Chapter 53

Fire Bird

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Magic"

Flashback

Location / Date / Time Skip

The smoke on Motherglare's back faded as Natsu smirked at the time traveler in defiance. "You're as hopeless as any other pitiful human." Rogue shouted back.

"Guess I'll have to be something other than human." He declared. "It'll be worth it to stop you."

"You won't have the time." The time traveler chuckled before the dragon roared. Strange protrusions emerged from the underbelly before they rained down on the city and everyone in it.

"Are those… eggs?" Lisanna asked as the cocoons started cracking. Small, draconic creatures suddenly forced their way out, hissing at the humans.

"As if the big ones weren't enough trouble!" Cana complained before a bolt of lightning hit Atlas Flame in the side.

"Quit gawking and deal with the little ones." Laxus ordered. "This one's mine."

"You can't do it alone!" Romeo shouted.

"He won't." Freed declared as the Thunder Legion stepped forward. "We will have his back."

"Everyone else, focus on the small ones." Mavis ordered. "Remember, only Dragon Slayers can defeat Dragons. Gajeel, find another target."

"Let's get to work, people!" Erza ordered as the guild charged into the fight.

Back in the sky, Natsu looked down and smirked. "Get it now, chump. As long everyone is working together, there's nothing we can't do."

"Don't be so sure. You haven't seen a dragon's true wrath yet!" Rogue replied before the two charged.

With Sabertooth

"Rogue, I'll deal with this one!" Sting ordered. "Find one that doesn't have a Dragon Slayer and help then! This one is mine!" He pulled his arms back and gathered light in between his hands. "This is the power of the new and improved Sabertoth!" The attack launched forward and peppered the beast.

"The old Sabertooth is dead!" Rogue said as he sprinted away. "This is the start of a new era. From now on, we're moving forward."

Mercusius

Zirconis laughed as he stared down at the humans, drool escaping his lips. "Normally, I'd savior a smorgasbord like this. But I'm rather hungry, so I'll just eat you all at once!" A ball of magic forked in his mouth before it fired.

"Duck!" Nicholas tackled Yukino to the ground as Mira did the same to Wendy. Lucy hid on her own as the attack hit the army.

The smoke cleared and the entire army watched as their clothing and armor peeled off like bananas. "Humans are rather tasty, but their clothing gets stuck in my teeth and claws." The dragon confessed as the army ran away in embarrassment. "Maybe I should have killed them first."

"Princess, are you unharmed?" Arcadios asked.

"I'm fine." She replied.

"Princess?" The dragon asked in curiosity, eyeing the girl. "Royalty is the best tasting human."

"That was your magic?" Wendy asked as she pushed herself up.

"What of it, kid?" Zirconis replied, blowing another spell at Lucy and rendering her naked. "My magic is made to steal a humans' dignity."

"Then my magic is made to defeat you." Wendy declared with clenched fists.

"Pretty bold statement kid." The beast chuckled as he grabbed Lucy. "Ah, a lovely appetizer. Think you can beat me before I eat her?"

Wendy glared at the dragon before she started glowing green. "Enchant: Arms x Vernier!"

Nicholas started glowing in a brown aura before Zirconis took to the sky. "Like I would let you interrupt my meal." He chuckled, bring Lucy to his jaw. Slate carried Nicholas to the sky and he head butted the mouth shut. "Impossible! You hit me with your eyes closed!?"

"Now!" The dragon slayer shouted, and a second later, a tornado hit Zirconis in the back of the head.

"You little punks!" The jade dragon shouted, throwing Lucy away.

"I got her!" Happy shouted, flying after her.

"Nicholas, you need to get into the city." Wendy declared. "There's a rock dragon in there, you're the best match for it. I'll deal with Zirconis."

"If it means getting back on solid ground, I'm all for it." He declared as Slate flew into the city.

With Natsu

Natsu roared as he tried punching Rogue, only to get blasted back by shadows. "It's no use. I've had seven years of hell to live through, which means I'm stronger than when we had our little brawl."

"Too bad, I have a promise to keep." Natsu declared as he stood back up. A scream caught his attention and he turned to the side only to get hit by a flying naked Lucy. "Why are you naked!?" The two tumbled off the dragon and crashed into an upright bell before it rolled down the building, finally stopping near the river.

"Oh, my aching head." Natsu groaned out. "You ever gonna answer my question?"

"COVER YOUR EYES, NOW!" Lucy shouted as she picked up a cloth off the ground. "A dragon did this to me! Have some respect."

"Lucy, I brought your keys." Happy said, handing the blonde her only weapon.

"Man, that guy up there is giving me trouble." Natsu mumbled as he sat down. "And that dragon he's riding doesn't help."

"I still can't believe that you and the others were raised by these things." Lucy spoke up. "They're all out for blood. Between Zirconis, that fire one and the one Future Rogue is flying, it's not going to be easy to win."

"Fire dragon…?" Natsu repeated, looking at her before shaking her. "Why didn't you say so sooner!? Come on, Happy! We gotta go!"

"You have a plan, Natsu?" The cat asked as he picked him up.

"Probably my best one yet! Let's go!" The Exceed took off and left Lucy alone.

"You could at least give me some clothing!" She shouted as Virgo appeared next to her.

"We have a lovely selection for you to choose from today, Princess." The maid said, motioning to some neat pile of clothes.

"Not the time for the act, Virgo!" The blonde replied when something caught her eye. "Is that… a book?" Lucy walked over and picked it up, opening it up. "A journal… Future Lisanna's notes?"

With Erza

Erza bounced on the ground and lost her sword as the mob of creatures encircled her. 'Not good. I'm all alone. My foot's still broken, so running is out. Is it impossible to show any kind of weakness? I guess this is it…'

The swarm charged at her, claws at the ready when a black nebula exploded around her, pushing the group back. The red head looked up and found Jellal standing over her. "Looks like you need some help standing up." He chuckled, offering his hand.

"Thank you." She smiled as she took it and he pulled her up.

"Jellal…" Both turned to the side and found Milianna glaring at them both with hate-filled eyes.

With Blue Pegasus

The rock dragon laughed as he brushed off a smell based attack from Ichiya. "A thousand years could have past, but you humans are just as foolish as ever!" It raised its foot to squash them, only for a purplish attack to suddenly hit the back of his neck.

"Time for you to be quite, side-liners." Cobra chuckled to the guild.

"Isn't he supposed to be in jail!?" Jenny asked.

"Seems like someone let him out to help us." Ren replied.

"Right now, we need him." Ichiya replied.

Strong footsteps caught everyone off guard before a building exploded, showing the bone dragon running in a panic, Nicholas on his neck with a stone chain wrapped around its neck. "Another one!?" Ren complained.

"Move it or lose it, horse boys!" Nicholas shouted as his chains tightened around the bone dragons next. "I can't play bronco buster forever!" Blue Pegasus ran back to deal with the smaller dragons as the giant creature bucked its hips, finally dislodging the 'flea' as he called it. "Heads up!"

Cobra turned and leaned to the side, letting Nicholas crash through a wall. "Dick move, Cobra. Dick. Move."

The rock dragon turned to him, before turning to the bone dragon. "Marrow, deal with this one on me." He bellowed. "I have business with this one." Cobra chuckled as he charged the thinner dragon, poison rolling off his body. The stone dragon marcher over and leaned down, looking Nicholas in the eye. "Tell me human, who taught your Dragon Slayer magic?"

"The Earth Dragon, Arnighte." Nicholas declared. "What's it to you?"

The rock creature burst into laughter before slamming his foot down. "So if I, Boulton, beat you, that means I'm finally better than that human loving traitor!"

Nicholas rolled to the side and coated his body in scales, his left arm shifting into a war-hammer. "So my father named me after you…" He mumbled as his right hand turned into a Morningstar. "To me, that shows he respect you as an equal."

"Well, I never respected that human loving traitor!" Boulton shouted, swinging his mace tail at him. Nicholas jumped back and hit Cobra as the two dragons circled their prey.

"Don't think we meet before." Cobra said as he coated his fists in poison. "And don't think we're friends because of this."

"Don't worry, that's crystal clear." The Earth Dragon Slayer replied before they charged at their opponents.

With Lahar & Doranbolt

"Ya know, I think this might be the dumbest thing we've ever done." Doranbolt chuckled. "Here's hoping we only lose our jobs."

"Worry about the future later." Lahar ordered as the army appeared behind them. "Let's join the fray and save the people of this kingdom!"

"YESSIR!" The army chanted before they marched into the city.

With the Thunder Legion

The fire dragon roared in anger as Freed opened his left eye. "Dark Ecriture: Absolute Shadow!" Charging forward and changing into his demon form, he slashed at the creature in a cross fashion. Evergreen and Bickslow fired their own spells, giving Laxus time to prepare his own spell.

"Lightning Dragon Roar!" Unleashing a massive bolt from his mouth, the spell hit square in his face.

"That didn't hurt one bit." Atlas Flame chuckled, completely unharmed. "My hellfire burns magic away."

"You're just not a good match for this fight, Laxus." Freed cursed.

"Is there such a thing as a water dragon slayer?" Evergreen asked.

"Don't need one." Bickslow chuckled, his eyes glowing as he looked up at the sky. "We have a fire one right here."

Laxus looked up and saw Natsu falling from the sky, landing square on the dragon. "Who are you, pest!?" Atlas Flame shouted.

"I'm Natsu Dragneel!" He replied, opening his mouth wide. "And I'm the guy who's gonna eat you!" The hellfire started getting sucked into his mouth, shocking the quartet.

"Figures that's the kind of strategy you should expect from Natsu." Happy chuckled from above.

"Eat me!?" Atlas Flame asked back. "You can't be serious!" He started slamming into buildings trying to shake Natsu off, but the pink haired slayer stayed fixed. "Get off me!"

"Laxus! Get over to the castle!" Natsu shouted, confusing the four even more. "Wendy needs some back up!"

"Even though she's a Dragon Slayer, she's too inexperienced." Evergreen pointed out. "She's not strong enough to do it alone."

"Right." He nodded as the four ran from the beast. "You three, take out these little pests. Happy, I need a ride to castle!"

"Aye!" The four agreed as Happy picked up Laxus and carried him away.

"This will be your last meal, human!" Atlas Flame shouted. "You'll taste my fury!" He slammed into several more buildings, but Natsu stayed firmly on his back. "A mere human can't eat my flames!" His eyes suddenly snapped wide as he stopped writhing. 'It's so strange… Is it even possible? No, that's ridiculous… But why does this human remind me so much of…'

"Boy…" The dragon spoke up, catching Natsu's attention. "You have some connection to Igneel, yes?"

"Hold on a second!" Natsu stopped eating and stared in shock. "Are you seriously trying to tell me you know Igneel!?"

"He's the king of the fire dragons." Atlas Flame replied. "And my friend."

"No way!" The human chuckled, a smile across his face. "I know him pretty well too. He's my dad."

With Future Rogue

The time traveler looked down and smiled at the destruction raging around him. "The raw destructive power of the dragons is amazing to behind!" He chuckled. "Their power will make my dreams a reality! Acnologia doesn't have a prayer against us! We'll kill him for sure! And then the world will be mine to rule as I see fit. May the land rip open, the sky burn and the ocean boil. And may the light of life be snuffed out.

"I am the true king of the dragons! I will claim my crown at the Dragon King Festival! The shadows will become a cleansing light, and the world will be reborn with its divine illumination!"

"We got no use for your crappy light!" Rogue turned at the sound of Natsu's voice, only to go wide eyed as he saw him riding Atlas Flame into the sky. "Because we got our own, shining right out of our hearts! And I guarantee it's brighter than whatever you got!"

Atlas Flame head-butted Motherglare, creating a shockwave of power. "How can he be riding a dragon? Atlas Flame, why have you betrayed me!?" Rogue asked in anger.

"I merely listened to my heart." The dragon replied. "This boy is the son of Igneel, my dear friend."

"I appreciate the help, uncle!" Natsu cheered, confusing the great beast.

"This dragon should be under my control! What have you done, Natsu!?" Rogue shouted.

"Your magic that clouded my mind is gone." Atlas Flame declared.

"All I did was become friends with this guy." Natsu chuckled.

"Is that some kind of joke!?" Rogue asked.

Atlas Flame bit down on Motherglare and twisted its body, trying to get behind it. The scaled dragon opened its mouth and charged a roar, only for the attack to go right through the fire dragon. "No attack can hurt my body of pure flames!" Atlas Flame declared.

"And no flames can burn my adamantine body." Motherglare replied.

"You never felt my hellfire, have you?" Atlas asked back. "It burns as intensely as the pits off hell. And this human whom I call my friend has consumed it! He has it raging inside his belly!"

Natsu jumped off the back and ignited his fist in hellflames before punching the dragon, making Motherglare buckle.

With Rogue

Rogue panted in exhaustion as he stared at the ground. "Rogue… you're much too weak to defeat a dragon." The fish themed beast declared.

"How do you know my name!?" Rogue shouted back.

"I was instructed to spare your life." The dragon replied. "You should stop fighting if you know what's good for you. You're the only human who will survive this assault. In due time, you will become ruler of the world."

"What are you talking about!?" The Dragon Slayer shouted back. "I have no desire to rule the world! Who asked you to spare me!?"

"Why you did, Rogue." The dragon declared. "You were the one who summoned us to this world, and we will destroy it at your request. You will hatch this plan in seven years time and come back to this time to rule over the wreckage."

"I don't believe a word you say." Rogue scoffed back.

"But it's the truth…" The same voice from his battle with Gajeel echoed around him as he stared down at his shadow. "I'm your future, I'm the shadow and your hearts dark desires."

"Shut up!" He shouted as he stamped on the shadow. "You're lying! It's not true!…"

Above the battle, Ultear stared down at Rogue in a broken building. "There you are…"

One Hour Ago

"Stop moving, Natsu." Suishou requested. "You're too hurt right now."

"She's gone… isn't she?" He asked as he pushed himself over to Lisanna, only to fall over onto her and start crying. "NO!"

"Natsu, who did this?" Ultear asked.

"Rogue…" He mumbled back. "He came from seven years in the future."

"So there was another time traveler after all…" Meredy replied. "What does he want?"

"I don't know." Natsu replied, clenching his fist. "But he is my enemy."

"Seven years is a long time for Rogue to get stronger." Suishou mumbled. "It might not be possible to stop him."

"Maybe, but coming from the future betrays a weakness." Ultear declared. "If we kill the Rogue that lives in our time, then his future self would seize to exist."

"Are you sure? That seems like a major paradox to me." Meredy confessed. "The Rogue from the future is already here. Doesn't that mean our Rogue can't die?"

"If time was flowing as it should, you'd be right." Her 'mother' replied. "Crossing from one time to another has disturbed the natural progression of time."

"No." Natsu spoke up, placing Lisanna's hands on her chest. "I'm gonna defeat this Future Rogue myself. If we kill the one from our time, we're no better than the future one. I won't kill an innocent man."

"…You're right." Ultear replied. "I will not harm the present day Rogue. I won't touch him."

Present

'I'm sorry, but there's no other way.' She said to herself as she looked out at the war-zone that was now the city. 'Rogue will fall from grace, and we can't risk him destroying our world. If he doesn't come from the future, the Gate won't open and the dragons will never come.'

"The only way to save the world from this nightmare is to end his life before it's too late."

"What are you spacing out for!?" The two humans turned to see Sting running at Rogue. "I'll lend you a hand, let's do this!"

"You took yours down already?" Rogue asked.

"Nah, I just brought it with me." The blonde chuckled as the crested dragon destroyed a building as it chased Sting. "Let's show them the power of the Twin Dragons."

Rogue nodded and the two stood back to back, their elements rolling off their bodies. Ultear lowered her hand and left the building, her head hung in shame.

With Erza & Jellal

"Jellal…" Millianna growled as her 'claws' threatened to pop out of her gloves.

"Wait, Millianna!" Erza cried out. "I've already forgiven Jellal."

"Why are you covering for him?" The cat girl asked. "He killed Simon! He held us captive in that Tower… I can't forgive him! I won't! I'll kill Jellal with my own hands!"

"Even if you do that, it won't change anything!" Erza replied. "You won't bring the dead back to life."

"That's why you're telling me to let it all go!? That's just wrong!" Her friend shouted back.

"Indeed, it is." All three turned and looked behind Millianna to see Ultear walking forward. "To begin with, your hatred for Jellal has always been misdirected. You should be mad at me, the woman who controlled him from the shadow. All in all, it's just who I am." Millianna stared at her as anger filled her. "Me pretending to be on the side of justice, it was always a joke. I'm still an evil woman."

"What happened?" Jellal asked in confusion.

"Nothing really." She replied as walked over. "More importantly, we don't have time to be loitering around like this. There are still those smaller dragons wandering about. And one more thing, kitty…" She turned and looked back at Millianna. "The person who murdered Simon was me. I was also responsible for having the Tower built.

"If you survive, I'll take on that simmering hate inside of you…" She waved goodbye and left the three alone, walking through the destroyed city.

"Why… why did I go to murder?" She asked herself, dropping to her knees. "I don't care if I couldn't do it. I was about to kill an innocent man. Without a second thought, I was ready to stain my hands again. No matter what, I can't be wiped away that easily."

"Juvia!" The water user turned around to see Meredy and Suishou running towards her. "Have you seen Ultear? We got separated, and we can't find her."

"Can't say I have." Juvia replied.

Gray tackled the two women to the ground before a blast flew past Suishou. "Annoying bastards!" He summoned his crystal weapon and charged, taking out the creatures.

"Sorry about that." Meredy apologized as Gray held her butt, thinking Gray touched it there.

"Juvia, move!" Lyon shouted as a creature prepared another blast. A force pushed her down and she hit the ground. She pushed herself up in time to see the beam rip through Gray's chest. Before anyone could do anything, more beams shot through him before one went right through his head. He fell to the ground Juvia crawled over, hoping against hope.

With Ultear

The Time Mage stared up into the sky as tears fell from her eyes. "I've lost my right to live."

Holy shit, there was a LOT of filler in this batch. Seriously, we didn't need about half of what was in this, so I don't put it in. And there are moments that in here that seriously got me. Particularly at the end if you know what I mean. Next chapter is Ultear proving that she is one of the best girls in all of FT. Certainly better than the main girl.

Beta read by General Feng Xiang