(Edited 02/08/24)
I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.
Lord E.N.D
***POTD***
The Natsu retrieval team found themselves panicking as they began to fall down to the ground below. Natsu's attack had completely torn apart the Tartaros Cube, leaving them absolutely no footing in the process.
"Damn Salamander! He'd better have a damn good plan for this," Gajeel snapped, as he struggled to hold onto Silver. "Fuck you're a heavy bastard!"
"Sorry about that," Silver laughed, seemingly not even worried as they fell to their deaths.
Before Gajeel had a chance to retort, he was surprised to no longer feel the motion of descent. Looking down, he realized that not only had they stopped, but the rest of the team had been frozen midair as well.
"Its Natsu's Gravity Magic," Erza gasped, as they were gently moved well outside of the collapsing structure, and placed on a nearby hill which overlooked the ruined valley. "How could I forget he was capable of that…"
Looking back to the collapsing Cube, they could all see him still floating where he'd been standing earlier. Likewise, they could also see Mard Geer where he had been as well, the pair seemingly motionless amidst the destruction.
"At least we managed to take out basically all the Demon Gates," Gajeel grunted, returning to his base form and laying down on his back after placing Silver down carefully. "Hopefully Salamander kills that freak."
"What the Hell happened up there," Ultear snapped, as she, along with Meredy and the Thunder Legion, found themselves slowly placed down next to the rest of the group. "One minute the place was shaking, then the next thing we all know, we're falling to our deaths!?"
"It's a really long story," Jellal replied, wincing as he felt the damage to his face. "Anyway, we should probably retreat a bit farther than this."
"Agreed. Natsu destroyed that Cube in a few seconds, which means he's probably got attacks that can do much worse," Erza replied, as they started picking up the wounded again.
As the group began retreating, Sitri dropped down to one knee and gently picked up Seilah, the Demoness having copped a battering from Mard Geer. Despite this, she had a smile on her face as she faced the direction of the battle.
"Come on Seilah, we need to move…"
"Wait…I just want to see him a little more," the Demoness whispered, her hand shakily outstretched to his figure in the distance. "My Lord… I've waited so long for this day to come, and here you are…"
Without a word, Sitri picked up the Demoness and walked at a sedate pace, not interested in catching up with the others. She was content to allow Seilah to look all she wanted, the emotion in her words as clear as day.
Even Sitri knew you couldn't fake that.
"I'll wait for you, my Lord… This pain, its nothing I can't handle for you…"
With that, Sitri looked back toward Natsu's position, silently praying for his swift victory.
***POTD***
Mard Geer watched as the last remnants of his Cube collapsed around him, the perpetrator responsible hovering a few feet off the ground across from him, his arm still outstretched where it had been a minute prior.
"Curse you, Natsu Dragneel," Mard Geer spat, fists shaking with rage. "You scum! You've ruined everything!"
"You ruined your own life, Mard Geer Tartaros. Through barbarism, sacrilege, betrayal, specism, savagery and a healthy dose of incompetence. Your crimes against mankind have caught up to you, and will be paid in blood."
"Crimes against mankind!? Bah! Humans are weak, lesser creatures than we Demons," the Demon Lord shot back. "Just look at your own level of power, you know it to be true!"
"Your arrogance, whilst amusing, is rooted in blind ignorance."
"What-!?"
"Your creator, Lord Zeref, is a Human himself," Natsu countered evenly. "Not only that, but he could kill you with a mere flick of his pinkie finger… a FLICK! Yet you believe yourself superior?"
"You're lying! Zeref was powerful for his time, but that was hundreds of years ago-!"
"Wrong. So very very wrong. And proof you're far too arrogant to understand the truths of the real world," Natsu sighed, shaking his head. "But that's alright, because I'll be killing you now, so it doesn't even matter."
"You? Heh… YOU, think that you can kill ME!? Such arrogance! Not even all your allies ganging up on me could get the job done, so what makes you think that YOU stand a chance alone!?"
"Simple," Natsu smiled, as he opened up his monstrous reserves, his Aura flaring which had the Demon Lord frozen in shock and fear. "I'm stronger than all of them combined."
Natsu Dragneel (Devil's Aura + Suppressed + Base Form) – 34.24 Billion MPI
"T-That can't be… I-Impossible!"
"You know, its quite fitting actually that I'm killing you now," Natsu continued, as he slowly advanced toward the Demon Lord. "Most of my problems since returning to Fiore all those years ago started because of the Bharam Alliance. Castle Valtheim… Ah, that feels like a lifetime ago now, doesn't it? Yet now here we are, almost eight years later, and I'm about to finally dismantle the Bharam Alliance for good!"
"Tch-!"
"Funny how life sometimes works like that, isn't it? You do bad things; life finds a way to pay you back for that. How does it feel, Mard Geer Tartaros? How does it feel to know that for all your scheming and posturing you've done alongside Hades, Brain and Varnik, all its done is lead to the collapse of everything you cared about, and your impending death?"
"No… No, its not over yet," Mard Geer growled, clenching his fists as he met Natsu's gaze. "You haven't won anything yet!"
Devil's Aura exploded from Mard Geer's form, as it began to rapidly bulk up, his rings lengthening as his skin began to darken to a blackish grey. Long, dark horns burst forth from his forehead, his hands and feet becoming akin to claws, his teeth becoming serrated and jagged.
Taking a step forward, the entire area shook under his power, as he cackled with glee.
"This…This is the power of a TRUE DEMON KING!"
Mard Geer Tartaros (Etherious Form + Devil's Aura + Enraged + Full Power) – 33.57 Billion MPI
Sliding into a defensive stance, Natsu smirked as Mard Geer rushed his position, the pair moving at faster than light speeds. Sliding his left leg backward, Natsu angled his body to the left to avoid a downward slash attack from the Demon, tapping his right foot on the ground and leaping away.
To the average eye, the pair were teleporting, yet to those who could perceive it, Natsu was easily evading the self-proclaimed Demon King.
"Come get me," the Dragon Slayer taunted, landing on one foot and immediately ducking to avoid a sweeping kick from Mard Geer, as the Demon Lord snarled at his lack of seriousness.
"You won't remain cocky for long Dragneel! Devil's Aura: Thorn Curse – Thorn Promenade!"
Thousands of pillar thick thorns burst from the earth, melding together as they rushed Natsu's position. The Dragon Slayer didn't seem all too bothered by them though, his body beginning to glow a bright golden color.
"Devil's Aura: True Heavenly Body Magic – Meteor!"
Right as the thorns reached his position, rearing up from all sides to strike, Natsu immediately vanished upward, taking to the skies as the thorns smashed into one another, before shooting upward into the skies to try and catch him.
As he dashed through the skies, Natsu extended his right hand, his index finger fully extended, conjuring a spherical ball of raging fire. With an amused chuckle, he brought the attack to within an inch of his lips, spinning around to face the incoming vines as he exhaled deeply into the small sphere.
"Devil's Aura: Fire Dragon King's Destabilizing Nova!"
The attack quadrupled in size upon his exhale, prompting him to cock back and fire the attack at the incoming vines. Mard Geer watched in shock as the Nova rapidly began expanding, quickly eclipsing the size of even the Tartaros Cube, now threatening his own safety.
"Damn you-!"
The Nova instantly incinerated the vines, striking the valley with enough force to cause tremors across Fiore. Mard Geer, having narrowly managed to avoid being caught up in the attack, looked up to see his foe grinning sadistically at the valley being blown apart.
"Perhaps I can't win using long range tactics… Then I must use close combat to win-!"
Mard Geer was abruptly cut off as a kick to the chest sent him crashing into the raging fires below, the earth being violently uprooted by his impact, with entire hectares worth of land being sent skyward.
"What was that O mighty Demon King? Couldn't hear you over the sound of you choking the fight this hard?"
Looking down into the flames, he could see Mard Geer rapidly moving to escape the inferno, smashing through the falling chunks of land, even as his body was being scorched alive. Clicking his tongue, the golden aura around his body faded, moving to his thumb and middle finger.
"Sorry big guy, but I can't go making it that easy, can I?"
Right as Mard Geer, emerged from the blazing hell below, his eyes were met with a sight that chilled his very blood. Seven golden Magic Circles had formed across the length of the valley, each circle the size of a small town.
"By the light of the seven stars, I render your judgement, Mard Geer Tartaros! Devil's Aura: True Heavenly Body Magic - Grand Chariot!"
Snapping his fingers, the sky was set alight as the Magic Circles ceased their rotation, the sky itself seemingly splitting open to fire thousands of golden energy blasts across the area. Mard Geer immediately went to evade the attack, but found himself suddenly smashed into the earth, an all-encompassing pressure keeping him pinned down.
"WHAT-!?"
"You didn't think I was stupid enough to let you move whilst I'm deploying Grand Chariot, did you?"
Looking down, the Demon Lord was shocked to see that a deep purple Magic Circle had been left right on the spot Natsu had kicked him in the chest, The circle spun rapidly, as he felt the weight rapidly increasing, the pressure rattling his very bones.
"N-No-!"
"Devil's Aura: Gravity Dragon King's Suppression Seal," the Dragon Slayer smirked, calling it out well after the fact. "Enjoy being crushed under four thousand times base Gravity!"
Mard Geer tried to move, Grand Chariot rapidly descending upon him, but failed to do anything more than rise to his knees. Natsu watched as Grand Chariot tore apart the decimated valley even further, forever scarring the landscape as the entire thing erupted into bright golden light before exploding.
The tremors from Grand Chariot could be felt in neighboring countries, the cacophony at ground zero so deafening, one could very easily mistake it for the world ending.
The ensuing chaos took twenty minutes to even begin to die down, as the rumbling finally ceased, and the golden light show of Grand Chariot finally faded away. Through it all, Natsu had observed his attack with a calculative gaze.
In truth, he hadn't actually expected his last attack to be quite that powerful, yet he couldn't help but feel rather happy that it was. After all, these were the same kind of attacks he once feared in Scarlione, having seen the likes of Irene and August deploy them against his allies.
He was so caught up in his thoughts, he blocked a desperate punch from Mard Geer using two fingers, without even looking at the man, his eyes still holding an unfocused look.
As for the Demon Lord, he was panting heavily, bloodied and badly burned across most of his body. His wings had been shredded, several of his claws had broken off, leaving him in a severely wounded state.
"Haah…Haah…D-Damn you Dragneel," the Demon Lord spat, attempting to get around his guard and strike him, only for each uncoordinated strike to be effortlessly blocked. "D-Damn you-!"
Mard Geer gasped as he was struck hard in the stomach by Natsu's knee, before being slugged across the face, instantly being belted from several hundred feet in the air, to being embedded in the side of a still partially ablaze cliff side.
Arching his neck slightly, Natsu fired a Fire Dragon King's Roar right at the spot Mard Geer had hit, dragging the attack upward as it tore another gash into the earth as it dragged the Demon Lord along with it.
Once he'd ceased his attack, he exhaled steam through his nose as his playful demeanor slowly faded away, a rather cold, almost emotionless one overtaking his features.
"Time to end this…"
***POTD***
Meanwhile, at the ruins of the Tartaros Cube itself, two men stood before the ruins of the once fearsome hall that housed the Tartaros Guild. One man took a drag of his cigar, an amused smirk on his face, as the younger knelt down, picking up a piece of the ruined structure.
"You happy with how it all went?"
"Is that a rhetorical question, Varnik," the man asked, as the Leichart Commander chuckled lowly, blowing his smoke off to the right. "Yes, I'm extremely satisfied."
"You know, its pretty strange seeing this place destroyed after all we did to ensure its construction? I know why it needed to be done, but…"
"I get it Varnik, believe me," the man smiled, tossing the rubble aside as he fully turned to look at the man. "You've spent a quarter of a century working on this plan, and things such as the Tartaros Cube, or even just Fiore in general… They've grown on you, haven't they?"
"I'll be honest," Varnik sighed, tossing his cigar aside as he stepped up toward the ruins of the Cube. "I won't miss any of these pathetic 'Dark Guilds' or the useless Mages in them. The sheer incompetence of the average Ishgarian Mage, combined with the egos of the Mages who comprised the Oracion Seis, Grimoire Heart, Tartaros, and even Valtheim's Razor, all drove me up the fucking wall!"
"But?"
"But the land itself," the man murmured, looking down at the ground thoughtfully. "There is hope here, like you told me all those years ago. The common folk are still redeemable, even if the nobility, the Dark and Legal Guilds, as well as the Government are all beyond saving…"
"Would you perhaps like to stay in Ishgar, Varnik-?"
"BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! With respect your Excellency, I'd rather you kill me now than remain upon Ishgar for even a minute longer," Varnik replied, roaring with laughter, much to Zeref's mild amusement. "No, I'd like to go home and see my Wife and Son again if you don't mind?"
"I do believe you've earned all the reprieve you desire, Varnik," Zeref chuckled, patting the older man's shoulder gently. "Inform Invel of your completed mission when you return, and he'll ensure all the agreed upon rewards are bestowed upon you."
"One more thing, your Excellency," Varnik replied, reaching into his coat to pull out a dusty old book. "As requested..."
"Ah yes," Zeref smiled, gently taking the book and running his hands across the spine, the Black Wizard flipped it over to the front cover. "The Book of E.N.D, back at last."
"A risky gamble, leaving it to Mard Geer, wasn't it?"
"Not at all," the Black Wizard replied knowingly. "Though Mard Geer fancies himself a Demon King like Natsu, he lacks the power to even scratch this book. You forget that I was the one who made it, remember?"
"Ah. I suppose that is a fair point, of course you'd have safeguards in place to protect your finest Demon."
"Indeed," Zeref smiled, snapping his fingers and opening a silver portal to his immediate left. "Time for you to head on home Varnik! I won't need you back in Fiore until the invasion."
"Wonderful," Varnik smiled, walking up to the portal before looking over his shoulder to his Emperor. "I assume you are still not returning?"
"There are but a scant few more things that require my attention, Varnik. "We shall meet again in due course…"
"Very well," Varnik replied, bowing before Zeref. "I look forward to seeing you soon, my Lord."
Varnik stepped through the portal, heading back to the Alvarez Empire, leaving Zeref to his thoughts. The Black Wizard closed the portal, smiling as he turned to look off in the direction of Natsu's beat down over Mard Geer.
"I do wonder Zeref, do you actually think you're clever with these schemes? Or, do you make up half these plans on the fly and just pretend as if you know what you're doing?"
"Harsh words," Zeref replied, still staring off into the distance, even as Mavis manifested at his side. "I much preferred it when we greeted one another with warmth, didn't you?"
"You know those days are long gone after what you did to my Sons-."
"Our Sons, Mavis-."
"My Sons," the First Master replied darkly, her eyes almost devoid of light as she glared up at the Emperor of Alvarez. "I may not have been able to raise them due to what happened, but I know for a fact I wouldn't have done what you did to them-!"
"What do you want?"
"I'm warning you to stay away from Natsu, Zeref," Mavis growled, floating up to obscure his view of the battle. "I know you wouldn't have allowed him to assume the title of Devil Representative of Earthland without having an ulterior motive. I won't allow you to do to him what you've done to our Sons-!"
"My plan for my Brother is no concern of yours, Mavis-."
"He's as good as my Brother-in-Law, and the Uncle of my Sons Zeref," the furious Guild Master hissed, a flicker of something behind her eyes that had Zeref's own narrowing ever so slightly. "He's family… And I won't let you break him like you did them!"
"That's rather touching Mavis, truly. Unfortunately, Natsu is walking the path I've laid out for him, and there's nothing you can do to stop it at this point," the Black Mage smiled gently, which only further served to anger the First Master. "You know as well as I do that there's nothing you can do to stop it at this point."
"I'll find a way Zeref," Mavis shot back, as Zeref's form began to fade. "Whatever it is you're planning, I'll make sure it won't succeed!"
"I look forward to your failed attempts to thwart them, my love," Zeref smirked, before vanishing, leaving a furious Mavis behind, as she turned her attention toward the battle.
"I'll find a way to help him…Somehow?"
***POTD***
"You'll get nothing from me-ARGH-!"
The damage to the valley had been catastrophic, the surrounding landscape scarred beyond all recognition as raging fires tore apart what little had been spared from Natsu's cold judgement over the Demon Lord Mard Geer.
Currently, Natsu loomed over the downed form of the Demon Lord, his right arm extended fully to his right with one of Mard Geer's wings firmly clenched in his right hand. His expression was neutral, even as the Demon Lord's damaged form scrambled backward in an attempt to escape him.
"You've lost, Mard Geer Tartaros."
"Tch-!"
"I will not spare you, but I also won't torture you like I had originally planned," Natsu spoke, his voice now devoid of emotion as he tossed aside Mard Geer's wing like trash. "You were the one who tortured Wendy, out of jealousy for my power as E.N.D, and the promised power I was to bear as Demon King."
"I'm not-!"
"That wasn't a question," Natsu cut in coldly, silencing the Demon Lord without even allowing him a chance to speak. "I know it was you, I can see it."
"…Then what are you trying to do here," Mard Geer hissed, shakily rising to his feet, his remaining wing furled around him like a cloak. "What do you want from me!?"
"I'm simply telling you that you haven't won anything here, and that your entire existence was completely pointless."
"What-!?"
"Wendy will live, and she will grow stronger from what you did to her. I returned, exponentially stronger than I'd have been had you done nothing. My reputation, whilst tarnished, doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things, because the court of public opinion is fickle, and shifts as easily as the wind."
In an instant, Mard Geer had cleared thirty meters, extending both hands out in front of him as he projected a massive swirling vortex of black and white energy.
"Devil's Aura: Thorn Curse – Dea Yggdrasil!"
The Demon Lord fired a massive wooden beam directly at Natsu's position, the attack as large as a small village in diameter. However, in the time it took Mard Geer to blink, Natsu was behind him, as he watched his attack be cleaved in two.
"Impossible-!"
"Not really," came the blunt reply, as the Demon Lord turned around, only to freeze upon seeing Natsu examining a still beating heart held lightly between his fingers.
"No…"
"And with this," Natsu sighed, squeezing the heart using his fingers, crushing it into a bloody pulp. "This marks a new era for Ishgar… and myself."
Mard Geer immediately collapsed; eyes wide, unable to believe he'd been so effortlessly bested. In fact, it was a complete flip from their last direct encounter that it was almost poetic in a way.
"Curse you… E.N.D," Mard Geer gasped out, before the last speck of life left his body.
Looking down at the corpse with a distasteful glare, Natsu extended his right hand, the entire body shattering into millions of cubes before being cast off to the wind. Looking back toward the two halves of the Demon Lord's final attack, the newly appointed Devil sighed, shaking his head.
"A new start indeed…"
***POTD***
The retrieval team watched from a safe distance as the fires raged across the ruined wasteland, the signs of battle having died down some time ago. Elise and Laxus had woken just in time to witness the climax, leaving the entire group to contemplate the outcome.
"I mean, it's obvious Salamander won," Gajeel grunted, crossing his arms. "Somethin about him felt different?"
"He was wielding the power of a Devil," Elise said quietly, still unable to move as her body continued slowly regenerating. "I still can't believe it…"
"Well, you all better believe it."
The entire group froze as Natsu simply appeared right in front of them, a sad smile on his face. The group noted that he hadn't suffered any battle damage, nor had he needed to transform at all.
"Natsu!"
Erza was the first to break the tense silence by rushing into his arms, burying her face into the crook of his neck as she hugged him as tightly as she could. Wrapping his arms around her waist and back, he held her in his arms, ignoring Mira's squealing in the background for the moment.
"Hey Erza," the Dragon Slayer smiled, as they finally broke apart. "You alright?"
"You fool," the Requip Mage laughed, her voice cracking slightly as she gently bopped him on the chest. "We should all be asking you that question!"
"Heh. Well, I'm fine now, as you can tell."
"Now? That implies that you weren't at some point," Mira pointed out, as the group watched his mood drop slightly.
"No doubt all of you are aware of what I truly am," Natsu asked, receiving nods in response. "Which means you all likely saw my rampage against Tartaros. That happened because of this entity Zeref created using the souls of the Porla bloodline. Long story short, I got sent to Tartarus and ended up becoming a Devil-."
"-The Devil Representative of Earthland…as you always should have been," a familiar voice whispered, drawing Natsu's attention to the downed form of Seilah at the back of the group. "My Lord E.N.D…"
"Seilah," Natsu sighed, as Erza moved aside so he could approach the critically wounded Demoness. "I heard what you said back in the Cube to Mard Geer… Thank you."
"Seilah fought alongside us Natsu," Mira chimed in from behind him, as the rest of the group crowded around them. "She helped us fight Tartaros just so she could meet you. Apparently, she needs your help in order to live?"
"My help in order to live," Natsu asked, turning back to face the Demoness. "What's this about?"
"Yes… There is a contract that binds my existence," Seilah began weakly, her breathing labored. "My life was already growing weaker without it from the moment you assumed your seat upon the Parliament of Sin, but now…now, with what Mard Geer has done to my body, I'll surely die without you accepting the contract…"
At the mention of Contract, something seemed to click within Natsu's mind, as he recalled the various discussions that he'd had with Devil's back in Tartarus regarding Devil's having an Assistant, and realized what this was.
"Seilah?"
"Y-Yes?"
"How do we form this contract, and tell me a bit more about it?"
"The contract binds me to your service…for eternity," the Demoness replied quietly. "And, as for how to initiate it, place your hand upon my brow where the Tartaros emblem is…"
Natsu nodded and did as Seilah instructed, placing his hand upon the marking. The moment his palm touched her forehead, he felt something strange tingle within him, as the Demoness continued.
"Now, channel your Devil's Aura into me…"
Nodding, Natsu thought back to his lessons on Aura control, and gently began pushing his Devil's Aura into Seilah, watching as the Tartaros Guild Mark faded away, as he body shockingly began to rapidly repair itself.
"Nnh… I accept," the Demoness spoke tiredly. "Thank you for accepting me, my Master… I promise…I won't…let you down…"
Once Seilah was passed out, he slowly rose back to his feet and closed his eyes. He could quite literally feel Seilah's presence within his own. It was a strange sensation, and one he'd have to adjust to.
"Well I'll be, guess that idiot Mard Geer was all talk after all?"
Natsu turned his immediate attention toward the other Demon present. Just at a glance, he already could tell who this person was.
"Silver Fullbuster, Gray's Father."
"Yeah, that's me."
"I have one question I want answered before I even entertain anything you'll tell me?"
"Heh. Well, not like I'm exactly in a position to argue, am I," the Demon Gate joked, motioning to the massive gaping hole in his body that had crippled him to the point of being unable to move.
"Are you the one Keyes revived? The Human subject from Easthearth?"
"What gave it away," Silver joked. "Was it the massive hole in the chest?"
"…"
"Massive hole in the chest," Silver chuckled. "Yeah, I'm the only successful one. Why?"
"I've always had my suspicions that it was one of Gray's family who got revived by Keyes, but I never wanted to tell him that."
"Probably for the best," Silver laughed, before slowly looking toward Natsu' his entire demeanor shifting to a much more serious one. "Listen, if you're the Devil Representative, then you can kill me, right?"
"I could, yes."
"Then, can you please do it?"
"You don't want to see Gray first," Natsu asked, a single eyebrow raised in genuine surprise.
"No. I'd rather he not see me as I am now, a walking sin and all," the Demon Gate chuckled. "But I would ask that you guys give him something for me?"
"What is it," Natsu asked, as Silver motioned to a crystal lodged in the massive hole in his chest. "What's that?"
"When Mard Geer attacked me, putting this rather dashing hole in my chest, he was actually trying to take this thing out of me."
Kneeling down, Natsu examined the crimson colored Lacrima closely, eyes widening slightly in surprise.
"This is the same concept as that eye Hades used!?"
"Who do you think gave him the idea for it," Silver chuckled in response. "Keyes showed him it was possible, but I was the first."
"And you want me to what, give this Lacrima to Gray?"
"I do, yeah," Silver sighed, looking back up toward the sky. "Within this Lacrima is the power to wield Ice Devil Slayer Magic, a power that I know will help my Son and keep him safe. I may not really be Silver Fullbuster anymore, but he's still my Son regardless… Can you begrudge me wanting to ensure my Son has something from me in the end, even if he never knows that it was from me?"
"…I feel like I might end up regretting this decision, but I'll do it."
"You will?"
"Yeah. I can't really fault you at all, since you did turn on Mard Geer and Keyes the second the opportunity presented itself. I'm more worried about giving Gray a power like this?"
"I think Gray will be able to handle it just fine," Silver smiled, as Natsu placed his hand around the Lacrima. "Even if he's being an idiot about you being E.N.D now, I know he'll come around eventually. Gray was always a stubborn brat as a kid, but he had heart…"
"Yeah," Natsu smiled, tearing out the Lacrima as the light began to fade from Silver's eyes. "We'll make sure this gets to him…"
"Good. And remember, don't tell him about what I became," Silver murmured, cracks immediately starting to form across his body. "I'd prefer if his last memory of his family…was…"
The group watched as Silver's body rapidly began to decay, crumbling into dust before their very eyes. With a sigh, Natsu slowly rose to address the rest of the group, the mood rather sombre despite their victory over Tartaros.
"Don't worry Silver, I get it," Natsu said quietly, before turning around to face the others once again. "I'll have to get you guys to give this to Gray, for obvious reasons."
"Are you sure that's a good idea," Jellal asked hesitantly, all eyes on the crimson Lacrima. "You know he's going to try and kill you with that power, right?"
"Maybe so. But this is a gift from his Father, isn't it," the Dragon Slayer asked, his hard gaze falling upon the whole group. "All of us here could only wish of something like that, a gift from our parents…"
"Not to be a buzzkill, but I'm not exactly fanging for favors from Ivan," Laxus joked, which managed to bring the mood up somewhat as Mira snorted in amusement.
"Then stand with us in spirit you dolt."
"Heh. Believe me, I can do that Mira," the Lightning Dragon Slayer chuckled, as all eyes fell upon the crystal once again. "Still, I don't know if this is a good idea?"
"Especially considering how he's openly stated he wants you dead, despite all you've done for him," Erza agreed, crossing her arms. "You really expect us to give this to him?"
"I do. I'd do it myself, but I'm one of Ishgar's most wanted now, so I obviously can't."
Erza sighed, meeting Natsu's determined gaze and shook her head. She knew full well that they didn't have a choice in the matter, and so, she took the crystal from him, sending it to her Requip Space.
"I'll hand it to him myself. Though, don't expect me to be nice about it!"
"All I ask is that it be delivered to him," Natsu smiled in response, before looking over the group once again. "Now that all that's out of the way, time to talk about what just went down. First off, thank you all for choosing to come and fight Tartaros on my behalf… I hate to say it, but it really does show who my real family is, you know?"
"Cana and Levy would've come if they had the strength to help," Mira chimed in knowingly, having observed the pair during the confrontation. "I think Juvia also would have come, were she not in a relationship with Gray."
"That does make me feel a little better," Natsu smiled sadly, looking down at the ground for a moment. "I won't lie, it stings to know most of the Guild turned so quickly, despite everything I've done for them. But in saying that, I'm beyond words at having you all here for me in what was probably one of my darkest hours…"
"Sap."
"Shut up Blacksteel," Natsu chuckled, as everyone gave the Metal Dragon Slayer a playful nudge. "You all did great in combating Tartaros guys, truly."
"But we couldn't even beat Mard Geer," Erza pointed out, which had several members of the group looking away awkwardly. "What if you were truly captured, and Mard Geer had us in that position?"
"You all forget the trials you went through in order to reach Mard Geer beforehand," Natsu pointed out, which brought the mood back up a little. "The Nine Demons Gates of Tartaros aren't all pushovers, and would have been at full strength. Not only did you slay seven of them, but you dealt damage to Mard Geer himself, an opponent who is leagues above any foe you've ever fought."
"You're just saying that to make us feel better," Elise pouted, unable to move still. "The fact is, we got our asses kicked by him Natsu, plain and simple."
"Listen. I know that things didn't quite go so well for you all, but that doesn't matter now," Natsu sighed as he thought of how he'd word the next few sentences. "Erza, I know Eliza has given you that one Armor you've yet to master. Elise, I know that Eliza still has numerous techniques she has yet to teach you that will bring your skills to the next level. Mira, I know that you've yet to master your Take Over Magic to its fullest potential, and as for you two, I know that you're nowhere near close to mastering your Dragon Slaying abilities."
"What are you trying to say Natsu," Erza asked slowly, as the whole group eyed the man curiously.
"What Master Natsu is saying," Seilah groaned, slowly sitting upright, much to the shock of the others, who hadn't expected her to regain consciousness so quickly. "Is that you all need to train, and train like you've never trained before."
"But we can talk about that later," Natsu sighed, looking off into the far distance. "It seems like the pests are mobilizing…"
"The Council," Erza asked, eliciting a stiff nod from the Dragon Slayer.
"Always an hour late to everything, as is their forte."
"So, what are we going to do now," Mira asked, as the entire group grew serious. "No offense, but if we're seen with you Natsu, we'll all be branded as Dark Mages?"
"Except us," Meredy joked, receiving an elbow to the ribs from Ultear. "OW!"
"Well Mira, just like Eliza, I too now have the ability to open portals," Natsu smirked, astonishing Elise, who looked almost rabidly excited to see it in action if her face was any indication. "You'll all return to Fairy Tail and feign complete ignorance of this event. As for me, I've got things I have to do before I can even contemplate returning."
"So, you're disappearing again," Erza asked quietly, as all eyes shifted to the Dragon Slayer, who had a genuinely apologetic look.
"Erza, the world now knows I'm E.N.D. Do you really think that as things stand now, the people of Fiore and wider Ishgar will just accept me into modern society?"
"Well no," Erza replied with a deep frown, clenching her fists as she grit her teeth. "But who cares what people think of you Natsu!? Not once have you ever cared about their opinions-!"
"Its not about the fact that people think of me in a certain way Erza, but rather, it's the fact that I'm the Demon King. All of you know what the view of any Demon is, let alone Demons tied to Zeref," Natsu sighed, placing his hands on her shoulders. "I have no plans on exiting your lives forever, you know that… ALL of you know that. But in order to keep you all safe from the Council and to keep you all from being branded as Dark Mages, I have to go away for a while…"
"Master Natsu is correct. We Demons are almost always hunted by powerful Mages, none of which capture their targets alive," Seilah chimed in, supporting Natsu's argument. "The sole exception to that rule up until recently was you, Mirajane Strauss, because you are a Human who wields Demonic Transformations. The only other exception was Ur, and that was because the Council had her as part of the Ten Wizard Saints, and used her as a weapon."
"But still…"
"Once the initial shock of Master Natsu's reveal as the Demon King E.N.D wears off, the Magic Council and many Guilds and Governments will not hesitate to bring their full might to bear against him. They will stop at nothing to kill him, even if it means they must take one of you hostage in order to lure him in."
"But-!"
"Could you all live with yourselves knowing that Natsu was forced to die saving your lives from potential captors, when he could have simply disappeared from the public eye and let things die down," Seilah asked firmly, shutting down Erza's protests at every turn whilst the others silently agreed with her logic. "I guarantee you that Master Natsu will do all that he can to return things to some sense of normalcy in due course."
"Seilah's right. I have no plans on going away forever Erza," Natsu smiled, extending his right hand out as a small box appeared in his palm. "And to prove it, I'll make a special promise to you here and now."
"Oh my God," Mira gasped, both her hands moving to shut her mouth quickly as she immediately realized what he was going to do.
"Please forgive me for not doing this the normal way Erza, but I'm not exactly in the best state of mind," Natsu chuckled, as everyone held their breath, waiting for her reaction.
"Natsu…You'd better not be messing with me here…"
"You know what this is, Erza, and it will be my promise to you that I'll return," Natsu replied firmly, popping the lid with his thumb, revealing the content inside. "Erza Scarlett, I know I'm not Human, but I know in my heart that doesn't matter to you. I know its only been a few months at most since we started dating, but I also know that we pined for one another long before that, but were too foolish to act upon those feelings. That being said, I've had a lot of time to contemplate the future, and my near death to the Dragons has sort of spurred me to act now, rather than leave any regrets…"
Situated within the box was a ring carved of pure diamond, the band etched with rubies along its length that glowed ominously, giving the diamond a reddish hue. The diamond ring itself was carved into the shape of a Dragon chasing its tail, the ring clearly worth an absolute fortune.
"Erza Scarlett, upon my return… Will you marry me?"
Everyone was stunned speechless at Natsu's proposal. Not even Mira, who would normally be squealing and jumping for joy had the ability to move, all eyes firmly on Erza's back, as she simply gaped at the diamond ring being presented to her.
"Natsu…"
"Yes?"
"Get those lips ready…"
"Huh-MPFPH!"
Erza marched forward and cupped his cheeks with her hands, roughly capturing his lips in a fierce kiss, as the group behind them finally started to get their brains restarted, clapping and cheering for the pair.
The kiss lasted a good thirty seconds, and once they separated, everyone was shocked to see Natsu's bottom lip was bleeding.
"Damn," Gajeel chuckled. "Lucky fuck."
"I guarantee you that Levy would do that to you Gajeel-."
"OI!"
Everyone shared a good laugh as Natsu placed the ring on the fourth finger of Erza's left hand, which appeared to be all the permission Mira needed to begin unleashing all her pent-up squealing.
"Natsu you bastard," Erza smiled, tears in her eyes as she looked down at the ring. "You actually have no idea how long I've been waiting for this moment…"
"I can guess," the Dragon Slayer replied, thinking back to his childhood for the briefest of moments, before shaking his head. "I'm glad you said yes, despite knowing what I am."
"Natsu, you might be a Devil now or whatever, but you're still the Natsu I fell in love with regardless," Erza replied tearily, as the pair shared a tight hug. "I honestly thought you were far too dense with matters of the heart if I'm being brutally honest?"
"Well, if I am, I suppose its now your job to educate me on how to improve in that regard, my fiancé?"
"I hate to interrupt this lovely moment," Ultear cut in apologetically. "But the Magic Council are closing in?"
"Ah, right," Natsu hissed, as he shared one last hug and a chaste kiss with Erza. "I'll send you all back to Magnolia, alright?"
Extending his right hand, a Crimson Red portal opened up to his right, surprising all of them as Laxus picked up Elise, the God Slayer still unable to move.
"Don't go getting yourself killed Natsu," Erza said, as the pair broke apart. "Otherwise, I'll have to hunt you down."
"Yes ma'am," Natsu smiled, giving her a mock salute, to the amusement of the group. "When you return to Fairy Tail, can you all please check on Wendy? I left her a Lacrima with a message on it from me, but it isn't really fair to her that she's not up to date on what's going on?"
"You know we will," Erza promised, as the retrieval team quickly departed through the portal, leaving just Natsu and Seilah remaining on the edge of the cliff overlooking the destroyed valley.
"Well, Seilah, it's just you and me now?"
"That it is, Master."
"You can just call me Natsu you know?"
"Of course, Master."
"Oh, so its gonna be like that is it," the Dragon Slayer chuckled, shaking his head. "We'll work on that. For now though, we've got work to do."
"That proposal was lame as fuck."
"Shut up Igneel, I thought you didn't know anything about stuff like that!?"
"I don't, and I still thought it was lame."
"What do you want," Natsu ground out, trying to ignore the Fire Dragon Monarch's attempts to piss him off.
"We should return to Xicor and discuss Dragon Cry," Igneel suggested. "We're already going back to Draconia anyway, so why not add that to the list since it is technically a problem that needs solving?"
"I suppose that's a fair point," Natsu sighed, remembering that he also had to go and apologize to Eliza for hitting her. "To Terminus it is…"
Looking toward Seilah, the Demoness seemed eager to head out, her eyes narrowed on the approaching army to the south of their position.
"We're heading to the realm of the Gods Seilah, so stick close to me."
"Of course, Master," the Demoness replied, as the pair left through a portal before being spotted, leaving the Magic Council empty handed, and forced to clean up the entirety of his mess.
***POTD***
Natsu and Seilah emerged from the portal to stand before the Dragon Temple that housed Xicor. The attendant seemed only momentarily surprised to see him, before immediately opening the doors to admit him entrance.
Giving the servant a curt nod, Natsu and Seilah entered, quickly coming to stand before Xicor who kept his head atop a comfy pillow that was the size of a mansion.
"Natsu. To what do I owe the pleasure of you and your… Ah, she's your Assistant I see?"
"Greetings, Lord Xicor, my name is Seilah," the Demoness replied formally, giving a slight curtsey. "It is an honor to meet you."
"Well now, would you look at that? You could learn a thing or two from her?"
"Yeah whatever," Natsu huffed, shaking his head. "That aside, I've come to start doing my job as Devil Representative."
"Oh really?"
"Yep. And, since I just so happen to have a staff that can destroy countries that you told me not to deal with earlier, I think now is as good of a time as any to solve the mystery behind it!"
"I'd ask that you just leave the damn thing be, but you won't," Xicor sighed. "Very well, I suppose we can deal with it now, since you need something to do outside of Ishgar anyway."
"Thanks Xicor. So, what's the deal with Dragon Cry?"
"Well, you've already witnessed its creation thanks to Lady Felicity, with it being derived from the blood and hatred of the Dragons who thought I had forsaken them," the old Dragon replied, with Natsu knowing he was vastly simplifying it. "Dragon Cry is, as you know, a staff of frightening power that, by all rights, shouldn't exist. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that its very existence should be literally impossible, given the circumstances."
"Really? I mean, its creation makes sense to me based on what I saw," Natsu asked curiously. "Its not hard to believe the blood and lingering will could do something like that?"
"That's where you're wrong. The staff was indeed made from those things, among others. However, not a single ounce of Magic was actually utilized in its creation," Xicor replied, shocking Natsu, who summoned the staff and looked it over.
"But that doesn't make any sense? This thing is brimming with it?"
"I'm merely telling you the truth of the matter. Nothing but pure hatred and rage was used to forge this weapon. A weapon, might I add, that would have served no purpose anyway," Xicor explained, once again surprising Natsu as he didn't understand what the old Dragon meant. "Answer me this one question Natsu? Can you conceive a reason as to why, out of all things, they would have created a Human sized staff?"
Natsu frowned as he contemplated Xicor's question, quickly coming to realize what the old Dragon was getting at. The idea that the Dragons would create a weapon that was perfectly sized for Humans made little sense. After all, the Dragons of Draconia considered themselves superior to Humans, having enslaved them, which is what led to their downfall in the first place?
"So, you think there is another element at play here? Hmm… Well, it couldn't have been Zeref, since the Time doesn't match and Zeref wasn't around yet…"
"Indeed. This is why my mind shifts to the culprit being someone of a higher level," Xicor replied slowly, bringing both Natsu and Seilah's full attention upon him. "A lot of eyes were on the Draconia incident that day, from both the Gods and Devils. Would it really be so farfetched to suggest one of them had a hand in this affair?"
"No, it wouldn't," Natsu agreed. "We know that Evernight, the former Chaos Goddess, had a hand in the Nirvana incident and Ravus. Who is to say that's all she's done?"
"She's a likely suspect for sure. But it also brings further questions since Achnologia would have been inciting much Chaos during that time, meaning Evernight didn't have to do anything?"
"Hmm? I mean, that is a fair point. Also, don't you find it odd that somehow, despite all odds, the staff was left in Draconia until I just so happened to stumble across it," Natsu asked, raising even more questions. "Felicity told me the Humans had been wiped out, but something seems…off?"
"You're right about that Natsu. All we have to go off of is a room full of dusty old bones though, which means you'll need to do some more investigative work! Therefore, I want you to head back to Draconia and scour the continent for any signs of life following the collapse of the Dragon Capital, and the Humans who managed to escape!"
"Hold up… You really want me to scour an entire continent," Natsu asked in sheer disbelief. "Are you insane!? Who do you think I am!?"
"You're the Son of the Fire Dragon King Igneel and his successor, as well as the current Devil Representative of Earthland. Basically, you're actually the one who is supposed to be doing all the work anyway," Xicor smirked evilly, noticing the Dragon Slayer's eyes narrowing dangerously. "Alright fine! How about this, I'll sweeten the deal for you? Scour the entire continent for me, and I'll teach you the Dragon Slaying Element that opposes your Demonic Dragon Slayer Magic?"
"Wait, for real!? Alright, as far as deals go, that's a damn good one."
"Good. Then that settles that," the Dragon God huffed. "Consider yourself fortunate that Draconia is smaller than Ishgar or Alvarez. If they weren't, you might actually be searching for years on end!"
"Fair point. Alright, guess I'll head out now with Seilah-."
"Hold on a moment," Xicor said quickly, pausing Natsu mid movement. "Before you leave, could you go see Eliza?"
"Oh yeah… I should do that, shouldn't I?"
"You really should. She's been all weird and mopey ever since you hit her. I assume she's sulking or something since no one ever really stands up to her or anything," the Dragon God explained. "We're old friends, but I'm rubbish at dealing with stuff like that, so go deal with it please?"
"Go deal with it, he says," Natsu chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, I will. Come on Seilah?"
"Understood, Master Natsu."
"Just call me Natsu, Seilah."
"As you wish, Master Natsu."
"Oh boy," the Dragon Slayer sighed, opening up a portal as he headed on over to Eliza's home, the Demoness in tow.
***POTD***
Several days had passed since the retrieval team had returned to Magnolia. Despite this, none of them had dared return to the Guild Hall, as none of them really wanted to deal with those who turned their backs on Natsu.
Makarov had come to speak with each of them, of course, having sensed their arrival minutes after they returned. He agreed to inform them all of when Wendy woke, so that they didn't have to be at the Guild Hall for long.
Which is what led the group to the present. Having been informed by Makarov that morning of Wendy's return to consciousness, the group reconvened at the steps of the Guild Hall, all of them wearing varying expressions.
"I swear, if even one of them talks shit about Natsu," Erza huffed, as Elise placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Sorry…"
"Don't be," the God Slayer replied, her body covered in sickly bruises, a shocking sight considering her God Slayer abilities. "We all feel the same, but its pointless to act on it."
"It'll be alright Erza," Mira agreed. "Its not like Natsu left solely because of them anyway, right?"
"Come on," the Requip Mage muttered, as the group ascended the steps and made their way into the Guild Hall.
From the moment they entered, all chatter ceased. Many of them appeared surprised at the battered states the group was in, but their looks of sympathy quickly faded, as memory of their explosive departure returned.
None of them said a word, even to those who they knew silently supported Natsu, opting to make their way into the infirmary where Porlyusica and Makarov were waiting, along with the sole reason they had come today…
Wendy.
"You're back," Wendy spoke, her voice sounding almost hollow in its tone, something that had several of the group avoiding her gaze, her almost lifeless eyes and gaunt appearance a stark reminder of their ultimate failure to keep one of their own safe.
"We're sorry for what happened to you Wendy," Erza began, slowly approaching her bed as she sat down at her right side. "I-We failed you."
"Not really," came her rather blunt response, surprising the group, as the youngest Dragon Slayer simply continued to stare ahead at the back wall, as if she couldn't even see them through her solely visible eye. "I was just far too weak as always, and you guys all ended up getting hurt on my account."
"Jeez," Laxus muttered, running a hand through his hair, genuinely shocked at her almost robotic response.
"Now Wendy, you know that's not true," Mira chimed in gently. "You had four of the Nine Demon Gates come and kidnap you. Almost any one of us would have been subdued and captured in that situation-."
"Natsu wouldn't have," Wendy cut in bluntly, silencing the white-haired Mage on the spot. "He'd have easily killed all four of them."
"Well yes, but Natsu's a bit of an exception," Elise laughed awkwardly, only for the dead stare to land firmly on the God Slayer, silencing her.
"Porlyusica and Master Makarov told me about everything that happened. They told me about how you all attacked and wiped-out Tartaros, and how Natsu's not going to be coming back," Wendy continued coldly. "Because of my weakness, Natsu's been forced into hiding, and the Guild is fractured."
"Now that's not-!"
"He came to save me, and in doing so, revealed that he was E.N.D," Wendy spoke up sharply, silencing Erza with the same cold, dead stare. "Is that true, or not?"
"W-Well…"
"That's what I thought," the Sky Dragon Slayer muttered, shaking her head. "My weakness has made Natsu into one of the most wanted men in the world, damaged Fairy Tail, and led to all my friends getting hurt. If I had been strong enough to at least hold off those Demons, none of this would've happened, and Natsu would still be here…"
"Wendy," Erza sighed, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, her eyes glistening with tears. Natsu doesn't regret what he did for even a moment. He revealed his true identity as E.N.D because he loves you very much, and seeing the state you were in hurt him in a deeply personal way."
"I know that Erza, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm so weak-."
"You aren't weak, Wendy," Erza replied sharply, cutting the girl off as the Requip Mage cupped both her cheeks, forcing the girl to look her in the eyes. "You aren't weak! Natsu's enemies are just that frighteningly strong, that it just appears like you are!"
"She's right," Gajeel agreed. "Every single one of us ganged up on Mard Geer and we couldn't do shit."
"Mard Geer wiped the floor with us all in his base form," Elise agreed, motioning to herself as a prime example. "Yet Natsu effortlessly destroyed him, because that's the level he's at compared to the rest of us."
"And believe me when I tell you that he's not leaving us because of those fools out there," Mira added quickly, seeing where the young girl's thoughts were going. "He's leaving to draw the attention of both his enemies, as well as the Magic Council, away from us."
"And that's another thing to consider as well," Erza spoke in a much gentler tone. "Eventually, his secret as E.N.D would have come out anyway. Something like that, there was no way he was going to hide it forever…"
"…So, he's really not going to be back for a long time," Wendy whispered, the first sign of emotion flickering in her otherwise dead gaze.
"I'm afraid so," Erza replied gently. "But, in the meantime, you know what you can do to make his return a good one, right?"
"What?"
"Become stronger," the Requip Mage replied firmly, as Wendy's sole eye moved toward Erza's own. "When he comes back, show him all your strength and how far you've come. I don't think there's much else he'd love to see more than that."
"Grow stronger," Wendy whispered, as she looked down at her bandaged hands. "Hm…"
"I think that will be quite enough," Porlyusica murmured, startling the group as they'd forgotten she was even there. "Wendy will need all the energy she has for tonight's procedure."
"Procedure," Erza asked, looking between the young Slayer and the older woman.
"Wendy's left eye is beyond saving," Porlyusica replied grimly, startling the group as Erza's hand immediately went to her right eye. "Yes, that's right Erza, she'll need an artificial one like yours."
"I hope Salamander tortured that animal before he killed em," Gajeel snarled, storming out of the room, with several of the others following suit.
"She'll need the night to recover, as you very well know," Porlyusica continued, watching the rest of the group slowly depart. "From there, she won't be conscious until at least two days."
"I understand," Erza nodded stiffly, before turning to look at Wendy. "I'll come see you again after the procedure is done, alright?"
"You have an artificial eye too," Wendy asked quietly, a slight hint of vulnerability shining through.
"Yes. My right eyes was…was gouged out when I was a child," Erza replied, shaking her head as she tried to not dwell on the memory. "Trust in Porlyusica's skills, my artificial eye works just as good as my real one."
"Okay…"
Wendy stilled as Erza placed a gentle kiss atop her head, before rising to her feet and turning to address Porlyusica.
"Please let me know if you need anything for her?"
"I will," the old woman replied, none of her usual venom in place as she watched Erza and Makarov leave the room. "I'll be beginning the procedure in twenty minutes Wendy."
"Thank you, Miss Porlyusica…"
The old woman simply nodded, moving over to the far side of the room as she began to gather all the materials she needed for the procedure. Though she could heal the physical, she knew she couldn't heal the mental damage that had been done to the poor girl.
It almost brought the usually stoic woman to tears.
***POTD***
Night had fallen across Magnolia, as the retrieval team all met up at the ruins of Natsu, Erza and Elise's house. Everyone simply stared at it for several minutes, not one of them having the guts to simply state the obvious.
Until Erza finally worked up the courage.
"We have to get stronger. All of us."
"Wow, what gave that away Titania," Gajeel scoffed, though everyone knew he agreed with her words.
"This can't happen again," Mira agreed. "Even if the Guild collapses, we've got to stick together in the end."
"You really think the Guild is gonna collapse," Laxus asked curiously. "Its weathered countless storms over the years?"
"But none like this," the white-haired Mage replied seriously. "In its entire history, never before has the Guild been so fractured. Combine that with Master Makarov's age, and the Magic Council now having more than enough ammunition to start sanctioning us like they always wanted to…"
"Mira's right," Elise agreed. "As we are now, we can't do anything to stop the Council or what they'll do to the Guild. Plus, we'll also have people harassing us simply because of Natsu's status as the Demon King."
"Are you all seriously considering what I think you are," Freed asked slowly. "Do you truly believe we should all…?"
"Going off to train for a few months, or even a year, simply isn't going to cut it this time," Erza replied quietly in response, as the reality of what they were discussing hit them fully. "We all need to agree on doing this, but… I think that we should take a page from Natsu's book and disappear."
"Damn," Gajeel muttered in reply. "I mean, it makes sense?"
"It does, but…"
"But nothing," a familiar voice chimed in, as Makarov slowly approached them, flanked by Jellal, Ultear and Meredy.
"M-Master," Erza gasped. "We were-!"
"Enough," the old man sighed, waving his hand to silence the group. "I agree."
"Y-You do!?"
"Yes," the aged Guild Master sighed sadly. "Mirajane, Elise, your assessment of the situation is correct. Already, the Magic Council has placed sanctions upon Fairy Tail, demanding monetary reparations for both lying to them about Natsu, as well as the destruction brought about from the Tartaros Incident."
"How much do they want," Mira asked slowly, being the main one who handles the Guild's finances.
"Four point nine billion Jewel…"
Mira couldn't even form a response, her legs seemingly coming out from under her as she nearly collapsed, only to be caught by an equally shocked Laxus.
"Oi, you can't be serious old man," the Lightning Dragon Slayer asked firmly. "They can't be asking for that much-!?"
"I'm afraid they are Laxus. Worse, there have been a few recent developments. Chief among them, the assassination of Chairman Org."
"What," Elise gasped. "Master, are you joking!?"
"I understand your shock, believe me. I immediately went to Era to confirm it in person the moment I heard," the old man sighed, looking up toward Ultear.
"Chairman Org was most certainly assassinated," the Time Mage said, showing them the image of Org's dead body laying inside a casket.
"What's worse though, is the man who took his place," Jellal added, a sour look on his face. "Crawford Seam."
"You've got to be fucking joking," Elise blurted out, placing a hand on the fence to avoid stumbling from shock like Mira had. "There's no way he wasn't involved in Org's assassination."
"Agreed," Jellal replied instantly. "Which is why I, along with Ultear and Meredy, will be doing some digging at Makarov's request."
"In the meantime, I myself will be doing my own research," the old man added, surprising the group. "Given the ridiculous amount of debt the Guild has just been saddled with, I don't really have much choice but to play along until they kick me out of the position of Guild Master. However, they actually can't seize the Guild Hall since the name on the deed is actually under Erza Scarlett and Mirajane Strauss."
"Oh yeah, we did do that, didn't we," Erza hummed thoughtfully.
"That's right. This is why I think you should all head out and grow as strong as you can," Makarov continued, his eyes darkening somewhat. "Trouble is coming, and we'll need all the strength we can get if we want to meet it head on."
"Well, since we have your blessing, I guess that settles it," Erza sighed, as she looked toward the rest of the group. "I suppose Elise, Mira and Wendy will come with me."
"The Thunder Legion is obviously coming with me," Laxus replied, crossing his arms.
"I'm gonna see about taking the shrimp with me," Gajeel chimed in, though no one decided to make fun of him for it, since the pair actually worked quite well together.
"Then its settled," Erza nodded firmly. "Before we all leave though, we should each take a communication Lacrima so we can contact each other?"
"Agreed. It'll be better to coordinate and meet up as needed," Laxus nodded, firmly in agreement as all eyes slowly shifted to the Fairy Tail Guild Hall.
"You all know the Guild is gonna fall into disrepair without us around, right," Gajeel asked curiously.
"Well, we fixed Fairy Tail back up after we were gone for seven years, so we can do it again," Elise replied confidently. "Even if we end up having to start from scratch all over again!"
The group collectively cheered in agreement, as they began discussing the finer aspects of their plan. They knew they were essentially abandoning Fairy Tail, but it wasn't like they had many other options.
They'd make Fairy Tail the greatest for a third, and hopefully, final time.
***POTD***
It was midnight now in Magnolia as a cloaked figure moved stealthily through the streets, headed toward the North exit to the city. The figure moved at a sedate pace, their cloak billowing in the wind.
Upon reaching the gate, the cloaked figure looked up to see a shadowed figure leaning up against the far wall. Pausing, they waited until the figure slowly approached, revealing themselves to be Porlyusica.
"I hope you understand the gravity of what you're doing?"
"I do."
"Oh, do you?"
"This is how it has to be," the cloaked figure replied, the wind picking up and blowing their hood off, revealing it to be Wendy, still bandaged up and her newly forged eye covered.
"How far do you realistically think you'll get?"
"As far as I must," came the cold response, which brought a frown to the older woman's face.
"…You shouldn't even be awake right now; most are knocked out for at least two days from the procedure?"
"All the more proof that I'm determined to do this," Wendy replied firmly, a slight fire in her eye. "I appreciate everything you've done for me, Miss Porlyusica… But don't try and stop me."
"I wasn't going to," the older woman sighed, surprising Wendy as she moved to lean up against the entrance gate. "I wanted to make sure you were certain about this decision of yours?"
"And?"
"I can tell you are," the older woman sighed, shaking her head. "Such a Human thing to do… I still don't really understand why you want to go it alone when you have friends, but whatever?"
"This is something I have to do for myself…"
"Does this happen to relate to what was on that Lacrima Natsu gifted you?"
"It does," the Sky Dragon Slayer nodded stiffly. "Here, take a look."
Porlyusica gently took the Lacrima from Wendy and examined it, watching as a projection of Natsu shot out of it, paused in place and ready for her to listen. With a sigh, she allowed it to play, curious as to just what Natsu had told her to spur such drastic behavior from Wendy…
"Hey, guess this thing is finally working? Sorry about any background noise, I'm in Tartarus right now, about a week and a half after being made a legit Devil. Anyway…"
The image of Natsu moved to sit down, as he clearly pondered on how best to start the recording.
"Okay. So, I suppose the beginning is the best place to start? To be truthful, I've hidden a lot of secrets, not just from you, but from everyone. Ever since Scarlione, I've known that I was the Demon King E.N.D, the fabled Demon said to bring about the end of all things blah blah blah… You've heard it a million times."
Holding his right arm out, it began morphing into different shapes and weapons, before he lowered it and returned his gaze to the Lacrima.
"I don't doubt you've got a tonne of questions for me, like most of the world right now… But I'll answer the obvious. Why didn't I tell you, or Erza, or anyone else I was close to? Well, the simple answer is that I was scared. I was scared that you all might fear or hate me for what I was, and chose to hide it. Did I ever intend to tell anyone? Absolutely not. But gramps got to find out the hard way in Crocus and…yeah."
The figure of Natsu ran a hand through his hair, sighing as he rose to his feet, begging to pace back and forth.
"By now, you'll likely know why you're being told this through a Lacrima recording, and not in person. I apologize, but I'm going away, and for a long time at that. I'll be brutally honest with you Wendy, because I know you're a strong girl, but there's a chance I might never come back."
The form of Natsu shimmered, and the background changed to a strange forested region somewhere deep in Fiore.
"But don't think I'm abandoning you Wendy, because I'm not. When you called me Dad, I'll admit, I wanted to cry. I don't remember anything about my parents, and I don't know the first thing about what being a Dad is like, but… I'd be honored to call you my Daughter, if you'll take a gross Demon like me as a Dad, that is?"
The form of Natsu stopped near a cave, looked around before making his way inside.
"Now Wendy, I know that you'll likely want to grow stronger, right? Well, I've got a means of you doing so! Back in Draconia, I took something that I just know will help you learn to become great, even if Grandina doesn't want to help you."
The image shuddered as a resounding bang echoed throughout the cave he was in. Once the dust settled, it revealed Natsu to be standing in front of a giant stone slab, familiar markings etched across its surface.
"This slab right here holds every single Sky Dragon technique ever made on it. I swiped it from their home knowing you'd probably need what was on it at some point. The coordinates for the slab are held within this recording, written in the language of the Dragons that I know only Slayers can read…"
His expression grew sombre as he sat down in front of the slab, his face closer to the Lacrima.
"I couldn't save your childhood, no matter what I tried to do, and I'm truly sorry for that failure, Wendy. So, in exchange, I'll give you what you likely desire now, the means to grow exponentially more powerful. I do hope that someday soon, we'll meet again, and you can show me just how powerful you've become?"
The form of Natsu reached out and picked up the Lacrima again, bringing it even closer to his face.
"There's only one path left to you now, Wendy. I know you won't simply quit, so I can at least encourage you to grow powerful enough to crush anyone foolish enough to mess with you again. And remember, I love you Wendy… I hope one day we get to say that face to face?"
The Lacrima flickered for a moment before a series of strange symbols appeared, before the entire projection faded.
"What a fool," Porlyusica huffed, shaking her head. "Encouraging her to just grow powerful at the cost of everything else? Only you'd do something so reckless…"
"You see," Wendy asked quietly, taking the Lacrima back. "My Father has made a request of me, and I'm going to do it."
"At the cost of your own sanity?"
"If that's the price to make him proud… then yes," Wendy replied firmly, as Porlyusica eyed the young girl's determined gaze, before beginning to laugh.
"My goodness, you Humans are truly chaotic creatures," the old woman cackled. "Very well, it appears I have little choice in the matter!"
"Huh?"
"Isn't it obvious," the older woman huffed, snapping her fingers as a packed back manifested before Wendy's eyes. "I shall be joining you."
"Wait…WHAT!?"
"Believe me, there will be many benefits to my presence," Porlyusica continued, ignoring her shocked outburst. "Don't forget, I was once part of the strongest team Fairy Tail ever had as an S Class Mage?"
"I-I don't know what to say…?"
"The direction we're headed would be a good start," the older woman smiled, as her packed back disappeared with another snap of her fingers. "Those coordinates appeared to be somewhere near the Forest of Vorn on the border to Bosco?"
"Wait, you could read that!? HOW!?"
"Like I said Wendy, there are many benefits to my presence," the older woman replied, as she turned back to face Magnolia, a wistful smile on her face. "I never thought I'd undergo another journey again? But now, yes Makarov… I see now just how right you were."
Turning on her heel, the older Mage started walking through the North gate, with Wendy scrambling to catch up, as the pair vanished in the thick of night to parts unknown…
***POTD***
"Come on Eliza, open the door," Natsu sighed, as both he and Seilah stood outside her home for the third day in a row. "I swear Eliza, if you don't open this door, I'll have to kick it in?"
"Just go away!"
"Just go away-What is she, an overly dramatic teenager," Natsu huffed, eliciting a shrug of the shoulders from Seilah. "I'm not going Eliza, we're both adults here and we need to talk!"
The sound of the door unlocking startled both Natsu and Seilah, as the War Goddess opened it. The pair were stunned to see her wrapped in a warm fuzzy blanket, her eyes slightly puffy, and a massive tub of ice cream visible behind her.
"Eliza…"
"What?"
"You can't be serious-?"
"Just go away!"
"No, I'm not doing that," Natsu huffed, guiding her back inside as Seilah gently closed the door. "I won't let you sit here and sulk like this."
"I'll sulk all I want!"
"Are you not the current serving War God?"
"Yes."
"Are you not a Divine being who was trained by some of the best previous War Gods?"
"Yes…"
"And are you not the being who not only trained a mortal in her arts, but adopted her as your Daughter, guiding her along the path to being a warrior?"
"Yes…"
"Then you should understand why I snapped at you, right? You should know better than anyone else the importance of allowing people to grow and make mistakes, right?"
"…I know."
"Did you watch their fight with Mard Geer?"
"…I did, yes."
"Then you saw how impressive the whole lot of them did against him?"
"I did," Eliza sighed, sniffling as she pushed her giant ice cream tub aside. "But they still got seriously hurt though, just like I said-."
"And I never once disagreed with you that they wouldn't," Natsu replied gently. "I wasn't going to allow them to die, you know that. I was ready to step in and help them, but I couldn't take away the experience of them working together, could I?"
"No, you're right," Eliza sighed. "My attachment to them all has clouded my judgement and foresight. When we argued, I didn't take into account that you too can now glimpse their potentials, and my bias against Devils clouded my judgement. I know you wouldn't endanger your friends without good reason Natsu, and I'm sorry."
"And I'm sorry for hitting you Eliza, it was way out of line," the Dragon Slayer replied, opening his arms wide. "Hug?"
"Hug," the Goddess mumbled, as she gently wrapped her arms around him. "I'm hugging a Devil… What a strange time to be alive?"
"We good?"
"I suppose," the War Goddess sighed. "At least your actions did end up inspiring the others to take their training seriously. I've had Elise trying to speak with me for half a day now about training her, Erza and even Mirajane."
"Are you going to?"
"Well, now that I'm not moping about, I suppose I shall," the Goddess sighed. "Still, I'm quite put out by the fact you actually had the gall to strike me just for calling you a coward."
"Well, like I said, I was way out of line. But its not like it really did anything to you anyway?"
"True," the War Goddess replied with a curt nod, before suddenly noticing Seilah's presence. "Oh, my apologies, I didn't even notice you were there!"
"That's quite alright Lady Eliza," Seilah replied with a formal bow. "My name is Seilah, and I'm Natsu's Assistant."
"His Assistant? Well, you certainly moved fast," Eliza joked, as she gently shook Seilah's hand. "At least you seem rather pleasant compared to some others I've dealt with in the past."
"Thank you, Lady Eliza."
"Now then, I take it you both have some sort of plan for what you'll be doing whilst the others train?"
"We do, yeah. Xicor asked me to go and explore Draconia as we look into Dragon Cry," Natsu explained, his eyes widening ever so slightly as he got an idea. "Hey, you want to come with?"
"Me?"
"Yeah, you can come hang out with us as we explore Draconia for a bit if you want? You don't have to fight anyone or anything, but you can just chill with us?"
"Hm? Well, I did take all that time off…"
"You can do that? What, like paid leave," Natsu asked, completely bemused at the idea of Gods having paid leave. "Isn't there important War God stuff you're supposed to maintain?"
"I believe Felicity already explained to you that we don't have to manage all the work by ourselves a hundred percent of the time, didn't she? I have the War Class I can palm the work off onto."
"Oh yeah, that's right," Natsu chuckled sheepishly, having completely forgotten that little nugget of information. "Well, how much time did you take off?"
"Well, its more of a 'I'll come back when I damn feel like it' kind of leave," Eliza replied, clearly not seeing any issue with that whatsoever, despite the strange look Natsu and Seilah shared.
"Well, at any rate, looks like I've got a pretty unique team for this mission Xicor gave me," Natsu laughed, as Eliza's form glowed, her usual armor materializing around her. "A God, a Devil, and a Demon, all going on an adventure!"
"To Draconia then," Eliza asked, as Natsu opened up a Crimson Red portal, eliciting an impressed gaze from the War God.
"I haven't seen one of the Devil ones in quite a long time," she hummed, as Seilah walked through first. "Perhaps this will be rather interesting?"
With that, the trio departed for Draconia, none of them having any idea what awaited them in the not so desolate continent…