Chapter 21: Light & Darkness
[Previously:]
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…
E.N.D chuckled as Gray stood shakily from being thrown across the battlefield, "Do you honestly believe that your everyone's last hope? Your magic hardly has any effect… Unlike the low-class demon you fought, I can actually heal from any damage inflicted. Not to mention your ice is weak, who even taught you this pathetic magic? A snowman?"
Gray practically growled, standing on his ground as the temperature lowered, colder than before. E.N.D glanced around, watching as everything froze. Raising an eyebrow, he smirked in amusement, "Did I hit a nerve frostbite?" The coldness was affecting neither of them, but as expected, Gray initiated the first move and launched several ice-arrows. In a single swift-motion, E.N.D dodged a few, but some icicles impelled his clothes and wings. Snarling, he ripped an arrow from his wing, only for more to come left and right, not allowing it to heal properly.
At this point, Gray was already growing tired from using so much magic in a few hours. Huffing, he aimed one last attack as E.N.D merely laughed, stepping aside… Yet as he did, the ice-arrow struck his black-precious scarf that was tied around his waist. Everything grew silent, E.N.D watched and heard as the fabric teared.
Suddenly, the air grew harder to breathe and Gray's ice started to melt… Even solid-rocks turned to mush. Gray stood in shock, fear creeping in the back of his throat, and for the first time—Gray Fullbuster felt cold.
The two were away from the others, and even then, they had their own fight to deal with. So it's not like Gray could shout for help, nor would he want to put his own family and friends against E.N.D. Gray shakily watched him stare at the ripped scarf, a blank look on his face. Though it didn't last long, his claws tracing the fabric… Natsu's dragon-like eyes shooting straight at him. In a flash, E.N.D grabbed Gray from his throat and flew them a few feet in the air.
"I lost my beloved treasure… My personal golden-star, and you ruined the only thing that reminded me of her. I was holding back to have some fun, but now… YOU'LL EXPERIENCE WHAT A TRUE DEMON-LORD CAN DO!" The last part came off as a dragon-roar—Gray gripped around E.N.D's claw-like hand that was around his neck, trying to inhale a little bit of oxygen into his lungs. But it was no use. Snickering at the struggle, E.N.D dived to the ground where the rest of the mortals were.
(Unknown POV.)
'Where am I…?'
There was darkness everywhere, swallowing me whole. Not even a sound or peep—I don't know how long I've been here, but it's starting to scare me. I've always hated the dark… It reminded me of when I was all alone.
Suddenly, I heard a sinister laughter. Along with cries and explosions coming from a certain direction… It was faint, but still there. Twirling in the dark, a bright-glow illuminated the shadows and caught my attention. Looking down to see my keys jingling, twinkling in their personal light.
I was about to touch them until each key broke off my belt, swirling in a circle around me. I tried to reach up and grab them, but they flew higher, jingles growing louder—My eyes widened when they took off, feet around running to catch them. Yet the sounds I heard before grew louder the more I followed my friends. Honestly, it felt like I was running on an endless loop until I stopped in front of a white-light. My spirits signal to run straight ahead and don't look back.
You're never supposed to run into the light, but… 'I TRUST my celestial spirits,' Taking a deep breath, I didn't hesitate to throw myself into the brightness.
…Groaning, I felt Natsu's warmth around me. Except, opening my eyes, I flinched at the light but managed to adjust, vision blurry at first.
My whole body felt sore… Focusing on the sounds of yelling, laughter, and cries. Once my vision focused, I noticed a firewall surrounding me—So THAT was Natsu's warmth. Using little strength, I inhaled the fire like Natsu does… It took a few tries, but I eventually did it, feeling MUCH stronger. Scrambling to my knees, I looked around…
I wasn't prepared for what I saw.
(Normal POV.)
Lucy's eyes widened at the destruction; It was like Magnolia was wiped off the map. Scrambling to her hands and knees, tears silently fell to see her family close to their own deaths.
There were demons everywhere—Lyon, Rufus, and Jura creating a shield with the little-magic they had left to protect the injured, while Makarov swiped in his giant form. Honestly, it was a surprise to see two wizard saints struggling as well… Erza no longer had strength to stand, leaning on Jellal for support as she fought with one hand. Hoteye, Midnight, Racer, and Angel were surrounded, back-to-back, while Cobra hissed at anyone that came near him… It almost seemed as if he was shielding someone himself. Wendy and Chelia tried to combine their magic, both struggling in exhaustion. Laxus and Mirajane decided to take the demons that could fly, the lightning dragon slayer used his wings with Mirajane in her satin-soul. Sting, Rogue, Gajeel and Levy were protecting the Exceeds that had already run out of magic power, Panther Lily panting in exhaustion near his sword… Then all of a sudden, an explosion was created in the middle of them.
As the dust settled, Gray was in a miniature crater with E.N.D towering over him with a sinister grin. The sight threw everyone off guard, the demons taking their distraction to overpower them, Meredy holding back a screeching Juvia as Gray struggled in Natsu's grip. Lucy watched in despair as her family was cornered…
Just as E.N.D raised his talons, about to strike Gray's heart… The other demons prepared in sync for their final blow as well—Lucy cried, hands clenching her hair and shaking her head. She couldn't take it anymore, screaming as if she had gone insane and catching everyone's attention.
Everything stopped—The demons, fire, a sharp intake of air everybody was holding… and even E.N.D.
Lucy's whole body began to glow, screaming as she cried, "Stop… PLEASE STOP! LEAVE. MY. FAMILY. ALONE!" It was like when she called her celestial spirits, a bell faintly heard as a magic circle shot into the sky, looking like a galaxy of stars.
Dragon's roars echoed throughout the air, the magic circle illuminating before opening a wide-portal—Everyone's eyes widened at the sight of ACTUAL dragons flying out of the gateway.
"G-Grandeeney?"
"Metalicana?"
"Is t-that.. Weisslogia?!"
"S-Skiadrum…"
"Fuck, is that Acnologia too?!"
"There's so many of them."
"We're all gonna die!"
There were some that started to panic and shake in fear, while others were simply frozen in shock—Levy tilted her head, it felt like everything was hazy, staring at the multiple dragon's coming out of the portal. But one particular dragon flying through the open-gateway with a deafening roar had her eyes widening, unconsciously mumbling a single name, "Ryuu…"
As if he heard the familiar call, the dragon's head snapped downward and stared intently before diving down at an incredible speed that had everyone screaming. Gajeel reacted instantly, standing in front of Levy's small-form with a snarl. Although the iron dragon slayer scrunched his nose in confusion and annoyance when Levy shoved past him, calmly walking to the dragon that landed gracefully on the ground, "W-Who are you?" She questioned.
Snorting, the dragon lowered himself to near eye-level, "Princess Levy, don't tell me you've forgotten about me? I'm hurt… but then again, you were always puny, maybe your brain is too," Ryuu teased. A tear fell down Levy's cheek, lost memories resurfacing about the dragon before her… and all she could do was smile.
As Levy was having her own reunion, everyone gaped in astonishment—Especially E.N.D, as he stared at Lucy, unmoving. The dragon's that flew through the portal landed in a circle around the celestial-mage. Lucy confused, a headache coming from all her past memories resurfacing… Soon enough, a dragon that had golden scales and galaxy furred-tuff instead of spikes on their back, walked forward with a serious expression. "Celeste…" Lucy awed.
"Princess Lucy… We've been eagerly awaiting for this day to come," Celestial stated, bowing as the others followed. Lucy stepped back, slightly shocked as realization hit her like a train—That's right, she was a…
"Princess…"
Glancing up, Lucy looked past the dragons where E.N.D stood, Natsu lifting himself out of the crater as Juvia and Erza immediately pulled Gray to safety. E.N.D walked to Lucy almost in a trance, but as he got near, all the dragon's growled and prepared to attack until Lucy put an unsure hand up. The gesture made them hesitate before listening and put a halt to their movements.
(E.N.D POV.)
'She's alive…?'
Once Lucy stood in front of me, I hesitantly traced her cheek with my hand, careful not to cut her delicate skin with my talons. "You need to stop…" I froze, hand in mid-air at hearing her shaky tone, "I know… I know deep down; You know what you're doing is wrong. Look at everyone! Look at your friends… family—I don't care what you are! Because you look like the same guy that took me to Fairy Tail all those years, like the Natsu I've always known. Being a demon doesn't mean you should act like one… Natsu… Please, stop this and let's go home." Lucy caressed the ends of my scarf, fingering the torn edges. She gazed into my dragon-like eyes with tears in her own, I looked away, gazing at all the destruction I've caused.
The humans were huddled together in a group, demons of all kinds halting as well, waiting for their orders. I noticed the dragon's stood behind Lucy, their stare intense as if they were waiting for something.
My mouth opened to speak, but words came out that weren't mine—Pupils dilating when realizing it was a woman's voice in my head like a tainted prayer.
"You're such a pathetic creature… A demon with a heart? No such thing, to believe my daughter would love a monster like you—She is merely tryin' to protect and save her home and family… She doesn't care about you, never did. And why would she? Your complete opposites—Tch, a demon falling in love with someone born from light, how cliché. Why'd she settle for someone that nearly killed her friends… You're nothing, make her angry… Make her despise you… MAKE HER HATE YOU! Lucy does NOT need a monster like you trailing behind like a lost puppy… She IS a Dragon Princess that is meant to rule the Dragon-Realm with her sister, while you're nothing more than a killer."
The woman's words dug and twisted deeper, as if she was purposely carving my insides with a butterknife. Her familiar voice fading into nothing but a whisper, until… It went silent.
(Normal POV.)
Lucy watched Natsu carefully, his eyes dull and misty until they returned with life… A dark edge into them—What Lucy didn't know was that the Dragon Queen twisted the spell, influencing fate for the two lovers to fight each other… What the Queen said wasn't true, nor right to say, but it had to be done so that her daughter could defeat E.N.D for his true-form to take place.
The air grew hotter and that's when the dragons knew that their Queen's plan started to take in effect—E.N.D bared his canines, snarling as he threw Lucy backward with an extreme force and into the river bank. She didn't scream, but everyone else did as they tried to get past the barrier of demons. Even Levy panicked, Ryuu stopping the second Princess as the dragons watched the water with keen interest—There was no sound after the splash… Not a bubble or ripple of movement.
E.N.D clicked his tongue, turning around to finish his work here on Earthland—Freezing in place, a sudden glow illuminating from the darkened river as it bubbled from the intensity of the magic power. Gasps were heard around when the water exploded, parting ways to reveal Lucy sitting on the riverbank floor… In her true-form, steam comes off in ways.
Her hair was longer, flowing slightly past her waist and shined even more like silk-gold… Dragon wings sprouted from her back and tail thrashing, white scales sparkling like the Northern-Lights. Lucy's nails had grown sharper, longer, and painted gold—Even Lucy's clothes changed… Wearing a black bikini-top that had the strongest-steel armor attached for protection, on her chest and arms. The blonde's bottom was a galaxy black-flow skirt that was cut-open from the side to show off her leg and the armored thigh-high boots. There was even an armored band around her thigh, zodiac symbols carved into it… Lucy's eyes snapped open, shining a golden-yellow. The same type when the celestial mage performs Urano Metria. The blonde growled, showing off canines as a silver headpiece tiara appeared on top of her head, a dragon symbol twisted in the middle.
A flick of her wrist, the watered-river shaped into stairs as Lucy walked up them as if it was normal. The dragon's bowed respectfully, their Princess had returned. Finally, on normal ground, the water fell back into the river with a slosh. "You've saved me countless times, Natsu. So for once… I'll save you!" Lucy raised both hands in the air, enormous power surging through her soul, especially when she brought her arms down in a slamming motion—The morning light turning dark for a moment as celestial constellations twinkled before striking down from the sky like shooting stars. The twelve-zodiac appeared with the most serious face, including the thirteenth gate that had Yukino's eyes widening.
E.N.D narrowed his eyes at the comment—He didn't NEED saving! A roar left him, wings flapping in a forceful gust of wind as he launched in the air… Lucy followed shortly. As soon as the two were air-born, dragons and zodiac combined as they attacked the demons. Everyone found a new found confidence, overpowering any demon that came their way—It was definitely one of their fights that will forever go down in Earthland History.
…The two mates were in a heated battle in the short few minutes it started, both evenly matched, "You seem to be forgetful that I'm a DRAGON Princess—Poison Dragon Roar!" Lucy bellowed, the roar heading straight to him.
However, E.N.D easily slurped the misty poison as if it were spaghetti. Eyes darkening, "Don't flatter yourself Princess… You barely remember about that life—Take your own advice, and don't forget I'm a DEMON!" E.N.D fired his most powerful attack, the flames engulfing the blonde. Smirking cockily, believing this fight to be over, his eyes widened, and fist clenched at the sight of the black smoke vanishing; Lucy unharmed… Not even a scratch. Chuckling, almost darkly, Lucy tapped a spot on her neck that sent a shiver through his spine as it glowed from the touch. "Mating mark… You can't hurt me—I own you!" She hissed, speeding in the air for an up-to-close and personal hand-to-hand combat.
Growling as he dodged, E.N.D swung a fist as it connected with Lucy's jaw as she hissed from biting her tongue, blood tainting her taste buds. Although just as he was about to land a kick, Lucy disappeared, "I'm an Elemental Dragon Slayer, so the wind is also MY space in time," Her voice echoed in a near whisper. Natsu's nose scrunching and ears twitching, but it was too late, Lucy's boot jabbing into his back where a crack was heard from his wings. The brutal attack and force behind it had them both falling to the ground with E.N.D face-planting into the concrete.
Something inside E.N.D shattered... His pride or humanity, Lucy didn't know—She could only stare with wide-eyes to see Natsu's figure tense. The temperature increased so much that it started to melt anything near, even her clothes. A powerful cry-like roar shook the floor, Lucy stumbling as E.N.D transformed into his Etherious-form, turning into a demonic-dragon.
The dragons swiftly turned in shock at the roar and increase in power—Celestial was about to charge into the mini battle between the two, but a red-dragon tackled her to the ground, "Grr, RELEASE ME! You know she was like my own daughter, Igneel. Lucy still doesn't comprehend her memories and the day she needed to leave, she never even mastered how to transform into a dragon—Right now, this is like sending a sheep to be slaughtered!" Igneel growled, snapping his jaws at the female dragon, "You cannot interfere, these are the orders! She has to do this alone…"
"Besides, our Princess can do this," Ryuu nodded, assisting Igneel to subdue his twin.
"Yeah—Plus, this hot-head raised that pink-haired brat… Tch, I'm sure she'll win," Metalicana insulted from across the field, stabbing a demon with his spear-shaped tail.
"Bwahahahaha! He basically called you an idiot!" Weisslogia and Sting snorted, bursting into laughter from where they fought. Distracted for a moment as the two pointed at the fire dragon.
"Well one thing is certain—You know Sting was definitely raised by Weisslogia," Skiadrum stated in a neutral tone, snorting at his dragon-brother. The black dragon is not moving a muscle, demons being swallowed by his shadows.
Chusi; A Lightning Dragon, Monsoon; A Water Dragon, Arctik; An Ice Dragon, and Pythios; A Poison Dragon, snickered to themselves upon the shadow dragon's comment.
"Enough!" A roar interrupted the bickering dragons, their snouts shutting and tilting their head toward the ground in respect. Marching to them was a tall-black and blue dragon, his glare nothing but fierce, "Now is not the time to dolly. NONE of you shall interfere with this fight! Have faith in the Princess… She is my daughter after all."
…Lucy was attempting to dodge left and right, but Natsu's attacks were faster… Stronger… Vicious! While it was true, Lucy couldn't be harmed by E.N.D's fire, that didn't mean she couldn't physically be hurt—A dragon tail sweeping the debris, taking her with it as she crashed through multiple buildings, spitting blood from her mouth, as well as dry-spit.
Lucy groaned, tired and body aching—She didn't even have time to properly heal before being thrown again, tumbling on the ground. This time… The celestial mage couldn't move. It wasn't as if she refused to give up, but her legs didn't have the strength to stand anymore. Shallow breaths leaving her lips, even when Natsu's tail wrapped around her legs and pulled her face-to-face, upside down.
E.N.D puffed smoke in her face, Lucy cracking an eye open as her vision began to turn blurry. Dangling, she tried to focus on the dragon's eyes… Not recognizing them. They weren't the same because these weren't Natsu's eyes. They were too emotionless and cold, no adventure or life in them. Yet the longer she stared, the more her face softened because even so, to Lucy, Natsu was still Natsu… No matter what he becomes—The mating mark upon her neck glowed softly, E.N.D's dragon-slit eyes widened as images flashed before him.
Lucy, when she was nine-years-old and cut her finger.
Lucy, when she turned fourteen and threatened to kick him into next year for calling her weird.
Lucy's laugh echoing in the air as she crashed for the millionth time trying to fly.
Lucy Heartfilia, widely smiling, hand held out to drag him for a "Thank-You" lunch.
Lucy showing off her official Fairy Tail mark…
Lucy, yelling in irritation at him for accidentally beating up her cow-spirit.
Lucy dressed as a maid…
Lucy screaming, clenching onto him from behind to prevent another run at the tornado that was capable of shredding you to pieces.
Lucy sneaks off with him to do a forbidden S-Class mission.
Lucy's kick sends him and a blue-cat flying out of her apartment.
Lucy calls, her cries for him lingering in the air, trusting that he'd catch her from Phantom's tower.
Lucy sobbing in despair, admitting the truth about who she was, only wanting a family.
Finding Lucy at her mansion, scolding her to never leave again.
His heart stopped at the sight of Lucy being frozen by Evergreen.
Relief and embarrassment when Lucy saved him from that demon-raft.
Softly gazing at Lucy from the bottom crowd as the celestial-mage leaned on her window seal, aweing at the Rainbow Blossoms as the tree sailed in the river.
Finding Lucy in Edolas, safe and unharmed.
Lucy's refusal to leave, one of the seventh-kin stomping her into the ground.
Cries, hope all lost in Fairy Tail's light as she sobbed, Acnologia's roars clear as day…
Providing support as Lucy left flowers on her parent's grave after the Seven-Year gap.
Terror fills him, stumbling before running once more to catch HIS shooting-star from the Starry-Sky after the Infinity Clock.
Comforting Lucy when she "lost" a battle in the Grand Magic Games because Raven Tail cheated.
Feeling a piece of him break, not being able to beat someone to a pulp for Lucy practically getting tortured in the Naval battle…
Winning the fight against the twin dragon slayers for Lucy.
Screaming Lucy's name, fighting as the royal guards dragged her away from him.
Becoming irritated when saving Lucy but getting separated once more when the Hungry-Wolf Knights attacked.
Feeling for the first time, useless, that he couldn't protect or save Lucy when Rogue killed Future-Lucy…
Helping Lucy save the Celestial Realm and her spirits that she considered her friends.
Babysitting Auska and jumping at the opportunity when she demanded him and Lucy to kiss, only for his lips to be tainted.
Excitedly laughing with Lucy as the both of them gave Happy and Kemo-Kemo a bath.
Marking Lucy of Fairy Tail as his mate…
Whimpering, E.N.D shook his head to get rid of the images during their time together—Lucy feeling sick to her stomach from being upside down, clenching her eyes shut and trying to focus on her breathing.
She could do this.
Lucy's nose scrunched like a bunny, a battle-cry leaving her lips at the burning sensation that was consuming her—Body glowing, the brightness causing everyone, even Natsu to shield their eyes… When it was gone, Lucy stood tall as a full-blown dragon, able to fight out of the demonic-dragon's grasp.
E.N.D, the dragons, everyone, and EVEN the demons that were left, looked at Lucy in a daze… Her dragon SCREAMED royalty! Her powerful aura suffocating that strikes fear into their soul at the intensity, only Gildarts was able to provide such an intimidation tactic with just sear power alone. Using the distraction to her advantage, Lucy focused her boost on magical power for this one attack.
Praying that she perfects this spell, a memory coming to mind, Lucy casted it:
Survey the Heavens, Open thy Heavens.
All the stars, far and wide…
Show me thy appearance,
With such shine.
Oh, Tetrabiblos…
I am the ruler of the stellar and dragon world,
Aspects become complete.
Open thy malevolent gates,
Oh, 88 stars of the heavens and twelve elements…
Give me the power to defeat the darkness inside this pure soul.
A light so bright…
Shine.
Royal-Celeste Spiritual Purification!
The spell was finished, leaving Lucy's mouth like a dragon-roar… The light of it breaking E.N.D out of his trance—But it was too late. A huge explosion takes place, the dragon's automatically shielding the mages with their wings from the intense power and dirt-cloud as a light illuminates the entire town.
When everything cleared up, the demons were gone and the sun-shined over the damages near the Fairy Tail guild. The dragon's lifted their wings, letting everyone rise from their spots. They were coughing from the dirt and hissing from their pain; However, it was momentarily forgotten to see a giant crater where Natsu and Lucy were supposed to be.
Happy was the first to walk to the hole, trembling, "Lucy… N-Natsu?" His voice was so fragile.
Everybody held their breath, the moment seeming to drag on forever in the silence.
"H-Happy?" Lucy's broken voice responded from down-below. The sound of her voice had everyone sagging in relief. Not wasting time, they ran to the crater with little strength and giant smiles… Only for them to fade at the sight before them.
Lucy's clothes were tattered and burnt beyond repair… Skin covered in bruises, dirt, and blood—The dragon-wings that were on her back, had tears and her tail was bent in an odd position as it faded into magical particles. The celestial mage had tears falling… as she clutched onto an unmoving body.
Natsu laid there… Mouth parted with slight blood dribbling down like drool. His eyes were closed, wings torn worse than before and clothes nearly non-existent. His tail was gone, along with the fire-crown he created, but the worst part… Natsu wasn't breathing.
Lucy unwrapped Natsu's scarf from his waist with the gentlest and trembling-hands, securing it around his neck like where it should be—Thankfully, the scaled-fabric was dragon-proof, so it wasn't worse for wear. Lucy couldn't hold it in anymore, energy giving out as she sobbed into his chest. Erza, Gray, Wendy, Happy, Makarov, Romeo, Yukino and Sting moved to action, about to slide down the crater, only to be stopped. Metalicana securing an Erza from breaking into a rage, Arctik clenching Gray in his talon, Grandeeney calmly halting Wendy and Happy with her feathered wing, Monsoon gently lifting Romeo by his shirt, Weisslogia pulling Yukino and Sting back to their spots, while the black-dragon grabbed Makarov… The Master of Fairy Tail glaring viciously at the dragon.
Each one was about to complain until seeing a red-dragon that was the same description Natsu always used to explain what his dad looked like. He stood tall and calm, eyes narrowed, "Don't… Just watch." The wizards noticed Celestial and Ryuu stare intensely at the partners, while Levy gazed in curiosity… Everyone decides to listen to the fire-dragon.
Lucy's sobs turned to sniffles, fist clenched around Natsu's ripped-coat—She threw her fists into his chest like a tantrum-child, muttering on how he left her when it's always more fun when they're together, tears silently falling. Lucy shook her head in denial, leaning forward, his lips were cold against hers… How funnily-cruel, that right now, she was the warmer one this time—As soon as Lucy connected to Natsu for a kiss, her mating mark started glowing brighter than it ever did before, surrounding them both. When it died down, both of them were clean and healed, but… Nothing else happened. Natsu still laid unmoving. However, Lucy didn't seem to notice the change, pulling her lips away for the last time. That is… until, a hand reached up and grabbed her by neck, yanking her back down for another kiss.
"Luce…"
