Chapter 35

Black Dragon

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Magic"

Flashback

Location / Date / Time Skip

Natsu panted in victory as the others behind him smiled. "It's over, isn't it?" Gray asked holding onto his bruised ribs.

"Yeah... I believe it is." Erza nodded she returned to her normal armor.

"We won!" Wendy cheered.

"Never a doubt in my mind." Nicholas chuckled next to Brianna.

"Here. You might want this." Lucy said offering his scarf.

"Thanks..." He chuckled as he took his clothing.

"Please, help us!" Carla begged as she and Happy ran into view.

"You gotta save me, Natsu!" Happy begged.

"What is now?" The pinkette complained.

The others looked to see a swarm of masked members running after the cats. "Talk about bad timing." Gray complained.

"I'm completely drained of magic power right now." Erza stared.

"So is Lily." Slate said as held up two knifes.

A heavy footstep caught everyones attention as the members the mob froze. "Hold it right there!" Makarov shouted from between the injured members. While the Fairy Tail members smiled, the dark wizards froze in place before noticing Hades on the ground. "Get off this island immediately."

Instantly, the dark wizards turned and ran for their lives. Seconds later every Fairy was cheering in joy at their victory. "How's Juvia?" Gray asked Freed.

"Shed didn't come back to camp." The vernette replied, making Gray worry.

Makarov walked past his grandson as they shared a glance. "It's good to have you back." The master said.

"You're joking, right!?" Nicholas asked. "After all the crap he pulled, you're just gonna welcome him back in!?"

"Like hell i was!" The master shouted. "What were you thinking, stepping foot onto Tenrou Island while you're exiled!?"

"Shut up, old man." Laxus replied before the blonde was tackled by Thunder Legion who were crying in joy.

"Master is just as strict as ever." Elfman mumbled.

"I suppose so..." Mirajane added with a chuckle.

"Okay, then let's continue with the exam!" Natsu declared to the group. "The last part of the test had interference, so that doesn't count! So this time, let's handle it simple! We'll go battle by battle!"

"Did something get knocked loose in your head!?" Gajeel asked pushing into the pinkettes face. "You really think you can win against me while your that beat up?"

"It'll be a piece of cake now that I've got a lightning flame dragon-" Natsu fell backwards in exhaustion.

"Is he okay?" Levy asked.

"It's a side effect from eating any magic other than fire." Nicholas explained.

"From the time being, why don't we head back to camp?" Wendy suggested.

"All our bodies could really use some rest." Carla added.

The others agreed and began walking back to the camp. "Makarov... Finish me off..." Hades mumbled, making the master stop.

"I learned many, many things from you." Makarov said. "As thanks for that, I'll look the other way while you get off this island."

"How can you be so naive?" The second master asked. "If you let me live, I will return and destroy you guild."

"You may have defeated me, but you still lost to my children." Makarov replied.

"I was weakened because my heart was destroyed, and the tree restored their power." Hades retorted. "It was only a coincidence."

"Why did you fall to the darkness?" The third master asked.

"I told you once the true nature of magic is darkness." Hades replied. "The miracles created in the depths of darkness were called magic. I retired from the guild and journeyed into the world of magic because I wanted to discover truth in this world. This world that overflows with magic is a world of lies...

"But that world that Zeref was in, The Grand Magic World is the true world. I wanted to see what that world was like. That's why I began to collect the keys to awaken the legendary black wizard. I was so close... to my dream... Primordial magic was finally in my grasp..."

"Even if you found that, it wouldn't change anything." Makarov declared. "If magic is truly darkness, then i accept this. If it is light, I can accept that too. Magic is alive. Its place changes over time and grows along side us. Magic is infinite, and it is freely living with us at Fairy Tail." He turned and walked away, leaving Hades behind.

Base Camp

Natsu snored loudly as the Strauss sibling surrounded him. "Damn, you're noisy Natsu!" Elfman complained. "Can't you just shut up and sleep quietly!?"

"Leave him alone." Mirajane said.

"Well, might as well tell them now." Brianna teased Lisanna, making her turn red.

"How soon until we get rid of the traitor?" Nicholas asked, glaring at Laxus.

"Yesh, what did he do to you?" Slate asked.

"So was what we destroyed really Hades' heart?" Happy asked.

"Coincidence or not, we did a good job." Carla replied.

"Hey! Were you hurt, Lily?" Gajeel asked before groaning in pain.

"I'm a lot better off than you." The cat replied.

The Thunder Legion was gushing around the blonde as Wendy pulled her arms back from Slate. "Okay, next I'll take care of Levy's wounds."

"I'm fine. Why don't you get some rest too, Wendy?" The bookworm suggested.

"No, I've been feeling great ever since the Tenrou tree turned back to normal." Wendy replied.

"But how did the Tenrou Tree turn back to normal after being destroyed?" Erza mumbled aloud.

A rustling caught their attention only to watch as Juvia crawl out of the woods. "I'm sorry... I let Zeref get away... My darling, punish me however you like." She said presenting her butt to him.

"I don't have those kinds of hobbies." Gray replied.

"All that's left is Gildarts." Lucy mumbled next to Cana as she drank from a coconut. "It's fine, im sure he's alright."

"So you were exiled!?" The ace asked before chuckling. "What a loser!"

"Piss off, pops!" The blonde shouted as Cana just glared at the two. She turned back to lucy and the two started laughing.

Grimoire Heart Airship

The smoking hulk of the ship took to the sky and flew away with only Rustyrose and Kain joining Hades. "I never imagined we'd be defeated." The poet mumbled. "Lord Zeref was before our very eyes and we let the Grand Magic World slip through our fingers."

Footsteps caught everyones attention as Kain and Rusty stood up. "Its people like you that made me what I am today." All three went wide eyed in shock. "Its why I summoned Acnologia. This day shall forever mark the end of the current era. I can no longer be stopped." His blood red eyes opened and the magic power increased. "This miserable world shall come to an end now."

"Lord Zeref..." Hades mumbled. Kain and Rustyrose quickly dropped to their knees and bowed as Hades stared in shock. "I cannot believe my eyes. Lord Zeref is standing before me. Or is this a dream?" The unending glare of Zeref only brought a smile to Hades. "The keys! Bring them at once!"

Rustyrose and Kain went to move only to find their bodies frozen in place. "I'm stuck..."

"There is no need for those keys." Zeref spoke up. "As you can see, I'm wide awake. How many atrocities did you commit to obtain them? Did you count the lives you snuffed out, the widows you made, the children who will never grow up? Every one was a meaningless loss, nothing but myths an old fool put stock in."

"But that's impossible!" Hades shouted.

"Those keys were nothing more than stories concocted by a group of desperate fanatical cultists who longed for my resurrection." The Black Wizard said. "And you took their word as gospel. What a sad and horrific legacy you leave behind. I was never asleep so there was never any need for those keys. The man who stands before you now is the true Black Wizard Zeref."

"What do you mean you were never asleep!?" Hades shouted. "I saw it all! I watched you fall with my Devil's Eye! You were so weak you couldn't hold your own against one of my underlings!"

"I'll explain this simply." Zeref said. "At the time that was my full power. But no longer." Magic power began rising and swirling around him. "Four hundred years ago, I witnessed countless human conflicts and the destruction they wrought. But then one day, as if by a miracle, I learned the true value of life.

"I gained peace of mind and humility. However, the more I value life the more this cursed body of mine would steal the souls of those around me. If I'm to stop stealing these souls, I must forget the sanctity of human life. This burden is a wretched one."

"So you've been waiting for someone to make you forget the value of life!?" Hades asked in shock.

"I was unable to use any of my magic because I was bound by this sense of morality." Zeref declared. "But your wicked ways have broken those bonds for good. This world will be forever changed today. Acnologia will bring about an end to this era, and it was your evil thoughts that brought it about."

"What are you talking about? What is Acnologia!?" Hades shouted.

"Now you must be punished for all the suffering you've caused." Zeref declared as he moved his arms. Hades demanded answers for his questions but they went unanswered. "Your actions brought Acnologia and for your greatest sin. Hades, it was you who caused me to forget the value of life." He placed his palms together and unleashed a torrent of magic. "Repent while you can."

Ocean

A small raft floated over the water as Ultear rowed forward. "Meredy... you don't seem happy." The woman said to her daughter. "I know it's going to be hard, but heres an idea. Why don't we forget about Grimoire Heart and Zeref too?"The girl didn't responded as dolphins breached. "Dolphins, look."

"Ultear, is it true?" Meredy finally spoke up. "Were you the one incharge of destroying my home town? I lost my family, all of my friends..."

"It was me." She confessed shocking Meredy. "I'm sorry, I always intended to tell you one day. I used to consider this life our first try, and that by mastering Arc of time in the Grand Magic World i could start our second life. I believed our actions in this life were meaningless. And that allowed me to act in horrific ways with no remorse.

"I honestly thought the next time would bring about happiness and peace for both of us. That's the reason I acted that way." Meredy stood up in anger. "I was wrong, I had no right to cause such horror. I was a fool who commit atrocities in pursuit of an illusion. And i know i can't ask for forgiveness, but let me say I'm sorry.

"I understand that you're filled with hatred for me however-" She summoned her sword and impaled herself, shocking Meredy. "Now there's no need to dirty your hands ever again. I can promise you that. After today, I wont be here anymore." She fell backwards to Meredys horror. "Find your joy, your free now. I love you."

She crashed into the water and began sinking. 'The sea... I'm with my mother again... I guess this makes this a happy ending.' Seconds later, Meredy rose out of the water with Ultear in her grip. "Meredy?" The time wizard asked in shock before looking at her wrist. "A sensory link?"

"Let's live... together..." The girl mumbled through her tears. "I can feel it all. Your sadness, your frustration... You can't blame yourself... You're still a mother to me! I forgive you so please don't talk like that again! I can't bear to be without you! So please live with me!"

The older girl began crying as well before they embraced in a hug.

On the otherside of the island, Lucian awoke to find himself in a boat. Confused, he sat up and looked around for the island. "Well, look who finally woke up." Chi chuckled.

"I take it we failed?" The plant wizard asked.

"Unfortunetly yes." The blood mage said. "And you almost died. When i find that bitch that nearly did it..."

The 'shirt' on Lucian began shaking in fear as he reached out to Chi's clenched fist. "Easy there, Chi. We'll make them both pay."

Chi softly smiled and the two touched foreheads. "So, what do we do now?"

"I hear theres this nation on the otherside of this ocean." Lucian said. "Feel like making a new name for us?"

"Only if i can get some decent meals there." Chi chuckled.

"Maybe you should cut back on the blood for a bit." Lucian said. 'You're looking a little bloated."

"Oh, don't you start that again." Chi said as he started rowing. "I used a lot if blood to heal my wounds."

Grimoire Heart Airship

A pillar of dark magic shot through the ship and Hades fell over dead. "Our master!" Rustyrose shouted.

"He-he's as dead as a doornail..." Kain mumbled.

"Death is too good for you." Zeref said. "May you suffer in the afterlife." A roar caught his attention and he turned his head. "It's here! Acnologia!"

He walked onto the deck and stared at the frame flying overhead. "He won't speak to them, for he views them as nothing more than insects. Men don't engage vermin in conversation, and this is no different. And men don't battle pests the same way as actual threats.

"Those pour souls don't have prayer of surviving. Mankind will soon learn who's at the top of the food chain. It seems i find myself at the cross roads once more. At the end of yet another era. Farewell, Natsu."

Base Camp

"What did you say!?" Gajeel, Natsu, Gray and Elfman shouted.

"I told you, we're suspending the progress if the S-Class promotion exam." The master repeated.

"I don't understand at all, Gramps!" Gray shouted.

"Why are you suspending it!?" Natsu asked.

"I want to become S-Class!" Gajeel shouted.

"Levy was the candidate, not you..." Elfman reminded.

"I had no other choice with all the things that happened." Makarov said.

"There was a council memeber who snuck in, and then Grimoire Heart interfered too." Mirajane reminded.

"There really was no other option this time..." Levy spoke up.

"You're okay with all of this, damnit!?" Gajeels asked.

"Why are you getting so worked up about it?" Pantherlily asked.

"Aaahhh! I wanted to become S-Class, damnit!" Gray complained.

"Don't worry! You'll make it next time, my love!" Juvia cheered.

Elfman could only let out a defeated sigh. "Even a man has his limit."

"There's no way I'll give up!" Natsu shouted. "I'll be come S-Class no matter the cost! Gray, Elfman, Levy... You're all giving up, aren't you? In that case, then I win by default! Make me S-Class already, Gramps!"

"I suppose it can't be helped..." Makarov mumbled. "This is a special exception. Let's go ahead and start the final exam. If you can win against me, I'll promote you to S-Class, Natsu."

"Seriously, Gramps!?" Natsu cheered. "Alright! Im all fired up! Here I-!" Makarov's fist grew and he punched Natsu into a tree. "Go..."

"Might be for the best." Brianna chuckled. "He should be worrying about other things."

Lisanna groaned as her face was pulled. "What are you doing?"

"Eh... I was wondering if it really was you..." Laxus said before patting her head.

"Of course its really me! How rude!" She complained.

"Getting picked on all the time... I feel sorry for you." Evergreen teased.

"What insight... Laxus is impressive." Freed said, making Bickslow look in confusion at his dolls.

From afar Wendy watched the scene next to a tree. "I wanna just to go greet them, but I'm so nervous." She told Carla.

"What are you scared of?" The cat asked.

"I've heard a lot of different rumors, but it seems a deep down he's not a bad person." Erza said from behind. "He's just a little awkward."

"He's a piece of shit who nearly killed an entire town to get his way." Nicholas said from his mat. "Trust me, people like that can't change."

A little away from the camp, Lucy and Cana were soaking in a spring. "I know this springs herbs are supposed to be medicinal, but that doesn't mean they sting any less." Cana chuckled.

"So how's your arm holding up?" Lucy asked.

"Well, I kinda liked the way it looked but it seems like spell wore off." The brunette said, showing off her arm. "Lucy, I want to apologize for ditching you while I looked for Mavis' grave. I'm sorry. I betrayed one of my closest friends, and I'll regret it forever."

"But i never saw that as a betrayal." The blonde replied. "You we're just doing what you had to to win. I'm your partner, and I know how important S-Class is to you. So please don't worry about it anymore."

Cana nodded before standing up. "I never managed to become S-Class this year either. I still need to bite the bullet and tell him the truth."

With Natsu and Gildarts

The Dragon Slayer sat next to the ace with a bored looked on his face, both holding fishing lines. "Look Natsu, know you're upset about the trial, but you have to put that behind you. Focus on your next adventure. Happy, don't even think about it."

The cat groaned in disappointment before Natsu's rod started tugging. "Hey, guys!" Lucy called out as she and Cana walked over. "Gildarts, Cana has something important to tell you." She pulled Natsu and Happy away dispite their protests.

Cana gripped her arm before taking a breath. "Did you know that the reason i came to the guild was so i could find my father?"

"First I've heard of it." The ace replied. "So does that mean you know who he really is?"

Cana nodded before clenching her fist. "His name is Gildarts." She confessed shocking him. "I tried to tell you, but things kept getting in the way."

"Wait, hold on... which one is your mother!?" He asked before naming EVERY SINGLE GIRL he slept with.

"How many women have slept with!?" She shouted in disgust. "I finally tell the truth and find out my old man is a deadbeat who can't keep it in his pants! Forget it! I was just letting you know!"

"Hold on!" He stood up and wrapped her in a hug. "You're Cornelia's daughter... no doubt about it. She was the only woman I ever truly loved. The only woman I ever married. She left me eighteen years ago because all I did was work. It killed me, and when I heard of her passing it was like a shot in the heart. I'm sorry."

Cana pushed herself free and smirked. "Don't worry, I'm the who kept it hidden remember? Its just nice to finally have this wieght off my chest."

"I had a daughter all this time..." He mumbled.

"No need for waterworks." She teased. "You dont have to treat me different. Just let me say this once... Its nice to see you, dad."

Gildarts broke down and hugged her again, this time crying. "I'll never make you feel sad again. Whether its on a job or a bar. All that i ask, is that you give me the chance to be a loving father."

A roar caught his attention before he squeezed tighter. "This feeling..."

With Makarov

A deep bellow filled the sky, unnerving the master. "That ungodly sound... what is it?"

"Master..." He turned around to see Erza and Nicholas walking over. "The ship will be ready to take us back to us back to the mainland when we're ready. Though, regarding Laxus..."

"I have nothing to discuss with or about that boy." Makarov replied. "Except that he's got quite a set on him for daring to set foot on Fairy Tails sacred ground. He no longer enjoys that privilege."

"Damn right!" Nicholas agreed.

"But what he's done for us..." The red head replied.

"Yes, I've heard all about his heroic fight with Hades." Makarov replied. "He saved your lives by putting himself directly into harms way. My appreciation for him is great, but as far as Fairy Tail's concerned he is still an outsider. Albeit one to whom we owe our gratitude."

"And that's how its going too stay." Nicholas added.

"Of course it is." All three turned to see the blonde standing against a tree. "That's how the guilds stayed strong over the years. Can't buy your way in with a single good deed. It takes more than that. You guys were in a jam so I did what any decent passing stranger would do and try to help out. Wasn't any kind of ulterior motive."

The master turned and glared at his grandson. "Yeah, theres the look. Classic. That'll be the last time I see it for a long while. Later." He turned to walk away only for another roar to fill their ears.

The roar filled the entire camp and scared everyone. "What was that?" Brianna asked.

"The cry of a dragon..." Wendy mumbled surpising the group.

"A dragon!?" Lisanna asked.

"Is everyone okay?" Lucy asked as her group raced over.

Gildarts groaned in pain as he gripped his arm. "He must be back for more..." He moaned out.

"Over there!" Pantherlily pointed up at the sky as a massive frame blotted out the sun, scaring everyone but the dragon slayers.

"Is this for real...?" Gajeel asked.

"A real-life dragon..." Wendy mumbled in fear.

"Of all the times..." Nicholas said, dropping to his butt in shock.

"I knew it... Dragons really do still exist..." Natsu mumbled.

"The Black Dragon of the Apocalypse..." Makarov said as he stepped forward. "Acnologia."

"That doesn't sound good." Lucy said.

"You over there!" Natsu shouted up. "You know where Igneel is right now, don't you!? And Grandeeney, Metalicana, and Arnighte too!"

"Knock it off, Natsu!" Gildarts shouted at him. "Did you forget what that thing did to me?" The beast came down on the island crashed before the camp. "Everyone, run now!" He shouted. It pulled its head back and unleashed a roar from its gapping jaw. Dust flew all around them and blinded te camp.

Natsu opened his eyes only to find a horrifying sight; the entire forest was wiped out by the blast. "Hurry to the ship!" Gildarts shouted.

"Run!" Erzas shouted, pointing at the remaining forest. "Everyone, we're going back to Fairy Tail!"

The whole group began running for their lives as the dragon soared over them. "Nicholas, can't you calm this thing down!?" Slate asked. "I thought you spoke dragon!?"

"Its not some special skill!" The Earth Dragon Slayer replied. "All dragons can understand human language! I just don't think this one cares to talk to us!"

The dragon landed in front of them and tore through the ground, blocking their path. It slammed its claw down and forced them back as Makarov stood between them and the monster. "Run, get to the ship." The master ordered as he grew in size and trapped the dragon in a headlock.

"It's useless! There's no way he can fight that!" Gray shouted

"Master! Stop it, please!" Erza begged as the others agreed to help him.

"DO YOU PLAN ON DISOBEYING YOUR MASTERS FINAL ORDERS!?" Makarov shouted, shocking the group.

"I'm a Dragon Slayer!" Natsu shouted back. "If anyone's gonna be that things opponent, its gonna be-"

Laxus grabbed his scarf and yanked him back. "We're getting out of here, Natsu."

"Laxus! You basta-" Natsu started before seeing the tears falling from the blondes eyes.

The entire guild could only swallow their tears and ran from the giants. 'It's better this way...' Makarov thought. 'You'll understand some day. But for now live on, into the future!'

The raised its tail and slammed it down, trying to find some leverage. "I don't know what it is you're after, but I won't let you pass any further ahead! Because behind me are my brats!" The dragon raised its head and forced Makarov down before digging into his giant chest.

Makarov screamed in pain before a smile crossed his face. 'For the first time... I'm finally acting like a real parent. Now, i have no more regrets.'

He turned his head to embrace his death when footsteps caught his attention. Acnologia slammed his tail down, only for Natsu to roll to the side and jumped up. "Give us our old man back!" He shouted before the dragon tried to swat him off.

Makarov was swpet to the side and returned to normal size only to see Erza in front of him. "I want you to know, I was against this." He turned to the other side to see Laxus. "But, do you really think they're the kind of people who can run away and leave and an old geezer behind? It's your guild, after all."

"Y...you idiots..." Makarov mumbled with tears in his eyes.

"Charge!" Erza shouted as the guild unleashed a swarm of magic that blasted the dragon but failed to damage him.

"Damn it. You dragon slayers better not hold back!" Laxus shouted as the first gens took to the sky.

"Sky Dragon/ Iron Dragon/ Earth Dragon/ Fire Dragon!" All four chanted before their respective elements merged and collided with Acnologia, forcing it into the water.

"Did we do it?" Erza asked.

"This thing... isn't using the strength when it fought me..." Gildarts said. "It's just playing with us."

The dragon ripped out the sea and took back to the sky. "Is it gonna come back?" Happy asked.

The dragon pulled its head back and magic began gathering around it. "Its a breath attack!" Gajeel shouted.

"Is it planning on blasting thr whole island away!?" Cana asked.

"Everyone who can use defensive magic put all the power you've got into it, now!" Erza shouted.

"Focus all your magical power on Freed and Levy!" Lisanna shouted.

"Hold hands to transfer it!" Mirajane added.

"We can't let it end here!" Natsu shouted as he grabbed Lisanna's hand.

"We'll never give up!" Lucy said as she took his.

"Let's show this thing the bonds of guild!" Gray added as he took Juvia's.

Laxus joined the circle before offering a hand to Makarov. He wiped some tears from eyes befor smiling. "We'll all go home together..." He mumbled before completing the circle. "To Fairy Tail!"

The blast hit the island and the impact created a massive explosion. As the dust settled, everyone around the island could watch as Acnologia took back to the sky and the ocean filled the hole. "This isn't over... Natsu..." Zeref mumbled.

Sad to say that this story won't be one of the three who get the Infinity Clock Arc, so the next chapter will the last before a break on this story. Still, hope you enjoy it until then.

Beta read by JballinR12.