I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does and I don't own any other characters from other series that may appear.
Lord E.N.D
/Site Of The Demonic Battle/
"This is absolutely unreal," Erza said under her breath as the group arrived at the site of the massive battle.
"Damn Natsu did some massive damage there's craters for miles in all directions not to mention the ground is stained with blood," Laxus pointed out.
Elise was having trouble reigning in her bloodlust as a sadistic smirk began forming on her face.
"This would have been an amazing battle to take part in!"
"Yeah well we might still have to that massive Cube with holes in it is home to the Tartaros guild seems Natsu immobilized em by damaging whatever it is that keeps that thing going."
"So what should we do Natsu is in there right how are we supposed to get up there," Mira asked more for everyone else's sake since she could fly.
"That's where I come in kids I'm going to place you right on top of that massive crack on the top corner and you'll take it from there eh."
Everyone nodded as Warrod jumped off the tree and it took off towards the Cube and stopped just outside the hole that was being repaired by a group of Demons.
"Warn Master Mard Geer the humans are attack-!"
The Demon didn't get to finish its sentence as Elise fully transformed leapt between the gap and thrust her two swords into the Demons neck before slicing his head of letting the blood splatter over her face.
"I simply couldn't take it anymore," she cried before slaughtering the remaining ones as Laxus scratched the back of his head.
"Remind me not to piss her off anymore …"
Elise simply ran on ahead looking for more Demons to kill as everyone else cleared the gap.
"Right we should make finding Natsu our top priority we are on their turf after all," Erza said as the group nodded and began running down a hallway that was now littered with bodies.
"So what do we tell Natsu when we find him … about the rest of the guild?"
"I honestly don't know Mira I feel kind of afraid to tell him I know he won't kill any of them but …"
"What he'll do to himself you mean … yeah I thought the same Erza."
"For now let's focus on finding Salamander and avenging the runt because I ain't leaving her till I know the ones that did that to her are dead," Gajeel said as Laxus nodded in agreement.
"Alright we'll split up here Gajeel you go with Laxus and I'll go with Mira and if you see Elise and she's doing that bloodlust thing just keep away from her."
Gajeel and Laxus nodded before taking off down a different corridor as only Erza and Mira remained.
/Cube Throne Room/
"Well well it seems we have uninvited guests … E.N.D's friends too, all of you will ensure they do not figure out where he was sent we don't want him coming back."
"Was it really a good idea banishing Lord E.N.D he was supposed to be the leader …"
"I AM THE LEADER SAYLA," Mard Geer roared as the Demon Gates all tensed. "I don't know what your morbid fascination is with him but it will not be tolerated any longer, go and kill Erza Scarlett and Mirajane Strauss with Kyoka as support!"
"At once Lord Mard Geer," the two Demoness' said before vanishing from their seats.
"Does anyone else have any objections to my position," Mard Geer asked as the Demon Gates shook their heads.
Mard Geer failed to notice the smirk of one of his gates, a man with a black scar running down across his eye and armor that said Sub Zero on it.
'You'll die today Mard Geer no question about that … I may hate Zeref but I'd be a fool to deny his wishes and E.N.D isn't known as the strongest for nothing. Let your dreams of self worth and schemes of power fester a while longer for you will taste the long sleep before sunrise.'
/Cube – Elise's POV/
Elise was having the time of her life as she danced through the crowded corridors with her two Ebony blades which were soaked in blood, her War God abilities screamed for more and more they received as she tore through their ranks.
"I musn't forget my purpose for being here though I must find Natsu," she said determined as she sliced one of the walls apart and rushed the foes inside dicing them up before moving onto the next.
Elise was having a pretty easy time of things until she found someone stopped her left handed sword by standing on the flat of the blade.
"This one is strong there is little doubt."
"Indeed she actually has managed to kill off 25% of the onboard crew within ten minutes a feat not normal by human standards.
"Doesn't matter what she is she's toast!"
Elise no longer had a smile on her face as she let her sword dispel before looking up at her new opponents, her crimson eyes could tell these ones were far above the trash she had been tearing through and there were three of them.
"Alright you three who are you?"
"Ha she has the gall to ask for our names!"
"Enough can you not see this one possesses power above humans, I am Torafuzar The Dark.
"I am known as Tempester humans call me calamity as I claim their lives, I wonder if you shall do the same?"
"And I'm Franmalth The Armored I look forward to munching on that powerful soul of yours!"
"Tell me why do I warrant three of the Nine Demon Gates of Tartaros as opponents?"
"Because Lord Mard Geer sees you as the second to Natsu Dragneel in terms of overall combat ability and you must be neutralized," Torafuzar said calmly as Elise smirked.
"I see normally I'd be offended at being called second best but when it comes to him that's like saying the sun is hot, but that can't be all?"
"No, we know exactly who you are Elise Faulkner daughter of the War God Eliza and it would be in our best interests if you were to … disappear," Tempester said as Elise only continued to grin.
"Oh, tell me how you plan on killing me I do love a good joke. As long as Natsu is in danger here by you lot I'll fight."
"Such stupidity we acknowledge your unique abilities since you were trained by a God but that is as far as it goes, you are trash that will wither and die like the rest of the humans."
"Well aren't you just charming … you can talk all you want but it won't change your fate, after what you all did to Wendy letting you all go without punishment isn't happening."
"Bah as if a human like you could-!"
Torafuzar was swiftly shown that his statement was wrong as Elise delivered a powerful kick to his chest sending him flying down the hallway.
"Franmalth you know what to do …"
"You got it go make sure the big lug didn't kick the bucket!"
Tempester disappeared leaving Elise alone with Franmalth who was grinning.
"I wouldn't be grinning if I were you …"
"Well you see I have every reason to because I know you can't possibly beat this!"
The entire area began to shake as Elise took a step back.
"There's no way … but Natsu killed him!"
"Yeah that guy really put this guy through the wringer but he's one of mine now and I not only have his power but countless others all coursing through my body, it took everything he had back on Tenrou to beat Hades didn't it I wonder how you'll fare!"
"I've become much stronger since then we all have, I know I can beat you!"
"Oh really then let's see how you handle this, Ameterasu: Formula 28!"
"Shit," Elise cursed as she flared her own power as seals rapidly appeared around her and her body was rocked by countless shockwaves.
"You really think you can win," Franmalth jeered as he began firing magic bullets from his fingertips much faster than Hades did back on Tenrou.
Elise however wasn't one to be slapped around by her opponent and began dodging the attacks which were coming at hypersonic speed.
'This speed is way faster than what Hades was doing back on Tenrou was he holding back against us … no this must be because Franmalth is stronger, still I can dodge these thanks to my eyes but if he has access to Hades' vast array of attacks then I'd better end this fast!'
As Elise dodged the attacks barely a blur could be seen, said blur was inching its way closer to Franmalth who hadn't noticed yet.
Suddenly appearing behind him Elise had a savage grin as her hand pulsed with magic.
"War God's Holocaust Fist!"
Hitting Franmalth with her most recent addition the surprisingly powerful Demon's head was smashed into the ground and began getting crushed by a powerful pressure.
"We've all improved in our own way just as Natsu has and you false Demons will pay for what you did to Wendy!"
Franmalth felt his entire world shatter as cracks began appearing in the air around his head splitting it open.
"N-no I can't be bested this easily … I have so much power!"
"Doesn't mean shit if you don't know how to use it, the moment you started firing that Bullet Magic at me I knew you hadn't trained in these abilities because if you did you would've seen me edging closer or adjusted your aim. Hades might have been a bastard but he had real skill unlike you … enjoy the void freak!"
Franmalth's head turned into paste as his body convulsed violently, Elise had no time to celebrate her victory as she blocked a strike from Torafuzar with her knee.
"So you beat Franmalth … big deal."
"Heh well aren't you cocky considering it took you this long to get back here, so where'd your other friend run off to?"
"What Tempester does isn't any of your concern human … prepare to die!"
Elise smirked as she pushed the Demon back from the clash and cleared some distance.
'Already I can tell he's stronger than that other one but I sense a hidden power as well … a transformation knowing Zeref.'
Elise sighed as she cracked her knuckles and the two clashed once again.
/Cube – Laxus and Gajeel's POV/
"They couldn't make this place easy to navigate could they," Laxus sighed as the two walked into a strange hall which was dimly lit.
"Heh getting scared blondie?"
"Hn," Laxus grunted before the two suddenly dashed to opposite sides of the room as an explosion went off.
"Damn I didn't hit em with that one!"
It doesn't matter they'll be dead soon."
Laxus and Gajeel narrowed their eyes as two powerful Demons walked in and stood blocking the exit to the room.
"Oh boy this ought to be fun," Laxus sighed as he and Gajeel began to expel magic power.
/Mira and Erza's POV/
"What do you think this rooms for," Erza wondered as Mira shrugged.
"Looks like some kind of lab but who knows what its real purpose is, no sign of Natsu anywhere."
"Do you think he's even in this place at all Mira because I'm getting a strange feeling that he isn't?"
"Yeah I've had that feeling for awhile too … but don't worry Erza I'm sure he's alive."
"He told me that the mate mark would let me know if he died so I know he isn't dead but unless he suddenly dies I have no idea what he's doing … tell me Mira how long has it been since the Eclipse Gate incident?"
"I know its hard Erza but this is the price Natsu pays for being as powerful as he is it isn't his fault, I just wish he left us some way to contact him."
"You won't ever find him … he has been removed from the equation altogether …"
Mira and Erza tensed as a girl with long horns walked in and took a seat on a table near them.
"Kyoka won't be far behind so you need to listen to me … Master E.N.D has been sent to Tartaros by Mard Geer even against Lord Zeref's wishes. I may be a part of this guild however my loyalties lie with the true Lord of Demons E.N.D not that pretender."
"You are a Demon how can we trust you," Erza asked as the woman smiled.
"He is a Demon too remember … Natsu Dragneel my Lord E.N.D, if you truly are willing to help me return him to this realm I will defect to help you."
Erza's eyes narrowed at the Demoness in front of her when Mira used her Take Over Magic and became Sitri, walking over to the woman who seemed genuinely surprised she began sniffing her.
"You aren't a fake … all Demons of Zeref's creation or false Demons but you aren't how is that possible?"
"It is because I am one of the servants of E.N.D Sitri you would know what I mean …"
"You must be referring to the servants one gets when they take a seat on the Triumvirate correct, personally I've never seen one before."
"That was because the seat was vacant since no one had earned the right to it but now Lord E.N.D has done so, Mard Geer however has banished him from Earthland and I must get my master back at all costs."
"Why do you need him back so badly," Erza asked sceptically as the woman responded.
"Because now that the seat has been synched to Lord E.N.D I have 48 hours before I die unless he acknowledges me as one of his servants."
"So there is a clause … interesting I wonder why I am not included into that?"
"Because you have been absorbed into Mirajane Strauss so you have an allegiance however I have none and do not wish to pledge myself to Mard Geer."
"Alright so what do we need to do to help you?"
"You will help me retrieve Lord E.N.D … very well then there is only one plan that will work, one of you will have to fight me and the other fight Kyoka. Kyoka has the ability to strip the senses away from a human so you will be at a disadvantage if you fight her but don't worry you only have to fight her until she becomes too enthralled in the battle then we will all kill her in one swift motion."
"That could work … very well if you are sincere in helping us I would be a fool to deny your help, do you have a name?"
"Seilah Goddess Of The Chill Moon," the woman now known as Seilah said as the two nodded.
"Alright so who do you think should take on this Kyoka," Erza asked as Seilah pondered the question.
"Sitri do the five senses matter to you?"
"While it pains me to admit it I do need my senses however there is one Take Over that can do the job … Mirajane's currently most powerful and second Satan Soul."
"What but I thought Sitri or Halphas were the strongest!"
"No Erza there is another though ever since I've obtained it I've had no need to use it except for very specific occasions, in addition the deal was to only fight either strong opponents or opponents that were best suited to it."
"So what's it called?"
"You will see … she comes."
Seilah immediately went for Erza who requiped into her Black Wing Armor and the two began fighting whilst Sitri stood there waiting.
"It seems you are my opponent then … don't think that because you are a Demoness you will be able to prevail."
"I know that I cannot however there is one who can," Sitri said as her body began to glow.
"Take Over – Satan Soul: Yuki-Onna!"
The entire room felt like it dropped below zero as the light began to fade; Erza was absolutely stunned at the appearance of this Take Over.
Wearing a simple black yukata with white snowflakes printed on it for the most part the Take Over looked very much the same as Mira normally would until Erza looked at her face. Her usually life filled eyes were now nothing but the void of cold emptiness, her hair was a mixture of black and white which probably was the cause of the two fusing together. Her face held not a single blemish except for a single black tear that seemed to continuously fall from the bottom left of her eye.
"It seems Mirajane has found a worthy cause for my assistance … let us pray the winds be in your favour for your's will be a slow death."
"Don't think changing Demons will work fool I won't be fooled that easily!"
Kyoka's body began to morph and change with her appearance becoming far more Demonic than it was before, Yuki-Onna didn't seem fazed by this which only further aggravated Kyoka.
"You will fall scum, Enchantment!"
The attack hit Yuki-Onna as Kyoka sneered at her and began to laugh.
"How does it feel to be without the five senses, to have every breath feel like a rusty knife has been gouging your insides!"
"It will not be enough," Yuki-Onna said calmly as a gentle breeze blew through the lab and Yuki-Onna began to turn into snow and ride the wind which suddenly began to pick up.
"Feel the warmth of winter's embrace …"
Yuki-Onna appeared behind Kyoka and wrapped her arms around the Demon as she began to screech in pain.
"What is this my very blood is freezing!"
"Let your weary head rest Kyoka … fall into everlasting slumber …"
Kyoka tried to fight as hard as she could however with more of her blood slowly being frozen and her insides being filled with ice she felt her body shutting down, looking to Seilah who was just watching the display absolutely stunned she called out for help.
"Seilah help me I won't last long without assistance!"
"I'm sorry Kyoka but this is for the best …"
Kyoka's eyes widened in shock before she scowled at her supposed comrade who was switching sides.
"You traitor!"
"I am no traitor for I never was on Mard Geer's side just as Silver wasn't …"
Kyoka wanted to scream however the blood had just frozen in her heart and she raised an arm before dying on the spot.
"It is done … let Lord E.N.D know I congratulate him on ascending to his rightful place Seilah."
"I will Yuki thank you for assisting us."
Yuki-Onna nodded before being consumed by a bright light once more and Mira stepped out feeling dazed.
"Oh dear I always get light headed after using that Take Over …"
"Mira how many years have you had that Take Over …"
"I've had it since … since Lisanna died, when she died apparently my magic spiked and Yuki-Onna was in the area since it was snowing so … she came and subdued Elfman for me. It was then that she noticed I bore Demonic power and she decided to come with me to this day I have no idea why."
"That was a truly frightening display of power Mirajane I am indeed impressed …"
"Thank you Seilah but the credit should really go to Yuki-Onna she did all the work."
"So Seilah you said we need to get Natsu back from this other dimension how do we do that," Erza asked as Seilah sighed.
"You'll need to reach the control for the Gates of Tartaros but there is a bit of a problem with that … Mard Geer is guarding them alongside Keyes and Silver two of the strongest Demon Gates now that Kyoka is dead."
"I see then we must try and regroup with the others," Erza said as she got a nod from the other two as they bolted from the lab.
/Tartaros – Natsu's POV/
Natsu was currently standing in the training fields in absolute awe, his power had increased to the point that it almost calmed his magic which if you asked nearly anyone such a thing should be impossible.
"Do you see now Lord Natsu the benefits of your position," one of the Archons said as Natsu nodded slowly.
"I can't believe I can put my flames over something like grass and it doesn't get burned, and how does my Crash Magic not shatter things unless I will it to its very nature is to destroy?"
"It is not something that can really be explained by us Natsu though Kurama could probably give you a good comparison since in his reality the humans seal him inside infants and they grow up trained to use his power however it comes out harmful to them."
"Its not so much that it's the fact that my power may only be wielded by me, I am an Arch Demon my power like yours would cause anyone who isn't of Demonic descent to have a backlash. Mine comes in the form of the power corrupting or even killing them which kills me in the process then I have to reform which hurts a lot."
"I see … so it's one of those beings of a higher plane things then."
"In simple terms yes."
"Now Lord Natsu we have prepared your new clothing that you requested go on and change."
One of the Lesser Demons handed him the clothes and he put them in his requip space before requiping into them.
His clothes were strikingly similar to his Wizard Saint ones however instead of white these ones were black with red lining, the traditional Wizard Saint cloak was also now black and the fur collar was red as were the linings. His hair was also trimmed so that it no longer was the long shaggy mess it once was and was now somewhat medium length however it still appeared quite shaggy despite all attempts to style it. His beard was finally gone and he was now clean shaven for the first time in years as Natsu stood before the Archons who nodded in approval.
"An image befitting one of the Arch Demons," they said as Natsu allowed a small smile.
"Now then do you understand what we have taught you about your powers Natsu?"
"I have a solid idea however the only way for me to fully utilize them will be to use them in battle."
"Indeed and that chance will come soon enough however we need your help with something, we want to open up peace talks with the Gods and since you are already friends with many of them would you be the middle man so to speak?"
"For peace I would do this gladly," Natsu said smiling once more as the Archons nodded in thanks.
"Now do you remember what we told you about opening portals?"
"Yeah I just have to concentrate on exactly where I want to end up and I'll get there … right?"
"Precisely Natsu and thank you for doing this we are so tired of fighting with the Gods when we should be asking for assistance in defeating Achnologia and Zeref."
"I understand Archon I won't let you down, alright let's give this a go," Natsu said as he snapped his fingers and a red portal appeared in front of him. "See you all later."
Natsu walked through the portal as the Archons sighed.
"His personality is different from before he no longer laughs as much nor does he show much emotion on his face."
"He's recovering from the mental attack the Darkness put him under that being truly is a menace!"
"To be able to even cloud the mind of Igneel means it will be a dangerous adversary."
"Let us pray Natsu can find a way to destroy Zeref once and for all …"
/Terminus – Natsu's POV/
Natsu walked out of the portal and realized he was just outside the Council, sighing he pushed open the double doors and walked inside.
" –whatever that Darkness creature is it has has poisoned his mind and caused him to doubt himself and seeing the brutality of the false Demons has pushed him beyond the edge of sanity. If bringing him back on the path to defeating the Dragon of the Apocalypse means he must ascend to a position he really should have been granted anyway then that is what must be done, he will understand when he regains himself."
"You are all quite right," a new voice said as Natsu walked into the Council. "The position would be cleansing the mind of the Darkness and grant the ability to broker peace between the Gods and Devils that you all desire."
"How the hell are you here this shouldn't be possible!"
"With me has the word possible ever applied Eliza … watch what Tartaros is about to do it's pretty important."
"Wait what are they doing," one of the Gods shouted.
"They're sending him to Tartaros!"
"And you will allow it to happen … send a message to the Triumvirate that Lord E.N.D needs assistance and the wheels shall turn from there …"
"But wait how can you actually be here," one of the Gods of Creation asked as the man grinned.
"Well you see it all started like this I took up my seat in the Triumvirate and regained my mind and granted me the powers bestowed as an Arch Demon, tell me do my eyes lie?"
"Well now … Elise will be most jealous of that Natsu."
"She'll get the crimson eyes one day but for now let us remain on topic; you all ask how can I be here when you are currently watching me being dragged into Tartaros right? The answer to your question is quite simple really and that is that I don't really know. All I know is that the Archons sent me here with a message asking for peace and an end to the war."
"An end to the war … are you serious!"
"Well I wouldn't have strolled in here if I wasn't now would I, they understand that you Gods also have no further desire for war so they wish to end it through peace. Also since the threat of Achnologia and Zeref is still a thing they want to share information about them."
"Well that sounds acceptable are we to send our reply along with the message," one of the Gods of Destruction asked as Natsu nodded.
"Oh and I know that technically since I am a Devil now I should have been attacked on sight so thanks for not doing that."
"Well you have helped us all out a great deal so you are an exception to the rule."
"Thank you all very much," Natsu said as he gave a bow before turning to Xicor. "By the way I need to talk to you about a staff I picked up."
"Dragon Cry yes I know you should hold onto it for now I'm sure you'll find use of it at some point down the line …"
"I doubt I'd ever use it but if you say so, so if that will be all then I'll get going then."
"Actually Natsu since you are here we should probably let you know that word is spreading about you being E.N.D," Eliza said as Natsu froze.
"What's the damage?"
"The population as a whole are seeing you as a threat, the Magic Council want to question you and … Fairy Tail has divided on their stance of you."
Natsu didn't care about the first two not in the slightest however the guild he'd dedicated every fibre of his being to not being fully behind him hurt to say the least.
"The mages that support you have launched an attack on the Tartaros guild in an attempt to rescue you although they are vastly outnumbered even if only two of the Demon Gates remain in addition to Mard Geer himself."
"Which Demon Gates are they?"
"Keyes who you already know … and Silver," Eliza said as Natsu raised an eyebrow.
"That's the one Keyes successfully brought back from the dead."
"That's the thing though Natsu he is related to someone you know … his full name is Silver Fullbuster."
"No way … is that Gray's dad?"
"Yes he was brought back by Keyes after they unleashed Deliora upon his town."
"Well then this isn't going to be good … not at all, so who went to supposedly rescue me?"
"Erza, Elise, Mirajane, Gajeel and Laxus."
"Out of the entire guild only them …"
Natsu's eyes hardened as he felt almost betrayed by his fellow guild mates who he considered family.
"I wonder what Wendy thinks …"
"I don't think she cares about any of that stuff Natsu she was more concerned with your life, I had to knock her out because she wouldn't stop hitting me."
"I see … I apologize Eliza, so how are they going against Tartaros?"
Eliza snapped her fingers and the image changed to the five staring down Mard Geer and the surviving Demon Gates with a Demon alongside them.
"I see … they went that far for me despite knowing what I am, I think the question is what should I do from here," Natsu said as Eliza looked at him confused.
"What do you mean Natsu they're your friends and one of them is your mate aren't you going to help them?"
Eliza gazed into his crimson eyes and realized quickly that Natsu was still struggling with how far he went with his rage and anger and sighed.
"You know the mages of that town were all horrible people Natsu they deserved death as did the false Demons you slaughtered."
"Yes that is true Eliza they did deserve death however the fact of the matter is The Darkness managed to bend not only mine but Igneel's mind exactly how he wanted it, what if I was sitting in the guild hall and one day it just decided to show up and do that again? When I returned from my frenzied state and became bound to the Triumvirate granting me these higher powers it made me realize just how dangerous I really am to those around me, what if you didn't come to take Wendy away Eliza she could have died."
"Natsu you wouldn't hurt Wendy we know that-."
"Can you be 100% certain of that Eliza, could you seriously stand there and tell me that had you not come and taken Wendy away she would have lived and not died because I was off on a mindless rampage? Could you promise that if I was with my friends that The Darkness wouldn't take hold again, it bent Igneel to its will and he has a far stronger mind than mine being nearly 1000 years old."
"Eliza that's enough … Natsu is right to fear these things since he fears harming innocents, The Darkness is a type of being none of us have ever encountered before Natsu so you aren't the only one to fear it's abilities we don't even know if any of us are safe from its effects," one of the Gods of Creation said as many nodded in agreement.
"By our estimate you are now one of the top five strongest mages in all of Earthland now which means that you wield power many could only dream of attaining, the fact that you take the recent situation in such a light is good to see because you have the potential to be turned into a menace like Achnologia or Zeref as sad as it is to say."
"I must ask because the Triumvirate drew a blank on this but is there any possible way you all know of to get rid of The Darkness completely that doesn't require me to kill Zeref?"
"Sadly there is not since it seems to be bound to Zeref through his own Black Magic, another one of his abominations that will sew chaos amongst the world."
"I see … well it was worth asking anyway, but getting back to what you asked me earlier Eliza aren't I going to help them have you not realized yet the amount I would be hindering them?"
"Hindering them?"
"It seems your desire to see Elise safe is warping your view of my deeds Eliza, if I wasn't there during many of the important battles of the past do you believe any of them would be alive right now?"
"Natsu you can't be seriously saying that they're too weak so you won't help them!"
"Fact is Eliza it's not that they are weak as evidenced by what they've done it's the fact that I am the crutch so to speak, if they can't defeat someone it isn't the end because Natsu will come in and smash them and save the day. I became strong because I wanted to protect them however in doing so I've begun doing everything on my own and not allowing them to fight their own battles and grow as a result. Yes some of the opponents they fight such as Mard Geer will be out of their league but the fact is I'm only going to hold them back from finding their own true strength if I jump in at the first sign of trouble, now that I think about it that is exactly what Gildarts does where he doesn't get involved unless his strength is absolutely required something which I failed to realize up until this point."
"But Natsu you wouldn't have become anywhere even close to your current level if you didn't fight the battles you had!"
"Maybe not but the fact is from now on I will only step in when absolutely necessary."
"What until they've been beaten half to death!"
"One doesn't learn by cowering behind the big guy Eliza they learn from experience, Elise is a big girl now she doesn't need either of us to point out her flaws anymore," Natsu said as he suddenly blocked a strike from Eliza that rocked the entire Council building cracking the floor and some parts of the walls as a result of the force.
Natsu only had a mild frown whereas Eliza had a firm scowl planted on her face.
"You have no right to tell me anything about my daughter Natsu …"
"I'm stating the facts Eliza she's not a little kid and neither are the rest of them, life is hard and you'll run into all kinds of trouble and there won't always be someone to tell you everything will be alright that's when you need to be able to step up and take charge yourself."
Eliza just grit her teeth and hit Natsu full force in the face sending him skidding back a few feet.
"You know my words are true Eliza Elise and the rest of them need to fight the big battles themselves sometimes."
"You ungrateful bastard they're fighting against him for your sorry excuse of a shell!"
"That may be but remember they don't know I was taken to Tartaros yet and I'm not ungrateful for what they are doing either, this is an important thing for them that they need to do Eliza as friends and comrades in arms. I have faith in them and so should you I mean Elise unlocked the Gods Aura while we were at Scarlione and has had some time to adapt to using it now surely you should have faith based on that alone …"
"Mard Geer might be a false Demon but he's still one of the strongest Demons Zeref has ever made and then there is the fact that they are on his turf which he can control however he sees fit!"
"Eliza if he really did beat them down enough to the point that one of them was going to die I would step in however not allowing them to fight their own battles would be an insult … especially to Gajeel that guy would whinge about it for weeks."
"If Elise is harmed because of your negligence …"
Natsu's eyes suddenly glowed red and the room began to shake as both he and Eliza began to exert their power.
"Who made me responsible for her Eliza had she never met me she would still have had to fight dangerous opponents regardless, and this was all before you could even interfere at all with the mortal realms which makes your threat completely empty because she could have died at any point before then and there wouldn't have been a thing you could have done about it."
"Why are you being an absolute bastard Natsu!"
"I'm not Eliza you are simply throwing a fit because I want to let my friends take the spotlight from now on, I care for them more than life itself but it's for that reason that I've decided to take this approach."
The two continued to have their stare off as the rest of the Council watched on in silence after the Gods of Creation and Destruction sent them a silent signal not to interfere, Eliza looked about ready to explode whereas Natsu seemed to just be annoyed.
"You know Elise would understand my reasoning Eliza so why can't you I mean you are the War Goddess surely you of all people should understand something as simple as this?"
"But I also know that war brings death, the cycle never breaks and with your help she was safe from almost anyone!"
"I never said I wouldn't help her I just won't be fighting unless it's necessary you forget I've fought Mard Geer myself before and although I lost that fight I remember how strong he was then and have a pretty good idea as to what level he is on compared to the others. They can do it and if they can't I'll stop him before he kills them."
"Could you live if one of them died from a fatal attack Natsu?"
"I would be forced to … the fact is like I've said to you I don't know how many times now such a thing wouldn't happen if they fought their own battles," Natsu said annoyed.
"I ought to kill you for this Natsu I don't know what happened to you but you've become a coward," Eliza growled before being struck in the face and hitting the wall at the end of the room.
"I am no coward Eliza the fact that I have accepted that I must fight Achnologia and Zeref when there are two planes full of Divine and Demonic beings who if they just all ganged up on them could get the job done yet refuse to because of their own selfish desires and fear, to call me a coward after everything the two of us have been through is nothing short of disrespectful and shameful Eliza. I had respect for you but as soon as I stop acting how you like and make my own decisions you turn on me this way … I bet Elise would be disgusted to see the way you are behaving."
Natsu sent her one last glare before turning to the Council at large who were just stunned as he bowed to them.
"I do apologize about the damage if you would like later after this mess has been sorted I could come back and help repair it."
Natsu snapped his fingers and walked through the portal without even so much as a goodbye leaving a stunned Council and one shell-shocked Goddess.
Hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one.