A/N: Before we get into the chapter, here are some of the comments I need to answer.
Farhan Nugraha: She will get a Leiden Handt, an improved version of the Sanrei Glove.
RedBurningDragon & LightSpecter141: Right on the money!
darkness of enigma: I won't kill Hisui. She will play a vital role in the Alvarez Invasion Arc.
Guest: Orihime's powers will come into play later in the story. As for Madeline, even if she was healed, she will eventually vanish from existence since the Eclipse Gate was destroyed in the present, erasing everything that had to do with the gate moving forward.
Without further ado, let's move on to the story.
Chapter 25: The Spirits Forever with You
Natsu and Lisanna were frozen in shock. Their faces were etched in mortification after seeing the future Rogue punch his hand through Madeline's fragile body. The sadistic man twisted his embedded fist, causing the child to cough up blood. He lifted the girl up and kicked her to free his jammed limb. The fatally wounded Fullbringer skid roughly on the ground before stopping in front of her rattled parents.
The two weren't the only ones who were horrified. Mages who managed to see the battle witnessed the unsettling sight and were left stunned at such brutality. However, it was Fairy Tail's mages who were the most distressed, none more so Mirajane and Elfman. After all, it was their niece who was near death's bed.
Lisanna's daze quickly disappeared when she saw red gushing out of Madeline. It was blood…her daughter's blood. She promptly ran to Maddie in desperation, tears streaming down her cheeks. Upon reaching the fallen Fullbringer, she scooped her up and cradled her in her arms.
"WENDY! ORIHIME!" Lisanna cried out, calling for the two people that could help Maddie.
The Sky Maiden heard the plea and at once rushed to the Strauss' side. She quickly applied her healing magic to Maddie's mortal wound.
For Natsu, seeing Madeline hurt snapped something inside him. His horrified look gradually morphed into a scowl bearing intense anger. In that fleeting moment, a dark power flickered to life that tainted his flames. Instead of bright silver fire coating his clenched fists, it was vermillion. The son of Igneel lunged at the shadow mage and punched him in the abdomen, burning the clothes and searing his skin.
Rogue recovered from the sudden attack but didn't get any reprieve when tackled to the ground. Natsu started pounding on the time traveler. Each punch was filled with rage. Every hit was sent with hate for the man below him. The vermillion fires licking his fists with each contact burned the future Rogue's skin.
"HOW DARE YOU!?"Natsu shouted while pummeling the downed wizard. "YOU HURT MADELINE! YOU HURT MY DAUGHTER! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!"
"Natsu, stop!" Lucy cried, but it fell on deaf ears.
The Fire Dragon Slayer didn't care if he might do something he'll regret. He was so lost in his rage that only one thing existed in his mind: to make this son of a bitch pay. Rogue hurt Madeline, his and Lisanna's baby girl. Nothing else mattered to Natsu now. That singular drive to inflict vengeance upon this man is all he wants, and nothing in this world will stop him.
Sadly, the single-minded goal was what Rogue needed. Unknown to Natsu, the shadow mage conjured his shadow tendrils from behind and wrapped them around the hands and neck of the pinkette. The black masses flipped the fire mage over, tossing Natsu towards his childhood friend and ailing daughter. Before he could get up and continue his onslaught, a sudden jolt of pain coursed through his legs. Looking down, multiple spikes made of shadows punctured his hamstrings, making him immobile.
"AAARGH!" howled Natsu as the pain shot through his legs.
Barely able to stand, the future Rogue gazed upon the Dragneel family with wrathful eyes. With the beating from the irate Natsu, the deranged wizard was covered in bruises, all burned to a third-degree from the fire mage's flames. With his plans foiled, all the time traveler wanted was to vent his frustration onto anyone. Who better served as his victims than the three who stood up to him.
"You!" Rogue from the future pointed towards the family of three. "I'm going to kill you for interfering with my plans!" Like a crazed beast, he mindlessly charged at Natsu, Lisanna, and Madeline. "DIE!"
Lisanna was afraid. Her magic nearing empty, she was basically powerless against the mad time traveler. All she could do was get in between Rogue and her family. "Natsu, stay strong. Maddie, please stay with us. Please, stay with Mama and Papa." Nobody could hear her plea, but her intent was clear. It was a prayer to protect the one she loved and to save the child born from that love. Lisanna begged the gods and the universe and prayed for anyone to come to their rescue.
…And somehow, her plea was answered.
A figure crashed between Rogue and the family. It was Ichigo. With his hair fluttering in the wind and eyes focused on the incoming dragon slayer, he crossed his twin swords. He melded red and blue reishi together into a dazzling, violent amalgamation. Once the powers found balance, the Transcendent slashed forward, sending the energies towards the approaching Rogue in the form of a cross.
"Getsuga Jūjishō!"
It was so fast that Rogue's eyes could only widen as the cross-shaped attack hit him. He screamed in agony while driven back by the turbulent power. The slayer's wails suddenly ceased as he and the blast crashed into the Eclipse Gate, destroying the dreaded structure for good.
Ichigo looked at the ruined gate and sensed a sudden change in the spiritual energy. "Something's coming."His eyes then shifted towards Lisanna, Natsu, and finally, Madeline. The girl sacrificed so much like him. Maddie risked it all to save the future. Now that the Eclipse Gate has been destroyed, time will correct itself, and any anomaly that does not belong in their timeline will disappear.
The reaper's musings were suddenly disturbed when the movement of rubble caught his attention. From the remains of the Eclipse Gate emerged the severely battered form of the time-displaced Rogue. His bones were broken. He could barely stand. However, the man's condition did not diminish his rage.
"YOU!" Future Rogue howled at the reaper. if there was anyone responsible for his downfall, it was this man. "You. I don't know who you are and where you came from, but I'll kill you once I get my hands on you."
Ichigo didn't respond. His attention was focused on the unstable reiatsu emanating from the destroyed gate.
"DO YOU HEAR ME!?"
The reaper was still silent. However, Ichigo's eyes widened when a familiar, almost hellish energy swept the air, only detectable by him and his family. "It's here!"
Just when Rogue was about to go on another rant, a powerful current of air circled around the fallen Eclipse Gate. All eyes turned to the ruined structure as a powerful tornado rose to unimaginable heights. Surges of raw spiritual energy crackled throughout the courtyard, and the ground began shuddering. Finally, all that power rose into the sky, dispersing the tornado and tearing the fabric of reality itself. Those energies started to converge on the spatial crack, merging into a structure no one from the surviving members of the Kurosaki family wanted to ever see again.
It was a gate that stood at gargantuan heights that towered over every human present. On each door was a human skull wrapped in decaying bandages, half of a human's ribcage, and an arm positioned at an angle to pull the gates open. Driven into the torso of the skeletons were three pairs of spires with multiple rings attached at the tips.
All who were present that saw the hellish gate appear were unable to move. The amount of power the structure was releasing was so staggering that being in the presence of it was suffocating. A cold, vile mist billowed from its cracks, and anything close to it was tainted by its dark aura.
To the Kurosaki family, this gate brings back horrible memories of when Yuzu was kidnapped and almost lost her soul.
"W-What the hell…is that?" Lucy shrieked upon witnessing such malicious power appear so suddenly.
"You have got to be fucking kidding me," Karin cursed.
"There's no mistaking it," Yuzu said, which gained the attention of the blonde Celestial mage. "It's the Gate of Hell."
Lucy's eyes widened at the revelation, and so did those who heard the reaper. The blonde recalled the second catastrophe that befell Earthland in Madeline's timeline.
The Togabito.
The Ghouls.
"Oh no." Lucy's heart sank. "Could this be the end?"
"No," replied the Quincy, standing next to her sister.
Karin took note of her sister and asked, "Are you alright, sis."
"I am," the Quincy answered. There was that quick shiver that was only noticed by her twin. "It still brings back memories, but I think I can manage."
"What do you mean it won't release its prisoners?" Lucy interjected.
"It appeared because it wants to take a sinner into its realm."
"…And you can guess who that might be," Karin added.
Lucy didn't need to answer. She knew who was going to Hell.
Rogue stepped back as he gazed at the massive structure. He was lost. "Where did this gate come from?"
In the eyeholes of the skulls, something began writhing sporadically. Shifting and twisting, it finally turned and revealed hideous-looking human eyes staring directly at a specific person.
It was the future version of Rogue.
A loud rumble echoed within the doors, and slowly, the gap separating both sides grew bigger. Chains rattled from the slow, ominous movement until the Gate of Hell was finally open. Inside, there was nothing but red fog and miasma swirling like a vortex in the dark pits.
"A soul has been judged." Ichigo's tone was stern and displayed no hint of fabrication. He spoke loudly and commandingly so everyone could hear his words. He pointed his Khyber sword towards the man behind it all. "You caused thousands of deaths, plunged the world into chaos, and finally, sullied your hands with the blood of an innocent girl. With that, the chains of Hell shall bind you for an eternity of punishment until your soul crumbles to dust."
That's when it happened. Chains so black, rusty, and jagged emerged from the maw of the underworld and pierced the vile dragon slayer. Rogue screamed as the metallic binds burned his flesh and wrapped tightly around his body while its edges scraped away at his skin. More chains shot through the gate, riddling the dragon slayer's torso in Hell's restraint.
Mages, knights, and the royal family witnessed the gruesome sight while still unable to grasp that the portal to Hell had opened to their world. More so, the severe agony and the gruesome torture the time traveler was going through for his transgressions.
Rogue did what he could to escape his inevitable fate. All that anger and hatred vanished and was replaced by fear and dread. He wrestled. He struggled. He did everything he could to break free from his shackles, but all his attempts were in vain.
A force suddenly overcame Rogue, and he was lifted up. He now stood parallel to the horrid gate but did not stop his fruitless endeavor of fleeing his doom.
"NO!" screamed the deranged mage. "NO! THIS CAN'T BE! I CAN'T GO TO HELL! PLEASE, HELP ME! SAVE ME!" he cried to anyone for salvation. However, no one would come. This was his punishment.
What came next could only be described as sickening.
A massive sword oozing with red liquid pierced Rogue's torso. It splattered his blood upon the ground, which earned horrified gasps from everyone who saw this. The man impaled by the gigantic weapon lost his voice. The only thing he could do was writhe and convulse under the intense pain of the blade's edge. The red substance seeping through the weapon let some droplets fall to the ground, melting everything it touched.
Ichigo's eyes widened when he saw the blade. He knew to who this weapon belonged. The reaper never saw it personally, but records left by Kisuke Urahara detailed a certain captain and her bloody Bankai.
"Minazuki…"
Finally, the enlarged Minazuki retracted back to the realm it originated, with it a new victim for Hell to punish. A new figure emerged as the blade and victim vanished into the swirling red void. A woman whose black hair was braided in the front stood after the gate while looking over the gathered people. Her gaze then fell upon Ichigo. She smiled before flickering out of existence and appearing in front of the Transcendent.
The two stared at each other for a moment. No one dared to speak. To Ichigo's surprise, Orihime appeared next to him. Both husband and wife stared silently at the stranger.
The air was intense. The silence was palpable. Eventually, one had to break the eerie quiet that permeated the air, which happened to be the unknown woman.
"Ichigo," she spoke in an almost motherly voice. "Orihime, my dear. How long has it been?"
The man in question kept a neutral face as he answered. "Captain Unohana," Ichigo spoke. "Fifteen years, at least."
The woman, now identified as Unohana, glanced at the Flower Princess and said, "You've grown, Orihime."
Although glad to see the former captain again, Orihime wondered why Unohana was in Hell. "How come you're in that place, Captain Unohana?"
"A lesson about power and its consequences. I'm sure both of you understand this, right?" was the lady's answer. "My time here is short. My only purpose here is to retrieve the sinner and bring him to Hell. Now that my task has been fulfilled, I must leave."
Unohana turned around and made for the sinister gate, but before she vanished into its maw, she untied her braid. Her hair flowed freely in the air. Her tattered white robe fluttered. When she turned around, those who saw her face shuddered. It was no longer the warm motherly face they first viewed but an eerie smile that hides bloodlust. It was the face of a killer.
"Remember, Ichigo," the former captain spoke. Her voice was now ominous and dreadful, like a snake hissing before it would sink its fangs into any unsuspecting prey. "The price for power…is eternal damnation."
With that, Unohana returned to Hell's domain. The doors finally shut, and from the essences that constituted the gate came dark-colored butterflies scattering into the night. One flew towards Ichigo, to which the reaper held out a finger and let the black-colored insect perch on it. He knew what the former captain meant, and so did his wife. These butterflies symbolized that. Hell is everywhere, and it is drawn to people of power.
The winged creature finally floated away from the patriarch, leaving him and Orihime staring at the hundreds of Hell Butterflies disappear into the unknown. Ichigo sighed out of anger and despair. Despite their victory against the dragons, it came with a cost. The couple's gaze fell towards those who paid that price.
Regardless of his injuries, Natsu willed himself closer to Lisanna and Madeline. It was painful for the two to see their daughter like this. It brought back memories of loss that left a scar in their hearts long ago.
"Wendy, please save her." Lisanna choked as she spoke those words. She can't stop the tears from escaping her eyes while watching Madeline in this state.
"Maddie, stay strong," Natsu told the girl. He held her hand tightly, afraid that she might disappear.
Wendy did what she was told and more. She poured her power into the healing spell to save the girl from the future, but it wasn't enough. Her magic died down, and the bluenette somberly looked at the couple. "I'm sorry," she spoke, her lips quivering. "I can't. The wound…it's too serious."
Natsu and Lisanna's hearts sank. Madeline…was going to die. They had just met her, and already she was the most precious person in the world to them. Yet, destiny was cruel to let this unfair circumstance befall them. Just as quickly as they had her, she was being taken away.
"Mama…Papa…"
Madeline's weak voice was all Natsu and Lisanna could hear. They didn't want to let her go. They'll fight heaven and earth for her. They'd give up anything just to be with her.
"Don't cry." Madeline's voice was weak. Before speaking any further, she coughed blood, staining her scaled scarf.
"Don't say anything, Maddie," Natsu told the ailing girl. "Take it easy. It'll be alright."
Even with the blood dripping from her mouth, Maddie couldn't help but beam at her parents. She finally got to feel the warmth and love she longed for from both of them. Sadly, she had to pay the price that time placed upon her when she traveled back to the past.
"Maybe we can get Orihime to heal her," Lisanna frantically said. "We should–"
"It's…alright, Mama," Madeline spoke as Natsu and Lisanna's gaze fell to her. "Even if…Lady Orihime healed me; I'm not…much longer…for in this timeline."
The white-haired young mother didn't like what she was hearing. "What are you saying?"
"The…Eclipse Gate…is gone. It's destroyed in this timeline…meaning it doesn't exist…in the future anymore."
"I don't understand," Natsu expressed. "What would that mean?"
"It means that time will correct itself," Ultear answered for the dying child. "The future where Madeline came from will cease to exist." The time mage paused, hesitating for a moment. She didn't want to say it, but they had to know. "So will anyone who came from said future."
Natsu and Lisanna's eyes widened, realizing the implications.
"NO!" cried the youngest Strauss. "I REFUSE TO ACCEPT IT! THEY CAN'T TAKE MY DAUGHTER AWAY FROM ME! THEY JUST CAN'T!"
"IT'S NOT FAIR!" Natsu shouted. "IGNEEL ABANDONED ME! I ALMOST LOST LISANNA! I CAN'T LOSE MADDIE, TOO!"
Both parents hugged their daughter tight, unable to accept what was to come. However, the inevitable would finally pass regardless of what they may do. Within their arms, Madeline's small, injured frame was enveloped in a golden light. They saw it, and immediately their already aching hearts shattered.
"No, no, no, no, no," Natsu repeated in denial. He tried to hold his daughter's hand again, but his hands phased through her, to his horror.
"Don't leave us!" Lisanna's plea was for nothing.
Not far from the two, Mirajane and Elfman couldn't hold back the pain of seeing someone precious to them vanish. It was like seeing Lisanna die again, only this time, it was their niece, and there was no chance of saving her. The demoness turned to her younger brother and buried her face into his chest as she and the beastman sobbed.
Happy stood there, crying his heart out. His little sister was disappearing, and nothing he could do could stop it. As her older brother, the Exceed despaired at the thought of failing to protect the Fullbringer.
Even Atlas Flame, surrounded by the same light, felt pity for the son of Igneel. Dragons valued the life of their hatchlings, and to see one perish so young was indeed a solemn moment.
Madeline felt light. She could see the glow emanating from her dispersing her very being. Her time was up. She needed to say a few words before she disappeared forever. Raising her head, the Fullbringer called for the family that had shown her love despite her short stay.
"Aunt Mira, Uncle Elfman."
Mirajane and Elfman looked at the fallen family member.
"I know our time together…was short, but thank you…for spending it with me. You were…the sweetest aunt…and manliest uncle…I could ever ask for."
"Oh, Maddie," Mira muttered as her tears never stopped spilling. From behind her, Elfman held her tighter as he, too, shed tears for their niece.
"Big brother Happy," called Madeline to the blue cat.
Happy sniffed as he stared at the Fullbringer. "Yes, Maddie?"
"Don't cry. Always be happy…just like how you made me happy."
"I will…" Happy muttered before falling into a fit of sobs.
Finally, Madeline stared into the eyes of the two most important people to her. "Mama, Papa. After all the hardships I went through…I eventually got to see you."
"Maddie," Lisanna muttered. "Please, hang on."
"It's alright, Mama, Papa," assured the girl. "At least I got to feel…your warmth and love again."
Madeline went through another fit of coughing as she spilled more blood. The Fullbringer thought back to her mission of saving her family. She was successful, but more than that, she saw her parents. She succeeded, and that was more than enough for her. Still, what do Natsu and Lisanna think of her actions?
"Papa, Mama," called out a weak Madeline.
"What is it, Maddie?" Natsu asked, now with streaks of liquid on his cheeks.
"Are…you proud…of me?"
Lisanna and Natsu didn't hesitate to give what their hearts wanted to answer.
"Of course we are!" cried the dragon slayer
"You saved the world," replied the Take-Over mage. "Any parent would be proud of that."
After hearing those words, Madeline can finally rest. She felt her body float. The light that constituted her body began to gradually disperse. Natsu and Lisann tried to reach for her, but their hands simply phased through like earlier.
"No, please. My baby girl. Don't take my baby girl!"
"Don't go! I beg you, don't go!"
Despite their cries for her, Madeline continued ascending as her essence scattered. One last smile was all she could give and a few parting words to express her love for Lisanna and Natsu.
"We'll see…each other again," promised the fading child.
The son of Igneel and the youngest Strauss attempted to grab their daughter, but like before, their hands would just slip through.
"Mama, Papa, I love you," Madeline told the two as she smiled one final time. "Always remember…"
"NO!" Natsu and Lisanna scremed.
"My spirit…"
"COME BACK!"
"…will always be…."
"PLEASE!"
"…forever with you."
The young parents seized their daughter one more time, but her body finally vanished. What remained of young Madeline were the flakes that constituted her spirit scattering into the wind.
"MADDIE!" both parents cried out for their daughter. Lisanna overstretched and stumbled but was luckily caught by Natsu.
What Natsu and Lisanna felt was beyond pain. The latter turned around and buried her face in the former's chest while bawling her eyes out. Salamander, too, was distraught as he stared into the night sky where their most precious treasure dissolved into mere wisps of her essence.
"She's gone, Natsu!" Lisanna screamed into Natsu, her tears wetting his chest. "Madeline, our daughter. Our baby girl is gone!"
The dragon slayer heard his partner's cry, tearing him inside. "I'm sorry, Lisanna," he muttered to her. "I'm sorry. I couldn't protect her. I failed Maddie!"
Everywhere you look, the only expression you could see was sorrow and anguish. These wizards fought, won, and stood tall against the might of dragons. However, what good was it if the price for that was a child's life?
Atlas Flame bowed his head in reverence of the fallen child. He would tell stories of her bravery once he returned to his timeline. "Son of Igneel," the fire dragon softly spoke, "You and your mate have my condolences. I will forever pray that your daughter finds eternal peace in the afterlife." And with those words, the dragon disappeared, returning to the place of his origin.
That sentiment was shared by everyone. All mages, regardless of affiliation, bowed their heads to the fallen girl who made this victory possible. It was the only way to show their gratitude for her sacrifice.
However, it wasn't the same for the people at Fairy Tail. Tears flowed unhindered as they looked on at the mourning couple. The guild functioned as a family, and the bonds they forged together were tight and unbreakable. Each member was like a sibling, and the master was the grandfather figure to everyone. So, to see someone die and so young at that was a burden for all of them to bear.
Among these solemn onlookers was Princess Hisui. If there was anything the jade-haired royal felt now, it would be remorse. None of this would've happened had she been cautious. This singular death…was on her. The blood spilled today was on her hands. She may try to make amends, but the damage has been done. A mother and father just witnessed their child perish, and it was because of her.
The world suddenly became heavy. An otherworldly force suddenly enveloped the courtyard, driving everyone to kneel. Knights, mages…nobody was spared from the unrelenting torrent of pressure wafting the area. Anyone who tried to resist only compounded their suffering.
Princess Hisui remembered this sensation. It was when she first encountered the women clad in black and white. However, what those two unleashed was nothing compared to what she was experiencing now. This was heavier, thicker, and more unbearable. She tried to sit upright on her knees and saw something that would haunt her for eternity. In front of the jade-haired royal was a pair of golden eyes wreathed in pitch-black darkness. It left the princess frozen, the gaze filled with fury boring into her soul and squeezing it dry. Her body felt immobile, the heavy pressure rooting her in place. She couldn't do anything. She was at the mercy of whoever this individual was. The royal princess' eyes finally recognized who the demonic eyes belonged.
Ichigo Kurosaki.
However, the man did not feel human in any way. The demonic eyes, the singular horn, and the dark, almost vile aura emanating from him were enough for Hisui to discern that she was in the presence of something genuinely horrifying.
The pressure intensified, no longer bound within the confines of the palace nor the city of Crocus…but all of Ishgar could feel Ichigo's wrath. Being in the center of this overpowering weight felt like the entire planet was on your shoulders. Any weaker being would pass out. Any person whose will was frail would convulse uncontrollably; the eyes would recede into the back of the head and leave that person frothing and traumatized.
Those who showed a fraction of resistance witnessed how disturbing a furious Soul Reaper unleashing his spiritual pressure could be. The strongest of these mages were left pale, afraid, and outright mortified. Even the likes of Jura and Makarov were at the complete and utter mercy of this ungodly reiatsu. The only ones left standing were Orihime, Karin, Yuzu, and Kazui. Even then, they struggled to fight the powerful force back.
Hisui could only watch as this…being stared at her with fury. The princess was motionless, the fear and dread being the cause of her lack of movement. Saliva was dripping from her mouth, her breathing became shallow, and her body shook violently. Her vision suddenly began playing tricks on her. The atmosphere seemed to ripple and tear itself apart. Everything seemed to lose its color, leaving the world darker and duller.
"It's him!" her mind exclaimed. The beast that she feared has come. "The hollow! The Soul Reaper!"
"Chairman!"
"What is this!?"
"Could this be the work of Zeref!?"
These were just some of the words shouted by the members of the Magic Council once they fell under the mercy of Ichigo's reiatsu. Their scanners were going haywire as they tried to quantify the mysterious energy. Various employees were doing their best to give a precise reading of the otherworldly force despite the strain the pressure was pushing down on them.
"Well?" Gran Doma questioned with heavy breathing. "What do the scanners say?"
An anthropomorphic frog was staring wide-eyed at the info they gathered and not giving a reply. The chairman was getting impatient with the lack of an answer.
"Say something, damn it!" yelled the long-bearded wizard.
Jolting from the commanding tone, the amphibian-like council member warily turned to the irritated chairman and answered, "Sir, we don't know how to make of this."
"What do you mean?"
"This…pressure. The reading shows that it's not magic."
The ten councilmen were stunned at this revelation. Not magic? What else could exist in this world that isn't fuelled by magic?
"Do not give me false information!" yelled a council member.
"But sir, the readings don't lie," reasoned the humanoid employee. "Not only that, the readings indicate that this energy is thicker and more potent than ethernano."
"Sir!" cried out another council employee. "Calculations just finished. The scale of this distortion now has an exact range of effect."
An old man with a long grey beard and closed right eye ordered, "Give us your findings."
"Will do, Councilman Org." The frogman scanned the data recently gathered and froze. His amphibian eyes widened upon reading the information on the display screen.
"What's wrong?" asked a struggling Org.
"Councilman," said the council employee as his seat turned to face his superiors, "…this energy…is covering the entirety of Ishgar!"
The weight of those words had an immediate impact on the Magic Council. To have such an effect on a continental scale? No being on Earthland could have that much power. However, the data collected from their scanners are very accurate. This unknown energy has put Ishgar to its knees, and whoever or whatever was the source of this was no human. And if what they were thinking was true, then this…being could be the mightiest force in all of Earthland.
In an unknown location, a gigantic cube was traversing the landscape of the Ishgar when the otherworldly pressure covered the entirety of the continent. Inside, several demons in a meeting hall froze and began to gag under the suffocating aura.
"What is this!?" gasped an avian-like devil clutching her throat.
Another one among them dropped to her knees, failing to resist the inexplicable power. "I don't know, Kyōka," she breathed.
Two individuals, sporting what looked like broken skulls of predatory birds, limped to the fallen demoness and quickly assisted her in her sudden plight.
"Lady Seilah!" cried one whose mask was that of a falcon.
"Do you need some assistance?" questioned the other with a hawk-like mask.
"I think I can manage," answered the demoness now identified as Seilah. Despite her claim, it was apparent she was struggling.
"Do not push yourself, milady. Your well-being is our top priority as per Lord Quirroga's orders."
"Honestly, Leal, your master worries about me too much," Seilah remarked. Her attention then to the other individual with the mask. "Fiel, what kind of being could have this power?"
"Yeah…" came a voice from another gasping demon. It was a yellow-haired demon with ear-like protrusions on its head, a canine-like nose, and a furry tail flailing under pressure. "What kind of fucking monster can create this pressure?"
Both Leal and Fiel looked at each other. This was undoubtedly someone's spiritual pressure. However, to be so heavy and suffocating even this far away meant that the being whom this otherworldly weight originated was leagues above their master. Even they were having trouble resisting this reiatsu.
"If I have to guess, Jackal, the only being capable of this…." Fiel paused, still unable to believe that such an entity might exist.
"Well…!?" shouted a giant four-armed blue-skinned demon. "Spit it out, you stupid Arrancar!"
Leal growled at the multi-limbed demon. "Don't mock my comrade, Ezel."
"Stand down, Leal," the falcon-masked Arrancar told his partner, curbing his falcon-masked partner's anger. He then looked to Ezel and answered, "…And to respond to your question, Ezel, the being unleashing this enormous pressure…
"…Is a transcendent."
In a different part of the flying cube, two young-looking men fought against the oppressive reiatsu permeating all of Ishgar. One had long purple hair tied to a ponytail with bangs framing his face, while the other had silver locks tied to a low ponytail. However, what distinguished the latter was the broken jaw-like mask on his right cheek.
"Such power!" the purple-haired man panted. He was supporting himself against the railings.
The silver-haired individual was standing still with eyes closed and tensed muscles, doing his best to fight off the powerful pull they were feeling. "This spiritual pressure," he murmured. "I've only felt this force during my tenure under that man's army."
"Who could be behind this, Quirroga?"
Only one person in Earthland could put all of Ishagr under the mercy of his reiatsu. "There's no doubt about this, Mard Geer. It's the hybrid."
Inside a cave, a lone figure sat on the rocky floor, staring at the entrance to his current abode. Ever since this sudden pressure enveloped the entirety of Ishgar, he couldn't stop shaking and gasping. This power… exceeded his by unimaginable margins. Was he afraid? No, but he was uncertain.
"It's not possible," the individual thought. "I am the king. So, how could someone with this power exist?"
To him, it was unacceptable. Only one being stood at the top of Earthland's mightiest, and that was him. This individual…this usurper will pay for revealing his presence to the world.
"Whoever you are, I will make you bleed and beg for my mercy," the figure promised. "Then, I will kill you to prove I am KING!"
Zeref couldn't believe it. In all four hundred years of the dark mage's life, he has never encountered such inexplicable power gripping his being. Even the strongest wizards couldn't faze him with their strength, but this? This pressure didn't just attack his physical body. No, it strangled not just his human body but also his spirit.
The black wizard fell to the ground, coughing and gasping as the overwhelming pressure weighed him down. The black haze he usually releases to defend himself was dissipated by an unseen force tainting the atmosphere. He had no idea what this new power in the air could be. There was no time to speculate, however, as the only thing he could do was resist whatever this was.
"I predicted the coming of the end," Zeref muttered. The raven-haired terror had warned Hades and the mages of Fairy Tail that the end of the current era was at hand. However, he never expected this. "This…anomaly." His eyes darted forward, focused on the horizon and the unknown. "The balance of power has shifted. The end…is no longer clear."
The king of Fiore willed himself towards his daughter. Quickly standing between the reaper and his daughter, King Tōma kneeled in front of Ichigo and bowed before the death god. "Please. Have mercy on my daughter," pleaded the diminutive royal. "Lord Reaper, spare Hisui. She was deceived. Everything she did was under the goal of protecting the kingdom. I beg of you, don't kill my daughter."
However, Ichigo did not break his wrathful gaze on the princess. The pressure he was inflicting did not stop. The king could see this and began tearing up. The king never believed such things existed when Hisui told him about the hollow and death god. That belief quickly shattered now that he was face to face with the very being that commands life and death.
King Tōma saw the eyes of Ichigo and felt terror bore into his heart. He could clearly discern that the horned man would not answer his plea. "Lord Reaper, take my life instead," he desperately suggested. "I would rather die than let my beloved daughter be punished for eternity."
The ruler of Fiore wasn't sure if his offer would be considered. He even doubted the possibility. The king released a heavy, melancholy breath. If the god of death was going to take away his daughter, then she won't be alone. He would gladly follow her for such is the love of a parent. Suddenly, King Tōma saw a figure stand between him and the reaper. A mop of silver hair was pressed against the reaper's chest, hiding the person's face as she tightly gripped the man in front of her.
Yukino used all her strength to get between Ichigo and the royal family. Despite the intense pressure weighing her down, the Celestial mage won't let her adoptive father do something he'll regret.
"Ichigo," Yukino muttered, fighting the powerful reiatsu with the power she had just received. "Please, stop."
However, Ichigo didn't respond.
"Don't punish them," pleaded the stellar wizard. "They did nothing wrong. Princess Hisui may have caused all this, but she is just as much a victim as us, and the king is just concerned like any parent."
Still, no reply came from the carrot-top. In fact, Ichigo's eyes further narrowed on the two royals.
Yukino felt her resistance against her adoptive father's reiatsu waning as the seconds went on. Her legs started to shake, and her grip on the hybrid's robes tightened. Each breath she took became harder and harder. If only she could get through to him, this man who showed her kindness in her darkest hour.
Tears began to pool in the corner of Yukino's eyes. Even with the power she was bestowed with, she was still not strong enough to make Ichigo stop the pressure he was releasing. However, she won't stop until Ichigo listened.
"Ichigo!" the newly-christened Quincy yelled. "Please, listen to me! Don't punish them for something beyond their control. They simply did it because they loved their people. They were manipulated, and all fault lies on the Rogue from the future." Yukino released her grip on Ichigo's robes and wrapped her arms around his body. "Please, give them a chance to redeem themselves!"
The silver-haired teen's hug on the hybrid grew tighter. With all her heart, she cried out to the man who had saved her.
"DAD!"
Ichigo finally heard her. When the reaper's eyes fell to the source of the voice. He saw Yukino, weak and frail from the reiatsu he had released. There were streaks of tears on her cheeks as she looked at him.
"Please, Dad," the teen whispered. "Give them a chance. Give them the same kindness you gave me."
It was all Ichigo needed. His reiatsu gradually faded, giving the struggling mages much-needed levity. His grip on both Zangetsus slackened, letting them fall and pierce the ground. He lifted his arms and slowly wrapped them around his daughter.
Ichigo didn't say anything. His action was enough to convey the message that he had heard her. When he looked at the two royals, the hybrid couldn't help but cringe at Hisui's distraught state. There was no emotion on her face except absolute fear. Her eyes stared blankly into space, indicating the soul-crushing effect his sudden fury had wrought.
As for the king, he had his arms around Hisui protectively. "Hisui," he whispered. "Say something." The only response he saw was a slight twitch of her body. However, this was better than none. "Don't be afraid anymore, my daughter. The god of death has shown us mercy." The Fiorian monarch glanced at Ichigo and saw not the wrathful demonic eyes but those that carried sympathy.
No response came from the princess. Instead, Hisui returned her father's gesture and stayed silent. The king could still feel the slight shaking from his daughter. The emotional scar this experience will leave on the young royal will remain with her for the rest of her life. She may have been deceived, but ultimately, her actions led to this. Her carelessness and gullibility almost brought ruin upon mankind. Still, more than that, the life of an innocent child was the cost of her naivete. Even if she asked for forgiveness, Hisui can't deny that blood is on her hands.
A new day has arrived in Crocus. As the sun's rays lit up the capital, it revealed the devastation brought about by the dragons. The once majestic city was now riddled with damaged buildings, destroyed roads, and scars from the battles fought the night before. Despite the victory, there was no air of joy among the many guilds and wizards present. What would be there to celebrate? Lives were lost, and most of those casualties could've been avoided had the princess been vigilant from the beginning.
However, the events from last night brought a lot of things to light within the magic world. One was the royal family's involvement in the Eclipse Gate conspiracy. The fact that they dabbled in dark magic has affected the trust the people of Fiore have for them. The Magic Council will impose harsh penalties on the Fiorian monarchy after using a device constructed by Zeref himself. However, it was the existence of Ichigo Kurosaki that stirred the magic community as a whole.
The latter revelation was the topic of discussion among the elite wizards of Fairy Tail. Makarov sat in contemplation, weighing the ramifications of Ichigo's existence being known by both the populace and the Magic Council. The third guildmaster sighed. Admittedly, Makarov didn't know what to make of the potential fallout of last night's events.
"I'm getting too old for this shit," the old man muttered after downing a mug of ale.
"I get where you're coming from, all things considered," Mavis expressed. She was beside Makarov, sitting on the countertop with a contemplative expression. "Soul Reapers, Quincies, and Fullbringers. The fact that beings such as Ichigo have been exposed to the masses would undoubtedly cause an uproar. How long did they say they were in hiding?"
"Fifteen years."
"To think they managed to hide that long from any major power not just in Ishgar but in all of Earthland. Their existence itself would upend any religious faith."
"True…and don't get me started on the Magic Council. Those pompous bureaucrats would go into a frenzy once they find out Ichigo is a member of Fairy Tail." Makarov groaned. "It'll give them more ammunition to disband us."
"Just because we offered a place to the Kurosaki family doesn't give them the right to judge us," Mavis said, displeased at the council for its way of thinking.
"I share the same view, First Master. However, it is human nature to fear the unknown, and right now, Ichigo is the ultimate unknown."
The ghost couldn't deny that reasoning. Still, it's not right to fear someone because that person is different.
The two masters sat silently while watching the rest of the guild do their business. Most of them were preparing their things for their return to Magnolia. None showed excitement for their victory. In their minds, what good was winning if the price they paid was worth more?
"I haven't seen Natsu nor Lisanna since last night," the wizened guildmaster commented, noticing the absence of the guild's two members.
"It's not surprising, Makarov," remarked Mavis. "The loss of Madeline affects all of us, but the pain is different for them. The only comparison I could make is that a piece of their heart was ripped and crushed under the cruel hands of fate."
"Maybe even more than that."
"Maybe…"
"Although her time with us wasn't the longest, she will forever hold a place in our hearts."
Mavis nodded. "Her spirit will always be forever with us."
Once again, they sat in silence, observing the wizards from their guild prepare for their trip back to their hometown.
"Masters."
Makarov and Mavis saw Levy waving at them. "What is it, Levy?" asked the latter.
"We're almost done packing," replied the Script mage. "It won't be long until we're ready to leave."
"Thank you, Levy," said Makarov after taking a sip from his mug. "Remind me once everyone is finished packing."
"Okay." The petite bluenette then ran off to the others to finish preparations.
The door to the bar opened, and the man Mavis and Makarov had been discussing came from it. Ichigo entered the establishment along with Orihime, Karin, Yuzu, Kazui, and Yukino.
"Good to see you, Ichigo!" greeted Mavis from her countertop.
"Mavis. Old man," the hybrid responded. "I see everyone's about done."
"That they do," Makarov nodded.
"By the way, I don't see Natsu nor Lisanna. Any idea where they are?"
The third master sighed. "We were discussing that particular topic not long ago, and to be honest, none of us know where they are. Mira may know where Lisanna is but Natsu? Your guess is as good as mine."
"No surprise there," Ichigo remarked, expecting the reply from the old wizard.
"Ichigo." Makarov had a thoughtful expression directed at the reaper. "About what happened last night…."
"What about it?"
"I'll get straight to the point. What you did last night will have major ramifications moving forward. It won't just affect the guild but the entirety of the magic world as a whole."
Ichigo shared that earnest look Makarov had. "I know," he replied. "It was only a matter before the five of us revealed ourselves. I'm fully prepared to face the consequences it may entail."
"That's good to hear, my boy. That said, know that the guild will always have your back if you find yourself in a hard place."
"Fairy Tail is a family, Ichigo," Mavis reminded. "Whether you want to or not, we will always be there to support you."
"Thanks, you two." A smile graced the reaper's face. True, he may prefer to do things on his own like he always does, but it's good to know that the guild was willing to give him a hand.
Erza and Gray approached the three with some news regarding the guild's resident Fire Dragon Slayer.
"I hope you two found Natsu," Makarov said to the knight and ice mage.
"Yeah," Gray answered. "He's at the edge of town and doesn't want to be disturbed."
"I wouldn't worry, though," Erza added. "Happy's with him, and he'll remind him that we'll be leaving soon."
"That's good to know." Those words from Makarov were shared by not just him but also the rest of the guild.
Suddenly their attention was caught by a ruckus outside the pub. Curious, the Fairy Tail guildsmen went outside only to discover a contingent of soldiers standing guard in front of an expensive, elaborately designed carriage. The knights standing guard made way for the two people riding the intricate transport.
Standing in front of Fairy Tail's mages were none other than the kingdom's royal family: Tōma E. Fiore and his daughter, Hisui E. Fiore.
The mages of the guild stood ready in case something undesirable happened. They still have a negative impression of the royal family after the ordeal with the Eclipse Project. Makarov stepped forward to meet with the royalty. Despite the events that unfolded previously, he would at least use diplomacy in speaking with the kingdom's rulers.
"Your Highness," Makarov spoke after giving a bow to the two.
"Please, Master Makarov." The king's tone sounded…humbled. "There's no need for such formalities."
"Be that as it may, you are still the king of Fiore. That said, to what do we owe your visit?"
The ruling monarch released a tired breath he had been holding since arriving. He looked at his daughter and saw a face filled with regret.
Hisui stepped forward, her head lowered in shame. There was a minor twitch in her hands when she saw Ichigo. That lingering fear never left her heart. However, that sense of dread was the last thing that needed her attention.
"The Eclipse Project was done with good intentions," the princess began. "I started that project hoping to prevent a calamity that would destroy the kingdom and all of Earthland. Sadly, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions."
Fairy Tail's mages continued listening to the princess. They could see her lips quivering while trying to hold back her emotions.
"I just wanted to protect my people. I'd do anything to ensure the safety of my subjects, even if it means being painted negatively. However, I never thought that the steps I took to prevent that calamity were what brought it here in the first place. And now, lives were lost." The dam finally broke. Tears spilled uncontrollably as the weight of her actions hit her. "I never wanted any of this to happen," Hisui expressed. She then did something unexpected: she dropped to her knees. She bowed before the various mages of Fairy Tail, leaving them shocked that an individual of high stature would lower herself like this. "I know that no amount of begging can bring back those who died from my carelessness. Even so, I can't, in good conscience, live without at least making amends for my mistakes. So please, I bow to you, not as the princess of Fiore, but as a person seeking forgiveness."
The wizards were at a loss for words. Whatever negativity they felt for the princess was washed away. In front of them was not the princess of the kingdom but a person wanting recompense. Hisui was genuinely sorry for what she had done.
"Stand up, princess."
Hisui's teary eyes looked to see none other than the man who had struck inexplicable terror in her heart. Her green eyes widened upon seeing the reaper approach her.
"Don't be afraid," Ichigo assured when he saw fear in the jade-haired royal. "I won't do anything to harm you."
"I…I'd rather you punish me for my sins, Lord Reaper."
"For one, don't address me as 'Lord Reaper.' I do have a name. Second, while you did commit those acts, it was done out of the desire to protect your people, and you were at least aware of your mistakes and asked for forgiveness. That alone shows me that you are not a bad person, Princess Hisui, just…naïve."
A sense of relief washed over the viridian-haired royal. The god of death himself at least acknowledged that she only wanted what was best for everyone. "Still, I must atone for the deeds I've done to your family and guild."
"The only personal gripe I had with you was the arrest of Yukino and Kazui's sudden loss of reishi. Even then, you weren't directly involved with those two. If you want to apologize, then apologize to my daughter, Yukino. To my son, Kazui, whose power was depleted at that time. To Lucy, whom your minister arrested as an accessory to a crime she did not commit. And finally, to the guild for trying to apprehend them."
Everything Ichigo said, Hisui was responsible. Though it was confirmed that the future Rogue was the true culprit, she could not deny that all that happened were through her hands. It was shameful, and she had every right to feel that way. After all, when everything was said and done, she was guilty.
"However," the reaper suddenly added, "…no amount of repentance can ever bring back what Natsu and Lisanna lost." The soft and understanding tone he had before was replaced by a stern voice. To Ichigo, best be frank than sugar-coating what he had to say. "If you want to redeem yourself, then you have to live with the burden of having blood on your hands. Although Rogue was the man behind it all, you are just as held accountable as him. A father and mother just saw their daughter die in their arms. The only form of atonement you can do, Princess Hisui, is to live with the guilt of knowing you are responsible for Madeline Dragneel's death."
A/N: ModernRogue11 here, and you may notice that new names were mentioned in the story. Those will be the new OCs in the story. Four major OC Arrancars will appear in the next two arcs. Before I proceed with the Tartaros storyline, I'll do a new mini-arc introducing another Bleach character. This arc will also set up the events that will lead us to the battle against Tartaros. I plan to be darker and bloodier than the cannon source, so expect some Bleach-level gore along the way.
Anyways, please share your thoughts on the story. I would appreciate it if you would give comments or suggestions to improve its overall direction. If you like the story, leave a like and make it one of your favorites. If you want to leave some criticisms, make them as constructive as possible.
With that, I'll see you all in the next chapter.