(Edited 25/07/24)
I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.
The Assault On Tartaros
***POTD***
"We've arrived," Warrod said quietly, as the vine touched down on the charred cliff overlooking the ruined valley.
"This is absolutely unreal," Erza whispered to herself, as they all got off the vine, their first steps on the ground generating an audible crunching noise. "The amount of destruction…?"
"He really went all in to try and wipe out Tartaros, huh," Laxus agreed, noticing no matter where he looked, he could see corpses of Demons, along with dozens of impact craters.
"This would've been an amazing battle to take part in," Elise chimed in, her body tense as she took a deep breath, sucking in a strange black substance from thin air. "Just like I thought…"
"What's that Elise," Mira asked curiously, as the God Slayer swallowed the strange substance.
"This wasn't just a battle, but a war," Elise replied, with everyone silently agreeing in her assessment. "This will work in our favor, since it means I'll be able to actually increase my power in this area like other Slayers normally can using their elements."
"You'll need all that power as well, since Mard Geer Tartaros and his Nine Demon Gates are likely still around," Warrod spoke, as everyone turned back to face the old Saint. "As much as I wish I could help you, I'm afraid that legally I can't do anything more than this. Though, I'd say Natsu has softened up Tartaros enough for the rest of you, eh?"
"Thank you, Saint Warrod," Erza replied firmly, giving the older man a respectful nod. "We appreciate all your help."
"We'll take it from here," Mira agreed, as the vine slowly began to lift off the scorched earth, taking the older man with it.
"I'll be praying for your swift and decisive victories!"
The group watched as Warrod departed the battlefield, before turning back to face the crashed Tartaros Cube. It was still rather difficult to comprehend that Natsu alone had done all this, but they felt glad knowing it was all for Wendy's sake.
"If we're really going in there, then I think we should all have a sensory link so we know the condition of each other," Meredy spoke up, with the rest of the group immediately agreeing. "I'd give us all straight communication if I could, but I can't handle everyone at once…"
"Even just knowing the status of everyone is good enough," Erza replied with a grateful nod. "Do it."
Meredy nodded and snapped her fingers, as a pink strand shot out of her palm and wrapped around everyone's right wrists.
"There. You should all be able to roughly sense the location and vital signs of each other now," Meredy explained. "The Tartaros Cube is rather large, so it won't be hard to get lost."
"Well, time to get this shit started," Gajeel grunted, as he started walking toward the Cube. Laxus and the Thunder Legion quickly joined him, followed soon after by Ultear, Meredy and Jellal.
Erza, Elise and Mira brought up the rear, as the group quickly arrived at the base of the crash site. Black fire spewed forth from the damaged Cube, with dozens of Demons scrambling to try and put it out.
In a matter of seconds, chaos broke out as the massive group fell upon the Demons, who were far too weak to even put up a resistance. The Demons closest to the hole scrambled backward, attempting to flee and warn their brethren, only to be set upon by Elise, her swords coated in their blood.
"Warn Master Mard Geer! The Humans-!"
The Demon's screeching was abruptly silenced, as the God Slayer decapitated him, before throwing the sword in her left hand down the hallway, splitting the remaining Demon's head clean in half, as it embedded itself into the back wall.
"We're clear!"
"Sometimes I think when we all work together, it's a tad unfair," Freed mused, eliciting laughter from multiple members of the group.
"Ultear, use your Arc of Time on the damage to the Cube and accelerate it," Jellal said, as he surveyed the hole. "This hole was larger, as I thought. Just look at the patchwork job they've done?"
"They want the Tartaros Cube airborne as soon as possible," Ultear agreed, holding out both her hands as golden Magic Circles appeared around her wrists. "We'll keep the Cube from being restored, so go on ahead for now!"
The rest of the group agreed, and turned to begin making their way deeper into the structure, only for an explosion to nearly knock them all off balance.
"I think Elise went on ahead guys," Mira sighed, though she couldn't help but smile at the God Slayer's eagerness for battle.
"Well, Elise aside, we should make finding Natsu our top priority," Erza spoke up as they rounded the corner, leaving Jellal, Ultear and Meredy behind. "We're on their turf, so we need to still be cautious."
A horrible screeching sound brought the group to a halt, as Gajeel just started eating through the nearby wall, deciding to just make his own path through the Cube, eliciting an amused chuckle from Laxus.
"Guess we're all splitting up from here, eh? Hopefully we'll all meet up back in time to fight Mard Geer," the Lightning Dragon Slayer smirked, before taking off down a nearby corridor, the Thunder Legion following close behind their leader.
This left just Erza and Mira, who both faced the only route no one had taken yet. The pair shared a stiff nod, and started making their way down the path, as the Cube rumbled once again.
"So, what do we tell Natsu when we find him?"
"About what Mira?"
"About…About the rest of the Guild," the Demoness asked, as Erza felt her eyes narrow ever so slightly, still disgusted by their actions.
"I honestly don't know Mira? I actually kind of feel afraid to tell him, if I'm being honest… Not that I think he's going to hurt them or anything, but-!"
"You're more worried about how he's going to feel about it, I know," Mira sighed sadly in understanding. "I thought the same thing too."
"I think for now we should just focus on finding him, and making Tartaros pay for what they did to Wendy," Erza suggested, the Cube rumbling more and more the deeper the got into it.
"Yeah. We can think about the rest later," the Demoness agreed, as the pair started running down the corridor, just hoping that Natsu was alright.
***POTD***
As the Cube continued to suffer damage from within, Mard Geer sat atop his throne with an amused, smug look on his face. His Demon Gates seemed to be waiting for his orders, all of them kneeling before him.
"Well now, it seems the uninvited guests have arrived," the Demon Lord purred, tapping his fingers against the arm of his chair gently. "You are all free to dispose of them however you wish. All that matters is ensuring they do not find out where we sent E.N.D, because, we don't want him coming back."
"Was it really a good idea to banish Lord E.N.D," Seilah spoke up, much to the chagrin of Mard Geer, who was growing tired of hearing about Zeref's supposed favourite. "Wasn't Lord E.N.D supposed to be the leader of-?"
"I AM THE LEADER, SEILAH," Mard Geer roared, the Demon Gates immediately freezing in place from his raw power. "I don't know what your morbid fascination with E.N.D is all about, but it will NOT be tolerated any longer! I order you to go and kill Erza Scarlett and Mirajane Strauss along with Kyoka! NOW!"
As you command, Lord Mard Geer," the Demoness replied mutely, as both she, and another Demoness, vanished from the room.
"Does anyone else have any objections to my position as leader," the Demon Lord asked coldly, receiving naught but cold silence from the remaining group. "Good. Now then, get to work and kill the intruders!"
The rest of the Demon Gates all vanished, as Mard Geer watched them go. Unbeknownst to him, however, one of them smirked at his little outburst, as he marched off down the main hallway that led deeper into the Cube.
'You'll die tonight, Mard Geer, no question about that… I may hate Zeref, but I'd be a fool to try and deny his wishes toward E.N.D. Let your dreams of self-worth and schemes of power fester a while longer, for you will taste the long sleep before sunrise…'
The armored man's smirk morphed into a full-blown grin, as ice began to fill the corridor with his passing, much to the chagrin of the regular Demons who found their bodies frozen in place.
The collapse of the Tartaros Guild had begun, and the man would gladly watch the chaos unfold from the sidelines, having no intention if doing as Mard Geer asked any longer.
After all, his orders were given from a much higher authority than a mere Demon Lord like Mard Geer…
***POTD***
Elise was having a grand time as she tore through the crowded corridors of the Tartaros Cube, slicing and dicing Demons left, right and center.
Her ebony blades were soaked in blood, her War God Slayer abilities screaming for more, and it was more she was willing to provide, as she continued to ruthlessly butcher them for their crimes against Humanity.
'I shouldn't forget my purpose for being here though,' Elise thought to herself as she rounded a corner. I'm here for Natsu, not to enjoy myself!'
Shaking her head, she continued on at a more sedate pace, hacking and slashing through countless Demons, until suddenly, her swing was halted mid-strike. Looking down at the blade, she noticed a foot had pinned it to the floor, looking up to see three powerful and notable Demons standing before her.
"This one is strong, there's little doubt that she's the one responsible…"
"Indeed. She's certainly got the raw power necessary to be capable of wiping out twenty five percent of the onboard crew within a ten minute period."
"Doesn't matter what she can do," the arrogant one at the back laughed. "She's toast!"
"Then we'll leave her eradication to you, Franmalth. We've got to deal with the intruders at the entrance, as well as the four currently targeting the engine room."
The arrogant Demon gasped as the two Demons left him behind to face Elise alone, his confidence momentarily tanking, before he suddenly perked up again.
"Whatever! I didn't need them anyway!"
One Of The Nine Demon Gates Of Tartaros
Overseer Of The Third Circle
The Gate Of Gluttony
SSS Rank Dark Mage
The Armoured Absorptionist
Franmalth
"Franmalth huh? And here I thought I had to be worried for a second," Elise laughed, which only served to anger the Demon further.
"You think you can just make fun of me," the Demon Gate snapped back. "I'm a powerful being who has countless souls under my possession!"
"I know who you are," the God Slayer shrugged. "You're nothing to me."
"W-What-!?"
"You're garbage, barely a challenge, is what I'm saying," Elise continued, which further enraged the Demon, as his body began to glow brightly.
"That's it, I'll show you-!"
Suddenly, Elise vanished, reappearing behind Franmalth in an instant, her eyes glowing Galaxy Blue. The Demon managed to blink once, before his body fell cleanly apart into two severed pieces.
What followed was an earth-shattering explosion, as a fissure was carved into both the hallway, as well as the roof, slicing the entire level of the Cube cleanly apart, destroying dozens of vital systems and instantly killing hundreds of Demons before they even knew it.
"God's Aura: War God's Divine Zantetsuken!"
Dispelling her blade, her attack hit its final phase, as the areas she'd sliced all burst apart from the sheer force behind her strike, causing the entire structural stability of the Cube to tilt.
Elise sighed, turning back to look at Franmalth's corpse with little more than disgust, feeling rather satisfied with her short work of the once fearsome Demon Gate.
"We've all improved in our own way, not just Natsu," the God Slayer muttered, turning on her heel and continuing down the shattered hallway. "You made a big mistake picking a fight with Fairy Tail, Tartaros…"
"It appears that Tempester and Torafuzar thought someone like you could be handled by a weakling such as Franmalth," a newcomer growled, as Elise dodged multiple blades striking her position.
Skidding backward, she immediately knew this newcomer was leagues above the likes of Franmalth. The Demon stood at nearly twenty feet tall, had pale blue skin and possessed four arms and six massive tentacles instead of feet. His entire body was muscular, and instead of hair, his head had razor sharp protrusions that Elise could tell had the ability to slice through solid steel.
"I admire your ability to carve flesh and snap bone, I'm under orders by Lord Mard Geer to eliminate you! Therefore, prepare to have your weak Human body hacked apart by the fury of my blades!"
One Of The Nine Demon Gates Of Tartaros
Overseer Of The Fourth Circle
The Gate Of Greed
SSS Rank Dark Mage
The Great Dojigiri
Ezel
"Ezel," Elise whispered, a small smirk coming to her lips as she recalled the cases she knew involving the Demon Gate. "Yeah… You'll be more of a challenge."
In response, Ezel also smirked, his body becoming coated in Etherious Aura, as Elise's own became coated in Galaxy Blue.
"Good… It makes the end less fun when they can't fight back," Ezel grinned, licking his lips as he charged the God Slayer twirling so fast that both his body, as well as his four blades, became invisible.
"The only one dying here is you, Demon," Elise retorted, conjuring two swords as she clashed with Ezel, the entire Cube shuddering from the force behind their blows, the two combatants pressing against one another.
With a smirk, Elise managed to push the Demon back, sending him skidding along the damaged floor, before rushing him to keep the pressure on. As she swung her blades, she could sense something within him.
'I'd say he's got an Etherious Form hidden up his sleeve for if he gets desperate,' the God Slayer mused to herself, as she crossed blades with Ezel once again. 'I'll have to keep that in mind…'
Ezel suddenly roared, crossing all four blades out in front of him, before making an outward slashing motion, forcing Elise on the defensive as she blocked a monstrous aerial slash attack. Her grit teeth slowly morphed into a smirk, as she found herself having fun, despite the situation.
But, just like Franmalth, she'd make sure Ezel died tonight. Of that much, the God Slayer was certain of. It was all well and good to enjoy the fight, but she didn't have the luxury to do so when Mard Geer was still around.
'I just hope Natsu will be able to help us take him out…?'
***POTD***
Meanwhile, down in the lower levels of the Tartaros Cube, Laxus and the Thunder Legion arrived in a massive room filled with steam. Cogs turned and pistons shifted back and forth, powering the superstructure, even in its severely damaged state.
"It appears we've located the source of power for this place," Freed mused, as Laxus cautiously stepped forward. "Laxus?"
"Something doesn't seem right," the Dragon Slayer muttered, sparks crackling off of his skin, indicating he was alert, ready to counter any incoming threat. "I've got a job for you three?"
"What do you need Laxus," Evergreen asked curiously, as the Dragon Slayer motioned toward the various cogs and pistons.
"Evergreen, I want you to use your Gremlin Bombs on these to cut power to the Cube. Bickslow, I need your eyes sharp for anyone who might be hiding on this level. Freed, I need you to layer the areas Evergreen destroys with Runes set to kill anyone who tried to touch the broken remains of it."
"A sound plan of sabotage Laxus."
"You can count on me to destroy the infrastructure here Laxus!"
"And don't worry about being snuck up on Laxus, because me and my babies have your back!"
"Good," the Dragon Slayer replied, as he turned around and moved toward the exit, looking over his shoulder at the confused trio. "Oh, and Freed?"
"Y-Yes Laxus?"
"Put up a barrier over the entrance to this place," Laxus added, as the group heard the sound of approaching footsteps. "I'll handle this one in the time you guys cut the power."
"You seem rather confident, Laxus Dreyar," a cool, calm and collected voice echoed down the hall, prompting Freed to immediately get to work on putting up the barrier. "If you believe that you alone shall be enough to stop me, you are sorely mistaken."
"Is that so," Laxus replied bluntly, shrugging off his coat as sparks lifted from his form, running across the walls to illuminate the foe ahead of him. "Guess there's only one way to find that out, isn't there?"
"Indeed."
Freed winced as Laxus shot toward the entity, his movement coinciding with the roar of thunder, nearly deafening the man due to his proximity. He watched as Laxus cocked back his right fist, coated in lightning, as it clashed with a Demon's forearm, shaking the entire area.
"The Tartaros Cube shall spell the end of Fairy Tail's greatest Mages," the Demon continued, his form becoming coated in Etherious Aura. "My Calamity Curse shall see you all wrought asunder!"
One Of The Nine Demon Gates Of Tartaros
Overseer Of The Fifth Circle
The Gate Of Wrath
SSS Rank Dark Mage
The Immortal Calamity
Tempester
"You Demons really do have a mighty opinion of yourselves, don't you," Laxus smirked, as Tempester was blasted right back, lightning coursing through his body as he smashed into the far back wall. "How about I show you a little calamity I came up with just now? Being an almighty Demon, I'm sure you'll be able to take it, right?"
Tempester grit his teeth as he pried himself from the wall, his form rapidly expanding as he entered his Etherious Form. Spitting some blood off to the side, the Etherious Demon snarled, as Laxus' own form bulked up considerably.
"Let's see how well you hold up," the Dragon Slayer smirked, the pair vanishing and reappearing at the centre of the hallway, hands locked together as they pushed against one another.
The floor beneath them began to rapidly crater, before collapsing entirely, leaving Freed rather worried over Laxus' safety.
"No. He gave us our own jobs to do, and do them we must," Freed sighed, turning around to face the others. "We must do as Laxus ordered!"
"You're right. Laxus can hold back that Demon, giving us a chance to do what we need to do," Evergreen agreed, as she prepared to cast her Magic.
"Uh, guys?"
"What is it Bickslow?"
"We've got a problem," the Soul Manipulator muttered, as another Demon crashed through the ceiling with a savage grin on his face.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA! I just knew I could smell Humans around here!"
The Demon landed just ahead of them, an explosion accompanying him, as the entire floor within the room was blasted apart, forcing the Thunder Legion to quickly jump down to the next level.
"Damn it! This must be another of the Nine Demon Gates," Freed hissed, prompting the wild Demon to cackle with glee.
"That I am! And you're gonna just be another three bodies to add to the list, Humans!"
One Of The Nine Demon Gates Of Tartaros
Overseer Of The Seventh Circle
The Gate Of Violence
SSS Rank Dark Mage
The Massacring Lycanthrope
Jackal
"Freed, what should we do," Evergreen asked nervously, as the Demon leapt down to their level, landing on all fours with a sadistic smirk on his face.
"There's only one thing we can do," he replied, firmly gripping his sword, and moving to stand at the head of the group. "Together, we must defeat him!"
"HAH! Good joke Humans," the Demon laughed cruelly. "I'll remember that one after I've blasted the flesh from your bones!"
"Somethin tells me this is gonna be rough," Bickslow sighed, as he prepared himself. "You ready Ever?"
"No," the woman sniffed, adjusting her glasses as a pair of wings sprouted from her back. "But we're doing this anyway!"
"Let us show this Demon just what the Thunder Legion is made of," Freed cried, raising his sword high. "For Laxus!"
"For Laxus," the trio cried, rushing Jackal, who laughed madly, as the two sides clashed.
***POTD***
"Damn… this wall tastes like shit," Gajeel grunted, as he ate his way through another wall, finding himself in the middle of what appeared to be a recreational area. "Huh? Guess even Demons need somewhere to chill out?"
"Not all Demons require recreation, Human," a rather stern voice replied, as Gajeel looked over toward the large pool at the far end of the room. "Many of us are beyond such things…"
Gajeel was surprised to see the Demon was standing on top of the water as if it were a part of the rest of the floor. He watched as it stepped forward, moving to stand in front of the liquid surface.
"That right? And you were just hangin out here waitin for me, eh?"
"Correct. Lord Mard Geer informed me that you were cutting through the walls, your trajectory leading you directly toward the Recreational Room," the Demon replied bluntly. "Therefore, I decided to wait for you here."
One Of The Nine Demon Gates Of Tartaros
Overseer Of The Eighth Circle
The Gate Of Fraud
SSS Rank Dark Mage
The Lord Of The Deep Dark
Torafuzar
"Well, can't say I'm all too flattered ya decided to come wait here for me," Gajeel chuckled, as the Demon took several more threatening steps forward, Etherious Aura exploding around his form. "Still, I ain't gonna back off…"
"Of course you won't," Torafuzar sniffed. "You came here to aid Lord E.N.D in battle, despite the fact that all of you are nothing more than weak Humans."
"Gihi! We might be Humans, that much is true… But we ain't weak," Gajeel smirked in response, as the Cube shook violently from multiple explosions. "Ya really think we'd just roll on up here if we didn't think we'd be able to do anythin?"
"I do, actually," the Demon replied bluntly in response. "Humans are overconfident in their abilities, which makes it easier to tear them apart."
"Oh yeah, nice statistic," Gajeel chuckled darkly, as his skin rapidly began to harden. "Why don't ya try rippin me in half and see what happens…?"
Torafuzar snarled and charged toward Gajeel, the Dragon Slayer's form entering the Dragon Force, as he took the hit for no damage.
"What-!?"
"Gihihi! We ain't like most Humans you've ever met," Gajeel continued, as he struck Torafuzar across the face, knocking him flat on his back. "For one, we're actually able to fight back."
The Demon barely managed to dodge as Gajeel's arm morphed into a sword as he attempted to decapitate the Demon on the spot. He then leapt back and started manipulating the water in the pool, the coloration becoming a much murkier black in the process.
"Then let us see just how far that confidence in your abilities shall take you," Torafuzar huffed, as the pair rushed to attack each other.
***POTD***
Near the upper levels of the Tartaros Cube, Erza and Mira found themselves entering a laboratory of sorts. The place was abandoned for the moment, giving them a chance to both search the area, as well as take a small breather.
"What do you think they use this room for," Mira mused aloud, as they walked up to one of the tanks filled full of water.
"This is definitely a laboratory of some sort, but who knows what its true purpose is," Erza shrugged. "Its Demon Science after all, so I doubt we really could understand it even if we wanted to? Still, there's no sign of Natsu anywhere?"
"Do you even think he's here," Mira mused aloud, as Erza ran a hand over the glass tank. "I'm beginning to get a strange feeling that he's not?"
"I'll admit, I've been having that feeling too," Erza agreed, as the pair looked toward one another. "In a time like this, you'd normally be able to sense him?"
"I'm sure we'll at least find answers in this place," Mira sighed, shaking her head. "I just wish Natsu didn't have to go through so much suffering…"
"Nor do I," a new voice chimed in, putting the girls immediately on alert, as they snapped their attention toward the sole entrance to the room.
"It's you," Mira gasped, as an all too familiar Demoness lazily strolled on in, giving the pair a surprisingly friendly smile.
One Of The Nine Demon Gates Of Tartaros
Overseer Of The Second Circle
The Gate Of Lust
SSS Rank Dark Mage
Goddess Of The Chill Moon
Seilah
"Hold on, you know this Demon," Erza asked, remaining in a guarded stance, as the horned Demoness moved to sit down in one of the comfy office chairs. "Who is she?"
"Her name is Seilah, and she's the Overseer of the Second Circle," Mira whispered, thinking back to their last encounter. "Natsu and I met her a long time ago, and she was rather agreeable back then…"
"Indeed I was, wasn't I," the Demoness replied, her smile fading somewhat. "I need you to both listen to me, because we don't have much time?"
"Listen to you? Why," Erza asked, as the Demoness looked toward he doorway.
"Another of the Nine Demon Gates, Kyoka, won't be far behind me. Unlike me, she's far from willing to even speak with the two of you," Seilah explained quickly. "I need you to listen to what I have to say before she arrives."
"But-!"
"We will," Mira said quickly, cutting Erza off as the scarlet haired Mage opted to defer to her friend's judgement.
"Natsu, or E.N.D, has been sent to the realm of Tartarus using a device Lord Zeref ordered Mard Geer to build. All the others are willing to side with Mard Geer and praise him as the true Demon Lord… but not I."
"You really want to help us save Natsu," Erza asked skeptically.
"Yes. Unlike all the others here, I was created by Zeref in a much different way," Seilah explained, slowly rising from her seat. "I was created to eventually serve Natsu, my true Master, with all my being. I will do whatever is necessary, including fighting alongside you all to kill Mard Geer and the other Demon Gates, in order to help my Master."
Mira's body shifted as she slowly approached Seilah, morphing into the Demoness Sitri. This didn't seem to surprise Seilah at all, even as she began sniffing her.
"I see… She's not lying, there's a strange scent about her that differs from regular Etherious Demons?"
"I was created around the same time as my Master's own creation," Seilah replied smoothly. "Master Natsu has ascended to become a Devil, which in turn has activated the primary requirement within my DNA to seek him out."
"Hold on… Natsu's become what," Erza asked sharply, only for Seilah to shake her head.
"I can't explain the full details until after Kyoka's dealt with," Seilah replied quickly, sensing the other Demoness' approach. "What matters though, is that I only have two days to have Natsu acknowledge himself as my Master through the use of Aura, or else my body will rapidly break down, leading to my death."
"W-What!?"
"That is how Lord Zeref designed me," Seilah sighed, as Erza stepped up to the Demoness.
"So, you really aren't lying about any of this?"
"I'm not, I swear it."
"And you'll help us take on Mard Geer and all the other Demons?"
"I will, I swear it!"
Erza and Seilah locked eyes for several moments, before the Requip Mage found herself sighing with a shrug.
"Alright then, I'll believe you," Erza finally said, offering her hand in friendship. "Erza Scarlett, Natsu's Girlfriend."
"Seilah… I don't have a last name," the Demoness smiled, as they shook hands. "You know, if you marry him, then you'll be my Mistress?"
"HUH!?"
"Can we save the jokes for later," Sitri cut in, now also able to sense Kyoka's approach. "Seilah, what do you need us to do?"
"The plan is simple. I need one of you to face me in a mock battle as Kyoka enters, to maintain the illusion that I'm on their side. We want her to think everything is normal until she becomes too enthralled in battle, then we all quickly gang up on her and kill her!"
"Is she really that strong?"
"Her Curse is, yes. She has the ability to strip the five senses from her targets, which can end most fights in a matter of moments," the Demoness replied softly. "Sitri?"
"Yes?"
"Are you able to face Kyoka, even if you lose your senses?"
"Regrettably, I am not," the powerful Demoness replied with a firm shake of her head. "However, there is one Take Over Mirajane has that can beat her in a swift manner. I'm of course referring to her most powerful Satan Soul-."
"Wait, you aren't her most powerful Satan Soul," Erza asked in sheer disbelief, eliciting an amused giggle from Sitri.
"No, I'm certainly not. There is one another who sits higher than I, and she should be able to make quick work of Kyoka… The reason Mirajane hasn't used it is simply because the Demon had no desire to cooperate…"
"And things have changed now?"
"The addition of E.N.D has piqued her curiosity," was all Sitri said as she looked toward the entrance. "She comes…"
Seilah immediately lunged for Erza, the pair immediately falling into a mock battle right as the other Demon Gate entered the room.
"Ah, good, it seems I'm not too late," the Demoness smiled, looking toward Sitri. "You must be Mirajane Strauss, I take it? I refuse to acknowledge you as Sitri-."
"Shut up Kyoka," Sitri said, cutting the Demon Gate off before she could even finish her insult. "Besides, I'm not your opponent!"
One Of The Nine Demon Gates Of Tartaros
Overseer Of The Sixth Circle
The Gate Of Heresy
SSS Rank Dark Mage
Goddess Of The Slave Planet
Kyoka
"Tch! Maybe you are Sitri after all," Kyoka snarled, glaring daggers at the Demoness. "But what do you mean you won't be my opponent? Surely you don't intend for Erza Scarlett to face both myself and Seilah?"
"Of course not," Sitri scoffed, her form becoming enveloped in a bright golden light. "Someone else wants to take you out!"
Kyoka had to shield her eyes as Mira's Take Over Magic activated, pushing Sitri back inside, and drawing out a new Demoness. The entire room felt like the temperature had dropped below zero, the very light in the room being sucked in and crushed under its power.
Erza and Seilah paused their mock battle to watch, the former stunned at both the appearance, and power, of the new Take Over.
Wearing a white yukata with light blue snowflakes printed across it, long flowing white hair and sky-blue eyes, the Take Over appeared to be nothing more than a slightly aged up version of Mira herself.
However, her eyes were completely devoid of life, only the cold emptiness within as a single black streak seemed to constantly leak from the corner of her right eye, marring her otherwise unblemished pale skin.
"It seems Mirajane has finally found a cause worthy of my attention," the new Demoness sighed, looking over toward the stunned Kyoka. "Pray that the winds be in your favor, Kyoka… For yours shall be a slow death."
"D-Don't think that changing Demons will be enough to beat me! I won't be fooled so easily!"
Kyoka's form began to rapidly shift as she entered her Etherious Form, Etherious Aura exploding around her as she unleashed her full power. The Demoness didn't appear even remotely bothered by this, however, much to Kyoka's chagrin.
"You will die by my hand! Enchant-!"
"That will not be enough," the Demoness whispered, as a gentle breeze froze Kyoka's hands in place.
"W-What," Kyoka gasped, watching as the Demoness turned into powdered snow, vanishing from view as the wind started to pick up.
"Feel the chill of winter's embrace…"
The Demoness appeared behind Kyoka, gently wrapping her arms around the Demon Gate, as she began to screech in pain.
"N-No! M-My b-blood is f-f-freezing!?"
"Just let your weary head rest, Kyoka… Fall into everlasting slumber…"
Kyoka tried to fight against the Demoness' attack, but it proved futile. The blood throughout her body had rapidly frozen, her insides becoming full of ice, as her organs began shutting down.
The Demoness looked toward Seilah for help, only to find her standing next to Erza rather than fighting her, making her realize the truth of what had happened. Regardless, she called out to her fellow Demon Gate anyway.
"S-S-Seilah…!?"
"This is for the best Kyoka, so just don't fight it."
"Y-Y-You t-traitor…!"
"I am no traitor," Seilah sniffed, shaking her head. "For I was never on Mard Geer's side to begin with. Neither was Silver, now that I think about it?"
Kyoka wanted to scream, to cry out in despair, but couldn't even manage to wiggle a finger. She felt her heart stop, her eyes slowly freezing over as the freezing temperature the Demoness was putting out claimed her life.
"It is done," the Demoness sighed, turning to look toward Seilah and Erza, the former seemingly recognizing her. "Let Lord E.N.D know that I congratulate him on his ascension, Seilah."
"I will. Thank you for your assistance, Yuki."
One Of Mira's Demonic Allies
Demon From The Books Of Zeref
Volume XVIII
The Ghost From Below Zero
SSSS Rank Dark Mage (Rescinded)
Yuki-Onna
"It was no problem. I'm looking forward to what the future holds from here, now that the Demon Lord has finally returned to take his rightful place among the Parliament of Sin," Yuki-Onna whispered, a creepy smile worming its way onto her face. "But for now, this is farewell…"
The Demoness' form was engulfed in a bright light once more, as a disoriented Mirajane stumbled out of it, being caught by Erza.
"Oh dear… I forgot how disorienting it was going back to normal after letting Yuki take control."
"Mira," Erza asked slowly, as her friend managed to meet her gaze. "How many years have you had that Take Over for?"
"I've had her since a few months before… before Lisanna died. She found me after I'd fought a tough battle using Sitri and willingly joined me. Though to this day, I still don't know why she chose to do so?"
"I must admit, I didn't expect to see Yuki-Onna today," Seilah chimed in, a small smile on her face. "Its good to see she's still well."
Seilah," Erza spoke up, drawing the Demoness' attention toward her. "You said that Mard Geer banished Natsu to Tartarus, right?"
"I did, yes. The controls to the device Mard Geer used are in his throne room, meaning we'll have to fight Mard Geer if we want to activate it again," Seilah explained. "He's also got two of the Demon Gates with him, Keyes and Silver."
"I see… Then we should try and regroup with the others and take on Mard Geer with all our strength combined!"
"That will likely be the only chance at victory," Seilah agreed, as the group left the laboratory. "But we must be careful, as Mard Geer is frighteningly powerful, and beyond any of the Demon Gates in terms of power by a considerable margin."
"Well, we came here expecting a tough fight anyway, so we should just regroup and do our best," Mira sighed, as the trio bolted from the lab, heading off in the direction of the closest member of the Natsu retrieval team.
***POTD***
Back in the realm of Tartarus, it had been two weeks since Natsu had arrived there, and to say he'd learned a lot of new things would have been a severe understatement. He'd spent hours upon hours each day either studying vital knowledge needed to traverse the realms, training to better hone his newfound powers, and to better harness the power of Devil's Aura.
Compared to the other Devils in Tartarus, he was still a complete novice in every field. Yet he knew that didn't matter, and he'd have time later to iron out the things he didn't know or understand.
What he cared about currently was learning just enough to allow him to return to Earthland so he could sort things out. Once the crisis there was over, he could better commit to learning his newfound role, responsibilities and the rules necessary to be a true Devil.
"It appears you've figured out the basics of what you need to know," the Archon with the cigar noted, popping into existence a short distance away. "You planning on going back?"
"Yeah," Natsu nodded, as one of the Lesser Demons handed him some new clothing, which he promptly sent to his Requip Space. "Thanks."
Utilizing his Requip Magic, he equipped his new outfit which consisted of a black suit, wine red dress shirt that he'd left the top two buttons open on, a pair of black dress shoes. His medium length shaggy hair remained mostly the same, aside from his fringe, which had been adjusted to appear as if it were slicked back somewhat using his fingers.
Looking to his right, he saw his reflection in the mirror, running a hand over his recently clean-shaven face, a small smile etching its way onto his face.
"Heh. Not bad," the Dragon Slayer mused, before deciding to test something one of the other Devil's had told him about.
Closing his eyes and concentrating, Natsu thought hard for a moment before opening them again. His eyes widened slightly as he saw he'd adjusted his height all the way down to eight feet.
"Hmm… Maybe a bit taller," he muttered to himself, his height increasing until he was just over nine feet. "Let's go with this."
"Now that you have completed the basics, I have a favor to ask of you," the Archon asked, as Natsu braced himself for the request. "You're friends with the Gods of Terminus, which means they won't attack you if you decide to show up there. Could you go to the Terminus Tribunal and inform them that we, the Archons, are willing to have a face-to-face meeting to discuss a true end to the God and Devil war?"
"Sure,' the Dragon Slayer replied immediately. "How can I say no when it's for peace talks?"
"On behalf of the other Archons, I thank you," the Archon replied gratefully. "Now, time for the big moment! Do you remember how to open a portal?"
"Yeah. I just have to concentrate on exactly where I want to go, and hold out my hand like this as I channel my Aura," Natsu muttered, as a Crimson Red portal manifested before him. "There!"
"Well done," the Archon nodded, as Natsu took several steps toward the portal. "Good luck getting the affairs back in your own world in order, and congratulations on your ascension. We're expecting great things from you…"
"I'll do my best," Natsu smiled, giving the robed Archon a wave, before departing Tartarus for Terminus.
"We know you will, Natsu Dragneel… Believe me, we know."
***POTD***
Walking out the other side of the portal, Natsu realized he was just outside the Council Chambers, the sound of arguing echoing through the cracks. Shaking his head, he took a deep breath and walked right on in as they appeared to be talking about him.
"-risk is well worth the reward, is it not, Lord Xicor?"
All eyes turned toward the Dragon God, who had remained quiet throughout the proceedings. Exhaling audibly, the Dragon God looked toward the Council, giving them a stiff nod.
"The Lords of Creation and Destruction have the right of it. The plan surrounding Natsu Dragneel has come too far along, and cannot be replicated again. I support the idea."
"I'm glad to hear that, Lord Xicor," a new voice chimed in, the doors to the Council Chambers opening to admit a newcomer to its halls. "The position would indeed cleanse The Darkness' influence, as well as granting you all the ability to bring an official end to the hostilities between the Gods and Devils. I'm sure you all desire peace, correct?"
"Impossible," Eliza whispered, slowly rising from her seat. "H-How are you here!?"
"Let me ask you a question Eliza," the figure smirked. "Has the word impossible EVER been applicable?"
"…I don't believe it," the War Goddess muttered, utterly stunned speechless as the figure turned to address the Gods of Creation and Destruction.
"By all means, send a message to the Parliament of Sin and inform them of Lord E.N.D's situation. From there, the wheels of fate shall turn to do the rest…"
"But how are you actually here," one of the God's of Creation asked, which seemed to further amuse the figure.
"Well, it all started like this. First, I took up the seat for my Reality in the Parliament of Sin and was able to recover from what I went through easily enough. I then had to spend two weeks training to better wield Aura, as well as my other abilities, before coming here at the request of the Archons," the newly minted Devil explained, which seemed to amuse Eliza to no end.
"Well now, Elise shall be most surprised at this development," the War Goddess smirked. "Still, congratulations on your ascension Natsu."
"Thanks Eliza. But, getting back onto the topic of why I'm here, I think the answer is rather simple," the Dragon Slayer smiled, looking toward the Gods of Creation and Destruction. "On behalf of the Archons and the Parliament of Sin, I come bearing a message from the Twelve."
"Go ahead, Natsu," one of the Gods of Creation nodded, signalling for him to continue.
"The Twelve Archons wish for a formal meeting between themselves, and the Gods of Creation and Destruction, in person, to organize an official end to the God and Devil War."
"An end to the war!?"
"Are you serious?"
"Well, I wouldn't have strolled on in here if I wasn't, now would I," Natsu replied with a shrug. They understand that the Gods also have no desire to continue the fight, so they want to end it peacefully. They sent me because I've obviously been here before, and you all wouldn't have immediately attacked me on sight."
"Well then, this certainly is quite the development," one of the Gods of Destruction hummed thoughtfully. "A surprise to be sure, but a most welcome one. We shall ensure their olive branch is answered in kind, Natsu."
"Thank you all very much," Natsu replied formally, bowing before the Council, much to the shock of many of the Gods in attendance. "Oh, and Xicor, I need to talk to you about this staff I picked up?"
"You're referring to Dragon Cry," the Dragon God sighed, nodding stiffly. "Keep a hold of it for now, I'm certain you'll need it for something important later on down the line…"
"Wow, how subtle," the Dragon Slayer snickered, shaking his head. "Fine, I'll hold onto it. But anyway, that's all from me, so I'm going back to Earthland now-."
"Actually Natsu, since you're here, I should probably let you know something important," Eliza cut in as she moved closer toward him. "The people of Ishgar now know of your true identity as E.N.D."
"…What's the damage?"
"The vast majority of the population now sees you as a threat," the War Goddess replied grimly. "Thanks to the Magic Council broadcasting your attack on both Oak Town, and the Tartaros Guild, many fear you."
"I see…"
"It isn't unanimous, however, and there are a rather sizeable number who aren't bothered by it. However, unfortunately, Fairy Tail have a rather divided stance on you…"
"Wait, Fairy Tail does?"
"Around seventy percent of them immediately turned on you," the War Goddess replied sadly, seeing the rather disappointed look on his face. "However, those who supported you have launched an assault on the Tartaros Cube, believing you to have been captured by Mard Geer Tartaros."
"Really? Who came to my defense?"
"Erza, Elise, Laxus and the Thunder Legion, Mirajane, Gajeel and also Jellal, Ultear and Meredy. I know those three aren't really a part of Fairy Tail, but they also eagerly joined."
"I won't lie, I'm really happy they're all fighting for me, I can't help but feel a little bit hurt that the others all turned on me," Natsu sighed, shaking his head. "I noticed you didn't mention Gray in the list of people supporting me?"
"Gray is…"
"Calling for my death because I'm the Demon Lord?"
"Yes."
"I thought as much," Natsu sighed, shaking his head.
"On the bright side, your supporters have managed to defeat most of the Demon Gates now, with only Keyes and Silver Fullbuster remaining."
"Silver Fullbuster… Wait, is he the same Silver I read about in Keyes' journals back in Easthearth!?"
"Correct. Silver was revived by Keyes and serves the Tartaros Guild as one of its Nine Demon Gates," Eliza replied. "He is forced to do as Keyes commands, which is why those two now stand at Mard Geer's side as your friends face down the last three Demons aboard the Tartaros Cube."
"I see… I can't believe those guys went that far for me, despite knowing what I am," Natsu smiled slightly, before narrowing his eyes. "The question is though, what should I do from here?"
"What do you mean," Eliza asked, clearly thrown off by his sudden question. "They're your friends, so aren't you going to help them?"
As she asked her question and the Dragon Slayer met her gaze, she could tell that he was somewhat conflicted about approaching them. She knew it likely stemmed about his psychotic break he'd succumbed to earlier, and the subsequent rampage, his fear of their reaction likely giving him pause.
"You know you didn't do anything wrong Natsu? All those Demons, as well as the Dark Mages of Oak Town, they all deserved to die for their crimes…"
"I'm acutely aware of that Eliza, trust me. Its not their deaths I'm concerned with," Natsu replied with a tired sigh. I'm just more worried about that Darkness thing, and that strange Magic it wielded that allowed it to drive me into a blind rage. What if one day I'm in the Guild Hall and it decides to show up and do that again? With these powers I have now, none of them could stop me…"
"Natsu…"
"I'm afraid of losing control like that again Eliza… What if I hurt someone I care about next time? Like Erza, or Wendy?"
"Natsu, you wouldn't hurt any of your loved ones," the War Goddess replied gently. "We know that-."
"Can you be a hundred percent certain of that Eliza? Could you seriously stand there and tell me that, had you not come and taken Wendy away when you did, that she would have lived and not died? Would she have survived my mindless and selfish rampage? Could you promise me that The Darkness won't be able to take hold again if it showed up? The thing literally shattered Igneel's mind just as fast as it did mine, and he's over a millennia old!"
"But Natsu, that's-!"
"The boy has the right to fear such a scenario," one of the Gods of Creation chimed in, having chosen to listen to his concerns from the sidelines until now. "The Darkness is an entity that violates the Rule of Realms, a being that was created to wield Aura and target Zeref's enemies."
"That entity appears to be bound to the same Black Magic Zeref wields, almost like an extension of him," another of the Creation Gods added. "Its true level of power in that form cannot be known at this time."
"Which is why it is good that you recognize the potential for chaos that your newfound abilities provide, Natsu," one of the Destroyer Gods chimed in. "You are now part of the top one percent of combatants in your world now, and the amount of people who have the power to subdue you could be counted on your hands."
"But it is also important to remember that you did not possess the knowledge of Aura that you do now," another Destroyer God added quickly. "Prior to your foray into madness, you had no access to Aura. Now, you may be able to shield your mind from its effects?"
"I suppose that's a fair point," Natsu agreed, before looking back to Eliza. "Even discounting the whole issue with The Darkness, if I were to return now and end Mard Geer, would that really be the right thing to do?"
"W-What!? What are you talking about!?"
"Look at it like this. I could go back there straight away, just as they're about to fight Mard Geer, Silver and Keyes, and I could kill all three of them. Problem solved," Natsu explained, clapping his hands together. "But then, what did any of them gain from that?"
"Gain?"
"What did they gain from me solving the problem for them," Natsu asked, which had Eliza genuinely stumped at what he was saying. "What experience is there to be gained from me swooping in now to save them?"
"W-W-What experience!? Natsu, you can't be serious!? They went there to save you, and you aren't even going to help them!?"
"When I found Wendy at the centre of that town, I thought back to my own childhood. When I ran away all those years ago, its because I wanted to become strong enough to protect everyone I care about. To grow strong enough to fight their battles for them…"
"And you have grown strong-!"
"Yes, I have," Natsu agreed firmly. "I became strong and have begun fighting their battles for them, protecting them like I always wanted. But in doing so, I've realized the hypocrisy of my ultimate goal… By not allowing them to face their own challenges, and swooping in to solve them, I've weakened their own ability to grow stronger."
"Natsu… I understand the core of what you are saying, but-but you can't just expect them to face down a being like Mard Geer without your help!?"
"Of course not," Natsu replied instantly. "I can, and will dispatch Mard Geer."
"Then what is the entire point of your argument!?"
"My point is that I've finally realized the lesson Gildarts always tried and failed to impart to me… The importance of recognizing when its appropriate to step in and protect those closest to you, and when its important to take a step back and let the people you care about thrive on their own…"
"I can't believe what I'm hearing right now… Are you seriously telling me you won't go down there and help them!?"
"That's not what I said, you didn't listen. I already told you that I can, and will, defeat Mard Geer. Just not yet."
"So, you're just going to wait on the sidelines until they're beaten half to death!?"
"Life is tough Eliza, and one doesn't learn by cowering behind one person who can solve all their problems. A person can only learn from experience, and they'll need all the experience they can get if they want to be strong enough to face the Alvarez Empire, Eliza."
"B-But-!"
"I might be powerful now, but I'm just one person. I can't fight the entire Alvarez Empire alone, even with the power of Devil's Aura. But working together as a group, we stand a much better chance," Natsu continued firmly. "I've got a plan for once the whole Tartaros incident is dealt with, so let me-!"
"Shut up," Eliza hissed, going to slap him before managing to withhold her hand at the last moment. "Just go, do whatever you want! I can't even stand to look at you…"
"Real mature Eliza."
"I ought to kill you for this," the War Goddess snarled back. "I don't know what happened in the time we last spoke, but the Natsu I knew would have immediately gone down there and slaughtered that piece of vermin! You've become little more than a coward-!"
Eliza was suddenly cut off as Natsu struck her across the face, sending her flying across the Council Chambers, as she slammed into the massive ornate doors, a shocked look on her face.
"I am no coward, Eliza. The fact that I've accepted its my duty to fight not only Zeref, but Achnologia as well, when there are legions worth of Gods and Devils content to watch over the chaos in my home, is proof of it," Natsu stated coldly, his eyes now glowing Crimson Red. "To call me a coward, after all we've been through, is nothing short of disrespectful and shameful! Do you truly believe I'd let any of them actually die!? Are you truly such a narrow-minded fool that you see me letting them learn and grow a mistake!?"
Extending his right hand, Natsu opened up a Crimson Red portal, his gaze refusing to leave the stunned War Goddess.
"I held a LOT of respect for you. But the moment I stop acting how you like, and begin making my own decisions, you dare turn on me this way… I bet even Elise would be disgusted in your behavior. Because let's be real, that's who you're really mad I'm not rushing in to save, isn't it?"
Shooting the War Goddess one last glare, he turned around and bowed toward the Gods of Creation and Destruction one last time.
"My apologies for the damage. If you'd like, I can return after I've sorted the mess in my home Reality and help repair it."
"Er… That won't be necessary," one of the Gods of Creation replied awkwardly. "You do what you need to do…"
"I thank you," Natsu replied curtly, before marching through the portal without so much as another backward glance in Eliza's direction.
All eyes shifted toward her, as the War Goddess vanished on the spot, leaving behind an utterly shell-shocked Council, who decided to adjourn for the rest of the afternoon.