(Edited 02/09/24)
I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.
The Temple And The Prison Break
*POTD*
"You know, I never really had a chance to just take in the view of this place the last time I was here," Natsu thought aloud, as he stood atop a cliff overlooking the former Dragon capital of Draconia.
"It is a rather impressive view," Eliza agreed, surveying the ruins with a discerning eye. "Something does feel off about the place though? Not sure what…?"
"I'm afraid that there's little time for sightseeing Natsu," Igneel chimed in, as Natsu felt the Dragon stirring within his mindscape. "Now that the whole Vampire business is settled, its time I finally kept my promise to you."
"Which one?"
"Don't be a smart ass brat, this is serious! The strength of your enemies is growing exponentially, and we don't have the luxury of wasting time exploring the ruins of my failed species!"
"Damn… Well, what's the plan then?"
"The time has come for you to become a Dragon Monarch in your own right," Igneel declared firmly, as Natsu felt himself freeze on the spot. "Without a doubt, your strength cannot be questioned to be among the strongest of Dragons. Your mastery over not one, but two Dragon Slaying elements cannot be ignored, with your Demonic element coming along nicely. None could question your claim to my title Natsu… Especially when I'm otherwise indisposed…"
"What do you need me to do," Natsu asked, in a shaky voice, still processing what he was about to do.
"The time has come for you to travel to the Temple of the Fire Dragons and study the Fire Dragon Tablet."
"Wow… I always knew the day would come where I'd learn from it," Natsu muttered, thinking back on the many years he'd wielded his Fire Dragon Slaying Magic, and all the foes he'd felled using it. "Now that the day's finally come to actually become a Dragon Monarch myself…"
"Let's not get all mushy about it Natsu, because the process certainly won't be instantaneous. Also, there's one other stipulation that I want upheld, should you do as I ask and travel to the Fire Dragon Temple?"
"What is it?"
"Once you've memorized and learned everything off of the Fire Dragon Tablet… I want you to destroy it."
"D-Destroy it!?"
"Correct. I don't want anyone else learning the secrets on it," Igneel replied sharply. "If you choose to teach someone down the line, that's your choice. But if the tablet is left somewhere, or it gets stolen, it could be used to cause no end of trouble!"
"I get your reasoning, but-?"
"Fire is one of the fundamental forces of life itself Natsu! There are things written on that tablet that could cripple this world, should it fall into the wrong hands!"
"That's… I get it," Natsu sighed, though he certainly wasn't happy about it. "I don't really want to, but I will."
"Good," Igneel hummed, clearly happy with Natsu's answer. "When the time comes for you to destroy it, you'll realize it was for the best."
"Whatever you say Igneel," Natsu replied, shaking his head. "So, where are we going?"
"Do you see those mountains off in the distance," Igneel asked, as Natsu hummed in confirmation. "You're looking for an area like this situated between the four peaks."
As Natsu closed his eyes, Igneel projected an image of the location both he and Eliza would be traveling to. It was a grand, blackened structure centered on a massive island surrounded by lava and volcanoes.
"Huh. Looks completely different to the Sky Dragon Temple?"
"Of course it does, we're nothing like them," Igneel huffed in response. "Now get going brat, we've got a lot of work to do!"
"Fine," Natsu groaned internally, before looking over to Eliza, who had busied herself with sharpening a blade.
"You done talking to Igneel?"
"He says I'm ready to go for the Fire Dragon Tablet, gave me the location and everything," Natsu replied easily. "You don't have to come if you don't want to?"
"I'll come with you Natsu, I'm still on vacation," Eliza replied, patting him on the head in a playful manner. "Besides, there's not much I can do for Elise, Erza and Mirajane until they complete the basic tasks I've given them, so I'm at your disposal until then."
"Thanks Eliza," Natsu smiled, as the two bumped fists. "So, apparently, we're going over to those mountains there?"
"You know, it's funny you should mention those mountains in particular," Eliza mused, her eyes narrowing. "For some strange reason, I can't open a Gate there?"
"I noticed that too. I assume Igneel will tell us why that's the case at some point," Natsu shrugged, knowing better than to question things at this point. "Guess we'll reach this place the old-fashioned way?"
"I suppose the run will be a spot of training for you, if nothing else," the War Goddess smirked, as the pair started sprinting down the cliff they were on, as they began making their way toward the mountain range off in the far distance.
*POTD*
Meanwhile, as Natsu and Eliza went to the Fire Dragon Temple, three familiar figures had just snuck into Era. More specifically, the Rune Knight Magical Detention Centre.
"Alright you two, is everything ready?"
"We're all set Jellal, just waiting for your word!"
"What part of silent operation didn't you understand, Meredy," Jellal hissed, quickly looking around to make sure they hadn't been spotted. "We've only got one shot at this working!"
"Can you two bicker another time? The longer we stand out here, the more likely it is we'll get caught!"
"I must agree with Ultear. Though the Rune Knights are pathetic in every category, they aren't blind at least."
The trio nearly leaped out of their skin as Seilah simply appeared in front of them, acting as if she'd been there the entire time.
"What the fuck-!"
"I didn't even sense her approach-!"
"My heart nearly stopped-!"
"Seilah!? What the Hell are you doing here," Jellal hissed, pulling the Demon down into their hiding spot. "I thought you went off with Natsu!?"
"I did. However, I come bearing a message from Master Natsu for you, Jellal Fernandes."
"Really? Well, for him to send you, it must be important," the blue haired man relented. "What is it?"
"Well, to keep it short. After some events that occurred across the sea, Master Natsu has received some vital intel that may prove vital in defeating the Black Dragon Achnologia."
"What…? Okay, we don't have a lot of time right now, but tell me who it is?"
"Her name is Anna Heartfilia, though why Master Natsu wants her, I haven't the faintest clue? All I know is that prior to learning of her identity, he had been speaking with Irene Belserion regarding some events from the distant past?"
"Well, Natsu certainly never disappoints, does he," Jellal replied with a gentle sigh. "Crime Sorciere will be glad to accept the task of finding this woman for him, but we're a little bit preoccupied, as you can see?"
"Since having Crime Sorciere fully devoted to finding this woman will make Master Natsu happy, I can help you with whatever you're doing," Seilah offered, surprising Jellal, as both Ultear and Meredy nodded frantically for him to accept her help.
"Uh, thanks…"
"What are you planning on doing here?"
"Well, we've planned on liberating the imprisoned members of the Oracion Seis, and having them join Crime Sorciere," Jellal replied, eliciting little more than a curtly raised brow from the Demoness. "Our Guild is still far too small to make any real difference against the threat of the Dark Guilds. But, with them alongside us, it would make dealing with the Dark Guilds, and Alvarez, a lot easier."
"Alright then. As ridiculous as that idea sounds, I'll help you get it done," Seilah replied bluntly, eliciting an amused snicker from Ultear, who was used to dealing with Seilah. "I'll launch a full-scale assault at the front of Era to draw away the bulk of their forces, which should give you more than enough time?"
"R-Really!? I mean, yeah, sure, sounds good," Jellal replied, shocked at how quickly Seilah could solve their biggest issue.
"Good. You'll know when it's a good time to sneak in," Seilah replied, vanishing from view as Jellal turned to Ultear and Meredy.
"Well… I guess that we've pretty much got our ticket in?"
"I've got us linked using my Maguilty Mind Sense," Meredy replied, as a massive explosion rocked the front gates of Era. "Holy shit…"
"Jellal, you need to get into the Detention Center and head underground," Ultear said sharply, summoning her crystal ball. "I'll start searching for the Oracion Seis members!"
"Right," Jellal nodded, quickly darting inside the prison complex, knocking out several panicked Rune Knights he came across, before skidding to a stop near a flight of stairs. "Natsu's new Servant really knows how to cause a distraction…"
Just as Jellal was about to continue running, he heard a raspy voice call out to him from one of the nearby cells. Curious, he stopped and looked through the small gap in the door.
"Y-You!? I-I just heard you mention the name Natsu, right!? You're talking about Natsu Dragneel, aren't you?"
Looking into the cell, Jellal saw a man who had clearly seen better days. His body was pale, emaciated, his prison clothes ragged and his white hair dirty, running down his back, along with a long, scraggly white beard.
"Who are you, and why do you care that I mentioned Natsu's name?"
"I may not look like much as I am, but I was once defeated by Natsu Dragneel many years ago! That kid completely destroyed me, I couldn't believe it! But… Natsu saved my life that day, taught me a valuable lesson, and helped me learn the error of my ways in being a Dark Mage. These last eight years, I've really taken what he did for me to heart, and tried to become better… Well, as best as I can, given the current circumstances, anyway."
"Who are you?"
"I used to be the Dark Guild Master of the Dark Guild, Scaro's Respite. The name's Krieg, though I was known back then as Krieg of the Raging Earth by the Bharam Alliance."
"Oh, I remember you," Jellal replied, eyes wide as he re-examined the man's appearance. "What the Hell happened to you?"
"This is the Council hospitality that awaits anyone who they throw in jail," Krieg scoffed, his twig-like hand pressing up against the window. "Listen, I don't know who you are, but if you're working for Dragneel, you should let me out?"
"You want to help?"
"Yes! I owe that kid big time for putting me in here, making me see the error of my ways! I also heard from some of the guards that when he became Wizard Saint, he had my underlings pardoned, which means he kept his promise to me," Krieg replied as loudly as he could. "Please! I don't care what it is Dragneel's planning, but I want to help however I can!"
Jellal looked into Krieg's eyes, noting the sincerity both in his gaze, and in his words. With a sigh, Jellal nodded slightly, motioning for Krieg to get out of the way. The old man moved out of the doorway, as Jellal booted it in with a single kick, knocking it into the back wall of the cell, as Krieg shuffled into view.
"Wow, you've got good leg strength young man…"
"I used Magic behind it," Jellal replied, looking the man over. "Can you fight at all as you are now?"
"I won't lie, I'll be a bit rusty. These cuffs are suppressing my Magical Core by about eighty percent, which is why I'm looking like a dried-up old fossil! If you can get these cuffs off, I can help you out much more!"
"Alright," Jellal nodded, grabbing onto the collar around Krieg's neck and shattering it, before doing the same with his wrist and ankle shackles. The moment the man was freed, he groaned, as life quite visibly began flowing back into him.
"Take away a man's Magic, and it does absolute wonders for his health," the old man scoffed, his form bulking back up into its natural state. "Hah… Thanks a lot young man!"
"No problem. Now, we've got to go deeper into the prison," Jellal replied, with Krieg nodding in understanding. "You wouldn't happen to know where the Oracion Seis are being held, would you?"
"We'll want to hit up Floor Twenty-Five," Krieg replied, motioning for Jellal to step back. "Fortunately for you, I'm here!"
Stomping his foot on the ground, a massive hole emerged in-between them, heading down dozens of floors.
"Okay, that's actually really useful… How did you know that would work?"
"I'm an Earth Mage, so they would often use me as a laborer to fix this shithole up," Krieg scoffed. "Still, I'm interested to see Floor Twenty-Five for myself? I heard that when the Oracion Seis were brought in, none of them even put up a fight, just walked right on down there. Pretty crazy when you think about it, since from what I've heard, you sometimes don't eat for days at a time?"
"Those guys wouldn't have much trouble surviving something like that," Jellal replied easily. "They survived far worse conditions when they were just children. But still, it seems I'm to save them from that Fate a second time?"
Jellal grabbed Krieg as the pair leaped down the hole in the floor, dropping down to floor twenty-five, as Ultear spoke to him through their Mind Link.
"Jellal! Jellal, you've got to hurry up! Meredy and I have been forced to retreat!"
"What!? Why!?"
"The distraction was working and drew away most of the guards, but the Royal Executioners just showed up, completely ignored her, and entered the prison!"
"Shit! I hear you Ultear! I've picked up another member and we're headed to Floor Twenty-Five where the Oracion Seis are being held!"
"Hurry Jellal! The Executioners didn't look like they were messing around!"
Looking back to Krieg, the two started running as Jellal explained the situation.
"The Royal Executioners just entered the prison, so we haven't got much time Krieg!"
"What!? A shame your helpers couldn't have told us that BEFORE we jumped down the large hole with only one exit?"
"It can't be helped. Worst comes to worst though, you and Richard, one of the Oracion Seis, will be able to combine your Earth Magic and forge us a new way out?"
"Fair enough," Krieg huffed, as the light grew dimmer the deeper they went into Floor Twenty Five. "We've got to find them first though!"
After sprinting for about ten minutes, their path illuminated by Jellal, who's body was glowing a bright golden color, they arrived at the deepest cell. Without a word, Jellal immediately kicked it in, storming inside.
Expanding the light around his form to illuminate the room, he saw the surviving members of the Oracion Seis, all of them wearing basically no clothing, their bodies just as emaciated as Krieg's was.
"By the Gods…"
"Well now, here's a face I never thought I'd see again," a haggard, yet cocky voice rasped out. "Long time no see Jellal…"
"Erik," Jellal murmured, looking upon the Poison Dragon Slayer, who looked like he was on the verge of decomposition. "Richard, Sawyer, Sorano, Macbeth…"
"Hey Jellal," Sorana smirked, her once beautiful form all but absent. "Care to spot me some food, for old times sake?"
"Fuck the food Sorano, how about he gets these damn cuffs off so we don't die soon," Sawyer growled, before breaking into a rather concerning coughing fit.
"Please excuse us, Jellal," Macbeth spoke quietly. "It hasn't been pleasant down here…"
"We had hoped serving our sentences would be the honorable thing to do, given our heinous crimes," Richard spoke up, his once massive form having deflated, making him an almost two-dimensional smear on the floor. "But let's all be honest that this isn't acceptable!"
"What the Hell happened to you all!?"
"What do you think, genius," Sawyer spat in response. "We were the main members of the Oracion Seis, so the Council lets the Rune Knights or anyone else they like do what they want to us!"
"Like I said," Macbeth muttered, looking toward Sorano in concern as she avoided everyone's gaze. "It hasn't been easy, for any of us…"
"Well… I suppose that this only further justifies my reason for coming down here today," Jellal replied, the sound of distant shouts drawing everyone's attention.
"Oh yeah? And just why did you come visit us Jellal," Erik smirked. "Let me guess… You need us, don't you?"
"I want your help, yes," came Jellal's curt reply. "I want you all to join my Independent Guild, Crime Sorciere, and help me take the fight to what remains of the Dark Guilds, as well as the corrupt Magic Council-!"
"Say no fucking more," Sawyer huffed. "If we're taking the Council down, I'm in."
"Indeed! After what they've been doing to us, and the other poor souls who were once down here, I too shall help you Jellal," Richard agreed. "After all, its definitely the right thing to do!"
"I'm in too," Midnight agreed. "I'd say Sorano would be in too."
"Of course," the ragged woman huffed. "After what they've done…"
"I'm in, on one condition," Erik spoke up, drawing everyone's attention toward him. "I'll join, so long as you help me find Cubellios?"
"If that's what you want, I'll agree," Jellal nodded stiffly. "I know you always did care about her, even back at the Tower…"
"Good," Erik smirked, as Jellal began smashing their Magical Restraints, their bodies slowly reverting back to normal.
"Jellal, I think the Royal Executioners just arrived on this floor," Krieg called out from the doorway, as the blue haired Mage moved faster, quickly freeing the others.
"Krieg, Richard! The two of you need to use your Earth Magic to forge us a path to the surface," Jellal called out, as Krieg raised the earth in front of the cell, blocking it from view, before moving to assist Richard.
"The back wall will do nicely as a starting point," Richard spoke up, as he placed his hands upon it. "On three!"
Krieg and Richard channeled their Magic into the rocky wall, as a massive gaping tunnel was formed. The path had an upward incline, as the group began to run.
"We need to be quick, the path won't hold forever," Krieg warned them, sealing off the entrance to the path. "Because we're so far down, its likely to collapse!"
"Then let's get moving everyone," Jellal called out, as the group quickly fled to the surface.
*POTD*
Seilah finished dispatching the last of the Rune Knights, mercilessly slaughtering them to the last man. Nearby, Ultear watched her work with a morbid fascination, whilst Meredy seemed completely creeped out.
"Seilah," Ultear called out, the Demoness looking over her shoulder with a blank expression. "They'll be coming up in a tunnel in the central courtyard!"
"So Jellal managed to rescue the Oracion Seis then? It shall be… most interesting to see them again," the Demoness mused, motioning for Ultear and Meredy to follow her.
The trio casually walked past the absolute massacre the Demoness had just delivered, with over two thousand dead Rune Knight littering the entrance to Era. Their bodies were piled in the streets, atop buildings, or parts of them were plastered across the walls or encircling walls to the city itself.
"Remind me not to make her an enemy," Meredy muttered, as some bodies started falling off the rooftops. "Eugh…"
The trio quickly made their way toward the central courtyard, which had turned into a war zone. Seilah immediately noticed Erik, Sawyer and Macbeth had begun viciously attacking the Royal Executioners, who were being pushed back, whilst Richard carried Sorano.
The trio rushed toward Jellal, Richard and Sorano, with Ultear immediately at the woman's side.
"Are you hurt!?"
"Wow…Is Jellal trying to make some perfect version of the Bharam Alliance or something," Sorano laughed, before hissing in pain. "No, I'm not okay Ultear…"
"With respect Ultear, I think you should speak with Sorano in private once this is all over," Richard chimed in, his usual cadence noticeably absent as he stared down at the Time Mage with a firm gaze. "I don't think I can stress it enough-."
"It's fine Richard, I think she got it," Sorano sighed, noticing Ultear pale considerably.
"They didn't…?"
"We need to leave," Seilah chimed in, as a monstrous Magical Signature flooded the area. "We've got a problem incoming!"
"Shit," Jellal hissed, as Seilah opened a Gate. "Erik, Sawyer, Macbeth! We're leaving…NOW!"
"NO ONE'S GOING ANYWHERE!"
All eyes turned toward the Magic Council Headquarters, as God Serena shot toward their position, cackling at the chaos going down.
"All of you…GO," Seilah snapped, as everyone fell back through the portal. "GO!"
"I don't think so," God Serena shouted, cocking back his right fist. "Sea King Dragon's Aquapressure Strike!"
Serena immediately went for Meredy, as Ultear turned back to try and save her. However, in the blink of an eye, Seilah appeared in front of the young Mage, catching God Serena's attack, her right arm fully flexed, the veins popping all up her forearm.
"What-!?"
"Etherious Aura: Fire Dragon King's Demolition Fist!"
God Serena didn't have the time to block, so stunned at what Seilah had just done, as he was struck across the jaw and knocked halfway across Era.
"What the Hell are you idiots doing… RUN THROUGH THE GATE!"
Seilah (Etherious Aura Eighty Percent Bond Shared Full Power) – 660.82 Billion MPI
"I'd recognize that Magical Signature anywhere," God Serena's voice roared throughout the city, as he shot high into the air. "THAT'S DRAGNEEL'S POWER!"
God Serena (Base Form No Longer Restricting Himself Full Power) – 597.29 Billion MPI
"Seilah backed through the portal, raising a Crash Barrier as God Serena fired a barrage of light-based projectiles down on her position, clearly furious.
"Damn you Dragneel," God Serena roared, unleashing a breath attack on Era itself out of anger, before flashing away back to the Magic Council Headquarters, leaving others to clean up the mess.
*POTD*
Once she was through, the Demoness immediately severed the Gate, returning the power she'd borrowed from Natsu. Sighing, she turned to face the group, who were all looking at her like she was even more out of place than just being a Demon.
"What?"
"T-That was amazing," Meredy gushed, taking Seilah's hands into her own. "You're actually so cool!"
"I'll say. Not every day someone lands a blow like that on the Number One ranked Wizard Saint," Erik agreed. "Still, we should save the praise party for later, because this is a really damn interesting place you brought us to, isn't it?"
The rest of the group took stock of where they were, some of them not having noticed it, due to how badly damaged the area was.
"Is this… This is Nirvana, isn't it," Macbeth asked, clearly confused. "Didn't it get destroyed?"
"Mostly, yes," Jellal replied with a curt nod. "The central hub was knocked into the ground, becoming partially submerged, with some of the connecting leg joints falling around the place. Natsu's battle with Zero, or whatever that thing he ended up as, did take around eighty percent of it out."
"But the twenty percent it did leave has worked out quite well as our new Guild Headquarters," Ultear chimed in. "Its remote, and anyone who knows about its location is either dead, or our allies."
"Speaking of allies, you broke us out of prison," Erik chimed in, surprisingly calm as he stepped up to Jellal. "It feels weird saying this to you of all people, but… I reckon we owe you big time."
"You followed through on your end," Macbeth agreed. "So now, so shall we."
"If you all don't mind, I'm going to take care of Sorano," Ultear spoke up, as she had Richard carry her off to another area that was sectioned off nearby.
"So Jellal, any other surprises you want to spring before we make this all official and shit," Sawyer asked, as Jellal took a seat nearby.
"Just one. Whilst I am indeed the Guild Master of Crime Sorciere, we primarily work for, and take orders from, Natsu Dragneel. Do any of you have a problem with that?"
"So, the Wizard Saint is doing business with a bunch of disreputable scoundrels like us," Erik smirked. "Got to say, I always figured he wasn't one for being by the book!"
"Actually, as it currently stands, Natsu has lost his Wizard Saint position due to a string of recent events," Jellal replied, shocking the remaining Oracion Seis members, as well as Krieg.
"Seriously?"
"As it stands, Natsu is the third most wanted being across at least the continent of Ishgar," Jellal continued, as the entire group fell deathly silent. "It has become common knowledge that Natsu is the Demon King E.N.D, and the Magic Council have ordered his elimination."
"Holy shit," Sawyer blurted out. "You aren't messing with us, are you?"
"No."
"Master Natsu didn't do anything wrong aside from exist," Seilah spoke up, drawing everyone's attention to her. "The current Magic Council is extremely corrupt, and even Legal Guilds are now being persecuted just for having once associated with him."
"Well damn," Erik muttered. "That's pretty damn rough."
"So we're working for the Demon King? As long as he's as reasonable as the Natsu we knew before, I see no issue with it," Macbeth spoke up, with the others all agreeing with the man's rather calm opinion.
"Well, I suppose that settles it then," Jellal smiled, as Meredy pulled out the Guild Mark Stamp for Crime Sorciere. "By joining us, you will be helping to make the world a better place, and joining Meredy, Ultear and myself in trying to atone for any past crimes."
"The community service Guild," Erik snorted in response. "Sign us up boss man."
As each of them received their stamp, Jellal looked toward Krieg, who had been watching their discussion closely.
"And what about you? Do you want to join us as well?"
"Like I said back in prison, I want to do right by the chance Natsu gave me," Krieg nodded in response. "He could have easily just killed me, but he didn't. He spared my life and sent me to prison so that I'd do the time for my crimes. I may not be in prison, but I still intend to do what I can to make up for them, just like the others here."
Jellal smiled as Meredy stamped Krieg on the back of his hand with a red-colored version of their Guild Mark.
"Then its time to fill you all in on our Guild's next task," Jellal spoke up. "Seilah here came to request our help in finding a woman known as Anna Heartfilia. Supposedly, she may contain a vital piece of the puzzle in defeating the Black Dragon Achnologia? Therefore, it is our top priority to find her, and have her meet with Natsu!"
"Thank you for accepting the job," Seilah replied formally. "I shall return and inform Master Natsu of what has transpired. I'm sure he'll be most interested to see most of the Oracion Seis again…"
"At least make sure you tell him we're trying to reform," Erik asked, only for Seilah to shoot him a cold smirk.
"We'll see," the Demoness replied, opening a Gate and walking through, leaving Crime Sorciere behind.
"What have we got ourselves into," the Dragon Slayer sighed, eliciting an amused laugh from Jellal.
"Trust me, its never a dull day Erik! Now then, let's get everyone checked out and fed, you're all probably starving…"
*POTD*
"Remind me again why I'm bothering to go through all this Igneel," Natsu growled, as he trudged through pits of lava.
"Because you aren't a wimp, perhaps? Because you're supposed to be my successor," the Fire Dragon Monarch replied, clearly amused. "Besides, you have no reason to complain, do you? If you were too weak, the lava would have already melted your body, wouldn't it?"
"I have plenty of cause to complain," he shot back, seeing Eliza lazily flying over it all. "Why do I have to trudge through this shit and she doesn't!?"
"Because Eliza isn't the one being tested, is she? You are."
"Test my fucking nuts Igneel! This shit still burns, even if it won't kill me!"
"Get over it," Igneel scoffed in reply. "All Dragons must pass a test to be able to learn from the Dragon Tablets. You will be no exception to this rule."
"You're a real dick, you know that?"
"And you seem to complain a lot for someone who supposedly wants to grow stronger, don't you," Igneel shot back. "You're twenty-eight years old, yet crying as if you're ten-."
"And you talk a lot for a deadbeat Dad, but we don't talk about that, do we," Natsu sniffed in reply, reaching the edge of the lava. "Oh look, we made it."
"Good. Your whining was starting to give me an aneurysm…"
"So funny Igneel, a real comedian…"
"Just shut up and use your Fire Dragon King Magic to light all the torches as we go," Igneel huffed, as Natsu extended his arms outward, lighting the torches on both sides as he passed them.
Once he reached the main set of doors, Eliza dropped back down to the ground, right as they opened up to admit them entrance. Once inside, Seilah appeared from a Gate, bowing slightly to the pair.
"Do I even want to know why you needed eighty percent of my power?"
"God Serena attacked whilst I was helping Crime Sorciere break the Oracion Seis out of prison."
"…Huh?"
"I'll explain the full details later Master," Seilah replied, seeing his brain practically shut down at what she just told him. "For now, all that matters is that they've begun the search for Anna Heartfilia, as you requested."
"Good," Natsu nodded stiffly. "Thanks Seilah."
The Demoness nodded in response, stepping forward and hugging him, much to his surprise.
"Uh? What's all this for?"
"Isn't this what Humans do after a successful mission?"
"Well, that sort of depends… I mean, if you want to do that, then I don't mind," Natsu replied, reciprocating the hug as it did feel rather nice.
"Hugs are all well and good, but you need to keep moving! I need that tablet destroyed once you've studied it!"
"How many times are you going to tell me about that?"
"Until it's done."
"Kill me now," Natsu groaned internally, lighting every lantern on the way as they moved deeper into the temple.
Eventually, the group reached a door that had been sealed firmly shut, multiple colored Magic Circles lining the door.
"Okay Igneel, what's this?"
"This is the second trial to prove you are worthy of becoming a Dragon Monarch," Igneel explained lazily. "You already know about how different colored fire has different effects, right?"
"Yeah, I remember. Purple is sticky, green is toxic, dark red is good against holy enemies…"
"That's precisely what I mean," Igneel agreed, as Natsu examined the door. "But have you ever stopped to consider why they are coloured so differently?"
"Well let's see… Macao used purple flame that didn't burn, Zancrow used black fire that represented the power of a wrathful God, Harbinger Famine had toxic green fire to represent Famine itself, and Atlas Flame had the fires of the underworld…"
"Look, I'll break it down for you, alright? Using your flames to start with, the flames you produce when not using your E.N.D form are representative of the fires that provide both comfort, and despair to mortal men. The fire you gained from Atlas Flame represented the fiery pits of the afterlife all sinful mortals go to. When using Demonic fire, it becomes black to represent the wrath of an angry higher being," Igneel listed off, as Natsu seemed to start understanding what Igneel was getting at.
"Is this test supposed to confirm that I understand the true importance of fire? That fire is an eternal catalyst, one that could spark a raging inferno if not treated carefully?"
"Now you're starting to understand," Igneel replied happily. "The discovery of ordinary fire dragged mortal men from the primordial muck. The sickly green fires bring famine, disease, pestilence. The black fire of a wrathful higher being burn all they touch to ashes, and cannot be stopped by mortal men…"
"It's a lesson to be responsible with the fire I wield," Natsu hummed to himself, as he raised his right hand. "Play with fire, and a lot more than yourself will get burned…"
"Excellent work Natsu," Igneel smiled, as the Magic Circles moved out of the way, the door itself fading away, granting the group entrance. "Beyond this lies the Fire Dragon Tablet, where you shall begin to prepare yourself."
Natsu silently nodded in understanding, steeling himself as he motioned for Seilah and Eliza to follow him inside. Upon entering, they immediately came across a central chamber encircled by lava, as fires of all kinds raged around the circular dome erected over the temple.
At the center of the chamber was a single walkway that led to a much smaller circular island amidst the sea of lava. At its heart, was the charred black Fire Dragon Tablet, mounted onto the back wall.
"I assume this is where Igneel once resided," Eliza mused, as the trio looked around the area curiously.
As Natsu looked up at the tablet, he could feel a strange type of power emanating from its surface. As strange as it was, he tried to resist the allure, only for Igneel to pull him up.
"Don't resist that feeling Natsu… What you feel is the tablet itself trying to connect to you, recognizing and testing your Magic…"
Natsu nodded as he sat down in front of the Fire Dragon Tablet, closing his eyes and letting himself fully succumb to the connection. As he did, Eliza looked toward Seilah, who cocked her head to the side curiously.
"He'll likely be here for some time, so we should find something interesting to do," the War Goddess hummed. "Maybe we could explore this place?"
"Or, whilst Natsu is busy, the two of you could perform his other mission for him?"
"Ah Xicor… Snd here I was wondering if you even cared about that task anymore," Eliza replied cheerfully, as Xicor stuck his head through a Gate.
"Look. I have an idea on what to do with Dragon Cry, and it's an idea that will assist Natsu," the Dragon God replied sharply. "But its something that requires preparation. Preparation which the two of you could perform whilst he becomes a Dragon Monarch!"
"And what is this plan you have with Dragon Cry, Xicor? All the months we've been here, and not once have you mentioned it?"
Xicor grumbled once more as the two waited for the Dragon God's answer. After a full minute, Xicor sighed, and opened a portal for the two to come directly to him.
"Well now, this is interesting," Eliza mused with a raised eyebrow, as both she and Seilah walked through to Terminus, leaving Natsu to his own devices.
*POTD*
Walking out of the portal, Seilah and Eliza appeared before Xicor, the Dragon laying down to look at them.
"Alright Xicor… You have us here now, so what's the need to bring us here directly?"
"Natsu has a fight against impossible odds coming in the near future. With all the power Achnologia has acquired, Natsu could master the element of fire and it wouldn't make a shred of difference," Xicor admitted bluntly, surprising Seilah, but not startling Eliza in the slightest. "Natsu hasn't had a fraction of the time Achnologia has to harness and master his powers to the point of perfection. Even taking into account his Devil abilities, he still hasn't come even close to figuring out how to master them! He's merely having an idea of how to use them."
"I have to agree with you there Xicor. Natsu may be the one destined to defeat him, but looking at his ever-increasing power, he still doesn't have a chance against that thing which has the power of countless Dragons behind him," Eliza sighed, her eyes narrowing as she meets Xicor's gaze. "That being said, what's your idea?"
"We know that Natsu is a selfless, good-hearted person, right? We know that he's nothing like Achnologia, which is why I believe he is worthy for an element of Dragon Slaying Magic that no one has ever received before," Xicor explained. "Housed within Dragon Cry lies the combined power of countless Dragons, with all their power stored within it. My plan Eliza is to extract the power of the staff, convert it from the chaotic mess of elements, put the souls within to rest, convert all the power of the staff into my own element and place that power into Natsu."
Eliza's eyes widened in shock as Seilah cocked an eyebrow.
"Xicor, you can't do something like that, you could kill him! Forcing such a large amount of Magic into him, the power of countless Dragons and Divine Magic would destroy him! We have no idea how Divine Dragon Slayer Magic would react to his Demonic Dragon Slayer Magic either!? You could kill our only chance at slaying Achnologia!"
"But you forget Eliza, that there is evidence to prove this is a viable option," Xicor replied knowingly. "His own Brother, Zeref, is currently wielding similar powers, is he not?"
"But still Xicor, you can't just pull something like this!? It's just too much of a risk!"
"And what is the alternative Eliza? Natsu isn't going to be strong enough to face a being that makes the Gods themselves hide within this realm, is he!? He even has Zeref cautious," Xicor snapped in response.
Eliza was about to protest until something gave her pause, her eyes widening as she slowly met his gaze once again.
"Do you understand what you're doing Xicor," Eliza whispered. "If you go through with this, and he gains access to Divine Dragon Slaying Magic… Natsu would be able to gain access to God's Aura! And if that happens-!"
"He would become another Hybrid, just like Zeref. I know Eliza, believe me," Xicor sighed tiredly. "I must go through with this though; we haven't got a choice! With what Achnologia wields, he needs to gain the power to counter the-!"
"Enough," Eliza sighed, raising her right hand to silence the Dragon God. "Seilah and I shall help you gather what you need for your ritual. However, be it on your own head the result of going through with this…"
"I understand," Xicor nodded solemnly, knowing what would happen to Natsu should this fail. "But we must do all that we can to support him in attaining victory. Even at a cost…"
Eliza didn't speak, clearly unhappy with what was going to happen, as she silently opened a portal, motioning for Seilah to follow her. As they departed, Xicor's mind quickly drifted back to his thoughts regarding what he was going to do? There were countless ways this could go wrong, but he had to account for them!
"All I can do is hope for the best," Xicor sighed, shaking his head. "Good luck Natsu, because you'll need every last scrap of it you can get…