Chapter 17 : Silent Observers

AN: This story just got a total of 100 powers stones, so here's a bonus chapter. Enjoy!

Zalty, or rather, Ultear walked briskly through the dimly lit cave, her mind racing as she made her way toward the surface. The faint glow of the purple moonlight filtering through cracks in the rock walls cast eerie shadows on her path. The encounter with Aurelius Nyx had unsettled her more than she cared to admit.

Her lips pressed into a thin line as she replayed their conversation. "Why is he here?" she thought, her gaze narrowing. Of all the mages in Fiore, Aurelius was one of the last person she wanted on Galuna Island.

Theories swirled in her mind. "Could he be after Deliora?" The idea gnawed at her. The infamous Master of Deceit was more than capable of orchestrating a plan to trade the demon to the Magic Council, earning himself both influence and information. It would be a move entirely in character for him—a calculated play for power under the guise of diplomacy.

Ultear clenched her fists. She had spent years crafting her plan, carefully manipulating Lyon and his followers into performing the Moon Drip ritual. Convincing them to unfreeze Deliora hadn't been easy; she'd played on their ambitions, their pride, and their grief. Lyon's obsession with surpassing Ur had made him the perfect pawn, and his subordinates were loyal enough to follow him without question.

She let out a slow breath, her thoughts darkening. "They think this is their mission", she mused, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "But it's mine."

Her plan was simple in its brilliance: unseal Deliora, then bend the demon to her will. Its raw power would be hers to wield, a weapon unmatched by anything else in Fiore. With Deliora under her control, the Magic Council's goals—and Zeref's vision—could align under her hand.

But Aurelius was a complication. His presence on the island introduced an unpredictable variable, and Ultear despised unpredictability.

As she emerged from the cave and began ascending toward the ruins, she tried to shake the lingering unease. The sound of battle echoed faintly in the distance—Lyon and Gray's clash was in full swing. "Good", she thought. "Their fight will buy me time."

Still, Aurelius' words gnawed at her resolve. His sharp gaze, his confident tone—it was as if he'd known her secrets before she'd even spoken. And that final question he'd posed...

"Are you really Zalty? Or should I call you Miss Ultear?"

She scowled, pushing the memory aside. She couldn't afford to dwell on it. Whether or not Aurelius suspected her true motives didn't matter—she was too far along to stop now. All she needed was for the Moon Drip ritual to reach its conclusion.

Reaching the top of the ruins, Ultear's eyes scanned the area. The purple moon loomed large above, its light bathing the temple in an unnatural glow. In the distance, Lyon and Gray were locked in a furious battle, their clashing magic sending shockwaves through the night.

Ultear allowed herself a moment to smirk. "Let them fight," she thought. "Lyon's obsession and Fullbuster's guilt will keep them distracted long enough for me to act."

...

The ruins echoed with the clash of ice against ice, each impact sending shards scattering across the moonlit stone. Gray Fullbuster gritted his teeth, struggling to keep up as Lyon Vastia relentlessly pressed the attack.

Lyon's one-handed Ice-Make Magic flowed seamlessly, his creations dynamic and precise. Massive ice beasts materialized with frightening speed, slamming into Gray's defenses and forcing him back step by step.

"Still so weak, Gray," Lyon taunted, his voice dripping with disdain. "Two hands for every spell? Ur must be rolling in her grave."

Gray winced, the words cutting deeper than Lyon's attacks ever could. His breath came in heavy gasps as he conjured another ice shield to block an incoming strike, but the force of Lyon's next creation—a massive, clawed serpent of ice—shattered it with ease.

"You don't deserve to speak her name!" Gray shouted, his voice trembling with anger and pain.

Lyon smirked, lowering his raised hand for a moment. "And you think you do?" His words were laced with venom. "You, the pathetic little student who caused her death?"

Gray faltered, his focus slipping as memories surged unbidden to the forefront of his mind. The bitter cold of the past—the day Deliora came, the day he defied Ur's orders, the day she sacrificed herself for them.

"That's enough!" Gray roared, summoning his will to unleash a flurry of jagged ice spikes toward Lyon.

But Lyon waved his hand with almost casual disdain, a wall of intricately carved ice blooming in front of him to absorb the attack. "Is that all you've got? Truly pathetic."

Lyon advanced, his steps measured and confident. "You see, Gray, while you were wallowing in self-pity, I was growing stronger. I've perfected what you and Ur could never master." He raised his hand, summoning a towering ice construct—a roaring tiger that pounced with terrifying speed.

Gray barely managed to dodge, but the construct exploded into shards, one of which sliced across his arm. He staggered, clutching the wound, his breaths coming in shallow gasps.

"You still don't get it," Lyon said, his voice soft but biting. "This isn't just about defeating you. It's about proving that I've surpassed her. Ur's dream, her legacy—it's mine now."

Gray froze at the words, his eyes widening. "What are you talking about?"

Lyon sneered. "Don't play dumb. You know exactly what I mean. She failed to stop Deliora, but I won't. I'll destroy that demon and prove that I'm better than her."

"No…" Gray whispered, the weight of Lyon's words sinking in.

"Yes, Gray," Lyon pressed, his tone sharp. "And it's all because of you. You're the reason she's gone. This is your fault, and now, I'm the one cleaning up your mess."

The guilt hit Gray like a physical blow, and his knees buckled slightly under the weight of it.

Lyon capitalized on his hesitation, forming a massive ice falcon that swooped down and struck Gray with brutal force, sending him crashing to the ground.

"You're weak, Gray. Just like you were back then," Lyon said, his voice cold and final. "And weaklings don't get to lecture me about Ur's legacy."

Gray lay on the cold stone, his body aching and his mind clouded with shame. Lyon towered over him, his expression a mixture of triumph and scorn.

"Stay down," Lyon ordered. "You've already lost."

The moonlight cast an eerie glow over the ruins, illuminating the stark contrast between the two former pupils. One stood victorious, his resolve unshaken; the other lay defeated, crushed beneath the weight of his past mistakes.

...

The moon hung low in the sky, casting an ethereal purple glow over the ruins. Natsu Dragneel climbed the crumbling steps of the temple, his fiery determination undeterred by exhaustion. He scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of the village, but his gaze shifted as he spotted a familiar figure lying motionless near the edge of the temple.

"Gray?" Natsu's voice carried urgency as he sprinted to his fallen comrade.

Gray Fullbuster was battered and bloodied, his breaths shallow, his usual stoic demeanor replaced with a vulnerable stillness. Natsu crouched down, shaking him gently.

"Oi, Gray! Wake up!" Natsu growled, his voice tinged with panic.

Gray's eyes fluttered open, clouded with pain and lingering guilt. He groaned, trying to sit up, but his injuries made it impossible.

"Lyon…" Gray muttered weakly, his mind still on the fight.

"Lyon? Where is he?" Natsu demanded, glancing around.

But Gray didn't answer, his head lolling to the side. Without another word, Natsu hoisted him onto his back, securing him carefully. "Hang on. I'll get you somewhere safe."

With Gray's weight on his shoulders, Natsu began his descent, using the elevated vantage point to pinpoint the village's location. He trudged through the dense jungle, his fiery resolve unwavering even as the uneven terrain tested his stamina.

Gray, barely conscious, stirred slightly. "Natsu…"

"Don't talk, you idiot. Save your energy," Natsu scolded, though his tone lacked its usual sharpness.

But Gray persisted, his voice hoarse. "You… were right. I'm no better than you."

Natsu frowned, confused. "What are you going on about now?"

"I took on Deliora… back then… just like you took this S-Class job," Gray said, his words punctuated by sharp breaths. "I put everyone at risk because of my pride. And now, I've got no right… to stop you."

Natsu stopped in his tracks, turning his head slightly to glance at Gray. "What the hell are you saying?"

Gray's voice cracked, tears welling in his eyes. "I… I lost. And now, I'm just… projecting my failures onto you. I… I'm pathetic."

Natsu's grip on Gray tightened, and he let out a frustrated growl. "You're wrong, Gray!"

Gray blinked, surprised by the intensity in Natsu's voice.

"You think I'm doing this because I want to show off or something? We're Fairy Tail Mages, Gray! We don't back down just because we've lost before," Natsu snapped, his voice filled with raw emotion.

Gray's tears spilled over as Natsu continued. "We don't let our insecurities run the show! You've got a lot of regrets, fine, but that doesn't mean you give up or drag others down with you. You keep pushing forward! That's what Ur would've wanted, right?"

Gray's breath hitched at the mention of Ur, the sting of her memory intertwining with Natsu's words.

"We don't do this for ourselves; we do this for the people who are counting on us!" Natsu shouted, his voice carrying through the forest. "So stop whining and remember what being a Fairy Tail Mage means, damn it!"

The words hung in the air as Natsu trudged onward, the village lights flickering in the distance. On his back, Gray closed his eyes, a strange mixture of shame and gratitude washing over him.

For the first time since his defeat, he allowed himself a small, fragile hope. Natsu's unyielding resolve felt like a lifeline—a reminder that even in the face of failure, they could still move forward. Together.

...

The moonlight bathed the quiet village in its haunting purple glow, the eerie light making the deformed features of the villagers all the more unsettling. Lucy Heartfilia dashed into the village square, her breaths coming in quick gasps as she was greeted by the wide-eyed stares of the cursed inhabitants.

The village chief, Moka, hurried forward. "You've returned! What news do you bring, young lady?"

Lucy bent over, catching her breath. "There's no time to explain everything, but the situation has escalated. The people attacking the island… they're dangerous. They're planning something terrible."

The villagers murmured anxiously, their voices tinged with fear. Moka's expression hardened. "Then we must prepare for the worst. What can we do to help?"

"I'll handle it!" Lucy declared, summoning her keys. "But I'll need you all to stay safe and out of sight."

She selected Virgo's key, the silver glinting in her hand as she called out, "Open, Gate of the Maiden! Virgo!"

With a flash of light, the pink-haired Celestial Spirit appeared, kneeling in her maid outfit. "Princess, what are your orders?"

Lucy gestured toward the path leading into the village. "Virgo, we need a pitfall—something big enough to trap anyone who comes this way!"

Virgo tilted her head curiously. "Would you like it extra deep as punishment, Princess?"

"No punishment!" Lucy snapped, flustered. "Just make sure they can't escape!"

"As you wish." Virgo bowed, her hands glowing as she began carving out the earth. Within moments, a massive pit lay concealed beneath a thin layer of disturbed soil.

"That should do it," Lucy said, nodding in approval. "Now we wait—"

Her words were cut off by a loud crash. From the path behind her, a familiar figure emerged, covered in dirt and looking furious.

"Oi! What's the big idea?!" Natsu roared, shaking off debris. His fire flickered faintly as he climbed out of the pitfall, the remnants of ice breaking away from his limbs.

"Natsu?!" Lucy gasped, her heart skipping a beat. "How are you—? Why are you—? That was for the enemy!"

"I was trying to get here first!" Natsu shouted, brushing himself off. "And what's with this trap?! You almost killed me!"

Before Lucy could respond, she noticed Gray slumped over Natsu's shoulder. Her eyes widened in alarm as she took in his injuries. "Gray! What happened? Is he okay?"

"He'll live," Natsu said grimly, his earlier fury replaced by a steely determination. "But the jerk did a number on him."

Lucy's concern deepened as she approached. "We need to get him inside and treat his wounds—"

A shrill cry from above cut her off. She looked up to see a hulking figure in the sky, illuminated by the moonlight. Riding atop the enormous mouse, Angelica, were Lyon's subordinates, armed with a massive bucket suspended between the beast's paws.

"What is that?" Lucy asked, her voice trembling.

"They're here," Natsu growled, his flames flaring brighter. "And it looks like they brought some kind of weapon."

The bucket sloshed ominously, its contents glowing faintly in the moonlight. Toby's voice echoed from above. "Say goodbye to your village, intruders!"

"Gray isn't in any condition to fight," Lucy said, panic rising.

"Then it's up to us," Natsu replied, stepping forward, his flames blazing as his expression hardened.

Lucy clenched her fists, determination replacing her fear. "Right. We'll stop them together."

...

From the shadows of the dense forest, Aurelius Nyx remained still, his presence cloaked by an imperceptible veil of magic. His thought projections were scattered across the island, each one hiding expertly as they observed the unfolding chaos.

One projection trailed Gray and Natsu, gauging the strain on their journey as they neared the village. Another lingered near Lucy, watching her efforts to protect the villagers with Virgo's assistance. The third moved silently, keeping pace with the approaching enemies that were riding atop the giant mouse, Angelica, as they closed in on their target.

Meanwhile, Aurelius himself was deep in thought, standing alone beneath the canopy of trees. His eyes, one covered as always, were sharp as they looked toward the distorted purple moon above. The truth of the illusion, its layers unraveling in his mind, had been clear to him since his arrival. He knew of the Moon Drip ritual and its purpose: to melt the Iced Shell that encased Deliora. The knowledge weighed heavily, but it was not the ritual or even the demon that held his thoughts captive now.

It was Zalty... Or better said, Ultear.

Her sudden appearance on the island was an enigma that refused to settle in his mind. He had uncovered her identity during their earlier confrontation, yet her motives remained a puzzle. Why was she here? What role was she playing in this intricate setup?

"She wouldn't be here for Deliora's power, right?" he murmured under his breath, the words dissolving into the night. "Is she after something else?."

"Ultear…" he muttered, the name carrying a weight of curiosity and suspicion. "Is this for the council? Or is it something else entirely?"

He recalled her brief hesitation when he addressed her by name in the cave, the slight crack in her otherwise perfect composure.

As his mind churned, he glanced upward at the moon again, its purple hue unnatural, the illusion surrounding it so finely crafted that only someone with his expertise might notice.

With a quiet sigh, Aurelius shifted his stance, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword. His clones continued their silent surveillance, each feeding him a steady stream of information. He already knew about Deliora and the Iced Shell, yet he refrained from intervening.

"Let them struggle," he whispered to himself, his tone calm but edged with purpose. "They need this."

His gaze drifted back toward the village, where Natsu, and Lucy fought to hold their ground. Despite their inexperience, they were learning—slowly, painfully—but learning nonetheless.

Still, Ultear's presence remained the single anomaly he couldn't ignore.

"Why are you here?" he questioned under his breath. "And what is it you're after?"

For now, he chose to wait. Whatever her reasons, they would eventually reveal themselves. Until then, Aurelius kept his sword sheathed and his intentions hidden, observing from the shadows like the master of deceit he had been so aptly named.

Chapter Titles:

Chapter 18: Silent Interventions

Chapter 19: Shattered Illusions

Chapter 20: Revelation of Power