An eery silence enveloped the battlefield. Bright flames burst forth from Natsu's body as Draconis erupted the shadows within his own body. Sweat dripped down the side of his head, his clammy hands clenching onto Shadow Talon with a vice like grip. He bit the inside of his cheek, nearly drawing blood under the intimating presence of this monster in front of him. There was no humanity, no emotion, only the pure intent to slaughter the worthless pest in front of it.
Its red glowing eyes that burned under Its draconic helmet with a harsh glare, completely rivaling his girlfriends. He didn't want to admit it out loud, but... he was afraid, afraid of the potential this thing oozed out of its body. The world of Fiore or.. the world would cave under this knight's power. Shadows leaked off, pouring down the monsters body as it raised its blade, Natsu following suit.
Both opponents dug their heels into the ground, leaning forward. Natsu didn't know if he could truly win this battle, but there was one thing he knew for certain.
He wasn't going down without a fight.
Fairy Tail paled at the appearance of this... monstrous knight in front of Natsu. There was no other way to describe the power that practically leaked from its armor, the blade covered shadow flames.
"I can practically feel that things power from here..." Gajeel said with a shaky breath, clenching his shaky palms with clenched teeth under a tight scowl. 'Salamander is strong, but... this guy's power... rivals Acnologia and he's not even a damn dragon!'
Erza's heart tightly clenched in her chest, moving closer to the lacrima screen that was displayed in front of them. She could see it in Natsu's eyes. He was afraid, no other way to describe it. He's faced world ending threats with an unbreakable will to fight, but this thing had him shaking. She cursed her lack of strength in this moment, biting her lip as her gauntlets clenched. She truly hated it. They relied on Natsu's strength most of his life, always placing their faith in him for these fights that practically pushed the slayers body to death's door.
Gray watched with a tight narrowed gaze, clenching his fist on his lap as Juvia watched alongside him, squeezing his hand on the bar table in reassurance. It felt wrong to watch his rival go through these things, especially after he nearly died in front of him not even weeks ago. It was a tight pill to swallow for him in Natsu's strength, a strength he desperately craved to be alongside that idiot. But even as kids, Natsu never stopping climbing, always striving to be better, better than him, better than Erza, better than anyone. But... maybe he did it for a reason, reasons maybe he, Erza or anyone wasn't even aware of. Natsu would've rather torn his body apart, fight to his last breath for his family, his friends who placed their faith and devotion in him entirely.
Makarov's hand clenched over his wizard saint fur coat with clenched teeth. He hated to watch a boy, a boy who's been through so much in a matter of years face things that bring this world to its knees. Natsu didn't deserve this fate, this path he was practically chosen for without his say. It wasn't fair to him. He deserved to he happy, thriving with a beautiful woman who's fallen for is idiotic nature. He glanced over towards Erza who was on the verge of tears, concealing the bubbling emotions that bore underneath that stoic face. He only hoped that someday that Natsu, and Erza both would have their happy ending.
Silence enshrouded the whole guild, everyone on the edge of their seats, no words, no drinking. Everyone swallowed lumps in the back of their throats, having one thought in mind.
'Kick his ass Natsu!'
'Be careful!'
'Don't you dare lose torch head!'
'Natsu... my love... win and come back home to me. You're getting a break from this when this is all over, that's my vow to you I promise.'
The ground caved underneath both combatants as Natsu and Draconis dashed forward at inhuman speed as their blades crashed together, creating a large shockwave in it's wake, making the earth shaky under the pressure alone. Natsu clenched his teeth, staring deep into Draconis's glowing red eyes, growling under his breath.
"I don't know what the hell you are, but you are a disgrace to all dragons!" He roared to the top of his lungs, pushing against the knight's insurmountable strength. "Dragons are majestic, peaceful creatures, you are an imposter, a fake! If Igneel were here he'd crush you like a damn bug!"
Draconis quietly snarled under his helmet, baring his fangs as his black flames battled in a never ending struggle against orange flames. Natsu's heels drug across the ground, feeling his body being pressed back against the knight's strength. It felt like hitting a brick wall, a wall he couldn't break through no matter how hard he hit it.
He leaped back to narrow the distance, sliding across the ground, but Draconis met him head on like a blur, clashing against Natsu's blade that nearly flung out of his grasp. Sparks flew through the air, both never giving in, never stopping until the one in front of them was dead, or bowing to their feet.
Like blurs, their blades clashed again, and again, fire and shadows battling for dominance of the other. Natsu's body moved elegantly through the brute strength of Draconis who swung back with just as much grace as his opponent. Their speed only increased in favor to find an opening that neither could see, neither could breach. Natsu's stance shifted, moving around Draconis who's eyes followed him like a hawk, swiping away the strikes that the slayer tried to land.
Flames engulfed Shadow Talon, coursing with fire and shadows together in unison. His crimson slits narrowed, ducking under to the side over an overhead slash. Natsu's grip tightened, sending his blade forward to slice across the knight's chest who didn't flinch, didn't move. Too his shock, his petrifying fear, Shadow Talon passed right through the knight, like slicing through butter, but difference being Draconis's body slithered through, like his body never existed before sending an armored fist into Natsu's chest. Blood flew out of Natsu's mouth as his body was sent flying across the ground, tightly gasping for the air that was knocked out of him.
"G-gah...!" Natsu's hands clutched over his chest that throbbed immensely from the strike, his ribs again taking another fatal blow that cracked like chicken bones under Draconis's monstrous strength.
He had not a moment to react before a black blur flew across, sending his body tumbling in a roll across the ground. Natsu clenched his teeth, using his hands to put a spring in his jump off the air, flames covering his arms entirely as he crossed his arms in an X that took another blow from Draconis, before lifting his blade to slash at Natsu who moved out of the way in the nick of time.
Natsu spun around on his feel, landing a flame covered kick on the knight's helmet that jerked to the side, his body unmoving.
"Fuck..."
Draconis slowly turned towards Natsu with a snarl, it's gauntlet snatching around Natsu's leg, clenching in a vice grip that made his bones crack under the pressure. Cries of pain and agony filled the air before Natsu was slammed face-first into the ground, blood spurting from his nose that broke upon impact. Dropping it's blade for a more brutal approach. Draconis flipped Natsu's body over his head, crashing him into the molten ground once more, enjoying the silent screams that filled Natsu's lungs.
Blood splattered across the ground, like a crude painting before Natsu was tossed up In the air motionlessly. What became an even fight against the other, became pure slaughter as fists rained upon Natsu's beaten, battered body. He could do nothing as fists landed on each side, one harder than the other. Natsu's body screamed in agonizing pain, feeling each blow crack a bone, bruise the organs inside his body.
Grabbing a hold of Natsu's throat, his hair shadowed over his expression as blood dripped from his lips. Draconis snarled with a deep groan, lifting its armored leg that collided with his chest, sending him crashing into the side of the large crater, rocks crumbling under the severe impact. Natsu's head hung over, his arms slumped to the side. Crimson continued to leak from his head, his arms, his lips with a parted mouth.
Draconis lifted his blade from the ground, before slowly walking over, his foot steps practically making the earth shake. Stopping in front of Natsu with a motionless expression, he lifted his blade, staring at the motionless slayer for a moment, before bringing it down, a blow that would end his life in an instant.
The guild watched with wide eyes, some clenching their palms tightly to the point blood was drawn. Natsu moved just as fast as the knight, but he couldn't even land a blow.
"This thing is on a whole other level..." Mira muttered with a slack jaw, swallowing the anxious saliva, clenching her clammy hands that shook under the bar table.
"This monster is stronger than even Tartaros!" Levy cried out, covering her mouth in tears at the mere thought of a monster like that entering the land of Fiore. "How is that even possible?!"
Gajeel slung his arms around his woman who shook in his grasp. He clenched his teeth so tightly to the point they would shatter impact, or at best crack under the pressure being applied.
Erza's palm tightly clenched on one of the many wooden tables surrounding the guild that splintered under her grasp. It was... terrifying to see a monster like this even existing. Its skill in the blade rivaled even her own, the precision, the grace of its movement. Natsu was facing a warrior, a monster in a humanoid appearance, but this thing was far from human.
The guild continued to watch the intense battle before them, feeling each strike practically shake the earth beneath their feet. They could almost think that they were standing there in this battle, feeling each blow that felt harder than the next.
Their eyes shot wide open when Natsu landed a blow, but his sword slid right through, like he hit an invisible wall in front of him. Erza cried out in pain and worry, watching a fist collide with Natsu's chest, sending his body flying back, but the knight didn't relent.
In a simpler term, they watching a pure slaughter. The knight had the advantage over Natsu in more ways than one. They watched as Natsu's body was beaten to death, blood flying in every direction a blow was dealt.
"Natsu..." Lucy covered her mouth with both hands, tears threatening to spill in pain of watching her best friend be practically beaten to death in front of her.
Gray abruptly stood from his seat, clenching his teeth tightly. "Get the hell out of there you idiot!"
Before they knew it, Natsu looked to be unconcious, taking the brutal blows the knight applied helplessly. Natsu's body crashed into the crater, his hanging down, watching as the knight neared him, drawing it's shadow blade over Natsu.
"No... no, no, NO!" Erza screamed out, marching forward to the screen with wide eyes. "Natsu please... GET UP!"
"NATSU!" Wendy shouted to the top of her lungs, tears spilling down her cheeks, watching her big brother was visiting death's door for more times than she could count. Her heart was clenched so tightly she could barely breathe, barely speak.
"Natsu!"
"Natsu..."
"NATSU!"
Draconis brought his blade down, until a loud clang was heard. Shooting his head down at the sound with a curious expression, before it's curiosity gave into slight fear.
Natsu's hand clenched tightly onto the blade that sparked against his armored hand that glimmered in the light. His crimson slits narrowed towards Draconis with a feral grin splitting across his cheeks, showing off the enlarged fangs underneath.
"Did you really think you'd beat me that easily?..."
Natsu shoved the blade away before sending a flame filled kick towards Draconis who was sent flying back under the pressure of the blow. He slowly stood up on shaky legs, blood dripping in every way across his body, but his grin never wavered under the intense pain that racked his entire body. He spit out a wad of blood, wiping away the excess metallic liquid from his lips. "I have to admit, you are one tough bastard, probably the strongest I've faced thus far. But..." A red glow radiated off his right shoulder, burning brightly underneath his tattered black sweater.
"I am not going to lose here, especially not to an imposter dragon like you! My family is shouting my name to the rooftops, their love, their care is pouring into my very body, giving me the strength to stand up..." Natsu took a hesitant step towards Draconis who didn't move, merely stared at the stumbling slayer who could barely stand on his own two feet.
Flames erupted from Natsu's body, burning brighter than the sun under the abyssal black sky. "There's so much more I have to do in this world, so many more lives I need to save. Their all counting on me, and I don't intend to let them down now! Because... I'm Natsu... Natsu Dragneel of Fairy Tail, player of this cruel system. Draconis..." his flames only grew under the strength of the raging emotions, boiling under the surface. "You're about to face the real power of a dragon, a power my father bestowed upon me. I'm about to tear you apart..."
Natsu's eyes turned towards the lacrima who was watching over him, like an angel in the sky, pushing, motivating him to move forward against insurmountable odds. "Thank you... everyone. Mira if you hear me I better get the best damn meal Fiore has ever seen! And Erza... I need a damn nap... and Stripper," a cocky grin curved across his lips. "Watch how I do business!"
Relief flooded the guild on impact, most of them smiling, most of them grinning ear to ear. They knew Natsu wouldn't go down so easily, he never was one to give up, not even when his body was beaten down again and again.
Warmth spread through out the guild of Natsu's words, filling them with the passion and love he shared for the guild.
Mira practically giggled at his words, giving a thumbs up towards the screen. "I'll make you the best buffet you'll never forget!"
Gray scoffed at his words, a smile underneath his lips. 'Give em hell Natsu.'
Erza's heart was surrounded in a warmth that nothing could possibly compare. "Natsu... my lap will be here for your much needed rest. Till then..." She raised her hand in the air in an L shape as did the others following in suit. "Show this monster the power of FAIRY TAIL!"
Everyone grinned ear to ear, cheering to the top of their lungs for Natsu. Happy sat with Carla, anxiously watching the screen, before he felt a paw on his. He turned towards Carla who had the sweetest smile she's ever given him, a small blush on her cheeks. "He'll be fine Happy, just keep your faith in him as we all do."
The blue feline sniffled with a quivering lip, wiping away the tears in his eyes. He cracked a weak smile, stiffly nodding his head.
"A-aye."
Everyone watched in anticipation as the final battle was about to begin, but this time without a shadow of doubt in anyone's heart.
Natsu was going to come out on top.
Flames surrounded the general area, a large shadow hovering over Natsu that took shape of a large dragon, letting out an earth shattering roar that split the ground in two. Draconis looked on with an unreadable expression, tightening its hold over his blade with a deep snarl, shadow encroaching around its body. Natsu met its aura in kind, grinning ear to ear, a deep crimson aura mixing in with his blinding flames.
"Let me show you why they call me Salamander..."
Flames covered Natsu's body entirely, the only thing to be seen is the crimson glowing slits piercing through a tower of fire. In a flash, Natsu dissapeared from his place, appearing in front of Draconis. The knight held up his blade in defense, feeling the slayer's fist collide with his blade. The flames that licked at his shadow body began recoil at the bright light radiating from Natsu. With enough force, he roared knocking his blade from his grasp that went flying across the arena, stabbing deep into the ground.
Natsu rained punches in quick succession, watching as the knight's body jerked by every move. He didn't stop, countering or blocking every strike Draconis attempted. He ducked under an overhead strike, shooting his fist upward with a sharp uppercut that sent the knight up in the air. Using his flames to propel his body into the air, meeting Draconis with a sharp flame filled spin kick, sending the knight colliding hard with the ground.
Draconis slid off the ground, stabbing his claws into the ground to slow his momentum. A small crack appeared on his helmet, splitting across before it parted. revealing a large snout that bared razor fangs, staring daggers at Natsu who could only grin, landing on the ground.
"So that's what you look like, a little dragon under that intimating armor," he smacked his fists together, raising out his hand, beckoning the dragon knight to come. "Come on, I can do this all day!"
Draconis let out a roar, the earth quaking under his voice. Shadows slowly leaked away from his body, making its body grow in size. A shadow slowly loomed over Natsu who could only raise his head with a small smirk over his bloodied lips. In a blur both took off, colliding with one another, raining fists back and forth, blood splattering across the ground. Natsu could feel it, something changed with Draconis. His body moved much faster, shedding his armor away that made his fists move faster than Natsu could blink. With high sensibility everything felt like slow motion, bobbing and weaving across his strikes with ease. His eyes glanced up at his fatigue, biting his lip under his cocky grin. 'Damn it... I need to finish this soon. But I can barely land a blow on this bastard!'
Natsu leaped back on the balls of his feet, sliding across the ground. Shadows covering his body as he raised his body, shooting a glare of killer intent as Draconis merely growled, ready to pounce on the slayer.
NOTIFICATION
Murderous Intent Immunity
He cursed under his breath, crossing his arms over his chest that took a blow from Draconis that sent him sliding back across the molten ground. Natsu took off across the ground in a flash, a blue aura covering his body as he raced around Draconis who watched every movement with slitted eyes. He slid across the ground between the knight's legs, leaping off the ground to smash his boot into the back of the Dragon's head, sending him stumbling over.
Flames ignited around his palms, raining blows on his defenseless back, watching as more and more armor cracked and shredded away, falling to the ground. Natsu roared to the top of his lungs, increasing the pace in his strikes, his lungs burning desperately for the air he needed. Reeling back his fist that shot out with blinding flames, Natsu clenched it tightly with gritted teeth.
Fire Dragon Kings... DESTRUCTION FIST!
His fist made contact, sending the knight flying across the arena, slamming into the side of the crater with a large explosion going off.
Panting heavily against the harsh heat that stole his oxygen every waking second, Natsu flicked his palms, extinguishing his flames. "Now... stay down..."
A deep groan was heard as his eyes widened, watching with shock as Draconis walked out of the smoke, small burns across his body. His sword was back in hand with a tight grip, lifting it to point towards Natsu with killer intent, shadows surrounding the whole arena, covering the world in utter darkness.
Natsu growled under his breath, his fangs increasing in size. Red patchy scales covered nearly every part of his body as his nails became sharp black talons. Flames flicked around wildly with a blinding light that made the shadows receed from its brilliant light. Wings sprouted from his back, extending out against the flames with a flap. Baring his fangs, Natsu kneeled down with a hiss, his draconic eyes staring daggers into Draconis. Lightning danced around his flames, combining into a destructive power that destroyed the ground around him.
Wendy, Gajeel and Laxus's eyes shot wide open, watching Natsu's transformation.
"He... he actually did it!"
Erza's head turned towards Gajeel who looked like he had just seen a ghost. "What are you talking about Gajeel? What is happening to Natsu?!"
"He's obtained a perfect dragon force transformation," Makarov answered for the whole group, staring with narrowed eyes as Natsu's horned tail smacked against the ground with a small hiss. "Dragon slayers, with enough training can obtain a transformation that turns their bodies into a near state of dragonization, maintaining their state of mind. What you are all about to see is the true power... of a dragon slayer in all of it's glory."
Everyone's eyes turned towards the screen, paling at the strength that Natsu's body burned with. It was truly a miracle he was on their side sometimes.
Natsu raised his palm, watching as a sword made of pure flames, sparking lightning appeared in his grasp. He dug his talons into the ground with a snarl. Draconis returned the snarl in return, being the first to take off to clash against Natsu who simply raised his blade to block the strike. Too Draconis's utter horror, Natsu didn't flinch, he didn't budge against his strength. The slayer turned his head, flames erupting around his body.
"Weak..." Natsu rumbled under his breath, steam pooling off his body. Clenching his talon tightly, Natsu smacked Draconis away like a mere fly in his presence.
Using his wings to propel himself forward, Natsu spun around slashing across Draconis's chest who roared out in pain, hissing at the flames that burned away his shadow manifested body, and the lightning that rained down from the heavens, striking down the dragon knight with jolts of electricity. Natsu didn't stop, applying more pressure, rapidly slicing in each and every direction, dodging and moving around with ease of the knight's attempted counter attacks. Black blood splattered across the ground, blending in with the molten ground.
With a lightning flaming talon kick, Draconis went rolling across the ground.
Natsu inhaled every bit of his lungs, his stomach and cheeks bulging against his scaly body. The ground shook under the pressure, violently quaking and splitting away to the molten lave underneath his feet. Flames and lightning crackled against the crimson aura that surrounded Natsu's body.
Lightning Flame Dragon King's... ROOOOOOOAR!!!!
A giant torrent of flames erupted from Natsu's mouth, rivaling the size of his father's flames. Only this time it was of his own creation, lightning swirling around the fire that tore across the ground, melting away everything in sight before it made it's mark. Natsu's lungs burned intensely, feeling his lungs practically melting against the steamy air, and his own flames. With an extra exert, he clamped his mouth shut, exhaling steam through his nose, and the corner of lips.
A ringing went off in Natsu's ears with wide eyes, watching as his draconic transformation gave away, his lightning flame covered blade dissapearing in his grasp. "C-crap..."
Natsu fell to his knees, panting heavily, coughing out blood that dropped from his lips. He weakly lifted his head, narrowing his gaze towards the billowing smoke surrounding where Draconis's body had been. Slowly, a figure stumbled out of the destruction, black blood dripping from the wounds that were applied, weakly growling. Natsu saw as Draconis clutched onto one of his arms that were completely severe away.
The dragon knight weakly hissed, stumbling forward, dragging it's blade with it's only arm, carving it across the ground as black flames danced across. Natsu slowly lifted his body off the ground, his body screaming desperaly for rest, but he couldn't answer its call. Panting heavily, he fully stood on shaky legs, panting heavily, his eyes half drooped, steam exhaling off his body. "You..." he heaved out, stumbling forward with a weak grin. "Don't know when to quit... do you?"
Draconis growled under his breath, continuing its path towards Natsu. The only thing that kept him going was the pure intent to kill this dragon slayer who has stood in its way. Dragon slayer or not, he wouldn't give in. Both opponents stumbled forward, both nearly stumbling over their steps. Natsu clenched his fists tightly, glancing towards his hud in his peripheral vision. His eyes noticed all of the blood across the ground with a grim look.
Before Draconis could react, the blood around the ground rose from the ground, manifesting into the shape of shackles that latched onto its body, bringing the knight to his knees.
Blood Make: Shackles...
Natsu slowly raised his palm, Shadow Talon making its appearance in his grasp. "I never... wanted to use that magic... but..." he stopped in front of Draconis who could only snarl towards him, baring his fangs as he raised his blade into the air. "I'm not the one who dies here... you were a worthy opponent Draconis... now rest... with the shadows..."
Draconis raised his head, his expression softening under Natsu's gaze. Its blade dropped from its grasp, clattering to the ground. He slowly bowed his head in defeat, awaiting the final blow to end its life.
With an overhead slice, Natsu's blade carved straight through, slicing the knight completely in two. With a thud, Draconis's body collided with the hard ground.
Natsu dropped Shadow Talon from his grasp, stumbling forward before his body collided with the ground with a loud thud. He slowly rolled his aching body onto his back, watching a blue screen appear in front of his eyes.
NOTICATION
[Draconis The Shadow Flame has been defeated]
Rewards Obtained:
Draconis's Hell Blade
1,000,000 Gold
Natsu released a deep breath, wincing at the aching pain in his body, and the burning feeling in his lungs. "I..." his eyes noticed the lacrima above his head with a weak smile.
"I need a damn nap..."
What a fight am I right? When I said Natsu would be pushed to his utter limits, I wasn't joking. Draconis was a powerhouse, a knight among draconic kind. I really hope I delivered on this fight, especially with the lack of fights I have given for this story. But this journey is far from over. One more thing I apologize for this chapter taking so damn long to come out. I.. I kinda lost my confidence in writing for a little bit along with a bout of depression.
Next time! Just when he thought this battle was over, another is just on the horizon, pushing him above his limit that will lead to even greater power of his role as a player.
As always I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, and I'll see you all in the next one. Later :)