AN: Alright! Back with another chapter and it's extra long this time! Also I will be writing less due to Final Exams coming up and I need to focus 100% on that. Anyways time to respond to a couple reviews
Tempestous God of Valour-77: Thanks for reviewing and glad you find the story interesting. I totally get what you mean man, kinda facepalmed myself after realizing my mistake. Unfortunately, I already have the story planned out and can't change it now. But I will defiantly have to reread on the Rinnegan's abilities so I don't make another mistake like that again.
trex0428: One, wouldn't you be pissed if someone was causing a civil war just to prove that they're better than everyone else and second, not trying to sound like an asshole but if you don't like op an Naruto then why even read a story where one is present ya know.
NatsuErzaDragneelSusanoo: Glad you liked the chapter!
Also, thank you for anyone else that have reviewed, favorited, or followed. It is very much appreciated :D
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Fairy Tail, or any other characters in this story. Please support the official releases
Chapter 7- The Strongest!
'Is this it?' Lucy thought scared for her life.
The attack came closer and closer to Lucy, the light reflecting off her eyes. Lucy closed her eyes waiting for the pain to come until….
*BOOM!*
The explosion caused dust and debris to fly everywhere blocking Bickslow's and Happy's line of sight. Happy fearing the worse began to cry and looked at Bickslow in unbelief.
"YOU MONSTER! HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO SOMEONE!"
Bickslow began to laugh and responded to Happy's exclamation, "I told you guys before this fight that this is a war and that means…WHAT IMPOSSIBLE!"
Confused by Bickslow's sudden surprise, Happy looked at where Lucy was supposed to be and saw that a 10-foot wall of ice had covered not only Lucy but a boy with spikey brunette hair with glasses that covered his eyes. He was wearing a slim cut suit and was holding Lucy protectively.
"Ice? That's impossible I beat Gray already, there's no one else in the guild who has ice magic unless…. YOU!" Bickslow said, pointing at the figure who had created the wall of ice revealing Esdeath, who looked furious and had a death glare aimed at Bickslow. Lucy at that moment decided to open her eyes and saw that Loke was holding her body in a protective manner.
"Lucy, are you all right?" Loke asked the blonde softly
"Y-yeah I'm fine but how are here? I can't summon you without my gate keys." Lucy replied and asked confused by Loke's sudden appearance.
"Maybe it's because our bond has broken through the barrier between the human world and the celestial spirit world. To be honest, I'm not too sure. I know that for a fact though, that you wouldn't have needed me anyways." Loke replied looking at Esdeath who was crouched with her right hand placed on the ground.
Lucy looked at Esdeath and was just as confused, "Esdeath-san, why are you here? I thought you were helping Naruto-san with Master Makarov?"
Esdeath stood from here position without breaking her eyesight from Bickslow, "I was but Naruto-sensei thought it was more important for me to join the fight since Levy was able to break through Freed's runes." Esdeath had said in response to Lucy's question.
"So Natsu and Gajeel are able to fight now?" Lucy asked while Esdeath just nodded in response and then eyed Loke, "I wouldn't have guessed that you were a celestial spirit this whole time."
"Yeah well I almost died because of my recklessness. So now you know, Esdeath-chan" Loke said in a flirty manner while Lucy just gave him a deadpanned look.
'I don't this is really the time Loke.' Lucy thought to herself
"Speak to me like that again and I'll make sure you'll die. Am I clear?" Esdeath responded back with a dark look
"Y-yes ma'am…"
"Good, now I want you to take Lucy and Happy to safety and rest for a little while. I'm going to take care of this pest" Esdeath commanded the celestial spirit.
"Right!" Loke said as he picked up Lucy and left the vicinity while Happy flew right behind the duo, leaving Esdeath and Bickslow alone. Bickslow looked down at Esdeath with excitement as he had his minions behind him.
"Well, well I would never have thought that I would get to fight the Queen of Ice herself." Bickslow said with a grin while internally he was frightened and nervous of Esdeath's appearance on the battlefield.
"Your sad attempt at being confident is really pathetic. You should know Bickslow that I have a sixth sense for fear." Esdeath said with a mad grin, excited she was able to let loose even if it for a little. She gripped her rapier with her right hand and unsheathed the blade from it's scabbard.
"I guess I have no choice then, I gotta go all out if I want to beat someone like you." Bickslow said taking off his visor and removing his hood, revealing black and blue hair in a mohawk like style. His face had a tattoo of a man with curved arms that extended outwards. He cracked his neck and opened his eyes revealing green eyes with irises that each have a centric circle that surrounded the pupil.
"Figure eyes" Bickslow said as a bright green light bathed the surrounding area which forced Esdeath to shield her eyes with her left hand.
"Act tough all you want! You can't fight if you can't see!" Bickslow said sending his minions to attack Esdeath from all sides causing her to defend with an ice barrier. The ice began cracking under the pressure from the constant attacks, giving Bickslow some hope for victory and continued to taunt the blue-haired woman.
"Come on is that all you got! I expected more from a wizard- "
*bam*
Bickslow had been kicked in the face, flying through multiple buildings causing massive amounts of pain and was rendered unconscious. Esdeath landing gracefully with eyes closed and small smile, "Hmph, that was anticlimactic. 'Sigh', I guess I expected too much from someone so weak."
She sheathed her sword and placed a hand on her hip, looking at the lacrima surrounding the town. 'This spell must've had Naruto-sensei nervous if he had to help Levy translate the runes fatser.'
Guildhall 20 minutes earlier
Esdeath was sitting, legs crossed and had her chin resting on her fist waiting patiently at a table while Natsu and Gajeel were looking at the wall of runes blocking their path, antsy to join the fight. Naruto was meditating while Levy was laying on her stomach on the floor with a plethora of different books written in various languages beside her as she wrote with a quill onto a notepad with different writings, trying to decipher the runes.
'Come on I can do this! I have to for the guild!' Levy thought to herself but was rather getting frustrated, not being able to get results.
"Come on Levy! Go faster I wanna fight!" Natsu had screamed at the bluenette while Levy gained a tick mark, angered by Natsu's constant badgering.
"I'm trying my best okay! I just…it's hard. Freed's an incredible user in rune magic and it's difficult to transcribe and rewrite it so you guys to go out and fight." Levy responded while Natsu just grumble which in turn caused Levy to sigh. Levy went back to what she was doing until she heard footsteps walking by her which cause her to look up from her prone position. She saw that Naruto had finished meditating and appeared to be studying the rune wall. He then turned back to Levy and kneel next to her. Wordlessly, he grabbed her quill and started to write on her notepad. Once finished, Naruto silently stood up and walked towards Esdeath quietly whispering in her ear and then walked into the infirmary. Levy looked at her notepad and gasped in realization which caused Gajeel and Natsu to look back at her in confusion.
"Of course! Why didn't I think of that sooner!" Levy shouted out aloud and began quickly writing in her notepad.
"What are you going on about?" Gajeel asked the bluenette
"It's like the story of the tortoise and the hare. I must translate the two grammar styles at two different rates then translate that into common lettering then…
"That's it I did" Levy exclaimed holding her notepad in the air. She walked in front of the rune wall, "Let me rewrite the enchantment. Once I'm done you two will be joining the battle of Fairy Tail."
"Alright! I'm all fired up!" Natsu said with a flaming fist while Gajeel beside him just smirked. Once Levy finished rewriting the enchantment the two sped off, leaving a trail of dust in their wake. Levy watched the two leave then saw that Esdeath was walking out of the guild confusing the young teen.
"I thought you were going to help Naruto-san heal Master?"
Esdeath turned to look at the younger girl, "He thought it would be best for me to join the fight. The faster this ends, the less of a chance Laxus has a chance to activate the Thunder Palace." She said leaving the guild in search of the remaining thunder legion.
Present
'This is bad, to think Laxus would go so far just to become guild master. I better hunt down Laxus quickly, so I can end this battle. If he wants to know who's the strongest so bad, then I'll personally show him who's the best' Esdeath thought to herself and left the area in search of the blonde.
In another part of Magnolia, Elfman was waking up from unconsciousness after his lost against Evergreen. He blinked several times slowly, to see a Mira kneeling beside him with a worried expression. Slowly sitting up, he rubbed away the tiredness from his eyes.
"Mira, I'm glad you're back to normal." Elfman had said with a small smile
"Please don't move so much; your injuries are bad."
"It's nothing Mira, they're just scratches." He had said obviously pain causing Mira's worry to rise. With a guilt building in her heart, she began to sob and repeatedly apologize, blaming herself for being too weak and useless.
"Mira, you're not weak or useless. You make everyone happy with your smiles and laughs. It makes us all think of the good things in life. Forget about all this fighting crap." Elfman had said in an attempt to comfort the older girl. However, Mira continued to sob and cry.
"Please, don't cry sis."
With Cana and Juvia
"Where could that blond bastard be, we've searched everywhere." Cana said frustrated while running with Juvia behind her. Cana stopped to look around again and turned to Juvia, "How much time do we have left until the Thunder Palace activates." She asked the blue-haired girl.
"We have about thirty minutes left."
"That's just great. While everyone else fights Laxus isn't even man enough to show himself. What a coward" Cana said continuing to look around.
"Laxus is conserving his magical power", a voice said gaining the attention of Juvia and Cana. Purple lettering began to appear on top of a nearby building, shaping and molding into a person revealing to be Freed.
"It would be foolish if him to fight the master at anything but full power." Freed said with a hand in his hip. Cana gave the green-hair man a glare.
"Freed" Cana spat out the man's name in hate.
"So, he's the one behind the enchantments." Juvia stated while Freed began disappearing in purple lettering.
"Wait! Come back you coward!" Cana yelled running after the man.
The two could be seen running around the outskirts of Magnolia, huffing and puffing searching for Freed. Unfortunately, the two came to a stop when they were suddenly trapped by one of Freed's enchantments.
"Great another"
"What does it say?" Juvia questioned
"It says that 'Only the wizard who proves herself the strongest will be permitted to leave the barrier'" Cana read as Freed appeared once again in front of the two women with his back to them.
"The victor will then go on to battle me. You may begin" Freed said
"You coward! Why don't you fight me like a man or are you too scared to fight the both of us." Cana taunted with her fists on the barrier. Freed looked at the two women
"No, I am merely limiting the number of opponents I am forced to kill."
"The hell is that suppose to mean!" Cana exclaimed
"How could you make your own friends fight each other." Juvia said
"Friends…? You're not my friends, you are my enemies. To be perfectly honest I would rather see Cana emerge the victor unlike you Juvia, as you still bare the stain of Phantom Lord. You can't be trusted. How would I know you wouldn't attack Fairy Tail again?" Freed said glaring at Juvia as she looked at the ground in sadness.
"Like you're doing now!" Cana yelled out, angered by Freed's insults.
"Forgive me", Juvia said her expression turning serious and began to transform herself into water, "Tell me Freed, if one of us falls will you fight the one remaining?"
"I assure you, I'll keep my word." Freed responded
"That's good to hear"
"No! Don't do this Juvia!" Cana begged as Juvia flew into the air while colliding with the barrier several times the higher she went.
"It doesn't matter how high you go! You can only escape by walking over the body of your opponent!" Freed yelled
"If one of us must fall then I'll be one to make it so! I'll never harm a free" Juvia exclaimed as she came closer and closer to her target. 'What is she doing? Doesn't she understand that you can't break free unless…Impossible! She's going to sacrifice herself to take out a lacrima.' Freed thought as he realized Juvia's intent.
Juvia screamed as her body was being shocked from the lacrima. Her body came soaring down onto the ground and landed with a thud. Cana ran and knelt beside the fallen woman. "Why did you do that?" Cana said with tears falling from her eyes. Juvia looked at her with a pained expression, "I w-wanted to prove to the guild that there's n-no reason to doubt me. I l-love all of you. The F-fairy Tail guild will a-always be my home"
"I never doubted you. You're one of us now and we love you just like family. Fairy Tail's lucky to have an amazing wizard like you in our ranks." Cana said as her tears continued fall onto the ground.
"R-really? That makes me s-so happy." Juvia said slowly falling into unconsciousness.
"JUVIA!"
'I can't believe this. Why would she sacrifice her life just to save a friend?' Freed that to himself, shaking slightly from shock. Cana stood to her feet and drew three cards from her hand and charged at Freed to attack.
"LET'S GO!"
Somewhere else in Magnolia
"Man…I can't find Laxus scent with all these people around", Natsu said crouched on a building top with his hand covering his eyes from the sun.
"I want to settle my score with Salamander, but that lighting idiot is really getting on my nerves so he's going to be my main priority. If that's okay with you, Master Ivan." Gajeel said, standing elsewhere on a tree branch overlooking the town with a paper shikigami floating next to him.
"Of course, my boy. Earning the trust of Makarov and the others is imperative if you are to assist me in the destruction of that worthless guild." The shikigami said to the black-haired teen. "However, be warry of Makarov's lapdog as he has eyes everywhere. We wouldn't want him to find out about your connection to me."
"I've noticed, he hasn't taken his eyes off me since he found out I joined Fairy Tail. Don't worry though as far as he's concerned I'm a team player." Gajeel said to ease the dark guild master.
"Good, make sure it stays that way."
Meanwhile Mira walking with her younger brother with his arm over her shoulders to aid him. They could be seen along the town's river not knowing that there were nearby Cana and Freed's fighting location. As Elfman was complaining to Mira, believing he could walk on his own, an explosion several yards of them caught their attention. Cana and Freed were in fighting stances, waiting for the dust to settled so they could each throw another attack at each other.
"Cana, did you forget the first rule of combat? No matter how powerful a spell might be, it has no effect if you can't strike your target." Freed said with a hand on his hips while pointing his sword at the brunette.
"Whatever! Card magic: Heaven, Reverse death, Mountain! Summoned Lighting!" Cana called out her attack as a green magic seal appeared before her and sent green bolts of lighting towards Freed. Freed stared at the incoming attack unfazed as his right eye glowed with the pupils and iris turning purple and sclera turning pitch black.
"Dark Ècriture: Repel!", Freed called out as Cana's spell was sent back at her, causing the bridge she was standing on to collapse under her. Freed walked towards the edge of the destroyed bridge to see Cana on her hands and knees struggling to get up and continue fighting.
"You're tough. A testament to your many years of service to the guild however, I think this fight is over." Freed said readying his sword for another attack. Cana finally standing up to her feet albeit barely with any strength.
"Freed, I want you to listen to me. I want you take to back all that crap you said about Juvia."
Unfortunately for Cana, her statement was ignored as she felt something strike her forehead. Shocked she looked up to see Freed's arm extended out with his eye still glowing. An enchantment then appeared on her forehead and suddenly Cana felt excruciating pain all over her body. The attack caused her to fall back and go unconscious. Meanwhile, Mira and Elfman looked at event in horror.
"Stop it! This has gone too far!"
"How dare you Freed!"
Mira and Elfman cried fearing for their friend's life. Freed looked at the both of them unimpressed, "You've already lost to Evergreen therefore you are unable to rejoin the game."
"Oh yeah!"
"We're apart of the same guild! We shouldn't be fighting each other!"
"We were once, however, the purpose of this game is to restructure the guild to reflect Laxus' vision for it. As such we much break these meaningless bonds. Laxus' enemies are my enemies." Freed responded
"I'll just have to defeat you both!", Elfman said as he charged towards Freed. Freed's right eye glowed again and swung his sword with an enchantment appearing on Elfman's chest.
"I told you before those who are have already lost can't rejoin the game." Freed said calmly, "Dark Ècriture: Pain." Elfman screamed as pain was felt throughout his body.
"Dark Ècriture: Terror, Suffering"
Mira cried, begging Freed to stop torturing her brother. However, her pleas went unheard as Freed continued slashing applying more and more enchantments of pain onto Elfman. Eventually Freed stopped however, he wasn't finished with Elfman's punishment.
"Now for the finally Dark Ècriture…. Death"
After the word "Death" was muttered by Freed time seemed to have stopped for Mira. Images of the past went through her mind. It was raining, and an image of a person's grave came to mind and the horrible roar of a monster could be heard as well. The repressed memories of her deceased younger sister Lisanna final moments replayed continuously. She remembered the feeling of being helpless as her sister laid in the dirt choking on her own blood. As her mind replayed the memories, the dark feeling of anger started clawing out of her body. She tried her best to restrict it but soon she just gave in to her hate.
Before Freed could invoke the final attack to end Elfman's life, an explosion of power began to shake the ground he stood on. He looked where this magical energy was coming from and was shocked to find Mira's body glowing as the source. Mira was holding her face with tears running down her check and was screaming. Her cries became louder and louder until another explosion of magic destroyed the surrounding area. A massive black magic circle appeared above her as her screams no longer sounded human. Her maroon dress was replaced by skimpy one piece body suit which exposed her stomach and cleavage. Her hair jutted upwards becoming wilder and curlier in look and front ponytail became longer. Her human hands became scaly and her ears became elf-like and a tail could be seen protruding out from behind her. A zigzag marking also appeared over her right eye and appeared on her bare thighs and on her breast.
Once her transformation was complete; she had looked above where Freed was, giving him a death glare and crouched preparing for an attack. Mira leaped with immense speed with a fist ready to strike. Freed sensing the incoming danger reacted quickly and placed an enchantment on himself.
"Dark Ècriture: Wings!"
The technique allowing him to fly and barely dodge the incoming attack. Mira's fist hit the ground, causing a small crater and dust to fly everywhere. She once again looked where Freed was and summoned wings of her own, following him for another strike. Freed was put on defense as Mira was relentlessly attacking him but eventually he was struck down to the ground. He quickly recovered and fly away to gain more distance from Mira, She however, appeared behind him. He turned to face her and stared wide eyed, shaking in fear.
'Th-This is her take-over power…the She-Devil, Satan Soul!' Freed thought.
"Die." Mira said in a cold tone as she extended her hand towards him with a magic circle appearing on her palm.
"Darkness Stream!"
Out from the magic circle came several black hands that tried to grab Freed however, he managed to cut several of them with his sword. "Dark…!" Freed started but was struck as Mirajane's claws sent him flying back several feet. Freed began to flee again with Mira following close behind. Freed looked back at her, 'I have no choice then…' he thought.
"Only evil can battle evil! Dark Ècriture: Darkness!"
Freed's body turned into that of a demon and raised a fist to punch Mira who, also threw one of her own. Their collided fists creating shockwaves as their fists were enhanced with magical energy. After a series of punches, Mira kneed Freed in the jaw but quickly recovered and charged at her. Once collided they crashed into a building and Mira placed a hand on Freed's chest.
"Evil Spark!"
As waves of lighting was electrocuting Freed, he was blasted into the ground creating a crater. Freed struggled to get up. "S-Such magic power…. I had heard tales of her power but, I never thought Mirajane would be capable of this." Freed said in amazement while Mira continued to give a him a cold glare. "However, I can't afford to lose this battle!" Freed said as he began to power up.
"Darkness Breath!"
A large, dark tornado sent Mira into the air. Once it disappeared, Freed was right in front of her with a dark orb in his hands.
"Darkness Flash Bomb!"
Freed slammed the orb into Mira, sending her into the river. "Did I get her?" Freed questioned when suddenly the water in the river began to whirl with Mirajane twirling as the epicenter.
'She's controlling the water?' Freed thought as Mira sent the water towards him.
"Evil Explosion!"
The water crashed into Freed sending him back. Mira then headbutted him, knocking him back further. She gathered her hands together as a dark, electrical orb of energy gathered inbetween them.
"Soul Extinction!"
Mira blasted Freed with the dark energy wave and once collided, caused a massive explosion that could be seen all over Magnolia. Once the light of the blast died down, Freed, knocked out of his transformation, fell to the ground creating a large crater with much of his torso coat destroyed. Mira landed in front of him with glowing red eyes and charged at Freed, grabbing him by the throat and punched his head deeper into the ground. She raised her fist again and was mid-way in her swing until she stopped before she could make contact. An image of a Lisanna had came to the forefront of her mind, realizing that what she was about to do was a mistake. She sat up and returned normal much to the confusion of Freed.
"What are you doing...?" Freed questioned
"All this fighting, it's meaningless…" Mira had responded with a small but sad smile.
"Spare me the false pity, Mira…Just finish me off!" Freed said.
"We're comrades…Friends and Family…We eat, have fun, and laugh together…" Mira said softly
"No! Laxus is my only ally!" Freed said in denial.
"You know that's not true Freed…You've always known that. It's not wrong to depend on one person, but that doesn't mean you shut out the rest of us. You're surrounded by so many people, who love and care for you." Mira said as Freed's eyes widen. "All you have to do is just reach out and you'll find them there." Mira said as she grabbed Freed's hand. "Once you're able to see that…you'll never forget that you're alone."
Hearing Mira's word brought tears to Freed's. "I never… wanted to do… this." Freed cried.
"I know. How about next year, we celebrate the Harvest festival together?" Mira said kindly and gently as Cana and Elfman carrying Juvia, walked to the pair.
Mirajane vs Freed: Draw, both wizards forfeit
The results of the battle read by multiple individuals throughout Magnolia.
"This game just got more interesting" Gajeel said with a grin from his spot on the tree.
"Laxus is the only one left." Erza said still searching for the spiky lighting wizard.
"I'm coming for you Laxus." Natsu said looking at the results from a building east
"And then there was only one…." Esdeath said walking towards the Cathedral, drawing her rapier.
Meanwhile at the guildhall with Levy. "The thunder palace is only ten minutes away from destroying the town. How could Laxus do something like this? But it'll workout! We got Erza, Natsu, Gajeel, Esdeath, and Mystogan too…even if I've never seen him before." Levy said when she heard footsteps coming from the guild entrance. "Who would come at a time like this?"
The person entered in revealing Ploryusica. "Where is the old fool?"
"Ms. Ploryusica! Why are you-?" Levy questioned.
"I asked where Makarov is?" Ploryusica repeated.
"Oh right, the master is in the infirmary with Naruto-san."
"Naruto you say? He's here?" Ploryusica question raising an eyebrow at the name of her former comrade.
"Yes, but please hurry!" Levy said taking the old woman to the infirmary. The two entered the room and saw Naruto standing over Makarov's bed with his hand glowing green over Makarov's chest. Naruto turned his head to look at them and was shocked to see Ploryusica.
"P-Ploryusica is that you?" Naruto question
"Of course, it is." Ploryusica responded walking next to him while eying him very closely. "Naruto, please bring Laxus here."
Naruto's hand stopped glowing, "No problem, I have to deal with the boy anyways. This fight as dragged on for too long." Before Naruto could walk away, Ploryusica grabbed his hand. "I know what you're feeling Naruto but don't be too harsh on the boy." Ploryusica said.
"I gave Makarov my warning years ago that he wouldn't like it if I had to intervene. Now if you excuse me I have to deal with Makarov's grandson." Naruto said and walked out of the room.
"Is the master going to be okay?" Levy question.
"To think that Laxus would be doing something like that with Makarov on his death bed."
"You mean that Master is dying!" Levy cried out
"No, but he would've passed on already if not for Naruto delaying whatever is plaguing Makarov." Ploryusica said in a somber tone.
Meanwhile Laxus was siting in front of the podium looking at the countdown for the Thunder Palace. "The time has come old man. Just six minutes before the Thunder Palace activates…. No intention of surrendering. Just as stubborn as ever." Laxus said. He heard the sound of footsteps approaching him. He turned to see who it was and saw the mysterious Mystogan with a staff in one hand and others on his back.
"Oh? So, you're the first to arrive…Mystogan" Laxus said letting out a chuckle, "I would've never have guessed you would be the one to find me first."
"If you take down the Thunder Palace, we can just pretend it was apart of the festival." Mystogan said
"Your so simpleminded, Mystogan. You know people have been saying that the title of the strongest is either you, me, or that Esdeath girl." Laxus said
"It makes no difference to me, but I were I betting man I would say that Gildarts or Naruto-san is the strongest among us. But you're also forgetting Erza." Mystogan said
"Please, that old geezer is never coming back, and Naruto is barely even around never showing off what he can do anyways. As for Erza, she has promise but she's still weak compare to you or I." Laxus mockingly said.
"Erza? Weak? You must be truly blind if you think she's a weak mage." Mystogan said
"I can acknowledge you and maybe Esdeath's skills, even if I think she shouldn't even carry that medallion she wears so proudly. The title of the strongest only belongs to one of us." Laxus declared
"If that's how you truly see things Laxus, then you really are the simpleminded one here." Mystogan said.
"Let's fight to see who the strongest is then Mystogan, or should I really say- "Laxus said as Mystogan sent a blast of magic energy with his staff as Laxus send a wave of lighting magic to defend himself causing an explosion when the two attacks collided. The explosion could be seen by Erza and Natsu elsewhere, realizing that it came from the Cathedral.
Back at the church, dust flew around Mystogan and Laxus with Laxus smiling and Mystogan's eyes showing anger. "How do you know about that?!" Mystogan question.
"Wow! Its great seeing you all flustered like that! How did I know…well you'll have to beat me and I'll tell you all that I know." Laxus smirked
"You'll regret this…" Mystogan said as he unhooked the staffs from his back as they surrounded him. "Prepare! For this is magic the likes you've never seen before." Mystogan said to intimidate Laxus.
"Oh, I'm shaking in my boots. Good luck with that! I'm just dying to find out cause I'm the strongest here!" Laxus declared.
"Skyscraper!"
The ground beneath Laxus glowed and exploded, sending him high into the sky as the church was destroyed into bits. "What?! That's impossible?! The entire church…?!" Laxus said as the sky opened up revealing a terrifying monster with glowing red eyes and rotten sharp teeth. Laxus' body was wrapped in tentacle like appendages causing him to scream in terror as he began to power up to escape. Soon the illusion stopped revealing Laxus laughing insanely as he looked at Mystogan in excitement. "That worthless illusion magic won't work against me!" Laxus said.
"Impressive, however you're too late." Mystogan said as Laxus was surrounded in a purple magic circle and many others above him. "This is the end! Five-layered Magic Circle: Sacred Song!"
"I'd say you're the one whose too late Mystogan! Look around!" Laxus smirked as Mystogan was surrounded by a yellow magic circle.
"Oh no!" Mystogan said as he was electrocuted and Laxus was blasted by the wave of magical energy. Mystogan now in the air, hovering over Laxus, placed his hand together forming a triangle. He pointed his fingers at Laxus forming a magic circle on the tips. Purple energy waves surrounded Laxus and attempted to catch him but he avoided the attack by quickly transforming into a spark of lighting. "He slipped through?!" Mystogan said wide eyed.
Laxus' body was surrounded by lighting as he laughed and charged at Mystogan. As he was about to strike Mystogan, a wall of ice protected him. Laxus swiftly backed away to avoid smashing face first into the block of ice. Esdeath was at the entrance of the church with her right hand on the ground.
"It seems you were saved in the nick of time by a girl, Mystogan. How sad." Laxus said mockingly to the hooded wizard. "Thank you Esdeath-sama." Mystogan said to the blue-haired woman.
"Humph, don't think much of it. I only saved you cause you're member of the guild besides, I want to crush him with my own hands." Esdeath said.
"Nonetheless, I still thank you." Mystogan said.
"So, you finally showed yourself Esdeath. I gotta say I'm kind of thankful, hopefully you'll provide me with more entertainment." Laxus said
"Oh, I will, Laxus." Esdeath smirked.
"Mystogan don't get in my way." Esdeath said as the hooded wizard back away slightly but was still prepared to join the fight if necessary. Laxus sent a lighting bolt as Esdeath summoned a shield of ice to protect herself. "If that's all you can do Laxus then I'm severally disappointed. Let me show you what a wizard saint can do." Esdeath said as she released her magic power into the air.
She placed her hands together like a triangle over the tattoo on her chest. Her body glowed icy blue for a split second and then she spread her arms out as thin spears of ice surrounded her body. She then brought her arms forward sending the barrage of deadly icicles towards Laxus.
"Weissschnabel!"
To avoid the incoming strike Laxus transformed into a lighting bolt once again and flew up with immense speed. Once in the air, Laxus was holding his right hand while it was extended out and from his finger tips fired several small lighting orbs. Esdeath countered with more icicles causing small explosions as Laxus landed on the ground.
"No bad but I think warm up time is done. Don't you think Esdeath?" Laxus said cracking his neck and flaring more of his magic power.
"I believe you're right Laxus." Esdeath said doing the same.
"Laxus!" Erza and Natsu said in unison standing by the entrance of the church.
"Erza!" Natsu said.
"Natsu! Esdeath! You made it out of the guild!" Erza said.
Natsu looked at Mystogan. "So, who's this guy?"
"Mystogan?!" Erza questioned as Mystogan looked at the redhead dropping his guard.
"You're wide open!" Laxus said sending a lighting strike narrowly missing Esdeath and struck Mystogan in the face, blowing his mask away. Once the dust settled, spiky blue hair was revealed shocking Erza and Natsu.
"J-Jellal? You're alive?" Erza questioned on the verge of tears.
"Jellal!? Jellal is Mystogan?!" Natsu questioned seeing his face for the first time.
"Oh, you know this guy?" Laxus questioned with a smirk.
"You're not Jellal. Are you?" Esdeath said to the blue-haired man.
"You would be correct in your assumption Esdeath-sama. I'm sorry Erza that you had to see my face in this situation. I'm not the Jellal you know." Mystogan said to Erza confusing the redhead. "Forgive me but I leave this to the rest of you." Mystogan said and vanished into thin air.
"Hey!" Natsu shouted. "Man, I'm so confused! Never mind that! Laxus you and me right now!" Natsu yelled next to Erza who was shaking in shock. Seeing an opportunity, Laxus sent a lighting strike at Erza but luckily, Esdeath summoned a wall of ice to protect her.
"Pay attention Erza!" Esdeath yelled at the red-head, breaking her from her thoughts. "Naruto-sensei taught us to always be fully alert when in battle. You should know better then that." Esdeath lectured.
"R-Right, forgive me." Erza said. 'Esdeath is right. I must focus. I have to put Jellal…. I mean Mystogan to the back of my mind.' Erza thought.
"You know, you're very protective over Erza. Esdeath, someone of your power shouldn't have to be concerned for the weak." Laxus said to the bluenette.
"My concern for Erza isn't any of your business." Esdeath said.
"Come on! Let's fight already!" Natsu yelled again
"Oh, you're still here? I completely forgot about you." Laxus said as Natsu jaw dropped in shock.
"I'm sick of your jokes, Laxus!" Natsu said as his fist was infused with flames. Laxus with an emotionless face took off his headphones and jacket as Natsu charged at him. "Your done Laxus!" Natsu yelled. Laxus dodged the attack and kneed Natsu in the stomach causing spit and blood. Laxus then grabbed him by the scarf and threw Natsu at the two women. Erza caught Natsu, sliding back from the momentum.
"You bastard!" Erza gritted out.
"What?" Laxus shrugged. "Like I said before the purpose of this civil war is to see who is the strongest."
"Shut up…" Natsu said barely conscious. Standing up, he wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand. He raised his fists infusing them with flames and charged at Laxus once again.
"You're gonna pay, Laxus." Natsu yelled.
"Fire Dragon: Iron Fist!"
Laxus grabbed Natsu's fist, shocking him. Laxus raised his own fist infused with lighting magic and started to punch Natsu repeatedly while laughing.
"You're starting to become annoying you stupid runt! Let the real mages fight!" Laxus said after punching Natsu one last time, making him fly back towards the entrance of the church. Natsu tried standing once again but Erza prevented him from doing so by placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Please Natsu… stop." Erza said softly.
"No! He's gotta pay for all the things he said about the guild and gramps!" Natsu said to the redhead.
"I know but we aren't going to beat him like this." Erza said.
"She's right." Esdeath said looking at the two, "We have to think strategically about this. Laxus' no pushover and as much as I don't like saying this, but he has the advantage here." Esdeath finished.
"What do you mean?" Erza question.
"For one, I can't use my more powerful attacks with so many civilians in the surrounding area and I'm sure you've noticed the lacrima in the sky, haven't you?" Esdeath asked the redhead and Erza nodded in response.
"Well, those lacrimi are for Laxus' thunder palace spell and he intends to use them on the town." Esdeath said.
"That's right and with only five minutes left until it activates." Laxus said proudly with a smirk.
"Your despicable Laxus! You're willing to go as far as destroying your home! For what! Being the strongest! To be guild master!" Erza screamed at the blonde.
"All of the above Erza. I'm tired of watching Fairy Tail sink lower and lower into the ground, becoming a laughing stock in the magic community after the Phantom Lord incident." Laxus said. "I've decided by eliminating the weak I will become the strongest and become the Master of Fairy Tail and bring it to the top." Laxus said
"You're insane if that's going to work Laxus." Esdeath said.
"I would think you would agree with my plan Esdeath after all, wasn't it you who came to the guild and decided to show a display of strength." Laxus said. "If I remember correctly didn't you said that the weak should be crushed under the shoes of the strong." Laxus reminded Esdeath.
"You're right my mindset was like that when I first came…But I gave up that philosophy the day I realized that there's more to life than just power." Esdeath said getting into a fighting stance. "I may not understand the emotion of love, but I understand that Fairy Tail is a family and I will defeat anyone who threatens that!"
"How disappointing…I guess I have to change that!" Laxus said sending a lighting strike at the three. Erza requiped into her Lighting Empress Armor, pointing her spear at the coming attack A magic circle appeared in front of the tip and sent her own lighting strike.
"Lighting Empress Armor, huh? Do you honestly think that it will my lighting!" Laxus sending more waves of lighting at them.
"It'll do more than just stop it!" Erza said as she put up a magic barrier blocking his attacks and sent another more of her own lighting, making Laxus leap backwards to avoid it. "Not bad."
"When two people use the same type of magic, the winner is determined…" Erza said.
"…By the amount of magical energy, technique, and experience, right?" Laxus said.
"And heart! Our master taught us that as well!" Erza said.
"Heart? What a load of crap. All I remember the old man teaching me is that strength is what matters most." Laxus smirked coldly.
"You appall me!" Erza said with disgust.
"Erza… Let me fight…." Natsu said weakly
"Natsu! You can't-!" Esdeath said until Erza placed a hand on her shoulder.
"We should put our trust in him." Erza said. Esdeath looked back and forth between Erza and Natsu and sighed. "Very well. There's still the lacrima to deal with anyways." Esdeath said.
"You think you're going to be able to stop the Thunder Palace by destroying the lacrima? It won't make a difference! There's too many you'll be killed by the body link and there's barely enough time as it is!" Laxus said.
"Well if that's the case then I would rather die protecting my home then live as a coward." Esdeath said as both she and Erza ran out of the church.
"You guys better make it back alive!" Natsu as they left making them both smile.
"Damn those two!" Laxus yelled as he went to go chase after them but was stopped by Natsu.
"Fire Dragon: Roar!"
The attack forcing Laxus back. "Alright you bastard. I'm gonna give you a beat down you'll never forget!" Natsu said.
"Pesky little brat…"
Meanwhile with Erza, Erza rquipped into her Heaven's Wheel Armor and summoned many different types of weapons, all aimed at the surrounding lacrima. Esdeath beside her had several icicles doing the same. "Since our little bet was postponed, how about we make a new one?" Esdeath said.
"Is this really the time…" Erza barely said with sweat dripping from her forehead.
"Hmph, it was only a joke." Esdeath said.
"…"
"The one who destroys the most lacrima gets a date with Naruto-sensei."
"You're on…"
Meanwhile with Mystogan. Mystogan was leaning against the wall while using a part of his cloak to cover his face. 'She saw my face, this is not good.' Mystogan thought.
"You know when I said join a guild, I would've never thought you would end up joining the same guild as Erza and Esdeath." A voice above said, startling Mystogan. Mystogan looked up and saw Naruto sitting on a balcony above him with a bored expression.
"Naruto-san?!" Mystogan said. Naruto jumped down from his spot and landed in front of Mystogan looking at him dead in the eye with a serious expression. "I thought I told you to stop with the -san…makes me feel older than I already am." Naruto said causing Mystogan to sweatdrop.
'That's what he's upset about. Naruto-san hasn't changed at all.' Mystogan thought.
"So, you're this Mystogan character I've been hearing about. I'm assuming Erza saw your face if the way you're acting is anything to go by…. Jellal." Naruto said.
"Naruto please don't use my real name." Jellal said.
"Yeah-yeah I know. Bad blood between your counterpart and Erza." Naruto said walking away from Jellal.
"Where are you going?" Jellal questioned.
"To deal with Laxus."
"You're not going to stop the Thunder Palace?" Jellal questioned. Naruto looked at the lacrima with a smile. "Nah, I think the guild's got it covered." Naruto said confusing Jellal. Multiple explosions shook Jellal out of his confusion, making him to look in the sky and watching as remnants of the lacrimi fall onto the ground. "I-I see." Jellal stuttered in shock.
"Yep. Anyways see ya around Jellal." Naruto said. Naruto crouched down, preparing to jump onto a nearby building but stopped remembering something. "My offer still stands by the way, if you're interested." Naruto said and left Jellal to his thoughts.
'Maybe soon Naruto-san…. There's still many things I have to take care of at home first.' Jellal thought before vanishing.
Meanwhile with Natsu.
"Fire Dragon: Iron Fist"
Natsu launched himself at Laxus. His fist connected onto Laxus' head however, Laxus looked up with a sinister grin and placed a hand on Natsu's chest.
"You're gonna have to do a whole better than that." Laxus said blasting Natsu with lighting, sending him flying to the church ceiling. "I have more power in my finger than you!" Laxus yelled.
Natsu with his body covered in flames, charged at Laxus while Laxus charged at Natsu with lighting. Laxus punched Natsu in the gut causing him to spit out saliva. Laxus them punched him several times with lighting infused fists and then kicked Natsu onto the ground and fired a lighting blast before he could get up. Laxus landed on the ground watching as Natsu barely move with the electricity numbing his body.
"I don't understand this. How is he so powerful?" Natsu said.
"I'm getting bored with you, Natsu. This will finish you off." Laxus said raising his fist into the air.
"Resounding through the air, the roar of thunder, plunge from the heavens and reap destruction" Laxus chanted.
"Raging Bolt!"
Laxus pointed his hand at Natsu as the powerful lighting orb came towards him destroying anything nearby. When the smoke from the explosion cleared, Natsu was nowhere to be seen. Laxus laughed as lighting flicked around his form. "Who's the strongest now Natsu." Laxus said, "But I guess you can't answer now cause you're dust."
"Wasn't he one of your comrades?" Gajeel's voice was heard, Laxus looked towards the source and saw Gajeel hanging from one of the pillars gripping Natsu by his collar.
"Gajeel…" Natsu muttered as Gajeel leaped to the ground, dropping Natsu.
"Another one…." Laxus said with annoyance.
"Stay out of this. I'll beat Laxus!" Natsu said.
"No way! I've got a score to settle with him. But, he's a really monster and he isn't holding back. No doubt he shares Makarov's blood but…. As much as I hate to say it, but we have to work together to beat him." Gajeel said much to Natsu's shock.
"Screw that! I'm going to be Laxus myself! No way would I ever team up with you!" Natsu shouted.
"Take a good look at him. Does look like the guy you know." Gajeel said as Natsu looked at Laxus again and was shocked to see Laxus chuckling madly with his eyes glowing dark yellow.
"That's an enemy of the guild. We have to protect our guild by stopping him here and now. The Thunder Palace has been prevented by the others and it's the time to do our part." Gajeel said.
"You're protecting the guild now?" Natsu questioned.
"I can choose to protect or destroy whatever I want!" Gajeel shouted.
"I thought you said there wasn't a need for two dragons in the sky." Natsu said.
"We can't fly with all this annoying lighting can we." Gajeel said.
"I guess you're right." Natsu said wiping his mouth. "Just so we're clear. This is a onetime deal."
"Obviously!" Gajeel shouted.
"Let's do this!" They said in unison and charged at Laxus. They both threw a series of punches but were all blocked by Laxus. Laxus swung his arm out and sent a wave of lighting and electrocuted Natsu. Natsu flying, was caught by Gajeel.
"Breath!" Gajeel shouted.
Fire Dragon: Roar!
Iron Dragon: Club!
Gajeel transformed his arm into an iron club that was sent towards Laxus as Natsu's flame surrounded it. Laxus leaped into the air to dodge the attack.
Iron Dragon: Sword!
Gajeel swung his leg towards Laxus transforming into a sword. Laxus ducked under it and sent several lighting orbs at Gajeel. Gajeel leaped back, dodging the orbs as they hit the ground. Natsu then appeared behind Laxus holding a large fire ball over his head.
Fire Dragon: Brilliant Flame!
Natsu threw the orb into Laxus' back sending him into the ground.
Iron Dragon: Spear!
Gajeel transformed his arm into a spear, striking Laxus with a barrage of green spears.
Fire Dragon…
Iron Dragon…
Roar!
They both blasted Laxus with a wave of fire and iron creating an explosion. In front of the two dragon slayers was cloud of smoke and debris. "Is that the best the two of you can do?" Laxus' voice was heard from the smoke cloud. Laxus stood there with his purple shirt slightly torn and smirk on his face. "You call yourselves dragon slayers. What a joke."
"That's impossible! I know he's strong and all, but that was a hell of a lot of dragon slayer magic?!" Gajeel questioned in shock.
"It's very simple, really. I kept it under wraps cause I hate the old man's lectures, but I think I can trust you two." Laxus said as his teeth enlarged into fangs and his muscles increased tearing his shirt to shreds. His arms looked like had dragon scales on them. "I was saving this for Esdeath, but it seems you two will have to do instead." Laxus said powering up with huge amounts of lighting flickering around his body.
"It can't be, he's a dragon slayer too!" Natsu said in shock
"No way!" Gajeel said in shock.
Lightning Dragon Roar!
Laxus spat out a massive lighting wave that collided with Natsu and Gajeel creating a huge amount of light. When the light died down, Natsu and Gajeel could be seen on the ground with lighting flickering around them. "You're still alive, huh? Why don't you just kick the bucket and die already!" Laxus shouted.
"M-My body…" Natsu struggled to said as Gajeel could be seen next to him trying to get up.
"I'm paralyzed!" Gajeel said.
"You people…. Erza, Esdeath, the old man, and you two! Everyone in the guild and the people of Magnolia! It's time I make you disappear!" Laxus shouted while releasing a huge amount of light.
"W-Where is all this magic energy coming from…?!" Gajeel question. "This can't be! Makarov's ultimate judgment spell! Fairy Law!" Gajeel shouted in realization.
Laxus gathered his hands together to form an orb of light that was so bright it lit the entire room. "That's right. This is the Fairy Law spell!" Laxus said with a smile.
"Please stop! Laxus!" Natsu begged.
"This fight has gone far enough!" Naruto shouted gaining the three's attention.
"You!" Laxus shouted
"Think about what you're doing Laxus! Is it really worth it! Your grandfather is on his death bed!" Naruto said
"Naruto, Gramps…. he's really dying?" Natsu question in horror.
Laxus smirked. "That's perfect! This is my chance at becoming guild master!"
"No! You still have to get past me!" Naruto said
"What's the point! Once I activate the Fairy Law spell even you will die along with the guild and the people of this town!" Laxus said
"Is that truly what you think, Laxus! You think you'll get away with massacring an entire town! The magic council will hunt you down like a dog!" Naruto said.
"Then I'll have to destroy the magic council." Laxus said
"If that's what you truly believe then I have no choice…" Naruto said with a sad expression. Closing his eyes and opening them, revealing his Rinnegan glowing brightly
"I've only ever had to use this technique twice in my life! Laxus this is the end!"
Chapter End
AN: That's a wrap! Fav, follow, review and all that jazz!
