Hot and Cold

Origin of E.N.D

~*****~

Rubble rained from the sky as I landed on the earth, slumping against a boulder as I feel the drawbacks burning into my body from ingesting Sting's White Dragon magic. "Aria!" I hear Natsu shout. I feel my scales jump before they start sluicing off my body, as if his mere voice causes a sense of peace within me. When in reality, there could be someone else lurking around. Pain curls in my gut and I grimace irritably. It's not as awful as it was when I ate Natsu's magic. Perhaps I was right in when I thought about what magic types would pair better with mine. Natsu's pink hair is the first thing I see. "Oi! You okay?!"

I hum in response, body strangely warming in response to his nearness. "I'm just having some mild drawbacks," I mention softly. "Sting and Rogue gave me some crystals, I just used one to get through Ajeel's sandstorm. Just give me a minute to rest and I'll be back on my feet."

Natsu grunted in response before stooping down and slipping his arms under me. "Hold on tight, we'll get you to Wendy." Natsu hums. "This hurt?" Natsu asks as he nudges his nose against the bite mark on my neck.

"Oi, don't go poking things out of nowhere," I admonish him. "It's fine, barely hurts." I shove his face away from me and tilt my head up. "Warren, you there?"

"Loud and clear!" Warren responds.

"We took the western forces." I state firmly.

"Aye, ma'am!" Happy suddenly cheered as he swooped in from above.

"So don't anyone dare give up, got it? We're Fairy Tail, and we're gonna kick the crap outta these creeps and make 'em regret ever messin' with our home!" Natsu shouts.

"What you've done is inspiring," Fried murmurs. "Now I can give my all to the fight at hand."

I chuckle. "That's good, Fried, you're a force to be reckoned with when you get serious." I mention. Wendy and Ballad start chirping loudly as they approach us. I can't help but laugh in response before an explosion rings out from somewhere in the city. I feel the hairs on my neck stand on end as I stare off to the city.

"Fried! We need you! Put your enchantments back up!" Makarov ordered loudly. There's only silence from him and it makes my stomach turn. "Fried!"

"Nothing!" Warren cries. "There's no response from the Thunder Legion!"

Laxus clicks his tongue irritably. "Dammit!"

"The thing is getting closer! And fast!" Warren exclaims. "It's gonna be a direct hit!"

"Evacuate the guild, now!" Makarov shouts.

"Oh, no! Is our guild hall gonna get flattened again?!" Romeo exclaims.

"Not if I can help it," Ichiya's voice suddenly rings out. I choke on my spit and nearly strangle myself at the sound. My head snaps up and just over the city, The Christina soars wildly towards the beam of magic blasting towards us. The beam makes a direct hit on the beast, causing me to choke harder. "Man!"

"He just used his ship as a shield!" Happy cried.

"Why would he do that?" Natsu asked.

"This is a battle! But it is not yours to fight alone. Calling all of Fiore! Now!" Ichiya roars into the sky. "Listen up, everyone! This battle belongs to all of us!"

I can't help but smile. Of course, it didn't even cross our minds. It's not just Fairy Tail they're targeting. It's all of Fiore, and the bonds we've made with the other guilds will be our ace in the hole.