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Chapter 39: Vacation Time!

Nox played with the charm on his choker as shadows swirled around him. A knock on the door cut away the magic as he turned in response. "Babe? You in there?" Nox smiled warmly when a familiar face popped into the closet. "Yeah Tate, sorry I was meditating." Tate smiled back and sat beside him in the dark and cramped space. "Show me! Did you unlock any new Shadow Arts?" Nox chuckled and closed his eyes in concentration. He muttered under his breath as shadows swept around him, swinging his hair with it. Suddenly carvings began to sprout on Nox's face, scrolling and flourishing in his flesh to form a masquerade mask. He opened his eyes and smiled brightly as Tate stared in shock. "Cool right?" Tate gulped and chuckled shakily. "That's a little...disturbing..." Nox pouted as the carvings faded away. "But it's cool..." Tate sighed and kissed Nox's forehead. "Well, the real reason I came here was that Pops had an announcement for us and I had to fetch you. C'mon, it's best not to leave him waiting."

Lyra played with her bangs as Lilli and Freya walked up beside her. "Lyra, have you seen Brandi? She said she'd be here today." She turned with a confused look. "No? Why would she be here?" Freya took a swig from her flask and pointed behind her. "She's on her way. Got a new look too!" Lyra looked over her shoulder and gasped in shock. Brandi walked in looking stunning. She curled her hair, letting it rest on her shoulders and accenting the guild mark on the top of her right breast. She wore a low cut navy tank top with a white denim jacket over it, showing off her pierced navel and snowflake tattoo on her hip. Her white clad leggings hugged her form and matched her heeled boots. Lilli elbowed Lyra in the gut. "Hey, don't get caught staring. She'll freeze your eyes in place if she sees you." Freya laughed and sloshed booze on a man beside her. "You got the hots for Braaandi~" Lyra glared and raised a fist of fire. "I'll show you hots you little card throwing bitch!" Brandi grabbed the fist and froze it solid, with a bored expression. "Don't fight, we're waiting for Laxus to announce shit." Lyra smiled dorkishly, turning to the balcony. The guild hall may have suffered minimal damage from the battle, but that didn't stop debris or stray magical attacks to blast open the entrance like a pop can. Shrapnel pelted the innards of the guild hall - especially the second level, which had a whole beam fall over inside it. Laxus walked to the edge, which wobbled hazardously. Lucy, Levy, Gajeel, and Freed followed behind him as he cleared his throat. "Alright kids! A couple days ago we saw the beginning of a horrible battle here in Magnolia, one that couldn't be avoided. But thanks to you and the valor shown by not just my kids, but all of you, we saved this town! And I feel we deserve a little break from the Hell we just went through. My Gramps did the same thing for us after our Grand Magic Games every year and this sure as fuck feels like we just won!" The members cheered and hollered as he laughed. "That's right brats, we're on vacation! Thanks to our valor and might the neighboring kingdom of Serathim gave us a paid trip to their royal resort, The Caped Lagoon! And we leave in 12 hours so pack up!"

Laxus hung his head over the boat, his face turning green. "Why the fuck did I do this?" Freed mused beside him. "Because you raised amazing kids." Laxus groaned in response. Freed stepped aside and placed a hand on Gajeel's back. "Kill me, Swordsman..." He tsked in response. "The mighty metal dragon to fall at a pointy bit of steel? Not likely." Levy giggled beside them as Gajeel heaved. Nox smiled as he stood at the helm with Team Oni, feeling like finally something is going as planned.

End of chapter 39

[morphdragon-blog]

Chapter 38: Inheritance

Nox sat by Tate as Laxus and Freed angrily brooded behind the desk. "Pops, you okay? You and Freed look really tense." Laxus glared upwards. "Tell the rest of Team Oni to come in. We have a lot to discuss." Nox looked up in confusion. "Team Oni?" Tate nodded and stood to open the door. "Us. After what I did Dad coined us as Oni, beasts with unfathomable power." As the oak door creaked open Lilli, Lyra, Brandi and Freya burst in the office. "Tate! You could have warned us, I almost tripped!" With a loud slam on the desk, Freed silenced the argument before it began. "Children. Do try to behave before I bind your asses to those chairs." The group stood in silence by Nox as Laxus grabbed a manella folder. "I figured you were all in the right to know, so here's the file." Nox slowly and fearfully opened it as Laxus spoke. "As Lyra undoubtedly knows, you Nox are an heir to a fortune. A fortune, mind you, that was built upon blood, dark magic, and death." Nox flipped through photos of demented and frightening people until one clicked in his head. There was a man with white wispy hair and a wizened smiling face holding the hand of a young boy with caramel hair and a carefree smile. "Lester...Luka you loved that butler, he was the closest to a grandfather we had other than our real one, of course." Freed smirked. "See? Their parents separated them from the sinful past of the Mondclaire family." Laxus grumbled angrily as Nox flipped a few more photos. "You have this fortune now, Nox and-" "I decline." Freed stopped in shock. "Pardon? Y-you decline your past?!" Nox threw the photos on the desk. "Yes I decline. They may be my bloodline but they aren't my family in my memory. I don't give a damn what I'm passing up there, all I want is to go to my apartment with my loving boyfriend and live a peaceful week alone. Is that too much to ask?" Freed sighed and raised a glowing hand. Runes shot around Nox, tying him to the chair. "I hate to do this, Luka, but you have to obey. The control of the dark fortune is imperative to the protection of Fiore."

The news cast set up around the steaming rubble of Magnolia and interviewed many laborers as Fairy Tail readied themselves. Nox wore a black sweater and slacks with his black hair brushed and fine as he spun a ring around his finger. Freed tugged on the back of the sweater to make it less creased. "So the money will be mine to do with as I wish?" Freed nodded curtly. "Every cent." Nox smirked and pushed the ring down on his index finger. "I'm ready then." Freed nodded and strode to the podium, readying Lacrimae and gaining the news caster's attentions. "Ladies and Gentlemen, the infamous Luka Mondclaire." A loud murmur ran through the crowd as he stepped up to see the crowd. "Um, hello everyone. I'm glad you made it here so quickly, hehe..." Nox let out a deep breath and calmed his nerves. "I was going to read this beautiful speech to you today, but fuck it." Nox pulled out a scrap of paper and torched it with Shade Fire, earning a gasp from many in the crowd. "I am not Luka Mondclaire, at least not anymore. Thanks to my sister, who fought to escape the darkness which seeped through our blood for generations, she sacrificed herself to be a martyr so I could survive a normal life. She took Luka Mondclaire away with her flames so that I can be born." Freed clenched his fists angrily as Laxus smirked with pride. "Good one, kid." Nox looked forward bravely. "My name is Nox Riannem, the Shadow of Fairy Tail, and this-" Nox ripped off the sweater and slacks, revealing a leather vest and jeans with his combat boots and gloves. He shook his hair around and swung it back, tousling it perfectly. "-is me." He smiled as the crowd applauded him. "I understand the money is still in my name - money built on sorrow - but I intend to make its use as grand as possible." He gestured to the town around them. "Look. Look at what travesty attacked us yesterday. What pain, sorrow, and death was caused here. There's still a fire raging in the shop district for fuck's sake!" Nox then reached inside he podium, producing legal documents. "Here I will publicly sign over all money in my name from the Mondclaire fortune to the disaster efforts, and to the update of the great city we call home. So here, I sign as Luka Mondclaire one last time." As his pen glided across the paper the crowd cheered and hollered as he modeled the paper for all to see.

Mend of chapter 38

[morphdragon-blog]

I Am Alive!

Well hello everyone! I guess it's been a long while since I posted on Tumblr, but I have a decent reason. My father had emergency spinal surgery and was in the hospital for a good month, meaning I had to get a part-time job to help with bills. It also meant what little free time I had was just ripped away so I wasn't just absent here, I didn't go to school for a while either and when I did it was either a meeting with crisis counselors or making up missed hours after class. Safe to say, I worked very hard for a good 4 months there and now that my dad is walking and working again a spinal disk is herniating again - basically getting squished outside of his spinal column and turning into a pancake - and he can't walk easily again. He's seeing a doctor tomorrow to find out if another surgery is in order or not, but this time his job will actually pay his recovery time as PTO! So thankfully I can come back to writing my story and posting my photos which I missed SO much! I'll write a chapter a day for a good while and if anything comes up I'll post an update and other than that, I'm back and here to stay!

[morphdragon-blog]

Chapter 37: The Mondclaire Fortune?

Laxus glared in thought at Freed. "Are you sure?" The Rune Mage nodded. "He is the only heir to his family's wealth-other than Lyra, who emancipated herself at 9 to join the Warmongers." Laxus sneered. "As if Nox would attest to that." Freed glared in return. "Luka. The boy's name is Luka. Treat him with the respect his family has sown." Laxus snarled. "The Mondclaires earned NOTHING from their dark acts! NOTHING! They butchered millions to learn of Daemonic Magics to make WEAPONS!" Freed sighed and slumped backwards. "And Eveliene Mondclaire earned TRILLIONS of Jewel for her accursed brood! His grandmother BROUGHT THEM TO GRACE AND ENSURED HIS ABILITY TO CONTINUE IT!" Laxus' breathing grew angrier. "If Luka Mondclaire is to continue the Daemonic studies as you see fit, he will NOT be the same as Nox Riannem. Nox is a caring, loving boy who just wants a home. Luka? Luka wants blood and money, and we both know those go hand in hand for his brood." Freed scoffed and turned his head. "Laxus, it's simply impossible to avoid now. Regardless of the pardon on Octavius, Luka WILL be seen, then identified, then be burdened with the guilt of his family." Laxus rubbed his eyes tiredly. "When will it be broadcasted?" Freed fiddled with his fingers. "30 minutes, give or take. I only have so much Jewel to bribe newscasters with..." Nox mumbled sleepily as he and Tate slept on the bench in exhaustion. In a total of 9 hours the city was saved, set ablaze, saved, set upon by thunder and flames again, then washed away and saved once more, all thanks to them. Tate had also felt the extreme weight of bearing a spirit upon his own as a Vessel, a burden Nox takes liberally. A swift kick to the leg of the bench woke both teens, who each jumped up ready for a brawl. "Relax boys! It's just us!" Nox looked up at Brandi and Lyra with shock. Lyra's straight brown hair was curled and pinned to the side, exposing a bright red Fairy Tail mark on her scalp. She wore a tight green dress with a red sash tied around her waist. Her charred hands were now smooth and soft with red acrylic nails on both hands. Her right arm bore a golden clasp bracelet and on her eye was a faint outline of the Daemonic Mark, symbolizing her ties as a formal Vessel. "Lyra?!" She smiled happily. "Yeah Luka? You seem shocked - do I look THAT different?" Nox smiled. "N-No! You look great! I just didn't expect you to join Fairy Tail is all." She giggled lightly and brushed her fingers across the mark on her head. "Well I wanted to stay with my little brother some more, so I decided to be your bodyguard!" Tate chucked weakly. "Have you MET Nox? He doesn't need a bodyguard, and when he does Deimos just steps in and they fight off anything that tries to kill him." Nox felt his face flush as he twirled a bang. "Tate I'm not THAT powerful..." He smirked and wrapped an arm around Nox's hips. "Oh shush. When S-Class Exams come around you'll pass easy!" Brandi and Lyra laughed at Nox, who now resembled a tomato. Suddenly the office door slammed open, startling all members of the guild. Laxus and Freed stepped out sullenly. "We need the attendance of Team Thunder and newcomers Lyra Mondclaire and Brandi Everdere. Now." Tate stood and held Nox's hand tightly as they made their way up the stairs. Nox turned briefly to see Lyra and Brandi right behind them, seemingly worried as they climbed. Looking towards the base of the stairs she saw Freya and Lilli jogging over, covered in bandages and equally worried for the meeting ahead. End of chapter 37

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Chapter 36: Reunions

When the large Council ship landed, a smaller Crime Sorciere ship landed harshly beside it. As the Council's door opened elegantly and smoothly, Sorciere's slammed open and mages ran out quickly. Gray stumbled from the rubble of a building holding a civilian when he heard her scream. "GRAY-SAMA!" With a sigh and light smile, he set the man down on the cobbles and was tackled by his wife. "Juvia, what the hell?" The water Mage cried waterfalls as she clung to his chest tightly. "I MISSED YOU AND CORAL SO MUCH!" Gray groaned. "Coral's off on an S-class mission, honey. She isn't home right now." Juvia sobbed loudly as Gray patted her head in exhaustion. Freed hopped off the Council ship and was greeted by Laxus. He looked up at his friend's face and squinted quizzically. "Dear lord you look old." Laxus chuckled. "Well I missed you too Freed." He laughed and patted Laxus on his shoulder, earning a whine in pain. "Aww is the Big Guild Master sore? Well it'd help if you acted like Makarov and DIDNT pick fights unless necessary." Laxus laughed loudly. "You obviously don't remember Gramps well then!" From the Crime Sorciere ship emerged a hulking figure with long white hair. Mira screamed in delight and ran towards him. "Elfman!" He smiled brightly and tightly held his sister. Levy and Gajeel climbed out of the ship and watched everyone greet, cry, and clear rubble all around them. "Geez Tate did a number." Lucy stepped out with their kids, who gasped in shock. "Mom you didn't say the town got fucking LEVELED!" Levy turned and smacked Gavin in the back of the head. "Didn't have time to, wise ass! God you're your father's son alright." Lucy pushed past the group in panic. "Naru? Naru honey, where are you?!" Lucy whipped her head from side to side until she spotted a familiar shade of pink. "NARU!" The girl turned quickly. "Oh my god, MOM?!" Lucy ran quickly and grabbed Naru tightly, tears in her eyes. "I missed you so much!" Naru laughed and hugged Lucy back, letting her friends walk ahead of her. "I was so worried!" Naru laughed and pulled away from her mom. "Ma, why are you here? I get it was a full-out assault, but we have it under control!" Lucy raised an eyebrow at Naru. "...okay MOSTLY under control!" Lucy sighed. "Naru half the town's ablaze." She groaned. "I said MOSTLY!" Another ship landed calmly and elegantly on the field by the others. As the doors from Lamia Scale's shuttle opened, a woman with long brown hair and tight green dress stepped out, wiping her cat-eye glasses clean. Elfman smiled and waved. "Hello Darling." Elfman stood tall and chuckled. "Hey sweetie! It's been a while, huh?" Evergreen smirked. "Last time I saw you was at our wedding, so a while is a bit of an understatement." He laughed and leaned down to plant a kiss on Evergreen's cheek. "Sorry, I just got swamped at Crime Sorciere and couldn't ever take a trip to Azelas." After Natsu's disappearance Warmongers attacked Lamia Scale for answers, decimating the home city. Instead, the guild rebuilt it and renamed the city Azelas, or "Golden Tower" in Riannem. "Well, you'll be glad to hear that there's no Warmongers present in Azelas." He chuckled as she snaked her arm around his, and began to chatter as they sauntered towards the guild hall. From Lamia Scale's ship also appeared Cana and Lizanna, both ready to vomit. "Never let Ever drive AGAIN." Lizanna heaved poorly beside her and nodded in response. "I think that was a kidney I just coughed up..." Cana stood and shook her long hair. "Well, let's see if Freya can even remember my name anymore. If she's like me and her father, she's dead drunk, walking around Magnolia wondering why it smells like burning wood." After walking around crowds and healers, she saw a brunette drinking from a flask while sitting on a bridge. "Freya? Is that you or another alcoholic?" Freya turned quickly and dropped her jaw. "Momma!" She threw her flask away and ran to her mother, crying. "Woah, baby girl! You okay?" Freya nodded through her tears and gripped Cana's waist tightly. "You always were a Mommy's Girl. Never hated it though, did I?" Cana smiled warmly and patted down stray hairs on Freya's head. "I'm sorry I never visited Momma! I-I was always on missions an-and I was working a lot and-" Cana put a finger to Freya's lips. "Sweetie it's okay. We can talk about it later." Nox limped from the infirmary and saw tears and hugs all around. "Fucking humans I swear." He rolled his eyes and looked at Deimos. "I get you're a Daemon, but surely you have a heart." He shook his head and sneered. "It's a weak organ anyhow." With a whoosh of air and another grumble, Nox was left with his broken leg and arm and thoughts. He sat on a bench and sighed lightly. "Any room for me?" Opening his eyes, he smiled warmly as Tate flopped down beside him. Nox laid his head on Tate's shoulder and hummed in comfort. "You know this'll be fucking horrible, right?" Tate muttered under his breath. "I assume that was a yes?" Tate chuckled and coughed roughly. "Yeah, it was. It'll be a lot of "He was possessed!" And "Not his fault, old man!"" Nox laughed sweetly. "Don't worry, I'll stay beside you the whole time." Tate nodded sleepily. "Can I just go back to sleep? I was woken up by this crap." Nox smiled warmly, watching the sunrise though the thinning clouds. "Nothing sounds better." End of chapter 36

[morphdragon-blog]

Chapter 35: The Councilors

Deimos grumbled as he carried Tate over his shoulders. "You know I may be a Daemonic spirit with inhuman strength, but why the hell am I carrying him?" As he turned he felt a cold unease hit his gut. Nox was unconscious and carried by Lyra, who stumbled instead of walking. Brandi kept frost on Nox's forehead to keep him cool, and honestly isn't able to carry a pack of cement much less Tate. Freya drunkenly walked on the sidewalk, swaying around obnoxiously, and Naru was nose deep in the file she carried. "Forget I spoke." Brandi snickered. "Already did." Deimos looked at the group Nox amassed. 'They may be worse for wear right now, but when they aren't trying to kill one another they'll be Hell on earth.' He smirked, showing his sharp teeth. "Well, if it isn't the big bastards themselves. Nox wake up, reinforcements are here!" Brandi watched as an old Christina ship sailed into view, followed by many Council aircrafts and other guild ships. Looking towards the guild she saw Master Laxus, heavily bandaged, walking by Lilli and Mira. "Noxxie, Demon Dude's right you gotta get up." Hearing a grumble and seeing him shift around groggily, she looked back to the ships. "We are so fucked." Freed sat at the helm of a Council ship with his hair pinned to the back of his head and a cold sneer. "Freed? Don't hold that face too long or it'll freeze." He sighed and chuckled lightly. "Levy Redfox. A voice I haven't heard in quite a while." He stood and looked down at the Solid Script Mage with a kind smile. "Freed you look great! 20 years didn't age you a day." He laughed and tucked a graying hair behind his ear. "You look great for a mother of four and wife to Gajeel. Couldn't imagine the last bit..." Levy sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Luckily my boys are grown enough to not cause trouble on your ship. My husband, however..." A loud thud echoed through the ship and laughter followed by quickened steps. Levy turned with an angry glare. "Gajeel..." The man in question stopped in his tracks in fear. His sweat matted his short cut hair and slicked his brow. He wore formal Councilor attire, minus the coat which was unbuttoned and missing the sleeves."Boys..." Three teenagers skulked out from behind Gajeel timidly. "Yeah Mom?" The eldest of the triplets, Gavin, had long Raven hair in a ponytail and an open vest, exposing his chest and sporting a large scar down his torso, above his Fairy Tail mark. He chuckled nervously when the second oldest, Trevor (who usually goes by Tre) stepped out. He wore his short blue hair tousled and spiked and had a large trench coat on at all times. One sleeve was short and led to a set of leather bands and a glove that exposed the green guild mark on his bicep. The youngest of the twins, Kairo, hopped forward with a goofy grin. His raven hair sported a spout of long bangs that fell to his face often. His tan skin contrasted the white tank top he always wore. He also had a black jacket tied around his waist and wore black jeans that clung to him snugly. He brushed back his bangs with his fingers, showing the guild mark on his side through his top. "The last thing I need is you four causing all this nonsense and - wait a minute." She counted out the four men in front of her. "Gajeel, where's Cordelia?" Gajeel chuckled awkwardly. "Heheheh...in the cargo hatch..." Gavin groaned and bent down, picking up the short 6 year old. Her blue hair fell to her waist in a large braid, matching the bright blue dress she wore. "Gajeel, you are by far the largest idiot I ever met sometimes." Gajeel crossed his arms with a pout. "Sparky's a helluva lot worse." Cordelia looked over with a wide smile. "Swear word, Daddy!" Freed groaned as he watched the family prattle along when he saw a flash of yellow in the back. He glanced again and saw Lucy, looking moderately better than the last he saw her. "Mrs. Dragneel. I've missed your company." Lucy smiled widely. "Well, Cordelia got sick and Levy had to work so I babysat for her. I'm real sorry I missed the gala at the Council Hall!" Freed chucked as she smiled guiltily. "It's okay Lucy, really. It was one gala and honestly it feels good to have you here for this...crisis." She nodded seriously. "You think..." He nodded with a stern stare. "I know it was." Lucy drew in a sharp breath. "I hope Naru's okay. I haven't seen her since she ran away to join Fairy Tail..." Lucy gripped a locket she wore and sighed heavily. Freed smiled and pulled up a satellite image of Naru walking by Lyra and Brandi towards the hall. "She's perfectly safe. Lyra is by all means a pawn in a bigger game than she knows, but her finding Nox AKA Luka will make her a new asset." Lucy nodded and looked at Brandi quizzically. "Isn't that Lyon's daughter?" Freed shrugged. "He was quite the bachelor in his day before he got married. It's a possibility and honestly she does resemble Becca." Lucy shook her head and regained her smile. "Can't wait to see everyone again! It'll be so nice!" End of chapter 35

[morphdragon-blog]

Chapter 34: Tate and His Family

The team met up at the same time at Tate's giant orb with grim smiles. Freya scratched at her bloodstained palms from caring for the wounded, Brandi and Deimos helped Nox stand, Naru stood beside Freya clutching the file, and Lyra stood alone covered in scrapes and bloody wounds. "Well. Aren't we just entirely fucked?" An uneasy chuckle rang through the group when Nox sighed loudly. "So, we have an idea on how to save Tate and rid him of War's influence, but it'd risk everyone else's lives but my own, put me head on with this Daemon attacking Tate, and possibly make me fight him." Deimos nodded and gripped his hand. "I will fight with you against my Sister." Lyra slowly walked up to Nox and gripped his hand as well. "And I will protect you from any attacks he launches at us." Freya nodded and held up a handful of cards. "I'll build you a safe path to him." Brandi frosted her fist. "I'll keep him busy." Naru nodded and smirked. "I'll keep the heat on him at all times." Nox nodded and stumbled as he walked on his own. "Alright. Let's go stop a Primordial Daemon." Tate closed his eyes in sorrow as War grumbled in anger. "Well, Octavius. Your friends love you enough to come after you. Sweet, yet foolish." Tate opened his eyes glumly. "Leave them be." War scoffed. "I'll decimate them in Nox's name." Tate stood and gripped War's arm roughly. "They don't die, no matter what!" War growled in annoyance. "Fine. But if they pull you away from our purge you'll be sorry." Nox collapsed to the bridge as he finally neared Tate. "Love..." His voice was a raspy whisper now, and he could barely stand. "Nox, don't exert yourself. You'll die if you keep this up." Nox waved away Deimos as he limped to the orb. "My trial's at hand, isn't it?" Deimos nodded mutely. "Well, come on then. Your servant said it himself. I need Holy Mantra Magic and Demonic Shift Magic." Deimos gripped Nox's shoulders and slowly sunk into his shadow, sending energy through his body. As he walked he felt a long cloak begin to emerge and encase him. As he reached the Orb's surface, Nox drew his Light blade and held it above his head, carving a path through the constantly moving darkness. He shimmied through the canal he carved until he reached the hollow center. The mood was gloomy and the room was silent, save the breathing of both Nox and Tate. "Who's there..." Tears welled in Nox's eyes. "Tate?" The darkness shuddered as he looked up quickly. "...you're dead..." Nox shook his head and held out his free hand. "No I'm not. Take my hand and I'll bring you home." The shadows swirled again, slowly thinning. "But I destroyed home. What is there to go back to, besides my banishment?" Nox shook his head as tears trekked down his face. "Tate baby, you're gonna be okay. Just come home. I miss you - WE miss you!" He shook his head and averted his hollow eyes. "Everyone's gone. Everyone..." Nox stepped forward slowly as he spoke. "No one's dead. Lilli is alive! Master Laxus is alive! I'm alive! And so are you. Come home, please!!" He felt the warm tears on his face grow numerous as he jogged to Tate. "I killed people Nox!" He stopped in his track and felt his lips quiver. "...so have I." Nox closed the final gap between them and softly gripped Tate's hand. "We both have. But that doesn't matter! What matters is that War isn't to be trusted and soon she'll kill me too!" Tate's eyes stirred at that. "No...no...you died once you can't die again..." Nox placed his palms on Tate's face and tiptoed to place his forehead on Tate's. "I don't care anymore...just come home..." His tears fell like warm blood as he held Tate's face. "I love you..." Tate's eyes stirred again. The shadows began to fade and War began to shout in Tate's ear. "KILL HIM! HE'S AN ILLUSION! SLIT HIS LYING MOUTH OPEN!" He looked back at Nox's face. "Tate please...just take me home once more...take me back to a place of my own!" Nox's voice rose to a scream. "TATE PLEASE JUST COME BACK!" Lyra watched in shock as the shadows dissipated into smog that later faded away. "Luka did it..." Brandi smiled widely. "Yay Noxxie!" Naru smiled widely. "Well well, Nox saved the day again!" Lyra smiled warmly. "Nox...what a beautiful name." Tate opened his eyes weakly and saw Nox cradling him in his lap, gripping his shoulders tightly. He couldn't form words and couldn't move, but he felt safer and more joyful than ever as he slipped away into a peaceful sleep. End of chapter 34

[morphdragon-blog]

Chapter 33: Deimos and His Brood

Nox ran as fast as he could, leaving Brandi in the dust and scaling Magnolia's stone walls when the first wave hit him. A giant miasma of dark magic pulsed through him, making him double over and screech in pain. The familiar whoosh of wind beside him confirmed his suspicions. "Deimos, your sister got out, didn't she?" The demon nodded grimly. "That means the Dagger is shattered, and that our agreement is null." Nox screeched out as Deimos's picked him up by his arm. "Come on, Nox! You can't just lay here or the next one'll rip you apart, and god knows what else you can take today." Nox grunted as he shambled forward. "Eh...it's just been one hell of a night. Plus I have a demon possessing me, so..." Deimos chuckled. "Let's just get to Tate before he kills everyone. And before my sister takes hold." Freya threw down cards as stairs while she ran down the remnants of Fairy Hills being followed by all the girls residing there. "Come on! Get to the guild, some Runic Mages have put up shields defending the hall from any and all threats! You'll be safe there." Women rushed past her, screaming in fear as more lightning struck. "Tate..." She gripped her opened button up shirt with guilt. "I should've helped instead of hiding. Now my friend's destroying his home for no apparent reason." Suddenly her eyes flickered. "That's it!" She threw more cards down, running towards the epicenter of damage. Lyra shook her head violently. "Ugh....nngh....get...OUT!" With a whip of her head the shadows launched from her body with a whoosh of wind. A dark and raspy voice spoke. "Fair enough. I freed my sister and my brother's Vessel is far too wounded to stop it." Lyra coughed loudly and took a troublesome breath. "War is alive, now can I please find my brother?" The demon laughed. "Oh darling, don't you remember? Luka almost murdered you on your last encounter. If you find him again...well." She huffed and angrily trekked around in a circle. "Leave." The demon snickered. "Yes, I'd like that as well. Farewell Lyra." The demon faded away and when Lyra looked back, she saw nothing but air. "Fuck you. I'll fix this myself." Brandi ran along a bridge of ice she created towards the source of the damage when she spotted Nox and Deimos. "Shit! That much magic must be shredding them!" She diverted the bridge down to them and landed quickly. "Brandi? How the hell did you find us?!" She shook her head and grabbed his free arm. "Don't ask Noxxie, just hold tight. I'll get us three there safely." Deimos nodded at her as they jogged forwards on her bridge. Tate walked slowly through Magnolia. "War tell me, is there a God?" The female voice hummed for a moment. "I'm certain there is, or else I wouldn't be a demon. Why do you ask?" He looked up at his apartment with tear filled eyes. "Then why does he hate me enough to take away my entire family?" War sighed and walked up beside him. "Show him then. March on the world and spill blood for the only loves you ever knew, and spill blood for the lifetime of pain and mourning ahead." Tate's breathing quickened. "Kill, Octavius." His hands balled into fists. "Kill for your mom, your dad, your sister!" His teeth gnashed. "Kill for you friends!" He growled lightly. "Kill for Nox!" He began to tremble as the tears streaked down his face. "Kill! Kill!! KILL!" Tate roared in hatred as the shadows surrounded him, making a monstrous orb. The orb took to flight, making War and Tate float at the center. Blasts rained down onto Magnolia in higher multitudes as Tate sat at the center of his sadness, killing for those he loves. End of chapter 33

[morphdragon-blog]

Chapter 32: Scattered, But Not Forgotten

The city was falling. All buildings toppled as Tate angrily stormed through the streets, murdering any of War's Apostles and filling the drains with blood. Citizens ran in fear as wizards ran in protection, utterly being left alive but gravely wounded at every turn. Tate turned a corner and felt the buzz again. "...blood...crimson...and rich..." He swatted at his ear and saw no one beside him. "...spill it for me, child...spill to the earth the seed of my power..." Tate angrily turned and sliced at the air, cutting whole buildings in half but not finding the voice. "Who are you?" He heard the raspy voice chuckle. "War." The troops marched along towards Magnolia - Naru's home - in a vain attempt to summon War. She growled in annoyance and slipped into the carefully guarded tents, searching drawers and files. "Come on, come on!" She threw the files of unnecessary knowledge to the ground, until a photo caught her eye. She grabbed the polaroid and gasped. She shook as she examined it. It showed the woman leading them - Lyra, if her memory served her right - standing with a man with her black and slick hair and holding a little boy's hand. "Nox? But how?" She flipped it over and read the back. "Luka, Lyra, Uncle Arty, Summer 15XX." She shook her head and groaned. "Fucking cultists and the Ancient Calendar. That was 200 years ago, dumbasses." She torched the photo simply and trotted away to the next tent. Inside was a man asleep at a desk. With ease she woke him, slammed his face on the desk, and hid his unconscious body behind the chair while she searched the drawers. She smiled widely and opened the folders, finding photos and notes on random crap she didn't recognize, until a photo of a cloaked man came to view. He wasn't easy to recognize, other than the trademark scarf and tattoo showing from the ripped sleeve. "Dad!" Naru clamped her hands over her mouth and ducked down. Hearing the loud footsteps of more efficient guards, she gripped the folder and wished that her idea worked. She drew an ash circle beneath her and felt magic already. "Fire Dragon Summon: Magnolia!" Flames enveloped her and launched her into the city. She looked up at he smog covered sky in confusion. "Usually I'm teleported to some fireplace or campfire..." she turned and saw the building she jumped from ablaze. She panicked and began to inhale, drawing in the flames. She then coughed and gagged. "Cultist fires. Gross." Grabbing the file, Naru ran towards the guild hall with information on Natsu Dragneel. Freya washed the bloody rags in the kitchen as Mira brought them forth. "If this continues, Aunty Mira..." She took a shaky breath. "It's not him. At least, he's not controlling himself. It's bad enough that Lilli's dying on a cot and Laxus is unconscious, but-" She stopped and took another shaky breath, suppressing a sob. "I can't lose ANYONE again! Not after Lisanna all those years ago, or Elfman during Fantasia, or Laxus on Tenroujima!" Her tear filled eyes met Freya's finally. "Mira, go lay down. I'll keep an eye on everyone here and try to phone Nox while I'm on it." Mira angrily slammed her hands on the bar. "NO! I'm NOT going to abandon MY HUSBAND AND ONLY DAUGHTER to take A GODDAMN NAP!" Freya angrily glared and held a card to her forehead. "Sleeping King." Mira immediately fell to the floor, asleep. "Sorry, but you wouldn't let me leave if I said I would." Freya marched out of the guild doors and looked to a man in the corner. "You. You're a novice healer, yeah?" The nervous man nodded. "Good. Keep those two alive. I have to go help my friends." Lyra maniacally giggled as the whispers invaded her mind. "Brother is a fool, choosing Luka to be his puppet! You're much more capable of awakening our sister." She let out a cackle and began scrawling in blood a symbol. "War rides into town, he tears building down!" The blood flowing in the pavement grew faster and fresher. "Yes! More, more Lyra!" She scrawled more symbols. "War's bloody soldiers, dead getting colder~" Lyra laughed louder and louder as more buildings crashed and cultists were butchered. "WAR HAS COME!" End of chapter 32

[morphdragon-blog]

Chapter 31: The Bloody Plaza

As Tate walked weakly through the plaza, he finally felt the soreness of his palms ache and pulse through his entire body. As he looked down he saw bruises from how hard he worked to snap Arthys’ neck, and small flecks of blood. His tears fell to his palms and made the bloody stains fade and drop off in crimson dribbles. “Nox…Lilli…Dad…” Tate clenched his fists tightly. “No longer am I a man that is weak and unable to defend those he loves. Now,” Lightning struck the cobble beside him, crushing giant clumps of the walkways and sending rocks into the air. “Now I am a BEAST!” He felt his skin sting as he gripped the earth with anger coursing through every fiber of his being. The blasts struck continuously as rubble began to fly in he air. His flesh turned to lightning and his eyes turned to glowing orbs of hatred and malice. With an inhuman roar, the ground was decimated and a storm came to view. The rains caused the flames to finally cease and cooled the city as he launched towards the edge of the city. With a snap of his fingers, the city gates were destroyed and blood spilled to the cobble, followed by screams. He clawed his hand downwards and decimated an apartment building, crushing more fire mages. He chucked orbs down to Magnolia and smirked as explosions of magic shattered entire blocks and streets. With a demonic smile, Tate landed to the ground and slowly strode into the city. The cloak billowed behind Brandi as she used her Frost magic to build a bridge to the outer edge of the city. “You sure? This isn’t so great with Tate deciding to go on a rampage!” Hearing a groan behind her, Brandi huffed in annoyance. “Brandi, honestly! He probably just wants to save Magnolians by ending this damn battle already!” She shook her head. “He probably thinks you’re dead Noxxie!” He huffed as he used Light magic to scale the rock wall created by a blast of magic. “Well, maybe I can save him!” Brandi held up a hand and stopped Nox. “Look, you weren’t out solo ALONE. Mr. Dreyar and Lilli are too! And God knows where Freya went, much less Naru…” He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “And not even Deimos can sense the Dagger of Zeref anywhere, so if they wanted it they want no witnesses.” Suddenly Brandi froze in place and grabbed Nox’s wrist. “What Brandi?” She looked up in fear. “Didn’t you say Deimos’s sister, who wanted humanity DEAD, was in the Dagger of Zeref?” Nox felt the cold permeate his body and his hands go limp. “Fuck. We have to get to Tate, NOW!” End of chapter 31

[morphdragon-blog]

Chapter 30: Tate Vs Arthys

Lyra snickered as the shadow whispered in her ear silently, filling her with ancient knowledge. Tate angrily yanked on the chains, sending her forward. She quickly readied her hands, which covered in flames, and sliced and gouged at Tate’s face. He howled in pain as she melted the restraints and scuttled away. He stood and held a palm to the bleeding eye socket. “Damn, she got away.” He took a step forward and heard something a good distance away. “Sorry, Dreyar. You won’t fly back to Daddy this time.” He quickly scanned his surroundings. ‘Where is he?’ He focused again and heard Lilli, screaming in pain. “LIL!” He felt lightning course through him as he took off in a sprint. His feet left the ground as he shot through walls and crumbling buildings, following the voices. “Pyro-Terra Form: Vulcan!” Tate quickly rocketed around a corner to see Lilli, collapsed and coughing on the pavement as lava began to form around her. She reached out weakly to Tate Ashe reached back. Suddenly the earth shot up high above the city with Lilli on the top. “No, no. We don’t play hero here, Brother Bear.” Tate turned angrily to see Arthys, standing there in a bored manner. “You fucker! Give me back Lillianna or so help me I’ll FUCKING KILL YOU!” Arthys chuckled. “How? Magic is impervious to my armor, and last I checked even your sister’s Midgardian steel knife shattered.” Tate blinked in confusion. “Midgardian? No, she doesn’t even have a dagger.” Arthys glared in annoyance. “Brat trust me, I KNOW Midgardian steel and I know she used a dagger on me.” Tate’s breath sharpened. “No. Nox-where’s Nox?!” He chuckled. “My nephew? Probably dead.” Tate felt the cold sting to his heart. “What?” Arthys laughed lightly. “He was a pinball, really. Didn’t even cry, other than for Tate, whoever that is.” He fell to his knees. “….why?” He shrugged. “Why NOT?” Tate felt tears coursing down his face as he stood. “He was your family, he was my family, he was INNOCENT! How the HELL do you justify the MURDER OF INNOCENT PEOPLE?!” Tate’s sobs became more pronounced. “Oh quiet Brat. He wasn’t hard to fight so he died quickly. Or he’s bleeding out in a ruined building, helplessly weeping for-” Lightning launched Arthys backwards, smashing a wall and knocking the wind out of him. Tate swung around a whip made of sparks with a hollow look in his eyes. “Stand the fuck up.” Arthys smirked and drew his sword. “Hmm, that kinda hurt! You did good there, Octavius.” Tate angrily swung forwards, striking Arthys in the face. “I never said talk, I said stand. The fuck. UP!” Tate swung again and wrapped the whip around his leg. He quickly swung Arthys into a building adjacent to them, sending him soaring. He readied a spell, but was interrupted by Tate phasing up and kicking him so hard he flew to the earth. When Arthys landed, his shoulder pieces shattered, making him cry out in pain. He stood up confused. “How did you break my pauldrons?” Tate swung his whip, slamming his side roughly. “I have nothing more to lose.” He swung around the street, cutting down fences, signs, stones, and rubble like paper. Arthys growled lowly. “Pyro Infernis!” Tate kept into the air, dodging the fiery explosion and shedding his whip. “You aren’t one I shall fear!” Tate readied a sword of pure electricity and grabbed Arthys by the throat. He wrote fire tunes on Tate’s chest and used the explosion to free himself from his grasp. Tate stumbled lightly, took a shaky breath, and continued forward. Arthys desperately threw giant chunks of rubble, walls, and carts at Tate. Thunder filled the air as each item vaporized as it touched him. The whip grabbed Arthys and pulled him towards Tate, who angrily gripped his neck. “You…can’t kill….fairies…won’t…kill..” Tate brought Arthys’ ear to his lips. “This one will.” With a sharp cry and loud crack, Arthys’s hands went limp as Tate threw his body into a burning building nearby. “Burn in Hell, bastard.” End of chapter 30

[morphdragon-blog]

Chapter 29: The Warkeeper

Nox walked out to the smoldered street in a large leg cast with a grumble. “Deimos can heal me perfectly well Wendy!” The blue haired Dragon Slayer sighed and stood beside him with a handful of medicines. “Still Nox, it’s be best to be safe than risk a year of your life in league with the demon.” Nox groaned. “It’s not like that at all!” He grabbed the handful of pills and shoved them down his throat angrily. “It’s a mutual agreement, he doesn’t steal my youth or whatever you believe.” Wendy whined lightly as Nox trotted out to the city. “For God’s sake stay in the infirmary!” He drew his sword and turned around sharply. “Fuck the infirmary, I have better things to do!” With a heavy sigh, Wendy turned her back to Nox and steadily walked into the tent glumly. Lilli rocketed through the street, watching mages dart in and out of buildings saving people. She launched towards the final district ablaze and was struck by fire, crashing her into a brick wall. She screamed in pain as she landed with a crunch and held her ribs shakily. “You fire-throwing, undignified, worthless fiery BASTARD!” She angrily stood and gripped her chest tightly. The armored man chuckled darkly. “Well, aren’t you crude?” Lilli groaned and raised her palm to the sky. “Archon Smite!” Thunder struck the man, who laughed as he shrugged it off like fabric. “Magic isn’t effective on this armor, girl.” Lilli whined. “Just once I want to fight someone without any strings attached!” She glared and unsheathed the sword on her back. “You’re quite impressive, Lilliana Ceralith Dreyar. Much like your father at your age.” She growled in response and pain. “Let me guess, Tenroujima? Grand Magic Games? Hell, what about Fantasia?” The man laughed. “Oh, God no I never fought him! I would’ve died then.” He chuckled and removed his mask, showing off a large scar across it. His hair was shaved to his scalp and his black beard was trimmed nearly to a sharp edged point. “I’m Arthys, Warkeeper. I lead these ‘fire-throwing, undignified, worthless fiery bastards.’” Lyra strode away from the tent in chains, feeling them weigh her down in every way. “Listen Blondie, I don’t know what you’re gonna use me for but I promise my uncle won’t listen.” Tate growled and tugged the chains roughly. “Shut up.” Lyra sighed and heard the wind around her whip suddenly. She smirked. “Well, well. Look who found her way out of the knife.” End of chapter 29

[morphdragon-blog]

Photo Page

Come visit @morphpics to see some decent photos!

[morphdragon-blog]

I'm not dead!

Hello guys, super sorry for vanishing for a bit there. Truthfully, I don't have a good reason to break off so long from Tumblr or Nox's story, I guess I just needed a break for a while. My family and I have stressed about high school restarting this year and my mind hasn't been in the right place for a couple weeks. I know I posted a few of these promising to hop back into the story, but I won't this time because of school occupying most of my free time now. I understand that it's bullshit to take a break after intriguing you handful of awesome people, and I wouldn't blame anyone for not following after the shit I've pulled, but I can promise to at least TRY to make amends for just not caring anymore. Soon I'll start a page for my greatest love in life - photography! Granted I live in a crappy photo op environment, but I truly am in love with it and so I know I'll care more about my Tumblr pages and this website as a whole! If you're interested I'll leave a link in a separate post for you to follow, and I promise to attempt to write more on the story! With all that wordy crap outta the way, I'll catch y'all later!!

[morphdragon-blog]

Sorry!

Hey guys sorry for the giant ass gap in posts there, summer's been hectic as FUCK this year and I've hardly been home long enough to write these two posts. First a wedding, then a funeral, then a vacation gone wrong that turned into 3 weeks stuck in a house of assholes, and just FUCK ALL THAT NOISE. Anyways~ I'll finally be able to post more on my story and actually do shit again now that I'm home but if I go on vacation again (because summer) I'll keep y'all posted. I hope that was a good apology and hope you guys like what I got planned for the events ahead!

[morphdragon-blog]

Chapter 28: Rescue Mission

Nox sped away from the scorched pavilion inside a bolt of light as he darted from walls, poles, rubble, and cars to get to where he’s headed. As he rocketed towards a wall, the building erupted in flames and launched him back into the street, making a loud crunch as his leg broke his fall. He landed and screeched in pain while holding his leg tightly. Nausea flew over him like a wave as blood trickled into the cobblestones below him. “Fuck, it’s DEFINITELY broken.” He weakly stood on his uninjured leg, dragging his aching and extremely pained leg like dead weight. “Damn Warmongers…” Nox stopped and quickly slid to the side as more bricks and shattered windows shot at him and more mages crowded him. “Guys can you all just fuck off?!” The masked men said nothing and raised open palms towards him, the heat practically engulfing them all. Nox grunted and brought his arms together. “Light Barricade!” Walls of light arose and shook as great pyres of flames assaulted Nox. He felt the hard light structure begin to sear his flesh as he placed his back to the wall. “Damn…At this rate I’ll cook my flesh…” Nox looked around panicked as sweat and blood coated his forehead. He heard a cracking noise and felt more heat leaking through the walls. He closed his eyes and braced himself, but jumped in surprise when a cool air blew past him and dissipated all heat in the air. He heard men grunted and heaving in pain as a feminine voice grunted in efforts. He lowered his walls cautiously and saw ice and snow blanketing the ground around them, with Brandi standing in the middle. She was breathing heavily and gripped her knees in exhaustion. “Hey…Noxxie…saw you…under attack…” Nox smiled and limped towards her, hugging her softly when he finally arrived. “Thank you so much Brandi. I can’t do much with a snapped leg. What the hell are you doing here anyways, I thought all civilians were evacuated.“ Brandi smirked and wiped sweat from her brow. "Eh. They didn’t resist much when a froze a few fire bastards for them.” Nox limped over painfully as Brandi wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Saw an unconscious woman up ahead covered in Holy and Dark magic. I’m assuming that’s your doing?” Nox nodded grimly. “My sister, long long ago. Was she alive?” Brandi nodded. “Probably for the best. She’s already drowning in guilt about my past.” More and more images flashed in Nox’s mind. One of a little tea party where he and all of his sister’s toys wore hats and boas and spoke in a regal tone, and another of a cold winter night with his mother holding him close and wrapping them both in a blanket. “Tell me about it.” His focus shattered and eyes widened. “What?! I can’t, Tate doesn’t even know!” Brandi shook her head and groaned as she began to put frost on Nox’s broken leg. “What the hell are you doing?” Brandi looked up in concentration. Look, you’re gonna bleed out at this rate. I’ll freeze the wound and we can get to a camp together and find Tate and the others. Deal?“ Nox opened his mouth to argue, but felt the rivers of blood flowing down his leg and the empty feeling deep in his gut. "Okay..." Tate sat beside Lyra, who unconsciously whimpered and rolled in the cot she was laid in. "You know the Magic Council will arrest her." Tate shook his head. "Not if I can say anything about it." Freya sighed. "Look, it's been a long fucking day, and I say we just focus and finding out why these fiery fuckers are here-" Her words were cut off by Nox and Brandi bursting into the infirmary. Tate ran over to Nox's side, taking his free arm. "Nox?! Oh god your leg!" He weakly chuckled. "Yeah it kinda got pounded to dust, didn't it?" Brandi laid Nox on a free cot and watched as healers quickly surrounded him. "Well my Rescue Mission went nicely, how did yours Tate?" He looked over to Lyra, chained and bound to the cot. "Could've been better, but it was a success." End of chapter 28

[morphdragon-blog]

Chapter 27: Nox Vs Lyra

Lyra choked up as he spoke. “Nox? Why?” He leveled his stone cold glare at her as he stepped closer menacingly. “Because you left me behind in fear and cowardice to be fed to my own despair!” Lyra screamed. “YOU AREN’T REAL!” Nox blinked towards her and gripped her throat tightly. “I am VERY real.” She shook in place as he tossed her aside. “You killed our entire family in a fit of rage and left my crying corpse in the house. Deimos restored what was left, excluding my mind.” Lyra weakly stood. “I’m sorry, I’m so so sorry.” Nox put his blade tip at Lyra’s neck. “Silence.” She shot her mouth curtly. “Your flames engulfed my past and my life, but in a way, it reformed me. For example I now have no mercy.” He quickly swung at Lyra, who flipped away safely. “Luka please don’t do this! I don’t want to kill you!” Nox chuckled darkly. “Strange for you to think you can.” He ran forwards at lightning speeds as Lyra tried to track his movements. He darted around until her back faced him. “Light Blade: Taolu Arc!” Nox’s blade formed into a giant Bo with a large blade as he swung swiftly and angrily at Lyra, slicing her leg slightly. “Fire Dragon Flying Kick!" Her leg was engulfed in flames as she swung at Nox's side. He side stepped away and struck Lyra's skull with the back of his hand forcefully, making her tumble to the ground in pain. "Get up. I won't handle a bitch who torched innocent people like paper and almost killed my beloved Tate hold back in a fight." She weakly stood, gripping the back of her head. "Why? Why try to kill me?!" Nox glared at her. "I could ask the same thing." Lyra's eyes widened. "The target..." Nox took a stance, holding his blade upside down in a defensive pose and holding one hand upwards, magic pulsing from his palm. "You're the mark, aren't you?" Nox smirked in response. "Why not reveal yourself before now?!" Nox shook his head. "Shadow Siraculum!" Multiple versions of Nox appeared around her, each angrily holding a blade towards her. She spun around cautiously, looking at each detailed version. A young Luka covered in soot and ash, a weak and starved slave boy, a chained and bruised slave, a Vessel Nox, Nonmagical, Holy Mage, Deimos Form, and finally himself. In order they each spoke. "You left me to die in the house we grew up in." Lyra felt one tear cascade down her cheek. "You knew I lived but let me suffer." Another tear. "You let me be used as not only a slave but as a bitch." More tears. "You left me to be used as a bargaining chip." Tears stung Lyra's eyes as she whispered to herself. "You never tried to find me." Her hoarse voice was slightly audible. "I fixed my Sinful past you killed me for, by you never came." Her lip quivered as tears fell to the ground. "I used new magic to protect the innocent, but you killed them anyways." She whined and squirmed in fear and guilt. "You made me summon long-dead powers to fight you." Lyra fell to her knees, covering her face with her hands as she sobbed. Suddenly she felt hot breath at her ear and heard a whisper. "You killed innocent people and brought a war here to kill us all in revenge for your past actions." Lyra angrily slammed her fists to the ground. "FIRE PULSE!" All duplicate forms of Nox disappeared, leaving him at her ear. "Stop. I-I-I can't FIGHT YOU! I'D DO ANYTHING, JUST LET ME LIVE!" Nox looked down at her in pity. "Fine. I'll let you free if you answer me this: Where's Etherious Natsu Dragneel?" End of chapter 27