Chapter-4: Invasion
Three Months Later
Months had passed since Natsu and Laxus's battle. In this time, Natsu and Erza had continued to grow closer, as well as more powerful.
Natsu had learned so much—and so quickly—that he was nearly a master with his new weapons. His progress was nothing short of astounding.
Meanwhile, Gray had finally taken the others' advice and asked Juvia out. They had now been dating for a couple of weeks.
Yet, while Fairy Tail thrived, an old and primal presence had begun to stir on Earthland. A force long sealed away, now emerging from the Demon Realm—the Primordial World from which all higher beings originated.
Somewhere in Fiore, far from any city, deep into the mountains, a colossal pillar of magic—unknown to humans—emerged. The sky darkened and the earth shook as the pillar expanded. In the blink of an eye, a city was formed.
A demonic city.
The city was massive, its Gothic architecture marked by dark obsidian that made up nearly everything. At the very center of the city, where the pillar of magic had erupted, stood a massive tower—a swirling rift in space, constantly engulfed by chaotic demonic energy. Jagged, black stone spires rose from the tower like the talons of an ancient beast.
This tower served as a Hell Gate—a portal to the Demon Realm.
Beyond the tower, an imposing palace was constructed from demonic metal and enchanted with dark magic that pulsed a sickly purple. The entrance to the palace was a massive double-gated archway made from obsidian stone, inlaid with golden demonic symbols. The doors were adorned with intricate carvings of dragons and demons locked in an eternal battle. As one passed through the gates, they were met with a sense of dread, as a wave of demonic energy pulsed outward from within.
The hallways of the palace were long and winding, sharp angular corridors that twisted and turned, designed to confuse and trap intruders. The floors were covered with rich red and black rugs made of demonic silk, and the walls were adorned with grotesque sculptures resembling both dragons and demons—an unsettling aesthetic that pervaded the space. At every corner, the air felt thick with oppressive power.
At the heart of the palace lay the Throne Room, a cavernous chamber with high ceilings supported by enormous, twisted columns of black marble. The room was illuminated by an eerie glow from floating orbs of light, casting sharp, unsettling shadows. The throne itself rested atop a raised platform made of bone and black stone, crafted to resemble the skull of a dragon.
Seated upon the throne was a being, pulsing with power—no mistake, it was he who had brought this city into existence.
He stood at an imposing 10 feet tall, his muscular and lean frame exuding a terrifying strength. Though his body had become slightly gaunt with age, his battle-hardened form still retained the overwhelming power of a dragon. His posture was slightly hunched, a result of centuries of battle, yet he moved with eerie, predatory grace.
His skin was a deep, dark purple, mottled with patches of blackened scales—rough and jagged, some missing or cracked, but still offering a protective armor-like quality. The color of his scales shifted depending on the lighting, hinting at the volatile and chaotic nature of his magic.
His face was a cruel, menacing mask of age, with deep, weathered lines carved into his features—testament to the countless centuries he had lived. His eyes glowed yellow, a sickly hue that radiated malice and cunning, with vertical slit pupils like a serpent's. His long, unkempt hair flowed around his face like a wild mane, further adding to his ferocious appearance.
Two massive, twisted horns protruded from the top of his head, curling back like the horns of an ancient demon. These gnarled, cracked horns were covered in rough scales, their sharp edges a reminder of his once-formidable power. Though worn with age, they were still a symbol of his past might.
His mouth was filled with razor-sharp teeth, many chipped or broken, a testament to the countless battles he had fought. His jawline was sharp, his lips often curled into a wicked grin or a scowl. His long, forked tongue further revealed his dragonic heritage.
His hands and feet were equipped with long, wicked claws, razor-sharp and capable of tearing through solid rock. Dark as night, the claws gleamed with a demonic sheen, slightly worn from years of use but still deadly.
His wings were torn and tattered remnants of a once-majestic dragon form. The shredded membranes revealed the raw skeletal structure beneath, but the wings still granted him flight. Dark and almost translucent, they were jagged and broken at the edges.
His presence was overwhelming. The air around him warped with an unnatural energy, decaying and oppressive. Shadows clung to him, giving him an otherworldly, spectral quality.
A Lord of Demons
Father of All Darkness Related Dragons
Terror and Fear Incarnate
The Black Dragon
Bayle
Bayle rose from his throne, the demons around him bowing low in reverence as he descended the grand staircase, his eyes gleaming with a dark purpose. He stepped onto the balcony, his gaze sweeping over the land below, the faint pulse of demonic power resonating in the air.
"How many millennia have passed since I last glimpsed the mortal world?" he mused, his voice low and almost thoughtful. "It seems we are the first to breach this realm in ages…"
His eyes narrowed as he scanned the sky above, the faintest shift in the currents of magic catching his attention. His senses sharpened, and a flicker of curiosity stirred within him.
"Hm... Artificial demons, perhaps? No... a new breed born of the Black Arts? Or... is there a master of the Black Arts upon this world? Not Ankhseram... no, another?" His gaze drifted, shifting to the right, toward the distant, untamed lands of Guiltina.
A soft growl of intrigue escaped him. "So much power from those so young... The rumors were true. The dragons are gone. Moon, Sea, Forest, Earth, Metal, and Flame? Igneel... No, a descendant of his... Ignia. But wait... there is yet another?"
Bayle's eyes shifted again, this time to the left, as if his very soul was grappling with the inconceivable.
"Incomprehensible… Igneel would never—how could he—? And yet... it is with him. How... How is this possible? Oh, now I see... Dragneel. This is most intriguing. It seems our paths are fated to cross, young one."
A cruel smile curled at the edges of Bayle's lips, the weight of his realization sinking into his ancient mind like a blade. The disturbance he'd sensed was no ordinary force. It was a power unlike anything he'd encountered in his countless centuries—a power that could either herald his downfall or prove to be an insurmountable challenge, one he was eager to test.
Bayle turned to his demons, his eyes glinting with malice as he issued his next command. "Gather your forces. Start the invasion. The time has come to remind the mortal realm who truly rules." His voice was sharp, the air around him thickening with anticipation. Then, with a flick of his clawed hand, he motioned to his four generals. Each was a towering figure of demonic might—fierce, seasoned, and loyal.
His gaze then shifted to a fifth figure standing in the shadows. A shorter figure, her form lithe but potent in its own right. "Find me everything about one who bears the name Dragneel and the power of Igneel."
The demoness nodded, her eyes gleaming with a quiet, calculating malice. She vanished into the darkness, her presence swallowed by the shifting shadows of the palace. Bayle's smile deepened as she disappeared, a dark gleam in his eyes. His thoughts ran with the precision of a predator who knew his prey would soon be in his grasp. This was no mere mortal or dragon; Dragneel was something more, and Bayle was determined to understand the full extent of his power. Whether he would crush this force or manipulate it to his advantage was yet to be decided, but one thing was certain: he would not allow this opportunity to slip through his claws.
Bayle turned back to his four generals. They stood like statues, their eyes burning with ambition, hunger, and the thrill of impending destruction. They were ancient, their powers immense, and their loyalty to him unwavering. Each was a living embodiment of chaos and war, draped in tattered remnants of armor that seemed to pulse with the twisted energies of the underworld. Their presence exuded the oppressive weight of their ages, their power a dark reminder of the cataclysms they had once caused.
"You know your roles," Bayle commanded, his voice colder than the abyss. "The city will be our base of operations. Move quickly, and let the realms tremble. Our forces must spread fear like a plague. Let them feel the unrelenting bite of our army."
Without hesitation, the generals bowed their heads, their predatory eyes narrowing as they disappeared into the winding halls of the palace. They would rally their legions, and soon the mortal realm would be engulfed in fire and darkness. Bayle watched them leave, his mind calculating each move, each shift in the coming war. His forces were formidable, but his focus remained unyielding: Dragneel. The pieces were all in motion, and Bayle would not let any stray from his path. He had waited millennia for something like this.
With Erza a few days later
"So, he actually said that?" Mira asked, her smile widening with amusement.
Erza chuckled, a glint of mischief in her eyes as she recalled the event. "Yes, I couldn't stop laughing. He was glaring daggers at them, looking like he wanted to eat them alive. And I swear, he was growling—full-on dragon growling. One of them actually had the audacity to say, 'Sir, tax evasion is a crime!'"
Mira raised an eyebrow, barely able to contain her laughter. "What did Natsu do?"
Erza leaned in, her grin widening. "He turned around, giving him that deadly stare of his. Scales appeared on his face, and flames flickered around his hands. He snarled, his voice laced with fury, 'It's an obligation! One you can't fucking force me to listen to! Now scram, or I'll tear you limb from limb! If you want my money, you *better fucking fight me for it!'"
Mira burst into laughter, barely able to catch her breath. "I can't believe that's our Natsu! Only he would turn a simple tax issue into an actual threat."
Erza shook her head, still laughing herself. "It was the most absurd thing I've ever seen. The look on those bureaucrats' faces? They looked like they wanted to disappear into the ground. I thought they'd lose their minds right then and there."
Mira wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, still chuckling. "That's definitely Natsu for you. Only he could make something as boring as taxes sound like an all-out battle."
"I think they'll think twice before they mess with him again," Erza said with a grin. "But it was hilarious. They left so fast, I almost felt sorry for them."
Mira leaned back, a playful glint in her eyes. "Almost. But, still how much were they asking for?"
Erza's grin faltered slightly as she remembered the amount. "Well, let's just say they were asking for more than Natsu could handle... Or, more accurately, more than he was willing to give. It was a ridiculous amount—almost half of what we make in a year as a guild!"
Mira's eyes widened. "No wonder he lost his mind! Natsu doesn't do well with authority figures, and being asked for that kind of money?"
Erza nodded with a chuckle. "Exactly. I don't think he even heard 'tax evasion' before he was already preparing to go full dragon mode on them. It was... a bit much."
Mira raised an eyebrow with an amused smirk. "I'm guessing they didn't get a single jewel?"
"Nope," Erza said, shaking her head. "He told them to take it up with the government, not him. They left empty-handed, tails between their legs."
Mira laughed again. "Well, at least it wasn't a battle for the guild this time. Still, that's one way to handle taxes."
"TAXES?! ARE THOSE FUCKERS BACK?! GOD FUCKING DAMN IT–
Erza and Mira exchanged amused glances as Natsu's voice rose in the background, his rants growing more colorful with every word.
"—I'LL BURN THEIR FUCKING PAPERWORK TO THE GROUND, I'LL—!" Natsu's voice suddenly shifted, his words becoming a low growl, his anger turning into an unintelligible roar in the ancient tongue of dragons. "—RAKIRIK BAHAL'SHAAK, THORR MAL'ATHAR! SVAZ SEERKATH!"
Mira's eyes widened, though she couldn't help but laugh at Natsu's fiery tirade. "I think he's officially gone into dragon mode, Erza."
Erza raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "I think he just told them he'd burn their souls and sell them to the deepest pits of hell. Again."
Natsu's voice calmed, but the dragon language laced with fury still lingered. "RAKKAR... MAL'ATHAR—SVAZ-"
"Alright, alright, Natsu!" Erza called, walking up to him and placing a hand on his shoulder. "We get it. They were ridiculous, but you've already scared them off. No need to summon every curse in your dragon vocabulary."
Natsu took deep breaths, calming himself down. Gray was laughing while Gajeel had a horrified look on his face, covering Wendy's ears.
"What?" Gray asked, still chuckling. "What did he say?"
"You don't want to know," Gajeel grumbled.
Wendy struggled to free her ears from Gajeel's grip. "Hey, let me go!"
"Wait a minute, he might explode again," Gajeel said, still holding her back. "We don't need you hearing that. You understand Dragon Tongue."
Wendy blinked, still trying to pry Gajeel's hands away. "I can understand Dragon Tongue, but I don't always know exactly what Natsu's saying!"
Gray laughed harder, shaking his head. "I think that's a blessing, honestly."
Gajeel glared at Gray with a look of warning. "You've heard Natsu when he gets like that. Trust me, it's better if she stays clueless for now."
"Fine, fine," Wendy pouted, finally managing to free herself from Gajeel's hold. "But it's not fair! I want to know what Natsu said!"
"Trust me, kid," Gajeel muttered, crossing his arms. "You really don't want to."
Erza folded her arms, trying to stifle a laugh. "It's probably for the best you don't understand. There are some things even a Dragon Slayer doesn't need to hear."
"Hey, I was just protecting my dignity!" Natsu said, throwing up his hands in mock offense. "They deserved it!"
Mira, still laughing, chimed in, "I don't know, Natsu. If you keep using Dragon Tongue like that, the next tax collector might just give up on the spot."
"Yeah," Natsu grinned, scratching the back of his head. "They'll know better next time. No one messes with my money."
Gray shook his head, still chuckling. "Next time, though, maybe tone it down a bit. Your 'Dragon-style persuasion' might just get us banned from every city in Fiore."
Natsu grinned even wider. "Only if they mess with me again."
"Let's just hope they get the message," Erza said dryly, though the hint of a smile tugged at her lips. "I don't want to be the one who has to bail you out of that situation."
"I'm sure you'll figure it out," Natsu said confidently. "I've got this under control."
The guildmates shared a laugh, the tension from the strange encounter quickly dissipating as Natsu resumed his casual, fiery self. Even if taxes were a strange battleground for the Fire Dragon Slayer, everyone knew it wouldn't be the last time Natsu's fiery temper—and his dragon language—would be put to the test.
With Makarov
Makarov and Gildarts sat in the office upstairs, both of them chuckling as Natsu's passionate 'rant' about taxes echoed through the building. It wasn't the first time the Fire Dragon Slayer had gone on one of his fiery tirades, but this time, it had more than a few people worried. However, for Makarov and Gildarts, Natsu's rage against taxes was a blessing.
"The tax collectors are too scared to come here now," Makarov said, leaning back in his chair with a grin. "I never thought I'd see the day where Natsu's tantrums would work in our favor."
Gildarts chuckled, a small glint of admiration in his eyes. "That kid sure has a way of making people fear him."
Makarov's grin faded into a more serious expression as he looked out the window, his fingers tapping thoughtfully on the edge of his desk. "Think we could get him to scare off the Magic Council too?"
Gildarts stroked his beard, considering the idea. "Hmm, give him a few years to surpass the Wizard Saints, and yeah, he could probably do it."
Makarov raised his mug, a smirk returning to his face. "I'll drink to that." He took a long sip, then set it down with a more solemn look. "But... on a more serious note, I think it's time we start preparing for what's coming."
Gildarts' expression darkened. He clenched his jaw, his eyes hardening. "Yeah... we've wasted enough time. It's time we start talking to the kids."
Makarov nodded, his gaze steady. "The peace we've known is about to shatter, and we need to be ready. It won't be long before the real fight begins."
The Elder Mages walked outside, the Guild was in chaos as always, as Erza was currently preoccupied with Natsu, as this turned into her routine, instead of stopping the fights.
Makarov clapped his hands loudly, getting the noise to stop. All the members gathered in front of the Master and Ace of Fairy Tail.
Makarov's voice was heavy as he spoke, the gravity of his words hanging in the air like a storm cloud. The guild members fell silent, their usual banter and chaos fading as they focused on the Master's words. Even Natsu, who was still panting from his earlier outburst, stood still, his fiery expression replaced with a rare sense of seriousness.
"My children," Makarov began again, his tone softer yet still firm, "I have grave news. A request was sent to us... and to every guild in Fiore. It's not a simple job."
Erza, still trying to rein in Natsu, stopped in her tracks and glanced toward Makarov. The rest of the guild members gathered, sensing the weight of the situation.
"What is it, Gramps?" Gray asked, his usual laid-back demeanor now replaced with concern.
Makarov took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before he continued. "Natsu… has your father ever mentioned the Demon Realm?"
Natsu's eyes narrowed slightly as he processed the question. "Igneel? Yeah, it's the World of the Demons, the Primordial World, but it was sealed thousands of years ago after the Great Demon Wars," he replied, scratching his head. The mention of Igneel always brought a sense of longing to his heart, but he didn't expect to hear about his father's world in this context.
"Well…" Makarov's expression grew darker, "days ago, something breached Earthland. Multiple cities and towns have been taken over… by Demons. Not just any demons, but Demons from Hell. And these are not the demons of Zeref."
A hushed murmur rippled through the crowd. Gajeel's fists clenched, and even Laxus' eyes darkened with the mention of a new, dangerous threat. The guild members were no strangers to facing threats that could decimate the world, but demons from Hell—this was something far beyond their usual battles.
"What are we up against?" Erza asked, stepping forward, her usually calm demeanor now tinged with urgency. "How are we supposed to fight something like that?"
Makarov's gaze met each of his guildmates, a mix of determination and sorrow in his eyes. "The Demon Realm is not just another enemy from our world. These are beings of unimaginable power, ancient forces that have been sealed for millennia. We don't know everything yet, but this breach… it's no accident."
"…A Hell Gate, I think?" Natsu interjected, his brow furrowed in thought. "That would be the only way for them to breach from what I know. But in a way, this could work to our advantage."
"How so?" Juvia asked, clearly puzzled.
"The main seal on the Demon Realm prevents the strongest demons from crossing into the Mortal Realm," Natsu explained. "So, at the very least, we won't have to deal with anything too powerful. The worst of the worst are still locked away."
Erza's brow furrowed as she processed the information. "Do you know what we could expect from these demons?"
Natsu shook his head, a hint of frustration in his expression. "Not fully. The Demon Realm is vast, and Igneel told me bits and pieces over the years, but I don't have the complete picture. I do know that while the demons who can cross over are strong, they're not gods or anything. They're powerful, sure, but still within the limits of what humanity can fight. The truly dangerous ones—the ones with abilities far beyond anything we've seen—are still sealed away, so that's something we can count on."
There was a brief pause as the guild members processed this new information. The calm and stability they had known was crumbling away, replaced by a new, more dangerous reality. But even so, the guild's determination remained steadfast.
Makarov's gaze swept over the gathered members, his resolve unwavering. "There's a town, not far from Magnolia, that's already been taken over by the demons. It's called Valora. It's only a few miles from here, but it's already under their control. We can't afford to wait any longer."
He looked toward Natsu, Erza, Gray, Juvia, Lucy, Gajeel, Laxus, and Mira. "I'm sending you all to Valora. You'll make sure the demons don't spread further. If you find survivors, protect them. But most importantly, eliminate the threat and report back."
Natsu clenched his fists, a fierce determination in his eyes. "Leave it to us, Master. We'll take care of it."
Erza, standing tall and resolute, gave a firm nod. "We won't let them take another town."
"Alright," Makarov continued, his tone serious. "This is the first step. We'll need to be ready for the worst, but we're stronger together. I trust you all."
With a final glance at the guild, the group prepared to leave. They knew the road ahead would be dangerous, but they were ready to fight for the future of their world.
Later,
Later, as the sun began to rise over the horizon, Natsu and his team stood outside the guild, their faces set in determined expressions. With a flicker of his magic, Natsu's attire shifted, a new, modified look that spoke of both his strength and his evolution.
His white knee-length trousers hugged his legs, cut to accentuate his athletic physique, with black ribbon ties under each knee, giving the look a touch of elegance. His feet were bare, the absence of sandals providing a more grounded, raw connection to the earth beneath him—comfort and agility in combat.
A silver-trimmed black cloth was wrapped around his waist, cascading down to his knees in smooth, flowing folds. The fabric was held in place by a black belt, intricately designed with silver accents, both practical and symbolic of his mastery of shadows.
Over a skin-tight black shirt that clung to his torso, he wore a black jacket with silver trimmings. The jacket's sleeves were folded neatly at his forearms, allowing for ease of movement, while still adding a touch of style. The large hood draped over his shoulders, and elaborate silver embroidery traced the edges, creating a visual contrast that matched his bold presence.
Fingerless black gloves adorned his hands, made of soft yet durable material, and white bandages wrapped around his wrists, extending slightly over his forearms for added protection.
Draped over his left shoulder, like a regal cape, was his white-scaled scarf, its shimmering scales catching the faintest light as they rippled with his every movement. Holstered securely on his upper legs were his twin guns, Ebony & Ivory, and on his back rested the large sword Queen.
With a playful chuckle, Natsu pressed his hand against the sword's rev system, causing a burst of flame to sputter from the blade.
"You couldn't resist, could you?" Erza asked, a slight smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
"Nope." Natsu grinned, eyes sparkling with excitement as he patted the hilt of Queen, the weight of the sword feeling familiar and reassuring.
The rest of the team gathered around, each of them ready for the mission ahead. Erza, ever the steady and formidable presence, was already suited in her battle armor, gleaming in the soft light of the morning. Gray adjusted his coat, his expression serious yet relaxed, always prepared for what was to come. Juvia stood at his side, her determination evident in her eyes as she straightened the hem of her cloak. Lucy and Mira shared a quiet exchange, strategizing, though the usual playful energy between them was subdued in the face of the unknown danger they were about to face.
Laxus stood at the edge of the group, arms crossed, the faint crackle of lightning dancing around him as his impatience simmered beneath the surface. Gajeel, standing nearby, cracked his neck, his lips curling into a smirk.
"This is gonna be fun," Gajeel said, his voice laced with anticipation. "Let's see what these demons are made of."
Laxus rolled his eyes, not bothering to hide his disapproval. "You're looking forward to this a little too much."
"Is that a problem, Thunderhead?" Gajeel shot back, his smirk widening.
Before Laxus could respond, Mira's calm voice cut through the tension. "Let's stay focused. We don't know what we're walking into."
Natsu gave a confident nod. "We'll handle it, Mira. Let's go."
With that, the group set out, their footsteps synchronized as they moved toward Valora, their mission clear. The weight of what lay ahead hung heavy in the air, but they were unshaken, their bonds stronger than ever. Every step they took toward the town was filled with purpose, each member of the team knowing they were ready for whatever came their way.
From the guild's doorstep, Makarov watched them leave, his heart torn between pride and worry. He knew what they were walking into wasn't just another mission—it was the beginning of something much darker. "Come back safe," he whispered to himself, his voice filled with quiet resolve. The true battle had only just begun.
An hour later, the mages arrived at Valora, their footsteps echoing against the eerie silence that enveloped the town. But what they found was not what they expected.
The streets were empty, not a single soul in sight.
"No one's here," Mira observed, her voice sharp with concern as she surveyed the town square.
"I can't smell anything," Gajeel muttered, sniffing the air. "No scents, no signs of life anywhere."
"Neither can I..." Natsu's voice trailed off as he surveyed the deserted streets. "It's like the people just... disappeared."
His eyes caught something strange as he approached a nearby bench. A dark, ashen substance smeared across the wood, nearly indistinguishable from soot but with an unnatural sheen. "What the...?" Natsu leaned in closer, his instincts prickling.
Before he could touch it, the ground beneath them trembled. His eyes widened just in time to see a dark, grotesque spear of flesh shoot from the ground, aimed directly at him. With a startled leap backward, Natsu barely avoided the deadly strike, the spear slicing through the air where he had just been standing. His heart raced as he took a defensive stance.
"Watch out!" Erza shouted, drawing her sword. The group immediately spread out, eyes scanning for any further movement.
Juvia's water magic swirled around her, protective, as Gray summoned a cloud of ice to block any attacks. Laxus's lightning crackled to life, his senses fully alert, while Gajeel's metal-clad fists tightened, ready to strike.
A strange, deep growl reverberated from beneath the earth, sending shivers down their spines as if something—someone—was watching them from the depths. The ash on the bench twitched, an eerie, unnatural movement that seemed to slither and crawl, drawing closer in slow, deliberate motions. The air thickened, suffocating them with a heavy, oppressive presence. Every breath felt like a struggle, and an ominous weight settled over the town.
"Sharp," a voice whispered from the shadows, its tone low, almost mocking.
Natsu's eyes narrowed. "You a demon?" he called out, the challenge clear in his voice.
"…Yes…" the voice responded, dripping with malice, yet oddly casual.
Natsu grinned, his fingers tightening around the grips of Ebony & Ivory. "Well then, show your ugly face. It's time to fuck off back to Hell."
The voice chuckled, a sickly, haunting sound that sent a chill down their spines. "Hehe… Feisty. Just like when Igneel was a brat."
Natsu froze for a moment, his heart skipping a beat. "You know Igneel?" His voice was a mix of surprise and barely contained rage. "Who the hell are you?"
The voice chuckled again, its tone dark and amused. "I suppose so. But I'm not here for pleasantries."
The air grew colder, and a faint shifting sound echoed from the ground beneath them, as if something was rising from the earth. The presence seemed to grow stronger, wrapping around them like an invisible force.
Laxus stepped forward, his voice commanding. "We won't ask again. Show yourself, demon."
For a moment, there was only silence, the tension hanging thick in the air. Then, the ground began to tremble, and from the shadows emerged a figure, its form wreathed in dark, flickering energy.
It was a demon, but not just any demon. Towering over them, its body twisted and grotesque, covered in patches of blackened, ashen skin. Eyes that glowed with an eerie red light fixated on them with malevolent amusement.
"Your world is so... fragile," the demon hissed, its lips curling into a wicked smile. "And yet, you dare challenge me. How amusing."
Natsu's grin widened. "Bring it on."
Erza, her sword in hand, stepped forward, her voice cold and unwavering. "We're done asking. It's time you learned not to mess with Fairy Tail."
"You think your group of mortals is worth something in the grand scheme of things? Your mother would be so disappointed, Little Belserion."
Erza's eyes blazed with fury at the demon's taunt. "Enough talk!" she snarled, her voice like a whip cracking through the tense air. With a single, swift motion, she raised her sword, unleashing a powerful Energy Slash that tore through the ground, aimed directly at the demon.
The demon grinned, its dark eyes flashing with malevolence. It swiped a hand through the air, and in a blur of shadows, the slash collided with an invisible barrier, dissipating into sparks of chaotic energy. "Is that all, little girl?" it mocked, the sound of its voice dripping with contempt.
Before Erza could respond, Natsu spun Ebony & Ivory on his fingers, the guns twirling with a dangerous grace. "Time to die!" he roared, his fiery spirit evident in the deadly glint of his eyes. Without a second thought, he aimed both guns at the demon and pulled the triggers.
The air erupted with a deafening barrage of bullets, hundreds of rounds shot in rapid succession. The demon's laughter echoed through the chaos as it darted to the side with unnatural speed, the bullets missing its form by mere inches. It then spun, sending dark tendrils of energy toward Natsu, aiming to bind him in shadowy chains.
"Nice try, but you'll have to do better than that!" Natsu yelled, his flames igniting in an instant as he launched himself into the air, dodging the attack with ease. He landed gracefully on the ground, his eyes locked on the demon, the fire in his chest burning hotter than ever.
Gajeel growled from his position, his fist clenched. "This thing's fast," he muttered, his sharp eyes tracking the demon's every move.
"Let's just see how fast it really is," Laxus chimed in, a bolt of lightning sparking from his fingertips as he prepared to strike. His voice thundered, filled with the electricity he was about to unleash. "You've got no place in this world, demon. Time to get shocked back to Hell."
The demon's eyes glinted with a wicked amusement, a cruel smirk on its face. "You think you can stop me? How quaint. But you're all just pawns in a game much bigger than you can comprehend."
Without warning, the demon raised its hand, and a violent surge of dark energy erupted from the earth, sending massive shockwaves rippling outward. The ground cracked and buckled beneath their feet, but the Fairy Tail mages remained rooted, their resolve unwavering. Each one was prepared to give everything in this fight, knowing what was at stake.
"We'll show you just how wrong you are," Erza declared, her voice cutting through the chaos. Her grip tightened on her sword as she charged forward once more, her aura a blend of fury and determination.
"Re-Equip: Heaven's Wheel Armor!"
In the blink of an eye, Erza's armor transformed, a shimmering silver plating appearing around her body. The swords that swirled around her rose with blinding speed, and without hesitation, six blades shot directly at the demon, each one a lethal extension of her will.
Erza Scarlet -( Heaven's Wheel Armor Full Power) - 505.900 MPL
Mira, already in her Satan Soul, soared high above the battlefield, her dark wings spreading like a storm cloud. Her eyes locked onto the demon, and with a fierce cry, she unleashed her signature attack.
Mirajane Strauss - (Satan Soul Full Power) - 503.600 MPL
"Dark Blast!"
A powerful orb of dark energy formed at her fingertips and shot down toward the demon with a terrifying force. The orb crashed into the ground, sending a wave of destructive energy outward.
The demon's mocking laugh echoed through the air. "Ha! You think your pathetic Darkness can harm me, pretender?"
The demon's words were abruptly cut off as Natsu soared into the fray, Queen gripped tightly in his hands.
With a burst of fiery energy, Natsu's sword blazed with an intense inferno as he struck upward, the blade aiming for the demon's chin. The force of the blow sent a surge of flame into the demon's body, launching it high into the air. But Natsu wasn't done. In a flash, he followed the demon's trajectory, his grip tightening on its throat as he brought the fight to its most vulnerable point.
"Fire Dragon's Roar!"
At point-blank range, Natsu unleashed the full force of his fire magic, a torrential blast of flame roaring from his mouth and engulfing the demon entirely. The inferno exploded in a dazzling display of heat and power, sending the demon crashing into the ground in a cloud of smoke and debris.
As the dust settled, the demon slowly lifted itself from the crater, its body seemingly unharmed, its mocking grin still ever-present.
"Is that all? Igneel would be so disappointed," the demon taunted, its voice dripping with malice.
Natsu's eyes burned with fury as his teeth ground together. "Who the fuck are you?" he demanded, his tone fierce.
The demon chuckled darkly, his eyes flicking from Natsu to the approaching wave of elemental magic. "You think your petty magic can touch me?" it scoffed, amusement dancing in its eyes.
But before the demon could react, a barrage of attacks surged toward him from all directions.
"Iron Dragon's Roar!" Gajeel's voice thundered, the destructive force of his roar slamming toward the demon.
Gajeel Redfox - (Dragon Slayer Base Full Power) - 530.100 MPL
"Lightning Dragon's Roar!" Laxus shouted, crackling with power as his lightning-infused attack surged forward.
Laxus Dreyar - (Dragon Slayer Base Full Power) - 530.900 MPL
"Water Nebula!" Juvia's magic swirled into a torrent of water, spiraling like a vortex of destruction.
Juvia Lockser - (Water Magic Full Power) - 140.200 MPL
"Ice-Make : Ice Spears!" Gray's icy magic manifested as sharp projectiles, aiming to pierce the demon from all sides.
Gray Fullbuster - (Ice Make Full Power) - 490.990 MPL
The demon's laughter echoed through the chaos, unfazed by the onslaught. With a slow, deliberate motion, it rose one massive, scaly claw.
With a single swipe, the demon effortlessly dispersed all of their attacks, the force of its aura sending each magic technique scattering like leaves in the wind. The roar of Gajeel's attack, the crackling of Laxus's lightning, the raging water of Juvia's assault, and the icy projectiles from Gray were nothing more than dust against the demon's overwhelming power.
The demon tilted its head, unimpressed. "You truly think you can defeat me with this?"
Natsu's grip tightened on Queen, his anger burning hotter than ever. "You're not getting away with this!" he snarled, his voice laced with fury.
The demon's lips curled into a wicked grin. "Am I?" he taunted. Suddenly, the demon's power surged—skyrocketing with terrifying intensity. The very air around them thickened, and gravity itself seemed to multiply, crushing the mages under its weight.
* - ( Demon * Base? Immeasurably Suppressed) - 30 Million MPL
The guild members collapsed to their knees, gasping for breath, their bodies straining against the oppressive force. Lucy, struggling to stay conscious, barely managed to raise her head before Leo, her celestial spirit, was forcibly pulled back into the Spirit Realm.
"W-what power..." Erza gasped, trying to steady herself, but the weight of the demon's power kept her pinned. She looked around and saw Mira's Take Over spell falter and vanish, Juvia crumpled on the ground, unable to breathe, and Lucy in a similar state, her face pale and strained. Gray fought to rise, but the weight of the gravity rendered his body motionless. Gajeel and Laxus, too, struggled to stay upright, their bodies trembling under the pressure.
Natsu, however, stabbed Queen into the ground, gritting his teeth. With every ounce of willpower he had, he pushed himself to his feet. His magic growing, scales appearing on his arms and face, his aura flaring as he fought against the gravity's pull.
Natsu Dragneel - (Dragon Slayer Dragon Force Full Power) – 1.4 Million
"Dragon Force?" Erza muttered, recognizing the power building around Natsu. Even she, despite her strength and armor, struggled to remain standing.
"Re-Equip - Black Wing Armor!" Erza shouted, her magic activating. Her dark armor materialized, giving her a boost of power, but even with its enhancement, she could barely stay on her feet.
Natsu's body began to shake with the intensity of his rising power. A roar escaped him, and the crimson scales spread across his entire body, his eyes glowing a fierce draconic gold. His fire flared to life, burning with a crimson intensity, pushing against the demon's overwhelming presence.
The ground trembled beneath Natsu's feet as his aura clashed with the demon's, giving his comrades the chance to rise. Gajeel grunted, pushing himself up. "Damn, you can enter Dragon Force at will? You gotta teach me that."
Natsu chuckled, the heat radiating from him. "Maybe," he replied, his voice thick with the weight of battle. He turned his gaze back to the demon, who smiled in dark amusement. The shadows around the demon seemed to pulse with excitement, as if feeding off the tension.
Natsu's hand moved to Queen once more, but this time, he returned it to his Re-Equip space and summoned his katana in its place. The weapon glowed faintly, an eerie aura surrounding it.
The demon's eyes narrowed, intrigued. "Interesting... a blade forged from Soul-Bound Metal?" he mused. "Yet, it remains dormant, yet to awaken, still unworthy of a name."
Natsu's eyes blazed with an intensity that mirrored the flames within him. "I'll give it a name after I tear your soul apart," he snarled, his voice full of cold fury. But deep down, something stirred within him—an overwhelming sense of anger that felt primal, almost instinctual, as though something deep within him was pushing him forward, urging him to prove himself better, stronger, and unstoppable. He didn't understand it, but it fueled him, driving him toward the demon with an unrelenting force.
Unbeknownst to him, the white-scaled scarf draped across his shoulder began to glow faintly, reacting to the surge of power building inside him, as if it were resonating with the very core of his being.
The demon, now fully revealed, chuckled darkly, a sound that echoed with menace. His form, shrouded in shadow and malice, began to clear as the darkness faded away, revealing his true size—a towering 10-foot figure. His scales glimmered like molten obsidian, his eyes burning with an ancient malice. The air around him seemed to distort, as if the world itself were bowing to his presence.
The demon, now in full form, looked down at Natsu with a predatory gaze. "Tell me, boy," he sneered. "Do you know who I am?"
Natsu's heart raced, his body tense with anticipation, the flames burning hotter than ever. His grip tightened on his katana, ready to strike, but something about the demon's words stopped him. His instincts screamed that this battle was far more significant than anything he had faced before.
"No," Natsu growled, his voice low and filled with determination. "But I'll still beat you down."
Bayle's grin widened, eyes glinting with malice. "Ah, so you've heard of me, little dragon," he purred, his voice dripping with disdain. "I was the terror that even your dear father feared. The Father of all Dark Dragons, Bayle, the one who reigned over the abyss. But now, boy…" His grin twisted into something darker. "Now, I'm here to collect what was once mine. And that includes you."
Natsu's grip on his katana tightened, his muscles coiling with barely contained fury. Memories of Igneel's teachings surged within him—stories of fierce battles Igneel had fought, demons he had faced, and those he had sealed away to protect Earthland. But the realization that Bayle, the very demon Igneel had warned him about, was now standing before him, filled Natsu with a growing unease.
Bayle's presence, his aura of terror, suffocated the air around them, and Natsu struggled to breathe beneath its weight. This wasn't just another battle—it was something far more personal.
"Why now?" Natsu spat, his voice low and filled with anger. "Why come to Earthland now? The gates should be sealed. What do you want with us?"
Bayle chuckled darkly. "Oh, how much has Igneel hidden from you, my little dragon. This was always going to happen. His own foolishness has left you unprepared."
Natsu's fury only grew. "Answer me!"
Bayle's gaze sharpened. "Quite courageous to speak back to one such as I. Has Igneel not taught you manners? Then again, he never had them either."
"Take your riddles and go back to hell," Natsu snarled, flames licking at the edge of his katana. "You have no place here, fallen dragon. Or I'll kill you."
Bayle's grin deepened. "Is that so? I think deep down in your soul, you want to kill me—whether I surrender or not. You're just as dark as the rest of us demons."
Natsu's blood boiled at Bayle's words. The very thought of being compared to the demon in front of him sent a rush of heat through his veins. His grip on his katana tightened, the blade glowing with flames. "I'm nothing like you!" he roared, his voice full of conviction, but the demon's words echoed in his mind, gnawing at him.
Bayle's grin widened, his oppressive presence looming. "Are you sure about that? Or are you just fooling yourself, boy?"
Before Natsu could retort, Bayle dodged a sword thrown by Erza, his movements eerily graceful for such a massive creature. "Ah, the Little Belserion," Bayle mused. "You'll have to wait. The boy is of more importance to me for now."
"What do you want, demon?" Erza demanded, stepping forward, sword at the ready.
Bayle raised an eyebrow, his voice mocking. "What do I want? You couldn't possibly understand."
Laxus, standing firm despite the crushing weight of Bayle's power, summoned a bolt of lightning and fired it at the demon. "We don't need to understand. We just need to get rid of you. You're the head of this whole invasion."
Bayle's dark laughter filled the air. "You are correct, but what makes you think you can get rid of me? You can barely stand."
Laxus gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing as the air around him crackled with electricity. "I don't need to stand to send you back to hell," he growled. "We'll fight until we can't anymore, and you won't leave here unscathed."
Bayle's dark presence pulsed around him, growing more suffocating. "How amusing. You're all so determined. But… unfortunately, you can't offer me even the slightest of challenges. Perhaps we can change that?"
With a sweeping motion, Bayle raised his claws and began forming a swirling orb of dark magic. "I'm giving you a chance, call this mercy if you will. In one month, the Hell Gate I've summoned will expand, and an even larger army of demons will pass through. One month, that's all you have to stop me—to grow strong enough."
The orb exploded in a flash of dark energy, enveloping everyone except for Natsu. The force of the blast sent shockwaves through the group, but none of them were harmed… except Natsu.
He collapsed to his knees, his magic flaring out of control. Blood poured from his palm, his grip on his katana tightening until his fingers began to tremble.
"Natsu?!" Erza shouted, rushing to his side. She grabbed his shoulders, her own body convulsing as the energy from the explosion began to affect her as well, though not as badly as Natsu.
Natsu cried out in pain, his eyes bleeding as his right hand—still clutching the katana—began to turn black. The sword shook violently in his grip, glowing with an eerie blue-silver aura.
"Stay with me, Natsu!" Erza pleaded, struggling to keep him steady.
The glow around Natsu intensified, the aura pulsating like a heart of its own. His body trembled violently as if something deep within him was awakening. Something primal, something beyond even Dragon Force.
"Natsu!" Erza cried, feeling a strange pressure pressing down on her chest as she tried to hold him up. Her body began to respond to the same unknown force, but she gritted her teeth and fought it off, her focus solely on Natsu.
The power around Natsu surged to new heights, and the atmosphere seemed to crack under the pressure. His scarf, once a simple symbol of his connection to Igneel, shimmered with a strange energy, glowing brighter and brighter with each passing moment. But just as suddenly as it had appeared, the glow vanished. Natsu's body collapsed to the ground, face first, as if all the energy had been drained from him in an instant.
Erza, still reeling from the overwhelming surge of magic, struggled to regain her balance. The pressure had taken a toll on her, leaving her breathless, and the aftereffects of Bayle's dark spell left her disoriented. The others fared no better. Though not as badly affected, they were still staggering under the weight of the energy.
Bayle hovered high above the town, his massive form disappearing into the inky darkness. His voice, low and filled with satisfaction, carried over the chaos. "Good… It has awakened. The boy needs to grow strong enough for me to use him." His figure was enveloped by shadows before he vanished without a trace.
Natsu remained motionless on the ground, his katana still clenched tightly in his hand. The flames that had once burned fiercely around him now flickered weakly, as if his very essence had been drained. Erza rushed to his side, her heart pounding in her chest. She cradled his head in her lap, her fingers brushing the sweat from his forehead, a pang of helplessness coursing through her.
His face was pale, his breathing shallow, yet there was a visible strain on him even while unconscious, as though whatever had happened had taken a heavy toll. Erza's voice trembled with uncertainty. "I… I don't know. It feels like the spell affected us too…"
Gray, still trying to catch his breath, wiped the sweat from his brow, his mind racing to process everything that had just happened. "What the hell just happened?" he muttered, his voice a mix of confusion and concern.
Gajeel, his jaw tight with frustration, looked down at his palm, feeling an unfamiliar shift within himself. "I feel like my magic has changed," he said quietly, a frown creasing his brow.
Laxus, similarly disturbed, clenched his fists and felt the strange weight of his own power. "Same here. It's like something's off with all of us." He glanced over at Mira and Juvia, seeking answers.
Mira, still trying to shake off the remnants of the magic, nodded slowly. "Same here," she muttered, glancing down at herself as if expecting some physical change. Juvia echoed her.
Erza shook her head, trying to clear her foggy thoughts. "We… we need to head back. Something—something is wrong." She attempted to get up, but her legs buckled beneath her, and she collapsed to the ground. Mira rushed to her side, helping her back up with surprising strength despite her own exhaustion.
"Gods, Erza, you're burning up!" Mira exclaimed, her voice laced with concern as she felt the heat radiating from Erza's body.
Erza gritted her teeth, the intensity of the heat she was radiating surprising even her. "It's… it's nothing. I'll be fine." But the way she swayed on her feet, clearly struggling, told a different story.
The group, already shaken by the sudden power of Bayle's attack, was now faced with a more dangerous reality. Their own magic had shifted, and they couldn't even begin to understand what was happening to Natsu or the world around them. With no other choice, they had to retreat and regroup, the dark omen of Bayle's words still echoing in their minds.
At the Guild Hall
The Guild Hall was in a state of stunned silence as the group staggered through the doors. Natsu, still unconscious, was cradled in Erza's arms, barely able to stay conscious herself. The rest of the guild members weren't far behind, all showing visible signs of strain and exhaustion. Their faces were pale, their bodies weak, and their magic was dangerously unstable, flickering and sparking out of control.
Makarov's eyes widened in shock as he took in the sight of them. "What happened?" he demanded, his voice sharp with concern.
Gildarts, who had been sitting near the bar, stood up quickly, his eyes scanning the group. "What's going on? Why's Natsu still out cold? And what happened to all of you?"
Erza, struggling to keep herself upright, spoke first, her voice ragged. "A demon... or maybe a dragon? We're not sure. But he—Bayle—he was strong, far stronger than anything we've ever faced. We couldn't even leave a scratch on him." She paused to catch her breath, the exertion of speaking almost too much. "He knew Igneel, and he... he was interested in Natsu. He used some kind of spell before he left, and after that, our magic went haywire." She glanced down at Natsu's unconscious form. "Natsu's out cold, and I'm barely hanging on. We all are."
Gray, still shaking off the effects of the spell, let out a frustrated sigh. "None of us could keep our magic under control after Bayle's attack. It was like he disrupted everything."
"Jet! Go get Porlyusica! Lisanna, prepare the infirmary, let's get them up!" Makarov's voice rang out with urgency, and the guild members scrambled to follow his orders.
Jet, quick on his feet, dashed out the door in search of the guild's healer. Lisanna, already on her way to the infirmary, began gathering the necessary supplies. The guild was in chaos, but the urgency to save their fallen comrades drove everyone forward.
Meanwhile, Erza sat slumped on the ground, her body trembling as she struggled to stay awake. Despite the overwhelming fatigue and pain coursing through her, her mind raced, trying to piece together everything they had just endured. "What was that demon?" she murmured softly, barely able to keep her eyes open. "Bayle... why was he after Natsu?"
A few hours later, the guild hall's infirmary was filled with tense silence. Porlyusica, with a lacrima scanner in hand, examined the results while the guild's leaders—Makarov, Gildarts, and a few others—watched anxiously.
"What has happened to them?" Makarov asked, his voice filled with concern.
Porlyusica exhaled sharply, looking down at the scanner's readings before responding. "The spell Bayle used has had a profound effect on their magic and bodies. From what I can gather, Gray, Juvia, and Lucy's magic cores have been significantly enhanced. They've become stronger, their magic more potent, but it seems unstable. Mira's magic has also been greatly amplified. There's even a chance she could now host a new Demon Soul within her." She paused, glancing at the others. "As for Gajeel and Laxus, their magic has evolved in strange ways. Laxus's body is now on par with a True Dragon Slayer's, and Gajeel's magic can now spread to other types of metals. It's as if he's transcended his previous limits. But, Erza and Natsu…" Her voice faltered for a moment.
Makarov leaned forward, his brow furrowed with concern. "What happened to them?"
Porlyusica's eyes flickered over the readings once more, her surprise evident in the way she furrowed her brow. "Erza… your body is now resonating with Dragon Magic. It seems you have dormant Dragon DNA within you—more concentrated than even the Dragon Slayers themselves. In fact, it's possible you have more Dragon blood in you than most of them." Her gaze shifted to Makarov, her tone growing serious. "This is... extraordinary."
Erza blinked in disbelief, her voice trembling as she asked, "I have… Dragon blood?" Her hand instinctively pressed against her chest, as if trying to sense something she hadn't noticed before. "How?"
Porlyusica exhaled, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Most likely, one of your parents was either a very advanced Dragon Slayer or, possibly…" She hesitated for a moment. "One of your parents was a Full Dragon."
Erza's heart skipped a beat. "So… I'm half Dragon?"
The question hung in the air, heavy and surreal. Erza could barely grasp the enormity of it. Her mind raced, images of dragons, both terrifying and awe-inspiring, flashing through her thoughts.
Porlyusica nodded, her expression grave. "Something like that. It's still early, but the process seems to be progressing smoothly—if a bit too quickly. That Dragon blood has always been within you, so it's reacting naturally to the spell's influence."
Erza's breath caught in her throat. "So… this power... this magic... it's always been a part of me?"
Porlyusica gave her a solemn look. "Yes, it seems so. But be careful, Erza. This power could be both a blessing and a curse. You'll need to learn to control it before it consumes you."
Erza felt a cold shiver run down her spine, the weight of the revelation pressing heavily upon her. The very essence of dragons was now a part of her, and while that gave her immense power, it also carried with it a terrifying uncertainty. She couldn't shake the thought that, no matter how much control she had, something within her could awaken—something uncontrollable.
"What about Natsu?" she asked, her voice still shaky.
Porlyusica's gaze turned toward Natsu's bed, which was draped with a curtain to shield him from view. Her expression became more solemn as she spoke. "Natsu… is in a similar state. The spell awakened what was already inside him, just like it did with you. But it's different." She paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts. "His scarf, that artifact he's always had, emitted an ancient magic—something old, but incredibly powerful. It's similar to his Dragon Slayer Magic, but far more potent. I'm inclined to believe it's linked to his Dragon father."
Porlyusica's hands gripped the edge of the curtain, and with a sigh, she pulled it back, revealing Natsu.
He lay unconscious, but he was drastically changed. His hair, once a vibrant pink, had lightened to a pale, almost white-pink shade. His skin, too, had grown more pale, yet there was an eerie glow to it, as though some energy coursed just beneath the surface. His hands—no longer the hands of a human—had transformed into something far more terrifying. His fingers had elongated into claws that reached up to his elbows, and at the tips of his hands, a radiant blue glow emanated, as if pure energy flowed through them.
A strange, star-shaped pattern decorated the backs of his palms, and the back of his hands was wrapped in red hide, resembling plated armor. Blue streaks ran down his forearms, and his elbows extended slightly, giving him an even more otherworldly appearance.
"Demon blood…" Porlyusica murmured again, her voice laced with both awe and concern. "The potency of it… I've never seen anything like it. It's more powerful than any Demon blood I've encountered, but there's a balance between his Demon and Human blood. That's the only good part. The bad part is…" She paused, struggling to comprehend the full scope of the transformation. "I have no idea what powers he could wield now. It's like a whole new force inside him, and I can't predict how it will manifest."
Erza stood frozen for a moment, her eyes fixed on Natsu's transformed form, her mind racing with what this could mean for him—and for them all. "So… Natsu has both Demon and Dragon blood now?" she asked, barely able to believe it.
"More like the Dragon Blood fused with the Demon Blood," Porlyusica corrected. "His Dragon blood is different from yours or Gajeel's. It's not the same as typical Dragon Slayer magic—it's something far older, something more intertwined with the demonic."
Gajeel grumbled from the side, arms crossed, his eyes gleaming with a mix of experience and insight. "Dragons evolved from Demons, you know," he said, his voice low and serious. "Igneel was one of the oldest Dragons, one of the first to emerge after the Great Demon War. There were rumors that Igneel himself might've been part Demon—or even a Demon that simply took the form of a Dragon. Either way, his blood is old enough that it still carries traces of the demonic." He looked down at Natsu, whose body was still visibly altered. "That might explain why his blood fused with the Demon blood. At their core, Dragons and Demons are closer than either would like to admit."
Gildarts stepped closer to Natsu's bed, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Any signs of him waking up?" he asked.
"No," Porlyusica replied, her voice a bit strained. "His vitals are normal, but… he should wake up any moment now."
Gildarts shrugged, cracking his knuckles, ready to take matters into his own hands. "Then let's help him out a bit," he said with a grin, raising his arm to give Natsu a light smack to the face.
Before anyone could stop him, however, the room was filled with a sharp, feral growl. In an instant, Natsu's eyes snapped open—only they were no longer the familiar burning embers of his normal gaze. His eyes now gleamed a piercing silver, slitted like a predator's. A low growl rumbled in his throat as his hand shot out, a clawed grip closing around Gildarts' throat with inhuman speed.
Gildarts was lifted off the ground as Natsu pushed himself up from the bed, his body moving with a fluidity and aggression that didn't seem like the Natsu they all knew. His voice, when it came, was not his own—it was deep and foreign, tinged with something ancient.
"Bayle! Vile Bayle! Diirol vokun! Ahrk fahliil do hin! Zu'u viing sahvot!" Natsu growled again, his voice thick with fury, his silver eyes flickering with an unnatural glow. His claws tightened around Gildarts' throat, lifting him higher, the older man's feet now dangling inches from the ground.
The air crackled with tension, the guild members frozen in shock, unsure of how to handle this sudden onslaught. Natsu's body was trembling with pent-up rage, his power surging like an uncontrollable storm.
"Wait, wait, wait! That's not Bayle! Calm down, Natsu!" Gajeel shouted, but before he could get closer, Natsu swung his arm and sent Gajeel flying across the room with a brutal swipe. Gajeel crashed into the wall with a grunt, struggling to get back to his feet.
The room fell into chaos as Natsu's primal rage continued to build, his mouth opening as he shouted more words in the strange, guttural language.
"Voth! Zu'u lost viing ahrk! Krosis yol sahvot, Dinok!"
The words seemed to carry a weight to them, a dark, ancient magic that rattled the walls of the guild hall. Natsu's body pulsed with dangerous energy, his voice carrying an intensity that made the very air feel oppressive.
"Erza!" Mira shouted, her voice tinged with panic. "Someone needs to stop him! He's not himself!"
Erza, still struggling to maintain her balance, pushed through the overwhelming chaos in her mind and slowly stood up. "Natsu! Natsu, look at me!" she called out, her voice cutting through the frantic tension in the room.
Natsu's head snapped toward her, his glowing silver eyes flickering with a brief moment of recognition. He froze for a split second, as if uncertain of what he was seeing.
"Er-za?" he murmured, his voice sounding distant, unsure.
Erza approached him slowly, her arms open, a reassuring gesture. "Your name is Natsu Dragneel, son of Igneel. Remember?"
Natsu let go of Gildarts, his claws releasing the older mage's throat. His gaze shifted between Erza and the rest of the room, as though struggling to focus. He tilted his head, staring at her with confusion in his glowing eyes.
"Er...za?" he repeated, his voice shaking slightly, as if testing the name in his mind.
Erza smiled gently, stepping closer and taking his face into her hands. His skin was cold, his features tense, but her warmth seemed to reach him. "Remember?" she whispered.
Natsu's breath hitched as his eyes slowly began to fade from their radiant glow, now a silvery hue that still shimmered faintly. "Wh-what happened? I... I remember Bayle," he muttered, his voice rough as he tried to piece things together.
Erza cupped his face softly, her hands warm against his cool skin. Her heart raced with relief, but she kept her composure, offering him a soft, reassuring smile. "You're back, Natsu. You were under the influence of something powerful. But you're safe now. You're with us."
Natsu blinked, still disoriented, his silver eyes still glowing slightly. His gaze turned to his hands, now adorned with sharp claws that were still shimmering faintly. "Bayle..." he whispered again, his confusion deepening. "That... demon. He attacked us... and then…" He looked down at his hands, clenching them in a mix of awe and unease. "What happened to me?"
Erza's expression softened as she watched him, knowing what he was going through. She thought he might panic, but to her surprise, Natsu's face broke into a wide grin.
"Ah, FUCK! THESE LOOK COOL!" he exclaimed, holding up his claws, completely ignoring the gravity of the situation.
Erza couldn't help but let out a relieved laugh, shaking her head at his ability to take the strange new circumstances in stride.
"You took that surprisingly well," Porlyusica said, her voice tinged with disbelief as she observed Natsu's reaction.
Natsu raised an eyebrow, still examining his new claws and the faint silver glow in his eyes. "So... I'm part demon now? Or a full demon?"
Erza turned to Porlyusica, who seemed just as perplexed. "How... do you even know that?" she asked.
Natsu shrugged, still lost in his new power, his grin widening. "I'm not sure... I wasn't told anything. But I just... know? My mind feels clearer now, like I'm not clouded anymore. Like I've been walking around with chains on myself this whole time." He looked down at his hands again, flexing his claws and feeling the newfound strength within him. "This power... it feels free. Like I can do anything now."
Porlyusica, though skeptical, studied Natsu for a moment, her eyes narrowing in concentration. She finally nodded slightly. "It's possible. The magic he's absorbed, the demon blood... it's potent. But it seems to be in balance with his human side, which is a good thing, for now."
Natsu, ever the curious one, tilted his head. "So... no blood rages?"
"No blood rages?" Gildarts growled, clearly irked by the recent events. "Then what the hell do you call that?! You threw me into the wall!"
Natsu blinked, looking at Gildarts with a nonchalant grin. "I did? Well, I'm sure you deserved it."
"Oh, you little—" Gildarts started, clearly about to unleash some choice words, but Makarov's commanding voice cut through the tension.
"Enough!" Makarov said, his voice stern and authoritative, though there was a hint of concern behind it. "Natsu, listen. Did you see anything? Feel anything?"
Natsu's gaze dropped to his hands again, the glowing silver still faintly present in his claws. In a sudden flash, his katana appeared in his grip—just as it had before, but different somehow. The blade seemed to shimmer with an unsettling energy, its form shifting subtly to match the new power coursing through him.
"This—changed as well," Natsu muttered, his voice filled with awe and curiosity.
Makarov's sharp eyes flicked to the katana, assessing its aura. "I assume it became a 'Devil Arm'?"
Natsu held the blade up, staring at it with an expression of recognition. "Yeah," he said quietly, his voice tinged with reverence. "Yamato." He looked at the katana's edge, the silver light reflecting in his eyes. "The Blade that embodies a God of Death."
Porlyusica's sharp gaze flicked between Natsu and the katana, her lips pressing into a thin line. "A Devil Arm, you say?" she muttered. "That blade... it's not just a weapon anymore. It's bound to you, tied to the demon blood coursing through your veins."
Gildarts raised an eyebrow, his frustration giving way to curiosity. "A God of Death, huh? Sounds like a fancy way of saying 'trouble.' What's next, Natsu? Are you going to start summoning ancient demons to clean up your messes?"
Natsu's grin widened as he twirled the blade with a natural ease, the faint hum of its power resonating through the air. "I mean, if it works, right?" he said with a light-hearted chuckle, though his voice carried an unmistakable seriousness beneath the joke. "But no… this isn't just some magic I stumbled into. This thing… this is my power."
The guild members exchanged glances, still grappling with the enormity of the transformation in their fiery friend. But before anyone could respond, Natsu tilted his head, his glowing silver eyes narrowing slightly. "But enough about me," he said, his voice curious. "I can see you guys have changed too."
Gray frowned, crossing his arms. "You can see it? What are you talking about?"
Natsu nodded, his expression intrigued as he scanned the room, his gaze lingering on each of them in turn. "Yeah... it's strange. It's like I can see... your souls? And your magic cores? It's all... different now."
The room fell silent for a moment as everyone absorbed Natsu's words. Gray shifted uncomfortably. "My magic core? What does that even mean?"
Natsu scratched his head with his free hand, trying to put the sensation into words. "It's hard to explain. It's like... there's a glow inside each of you. Yours is colder, like ice—stronger than before. Mira's... hers is wild, like it's shifting. Laxus... yours burns like a storm. It's like I can feel it, not just see it."
Erza stepped forward, her crimson hair catching the faint glow of the katana's light. "And me?" she asked, her voice steady but curious.
Natsu's eyes lingered on Erza, his tone contemplative yet gentle. "Yours… it's like fire and steel, but there's something ancient in it. Something powerful," he murmured, his voice dropping lower. "It's almost… like a dragon?"
Erza managed a small smile despite the weight of the revelation. "Remember that time you said you'd like to be immortal so you could travel all of existence? Seems like that might actually be possible now."
Natsu chuckled softly, glancing down at his claws and then back at her. "Yeah? Maybe. There's something… I feel. My instincts... they're pushing me to believe its immortality." His gaze shifted back to her, his expression more serious. "And I see you've got something similar building inside you. Must be the Hybrid Effect."
Erza tilted her head slightly, curious. "Hybrid Effect?"
Natsu nodded, his silver eyes glowing faintly as he explained. "Igneel told me about it once. It's this thing where human blood strengthens 'Higher Blood.' You know, beings like us—Hybrids, Demigods, Half-Dragons, Half-Demons. The mix makes us stronger than we would've been as just one or the other. Demons benefit a lot from this because they're some of the oldest beings around. Supposedly, the strongest Higher Beings are either hybrids or those who've tied their bloodlines to humans to empower themselves."
Mira, listening intently, raised an eyebrow. "So what you're saying is… being part human actually makes us stronger?"
Natsu nodded, his expression thoughtful as he elaborated. "Yeah, supposedly. According to Igneel, humans were created from the remnants of Primordial Energy—the stuff left over from the Demon Realm. That made human essence—our blood, flesh, and souls—an incredible source of power. Like an extreme sustenance and battery rolled into one."
He paused, his eyes flicking to the others as he continued. "Demons benefit the most from it. Ever heard of something called the Qliphort Tree? It's this mythical thing from the Demon Realm that's said to feed on humans. The energy it absorbs creates a fruit that grants immense power to whoever consumes it. At least, that's how the legend goes."
Mira frowned, her arms crossing. "And this... Hybrid Effect ties into that?"
"Exactly," Natsu confirmed. "The Hybrid Effect is like a feedback loop. Human blood empowers 'Higher Blood'—whether it's Demonic, Draconic, or Divine. And in turn, Higher Blood enhances the human side. It's this constant back-and-forth, where both sides grow stronger together."
Gray scoffed lightly from the side. "Great. So humans are basically power snacks for the rest of the universe."
Natsu smirked. "Kind of, but it's more than that. It's not just about consuming power—it's about blending it. That's what makes hybrids like us different. We're not just a mix of two things; we're something entirely new. Something stronger."
Mira nodded, her gaze shifting between Natsu and the others as she processed his words. "So, you're saying we're part of some grand cosmic cycle, and some of us are closer to... what, ascension?"
Natsu grinned, his claws flexing again with a faint shimmer. "Pretty much. From what I can tell, Erza and I are what you'd call Full Hybrids. Mira, Gajeel, and Laxus? You're Quarter Hybrids, but you could probably raise that level if you grow stronger. It's not fixed."
Gray raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "And what about the rest of us? You saying we're just stuck at normal?"
Natsu shook his head. "Not exactly. You, Juvia, and Lucy didn't have any Higher Being blood in you before—no Demon, Dragon, or anything like that. But now..." He paused, studying them with his glowing silver eyes. "I can see it. You've got an affinity for it."
"An affinity for Higher Beings?" Juvia asked, her voice soft but curious.
"Yeah," Natsu confirmed with a nod. "It's like... the spell changed your magic cores, making them more compatible with higher forms of power. So, if you ever come across something—like a bond with a powerful entity or an artifact tied to one—you'd be able to integrate it. You could tap into that kind of strength."
Lucy frowned slightly, her hand resting on her chest. "So, we're not hybrids, but we could... become something similar?"
"Exactly," Natsu said, his grin widening. "It's like the door's open for you now. You just need the right key."
Mira chuckled, shaking her head. "This is all starting to sound like one of your crazy adventures, Natsu."
"Hey," Natsu said with a shrug, "crazy's where the fun is, right?"
"Well, this is all good to know," Laxus cut in, his tone sharp and serious, "but let's not forget we've got a full-blown Demon Invasion going on."
Makarov nodded gravely, his expression hardening. "Indeed. Reports are pouring in from across the country. Demons have been sighted everywhere, attacking cities and villages indiscriminately. The situation is dire."
Gajeel growled, cracking his knuckles. "And it ain't just the demons, either. Dark Guilds are crawling outta the woodwork to team up with them."
Makarov's face darkened further. "Yes. The Magic Council has declared an emergency. Any Dark Mage found allying with the demons is to be considered a threat to the nation and dealt with accordingly. They've authorized lethal force."
Gray frowned, his arms crossed. "So it's not just the demons we're fighting. We've got Dark Guilds making this even messier."
Laxus smirked, electricity crackling faintly around him. "Messy's fine by me. It just means we get to hit harder."
Mira's eyes flickered with determination. "We'll need to split up, won't we? Cover more ground, protect more people."
Makarov stroked his beard, his mind racing. "Yes. But we can't rush in blindly. These demons are far more dangerous than anything we've faced before. And if Bayle is leading them... we'll need a plan."
Erza stood, her resolve clear despite the lingering fatigue in her frame. "Then let's make one. We don't have time to waste."
Natsu grinned, his energy seemingly fully restored. "Let's take the fight to them. If they want a war, we'll give 'em one."
Makarov raised his hand to quiet the room. "First, we rest and recover. Then, we fight back. Together. For Fiore."