Chapter 8: Natsu vs Zeref

Day had arrived and shined upon a damaged Magnolia Town. Parts of the town were destroyed, including the Kardia Cathedral as a result of Fairy Tail's first battle against the Alvarez Empire. Three of the Minks and the Fishman Islanders learned their magic. Miyaka the former marine has learned her magic of her own one that she never dreamed of. Though, they along with the Thunder Legion were taken to the recovery room resting with Ichiya in their own beds.

Leone was sitting on a chair at the bar area leaning forward as she poured a drink in a mug at the table she was at. "That was quite the battle, I can use a drink."

Zoro was sitting by the former assassin. "No joke." He also poured a sake drink, that kind that was from Fishman Island.

Sanji was bringing a bag of food from the Sunny. "Yes, I'm going to have plenty of work to do."

Akame decided to lend a hand. "Do you need some help?"

Sanji was delighted at the offer. "Oh Akame, let's prepare a meal together!"

Bonk

Lucy delivered a punch at the pervy cook. "Stop that pervert."

Jula was making octopus fritters

Lisanna was sitting at a table with her siblings. "I'm glad we won the first battle."

Elfman agreed. "Yeah, I have to admit they were strong but we pulled it off."

Chelsea was laying her head on a table she was sitting at. "Damn...after that, I can use a drink too."

Cana poured red wine into her cup. "Here you go!" She said with a grin.

Akame saw the two girls and the green-haired swordsman in the state they were in. "Leone...Zoro...Chelsea...Cana, it's a bit too early to drink."

Leone turned to look at her best friend. "Akame, I don't need to remind you but we just fought against a fleet of flying ships from the sky and two of the Twelve attacked us, a huge sandstorm that nearly tore the entire town apart, and fought a bunch of weird robot soldiers that knew our weaknesses, and survived a long-range attack that was coming our way. If you ask me, there's no time like a drink."

Zoro agreed for once. "That's correct, besides, it's best we keep our minds focused."

"Hey, where's Luffy and the others?" Cana asked.

"Luffy's busy eating a plate of chicken wings," Zoro pointed at another table.

"Nami is studying the maps she'll need to look at whatever location we'll go to, mainly, we'll see which members will be going to, that way, we devise a strategy." Sanji summarized.

Nami was at a table studying the map that was given to her by Makarov. "Quite the locations you got." She had her hand on her chin memorizing each location of what enemies were once spotted at.

"Also, Usopp and Brook are outside keeping watch. Chopper is bringing in more medical supplies for anyone else that might get hurt in any upcoming battles. As you can see, Franky is drinking some cola to refuel his cola supply." Sanji added. "Robin is studying some books about magic history."

"Why is Robin studying books at a time like this?" Zoro asked.

"C'mon, Robin is studying to learn about stuff that might lead us to find more about Zeref's goal," Sanji replied. "When Mavis told her about Zeref wanting to get his hands on her crystallized body, Robin began to wonder if there was more to Zeref's goal."

Franky had to agree with that. "That makes sense, Robin has always been interested in history, but, when I think about it, Mavis' body begin trapped in that Lacrima is quite mysterious,"

Leone had another thought to share. "Either way, what concerns me the most is that enemy that Thunder Legion along with Temukai, Rena, and Miyaka defeated. He was just a mere puppet all this time, a fake to be precise. I wonder what the real host is capable of."

Chelsea set down her mug and groaned. "Honestly, I don't want to think about that now. Instead, let's just see what the next move is. Remember, this is our first battle, it's far from over, at least we're getting help this time." That was something Akame, Leone, and the Straw Hats can agree on.

Zoro just remembered something. "Honestly, I didn't expect Earthland to have flying ships. They kind of remind me of Eneru's ship and Shiki the Golden Lion's flagship."

"So, other pirates had flying ships too?" Leone questioned.

Zoro nodded. "Yeah, but, Shiki's devil fruit power was the only thing keeping his ship floating in the air, he can also use his powers to make other things float including himself. But his powers didn't work on other humans."

"Oh yeah, I remember, Shiki was quite the formidable foe, but, in the end, we managed to fight back and kick his ass," Franky grinned before taking a sip of cola.

Luffy was wolfing the entire plates of chicken wings and eating like a pig.

"Geez, does he ever stop?" A Fairy Tail wizard member asked a bit grossed out.

"I thought Akame and Natsu's appetite was nuts," A female wizard whispered.

Over to Makarov, he assessed what happened so far. "We somehow fended off the first wave of attacks. However, the fact is the enemy is coming from every direction."

Even if that was true, Jet and the other members saw a bright side. "That's true, but, now we have every guild in Fiore helping us out."

Troy knew what his teammate was getting at. "Yeah, we'll totally be in the clear now!"

Mavis was displeased at this though. "Hold on, this is a battle for Fairy Tail. I hoped not to get our other allied guilds involved."

"That kind of thinking is only going to get us killed you know," Mavis turned to Laxus who was sitting with his arms crossed. "Ishgar is becoming a war zone, no matter what, every wizard will have to fight."

"He's right," Jimbei said looking at the first master. "I can understand that you don't what anyone else involved, however, some of the allies already knew of the upcoming war, no doubt they were already willing to help us."

Laxus had more to say as his face darkened at the thought of his injured friends. "As for me, I'll be the one to take down the bastard that attacked Freed and the others."

Makarov agreed with his grandson and the former warlord. "I believe Laxus and Jimbei make valid points. We should accept the other guild's assistance with gratefulness in our hearts and devise a new strategy."

Mavis could see their points and decided to go with their ideas.

"Laxus..." Tigress and Pango approached the Lighting mage. "We would like to accompany you."

The blonde mage was stunned a bit, but before he could answer, he saw the seriousness in their eyes. "Temukai was hurt as well Miyaka and Rena, all of them are our friends, we want to help assist and get some payback. We will not take "no" for an answer, so, please."

Laxus stared at the two Minks for a moment and a small smile formed on his face. "Alright." The two Minks were delighted to hear that.


B

In the Fairy Tail's holding cell area, in one of the cells was Brandish lying down on the floor without her coat with handcuffs on her wrists behind her back. Macao and Wakaba were the ones who were watching over her. "So these magic seal stones, they prevent her from using magic, right?"

"She hasn't made a move, seems like it's working pretty well to me." Brandish glanced at the old geezers and the two of them gulped at the sight of her. "I shouldn't stare at her like that!"

"Is normal for Western girls to wear such skimpy outfits?"

"She dresses like Bisca,"

Images of Bisca's outfit flowed into their minds, which made them act all pervy. "Yeah, she kind of dresses like Nami too."

"Hello guys," A ghostly-like voice spoke, there was Brook's face in his spirit form.

Macao and Wakaba jumped back in surprise. "Yikes, where'd you come from?"

"How are you ghost?"

Brandish saw this and was pretty stunned at what she was seeing but kept her composure.

"So, she's the prisoner..." Brook's ghostly face floated closer to the Twelve. "Oh my, she's quite a woman, isn't she?"

Wakaba and Macao had an idea. "Hey, do you think we tie her up in a more flattering pose..."

"Yohohohoh...yeah, sounds good to me, it'll be tears to my eyes, oh wait, I don't have any..."

"Agreed, we can also try to accentuate her butt and she'll look her very best..."

And from behind, Lucy struck Macao and Wakaba on their heads. "Stop being gross pervs."

Brook began to freak out. "Oh Lucy..." the blonde glared at the skeleton pirate. "Brook, so, this is where you went off."

"Gee, Usopp said you dropped to the ground on your knees and we realized what you probably were doing," Cana said not too surprised at the act the three perverts pulled. "Man, we really can't take our eyes off you."

"We're sorry!" Macao, Wakaba, and Brook cried comically.

Lucy stood in front of Brandish from the other side of the bars. "Time for the truth, I need to know if you have a connection to my mother, you must tell me why you called me Layla's daughter."

Brandish started to sit up. "I'm not telling you anything, if you're going to kill me, then do it."

Lucy had no reason to do that to the other girl. "We do stuff like that to our enemies, tell me, how do you know my mom?"

Brandish still refused to cooperate with the enemy and smirked at her. "All I can say is that if you don't kill me, then, you'll seriously regret it in the end."

Cana had heard enough of Brandish. "Don't waste your breath, Lucy."

Outside the guild, a small Marin couldn't help but giggle at the perfect opportunity he was seeing. "So that's the enemy's base. Lady Brandish is just inside these walls. With my Space Commandment Magic, infiltrating their base will be a piece of cake."


B

A large army of one million was marching toward Magnolia. Among them was Zeref along with Invel and Yajeel. "Your majesty, it seems that Ajeel and Brandish were defeated."

Zeref wasn't too worried as he chuckled. "That's alright, we have to keep this competitive, right Mavis?"

Yajeel was very concerned. "I'm deeply shocked at this, my dearest grandson falling into battle so quickly."

Invel fixed his glasses. "So, two of the Twelve have been killed already."

Zeref didn't think that possible at all. "I can assure you that they're both alive which highlights another weakness of our foes,"

B


Back at the guild, Warren saw something important and gasped. "He turned to the rest of the members. "There's a dire situation to the East! The guilds of the nation Bosco have been eliminated!"

The announcement surprised everyone in the guild. "What?!"

"How can an entire country's guild were already wiped out!?"

"That's terrifying!"

Neither could Akame and the others. "They were able to bring down an entire continent."

Chelsea couldn't help but feel scared after that. "I knew they were powerful but to destroy every guild in a continent."

Leone was mainly impressed by this. "Gotta admit, even Esdeath wasn't capable of doing that. These Alvarez guys mean business."

Jimbei had similar thoughts to that. "That's almost as terrifying as what Blackbeard accomplished."

"It seems some of Alvarez's army might have more powerhouses at their disposal," Usagi commented.

Zoro smirked. "Looks like we're getting some action."

Luffy cracked his knuckles after eating the last chicken wing. "Let's get their butts."

Nami heard this and quickly got transponder snails. "Usopp, Brook, come inside at once." The two pirates did so.

Warren wasn't finished yet. "I also don't know if taking control of Bosco may have been their objective. Their march towards us has halted. But there is a piece of good news, the army that's coming in the north is about to meet Sabertooth and Blue Pegasus! That's not all, the Port Hargeon was seized by the enemy's army, and both Mermaid Heel and Lamia Scale are heading there to drive them out!"

Things were starting to look up for some of the other guild members. "In that case, we just need to deal with the enemies coming from the east and west."

"Hopefully that'll be the case, but there's no guarantee they'll be able to stop them."

"Hey, have faith in our allies!"

Romeo had a suggestion. "C'mon, let's go back them up!"

Jet and Droy agreed with him. "That's right, we can't just sit back and do nothing while our allies fight!"

"We gotta jump and man the front lines with them!"

Mavis couldn't agree more. "Alright, we'll form some squads! Mirajane, Lisanna, Aquapad, Gajeel, Lily, Chelsea, and Levy will take the north!"

"Manly squad!" Elfman cheered pumping his arms up.

Mirajane had a small plot in mind. "This isn't a favor to Jenny, but, I'll help."

Lisanna and Levy looked at each other and smiled. "We can handle them!" Levy agreed with her friend.

Lisanna turned to Aquapad. "You ready." The Marlin Fishman nodded with a smirk. "You got it."

Chelsea wasn't excited at the others. "Wait, why am I going with them?"

Gajeel smirked. "I always wanted to arrest Sabortooth for a long time."

"Nope, that's not going to happen," Lily sweatdropped.

"Providing backup to the south, will Natsu, Gray, Juvia, Wendy, Jula, Angela, Thorn, Carla, Leone, Laxus, Pango, and Tigress!"

Gray was looking forward to a little reunion with Lyon. "Guess that means I'll be seeing my old pal Lyon."

Juvia wasn't as thrilled as Gray was. "To perfectly honest, I'd rather not."

Laxus had a passing thought about the location they were given. "Huh, that's where the machine's ready body is, you ready you two?"

Tigress and Pango nodded in response.

Wendy was the most excited out of everyone in the squad. "We'll be able to fight by Chelia's side!"

Carla shared the young dragon slayer's enthusiasm. "Looks like the Sky Sisters will be reunited again."

Leone grinned as she pumped her arms. "Looks like I'll be able to break some skulls."

"The port should give us an advantage since water is nearby," Jula said.

Angela agreed. "Agreed, that'll give us to do some surprise attacks."

Mavis had a question for the Straw Hat captain. "Luffy, which crew members shall assist us?"

Luffy was chowing down a chicken wing that he stole from a Fairy Tail member. "Huh, do you say something ghost girl?"

Most of the guild members along with some of the Straw Hat Pirates except for Robin almost face-faulted at the rubber man's casual response. "Didn't you hear anything?"

Zoro whacked his captain on the head. "Moron, enemies are coming from the North and South, Mavis already assigned the squads to assist our allies in those locations!"

Luffy swallowed the last chicken wing. "Oh I see, in that case, Zoro, Jimbei, you two will assist our friends in the North and as for me, I'll go to the south."

Zoro smirked. "That's more like it."

Jimbei nodded in response.

Luffy turned to Sanji. "Sanji, you'll assist our friends in the South along with Usopp, Franky, and Nami."

"Aw man, we're going to die!" Usopp and Nami cried comically.

Sanji began to twirl around the female navigator. "Nami my love, I'll protect you with my life!"

Nami narrowed her eyes in annoyance. "Thanks, but, don't make a scene in front of the others."

Franky grinned widely. "SUPER!" He clashed his fists together. "I'll show those jerks the power of General Franky!"

"What about me captain?" Chopper asked, who appeared.

"Oh right, Chopper, you'll go with the guys that are fighting in the south," Luffy replied as the reindeer nodded with a smile.

Luffy then looked at Brook. "Brook, you'll stay here at the guild with the others and protect our injured friends."

"Roger that Captain Luffy!" The skeleton saluted.

"Fujika, remain here with the others and make as much medicine for any injured comrades," Mavis stated.

The Amazon nodded while holding her snake staff. "Right, lady Mavis."

Mavis was astonished to be called that. "Lady Mavis, I like that."

Makarov chuckled for a minute.

Gray noticed something, rather someone was missing, and looked around. "Hey, where's Natsu?"

Juvia was looking around the guild as well. "I could've sworn he was here a minute ago."

Most of the guild members couldn't believe the stunt that Natsu pulled now of all times. "Are you serious!? At a time like this, Natsu is wandering off on his own!"

"Natsu, where are you?"

"Natsu is fine," Erza appeared in the room still bandaged, holding on a stick. "As for me, I want to go in the south to see Kagura."

Wendy was a little concerned. "But, you're still injured."

Lucy's mind was a little preoccupied with a certain dragon slayer. "I hope he's okay."

"Lucy, Cana, and Akame, you three will remain here with others to protect the guild,"

Mavis' orders snapped Lucy out of her dazed state. "Y-yes ma'am."

Cana didn't have a problem with that. "Don't want to leave them with those old creepers and the pervy skeleton," To Macao, Wakaba, and Brook, that was a low blow to them.

With everything set, there was one more set of orders to give out. "The rest of that is here will protect the guild. The enemy may surely launch another surprise attack later on."

Makorov agreed with that, but he still had some questions about the remaining forces. "First, what about the enemies in the east and west."

That was a good question for the First Master. "The Western army is moving slowly meaning that Zeref is there too." Everyone was shocked to hear that. "We have to deal with the other groups, once they're out of the picture, we'll fend off with everything we got left."

That was good and all but Romeo still saw a problem with the East. "Then how about the east, you can send me there!"

Mavis swung her arm to the side. "The east poses the most threat. We must intercept them with our strongest." She turned to Warren. "Warren, do you have contact with them?"

Warren did a thumbs-up pose. "I do now!"


B

At the east, four certain individuals were patiently waiting for their enemy to arrive. They were none other than Jura and the three members of the Ishgar Four Emperors.

"The Four Emperors Ishgar?!"

"Aw, hell yeah!"

"but, why?"

Levy opted to explain to them. "I feel kind of bad since they working so far to avoid going to war, but, it seems there was no other choice."

Mavis had more to say. "If the enemy can somehow pass them, there will be no one to stop them." She was mostly worried about her old friend. "Be careful, Warrod."

Just then something was detected on Warren's radar.

"Look at that!"

"That's Natsu!"

"Looks like we found him!"

"He's going at high speed!"

Makarov figured it out and thought Natsu couldn't be more reckless than he is. "Stop you fool!"

Currently, where Natsu was, he was approaching his target quickly. Something Invel had noticed. "My king, an unidentified enemy is approaching us at high speed."

"Zeref, I'm coming for ya!" Natsu declared.

Everyone in the guild thought Natsu was nuts. More so usual since he's going to the same location where Zeref is. "Does Natsu think he defeats Zeref all by himself?" Lisanna asked.

"That's manly, but, reckless," Elfman commented.

Even Laxus thought this was a very stupid move that Natsu was making. "What an idiot."

Jimbei could almost facepalm. "He's even worse than Luffy."

Usopp was thinking the same thing. "That moron will get killed!"

With this dumb move, Gray had no choice but to lend a hand. "This changes everything, we'll have to go and assist him!"

Elfman, Aquapad, and Laxus were about to agree until they saw Erza block Gray's way. "Hold on, we're all concerned now, but we must stick to the First Master's plan, leave Natsu to take of Zeref."

Gray wondered if some of Natsu's craziness rubbed on the scarlet woman. "You got to be kidding me? Zeref's power is legendary and he's got the BBook of E.N.D too!"

Erza was aware of that but she had reason to believe in Natsu. "That may be true, but Natsu said he has a plan to defeat him, so, I have no doubt he will."

Gray butted heads with Erza. "As usual you're putting too much faith in that hot head, get real!"

Everyone didn't know what to say or think of this confrontation. Erza didn't back down from Gray. "Really, does that mean, you don't have faith in him yourself?"

The two continued to stare at each other until Lucy came between them and separated the two. "Okay, both of you cool it down."

Mirajane looked over to Mavis and had to admit Gray's opinion was understandable. "What do we do First Master?"

Mavis was left with only one option at this time. "Well, I admit that Natsu's move is reckless, but, taking out the enemy's leader would be effective and it would damage the enemy forces morality."

Zoro had to agree with that. "She's right." Everyone looked at the green-haired swordsman. "As crazy as Natsu is, if he takes out Zeref, then, this war will be in our favor."

Mavis nodded at the swordsman and turned to look at Gray. "Gray, I want you to believe in Natsu too."

Gray knew that better than anyone else. "Ugh...well, it's not that I don't..." He felt embarrassed now. "I'm just worried that he's going alone."

Juvia figured out why her crush acted the way he did. "Did you actually admit being worried about Natsu?"

Franky sobbed loudly. "Oh! Such a nice guy!"

"Gee, do you have to cry so loud?" Lucy sweatdropped.

Gray was wrong about one thing according to Carla. "He's not really alone." She smiled at the ice mage, who turned to look at her. "He's got, someone...Happy..."


M

Brandish was inside her cell pondering her little visit from Fairy Tail including Lucy. "Lucy Heartfilla...to think we would meet...either way...once...I'm released...I'll be sure to show you that bringing me here was truly..." Her face darkened a bit. "A death sentence."

Sanji has finished the meals. "Everyone get your fill right now!"

Most of the guild got in line to get their food, Akame was helping put the food on her guildmates' trays.

Jimbei was feasting with some of the Fairy Tail happily. "This food is good!"

Jula was eating some octopus fritters. "These are good as usual."

She was approached by some male wizards who were holding a plate of octopus fritters.

"Jula, these octopus fritters are amazing!"

"Yeah, with this kind of cooking skills, you'll find a husband in no time!"

Jula's face went red as she turned her face away. "Thanks, but, that wasn't my intention."

A male fairy tail wizard casually patted her on the back. "Hey, why don't you treat one of us to dinner once this war is over?"

Bonk Bonk

"Stop being creeps!" Lucy's fist left two red lumps on their heads.

Naba was chowing on some octopus fritters. "These are so delicious!"

Vjeeter was dancing while eating. "So good, I'll dance with delight as I chow on these!"

"You'll drop that!" Troy and Jet comically yelled.


B

Over at the west, Happy and Natsu were nearing the enemy and more importantly, Zeref himself. "Natsu, I think I can see them from here."

Natsu could see as well and what he and Happy saw was a large amount of soldiers walking together. "That really is a pretty big number of enemies." He then was reminded of something. "They look like a big black carpet. But we're flying straight at them."

Now that Happy brought that up, Natsu was wondering about something. "Which reminds me whatever happened to that old dirty carpet we had."

Happy wasn't too surprised at his friend's forgetfulness. "What do you think, you burnt it, remember?"

Natsu chuckled at that reminder. "Oh right." He grinned at the soldiers they were quickly approaching. "Anyway, here we go Happy!"

"Aye-sir!"

They flew to the front of the enemy and Natsu unleashed his fire from his hands striking them all while passing them by. "His attack did not go unnoticed by the soldiers. "What the hell!?"

"We're under attack!"

Natsu and Happy were above the enemy again. "Happy, drop me off here!"

Happy wasn't sure of that. "You want to take them all on?"

Against his better judgment, he let go of the dragon slayer who dropped to the ground. "Yes, if it means dragging out Zeref!" He pulled back his arm and fire flared out from his forearm. "Take this!" Nats thrust his arm forward and his fire spread out far and wide at the soldiers while creating multiple explosions as the fire traveled further.

The soldiers had to deal with the fire dragon slayer and fast. "That kid!"

"How dare he..."

They tried to attack him but Natsu jumped over to them while he was upside down, he crossed his arms and struck the two soldiers away while their helmets were destroyed. "I think I'll try out what I did back in that cave where Tartaros was hiding!" He took a deep breath.

"RRRRAAAHHHH!" He unleashed a mighty powerful dragon-like roar that made the soldiers cover their ears but barely held off the loud noise. They soon fell over unconscious.

Invel was a little stunned by what he heard mostly his attention drew off some of the soldiers passing out. "What kind of roar was that and why did it make our men pass out?"

Zeref just smiled like he was impressed. "Well, it seems he has developed a new power."

"He let out a roar and half of our comrades passed out!"

"How is that even possible!?"

"Who cares, kill him that bastard!"

All of the remaining soldiers fired their magic shots at Natsu, while he was able to avoid their attacks, he was eventually hit by one after another. Soon, he was being bombarded by the enemy soldier's magic blasts. Happy was becoming worried about his best friend. "Natsu!"

"I'm okay!" Natsu took a deep breath while being in a cloud of enemy fire. "I'll keep fighting...to protect what's important to me!" Natsu opened his mouth and unleashed an incredibly massive and destructively powerful fire breath attack at the enemies before him. "FIRE DRAGON KING'S ROAR!"

The attack reached far into the enemy army and they saw the destruction Natsu's fire attacks did. "The entire ground's gone!"

"He's a monster!"

"His roar was one thing, but his fire magic is just as destructive!"

"Nine hundred seventy-three people plus fifty-thousand he already took out!" The soldiers saw a black sphere appear before them. Everyone and Natsu knew who it was. Zeref had finally arrived before Natsu. "But, we've still got more than enough soldiers."

Natsu knew he was attacking to gain Zeref's attention but didn't expect him to show up this soon. "Huh, you've appeared a lot quicker than I had expected."

Zeref chuckled as he smiled at Natsu. "Well, I wanted to see you as soon as possible...Natsu."

Funny enough, Natsu was feeling the same and began to undo the bandages on his right arm. "Heh, but we've gotta say farewells really soon...Zeref."

Natsu and Zeref stared at each other as their fated battle had finally arrived. Natsu continued to unwrap the bandage around his arm as everything he had worked for the entire year led to this point. Some of the soldiers overheard what Natsu called their emperor. "What did that boy call his majesty, did he say Zeref"?"

"Zeref?"

"In Ishgar, he's known as Zeref," The soldiers turned to Invel. "Zeref, the Black Wizard. In actuality, that is his majesty' true identity."

With so many people around them, Zeref couldn't use his full strength while they were present." Everyone...I will ask you all to fall back a bit."

Natsu had the same idea for Happy and looked back at him. "Happy, fly away from here."

"Aye!" Happy had qualms about that so he flew away. "He's planning on using 'that' his secret weapon. Kick his butt, Natsu!"

Little did they know, some unknown rather expected enemies were almost at their location.

Aquaius, Jackal, Goliath, and Syka were on their way.

"Did you guys see that explosion?"

"Heh...heh...looks like the party has started."

"It seems a battle has begun, who's battling, that's the main question."

"Let's find out!"

Zeref began to urge his army to pull back. "Invel, I would like to ask you and the others to retreat to the west. Put at least several kilometers between us."

Obviously, Invel was against that. "I must protest sire. Your power doesn't need to be used for this fool."

Zeref wasn't changing his mind despite Ice General's opinion. "I suggest you take my advice, I'm the only one that I can do this."

Seeing that the emperor made up his mind, he had to oblige. "Very well, the emperor will clear a path for us!" The entire army obeyed Invel's command and moved back so they wouldn't get caught in the crossfire.

Now that was done, it was just Natsu and Zeref. "We're not handing over Mavis to you."

Zeref thought it was humorous that Natsu would say that. "The only reason that has come to this is because you failed to destroy me."

Natsu narrowed his eyes at the black mage. "I can hear ya, but, I don't know what you're going on about, but, it doesn't matter." He finished unwrapping his bandage, which got Zeref's attention and saw a tattoo of a dragon. He felt an immense magical power emitting from it. "What is this...magic power, this heat."

Natsu delivered a quick fiery punch to Zeref's cheek. His attack sent the black wizard to the ground.

Happy was impressed. "Whoa, he punched Zeref in a flash and Zeref didn't have time to react!"

Zeref emerged from the ground and was in the air. "He put his hand out forward and sent out a black sphere back at Natsu. The fire dragon slayer ran toward the sphere and stopped while lifting his arm p. Flames appeared and burned the sphere away which surprised Zeref. "My magic...he burnt it away?!"

Natsu came up close to Zeref and punched him powerfully in the stomach while fire blasted out of the attack. Zeref screamed in pain while the fire drastically increased in volume exponentially while increasing the strength of Natsu's attack. Natsu pushed forward with his attack and send Zeref flying away. Natsu wasn't going to let him get away and chased after him. Once he caught up, he delivered another punch right after the other at Zeref. His last attack sent Zeref to the ground. He was about to go for another attack while the black wizard was down.

Happy was ecstatic that Natsu had the upper hand in this fight. "That's it! Show him that you mean business!"

Zeref smiled as he extended his arm forward and managed to land a hit on Natsu. His attack sent the fire dragon slayer away from him while Natsu's right cheek was severely cut by Zeref's attack. Natsu glared at him while Zeref smiled. They went over the battlefield exchanging blows to each other after another. Natsu got in the next attack and struck Zeref with his fist away from him. In all honesty, Zeref was enjoying himself but was curious about Natsu's newfound power. "I'm very surprised, you developed a new skill."

Natsu raised his arm while it was covered in fire. "I got this power from Igneel." Zeref gasped at what the fire dragon slayer said. "This is the last of his power, I was holding and spent ten months in training so I can release now."

Zeref was a bit intrigued. "The last power of Igneel, you say?"

"That's right," The fire in Natsu's arm began to emit even more. "I have to make it count, once I used all of it, it'll never come back, so, I'll use the last of Igneel's determination in one shot!"

For the first time in a long time, Zeref was filled with hope. "This power is the will of the dying...maybe...that's what I needed...a power to destroy someone immortal."

Natsu roared loudly as he wanted to finish this fight as quickly as possible. Flames began to circle around him. "BLAZE DRAGON KING MODE!" Natsu's body was covered in dark powerful flames moving wildly. It wasn't just him that was on literal fire.

The entire battlefield that surrounded the two were covered in strong towering flames. The sight was magnificent to Zeref. "Remarkable...he turned the entire ground to fire."

Natsu pulled back his arm and put everything he had into one attack. "THIS IS GOODBYE ZEREF!"

Despite the dire situation he was in, Zeref couldn't help but feel happy. Elated even. "To think after such a long century, my wish will be granted." He turned to Natsu who started to throw his attack at him. "Thank you...Igneel...Anna...Layla...Mavis...and..." Natsu's attack struck Zeref and both of them were enveloped in an enormous explosion that gave off bright fiery light.

The four Demons stopped in their tracks.

"What the hell was that?" Syka cursed in question.

Jackal snarled as if he remembered something. "That fire magic, I know of one certain human that can do that."

Aquaius agreed with Jackal for once. "Yes, I feel it too,"

"Looks like we're going to get some front-row seats," Goliath chuckled devilishly.

The light from Natsu's attack faded and all that was left was smoke. Everyone saw Natsu still standing but Invel and his army wondered what happened to their Emperor. Natsu was huffing heavily and dropped to his hands and knees. Happy became worried about him. "Natsu!"

"I'm okay!" Natsu managed to stand up and saw a figure in the smoke. "I'm okay...I can still do this!"

The smoke cleared to reveal Zeref injured but still standing. Invel was in a state of shock as he thought even his emperor wouldn't survive an attack of that magnitude. "Your majesty..."

Natsu grabbed his arm as he still had some fight in him. "Please lend me every last of your strength, Igneel...father...just a little more power."

Happy saw his friend's condition. "I hope Natsu's power can last longer and win this fight."

Jackal, Aquaius, Goliath, and Syka arrived at the scene, only they were all on their stomachs to keep themselves from being seen.

Jackal saw the fire dragon slayer. "So, that fireball and his blue cat friend are here." He snarled at the memory of his getting his ass beaten.

"Cool it Jackal," Syka spoke. "Let's see how this fight ends."

Aquaius saw the fire dragon slayer's opponent. "There is he..." The other Demons looked at where the Siren Diva was looking at. "Our lord...our creator...Zeref..."

Goliath smirked. "So, that's lord Zeref, in the flesh too."

Zeref continued to smile at Natsu, he couldn't be more proud of what Natsu accomplished and getting this far. "You've really become a lot stronger...Natsu. Maybe you'll be the one that'll put an end to my life...at the least, that's what I believe. But...you're a little too late. I've shifted to destroying the world over destroying myself. Seeing you now, it's possible your next attack could put an end to my life. It all depends on your strength. All of that said, I have something to tell you and this will be my last chance to tell you." Natsu raised an eyebrow and wondered what the black wizard had to tell him.

Zeref smiled at the fire dragon slayer. "My name is Zeref Dragneel...your older brother." Natsu was speechless as he didn't know what to say and had a dumbfounded look in his eyes. Happy didn't understand what Zeref meant by what he said as well.

Jackal, Syka, Aquaius, and Goliath reacted the same way, each was dumbfounded and speechless not knowing what to say of this sudden revelation.

"It was about four hundred years ago, both of our parents were killed by dragon embers. In fact, you were killed too."

Natsu didn't know what to make of what Zeref was telling him. "N-no way...I don't believe you."

"For years, I searched for a way to bring you back from the dead. Instead, I created a new life as the Etherious better known as the Demons from the Book of Zeref. One of those Demons was you, Natsu, Etherious Natsu Dragneel or better known as E.N.D"

Natsu stayed silent at what Zeref told him next. He didn't know what to think of what was going on anymore.

Jackal gritted his teeth in anger. "Hold on...that fireball is E.N.D...our so-called master...this has to mistake..."

Syka was silent and didn't say a word.

Goliath smirked. "So, that young human is Master E.N.D, quite the turnaround..."

Aquaius didn't say a word as she hush the two whispering Demons.

Happy thought what Zeref was telling his friend was a bluff. "N-Natsu, you can't listen to that jerk! He's just playing mind games!"

Natsu had no choice but to agree with his best friend. "He's right...me, your dead brother, I never heard such crap in my life! I heard that Igneel couldn't destroy E.N.D. If I were him then Igneel could've crushed me easily!"

Zeref could easily explain that. "It's not that he could physically defeat you...it's because he decided not to out of fatherly love."

It was one surprise after another. Natsu was becoming angrier now. "What E.N.D that made Tartaros, that ain't me, I'm human!"

"Mard Geer was responsible for creating the guild Tartaros. He happened upon this book with sheer luck and used it to gather other Demons claiming to be the will of E.N.D." Zeref dropped the book to the ground.

Hearing that new detail stunned the four Demons.

"Mard Geer used that book to gather Demons like us..." Jackal began with a snarl.

"And claimed that it was the Will of E.N.D..." Syka added.

Goliath put his hand under his chin in thought. "Quite intriguing..."

Aquaius continued to stay quiet.

Natsu became angrier than ever. "That's enough...THERE'S NO WAY IN HELL I'M A DEMON!" Just then a magic blast shot through the center of E.N.D's book and Natsu felt a sudden pain in his chest while clutching it.

He cried out while dropping to one knee. "See, you never were one to listen. Back then, you refused to learn how to read or write. That's why, I turned to my old friend Igneel for advice."

Natsu glared at Zeref while giving off pained breaths. "You were friends?"

"Igneel and I met by chance while I was collecting herbs for my research. He was one of the few dragons that showed no hostility towards humans. Igneel offered his plans to teach you dragon slayer magic. With Metalicana as well, they were planning on bringing up dragon slayers and going to the future by using their "Dragon Soul Magic" by becoming the power that you slayers would use. In time you and the other dragon slayers would be the ones to defeat Acnologia. You're probably wondering why you and the others didn't just fight him in the past. It's simple, the dragons were weakening and they figured they needed more Etherano they go to a timeline that had more of it. Five children were chosen for this mission, you, Gajeel, Wendy, Sting, and Rogue. All were orphans. You had me but I gave Igneel my permission. To me, Acnologia didn't matter. All I wanted was for you to become stronger. Strong enough to slay me is what I hoped you would be. All we did was follow Anna's plan and she sent us to a time where the concentration of Ethernano was high. And then at that time was, in fact, the day you have awoken. You five children from four hundred years ago."

Natsu continued to stay silent at this information that he was hearing.

"Another thing, I saw that power you used, I believe it was the Conqueror's Spirit..." Hearing that made Natsu and Happy gasp quietly.

Invel was puzzled at what the emperor just said. "The Conqueror's Spirit?"

"How do you know about that?" Natsu asked finally speaking.

Zeref didn't see any problems sharing more details. "It's a power that some people rarely use. A power that a little few have. It brings me back, meeting the first pirate king."

"Is he talking about Gold D. Roger?" Happy thought in question.

"Hold on, you met Gold D Roger?" Natsu questioned.

"Yes, but, that's for another time, but, one thing I can say, is I believe I met him after he disbanded his crew, if you're wondering what I was doing in that world, that's all I can tell you for now." Deciding to change the subject and go back to what he was revealing to Natsu. "As I mentioned about your past from hundred years, I've been waiting for you all this time. But for such a long time, I've seen so many civilizations fall and destruction continues. I've begun to lose my feelings toward life and death. I met Mavis and lost her...I..."

"SHUT UP!" Natsu roared hearing enough and ran straight at Zeref with his arm pulled back. "I don't believe any of this crap you're spewing!"

Zeref had a soft look on his face. "You are a demon of the Book of Zeref. If I die..." Fire flared up and enveloped Natsu's arm. "You'll die too!"

"Well, what about it!?

Happy started to fly toward Natsu before things could get worse for his best friend. "Natsu!"

"I CAME HERE FOR ONE REASON AND THAT'S TO TAKE YOU DOWN ONCE AND FOR ALL!"

Natsu neared Zeref and proceeded to end him once and for all but Happy came in and grabbed his vest. Obviously, Natsu got pissed at what his friend did. "Happy! What's the big idea!?"

Happy's paws were burning but still kept hold of his best friend. "I don't...wanna...Natsu..." Tears were coming out of Happy's eyes. "I don't want you to die..."

Natsu didn't care about that and struggled to get free. "LET ME GO! IGNEEL'S POWER WILL GO! THIS IS MY ONLY CHANCE TO DEFEAT ZEREF!"

"YOU'RE MY FRIEND! DON'T YOU THINK THE SAME OF ME, THOUGH!?" Natsu stopped moving around after hearing his friend yell back at him. Happy took Natsu away from Zeref and away from their only chance to defeat him. "We figure something out, but, this isn't what I want! We'll go to the guild together!"

As Zeref saw Happy and Natsu fly away even further, he had a smile on his face. "It could've ended here, goodbye Natsu..."

Invel slowly stepped a bit closer to his emperor. "Zeref, what was that all about, I mean the part of this Conqueror's Spirit and Gold D. Roger?"

Zeref was silent for a moment. "In due time..." His injuries from Natsu began to disappear which surprised the Winter General. "There is no longer anyone that can defeat me. The last remaining bit of hesitation within me is gone. Have our troops shall continue their attack. Our target is Fairy Tail Guild Hall. The power of the Fairy Tail Heart shall be ours. I would like a change of clothes...ones for an emperor."


Jackal, Aquaius, Syka, and Goliath fled the scenery, each was quiet as they returned to their guild to report what they discovered. They had a lot to say to the Underworld King.

What is going to happen in the next chapter, find out next time.

End of chapter.