Embers of Fate Chapter 11, a fairy tail fanfic

Chapter-11: A bit of Fun

A few weeks later...

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the bustling courtyard of Fairy Tail. A large crowd had gathered in the open space, filled with eager faces and excited chatter. The air was thick with anticipation, and the energy of the guild had shifted into one of celebration and competition.

Amaris stood confidently at the center of the stage, a wide grin stretching across her face as she addressed the crowd. She looked every bit the part of a mesmerizing goddess, her presence commanding attention with ease.

"Welcome, mortals of Fairy Tail!" she announced, her voice echoing across the courtyard. The crowd fell silent, eyes locked on her. "You all know me as the Stunning Goddess of the Night and Magic, Amaris, and today—today, we will have a show like no other!"

A wave of excited murmurs rippled through the crowd as Amaris raised one hand high. "Gray and Juvia will face off against Natsu and Erza in a friendly competition to show off their talents! And, of course, anyone else who wishes to participate, feel free to join! Whether it's music, dance, or whatever else you'd like to showcase—today is about fun and celebration!"

Amaris flashed a mischievous smile, her galaxy eyes gleaming behind the round glasses perched on her nose. The glasses added an intellectual flair, yet did nothing to diminish the mystical allure she exuded. She was dressed in a long, flowing dark blue skirt that cascaded down to her feet, paired with a white blouse and a corset that accentuated her hourglass figure. Her long hair, now turned and glowing pink, shimmered in the sunlight, seeming to catch the glow of the setting sun.

The crowd erupted in cheers at the announcement, the excitement building as people began to gather in groups, preparing for the event.

Gray stood off to the side with Juvia, exchanging a quiet glance. He didn't exactly love the idea of showing off, but when it came to friendly competition with his guildmates, he could never back down. Juvia, on the other hand, was practically glowing with excitement, her eyes shining as she squeezed his arm.

Natsu and Erza were already on the stage, Natsu looked down at the Mages of Fairy tail with his Silver Eyes, while Erza flashed a confident Smile.

"Alright, Natsu," Erza said with a smile. "Let's give them a show to remember."

Natsu grinned in response, cracking his knuckles. "You got it, Erza. Let's show them how it's done!"

Amaris raised both hands in the air, signaling the start of the event. "Let the festivities begin! Let's see who has the talent to claim the crown of Fairy Tail's finest!"

The crowd roared with applause, and the air was filled with an energy that only a guild like Fairy Tail could produce. The games had begun.

As the cheers of the crowd echoed through the guild, Amaris's voice rang out once more, her excitement palpable.

"Let's start the competition with something that will get everyone moving! A music battle! Whether it's through instruments, voices, or a combination of both, let's see who can captivate the audience the most!" Amaris announced, her voice carrying through the guild hall, setting the stage for the showdown.

Erza glanced at Natsu with a teasing smile. "Seems like you're at an advantage, dear."

Natsu chuckled and winked. "Of course! But, would you be a doll and take the drums?"

Erza's smile widened as she winked back. "Give them a show they won't forget."

"Wait, Natsu's going to sing?" Elfman asked, raising an eyebrow. "That's a bad idea. Gods, I hope we still have ears after this."

"Have some faith in Natsu, Elf," Mira said, shaking her head with a smile. "You might be surprised."

Lucy, with a sly grin, added, "Oh, you'll all be surprised, especially from Natsu and Erza. Gray and Juvia are great too!"

"Really, Lu? Natsu can sing?" Levy asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

Gajeel nodded, smirking. "I'll give him that. Natsu's a great singer."

Laxus, who had been quietly observing, placed a hand on Gajeel's shoulder. "We can't let Natsu and Gray outshine us. We've got to do something."

"You wanna sing?" Gajeel asked, raising an eyebrow.

Laxus smirked. "If you're up for it."

"You're on, Sparkles," Gajeel said with a grin, clearly accepting the challenge.

The stage was set, the guild hall alive with the hum of excitement. The crowd hushed as Natsu and Erza took their positions. Everyone's eyes were on them, stunned by the unexpected turn of events. Erza, known for her elegance and warrior spirit, was now wearing a leather rock outfit, complete with fingerless gloves and boots that clicked as she moved to her drum kit. Her hair was tied back, and her usual graceful composure was replaced by an air of determination and confidence.

Natsu, on the other hand, summoned a dark red guitar, the wood gleaming under the lights. His usual fiery energy was now focused, and he flashed a grin at Erza before strumming a few chords to test the guitar. The first notes filled the air with a sense of anticipation.

The crowd went quiet as Natsu's voice rang out.

(Live and Learn, Crush 40)

"Can you feel life movin' through your mind,
Ooh, looks like it came back for more!
Yeah yeah yeah!"

The sheer power of his voice took everyone by surprise. His tone was raw, yet melodic, sending a wave of energy through the room. The guild members exchanged shocked glances—Natsu had always been loud, but this was something different. His voice felt like it could rattle the very foundations of the guild hall.

Erza's fingers flew across the drums, pounding out a steady rhythm that meshed perfectly with Natsu's guitar. She was a force on those drums, each beat precise and fierce, creating a dynamic counterpoint to Natsu's vocals. The raw energy of the performance was electrifying.

"Can you feel time slippin' down your spine,
Ooooooh, You try and try to ignore!
Yeah!"

As the song continued, the guild members couldn't help but sway to the beat. Mira, Lucy, and Levy were on the edge of their seats, wide-eyed in disbelief at how well Natsu and Erza were performing together. Gray leaned forward, jaw slightly dropped, while even Gajeel and Laxus couldn't suppress grins at the unexpected synergy between the two.

Natsu threw himself into the performance, moving with the guitar as if it was an extension of his body. The intensity of his presence filled the entire hall. The music pulsed through the air, vibrating in everyone's chest.

"But you can hardly swallow,
Your fears and pain.
When you can't help but follow,
It puts you right back where you came."

Erza's eyes sparkled with passion, her drumsticks moving with perfect synchronization to Natsu's rhythm. Her usual composure had been replaced by an undeniable energy—her whole body seemed to flow with the music, and she was clearly enjoying herself as much as Natsu. The way she pounded out the beat made the crowd feel every moment, as if they were caught in a wave of sound.

Natsu's voice roared with power, his expression fierce and determined. He threw his head back, eyes closed, completely immersed in the performance.

"Live and learn!
Hanging on the edge of tomorrow,
Live and learn!
From the works of yesterday.
Live and learn!
If you beg or if you borrow,
Live and learn!
You may never find your way."

The chorus was a tidal wave, crashing over the audience. Every word felt like a declaration, as if Natsu and Erza were channeling the very essence of battle itself. Their voices, their instruments, everything came together in perfect harmony. The guild erupted in applause, some cheering, others simply too stunned to react at first.

Natsu's grin was wide as ever, but there was a gleam in his eye—a confidence that only came from the bond between him and Erza, the music, and the raw power of their performance. He threw a wink at her as they continued to play, the crowd going wild with every passing second.

"Whooooa, yeah!"

The energy in the room was electric. Every member of Fairy Tail was on their feet now, clapping, stomping, and cheering as Natsu and Erza continued to pour everything they had into the performance. The sound was deafening, but it felt like the kind of music that lifted the spirits of everyone in the room, uniting them in pure joy.

The song was winding toward its climax, and Natsu's voice soared higher, his guitar riff echoing with the same intensity. Erza's drums pounded with such force that it seemed like the very building itself might shake apart.

"Can you feel life tangle you up inside?
Yeah, now you're face down on the floor!
Oh!
But you can't save your sorrow,
You've paid in trade!
When you can't help but follow,
It puts you right back where you came."

Natsu's voice cut through the air like fire, while Erza's drumbeats were thunderous, giving the audience no choice but to keep moving. The audience was absolutely enthralled, caught up in the force of the performance.

"Live and learn!
Hanging on the edge of tomorrow,
Live and learn!
From the works of yesterday.
Live and learn!
If you beg or if you borrow,
Live and learn!
You may never find your way."

The final chorus hit hard, a climax that had everyone on their feet. The music surged, the crowd roaring with applause. Natsu and Erza, both panting from the energy they had just expended, exchanged a look of exhilaration. Erza grinned, her face flushed from the intensity of the performance. Natsu, as always, was the picture of confidence, his grin wide as he strummed the final chords.

As the last note rang out, the entire guild hall exploded in applause. Some were whistling, others were shouting, but everyone was in awe. Natsu and Erza had not just sung a song—they had performed. They had created a moment that would be remembered for a long time.

"That was... amazing!" Levy called out, barely able to contain her excitement. "I didn't know you two had it in you!"

Mira was grinning from ear to ear, clearly proud of her friends. "Told you all Natsu and Erza would blow us away!"

Even Laxus and Gajeel were clapping, their earlier skepticism replaced by respect. "That was something else," Gajeel muttered, still impressed.

Erza wiped the sweat from her forehead and gave Natsu a proud nod. "Not bad, Natsu. We make a pretty good team."

"Of course," Natsu grinned, "We always do."

The music had ended, but the energy in the room lingered, a testament to the power of the performance and the bond between the two. This wasn't just a music competition—it was a celebration of their strength, their connection, and the spirit of Fairy Tail.

The guild hall was still buzzing with excitement from Natsu and Erza's performance, but the energy shifted as Gray and Juvia took the stage next. Gray, usually cool and composed, looked uncharacteristically serious, his focus sharp. Juvia, with her ever-present smile, stood beside him, radiating an enthusiasm that balanced out his intensity. The spotlight was on them now, and everyone waited eagerly to see what they would bring.

As the music began to play, the crowd fell silent. The deep, haunting intro of "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence filled the room, and the first notes seemed to awaken something inside everyone present. Gray and Juvia stood close together, their eyes locked, ready to perform. Juvia's voice rang out, full of emotion, as she began the song.

"How can you see into my eyes,
Like open doors?
Leading you down into my core
Where I've become so numb
Without a soul (soul)
My spirit's sleeping somewhere cold
Until you find it there and lead it back home."

Gray's voice joined in seamlessly, matching Juvia's emotion with raw power and depth. His voice was smoother than the audience was used to, but the vulnerability and pain he conveyed in his delivery struck a chord with everyone. Juvia's passionate tone filled the space, and Gray followed, his intensity growing with every line.

"Wake me up inside
(I can't wake up) wake me up inside
(Save me) call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up) bid my blood to run
(I can't wake up) before I come undone
(Save me) save me from the nothing I've become."

Juvia's voice soared as she took the higher parts of the song, her hands gently lifting with each note. Gray's eyes locked on hers as he poured his emotions into his part, his voice gritty but filled with yearning. The chemistry between them on stage was undeniable, and the crowd was completely captivated by the raw energy they brought to the song. Every note they sang together felt like a call to the depths of their souls, as if they were reaching for something long lost.

The crowd swayed with the music, some members closing their eyes to let the powerful lyrics wash over them. Even Natsu, who was always full of energy, stood quietly, watching with a mix of admiration and surprise. Juvia and Gray's voices intertwined perfectly, each note fueling the other.

"Now that I know what I'm without
You can't just leave me (oh, oh-oh)
Breathe into me and make me real (make me real)
Bring (bring) me (me) to life."

The drums and bass pulsed, adding an extra layer of urgency and intensity to the performance. Juvia's eyes glistened with emotion, and Gray, usually reserved, was letting his heart show in his voice. The connection between them was undeniable. As they sang, it felt as though they were laying their souls bare for everyone to see.

The crowd erupted in applause as Juvia and Gray hit the powerful chorus together, their voices in perfect harmony. It was a beautiful, raw performance, and it felt like they were both opening up to the audience in a way that no one had seen before. Their bond, the depth of their emotions, was palpable in every word they sang.

"Bring me to life
I've been livin' a lie
There's nothing inside
Bring me to life."

The lights flashed as the music swelled, and Gray's voice grew more intense, his head tilting back as he let the emotion of the song carry him. Juvia's voice was soft but powerful, and the two of them harmonized in a way that left the audience in awe. Their performance was no longer just a song—it was a story, a journey through pain, longing, and a search for meaning.

"Frozen inside (frozen inside)
Without your touch (without your love)
Without your love, darling
Only you (only you) are the life (life)
Among the dead."

Juvia's voice quivered with emotion, her face softening with the weight of the lyrics. Gray's hand reached out to her as if to physically pull her closer, but it was the emotional connection that bound them together. The guild members were hanging on every note, some in tears, others in rapturous admiration of the depth of feeling Gray and Juvia were pouring into the song.

"All this time, I can't believe I couldn't see
Kept in the dark, but you were there in front of me
I've been sleeping a thousand years, it seems
Got to open my eyes to everything
Without a thought, without a voice, without a soul
Don't let me die here
There must be something more."

The intensity of the song grew, and Juvia's voice cracked with emotion as she held the high notes, her body swaying with the music. Gray's voice was full of raw emotion, and the entire guild hall seemed to hold its breath as the song reached its final, powerful chorus.

"Bring me to life
Wake me up inside
(I can't wake up) wake me up inside
(Save me) call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up) bid my blood to run
(I can't wake up) before I come undone
(Save me) save me from the nothing I've become."

"Bring me to life
I've been livin' a lie (bring me to life)
There's nothing inside (there's nothing inside)
Bring me to life."

With the final note, the music ended, leaving the guild hall in stunned silence. The air was thick with emotion, and it was a long moment before the crowd erupted into applause. Gray and Juvia stood on stage, panting, their faces flushed with the effort and emotion they had poured into the performance. Their eyes locked, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to disappear, just the two of them, standing in the wake of the song that had shaken everyone to their core.

Mira was the first to speak up. "I don't think anyone was expecting that." Her voice was filled with awe.

Lucy wiped a tear from her eye, still caught up in the intensity of the performance. "That was incredible. You two… wow."

The guild was still buzzing from Gray and Juvia's performance when Amaris chimed in, her galaxy-like eyes shimmering with intrigue. "That was impressive," she said, her voice smooth yet commanding. "But if we're going dark, why stop there? Let's go full-on with the theme. How about something devilish?"

Natsu smirked, his sharp grin radiating confidence as he leaned over to Erza. "What do you think? Up for it?"

Erza nodded, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Let's give them something they'll never forget."

Amaris added with a sly smile, "I believe a devilish number would be fitting. Something intense, dramatic, and unforgettable."

Natsu gave her a mock salute before turning to the crowd. "Alright, Fairy Tail! We're taking this up a notch. Hope you're ready for something wicked!"

The room erupted in cheers as Natsu and Erza took the stage once again. This time, the mood was heavier, the lights dimming to a deep crimson. Smoke curled around their feet as Erza transformed into a fierce outfit—jet-black armor with crimson accents, her hair glowing faintly under the stage lights. Natsu strapped on his guitar, its body painted with fiery designs that seemed to flicker as he moved.

The crowd fell silent as the first notes of "Let's See a Smile" filled the air. The deep, haunting chords echoed through the hall, and Natsu's voice came in low and sinister, pulling everyone into the mood.

"Have you ever wanted something you can't buy
Because your money's neither lost nor found?
Make a deal with anybody who would listen
'Cause your world is turning upside down."

Erza took over the drums, her beats perfectly synchronized with the dark rhythm of the song. Her movements were powerful yet precise, each strike adding a sense of urgency and intensity. Natsu's guitar solo ripped through the air, fiery and commanding, as his voice grew louder and more passionate.

"I got the feedback, what you lack is off track
Give me two seconds to feed that blend Cognac
I'm so much more than a friend (oh-oh)"

The guild was transfixed. Even Gajeel, who usually kept his comments sharp and teasing, was nodding along to the rhythm, clearly impressed. Laxus stood with his arms crossed, but his usual smirk had softened into something closer to admiration.

Amaris clapped her hands in delight, leaning closer to the stage as the performance continued. "They've outdone themselves," she whispered to Mira, who nodded in agreement.

"Say goodbye to the person you had become
Shake my hand, you have business still left undone
Say goodbye to the person you had become
(Let's see a smile)."

Natsu's voice carried a sinister edge, perfectly balanced by the melodic yet commanding drumming from Erza. The two of them were completely in sync, feeding off each other's energy. Flames licked at Natsu's guitar as he played, and Erza's strikes sent small bursts of red sparks flying from the cymbals.

"Knocking can't echo when the spaces are all gone
You have a job to focus all that fire on
Will they all be redeemed?
Pleasure to hear their screams."

Levy leaned over to Lucy. "How do they keep getting better? It's like they're made for this."

Lucy chuckled. "When it comes to Natsu and Erza, there's no such thing as holding back."

The tempo of the song shifted slightly, becoming even more dramatic as Natsu leaned into the next verse, his voice dripping with intensity. Erza's drumming grew heavier, echoing through the hall like a heartbeat.

"I've been twisting all the cables, frequency is sound
So frequent, I have voices waining, waves distorting, how
Could anybody tell me otherwise? I'll take the crown (crown)."

The lights above the stage flickered, bathing the guild in a mix of dark reds and shadows. The atmosphere was electric, each note pulsating through the crowd like an unrelenting wave. Natsu stepped forward, his guitar roaring as he played a fiery solo that brought the audience to their feet.

"Say goodbye to the person you had become
Shake my hand, you have business still left undone
Say goodbye to the person you had become
(Let's see a smile)."

Erza joined in for the final chorus, their voices blending in perfect harmony. Her strong, commanding tone matched Natsu's fiery intensity, creating a sound that filled every corner of the guild hall.

"Say goodbye to the person you had become
Shake my hand, you have business still left undone
Say goodbye to the person you had become
(Let's see a smile)."

As the last note rang out, the room erupted into applause and cheers. The performance had been dark, intense, and utterly captivating. Natsu and Erza stood together, breathing hard but triumphant, their faces glowing with the satisfaction of a show well done.

"That," Amaris declared, rising to her feet, "was a performance worthy of gods! Truly devilish and absolutely unforgettable."

Mira clapped enthusiastically. "You two just keep surprising us."

Natsu flashed his signature grin, "Told you we'd give them a show."

Erza gave a small bow, her composed demeanor returning. "I hope it was worthy of the competition."

"You kidding?" Gajeel said with a chuckle. "You two just raised the bar for everyone."

As the audience continued to cheer, Natsu turned to Erza and whispered, "Told you we'd leave them speechless."

Erza smirked. "Let's see what they come up with next."

The stage was dark, save for a faint glow emanating from the edges. The air grew heavy with anticipation as Laxus and Gajeel stepped into the spotlight, their imposing figures commanding attention. Gajeel gripped a bass guitar, his fingers flexing as if ready to strike iron chords, while Laxus held an electric guitar, electricity subtly sparking along its strings.

"Let's show 'em how it's done," Laxus said with a smirk, his voice low and confident.

"You better keep up, Sparkles," Gajeel retorted, his signature grin flashing in the dim light.

The guild hall went silent as Laxus and Gajeel stepped onto the stage, their powerful presence commanding attention. The lights dimmed, leaving the room bathed in an ominous glow. Gajeel took his place, gripping a sleek bass guitar, while Laxus adjusted an electric guitar slung across his chest. A low, rumbling chord echoed, and the room buzzed with anticipation.

As the iconic riff began, Laxus's fingers moved across the guitar strings with precision, the sound electrifying the air. Gajeel followed, the deep bassline reverberating through the hall, shaking the very floor. The crowd roared in excitement.

Laxus leaned into the microphone, his deep, commanding voice resonating:

"Say your prayers, little one
Don't forget, my son
To include everyone."

Gajeel's gravelly voice joined him for the next line, adding a haunting depth:

"I tuck you in, warm within
Keep you free from sin
'Til the sandman, he comes."

The intensity grew as the drums, courtesy of Bickslow, thundered in. Laxus growled the next lines, his voice raw with energy:

"Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight!"

The crowd erupted as they hit the iconic chorus together, their voices blending perfectly, filling the hall with their fierce energy:

"Exit light
Enter night
Take my hand
We're off to never-never land!"

The audience swayed and banged their heads in unison, completely caught up in the raw power of the performance. Cana raised her mug, yelling, "This is the real deal!"

Gajeel took over the next verse, his raspy voice echoing like the growl of a dragon:

"Something's wrong, shut the light
Heavy thoughts tonight
And they aren't of Snow White."

The guild laughed at the clever lyric, though they were quickly drawn back into the intensity as Gajeel continued:

"Dreams of war, dreams of liars
Dreams of dragon's fire
And of things that will bite, yeah!"

As they moved back into the chorus, Laxus's magic flared, tiny bolts of lightning dancing along the stage. The lights flickered in time with the beat, adding a thrilling, electric atmosphere:

"Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight!"

"Exit light
Enter night
Take my hand
We're off to never-never land!"

In the bridge, the music softened, creating an eerie stillness. The crowd held their breath as Gajeel's voice dropped to a sinister whisper:

"Now I lay me down to sleep
Pray the Lord my soul to keep
If I die before I wake
Pray the Lord my soul to take."

The tension was palpable as Laxus's voice boomed over the eerie silence, shaking the walls:

"Hush, little baby, don't say a word
And never mind that noise you heard
It's just the beasts under your bed
In your closet, in your head!"

With a thunderous crash, the music surged back to life, louder and more ferocious than ever. Sparks of lightning erupted from Laxus's guitar as he and Gajeel screamed the final chorus:

"Exit light
Enter night
Grain of sand
Exit light
Enter night
Take my hand
We're off to never-never land!"

The crowd went wild, fists pumping in the air, as the stage was bathed in a chaotic mix of light and sound. The final riffs echoed through the hall, leaving the guild in stunned silence for a moment before the room exploded with cheers and applause.

"Nailed it!" yelled Natsu, slamming his fists on the table in excitement.

"That… was… METAL!" shouted Cana, raising her mug again.

Levy laughed, covering her ears. "Gajeel, you were amazing, but next time warn me before you shake the whole guild!"

Laxus smirked, flipping his hair back. "Told you we'd bring the house down."

Gajeel grinned, baring his teeth. "You're damn right we did."

The two fist-bumped as the crowd continued to cheer, cementing their performance as one of the most unforgettable moments of the night.

As Gray stepped onto the stage, the lights dimmed once again, setting the tone for his performance. He grabbed the microphone, a confident smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. His eyes glinted with the fiery determination that only Gray could summon when it came to a challenge. The crowd hushed in anticipation, ready for what was to come.

With a sudden strum of his guitar, the familiar riff of "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark" by Fall Out Boy blared through the speakers, shaking the guild hall. Gray's voice cut through the noise, the first lyrics echoing through the air with intensity:

"Ooh oh oh oh, ooh oh oh oh
Be careful making wishes in the dark
Can't be sure when they've hit their mark
And besides in the mean-meantime I'm just dreaming of tearing you apart."

His voice was full of energy and attitude, every word delivered with sharp precision. He paced the stage, his movements as fluid and confident as ever. The rest of the guild members stood at the edge of their seats, some of them grinning in excitement as they watched Gray take command of the spotlight.

"I'm in the de-details with the devil
So now the world can never get me on my level
I just got to get you out of the cage
I'm a young lover's rage
Gonna need a spark to ignite."

The guitar riff kicked in again, strong and powerful, sending vibrations through the guild hall. Gray's expression was fierce, and the energy in the room was palpable. It was clear that the ice mage wasn't holding back tonight.

"My songs know what you did in the dark
So light em up up up, light em up up up
Light em up up up, I'm on fire
So light em up up up, light em up up up
Light em up up up, I'm on fire."

The chorus hit with a surge of power, and the audience erupted in cheers. Gray's voice was a mix of raw emotion and cool confidence. His stage presence was undeniable as he belted out the lyrics, his eyes burning with determination. His foot tapped to the beat as he sang, his passion radiating through every note.

From the crowd, Lucy couldn't help but grin, her hands clapping along to the beat. "I've never seen Gray this fired up before!" she shouted to the others.

"Ooh oh oh oh (in the dark-dark)
Ooh oh oh oh (in the dark-dark)."

Gray's voice grew even more intense as the second verse began, building the momentum in the room. The rhythm picked up, and the crowd leaned in, mesmerized by the power of the performance.

"All the writers keep writing what they write
Somewhere another pretty vein just dies
I've got the scars from tomorrow and I wish you could see
That you're the antidote to everything, except for me."

Gray's voice seemed to growl on the last line, his anger and emotion fueling the words. It was evident that he was pouring every ounce of himself into this performance, letting the music take control.

"A constellation of tears on your lashes
Burn everything you love
Then burn the ashes."

The tempo sped up, and Gray moved closer to the edge of the stage, urging the crowd to keep up with his electric energy. His eyes burned with intensity as he belted out the chorus again:

"In the end everything collides
My childhood spat back out the monster that you see
My songs know what you did in the dark
So light em up up up, light em up up up
Light em up up up, I'm on fire
So light em up up up, light em up up up
Light em up up up, I'm on fire."

The guild hall was shaking with the sheer force of the performance. Gajeel and Laxus were on their feet, fists pumping in time with the music, as the rest of the guild cheered them on. Even Mira, usually so composed, couldn't contain her excitement, clapping along and flashing a wide grin.

"Ooh oh oh oh (In the dark-dark)
Ooh oh oh oh (In the dark-dark)."

The music reached a crescendo, and Gray's voice soared, his last chorus echoing through the guild hall. He raised his head and let out a triumphant yell as the final chords rang out, his guitar shredding in the background.

The moment the final note faded, the room went silent for a brief second before erupting into a wild applause. The guild cheered, some even standing up to give him a standing ovation.

Gray stood tall, breathing heavily, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Well," he said, catching his breath, "I hope you're all still awake."

Mira wiped away a tear, "You were amazing, Gray. I didn't know you had that side of you!"

Lucy's eyes sparkled with pride. "Gray, that was incredible. You really brought the house down."

As the last echoes of Gray's performance died down, the room was filled with the hum of excited whispers. Natsu's grin only widened as he stood up, his energy infectious. He stretched his arms wide, clearly enjoying the atmosphere.

"That was a whole lot of lights, don't you think, girls?" Natsu asked sarcastically, his playful tone carrying through the room.

Erza arched an eyebrow and responded, "Yes, quite a lot. Amaris, with you being the Goddess of the Night, did it not bother you?"

Amaris flashed a mischievous grin. "Yes, dear. Quite a lot."

Natsu's grin deepened as he looked around, his eyes twinkling with the glint of mischief. "And what should we do with all this light?"

Erza's eyes sparkled as she answered, "Bury it."

Amaris' grin widened as she joined in, "Yes, bury the light."

With a sudden, dramatic motion, Natsu clapped his hands together, his magic rippling through the room, dimming the lights and pulling the guild members' attention to him. The temperature in the room seemed to drop, as the familiar fiery warmth around Natsu shifted into something darker, more dangerous.

His presence seemed to command the room, and with a snap of his fingers, the lights dimmed further as if to honor the gravity of the upcoming performance. The atmosphere was charged with energy, the room now filled with a sense of foreboding. Natsu's voice broke the silence with an eerie calmness that immediately captivated everyone in the room.

"Immortal temptation
Takes over my mind, condemned
Falling weak on my knees
Summon the strength of mayhem."

The crowd gasped as Natsu's words reverberated through the hall. This was no ordinary performance; the intensity of the song and the shifting tones in Natsu's voice drew everyone in. His fiery presence matched the ferocity of the song. The drums kicked in, heavy and rhythmic, accompanied by the deep growls of electric guitar that shook the very foundations of the guild hall.

"I am the storm that is approaching
Provoking black clouds in isolation
I am reclaimer of my name
Born in flames, I have been blessed
My family crest is a demon of death
Forsakened, I am awakened
A phoenix's ash in dark divine."

As Natsu's voice reached the powerful chorus, a glow emanated from him, illuminating the stage in brilliant silver and amber hues.

Amaris and Erza, sitting at the edge of the stage, exchanged approving glances. Erza gave a small nod, clearly impressed by the way Natsu had commanded the darkness with his performance. Amaris, however, wore an enigmatic smile, as though she enjoyed the dark theatrics even more than anyone else in the room.

The music surged, with the rhythm section pounding through the hall, and a violin pierced through the chaos, adding an eerie elegance to the heavy metal atmosphere. It felt like a symphony of destruction, pulling every listener into the deep, shadowy world of the song.

"Descending misery
Destiny chasing time
Inherit the nightmare, surrounded by fate
Can't run away."

Natsu's voice turned more ominous, his movements more deliberate as he threw himself into the song, his arms raised as though challenging the very forces of fate itself. Every word he sang felt like an echo of some forgotten, ancient power. The violin played mournful notes, weaving through the guitars, adding layers of complexity to the performance.

"Keep walking the line, between the light
Led astray
Through vacant halls I won't surrender
The truth revealed in eyes of ember."

The crowd was enraptured, hanging on every note, every shift in Natsu's voice. The drums built to a crescendo as the entire guild hall seemed to pulse with the rhythm. And then, just as quickly, the music dropped to a haunting whisper.

The violin swelled again, an eerie melody that sent chills down everyone's spine as Natsu's voice whispered:

"We fight through fire and ice forever
Two souls once lost, and now they remember."

Erza, who had been watching with a mixture of pride and awe, caught Amaris' eye. The goddess of the night smiled, clearly enjoying the performance. She looked over at Natsu, who was lost in the song, his fiery spirit igniting the entire hall.

The song picked up once more, with intense drumming and electric guitar building up to an explosive release. It was like an eruption of energy and chaos, the audience swept up in the fire and fury that Natsu unleashed with each note.

As the song continued, Natsu's voice grew even more haunting and powerful, the lyrics rich with dark imagery. His presence on stage was magnetic—he wasn't just singing, he was becoming the song, embodying every bit of its fire and darkness. The flames seemed to dance around him as the rhythm section thrashed wildly.

"Disappear into the night
Lost shadows left behind
Obsession's pulling me
Fading, I've come to take what's mine."

The tempo quickened, the violin's haunting melody swirling around the heavy drumbeats and guitar. It was a blur of sound and emotion, but Natsu's voice remained clear, slicing through the storm like a knife.

"Lurking in the shadows under veil of night
Constellations of blood pirouette
Dancing through the graves of those who stand at my feet."

With each verse, Natsu seemed to gain more and more power, as if the very darkness of the song was feeding him. His intensity grew with the music, and it was clear that this was no ordinary performance—it was a battle of wills, of fate, of fire.

"Dreams of the black throne I keep on repeat
A derelict of dark, summoned from the ashes
The puppet master congregates all the masses
Pulling strings, twisting minds as blades hit."

As the violins swirled with dark beauty, Natsu's voice soared, daring the crowd to try and match his intensity. The tempo picked up again, and the guitars shredded through the air, creating a wild, unrelenting rhythm.

"You want this power? Then come try and take it
Beyond the tree, fire burns
Secret love, bloodline yearns
Dark minds embrace, crimson joy."

The violins and guitars meshed, the rhythm of the drums quickening as Natsu launched into the final part of the song. The crowd was on their feet, the atmosphere electric, as the song reached its incredible climax.

"Does your dim heart heal or destroy?
Bury the light deep within
Cast aside, there's no coming home
We're burning chaos in the wind
Drifting in the ocean all alone."

As the final note of the song echoed through the hall, Natsu lowered the microphone, his chest heaving with the intensity of the performance. The guild hall was silent for a brief moment, as if the air itself held its breath, before erupting into thunderous applause. It had been a performance like no other—fiery, dark, and overflowing with raw emotion. Even the most battle-hardened members of Fairy Tail found themselves awestruck by its depth.

Natsu smiled, a fiery glint in his eyes, and gave a slight bow. "Guess I buried the light after all," he said, his voice still carrying the weight of the song.

The crowd roared their approval, and Natsu stepped off the stage, his wide, infectious grin lighting up the room.

"That… was a most glorious performance, darling. Truly Demonic and Divine," said Amaris with a playful wink.

"This could be your theme song—the theme of the Silver-Eyed Devil," Erza said with a proud smile.

"I'm awesome; I know, love," Natsu replied with his usual cheeky confidence.

"You know, Natsu, I'd say that was a performance with divine intervention," Laxus added, smirking. "But considering Amaris is here, that might actually be true."

Amaris chuckled softly, her divine presence shimmering faintly. "I assure you, Natsu did not need my help for this artistry. He's achieved it entirely on his own." Pride glinted in her eyes as she spoke.

"THAT WAS AWESOME!" Wendy exclaimed, jumping to her feet in excitement. "The effects! The atmosphere! Everything was amazing!"

Natsu grinned and ruffled her hair affectionately. "I'm glad you liked it, Wendy."

The guild hall was soon filled with cheers and laughter, the members eagerly calling for more songs. The rest of the day unfolded in a blur of singing, dancing, and camaraderie. It was a rare moment of peace and joy—a time to let loose and celebrate.

But peace never lasts forever.

Unbeknownst to them, the beginning of the end was on the horizon.