Hey guys, I'm back with the first quick update chapter! This chapter will have Erza's fight against Ikaruga and her finally confronting Jellal. If everything goes well, I might actually finish this arc with this chapter, but we'll just have to wait and see. This fic is extremely close to 700 reviews, so lets see if we can pass it with this chapter. Well that's all I wanted to say, so let's get to the fic!
P.S. Several of you have commented on how I've been developing Ultear, and have asked for her to be in the main harem. All I can say is that for now she will stay in the 'side' harem along with the other girls. However, I may have an idea for her to become a member of the main harem, but that won't be happening for a very long time, the Alvarez Empire arc to be exact. That should give you a hint on how I plan to possibly add her.
"Speech"
"Thoughts"
Magic
Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail, or any of its characters.
(With Erza and Shô)
"Natsu..." Erza thought, feeling a sudden rush of confidence flood her body. She could almost feel Natsu standing beside her, offering words of encouragement. With a small smile, Erza opened her eyes and gazed at her opponent. "Thank you for believing in me Natsu and lending me some of your strength."
"Oh, looks like you've become more confident all of a sudden." Ikaruga said, as she quirked an eyebrow in amusement. "But I hope you are more focused now. Because you were so focused on reaching Jellal-san, you failed to noticed the whirlwind of slices surrounding you."
"Nee-san...she so serious all of a sudden, and she seems to be exuding confidence now." Shô thought, staring at Erza in awe. "What happened to her?"
"You see I am no mere passerby on the road to be ignored." Ikaruga said, as she began to reach for her katana. "It would be best not to underestimate me."
"I see that now." Erza said, a bright glowing bathing her entire body. When the light died down, Erza was equipped in her Heaven's Wheel armor. "You're an enemy that must be cut down."
"I hope you're prepared..." Ikaruga said with a small smirk, as she slowly slide into her fighting stance. "Because here I come."
In the blink of an eye, Ikaruga and Erza rushed forward and clashed swords. Then with lightning fast movements Erza and Ikaruga traded blows, both trying to get an advantage over the other. Because of Ikaruga's incredible speed, Erza was forced to use two swords to effectively fight her. As their blades continued to clash, the smirk never left Ikaruga's face. It was almost as if she was taunting Erza, and it was seriously starting to irritate her. Seeing a possible opening, Ikaruga stabbed her katana at Erza's stomach. However, the scarlet-haired knight was prepared for this and leaped over Ikaruga's blade, front-flipping in the air. Now having the advantage, Erza prepared to attack.
"Circle Sword!" Over a dozen razor-sharp swords materialized in front of Erza. With a flick of her wrists, the swords began to rapidly spin like a buzzsaw. Erza then thrust her arm forward, causing the spinning swords to fly towards Ikaruga. However, Erza was surprised to see that Ikaruga appeared to be making no attempt to dodge her attack. Instead Ikaruga merely took a calming breath and once again slide into her fighting stance.
"Form of the Moonless Sky..." Then with blinding speed, Ikaruga spun around, her blade hitting all of Erza's in one fluid motion. "Yasha's Empty Flash." Moments later, Erza and Shô watched in stunned silence as all of Erza's swords shattered to pieces.
"A-All my swords..." Erza said underneath her breath, as she grit her teeth. "She took out all my swords so quickly in one attack. This woman is seriously bad news!"
"Oh, I hit more than just your swords." Ikaruga said with a dark chuckle, snapping her fingers. Then out of nowhere Erza screamed out in pain, as the armor she was wearing exploded off her body.
"AH!" Erza howled, as her armor crumbled to pieces.
"I'm not finished with you yet. Form of the Moonless Sky..." Ikaruga said, slashing her sword at Erza, unleashing a wave of bright orange flames. "Garuda Flames."
"I have to act quick." Erza thought, as she raised her arms to block the intense flames. "Re-equip: Flame Empress Armor!" Erza had managed to equip the armor just before the flames struck her. The scarlet-haired knight grunted as her armor took the brunt of the attack. Despite the armor's resistance to fire, Erza was quickly overwhelmed and sent crashing through a nearby wall.
"Hmm, a form of flame-resistant armor?" Ikaruga asked in an amused tone, staring at the hole Erza had flown through. "I'm quite impressed you managed to equip it fast enough to defend yourself."
"What...the hell were those flames?" Erza thought, as she dragged herself out of the hole she had created. "Not even Natsu's flames could do that to my Flame Empress Armor...maybe not his blue flames, but I really don't want to test that out. That means her fire is on a completely different level. I'll have to-" Erza's thoughts were cut off when she felt an intense pain wrack her entire body. "W-What..." Without warning, Erza's Flame Empress Armor fell apart, leaving her dressed in her tattered black bran and panties. "H-How?"
"Don't you think it's rather unladylike to expose yourself like that when there are men present?" Ikaruga asked, giggling behind her hand. However, Ikaruga's eyes suddenly hardened as her ever-present smirk returned. "Come now. I want a real challenge, so I suggest you bring out your strongest armor."
"T-This witch..." Shô said, as he began to shake in fear.
"Fine..." Erza snarled, her anger spiking considerably. Tightly balling her fists, Erza was encased in a blinding light. "You want one of my strongest armors then that's what I'll use. None have seen this armor and lived to tell the tale, you've been warned." When the light encasing Erza died down, it revealed an almost demonic set of armor. The armor was ink black color with many spiked features. The chest plate was entirely black except for a small arrow like inward protrusion on both sides near her stomach. The plate was lined with several spikes that ran from top to bottom. Multiple layered shoulder guards connected to the chest plate and featured several pyramid shaped spikes that protruded outward. Around Erza's neck was a large necklace of spikes, matching the ones found around the chest plate but much larger. A lighter colored metal covered her upper arms before connecting to the black arm guards. The arm guards sported two metal straps and two spiked protrusions near the elbows. At her waist, she wore a multi-layered spike skirt ending in the spikes found in the shoulder guards. Around her waist was a simple banded belt. The tops of her legs remained exposed before her greaves started just above her knees. Above the knee, the greaves were sectioned off, featuring two spikes per section. At the knee, a diamond like pattern formed with several spikes at the outward facing side. Below the knee, the spikes move to the side of the leg and are placed in even intervals all the way down. Erza's hair was spiked outward, similar to the armor's design. "Witness it and despair! Re-equip: Purgatory Armor!"
But before Erza could even move or utilize her new armor, Ikaruga shot forward in a flash, appearing behind Erza a moment later. Erza spit up a mouthful of blood, as she collapsed to the ground, her most powerful armor shattered and in ruins.
"So that was your strongest armor? I must say I'm quite disappointed. So, do you understand yet?" Ikaruga asked, resheathing her katana. "No matter what armor you where, it cannot stop my blade. I highly suggest you surrender."
"She...can't win." Shô thought, as tears formed in his eyes, staring at Erza's motionless form. "Nee-san can't win."
"I...I can't do it..." Erza thought, tears streaming from her left eye, as she tightly closed her eyes in self-hatred. "I-I can't beat her. She took out my strongest armor as if it were nothing at all. Maybe I should give up-"
"I belive in you Erza..." The scarlet-haired knight's eyes widened when she clearly heard Natsu's voice in the back of her mind. His voice was faint, but Erza knew she had heard it. She could almost feel him standing next to her, encouraging her to press on. "You're one of the strongest people I know. You'll win and come back to me and everyone else for sure, just like you always do."
"Natsu...you always believed in me more than anyone else, more than I even believed in myself." Erza thought, gritting her teeth as she struggled to stand back onto her feet. "You always trusted in my strength, even when I was at my weakest and filled with doubt. You were always by my side, pushing me to never give up!" Standing on shaky legs, Erza glared at Ikaruga. "I'm ashamed that I was prepared to give up so easily. I now know what I have to do..." Erza's body was again bathed in a bright light, but what she equipped into was radically different from her previous armors. She wore no armor, but what appeared to be normal clothing. The outfit was primarily red with some yellow, black and white in color. The clothing consisted of a sarashi around Erza's upper chest and a red hakama with a yellow flame-like pattern at the bottom with black highlights, tied together by white strings. Erza's brilliant scarlet hair was tied up in a high tail at the back. "With you by my side Natsu, I know that I can accomplish anything and defeat any enemy."
"What is the meaning of this?" Ikaruga asked, shocked by Erza's strange choice of attire. "I can feel no magic emanating from that outfit you're wearing. It's simply fabric, that's all."
"Just fabric?!" Shô exclaimed, his eyes widening in shock. "What is nee-san thinking!?"
"Tch, and after I went through such efforts to show you the extent of my skills." Ikaruga said, a hint of irritation in her voice, as her brow twitched slightly. "It would appear that you're underestimating me."
"Nee-san!" Shô cried out, as he managed to get back onto his knees. "What's wrong with you?! You have tons of strong armors left, don't you!? You're stronger than this, aren't you?!"
"No. I am not strong at all." Erza said, equipping two katanas into her hands. "I'm not...I failed to protect the people I cared about all those years ago...and...I was always crying...every night I would cry and I'd rely on someone else to help me stop...so I always tried my hardest to make myself seem stronger than I actually was...I locked away my heart behind a suit or armor...and I cried...but one person managed to chip away at the armor around my heart...and he's the reason I can keep fighting, even against insurmountable odds...I fight so that I can always stay by his side..." Erza's eyes filled with determination, as she locked eyes with Ikaruga. "It's because I am weak that I always hide behind a suit of armor. I could never seem to take that armor off."
"Even if my opponent is naked..." Ikaruga said, as she grabbed ahold of her katana. "I'll cut them down."
"I always thought that my armor would keep me safe..." Erza said, a small smile spreading across her face. "But that wasn't right. The man that I love showed me that I don't need to lock myself away behind anymore. He showed me that I was strong, even without my armor. He taught me, without even saying it, that I was blocking the link that allows people's hearts to connect." Erza's grip on her katanas tightened considerably and she glared at Ikaruga. "Natsu and all my nakama at Fairy Tail showed me the truth. That it's much better to be close to people, to feel the warmth that they can give. Then to shun them and push them away."
"I don't have time for your pointless babel!" Ikaruga exclaimed, as she charged towards Erza. "Prepare yourself little fairy!"
"My doubts have all vanished!" Erza yelled, preparing to meet Ikaruga's attack head on. "I will change my entire self into strength...and with Natsu and my nakama behind me...I will defeat you!"
"This is the end!" Ikaruga shouted, as she raised her blade to attack Erza.
Both swordsmen shot forward and met in a head on attack. In the blink of an eye Erza and Ikaruga traded blows, both standing where the other had been previously. Ikaruga's ever-present confident smirk was still on her face, as she sheathed her blade. A moment later, Erza hissed in pain as a large wound opened up on her shoulder, splattering blood onto the floor. Erza simply grit her teeth and endured the stabbing pain.
"Looks like you lose-" Ikaruga said just before her eyes shot open. She suddenly felt and excruciating pain coming from her chest. Glancing down, Ikaruga gasped when she saw blood spraying from a massive slice that ran across her chest and abdomen. Ikaruga coughed up a mouthful of blood and collapsed to the ground. "I-Impossible..."
"Natsu..." Erza thought, panting heavily as she fought to stay standing, despite fatigue and numerous wounds. "I couldn't have done it without you believing in me."
"All right! Nee-san, you're totally awesome!" Shô cheered, as he let out a cry of victory.
"That...was quite...impressive..." Ikaruga struggled to say, blood steadily leaking from her mouth. "I never...been defeated...not once...since the guild was founded...until today...however...both you and Jellal...are destined for defeat..." The life began to drain from Ikaruga's eyes, as she shakily raised her hand towards the ceiling. "Just fifteen more minutes...see it rain down...the shining light of justice...shall bring death to us all..." With one last struggled breath, Ikaruga closed her eyes permanently.
"Fifteen minutes?!" Erza exclaimed, applying pressure to her bleeding shoulder. "She has to be talking about Etherion!" Turning around, Erza saw that Shô was slowly getting back onto his feet. "Are you okay, Shô?"
"Y-Yeah, I'm okay somehow..." Shô replied, as he hugged his slashed chest. "I was lucky that she didn't cut me too deep, the bleeding has already stopped."
"Shô listen to me very carefully." Erza said in serious tone that left no room for argument. "You have to find Simon and the others, and my nakama as well, and get them far away from this tower." Shô was about to say something, but Erza cut him off. "You'll do this for me, won't you Shô?"
"Yeah..." Shô replied, as he watched Erza nod her head and turn to leave. "But what are you gonna do?"
"I'm going to finish this." Erza said in a menacing tone, her eyes full of anger and determination. "Everything will end today." Erza tightly closed her eyes to fight back her tears. "I'm sorry Natsu, but I guess I won't be able to give you my answer. I have to end this to save you all."
(With Natsu and Simon)
"Why did you send the blue cat off?" Simon asked, as he walked up next to the dual dragon slayer.
"Gray will probably need help getting Lucy and Juvia out of the tower." Natsu replied with a shrug of his shoulder. "I figured Happy could carry one of them if they were too exhausted to walk...You know what..." Natsu turned to face Simon. "We haven't been formally introduced."
"Oh, my name is Simon. I'm one of Erza's old nakama." However, before Simon could say anymore, he suddenly cringed in pain and collapsed onto his knees.
"Oi! You okay Simon!?" Natsu asked, as he crouched down next to Simon. "Are you hurt or something!?"
"D-Don't...worry about me...you have to listen...Natsu..." Simon struggled to say, clutching the side of his head. "I just got a transmission from Wally and Milliana. They found Lucy and Juvia collapsed on the ground, along with a member from Death's Head Caucus." Natsu breathed a sigh of relief hearing that Lucy and Juvia were okay. "Since they didn't know what was happening, I told them to get Lucy and Juvia out of the tower. According to a transmission from Shô, all the members of Trinity Raven have been defeated."
"Good, I feel much better knowing that Lucy and Juvia will be safe now." Natsu said, as he gazed at the ceiling above them. "That means there's only one thing left."
"The only remaining enemy is Jellal himself. And Erza is heading to face him as we speak." Simon explained, slowly standing back onto his feet. "She's trying to deal with him alone, with her own two hands. The two of them have shared a bond of resentment for the past eight years now. It may be that their battle is destined by fate. However Jellal is simply too powerful...Please Natsu. You must save Erza."
"Nah, Erza can handle it." Natsu said, which caused Simon's eyes to widen in shock.
"Why...why...are you refusing..." Simon asked, tightly balling his fists in anger. "To save Erza...to save one of your own nakama!?"
"It's true that I want to see Jellal and kick his ass, but he's Erza's enemy, so I say she should be the one to beat him." Natsu replied, as he crossed his arms over his chest. "This isn't something I should just barge in on. Once Erza takes Jellal down, I'll talk with him and find out what the hell is going on."
"You don't understand!" Simon exclaimed, tightly holding onto Natsu's shoulders. "Erza has no hope of defeating Jellal!"
"Oi!" Natsu yelled, as he roughly through Simon's hands off his shoulders. "I don't give a shit if you wanna mock me, but don't you fucking dare insult Erza or any of my nakama, you bastard!"
"No! This is not a simple matter of strength or magical power!" Simon shouted in anger, grabbing ahold of Natsu's scarf. "Erza..." Simon suddenly grit his teeth in frustration. "Erza is still hoping she can save Jellal somehow!" Natsu's eyes widened as the gears in his head suddenly started to turn. "I just know it! She doesn't have it in her to actually kill Jellal!"
All of a sudden everything seemed to click for Natsu. "Jellal...he must be the other man Erza loves..." Natsu simply stared ahead dumbfounded, as Simon let go of his scarf. "But...But how can that be? Did Erza somehow meet Jellal before I met her?"
"Jellal is a cunning man." Simon said, as he crossed his arms over his broad chest. "He will use Erza's feelings for him against her."
"That son of a bitch..." Natsu thought, tightly balling his fists as rage slowly filled his body. "What the hell has happened to him these past seven years? The Jellal I know would never do something like that."
"But it's far worse than that. You know that the council is planning to fire Etherion upon this place, right?" Simon explained in a grave tone. "And of course if that happens, then everyone inside this tower will die. According to Shô, there is only fifteen...no...only ten minutes left now."
"WHAT!?" Natsu exclaimed, this sudden revelation shocking him to his core.
"Erza went off on her own, telling Shô to get everyone out of the tower." Simon said, as Natsu slowly began to realize what Erza was truly planning. "You know Erza probably better than anyone here, yes? It pains me to say this...but she is likely planning on using Etherion to die, taking Jellal with her."
"God damn it..." Natsu breathed out, shaking violently as he grit his teeth. "Why didn't she just say something to me?" Without warning brilliant blue flames exploded off Natsu's entire body, sending Simon flying back several feet. "What the hell is she thinking!?"
"What are these flames?!" Simon thought, as he shield his face from the intense heat and light. "I've never felt flames so hot before!"
"Where the hell did Erza go!?" Natsu roared, sending out a shockwave of pure heat. The dual dragon slayer turned to Simon and hoisted the the large man to his feet with one hand, the scorching heat singeing Simon's hair and skin. "You! You're going to take me to Erza! Now!"
"Alright! Just calm down Natsu!" Simon exclaimed, as Natsu's flames started to burn his skin.
"No! I will not calm down!" Natsu yelled, putting out the raging flames that encased his body. "Erza's life is on the line and I will not let her die in this fucking tower! I've already lost someone precious to me! I will not allow that to happen again!"
(Same Time: Jellal's Throne Room)
"Oh my..." Jellal said, as he used a knight chess piece to knock over the piece that represented Ikaruga. "It looks like the game is already over, what a pity."
"Is it that really fun, playing games by yourself?" Erza asked, stopping a few feet away from Jellal.
"But of course." Jellal replied in a smug tone, not turning around to face Erza. "Life and death are the very basis of life; they intensify every emotion. Or to put it another way, there is nothing quite as dull as life. I must say it has been quite some time." Jellal finally turned to face the scarlet-haired knight. "Erza."
"Jellal." Erza said, as she glared at her former nakama.
"You could have easily escaped this tower at any time. I'm curious, why didn't you?" Jellal asked, resting his hands in his pockets.
"I'm here to free all of my former nakama." Erza replied, as she pointed her sword at Jellal.
"I could care less about them, they're no longer of any use to me." Jellal said, earning a slight growl from the scarlet-haired knight. "Not with the Tower of Heaven complete."
"Even if it were to be destroyed seven minutes from now?" Erza asked, which caused Jellal to chuckle darkly.
"You mean Etherion?" Jellal said, reaching for his hood.
"You seem quite unconcerned...so you were really bluffing." Erza said, as she unconsciously tightened her grip on her sword.
"Oh, you're quite wrong..." Jellal said, lowering his hood to reveal his face. "Etherion will fall."
"That is what I wished to hear!" Erza exclaimed, as she raised her sword above her head. "I simply need to keep you here for seven more minutes! I will be able to bring an end to all of this!"
"Oh, no...you are going to die, as a sacrifice to Zeref." Jellal said with a crazed look on his face. "That is a pure fact. It is your destiny!" Jellal darkly chuckled once again and pointed at Erza. "There is only seven minutes left. In seven minutes' time Etherion will strike this tower. Why don't we enjoy these last seven minutes, Erza."
"Right now, I have no fear in my heart." Erza said, taking a powerful step towards Jellal. "Even if Etherion hits, I will satisfied as long as I take you with me."
"Oh? You're not saddened that you'll never see your beloved Natsu Dragneel again?" Jellal asked with a twisted smile. "Aren't you afraid of leaving the man you love?" Erza's whole body tensed when Jellal said this. "Just think how devastated he'll be."
"Natsu is stronger than you can possibly imagine..." Erza said, lowering her head so that Jellal couldn't see the sadness in her eyes. "If I die here today...he'll be in pain for some time...but he's got so many people who love and support him...he'll eventually bounce back...he's done it once before, he can do it again...beside I'm doing this to protect him and everyone else...you must be stopped at all costs." Erza quickly raised her arm to wipe away the tears that had been forming in her eye. "And with this I can start to make up for all the pain I've caused Natsu the past few years."
"Well it matters not, you will be sacrificed to Zeref and die today." Jellal said, as dark magic began to swirl around him. "Here I come, Erza!" Thrusting his hand forward, a barrage of dark apparitions materialized and raced towards Erza. The scarlet-haired knight reacted quickly and dodged the attack, using her sword to cut through any spirit that got too close. However, Jellal was till on the offensive, as he pointed his index and middle finger at Erza. Mid-dodge, Erza was hit by a powerful burst of magic, sending her crashing through a window, plummeting towards the water several stories below. But Erza's honed reflexes allowed her to spot a large piece of debris, and use it like a springboard, rocketing back up towards the tower. Bursting back into the back into the throne room, Erza shot towards Jellal.
"You boast about just finishing this tower and now you're smashing it up!?" Erza questioned, vertically slashing her sword at Jellal. "I truly don't know what to say."
"Heh, it's merely a pillar or two." Jellal sneered, as he easily dodged Erza's attack. "Nothing more than decoration."
"Shô and the others wasted eight long years of their lives, believing in you..." Erza roared, thrusting her blade towards Jellal's stomach. But Jellal anticipated this and leaped back to avoid the attack. "To make these fucking decorations!"
"You must be getting quite upset Erza, because you're starting to get sloppy." Jellal taunted, as he raised his hand, a sphere of dark magic forming in his palm. "And spare me your petty word games. What's really important here is the R-System. That's what those eight years were spent building." With a twisted grin, Jellal hurled the ball of magic at Erza. "And now it's finally complete!" The dark magic hit Erza and started to engulf her entire body. However, Jellal was surprised when Erza sliced through his magic with her sword, freeing herself. Using Jellal's shock to her advantage, Erza shot forward and slashed Jellal across the stomach with her blade. Hissing in pain, Jellal was forced the ground by Erza. "This can't be...the same Erza!" Standing over Jellal, Erza aimed her blade directly at his face.
"What are you really after?" Erza asked, pressing her blade against Jellal's throat, letting to slightly dig into his flesh. "You haven't truly completed the R-System, have you?" Erza's eyes hardened as she dug his heel into Jellal's chest. "Don't think I've been sitting idle for the past eight years. I've done my research on the R-System. It might be true that you built the building perfectly, following the blueprints from all those years ago. But you're still missing one basic thing to actually complete the R-System."
"I already told you..." Jellal said, as he smirked up at Erza. "You're going to be the sacrifice."
"I'm talking about something even more basic than that." Erza said, leaning her face closer to Jellal's. "The one thing you're lacking is...magic. To activate a spell on such a large scale...requires a total of two billion, seven hundred million Edeas of sheer magical power. We're talking about the kind of magic you possibly couldn't achieve even if you gathered all the mages on this continent. It is impossible for a single person to gather all that magic and store it in this tower." Erza's eyes narrowed as her mind raced. "And that's not the only thing. You seem to be perfectly aware of the council's desires to destroy this tower, yet you made now move to escape. What exactly are you planning?"
"Three minutes until Etherion hits..." Jellal said cryptically with a smile on his face.
"Jellal! Your dream is finished! It was over a long time ago!" Erza exclaimed, her grip on her sword tightening considerably. "Do you really intend to just die here, right now!? If that's so then you're going to die with me! I'll hold you down right here, until that final moment arrives!"
"Y-Yeah...that doesn't sound too bad." Jellal said in a surprisingly sad tone, which caused Erza to pause momentarily. "My body was possessed by Zeref's ghost. There was nothing I could do...I was nothing more than a pawn, working to bring about Zeref's resurrection."
"Possessed?" Erza parroted in a confused tone.
"In the end I couldn't save myself...my nakama couldn't either...there was nobody who could save me..." Jellal said, which caused Erza's eyes to slowly widen. "Heaven...freedom...In the end they were nowhere in sight...it was all over before it had even begun."
(Same Time: Magical Council Headquarters)
"The final phase of the Etherion firing sequence is complete."
"Expand the Satellite Square!"
"Thus we pray." Org said, closing his eyes and lowering his head.
"Thus we pray." The rest of the council members said, as they followed Org's example.
"Thus we pray." Siegrain said, not noticing Yajima's eyes scrutinizing his every move.
(Same Time: With Everyone Outside the Tower)
Wally and Milliana had managed to carry Juvia and Lucy out of the tower, where they met up with Shô, Happy, and Gray on their way out. Lucy and Juvia were still out cold, as everyone piled onto a small boat, and began to row as far away from the tower as possible. When the small boat was almost a mile away from the Tower of Heaven, a shining light filled the night sky, revealing a massive magic circle over the tower.
"W-Whoa, whoa, are they seriously going to fire Etherion!?" Wally exclaimed, pointing at the immense magical circle.
"Natsu...Erza..." Happy whimpered, as tears formed in his eyes. "You've gotta get out of there...please."
"Natsu..." Lucy muttered in her sleep, grabbing ahold of Juvia's hand.
"Please stay safe..." Juvia breathed out, as tightened her hold on Lucy's hand."
(Back With Erza and Jellal)
"I knew I could never really complete the R-System..." Jellal said, the room beginning to shake and crumble around them. "But...Zeref's ghost wouldn't allow me to stop. I...cannot stop what's been set in motion. I'm just a broken-down tool. Erza...you win this fight...so please, kill me. That's what you came here for, right?" Erza grit her teeth as an image of Jellal, the Jellal she still loved, flashed through her mind.
"There's no need for me to lift a finger...this rumbling..." Erza said, as she relaxed her grip on her sword. "The Satellite Square must already be expanding over this tower." Hanging her head, Erza dropped her sword next to Jellal. "It's over. For you...and for me."
"You were always like this..." Jellal said with a light chuckle, sitting back up.
"You were just another sacrifice to Zeref too, weren't you?" Erza asked, as she sat down next to Jellal.
"This is my punishment, for giving into my own weakness." Jellal replied, looking down at his hands. "My heart just couldn't make up the huge gap between dream and reality."
"But don't you think that burying your weaknesses, the things you lack, deep away..." Erza said quietly, before she smiled at Jellal. "Is what nakama are for? I have sins to atone fore as well...one of which was not saving you."
"Oh no, Erza..." Jellal said, as he hugged Erza. "You saved me." Erza wrapped her arms around Jellal, just as the tower was bathed in a bright light. However, as Erza embraced Jellal, she didn't notice the evil smile that spread across his face.
(Same Time: Several Floors Below)
"This light..." Simon muttered, glancing out the window he was leaning against. "So we were too late...it's over."
"Erza!" Natsu growled, as he raced up the stairs towards Jellal's throne room. "There's no way I'm going to let you die here!" As Natsu ascended another flight of stairs, Etherion hit the tower.
The massive beam of magic rocked the entire tower, and created massive waves that quickly capsized the small boat Lucy and everyone else was in. However, the sudden jolt had awoken Juvia. The bluenette water mage reacted quickly and encased everyone in an sphere of water, saving them all from being washed away by the towering waves of water.
(Back at the Magical Council's Headquarters)
"Etherion was successfully fired! It was a direct hit! I repeat a direct hit!"
"Has the tower been successfully destroyed!? We need a conformation now!"
"Ethernano fusion density is increasing steadily."
"This will likely cause unusual weather conditions."
"Just how many people were in that tower?" Org asked in a grave tone, as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"We have prevented the resurrection of Zeref." Michello replied, glancing down at the bustling mages, who were busy assessing Etherion's damage. "If a few were sacrificed, then it was for a good cause."
"We can try to justify our actions all we like..." Org said, as his eyes filled with regret. "But it will never heal the hearts of the families of those who have perished."
"Wait! Something seems to be countering the Ethernano in the very epicenter of the blast!" This sudden exclamation got the attention of all the council members. "N-No...this is...!"
"Fusion density has suddenly gone into rapid decline!"
"We're getting readings of a separate energy, an incredible magical power!"
"Our equipment can't seem to keep up!"
"What is happening?!"
"I'm trying to restore visuals now!"
"What the hell is going on here?!" Org exclaimed in a panicked tone, as he tightly gripped the railing in front of him.
"I've reacquired visual on the target!"
"What! I can't believe it! The target is still standing! N-No! What...What is that thing!?"
"It looks like a giant lacrima crystal!"
"The crystal...seems to have absorbed Etherion's magical energy!"
"What!?" All of the council members exclaimed simultaneously.
(With Lucy and the Others)
"Natsu..." Happy breathed out, staring at the cloud of smoke and debris, which was all that seemed to remain of the Tower of Heaven. "...Erza."
"Damn it..." Gray said underneath his breath, as he fought back tears. "God damn it..."
"Natsu..." Juvia whimpered, cupping a hand over her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks. "Please just let Juvia be dreaming. This isn't really happening."
"Nee-san..." Shô cried, as he fell to his knees. "Why didn't you save yourself?"
"They're not dead." Lucy said suddenly, which shocked everyone present. The celestial spirit mage subconsciously rubbed her mate mark. "I know Natsu is still okay, and that means Erza is alive as well...I can still sense his presence." Just then the smoke began to dissipate, revealing a massive crystal in place of the tower.
"What...What is that..." Juvia asked, staring at the crystal tower in utter shock. "It's so eerie looking..."
"The tower's walls have crumbled away." Gray said, as he quirked an eyebrow. "Leaving behind some type of crystal?"
"Natsu and Erza are still alive in there." Lucy said to herself, clutching a hand over her racing heart. "I just know they are...they have to be."
(With Erza and Jellal)
"What?" Erza asked, shocked to find out that she was still alive. She glanced down at her hands to confirm that she truly hadn't died. "I'm...still alive?" As Erza tried to comprehend why she was still in the land of the living, she was surprised to hear Jellal start chuckling. "Jellal?" Without warning, Jellal broke out into full brown maniacal laughter.
"Finally!" Jellal exclaimed, as he outstretched his arms. "Finally the time has come!"
"You..." Erza said, staring at Jellal in shock. "What's going on?"
"Haha! Surprised, aren't you Erza?" Jellal asked with an amused smirk on his face. "This is the true form of the Tower of Heaven. A gigantic pillar of lacrima. And with the power of the council's Etherion...I have succeeded in acquiring two billion, seven hundred million Edeas of magical power! Finally the R-System is truly complete!"
"You...you bastard!" Erza exclaimed, tightly balling her fists as her body filled with rage. "You tricked me!"
"Oh, you're just so very cute Erza." A new, yet familiar, voice said from behind the scarlet-haired knight. Wiping around, Erza was stunned to see Siegrain walking towards her. "Neither Jellal nor I could provide the necessary magical power. It was a truly precarious situation; I had no choice but the deceive you."
"Siegrain!" Erza yelled, pointing an accusing finger at the Jellal look-a-like. "W-What are you doing here!?"
"Think back to the first time we met, Erza. You and Makarov came to give me a written apology." Siegrain explained, as a small smirk spread across his face. "You mistook me for Jellal and attacked me instantly. We do share the same face, so I can hardly blame you...After some time I finally managed to calm you down by telling you that I was Jellal's brother. But I don't think you ever truly stopped despising me."
"And why the hell should have I?!" Erza exclaimed, glaring fiercely at Siegrain. "Your his older brother, and yet you did nothing to stop him! No ever worse, you were keeping watch over him!"
"Yes...it would seem that I made a mistake there." Siegrain said, as he walked over to Jellal's side. "I probably should have said something like, 'I'll find Jellal and kill him for sure.' But perhaps my greatest miscalculation was meeting you in the first place Erza, especially after I had finally managed to become a member of the council."
"Yes, having to come up with an excuse on the spot isn't easy." Jellal said with a smirk of his own.
"I knew it...you two were working together the whole time." Erza said, as she grit her teeth in anger. "
"Working together? Looks like you still aren't understanding Erza." Siegrain said, his body beginning to fade away, causing Erza's eyes to widen in shock. Jellal and Siegrain now spoke in unison. "The two of us are one and the same. We always have been."
"N-No...this...can't be..." Erza muttered, as she took a step back. "A thought projection!?"
"Yes." Jellal replied, Siegrain having full vanished now. "Siegrain is me, there's nothing more to it."
"Not possible!" Erza exclaimed, slightly tugging on her scarlet locks. "B-But then, it was you who just fired Etherion...at your own body! You're telling me that's why you snaked your way onto the council!?"
"I hope you've enjoyed your illusion of freedom, Erza." Jellal said in a menacing tone, as he become shrouded in an ominous aura. "It was all a part of my plan...a plan to resurrect Zeref."
"Exactly how many people do you plan to deceive you scum!?" Erza roared, causing Jellal to chuckle darkly. "What the hell is so funny!?"
"Hahaha..." Jellal laughed, just as Erza felt his magical power spike considerably. The blue-haired man grinned evilly, clenching and unclenching his fist. "My power...my magic has finally been fully restored."
(Same Time: Magical Council Headquarters)
"The Tower of Heaven has absorbed all two billion, seven hundred million Edeas of magic!"
"That much concentrated in magic in one spot should have created a huge explosion!"
"What in Earthland is happening!?"
We've...We've been had!" Yajima exclaimed, as the council building suddenly began to collapse around him. "Damn it!"
"The building seems to be aging at an incredibly accelerated rate!" Org said, the floor crumbling away at his feet. "Is this the lost magic Arc of Time?!"
"Watch out everyone!" Belno yelled, as she dodged a flurry of falling debris. "We need to get out of her now!"
Yajima watched in horror as people the council's headquarters fell to pieces all around him, and people scrambled to escape the rapidly decaying building. However, amidst the chaos and screams, Yajima spotted Ultear standing by herself in the middle of all the commotion.
"Ultear..." Yajima said, approaching the motionless woman.
"It was all for Siegrain-sama..." Ultras said, as she turned to face Yajima with a smirk on her face. "No...for Jellal-sama. That man's dream is about to be fulfilled." Then in a brief flash, Ultear was gone, leaving behind a very confused Yajima. Moments later Ultear reappeared a safe distance away from the council's headquarters. With a small smile Ultear pulled out her crystal orb, an image of a pink-haired dragon slayer within it. "Now Natsu Dragneel...show me how you intend to crush Jellal's dreams and save your precious knight."
(Back with Jellal and Erza)
"GAH!" Erza screamed, being sent skidding across the floor by a powerful burst of Jellal's magic.
"Where's all your confidence and bravery from before?" Jellal taunted, as he stalked towards Erza. "Did you use it all up fighting Ikaruga?"
"Shut your fucking mouth!" Erza roared, equipping a large sword into her right hand and charging Jellal. "I will kill you!" Letting out a low growl, Erza wildly slashed her blade at Jellal, which he easily managed to dodge.
"Right now the council is completely paralyzed." Jellal said, as he continued to dodge Erza's enraged attacks. "I guess I'll have to thank Ultear for that." With an amused smirk, Jellal ducked underneath a slash aimed at his head. "She did quite well, even though it appears that she's become quite attached to that Natsu Dragneel." At the mention of Natsu's name, Erza snarled and swung her blade down towards Jellal's head. But Jellal sidestepped Erza's attack, her blade creating a large crater in the floor.
"Leave Natsu out of this." Erza growled, her furious eyes piercing Jellal like daggers. "This is between you and me, and I won't have you dragging him into this."
"Oh ho, you became quite emotional when I mentioned his name. Maybe before I sacrifice you to Zeref, I'll kill him right in front of you." Jellal said, which caused Erza's eyes to widen in rage, veins bulging on her arms and forehead. "But it matters not, if everyone in heaven is of one mind, I have no need to fear death." With a throaty growl, Erza charged towards Jellal, equipping a second sword into her left hand. The scarlet-haired knight unleashed a fury of strikes with her dual blades, but Jellal managed to avoid all of them. "I should also thank you as well...for your immense stupidity."
"You'll pay for everything you've done...for everyone person you manipulated!" Erza roared, stabbing at Jellal's stomach. The scarlet-haired knight grunted in irritation when Jellal once again dodged her attack. "This isn't Jellal anymore..." Erza's grip on her blades tightened considerably. "This isn't the man I wanted to save anymore..." Gritting her teeth, Erza raised her swords to try and attack Jellal once again. "This isn't the man that I loved anymore..." As Erza moved to strike Jellal, she found that could no longer move her body. Straining to turn her head, Erza spotted a striped red band winding around her entire body. "What...What is this!?"
"It's a Binding Serpent spell." Jellal explained with a taunting smirk. "I placed it on you when you hugged me." Erza hissed in pain as the binding spell constricted her body. "Hurts doesn't it?"
"I...I can't move!" Erza grunted out, feeling all her limbs going numb and all her movements being restricted. "I can't feel my arms and legs anymore!"
"I already have the magic collected by the R-System." Jellal explained, as he watched Erza collapse to her knees. "Now that I have my sacrifice, Zeref can be revived. I don't have anymore time to play with you, Erza. I will take the 2 billion, seven hundred million Edeas of magic collected in these lacrima crystals and fuse it with your body. You will be broken down and used to recreate Zeref's body." Jellal crouched down in front of Erza and cupped her cheeks. A menacing smile spread across Jellal's face, before he shoved Erza into a large lacrima crystal, her body beginning to sink into it. The scarlet-haired knight screaming in pain as the crystal tried to fuse with her body. "I love you, Erza."
"And I...hate you!" Erza growled, struggling against the lacrima that was dragging her in. "You bastard! Bastard! BASTARD!"
"Oh exalted Zeref! I am here before you!" Jellal exclaimed with a twisted smile, as he outstretched his arms. "Offering this woman's body as a sacrifice!"
"Natsu..." Erza whimpered, her body sinking even deeper into the lacrima, only her head and right arm remaining exposed. Tears formed in Erza's left eye, as she pictured the pink-haired dragon slayer standing before her, making her heart race with his brilliant smile. There were so many thinks she still needed to tell him, so many things she still wanted to experience with him. She couldn't bear the thought of living her life without him by her side. "Natsu...Natsu..." Tears were now streaming down Erza's cheek, only her head and right hand remaining free of the crystal. "NATSU!" Just before Erza's face sank into the lacrima, she felt two strong hands grip her wrist. Then with a mighty yank, Erza was free of the lacrima's hold.
"I got you!" Erza's eyes widened when an all to familiar voice hit her ears. Turning her head, Erza saw that Natsu was grinning at her. "You called?"
"Natsu..." Erza broke down, as she choked back a sob. "You saved me..."
"I'll always save you, Erza." Natsu said sweetly, wiping Erza's tears with his thumb. The dragon slayer then turned his attention to Jellal, who was staring at him intently. "Erza is my girl. I won't let you have her."
"Natsu...I can't move my body." Erza said, as Natsu gently lowered her onto the ground.
"That's fine..." Natsu said, fiercely glaring at Jellal. "I have a bone to pick with this asshole."
"Wait Natsu...he's too dangerous...let's just leave this place." Erza pleaded, which only caused Natsu to shake his head.
"No can do Erza, I've been meaning to talk with this guy ever since I found out he was here." Natsu said, kneeling down next to Erza. "I can't leave until I beat some answers out of him."
"Please Natsu..." Erza begged, as tears once again formed in her left eye. "Just do as I say."
"Erza..." Natsu said in a gentle tone, grabbing ahold of the Erza's hand. "I can win this fight...but I need you to believe in me."
"Natsu...you know I always believe in you, but-" Erza was cut off when Natsu leaned forward and kissed her forehead.
"If you believe in me, then let me do this." Natsu said, tightly squeezing Erza's hand to comfort her. "Your life is on the line here Erza, I will not lose. That's a promise."
"And you never break your promises." Erza finished for Natsu, as she chuckled weakly. "Fine...but you better win this...because I have to talk with you when this is all over."
"I'll be looking forward to it." Natsu said with a smile, releasing Erza's hand as he stood back up to face Jellal. The dragon slayer had a frown on his face, as he glared at the blue-haired mage. "So Jellal...long time no see."
"Natsu...has met Jellal before?" Erza thought, as he eyes slowly widened. "He's never mentioned that before."
"Huh? I believe you're mistaken." Jellal said, shoving his hands into his pockets. "This is the first time we've met. While it's true that I've been observing you for some time, this is the first time we've been face-to-face."
"Don't bullshit me." Natsu growled, as he cracked his knuckles, causing embers to burst out of his hands. "We met almost eight years ago. I ran into you when I was searching for Igneel, and I helped you take out some bandits that were attacking you. I even took a fucking bullet in the shoulder for your ungrateful ass." Natsu's irritation steadily grew as he watched Jellal seemingly become even more confused. The dual dragon slayer tightly balled his fists, and the room's temperature seemed to rise. "Now I'm only going to ask you this question once...Where is Wendy?"
"Wendy?" Jellal repeated, his eyebrow quirking in confusion. "Who's that?" That was definitely the wrong response. In the blink of an eye Natsu shot forward and slammed Jellal to the ground by his throat.
"Don't you fucking play dumb with me!" Natsu roared, as his grip around Jellal's neck tightened. "Wendy Marvell, the sky dragon slayer! She has blue hair and big brown eyes! She's about two years younger than me! She was traveling with you, you bastard! You were helping her find her dragon! How could you forget her!?" Natsu snarled and slammed Jellal's head onto the floor. "Now where is she?! I swear to God if you just abandoned her somewhere, I'm going to maim you!"
"I have no idea what you're talking about!" Jellal exclaimed, hitting Natsu with a burst of magic, sending the dragon slayer skidding several feet back. Rubbing his sore neck, Jellal slowly got back onto his feet. "I don't know who this Wendy Marvell is and I don't care. But if you mean to stand in my way, then I'll have to eliminate you."
"So you're gonna still play dumb, eh?" Natsu said now back on his feet, as intense blue flames exploded off his body. "Fine, then I'll just have to beat some sense into you!"
"Interesting." Jellal said with an amused look, beckoning Natsu with his hand. "Why don't you show me the power of a dragon slayer."
Natsu roared as he charged towards Jellal, scorching flames coating his fist. The dual dragon slayer's fist rocketed towards Jellal's face, but he managed to side step it. However, Jellal was caught off guard when Natsu's electrified foot slammed into his face. A small explosion of orange lighting caused Jellal to stumble backwards. Taking advantage of Jellal being stunned, Natsu sprinted forward and hit Jellal with a flaming punch to the stomach and jaw.
"Fire Dragon's Purifying Claw!" Springboaring off his hands, Natsu kicked Jellal into the air with feet coated in blue flames. "And..." Leaping into the air above Jellal, Natsu coated his fist in orange lightning. "Lightning Dragon's Static Fist!" Natsu's electrified fist slammed into the back of Jellal's head, sending him crashing into the ground. "I ain't finished with you yet!" Natsu's cheeks bulged as he fell towards the ground. "Fire Dragon's Purifying Roar!" A massive stream of blue flames exploded from Natsu's mouth, completely engulfing Jellal and melting the lacrima crystals around him. With a dull thud Natsu landed back onto his feet. A cloud of smoke and debris surrounded Jellal. "Did that knock some sense into you?"
"I must say those are some mighty flames..." Jellal's voice rang out from within the smoke. When the smoke cleared, Jellal was throwing away the tattered remains of his cloak. Although he had several burns and bruises, Jellal still looked rather unfazed by Natsu's attacks. "And that lightning is quite powerful as well. But if that it truly the extent of your power, then I must say I'm rather disappointed." Sighing is disappointment, Jellal began to dust himself off. "To think, before I killed you, I wanted to see the destructive power of a dragon slayer. But this level of magic wasn't all that impressive."
"First you kidnap my girl, using her old nakama as pawns. Then you send your goons to kill me and my friends..." Natsu said, orange lightning encasing his entire body. "Now you're insulting the magic that my father and big brother taught me? I'm going to make you regret saying that!" In an explosion of electricity, Natsu shot towards Jellal.
"You had the audacity to interrupt my ceremony." Jellal said, as his body began to slightly glow. "For that I'll crush you into dust with my Heavenly Body magic." With a powerful burst of magic, Jellal's body became cloaked in gold light. "Meteor!" In the blink of an eye Jellal had disappeared, using incredible speed to fly behind Natsu. Even with his enhanced senses, Natsu was barely able to track Jellal's movements. Quickly spinning around, Natsu raised his arms to block Jellal's attack, forming a wall of lightning in front of him. Jellal's attack still sent Natsu skidding back, but the blue-haired mage had taken some splash damage by attacking Natsu through his electric shield. However, Jellal didn't give Natsu a moment to rest. Jellal was moving so fast that he seemed to teleport. Having just barely recovered from the last attack, Natsu immidiately had to dodge a knee to his face, then duck underneath a right hook.
"Son of a bitch!" Natsu roared, swinging at Jellal with a fist coated in blue flames. But Jellal had vanished before Natsu's attack could hit. "Damn it! He's so fast! My eyes are only holding me back here." Closing his eyes, Natsu focused on enhancing his other senses even further. "Smell...sound...touch...I gotta use them to predict his movements...now focus!" Emptying his mind, Natsu focused his senses on locating Jellal. After a few moments Natsu picked up his scent. "There!" Wiping around, Natsu smirked when he came face-to-face with a shocked Jellal. The dual dragon slayer's flame coated fist rocketed forward. However, Jellal managed to most of the attack, with Natsu's fist grazing his fist. "What the hell?! He's even faster now!" Natsu grunted in pain when he was suddenly hit by several attacks almost simultaneously.
"I won't let you lay a finger on me again." Jellal said, as he brutally kicked Natsu in the stomach, causing the dragon slayer to cough up some blood. "It's over now." With a triumphant look, Jellal flew into the air above Natsu. "Time for you to witness, real destructive power." While in the air, Jellal placed both arms on top of each other, with the top hand having only the index and middle fingers spread out. Seven magic seals were summoned in front of him and connect, creating a constellation of sorts. "Grand Chariot!" Each magic seal then released a powerful light blast down onto Natsu, forming the same pattern on the ground before exploding. When the lights from the explosion died down, Natsu was face down on the ground, not moving.
"N-Natsu!" Erza exclaimed, tears forming in her eyes. "Get up please! You promised me that you'd win!"
"That spell I used was comparable to an actual meteor." Jellal said, as he stared at Natsu's motionless form. "I must say that I'm impressed your body is still in one piece." With a slight chuckle, Jellal glanced at the destruction his spell had caused. "On the other hand, it seems like I may have gone too far this time. Any further damage to the R-System would be troublesome. It seems like the magic is already starting to leak out." With a twisted smile, Jellal turned to face Erza. "We'll have to hurry. Right, Erza?"
However, before Jellal could walk towards Erza, he felt something very hot graze his cheek. Jellal touched a hand to his cheek and was shocked to see blood on his fingers. Turning around, Jellal saw that Natsu was back onto his feet, although very battered and exhausted. The dual dragon slayer had a flaming piece of lacrima crystal in his hand. Natsu cocked his arm back and hurled the flaming piece of crystal at Jellal, this time hitting him in the shoulder.
"Heheh, I-I hit you with my attack..." Natsu said with a pained grin, struggling to stay on his feet. "You said that last attack was like a meteor...well you're gonna have to hit me with a fucking planet to keep me down." Jellal growled as he balled his fists in anger. "Say Jellal, you're quite fond of this little tower, aren't you?" Natsu coated his fist in blue flames and slammed it into the ground, causing the crystal floor to shatter and melt. "This tower is just one giant crystal right? If I tear it down, it should lose its power. And that would just piss you off, wouldn't it? There's one thing that all Fairy Tail mages specialize in..." Natsu's body became engulfed in brilliant blue flames, melting the crystals at his feet. "And that's property damage!" With a toothy grin, Natsu wiped the blood from his lips, beckoning Jellal to attack this time. "I'm still rarin' to go Jellal. In fact I've never felt better."
"You little shit!" Jellal exclaimed in rage, as veins bulged on his forehead. "I'm going to finish you in an instant. You're going to regret getting back up. I'll send you straight to hell."
"That's where you're wrong." Natsu said, his grin widening. "I'm way too stubborn to stay down. So come get me if you can." Jellal snarled before unleashing a barrage of attacks using his Heavenly Body magic. Getting a second wind, Natsu managed to dodge or block all of Jellal's attacks. "Come on! This can't be all you've got!" Natsu's taunt earned him an especially powerful burst of magic from Jellal. The glowing ball of magic sent Natsu skidding back several feet, but he managed to deflect most of the damage with a shield made of lightning. "What's the matter Jellal? Are you holding back because you're afraid of wrecking your precious tower?" Sweat was pouring off Natsu's brow as he panted heavily. "Those puny attacks had no effect on me."
"Don't get cocky you bastard!" Jellal yelled, as he hit Natsu with another burst of magic, sending the dragon slayer tumbling back.
"Fine! You don't wanna take me seriously, then..." Natsu said mid-tumble, his cheeks bulging. "Fire Dragon's Elegant Flame!" Natsu slammed a massive ball of brilliant blue fire into the ground, creating a massive crater and melting anything in its vicinity.
"My tower...that I spent eight years making..." Jellal said, as his rage spiked considerably. "You..."
"He's pushing himself too far..." Erza thought, watching Natsu pant heavily and fight to stay on his feet. "He won't be able to keep this up much longer."
"Unforgivable!" Jellal roared, as he raised his hands into the air, causing a massive shockwave of magic. The blue-haired mage's body was engulfed by a blinding light. Both Natsu and Erza had to shield their eyes from the intense waves of pure magic and intense light.
"What the hell is this magic!?" Natsu said, feeling a shiver run down his spine. "It feels awful."
"The shadows are extending towards the light?" Erza muttered, as she suddenly realized what spell Jellal was planning on using. "This spell! It can't be!"
"Fall into endless darkness! Dragon slayer!" Jellal exclaimed, his magic flaring as he glared at Natsu. However, Jellal was quite surprised when Erza jumped to her feet and stood in front of Natsu. "Looks like the binding spell wore off."
"Are you going to kill me as well?" Erza asked, as she raised her arms to shield Natsu. "I thought Zeref's revival required a sacrificial body."
"That's true..." Jellal said, gazing at Erza with a dark look in his eyes. "The conditions roughly require a mage on par with one of the Ten Wizard Saints. But at this point it makes no difference with, or without you." Erza's eyes widened when she saw the magic Jellal had been gathering turn into a large ball of black energy. "The two of you are going to be obliterated!"
"Erza! Get out of the way!" Natsu exclaimed, as he reached out to the scarlet-haired knight. "You don't have to do this!"
"Don't worry Natsu..." Erza said with a small smile, not a hint of fear on her face. "You've always protected me in the past...this time I'll be your shield."
"NOOOO!" Natsu roared, feeling his heart thunder in his chest, almost as if it were about to burst out.
"Heavenly Body: Altairis!" With a twisted grin, Jellal hurled the condensed ball of dark magic at Erza and Natsu.
The dual dragon slayer watched in horror as the spell raced towards Erza, who was prepared to take the attack head on. For a few brief moments Natsu's heart stopped beating, closing his eyes as he screamed out Erza's name. Then the attack hit, creating a large explosion that shook the entire room. Once the room had stopped shaking, Natsu cracked an eye open, and was shocked to see that it was not Erza who had taken the hit. Instead Simon stood in front of both Natsu and Erza, his body smoking and covered in serious injuries.
"S-Simon..." Erza breathed out, watching the large man give a strangled breath before he collapsed onto the ground. Instantly Erza was by his side, as he kneeled down next to him. "Simon!"
"So that little worm was still crawling around here?" Jellal asked himself, as he looked at Simon in disgust.
"What are you doing here?!" Erza exclaimed, gently grabbing ahold of Simon's hand. "Why didn't you escape with everyone else?! Simon answer me!"
"Couldn't...let Natsu...have all the glory..." Simon said, as he forced a smile and gave a pained laugh. "I'm...just happy...that you're okay...I was...finally able...to help..."
"I get it! Just don't talk anymore!" Erza shouted, fighting back her tears. "Please just focus on getting out of here with us!"
"You...were always...so gentle...so kind..." Simon said, as tears streamed down his cheek.
"Simon..." Erza said quietly in a shaky voice, feeling the large man go limp in her arms. "Simon?"
"I...loved you..." Simon thought, as he began to close his eyes. But before his eyes fully shut, Simon cast one last glance at Natsu. "I'll leave Erza in your hands Natsu...please take good care of her, she deeply cares about you." Then with a smile on his face, Simon shut his eyes for the last time.
"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Erza let out a bloodcurdling scream, crying onto Simon's chest.
"Pathetic! Jellal exclaimed, before he burst out laughing. "How utterly foolish!"
"You...it was you..." Natsu muttered, as he watched Erza continue to cry. It was a sound he had wished to never hear again."I promised...I promised that Erza would never cry like this ever again..." The dual dragon slayer's entire body began to shake with rage, as he balled his fists so tightly that blood dripped from his palms. "It's your fault...It's all your fault..."
"Now that's what they call dying in vain! Simon!" Jellal taunted, as he continued to laugh hysterically. "The situation hasn't changed at all! No one will leave this tower alive!"
"SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH!" Natsu roared, hitting Jellal in the face with an incredibly powerful punch. The dual dragon slayer's attack sent Jellal flying across the room. "You!" Natsu slammed his flaming fist into the floor, and yanked out a chunk of the Etherion charged lacrima crystals. "You and this stupid fucking tower are reasons Erza used to cry at night!" Then to both Erza and Jellal's shock, Natsu took a huge bite out of the crystal. Almost immediately the dual dragon slayer let out a might roar, as the Etherion filled his body.
"This guy...ate Etherion!?" Jellal thought, as he stared at Natsu in stunned silence.
Letting out another roar, Natsu slammed his fists into the ground, creating a shockwave the destroyed the ground around him. But Natsu suddenly began to cough and sputter, Etherion leaking from his mouth. Natsu gripped his throat in pain, as he fell to his knees, all the veins on his body bulging.
"What does he think he's doing?!" Erza exclaimed in a worried tone, as she watched Natsu scream in pain. "Etherion is composed of many different magical elements, not just fire and lightning!"
"He's being killed by his own stupidity." Jellal thought with an evil smirk. "It's only a matter of time before he dies now."
Suddenly Natsu roared again, and his magical power seemed to spike through the roof. Erza and Jellal watched stunned, as a dragon made of blue flames and orange lightning encased Natsu's body. As the flaming dragon disappeared, Natsu leveled a ferocious glare on Jellal, scales seeming to cover his face and arms.
"He...he did it..." Erza thought, watching as Natsu became engulfed in a flurry of fire and lightning. "He's fusing his magic together."
"He...actually absorbed Etherion!?" Jellal thought, as he began to panic.
"It's all because of you!" Natsu roared, slamming into Jellal with a electrified flaming knee to the chin. The dual dragon slayer then grabbed Jellal by the throat and smashed him through several of the tower's floors. "You're the son of bitch that made Erza cry!" Jellal grunted in pain, as he crashed through floor after floor. "I made a promise!" The hand gripping Jellal's throat suddenly became cloaked in flames and lightning. "I promised that Erza would never have to cry like that again!"
"Oh shut the hell up!" Jellal exclaimed, as his body was coated in a golden light. "Meteor!" Using his spell, Jellal flew up into the air far above Natsu. "Don't think you can ever match my speed!"
"Don't underestimate..." Natsu yelled, using a falling piece of debris to spring back up to Jellal with incredible speed. The dual dragon slayer's fist slammed into Jellal's stomach, knocking all the air out of his lungs. "A dragon!"
Erza watched in awe of Natsu's new found power. "He's incredible...the most incredible man I've ever met."
"Impossible!" Jellal exclaimed, as he pushed himself away from Natsu. "I cannot be defeated! I will create a land of freedom!" Using his enhanced speed, Jellal leaped up high above the tower. "Zeref called to me softly through all the pain and fear. He asked me if I wanted freedom! That's right...I'm the only one who can sense Zeref's presence!" A crazed looked spread across Jellal's face. "I am the chosen one! Together with Zeref, I will create a nation of true freedom!"
"Like hell you can do that by stealing other people's freedom!" Natsu yelled, scrambling up to where Jellal was.
"The will to change the world - that alone is enough to turn the wheels of history!" Jellal shouted, as he began to make rapid gestures with his fingers, their tips glowing with magic. "Why can you fools not understand that?!" Moments later a large magical circle appeared in the air above Jellal.
Erza's eyes hot open when she realized what spell Jellal was casting. "Abyss Break?! You'll take down the whole tower with that!"
"Just give me another eight years..." Jellal said with a twisted smile. "No, this time I'll complete it in five years...Zeref...please just wait a little longer..." However, before Jellal could cast the spell, a sudden splitting pain from his stomach caused him to falter. It was the wound Erza had given him earlier, when she slashed his stomach.
"You're never gonna find freedom!" Natsu roared, flying towards Jellal in a cloak of blue fire and orange lighting shaped like a dragon. "There's no freedom for those held down by phantoms!" Natsu cocked his fist back. "Remember who you are Jellal!" Natsu's fist became coated in orange lighting. "Lightning..." Then the lightning became infused with blue flames. "Flame..." Natsu's explosive attack hit Jellal in the stomach, and sent him hurdling through the entire tower. "Dragon's Demolition Fist!" (A/N This is sort of a precursor to Natsu's Demolition Fist that appears later in the manga)
With crash, Natsu landed back in front of Erza, smoke and falling debris surrounding him, as he stood back onto his feet. "So this is Natsu's true power...the power of a dragon slayer." Erza felt her whole body start to go numb, as Natsu's powerful magic washed over her. "I've seen anything like it." A smile spread across both Natsu and Erza's faces as they locked eyes. "He actually beat Jellal...he kept his promise. My battle spanning eight long years is finally over. At last...everyone can have true freedom." Erza was shaken from her thought when she saw Natsu begin to collapse. "Natsu!" Diving forward, Erza caught Natsu and hugged his head against her chest. "You are absolutely incredible Natsu. You truly are." But Erza's moment with Natsu was cut short when the tower began to collapse around her.
(Same Time: With Ultear)
"That was truly incredible." Ultear said, as she licked her lips. "That display of power was far beyond my expectations." Ultear smirked as she put her crystal orb away. "You never seem to disappoint me Natsu Dragneel."
And done! There's one more quick update chapter coming, and it will pick up immediately after this one. Next chapter will finish off the Tower of Heaven arc for good, and will hopefully have the NatZa lemon, which I know a lot of you have been looking forward to. Remember to follow/favorite if you enjoyed, PLEASE REVIEW (I NEED YOUR FEEDBACK), and PM me any ideas you have for any of my fics. So until next time, I'm outta here!