(Edited 30/07/24)

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

The Fall Of Tartaros

***POTD***

Natsu sighed as he emerged from his portal, appearing high atop a mountain overlooking a rather nice field of flowers. Looking down at his fist, he couldn't help but feel bad about how he'd conducted himself with Eliza.

After all, she was just concerned for the safety of his friends. Just because he was frustrated that she wouldn't listen to what he was saying, didn't mean he had to assault her.

"I'll have to apologize to her later," the newly minted Devil sighed sadly, deciding to just stroll through the flower field for a time. "I just hope she comes to realize that Elise and the others are strong enough to fight their own battles, and don't need me to come in and save them at every turn?"

After several minutes of silent contemplation, he came across a small duck pond. Walking closer, he saw his reflection on the surface of the water, and quickly realized he still had his Devil's Aura active, a set of Crimson Red eyes glaring back at him menacingly.

"Right," he sighed, consciously deactivating it. "I'll have to remember that… Still, that colour of red is rather ominous? A sign of things to come, maybe? How much blood will be spilled before the world knows true peace?"

"True peace will never be achieved, so long as there is even one being who harbours negative emotions toward another, Natsu," the tired voice of Igneel rumbled through his mind, as the Dragon Slayer pushed his consciousness into his mindscape to find the Fire Dragon Monarch. "Been some time, hasn't it?"

"I felt you fall the same time I did," Natsu muttered quietly, noticing Igneel remained lying down, seemingly worn out. "Are you okay?"

"No. That being, The Darkness, forced your Dragonization early," Igneel sighed tiredly. "Your body wasn't really supposed to do that yet, so I had to rapidly channel my own power into you so that neither of us would die."

"I know we fight a lot these days, but… I'm sorry for my weakness, Igneel."

"No, its as the Gods told you," Igneel replied, slightly shaking his head on the ground. "The Darkness is an abomination that wielded a Magic that you stood no chance against at the time. And its like you said, even I had succumb to its influence, despite my advanced age. There was absolutely nothing that could have been done to prevent what happened, Natsu, so be grateful that we survived."

"Well, I suppose you are right," Natsu agreed slowly, placing a hand on the Dragon's nose. "If we got off without any trouble, then it wouldn't have exactly been a trap, would it?"

"Indeed, it wouldn't have," Igneel chuckled lightly, before his visible eye narrowed. "Congratulations on your ascension to becoming a Devil, Natsu."

"Thanks, I guess? Sounds really weird when people congratulate you for becoming the thing most religions deem the worst evil ever, doesn't it?"

"Heh. Yeah…"

"So, you think peace is truly impossible then," Natsu asked, changing the subject.

"True peace is, yes. All beings are born with primal urges, things ingrained into their genes that have been passed down over tens of thousands of years. From the most basic urges to kill, rape and steal, to more refined ones such as torture or mental torment… You cannot deny that mortal beings from all walks of life cannot fall afoul of these things without being kept in check?"

"I think most do a pretty good job and controlling those kinds of urges," Natsu replied thoughtfully. "But I suppose that is a fair point. True peace won't happen, because someone will always want more, which will lead to further negativity. It's… a strange thing to ponder?"

"You've changed Natsu, and I cannot say I'm surprised," Igneel replied, his eye looking over his adopted Son thoughtfully. "The Darkness is a being that disrupts the balance of the mind, a process you've overcome. As a result, you have grown stronger mentally, and become a little more refined and reserved. That's at least in my own opinion, anyway."

"You think so?"

"Oh yes. Being able to understand that you cannot always be there for your friends is the first step in being able to finally move on from the deaths of those you've already lost," Igneel replied knowingly. "For far too long have you toiled over the likes of Lisanna Strauss, Princess Serenity and your other friends in the Scarlione Empire…"

"I know… Letting go of my desire to protect them all is hard, but it has to be done. I've been thinking about that stuff The Darkness spoke of before I went off to save Wendy… It sounds like I won't be around much longer, so they'll need to grow strong enough to shoulder the world I plan on giving them."

"I was wondering if you'd given any thought to its cryptic words? Indeed, I do believe it prudent to prepare for the possibility of your impending death," Igneel agreed. "For now, keep that knowledge to yourself, because it may ultimately not come to pass."

"Yeah, I thought the same thing. But still, it seemed so random for him to blurt all that out," Natsu mused, as he looked down at his reflection in the pond again. "I think there was truth to his words…"

"I have to admit, I don't think I can refer to, or treat you like a brat anymore," Igneel sighed. "It takes a special kind of strength to know the possibility of your own death is approaching, yet you choose to prioritize the well-being of your friends and family instead. I'm rather proud of you, Natsu…"

"Well, now I just feel plain old flattered," Natsu laughed lightly. "To think that you'd give me such praise!? I don't think I've ever heard more than two whole sentences of niceties out of you in my entire life up until now that were this genuine!?"

"Y-Yeah, well… I wouldn't go hoping for it to become a habit," Igneel scoffed, looking away from Natsu's cheeky grin. "I'm still much older, wiser and all around better than you! So don't think you're done with me yet, because there's still so much to learn!"

"I get it, no need to get so worked up," Natsu chuckled, exiting his mindscape. "I don't doubt there's tonnes of things for you to teach me."

"Now that you're a Devil, and we're probably going to spend a lot of time on the road, I'd say another visit to Draconia will be in order," Igneel replied, which intrigued Natsu.

"Draconia?"

"Yeah. Now that you're a Devil, no point in keeping your abilities stagnant, is there? I'm planning on guiding you to the Temple of the Fire Dragon Clan so that you can become a Fire Dragon Monarch, like me."

"Are you serious…?"

"I am. However, your test will be a tough one, but one I think is fitting if you want to overcome threats like Zeref and Achnologia in the future. But that's for AFTER we deal with this whole Tartaros mess…"

"Sounds like a plan then," Natsu nodded stiffly, before looking down at his reflection once again. "You know how I've been reflecting on my actions the past two weeks?"

"Don't remind me. That was the last crap I wanted to have to filter through when I regained consciousness in here…"

"Ah… Well, my bad Igneel. Anyway, I've been thinking about my relationship with Erza, and also thinking about how I might not be around much longer…"

"You finally planning on using that thing then," Igneel asked, as Natsu summoned a small red box from his Requip Space that was the size of his palm. "That cost you quite a fortune to make."

"Considering the effects on it, of course it did," Natsu chuckled in reply. "Do you think Erza would be mad if…?"

"How should I know? Do I look like I understand Human mating customs!?"

"And there's the shitty Father I remember," Natsu replied bluntly, though there was no malice in his words. "Gildarts used to say you'd know when the time was right, but the time isn't ever right for me…"

"Now you're just bordering on moping Natsu."

"Fair," Natsu agreed, opening a portal to his right. "Before I deal with Mard Geer though, I have to check on her…"

He sensed Igneel hum in agreement from within him, as he slowly stepped through the portal. The Dragon Monarch could sense that this was going to be a critical moment in Natsu's development, and wisely decided not to interfere.

As they vanished from the side of the pond, the Dragon Monarch lamented on the past, and how his chosen Human would go on to shape the future.

Only time would tell…

***POTD***

Natsu emerged from his portal in the back corner of the infirmary inside the Fairy Tail Guild Hall. His steps were heavy as he walked out from the bedside he'd emerged from, looking out the window to see the sun was beginning to set on the horizon.

The sound of someone clearing their throat brought a small smile to his face, as he looked to his right and saw Porlyusica staring at him. The old woman didn't seem any more upset by his presence than usual, which was enough for him.

"My apologies Porlyusica. I know you can't stand troublesome Humans, so I won't be too long," the Dragon Slayer murmured, before meeting her gaze with a firm one of his own. "Then again, I'm sure you already have heard the news surrounding me?"

"You do realize I only say Humans because they are the most common life-form I'll be running into around here," Porlyusica responded with a sigh, before shaking her head. "Still, I suppose out of all life-forms… I'd consider you to be one of the better ones."

Natsu wisely didn't make any sort of joking remark at her words, merely giving her a slight dip of the head as a thank you, as the old woman continued to speak.

"I'm told you're the one who came to young Wendy's rescue, and found her in this state," Porlyusica said, not looking for any sort of confirmation of the fact. "The others can say what they like about you, but it doesn't change the history of all the good you've done for this world."

"Unfortunately, I don't write the history books Porlyusica, so I doubt my contributions will remain a matter of public record for long?"

"History may be written by the victors Natsu, but who decided that the Magic Council were the victors," the old woman countered evenly, eliciting the slightest raise of his eyebrows, as he considered her words. "Though the people today believe what the Council says, let's not forget that Chairman Org and his allies aren't well liked by the people, even more so after the events in Crocus."

"That's actually a very valid point," Natsu agreed, as he stepped closer to the bed, his eyes falling on the heavily sedated and bandaged form of Wendy. "How is she?"

"If Wendy hadn't been conditioned to survive harsh treatment by you, and wasn't a Slayer, she'd undoubtedly be dead right now," Porlyusica replied plainly. "The damage the Demons have done to her body will leave her bedridden for weeks, though she will physically recover."

"I see… The damage?"

"Four shattered ribs, cracked pelvis, broken legs, shattered right kneecap, shattered fingers in her left hand, dislocated shoulders, cracked collarbone, fractured skull on the forehead. Her left eye needs to be covered and treated, and even then, it may need to be replaced with an artificial one like Erza's. Her skin is naturally going to be scarred in many places, her hands and feet especially thanks to the stakes that went through them-."

"But she will be able to return to normal after this, right?"

"…Natsu?"

"What?"

"I'm going to tell you something, and you are to never tell anyone about this," the old woman muttered, slowly rising to her feet. "Swear to me you will not repeat this to anyone!"

"I swear on my life I won't tell a soul what you're about to tell me, Porlyusica," Natsu replied immediately, somewhat surprising the old woman, before she began to actually laugh, something he'd never seen her do in his entire life.

"Honestly… Very well. You know me as Porlyusica, an old member of Fairy Tail, yes?"

"That's the story gramps always told us, yeah?"

"That is the story I requested to be told," Porlyusica explained. "In truth, my name… is Grandina."

"Gran… Wait, you mean Grandina the-?"

"The Sky Dragon Monarch, yes," the old woman replied firmly. "Although, not the one young Wendy knows…"

"So you're Grandina, but you're not Wendy's Grandina…? So, does that mean you're the Grandina from Edolas then?"

"Correct," the old woman replied, seemingly pleased at not having to explain the specifics. "I won't bore you with my history, because it isn't relevant. What matters, is how this benefits young Wendy's recovery process."

"Okay," Natsu nodded, interested to hear what she had to say.

"To put it simply, I can communicate with the Grandina of Earthland, whom I'm led to believe you are aware is sealed within young Wendy?"

"Yeah, I'm aware."

"Good. Now, this ability to communicate allows me to sync with her whilst I'm touching young Wendy, allowing me to harness her Healing Arts as if they were my own…"

"That's actually brilliant," Igneel spoke within Natsu's mind, genuinely impressed.

"With access to Grandina's Healing Arts, and her Magic Reserves, I can heal the horrific damage she's suffered to a degree. The scarring will, as you know, unfortunately remain."

"Porlyusica… Even being able to ensure Wendy can function normally after all of this is more than anyone could have asked for," Natsu replied sincerely, genuinely shocking the old woman, who had braced herself for him to demand more on her part. "Please, do all that you can!"

"D-Don't bow before me," Porlyusica hissed, as the Dragon Slayer bowed low, thanking her profusely which brought a slight blush to her face. "S-Stop that!"

"Sorry. I just want you to understand just how grateful I am for this," Natsu continued, ceasing his bow. "Even if her eye ends up needing to be replaced, I'm forever grateful. If you need anything-!"

"I get it! Cut it out with the constant platitudes!"

"S-Sorry," Natsu chuckled awkwardly, before looking back to Wendy. "I just want her to be alright after this…"

"I can fix the physical damage with the Earthland Grandina's help. But what I can't fix will be her mental state," Porlyusica continued as she tried to compose herself. "Even prior to this incident, several members of Fairy Tail had reported some slightly odd behaviour on her part, likely owed to the trauma she's suffered up until then. But now…"

"I get it. We'll cross that road when we get to it," Natsu sighed, kneeling down at her bedside as he gently ran his thumb over her slightly exposed cheek.

"I assume you'll be promptly heading out to butcher the filth that committed this deed?"

"Shortly, yes. Ultimately, the blame for her condition lies with me, since I was E.N.D and didn't tell anyone. Tartaros seemed to know this fact, and they kidnapped Wendy because they knew she was perfect bait to lure me in with," Natsu replied tiredly. "If I had come forward earlier, perhaps Wendy could have been spared such torture…?"

"Dwelling on such potential realities is meaningless," the old woman sniffed, shaking her head. "The deed is done, and young Wendy lies broken here. What matters now are your actions going forward, and understanding just how much weight you have on this world, and those closest to you."

"I get it. Believe me, I've had a long think about how to conduct myself from here…"

"So, what do you plan on doing once you inevitable crush Tartaros?"

"Well, most of Fairy Tail have shown their true colours, so I can't exactly stay here in Magnolia and cause trouble for Makarov, especially since I'm a wanted criminal," Natsu replied calmly, as he slowly stood back up. "There are worse threats looming on the horizon though, so I'll likely need to disappear for some time and prepare."

"I see. And I take it you haven't informed any of your friends who did ultimately side with you about your plans?"

"Not yet. They're currently raiding the Tartaros Cube, having slaughtered most of the Demon Gates by now and looking to face Mard Geer and any of his followers who remain."

"So, you plan on telling them after the battle is concluded, then?"

"Yes."

"And what of young Wendy here," Porlyusica asked curiously. "What will you tell her?"

"I don't think it's a good idea if I tell her in person," Natsu began, as he summoned a small Lacrima Crystal from his Requip Space. "Instead, I've got a message for her I've left on this. It's both some words for her, as well as the location of where I'm leaving something important for her…"

"Considering what she's been through… A rather bold move, wouldn't you agree?"

"I feel like I'd just be stating the obvious at this point, but its clear that what little remained of Wendy's chances at childhood have been completely shattered. All I can do for her now is forge her anew, like Gildarts did for me…"

"If that is what you choose to do, I won't interfere," Porlyusica sighed, her attention turning back toward the unconscious girl. "When should I give it to her?"

"Once you think she's in a healthy enough state of mind, and of course, when she's mostly through her recovery."

"Very well. You have my word she'll receive this Natsu."

"Thank you, Porlyusica," Natsu replied gratefully, opening up a portal. "I won't take up any more of your precious time-."

Natsu froze as he felt a hand on his shoulder, the old woman moving with a swiftness that belied her age, lending credence to her claim to being Grandina from Edolas.

"I doubt you care much for the words of an old crone such as myself, but… For what its worth Natsu, I'm truly sorry things ended up this way for you," Porlyusica whispered, as Natsu felt a sudden tenseness within his chest. "As childish as you wanting to run off with Gildarts to grow stronger for your friends ultimately was, it reminded me of simpler times."

"Really," Natsu asked, not looking back to face her.

"It did. It reminded me of the old days, back when I was in a Team alongside Makarov, and how we'd all gallivant about the place proclaiming ourselves as the strongest team of heroes, fighting for justice in Fiore and beyond… Those days are long gone now but… I see your struggles Natsu, and how the times have changed for the worst for this world."

Natsu finally managed to work up the courage to turn back to face Porlyusica, his eyes widening in shock at the old woman's face.

"You might be the Demon Lord, but you've got more heart than any other Human I've ever known. Know that I'll be praying for things to ultimately work out for you in the end because… You're one of the few good ones left."

"I… Thank you, Porlyusica," Natsu smiled kindly, as the old woman let him walk through the portal, right as the doors to the infirmary burst open.

"Porlyusica! That Magical Signature I felt just now, that was him-!?"

Porlyusica stilled as Makarov barged in, before slowly turning to face the man she had once fought alongside so many years ago. She watched as his face morphed into one of shock.

"P-Porlyusica…?"

The old woman was crying, tears streaming down her face as she looked toward the hand that had been placed on Natsu's shoulder mere moments ago. A scowl overcame her features as she heard the rest of the Guild outside partying as if nothing was wrong, her hand clenching into a fist, her whole arm shaking.

"This is why I curse Humans Makarov… Humans and their damnable ignorance!"

Without another word, she stalked back over toward Wendy's bedside, continuing her silent vigil, leaving the Guild Master to understand the silent message she'd conveyed through her words.

Change was coming, and the days of relaxation and parties would soon come to an end. Fairy Tail was about to change, and he didn't know just who would survive the encroaching storm…"

***POTD***

"I still can't really believe it," Gildarts muttered, tossing the newspaper aside as if it were contaminated. "After everything he's done for this shitty world, THIS is how he's treated!?"

"Era is in chaos. The Magic Council want him dead because they think he's been manipulating them the whole time, the Wizard Saints are all bailing because none of them want to fight him… Fiore is cracking, Gildarts."

"And you? You're a Wizard Saint too, right?"

"And?"

"What are you gonna do?"

"Tell that cunt Org to go stick his orders up his ass, that's what! Fuck them and their agenda against Natsu!"

"Heh. I wondered where that mouth went," the Crash Mage chuckled to himself as he looked up across the campfire to see Ur tearing into some roasted venison. "Jokes aside though, I'm glad you aren't gonna be against him."

"What do you take me for? Natsu did a lot to help me back when we first met, all because I was just Gray's Master. But he became a good friend, someone I'd dare even call one of my closest friends, actually…"

"He has that effect on people, doesn't he?"

"Heh. Yeah, he does," Ur agreed with a sad smile. "He didn't even bat an eye when we learned Deliora was alive and inside me. He supported me, helped me out in a time I had nothing to my name and no one I could turn to… E.N.D or no, I'm on his side."

"He's gonna need all the friends he can get at this point," Gildarts replied, grateful for her support. "He's got the same SSSSS Rank status as Achnologia and Zeref now, so he's gonna have scores of idiots trying to kill him."

"None of them will succeed," Ur sniffed in response. "I mean, he tied with God Serena back in Crocus, and obviously he was holding back his Demon abilities while doing it, right?"

"I am curious about that actually," the Crash Mage hummed thoughtfully in response. "I was with him for a whole decade, yet he never even showed the slightest signs of being a Demon? I just rightly don't get how I could miss something as big as that?"

"I mean, the answer is rather simple, isn't it?"

Both Gildarts and Ur were startled, as Natsu walked right into their camp, his height far shorter than they remembered, and his appearance much more refined.

"N-Natsu!?"

"Hey Ur, thanks for the support."

"Y-You heard all that, huh," the Ice Make Mage asked awkwardly. "Ehehehehe…"

"Relax, I won't make fun of you for any of what you said," Natsu replied with a wave of his hand as he sat down alongside them. "You guys wouldn't know, but around seventy percent of the Guild want me dead."

"Wait, seriously?"

"You're joking!?"

"Nope," Natsu replied, shaking his head. "Most of them immediately turned on me the moment the news broke."

"What the Hell," Gildarts sighed, running a hand through his hair as Natsu looked toward Ur.

"From what I've heard, Gray is in with them too."

"…I see. Seems I was right to conceal my new Demonic side from him," Ur replied sadly. "I honestly expected better from him?"

"His hatred toward Demons defines a part of who he is as a person, you know that. He could never stand them after what they did to his family…"

"True."

"Speaking of Demons though," Gildarts cut in, attempting to change the subject. "Did you know the whole time we've known each other that you were E.N.D?"

"No. I only found out I was E.N.D toward the end of our return trip to Scarlione," Natsu replied honestly. "That's how I managed to beat Harbinger Famine. Gramps found out during the Grand Magic Games when one of the Leichart Twelve ran me through with her scythe and I was forced to regenerate."

"And in all that time, you didn't once think to tell anyone else?"

"Would you have told anyone if you were in my place Gildarts," Natsu shot back immediately. "E.N.D is basically the ultimate monster to Humans. What chance would I reasonably have choosing who to confide in? The reaction the country is having right now is proof enough, isn't it?"

"I-I suppose that's true…"

"Natsu's right. The Council only allowed me to keep my Wizard Saint position after they found out because I was serving their interests. Now that I'm not, won't be long before I'm also being targeted," Ur chimed in, supporting Natsu's argument.

"Remember what you taught me Gildarts? Lesson number thirty-seven, always conceal your true power to throw off the enemy. Lie about your full power and strike swiftly when they least expect it to secure victory? Or how about lesson number forty-five, never reveal information about yourself that you believe would compromise yourself, or your allies?"

"I get it Natsu," the older man sighed tiredly. "I suppose I shouldn't exactly carry on too much. After all, I bailed shortly after we got back from Scarlione, so I wouldn't have been there for you to tell me regardless, would I?"

"Heh. Typical Gildarts," Ur joked, playfully nudging him with her elbow. "Who's a deadbeat? You are! Yes you are-!"

"Shut up Ur! That aside, I want you to know that I'm not against you Natsu, neither is Ur. The two of us will have your back if you ever need help, even if its against the rest of the Guild."

"Which I'm pretty damn pissed off about by the way," Ur growled, cracking her knuckles menacingly. "I'm tempted to head on down there and start knocking some sense into them!"

"I've got to get going to go help the few who do support me face down Mard Geer," Natsu sighed, slowly rising to his feet. "But I wanted to speak to you both and know what you both thought of me. Oh, and Gildarts?"

"Yeah?"

"I finally understand that lesson you taught me about helping the others grow stronger," the Dragon Slayer smiled, eliciting a raised eyebrow from the older man.

"Did you now? I recall that lesson not really sticking too much?"

"It didn't, at least not until I nearly lost everything trying to handle too much on my own," Natsu smiled sadly, with the two experienced Mages shooting him sympathetic smiles. "Thanks again guys for your support, I'll see you both around…"

Natsu gave the pair a wave before opening a portal and departing, leaving the pair to contemplate the Dragon Slayer, and the new revelations he'd brought with him.

"I think it might be wise for us to avoid Magnolia for a while," Gildarts mused, with Ur immediately agreeing with him.

"How about you and me take on a few Decade Quests? Take our mind off of all this?"

"You actually wanna team up with me again," the Crash Mage asked with a raised eyebrow. "Seriously?"

"I think you and I have squabbled enough," Ur laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Sure, I had some beef with you a few years back for perving on me, but things are different now."

"Different is a bit of an understatement…"

"You know what I mean. I've been thinking about doing some jobs with you again, just like the old days when we first met on that one job?"

"I don't recall that job being a pleasant memory," the Crash Mage replied, as he remembered back to when the pair first met.

"What someone defines as pleasant is a matter of perspective."

"I mean, I don't know anyone else who thinks watching some strange beat the shit out of their ex-Husband is pleasant?"

"You doing that opened a lot of doors for me, so it's a pleasant memory for me," Ur replied quietly, looking into the fire as if she were looking right at the memory. "Still, that aside…"

"I'm happy to go if you are?"

"Nice!"

"I'll head into Magnolia once we get back and quickly grab the quests so we can bounce before the Council tries to bail either of us up."

"Sounds like a plan," Ur smiled, as the pair finished off their dinner before turning in for an early night, knowing full well they had a lot of work to do starting tomorrow.

***POTD***

Seilah had led Mira and Erza to the Tartaros throne room, where Mard Geer had been waiting alongside Keyes and Silver. The Demon Lord didn't seem overly concerned by their presence, though he was mildly annoyed at Seilah's betrayal.

"So, after hundreds of years of service, this is how you choose to die, Seilah?"

"Your foolishness ends tonight, Mard Geer," the Demoness replied coldly. "Lord E.N.D is the one who stands at the pinnacle of our kind, and the one I owe my true loyalty to!"

"I see. Truthfully, I've always had my suspicions about you ever since we first met. Unlike the others, you always did have far more independence, and a knack for defiance."

"I could say the same about you," Seilah scoffed. "What part of Lord Zeref's plan involved trying to prevent Natsu from returning to Earthland so you could usurp his position as the true Demon Lord?"

"The part where I decided to strike out on my own," the Demon Lord smirked evilly, as both Keyes and Silver moved themselves to stand ahead of him. "I've grown rather tired of taking orders from Lord Zeref's lackey, that old Human Varnik… The Etherious are superior, and should be the ones making all the decisions!"

"You're an even greater fool than I'd predicted," the Demoness replied sharply. "Before Lord Zeref assigned Varnik here, you were content to rampage about Ishgar and doing as you pleased, nearly risking our destruction!"

"As is our right! No Human can truly match the might of the Etherious! It is our right to take this planet as our own, to rule over the inferior Humans as their Lords and Masters-!"

"You're delusional Mard Geer," Erza boldly cut in, slightly annoying the Demon Lord. "Your kind have been matched and killed by Humans before! Even now, your Demon Gates are being slain by Humans!"

"Kill them? Foolish woman, an Etherious is never truly slain," Mard Geer laughed mockingly. "Isn't that right, Keyes!?"

"Indeed, Lord Mard Geer," the skeletal Demon Gate replied with a curt nod. "Once Project Immortalis was completed, it secured we Etherious a path of true immortality beyond Lord Zeref-!"

A massive explosion below them had everyone stumbling slightly, the Cube tilting even further to the left, as the lights in the area cut out.

"Perhaps not quite as secure as you'd thought, eh, Keyes," the armored man joked, as he suddenly vanished, reappearing behind Keyes with a sword made of ice, cleaving the Demon Gate's head clean in two. "You scum…"

One Of The Nine Demon Gates Of Tartaros

Overseer Of The Ninth Circle

The Gate Of Treachery

SSS Rank Dark Mage

The Lord Of Absolute Zero

Silver Fullbuster

Mard Geer didn't even react as Keyes was cut down before him, seemingly not overly bothered by the betrayal of a second of his Nine Demon Gates. At the most, he simply clicked his tongue, almost appearing bored by it.

"You too, Silver?"

"Now seems as good of a time as any, doesn't it," the man joked, his left eye beginning to glow Crimson Red. "Its time this sick farce ended, and Tartaros be destroyed!"

"Heh. Hehehehe… HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Erza and Mira seemed taken aback by Mard Geer, as the Demon Lord roared with laughter. Even as he lost everything from his mobile Guild Hall, his Nine Demon Gates, and soon his own life, he laughed it off as if it were of no concern?

"So, this is how its going to be? Very well, I'll allow it," the Demon Lord smirked, as a small explosion went off in the far-left corner of the room.

Emerging from the hole was a thoroughly soaked Gajeel, along with the corpse of Torafuzar, part of his chest missing entirely.

"Fuckin slimy sewer shit water," the Dragon Slayer grunted, before noticing where he was. "Gihi! Guess I made it right on time…"

Another explosion off to the right preceded the massive form of Ezel, as his body smashed into the throne room roof, his head partially torn off and a look of horror on his face.

"Phew! Almost worked up a sweat with that one," Elise laughed, leaping up through the hole and landing near Erza, Mira and Seilah. "Oh, I made it! Um, I assume she's on our side?"

"I'd say that's pretty obvious," the voice of Laxus called out, as he walked in casually from behind them, his purple dress shirt slightly scuffed up. "I sent the Thunder Legion back to the entrance since they got hit a bit hard by another one of these guys."

"Did they take him out," Erza asked curiously, prompting a curt nod from the Lightning Dragon Slayer.

"Of course they did, what do you take them for?"

"Heh. My mistake Laxus," the Requip Mage smirked, as Jellal suddenly flashed into the room in a jet of golden light.

"The Thunder Legion are okay, Ultear and Meredy are looking after them."

"Guess we're all that's gonna be here then," Gajeel noted, as all eyes moved first toward Silver, then Mard Geer himself.

"So, this is the best Fairy Tail can muster? I'm almost offended…"

"Don't underestimate us," Erza shouted boldly in response. "We'll not fall to the likes of you!"

"Oi, don't go getting cocky," Silver spoke up, as he looked over his shoulder toward the Requip Mage. "Even with Seilah and I, that doesn't even the odds…"

"Wait, what?"

"Silver is correct," Seilah agreed, as Mard Geer slowly began to rise from his throne, an amused smirk on his face. "There's a reason why he's proclaimed as a Demon Lord, instead of a regular Demon…"

"That's right," Mard Geer smirked, the entire room suddenly becoming flooded by a malicious aura, filled with killing intent. "I'm the Demon Lord, Mard Geer Tartaros, one of Zeref's ultimate creations!"

Everyone took a step back as Crimson Red Aura exploded from his form, the Demon Lord's eyes turning the same coloration. Elise immediately jumped in front of the group, activating her God's Aura as a Galaxy Blue hue enveloped them all.

Fatal Battle

Three Dark Lords, Bharam Alliance

Mard Geer Tartaros

"Steady yourselves, he's trying to break your will using the passive effect from Devil's Aura!"

"A wielder of God's Aura," Mard Geer chuckled as a set of long, black Demon wings emerged from his back. "Even more fun for me…"

Mard Geer Tartaros (Devil's Aura + Suppressed + Base Form) – 13.77 Billion MPI

Everyone began preparing for Mard Geer as they began transforming. Mirajane entered her Sitri Take Over form, Laxus and Gajeel entered the Dragon Force. Elise entered her War God's Champion state and Erza Requiped into her Armor Of The Scarlet Dragon.

"Hehehehe… I can see why the Humans consider Fairy Tail to be the strongest," Mard Geer taunted, flapping his wings once to hover slightly off the ground. "But let me assure you, that your legacies shall find themselves buried here, along with Dragneel's own…"

Mard Geer vanished, instantly appearing right at the centre of the group as Elise, Laxus, Jellal and Seilah, all moved to strike him.

The Demon Lord smirked as everything moved in slow motion for him. Flipping slowly to the left, he knocked Laxus' punch off course, before kicking the Dragon Slayer in the cheek, with the same foot then landing atop Jellal's, whilst he caught Elise's punch and took Seilah's directly with his forehead.

In an instant, Laxus was blasted across the hall, with Jellal being blasted back three seconds later, as his pinned arm jerked his body forward right as Mard Geer's follow up kick struck his left side, causing him to hit the ground hard.

"Foolish," the Demon Lord smirked, as he grabbed Seilah by the wrist and picked up both girls, before throwing them up into the roof.

The pair smashed into the ceiling, bouncing off before coming back down to receive brutal blows to the stomach, again being knocked up into the roof only to this time find themselves stuck there.

His wings immediately shielded his body, as Silver began firing a volley of razor-sharp light crimson ice shards at him. Flaring them once again, he dashed forward, striking the Demon in the chest so hard his body lurched forward, before being brutally blasted down onto the lower level.

The Demon Lord then vanished once again, grabbing Gajeel by the tail and slamming him into the far wall whilst blocking several blows from Sitri and Erza, catching the latter's sword in-between his index and middle fingers.

"This is the gap between us," the Demon Lord laughed, grabbing both Erza and Sitri's heads and slamming them together, before flashing away as Jellal tried to land a blow on him from behind.

The blue-haired Mage only found failure though, as Mard Geer grabbed him and slammed him into Erza and Sitri, his wings furling to block a dual attack from Laxus and Elise on either side, whilst pinning down the three ahead of him.

"Is this the best you have to offer," the Demon Lord taunted darkly. "This… is pathetic!"

Flaring his wings, Elise and Laxus were blown back as Mard Geer kicked away Laxus before sweeping his right arm outward, the ground itself rising up and knocking Erza and Sitri off to the right as the Crimson Red Aura around him flared even brighter than before.

"At least give me a decent warm up," Mard Geer smirked, seeing the shocked group struggling to stand. "Pathetic!"

"Damn it… The gap can't be THIS wide," Erza gasped as she shakily rose to her knees. "He's completely destroying us…"

"Of course he is," Seilah grunted, landing next to her as she rolled Sitri over and helped her to sit up. "Mard Geer isn't lying when he says that he's one of Zeref's ultimate creations… He's one of the few like me Lord Zeref ever deemed a success…"

"So, what should we do then," Erza asked, as she watched Laxus and Jellal be brutally struck in the chest as Mard Geer performed a fly kick, sending them flying across the room.

"I have a plan," Seilah muttered in reply, as Silver dragged himself up through the hole, blood coating his chin, despite his tired grin.

"What's the plan?"

"Sitri and I will hang back and prepare an attack, whilst the rest of you do what you can to line up Mard Geer for us to hit him," Seilah muttered, with Silver seemingly understanding what was going to happen.

"I can keep him pinned for a short time with my Ice Devil Slayer Magic. His Devil's Aura is incredibly strong, so it won't last for more than ten seconds, but that should be more than enough time."

"Alright then, let's do it," Erza huffed, dragging herself to her feet along with Silver, leaving Seilah and Sitri to hang back.

Charging Mard Geer from the side, Erza attempted to slash at him, only for the Demon Lord to easily sidestep her strike, quickly kneeing her in the stomach and swatting her aside. However, that was just as distraction, as he was then just barely able to dodge Silver, who had conjured an ice sword, which brought a small frown to his face.

"Silver, you-."

Mard Geer growled as Jellal kicked him in the back of the head, distracting him just long enough for Laxus to kick him in the back of his knee, which had the Demon Lord stumbling ever so slightly.

"Grr-!"

Before Mard Geer could voice his frustrations, Elise came down from above, her fist cocked back with an absurd amount of God's Aura and War God Slayer Magic around it.

"God's Aura: War God's Armageddon Fist!"

Striking him atop the head, Mard Geer's body flipped, his head being smashed through the floor as the metal flooring suddenly shot out and began encasing him in a makeshift binding of sorts, courtesy of Gajeel, who had both hands outstretched.

"DO IT BLONDIE!"

"On it," Laxus roared, vanishing in a flash and reappearing near the roof, his lower half replaced with raw lightning. "Let's see how you like THIS!"

Flipping himself upside down, his entire body slowly morphed into a bolt of lightning, as Jellal appeared next to him, grabbing onto it with his hands covered in True Heavenly Body Magic.

"This is risky, but it's the best idea I've got! Hold on Laxus," the blue-haired Mage shouted, extending his free hand as he formed a large golden Magic Circle, followed by several others in rapid succession behind it.

He slowly inserted the lightning bolt form of Laxus directly into the center, keeping his grip onto it as he slowly began floating further and further backward, the Magic Circles themselves appearing to stretch along with him.

"All of you, stand clear," Jellal roared, as the others quickly started running. "Let's do this Laxus! Unison Raid: Lightning Dragon's True Heavenly Judgement Arrow!"

Suddenly releasing the lightning form of Laxus, it was fired at Mard Geer's position, traversing the distance in the blink of an eye thanks to the Magic Circles amplifying both its power, and its speed.

The attack homed in on the metal, striking Mard Geer directly, as a deafening bang shattered the walls of the Tartaros Cube, and temporarily blinding everyone present.

As Jellal slowly dropped down from where he'd fired the attack, his vision began to return, noticing Laxus had returned to his base form and was completely unconscious. Gajeel had immediately moved in to grab him, as Mard Geer's form was currently flying up into the air from the explosion, a furious look on his face.

"You Humans," the Demon Lord snarled, his body only suffering a few minor scratches at best. "How dare you-!"

"Devil's Aura: Ice Devil's Prison!"

Mard Geer suddenly found himself frozen, the air around him immediately turning to crimson colored ice, courtesy of Silver's Ice Devil Slayer Magic. The Demon Lord then sensed a monstrous amount of power from across the room, his eyes shifting just in time to see Sitri and Seilah with an attack of their own.

'So, that's their game…'

"Get ready Sitri, we only have one shot at this," Seilah shouted, as she held out her right hand which held a solid sphere of Dark Magic in it.

"I know," the other Demoness huffed in reply, wielding an identical sphere of Dark Magic. "Let's do this!"

The ice surrounding Mard Geer suddenly cracked, the top half of his body freeing itself as he began to break free, much to the shock of even Silver himself, as less than five seconds had passed.

"That won't be enough-!"

Mard Geer was promptly silenced, as Elise grabbed onto him from behind, pinning his arms behind his back as she wrapped both her arms and legs around him tightly.

"HURRY UP AND FIRE THE DAMN THING!"

Without even sparing a moment, Seilah and Sitri pushed their separate attacks together, forming a much greater one that quickly morphed into a massive ball of swirling Dark Magic. The attack rapidly expanded to encompass both their hands, as they brought them out in front of each other, the ground beneath them cracking from the power behind it.

"Unison Raid: Etherious Aura - Double Etherious Dark Stream Of Destruction!"

The entire area behind them was blown away, as the pair fired the monstrously large blast of raw Dark Magic in Mard Geer and Elise's direction. The attack eclipsed them instantly, blowing another gaping hole into the Cube.

The others barely managed to dodge it in time, praying that the attack would be enough to put the Demon Lord down. As it faded, the team were shocked to see the condition of Elise, her body having been ripped apart by the attack as she staggered forward, coughing up blood.

"This…probably isn't the time for jokes…but…holey shit…hehehe...get it…eughshit…"

Elise collapsed, blood splattering the floor around her as she fell unconscious. Erza rushed toward her, scooping up the grievously injured God Slayer in her arms, thankful that her form was regenerating, albeit at a much slower rate than normal.

But then, that was when she heard the sound of footsteps, and froze…

The rest of the group looked past Erza and into the smoke, as the shadow of Mard Geer slowly emerged from its murky depths. Though he had clearly been injured by the attack, the group certainly didn't call it a win, as they were at best a few major gashes, and many minor scratches. Nothing close to what they had hoped to inflict upon the Demon Lord.

"I will give you Humans credit, I hadn't expected such resistance," Mard Geer spoke calmly, his wings flaring to dispel the rest of the smoke around him. "You've done well to reach this point, but the games end here…"

"You monster," Erza hissed, laying Elise down as she pointed her blade at the Demon Lord. "Just give us back Natsu!"

"Foolish woman, why would I do that just because you demand it of me? Natsu now resides in the realm of Demons and Devils where he belongs. So really, you should be thanking me for banishing him from Earthland!"

"He will return, Mard Geer," Seilah cut in sharply, moving to stand next to Erza. "And once he does return, you'll die!"

"I've had just about enough of your prattling Seilah, you little traitor," Mard Geer snarled, losing his cool somewhat as he suddenly grabbed Seilah by the neck, lifting her up of the ground as she struggled against his grip.

"He's…stronger than you'll ever be," the Demoness gasped, glaring down defiantly at the Demon Lord.

"So, you continue to persist in this foolishness Seilah and choose to side with Humanity? If only your loyal were placed in far more capable hands, you'd have become a great harbinger of chaos, just as Lord Zeref intended…"

"That…isn't what I'd ever want," Seilah gasped out, clawing at his arm. "My only desire, is to serve Natsu as…as his loyal servant!"

"So be it Seilah," Mard Geer snarled, his power suddenly spiking as he swatted away an attack from Silver effortlessly. "Like them, you too have sealed your fate!"

Vanishing, Mard Geer reappeared behind Silver and put his free hand through the Demon's chest, lifting him up off the ground before throwing both of them across the room.

"Two Slayers down, the rest of you shall soon follow in their wake," Mard Geer snarled, taking one step and appearing right in front of Gajeel, blasting him through the floor before grabbing Jellal and throwing him through the roof. "Once I've beaten you all, I shall use you to create the next generation of the Nine Demon Gates! To do so shall be the final slap in the face to the false Demon Lord E.N.D, as he is slain by his former comrades!"

"Y-You're an even bigger fool if you think that would work," Seilah snapped, slowly rising from Silver's downed form, the man no longer able to move. "The connection Humans share cannot be severed so easily! This is the lesson all Demons were bestowed from Lord Zeref first and foremost! The connections in their hearts allows them to strive to ever greater heights, in spite of oppressive forces such as you!"

"You dare speak of the Human heart to me, Seilah, when you yourself aren't even Human," Mard Geer snarled. "Pathetic! We Demons were bron free of such restrictions, and look at what power it has granted us! Look at the amount of progress we can make unburdened by such base emotions and limitations!"

"And that, Mard Geer, is why Lord E.N.D is proclaimed to be Lord Zeref's greatest success," Seilah sighed sadly. "A Demon born with a Human heart, the ability to forge bonds, and the capability to fight for beliefs the way Humans do. It has propelled him to a level you can never hope to reach. Cease these foolish delusions that banishing him to Tartarus will save you from his wrath, for he WILL return to destroy you for all the pain you have inflicted upon his friends and family!"

Mard Geer shook with rage as he rushed Seilah, pinning her to the wall behind her by her neck, striking her repeatedly in the stomach as she cried out in pain.

"YOU DARE SPEAK SUCH BLASPHEMIES BEFORE ME!? WE WERE CREATED TO BE ABOVE HUMANITY, ABOVE PETTY HUMAN EMOTIONS," the Demon Lord roared, striking her a final time in the stomach before letting her go.

Seilah slid down the wall, blood pouring from her mouth as she clutched her broken ribs, tears streaming from her eyes which only further angered the Demon Lord.

"You shall take your sacrilege to the grave," Mard Geer hissed, preparing to end her life, only to pause.

She had begun to smile."

"Why do you smile… Have you gone mad knowing your end has come!?"

"N-No… I smile, because… You say that Demons are above petty emotion…yet…you just gave in…to the petty emotions…known as jealousy…and anger," Seilah wheezed, the pain evident in her laughter. "You have…always been jealous of him…don't deny it. He was always destined for greatness…while you…you were just…a mere footnote…in the annals of his history…"

Without a word, Mard Geer leaned down and grabbed Seilah by the hair, pulling the Demoness upright. His sneered at the defiant look she gave him, refusing to show fear despite knowing how pitifully outclassed she was by him.

"Those shall be the words you take to the grave," the Demon Lord muttered without a shred of emotion, cocking back the punch intended to end her life.

Seilah closed her eyes, preparing for death as Mard Geer slowly moved to strike her, as the others rushed to try and stop him. Time moved slowly for them, as they watched Mard Geer's fist inch closer, knowing the nice Demoness wouldn't be able to survive this last strike…

And then, out of nowhere, everything changed.

"N-No way," Erza gasped, her legs shaking as she dropped to her knees mid-sprint, skidding to a stop.

"Unbelievable," Sitri agreed, her mouth agape as Jellal felt his own knees give out, fatigue catching up with him.

"Well damn," Gajeel grunted, clearly just as relieved as the others. "What fuckin timin…"

Mard Geer was frozen in shock, his fist now shaking as a horrific killing intent flooded the entire Tartaros Cube. He dropped Seilah without a second thought, immediately turning toward the source, noticing an all too familiar newcomer seated upon his throne.

"You…"

"Me," came the cold response, as a pair of tattered black wings flared outward in a threatening manner, Crimson Red eyes glowing ominously in the darkness.

"That's my seat," Mard Geer growled, his fists shaking as he slowly stalked forward.

"Mine now."

"You…"

The figure slowly rose to their feet, stepping into the light to reveal Natsu, two black horns protruding from his head to signify his status as a Demon Lord, along with the fearsome power of Devil's Aura.

"Natsu," Erza croaked, tears streaming from her eyes as she looked upon him like he'd been missing another ten years. "You're okay…"

"Sorry for being so late," came the rather gentle response as he looked over the group. "I had a few things I had to do before being able to come here…"

"H-How did you escape Tartarus!?"

"Escape? Oh Mard Geer you poor, deluded fool," Natsu chuckled coldly. "I was welcomed with open arms and made a true Devil of the Parliament of Sin."

"I-Impossible!"

"It looks like all of you fought with everything you had," Natsu continued, ignoring Mard Geer for the moment. "I'm glad to see how much you were all able to do against this scum, it bodes well for the future."

Looking toward the others, who were grievously injured, his eyes narrowed as his killing intent grew stronger, his Aura flaring as he directed it all toward Mard Geer.

"Speaking of the future… You're someone who forfeited their place in it."

"Y-You arrogant little-!"

"Hm? What's that? Is that the sound of someone reaping the consequences of their own actions I hear," Natsu asked mockingly, extending his right-hand out to his side, as orange sparks danced across his skin.

"You arrogant bastard," Mard Geer snarled, his anger going completely ignored as Natsu again addressed his friends.

"Grab onto everyone who can't move for themselves," the Dragon Slayer said quickly, with Erza grabbing Elise, Sitri moving to grab Seilah, and Gajeel grabbing Silver.

"Do you really think I'll just let any of them escape!?"

"You won't have a choice," came the rather calm reply, as everyone felt a colossal spike in his Magical Power. "All of you, get ready!"

Mard Geer went to lunge at Natsu, only to find himself blown back, as the entire Tartaros Cube shook violently, a bright white light enveloping Natsu's position at his throne.

"What have you done!?"

"They're not your opponents anymore… I am," Natsu smirked, as the same orange sparks now danced across the entirety of the Tartaros Cube. "The real fight, starts now."

No one was ready as Natsu snapped his fingers, the entire Tartaros Cube being ripped apart in a cacophony of screeching metal, rumbling concrete and crashing stone. The members of the Natsu retrieval team held on for dear life, losing sight of one another as the blinding light left them at the mercy of where they'd fall.

As for Mard Geer himself, the Demon Lord was furious, as hundreds of years worth of research and work was completely obliterated in a matter of moments.

"Curse you E.N.D… CURSE YOU," the Demon Lord roared, his little kingdom collapsing all around him, as the battle against Tartaros entered its final stage…