In the dark underbelly of the arena, two gladiators readied themselves for battle.

"Word of advice newcomer," said a silver haired gladiator. "If you want to survive in this country, keep to yourself."

An auburn haired man shrugged, "What's the point in coming to a new country if you don't meet new people and make new friends?"

The silver hair scoffed, "If you want to make friends, you're in the wrong place. There's hardly anyone friendly to meet here." He scanned the dark dungeons where defeated gladiators sat licking their wounds. "Most would carve you up without a moment's hesitation."

"Like you?"

The silver haired man glared. "Maybe I should pummel you into the ground right now."

The auburn haired met his stare. "Oh is that a challenge?"

"Gladiators!" yelled a man with a whip. "Save it for the arena."

The gladiator backed off and scoffed, "He's right, we'll settle this in the arena with the crowds watching."

They walked into the circular arena. Thousands of people sat in the stands, waiting for an entertaining blood bath.

"In this corner! We have a visitor from the kingdom of Fiore! Gildarts Clive!"

Cheers sounded.

"And in this corner we have the champion of the coliseum! The hero of the people! The mighty Metrigan!"

The crowds roared with anticipation.

"Gladiators… Fight!"

The two dashed for each other.

Fifteen years later.

In the sky above Fiore, danger descends. One man stood at the edge of his mighty warship imagining the possibilities that waited. He wore a silver dome shaped helm, crowned with four purple spikes along the rim. His hair was long and silver, combed cleanly down the back of his head. His eyebrows were straight that increased the intensity of his stare. His skin was tan and his eyes were crimson. He wore grey battle armor with spiked shoulders. On his breastplate was a glowing purple symbol.

"My liege," spoke a soldier. "As you instructed, factions of our army have reached their destinations. Awaiting your command."

"Excellent. Then relay this message to all our forces. Hold their positions until their commanders arrive."

"Yes Lord Metrigan."

Seven figures approached Metrigan. A woman with blond hair and black armor was the first to kneel.

"Lord Metrigan, what is your command?"

Metrigan turned around. "Ah, my faithful Servants. The time has come for us to settle the score. Not to mention this land is ripe for the taking. Rendezvous with your forces in the various regions and take what is rightfully ours. Go forth Saber, Archer, Lancer, Rider, Assassin, Berserker, Caster."

They rose. Saber's blond hair, pale face, and purple eyes were the only parts of her body that were exposed. The rest was clad in black armor. Archer was a man with spiky golden hair and shiny gold armor. Lancer was clad in green leather armor. His hair was jet black and was unkempt save for a strand of hair in between his eyes. His skin was light and flawless except for the mole on his chin. Rider was a muscular man with red hair and a beard. He wore body armor and a cape. Assassin had white skull mask covering his face and was dressed with a black rags around his waist. The rest of his body was exposed, making him out to be a skeleton wrapped in black ashy skin. Berserker was a black knight with a red glow from the visor in his helm. His armor hissed with black smoke. Caster was a bug eyed pale skinned creature with talons and had combed back blue hair. He was dressed in a large blue gown that had a red neck guard.

"We Servants shall carry out your orders Master," spoke Saber.

"Time to put that mongrel in his place," said Archer.

Lancer twirled his red spear. "I hope his country men can put up a fight worthy of my skills."

Rider flexed his muscles. "Nothing stirs the blood than the promise of a new conquest! Let the conquest begin!"

"There will be no city, no crevice where we cannot find him and his friends," said Assassin.

Caster cackled, "I will paint the countryside red with the blood of all in your honor Lord Metrigan!"

Berserker hissed, his body shaking with excitement.

Down below, Laxus and the Thunder Legion had just finished their lecture from the council regarding damaged property from their last mission.

"Uh, I'm glad that's over," pouted Laxus.

"Maybe you should pull your punches Laxus," said Evergreen.

"Laxus knew what he was doing! You would do well to remember that!" snapped Fried.

"Hey, what's that?" pointed Bickslow.

They followed his finger. Looming over the city of Era was a massive warship, surrounded by a fleet of aircraft. Then a light lit up at the warship's nose.

Laxus' eyes widened. "Take cover!"

A red beam fired from the ship, straight into the building. The Magic Council's base was decimated, scattering flaming debris into the city. Next, the rest of the fleet began bombarding the rest of the city.

Using his rune magic, Fried had successfully managed to shield them. They crawled out of the rubble and bore witness to the attack.

"What's going on?!" demanded Evergreen.

"I don't know," said Laxus clenching his fist. "But one thing is for certain. Someone is attacking this city and killing innocent people." He channeled lighting in to his fist. "Time to smash some skulls!"

Meanwhile, aboard the warship.

"Lord Metrigan," spoke Lancer. "There appears to be some form of resistance down below."

"Bring it on screen," commanded Metrigan.

The screen showed Laxus and the others fighting against his troops and hurtling lighting at other ships. However, the ships' shields protected them.

"A minor inconvenience from trash my liege," said Caster. "I shall see to it that they are dealt with."

"Do what you will to subdue them. But bring them back to me alive."

"Alive Master?"

Metrigan eyed the tattoos on their bodies, the mark of their guild.

"They are just what I need to draw him out. But Caster, when I say alive that doesn't mean that they need to be unspoiled."

Caster laughed with sadistic happiness. "Oh I'll make sure they enjoy true agony!"

Metrigan smiled evilly. Soon Gildarts. Soon.

Later on, simultaneous attacks from Metrigan's forces had been carried out across the kingdom. With the Magic council taken out of commission, Queen Hisui E. Fiore addressed the public with a large lacrima display. All the guilds paid close attention.

"Citizens! As we speak, our kingdom has been invaded. Although we have suffered grievous losses already, we have identified what country they are from," explained the queen. The image changed to a symbol. Its triangular shape resembled a dragon's head but had two points on the bottom; to each of its sides were wing like markings. "This is the emblem of the Decepticarian Empire. While we have yet to discover their reasons for this aggression. Their actions can't be tolerated. My forces stand ready to combat the invaders but I call upon the wizard guilds to stand and fight."

Natsu banged his fists. "Finally! Some action! I've been bored stiff."

"You do realize we're fighting for our country, not for our entertainment?" nagged Lucy.

"Let the fire spitter think what he wants as long as he's ready to throw some fire," said Gray.

Makarov closed his eyes in despair. It had only been a few months since their war with the Alvarez Empire. Both Zeref and Acnologia had been defeated and peace was restored. Although they won, the battle nearly cost him his life and put him in a wheel chair. He was too frail to fight anymore. He was thankful that no one from his family had died. However, war had once again come to their country. He knew that surviving one war is nothing short of a miracle, surviving two wars is nearly impossible. Nevertheless, he had to support them for the coming battles.

He raised his voice, "You heard the queen. Prepare for battle!"

The hall harrowed in response.

"Wait," interrupted Mira. "Laxus' team still isn't back yet.

Gajeel snorted, "I wouldn't worry about those guys."

Suddenly, the image of Queen Hisui was shorted out and Metrigan stood in her place.

"Citizens of Fiore! I am Metrigan, emperor of the Decepticarian Empire. I have come to conquer your kingdom. To build and expand my empire so that it may pave the way for a glorious future for this world. I will tell you now, that resistance is futile. Submit to me and I will spare your lives and declare you under my protection. Resist me…" The images changed to the ruined cities "And I will burn your cities to the ground and crush your bones beneath my feet. Oh and one more thing. I demand the presence of the Fairy Tail wizard Gildarts Clive."

This took the guild by surprise.

"He knows Gildarts?" pondered Erza.

"What could he want with my dad?" asked Cana.

"Gildarts! If you're watching this message, come and face me! And if you need motivation look who I have here."

He pulled up, a bruised, bloody Laxus by the top of his head. And behind him were Fried, Evergreen, and Bickslow, chained to a wall.

"Laxus!" snapped Makarov.

"And Ever and the others!" sweated Elfman.

The guild stared in shock not only was one of their strongest wizards injured and defeated but his other three comrades were bleeding from their eye sockets.

"What did he do to them?!" exclaimed Wakaba.

"I think he… blinded them," shuddered Lacki.

"What a fiend!" hissed Erza.

"No way… Laxus," shuddered Natsu with disbelief.

"Gildarts," spoke Metrigan. "You know full well what I'm capable of. So I'd advise you to not keep me waiting."

In the town of Omnibus, Gildarts stood outside a tavern. His fist shook while glaring at the broadcast. "Metrigan."