The Magic Merchant in Fairy Tail

"Everyone, gather up!!" Kira's heart raced faster than when his wealth first crossed 100 million. "Get to the airship—hurry up! We need to run NOW!"

Fortunately, Kira had anticipated the need for a quick retreat. The moment he heard the deafening roar, he activated his Fairy Airship, ready to whisk everyone away to safety.

But as the ship hummed to life, Kira's thoughts spiraled.

How did it come to this?

This was supposed to be an easy job—a bit of light adventure, some archaeology for fun, maybe a video for the kids at the orphanage, and a chance to bully Natsu a little. This mission was supposed to be three times the fun!

Instead, Acnologia—the legendary Black Dragon of the Apocalypse—had descended upon them.

Acnologia, a name etched in terror within the annals of the magical world, was infamous for his overwhelming power. Once a human who practiced Dragon Slayer Magic, he transformed into a dragon over four centuries ago. Driven by madness and malice, he slaughtered nearly every dragon on Ishgar, cementing himself as the strongest being in the Fairy Tail world.

With a roar that shook the heavens, the dragon's massive wings sliced through the air, whipping up a storm of snow and wind. His crimson eyes burned like molten lava, each pupil larger than a human head. Scales blacker than the void shimmered ominously, reinforced with a dark blue hue that seemed impervious to any weapon. His claws were massive—each one capable of rending stone like paper.

As his roar subsided, a wave of magical pressure blanketed the land. The weight of his power was suffocating, reducing the party to trembling statues.

Kira, barely able to move, stole a glance at his companions. Erza, usually the picture of composure, was visibly sweating. Natsu, though trying to appear brave, trembled as his legs buckled. Lucy, Gray, and the others were in similar states of frozen terror, their eyes wide and unfocused.

"Dragon..." someone whispered. "This is a dragon."

Natsu, however, stumbled forward. "Hey! Do you know where Igneel is?!"

Acnologia's gaze snapped to the pink-haired boy, and an unearthly growl escaped his maw. The mere mention of Igneel's name seemed to enrage him further, his murderous intent swelling.

"Run!" Gildarts shouted, snapping everyone out of their stupor.

"But—!"

Before Natsu could resist, Kira yanked him back. "Natsu, enough! That thing isn't here to talk—it's here to kill!"

The group scrambled toward the airship, but it was clear the situation was dire.

From his experience, Gildarts knew the truth: Acnologia was not an opponent anyone could hope to defeat—not even him.

His instincts screamed at him to fight, not to win, but to buy time for his comrades to escape. Yet the others—especially the fiery Natsu—showed no intention of abandoning him.

Meanwhile, Kira's thoughts raced.

Why is Acnologia here?

Unlike Tenrou Island, there was no Fairy Sphere to protect them. Worse still, Zonia was isolated, with no reinforcements in sight. If Acnologia's target was Dragon Slayers, why hadn't he struck earlier? Or was this simply the Black Dragon's nature—slaughtering all who dared to exist within his shadow?

Before Kira could think further, Acnologia roared once more. The sound was incomprehensible, a primal fury that transcended language. He raised his massive claws and struck downward with unimaginable force.

"Move!" Kira yelled, but it was too late.

The airship shattered like a toy, splintering into fragments as the ground beneath it cracked and gave way.

The resulting shockwave hurled everyone into the snow, their screams drowned out by the deafening cacophony of collapsing earth and dragon's roar.

"Great," Kira muttered, wiping snow from his face as he staggered to his feet. "There goes Plan A..."

In the aftermath of the airship's destruction, the group regrouped. Though bruised and battered, they were still alive—a testament to the thick snow cushioning their fall.

But their situation had gone from bad to worse. Without the airship, escape seemed impossible.

As Kira scrambled for alternatives, Winter arrived on the scene, her form emanating a unique energy from having received the souls of the Black and White Goddess. She had taken up a protective stance around Poole and Happy, shielding them from harm.

Her power, a fusion of fire and ice, complemented the combined might of the others.

Around her, Erza, Natsu, Gray, and the others rallied. Despite their trembling legs and shaking hands, they stood firm, their magic igniting the snowy battlefield.

Kira, however, wasn't impressed. "What are you all doing? Stop posing! This isn't some dramatic painting competition!"

"I'll hold him back!" Gildarts shouted, stepping forward. "The rest of you, get out of here!"

"No way!" Natsu yelled. "Fighting a dragon is my job! I'm a Dragon Slayer, remember?"

Erza nodded, gripping her sword tightly. "Natsu's right. None of us would ever leave our companions behind. Besides, the airship is gone. Where would we go?"

Gildarts clenched his fists. "You fools! This isn't a game. This dragon isn't just strong—it's unstoppable! I don't even know if I'll survive!"

But Natsu's resolve was unwavering. "We've gotten stronger, Gildarts. You'll see!"

"No," Gildarts growled, frustration evident in his voice. He turned to Kira. "You've always got some crazy plan, right? Tell me you've got something up your sleeve!"

Kira hesitated. His mind raced through every contingency he had prepared, every trick he could pull. Then he remembered.

"Maybe…" he muttered, his voice barely audible over the howling wind.

"What is it?" Gildarts demanded.

"If we can distract him long enough… I have a backup airship. It's smaller, but it might just get us out of here."

Acnologia roared again, this time sending an avalanche cascading down the mountainside. The snow surged toward the group, forcing them to scatter.

Kira didn't waste the opportunity. "I need ten seconds! Keep him busy!"

The group exchanged glances before nodding.

Erza summoned her Sea Empress Armor, while Gray conjured massive ice constructs to block Acnologia's path. Natsu launched fireballs with all his might, while Winter unleashed a torrent of flames and frost in tandem.

Meanwhile, Kira rummaged through his belongings, activating the mechanisms for his emergency airship.

"Just a little longer," he whispered to himself, praying his plan would work.

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