Chapter 20: E.N.D.


[Previously:]

A sinister grin formed on Natsu's face, razor-sharp teeth shown as he gazed at the talons growing from his hands, "I may not like having little control of this body… But, nothing, I hate more than those that believe they are superior to life and death itself." Finally looking at Ignatius, the demon flinched to see Natsu's eyes were a mixture of green and red. As if the two colours were trying to overpower the other desperately.

~And just like that… The demon inside took control, while the dragon tried to fight for it back, before it's too late~


Natsu's sinister grin never left his face, the promise of bloodshed and destruction in his eyes as he launched inhumanly fast at a frozen Ignatius. Catching the pathetic demon by his throat and throwing him like a ragdoll across the field.

Staggering, tripping over his furry-tail, Ignatius threw both his arms in the general direction where Natsu stood, bombs exploding on impact. The explosive sound ringing in his curled cat-like ears… Smoke clouded the area, only to be extinguished with a powerful flap of dragon-wings. The force too much as a dirt-cloud hit Ignatius, causing him to tumble.

Lisanna and the unknown demon watched Natsu and Ignatius fight with interest, the two standing on a broken building that looked over the burning wall of fire.

"Seems as if Ignatius made E.N.D come out a little… This may work in our favor."

Lisanna's eyes widened at the damage Natsu caused—Wait… E.N.D?! Gulping, the animal takeover shivered at what this demon was implying, "W-What," Lisanna cleared her throat, "What do you mean?"

Side-eyeing the girl, the man smirked ever slightly—He could smell the familiar stench of fear, even if she did attempt to hide it, "Oh? You don't know? Your beloved here is E.N.D; Etherious Natsu Dragneel… Zeref's strongest demon, and our Great Demon-Lord—Right now, the boy's dragon-side is attempting to fight for control. WE just need to break that spirit, even for a minute, and then… I'll handle it from there."

Biting her lip, Lisanna clenched her fist… Her whole body was shaking—The E.N.D was always a bluff; She knew that if something like that were to come alive, then it'd be the destruction of the world. An end like no other, but to think that Natsu was actually Zeref's strongest demon?! Glancing to her left, Lisanna's eyes widened to see a certain celestial mage trying her best to look past the ring of fire that blocked off the fight. Shaking her head, the takeover turned into other battles… Her old-family and friends are fighting for their lives and the sake of the world. Lisanna, amongst the chaos, spotted her big-sister struggling in her battle against Sierva. Close to tears, she turned in the opposite direction, only to be faced with Elfman being ambushed by Tartaros members. Looking back to Lucy, the blonde that stole Natsu away and his heart, the claim on her neck practically glowing. Lisanna frowned, as if the fog was clearing, 'What am I doing… Is it worth it? Losing Natsu as a friend… Losing my guild and family because I'm jealous?'

"What are you looking at?" The demon questioned, peeling his eyes from the fight. Lisanna jumped, snapping out of her thoughts, "Ah, that blonde you so desperately hate… She could work in our favor as well, to shatter the dragon in Natsu. Come on."

The cloaked man was about to leap off the building, until he halted when realizing Lisanna wasn't following. Eyes narrowed, he swiftly turned and gripped Lisanna's chin to force her to look at him, "What's a matter darling? Not having second thoughts now, are we?" His words trancing, eyes glowing in the shadows… Lisanna's eyes grew dull, like under a spell, or specially, a curse, "No… No, of course not Sir Asmodeus."


(Lucy's POV.)

Trying to look past the firewall, the sound of footsteps had me startled, swiftly turning to see a cloaked figure and Lisanna approaching.

What I assumed to be another demon, eyed me—up-and-down—and landed on my neck, "I see… You're his chosen mate? Then fire must not burn you, correct? Or is it just HIS fire… Shall we test that theory?" Suddenly, he raised a hand and thorns shot from the ground, throwing me into the fire as I screamed from the attack and tumbled into the battlefield. I rolled, landing right between Natsu and Ignatius… Peeking an eye open, I saw the demon badly injured and not being able to move from his spot. While Natsu stared with an unrecognizable expression, his eyes were hazy. "Natsu…" I mumbled.

"Oh darling… That's not Natsu at the moment, or his dragon. I'm sure you've heard of Zeref's strongest demon, E.N.D." A voice echoed out, eyes widening to see the unknown man and Lisanna cut through the fire like nothing.

"Now then. Let's get this over with, so that we can break that dragon spirit he so desperately holds onto—Our Great Demon-Lord WILL be set free!" He sneered, another thorn shooting towards me. Brain kicked into overdrive and jumped out of the way, but the demon was faster… One of the thorns slicing into my delicate flesh.

"AHH!" I hissed, immediately clutching my side as blood tainted my palms and threatened to paint the ground a beautiful red. The wound didn't even have time to heal before the demon sent more attacks.


(Normal POV.)

E.N.D couldn't understand what he felt when seeing thorns, with a mind of their own, hurt the celestial-mage. The cries of pain and pleas leaving her lips had a pit burning in his stomach… Why did this blonde feel so familiar to him? But everything was still hazy, his memories locked-up, though he did feel the dragon-side roaring out to get loose.

"Now Lisanna, it's your turn. You can do whatever you want," Asmodeus sly whispered in the takeover's ears, "Kill the one that took your lover for themselves…"

Lisanna walked toward Lucy—who was a bleeding mess and heavily painting—her steps slow in motion, almost robotic. The animal-takeover glanced at Natsu, who's eyes were still a mixture of blood-red and green. Honestly, right now, the battle between two parts of a soul, made him look more demon-black than anything else. But throughout it all, Lisanna saw confusion, frustration, anger, and fear and love… The sight had her eyes widening in realization.

"I can't…" Lisanna muttered, loud enough for Lucy to hear, the blonde's eyes softening. "What was that?" Asmodeus hissed, teeth clenched and clearly irritated. The fogginess began to clear, Lisanna gritting her teeth and stiff as a board, "I said… I. CAN'T. DO. THIS—This… This is wrong. It's not worth it! Nothing is worth losing my home or family. I—You tricked me, and I fell into the trap. If Lucy is the one to make Natsu happy, then who am I to come between them just because I'm jealous?! T-That's not who I am, it's not who I want to be! G-Gomen, Lucy…" Lisanna fell to her knees, sobbing at what she's done.

"Lisanna…" Lucy's face scrunched in sadness, but pain was all the takeover heard as she cried harder.

"You—YOUR WORTHLESS THEN!" Asmodeus growled, a thorn heading straight for the takeover. Lucy watched with horror, using the last of her strength to shove Lisanna out of the way, the vine piercing straight through. 'It's funny… I guess it really was fate, dying for another this way,' She thought, the celestial-mage having Déjà vu when future-Lucy did the same thing to save her.

Staring wide-eyed, everything felt like it was in slow-motion, "LUCYYYY!" Lisanna screamed, the sound piercing high enough to break glass.

Coughing blood, the thorn retracting as a hiss fell from the victim's red-lips, Lucy gazed at Lisanna and smiled, "I… I forgive you," She whispered, eyes rolling to the back of her head and falling lifelessly to the ground. Lisanna scrambled, hesitating to touch the blonde in case she made the bleeding wound worse, a lump in her throat. While E.N.D watched, a few feet away.

There was disbelief all over his face, automatically falling to his knees from the force that struck him and not realizing a roar was let out full of agony. "Well… That was certainly not at all planned, but it'll do," Asmodeus said, finally opening the book in his hands and throwing it to the ground—Dark letters bursting into the air, flying toward Natsu and encasing him.

Once it cleared, Natsu's body was smoking… His wings having grown, shielding him from view. However, when they stretched, Natsu's hair had gotten a tint darker, and horns were longer. His ears were now elf pointed, and teeth razor sharp than before. Looking close enough, past his pink-locks, blackish scales formed underneath his eyes… Half of Natsu's arms were black in color, like if they were dipped into a bucket of ashes, nails appearing more like talons. Natsu's scarf and clothing blocked everyone's view, but there was no doubt that black markings traveled downward. Especially if the ones on the side of his face were anything to go by.

Lisanna inhaled sharply, scrambling on the dirt from Lucy's emotionless body—Natsu glanced upward, eyes now a full blood-red.

Looking himself over, not acknowledging anyone, Natsu clicked his tongue in disapproval—Lighting himself on fire, the flames melting the clothes into something new. Natsu's long-sleeved overcoat swayed behind in a wide-open fashion… The ends tattered and torn, sleeves burnt off as the top collar stood, more like a cape than a coat. Underneath, he was shirtless… Showing off his abs and black-markings. White baggy-pants tucked into black high-calf boots. Around his waist, like a belt, was Natsu's scaled scarf—Except it was now black.

Smiling, almost evilly at the new appearance, showing off sharp fangs. He hummed, "Ah, that's MUCH better. But something's missing…" Snapping his fingers, between his black horns, fire shaped into a crown that was fit for a king, "There we go. Much, much better."


(E.N.D POV.)

It's been too long since I've been free—Remembering the last time was when I was a little hatchling in the dragon world. Satisfied with the slight outfit change, I stretched my aching muscles… Wings expanded as it showed the ends were ripped. Although I looked sinister and emotionally detached on the outside, I felt broken. My dragon's side was aching, and why did it feel like I was missing something too? Weird.

"Great Demon-Lord, Master E.N.D," A voice greeted me from behind as I turned to see a cloaked guy bowing. Memories were still lazy, but I definitely didn't know him… In fact, he smelled familiar, like another demon—Mad Gear? I don't know, nor did I care.

Looking around, I noticed another demon on the floor that was barely moving at all. Eyes narrowed, a single memory flashed inside my head, 'Do you remember who YOUR fighting against? My name is Ignatius. One of the members of Tartaros, and their strongest demon—The Nine Demon Gates or this "Demon-Lord" has nothing upon my power… Maybe after I'm finished with you, I'll go after that pretty-busty blonde of yours,' Ignatius licked his lips—Growling, I didn't appreciate he believed for himself to be superior to me. What he said about this "blonde" didn't sit well with me either.

Snapping my fingers, the demon was burning into ashes, his screams becoming music to my ears. "My Lord was that really necessary—" Asmodeus questioned but quickly fell silent, flinching when my darkened and sharp gaze eyed him. Scoffing, I was about to speak until whimpers and crying had me freezing… Glancing to the ground, I frowned to see a white-haired girl that looked like a demon, crying on her knees. Her eyes never left a blonde-girl that was facing the ground, blood surrounding her body. From the smell, it was fresh… Yet so familiar, the girl's scent.

~Flashback~

[Age: Nine]

"Owieee!" Cried a young princess, as I rushed over to her side. Immediately reaching for her hand to examine the small cut she gained on her index finger from trying to pluck a rose with thorns.

I scoffed, "Tch, it's just a tiny-cut princess. You'll be fine." She looked up at me with pouty lips that trembled, tears threatening to fall from her beautiful-brown eyes. Strands of golden hair framing her pale complexion… The sight had me intaking a sharp breath, freezing in place.

'She's the only one that can make me feel like this… A demon is not supposed to feel anything, but yet—'

"B-But… It's bleeding! A-And it hurts," She whimpered, tears finally streaming down her cheeks.

Panicking at the sight of her crying, I wrapped my little-wings around her and hugged the girl close, "Shh… It's alright! Here, give me your finger!" The princess didn't hesitate to give me her hand, blood leaking like a small bubble from her cut. Not knowing what to do, I put it in my mouth to suck the little blood that was there before ripping a piece of my shirt. Wrapping the cloth around her little finger like a bandage.

Looking up, I saw she had a deep-blush while staring at her wrapped-finger, "T-Thank you."

Chuckling at her embarrassment, I nodded, "Just be careful. Humans are fragile, unlike us, demons." At that comment, her face twisted in irritation, "Hey! I'm not a human you stupid-head! I'm a DRAGON. A dragon princess! I… I just haven't gotten my dragon characteristics yet," She huffed, arms crossing over her fancy-dress. Her cheeks were puffed into a cute pout.

Laughing, I brought her closer and nuzzled into her neck, enjoying the sweet scent. "W-What are you doing!" She yelped, minutes later, relaxing into the touch.

We stood for a while, hugging and enjoying each other's company… That is, until we heard an older woman from afar, "LUCY! Baby, where are you? Come on, it's time to go inside. Your sister and father are waiting!"

Glancing over, my sharp eyes identified the Queen of Dragons as she tried to find her daughter—She looked exactly like an older-Lucy. Except she had white scales upon her cheeks, matching wings and tail to match. Releasing Lucy, I smiled… A real smile. "It's time for you to go Luce—Don't worry princess, I'll see you tomorrow."

Giggling, she nodded and pecked my cheek that had me blushing before Lucy rushed off to her mom, screaming on the way, "Bye E.N.D! You know, one of these days, I'm gonna get you to tell me your real name!"

Shaking my head, I watched Lucy run out of the forest and jump into her mother's awaiting embrace. Both giggling with big smiles as they walked to the castle.

.

[Age: Fourteen]

"Natsu!" Someone screamed from behind, turning to see Lucy heading toward me in mid-flight… Speedily fast, might I add. Eyes widening, Lucy crashed into me as the both of us tumbled in the grass at our special meeting spot.

"Ugh… Gomen. Still trying to learn how to properly fly," Lucy groaned.

Grunting, I yanked a piece of her golden-hair, "Ouch! Natsu you jerk," Lucy hissed, pouting as she rubbed her head.

Over the years, Lucy had gained a few scales of her own, forming into a beautiful swirled-shooting star across her temple. Like her mother, Lucy's scales were white and sparkled like the Northern-lights… Now, she sported medium dragon-wings and a shorthaired tuff tail. When she smiled, tiny canines started to form—Even her chest grew in size!

"I'm have to teach you one of these days how to land at least," I snorted, helping her stand as we stared at one another for a while until bursting out in laughter.

"Let's go princess, before you are needed back, your royal highness," I joked, bowing playfully before pulling her along for another adventure.

'I'm supposed to be the strongest demon ever created… No weaknesses, whatsoever—Yet. She's the only one that can break me.'

.

[Age: Eighteen]

Explosions, Blood, Death

That's all I brought to her.

A war broke-out between the Dragons and Demons—They found out Lucy and I were meeting in secret… The other demons knew that she was my weakness. Some did it out of spite and power, the others thought it was an insult for their "Demon-Lord" to be associated with anything weak, so they planned to get rid of her.

I stared, emotionlessly-detached, as multiple dragons were shot from the sky and killed… Some of the royal guards were laid on the ground in a puddle of their own blood—And you know what? The sight had the corner of my mouth twitch into a sinister smile… It sickened me to the core that I'd find it enjoyable, destroying everything she ever loved.

Another guard headed straight to me, and I didn't hesitate in the rush of a kill. I've ended so many lives as is… Blood tainting my talons and skin.

A scream echoed throughout the battlefield, the sound having me snap out of it— 'Cause that was Lucy's screams. Swiftly turning, I saw demons surrounding Lucy, her sister, and her mother and father. Eyes widening, I acted on pure instincts, forgetting the lustful urge to kill anything in sight… I killed my own kind instead. As they burned to ashes, I made eye contact with the royals before me.

They knew who I was… I was known throughout multiple universes—Lucy's sister, whose name I don't know, looked terrified. While Lucy's father stood protectively, shielding his family. But Queen Layla… She eyed me with an unrecognizable expression, no sign that she was on the defensive or preparing an attack. Though what hurt the most was Lucy's expression. She looked relieved and happy, preparing herself to greet me with open arms. Only to step back with wide-eyes when I snarled at her, as if SHE was the enemy.

'I'm a demon, the Great Demon-Lord Dragneel—Lucy's a Dragon Princess… I'm meant to destroy, while she was meant to create. I lived in the dark and Lucy thrived in the light. NEVER, we were never supposed to collide, and… It hurts. For the first time, I felt pain. How laughable that I, Natsu Dragneel, could be brought to his knees if only she asked… Pathetic.'

My bangs loomed over my eyes, casting a shadow as I snapped my fingers. The simple action created an explosion of fire under their feet, separating them. I didn't even want to look into Lucy's chocolate-doe eyes, I knew they'd be filled with tears and betrayal. My feet automatically walked forward to the blonde, lighting myself on fire, and just as I was about to attack… A force blew me back.

Growling, I glanced up to see Queen Layla on her feet. She looked straight at me, before opening two small portals and quickly casting a spell of sorts on Lucy and her sister, shoving them separately.

I didn't have time to charge at the queen, a scaled talon snatching me from the ground as Layla cast a spell on me too. The last words I heard before everything went dark was like a melody… A song that was a destined prophecy—

You'll leave this world to begin anew,

The darkest shadow of yourself caged.

You'll be pushed back in time,

In a new world with a guardian of mine.

He shall present you with something special,

Something that you'll treasure.

But be careful, for it will change the scales from light to dark when tainted.

Memories of now, will be forgotten, until your true-form awakens…

Find the one you love while away and stick by her side, do not stray.

Because if the darkness comes alive, she'll be your guiding light that will fight,

For she is the one that is fated to you, blessed by the heavens themselves, and then

Once everything is said and done, you'll be formed into the one you deemed as your true-self.

~Flashback Ended~

It was like a switch, eyes widening, "Princess…? It can't be her. No… It's not."

Automatically, my feet carried me to the unmoving blonde as I feared the worst—Honestly, I hoped it was someone else, that my sight was still hazy and playing tricks. Then everything came crashing down, turning the blonde over to see her familiar face.

Lucy looked paler than I remembered, and her features definitely changed… No dragon-scales, wings, canines or tail. But it was definitely her, my nose didn't lie.

Asmodeus and Lisanna watched; I could feel their heated gaze, but I was solely focused on Lucy. Gently, I caressed her cheek, flinching at the ice-cold feeling that I heated the temperature around us… Lucy always hated the cold. Stopping, I noticed a mark on her neck, tilting it sideways to get a better look.

It was a fire-dragon in the shape of an "S" … Frowning, I touched the ruby-scales, only for it to send a shock throughout me. I growled, hand snapping back at the tingly feeling, but a glow caught my attention. Turning to see the mark on Lucy's neck had now changed. The dragon's-colored scales grew darker with a tint of pink, sporting two heads that seemed to be growling—I didn't quite understand it, but I knew Lucy would, deciding it was time for her to wake up.

"Luce… Lucy! Come on, it's time to wake up—LUCY! Stop being weird, and open your eyes," I muttered, shaking her slightly. The sight of her unmoving body brought me into a panicked state, "Luce, this isn't funny. L-Lucy, please." Something wet caught my attention, looking to see blood staining my fingers where it laid on her stomach—Something inside me snapped… She was gone, it was like time stopped. The firewall dismissed, and I could sense multiple presences stepping closer. Their gasps and cries had me robotically looking up to see Mages of all kinds, beaten and struggling to stand. But it was all the same… HER name leaving their lips, and mine as well.

"Natsu! Dammit, what happened to Lucy?! ANSWER ME!" A scarlet-haired woman yelled in despair, balancing herself on a sword like a cane. A blue-haired, tattoo-faced guy next to her.

"LOVE-RIVAL?! N-No. No, no, no, no! Juvia cannot lose Lucy-san… Lucy was always so nice to Juvia, even when Juvia always called her love-rival," A blue-haired woman muttered in third-person, shaking as if a mental breakdown was about to come forth.

"HEY! FLAME-SHIT, dammit, WHO DID THIS?!" A shirtless male shouted; Fist clenched as he tried to provide comfort for the water-mage that sobbed.

"L-Lucy-nee… No… It's happening all over again—I-It's all my fault. I, maybe—" A small blue-haired girl cried, sinking to her knees with a boy around her age, "She was like my big sister, and I let her down again!"

"N-Natsu… What happened to—No, no, no, no, NO! I-I promise Lucy, if you wake up, I'll never call you fat again! I'll even buy you all the fish you want… Winged fish, grilled fish, raw fish, I'll even give you MY fish. J-Just please wake up Lushie," A blue-furred cat was crying the worst, being held back by three other cats. While the only female cat in the group stared in disbelief, trembling, "T-This wasn't supposed to happen… Lucy, she… My vision must've changed."

"Lucy! I-I… She can't be—NO, I refuse to accept this! She's my best friend, her mating mark will heal her. I have faith it will!" A short blue-haired girl ranted, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Y-Yeah, Levy's right! She'll be healed and we can all go home together… I-It has to," A beautiful white long-haired woman shook in place, bottom lip trembling as she tried to hold in her tears. The she-devil doesn't think she can go through this again, losing someone like a little sister.

These two girls believed so much in this mating mark, two look-alike dragons holding them back.

Then all of a sudden, I felt a power come forward. It wasn't as powerful as mine, not even close, but it was enough to make me tense. A little-short old guy walked to the front, looking at Lucy with a sullen expression before glancing at me. "Stay away from him… That's not Natsu at the moment, not really," The warning lingered in the air, everyone stiffening and questioning the old-geezer what he meant.

Ignoring them for a moment, I turned back to look at my beloved-Lucy… Sharp eyes noticing a certain thing near her wound. Carefully, I removed it and fingered the small object. It was a thorn.

My palm clenched around it, not minding it pierced my flesh as I roared. Not caring if I scared or startled anyone near—My main focus was on him.

Standing, I made sure to gently place Lucy on the ground, everyone watching and waiting to see what I would do next. They all stepped backward in fear, seeing my blood-red eyes and twisted expression that promised death. Swiftly, my target locked on Asmodeus, who shifted nervously.

"You did it… Didn't you?" My tone held a deathly-edge to it, the chilling sound making everyone freeze.

"My Lord—" Asmodeus started to speak, only to be interrupted by a feminine voice from behind me. "Y-Yes! Asmo wanted to break your dragon-spirit inside… and something inside me was growing with jealousy and wanted to hurt L-Lucy too, but I changed my mind! I swear, I did! But Asmodeus didn't like that and tried to kill me, b-but Lucy… Mavis, forgive me… She pushed me out the way and saved me, despite all I did," The short-haired girl cried, looking completely broken.

Raising an eyebrow, I looked at Asmodeus with narrowed eyes, but he was too busy glaring at the girl. I could tell he was about to strike her, but in a flash, I was in front of him and lifted Asmodeus from the ground with a single hand—He stared directly into my eyes, growling and trying to be brave… But I could tell he was scared from how hard he was gripping my wrist. "Why do you care for such a pathetic creature? That blonde-weakling deserves nothing more than to be fed to Hell's Fire!" Asmodeus spat, a dark growl leaving my lips and wings spreading until we shot in the sky. I didn't care if I hurt those mortals that cried, but I did care if anything happened to Lucy's body. "Don't you DARE call her such fowl names, and I don't appreciate you talking as if you're in charge—REMEMBER, YOUR PLACE!" The demon flinched but he didn't back down, instead changing into his Etherious-form as wings sprouted from his back. Asmodeus, finally, having enough strength to wiggle out of my tight-grip and prepare for a fight.

The force and breeze of the wind pushed back Asmodeus's hooded-cloak, revealing his face… He looked exactly like me, just his hair was black—Yet, the sight didn't throw me off-guard. In fact, it just had my smirk widening as I cracked my knuckles, preparing to show his low-class copy-cat who he was messing with. The fear I smelled from him was intoxicating, losing my sense of thought and only focused on the bloodlust that grew each second.


(Normal POV.)

Everybody, once E.N.D took flight with the other demon, rushed toward Lucy's unmoving body… Only to stumble backward, because as soon as they got too close, a barrier of fire surrounded her.

They started to panic, even Rogue—I mean, he wasn't showing emotion or moving from his spot for that matter (But I'm sure he was panicking… On the inside, yeah um, on with the story!).

No one had magical energy leftover to help Lucy free so they could bring her to Porlyusica, but during this, a sniffle was heard, "I'm sorry…" At the familiar voice, the guilds turned to see Lisanna digging her nails in the dirt, looking ashamed as tears fell. No one dared speak or move… Well, except Sting.

"Tch, so you're the reason why… ONE, I almost got killed by Natsu-san. Two! Almost eaten by those giant monsters on their weird-looking island! Wait… Rogue, why don't we have an island?" Sting questioned, distracted for just a moment to look at his partner that shrugged shamelessly, "Hm—Anyways… THREE, I had to endure a crazed-small blondie… Who, might I add, is SUPPOSED to be dead (Background: "Wahhh, it's not my fault!"), and most IMPORANTLY—Mmghh… mph… Hmh!"

"That's enough Sting," Yukino muttered, sweatdropping as her hand closed his mouth from spurring nonsense.

"Frosch thinks so too!" A green-cat in a pink-frog costume said, raising his tiny paw.

Erza limped forward, clearing her dry-throat and smashing her fist on Sting's head. Knocking him unconscious, "Now then. I say the only ones allowed to speak are myself, Master, Mirajane and Elfman! The rest of you shall be severely punished if you so dare interrupt—"

"So what made you go bat-shit crazy, Lis?" Gray interrupted Erza, only to have him knocked out just the same, landing right next to Sting.

"Alright… Anyone else?" Erza asked, dusting herself off as everyone shook their heads. All the guilds fearing for their lives and stepping away from the unconscious bodies next to her feet. "Good."

Master Makarov coughed, taking control of the situation, "Now—Lisanna, please explain the reason you decide to betray us, your own family."

This caught everyone's attention, staring at Lisanna for answers. The takeover appeared emotionless, eyes puffy from crying, "I… I don't know—I thought when I returned from Edolas, everything would be the same… Me, Natsu, Happy. I didn't want to believe I was replaced… but now I realized, I wasn't replaced. I just wasn't Lucy—In Edolas, when I arrived all those years ago, it was before Lucy Ashely even joined," Lisanna trailed off, a small smile gracing her lips at the memory. "Edolas Natsu and I were inseparable, like when we were kids. Even though I DID have to protect him since Edolas Natsu was always scared whenever outside his vehicle—But one day, I was helping serve drinks when the guild doors burst open and Natsu was dragging an irritated and bleeding blonde. You should've seen the look on his face," A tear escaped, "Everyone thought it was adorable how Natsu looked like a puppy that found their master… You know, until Lucy started kicking his ass for dragging her. Yet, even though he cried when she beat him to a pulp, he smiled with tears in the corner of his eyes, and… She smiled back."

Lisanna shook her head from the memory, "It was like I didn't exist anymore, but I was okay with it… because it wasn't my world. So I befriended Lucy Ashely—But when MY Natsu showed up in Edolas and after everything was done with me returning, I thought it was going to change. Since Edolas was the complete opposite of Earthland, I thought the feelings would be too! I was right…" Everyone glanced at each other in concern. "Their feelings WERE different, just… Not what I was hoping for—Natsu's feelings were stronger for Lucy here, and I didn't want it to be the same as it was in Edolas. I-I felt so envious… Then one day, there was this voice? In my head, like a siren-song. Everything was like a fog, Asmodeus using me as a puppet on strings… However, then I saw everyone hurt and all the damage I caused. It, I don't know, snapped me awake!" Lisanna's nose scrunched, before a chuckle left her, "Though I don't think I'll ever be able to look at Natsu the same… But throughout it all. Lucy forgave me." Silent tears fell harder.

Lisanna heard light footsteps approach, looking up to see her big-sister gazing down at her with tears as well. Smiling, Mirajane stretched a hand for her to take, Lisanna blinking the tears away before taking it. Mirajane absorbed the darkness inside but left the nine-tailed fox spirit.

Glancing at herself, Lisanna's bottom-lip trembled to see her takeover fading into her old-self. Crying in joy, Lisanna let out a bubbly-laugh, jumping into Mirajane's awaiting arms. As the two sisters cried together, Elfman joined them.

Everyone gazed at the siblings with soft smiles… Everyone, but Makarov—He let the Strauss siblings have their moment, frowning at the thought of what he'll need to do after this war is all over with. Surely, more devastation was to come.

The animal-takeover looked to where Lucy's body lay, frowning, "We have to do something to help Lucy… Maybe it's not too late for Wendy to heal her!"

Sadly turning to face the ground, the sky dragon burst into tears, "Gomen! I don't have any power left, and the air is tainted in darkness from E.N.D being released!"

Frowning at the information, Lisanna tried to think of a solution. Until realization popped in her head, "Wait! How did you escape certain-death? The last time I saw you all, it wasn't pretty."

At this, Bickslow perked up, "Huh? Oh that! Pshh, we're strong wizards. Did you have doubt that Fairy Tail would survive?"

Gray, finally, woke up with a groan. The ice-mage rubbed his head, grumbling, "We took care of the main demons, but Gramps saved us from the rest. Even the Oración Seis was having a difficult time."

"Tch, who would've thought that old-geezer had it in him," Erik scoffed.

"Erik! An angel doesn't say such mean things!"

"I agree, in the name of LOVE!"

"I'd hate to admit, but it was a good thing he came… I don't think I could've run any longer."

"And my nightmares are useless early in the morning."

However, before anyone else could speak, a body crashed from the sky. Hearing the familiar dark laughter, everyone tensed. "Pathetic… Your curse is control? Well let me tell you something, you're a puppet in your own game too Asmodeus. But hey, I'll see you in hell," Just like that, E.N.D snapped his fingers as the demon burnt to ashes, screams turning silent.

He landed on Earthland's ground, chuckling… Turning his attention to the guild members. They saw in Natsu's eyes nothing but bloodlust, no sense of emotion he showed when holding Lucy in his arms.

"Oi, more toys to play with—Wonderful!" E.N.D cackled, snapping his fingers once more as an explosion under their feet sent them far away from Lucy's body—He could burn them where all of them stood, but where was the fun in that?

Scrambling to stand, everyone was on the defense… Despite shaking in fear. Raising an eyebrow, E.N.D smiled and for once, everyone froze to see a flicker of Natsu just from that grin alone. But it all stopped, the floor shaking as it cracked when lava exploded in different directions. Guards and unrecognizable demons crawling from the crack, as if they came directly from hell.

Laughing to see them struggling, it was cut-off when an ice-spear pierced his wings. E.N.D hissed, tugging the icicle free and glancing over to see Gray standing tall. He had a crazed look in his eye, icy-fog surrounding him as the temperature dropped.

Gray's facial expression was nonexistent, "You may have that flame-head's body, but you're not him! And I will bring Natsu back!"

His dragon eyes narrowed at the half-naked man, E.N.D growling as he stretched his wings to show off the newest tear, "You want to mess with a demon… Fine, it's your death wish," He chuckled darkly, "Then again, all of you will die anyway. One less pathetic-human to worry about."

As Gray and E.N.D fought, and everyone else focused on their own fight. No one noticed, behind the firewall, Lucy's body started to glow. Her mating mark and keys shining brightly, as a heartbeat was heard…