Part 2: Shadows of Magic (Rogue Cheney X OC)

Chapter 42

Hope's P. O. V:

With his right eye squeezed closed and left fist held up, Michello yells, "The nerve of this guy! Don't you have any respect for your elders?!"

As Michello waves both his fists in front of him, teeth clenched, his granddaughter says wearily, "I don't think he does."

Happy whimpers, "Of course not! He's with Tartaros..."

Charlele adds, "He's already murdered your colleagues back in Era."

I tell the old man fiercely, now on my feet with Lucy and Wendy, "We're not letting him get you, too. It's time to run."

Picking up his cane as he gets to his feet, Michello grunts, "I don't need you to tell me that!" He then moves a little bit away.

Wendy says assuringly, "Don't worry, Natsu will stop this guy. No sweat!"

The pinkette challenges, "Let's go!!"

The blonde sneers at him. Then he raises both of his arms. He pushes back his left leg before getting into a stance with his arms held behind and in front of him.

Natsu gasps as the man cackles. He sweeps his arms and a strong wind blows around us. Wendy cries out as she tries to shield her face.

The wind blows towards the town bridge and explosions rock along it, and through the whole town. The civilians scream.

I demand to know with glazed eyes, "Why are you attacking innocent people?!"

Natsu clenches his fist as he grips his teeth and growls in anger. Flames swirl around his left foot and launches him up at the blonde man.

Jackal throws out his arm at my teammate and Natsu is engulfed in flames.

Lucy screams fearfully, "Natsu!!"

Michello says, "He's a goner!"

Happy says calmly, "He'll be alright. Even Explosion Magic is a light snack to a Fire Dragon Slayer!" We then see Natsu devouring the flames.

"What's going on?!" Demands Jackal in confusion. "Is he eating my explosion?!"

Natsu spins out of the flames and launches himself at the Tartaros member. Natsu sends him flying away with a painful looking punch to the jaw. The man hits the floor but Natsu launches after him.

Jackal manages to get away before the fiery Natsu could land on him.

"I think this guy's a living fireball," Says Jackal before he lands. The ground tears up in his direction. "You're kidding me?!"

Natsu sends Jackal flying into the sky with a flame filled punch. Natsu follows him, flames around his wrist. "FIRE DRAGON IRON FIST!!!" Natsu slams his flame filled fist against Jackal and he slams back first into the brick wall. With a cry of exertion, Natsu then lands a flaming kick into his stomach which makes him gag.

The wall is broken as the blonde is sent sailing through the aid.

Happy exclaims, holding up his paw, "That's the way! Roast him!"

Michelia breathes in awe, "He's amazing!"

Michello's knees are quivering as he watches the Dragneel with a stunned expression, beads of sweat dotting his face.

Jackal spins backwards through the air before catching himself on his feet with his hands on the ground for balance. He tells Natsu, "You're good! Even better than I thought you'd be. But there's something you should know about my power."

Natsu yells as he shoots for the blonde, flames flickering around his fist, "FIRE DRAGON IRON FIST!!"

"Hey...!" The blonde tries to say before he's knocked to the ground by a flame filled punch.