A/N: We're finally at the Tartaros Arc!
Episode 234, Opening 19.
Enjoy!
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN: THE TEN DEMON GATES
THE MAGIC COUNCIL, ERA...
"So Twilight Phoenix won the Grand Magic Games..."
"Good grief..."
"That guild definitely stands out. In the first place, it seems we should discuss the Grand Magic Games tournament."
"Still, if one country sponsors such a thing, it will be difficult dealing with them."
A tall and fit elderly man with long graying hair and a long beard tapped his staff on the ground to get everyone to be silent. He was in moderately clad in fitted armor; had an ornate cape draped over his shoulders. And he also sported a stereotypical wizard hat.
"Peace, everyone. The subject of today's meeting is Tartaros."
CHAIRMAN OF THE MAGIC COUNCIL / GRAN DOMA.
"As you know, seven dark guilds thought to be affiliated with Tartaros have disappeared over the past several days. We don't know who is behind this, but to us, it is an unwelcome favor. Since if it's the work of a legitimate guild, it's possible there will be retaliation." Gran Doma continued.
"It's probably that, you know... the ones that call themselves an independent guild..."
"Crime Sorciére? Yes, it's possible."
"I would guess it's more Fairy Tail shenanigans."
"They have a psychological need to show how powerful they are."
"I think you have a psychological need to involve Fairy Tail in this."
"Well, you certainly have their backs, Sage Org."
"Listen. If we're talking about possibilities, their parent guild, Tartaros, could have taken over their children guilds, no?" Org suggested.
"To what purpose?"
"I don't know. However, building up their military force and weeding out members comes to mind." Org answered.
Nearby, a man wearing a purple cloak with a hood over his head narrowed his eyes. He also had purple gloves covering his hands. "For a human, he's smart. That's not good..." He thinks to himself.
The room went silent for a moment before the Council members began laughing.
"Cannibalization between dark guilds?"
"Now that's one thing I can't see happening!"
"It's safe to assume that Tartaros is already plenty powerful."
"Maybe you're ready for retirement, Sage Org."
Gran Doma was tapping his index finger on the table in thought. "Hold on there. Sage Org's opinion sounds logical." He said.
"Chairman!"
"The Tartaros issue has been on the back-burner, but now is the time to address it. The enemy's identity is unknown. But if we destroy them now, the whole Balam Alliance will fall apart. Now is the time for us, the Magic Council, to wield our great power and fight." Gran Doma said.
All of the Council members had stunned looks while Org just grinned.
Outside, Doranbolt and Lahar were guarding the conference room. "So somebody finally suggested they get off their ass?" Doranbolt questioned.
"It took time, but it was worth waiting for." Lahar responded. "This way, the dark guilds of the Balam Alliance can be mopped up."
A Council worker soon barged in, appearing on the balcony. "We have an emergency!" The worker announced.
"What is it?"
"Fool! We're in the middle of a meeting!"
"Th-This is more important. I-Intruder..." The worker started to say before a bright light appeared behind them.
Sparkles flashed around Magic Council building, before finally exploding, getting attention of the nearby onlookers.
The unknown man had blocked the explosion, easily moving out of the way when flying debris came hurling at him. Then, he saw a familiar person.
"Jackal!" He screamed out, removing his cloak and revealing his long dark purple hair that was in a braid and gold eyes. On his hair were a pair of black wolf ears. He wore a dark purple crop top with fur edges, black cargo pants tucked in black pirate boots, and a purple sash around his waist. A gold-colored Tartaros guild mark was located on his right shoulder.
"Oh, Fenris. It's been too long. I've missed you." Jackal said.
"Don't try to sweet talk me, Jackal. I almost got hit by some flying debris. Control your explosions, will you?" The man, now revealed to be Fenris, scolded.
"Sorry, I should've told you I was coming today."
"You think? I've been stuck with these disgusting humans for the past eight years because Kyoka sent me on a mission to wipe out anything involving Tartaros. And the one time something interesting happens, you have to-" Fenris stopped his ranting as his ears perked up.
"What is it?" Jackal asked.
"Sounds like some people survived." Fenris replied.
Jackal slams his hand down on Org's head. "No, no. I need you dead. We were after all nine members." Yellow light soon moved down his arm. "Explode."
Org was engulfed in a bright light. "D-Don't!" Doranbolt pleaded.
"Doranbolt... Escape!" Org ordered.
"I can't!" Doranbolt refused.
"What good is it if you die, too?" Org asked.
"Nobody can escape... my explosions."
"Doranbolt, you should just do as you're told. Then again, you've never really been good at that." Fenris spoke up, walking from the side.
"Council member Seth, you're alive... thank goodness." Doranbolt said in relief.
"It is a miracle you survived." Org agreed. "Run with Doranbolt."
"Of course I'm all right. I'm not weak like you humans are. I can't easily be killed by something as big as his explosions. He's not wrong though, there's no use escaping them." Fenris said.
"I... I don't understand." Doranbolt said.
"My name is Jackal. I'm a member of Tartaros, one of the Ten Demon Gates. Remember that in hell. Remember the name who slaughtered the Council." Jackal stated.
"And this might help you understand better. 'Seth' was just an alias human name I randomly came up with on the spot. I'm Fenris, also one of the Ten Demon Gates of Tartaros." Fenris said, looking at Jackal. "Can you get on with it? I'm bored."
"Don't have to tell me twice!" Jackal exclaimed.
"Sage Org!"
Yellow beams were shown, followed by yet another explosion, causing the townspeople below to scream in terror.
WIZARD GUILD / TWILIGHT PHOENIX...
Julian and Aly rushed towards the Twilight Phoenix guild hall, slamming the doors open and getting everyone's attention. "This is bad! Very, very bad!" He announced.
"What's got you so freaked out, Julian?" Ajar questioned.
"What?!"
"The Magic Council has been bombed?!"
Everyone was in shock as Julian had explained what happened. Julian nodded. "That's what I heard while out on my last job." He replied.
"I had a feeling this would happen. It was only a matter of time."
Everyone looked over to see Harumi walking down the steps. "Master!" Atlas exclaimed.
Julian then looked around. "Where are Akame, Dusk, and Zack?" He questioned, realizing Akame, Dusk, and Zack were not in the guild, along with their Exceeds.
"They're at Fairy Tail. Natsu came by and said he had information they should know about. Something involving their dragons. Ezekiel is there as well." Nero responded.
"Getting back on topic, the Magic Council being bombed will put the Magic World in chaos, right?" Riku asked.
"You would be correct." Harumi answered as she sighed. "Whatever comes after this, we need to be prepared."
This made the rest of her guild nod in determination.
WIZARD GUILD / FAIRY TAIL...
Mugs full of beer were clinked together. "Mira-chan, I'll take a brew over here!" Macao called out.
"Me, too!" Wakaba added.
"Be right over!" Mira said.
"Pop, it's in the middle of the afternoon!" Romeo informed.
"Bastard! You just ogled Lisanna!" Elfman shouted at Warren.
"Stop it, Elf-nii-chan!" Lisanna scolded.
Makarov hummed. "Minerva joined a dark guild?" He questioned as Erza and Ezekiel were reporting on what happened in the Sun Village.
"Yes." Erza nodded.
"What about her father? The former master of Sabertooth..." Makarov asked.
"I don't know where he is at the moment." Erza replied.
"He wasn't with her in Succubus Eye. So my only guess would be he's dead or roaming around somewhere." Ezekiel added.
"Come to think of it, Sting is the current master of Saber." Laki said.
"A young, handsome master... That's so cool!" Kinana exclaimed.
"Yeah!" Laki agreed.
"We need to report this to the Council." Makarov said.
"We should probably inform Sting, too." Ezekiel informed, making his sister nod in agreement.
"Look at this, Gray-sama!" Juvia exclaimed, getting Gray's attention. "Juvia baked buns!"
The buns had Gray's face on him, leaving him stunned. "They're called Gray Buns!" Juvia announced.
"Well, they look good, but I have a thing against eating my own face..." Gray said.
"That makes sense. Juvia will eat the Gray Buns, while you, Gray-sama... please eat my Juvia Buns!" She showed him some buns with her face on them.
"I was tricked!"
"What's this with Gray? Even though he said he was going to flat-out reject her or whatever..." Cana muttered.
Mira smiled sheepishly. "It's always the same with them." She said.
Elfman takes a bite out of the Juvia Bun. "If you ain't gonna eat it, I will!" This leaves Juvia in shock. "This is the flavor of a Man!"
"Elf-nii-chan, you need to get a clue!" Lisanna told him.
Juvia turned around in tears. "Another man ate Juvia's buns, and I don't even understand his opinion!"
"Well, you did go through the trouble, so I'll have one." Gray gives in, biting into the bun.
"Gray-sama! That's a Gray Bun." Juvia informed, shocking Gray.
Natsu, Lucy, Wendy, Gajeel, Akame, Dusk, and Zack were all gathered around Levy. "Look at this." Everyone looked down at the book Levy had. "END... This doesn't go into detail, but it seems to be a demon that's in a whole other league than Lullaby and Deliora."
"So it's a really powerful demon from the Books of Zeref?" Lucy asked.
"That's scary." Wendy commented.
"What is this 'demon from the Books of Zeref' thing?" Lily asked in confusion.
"Hell if I know." Gajeel replied.
"A demon that Zeref brought forth. It's said the way to summon it is written in one of Zeref's books." Zack explained.
"So if you have that book, you can summon one of Zeref's demons?" Happy questioned.
"That's right. There's one demon for every book." Jim replied.
"And Tartaros may have that END demon, right? And Igneel tried to destroy END." Natsu nodded. "Yeah. Now I get it."
"Get what?" Wendy asked.
"I'm gonna beat the crap out of Tartaros!" Natsu replied.
"Sounds fun!" Akame agreed.
"Agreed!" Gajeel added.
"You don't get it!" Dusk shouted out.
Lucy placed a hand on her chin in thought. "There are too many unknowns about Tartaros. How can you beat them up when not even the Council knows where they are? We don't even know anything about their members." She explained.
"But it's a clue to Igneel's whereabouts." Natsu stated.
"That's right. Grandeeney, too." Wendy chimes in.
"Metalicana may have somethin' to do with it, too." Gajeel said.
"Not to mention Ketsu, Lunioseith, and Bluoro as well." Akame added.
The guild doors suddenly bursted open by Jet and Droy, who were both carrying newspapers. "Emergency! Dire news!" Jet shouted, grabbing everyone's attention immediately.
Rune Knights were covering up bodies of the ruined Council building as Doranbolt walked through the dungeon where they kept the prisoners, finally stopping at Cobra's cell.
"I've been expecting you."
"You could hear what went on upstairs, right?" Doranbolt asked.
"Don't be stupid. I can't use Magic from this cell. All I could hear was an explosion." Cobra replied.
"Tell me everything you know about Tartaros." Doranbolt ordered.
"I've told you before. I won't give anything away for free. My price is the release of all Oracion Seis members." Cobra said.
"I don't have that authority." Doranbolt reminded.
"Then talk to the people upstairs about it." Cobra said in annoyance.
Doranbolt grits his teeth. "The people... All of the members have been murdered." He revealed, actually shocking Cobra for a moment.
Recovering from his composure, Cobra lets out a chuckle. "Then they really made a big splash."
Instantly, Doranbolt was behind him, a knife to his throat. "My friend died, too. I'm not playing games here. If you don't cough up information, I'll kill you." He threatened.
"The release of the Oracion Seis members is non-negotiable. They're my comrades." Cobra claimed as him and Doranbolt stared at one another. "But I'll do you a favor and tell you one thing."
In Tartaros's hallways, a woman wearing an intricate helmet, covering almost the entirety of her face save for her eyes and mouth was walking in front of some soldiers. From the sides of the helmet, two long wing-like pieces of hair protrude, curving out around her face. Her hair falls from the back of the helmet as well, this passing through her hood to fall to her lower back, being wrapped tightly into a thick band. Finishing the helmet is a large gem of sorts, which sits directly over her forehead. She meets with a man that had 'Absolute Zero' on the chest plate and Tartaros's guild mark on his shoulder plates.
"It's been a long time, Silver." She greeted the man.
"Kyoka... You're as sexy as ever." The man, now known as Silver, spoke.
"I don't often see you in human form."
"Manly, right? I like it."
"Jackal, Fenris, and Tempesta aren't here?" Kyoka asked.
"They're both off on different missions. Fenris is aiding Jackal."
"Then the plan has already begun?" Kyoka questioned as all the other guild members appeared next to her.
"Good. Let's show humans the power of the underworld. Let's show them the hell that is Tartaros's Ten Demon Gates."
"None of them are human. They're all demons from the Books of Zeref. The name of their master is END. He's the most powerful demon from all the Books of Zeref." Cobra explained.
"That's our Jackal-san! He knows how to leave an impression!"
THE TEN DEMON GATES OF TARTAROS / FRANMALTH THE ARMORED.
"How much are the lives of the nine Council members worth? How much?!" Franmalth asked.
"Franmalth, stop that infernal cackling. It's beneath our dignity."
THE TEN DEMON GATES OF TARTAROS / TORAFUZAR THE DARK.
"Like demons have dignity?! Send me out next, Kyoka! I wanna massacre me some humans!"
THE TEN DEMON GATES OF TARTAROS / DÔJIGIRI EZEL.
"Ezel-san, in stories, there is always an order to the events. This is still the prologue..."
THE TEN DEMON GATES OF TARTAROS / GODDESS OF THE CHILL MOON SEILAH.
"No. I suppose it would be the foreword..." Seilah corrected.
"She's right. Be patient, Ezel." Kyoka agreed. "You already have a job to do."
THE TEN DEMON GATES OF TARTAROS / GODDESS OF THE SLAVE PLANT KYOKA.
"My body... My body aches for action! It's not fair that Jackal, Fenris, and Tempestra have all the fun!" Ezel complained.
"Prayers... Whispers... And the benediction of the underworld..."
THE TEN DEMON GATES OF TARTAROS / KEYES THE BLACK ARCHBISHOP.
"Hell has just begun." Kyoka narrowed her eyes.
Silver stayed silent.
THE TEN DEMON GATES OF TARTAROS / ABSOLUTE ZERO SILVER.
"It is all for our master, Zeref. Let us deliver a crushing demonic blow to the human race."
A/N: And the Tartaros Arc has begun!
How did you guys enjoy Fenris's introduction?
Thanks for reading!
~ Kaleb.