Hey guys, I'm back with another chapter. Well it seems you all liked the last chapter, I'm so glad it turned out well. This chapter will have the Natsu's fight with Gajeel, which I know most of you are looking forward to, and Jose's attack on the other Fairy Tail mages. I know a lot of you have been looking forward to this chapter, so I won't keep you waiting. Let's get to the fic!
"Speech"
"Thoughts"
Magic
Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail, or any of its characters. They are all in Hiro Mashima's capable hands.
(With Erza)
"What were those flames? Where did all that power suddenly come from?" Erza thought, as she stared down at her trembling hands. "I'm still shaking from their raw power. I've never felt something so hot or intense before...And I've never seen Natsu angry before...it...it looked like he was ready to kill somebody...Was it because they hurt Lucy? Does he...does he lo-"
"ERZA?!" Her name suddenly being called, snapped Erza out of her thoughts. She turned her head to see Mirajane, Gray, Elfman running towards her. She quirked an eyebrow when she saw a blue-haired girl hung over Elfman's shoulder.
"What are you doing here?!" Gray exclaimed, as Elfman laid the blue-haired girl gently onto the ground.
"Who's she?" Erza asked, casting a glance over at the unconscious girl.
"She's a member of the Elemental Four. Turns out Natsu knows her." Elfman explained, as he rubbed the back of his head. "And he asked us to watch over her."
"Erza..." Mirajane said, spotting Aria's unconscious form a few feet away. "Don't tell me actually fought in your condition."
"I told you I couldn't let Natsu fight alone again." Erza said, as a small smile graced her face. "You know I can be as stubborn as him sometimes."
"So, you beat Aria all by yourself?" Gray asked, causing Erza to shake her head.
"No, Natsu helped. I just came in and finished him off." Erza explained, before she let out a dry chuckle. "I must look pathetic. I didn't want you guys to see me in such a weak state. Looks like I've still got a long way to go, eh?"
"Erza?" Mirajane whispered, crouching next to the scarlet haired knight. "You felt that right? That incredible surge of magical power, and that wave of heat. It felt like Natsu's but so much more...intense."
"I didn't just feel it, I saw it Mira." Erza replied, as she released a shaky breath. "It was incredible Mira. Natsu...Natsu unleashed some type of blue flames."
"Blue fire?" Mirajane asked, quirking her head in confusion.
"Yeah...they were the hottest and most intense flames I've ever felt." Erza said, as she locked eyes with Mirajane. "He started using them after he heard Lucy being hurt. As soon as Natsu heard her scream, I could actually feel his anger, Mira. It was so thick in the air. Then out of nowhere his magical power just spiked, and those blue flames exploded outward and encased his whole body."
"This must have happened because they were hurting one of his mates." Mirajane thought, remembering the book she had read with Lucy. "Dragons will destroy all those who hurt their mates." Before Mirajane could think any further, a sudden chill ran through the room. A shiver ran down everyone's spines, as the temperature in the room suddenly dropped. An incredible magical power began to draw closer, causing all of the Fairy Tail mages' eyes to widen. "T-This feels nothing like Natsu or Master...it's...it's so cold...and evil."
"W-What the hell is this feeling?!" Gray exclaimed, as his whole body began to tremble in fear.
"A man shouldn't be shaking this much!" Elfman shouted, trying to stop the chills that were running up his spine.
"My, my..." A deep voice echoed out, followed by the sound of slow clapping. "You all put on such an magnificent show." The Fairy Tail mages all spun around to see Jose's looming towards them. "I never expected you fairies to be so entertaining." Jose smirked as he began to walk towards the Fairy Tail mages. "I was following a rather large source of magical energy, but it seems I just missed it. Instead I found the rest of you pathetic fairies."
"No." Mirajane breathed out, her voice laced with fear. "He was searching for Natsu."
"Jose." Erza growled, glaring at Phantom Lord's master. "I won't let this bastard lay a finger on Natsu!"
"His magic...it's so evil." Mirajane thought, as she cupped a hand over her mouth. The white-haired barmaid had to suppress the urge to gag. "It's so vile that it's actually making physically ill."
"I should really thank you for providing me with such a entertaining performance." Jose said, a menacing smile spreading across his face. "But...I think I've had my fill."
"Elfman." Gray said, as he stepped in front of Erza.
"Right." Elfman nodded, protectively standing in front of his older sister. "He may be stronger than us, but we have to protect Erza and nee-chan. It's what a man would do."
"I'm sorry, but there will be no more miracles for you fairies." Jose said, as a massive amount of magical power gathered around him.
"Get back!" Erza screamed, just as a wave of powerful dark magic smashed into Gray and Elfman. Both mages were blown across the room by the attack and knocked unconscious.
"Gray! Elfman!" Mirajane yelled, before she was blown back as well.
"You bastard!" Erza roared, as she shot forward. The scarlet-haired knight's body began to glow bright white, just as she was engulfed by a blast of Jose's shade magic. However, Jose quirked an eyebrow as he watched Erza begin to cut through his magic. "Re-equip: Black Wing Armor!" Erza ruthlessly slashed through Jose's magic, as she continued to charge towards him. Just when Erza was about to swipe at Jose, he disappeared in a cloud of black smoke. Suddenly, Erza's eyes shot open as Jose reappeared behind her. Phantom Lord's master grabbed her ankle, and hurled her across the room. Erza quickly adjusted herself and came to a skidding stop.
"You...you're the girl who stopped Jupiter head-on along with that pink-haired boy, using a Unison Raid." Jose said, scanning Erza up and down. The scarlet-haired knight was panting heavily, and looked to be on the brink of exhaustion. "How are you still standing after all this?!"
"My love for my nakama makes my heart stronger." Erza explained, as she fiercely glared at Jose. The scarlet-haired knight tightened the grip on her sword, when she thought of all of her comrades that Jose and his guild had hurt. An image of Natsu suddenly flashed through Erza's mind. "If I'm fighting for those I love, I could care less what happens to my body. I will protect my nakama and loved ones at all costs."
"The strength of your heart is so admirable..." Jose said, a twisted smile spreading across his face. "Yes, I think I will enjoy killing you. But not before I make you watch each and every one of your friends die."
(Mechanical Giant's Control Room)
Lucy quietly whimpered as she hung from the wall by her arm, with iron bindings holding her in place; much like how Levy, Jet, and Droy had been strung up in Magnolia's southern park. Several kunai were impaled in the wall surrounding Lucy, and she winced as another one impacted into the wall just two inches from her head.
"Oh, damn it!" Gajeel cursed with a evil smirk on his face. "My aim must be getting rusty, because I was actually aiming for the blonde bitch this time."
"Gajeel...you really shouldn't be doing that..." A Phantom Lord mage stuttered out, as Gajeel twirled another kunai between his fingers. "We can't kill her...remember?"
"Eh? But I'm bored out of my fucking mind." Gajeel said, taking aim at Lucy again. "Now...where should I aim for next...ah, I've got it...I'll pop those massive tits you've got...there big targets so I can't miss."
"J-Just stop it man!" Before the Phantom Lord mage could say anymore, Gajeel spun around and hit him with a powerful headbutt. The mage was instantly sent crashing into the floor.
"Shut the fuck up." Gajeel growled, before he spit on the unconscious mage. "I don't give a flying fuck who this bitch is. From where I'm standing she's just another one of those fairies, a piece of trash. Who's gonna give a shit if I kill her?"
"I-If she died...master would get really angry..."
"Yeah! Angry at you!"
"Tch, who cares...I'll just blame it on you guys." Gajeel said, causing the Phantom Lord mages to back away in fear. "Man, this really sucks...even those fairy idiots are throwing away their lives just cause this bitch has some cash."
"Heh." A dry chuckle caused Gajeel to turn back to Lucy. He was surprised to see that the blonde had a defiant smile on her face.
"You say something girly?" Gajeel asked, his fierce red eyes glaring at Lucy.
"You guys really are complete dumbasses, aren't you?" Lucy said, causing Gajeel to quirk an eyebrow. "I feel so sorry for you fools, it might actually make me start crying."
"Is that right?" Gajeel asked with a shrug of his shoulders. "Huh, if you're able to bluff in a situation like this, maybe you're worth something after all."
"You assholes aren't even a little scared, are you?" Lucy asked with a smug smirk on her face. However, she winced as another kunai suddenly impaled in the wall on the other side of her head.
"What was that, missy? I don't think I heard you." Gajeel taunted, cupping a hand over his ear.
"You're the ones who'd be in trouble if I died." Lucy said with a smile, as she felt a familiar magical power rapidly approaching. But this time it was much stronger and more intense than she ever remembered. "There's no way Fairy Tail, or Natsu, would ever forgive you! That's the kind of guild they are!"
"H-Hey Gajeel, it's getting really hot in here!"
"Yeah, it feels like the temperature just jumped forty degree!"
"Shit! Now the rooms starting to shake!"
"What the hell is happening!?"
"You'd all end up spending the rest of your lives cowering in fear from the scariest guild in the world; as they hunted you down to the ends of the earth." Lucy said, as she raised her head to lock eyes with Gajeel. "Natsu would personally find you, and tear you apart limb from limb."
"Interesting little theory you've got there." Gajeel said, as another iron kunai formed in his hand.
"Gajeel! I'm really starting to freak out here!"
"Fuck! My boots are starting to fucking melt!"
"Why's it getting so hot in here! I feel like I'm being cooked alive!"
"Maybe, I should put your little theory to the test?" Gajeel asked, cocking his arm back. The iron dragon slayer took aim at Lucy's head, and threw the kunai.
"Gajeel!"
"That's actually going to hit her!"
Seconds before the kunai could actually hit Lucy, the room began to shake violently. Then in a brilliant flash of blue fire, the floor to the room exploded. From the hole burst Natsu Dragneel, with Gajeel's kunai in his hand. The kunai instantly melted in Natsu's hands. The dual dragon slayer crashed into the ground; sending out a shockwave of blue fire. The scorching flames consumed all of the nearby Phantom Lord mages; sending them rolling onto the floor as they tried to extinguish the flames.
"I knew it..." Gajeel said, as he smirked at Natsu. "I knew I recognized your scent."
"Natsu..." Lucy said, tears of joy falling from her eyes. "I knew you'd come and save me." The pink-haired dragon slayer glanced over at Lucy, and snarled when he saw that she was strung up like Levy. His flames became even more intense when he spotted the kunai that were in the wall around Lucy.
"Don't worry Luce." Natsu said, his voice eerily calm and collected. "I'll make these bastards pay, for everything they've done. No one hurts my girl and gets away with it."
"Y-Your girl!?" Lucy thought, her eyes shooting open in shock. The blonde could feel a bright blush spreading across her face, despite the situation she was in.
"So you've fina-" Gajeel was cut off when Natsu's flaming fist smashed into his face. The iron dragon slayer was sent flying across the room by Natsu's new incredible power.
"Fire Dragon's Purifying Iron Fist!" Natsu roared, as bright blue flames licked his fist. The dual dragon slayer stalked towards Gajeel with a dangerous glint in his eyes. "No more talking, Gajeel...just fighting." Scorching blue flames danced off Natsu's form; incinerating everything they touched. "I better finish him off quick, because this is seriously draining my magic."
"Are you okay, Lucy?" Happy asked, beginning to pry to iron bindings Lucy in place.
"Happy!" Lucy exclaimed, relieved to see the blue cat freeing her.
"Out of my way." Natsu said, as he shoved a Phantom Lord mage out of his path. The enemy mage howled in pain, Natsu's flames instantly searing his flesh with a second degree burn. The dragon slayer glared at all the other Phantom mages around him. "My fight is with Gajeel...if you all stay out of this you won't be harmed. But if you try to intervene, I'll take you down as well." Almost instantly the Phantom Lord mages retreated as far back as they could.
"Shit that hurt!" Gajeel exclaimed, touching a had to the burn mark on his face. The iron dragon slayer's skin was a lot tougher than his comrades'. That didn't stop him from receiving a stinging first degree burn on his face though. "I don't know where this power came from Salamander, but-"
"Lighting Dragon's Static Claw!" Natsu roared, as he kicked Gajeel in the stomach with an electrically charged foot. Instead of yellow, Natsu's lightning was now bright orange, and filled the entire room with static electricity. All the air immidiately left Gajeel's lungs, as he was sent crashing into a wall. Gajeel fell to the ground, but found that he could barely move. He could still feel Natsu's lightning coursing through his body; nearly paralyzing him completely. "I said no more talking."
"It's not just his flames, his lightning is stronger as well." Gajeel thought, struggling to move his limbs.
"I've never seen Natsu like this..." Lucy said, as she watched Natsu send Gajeel flying with a powerful stream of orange lightning.
"Me neither." Happy said, pulling out the last bolt that was holding Lucy's bindings. "Right now, Natsu's stronger than ever. He's doing to save you and protect the guild."
"I know he is." Lucy said with a smile, as she rubbed her sore wrists.
"Don't get so damn cocky!" Gajeel exclaimed, grabbing some iron debris off the ground, and shoving them into his mouth to rejuvenate his energy. Feeling the new energy coursing through him, Gajeel charged towards Natsu. "Iron Dragon's Club!" However, Gajeel's eyes widened when Natsu dodged his attack and caught it underneath his arm. Suddenly, Natsu's body was engulfed in orange lightning, which course through Gajeel's Iron Club into his body. The iron dragon slayer winced as the lightning surged into him. Natsu was surprised to see an animalistic grin spread across Gajeel's face. Without warning Gajeel launched a surprised attack. "Iron Dragon's Sword!" Gajeel transformed his other arm into a large jagged blade, and swung it at Natsu.
"I'm surprised you can still move. You're one tough bastard, I'll give you that. However..." Natsu said, as he stopped Gajeel's blade with his free hand. Gajeel was stunned to see that his attack was stopped so easily. "You're going to have to try a lot harder if you want to lay a finger on me." The hand stopping Gajeel's blade was suddenly engulfed in blue flames. Natsu's blue flames were so hot, that they began to melt the blade in his grasp. Gajeel roared in pain, and returned his arm to normal. The iron dragon slayer clutched his severely burned hand, which was already starting to blister. "I told you, I'd pay you back for everything you did. And I meant everything."
"You bastard. I'm going to kill you, then slaughter the rest of your guild mates!" Gajeel shouted, intensely glaring at Natsu. "It's time we put this to an end, Salamander!"
"Oh, I'm no where near done with you." Natsu said, as he cracked his knuckles. "I think after I beat your ass, I'll string you up like you did Levy and Luce. Put you on display to warn others not to fuck with Fairy Tail."
"You're going to wish we never met." Gajeel said, his entire body beginning to change. The iron dragon slayer's skin was being covered in metallic dragon scales. "Iron Dragon's Scales!" Gajeel shot forward, and tried to punch Natsu. But the pink-haired dragon slayer was prepared for this, and easily blocked Gajeel's attack with his arm. Natsu grunted as he was sent skidding back several feet.
"Hmm, seems you get a damage buff along with increased defense, I think you might even leave a bruise." Natsu said, as he inspected his arm. "But you're gonna have to do a lot more if you want to really hurt me."
"Shut up!" Gajeel roared, laughing forward and attempting to kick Natsu. The iron dragon slayer's kick was so powerful that it produced a gale. However, Natsu simply ducked underneath Gajeel's kick.
"Fire Dragon's Purifying Claw!" Natsu sprang off the ground, and smashed his blue flaming foot into Gajeel's chin. The iron dragon slayer was sent flying back; the iron scales on his chin starting to melt. Natsu winced when he landed back on the ground. "Damn that actually really hurt. It was like punching a fucking wall." The dual dragon slayer peered across the room, and saw that Gajeel was slowly getting back onto his feet; chewing on more iron scraps. "Fuck! I'm starting to run out of magical energy here, but there's so much scrap lying around that he can keep replenishing his magic!" Natsu's eyes widened when he saw Gajeel's cheeks begin to bulge.
"Iron Dragon's..."
"Of fuck! Gotta act fast!"
"Fire Dragon's..."
"They're both going to use a breath attack?!" Lucy exclaimed, before she dove behind nearby cover.
"Everyone down!"
"Roar!"
"Purifying Roar!"
Natsu launched a large stream of blue flames from his mouth, which clashed with the iron tornado that Gajeel fired. Both attacks briefly battled for dominance, before Natsu's fire won out. The blue flames pushed Gajeel's roar back, until they struck the iron dragon slayer. A blue fiery explosion rang out when Gajeel was hit. Natsu was starting to pant, as he tried to spot Gajeel through the smoke and debris. The pink-haired dragon slayer heard Gajeel before he saw him.
"Just as I thought." Gajeel's voice rang out through the smoke. When the smoke blew away, it revealed that Gajeel had indeed been hit. But he had sustained much less damage than before. "You're getting weaker, Salamander. What's the matter, running out of magical power?" Natsu continued to pant, as he glared at Gajeel. "Your breath attack may have done some damage to me, but it looks like your about ready to pass out. Is that new power a little too much for you to handle?"
"Natsu..." Lucy breathed out, fear starting to spread through her. "He's right. Natsu does look really worn out. He must not have full control over his new powers yet."
"That guy is no joke." Happy said, as he gazed at Natsu with worried eyes.
"I may be getting a little tired, but I still have enough energy to kick your scrap metal ass." Natsu taunted, a smirk spreading across his face. "My flames aren't just normal flames, you know. Dragon flames can incinerate anything, and I'll use them to melt you down." Blue flames exploded off Natsu, and cloaked his entire body. "if you don't start coming at me with everything you've got, I'm going to smash you to pieces, Iron Gajeel." Natsu rolled his shoulders, and leveled a harsh glare on Gajeel. "Well I think we know each other's strength by now. Playtime is over."
"W-Wha..." Lucy stuttered out, as she stared at Natsu with wide eyes. "He...he wasn't going all out!?"
"There isn't enough room in the sky for two dragon in this sky." Gajeel said, wiping some blood from the corner of his mouth. "I'll strike you down, Natsu Dragneel."
(Outside Fairy Tail)
Behind Fairy Tail, the defending mages were fighting a losing battle against Jose's ghost soldiers. Mage after mage fell before the shadow soldiers, as they pushed towards the guild hall. The guild began to crumble, when the shadow soldiers used battering rams to smash down the walls.
"Our guild...it's..."
Cana struggled to get back onto her feet, as she helplessly watched her home begin to crumble to the ground. "N-No, it can't end like this! Not our guild!" Tears began to form in Cana's eyes, and she let out a piercing scream. "Jose, you son of a bitch!"
"It's not gonna last!"
"Please stop!"
"It's already been reduced to rubble! Why are you still attacking it?!"
"Natsu, anybody, please save our home." Cana whispered, clenching her fists on the ground; tears streaking down her cheeks.
(Back with Natsu and Gajeel)
"Lightning Dragon's Static Iron Fist!"
"Iron Dragon's Fist!"
Both mages struck each other in the face, sending each other flying in the opposite direction. A large explosion rang out, which sent all the observing mages flying backwards as well.
"Heh, you're getting weaker and weaker, Natsu." Gajeel taunted, as he quickly got back onto his feet. "Before your lightning attacks would almost completely paralyze me. Now they're just tickling me."
"Fuck...you..." Natsu panted out, wiping sweat from his brow. "I've still got enough left in my tank to take you out."
"Well see about that." Gajeel said, before both mages charged towards each other again. Once the mages met, they unleashed a fury of attacks on each other. Natsu dodged one of Gajeel's punches, and reared back with a blue flaming fist.
"Fire Dragon's Purifying Iron Fist!" Natsu's punch connected with Gajeel's face, and sent the iron dragon slayer skidding back. Within seconds Natsu was on Gajeel again. "Fire Dragon's Purifying Claw!" However, Gajeel was able to dodge Natsu's attack due to his slowing movements. The dual dragon slayer was starting to become sluggish and sloppy with his attacks. Gajeel quickly countered with an iron coated elbow to Natsu's jaw. Quickly recovering, Natsu hit Gajeel with another flaming punch.
"They're incredible..." Lucy breathed out, watching the dragon slayers decimate each other.
"I can't believe this guy is going toe to toe with Gajeel now...he must be getting pretty tired..."
"I don't...believe it..."
"Fuck you Salamander!" Gajeel roared, grabbing Natsu's scarf, and hitting the pink-haired with a devastating headbutt. Natsu's vision went blurry momentarily from the iron scale enhanced headbutt.
"This is going to fucking hurt!" Natsu thought, as he cocked his own head back. "Fire Dragon's Purifying Sword Horn!" Natsu's flaming headbutt sent Gajeel tumbling back, and caused him to release his hold on Natsu's scarf. Gajeel steadied himself and ripped some iron paneling from the floor. The iron dragon slayer evilly smirked, as he took a large bit out of the metal.
"I'm getting real sick of watching you eat." Natsu said, glaring harshly at Gajeel.
"I'm all fired up now." Gajeel said, as he wiped the metal fragments from his mouth.
"Fuck you! That's my line!" Natsu roared, charging towards Gajeel. "Lightning Dragon's Static Claw!"
"Too slow." Gajeel said, as he sidestepped Natsu's attack. "Iron Dragon's Club!" Natsu gasped in pain when Gajeel's attack slammed into his stomach. The dual dragon slayer collapsed to his knees, and clutched his injured stomach. Natsu was breathing heavily as Gajeel stalked towards him. Without warning Gajeel kneed Natsu in the face; sending the dual dragon slayer tumbling backwards.
"Fire. Lighting. Do I have any celestial spirits that can use fire or lightning?" Lucy asked, frantically searching through the small pockets of her skirt. However, Lucy's eyes widened when she remembered that she had dropped most of her keys when she was first captured. "The only key I have one me, is the one I just got...Sagittarius." Lucy pulled out Sagittarius' key and stood onto her feet. "I don't have a contract with it yet, but I've gotta help Natsu!" Lucy raised Sagittarius' key, and it began to glow bright gold. "I am the one who connects the road to the celestial spirit world! Thou shalt respond to my calling and pass through the gate!" The key began to glow brightly, as Lucy pumped more magic into it. "Open! Gate of the Archer! Sagittarius!" A bright golden light shined in front of Lucy, and moments later a man in a horse costume appeared. "Sagittarius!?"
"Yes, you called?" Sagittarius asked, as he saluted Lucy.
"What. The. Hell." Lucy breathed out, staring at Sagittarius with wide eyes.
"It's a guy in a horse suit?!" Happy obviously pointed out, as his mouth hung agape.
"Uh...we'll make a proper contract later, but can you make fire or lightning?" Lucy asked, her eyes pleading for Sagittarius to be able to help.
"Sorry..." Sagittarius replied, as he shook his head. "My skills lie only in archery."
"Luce." Natsu said, getting the blonde's attention. The pink-haired dragon slayer was panting heavily as he spit some blood from his mouth. "Please stay out of this. It's way too dangerous, and the last thing I want is for you to get hurt any further."
"O-Okay." Lucy said, as she pushed Sagittarius out of the way. "Damn it! I feel so useless right now!"
"Fire Dragon's Purifying Sword Horn!" Natsu rocketed forward, his entire body engulfed in bright blue flames. The pink-haired dragon slayer slammed into Gajeel's stomach, but came to almost an immediate stop.
"Is that it?" Gajeel asked, as he hoisted Natsu up by his ankle. "Guess you're not so tough when you're hungry." A wicked grin spread across Gajeel's face, before he slammed Natsu into the iron floor. "Then eat some iron!" Tears formed in Lucy's eyes when she saw Natsu cough up a mouthful of blood. "I have no further use for you." The iron dragon slayer picked Natsu up by his head, and threw the dual dragon slayer across the room. "Get out of my sight, you fairy trash!" Natsu went tumbling across the room, and came to a skidding stop just outside a large hole in the wall.
"Hell yeah!"
"Gajeel's the man!"
"He totally kicked that guy's ass!"
"No...no way..." Lucy whimpered, tears flowing down her cheeks. The blonde tightly clenched a hand over her heart. "Natsu can't lose to him."
"Take a good look..." Gajeel said, as he burst out into laughter. "At the thing you're all fighting so hard to protect."
Natsu slowly raised his head, so that he could gaze out of the hole in the wall. What he saw caused his heart to momentarily stop. The guild where he had spent most of the last seven years, the guild where he had met his best friends and forged everlasting friendships, the guild he called home was now a pile of rubble on the horizon. Natsu could hear the cries of his nakama as they wept bitter tears. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, Fairy Tail had fallen.
"N-No..." Natsu breathed out, tears stinging the corners of his eyes. "It...it can't be..." As Natsu watched his home crumble, his fist clenched tightly as he remembered the first day he had joined Fairy Tail with Erza.
(Seven Years Ago; X777)
"Wow! This place is huge!" Natsu exclaimed, as he wandered around the guild. "So this is a mage guild?"
"It is quite impressive." Erza said, her uncovered eyes scanning around the guild hall. Loud laughter and shouts drew Erza's attention to the other side of the guild. "And it's so lively."
"Again, I welcome you both to Fairy Tail." Makarov said, as he walked up to the two children.
"Hey Ji-chan, why's this place called Fairy Tail?" Natsu asked, gazing up at the sign that hung above the door.
"Do fairies even have tails..." Makarov said, which caused Natsu to quirk an eyebrow. "Do they even exist...No one can say for sure...Like those fairies, this guild is an eternal mystery...a never-ending adventure!" Makarov smiled when he saw Natsu and Erza's eyes light up. "That's the true meaning behind the name...Now why don't you both go start introducing yourselves...I'm sure you'll make lots of friends."
"Until that time do your best to protect Fairy Tail, okay?"
"Lisanna...I'm so sorry...I couldn't do it..." Natsu said quietly, as he tried his best to hold in his sobs. "They...they destroyed our home...I wasn't strong enough...I couldn't stop them...It's all my-" Natsu stopped himself before he could finish his sentence. He remembered what Mirajane had said to him a few nights before, her words slapping him as hard as her hand.
"Don't you dare blame yourself Natsu...Lisanna wouldn't want you blaming yourself..."
"She's right." Natsu said to himself, slamming his fist into the ground. "I may not be able to protect the guild anymore, but I can still protect my nakama." Natsu slowly rose to his feet on weary legs. The pink-haired dragon's slayer's entire body ached, as he stood back up. Natsu's breaths were heavy and labored, when he took a weak step forward. "I won't give up. I will protect them."
"Why...Why's he still getting up?"
"That guy's insane."
"That's enough Natsu." Lucy whispered, seeing the pink-haired dragon slayer so battered and beaten caused her heart to break. "J-Just let them have me...Then they'll-" Lucy stopped when she felt a soft paw press against her leg. Looking down, Lucy spotted Happy staring intently at Natsu.
"Natsu's...he's not giving up just yet." Happy said, as he shook slightly.
"Your pathetic guild is in shambles." Gajeel said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Just let it go."
"Fuck you." Natsu breathed out, his voice hoarse and weak. "As long as I'm still standing Fairy Tail isn't finished."
"Then I guess I'll just have to keep knocking you down, until you stay down for good." Gajeel said, before he backhanded Natsu across the face. The pink-haired dragon slayer recoil backwards, but he was quickly on his feet again.
"I...I can't watch anymore of this..." Lucy said, as she covered her eyes.
"Stay on your knees, Salamander!" Gajeel roared, kneeing Natsu in the stomach. The pink-haired dragon slayer's eyes bulged as he coughed up a mouthful of blood. Gajeel loomed over Natsu, a dark smile on his face. "Just so know...I'm not the merciful type like you pitiful fairies...After I have my fun kicking your ass...you're gonna meet your maker, along with the rest of your friends." Gajeel then began to laugh hysterically as he repeatedly kicked Natsu.
"Destroying Jupiter, fighting the Elemental Four, and now this...Natsu's used up too much magical energy!" Happy exclaimed, as a few angry tears escaped his eyes. "If he had some fire or lightning to eat, Natsu would kick your ass for sure!"
"I understand now..." Sagittarius use, surprising Lucy and Happy. They watched as the archer reached into his quiver and pulled out an arrow. "It seems that there was a misunderstanding." Sagittarius readied his bow and took aim. "When you asked if I could produced fire or lightning, the obvious answer to that question was, no." Sagittarius' eyes locked on computer large terminal behind Natsu and Gajeel. "However, it would appear that the issue is not whether I can produce fire or lightning per se, but whether or not I can generate it."
"It's been fun Salamander, but it's time for you to die! Iron Dragon's Sword!" Gajeel yelled, swinging his transformed arm at Natsu.
"Stop it!" Happy screamed, as he closed his eyes in fear. Just when the words left Happy's mouth, Sagittarius fired his arrow. The arrow flew inches away from Gajeel's face, and impacted into the terminal. Instantly the terminal began to spark and sputter thick black smoke. Moments later the machine exploded, engulfing Natsu in a large fireball.
"He created flames and electricity by blowing up the machine!" Lucy exclaimed, watching as Natsu began to greedily ingest the flames and electricity. Sagittarius shot two more arrows, which destroyed two more machines; allowing Natsu to replenish even more of his magical energy.
"Where'd that fucking horse freak come from?!" Gajeel exclaimed, as he glared at Lucy and Sagittarius.
"Setting machinery ablaze is mere child's play for my arrows." Sagittarius said, lowering his bow.
"Great job Sagittarius! You really are a master archer!" Lucy cheered, as she flashed Sagittarius a large smile.
"Man that really hit the spot." Natsu said, licking his lips and wiping excess flames from his mouth. "I really owe you one Luce."
"Thank me later Natsu, you still have to kick Gajeel's ass!" Lucy yelled, before she gave Natsu a thumbs up.
"Don't get all cocky just because you ate some fire!" Gajeel roared, as he charged towards Natsu. "I still have the advantage!"
"Fire Dragon's Purifying Roar!" In the blink of an eye, Natsu spun around with eyes full of fury. The pink-haired dragon slayer's cheeks bulged, before he unleashed a brilliant stream of bright blue flames. The blue flames immidiately engulfed Gajeel; causing the iron dragon slayer to bellow in pain as his skin was severely burned.
"Get him Natsu!" Happy cheered, relieved to see that his best friend was making a comeback.
"Levy! Jet! Droy! Ji-chan! Lisanna! Erza! Lucy!" Every name Natsu said was punctuated by a flaming fist to Gajeel's face. "AND FAIRY TAIL!"
"Shit!" Gajeel yelled, as he put some distance between himself and Natsu. The iron dragon slayer's face was bright red and smoking slightly. "Iron Dragon's Roar!" To Gajeel's utter horror, Natsu deflected his breath attack with his bare hands. "H-He deflected it?!"
"How dare you lay a finger on any of them with that stupid fucking grin on your face!" Natsu roared, sprinting towards Gajeel at full speed. "I said, I'd make you pay for everything you've done! And I'm here to fucking collect! You're gonna wish you never even heard of Fairy Tail!" Before Gajeel had a chance to react, Natsu was on top of him. "Lightning Dragon's Static Claw!" Natsu's foot sparked with orange lightning, as it smashed into the back of Gajeel's head. "I'm not done with you yet!" Before Gajeel could even hit the ground, Natsu grabbed ahold of him. "Fire Dragon's Purifying Wing Attack!" Natsu set Gajeel's entire body ablaze, as he was sent flying across the room. The iron dragon slayer crashed through a wall, but Natsu still wasn't finished. "One more to finish you off!"
(Outside Fairy Tail Guild Hall)
Down by the ruins of Fairy Tail's guild hall, the defending mages were all surprised to see an explosion ring out from Phantom Lord's guild hall. Billowing smoke belched from a large hole near the top of the giant guild.
"Bisca, can you see what's happening?" Cana asked, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Got it." Bisca said, as she pulled out her rifle. She scoped in on the hole in the wall, and was surprised to see a man falling from it. "It...looks like a Phantom Lord mage got blow out of that hole...Wait! That's Gajeel!"
"Someone's beating Gajeel!?"
"Who could it be?!"
"They must be pretty strong to be beating the Iron Dragon Gajeel!"
"Hold up! Someone else just jumped after him!" Bisca said, spotting a second figure leaping after Gajeel. However, the green-haired cowgirl's eyes widened when she recognized the figure. "It's Natsu! He jumped out after Gajeel!"
"WHAT?!"
"What's that idiot doing?!" Cana shouted, as she ran up next to Bisca.
"It looks like...he's...he's..." Bisca could barely speak, when she saw bright blue flames alight off both of Natsu's hands. "When did Natsu get blue fire?" This caught everyone's attention, and they all crowded around Bisca now. "It looks like he's about to attack Gajeel." Bisca watched as Natsu clapped his hands over his head; forming a massive ball of blue fire above his head.
"Holy shit..." Cana breathed out when she saw the ball of fire. The raging ball of blue flames was almost as large as Fairy Tail's guild hall, and they could feel the heat from where they were standing. The lush brunette rubbed her eyes to make sure she wasn't seeing things. "I must be drunk." Then Natsu's attack hit, causing a flash as bright as the Sun. The explosion created by the spell created a massive shockwave, which sent all of the defending Fairy Tail mages onto their asses. When the heatwave from the explosion hit, Cana could feel the fringes of her bikini topping singeing. "Okay, I know I'm not drunk now."
"What the..."
"Phantom Lord's Guild has been..."
The defending Fairy Tail mages watched in awe, as most of Phantom Lord's guild hall collapsed and crumbled into the waters bellow. Many of the Fairy Tail mages stood in stunned silence for a few moments. Before a loud cheer broke that silence.
"That bastard did it! Natsu really did it!"
"YEAH!"
"He took out Gajeel and most of their guild!"
"You really are something special Natsu." Cana said, wiping a tear from her eye. The lush brunette couldn't help but smile as she listened to her nakama holler and cheer. "I'll have to think of a way to thank you for everything you've done the past few days."
(Seconds Earlier; With Natsu and Gajeel)
"With flames on my right hand, and flames on my left!" Natsu roared, clapping his hands together. The flames on both his began to fuse; forming a gigantic ball of blue fire above Natsu's head. "Together they make...Fire Dragon's Elegant Flame!" Natsu hurled the massive whirling ball of blue fire at Gajeel. The iron dragon slayer was completely consumed by the roaring flames. When Natsu's attack hit a huge explosion rang out; causing a blinding flash and incredible wave of heat. All around Natsu, Phantom Lord's guild hall collapsed and descended into the water below. With a sickening crunch Gajeel smashed into a still stable part of Phantom Lord's guild. The iron dragon slayer was bleeding heavily and was severely burned on a majority of his body. Natsu crashed into the ground a few feet away from Gajeel, his body battered and beaten as well. "Now...ya bastard...Now...we're even." Natsu released a heavy sigh and plopped down onto the ground. "Damn, that last attack really drained me."
"Natsu!" The pink-haired dragon slayer looked up to see Lucy descending towards him; with the help of Happy.
"Hey Luce!" Natsu cheered with a large grin on his face.
"Natsu! I'm so glad you're okay!" Lucy exclaimed, as she ran up to Natsu and enveloped him in a tight hug. Tears began to flow from Lucy's eyes, and she quickly buried her head into the crook of Natsu's neck. "Thank you...Thank you so much for saving me."
"I'll always rescue you Luce." Natsu said, wrapping his arms around the blonde tightly.
"Do it now."
"Show her much you care for her."
"The timing is perfect."
"You're my princess, Luce, and I'm you're guardian dragon." Those words caused Lucy's eyes to widen. The blonde celestial spirit mage slowly pushed away from Natsu, and locked eyes with Natsu.
"N-Natsu...what are yo-" Lucy was cut off when Natsu suddenly pressed his lips against hers. It wasn't the perfect kiss, because it was the first for both of them. But the passion and love Lucy could feel coming from Natsu took her breath away. It took Lucy a few moments to fully comprehend that Natsu was actually kissing her, but once it registered she returned the kiss with just as much passion. However, Lucy was shocked when Natsu suddenly pushed her away.
"I'm...I'm sorry Luce, I can't do this." Natsu said, avoiding Lucy's eyes.
"W-What? What are you talking about Natsu?" Lucy asked, as she cupped his cheek. "Natsu I...I love you. I've had a crush on you ever since we first met seven years ago, and my feelings for you have only grown since then. Please tell me you love me as well. Why else would you kiss me like that?"
"I...I think I do love you Lucy..." Natsu said, causing Lucy's eyes to light up. "But...you're not the only girl I love..."
"Not the only girl...Oh, Natsu I understand. I know you'll love other girls, and I'm okay with it." Lucy said, causing Natsu's eyes to widen.
"Y-You do? How could you understand?" Natsu asked, earning a light chuckle from the blonde.
"Mira showed me a book from Levy about dragons and dragon slayers. In the book it detailed how dragon mating customs transfer over to dragon slayers." Lucy explained, as she wrapped her arms around Natsu's neck. "However, the rituals change for dragon kings, like Igneel and Valinor. Dragon kings take more than one mate, up to three each. Dragon kings often instinctually picked a mate a first sight. They would often feel an invisible connection to their chosen mate, and would do everything in their power to make their mates happy." Natsu's eyes slowly widened as Lucy continued to her explanation. "And since you were raised by two dragon kings you're magic is driving you claim at least six mates."
"So that pull I've been feelings was because of my magic?" Natsu asked, earning a nod from Lucy. "Then that means I can be with Erza, Mira, and Juvia as well?"
"Juvia? That blue-haired girl from the Elemental Four. You felt a connection to her too?" Lucy asked, causing Natsu to nod his head. "Well, I guess that's fine with me. I've already spoken with Mira, and we've agreed to share you. Erza on the other hand will probably be a little harder to convince. Mira thinks once she sees you with me or her, it will open her up to the idea of sharing you."
"Erza is kinda possessive." Natsu said with a small smile, scratching his cheek. "Wait...you said you'd share me with Mira? So Mira likes me?"
"You're joking right?" Lucy asked, looking at Natsu as if he were the stupidest person in Earthland. "You seriously didn't notice?"
"Well, I kinda had a feeling but I didn't want to jump to conclusion until I was sure." Natsu replied, as his face started to burn red. "So what should I do about Erza, Mira, and Juvia?"
"We'll worry about that later." Lucy said, a bright smile spreading across her face. "For now, just kiss me again."
"My pleasure." Natsu said, before he locked lips with Lucy once again. This time Lucy felt a little more daring, and slipped her tongue into Natsu's mouth. This briefly took Natsu by surprise, but her quickly recovered and was soon tongue wrestling with the blonde. Both mages were so engrossed in their kiss that they didn't notice Happy off to the side; floating with his mouth agape. Suddenly the blue cat began to giggle hysterically.
"They liiiiiike each other." Happy purred, as he flew up to the new lovers.
"Yes Happy, I do like her." Natsu said, pressing his forehead against Lucy's.
"And I like him." Lucy said, as a small smile spread across her face.
Suddenly an explosion rang out several floors below, and Natsu felt a familiar pain in his chest. It was similar to when he had heard Lucy screaming in pain. Erza was in trouble, and her needed to go help her.
"Luce." Natsu said, grabbing ahold of the blonde's shoulders. "Erza needs my help, I have to go help her."
"Go save your knight, my dragon." Lucy said, as she placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
"Happy take Luce, and get her to safety." Natsu said, before he turned to face Gajeel.
"Aye sir!" Happy cheered, grabbing Lucy and flying to a safe distance.
"Oi, I know you're awake." Natsu said, as he walked up to the iron dragon slayer.
"Tch, I can't believe I had to see you two suck face." Gajeel said, weakly turning his head to look glare at Natsu.
"I'm not done with you yet. Once I help Erza out, I have some questions to ask you." Natsu said, as he turned to leave. "So don't go anywhere."
"Like I can move anyways." Gajeel said, gazing down at the burns littering his body. "It still feels like I'm on fucking fire."
"Don't worry Erza, I'm going." Natsu said, as he descended back into Phantom Lord's guild hall.
And done! There we have it, the first official romance of this fic. Natsu's first mate will be Lucy, and their lemon will be soon, so don't worry. I hope the Gajeel vs. Natsu fight lived up to all of your expectations. Next chapter, Natsu will confront Jose and save Erza. But I want to make this clear, Natsu WILL NOT be fighting Jose. Natsu may be extremely strong, but he's still not strong enough to fight a guild master, and he knows this. So please don't go into next chapter expecting Natsu to brawl it out with Jose, because it's not gonna happen. So what did you guys think? Love it? Hate it? Let me know. Remember to follow/favorite, PLEASE REVIEW (Last chapter was good, but we can still do better. So get out there and review after this!), and PM me any ideas you have for any of my fics. I should have the last of the quick update chapters out soon, so look forward to that. So until next time, I'm outta here!