Chapter 18: Flame
The Next Day…
Gray and Juvia were sitting at the far end of the Phantom Lord dining hall when they saw Videl walk in. Quickly looking around, Videl spotted the two, making eye contact with Gray, before giving him a nod.
"Beedel, what a surprise!" A rather annoying and familiar voice greeted her.
"What do you want, Snarl?" She replied, sounding annoyed and dismissive, "I really don't feel like putting up with you right now."
"There's a rumor going around that you killed our newest member."
"Yeah?" Videl remarked, "Why do you care?"
"We heard you did it to save a Fairy."
"I did it to save a prisoner." Videl corrected him, "One that could have had information about Fairy Tail."
"We know enough about Fairy Tail-"
"Oh yeah?" She replied, "Then I guess you haven't heard the rumor about what happened upstairs."
"Yeah, some Fairy showed up the other night and wrecked the place, killed Sol."
"Sol's dead?" Videl acted surprised, "That's too bad, I had just done him a favor."
"What do you mean?"
"I killed his replacement on the Element Four." She explained, "She was an Earth God Slayer."
"Hmph. Yeah, right. You, kill a God Slayer?"
"That's right," Videl remarked, "You see, Snarl, I'm not a god; just one hell of a fighter."
"So, you're saying there's another spot open for the Element Four?"
"I guess." Videl agreed before adding, "They'll probably be looking for another earth wizard too. It's such a shame really, we're running out of those around here."
"Is that a threat?!"
"Calm down, dummy," She barked back, "I'm trying to tell you something else."
"Wait… you don't mean- You think I should join the Element Four?"
"Took you long enough." She commented sarcastically before making a straight face, "Why not? Master Porla likes to talk with me, maybe I make a suggestion."
"Why?"
"What do you mean 'why'?" She questioned, "You don't want to be in the Element?"
"I mean, I could understand if you didn't." She remarked before he could answer, "That's some big shoes to fill, there's a joke about your height in there that I'm not going to use; but it could be scary having that much responsibility. Just think of all the competition…"
"I can take on anyone I want! I'm not scared!"
"Really?" She asked with a judgmental look, "Prove it."
"What?"
"So those big ears are just for show." She teased, feigning surprise, "I said, prove it."
"How?"
"You said it yourself," Videl explained, "You can take on anyone you want. These people around you all want to be a part of the Element Four, they're you're competition."
"So?"
"So, don't you think it'd be smarter to start taking some of them out right now?"
"I'm not going to kill them!"
"I didn't say kill them." She quipped, "Just show them their place, that way they don't challenge you later. If you can take a few of these guys, then maybe I'll talk to the Master for you."
"I don't know…"
"And…" Videl added in a whisper, "If you take out more than a few for me, maybe I'll talk to you later too."
"Yeah?"
"Maybe, but that's all up to you." She said with a shrug before walking away. It was not long before a commotion in the dining hall became a full blown riot as fights broke out across the hall. Still sitting in the back and watching everything that was going on, Gray and Juvia felt a mix of pity and amusement at the dark wizards as they brawled. Waiting a few more minutes, they decided it was time to intervene before someone got seriously injured. Gray shoved a path through the crowd with Juvia on his heels until they reached the center of the commotion. Picking a random brawler in the crowd, Gray quickly froze the man to get everyone's attention.
"What the hell is going on here?!" He yelled loudly, and he waited for the crowd around him to go quiet.
Stepping next to Gray, Juvia saw Snarl and three other wizards standing in a small layer of sand at the center of the crowd. On the ground were four other members of Phantom, already rendered unconscious.
"Answer the question." Juvia demanded coldly.
Now realizing who was speaking to them, more than half the crowd pointed to Snarl.
"Snarl?" Gray questioned with a tone of annoyance, "What are you doing?"
"Nothing that concerns you." He spat back.
"That's where you're wrong, little guy." Gray retorted, and Snarl grimaced at the ice wizard until Juvia stepped towards him. After that, he was suddenly submissive.
"J-Juvia!" He exclaimed lowering his face, "What are you doing here?"
"I was enjoying lunch with my darling before you ruined it." She explained, "Why?"
"I was… um…" He stuttered.
"Snarl said that there's a spot open in the Element Four." A man standing near Snarl answered, "So we-"
"I see what's going on." Gray interrupted, "We're interrupting a competition here, Juvia."
Snarl and a few others nodded weakly.
"And where did the idea for this come from?" Juvia questioned the group.
"It was Beedel!" Snarl quickly sold out, "She said-"
"Beedel?" Gray scoffed, "You actually listened to her?"
"But she said-"
"You think I give a crap about what-" Gray began, but was interrupted.
"But she told me-" Snarl tried to add before Juvia cut him off.
"You dare to interrupt one of the Element?" She demanded.
"I'm sorry, Juvia!" He begged for forgiveness before adding, "But he isn't part of the Four, right?"
"Water and Ice are the same element, just as Juvia and her love fight as one." Juvia explained, "His words carry just as much weight as my own. Now, you had something to say, darling?"
"Actually, I was getting an idea." Gray replied, "We like a good fight, don't we, Juvia?"
"You more than I, to be honest." Juvia remarked, "But yes, a good battle can prove enjoyable."
"Well, these people want to prove they're strong enough to be on the Element Four," Gray elaborated, "So, maybe we let them prove it."
Snarl and a few other of the dark wizards looked at Gray and Juvia hopefully.
"We'll take on everyone at once," Gray declared, "And the last person standing gets a personal recommendation from us. Even if you are not an earth wizard."
"That sounds fair." Juvia replied. The crowd around them suddenly became confident, except for Snarl.
"Heh," He muttered nervously, knowing his new enemies were very different from the other wizards around him. He slowly backed away, hoping the crowd ahead of him would wear out his opponents slightly before he joined the fight. Snarl thought that there looked to be nearly fifty other wizards in the room, and he was sure fifty people would be enough to beat two. But just in case, he continued to back up.
"Ready, Juvia?" Gray asked, glancing at her with a grin as she gave him a nod.
"Alright." He replied, making his right hand a fist and placing against his left palm, "Let's get started."
A few in the crowd inched forward until Juvia pointed her right palm at them.
"Water Cyclone." She said, and the crowd in front of her was suddenly blasted by the spinning attack before it began snaking through the crowd.
"Ice Make: Floor!" Gray added, and the entire dining hall now had a layer of ice covering the entire floor. Most of the dark wizards that did not slip or fall on the ice were hit by Juvia's cyclone. Before the ones that did fall could recover, Gray was already preparing for their counter attack.
"Ice Make: Cannon!" He yelled, and he and Juvia were surrounded by eight cannons, all aimed at approaching enemies. As soon as the first of the dark wizards were back on their feet, the cannons went off, blasting through the crowd.
"I gotta say," Gray remarked as he looked around, "I thought this would be a little more challenging."
"I agree." Juvia stated, "Should we end this?"
Gray looked to her before giving her a nod and saying, "Flood it."
Upstairs…
Jose Porla's train of thought was broken by the sounds of multiple explosions.
"What the hell is going on down there?!" He demanded angrily.
"That's probably the fight Snarl started." Videl answered with a shrug, "The guild knows there's an opening in the Element."
"There's no such thing." Porla replied, "I intend to bring Gajeel into the Four as soon as he returns."
"Does Gajeel's magic even count as Earth Magic?" Zancrow questioned. Edo shrugged.
"Cel Rhea was able to eat his magic," He stated, "So it does have some earthen properties."
"Beedel," Porla questioned, "Where is Gajeel at right now?"
"I'm not sure." Videl lied, "I hurried back as soon as I recovered from the fight, and he was in worse shape than I was."
"And your prisoner?" Porla added.
"Gone." Videl lied again, "I couldn't find a trace of her after the fight, and the land was too damaged for me to track her after."
"It sounds like the fighting has ended." Zancrow suddenly observed, bringing the rest of the group's attention to the lack of commotion from downstairs.
"It does." Porla agreed before instructing, "Zancrow, go see what kind of damage those fools have caused."
"Yes, Master." Zancrow replied with a bow of his head, glancing to Edo before leaving the room.
"Do you need something from me?" Edo asked the Phantom Lord. Videl looked over the mysterious wizard, slightly frustrated that the only thing she could see under his fanged hood was his eyes.
"The weapon," Porla replied, "Is it finished?"
"Almost." Edo answered, "Zancrow and I are very close; I just need his assistance in calibrating a few things-"
"I don't need technical details," Jose interrupted, and Videl could have sworn she saw a glimmer of anger in Edo's dark blue eyes, "Just do what you need to complete it."
"As you wish." Edo said, bowing before leaving the room. Videl looked to Jose as she waited for him to speak.
"Beedel," He ordered, "I want you to follow Edo and offer him your assistance."
"As you wish, Master," Videl replied, "But I thought Edo wanted no one else's help on building-"
"Edo will take on any assistants I order him to take." Porla cut her off, "Now go, I've got some cleaning yet to do."
"Yes, sir." Videl replied before turning away and leaving the throne room.
It took her a minute before she caught up to Edo, who smirked when he saw her.
"So he's sent you to watch me." He noted as he walked alongside her.
"Master Porla did not tell me to spy on you." Videl stated, wondering what kind of expression he was wearing on the other side of that fang-adorned hood.
"I wasn't talking about that fool Porla." Edo clarified.
"What're you-"
"How's Gohan enjoying being in Fairy Tail?" Edo questioned, "I know you two had some alone time yesterday that he must have enjoyed. Is that a normal part of your recovery process?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." Videl replied, looking straight ahead as she walked.
"Oh come on, Videl," Edo teased, "You know that I know how everything actually played out. If you can't surprise me, you could at least amuse me."
"Maybe I'll answer you if you told me why you're gathering God Slayers." Videl stated.
"That should be obvious." He answered flatly, "But what's not obvious is what your husband plans to do next."
"Can't you just read my mind or something?" She questioned, "Why bother asking?"
"I wish it were that simple." Edo explained, "But there's no darkness in people that are pure of heart, just emotion."
"Hm." Videl replied in thought as they reached the bottom of the stairs, but before she could reply; Zancrow kicked open the door angrily.
"Master!" He shouted, "We're being attacked!"
Edo coolly looked to Videl as he raised a calming hand to Zancrow before speaking, "So this is his plan? So much for our little arrangement, I guess."
Videl quickly glanced between the two before Zancrow dove for her. She launched to her right, shoving Edo into the side of the stairs before swinging her left elbow back to drive Zancrow's face into the stairs. The fire mage roared in anger as she darted out the door. Zancrow moved to chase her, but was halted by Edo.
"Leave her." He commanded, "We have more pressing matters to attend to."
Just down the hall…
The large dining room was filled with over fifty ice cubes, each one containing a dark wizard that was frozen with only their heads exposed.
"Having fun, you guys?" Gray asked the crowd with a triumphant smirk just as nineteen people and three Exceeds suddenly appeared behind him and Juvia, "I hope you are, because this is only going to get better."
"Now this is a skating ring!" Natsu joked as he examined a nearby ice block.
"Not bad, popsicle." Gajeel teased as he patted another Phantom on the head, "I can't wait to line some of them up and start playing some whack a mole in here."
"Stay focused, you two." Gohan told the Dragon Slayers as he emerged from the center of the new arrivals, "Remember what we're here for."
The group's attention was suddenly captured by a loud bang from behind, and they saw Videl sprinting across the hall.
"Gohan! We need to move, Edo-" She yelled, but a nearby dark wizard interrupted her.
"Beedel?!" Snarl replied, "You traitorous bit-"
Unfortunately for Snarl, he did not have the chance to finish his sentence as Gohan appeared next to him and slammed an open palm on his head; rendering him unconscious.
A few from both the Fairy Tail gang and the dark wizards winced in pain at the sight. Walking back to Videl, Gohan put a calming hand on her shoulder before asking what happened.
"He knows we're here." She stated, and her husband nodded.
"Laxus?" Gohan cued, beginning the next step of the plan.
Laxus nodded before turning to Evergreen, who took center stage.
"All right, boys and girls," She said, projecting her voice so the entire room could hear her as she grabbed her glasses, "All eyes on me."
The next instant, almost all the captive wizards were turned to stone. Laxus then looked to Freed, who quickly began drawing runes around the entire room.
"This is too easy!" Bickslow laughed, along with his 'babies', as they watched the few wizards that were not turned to stone.
"Make sure we've got the entire room covered." Laxus reminded his teammates before turning to Gohan, "We've got things handled here, you can get moving."
Gohan nodded before turning to the rest of his friends.
"The weapon's somewhere downstairs." Videl informed the group, "That's all I know."
"Gray told me Edo made routine trips to the store room." Gohan remembered aloud before giving an order, "Gajeel and Lily, see if you can find anything of interest there."
"Sure thing." Gajeel replied before adding with a grin, "Boss."
Gohan chuckled as Gajeel and Lily headed for the storage room.
"Videl, go with them." Gohan told his wife, who nodded and immediately ran after the two.
"Goten, Wendy, Charle, Elfman, and Lisanna;" Gohan instructed, "You guys secure the recovery room."
"I'll lead the way." Juvia volunteered.
"Merudy and I are going for Edo's chambers." Jellal told Gohan, "Before the council gets here."
"I'm coming with you." Erza added.
"And I guess I'll make sure you don't get lost." Gray chipped in before Jellal nodded and led the group into the hallway.
"Trunks," Gohan ordered, "Follow them and remember, fight only if you have to."
"I got it." Trunks replied before flying across the room and out the door.
"Alzack and Bisca," Gohan stated, "Make sure no one leaves this building, and watch out for shade magic."
The husband and wife team nodded before hurrying outdoors.
"Then that just leaves us." Makarov observed, looking to Natsu, Happy, Gohan, and Lucy.
"Let's end this!" Natsu roared.
"Aye Sir!" Happy cheered.
Gohan extend a hand to the fire wizard, who quickly took hold of it. Happy latched onto his pink haired friend's back while Lucy wrapped an arm around the Salamander's free arm.
"Remember," Makarov told the group as he stepped closer, "We're giving Jose a chance to surrender peacefully first."
The other four nodded before the wizard saint grabbed Gohan's pant leg and disappeared with the rest of the group.
Makarov, Gohan, Natsu, Lucy, and Happy appeared in the center of Jose Porla's throne room. Standing in front the throne and staring at what was left of it was the Phantom Lord himself, who barely reacted to the noise of the group's sudden appearance.
"I was wondering when you'd come for me," Porla stated, turning slowly to face the group, "Makarov."
"And you," the man added with venom in his voice, "Gohan."
"I'm glad you remembered my name." Gohan replied humorlessly.
"How could I not?" Porla remarked, "You're the one that killed one of my favorite wizards and destroyed my precious seat."
"I'm sorry about Sol. I did not mean to kill him." Gohan apologized, "But I'm not sorry about everything else."
"Where is he?" Gohan demanded, not allowing Porla a response, "Where is Edo?"
"They've probably left by now." Jose answered solemnly, "And they'd take that infernal device with them if they're as smart as I think."
"The weapon!" Lucy blurted out.
"Do you know what it is?" Gohan questioned.
"Perhaps." The former saint answered cryptically.
"You are in no position to be difficult, Jose." Makarov reminded the man.
"On the contrary," Jose argued, "Being difficult is the only position I have left."
"That's not true." Lucy told him, "We can help you if you let us."
"Lucy Heartfilia, I'm immensely impressed at your genuine kindness, but are you going to give me my guild back?" Jose demanded, "Or let me keep my freedom?"
"We might not pound your face in!" Natsu retorted, "How about that?!"
"And then there's the Salamander, angry as ever." Porla remarked.
"I'm angry 'cause I remember what you did to my friends!" Natsu growled back, "And they're the only ones stopping me from burning you to a crisp right now, so you better listen to them!"
"I am listening to them, you pea brained lizard." Porla snapped back, smirking when he saw Natsu become angrier, "I'm just deciding not to cooperate."
"Don't do this, Jose." Makarov pleaded forcefully, "No one else has to get hurt."
"You're a fool if you truly believe that, Makarov." Jose quipped, "Do you know what I did the moment I returned to this place?"
"I swore that I'd never be humiliated by Fairy Tail ever again." He elaborated, "And if I were, I'd take as many Fairies with me before I fall."
"Jose..." Makarov began to warn the man, but was interrupted.
"I don't plan on leaving my guild, not again." Porla continued, "This war has only begun."
Before any of the Fairy Tail members could respond, several shades launched themselves at the five from multiple directions. Gohan shoved Makarov aside to let the attack hit him, knowing he would be unaffected. Natsu shoved Lucy out the way before realizing he had no time to defend himself, and three phantoms flew straight through him before vanishing like the rest.
"Natsu!" Lucy and Happy shouted as the fire wizard fell to one knee. Lucy hurriedly stood back up and ran to her friend's side just as Happy flew down to them.
At the same instant, Jose tried to use the diversion to turn and flee, but was cut off by Gohan.
"Are you okay?" Lucy questioned him, forgetting they were in the middle of a fight.
"I'm fine, Luce." Natsu replied, "Worry about me later."
"Are you going to hurt me like you did Aria?" Jose demanded as Gohan held him by his collar, doing his best to hide his fear, "For attacking your friends?"
"No." Gohan replied, letting go of the former saint's clothing, "I'm going to let my friends hurt you."
Gohan suddenly disappeared, only for Porla to see Natsu was directly behind the Saiyan.
"Fire Dragon Iron Fist!" Natsu roared before landing his punch directly into Jose's stomach, sending the man flying over his crumbled throne.
"That had to hurt." Happy stated, floating next to Natsu as Lucy ran to their side.
The Phantom Lord responded by laughing to himself as he got up and dusted himself off.
"Not bad, Salamander." Jose complimented as he walked around the remains of his stone seat, "But I'm afraid you're going to have to hit me harder than that if you wish to live."
"Fine! Let's try this!" Natsu replied, "Fire Dragon Roar!"
The red and orange flames spiraled towards their target, who reacted by lazily waving his right arm in front of himself. The resulting purple explosion met the fire hallway, making Lucy and Happy shield their eyes from the blast. Natsu did not bother to let the smoke clear before diving into it, hoping to catch Porla off guard. The smoke had not faded in any way when a second explosion occurred. The four members of Fairy Tail watched as a purple beam of magic carried Natsu backwards and sent him crashing through the wall and into the hallway.
"Natsu!" Lucy shouted, totally caught off guard when more shades came flying her way as Happy shot off to aid the fire mage.
"Lucy!" A new voice suddenly shouted as its owner grabbed her and dove out the shades' path.
"Thanks, Loke." Lucy said as the well-dressed spirit helped her up.
"Anything for you." Leo replied, turning to face Jose as the smoke finally cleared, "It looks like it's our turn to fight."
As Lucy was agreeing with Loke, Gohan and Makarov were standing to the side and watching.
"They can do this." Gohan said reassuringly, seeing the disgruntled look on his master's face.
"I believe in them." Makarov agreed, watching a Lucy activated her celestial whip, "But I don't like watching my children fight my battles."
"We don't know where Edo and Zancrow are right now." Gohan reminded the man as Loke blocked another beam that was directed at Lucy, "And they could both be stronger than Porla. If they show up, we need you at full strength to fight them with me."
Makarov nodded before Gohan felt Videl's ki spike for an instant.
"They found something." He informed his master as he put two fingers to his head, "I'll be right back."
Gohan disappeared just as Natsu reentered the fight, swatting aside another purple beam that had been directed at Lucy before landing between her and Loke.
"Good to see you're back up." Leo remarked as he quickly glanced at Natsu.
"I wasn't going to let you and Lucy have all the fun." Natsu joked as he stared down the former saint.
"If you think this is fun," Jose stated, having heard the brief conversation, "Then you're going to really enjoy what comes next."
Downstairs…
Gohan appeared in the storage room next to Videl and Pantherlily.
"Gohan!" Videl greeted, somewhat excited, "Gajeel says he's found something."
"Where is he?" The demi-Saiyan questioned, looking around for said wizard. He got his answer when a rather large pile of crates in the back of the room collapsed. The three cringed as the sound of lacrima shattering filled the room.
"My bad." Gajeel apologized as he appeared from atop the wreckage.
"At least we can tell Erza we've recovered what was stolen from the kingdom." Lily added, "Most of it anyway."
"Videl says you found something." Gohan cut straight to the point, "Is this it?"
"Part of it." Gajeel replied, hopping behind the pile, "Get over here."
Gohan followed the wizard while Videl and Lily remained where they were.
"I think I found the place that creep's been working." Gajeel explained as Gohan saw the man opening a panel in the floor, "Maybe we'll find the weapon down here."
"That's not likely." Gohan answered as he followed Gajeel down the hole, "Porla just told me that Edo and Zancrow probably already ran off with it."
"That doesn't surprise me." the wizard remarked before trying to find his bearings, "Rgh, I can't see crap down here."
"Here." Gohan replied, creating a bright blue aura around himself and illuminating the tunnel.
"Show off." Gajeel joked before heading for the only door in the entire tunnel.
"Wait." Gohan instructed just before Gajeel opened the door, "Let me go first."
"And possibly risk letting someone ambush our strongest fighter?" Gajeel argued, "Not a chance, lightbulb."
Gohan was about to insist when a voice spoke to them from seemingly every direction.
"Allow me to solve this dilemma." The dark voice said politely before the door swung open on its own, with Gohan's light only allowing them to see about a foot into the room. Up the ladder, Videl and Lily suddenly grew concerned as a dark mist obscured the pile of crates from sight.
"Gohan!" the two could hear Videl call out, "Are you guys okay?!"
"We're fine!" Gajeel answered, "Someone's just playing games with us!"
"That I am." The voice replied, "But where are my manners? Please, come inside."
"Doesn't look like we have much of a choice." Gajeel remarked as the two heard the floor panel above close itself. Gohan walked ahead of Gajeel and entered the room first, looking around only to see the engulfing darkness.
"Where are you, Edo?" Gohan demanded, frustrated that he was unable to see.
"You may want to turn off the lights if you wish to see me." Edo instructed, "I have cast a spell on this room that rejects all light unless it comes from a source I desire it to. For right now; the brighter you shine, the darker the room becomes."
As soon as Gohan's aura faded, the two saw the dark wizard was not lying and that they could now see slightly farther ahead than before.
"I still can't see you, Edo." Gohan stated.
"Allow me." the dark wizard replied, and blue flames appeared around the room, partially illuminating it. The flames momentarily caught the two's attention, but it was the thing at the far end of the room that caught their attention.
"The Devil's Heart." Gohan declared as he and Gajeel stared at the massive source of magical power.
"Very good, Gohan." Edo said as he materialized behind Gohan with a hand on the Saiyan's shoulder, "You have been doing your research."
Gohan attempted to grab the man's wrist, but only felt a mist-like substance that his fingers glided through.
"No, no, no, Gohan." Edo taunted as he materialized in front of the Devil's Heart, "That's not how this game is played. Not yet anyway."
"That hood again?" Gajeel questioned, "When do you plan on showing your face?"
"Soon, my shadow eating friend." Edo answered before smirking at Gajeel's slight surprise, "Yes, I too watched the Grand Magic Games. What a spectacle that was! And that ending!"
"Who would have known the capital city would be almost completely destroyed by some time travelling dragons?" Edo finished with a chuckle, "Well, besides me, of course."
"You claim to know everything." Gohan stated, "So why does someone like you find it fun to play games when you already know how they're going to end?"
"I don't know how every game I play is going to end." Edo informed the demi-Saiyan, "Seeing into the future is not as easy as seeing into the past or watching what's happening this very moment. But some moments are unchangeable, unavoidable."
"Like fate?" Gajeel questioned, "What a load of crap."
"Even when they've been wrong," Edo explained, "My shadows have never lied. I knew you were working for Fairy Tail before you even arrived. I'm even the one that brought Gohan to join Fairy Tail."
"You did that?" Gohan demanded, "Why?"
"Because my shadows told me your story." Edo explained, "I have to say, the way you reacted to 16's death was so terrifying and heartwarming at the same time."
"Who's 16?" Gajeel asked, totally confused. He turned to see Gohan was glaring directly at Edo, clearly not in the mood to answer.
"And that wedding…" Edo continued, "You and Videl truly are an adorable couple. It would make sense you'd marry the strongest woman on your planet, not to mention one of the most beautiful."
Gohan wanted to rip the man's head off at the mention of his wife, but he knew the effort would have been futile at the moment.
"Don't worry, though." Edo added with a wink, "I didn't care to watch everything. Sometimes things like that are better left to the imagination, if you know what I mean."
"He's talking about your sex life, right?" Gajeel asked for clarification, and Gohan nodded irritably.
"Sorry." Gajeel quickly apologized, "I'm just trying to understand anything he's saying."
"The point is, Son Gohan," Edo continued, "I've seen your entire life. But there was one moment in it that intrigued me far more than any of the others: the moment you became a god."
"Why do you care about that?" Gohan demanded, "And why aren't you interested in my father then? Or Vegeta?"
"Because they bore me." Edo answered easily, "And they're not as intelligent. Someone like you would understand me better."
"Understand you?" Gohan questioned, "I didn't realize you wanted to be friends."
"Ha, no. We'll be enemies, I promise." Edo explained with a sarcastic laugh, "Rivals, even."
"Why?" Gohan replied, confused.
"For ages I've searched unsuccessfully for someone to rival me in skill, strength, and smarts." The dark wizard explained, "I'm immortal, you see, and life gets somewhat boring when you know there's no end to it."
"So you want to fight someone that has a chance of killing you?" Gohan asked, "Just because you're bored?"
"It's not that simple." Edo answered, "That's more the Dragon King's style than it is mine."
"Acnologia?" Gajeel questioned.
"That is correct." Edo replied, "And I think he'll be very pleased to know that people still associate him with that moniker."
"You know where Acnologia is?" Gohan asked.
"That's a very stupid question from a very intelligent man." Edo remarked, "Of course I know where Acnologia is, he's a very old friend of mine. The same goes for Zeref."
"But that's a subject for a later discussion," Edo continued, "You see, I do want a fight that may kill me; but I want it to have meaning as well. Not just for me or my opponent, but for entire worlds; and maybe a universe or two."
"You're insane." Gohan declared.
"That I am." Edo agreed, "My screws came loose some hundred years ago, but that was another time and another world. The only thing I have left of that place is my clothes, my flames, and my insanity. What I have here is so much more."
"And what do you have here?" Gohan asked, "Weapons and henchmen? Scary magic that only lets you hide or spy?"
"Yes." Edo answered, "And much more."
"If you have all this stuff," Gohan inquired, "Then why aren't we fighting yet? Why does Porla think you and Zancrow have run off with this weapon?"
"Oh, we did 'run off'." Edo explained to the demi-Saiyan, "But after I saw the nasty trick you pulled on the dark wizards here, I felt like coming back to aid these pitiful mortals."
"What do you mean?" Gohan asked, suddenly getting worried.
"I mean that my weapon has not been properly tested yet." Edo answered with a menacing laugh, "Well, this weapon anyways."
Gohan and Gajeel watched as Edo turned his back to them to begin pressing buttons on the large control panel. The next instant, the Devil's Heart was glowing an ominous red, and the two could see the outline of a large heart in the center of the device.
Gajeel acted quickly, jumping towards the dark wizard before throwing everything he could muster into one attack.
"Iron Dragon Roar!" He yelled before firing his attack straight for the center of the heart. Both he and Gohan blinked in confusion when the dragon slayer's magic went straight through it before it reformed.
"That was a decent attempt." Edo complimented as he worked on the machine, "But I can make whatever I want a part of the shadows as long as it's engulfed in darkness. You can't touch me or this thing while we're in here."
"So let's take this outside." Gajeel suggested, "Winner keeps the prized heart in a jar."
"You enthusiasm is inspiring, Black Steel Gajeel," Edo replied with a smirk, "But neither you nor Gohan are ready to fight me yet."
Realizing they had no other options, the two watched Edo nervously as he tinkered with his creation.
"Here we are," Edo declared proudly, "I think that worked out the kinks."
"What did you do?" Gohan demanded.
"You see," Edo began as he seemingly ignored Gohan's question, "When Master Hades of Grimoire Heart designed the first Devil's Heart, he created it so that only one man could access its powers, that man being himself. That strategy, though necessary for keeping a dark guild in line, was what failed him in the end. His men were not strong enough to defeat Fairy Tail, and they even failed to protect his greatest creation from three cats. Cats! Can you believe that? Anyway, I examined the flaws in Precht's design; and I perfected it. This machine can provide any number of people I so desire with almost god-like magic power and energy."
Gohan and Gajeel looked nervously at one another.
Videl! Videl! Gohan began trying to communicate telepathically, Get everyone out of the building, NOW! Retreat!
"Hades believed he had harnessed the One Magic inside his Devil's Heart," Edo continued, "But I laugh at his ignorance. He failed to realize that it's not devils that are the source of this great power; because it's the darkness itself that creates the devils. Only the darkness is stronger than the demon, and only in the heart of that darkness is the true power found!"
"Allow me to introduce to you my precious creation, one that has been an eternity in the making," Edo concluded, turning to face Gohan with his arms open dramatically, "The Dark Heart!"
The heart in the center of the machine began to glow a bright blue, like the flames of the room that began to dim as a new light source removed the need for them.
"No way…" Gohan said to Gajeel, "This is using magic… and ki…"
"Ki?" Gajeel questioned, not bothering to hide his nervousness.
"Just like he said… Energy…" Gohan explained, pointing to himself, "It's what I use to fight."
At that instant, Gajeel could only think of one proper response, "Shit…"
Five minutes earlier…
Videl and Lily were becoming concerned. Almost as soon as Gohan and Gajeel went behind those crates, this strange black mist obscured the pile from sight before eventually spreading halfway across the room. Getting impatient, the Exceed attempted to fly into the dark mist, but only bounced off with a yelp and a soft thud.
"Are you okay?" Videl asked, kneeling next to the feline as he sat up.
"I'm fine." Lily answered as he rubbed the side of his head. Videl moved closer to the dark barrier, reaching out a hand to touch it.
"I wouldn't do that, Videl." Lily warned her, pointing to his right ear when she faced him, "This stuff burns."
"Well, we have to do something." Videl replied, "I can't feel either Gohan or Gajeel's energy anymore, like something's stopping me."
"Do you think I should get some help?" Lily asked.
"That might be a good idea." Videl agreed, "But let's see if we can stick to the plan first."
"What are you going to do?" Lily questioned. Videl responded by turning sideways and aiming an open palm at the dark and mysterious substance.
"You may want to move." She warned before firing a ki blast directly into the center of the barrier. The two were instantly confused when Videl's attack went straight through the barrier and exploded against an unknown surface.
"Yeah." Videl said quietly, "We're gonna need some help here."
Upstairs…
Jellal was expecting for strange events to occur today, but he was not expecting one of them would involve running with Erza, Merudy, Gray, and Trunks as they avoided being destroyed by a brilliant orange, purple, and yellow explosion that decimated the ceiling. Jellal ordered a hasty retreat as soon as the first beam of light shone through the ceiling, and he saw Natsu falling from above just before he crossed the doorway on his way out. At the current moment, Jellal, Merudy, Gray, and Erza were catching their breath in the last intact stairwell the building had.
"This building's falling apart." Merudy remarked between pants, hearing the rumbling cease.
"I thought that throne room couldn't get any more messed up." Gray added with a huff, "But I forgot that Natsu was here."
"I should have seen that coming." Jellal stated, noticing Erza seemed concerned.
"Where's Trunks?" Erza questioned, counting only four people in the stairs.
"Over here!" the demi-Saiyan called from the hallway.
The four ran out to be greeted by midday sunlight as they discovered that the entire top of the headquarters had been removed. They also saw Trunks standing in the center of a pile of debris with Makarov, Lucy, Happy, and an unconscious Natsu.
"Are any of you injured?" Erza questioned as her group hurried to the five.
"Natsu is." Lucy said worriedly as she knelt over her friend, "He's out cold."
"What happened?" Erza demanded.
"What did it look like?" Lucy asked rhetorically, "Natsu, Loke, and I were fighting Master Jose when we caused a giant explosion."
"Wake up, Natsu!" Happy pleaded.
"I was able to grab Lucy and Happy when they fell through the ceiling," Trunks stated, "And I used my energy to protect us."
"Thanks for that, by the way." Lucy replied and Trunks nodded in acknowledgement.
"I was able to protect Natsu from serious harm," Makarov explained, "But I believe the explosion was what rendered him unconscious. Either way, he was out when I pulled us from the wreckage."
"And where's Porla?" Gray questioned, "Do you think that blast took him out?"
"That's not likely." Makarov answered, "That man is stronger than he looks."
As if on cue, rubble could be heard moving from only a few feet away before a purple light erupted from under the debris, revealing a still-standing former wizard saint when the smoke cleared.
"Makarov, was that a compliment I just heard?" Porla asked with a wicked grin as he walked closer. Erza immediately changed to her Black Wing Armor, gripping its corresponding blade with both hands and staring intensely at the dark wizard.
"I knew Fairy Tail would come for me." Jose stated, staring directly at Jellal as he spoke, "But I never expected the infamous Crime Sorciere would join them. I thought the black wizard Zeref was your sworn enemy."
"Zeref may be our primary concern," Jellal answered, "But you made this personal when you ordered one of your men to attack me the other night."
"I see that was a mistake now." Porla replied, "I should have told Aria to kill you."
Jellal saw Erza's hands tighten their grip on her sword out the corner of his eye. The next moment, Erza watched in surprise as Jellal stepped directly in front of her.
"Protect your friends." He ordered her, "I will take Porla down myself."
In the recovery room…
When they had entered the room, a few of the healthier occupants of the room tried to fight; but they were quickly subdued by Juvia's water lock. After everyone in the room surrendered to the members of Fairy Tail, Goten, Wendy, Charle, Elfman, Lisanna, and Juvia spread out across the room with Elfman standing guard at the door. A few minutes later, the group was still in the room, anxiously awaiting news from the other groups. The only indication something was going on was the loud rumbling of a fight taking place somewhere upstairs.
"I hope everyone's okay." Wendy thought aloud, standing in the back right corner with Goten and Charle.
"I'm sure they are." Charle assured the girl.
"Gohan's helping." Goten reminded her, "There's no way this plan will go wrong."
The conversation was ended when a dark circle suddenly formed on the wall across from the three, next to Lisanna.
"Look out, Lisanna!" Juvia warned as Elfman dashed to grab his sister. Only Goten had the reflexes to see what happened next. The black circle on the wall suddenly expanded outward, like flames from an explosion, engulfing Lisanna as Elfman tackled her. At the same time, Goten gently shoved Wendy and Charle into their corner before shielding himself with a field of ki.
The two Strauss' broke through the wall, landing on the rough rock outside the headquarters.
"Are you okay, Lisanna?!" Elfman demanded from her as he let her go to stand up.
"I'm fine, big brother." She answered as he helped her up and she dusted herself off.
"That's good." He replied, and Lisanna noticed he winced as he spoke.
"But are you okay?" She questioned, "Was that shade magic we just avoided?"
"I'm fine, but it wasn't shade magic." Elfman answered slowly, "And only one of us avoided it."
Elfman fell forward, and Lisanna saw, to her horror, that her brother's entire back was scorched.
"ELF!" She shouted, but the rest of her group did not hear her. They were too busy dealing with a new problem.
"Hello, Juvia!" A red eyed, long-yellow-haired mage cackled, "It's strange, but I somehow knew you'd be here!"
"Zancrow." Juvia replied, "We thought you and your true master had fled with your machine."
"You didn't think I'd leave without saying good bye, did you?" He joked, "No, Master Edo and I have much more in mind than keeping one weapon to ourselves."
"That may be true," Juvia remarked, "But why are you here in the recovery room? There's nothing of value here."
"On the contrary, Juvia." Zancrow stated, "There's you."
Downstairs…
Gohan and Gajeel stared at Edo as he laughed hysterically.
"I'm sorry." He apologized as he recovered from his laughing fit, "I just never imagined you'd make this so easy."
"What are you talking about?" Gohan demanded.
"You brought me my last test subject, you brilliant fool!" Edo laughed.
"What?" Gajeel questioned.
"I have something to ask you, Gajeel." Edo said, "When you fought Gohan, or Cel Rhea, why did you hold back?"
Gajeel looked apprehensively at Edo.
"I told you I saw the Grand Magic Games, did I not?" Edo continued, "I know about your new power. Are you keeping it for a special occasion?"
"What is he talking about, Gajeel?" Gohan asked, but Gajeel was too busy to answer.
"Tch!" Gohan heard the Iron Dragon Slayer complain, "I can't move!"
Gohan was watching as Gajeel unsuccessfully struggled to do anything.
"What the hell?!" Gajeel yelled.
"You want to move, Gajeel?" Edo questioned, "Here, let me help you."
Edo waved a hand lazily, and Gohan just barely managed to duck away as Gajeel tried to punch him in the side of the head.
"What's going on, Gajeel?" Gohan asked. The only answer he got; however, was a kick aimed for his stomach. Gohan caught Gajeel's leg before shoving the wizard backwards.
"Do something!" Gajeel demanded.
"Allow me to explain what is happening." Edo chipped in, "You've heard of the Grand Magic Games, right? Well, during the final round, our friend Gajeel ate another dragon slayer's shadow magic."
"What?" Gohan said in confusion, though Edo ignored him.
"Ever since the games, Gajeel has the power to become an Iron Shadow Dragon Slayer." The dark wizard told Gohan, "A way more powerful ability than his simple Iron Dragon magic."
"Iron Shadow?" Gohan repeated, slowly connecting the dots.
"There's a darkness that has seeped into Gajeel's iron." Edo continued, "One that I can control."
"I've connected three other wizards to this device, I let you figure out who," Edo informed the two, "But I wanted to ask you something, answer my questions; maybe I'll answer yours, deal?"
"It's not like we're going anywhere." Gajeel fought to respond. Gohan nodded in agreement.
"Have you ever heard of Lost Magic?" Edo questioned.
"It's ancient magic, right?" Gohan replied, "I've been told a little about it. Rare magic and spells dating back ages ago. Dragon Slayer Magic was supposed to be Lost."
"It is, but it does seem pretty popular at the moment; despite its category." Edo remarked, "How many Dragon Slayers are there in Fiore? Or God Slayers?"
"Seven Dragon Slayers." Gohan answered, "But I only know about three God Slayers, not counting your fried Rhea."
"There's other kinds of Lost Magic in Earthland as well," Edo explained, "But there's one thing they all have in common: they're here for a reason."
"What reason?" Gohan asked.
"Someone wanted them here." Edo continued, "Think about it? Why would dragons, the last dragons, waste their time raising and protecting human children when they could be looking for a way to save themselves?"
"Could be looking? To save themselves?" Gajeel demanded, "What do you mean?"
"That's something for you and Metalicana to discuss, I'm afraid." Edo answered, "But my point is, they passed on their magic because someone has to defeat Acnologia someday. Ever heard of the Book of Zeref? His demons and magic are everywhere, all of it Lost; ancient magic from ages passed. You'll love it when you do find him, by the way; he's got a dramatic side to him, a little different than mine, but it's there, you'll see. That's if you don't meet his demons first, they're an interesting bunch. Yet, even they have a reason for existing."
"Are you getting somewhere with this?" Gajeel questioned.
"There are only three ways this world works," Edo elaborated, "There's the way Acnologia wants it, a warrior's world with a slightly entertaining festival every year; then there's the way Zeref 'needs' the world to be; and finally, there's how it is now, the way I want it to be: Weak."
"These two insane men, Zeref and Acnologia," Edo ranted, "They want everyone to fight until they're either stopped or there's no one left to fight them, and it's only a matter of time before they make their moves. They want the world strong, but what good is power if you can't control it?"
"Are you saying that you think only a few people should have power?" Gohan asked.
"You're family knows that best." Edo replied, "Why else would you live in secrecy on Earth? Couldn't you teach humans to fight like you? You know, the way you taught your wife? Or your brother and his, heh, girlfriend?"
"Wendy's learning to fight like you?" Gajeel questioned the demi-Saiyan.
"We don't tell people who we are because we want to live normal lives like everyone else." Gohan replied to Edo, ignoring Gajeel, "And we don't need help protecting Earth."
"Exactly." Edo agreed, "And that's what I'm doing here. I can defeat Zeref AND Acnologia. I can protect Earthland, but there's only one way to make sure it stays protected."
"You want to rule it, not protect it." Gohan quipped.
"With my own 'Z fighters', what's the point of a Magic Council, or a kingdom's army?" Edo half-joked, gesturing to his Dark Heart, "That's just a metaphor, though; I won't actually call them Z fighters."
"You'd be a tyrant." Gohan argued.
"I'd be a God, crushing any resistance to my rule with ease; one the whole universe will know and fear." Edo corrected before smirking and adding, "Remember when I said that I wanted our fight to matter?"
"So then let's fight." Gohan stated, "We can end this right now."
"I'm glad that you're eager to fight me, really," Edo replied, "But I'm afraid that's not how this is going to work. First, I want to see that you are as powerful as I think you are, and my new friend Gajeel is going to help me with that."
"Now, Gajeel, this might hurt a little." Edo warned, pushing a final button on the nearby control console. Gajeel suddenly screamed in pain, doubling over as black lighting appeared to crackle around his body. For a moment, Gohan thought the electricity was magic, until he noticed the extreme growth in Gajeel's ki.
"Do you feel your power, Gajeel?" Edo questioned before looking aside, "Well, it's actually my power; but you know, how is it?"
"This is nuts." Gajeel replied, surprised he did not have to fight to answer, "I've never felt anywhere near this strong before."
"That's because I've given you power rivalling that of a god's." Edo explained, "And the magic to kill one."
"Don't do this, Edo." Gohan pleaded forcefully.
"Oh, come on, Gohan." Edo teased, "Don't start acting weak now."
"Grr…" Gajeel struggled, "You better hope Gohan beats the crap out of me, 'cause if I get out of this; I'm gonna kill you."
Gohan glared angrily at Edo, "You will pay for this."
"Eh, I doubt it." Edo taunted before he blended in with the dark room, his voice now echoing around the room, "Now, Gajeel, as the newest member of my Shadow Squad, your first job is this: kill Son Gohan, or die trying."