Back with Makarov
Back with Makarov, explosions of light and darkness filled the forest, the air thick with the aftermath of their fierce battle. Makarov was on his last legs, struggling to stay upright. Despite his age, Hades fought with a vigor that made him seem even more formidable than in his prime.
Hades raised an arm towards the fallen Makarov. "This is the end, boy," he declared, sending a blast of magic towards him.
But the blast was immediately deflected. "No... I am the END," Natsu quipped as he appeared between them, holding a bloodied Zancrow by his neck in his left hand. His presence radiated an intimidating aura, the playful tone in his voice a stark contrast to the dire situation.
Hades' eyes widened in shock and anger. "E.n.d..."
Natsu smirked, tossing Zancrow aside like a ragdoll. "You knew who was on the island and yet you still came here? Are you stupid or something?" he asked, cracking his knuckles as he prepared to face Hades.
Hades, trying to mask his fear, spoke with a mix of desperation and cunning. "Why fight against us? You can join me. Zeref is your brother, is he not? Together, we can resurrect him," he proposed, hoping to sway Natsu to his side.
Natsu laughed, a sound that sent chills down Hades' spine. "Oh, you pitiful fool, you don't know ANYTHING about Zeref."
Hades, taken aback by Natsu's response, tried to regain his composure. "What do you mean?"
Natsu's expression hardened, the amusement vanishing from his face. "It's useless telling you. You wouldn't even comprehend it."
Hades' eyes narrowed, his frustration growing. "You underestimate me, demon."
Natsu shook his head. "No, Hades. It's you who overestimates yourself. In the grand scheme of things, you are nothing. Less than an ant, just a mongrel trying to interfere with beings of power you can't even comprehend, and you never will."
Hades' face contorted with rage. "You are not invincible," he spat.
"Compared to you? I am," Natsu retorted, his voice dripping with disdain. "On this island, there are five people who can single-handedly tear you and your entire guild apart. Four of your strongest died in less than ten minutes."
Hades gritted his teeth, knowing of Azuma's death. He could no longer sense Capricio and Rustyrose, and Zancrow lay dead just a few feet away. The realization of his losses hit him hard.
Deciding to retreat and put his plan for dealing with E.n.d. into motion, Hades waved his hand and teleported back to the airship. Natsu scoffed as he watched him disappear.
Turning to Makarov, he asked, "You okay, Gramps? Need me to fix you up?"
Makarov, still catching his breath, nodded with a weary smile. "I'm fine, Natsu. Thank you. We need to regroup and make sure everyone else is safe."
Natsu helped Makarov to his feet, his expression softening as he looked at the old man. "They are all fine. Only Ultear, Hades, and Stinger remain. Gray went after Ultear; turns out she is Ur's daughter."
Makarov's eyes widened in surprise. "Ur's daughter? That explains a lot."
Natsu nodded. "Yeah, it does. Gray's got a personal stake in this. We need to trust him to handle it."
Makarov took a deep breath, regaining his composure. "And what about Hades and Stinger?"
Natsu looked around for a moment. "Stinger just left the airship. I see Gildarts moving towards him. Hades is still on the ship. He's... oh, interesting. I guess I'll wait a bit to see what he'll do with Hades," Natsu said, using his senses to get an idea of what was happening.
With Gildarts
As Gildarts confronted Stinger, he found Mira, Elfman, Evergreen, Fried, and Bickslow, along with Cana and Levy, attempting to fight him. Unfortunately, Stinger proved much too powerful for them.
Gildarts flared his aura, drawing their attention. "Last warning. Leave this island."
Ignoring the warning, Stinger turned his gaze towards Gildarts, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. "Gildarts Clive."
Gildarts tightened his grip on his weapon, his expression serious. "You've caused enough trouble here. It's time to put an end to this."
Stinger chuckled, a smirk playing on his lips. "I was hoping you'd say that. Let's see if you're as strong as they say, Gildarts."
Without another word, Stinger lunged forward, his movements swift and precise. Gildarts met his attack head-on, the clash of their powers sending shockwaves through the air.
"Disappointing," Gildarts remarked casually as he effortlessly threw Stinger away.
Stinger gritted his teeth, his frustration evident. "Disappointing?" he growled, his determination flaring as he began to charge his power.
Bluenote Stinger - Full Power: 2,500,000
Gildarts scoffed, his confidence unwavering. "I don't have time for fools," he declared as he, too, charged his magic.
Gildarts Clive - Base Form Suppressed: 80,000,000
The sheer aura emanating from Gildarts was immense, and Stinger couldn't help but feel a sense of shock. This war was proving to be a total slaughter for their side.
Before Stinger could utter a word, Gildarts appeared in front of him, his palm open and positioned right in Stinger's face. In an instant, a powerful blast of magic surged forth, tearing through the forest and reaching the sea, splitting it apart for miles.
And just like that, Stinger was eradicated.
With Gray
Gray stepped out of the shadows, walking calmly towards Ultear.
"Hello, Miss Milkovich," he greeted her, catching her by surprise.
Ultear immediately turned around and sent an orb flying towards him at high speed. However, Gray simply moved his head to the left, narrowly avoiding the attack.
"Not nice," he remarked casually.
Ultear growled in frustration. "Gray Fullbuster."
"That's me," he confirmed.
"What do you want?" she demanded, her tone sharp.
As Gray's words pierced through her defenses, Ultear's facade began to crack, revealing the deep-seated pain and resentment that had plagued her for years.
"None of your business," she retorted, her voice laced with defiance.
"Well, I am making it my business," Gray persisted, his tone unwavering. "After all, from what I know, you're supposed to be dead."
Ultear scoffed dismissively. "Where did you get that from?"
"You are Ur's daughter, right?" Gray continued, ignoring her question.
Ultear gritted her teeth, her expression hardening. "I am."
"Why do this? Why did you try to free Deliora? You do know he is the reason she is dead?" Gray pressed, his voice tinged with accusation.
"That woman abandoned me!" Ultear shouted, her anger boiling over.
"She did no such thing," Gray countered firmly.
"SHE DID! And she took you and that other brat in to replace me!" Ultear shot back, her voice filled with bitterness.
"Every night, I saw her looking at a small dress, your dress," Gray revealed, his tone softer now. "She would always make sure it was clean and that nothing happened to it. She would often cry as she held it close to her chest."
Ultear took a step back, her resolve crumbling. "Lies! She abandoned me!"
"They told her you died, that not even your body remained. She never abandoned you," Gray insisted, his voice gentle yet firm.
Ultear was close to tears, her emotions swirling inside her. "No... you must be lying!"
"Let me show you then," Gray offered as he waved his arm, enveloping them both in a small blizzard.
At first, Ultear thought it was an attack, but as the blizzard surrounded them, she realized it was something else entirely. It was a glimpse into the past, a chance to see the truth that had been hidden from her for so long. And as the memories unfolded before her eyes, Ultear saw the love and pain that had defined her mother's life, and she finally understood that she had never been abandoned.
With Natsu
Natsu met with Seilah and the rest of the group. Gajeel, Lucy, and Juvia appeared, with Juvia holding a small child by the hand. Gray arrived last, with Ultear walking slowly alongside him, her eyes red from crying. The child immediately ran to Ultear and hugged her tightly.
"Ultear, are you okay?" asked Meredy, concern evident in her voice.
Ultear smiled at her. "I will be, Meredy."
Seilah spoke up, her voice serious. "Gildarts took out Stinger. Only Hades remains."
Natsu nodded, determination flashing in his eyes. "Let's go."
As they approached the airship, Natsu smirked as he saw lightning bolts striking the vessel. Upon entering the guild hall, they witnessed Hades engaged in battle with Laxus.
"Nice entrance, jackass," Natsu quipped with a smile.
Laxus appeared next to Natsu looking battered but still in fighting condition.
Laxus Dreyar -Base From- 1.400.000
Laxus appeared beside Natsu, looking battered but ready to fight. Natsu acknowledged Laxus's condition with a nod of approval.
"I see... the lacrima accepted you. Nice," he complimented.
Laxus glanced at Natsu, his expression serious. "Natsu... I'm sorry for—"
"We can talk later about that," Natsu interrupted, turning his attention back to Hades.
"He definitely is stronger than me," admitted Laxus, clenching his fist in determination.
Natsu stepped forward, facing Hades with a challenging grin. "So, Precht... how do you feel? Two of your strongest have left you, four are dead, and so is your Ace," he taunted.
Hades growled in frustration. "Years of preparations... for THIS? No, I will not lose here," he declared, charging his magic.
Hades -Full Power Base- 3.000.000
"That's all?" Natsu scoffed, unimpressed by Hades's display.
Hades raised his arm, and suddenly, markings appeared all around the room. A magic circle formed under Natsu, and tendrils enveloped him, suppressing his demon power.
"Oh? Got some tricks, don't ya?" Natsu remarked, his amusement evident.
"It's something I've been working on for fighting Etherious," explained Hades. At that moment, the same spell enveloped Seilah, who reacted with annoyance rather than alarm.
Natsu smirked, unfazed by the magic suppressing his powers. "Looks like you're going all out, huh?"
Hades sneered. "You have no idea what I'm capable of."
With a swift motion, Natsu broke free from the tendrils, his flames igniting around him. "Guess we'll find out, won't we?"
Hades's eyes widened in shock and disbelief as Natsu easily broke free from his spell. Before he could react, he felt a powerful punch slam into his face, sending him staggering backward.
With a growl of frustration, Hades put some distance between them and tore off his eye patch, revealing a completely red eye ablaze with power.
Hades -Devil's Eye Full Power- 8.000.000
Natsu chuckled, his silver aura manifesting. "So that's why you can fight at your prime. Tell me, do you really think some bits of stolen demon power can take ME out? Did you forget I am E.n.d., the Silver Eyed Devil?"
As Hades launched his attack, Natsu's laughter echoed through the room, his silver aura radiating with power. With a swift motion, he effortlessly deflected Hades's assault and delivered a powerful backhand that sent the dark mage reeling.
As Hades struggled to rise, Natsu's smirk widened with amusement. "Oh, what's wrong? Need a hand to get up, grandpa?" he taunted, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
With a swift motion, Natsu grabbed hold of Hades's Devil Eye, causing the dark mage to cry out in agony. Ignoring his screams, Natsu followed up with a devastating punch to Hades's chest, shattering his ribs with a sickening crunch.
With a swift motion, Natsu turned around, crushing the Devil Eye in his hand. "Let go," he addressed the others, his voice firm and commanding.
As the eye shattered, severing Hades's connection to the Heath, the dark mage began to succumb to the effects of his true age and the wounds of battle.
Precht was now dead.
Back at the island half an hour later
Half an hour later, everyone had gathered at the camp. Makarov was comically glaring at Laxus.
"Why are you here?" asked Makarov.
"I was close to the island, I felt Grimoire, and I came to help," said Laxus simply.
Natsu stepped forward, "I think he learned his lesson, Gramps," he said, his tone carrying a note of reassurance. "The lacrima also accepted him, so that speaks for itself. I can look after him, just as I did with Gajeel, if you want."
Makarov considered Natsu's words for a moment, his gaze shifting between his grandson and Laxus. Finally, he nodded with a sigh. "Very well, Natsu. But don't let him out of your sight," he warned, his tone stern yet understanding.
Laxus looked to Natsu, "But... why?"
Natsu responded, "I think you can be more than just some mage. I'll give you more details back home." Rising to his feet, Natsu summoned his swords and glanced towards the forest. "Now, I have some business to attend to. You guys should leave the island."
Seilah, Lucy, Juvia, along with Gildarts, Gray, and Gajeel, got up from their seats, alarm in their eyes.
Seilah approached Natsu, "Love is—"
A tornado of black feathers appeared in front of them, and from it emerged Zeref.
Ultear's eyes widened, "Lord Zeref," she whispered, now more scared after being told by the others of Zeref's real state.
Zeref smiled, looking at Natsu, "Hello, brother."
"Hey," Natsu greeted back simply yet on guard.
Zeref looked to Seilah, "Hello, Seilah."
Seilah nodded, "Zeref."
A new presence manifested behind Zeref. Mavis Vermilion Dragneel, Zeref's once wife.
Zeref looked at Mavis with a sad smile, "Hello, Mavis."
Mavis watched him, longing in her eyes, "Hello."
After a few moments of silence, Zeref spoke once more, "You should evacuate. He will arrive any minute."
Mavis asked, "Who?"
Natsu, however, suddenly jerked upright, looking towards the sky in alarm, "SHIT."
A giant figure emerged from the clouds, a massive Black Dragon with blue markings. He let out a loud roar before being enveloped by magic, still falling towards the island.
His landing created a massive crater, only Natsu and Zeref able to see his next movements.
Acnologia suddenly appeared close to them now in his Dovakin form. He was a tall, muscular man, with dark skin, blue eyes, and dark blue hair. He wore simple baggy pants and a high-collar cloak.
Acnologia
Transcended Dragon
Black Dragon of The Apocalypse
Acnologia's eyes narrowed as he observed the assembled individuals, his gaze shifting from one to another with a sense of calculation. "Two Dragons… hybrids, one a king, the other close to it," he remarked, his voice carrying an air of authority. His attention then turned towards the horizon, where the Cube was.
"A Dragon Queen, multiple Greater Demons… two ArchDemon Hybrids…" Acnologia continued, his gaze finally settling on Zeref and Mavis. He scoffed, turning towards Natsu, a wicked grin spreading across his face.
"E.n.d… Archdemon, Dragon, Hybrid… King of all Dragons," Acnologia declared, his tone carrying both respect and challenge.
Natsu returned the grin, his own confidence matching Acnologia's. "False King… you know who I am, yet you don't bow?" he taunted, his demeanor defiant yet composed. Though he felt a tinge of apprehension in the presence of Acnologia, Natsu's resolve remained unwavering.
Acnologia's grin widened, "Bow? I bow to no one. That crown will be mine," he declared.
"Oh, you will try," Natsu responded confidently.
Ava and Scaha immediately manifested beside Natsu, both ready for a fight. Acnologia glanced at them, "Ah, I see, the newest queen of the Land of Shadow and the new Lady of Avalon," he acknowledged, though Ava and Scaha remained silent.
Zeref stepped forward, "A bit early, don't you think, Acnologia? I didn't even get to fight Natsu myself," he remarked with a chuckle.
"You would lose," Acnologia replied simply.
Zeref chuckled, "And what makes you so sure of that?"
"No more talk. If you are going to fight, then fight. Only we three," Acnologia commanded, raising his arm to launch an attack. Before he could, however, Natsu called upon his space-time manipulation and sent everyone back to the cube.
As they were whisked away, Natsu's voice entered their minds. "Don't come. I know you are worried, but I got this. Acnologia and Zeref won't allow anyone to interfere. Please, do not come," he pleaded with his wives.
Natasha spoke up, "Is there NOTHING we can do?"
"No, I don't think so," Natsu responded.
Roxy bit her lip, her hand intertwined with Erza's, trying to hold back tears. "Be careful," she said softly.
"I will be," Natsu assured them.
Back on the island
Zeref complimented, "Beautiful Space-Time manipulation, brother."
Natsu glared at Acnologia, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "I'm gonna rip the arm you tried to kill my wives with and use it to break your face."
Acnologia grinned, his confidence unwavering. "Let's see that."
Suddenly Acnologia and Natsu appeared in the middle and begun to trade blows at beyond light speed, shockwaves soon followed.
They exchanged blows while moving around the island tearing apart trees and creating craters.
Each blow lands with the force of a meteor strike, sending shockwaves rippling through the air and tearing apart the very fabric of reality. Trees are uprooted, rocks are pulverized, and the ground beneath them buckles and cracks under the sheer force of their exchange.
Both warriors were exchanging thousands of blows in less than seconds.
With a roar Natsu landed a blow to Acnologia's mid section, sending him flying.
As they prepared to fight once more, they were interrupted by Zeref.
,,Oh did you forget me already?'' he mocked.
,,You do not interest me Black Wizard.'' said Acnologia.
Zeref chuckled, immediately Natsu appeared in front of him and Delivered a blow Zeref manage to block while also casting a spell beneath Acnologia, enveloping him in a pillar of Darkness.
Zeref and Natsu begun to trade blow, blocking, praying, Natsu spoke, ''Ha, i was under the impression you would stick to long range magic.''
''Well i can't call myself a warrior if i don't know how to fight like one.'' responded Zeref
Acnologia jumped towards them angered at Zeref, Natsu took advantage of this and kicked Zeref towards Acnalogia as they begun to trade Blows, more in Acnologia's favor.
On a ship
Mest returned triumphantly with a fleet of ships from the Magic Council, his expression a mask of self-satisfaction as he relayed his report through a communication lacrima. The council members listened intently, their faces twisted with disdain as they processed the news of Zeref's presence on the island.
With a haughty air of superiority, the council swiftly concluded that the Silver-Eye was indeed a demon, scoffing at the notion that such a revelation was anything less than obvious. After all, if Zeref, the harbinger of darkness himself, had taken refuge on an island owned by Fairy Tail, it only made sense that one of his demons would have infiltrated their ranks.
The council saw this revelation not as a cause for concern, but as a golden opportunity to exert their dominance over the world of magic. They relished the chance to eradicate Fairy Tail and its allies, viewing them as nothing more than insignificant pests to be exterminated.
The presence of Acnologia on the island only served to further fuel their ambitions. With the dragon king in their sights, the council saw a chance to solidify their position as the ultimate authority in the world of magic. No one, not even the most powerful mages, would dare to challenge their rule.
As they plotted their next move, the council members reveled in their own arrogance and sense of superiority. They saw themselves as the undisputed rulers of the magical world, and they would stop at nothing to ensure that their dominance remained unchallenged.
With a malicious grin, they eagerly prepared to unleash the destructive power of Etherion upon their enemies, relishing the opportunity to crush all who dared to oppose them. For the council, this was not just a battle for supremacy—it was a chance to assert their absolute control over the forces of magic itself.
Oh what a grave mistake they've done.
Back with Natsu
Natsu's eyes blazed with a fiery intensity as he watched the approaching beam of Etherion with a mixture of anger and contempt. The arrogance of the Magic Council knew no bounds, and their repeated attempts to meddle in the affairs of higher beings had finally pushed him to his limit.
With a snarl of defiance, Natsu unfurled his wings and soared towards the heart of the magical onslaught. As he neared the beam, he felt the raw power coursing through it, fueled by the council's misguided belief in their own superiority.
But Natsu was no mere mortal to be cowed by their threats and displays of power. He was a transcendent being, a force to be reckoned with, and he would not allow himself to be dictated to by a group of power-hungry fools.
With a wave of his hand, Natsu reached out towards the Etherion and halted its advance with a mere thought. The beam froze in mid-air, suspended by his sheer force of will, before dissipating into nothingness with a faint hiss.
A smirk of satisfaction crossed Natsu's lips as he watched the council's ultimate weapon crumble before him.
The Magic Council would rue the day they dared to challenge him, he will show them the true meaning of fear.
As Natsu's gaze fell upon the ships of the Magic Council, a chilling aura of dominance emanated from him, sending shivers down the spines of those who dared to challenge him. With a mere whisper, he pierced the minds of the council members, his words dripping with venomous malice.
"Run, mortals," his voice echoed in their minds, each word laced with the promise of impending doom. "Prepare anything you think will get you the favor of this God... anything you think might amuse me enough to spare your meaningless lives..."
His words hung in the air like a death sentence, the council members paralyzed with fear as they realized the full extent of Natsu's power. They were no match for him, mere ants beneath his heel, and they knew that there was nowhere in this world they could hide from his wrath.
As Natsu's wings carried him back towards the island, he could feel the tension in the air thickening with each passing moment. Zeref and Acnologia continued their fierce exchange of blows, the very earth trembling beneath their feet.
With a determined glint in his eyes, Natsu intervened, his presence commanding the attention of both adversaries. "Alright... let's take this somewhere else," he declared, his voice carrying the weight of authority.
Zeref's smirk widened, a glimmer of anticipation dancing in his dark eyes, while Acnologia growled in frustration at being interrupted. With a nod of agreement, they ceased their battle and turned their attention towards Natsu, their auras pulsating with raw power.
As the transcendent beings imposed their auras upon each other, the sheer pressure of their presence caused the planet to tremble, the very fabric of reality bending under the weight of their clash. The sky above cracked open, revealing the vast expanse of space beyond.
And then, with a sudden burst of energy, they disappeared from sight, vanishing into the depths of the Battle Realm. The echoes of their confrontation lingered in the air, a reminder of the titanic struggle that had just taken place.
