let me thank you for sticking through these last 16 chapters full of ache and months of writing.
Now then, since the arc is officially over, I'll take a much deserving break from this story and move to my Bakugan story. Thank you all so much again, and I hope to hear your thoughts on this arc! Until then! :)
