Erza panted as she used her armor's ability to fly away from the manticore. The beast roared and it's fur rippled once before a barrage of needles flew towards her. Erza quickly summoned two swords and spun them around, deflecting the needles. However the manticore's tail lashed out, catching Erza by surprise. Erza blocked the stinger but the force behind the blow was enough to send her crashing. She climbed out the rubble, dazed but not particularly wounded. The manticore pounced at her. Erza used her blades and slashed out at the beast. The beast's thick hide deflected most of the damage but Erza's blow left two long cuts. Black blood began to drip out, burning the stones. Erza's eyes narrowed at the melted stones.

"Acidic blood," she hissed. However before her eyes, the skin easily stitched back. "And regeneration."

Erza stared at the beast again as it pawed towards her. The beast had been wounded enough for it to eye her cautiously. She summoned a large ornate lance and held it out at the beast. The beast reared back and roared, sending out a magic-infused shockwave. Erza was blasted back but she summoned a large bow and arrow. She dodged a sting from the beast and unleashed the arrow. The arrow screamed in the air, crackling with magic. The arrow ripped through the skin and exploded, showering the area with black blood. Erza rushed to where Lucy was hiding and quickly pulled her away. The beast roared loudly, enraged at being wounded. Erza glanced back and saw that even though the manticore had a large chunk of its shoulder blasted off, it was quickly rebuilding its shoulder. It slowly approached the two mages, stalking them. As Erza pulled out a spear, Lucy grabbed the whip at her side and cracked it. The manticore paused once. Erza turned to Lucy.

"Whip the beast."

Lucy snapped her whip towards the beast. The manticore paused before stalking her. Erza grinned. She summoned two whips from her arsenal and began to lash out at the beast. The manticore roared defiantly but the loud whip cracks pained its ears. Erza lashed out even fast and welt marks began to appear all over the manticore's face. As lash upon lash was rained down on the manticore, it slowly began to cower and whimper.

"NOOOO! Worthless beast!"

Erza looked up to see the three Helfor mages glaring at the beast. On of them pulled off his robes and unsheathed two wicked daggers. Before anyone could stop him, he stabbed his two comrades. With the blood, he quickly painted a magical array on the ground. The ground rumbled and vines appeared around the manticore. The manticore roared and struggled but the vines began to mutate and absorb the manticore. Lucy and Erza watched as the manticore was assimilated into the vines. The vines slowly spiraled into a large tree. The tree shuddered once and from its branches, large fruit fell. The fruit ruptured and from inside these fruits, miniature versions of the manticore were created. The manticore was the size of a horse though and Erza doubted that it was any less dangerous. More fruit fell and soon there were ten manticores facing her and Lucy. She quickly pulled out a spear and stabbed the manticore. The manticore lashed out but soon shuddered and died. Its black blood sprayed and melted the stones on the ground. Erza pulled her spear back in time to see the iron head melt along with the wooden shaft. She cursed and pulled out another spear in time to block a manticore. She quickly kicked it back and turned to Lucy.

"RUN!"

Lucy nodded and ran away from the battle. Erza glared at the nine manticores in front of her, slowly approaching her. The tree cracked and shook. Several more fruit dropped and burst to reveal more manticores. Erza sighed and changed her armor.

"Poison Queen!"

The purple skintight armor completely covered her and protected against even the strongest of poisons and acids. However it was notoriously weak against weapons. Erza summoned a thin saber, the Serpent's Bane. It was completely impervious to poison and acid. She gave it a couple swings before pointing it at the manticores.

"Come on!"

Two manticores pounced at her. Erza swung her blade at eye-blurring speeds and chopped them up. She lunged and stabbed another one before it could dodge. Erza jumped back, dodging a stinger and lopped it off with her sword. The beast wailed in anguish before she cleaved its head. She began to demolish the manticores. However as chopped them up, more and more manticores began to replace them, due to the tree. She could feel herself begin to tire after she eliminated the twentieth manticore but there were still more coming. The tree continued to produce more and more despite her best efforts of eliminating them.

"Open, a door to the Treasure Vase Palace: Aquarius!"

"Erza-chan, move!"

Erza looked to see a large flood of water come her way. She jumped up to the top of the pillar. The wall of water washed away the manticores, drowning them and sending its corpses out of the station. Erza spotted the Helfor mage climbing away and she threw her saber. The saber twirled in the air before impaling the mage against the wall. The mage cried out once, shuddered, and remained still. Erza heard a screeching noise and saw that the tree wilted before her eyes and gave a loud keening scream before igniting into flames. The tree burned with an unholy flame and quickly turned into ash. Outside, all the manticore corpses also burst into flames and turned into ash. Erza gave a sigh of relief and changed to her regular armor. She turned around to see Lucy arguing with her stellar spirit before it vanished. Erza approached Lucy and nodded, gratefully.

"Well done Lucy-chan. Thank you for the assist," Erza said calmly. She hugged her once, not noticing her hard armor hurt Lucy.

"No problem Erza-chan!"

"We need to find Erigor now!"

Lucy nodded and followed Erza out of the station. However, the station was surrounded by a wall of wind. Erza touched the wall and quickly pulled back as the wind stung her hand, leaving a small cut. Erza frowned.

"We're trapped."

Naruto rolled away to avoid a stinger and blocked Heron's claw. The claw snapped at him and Naruto leaped back and raised his sword high. It glowed blue as it sliced through the claw. Heron screamed in pain.

"WHAT? No mortal weapon can pierce my armor!"

Naruto smirked. "This is the great sword of the Toad clan, infused and bathed in its holy oil. This is no normal blade and it will natural take the property of the wielder's natural element, in my case, wind and also-."

The blade burst in angry red flames.

"Fire."

Naruto swung the blade and a wave of fire, enhanced with a second wave of wind, flew at Heron. Herons screeched as the intense flame scorched his armor and burned many of his legs into ash. Heron glared at Naruto, this time with a ugly man's face.

"You! I shall enjoy taking your face in my collection."

With a wet, popping noise, Heron's legs regrew and he scuttled towards Naruto. Naruto blocked his claws and kicked out at him. Heron's form absorbed the blow and he swung at Naruto with his claw. Naruto was sent flying back but with his chakra, stuck on the wall. Naruto holstered the blade and made several hand seals.

"Fuuton: Vacuum Cannon!"

Naruto inhaled deeply and compressed the air within his lungs. He released it, firing a huge shock wave at Heron. Heron was blown back at the blow. He pulled himself off the ground and glared at Naruto. Naruto shuddered as he saw the old woman's face glare at him hatefully. Heron reared back and released a deluge of black slime. Naruo jumped to the ceiling and looked down to see corpses begin to rise up from the slime. Naruto easily cut down several of the zombies but Heron slammed his stinger into Naruto. Naruto barely blocked it with his blade but the force was enough to send him in through the wall. Several zombies piled onto him and began to bite at Naruto. Naruto roared in rage and spun about, splitting every corpse within a five foot radius into two. Naruto used his sword and swung it again, sending a wave of fire at the approaching zombies. They continued to walk towards him but the intense flames soon burned them into ashes. Naruto looked around, for Heron's monstrous form.

"Where are you?"

"Here Naruto-chan!"

Two claws erupted from the ground and clamped onto Naruto's arms. Another two grabbed Naruto's legs. Heron chuckled as Naruto struggled.

"Your face is so delicious. Let me wear it!"

Heron's face split open to reveal sinister looking fangs. He bit Naruto but Naruto chuckled.

"Ninpou: Great Clone Explosion!"

Naruto watched as his clone exploded. Heron felt the full impact and his body was blasted in two. The lower half was mostly disintegrated while the upper part was slowly crawling away. Naruto appeared and quickly lopped off all of his claws off. He stared down at the worm-like body of Heron. Heron smirked.

"Well, Naruto-chan, you got me. Finish it!"

Naruto bent down and shoved his arm down Heron's throat. With a loud yell, he pulled out a slimy bundle from Heron's throat. Heron's eyes watched in horror as Naruto slowly approached it. The bundle was a gruesome looking thing as it was a baby's face with a grub's body. It gave off a keening scream as Naruto kicked it carelessly.

"I had enough of you so this time I will put you down permanently. Didn't think I would find out about your little secret, did you Heron?"

"No! Wait!"

Naruto ignored Heron and stomped on the grub. Dark slime sprayed everywhere, staining the ground. Heron made a high-pitched shriek as his soul was ripped away from his body and into the cold arms of the shinigami awaiting him. Naruto faintly saw the shinigami grin before eating Heron's soul. Naruto walked away and dispelled the blade, sending it back to the Mt. Myoboku. Naruto turned around and headed to the front of the station to see the rest of the group standing before a wall of wind. With the group was a maid that Naruto did not recognize. He stepped towards Erza and pointed at the maid.

"Who's she and what's going on?"

"That's Lucy's newest Stellar Spirit. We're using her ability to go under this wind wall."

Naruto turned just in time to see the maid dive into the ground as if it was water, leaving a large whole for everyone to crawl through. Natsu quickly jumped in eagerly, excited for another fight. The others soon followed after him, eager to stop Erigor. The tunnel went for a short distance before exiting just outside of the wind barrier. Winds buffeted them but did not hurt them. At most it flapped skirts upwards. Erza glanced around.

"Everyone here."

"Of course Red. And might I say, pink isn't really your color," Naruto replied.

"Pink? What're you talking about?" Erza asked.

Naruto merely pointed downwards. Erza reddened and pressed her skirt down. With her free hand, she punched Naruto.

"BAKA!"

Naruto chuckled, unfazed at the punch.

"Red's a better color."

Naruto swayed back and dodged another punch from Erza. He quickly looked around and found a magical carriage.

"Erza, we can use that to catch up to Erigor!"

Erza nodded before turning to Happy and Natsu. "You two fly up ahead as fast as you can! Stop Erigor!"

Natsu grinned. "Yosh! I got first pick!"

"Move!"

Happy picked Natsu up and flew away. Naruto glanced around and spotted the prone body of Kageyama with them.

"What's he doing here?"

Erza grunted and threw the man inside the carriage. "I took him so we could dispel the wind barrier. He's wounded and needs attention."

"Whatever you say Red," Naruto replied. Naruto hooked up the carriage's power cables to himself. Erza sat beside him while Lucy and Gray went inside the carriage. Once they were all settled in, Naruto pumped his chakra into the carriage and they rocketed after Natsu. As they traveled, Naruto glanced over at Erza.

"You got a pretty deep gash there Red."

Erza turned at Naruto to see him staring at her arm. She looked down to see her arm bleeding, though the wound had mostly clotted. Naruto shifted over, exposing his ninja pack.

"Inside is a scroll marked with a cross. Pump some magic inside and you'll get a first-aid kit. Have Lucy help you with the wound."

Erza nodded and took the scroll. "Thanks Naruto-kun."

As Erza dressed the wound, Naruto's mind flashed back on how they became a couple.

Flashback

"And here's the last one Red!"

"Don't call me Red!"

Naruto chuckled as he tossed the last bandit in the sloppy pile of unconscious bodies. They were all securely tied with wire wrapped tightly around their wrists. Naruto quickly gathered any usable supplies out of the bandit's base before settling down next to Erza. He pulled out the flier for the job while Erza cleaned and polished her sword.

"Well another job well done. What do you want to do now?"

"As I always do. Go back to the guild. Why don't you sign up with us?" Erza said. "It's a great guild and your very powerful. Master Makarov would welcome you with open arms."

Naruto chuckled. "I'm sure but I made a promise to a friend that I would travel for four years before I tie myself down."

"You still haven't told me why."

"I'd rather not talk about it yet," Naruto said. Erza noticed the tightness in his voice and dropped the subject. There was an awkward pause in the air as Naruto and Erza continued to sit.

"I noticed back in the town they were preparing for a festival," Naruto started. Erza continued to shine her swords. "I was wondering if you'd go with me to the festival?"

Erza paused and looked at Naruto.

"Are you asking me out?"

Naruto swallowed nervously and nodded.

"I am."

Naruto reddened as Erza continued to stare at him. He waited nervously until after a long moment, Erza gave him a small smile.

"I'd love to Whiskers."

Naruto grinned widely.

"Great!"

After several hours, Naruto was waiting down in the hotel's lobby pacing nervously. The innkeeper glanced at Naruto and chuckled.

"Have a date tonight son?"

Naruto glanced up and nodded at the innkeeper."

"Yeah ossan? How'd you know?"

"I was the same way when I first asked my wife to go to the festival with me years ago," the man said. "Nervous at hell and worried if I would make a fool out of myself."

Naruto nodded. "Any suggestions?"

The man chuckled and went to the bar. He pulled out a mug of mead for Naruto and passed it to Naruto.

"I've seen numerous couples pass through here. Each one is different in their own unique way but the main gist is that she came with you because she likes who you are. Don't fake that and be yourself. It's cliche' but true," the man said gently. "Now take a deep breath and drink. That's the best advice I could give you."

"Thanks ossan."

"The least I could do for the mages that defeated those bandits. Now our festival will be completely safe from those scoundrels."

Naruto was about to respond but a voice stopped him. He looked up to see Erza wearing a red kimono. Naruto's mouth dropped.

"You ready Naruto?"

"Yeah I am. You look great Erza."

Erza smiled. "Thanks Naruto. Now come on, we don't want to waste time."

She grabbed Naruto's hand and pulled him to the festival. Despite Naruto's initial reservations, Erza and him had a wonderful time at the festival. Naruto could not help but smile as the strong, brave, Erza that he knew reverted to a blushing girl at the festival. She was still strong but she displayed a cute side that Naruto did not knew existed. Naruto couldn't help it and swept her off her feet.

BONK!

"Ow Erza-chan!"

"Let me down Naruto-baka!"

"But I can't let a princess like you walk around!"

"You!" Erza growled. She raised her fist but let it fall around Naruto's neck.

"You idiot," Erza whispered gently.

"But I'm your idiot."

Erza giggled and turned Naruto's neck around. She gently kissed him for a long moment. When they parted, Naruto nor Erza could suppress the wide smiles on their faces.

End Flashback

"Naruto stop! Natsu's over there!"

Naruto stopped the chakra flowing into the buggy. He hopped off the cart and let out a huge sigh. The ride had caused quite a bit of strain but nothing he couldn't walk off. He strode over to Natsu's side and looked down at the scorched body of Erigor. Naruto nodded approvingly at Natsu and ruffled his pink hair.

"Good job Natsu. Well done."

Naruto knelt down and pulled out a coil of ninja wire. He securely tied up the assassin and tossed the person in the backside of the buggy. However just as soon as he tossed Erigor in the cart, Kagemaru made his move and jumped to the controls of the cart. Before anyone could stop him, the cart blasted away far out of the Fairy Tail mages' reach.

"Damnit! We gotta catch him before they activate Lullaby!"

"Summoning: Toad!"

With a huge cloud of smoke, a large yellow toad appeared. It was somewhat leaner than the last toad Naruto had summoned. Naruto patted the toad.

"Hey Gamatatsu! We got a cart to catch!"

"Ne ne Naruto-nii! Can I have some snacks?" the toad asked. Naruto chuckled.

"Only if we catch that cart."

Natsu groaned.

"Not again."

They all climbed aboard the toad and the toad hopped in Naruto's direction at a fast rate. The rocky motion of the toad immediately made Natsu nauseous in one hop. Lucy helped Natsu as he let out a stream of vomit. Gray grabbed on tightly to the toad's jacket. Naruto easily stood on the toad's head and chatted with it as it hopped for several miles. After a half hour, Erza pointed out a stone castle a distance away.

"That's where the guild masters are meeting!"

"We're not too late!" Gray said relieved. Just then a pillar of light appeared surrounded by black lightning. From the pillar a large demonic being emerged and roared. Naruto turned and gave Gray and annoyed glance.

"You just had to say that," Naruto said. "Hurry Gamatatsu!"

The toad paused before leaping nearly half a mile to land in front of Lullaby. Gamatatsu dispelled itself, dropping off his passengers. As soon as Naruto's feet hit the ground, five clones immediately surrounded being and quickly drew a circle around the being. Golden chains emerged from the ground and chained the demon. Naruto jumped high in the air and made several hand seals.

"Fuuton: Grand Vacuum Cannon!"

A huge pillar of concentrated air blasted straight into Lullaby's chest, rocking the demon. Natsu leaped up and ignited his hands before slamming both of his fists into Lullaby. Lullaby roared and lurched closer towards the guild masters. Lullaby growled and released a stream of energy. The guild masters scattered just as Gray appeared in front of them. With remarkable speed, he created a wall of ice that shielded the blast away. Gray broke down the ice wall and launched the shards at Lullaby. The beast roared in pain. Erza equip changed her armor and slammed her sword at Lullaby's neck, leaving a deep gash.

"One more time now!" Naruto roared. "Natsu gimmee some fire! Gray, need ice!"

Natsu and Gray stood beside Naruto as he made hand seals.

"NOW! Ninpou: Grand Vacuum Cannon!"

Naruto launched a pillar of wind as Gray's and Natsu's elemental blasts mixed in, creating a supercharged pillar of steam and punched through Lullaby's chest. At the same time, Erza cleaved Lullaby's head in half with a single swing. Lullaby let out one roar before fading into dust. Behind them awestruck, Makarov looked on in pride as Lucy and the other guild masters looked on in awe as the four Fairy Tail mages easily destroyed the demon.

"Amazing."

"So this is Fairy Tail's power."

"Unbelievable."

"But they wrecked the castle!"

Makarov and Lucy looked around to see the castle destroyed, a side effect of Naruto's last attack. Naruto chuckled sheepishly at the angry mages.

"My bad," Naruto said.

"GET THEM!"

Makarov, Lucy, and the other Fairy Tail mages high tailed it out of the area with a crowd of mages angrily chasing them. As they ran, Naruto smiled in pride and glanced at Erza. Erza's cheek reddened slightly but smiled right back at Erza. Naruto's smile grew into a full blown laugh as they outran the angry mages.

"Get them!"

"Home wreckers!"

"Yeah I can't wait to get my hands on them!" Natsu said eagerly.

"YOU'RE ONE OF THEM!"