Hey, fairy tail fans, and welcome back to a fairy tail re-told; the four-part conclusion of the shadow of Tartaros continues as the dragons, in one swift move, destroy FACE with little to no effort protecting humanity and preventing the end of the age of magic and keeping E.N.D, sealed inside his book. Now all the dragon slayers have to do is learn why their parents left them on that faithful July 7th.
Last time on a fairy tail re-told
Natsu: yeah, our parents are finally back
Wendy: I mean, if we're being honest, they never really left
Gajeel: I feel violated
Meredy: think about how I feel
Natsu: meh
Wendy: as Long as I got some privacy in the bathroom
"We haven't lost this war yet, humans," Igneel's voice rang in their heads "do not despair," he screamed again.
"what," Wendy asked
"Sir, we fired five volleys and nothing," Jenny said, "and we're losing air fast."
"you need to move," a voice called.
"What was that," Jenny asked, "you say something."
"That wasn't me," Ren said as a large gust of wind blew past them as Christina flew back; they turned to see Grandeeny flaying by "what the hell is that" Ren shouted, "Is that a dragon" he screamed as Grandeeney roared as every FACE in the area started to crumble and explode as the dragon flapped its wings.
"whatever that is, it's destroying FACE," Eve said, "magic levels are starting to rise."
"Look there," Beth called as Metlicana flew by, pulling out a sword from his wing. He swung the sword.
"Hey, look," Happy said, "those FACE things are being crossed out."
"Are they being destroyed?" Erza asked
Hyōka let out a roar destroying several FACES as she flew over the capital, as the hungry wolf knights looked in shock.
"More dragons," a knight shouted.
"looks like there destroying those FACE things," another said as Hyōka flew off. "I think they're on our side."
"as I live in breath," Jura muttered as he watched the dragon make easy work of FACE. "the dragons have returned."
"Hey, I feel my magic coming back," Sherria said. "I think it's working."
Sting tried to force himself. "wait, this power," Sting muttered. "I can feel Weisslogia," he said as the dragon appeared before Mermaid heel, destroying the FACE. They were attacked as the wizards looked in shock.
"I can feel him," Rogue muttered, "Skiadrum."
A dragon whose body was barely viable roared as it broke apart a FACE, landing on the ground using its tail to destroy another one.
"what does this mean," Beth asked
"no idea," Risley told her, "but I think they're helping us."
"{Metlicana style dragon slayer secret art: hidden steel form: Karma demon steel spiral}" he screamed as she blasted Mard Geer up, who grabbed him, tossing him away "new kid."
"what," Mard Geer asked as Wendy landed on a piece of rubble
"{Grandeeny style dragon slayer secret art: hidden sky form: shattering light sky song}" as she blasted him away as Mard Geer grabbed her and Gajeel in the face as he got ready. To slam them into the ground, "so you, that's the thing about us."
"We have faith too," Gajeel said "now," he screamed below them. Gray stood up
"{Ice demon: zero destruction bow}" Gray shouted as he fired it into Mard Geer's chest. As the demon let out a scream, "Natsu, Meredy."
the pain got their balance midair as they looked own
"you ready," Natsu said
"Right behind you, let's end this," she said, "dragon slayer secret art."
"{hidden fire form: flame lotus: phoenix sword}"
"hidden frost form: Hellebores hoarfrost javelin}"
The pair crashed into Mard Geer as he let out a scream crashing onto the ground. Wendy jumped back, looking down, noticing the book of E.N.D.
"you got him," Kinana asked as she stood up.
"yeah," Gray said, "thanks for the magic there," Gray said as the black marking on his body vanished.
"no problem," Kinana said as she started to leave her body as well
"no," Mard Geer whispered as Natsu and Meredy backed up, falling to the ground "master," he whispered again, "please forgive me."
"It's over," Natsu whispered.
"did you dragon force feel different" Meredy asked
"yeah," Natsu said, "it was weird."
"Hey guys," Wendy said. "I got the book," she called as she sat up, "right here safe and sound."
"good job, kiddo," Meredy said as she sat up.
"That book," Gray whispered, "hand here, and I can destroy it," he said, "and we end this once and for all."
"I'm with Gray," Kinana said "that's Tartaros, master. If we take him out all, this will end forever."
"not yet," Natsu said. "I promised Igneel I'd bring it to him," he explained "that's the only way I can get the answers they deserve," Natsu said
"you mean we" Meredy corrected.
"don't make me take it from you," Gray said, "this might be our only chance to take that thing out," Gray said, "we know the dragons of Ishgar sealed him away, and they might want to check on it." he reasoned.
"We're not opening it," Wendy said, "and we sure as hell not destroying it," Wendy said as the ground started to rumble. As they all looked up, something landed on the ground next to the "holy shit, is that"
"Acnologia," Meredy said as the dragon started to get up
"Dragonborn," he whispered as Igneel landed on him, letting out a roar as Metlicana, Hyōka, and Grandeeney landed, each roaring with him as everyone smiled
Tartaros arc: The truth and nothing but the truth
"is anyone from fairy tail out there" Warren and Hibiki's voice called, "someone, please respond."
"Warren," Lucy said, "is that you."
"Lucy," Warren said, "do you have any idea what's going on," he asked, "we're getting reports from other wizards that dragons are attacking and destroying FACE."
"Dragons," Lucy whispered 'wait a minute, she smiled, a sense of relief coming over her "don't worry, they're on our side," Lucy said
"what do you mean," Warren said, "you remember what happened at the eclipse gate."
"Don't worry about it," Lucy said "just trust me, those dragons are with us" she turned back to the group she was with as Cana got up.
"you okay," Cana asked.
"Yeah," Lucy said, "looks like the dragons came through"
"yeah," Cana said, "good," Cana said, "We still need to get back to Magnolia," Cana said, "We gotta check on the people."
"Right," Lucy said, "come on, our home needs us."
"did the wizards destroy FACE," Kagura asked "we did it"
"just in time," Riana muttered as she leaned back as Kagura turned to her worry on her face. "I'm fine."
"Yeah, that's right. We came through in the end," Lector cheered
"Aye, sir," Happy and Lily cheered
"Yeah, we won," Frosh said, "magic will still endure."
"We still get to live in a world with magic" Mira smiled with tears in her eyes.
"E.N.D's revival has been stopped," Igneel cheered, "and Acnologia has been defeated. We have won once and for all," he roared as all over Ishgar, the humans cheered at their victory as the dragons let out roars as the dragon slayers ran to their parents.
"Wendy," Grandeeny said as she looked over her daughter, "you've grown into such a lovely young woman," she told her daughter as she blushed. "you have done so well in the time we've been separated."
"your back," Wendy said as she wiped her tears away. "I missed you, mom," she said
"you know, son," Metlicana said, "you really need to get that face checked out" he laughed as Gajeel growled.
"You just had to ruin the moment, didn't ya, you old rust bucket" he shouted as Metlicana smiled at him as Gajeel backed up, trying to hide his joy. "Missed you too, pops," he muttered as Metlicana gave a hearty laugh.
"mother I," Meredy looked away, her mind returning to her time as the white terror, "I don't, I want to say."
"It's okay, Meredy," Hyōka said, bending down in front of her. "your still my daughter, and I still love you," she said as Meredy hugged her face.
"I love you too," Meredy whispered as she felt tears go down her face behind them. Gray and Kinana backed up, giving the group space both knew just how much this meant to them. Gray's mind went to his father, who he had just reunited, and he felt joy, glad that at least his friends could reunite with their parents at long last, something he knew they'd all wanted, even Gajeel.
"you think we should leave," Kinana asked.
"Nah," Gray said, "I want to know what they want with E.N.D," Gray said, "but let's stay back," he said, "give them some space" Kinana nodded as she looked to Wendy, who had the book of E.N.D close to her chest.
"I don't understand," Sting muttered "how could he still be alive" tears appeared on his face "why, what was the point of all this."
"It's a long story; boy," Igneel said, "He used your body to repair his spirit," Igneel said, "he hid inside you and your ancestors for over four hundred years."
"you never explained that," Natsu said
"first thing first," Igneel said, "did you get the book."
[## memory of the beginning ost##]
"yep," Wendy said, holding it up, "one book of E.N.D," she said, "now can we get an explanation."
"It's the least we deserve," Meredy said "you just up and left us fourteen years ago without reason," Meredy said "hell, there were times I thought," she stopped, "I thought you abandoned us."
"Forgive us," Igneel said, "but it was the only way," Igneel explained, "we had to seal ourselves inside of your bodies along with our magic."
"wait, so that's what that was," Meredy muttered, "the heart palpations we felt earlier," she said, "that was your power coming back."
"That hurt, by the way," Wendy muttered.
"yes," Grandeeny said, "when Acnologia arrived and the threat of FACE, we had no choice but to leave your bodies to assist you in this battle."
"Why," Gajeel said
"We hid inside each of you for two reasons," Igneel said "the first was to prevent you from physically turning into dragons," Igneel explained "as you learned from Zirconis, dragon slayers who overuse their magic turn into dragons," Igneel said, "to prevent this we hide inside each of you to create antibodies to prevent you from transforming"
"so that's what those seals were," Meredy said.
"yes," Grandeeney said, "each of the seals was placed on you to protect you all," Grandeeny said, "please understand we had to do it" she looked away, "it was the only way."
"so, we won't turn into dragons," Natsu asked.
"yes," Metlicana said, "none of you should transform into dragons like so many of your kind before you."
"what about Sting and Rogue," Natsu asked.
"their second generation," Igneel said "thankfully, the effects of this spell carry over, so they have nothing to worry about either," Igneel said, "and now for the second reason," Igneel started only to be interrupted when Acnologia shot up making every one jumped as the dragon ran away as Igneel gave chase.
"dad, wait," Natsu shouted.
"we'll finish this conversation later," Igneel shouted, "listen, you need to get the book of E.N.D out of here." he screamed at them "you must protect that book with your lives; it's the key. To everything."
"what," Wendy asked, "why."
"you have to trust us," Grandeeney said as she started to fly away. "I promise we'll find the four of you again."
"wait, mom" Wendy shouted.
"Natsu, Meredy," Hyōka said, "take care of the others till we get back," Hyōka said as she flew up "you need to get as far away from here as possible," Hyōka said "you need to find Anna, she will know what to do with E.N.D," she said as she and Metlicana flew off "let us deal with Acnologia."
"so that's why you all stayed with the humans," Acnologia shouted as he attacked Igneel "you wanted to prevent them from turning into me," he screamed.
"Why do you still fight" Igneel shouted. "E.N.D is gone," he shouted as he slammed their heads together "you have no more reason to fight."
"Come now," Acnologia said, "you and I both know I never feared one of Zeref's creations," Acnologia. "I came here for one purpose, and I will see it through," he screamed as Grandeeney appeared, biting him on the back.
"you will not harm the children," Grandeeny shouted as Acnologia flew away.
"your children will die here, sky witch," Acnologia shouted as the four dragons surrounded him. "I have taken down more dragons at once than this," he called. "I made a promise to slay all dragons," he growled, "and the four of you are no exception," he shouted, "and once I'm done with the four of you, I will take their lives."
"oh crap," Wendy muttered
"come on," Natsu said "we need to go," he said
"but Natsu," Wendy said
"you heard them," Natsu said. "I trust Igneel, but they won't be able to focus on fighting Acnologia if they have to protect us."
"I," Wendy stopped
"he's right," Meredy said
"hold it," Gray said. "I made a promise to my dad to," Gray said, "and I'm destroying that book," he said
"wait, what's going on," Sting asked.
"I don't know," Rogue said, "I think they want a book."
"Meredy," Natsu said, "get moving," he whispered, "I don't think he's going to let us leave."
"your damn right," Gray said
"come on, guys, we're on the same side here," Kinana said, "let's stop fooling around."
Wendy was about to make a move when the book vanished from her hands "umm, what" Wendy whispered.
"Gray" Natsu shouted
"That wasn't me," Gray shouted
[## Zeref's melancholy ost##]
"thank you for taking such good care of my book," a voice called as everyone returned to see Zeref himself walking up to them with a smile on his face, "but I think I'll take care of it from here" he smiled "it's essential to me you see."
"Zeref," Wendy whispered
"I should have known," Natsu growled
"Mard Geer," Zeref said as he looked at his creation, "you gave a valent effort," he smiled, "you almost were successful at reviving E.N.D" he smiled. "you were even more successful at your true purpose."
"My lord," Mard Geer muttered as he tried to get up, "all of this," he smiled, "all of this was for you." Mard Geer said, "that is my purpose."
"And you failed, but seeing you've come far, I'll let you in on a little secret" Zeref snapped his fingers as everything froze around Mard Geer Zeref smiled as he whispered something to the demon as he widened his eyes in shock "you seem shocked of course you never laid eyes on my greatest work." Zeref said
"Master, please save" Mard Geer was unable to finish as Zeref turned him into his book, the words Mard Geer Tartaros on the front as it started to burn as Zeref sighed.
"What a waste," Zeref muttered.
"what the hell" Gray shouted, "didn't you create him."
"yes," Zeref said, "and believe me when I say that out of all the demons in Tartaros," he looked back to the ashes of Mard Geers book, "I regret that I had to kill him the most" he smiled "but what I create I destroy" he then looked to Natsu "I'll be honest the only reason I came here was to deal with you Natsu."
"what," Natsu asked
"but Acnologia had to appear and ruin everything," Zeref said "of course, I'm not surprised the four of you are together, and as long as you exist, he will come after you again and again" he smiled. "I wonder how you will make it out this time and survive in this new era of darkness."
"what are you going on about" Gajeel growled
"new era of darkness," Natsu asked
"seeing as you were so kind to find my book, I guess I could answer that question," Zeref said, "and to answer it, I'll have to answer the question that has been scratching at your brains for years" he smiled "who are the Dragonborn."
"Now you have my attention," Wendy muttered.
"I figured as much," Zeref said, "but I'm disappointed that your encounter with Mard Geer and your second encounter with Acnologia didn't allow you to put it together," Zeref said "in fact, this isn't the first time. You've encountered the underworld king."
"what," Natsu asked
"But to answer your question as to who the Dragonborn is, I must tell you the story of dragons and their civil war" he looked to the sky. "Acnologia's power it has surpassed that of what a dragon can obtain because of an unintended element," he said "he's human," Zeref said, "a human that ingested dragon blood."
"gross," Sting muttered.
"That's how," Meredy muttered, "we all did that right."
"yeah," Natsu muttered
"it wasn't all that bad," Wendy whispered
"tasted like iron," Gajeel admitted
"Are you getting the pieces," Zeref asked "for you see, the ones that would be called the Dragonborn are the human children of the four dragons of Ishgar, and each has ingested that dragons blood," Zeref explained "now you might ask, who are the dragons of Ishgar" Zeref looked to the sky "the fire dragon king Igneel, the Sovereign of the sky Grandeeney, the iron lord Metlicana, and the snow empress Hyōka." Zeref said, "and the four of you are their children?" he said as shocked looks appeared on their faces "there's the look I wanted"
"so, what you're saying is the only reason Acnologia is here is," Natsu asked.
"yes, because of you," Zeref said, "thanks to the amount of Ethernano in the air, it makes it hard for him to track you," Zeref said, "and like you, he is Dragonborn," Zeref said
"so, what does this have to do with you" Natsu shouted
"more than you know, Natsu," Zeref said "you merely scratched the surface of this war," Zeref said, "the conflict between humans and dragons is a war without end," Zeref said, "however you four are the only one who holds the power to end this. And show the world the light," Zeref smiled, "or as many have believed, plunge the world into farther darkness."
"what does that mean" Meredy shouted
"it all falls to you," Zeref said, "this endless cycle of death and destruction, the endless cycle of war and hate," Zeref said, "sure, the light prevailed today, but the darkness is ever patient, and no matter how bright your candle," Zeref smiled "it will eventually go out."
"get to the point," Natsu growled.
"I'm just very interested to see where you go," Zeref said, "will you help the world into a brighter path like Mavis believes you will, or will you plunge it into darkness and continue this cycle." Zeref's eye flashed with anger as he glared at Natsu "either way, I'll show you all despair" he turned to leave, "until we meet again."
"Dragonborn," he whispered the last part as smoke went around him as he vanished from sight.
"We're the" Wendy said, "he's here cause he's after us. This is all our fault."
"no, it's not," Sting shouted, "don't believe a thing that mad man says."
Igneel fell from the sky as Acnologia landed on top of him Grandeeney attempted to save her friend as Acnologia grabbed her. "I expected more from the dragons of Ishgar," he screamed as he tossed her away Metlicana slammed into him, sending him to the ground, trying to push his sword through his skin as Acnologia smiled "don't tell me your time hiding has made you soft" he screamed as he broke the sword punching the iron dragon away.
"Igneel," Hyōka said, "are you alright."
"I'll be fine," Igneel said, "we're running out of time."
"yes," Hyōka said. "Natsu, Meredy," Hyōka said using telepathy, "please tell me you got the book out of here."
"Zeref got it," Meredy said, "he told us" Meredy stopped. "he said we were the Dragonborn."
"I see," Hyōka said
"is it true, mom," Meredy asked, "are we the reason that Acnologia is here."
"yes," Hyōka said as she heard Igneel let out a cry in pain as she rushed to her friend, "get away from him. As she punched Acnologia down again as they began fighting, they were losing power by the second they needed to end this.
"Natsu, Gajeel, Wendy, Meredy," Igneel said. "I owe you, kids, an explanation, so try not to interrupt."
"dad," Natsu asked, "where are you."
"as you know," Igneel said, "we hide inside you to create antibodies to prevent you from transforming into dragons," he explained, "and the process was successful none of you should transform."
"Hey, where are you guys going" Gray shouted as all the dragon slayers ran off
"The process was long and if required all of our energy," Igneel explained "that is why we could never make our presence known to you four," Igneel said "now, for the second reason," Igneel said, "we wanted to make amends for our mistakes," Igneel said, "maybe if we had taken place in the war, we could have prevented the creation of Acnologia, it was our destructive legacy that leads to this."
"don't say that," Wendy shouted.
"This isn't how these stories are going down," Gajeel shouted
"Just hold out a little longer," Meredy shouted, "we're on our way."
"we're taking him down side by side," Natsu said
"no," Igneel told them, "this is not your fight," Igneel said, "I'm not letting you kids pay for our mistakes," Igneel said as Metlicana flew up Acnologia, giving chase as he, Grandeeney, and Hyōka flew after him "it must have been the FACES there allowing him to grow with power," Igneel said, "the four of you need to stay away."
"no," Natsu shouted, "you left us once. We're not losing any of you again."
"I've waited for this day for so long," Igneel said, "once I've slain you, our souls can finally rest in peace," he screamed as the four jumped to a ledge they saw their parents, Grandeeney and Hyōka had a hole in their chest as Metalicana's armor had been cracked as and Igneel had been ripped in half but had managed to rip off the black dragon's arm.
[## Guild memories ost##]
Flashback
Natsu
"Hey, dad," Natsu called as he dragged a dead animal to his father, "look at what I caught"
"Nicely done, my boy," Igneel said, "so are you going to cook it."
"yeah, but I need you to start a fire first," Natsu asked
"Absolutely not," Igneel said, "you know how to do it yourself."
"but it's so easy for you," Natsu groaned.
"But you have to learn," Igneel said, "so get to it, boy, your burning daylight."
"fine then," Natsu shouted. "I'll make the best flame you've ever seen," he grumbled as he walked off "it will be so great you won't know what to do."
Gajeel
"and done," Gajeel smiled as he finished writing "it's great, isn't it," he said as Metlicana looked over his writing.
"true, but the words are all wrong," he said, "try again."
"what are you crazy, you rust bucket" Gajeel shouted "it took me all day to make this," he screamed.
"complaining about it is not going to make it any better," Metlicana told him, "so get to it."
"fine, whatever," Gajeel shouted "goodness, I spent all day on this only for that jerk to tell me it's wrong," he growled.
Wendy
"This is awesome," Wendy cried as Grandeeny flew around
"hold on," Grandeeney said as she went above the clouds, "are your ears popping yet."
"no, not at all," Wendy said "come on, mom, let's go even higher," she cheered. "I wanna go higher than ever before," she laughed as Granddeny smiled at this as she started flapping her wings.
"Now you're asking for it," Grandeeny laughed "now hang on," Grandeeney said, "cause we're just getting started, my dear," she said as she took Wendy for a ride as. Wendy cheered as loudly as she flew around, getting a fantastic ocean view as she landed. Wendy slid og her wing as she bent down "did you have fun."
"Yeah, let's go again, mom," Wendy said as she hugged her. "and this time we're going to go even higher," she cheered.
Meredy
"Mother, I can't sleep," Meredy said as Hyōka looked at her
"what's wrong, my dear" Hyōka asked as she shifted to look at her
"I'm cold, and I'm scared," Meredy said as she walked up to her
"I'm a snow dragon, so I can't say that I'll warm you up," Hyōka said, "but you can sleep with me" she smiled as Meredy jumped into her as she, hugged her close as Hyōka bent down as Meredy cuddled next to her watching as the girls breathing slowed as she fell to sleep "goodnight young one" Hyōka whispered to her daughter "may you have please dreams."
"you know, mom," Meredy sleepy said as she let out a yawn, snuggling closer "for a snow dragon," Meredy said, "you're really warm."
End Flashback
Acnologia flew to the sky, getting ready to unleash his breath attack as Igneel, Grandeeny, Metlicana and Hyōka looked at the dragon slayers once more time smiles on their faces "never forget this kid," the dragons said to their child, "I may have taught you everything you know." they said, "but you were my greatest teacher, cause you were the one."
"who taught me how to love."
To be continued
Acnologia has prevailed in killing the dragon slayers' parents as they learn the truth about the dragon born and why their parents left them all those years ago. What will they do with this information? And how will it affect the path they walk. Find out next time on a fairy tail re-told
Next time: Tartaros arc Finale: The Dragonborn