To Recap:
Erza and Jellal both confront the other until the Etherion fires, only to reveal the Tower of Heaven to be a lacrima. It was soon revealed that Seigrain of the Magic Council and Jellal were actually the same person. Jellal restrains Erza and was about to sacrifice her, until Natsu and Nic show up and do the rest of the fighting. They were doing well until Jellal uses Altairis, of which Simon used himself as a shield. Unfortunately, Simon dies, leaving Erza shattered. With anger and wanting to avenge Simon, and protect everyone, Nic summons orth power and briefly meets Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem. The three bestow upon Nic their powers and Nic becomes Black Kyurem in his new Legendary Force. With that, he defeats Jellal. The tower soon begins to collapse, and Erza tries to sacrifice herself to restrain the Etherion. Nic loses it and pulls her out of a big lacrima, and he puts himself in. With a teary goodbye, he gets engulfed by the Etherion lacrima and shoots the Etherion upwards. Hours later, everyone is on the beach, mourning for Nic.
Chapter 18 – Emotions Are Flexible...
Everything just happened in a flash, Nic had close his eyes, not knowing what was to become of him. All he could do was wait and see what things would look like in the next few moments.
There was an absolute silence brewing around him. His eyes twitched after so long. He was so still that he didn't know he could move again.
'Am I still inside that cruddy lacrima?' He mentally groaned. '…no. I don't feel any pain. Does this mean…?' His thoughts had forced him to open his eyes, revealing him to be in a space that is all yellow with hints of white and orange. For the oddest reason, he felt bliss, and he wasn't sure why.
Was it because he managed to save everyone? Was it because he did a good thing and kept his promise to Simon? Nic couldn't understand it. He couldn't understand anything. Just where the heck was he?
Nic saw he was in his usual attire, not surprised, and he was drifting along the space he was currently in.
'Oh right.' He remembered. 'I sacrificed myself.' Nic had a long moment of silence and he let out a sigh. 'Okay, let's see the damage I've done.' Just then, he gasped as everything went white and Nic was blinded for a few moments. When he opened his eyes yet again, he saw that there was a scenery change.
It was a gloomy day in Magnolia, the Kardia Cathedral cemetery was filled with the members of Fairy Tail all gathered in black attire. The rain was coming down on their melancholy expressions. Not a single person was smiling, not even Mira could crack a grin. Every single member of Fairy Tail had attended to this monument that resembled Nic quite a bit, though it was hard to tell if it was him. It was just some figure that had an orb in hand high in the air, as though it were to force darkness away.
Nic was feeling so light and so translucent that he felt like a ghost in the rain, of which he technically was. Nic looked and saw the flowers on the monument floor, as he also took a glance at the tears flowing down a multitude of faces. Elfman himself was trying to hold back a few tears, as was Gray and Lucy. He saw Cana pale, probably because she wasn't drinking a drop since his absence. Nic gulped, thinking how guilty it was to leave one of his closest Fairy Tail friends behind. Aside from Natsu, Happy, and Lucy, Cana was the one who he felt more in touch with. This reaches out towards the numerous occasions where they hid behind the bar as the guild rumbles about, though he suspected not a single punch was thrown because of this event.
He looked at the inscription on the stone:
NIC PULARIS
X7? – X784
FAIRY TAIL'S LUMINOUS
Nic looked at his own stone and frowned heavily. 'I see…Yup, I'm dead.' He accepted his fate, but he was far from happy. If anything, he regretted leaving everyone, but if he didn't do anything at all, Erza and everyone else might not be there today. He just floated about with crossed arms as he somberly watched his own funeral take place.
Master Makarov stood in front of everyone behind him and he looked upon Nic's monument. "Nic Pularis." He started. "His heart and his ever shining soul had touched many lives in his time of living. He not only touched us, but from his world, he has touched far more than maybe even we could fathom. His heart and fierce determination to save his comrades are as endless as time and space itself. His final actions reflected his love for those he would never see threatened."
Nic eyes lowered in hopelessness as he had to bear with Makarov talking about him. His frown drooped down and he started clenching his own arms. Still, what's done is done.
Makarov continued. "He moved at the speed of light, and fought with the ferocity and spirit of the wondrous beasts he had befriended back from his world. He has formed numerous bonds everywhere, and he had cherished them." Makarov began to choke on his words as he felt tears fall down his face. "It's a painful shame that this lone man symbolizes the concept that having love is a bliss, but losing it will render you useless." He was all shaken and he had several tears fall down his face. "Our Fairy Tail family will never be the same without its beacon of light…rest in peace Nic Pularis. We'll miss you for as long as we all live." He then turned and walked into the Fairy Tail crowd with his head down and crying.
Nic took in a deep breath and exhaled. 'Master…I'll miss you all.'
Individually, every member of Fairy Tail went up towards Nic's monument and paid their respects with gasps in their teary breaths. Many knew Nic's time in Fairy Tail was ever so short, but the stuff he's done had far exceeded whatever they could do in their lifetime. Gray had said how he was lucky to have fought alongside a cool-headed brawler and to have met such a friendly and less violent person, unlike Natsu. Lucy was having plenty of tears fall. She said she would miss him, and that he helped her realize that family will never be harmed as long as they unit to protect those they hold dear. Happy slowly walked up when it was his turn and told Nic that he was so glad to have met such a joy, yet a monstrous individual. He said Nic kept his hopes high and he's never one to call quits. Elfman, Mira, and everyone else there had said such compliments that could make you tear up. Even Laxus had said something, though he only said something about his power could be better, but was still somewhat decent of him to say. Juvia was nothing but a puddle of tears by the time it was her turn. She thanked Nic for a lot of things, like saving her, proving you should never abandon your friends, and keep your hopes up.
Cana was next, and she was having a pale face with tears rolling down. "Nic, I have to thank you. You did seem like a great individual, and those times we avoided fights was an idea I never would have disagreed with. Without you around, I feel so empty around the bar, I couldn't drink at all. When I heard you died, I almost spewed up some of my booze. Not a single drop after that." Cana drooped her head. "Nic…please be safe wherever you are. I'm worried for my friend." She sniffled. "Please be in peace."
A few others went after her and they were going on about Nic, of whom was drooping with somber. 'Dang, I knew the consequences would be high, but I never expected so much sympathy before. I miss Fairy Tail already.' He said to himself.
And finally, the last one up was none other than Erza. Erza was beyond devastated, and it was clearly shown by her swollen eyes from nonstop crying over someone who she had some feelings for. She was all shaken, and her face quivered, as though she was in a breakdown, which she kind of was.
She stopped and knelt down at his grave. "Nic." She said with her wet hair going straight down her back and over her shoulders. "Nic, I've never got to explain how I felt around you. I couldn't think at all. I was all jittery and felt my heart race as you smile. I wish I got to know you more Nic, because I feel happy whenever you're around me. You are truly the light that has brightened up my life. I can't imagine how devastated you would be if I was the one inside the Etherion." She paused and tears fell down her cheek. "Nic, when I first met you, I thought you were just some random and strong individual, but I was wrong. You're not random, you're luck. Your luck has spread about among us all. We had the luck of you. We were lucky, I was lucky to have met you…I-I'm so hurt right now Nic." She sniffled. "Nic…I learned a valuable lesson from you. You don't die for your friends, you live for them. Others lives would be unhappy without you, and it's true." She then drooped to her knees. "Nic, please come back to us. That's all I want now. It hurts so much…so much…"She had her face in her hands and sobbed. "I need you."
Nic wasn't sure what to say, though he couldn't anything anyway. Erza admitted that she wanted, no, desperately needed Nic to feel happy. Nic gritted his own teeth and shut his eyes. He gulped. 'Dammit, I've done harm! I knew all too well something like this would happen, but this was unbearable. What kind of person am I?' He watched as almost everyone cried. Happy, Lucy, Cana, especially Erza.
He looked over in the far distance and saw fire raging about near the forest near Magnolia. It was without a doubt Natsu going on a rampage. He looked on as the fire blasted in all directions in the far distance. Who knows how long he was doing this? Accepting Nic's death was hard.
'…I'm sorry guys. Really, I am. I had to do what was right. I know it was wrong to leave my family, but I wanted to save you all, and I've done my part the best I can.' Nic had thought. He closed his eyes and choked a little. 'Erza, I'm sorry I did this to you. I'm sorry I did this to everyone…I don't want forgiveness, but I want to keep you all in one piece…'
He then opened up his eyes again, now unable to see a teary Erza and everyone else. He was in that space of white with yellow and orange all about again, and he raised a brow. 'Am I going up to Heaven?' Just then, he saw a slowly expanding light from above. It started ever so small and began to grow, eventually engulfing the space itself.
'What is this?' Nic wondered, not sure as to what was happening. All he could really do was cover up while the light had engulfed everything.
It was silent yet again, and yet he felt something different this time. Rather than feeling light as he was before, he felt normal again. He could feel his energy slowly coursing about in him again. He slowly opened up his eyes and uncovered himself. He looked about and almost went wide eyed at the scenery he had been drifting in this time.
It was a black space, but a huge copious of stardust and pink and blue glitter all around. There were some pink and blue hazy clouds almost everywhere else, and stardust took up the rest.
Nic noticed something familiar about this place. He could've sworn that he was here before, though not exactly sure when. 'I know this feeling.' He contemplated. 'This is very familiar, yet the scenery is so different.' He could see that this wasn't his sub conscience. The feeling was somewhat relevant to when he encountered Kyurem and the other two a short while ago, but there were two different, yet similar energies traced throughout the dimension he was in. 'Wait, I recognize this energy-!'
"It has been awhile, Nic Pularis." A familiar voice echoed about. Nic jerked straight forward and almost gasped at the resemblance.
"Indeed, your energy has spiked exponentially since last time." Another familiar voice said.
Nic blinked and let loose a hint of a grin. "…heh. It's been ages." He joked nervously. Pink and blue stardust began to converge right beside the other. The volume of stardust began escalating and soon there were two huge towers of pink and blue solid stardust at ten o' clock and two o' clock position, from his point of view of course. Nic narrowed his eyes as the stardust towers flashed for five seconds, forming two huge figures standing/floating in front of him. "So, what brings you two here, Dialga and Plakia?" Nic asked as they fully formed.
The two beats turned their gazes downwards towards Nic, both staring with uncertainty. Palkia leaned down slightly and he opened his mouth. "Nic, we are indeed satisfied with your power growth and the usage of your Legendary Force…however…" Palkia's gaze turned rather spiteful and Nic could've sworn he gulped down his saliva, if he had any. "YOU ARE COMPLETELY STUPID!" Palkia bellowed.
He got back up and Dialga leaned in a little. "Nic Pularis, Arceus didn't entrust you with the Plates just so you could die. We had a hard enough time fishing you out of that sea of energy as it was!" Dialga complained.
Nic raised a brow in confusion. "Hold up." Nic said. "You mean that I was still alive?"
Dialga nodded. "Indeed. Your body was barely found in that sea of energy. We were lucky to have found you thanks to Palkia's space capabilities."
Palkia turned towards Dialga. "Yeah, and you had to use a bit of your time powers. It took us a week to find him."
Nic sweat dropped. "Uh, can you let me in on what you guys are saying?"
Dialga sighed. "Very well. As you know Nic, a normal human's body may have been broken down in that sea of energy, but with the Plates within you, your body was able to sustain itself and remain in one piece for a far greater length of time."
Nic was surprised that his body wasn't broken down by the Etherion. It was a relief though. He actually thought he was dead. "I see." He calmly stated.
"At any rate Nic." Plakia said. "We are going to send you back soon to Fiore. Though it is without a doubt your pokémon would follow you in death, you and they should continue on with the mission at hand."
Nic had mentally face palmed himself. He had forgotten that his pokémon were gonna die with him, but knowing them, they wouldn't want it any other way. Every one of Nic's pokémon was family, and they would follow him to his grave. Though he had to admit his action was reckless and selfish a bit. He would be leaving Erza behind, not to mention his little sister back in Kalos. Looking back, he didn't necessarily get the big picture, the bigger picture. The universe.
"However, we do compliment you on your willingness to give up your life for that Erza girl and all of Fairy Tail." Dialga had said. "Arceus himself was watching everything, as were we."
Palkia turned towards Dialga. "Should we tell him?"
Dialga turned towards him and nodded. "Yes." He then looked down at Nic. "Young Pularis, Arceus's condition has been getting worse. At this point, a multitude of galaxies have been unstable, and stars have been exploding, even black holes were being made." He paused before he continued. "Arceus has barely any strength. His power is almost gone, and you are the only one who can maintain the universe in balance."
"I know." Nic said quietly, reminding himself that Arcus's life is fading away and he needed to get more Plates and quick.
"Nic." Dialga had said. "You now have nine Plates. Arceus would commemorate you, but we came in his stead. Since you have nine Plates now, that means you are at half capacity with keeping the universe in balance. With the power now solemnly in our hands, the universe is shifting back into stability with every Plate you have after this, but don't let us down."
Nic nodded. "I won't. Thank you for fishing me out."
Palkia nodded. "You are welcome. Now, since you're going back to Fiore, I will have to address something first."
"And what might that be?" Nic asked, curious.
"I shall address what shall lie ahead of you. In a land far, far away…" Palkia started. Nic mentally cursed at the hearing of Plakia going through that very same introduction again.
Nic groaned. "I've already heard this."
But Palkia continued and as he went on, Nic crossed his arms with extreme annoyance. He could have just plugged in his earbuds, but that would be somewhat rude, so he bared with it until Palkia had finally finished. "…is Fairy Tail." Nic sighed in relief that it was over.
He then felt his body glowing lightly. He looked down at his hands and saw them glowing. He then looked up at Dialga and Palkia.
"You may resume your mission, good luck Nic Pularis." Dialga said. Then Nic lit up entirely and then he had been blinded yet again. He felt the light and energy diminish and he had felt an energy change again.
He heard waves washing up in front of him, he felt a small breeze, and a cool, night air. Nic had opened his eyes to see that he was standing on a beach at night. He saw the stars within the sky as some diminished and some remained stable. He slowly lowered his head to look out at sea, the water stretching about endlessly and waves crashing up a few feet in front of him. His shoes were in the soft sand and he turned around to see palm trees under a moonless sky.
Nic turned back towards the sea and grinned. "Well, glad I was still alive to begin with." He said out loud. He turned left and then made small steps. "Well, since I am still alive, I guess I can head back to…" He then stopped with one foot in front of him as a thought crashed into his head. "Hold on, didn't Dialga say that it took him maybe a week to find me? If that's true, then…oh crud, they really do think I'm dead." Nic grumbled and slumped forward.
He then crossed his arms and stood straight back up. "If that much time has passed, then that means everyone will likely beat me silly when I get back." He sweat dropped. "…wait, if I was in suspension for a week…that means…" He then went wide eyed and dropped to his knees on the sand and raised his arms over his head. "I HAVEN'T EATEN IN AGES! NO!"
One week later…
It had taken Nic forever to find his way back towards Fairy Tail. His body hasn't recovered at all from the battle with Jellal, and using his new Legendary Force had taken a tremendous toll on him physically. He had to sleep constantly, preventing him from getting very far without needing to lie down. He could have had Charizard or Staraptor help him get back to Fairy Tail, but he couldn't because people would take notice of him in the air and his presence may stir up some drama. So he had to keep a low profile until he had reached Magnolia.
Fortunately, he was good with keeping himself hidden with the stealthy way he moves around. It would be hard for people to track him. In total, it took him a week before he had finally reached the hillside of Magnolia.
It was close to noon, so he expected the guild to be filled at the time. "Okay." He muttered. "Let's hope no one kills me."
About an hour later, he had found himself in front of the Fairy Tail Guild Hall. It was rough to avoid being spotted, but nothing he couldn't handle. He raised a brow at the new and completed look of Fairy Tail's newest Guild Hall.
It was way different from the previous Guild Hall, with the exterior having cemented bricks. It had three stories, and it strongly represented a castle, two battlements on the two upper floors, and the bottom having a western roof, with small square tiles that varied in size. Over the battlements, torches were lined up, and the top piece of the guild was a small tower-like dome with a bell with a tiled roof.
Two more towers were present on both sides of the building, with elongated glass windows and weather crocks that were shaped like Fairy Tail's symbol. The front part of the top floor had Fairy Tail's banner, while two smaller ones were on the sides, one being the Magic Council symbol, and another being unknown. The middle floor sported the most ornamental windows. The ground floor had balustrade o its top and windows lining up along the front walls, also having wooden support long the edges.
A stone fence surrounded the place with decorated railing, with pillars topped by torches and an open gate. It had an upper part that was covered in tiling and some railing below. There was also a sign that bearing the guild's name, with ornated decorations around it, including statues of fairies with dresses and wings and elongated ears.
Nic crossed his arms and raised a brow. "Huh, this is going to take awhile to get used to." He said. He continued praising the exterior of the Guild Hall for a few more moments before looking back down and forward. He took in a deep breath and exhaled. "Alright, time to be fashionably late. Now, how to do that…?"
Meanwhile, inside…
The first floor of the building wasn't that different from the original building, though it was larger, with more benches and tables with a multitude of wooden pillars on both sides of the hall. The floor was still made of wood and the upper part of the walls was brick.
The request board was to the immediate right and an information desk at the immediate left. There was now a stage with staircases behind it. The upper right corner of the guild had a rest/shower room, and next to the kitchen was another resting room. There was a café outside, and there was an indoor swimming pool behind the stage with an outside environment.
Everyone inside would have been satisfied with their work, but the news of Nic's death had left a huge hit on them. At this point, hardly anyone smiled, even if they tried. Fairy Tail just wasn't all that rowdy and joyful now that its light was gone.
It had been two weeks, and no fights had happened. Everyone just murmured towards the other and couldn't throw a punch.
Mira was frowning at the bar and looking about at the other Fairy Tail Mages. Elfman was at a nearby table and looking down. Cana was sitting on the table itself, but could barely even hold a mug in her hands without thinking back towards Nic. In general, Fairy Tail's spirits were rather low.
Natsu, Gray, and Lucy, not to mention Happy, all sat at a table and they all frowned.
"…I still can't get over it." Gray muttered.
"Yeah, it's unbearable." Lucy said quietly.
Happy had looked down at his fish and he nibbled at it a bit before he set it back down. "Yeah, he was too good to lose."
Natsu was cross-armed and looked at the table. "Man, he had to go and do that." Natsu felt like pounding away at the table, but he did so many times in the past few days that he couldn't muster up the flare. "That jerk."
Gray looked annoyed at Natsu. "C'mon Natsu." Gray said. "You and I both know Nic would never do something like that unless it were a last resort. How could he be a jerk if he gave his life for us?"
Natsu slammed his arms on the table and leaned in. "Because he is! There had to be another way!"
"Natsu, stop." Lucy said. "This isn't the time to be arguing." Though reluctant, Natsu did back off before making any scene and he slumped back down. "Believe me, I feel just as upset as you, but Nic would want us to go on."
Happy turned towards Lucy. "Yeah, although some have had it rough moving on." They all turned towards Happy and frowned.
"Don't Happy." Gray said.
"Yeah, Erza's been devastated this whole time. You can't go saying that. You'll only make things worse." Lucy said.
Happy looked down and had an upset gaze upon his fish. "I'm sorry…it's just that we still can't believe how hurt Erza is."
Gray turned away and crossed his arms. "Yeah. Either she's in her room or somewhere in the guild crying, or she's yelling at us for no reason."
"You can't blame her." Lucy said. "We've all been-."
The Guild Hall's doors then burst open with such force, and there was dust and smoke everywhere from a possible flame attack. Everyone jerked up and reeled back from the sudden surprise. They all yelped at the sudden change in mood and now they had to deal with some new possible threat.
Everyone who was sitting down was now up, and every single person turned towards the door, where the smoke was clearing up. Everyone was on edge.
Natsu got a grin on his face and flamed up his fist. "Yeah, I've been dying to punch something!"
Gray got into position and Lucy was ready to grab a key. Just about everyone there was ready to spring into action.
The dust and smoke was airing out and they heard footsteps approach. Natsu's nose twitched at the scent of someone very familiar. He widened his eyes and he froze. He took in another sniff and he knew exactly who it was. He was all shaken up by the familiar smell. This couldn't be right…
Gray and Lucy looked at a dazed Natsu. Lucy looked a little curious. "What is it?" Lucy asked. "Is it a threat?"
"…no." Natsu muttered. "…it can't be." They all looked at Natsu and everyone there was curious as to what the Dragon Slayer had smelled. They all saw a faint glow, signifying a quick transformation from within the dispersing smoke, and they all went wide eyed when they had felt this same presence.
Everyone in the entire Guild Hall froze in place as they all had recognized this power. Some almost lost their breathing and some hearts stopped.
"Now is that really a way to treat an old acquaintance?" The voice asked casually. They all heard a voice from the figure and they all gasped and stuttered. Nic had arrived as the smoke was dispelled. He was crossed armed and grinned. He stopped in place and looked about around the Guild Hall, everyone looked as though they had just seen a ghost.
Nic inhaled and then exhaled. "Hey guys, I'm back. And I'm tired" He added.
Macao managed to speak while frozen. "W-We…we thought you died?!"
"Y-You mean…that you're actually…alive?!" Elfman said. Nic kept a grin, but looked down, knowing they would be shocked like this.
"Pretty much." He said. Just then, he went wide eyed at the numerous people that now stampeded all towards him.
"NIC!" Everyone shouted. The next thing Nic knew, he was buried under twenty different people, many of which were taller and heavier than him. Nic had a bit of a struggling trying to breathe.
"Gah! Guys, can't breathe!" He gasped. They all then slowly got back up and cheered ever so happily upon Nic's return, even though he was still regaining oxygen. 'Well, at least I'm home.'
"Man Nic, do you have a any idea how depressed we were?" Gray berated, but had a grin.
Nic looked down and tilted his head about, stalling. "Meh, uh yeah, I got some explaining to do." He rubbed the back of his head and did a half grin as he was about to explain, but then Master Makarov approached. Everyone had made way for Master.
"Nic." Makarov said. He stopped just a few paces in front of him and looked up at Nic. Nic looked down and his grin faded. Makarov showed a sad, but relieved face. "Nic, we have been so worried about you."
Nic nodded. "Yeah, same."
"I consider those who have been in this guild to be my children, and when we heard you died, I thought I failed as a parent. Every parent worries of their children and they have faith." Makarov straightened up a bit and pulled off a smile. "Well now, you can tell us the details later, for now we celebrate your homecoming." He then turned back towards the others. "Today we all celebrate!"
Everyone cheered and started to show some tears again, they all got their mugs and they were getting their party back on.
Nic watched them all cheer. Makarov looked up at Nic after seeing the guild being ever so rowdy again.
"You know." Makarov stated. "The guild hasn't been this lively since your death. You've really influenced us Nic Pularis."
Nic put his hands in his pockets and gave a smile. "Yeah, thanks." He took a huge look from his spot and he saw the various people starting to get their groove back. Fairy Tail was becoming itself just like that again. 'Boy, that was quick!'
He then noticed something else, something was missing. He narrowed his eyes and pondered about it until it hit him two seconds later. He turned towards Master. "Hey, does anybody know where Erza is?"
When Nic had said that, everyone's voice dialed down until there was hardly any whispering. They all turned and looked at Nic with some hesitation. Obviously they knew something and the mood dialed back to the low settings.
Makarov looked down and sighed. "I suppose Erza will have to hear about your arrival." He said. He turned back up towards Nic. "You could say she took it harder than all of us put together." He said grimly.
"Poor Erza." Mira said. "She's been crying for so long. She couldn't get over you."
Lucy shifted her gaze towards Nic. "Yeah, she didn't handle it very well."
"Shattered would be an understatement." Gray said, looking down.
Nic sighed, knowing that Erza will find out soon, and when she does, he could kiss his body goodbye, as it will be Erza's punching bag. He did feel guilty all this time, and he wasn't sure how to make up for the time it took, but he had to go and tell…
"Nic?" A broken voice said from behind. Nic could've sworn he had a fusion of a yelp and a hiccup spring up from his throat. He knew just to whom that voice belonged to. Every single person there was dead silent as they all turned at the doorway behind Nic.
Swallowing his pride, he slowly turned behind to see Erza. Nic only needed a quarter of a second to process how unhealthy Erza looked. Her eyes were nothing but puffy and pink from continuous crying, her eyes showed signs of insomnia, and she did look a little pale.
"N-Nic?" Erza stepped forward once as she had tears in her eyes. Her mouth was slightly open, and she looked dead at him. Nic grinned and stayed still. Erza proceeded slowly and looked as though she could break down at any second.
Erza was now right in front of Nic, with tears now beginning to stream down her face. There was no way Nic was here. He had to be a figment of her imagination. Maybe her mind was playing tricks or something? Maybe she needed to lie down?
"Hey Erza." Nic said. "I'm back."
Erza gasped so loud that Nic reeled back a step, thinking she was about to enter a panic attack. She had her hands over her mouth and she could barely speak. "I-I…It is you." She managed to squeal. With everything she had in her, Erza lunged at Nic and tackled him, sending him soaring several feet backwards. He landed, crashing on his back with a thud with a sobbing Erza constricting him.
Erza couldn't help herself. She had to. She missed him. She had to show some sign that she missed him, and the first thing her brain processed was hugging him. "Nic…" She sobbed. "…I can't believe you're back." She then continued crying. She repeatedly muttered "You're alive."
Nic slouched back up, looking down at Erza crying relentlessly on his chest. He blinked and remained still, letting her let it all out. Everyone there could've sworn that that was the only time they've ever seen Erza so joyful in seeing someone.
Nic had to comfort her somehow. He wasn't exactly sure as to how he should handle this situation. Erza was showing so much affection. He slowly wrapped his arms around her, and just held her close. Nic held her as close to him as he possibly could. Erza had her arms around his waist tighten, and she slowly began to dial down the sobbing. Nic instinctively pushed even more boundaries and slowly took his right hand and began to slowly stroke her hair as gently as he could be.
Nobody dared to gasp, as they had expected something like this. At this point, they all knew that Erza had feelings for Nic and they had expected Nic to repay her with some form of affection. Some of their frozen expressions broke into small grins upon seeing Titania and Luminous reunited.
"Nic." Erza said, calming down. "Words can't describe how happy I am right now." She looked up at Nic with teary and soft eyes and with an ever so happy smile. Everyone there grinned. They've never even seen Erza smile so joyfully before. Nic grinned and that grin turned into a big smile. "I missed you so much." Erza said.
"Erza." Nic said. "You don't know how much I missed you as well. I could've been shedding tears in your place, but I'm here now, and I don't plan on leaving anytime soon." He and Erza then shared a very close and super long emotional hug.
Nobody dared to say a word. They knew this was their moment, and this was just too precious to ruin. They all grinned and they each turned away, wanting to get the celebration under way.
Makarov nodded. "I'm glad you two are happy to see the other." He said. Erza and Nic both turned towards Makarov. "Now that your little reunion is over, we can get back to the celebration. What do you say?"
Nic and Erza both got back to their feet and remained turned towards Master. "Sounds good to me!" Nic said. "I think we could all use a little party right about now." He then turned towards the rest of Fairy Tail. "Am I right?!"
Everyone shouted and cheered along with him. He truly missed Fairy Tail and its rowdy self. Now that he was back, things could get back to normal, well, as normal as it could possibly get that is.
Erza looked on at Nic. She couldn't believe that he was back. Her smile had greatly increased. 'It's so great to have him back. Our light has finally been restored.' But then she did recall something that had to be done. 'Well, it seems that I do have to give Nic something…' Erza then walked over and tapped Nic's shoulder from behind.
"Yeah-?" Nic turned and he had a very creepy feeling as he saw Erza with a super sweet smile, much like the previous two times she attempted to put the hurt on him. Her smile was all too sweet and she looked so happy.
"Oh Nic." Erza said. "You've had me worried about you." A death aura then slowly arose from around her, making his heart beat almost skyrocket.
'Oh boy, it's coming.' He gulped and he almost felt the sweat dripping.
"Do you have any idea on how much pain I was in? Well…I think you need a demonstration…"
Nic found his wits quick enough to find a back door to this situation. He pointed straight at the new counter/bar that Mira attended, getting glasses ready. "Isn't Mira getting a strawberry cheesecake ready for ya?"
Erza looked at the counter/bar and saw that there was no cheesecake, but a giggling Mira who found it humorous as to Nic's antics to avoid pain. Erza turned around, only to find Nic gone. She made a comically shocked expression and everyone pointed behind her. She turned around super quick and saw Nic turning the corner and out the guild.
"NIC!" Erza roared and stomped. "GET BACK HERE!" And she stormed off, leaving a dust trail behind her.
Everyone there then shook their heads, already pitying Nic.
"That kid's in for a world of hurt." Cana remarked, just before gulping down her first full mug of booze in weeks.
Magnolia
In town, everything was peaceful and tranquil as it could get. The sun was out, people having smiles, and a young lady was strolling about through the streets of Magnolia, rather confused and looking for something, to be more accurate, some place.
A young woman, looking roughly sixteen, was turning her head here and there. She was tall for her age and skinny, showing less, how you say…assets, than Lucy and Erza. Much like Lucy, she was blonde, but she had multiple bangs. She had two short bangs, one that barely covered her right eye, and the other going over her left one. The two longer bangs crossed each other over her chest. The rest of her hair reached down in a silky manner all the way down to her upper waist. She had green eyes and light pink lipstick. At this time, she her attire consisted of just a brown T-shirt and black pants that went down and stopped halfway down her shins. She had on light blue shoes.
The young teenager sighed and just rubbed the back of her head. "Man, just how do I get to this place?" She asked herself out loud. "Who told me these directions anyway. These directions are diot!" She said the last word in Hebrew. Nevertheless, she proceeded in the same direction and she saw something heading in her direction from up ahead.
"Huh?" She stopped as she saw a small dust cloud grow. She blinked as she saw that it was a lone person, and it looked as though he was running…very, very fast. He also looked as though he was running away from something.
"Oh! Maybe he can help me-!" Her thoughts literally ran right pass her and the guy as well, making her hair fly along the wind. She just stood there as she was just puzzled. "Okay, w-what just…what?" She was just baffled. She was hoping to get at least some form of direction from the guy, but it looks as though that ship has sailed.
"Oh well." She sighed. She turned backed towards the direction she intended to go, but then she saw a second dust cloud racing at the same speed. The teenager blinked and noticed that the dust cloud was indeed a person as well. As the person came racing closer and closer, she took note that she had scarlet red hair. "Hold up, isn't that…?" She had seen the person before one time, but that memory was a long time ago. She did however, recognize her as she was fifty feet away. She went wide eye and gasped. "It is, it's Titania Erza-!"
Before she could even finish closing her mouth, Erza raced past her at high speed, ferociously catching up to the person ahead.
"NIC! GET BACK HERE!" Erza had yelled as she was now out of sight.
The blonde teenager once again blinked and sweat dropped. "What was that about?" She contemplated. She just stood there, completely puzzled. She was still looking into the direction the two went off in, but had her body turned towards the direction she intended to go.
"Well, I guess I should try and keep looking." She resumed her quest to find this specific place. She then proceeded back to walking. "Cruddy directions…"
Back with a certain person running for dear life, Nic dashed past numerous stands and places that he didn't see, obviously this might be a new land speed record on the ground. He was running for dear life from the wrath of the one and only Titania.
"GOTTA RUN! GOTTA RUN!" Nic shouted. He himself knew that this was the wrong thing to do, but he panicked. It wasn't like he had any other options to play out with.
At any rate, he was storming through the streets and he looked over his shoulder to see that Erza wasn't behind him anymore. Nic could've stopped, but he wasn't sure if that was a good idea. Erza was thirty feet behind him, so where was she now?
Nic turned ahead and slightly lowered his pace in the confusion. He was dashing along and then he saw an alleyway up ahead. Nic was about to run passed it when Erza slipped out from the alley and right into Nic's tracks. Nic gasped and he screeched to a loud and disruptive halt, the pavement under his shoes had harsh skid marks as he skid ten feet to a stop…right in front of Erza.
Nic looked up and his heart almost pounced out of his chest, not just from the sprinting, but also from the potential near-death pain that shall be inflicted onto him.
'Oh crud.' He mentally squealed as he had realized that Erza had used a shortcut. Either she knew Agility or Teleport, or she knew Magnolia all too well.
Erza glared heavily at Nic and grabbed him by the V-neck collar and dragged him into the alleyway for his demise. 'This ain't gonna be fun.' He thought.
Erza dragged Nic thirty feet into the alley and then slammed him into a wall, still clenching him by his collar. She was glaring daggers at him and then proceeded with the yelling
"YOU FOOL! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA ON HOW BADLY YOU SCARED ME?! DO YOU?! WE ALL THOUGHT YOU DIED!" She yelled, but Nic didn't show any cowardness nor cringing. "THINGS WERE NEVER THE SAME! WE WERE ALL SO UPSET, I WAS UPSET!" Erza was now shaking a bit. "I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep…I-I couldn't do anything!"
Nic was all too heart broken. He saw everything at his funeral, and he deserved to be punished.
Erza continued with small tears beginning to form in her eyes. "DON'T EVER DO THAT AGAIN YOU MORON!" She then had an armored fist ready and able to strike a defenseless Nic, who didn't seem like putting up a fight.
Nic lowered his gaze and thought that he should take this like a man. "Do it." He said. "I deserve every single bit of pain I made you feel." He wasn't trying to sound mean, but he felt far from okay after hearing Erza yell her worries out to him.
Erza was slightly caught off guard by this statement and she untightened her fist in the air. "Why do you say that?" She asked, calming down just a small amount.
"Because I was gone for so long and I wasn't there to comfort you when you needed me the most. I can't even begin to fathom the guilt and pain that I alone have for what I had done. I wasn't there when you cried so much." Nic admitted with a saddened tone.
Erza untightened her grip on Nic and her fist was now lowering a bit. "Nic, there's always something that makes others cry. You can't protect me from tears, we are human after all. But you still won't get away with making me heart broken."
"Yeah…I know." Nic said, not feeling light hearted at the slightest.
Erza slowly unclenched her fist and had her hand at her side now, as she was now pondering. 'This isn't like him. He sounds way to upset for that alone to be bothering him.' She thought. "Nic, tell me. What's bothering you? You seem more depressed than you're letting on."
Nic sighed and kept his gaze on the ground. He then shifted his gaze towards Erza at the corner of his eye. "Erza, I broke my promise to Simon. I wasn't there to protect you, no matter what. I couldn't protect you from the pain and the sadness. I hurt you Erza. I made you cry!" He exclaimed the last couple lines, shocking Erza. "I can't forgive myself for leaving you guys. I don't know what came over me. I couldn't let you die in my stead. I wanted you to keep moving forward. I saw you were stuck and I wasn't there to help you…I'm a terrible person." He said. "I broke your heart, and now I ask that you break me in return."
Erza felt her heart stop. 'Nic…'
"Go on Erza, give to me what I deserve. I won't stop ya." Nic closed his eyes, awaiting for the punishment that he thought would begin to compensate for Erza's broken heart.
Erza was all shaken up inside. She couldn't believe that Nic had said that. She felt as though his own heart was broken. He made her sad. Erza didn't know what to do anymore. She couldn't hit him because of what he said, yet she wants to show how much she missed him. What was she to do?
Nic was still awaiting for his demise with closed eyes, but he didn't feel a fist to the jaw, rather it felt…soft.
Nic suddenly felt something soft, warm, and surprisingly wet gently press against his lips. It wasn't forceful, but it wasn't too light either. Nic suddenly felt his face get a little bit warm and he felt all sweet and strange, like bliss. Nic then opened his eyes in shock and realization that Erza was actually kissing him.
Erza had absolutely no idea what she was doing. She didn't know where the nerve and/or courage to kiss Nic came from. She herself was too confused. Was it a heat of the moment thing? Or was it something more? All she knew was that she missed him too much and was so happy to have him back.
After five seconds of sheer bliss that was shared, Erza reeled back with blushed cheeks. The two had their first kiss. Erza's first, and Nic's first. The two were at a loss for words. All they could do was blush at each other and remain silent.
After ten seconds, Nic actually managed to spit out some words. "E-Erza?"
"Nic." Erza said, not smiling. "It's not your fault, none of it is. I don't know, maybe you do deserve punishment, but I can't. I can't hurt someone who's just as badly wounded as me." Now she had tears again, but this was different, as she now had tears coming from not just her left eye, but now her right eye, astonishing Nic. "I missed you, and I can't begin to tell how happy I am. Yes, you've made me cry, but I've never felt so much joy when I saw you alive. Nic…" She then pulled him into a tight hug and she began to sob tears of joy down his shoulder. "I missed you so much. Promise me. Promise me that you'll never do something like that again. We can't lose you…I can't lose you." She then began to cry again over his shoulder, smiling ever so happily.
Nic was not only baffled, but so happy that Erza had forgiven him. He could feel so many things at this point; for example, joy, happiness, bliss, affection, and comfortable. Nic began to shed small tears of joy from his eyes and let them shine down Erza's armor. Armor or no armor, the two could fell their hearts beat in sync. Nic wrapped his arms around Erza and held her tight.
The two were just too happy to let this moment be ruined. Erza had honestly thought Nic was more than attractive this entire time, she saw him as a caring person who reached out for her, and now she's only scratched the surface. This was an emotional person who wouldn't let his friends suffer. Erza and Nic both knew the other had strong feelings now, but now that they know, they weren't exactly sure what to do now.
After some time, Erza and Nic pulled away and the tears had stopped. The two lightly blushed and smiled with sincerity.
"I guess we should be heading back now, right?" Nic asked her. Erza nodded and the two walked out of the alley and through the streets back towards Fairy Tail. The two walked side by side and had trouble looking at the other after their little "moment".
Fairy Tail Guild Hall
The guild was coming back together, thanks to Nic's safety. Their gloomy and unjoyful sorrow had sprung into sheer joy and craziness yet again. Mugs and dancing was everywhere now, with Cana resuming her booze barrels and drinking like she hadn't had anything to drink in eons, which she kind of was.
As usual, the brawling was picking up again and Natsu and Gray were getting caught up in the midst of it, and Erza wasn't there to stop them. They all knew they would be expecting a battered Nic to be back soon, and they all partied about at his arrival. Only, it wasn't Nic nor Erza at the entrance this time.
Makarov and a few other Fairy Tail members all looked and saw that a blonde teenager was standing at the entrance and looking on with a hand on her hip. And let them tell you, she was a goddess!
"Well, guess I've found the place." She said, hardly showing any sweat drops from the brawling and partying. As a matter of fact, she had expected Fairy Tail to be like this. She's heard so much of this place and she heard so many individual's names like Titania, Salamander, and even this one guy named Luminous. She sought to come to Fairy Tail and become part of the action.
Makarov stepped forward and looked up at the young woman. "Hello there." He greeted. "Can I help you with something?"
She looked down at the small, old man and saw he had a friendly disposition. She stepped forward and removed her hand from her hip.
"Hello." She said with a smile. "Eh, do you know where I can find this guild's Master?" She asked.
"Hmm, that'd be me." He stated, now getting a little serious. The woman then raised a brow, a little shocked.
'Huh, didn't see that coming.' She thought to herself. 'Talk about zaken.' She thought the last word in Hebrew. She then shook her head and resumed what she had intended to do. "Yes, I actually came here to join."
Makarov then blinked. "Oh?"
She nodded. "I'm Sophie Lednick." She introduced. Makarov nodded and then called out to Mira. Mira then came over.
"Yes Master?" Mira asked with her smile.
"It would seem that we have ourselves another new member." Makarov had stated. Mira clasped her hands together and widened her eyes.
"Oh just the extra ticket we needed!" She said with glee. She then got her stamp out and she asked Sophie where she wanted the mark.
Sophie had her elbow rest on her hand as she thought. "Hmmmm…how about here?" She then pulled up her brown shirt and exposed her skinny waist. She pointed towards her right side and asked Mira to place it just below her ribs.
"Do you have a color you want?"
"Well…" Sophie then thought about it, and she looked back at Mira. "How about dark blue?"
Mira then placed a stamp on the bottom of her ribs and then removed the stamp, revealing a dark blue Fairy Tail mark. Unlike Gray's navy blue, Sophie's was dark blue.
"Congratulations!" Mira cheered. She then turned towards everyone who was partying. "Hey everyone, we have a new member!" Everyone then turned towards Mira and they all saw Sophie. Sophie smiled cheerfully and Mira introduced her. "Her name's Sophie."
Everyone cheered in joy that another member had joined. Natsu and the rest of his team had went up to meet her.
"Hey there!" Natsu greeted with a hand raised. "Welcome to Fairy Tail!"
"Thanks so much!" Sophie said. "It's so great to be a part of a guild now!"
"So what made you join?" Happy asked. Sophie turned and widened her eyes slightly at the site of a flying cat, but she did expect weird, nonetheless.
"Well." Sophie started. "My father is a wealthy merchant, and business was going great for him. The problem was that he has work to deal with and he has little time to entertain my wandering thoughts. I asked him what I should do, and he suggested that I should use my Magic and seek the adventurous world."
"Hm, sounds like your family gets along fine." Gray noted.
"Of sorts." Sophie noted. "We respect the other, and sad to say my parents divorced when I was an infant, but that didn't stop me from reaching out to them both."
Lucy felt a tad upset. "Gee, sorry about that." She herself remembered her relationship with her own dad wasn't good, but at least she met someone on a similar level to her.
"Thanks!" Sophie said. "Now my parents are back together and hope for the best for me!"
"Hey!" Gray chuckled. "You've got it made!"
"Yeah. I'm not one for business, so my parents wished me luck and I came here shortly after." Sophie had explained.
"Well, you're here now, so no need to worry yourself child." Makarov said. "Welcome to your home."
Just then, Nic and Erza both showed up from behind her. Everyone there had all turned, now seeing that Nic was back and surprisingly unharmed. Nic and Erza were both blushing lightly still and they proceeded in.
Everyone was rather confused. "Didn't take your beating like a man?" Elfman asked.
"You weren't there." Nic said, rolling his eyes. Sophie then turned towards the two and she almost stepped back in remembrance.
Sophie had just recognized them from not even forty five minutes ago. They were the exact people who had ran past her. Sophie was wide eyed and she approached the two by taking a step forward.
"Hey." Sophie stated. She knew the two wouldn't have recognized her because Erza was fixated on Nic's punishment that turned out to be bliss. "I think I've heard of you. You're Titania Erza, and you…" She had to admit, she wasn't exactly sure as to whom this guy was.
Makarov then turned towards her. "Ah yes, those two are Erz Scarlet and Nic Pularis, or as you could refer to them, Titania and Luminous."
Now Sophie gasped at the realization. She now knew who these two were. "Oh my god, I've heard so much about you two!" Sophie said. "It's a pleasure, the name's Sophie Lednick!" She said with joy.
"It's a pleasure for us as well." Erza said. Just then, they heard footsteps from behind themselves. Nic and Erza both turned and saw that it was Juvia.
Juvia now had cut her hair short, just above her shoulders. She now had some revealing clothing, with a blue skirt under a long blue overdress with white over the skirt. She also had a blue cap with white on the sides.
Nic blinked in shock. "Well." He said. "Glad to see you're here!"
Juvia was baffled to say the least. She was at Nic's funeral and thought he had died. Juvia gasped and she walked up to him. "N-Nic…you're alive." Juvia stated.
Nic nodded and he then gave Juvia a friendly hug. Juvia returned the hug and saw a growling Erza glaring daggers at her. The two instantly pulled away and Nic kept a smile, even though Juvia was startled by Erza.
"It's so good to see you've joined." Nic said.
"Yeah, I have to thank you!" Juvia stated.
Another person then came from the other side of Nic and he crossed his arms. "Hmph! Didn't expect you to still be standing after that incident."
Nic froze in place and went wide eyed at the sound of that voice. 'That voice…it can't…' He swiftly turned and saw an unpleasant site. It was Gajeel.
Gajeel sneered at Nic, not forgetting about last time. "Don't get all feral on me. I'm not here to be your buddy either." Gajeel had said.
Nic had a sweat drop and wanted to sharpen his gaze, but he took notice of Gajeel's left shoulder. It was a black Fairy Tail emblem.
Nic then realized he joined the guild. As much as Nic was startled by his presence, he was apart of Fairy Tail now, meaning he can't kill him like last time. Though questions as to how he joined will have to wait, he'll have to make do with his presence.
"Yeah, I can see." Nic coldly stated. The two then glared at the other for a few seconds before Makarov stepped in.
"Now I know tensions are high, but Juvia had asked him to come along." Makarov explained. "And you know we seek those who are in darkness and bring them into the light."
"…True." Nic said, relaxing knowing that no quarrels will be dealt with at this time. "Well, you're here now, guess that's all I can say." He said towards Gajeel.
Gajeel grumbled and turned. "Same."
Sophie then decided to break up the argument. "Well." She started. "This is sure a welcome wagon!" She said, trying to lighten things up.
Nic turned towards her and grinned. "Yeah, glad you came. You're just in time for my little welcome back party." Nic said.
"Welcome back? Where'd you go?" Sophie asked. It was then Nic lost his smile and looked downwards. Everyone there, every single person, had stopped what they were doing and they all figured it was time for Nic to explain himself.
"Alright, time for an explanation." Elfman said. Nic then sighed and he walked on over towards the nearest table and all of Fairy Tail gathered around to hear his story. Not surprisingly, Natsu, Lucy, Happy, Gray, and especially Erza all sat at his table, with Erza sitting right next to him.
"Well." He started. "It all started when I was inside the Etherion…"
An hour later…
Nic had just finished speaking his last sentence and everyone was at a loss for words. Nobody could even begin to comprehend what Nic had gone through. Being at your own funeral, getting help from Legendary Pokémon, and having exhaustion.
They all had no idea that Nic was alive, and this was a huge shock that the universe was no dependent on him.
"So you're saying that if you die, we all die?" Elfman asked, somewhat startled.
"Of sorts." Nic stated. "If I can find a way to save Arceus, then the universe might be saved." He sounded a little tired and serious. He must still need rest.
"Hmmm…well, you're home child, and rest to sure that we can celebrate knowing that you're here with us." Makarov said.
Nic nodded and he slowly got up. He was escorted by Mira towards the infirmary and was followed by Erza. Everyone watched as Nic went off into the infirmary to recover. They all even saw something was different of Erza. She walked very closely with him and was smiling.
"Hm, seems as though Erza is looking better around him." He smirked, getting an idea as to what's going on between the two.
"Let's party!" Makarov shouted. Everyone cheered, exclude the party-pooper Gajeel, and the celebration resumed.
In the infirmary, Mira had Nic lie down on a bed. She told him to take it easy for a few hours. She then had to head back out and attend the little party that was happening, leaving Nic and Erza all to themselves.
Nic rolled over onto his side and felt drowsy. He figured a few hours could go by slow, so he figured some sleeping should do the trick. 'Maybe just a few hours.' He thought. He then began to close his eyes when Erza grabbed a stool and pulled it over in front of him. He then saw her sit on the stool and she watched him succumb to sleep with a smile on his face.
Nic wasn't sure whether or not if he was having a good dream or not, but he was still smiling.
"Nic." Erza said with a blushing smile. She then leaned over and, very gently, kissed his cheek, making his face brighten in his sleep.
Erza leaned back up and watched with joy as her light has returned and was sleeping soundly.
Later…
"Ah, now that's what I call a blissful sleep." Nic stated as he was stretching out his muscles as he strolled about through Magnolia. He figured he could be getting some fresh air from being inside the infirmary for a bit today, but it wasn't all that bad. Erza was there with him, so he had nothing to complain about. This day was just too good to even be true. He got back, his friends are happy, Erza kissed him, new members, what more could he asked for.
He was strolling along South Gate Park to get to the bakery to get Erza a strawberry cheesecake, with hands resting in his pockets with earbuds and sunglasses on. He then stopped and noticed some people under the big tree.
"Huh?" He looked down and saw Gajeel, Jet, and Droy, and Levy behind the tree. He stood and heard what they were saying.
"So what's the big deal?" Gajeel said, arms crossed. "Make it fast, I need to get to work."
Unlike Gajeel, who wasn't in the mood, Jet and Droy were mad. They still had trouble forgetting what Gajeel had done to them last time, and what almost happened to Levy. It was payback time.
"We have a bone to pick with you!" Jet said accusingly.
"After what you did to us, and our Guild Hall, there's no way we're allowing you to stay another day in our guild!" Droy testified.
Gajeel could see where they were going with this, but he didn't bother putting up a fuss. "C'mon guys, that's water under the bridge."
Levy nervously poked her head around the tree. "M-Maybe he's right." She said. "I mean, since he's apart of our guild now, he won't do it again, right?"
Regardless, Jet and Droy wanted to teach Gajeel a lesson.
"We gotta let this poser know." Jet started.
"That outsiders don't mess with us!" Droy finished.
Gajeel lowered his gaze, but still kept his position. Nic noted how Gajeel wasn't in a fighting stance.
'Gajeel, just what are you doing?' Nic wondered. True that he still holds a grudge against him, but as he was apart of Fairy Tail now, conflicts had to lessen.
Yeah, try telling Jet and Droy that.
Jet cracked his knuckles and readied himself for his payback. "Act tough you outsider!" Jet them ran high speed into Gajeel, making contact and making Gajeel reel back.
"Knuckle Plant!" Droy shouted. He threw seeds that landed at Gajeel's feet. Magic seals appeared and the seeds rapidly grew into vines that pummeled Gajeel continuously. Gajeel felt the full blows and then Jet zoomed in at him again.
"Falcon Heavenward!" He then unleashed an incredibly fast kick right into Gajeel's abdomen. Gajeel soared backwards and skid, making the ground trail under his feet.
At this point, Nic had his suspicions. 'Wait a minute, Gajeel would be able to handle and stop those attacks easily, so why…?' Nic was beginning to piece it. 'Of course! He's not fighting back because he's letting them get their anger out on them!'
Gajeel had a lot of bruises from just those assaults because his defenses were down. He winced and grunted at the slight pain. He then got back up, slowly.
"You want more?" Jet proposed.
"What happened tough guy?" Droy teased.
Nic frowned at the site. He didn't like it. It was true that Gajeel had a long way to go until he could get their acceptance, but was this really necessary? Nic then widened his eyes as he felt some electricity in the air, and very strong Magic. He had recognized this before, and his eyes sharpened with distaste.
"You picking on the new guy?" An arrogant voice asked from behind Levy that began approaching Jet and Droy. Jet and Droy both turned in shock and fear as the man approached.
"Laxus!" Jet exclaimed. Laxus was cross-armed and frowned at Gajeel. Gajeel looked up at a leering Laxus.
"But seeing how this guy wrecked our Guild Hall, I can get where you're going with this." Laxus stated. Nic growled heavily, getting an idea as to where Laxus was heading. This wouldn't be pretty. Nic watched as Laxus approached a one-kneed Gajeel. "I bet the old man only let you join because he wanted you on a tight leash." He then stopped in front of Gajeel and his face became very foul and dark. "The Magic Community started laughing at us because of you!"
Everyone was stillas a statue as they heard Laxus being mad.
"On my way back from my last job, people started talking about how weak and absent-minded our guild has become, and that pissed me off! Nobody dared to say that until you came!" Laxus then had sparks around him and a huge wave of lightning shot up from under Gajeel, engulfing him in strong lightning. Gajeel screamed in agony as he felt every bit of the lightning course through his nerves.
"You're gonna pay!" Laxus shouted, following up his attack with another lightning assault. He slammed a fist into the ground and a huge wheel of lightning swallowed up Gajeel and racd him through the earth and created a trail in the ground and dust flying about.
The dust cleared as Gajeel was severely damaged and in a shattered crater at the end of the trail. He was all fried and battered. Nic clenched his fists as he saw this. This was way too far, even Jet and Droy saw this going overboard.
"That's too far Laxus!" Jet exclaimed.
"I know Laxus is strong, but there's something I don't get. Gajeel is going down too easily." Droy said.
Jet then gasped and went wide eyed. "I get it! He's not fighting back!"
Levy had a hand over her mouth. "He's letting them get their anger out on him."
Laxus then stepped forward and began to proceed in stomping over Gajeel's face with lightning-coated feet. Gajeel yelped as he was repeatedly pounded.
"You never should've messed with Fairy Tail!" Laxus shouted. "Now you have to deal with me!"
Jet sought to end this. "Enough, leave him alone Laxus!" Jet shouted. Levy had her eyes covered so that she wouldn't have to see this.
Laxus then turned towards Jet, Droy, and Levy and looked mad. "I don't take orders from you!" He yelled, he then extended his right hand and then fired a lightning bolt.
The lightning bolt was halfway towards a shocked (somewhat literally) Jet and Droy and then a blast of fire intercepted the bolt. The interception was a standoff and the result was a small burst of electricity and fire, making Jet and Droy and Levy all cover up. Laxus remained emotionless as his blast was intercepted.
Everyone then turned to see where the blast of fire came from. Jet, Droy, and Levy all stood shocked and Laxus had wide eyes as they had seen Nic use a Flamethrower to intercept the attack. Laxus had his mouth gaped very slightly at the sight of Nic actually alive.
"That's enough you bastard." Nic scolded, walking down and jumping in front of Jet and Droy. He had his arms crossed. "When they say stop, you better stop." He sounded ever so menacing as he could not tolerate Laxus.
Laxus grunted and closed his mouth. "Hmph. Didn't expect to see you still alive."
"It takes a lot more than Etherion to kill me off." Nic said in a foul tone.
They then saw Gajeel get back up, but all wobbly and started walking away.
"G-Gajeel." Levy shouted in worries.
"Through yet? Leave me alone." Gajeel quietly said, walking away with injuries.
Laxus turned towards Gajeel. "I wasn't through!" He extended a hand that was coated in thick lightning and was about to fire it, but he was then shot from the side with Nic's Flame Burst, making his attack stop and he fell onto his side with a big thud.
Team Shadow Gear gasped in deep surprise as Nic had actually hurt Laxus when his back was turned.
"You forgot that I was here." Nic had said. Laxus's eyes shot open and he got right back up.
"You're gonna pay!" Laxus declared as he charged with a lightning fist. Nic squinted his eyes and awaited when Laxus was close. He saw Laxus punching at his left and he leaned right, stunning Laxus and Team Shadow Gear at Nic's reflexes.
"Enough of you!" Nic shouted as he used Fire Punch and shot a flaming fist at Laxus. Laxus then backed away quickly to avoid the incoming punch and watched it hit the ground, making a small crater from the force of the fire all swelled up. Laxus looked on and gritted his teeth.
Nic immediately glared at Laxus, as was the latter. The two then were coated in lightning and fire, both raging furiously at the other. Team Shadow Gear backed away to avoid the potential conflict. The two just stayed glaring at the other, not daring to make a move.
Fire and lightning that covered them both then began to dwindle and the two bared their teeth at the other. The lightning and fire both dispersed and the two turned away from the other. Laxus tisked and began walking away, fed up with this.
Nic began to walk in the opposite direction, turning back into himself. "Watch yourself." Nic gowled furiously at Laxus.
Laxus was super mad that Nic had actually stopped him. No one dares to stop Laxus and get away with it, but Laxus was able to bottle it in.
'I can't take much more of this crap.' He thought. 'That Nic guy is a real pain in the ass. Because he's back, Fairy Tail thinks it can rely on him. Fairy Tail has become weak! The old man has done poorly! That's gonna change!'