Chapter 10: 10
Explosions rocked Galuna Island as Natsu and Deliora clashed. Blow after blow creating shock-waves that sent debris flying out in all directions.
Erza, Gray, and Ur, made their way back to the village with the unconscious forms of Lyon and his allies, in order to protect them from the chaos. They all knew that the villagers stood no chance at defending themselves from Deliora, and even a stray attack could wipe them out.
"That boy possesses an extraordinary amount of Magic," Ur whispered as she was carried by Erza. "To be able to match Deliora blow for blow like that…"
"Natsu isn't an ordinary mage; he is the son of a Dragon, after all," Erza replied knowingly, surprising the Ice Make Mage with that statement. "Besides, Natsu has experience fighting Demons Of Zeref, so he should be fine for now."
"The sooner we drop all of you at the village, the sooner Erza and I can go back him up," Gray added as he slid Lyon and his allies along next to them. "Deliora won't be making it off this island!"
"You've certainly grown, Gray," Ur muttered as she saw how determined he was to help Natsu fight the Demon that had once been his greatest fear. "After this is all over, you'll have to tell me about what I've missed."
"Count on it," Gray grinned as they arrived at the main gates to the village.
"Chief Moka," Erza called out, the gates being quickly opened as the short elder hobbled out as fast as he possibly could. "Chief, can we leave these five people here for the moment?"
"Of course! I can already tell you Fairy Tail Wizards are doing everything you can to save us and our island, so it is the least we can do!"
The group made their way into the center of the village, where Erza placed Ur down gently. Once Gray slid Lyon and his allies off into a corner, the pair looked toward one another and nodded.
"Be careful you two, Deliora is a tough foe," Ur told them as they both nodded in her direction. "Don't underestimate it!"
"We won't Ur, trust me on that," Gray replied as he placed a fist over his heart. "I promise!"
"Good," Ur replied softly, wincing as she clutched the side of her head. "I'm still a bit out of it, but don't mind me. Go, help Natsu take out that ugly fucking thing!"
"Will do," Gray nodded as both he, and Erza, shot off in the direction of the numerous explosions.
"Ur has quite the mouth on her, doesn't she?"
"She never way the prim and proper type," Gray chuckled. "That's for sure."
"I can see why you cared for her so much," Erza whispered as she gently shoved him as they ran. "I'm happy you've got her back."
"Me too Erza … Me too."
***POTD***
"Fire Dragon King's Quaking Sword Horn!"
Natsu's form was coated in crimson flame as he shot toward Deliora at high speed, headbutting the Demon square in the chest. Deliora seemed surprised as it was actually knocked airborne for several seconds, before crashing back down as it rolled multiple times down the hillside.
As it rolled, it roared and made several slashing motions, firing off claw-like Dark Magic projectiles, in an attempt to keep Natsu at bay. Unfortunately for it, Natsu was nimble enough to easily slip through the gaps in the attack, quickly catching up as Deliora struggled to regain its footing on the heavily sloped ground.
"Fire Dragon King's Quaking Wing Attack!"
Deliora snarled as Natsu smashed into it once again, but this time managing to block at the very least. Slamming a fist down onto the ground, the Demon showed a moment of surprising agility, bouncing itself up off the ground and landing on its feet whilst still skidding down the mountainside.
"You're one tough bastard," Natsu huffed. "Definitely superior to Lullaby and Skkard by a solid margin…"
To Natsu's surprise, Deliora halted from going through with it's next attack as they reached the bottom of the mountainside. Instead, it actually dispelled it, the Demon's jaw crackling slightly as it opened its mouth.
"Human… You mentioned two of my brethren just now, Skkard and Lullaby," the crackly voice muttered, stunning Natsu temporarily as the entire island seemed to fall silent. "I would speak with you?"
Demon From The Books Of Zeref
The Great Demon Of Destruction
Volume XXXII
Deliora
"So, you can speak," Natsu smirked, licking his razor-sharp teeth. "Guess all you needed was a bit of smacking around to get that old voice box working, eh?"
"Don't get ahead of yourself," Deliora sniffed as it dropped into a crouch. "I am Deliora, Lord Zeref's Arbiter Of Destruction! No mortal could ever hope to defeat me! Instead, I pause, as you spoke of my siblings, The Great Silence, Skkard, and The Maestro Of Death, Lullaby."
"You can smell them, can't you?"
"I can. Although I do not mourn their deaths, it does validate that you are the first worthy opponent I have faced in open battle! The Ice Mage used a Sacrificial Spell to freeze me, but you're different," Deliora noted. "You wield the strength of the Dragons, a mighty foe indeed for the great Demon Deliora!"
"Well, you're the strongest Demon I've fought so far," Natsu replied as he tapped his claw-like fingers against the scales on his arms.
"And you are no mere Wizard, with a Magical Power as high as it is," Deliora noted as Natsu caught the faint glimpse of a Sensory Spell in its left eye. "Indeed. Such a power level for a mortal was rare during the time of my creation. This will make my victory over you all the more glorious!"
Deliora rose to its full height and roared, the power of Etherious exploding out of it as Natsu dropped to all fours, skidding backward slightly as he grit his teeth before flaring his own power.
"The real fight begins now, Dragon Slayer," Deliora roared as it cocked back its right fist, a black Aura coating its entire arm. "Etherious Aura: Exitium Occumbo!"
"Fire Dragon King's Quaking Iron Fist!"
Launching himself at Deliora's attack, Natsu cocked back and clashed with the Demon, the two attacks ripping the entire area apart until Natsu was blown back, smoke rising from his knuckles as he winced and shook his hand.
"Not enough," he hissed as Deliora moved to charge. "Oh no you don't-!"
The Demon threw another punch to try and catch Natsu off guard, but was surprised as Natsu slipped around his wrist and started sprinting up his arm. Roaring, the Demon's eyes started glowing a bright purple color.
"Etherious Aura: Exitium Oculi!"
Deliora fired two, thin Magical rays of Dark Magic from his eyes, before jerking his head to the left, dragging them along his own arm in an attempt to hit Natsu with them. As they got close, Natsu performed a back-flip, leaping off of Deliora's arm as fire exploded from his feet, propelling him directly at the Demon at high speed.
"Fire Dragon King's Seismic Sword Horn!"
Deliora was wholly unprepared for Natsu to launch an attack so quickly, and at such a close range, that he had no other choice but to tank the headbutt to the center of his face. This Sword Horn was far stronger than the last, and immediately sent the Demon tumbling to the ground, the entire island shaking as it rolled several times before finding its footing. Skidding to a stop once it reached the beach, Deliora snarled as it brought a claw to its nose, noticing black blood seeping from it.
"Heh…Hehehehe…HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! YES! THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR," Deliora's voice boomed as it saw Natsu half a kilometer up the ravaged forest. "I DEMAND MORE, DRAGON SLAYER!"
Opening its maw wide, it charged up a pitch-black attack, identical to the one Natsu had redirected when the fight first started. This one, however, started shaking the entire island just by being charged up, and Natsu knew he had to respond quickly.
"A masochistic Demon, just your fucking luck Natsu," the Dragon Slayer huffed as he smashed his palms down onto the ground and got on all fours. "Fine…I'll play!"
Opening his mouth, a pillar of fire erupted around his body as the shaking around the island intensified, so much so that it was like an earthquake was ravaging the place. The ground around him was immediately charred black a good twenty meters in all directions as a large dark-red Magic Circle appeared before him.
"Etherious Aura: Calamitas Gratis!"
"Fire Dragon King's Seismic Roar!"
Both Natsu and Deliora fired their respective breath attacks, ripping apart the landscape as they quickly clashed at a dead even distance between them. The two attacks quickly formed a sizeable dome of chaotic power as they pushed against one another, small bits of both occasionally escaping and flying off only to set off large explosions in the surrounding area.
After a full minute, the chaotic clash came to its apex, as the sphere at the center detonated, setting off a catastrophic explosion that could be seen all the way back at the Port Of Hargeon.
Thick black smoke quickly settled over the island, masking most of it as Deliora took several steps backward in genuine shock. Never before had he fought a mortal who lasted this long against him…
And it excited him.
The Demon could only grin savagely as Natsu emerged from the smoke, his entire right arm coated in a solid coating of fire, an equally as crazed look in his eye as he roared back at the Demon.
"YES! COME, DRAGON SLAYER," Deliora crowed. "FIGHT! SLAUGHTER! ANNIHILATE! EXTERMINATE!"
"Fire Dragon King's Seismic Piercing Claw," Natsu roared as he closed the distance between himself and Deliora, stabbing the Demon through the center of the chest, its back being blown out as a large burst of Fire and Crash Magic erupted through its body, blood and charred guts raining down into the ocean behind it.
Jumping backward, he watched as Deliora collapsed, falling on its back, seemingly dead.
Natsu snarled, panting heavily as he clenched and relaxed his fists. Turning on his heel, he snarled again, pausing when he noticed Erza and Gray gaping at him, eyes wide.
"What," Natsu snarled, only to shake his head as he tried to calm himself down. "Sorry…I mean-."
"Its alright Natsu," Erza replied softly as she moved to approach him. "You're still running high on adrenaline…"
"Sort of," Natsu huffed. "There's more to it, but I don't wanna talk about it right now."
"That's fine man," Gray replied shakily. "What matters is that you did it … you freaking did it! You killed Deliora!"
"Is my reputation that paltry, that mortal trash can assume me beaten so easily?"
All three of them spun around in shock as Deliora's form began to twitch, before the Demon slowly started getting back up. Even Natsu was somewhat surprised at that, but he knew that it was a Demon Of Zeref, so it wasn't an impossibility.
"What the fuck…!?"
"Both of you, get ready to fight," Natsu barked. "We can kill this thing, but we have to give it everything we've got!"
"Natsu's right, we can do this," Erza agreed sharply as her form glowed bright white, signalling her use of Requip Magic. "Requip: Armor Of The Brilliant Flame!"
Emerging from the light, clad in one of her strongest Armors, Erza adjusted her grip on her blade, nodding to the pair.
"Gray, you're on support. Do everything you possibly can to annoy the hell out of him," Natsu ordered. "Trip him, hit him in the eyes, or whatever else you think will piss him off. Do it!"
"Will do!"
"As for you Erza, you'll need to focus for vitals and joints. That Armor is strong, but if he's taking hits from me, you won't punch through random parts of his body."
"I thought as much. I'll make sure to back you up however I can!"
"Good. The goal is to push him as far out to sea as we can," Natsu continued. "Once he's out there, I'm going hit him with one of the strongest attacks in my arsenal. If he can take a Piercing Claw to the chest and regenerate, it only leaves me with my most destructive attacks."
The pair nodded, having seen Natsu's last attack on the Demon for themselves. They both knew that they were going to have to obliterate this Demon if they wanted to win.
"Oh, and one more thing," Natsu muttered as Deliora fully got back to its feet. "Try not to get hit by him?"
"That's a given," Gray snorted as he entered a combat stance. "Is water wet?"
"Smart ass," Natsu smirked as they prepared for Deliora's counterattack.
"Foolish mortals…I am Deliora," the Demon snarled as its form was again coated by Etherious. "I CANNOT BE DESTROYED BY THE LIKES OF YOU!"
"GO," Natsu roared as he charged forward, Erza at his back.
"Ice Make – Scattershot Shards!"
Cocking back his right arm, a dark blue Magic Circle formed around his wrist as he fired a barrage of weak ice shards at Deliora's eyes. The Demon snarled and took a step in his direction, before suddenly sensing Erza's Magic flare from his far right.
"Draconian Knight's Pyrestrike!"
Erza had broken off from Natsu, veering out to the far right as she used the flight capability of her Armor to get in behind the Demon. With a precise slash, she tore open the flesh of its right heel, setting it ablaze with crimson flame as Deliora stumbled backward.
As it stumbled backward, it allowed Gray to get more shots in around its eyes, further angering the Demon as it took another few steps backward in annoyance. Right as it turned to look at Gray again, it was on the business end of Natsu's fist.
"Fire Dragon King's Seismic Demolition Fist!"
Slugging Deliora across the left side of its face, the Demon roared as it tried to instinctively lean on its right foot for support, only for that to fail as Erza had sliced it moments before, causing Deliora to trip and fall over.
"Foolish Humans … It will take much more than this to defeat me!"
"Gray! Use your ice to bind him in place," Natsu shouted as he started generating some basic fireballs and lobbing them at Deliora's downed form in an attempt to keep him suppressed.
"I'm on it! Ice Make – Chains!"
Extending both arms outward, a large, dark blue Magic Circle appeared as large chains shot out from it, wrapping themselves around Deliora's legs, binding them together.
"Draconian Knight's Piercing Talon!"
Both Natsu and Gray looked up to see Erza swooping down toward Deliora, her entire form coated in crimson flame. Natsu grinned at the sight, with it only growing wider as she sliced right through Deliora's right kneecap, piercing right through and shattering it.
"Gray, let's pull back," Erza barked as she spun around to Natsu. "Finish it!"
Natsu launched himself above Deliora, who was tearing at the chains Gray had bound him with. The Demon felt Natsu's Magic surge and looked up, seeing Natsu with two large sphere's of chaotic Fire Magic in each hand, before combining them into one, blade-like, attack.
"Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Seismic Crimson Lotus – Exploding Flame Blade!"
The attack immediately enveloped Deliora, who began to roar loudly. Countless explosions could be heard within the explosion as the Demon was bombarded relentlessly by a barrage of explosive Fire and Crash Magic attacks.
Natsu landed in the shallows, quickly falling back to Erza and Gray's position where the duo watched Natsu attack completely shred the Demon.
"Please tell me its dead now," Gray panted.
"I doubt it," Erza muttered in reply. "While that attack is strong, even from here, you can see Deliora regenerating as he's getting hit by it," Erza replied grimly.
"We've pushed it back a good distance, but not quite enough," Natsu cut in, sweating slightly from all the fighting he'd been doing. "Here's the plan. Once my spell ends, we need to smash him with our strongest attacks over and over again. He needs to go back about another ten steps before I can use the attack that, I hope, will kill him."
"I trust you Natsu," Gray said firmly as he placed a hand on the Dragon Slayer's shoulder. "We can do this, together!"
"Gray's right! Getting that thing to go back another ten steps is nothing!"
"You guys are awesome," Natsu grinned savagely, licking his razor-sharp teeth. "One last thing. When I go to launch this attack, you all need to book it as far as you possibly can. The explosion from this is going to be, and I cannot stress this enough … BIG in size."
"Kinda figured that," Gray replied with a roll of his eyes. "Otherwise, we wouldn't have to be pushing Deliora out this far."
"Shut up Gray," Erza replied as she lightly nudged him. "He's right though."
The ground shook as Deliora started slowly rising to its feet again, Natsu's attack beginning to fizzle out as the Demon continued to regenerate. The trio shared one last look and nodded, before turning as one to face the threat before them.
"This isn't enough to hold me, Human scum!"
"Let's do this," Natsu shouted as the trio took off toward Deliora as one unit. "I'll hit him first!"
Pushing slightly ahead of the pair, Natsu's arm ignited with flame as he launched himself into the air at the Demon's still rising form.
"Fire Dragon King's Seismic Sword Horn!"
Smashing into Deliora, the Demon was knocked back multiple steps, but not rendered airborne like the last two times, due to the seawater weighing down his lower body.
"Gray," Natsu shouted as he blasted himself back behind the pair. "You're up!"
"On it," the Ice Make Mage cried as he held his arms out to his right, conjuring a weapon made from his Maker Magic. "Ice Make – Warhammer!"
Gray's attack slammed into Deliora's chin, sending the Demon stumbling backward another two steps. As he did this, Natsu began charging Magic in his right palm, a small sphere of deep red flame beginning to form.
"It's all on you Erza," Gray shouted as he started retreating, trusting Erza to get them over the line.
"Draconian Knight's Sword Horn!"
Erza vanished in a surprising burst of speed, almost mimicking Natsu's own Sword Horn attack, only she used her blade instead of her head to strike the Demon. Nevertheless, it was still quite effective, causing the Demon to stumble back the last few steps they needed.
"We've done it Natsu," Erza shouted as she spun around and shot off in the same direction Gray had bolted. "Take this damn thing down for good!"
"Now, it's just you and me," Natsu smirked as the small orb rapidly began to expand until it reached the size of a large house. "You certainly live up to your moniker as the Demon Of Destruction, but you're not unbeatable."
"You take me far too lightly," Deliora snarled. "I am nigh unbeatable!"
"Wrong. I've been watching as we smash you over and over again, seeing how your regenerative ability works," Natsu continued as the massive sphere slowly began to shrink back into the miniature sized one from before. "I can beat you."
"You speak nonsense! This battle is already decided, only in MY favor!"
The sphere that was once again in Natsu's hand, now vibrated with an intensity that spoke volumes about its sheer destructive capacity. Even the slightest disturbance, or, if Natsu were to mishandle it, would set it off.
"You'll get the battle you always longed for, Deliora, as it shall be your last," Natsu replied softly as the sphere slowly started to sink into Natsu's right palm.
"You speak nonsense! I shall not die here, not after I was just able to return," Deliora roared as it began to charge up another breath attack. "You'll die here, Dragon Slayer!"
"You Demons of Zeref always go on about how we Humans are lesser beings, that we are less than the scum beneath your very claws! Tell me, Deliora … Tell me what you feel as you stare into the face of the scum that shall be your executioner!?"
"You … I will NOT be talked down to by some mortal brat," Deliora roared as he prepared to fire the attack housed in his maw. "I will rip right through whatever pathetic attack you produce, and prove that Demon kind are the superior species!"
"Just try it," Natsu growled as his entire arm started to glow a deep red, as if it were a blade fresh out of a blacksmith's forge. "Ready to die, Deliora?"
"ARE YOU," the Demon roared in response as he fired his breath attack at Natsu, only for the Dragon Slayer to vanish. "WHAT-!?"
"The flames of a Fire Dragon burn hotter than even the deepest pits of hell," Natsu's voice whispered softly. "My Father is he, who stands at the precipice of ALL Fire Dragons, as its King ... And this is his advent-!"
Natsu appeared right in front of Deliora's face. Time slowed down for it as it took in Natsu's form, eyes widening slightly as it noted several extra additions to him that hadn't been present before he dodged his breath attack.
"This … cannot be," Deliora muttered as Natsu punched the Demon right in the center of his face. "Dragon…Wings…"
"Dragon Slayer's Secret Art: Fire Dragon King's Seismic Nova Fist!"
The flesh on Deliora's face melted inward upon contact with Natsu's fist, the temperature so great that his regenerative ability simply couldn't keep up. Once Natsu was at the apex of his punch, the glow in his arm began to recede, and was being expelled out of his fist directly into Deliora itself whilst also propelling Natsu away.
The result was rather obvious.
As Natsu was propelled away, dozens of child explosions, each the size of a city block, went off around Deliora, before one colossal one engulfed the Demon Of Destruction. The explosion was so large, it lit up the night sky and shook the land for dozens of kilometers with even several towns on the mainland feeling the effects.
Within the center of the attack, the Demon found itself being completely ripped to shreds by Crash Magic, and the hottest Fire it had ever felt in its existence.
"So … this is how it ends," the Demon rumbled as its vision slowly began to fade away. "Ah…I'm…I'm dying…I…what…?"
All that remained of Deliora was its rapidly crumbling head, a single, vacant eye that appeared to see something no one else could. He couldn't make out who it was, but they were a woman, with dark, purple-colored hair.
They seemed to be standing there, looking up at the sky, surprise on their face. Deliora idly wondered who this person was, why was he seeing them now? It was the strangest thing, it though, as it started to almost feel what the shadowy figure felt.
And he felt … content.
"Ah…I… Lord Zeref…"
The last of Deliora's head crumbled to dust, Natsu's attack coming to its conclusion as the dust touched the exposed seafloor, before being covered up and washed away.
The Demon Of Destruction, Deliora, was finally dead.
***POTD***
Natsu landed on the beach, completely spent, already back in his base form. He counted his lucky stars that this wasn't like the Eisenwald incident, knowing that he'd have been screwed if he had to fight a Grand Wizard before dealing with Deliora.
Rolling onto his back, Natsu gazed up at the night sky tiredly. He could hear Erza and Gray sprinting toward him, but he didn't bother looking in their direction. Instead, he chose to listen to the sound of the ocean fixing itself, following his attack, finding comfort in the sound of rushing water.
"Natsu," Erza called out as she dropped to her knees, skidding slightly as both she, and Gray, reached his position. "Natsu, are you alright!?"
"Tired, but doing good," he smiled in response. "How about you guys?"
"Can I say that I'm literally shitting myself, knowing that I tried to attack you when you came back to the Guild and you could do something like that," Gray asked, eliciting a light chuckle from Natsu and a small bout of giggles from Erza.
"I couldn't drop something like that on you, Gray. I think a basic smack to the mouth would suffice someone of your caliber…"
"Hey!"
"Is Deliora truly dead this time," Erza asked, ignoring Gray for a moment. "I know that attack was … destructive, but did it work?"
"I can't sense it anymore, so I assume so," Natsu replied tiredly as he slowly rose into a sitting position, eyes widening slightly as he saw Ur heading their way. "Heh. I didn't think she'd be up and walking yet?"
Both Erza and Gray were equally as surprised, as the Ice Make Mage stopped before them, dressed in the plain clothes Natsu had given her.
"You have to be one of the most reckless men I've ever had the pleasure of meeting," Ur began as she sat down in front of him. "I'll be honest, I thought you were going to get yourself killed when you said you were gonna take Deliora on alone."
"Understandable. That thing is the strongest Demon Of Zeref I've ever fought, and I've fought a few in my time."
"Well, regardless of that fact," Ur sighed. "You killed it. But I've gotta ask you something…?"
"What is it?"
"Were you using Crash Magic alongside your Dragon Slayer Magic?"
"Uh, yeah?"
"I knew it! The way you were using it reminded me of that useless prick, Gildarts!"
"Gildarts? You know him?"
"You have no idea," Ur muttered darkly, prompting all three to share a look. "I take it he's a part of this Guild all three of you are in?"
"Yeah. Fairy Tail."
"Fairy Tail, huh? I might just be paying a visit to your Guild," Ur laughed darkly, sending shivers down their spines. "I've got a few choice words for that man, let me tell you."
"That's fine," Natsu replied awkwardly as he moved the topic away from Gildarts. "Gray, how are you feeling? This must be a pretty big moment for you, right?"
"It is, just not in the way I ever thought it would be," Gray replied as he looked toward Ur. "I-I never thought I'd see you again…I couldn't have asked for a better result from all this!"
"Don't you dare start crying Gray, or I'll get emotional, and if I get emotional, we're all going to become a cry-pile for the next twenty minutes," Ur joked as she fought off her own tears. "I don't know how I'm back, or why I feel a bit different than I did before…but I'm so glad I got to see you all grown up Gray."
"Either let me cry, or don't," Gray snapped, though there was no venom behind it as he pouted and looked away.
"We should probably get back to the village and unfreeze Lyon and his friends," Natsu sighed as he slowly rose to his feet. "You should know, Ur, that Lyon was the one responsible for melting the Iced Shell…"
"Yeah, I'm aware," Ur replied sadly as they all started the trek back toward the village. "I unfroze him, along with his friends, before I came here."
"You did?"
"Yeah. He told me everything, and we watched as you three killed Deliora. After that, he left with his friends, and told me that he had some soul searching to do … before he could face either myself or Gray again."
"Lyon," Gray muttered, clearly conflicted as Natsu placed a hand on his shoulder.
"At least he's clearly remorseful for what he's done. Hopefully, the next time you guys meet out there, he'll have found a better way to live?"
"Yeah," Gray nodded slowly. "I hope he does too."
The group continued their small talk until they reached the village, where Chief Moka was waiting for them, clearly overjoyed.
"You seem awfully happy," Natsu noted as the old timer waved his cane around in a joyous manner.
"Of course, how could I not be! We have our memories back, and you've destroyed the thing that was harming my people!"
"You do realize that you're all still Demons though, right?"
"Oh yes, but that makes perfect sense," Chief Moka replied dismissively. "For you see, we actually were Demons all along!"
"…"
"Can we go home now," Gray asked bluntly, drawing a giggle from Ur and a strained smile from Natsu, who had to actually talk to these strange beings.
"I see… Well, I'm glad it all worked out for you, Chief Moka. Would it be possible to have Bobo take us back to Hargeon as soon as possible?"
"Of course," the Chief replied joyously. "Whatever you desire, we shall do our very best to provide it! After all, you all helped break the curse over this island! If there is ever anything you might need us for, just say the word! Even if it means hurling our island at a Godlike entity during a global conflict one day, we will support you!"
"Er…thanks, I guess?"
"No problem! Bobo should have already left for his boat, so feel free to depart whenever you're ready!"
The quartet were out of the village before the Chief even finished speaking, Gray practically sprinting away, having had enough of the shenanigans on Galuna Island.
Once they reached the main path, they slowed down and started talking once again.
"So, Ur? What are you gonna do now," Gray asked, drawing a confused look from his Master. "You don't really have anywhere to stay, and it's been a long time since you were … well, alive I guess?"
"Why are you even asking that question Gray," Natsu asked bluntly. "She can just come back to Fairy Tail with us?"
"I don't know about that," Ur replied thoughtfully. "I've never really been one for Guilds, since all the ones I've been involved in treat their Mages like tools, rather than friends. Then again, you all are great, so maybe Fairy Tail isn't too bad?"
"Plus, Gildarts is in Fairy Tail," Natsu continued, drawing the woman's gaze toward him once again, this time with narrowed eyes. "Anyone willing to bully him I want to join immediately!"
"That's actually a fair point," Ur smirked. "If I join up with you guys, I can teach that jerk a lesson for the rest of his miserable existence…"
"God, I'm so excited," Natsu grinned, drawing an exasperated sigh from Erza, and a confused look from Gray. "For real though, you can come back with us and decide on what you want to do Ur. No pressure."
"Thanks Natsu," Ur smiled, all thoughts of Gildarts vanishing. "I must say, I'm glad Gray found great friends like you."
"There's plenty more than just us back at Magnolia," Natsu replied as they saw Bobo and his boat in the distance. "I reckon you'll like it."
Ur could only nod in response, unsure of what to fully expect once she arrived in Magnolia. The only thing she knew for certain, however, was that she wasn't going to squander this new opportunity she'd been given.
***POTD***
The group arrived back in Magnolia after a long trip, making idle conversation between one another as they disembarked from the train.
"So, this is Magnolia? It looks nice," Ur said as they started walking down the main street. "I assume that large building in the distance is the Fairy Tail Guild?"
"Yep, that's it," Natsu replied easily. "We're gonna head on over there first to report in before we split up."
Ur nodded as they made their way up to the Guild Hall. As soon as she was inside, she realized that this Guild certainly wasn't like all the other one's she'd dealt with before.
"Is this … normal," Ur asked, pointing at the all out brawl going on inside, before noticing the furious look on Erza's face as she marched into the fray. "Natsu?"
"Yeah, its pretty normal. We're pretty chill here, though, I'm not allowed to join in on brawls anymore."
"Really? Why not?"
"I'm too strong," Natsu replied, eliciting a raised eyebrow from the Ice Make Mage. "It's a rule that if you're a certain level of strength, you aren't allowed to take part in these things because you could actually hurt someone or really badly damage something."
"But that man there is beating another over the head with a table…?"
"Eh, that's just Elfman getting hit, he's fine," Natsu replied dismissively as he waltzed up to the bar with Ur and Gray. "Mira, we're back!"
"Natsu," the white-haired S Class Mage gasped as she ran around and gave him a hug. "Word has already gotten around about the massive fight on Galuna!"
"Great," Natsu sighed, hugging Mira back. "Well, am I to be arrested again?"
"Oh, no, nothing like that. The Council actually told everyone that Fairy Tail had taken a job to defeat a Demon Of Zeref there, so the public are overjoyed right now."
"That's a surprise," Natsu replied as he let Mira go. "Is gramps in?"
"Unfortunately not. He and Gildarts got called away, and aren't expected back until tomorrow."
"Ah, well, that's fine then," Natsu shrugged. "By the way, this is Ur, the woman who taught Gray his Ice Make Magic!"
Mira's jaw dropped, surprising Ur, as the white-haired Mage started shaking her hand.
"Its an honor to meet you! Gray talks about you a lot!"
"Oh, he does," Ur smirked, looking over toward her student who merely blushed and looked away. "Aww! You really missed me that much!?"
"Come on, don't make it all weird," Gray huffed. "I'm going to get a drink!"
Natsu, Ur and Mira all chuckled as the watched Gray storm off. Once he was gone, Ur turned back to Mira and Natsu.
"I'm not going to commit just yet, but I like what I see here. The place seems really nice and friendly."
"Oh? You're thinking about joining Fairy Tail," Mira asked curiously.
"Perhaps," Ur replied with a small smile. "Its not like I really have a home to go back to, and Gray is here. He's definitely improved, and stuck well to my teachings, but there are still things I never got to teach him that I'd like to, if he's willing."
"Trust me, he's willing," Natsu replied with a small smile. "He often told me he hated the fact he never got to learn the most advanced stuff from you, and fluking it has been one of the worst parts of his training."
"Well, that's just another positive in this place's favor."
"Speaking of you staying," Natsu continued. "Erza and I talked about it on the way back, and we'd like you to come live with us?"
"Wait, seriously!?"
"Dead serious. We literally just bought a mansion with our other friend, Elise, and have so many spare rooms we don't have any use for. You don't have to pay rent to us or anything, just do shit around the house sometimes and buy food like the rest of us?"
"Why would you two make such a generous offer," Ur asked, completely floored at what Natsu was proposing.
"Because, you're like a Mother to Gray. You're basically one of us already, even if you aren't part of Fairy Tail, and we take care of our family."
"You hit her good with that one," Mira smiled as she slid a drink over to Natsu, who grabbed it without even looking.
"So, what do you say?"
"Damn it… How can I say no to that," Ur huffed, looking away from him with a slight blush. "I'd be glad to…"
"Awesome! Go over and tell Erza, because the two of you are gonna have to go out and buy a bed," Natsu grinned as Ur, again, was completely shocked at his level of generosity.
"Okay. But I'm one hundred percent paying you guys back for any stuff you buy me!"
"That's fine," Natsu smiled as Ur turned to walk over to where Erza was, only to suddenly turn back around and pull Natsu into a tight hug.
"You're a good man, Natsu Dragneel…"
Surprised for a brief moment, Natsu quickly returned the brief hug before the two separated. Ur seemed somewhat embarrassed, but quickly masked it with her usual tomboyish attitude, grinning at him.
"Don't expect that from me often! It's just been a long day for me, that's all!"
"Its fine," Natsu chuckled, watching as Ur went over to Erza and told her what she'd discussed with Natsu, before promptly being pulled into an ironclad hug by her.
"I hope she joins," Mira said as she drew Natsu's attention back toward her. "I think she'd be a perfect fit for Fairy Tail."
"Yeah, she would," Natsu nodded as he took a sip from his drink.
"By the way, can I talk to you about something?"
"Sure, what's up Mira?"
"Well, I have another job, aside from working at the Guild," Mira began as she motioned for Natsu to follow her, leading him out the back where most of the Guild weren't allowed. "Have you ever heard of Sorcerer Weekly?"
"I've heard about it, yeah. Never read it though, was always too busy," Natsu replied honestly. "Why?"
"Well," Mira said, walking over to a nearby drawer and pulling out a copy of the magazine. "This is my other job…"
Natsu took the magazine, his eyes widening slightly as he looked between Mira's amused face, and the picture of Mira on the front cover.
"If I open this…?"
"Yes."
"Am I allowed to open this?"
"I wouldn't have given it to you if I was going to get angry about it, would I?"
Natsu had to concede that she was correct. So, he slowly opened the magazine to a random page, and he most certainly wasn't disappointed.
"So? What do you think?"
His eyes were on the left page. In it, was a picture of Mira, wearing only an enticing black thong and absolutely nothing else. Her breasts weren't actually visible, as she was laying down on a bed, hugging a heart-shaped pillow that had two devil horns poking out of it.
Her hair had also been let loose from its usual style, giving her a rather unkempt, yet alluring look. She was biting her bottom lip, finger twirling a lock of her hair, and she was also wearing rather cute looking devil horns on her head.
All in all, she was certainly pulling out the stops to appear both cute, naughty and seductive.
"Why exactly are you showing me this," Natsu asked slowly, closing the magazine with a slight blush.
"You didn't answer my question," Mira teased. "What do you think?"
"You look … Alright, you looked hot as fuck, okay," Natsu huffed. "What other answer were you expecting?"
For her part, Mira simply giggled, enjoying Natsu's flustered state, as she took the magazine off of his hands.
"Why thank you Natsu, I'm glad you think so highly of my looks!"
"Can we move on to why you showed me that now?"
"I showed you, so it can give you context into what I'm about to ask of you," Mira replied, her playful attitude dimming somewhat. "I usually only do these shoots once every three months, and I have to travel to Elira Town to do the shoots, as that's where Sorcerer Weekly is based."
"Right?"
"Normally, I have Elfman take me," Mira continued. "But … I've got a bit of a problem, and I think if I take Elfman with me this time, he'll get hurt."
"Hurt," Natsu asked, eyes narrowed. "What's going on?"
"Its easier if I just show you," Mira sighed as she walked over to the draw, pulling out over a dozen letters, all addressed to her, and placing them down on a nearby table. "This is my problem."
"I'm going to take a wild guess and assume none of this is fan mail?"
"You'd be correct," Mira replied with a frown as she pulled one letter out and handed it to him. "Read this."
Natsu took the letter and began scanning through it, his eyes narrowing the more he read it. But what set off alarm bells, was the part at the end.
"Have you mentioned this to anyone else?"
"…"
"Mira?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't want this situation handled with a few arrests or property damage," Mira replied as she met his gaze. "You read the bottom of the letter, and you know they're serious!"
"Right," Natsu sighed as he read over the letter again.
My beloved Mirajane,
Yes, it is I, your biggest fan, and … your eternal lover.
Once again, you dazzle and amaze me with your photos, like they're being published solely for me! I can tell, just by the way you look at me through them, that you're desperate for me. You need me to come and sate you, don't you?
Ah, but of course you do beloved, I can tell by that shine in your eyes that you must be positively salivating at the thought of our fated meeting!
The most beautiful Demoness, moaning for her Lord to come and sweep her off her feet! Oh, it is like something straight out of those romance novels by Teynright…
Fear not beloved, for we shall indeed be meeting sooner than you think! I have been carefully preparing my Guild for your arrival. They are all so excited to meet the new Demon Queen, the new Lady of the Manor!
We simply had to prepare, to ensure that those Legal Mages wouldn't be able to force us apart once we finally meet, my sweet! It is inevitable that they shall try, but we have prepared for them!
Look out for me at your next shoot, my beloved Demoness, for we shall be united soon, and together, we shall satiate these long-awaited fantasies of ours.
From one Demon to another, you know my words are true.
Yours forever,
Agares
The more Natsu read the letter, the angrier he got. Knowing that Mira had dozens of these only added more fuel to the fire.
But what made it even worse, was the fact that the one writing these letters was, in fact, a Demon. They had said so in the letters, and they even had a Guild, as the letter bore the stamp of one, though he didn't recognize it.
"Mira … How long has this been going on?"
"About a year and a half," the white-haired Mage replied softly. "I ignored it at first, hoping it would go away… but then …"
"I assume you don't want me telling any of the others about this," Natsu asked, receiving a shake of the head in response. "I'll at least need Elise to identify this Guild Signature. She's practically an encyclopedia when it comes to them. Can I rip the corner of this off so I can show it to her?"
"Of course," Mira nodded quickly as Natsu ripped it off, pocketing it and handing the rest of the letter back to Mira, who put them all away. "So, you'll help me?"
"Of course I will," Natsu replied, almost shocked she even had to ask. "I assume you want me to take you to your shoot over in Elira Town, and we go from there?"
"Right."
"Fine," Natsu nodded slowly. "We can make this work. Is Elise back yet?"
"She arrived earlier this morning with Wakaba and Macao," Mira replied, a small smile springing to her face. "Apparently, they took out all but one of the Vulcans up on Mount Hakobe, with the last one using some sort of Magic on them that turned them into Vulcans."
"That would have been an easy mission for Elise then, wouldn't it?"
"Oh yes, it was," Mira nodded as they walked back out to the bar. "I think she's around here somewhere talking with Levy and Cana?"
Looking around the bar, he noticed she was right. Elise was drinking, and lightly bantering with Cana. Levy was reading, leaning up against Elise, which brought a small smile to his face.
"Be back in a minute," Natsu said as he got up and made his way over to the three girls.
"Well now, if it isn't Mister Moneybags," Cana slurred. "Care to buy a girl a drink with your new fortune, Natsu?"
"Haven't been paid yet," Natsu smirked, bringing a small smile to Levy and a smirk to Elise.
"He got you there Cana," Elise grinned. "Sounds like you guys had a real party over on Galuna?"
"A shame you weren't there honestly," Natsu replied honestly. "The one time I actually need your help…"
"Hey," Elise huffed, giving him the finger, though the pair still smirked. "I'll have you know, I saved Macao and Wakaba from flinging their own shit around for the rest of their days up on Mount Hakobe!"
"I know, Mira told me. Thanks for finding those two by the way, they're kinda like the unofficial Dads of the Guild."
"Really? What about Gildarts? Isn't he like the same age as them?"
"He's the Deadbeat Dad," Cana chimed in, though she wasn't smiling, though Natsu chalked that up to her being drunk.
"Either way, can I get you to check something for me real quick," Natsu asked. "I got asked by the Council not to show it to anyone else, but apparently you might be able to identify it?"
"Really," Elise replied with raised eyebrows. "Sure. Move over Levy, I've gotta get up."
Levy moved so Elise could get up from her corner seat and come over to Natsu, who pulled out the torn piece of paper with the Guild Mark on it.
"You ever seen this Guild before," Natsu asked, watching as Elise's cheerful expression dimmed. "I take it you do know them?"
"Oh yeah, I know them alright. "That's the Guild Emblem for the Second Circle, one of the subsidiary Guilds under Tartaros."
"Great," Natsu sighed. "What can you tell me about them?"
"Not much I'm afraid. All that the Council knows is that they were formed alongside eight other Guilds by Tartaros itself, and are one of the Nine Circles, according to intel from captured Dark Mages."
"Nine Circles?"
"It's the title the leader of Tartaros, Mard Geer, has given to the nine Guilds formed to house their Demonic Army. Tartaros itself houses the Nine Demon Gates, and each of them oversees one of the Nine Circles, though they are apparently not the Guild Masters of them."
"Lovely," Natsu sighed. "Thanks Elise."
"Are the Council sending you after them," Elise asked, clearly concerned. "Do you want my help-?"
"I don't think the Council would be dumb enough to piss off Tartaros right after what we've done to the Bharam Alliance," Natsu replied with a short laugh. "I think they just wanted to know which Guild this was, because apparently you've got the best knowledge about them?"
"Well… I've heard others say that, but I'm sure that can't be true," Elise replied, deep in thought.
"Besides, I'm going to be helping Mira out with something over the next day or so anyway," he continued. "Funnily enough, Erza actually suggested I find some time to have a chat with her, so this works out nicely! She also said she would give you the rundown on how to take jobs, and go on a few with you."
"Really? Guess tomorrow would be a good time to get that done if you're going to be running errands with Mira?"
"Yeah. When we get home, ask Erza about it," Natsu replied with a grin. "Oh, and also, we've got a new housemate who I know is gonna blow your freaking mind!"
"Really?"
"Oh yeah, I'm not telling you who it is. You'll have to find out when you get home," Natsu grinned as he turned on his heel and started making his way back toward the bar. "Thanks Elise!"
Sliding back into his seat at the bar, Natsu's grin faded somewhat as he relayed what Elise had told him about the Guild on the paper.
"I'm still willing to handle this for you Mira, but you owe me one."
"More than one," the white-haired Mage replied as she slid him another free drink. "As you know, having me on your good side around here can come in handy…"
"That it can," Natsu smirked. "So, are we able to head out soon to do this shoot of yours?"
"Tomorrow, if you want? I have free reign to come in when I want to," Mira replied. "I just have to let them know I'm coming."
"All right then, let them know its on for tomorrow," Natsu replied with a curt nod. "I'll come pick you up from your house tomorrow morning and we'll catch the train."
"Alright Natsu," Mira replied as she took his hand with her own. "And listen, I know I'm making this hard on you by not wanting anyone else involved … I appreciate you doing this for me. Really, I do."
"Rest up Mira," Natsu smiled as he downed his drink and rose from his seat. "We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
"I will Natsu, and thanks again."
Natsu nodded, sliding his hands into his jean pockets as he strolled out of the Guild Hall and into the afternoon sun. The moment he was outside, his gentle smile completely morphed into a deep scowl.
"Agares, huh? Better watch out, whoever the hell you are," Natsu snarled as he walked off to the side of the Guild Hall. "I'll show you the price of stalking one of my close friends…"
With one last huff, Natsu ran a hand over his face, and sighed, composing himself. Once he had calmed down, he made his way back into Magnolia, intent on going home and resting up for what was undoubtedly going to be a very troubling day
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone