Chapter 37: The Ultimate Sacrifice
Gray and Natsu stared at each other for a second before speaking. Natsu was engulfed in flames and his arms were demonic arms with claw-like hands.
"Natsu..."
"It's you..."
Gol D Roger was cut through a large number of soldiers. "It's been so long since I had fought on my last voyage."
Ajeel was still fighting against Elfman. "C'mon, give me more big guy!" He taunted with a huge grin.
"Oh, I'll give you more than I can dish out you sand bastard!" Elfman roared as he continued to defend himself from the sand golem's punches. "Damn, this bastard's golem is strong. On top of that, if he unleashes another sandstorm, it'll get tough to see through."
Mirajane and Jacob continued their fistfight. Though, Mirajane was becoming exhausted giving the assassin the advantage. "Looks like you're a bit winded."
The Satan Soul mage glared at the assassin mage. "Oh yeah, I ain't going down until I pass out!" She threw another fist.
"Gray..." Natsu spoke in a demonic tone. "Move aside..."
Gray glared at the fire dragon slayer. "All this time...you've been E.N.D all this time...I know it's you!" He shouted angrily.
"Zeref...must...die...I must kill Zeref." Natsu continued to speak in a demonic voice.
"I can't through to you..." Gray quietly said as he remembered what Invel told him.
F
"The demons of Books of Zeref. They are essentially tools that his majesty created to bring his death. He views his immortality as a curse so to end his suffering he develops a powerful demon to kill him. Etherious Natsu Dragneel or E.N.D., your friend is the mightiest demon and incarnation of his brother. His demons have a purpose like a homing instinct once triggered they become single-minded...their only thought is that Zeref..."
F
"Must die..."
Gray grinned his teeth with anger. "I can't believe all this time my mortal has been right here beside me."
"Move Gray..." Natsu growled threateningly.
"You're the one that took everything from me...my family, Ur, you, and those other demons took it all and now Miyaka is gone...she saved Juvia and I..." He tightened his fists. "I'll end this now..." His right hand was covered in darkness. "Nobody else dies today...EXPECT FOR YOU!"
Soon Gray and Natsu were locked in a combat fist fight using their magic.
Chopper had his first aid kit and was treating the wounds of the female wizards. "Here...this will make sure that your wounds don't get infected."
Brandish was having a hard time believing what she was seeing. "So, you're a raccoon doctor, right?"
Chopper almost facefaulted. "I'm a reindeer, see the antlers!" He comedically yelled.
Brandish started to glow. "He's...so...cute!" She hugged the reindeer out of affection.
Lucy didn't seem surprised remembering how the Shield reacted to Happy when he was a giant.
Evergreen was crouched down in front of Dimaria. "So, this chick Slow Time magic didn't work on Natsu." She was quite impressed. "I never imagined he would become so powerful."
"Quite peculiar, he's probably just as powerful as Luffy," Brook added.
Robin was having other thoughts. "So, Natsu has a new power that awakens inside him." She looked at Happy. "Could it be connected to Natsu's early fight against Zeref?" She remembered what Happy mentioned when he returned with Natsu.
Nami was rubbing her head. "Geez, I knew Natsu was a hot head, but to think he did this much damage..."
Sanji gritted his teeth. "How could he hurt a lady like that!?"
"Hey pervert, whose side are you on?" Evergreen retorted with shark teeth.
Porlyusica growled in annoyance. "Young man, if you're not done acting like an idiot, I suggest you make us some snacks!"
"She's right, perhaps find something around that'll be edible..." Nami agreed.
Sanji would agree to that, but there was a problem. "I would, but, the land is so disarranged that I can hardly find the stores and the Thousand Sunny has our food supplies, but, we don't know where it is either."
Brandish had troubles dealing her feelings. "I wish I could shrink my confusion, I don't know what to do."
Lucy got fully dressed. "That's normal, I mean life could be impossible to navigate sometimes. But, it's an opportunity to grow." Happy nodded.
"She's right, I mean you should try to have faith in a path you believe, one that can be a reality," Nami agreed.
"Indeed, I know it may seem impossible, but, as long as you have faith you can't go wrong," Brook added.
Lucy and Happy went out the stairway. "Let's go find Natsu!"
"Aye!"
Wendy, Juvia, Carla, and Miyaka were walking through the wrecked buildings.
"I hope Gray is fine."
"I'm sure my darling is fine, he'll be happy to know that you're alive."
Gray and Natsu continued to throw fists at each other with rage expressions.
"Move aside!" Natsu demanded speaking in a demonic voice.
F
Natsu remembered he found Lucy motionless and tried to wake her up but to no avail. "Lucy...Lucy...no..." He felt sorrow and anger rise in his body and became the demon.
F
The flames on Natsu began to incinerate even more. "GRAY NO ONE WILL STOP ME!"
"YOU'RE WRONG NATSU! I'LL BE THE ONE TO STOP YOU!" Gray roared.
Makarov doubled over in pain. "Pant...pant...pant..." Some of the Fairy Tail guild members saw their master's condition.
"Master Makarov!"
"Are you okay?"
"I'll be fine," Makarov assured. "Just keep pushing forward."
Whitebeard slashed several soldiers down. "These guys are a pain in the ass." He muttered a little frustrated.
"Fire Fist!" Ace threw his fist that was surrounded by flames and released a torrent of flames burning down a large amount of soldiers.
"Gum-Gum Battle Axe!" Luffy stretched out his leg and slammed it on the ground sending a row of soldiers flying away.
"Special Attack: Exploding Star!" Usopp fired a Pop Green at a soldier which exploded on contact.
"Strong Right!" Franky launched his right fist sending a soldier crashing into several more in a row.
Rena was swimming through the air. "Mermaid Water Magic: Water Jet!" She soared into the air knocking away several soldiers.
"Bounce Magic: Ball Discharge!" Pango bounced like a ball and bounced on the ground with a strong powerful force thus sending countless lighting charges electrocuting nearby soldiers.
"Three Sword Style: Black Rope Dragon Twister!" Zoro slashed his swords creating a twister that swallowed multiple soldiers and cut their bodies.
Erza landed in front of the current guild master. "Master, don't push yourself too hard. We're make it the Guild Hall, I'm sure of it." Makarov smiled at her inspiring words.
"Holy crap, what is that?!" Max and Usopp pointed at the sky.
"A giant eyeball!" Romeo yelled utterly stunned.
Oden was gawking at the eyeball in the sky. "Holy crap, where'd that eyeball come from?"
Whitebeard wasn't surprised though. "So, one of the Spriggan Twelve decided to make a move."
Roger just laughed. "So, Irene decided to join the fight."
"Damn, that eyeball is huge!" Zoro exclaimed in utter shock.
"You think you can hide Mavis, but it'll only be futile. Nothing hides from my all-seeing eye."
"The eyeball is talking!" Usopp panicked.
Akame and Leone stared at the eyeball and had their thoughts.
"Crap, this is one of the Spriggan Twelve's doing, going into the fire," Leone commented with wide eyes.
"Yes, it's the same magic I just felt before," Akame thought looking uneasy.
Yukino felt familiar with the magic she was feeling. "This magic feels familiar like at the north." Sorano squealed in fright.
Brandish felt the magic energy and was trembling in fear. "The Scarlette Despair is here."
"I've never seen that kind of magic before," Max said still frightened.
"Yeah, it's so scary," Romeo commented with a frightful look.
"No joke, we're screwed!" Usopp comedically yelled holding his head.
"I have no intention of hiding from you!" A voice rang out.
Levy and Gajeel heard the voice.
"Sounds like the first master, where is she?" Levy asked.
Jimbei eyed around the area. "She must be close...really close too.
Irene looked to see a giant girl on the battlefield. "You may have control of our guild hall, but, we will without a doubt reclaim it!"
The wizards turned in the direction where they heard the barefoot wizard's voice and saw she was huge.
"Holy crap!" Usopp exclaimed.
Chelsea was stunned how the first master's height. "How did she get so tall?"
"Must be an illusion," Cana guessed.
Oden was lost for words. "My, that girl is something else!"
Whitebeard had to admit he was impressed. "Not bad."
"Our first master is showing what she does best." Makarov smiled proudly. "She gives us inspiration like any other."
Roger, Whitebeard, Oden, Luffy, and Ace grinned.
Zoro smirked. "She's got guts."
"For a shrimp, she's a badass." Luffy praised.
Bonk
"Mind your manners moron!" Ace lectured.
Irene was getting sick of the inspiring speech. "So she can sway them with inspiration. A bothersome little creature."
The Alvarez soldiers were getting pushed back and losing ground.
Irene lifted her staff and tapped the ground. "Enchant..." She unleashed a red magic energy at the Alvarez soldiers.
"ARGH!" The soldiers roared as a dark magic aura covered their bodies.
"No..." Erza muttered.
"Why are the soldiers freaking out?" Warren asked.
"This can't be good," Usopp whimpered.
Makarov had a good idea of what was going on. "No...they're transforming..."
The Alvarez soldiers became tall demon-like humanoids. "Berserker." Irene chanted.
The Berserkers charged at Fairy Tail and their allies.
Erza swung her sword only to be sent flying though she stopped by skidding on the ground. "Not good, the soldiers have been enhanced."
Usopp was running from a few of the beasts. "Holy crap, they're so strong!" Out of nowhere, he was punched in the face.
Franky inhaled. "Franky Fireball!" He blew out a flame breath at the newly enchanted soldiers.
Erza went through and charged with a few different armors. She managed to take them down.
"Alright!" Max and Warren cheered.
"Gum-Gum Gatling!" Luffy threw a barrage of fists sending the monsters flying.
"Arc of Creation: Dragon Wing and Tail!" Fujika knocked down a few enchanted soldiers however, her attacks didn't seem to do much damage. Oh no!" She was soon grabbed by the leg and slammed on the ground as she coughed in pain.
Her snake was snatched by one of the Beserkers and swinging it around like a rope. "No...Kaa..." Fujika groaned as her vision was blur due to the damage she took after being slammed to the ground.
"Needle Shower!" Chelsea put her hand out and countless needles of light rained down on the soldiers. To her shock, the soldiers shook off the needles. "No way...they didn't even flinch."
"Fire Flies!" Ace threw countless green lights that scorched a few of the monster soldiers.
Zoro struggled to cut down the soldiers, but, they kept getting back up. "Damn, these bastards are tougher than the Humandrills." He muttered.
Leone was in her Armadilo form. She was using her strong armor body to withstand the strength of the enchanted beasts. "Damn...their punches are a serious pain..."
"Shadow-Make Gatling Guns!" Akame equiped shadow-like gatling guns. "Gatling Gun Barrage!" She fired countless shadow-like bullets at the tall dark beasts and shot them down. "You're-" She was unable to say more once she saw the beasts get up not looking damaged. She observed the bullet wounds on the creatures but to her shock, the monsters didn't have a single bullet wound on their bodies. "Oh no...they were able to stand up to my attacks."
Makarov saw how dire the situation has gotten. "So, this is how ends."
Erza overheard the old man's words trying to fight off a Berseker. "Master, we have to stay strong, I'll crave a path!" She was soon pinned the ground while other monsters gathered around her.
Makarov stood his legs apart while placing his right hand on his other arm. "My journey shall end here and my children move on."
Vijeetr smiled slightly seeing the guild master a familiar stance. "That stance he's doing...Fairy Law."
"Fairy Law..." Whitebeard and Roger whispered in confusion.
"Oh yeah!" Romeo beamed with a smile.
"We got in the bag now!" Max added.
"Thank goodness, we won't die!" Usopp bawled in relief.
Franky chuckled while pumping his arms. "Not sure what they're talking about, but, it looks like these bastards will be toast!"
"Don't do it!" Mavis was running toward Makarov looking extremely worried.
The Fairy guild members didn't understand what Mavis was doing. "First master, why?"
"It's our only chance!"
"It's too risky, the more enemies you take down the more it drains your life force away! This army is massive so there's no chance you'll survive!"
Luffy, Ace, Zoro, Whitebeard, Roger, and Oden were speechless.
"Trust me Mavis, I'm aware of the price this will have, but, I have to do this," Makarov insisted.
Mavis couldn't let the current master do such a risky thing. "but, I have a plan, I know of a way to avoid this, you don't have to die!"
"Shut your mouth!" Makarov demanded harshly. "My children are suffering before my eyes, I have to end their pain!"
Whitebeard, Oden, and Roger stared at the old mage.
"Our allies the Straw Hats are suffering as well, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I let those young ones die!"
Rena and Thorn were soon knocked on the ground.
Angela was pinned the ground by a Beserker and was trying to lick her face. Despite the position she was in, she was able to hear her master's words." Master..."
"Listen first master, you may see them as soldiers or pieces in some games, but to me, they're family my flesh and blood!" Makarov declared loudly in a harsh tone.
Mavis was slightly hurt by the old master's words. "No...I...don't..."
"I know what plan you have will result in victory for us, but, I can't wait for that outcome. Not when my children's lives are on the line!" Makarov continued with sheer determination. "An old soul like me doesn't have much time, I will end this even if it means the young can go living...then I'll gladly pay that price."
Whitebeard was inspired by Makarov's speech and it reminded of him how he said the same thing to his crew, the one he calls family. "Makarov..."
Oden felt so touched by Makarov. "Old...man..."
Roger didn't say a word and his eyes were hidden by his hat.
Luffy and Ace had their faces lowered not saying a word.
Makarov had three more things to say. "Straw Hat Pirates...please continue to help my children in this fight! I have faith that you'll succeed." Luffy, Franky, and Zoro looked in the old wizard's direction. "I know that all of you are pirates, but, I do think of you as my children and you have the heart of a Fairy!"
Usopp felt a bit choked. "Old timer...
Zoro had his face lowered without saying a word.
Franky began to sob. "Old man..."
"Minks of Zou and Fishman islanders, I hope that you will continue to be part of Fairy Tail. I know that your people had a hard time, but, I hope that all of you will grow and be part of humanity!"
Usagi felt tears fall down his cheeks. "Thank you."
Pango was sobbing like a sad child. "Master...pops...'
Tigress was silent but she was touched by the old human's family speech.
Rena was crying sadly but felt happy. "Master..."
Aquapad was so happy to hear that. "Master...Makarov..."
Jula was had one her eight hands on her face while sobbing faintly as tears fell down her cheeks and her seven hands held her swords.
Fujika placed her hand over her eyes hiding her tears though they fell down her cheeks and her snake was crying too.
"Night Raid, if you three girls can hear me, I know that you have blood on your hands, but, all three of you have the heart of a fairy. I hope that three will continue to live with Fairy Tail and move forward."
Chelsea was still speechless.
Akame had her eyes hidden though, she was touched more than she ever was in her life. She felt her heart melt and after so many years as a child, she truly felt like she truly belonged in Fairy Tail. Probably more than she realized and yet she hoped she would continue do. She mostly likely thinking about the situation between her and Chelsea.
Leone's eyes were hidden as well and she looked like she was about to cry.
Makarov began to power up the Fairy Law spell. "Listen to me, Erza, I will appoint you as the next guild master. Though I can tell that you have doubts, I will have faith that you'll lead Fairy Tail into a bright age. I know that you'll face certain odds but don't forget that you're not alone. The bond you share is strong and therefore it'll never break. Fairy Tail is a family and my journey has been filled with happiness!"
Mavis was on the verge of tears as images of Makarov as a child flashed in her mind and how she met his mother for the first time. "Makarov..."
"Please, master...don't do it!" Erza pleaded in tears still pinned by the monsters.
Run can see that Fairy Tail's guild master Makarov truly cares for his children just like how he cares for his students and he would anything to protect them from harm.
Before Makarov could unleash his spell, Whitebeard and Roger stood between the small old man. "That's enough..." Makarov looked at Whitebeard, who spoke. "I refuse to let you die...not like this."
Erza didn't understand why Roger and Whitebeard got to her master so quickly. "How did they get by him so quickly?"
"You still can breathe while we can't." Whitebeard continued. "I admire your love and deducation for your family, it's something I can respect! So, I refuse to let a father like you die in this war!"
Roger laughed happily. "Hahahaha...I admit I never heard such a speech in a long time since I was alive!" He looked at the enchanted monsters. "I think it's time we put those monsters down."
Whitebeard grinned widely. "No need to tell me twice." The two legendary pirates stared at the monsters with monstrous glares.
"TIME TO SEND THESE BASTARDS TO HELL!"
"RIGHT!"
The two pirates unleashed a strong Haki, the Conquers Spirit that released a strong black energy wave that blew around the area.
The enchanted monsters roared in pain and suddenly collapsed on the ground then vanished into thin air.
Makarvo was stunned by what he just witnessed. "Such...power..." He fainted as Whitebeard caught him by his collar. "I guess we overdid it."
"Is he okay?" Erza went over to the old man.
"He's probably just exhausted, I think he should stay out of the battle for a while," Roger answered.
Fairy Tail and their allies cheered. "Makarov is alive and he didn't have to use Fairy Law!"
"Those monsters are gone too!"
"Roger is amazing!"
"Three cheers for Whitebeard the pirate emperor and Roger the Pirate King!"
Mavis was so happy and relieved. "Whitebeard...Roger...thank you..." She was the verge of crying.
Their cheers were turned to confusion when Roger and Whitebeard's bodies began to fade. "Hold on, what's going on with your bodies?" Warren asked.
"We used a lot of our Haki powers to defeat those monsters," Whitebeard answered. "And, the Spriggan Twelve that brought us back is defeated as well."
"Yeah, we knew this would happen," Roger added with a laugh. "Listen, I'm glad I got to know you all even though it was short. I had a lot of fun in this battle."
Whitebeard chuckled with a wide grin. "Yeah, I can see that all of you have good hearts. Your courage is inspiring and bonds you share with each other is strong and unbreakable. Makarov is lucky to have spirited young kids. All of you remind me of my own family." He looked at Oden. "Oden, assist as much as you can in this war."
Roger was thinking the same thing. "That's right and it's an order too!"
Oden sobbed lightly but put on a brave face. "Yes, Whitebeard...Roger..."
Ace approached Roger. "Roger..." His father looked at him. "Ace, I know I don't deserve to be called a father since I wasn't there for you. However, that doesn't matter to me, what matters is that you found people that love you no matter who you are or where you came from."
Ace didn't respond as his father continued. "I wish I could've found a way to give you a second chance at life. Though, I'm happy to know that you found a family." He smiled proudly. "I'm so proud of the man you've become...my son."
Gildarts had his say. "Roger...I know it was short, but..." He grinned at the pirate king. "It was an honor to meet you." Roger returned with a huge grin. "Same here, Gildarts Clive."
Luffy approached the king. "So, you're Gol D. Roger, the pirate king." The pirate king saw the young man. "Well, I'm going to be the next pirate king..." He declared getting the former pirate king's attention. "My name is Monkey D. Luffy."
Roger's eyes widen. "That name...sounds...familar..." He put his chin in thought. "I take it that you're related to Garp..." Hearing Luffy's grandfather's name got him to gasp. Roger than had a casual look on his face. "Oh well, doesn't matter to me, anyway, you want to be the next king, right?"
Luffy nodded at the pirate king with a determination look. "Yeah! I know the One Piece is out there and I will find it...with my crew!"
Roger began to laugh loudly. "Is that so, I wish you luck...Monkey D. Luffy...oh, I see you're wearing Shanks hat...if you see him, tell him and any other members of my crew that I said 'hi'." Luffy chuckled with a grin and nodded.
"Good..." Roger looked back at Ace. "Ace...I'll be seeing you soon...in the meantime, kick some ass!" Ace didn't respond but a small smile was shown on his face.
Mavis could tell that Roger truly was an honest and good-hearted man despite his being a pirate. "Roger..." Deep down she wishes she could fulfill Roger's wish.
Whitebeard and Roger faded away into little white lights that descended into the sky.
Erza got on her knees and bowed her head in gratitude. "Whitebeard...Roger..thank you..."
Laxus stared at the sky. "Those old-timers sure were something."
Temukai wiped away his tears. "Whitebeard...is a true man to the end."
Ace pumped his arm. "Roger...Whitebeard...I'll continue fighting as long I'm still here." Mavis stared at the young man. "So, that's Ace...the son of Gol D Roger." She smiled sweetly at Roger's son.
Laxus held up Makarov. "I'll take him somewhere safe, Temukai, can you and the others handle things from here?"
Temukai wiped his eyes with his arm. "Sniff...yeah...we can handle this." The lightning mage smiled with a light chuckle and walked away with his grandfather.
Irene was lost for words, seeing the strength of the two famous legendary pirates. "That power...so strong...no powerful...is this the power of Haki?"
Zeref chuckled lightly. "That's right, though, I'm not surprised, they're as strong as I can remember. They earned their titles because they earned them." He felt a sense of sadness build up in his chest. "Bon voyage...Whitebeard...Gol D. Roger..."
Irene took notice of this. "Sire...are you okay...you look like you're about to cry." Zeref recollected himself. "I'm fine, anyway, let's search for Mavis."
Natsu and Gray continued their fight throwing their fists at each other with great force. Releasing their magic attacks at each other without breaking a sweat.
They leaped at each other throwing one more punch and this time one of them would fall. "This is it!" Gray and Natsu roared in deep anger.
Then out of nowhere, Erza caught both of their fists taking them by surprise. "Don't...stop...this..." The two boys were speechless, they didn't sense Erza coming their way. Erza's left hand was frozen while her right hand was burnt. "Please...stop this foolishness..."
Natsu and Gray's anger ceased as they saw Erza's pleading yet sad expression. "She's...crying..."
Tears fell down her cheeks. "Seriously...you both are fighting each other at a time like this..." She placed her hands on the back of their heads forcing them to press against her breasts. "Both of you are friends...stop...this...you morons..."
"Stop this...we have to save...master Mavis..." Erza pleaded continuing to sob.
Gol D. Roger and Whitebeard sacrifice their lives to prevent Makarov from using the Fairy Law. Makarov is unconscious due to the strength of the Haki powers from the legendary pirates. Erza interrupts her childhood friends' fight in tears.
End of chapter.