Chapter 35 – Faith through Fear

Natsu POV

The words resounded clear as day across all assembled, "I am Kibou, the Nightmare of Hope". Flinging daggered glares at Cyrus, the boy called 'Kibou' laughed, however no one moved and his laugh died as he looked about himself. "I see you've not told everyone, judging from their blank looks" he commented in a childish tone, obviously annoyed at the lack of reaction, eyes now sweeping across all faces, "Although I recognize a few here… not just from that beach either, hello Masters of Blue Pegasus and Lamia Scale" he grinned.

I had to quickly suppress the surprise and anger I felt at this boy's actions. He can't be Hope, Walter killed him I thought, He must be another enemy pretending to be him… Although… he does act the same… and I guess there could be other Nightmares who could have brought him back like he was going to do on me I added. Turning my head to Gray, I saw the hardened eyes and slight tensing of his body, nodding at him briefly, a slight twinge of concern was felt in my chest, before I faced this assailant. It doesn't really matter if he is Hope or not… all that matters is he attacked one of my friends I reasoned. "So you were brought back quicker than we thought, Joy must've believed you to be more valuable than we gave you credit for" Cyrus spoke, taking a couple of steps closer to the Nightmare.

Hope giggled. "Awww… you actually thought you'd killed me… how amusing!" he declared, much to Cyrus' surprise.

"You mean you survived?!" the brunette barked. Kibou nodded.

"Indeed. I used a timely cast of my Hope for Time, and a quick illusion to feign death. It took me nearly a week to get to my allies, and then a few days of recuperation before I could return here. Plenty of time to come up with this nifty little plan" the Nightmare explained, folding his arms and holding his head boldly, unafraid of the angered glares me and Gray were throwing at him.

Cyrus nodded. "I imagine it wouldn't have taken you that long to come up with something like this, Walter being so annoyingly transparent and all" the Script mage agreed, causing Kibou to chuckle, "However… there is one flaw you seem to have failed to notice…" he added. The blond boy cocked his head with a smile.

"And that was…" he tapped his foot impatiently. Cryus smirked.

"You asked for a Triplet Code member to see you, and you gave away your presence" he chided, before a blur of action overtook his form. In a fraction of a second a barrier of runes surrounded the area around him and the supposed 'Hope', stopping any of the wizards assembled from interfering, me, Gramps and Gray included. Kibou glanced around at the walls. "You're intending on taking me on one on one?" he mused, "I guess that could be fun… although you're not much in close combat if I recall" he added.

Cyrus laughed, an odd sound, one that no one had really heard come from him before; triumphant yet cold. "You think me stupid enough to do that?" he stated, "I'm not like Blake and Walter, emotions hold no place in me. I erected this to minimize collateral damage" he explained. Kibou's eyes went wide.

"Colat- Agh!" he sputtered, as hundreds of runes, overtook Cyrus' right hand, a bright array of red, black, white, grey, and orange. He had been preparing that from the start!

Before Kibou could react further, Cyrus slammed his hand to the ground. "Rainbow Script; Ruling of the Cataclysm" he commanded, sending his spell into the ground. It was a moment in activating, a long, long moment. After that moment, although it had only been a second or so in reality, I saw an explosion of flame and lava and earth which completely overtook the blond boy's form. "AHHHH!" Kibou cried out as the spell hit him dead on. Cyrus grinned, although only for a few seconds.

After the spell was finished we all tried to see what had become of Kibou through the clouded arena of runes, eyes squinting. "That's impossible, even for you" Cyrus said after a minute or so, taken aback as Kibou stepped out of the smog unharmed.

"Nothing is for me. Did you like my acting by the way, just thought it might make you feel better about your pointless little spell for a few seconds" he rebuked, earning a scolding look from Cyrus.

"How?" the Script mage said flatly, earning a mocking laugh from the blond.

"Well… I did have a week to blow, so what did you think I'd do?" he replied cryptically, before answering his own question, "These new magical spells I learned are really quite interesting, add them to my other abilities and I'm really quite a monster" he giggled.

Cyrus raised an eyebrow. "I saw no spell" he said, tapping his eyes. Kibou nodded.

"Well I wouldn't expect you to, since I wasn't the one casting it" he replied casually, "You see, I already mentioned my entourage, didn't I? There are more than just me here this fine day, I brought along my close associates, and on them I have a Body Link Magic spell which renders me completely invulnerable to magical, and physical, attacks, at the price of not being able to take more than two steps from the point of casting it" the blond explained, gesturing to the area beneath his feet.

Cyrus smirked, "So why'd you cast a spell that would leave yourself so open?" he asked. Kibou giggled.

"Because I know the one thing that'll get even you a bit frantic, Mr Stoic" he said, "Each of us, me and my allies that is, has a lacrima containing a very powerful poisoning spell. I don't like resorting to this cheap trick but here it is…"

"Unless we defeat all of you by a certain time of the day they go off and we all die, right?" Gray butted in. I flicked my gaze to my new mate, surprised by his show of boldness despite all that had been revealed so far.

Kibou pouted, "Gonna ruin all my fun are you, Gray Fullbuster?" he asked in a childish tone, before reverting to his more mocking-yet-menacing one. "Never mind, yes that is the case. You have until 7PM, oh… and they have orders only to reveal themselves to a select few, namely those of you who frustrated me so greatly on the beach. Besides that, there is nothing more I have to say" the blond bowed. "I do hope you put on a good show" he grinned.

Cyrus sighed and deactivated his barrier, before quickly summoning up a new, smaller one that just confined the Nightmare. "Seems like he has put me in quite the bind. No matter, Natsu and Gray-" the Script mage began, walking back towards me and my partner.

"Ah, one other thing" Kibou butted in again. Cyrus spun on his heel.

"What, forgot an insult?" he asked. The Nightmare shook his head.

"I went to all this trouble, yet you don't seem to understand the nature of revenge; it's no fun if they go together like that so…" he clicked his fingers and a shimmering portal appeared beneath mine and Gray's feet. "I think I'll be separating them, the others may go as you see fit" Kibou giggled.

I barely had time to look at Gray before the sensation of falling over took me. "Gray!" I barked, reaching out for my mate, my new instincts to protect him calling out a fraction too late.

"Natsu!" he shouted back before we each disappeared into separate portals. Damn it! I swore mentally.

/

General POV

"Where did you send them?" Cyrus barked suddenly. The blond boy shrugged.

"They've been in enough battles together against me to become annoying and boring to watch. Let's change it up, they've been moved to the two locations where my associates are waiting. We'll see how they fair alone… although… if I were you I'd be sending some support. The Spider and the Silver Tounge won't play around as much as me" he giggled. Cyrus's nostrils flared in frustration, turning his head to the assembled group as the role of leader was suddenly thrust upon him.

"Right… so it is them" he stated, trying to return to his usually stoic demeanor, "If that's the case then I guess I'll have to go help Natsu. If I'm right at who he's sent each one too… then it'll be Natsu who'll need my help" the Script Mage reasoned, before looking to Makarov.

"Who do you need to help?" the old Guildmaster said quickly. Cyrus smiled slightly, pleased at the old man's show of foresight.

"It's best to keep as many eyes on him as possible" Cyrus gestured to Hope, "However… these two are dangerous… so I suggest sending Erza and Lyon to help Gray. We also will need someone who can restrain Natsu if necessary so… I've got an idea" Cyrus blurted. Looking at the confused group he rearranged his plan in his head before speaking. "Right, here's how it's going to work; Erza and Lyon will begin with me and set off towards Gray, whilst I head for Natsu. Sting and Rogue will come with you to locate Gray and then they will head off to find me. If you find a dense fog, or feel as if there are multiple opponents be wary, both of the people we are going to face are skilled in the art of Illusion. It's best to be on your guard and don't get split up" Cyrus explained. Everyone around the brunette nodded in understanding and the required wizards all stepped forward.

"You heard him. Everyone else keep an eye on this boy here. Should he move or try to escape then restrain him at all costs" Makarov barked. Cyrus nodded and then set off into Magnolia town, where the next opponents awaited them.

/

Gray POV

I felt the air rush around me as I slipped through the portal, a slight pop sounding as it closed behind me. "Damn it!" I cursed as I hit the ground ass first, "Where the hell did he send me?" I said a few seconds later. Looking around I could see nothing, save an eerie, white mist. Creepy I thought, rubbing my lower back as I stood up. "It doesn't look like Magnolia, but… I don't think he could've have sent me too far away" I gauged, looking at my surroundings. I could make out the slight silhouette of a few buildings on either side of me, as well as the cobbles beneath my feet. "I wonder if Natsu's in the same situation…" I voiced quietly, walking in a very small area around where I landed. "Natsu!" I called out a few times; if the Fire Dragon Slayer was nearby he would surely hear me.

There was no reply.

"Natsu!" I continued calling, "Are you here?!" I added walking in a random direction. After a few steps, I could hear something. Was that Natsu? I thought, whirling around. "Natsu?!" I shouted once more, this time with success. "Gray! I'm over here!" a voice sounded out; definitely the pinkette's.

Following the repeated cry, I wandered south, quickly doubling back and taking a right turn, until I found myself facing a solid wall. "Huh?" I snorted in frustration, "I'm sure it came from this way… maybe there's a way 'round?" I thought aloud, before something struck me. "Looking into the alley I noticed a few torn posters and other rubbish – familiar rubbish. "I know this alley… this… was where we told Lucy and Wendy this morning…" I thought slowly, making sure that was true, before reaching my next conclusion. "So I must still be in Magnolia" I decided at last.

With this new realisation I headed straight out of the one-way route. If I was in Magnolia, then that meant the guild wasn't too far away, and with what I knew about this town I could easily get back even with this fog. Striding down the streets I began to notice other slightly familiar spots and soon my suspicions were indeed confirmed.

"I am in Magnolia, and if Natsu is too then he should also be able to find his way back" I stated to myself. As I talked another figure rose out of the mist in front of me, grinning. "There you are, I thought I'd lost you" Natsu beamed. I smiled back at him.

"Hah, so much for separating us. I knew you'd find me, did you use your nose?" I asked the pinkette. Natsu nodded.

"Yup" he said. I looked my mate up and down.

"Are you okay?" I asked concerningly, It's not like him to keep his distance, I thought he'd jump all over me as soon as he found me I thought, Maybe he's just high strung 'cause of the situation...

Natsu just shrugged in response to my question. "Yeah, I'm okay, just sore from that landing" he stated, before turning to look behind him into the fog, "I can smell people coming. It's Erza and the other's, we should head out and meet 'em" he said. I nodded.

"Yeah, okay but-" I began to say, however Natsu started walking. "Wait, Natsu" I called out, reaching out for the Dragon Slayer and taking hold of his shoulder. Natsu turned to look at me for a moment, before he vanished into smoke and mist beneath my touch. "What the hell?!" I exclaimed in surprise, jumping back a short distance.

"Was that a hallucination?" I said after a few seconds of recovery, "I've only been in here for a couple of minutes, I couldn't be going crazy yet… unless this is something to do with that mating bond… or Wakaba's playing some trick with his Smoke Clones" I added. Looking around I could see no sign of the pinkette anymore, nor any sign of the 'others' who were supposed to be coming. "Maybe that was all a trick?" I voiced, before my ears tuned in to a new sound; a whistle.

Turning towards the source I saw a faint figure striding towards me out of the mist, a teenage boy. "Hi there" he grinned, giving a slight bow of his head, before continuing to whistle his little tune. I looked at him suspiciously and readied myself for combat. The vibe this guy's giving off is kinda like Hope's… he's one of the other Nightmares I noted. The young teen just walked around for a few moments, finishing off his tune. I analysed him carefully, he had dark red hair and stunning silver eyes that seemed to dance with amusement; Just like Hope I analysed mentally. Once the boy was done with his whistling he looked directly at me, undoing the top button of his pastel yellow shirt, before sliding his hands into the pockets of the black trousers he wore. "Sorry about that, once I've started something I'm in the habit of finishing it" he apologised with a smile. I offered no response, so he sighed "Not much of a talker, eh, well that's gonna make this more boring. Regardless, I heard your little comment… likening my power, my perfect illusions, to a simple Smoke Magic spell, bah. All those 'clones' are nothing more than mere gas-men" he spat the word in emphasis.

I looked at the boy funnily. "Who the hell are you?" I demanded, getting quickly annoyed by this newcomer's poor manners and attitude.

The boy laughed. "Oh right, I should probably tell you my name, since it's good manners and all. I believe that fool Walter, or should that be Prime, calls me Trickster. Hope's in the habit of calling me Silver Tongue too… although in actuality I'm the Nightmare of Faith, and it's a pleasure to be your murderer this evening" he smiled.

As soon as he finished his sentence I immediately fired a flurry of Ice Devil spells at him.

/

Natsu POV

I saw Gray's image flash before me as I fell into Hope's trap. Landing in a crouch, I sent a burning glare around at my surroundings. "Gray…" I growled lowly, instinct-driven anger rising inside, a roaring inferno nearing explosion. "I gotta find him" I thought immediately, scenting the air.

A dense mist surrounded me on all sides, making it impossible to tell where I was now. "That stuff… it's magical… smells funny" I said, taking in only the odd aroma of the fog as I searched for my mate with my nose. Suddenly a thought popped uninvited into my head, sending me back into my instinctual protectiveness. Magic means enemies are nearby… Gray could be in danger it said.

With that realisation I began charging forwards through the mist, desperately trying to catch any faint scent of Gray that would tell me where he was, if he's nearby I added mentally. Eventually my panicked search came to a halt, and I swiveled around in place. Dampened by the mist, but still present, a cacophony of familiar smells assailed my Dragon Slayer nose. "I'm still in Magnolia then" I reasoned, "That means Gray will be too" I added, trying to calm myself a little through the security offered from this most familiar place.

Taking in a deep breath through my nose I finally caught what I wanted; the piney, fresh-snow scent of my mate. Focusing solely on that scent I followed the trail it left, walking with a hurried slowness, a mixture of desperation to see my mate, but at the same time caution not to lose the scent trail. Continuing in my journey through the swirling mist, another thing came to my attention; the faint shape of a few shadowy figures. Enemies I thought quickly, readying my magic should it be needed. Following the trail still, I noted a few more figures ahead of me, so I crouched low and approached as quietly as I was able. Three… no… four… They look weak so I should be able to take 'em I thought, watching my prey carefully. Although the mist would be a hindrance to some, it wasn't so bad for me, with my senses and strength it provided me with good stealth whilst still allowing me to detect foes, a boon I didn't usually have. As I got closer to the figures though, my crouch was quickly lost. From my new view, I saw that another person was pinned down beneath a couple of the figures, whilst the other two took turns tormenting them. Ignoring the burning feeling in my chest at the distraction from my search I charged out, screaming madly. "Get off them!" I barked.

The figures all looked, although they were humanoid, they were definitely not human. Probably some creature summoned by the blond boy who sent us here I thought, as I rushed the creatures. Looking over at the person I stopped dead; Gray was laying pinned down, a vicious slash covering his chest. "Gray…" I breathed, before flames over took my body, "GRAY!"

I charged forwards I knocked the nearest two figures away with fiery fists, sending them sprawling away into the cover of the fog. The other two tried to block me, however with maddening furry driving me I did not think about anything more than the form before me; Gray's bloodied form. "Fire Dragon Roar" I commanded, sending a wave of flame at them. Before it connected, however, the two creatures grinned unearthly, and faded into mist themselves. Confused, but too angry to care, I rushed to Gray's side, listening for a heartbeat, or his breathing. "N…atsu…" he looked at me.

"Gray, I'm here, please be careful, I gotta get you outta here" I said quickly. Gray shook his head.

"I'm sorry… b…ut…" he collapsed before he finished his sentence. Stunned I almost began to cry, until I scented something new. Looking back down at the dead form of Gray I gritted my teeth. "Gray…" I breathed again, before sending my fists crashing down into his form. "You're not Gray!"

Although the trick had been effective at a distance, close I noted the odd smell, and as my fists crashed down, my suspicion was proven true; the image disappeared in a puff of shimmering mist. "They tricked me with an illusion… that… thing… smelled like Gray, but then when I got close… I could tell he wasn't…" I stated, getting up and looking around once more. Despite being in Magnolia, the mist made it impossible for me to tell where, I couldn't even see any other people. But I could smell something. "I know you're there, I can smell ya now" I called out after a few moments looking around.

Swiveling around in place, I turned and saw the mist part and a beautiful woman walk in. She wore a purple and gold outfit, and carried herself with an air of superiority that I immediately hated. "Well done young man, sensing me through the mists. Did you like my little gift, that's what my partner will be doing to your mate any second now" the women said in greeting. I scowled at her.

"Gray would never be beaten like that, he's too strong for anyone to beat" I growled back at her.

The women laughed, a deathly hollow sound. "Is that right… I seem to recall Hope, oh sorry… Kibou, saying something about having gutted him like a fish when they battled along that beach" she stated. I narrowed my eyes at her, anger rising in my chest at the memory.

"Shut up… he wouldn't…" I called flames up, "He wouldn't die, because he knows if he did I'd kill him" I shouted, leaping forward, going to land a fierce punch on the women's side.

Before it connected, however, something show out from behind her and sent me sprawling to the ground; a three-taloned spider's leg. "What the… what are you?" I asked her in surprise.

The women laughed again. "Oh yes… introductions" she said, before opening her arms wide, four more spider's legs uncurling from her back, "I am the so-called 'Spider Queen', the Nightmare of Fear, and you, my dear pink-haired boy, are caught in my web" she stated, a cackle sounding out from her throat.

I just growled and jumped up, flames of pure hatred wrapping around each of my fists. "I don't care if you're the Demon Queen, anyone who even thinks about threatening Gray will be burned to a pile of ashes" I said, before beginning my attacks again.

/

General POV

Cyrus, Lyon, Erza and the Twin Dragons charged through Magnolia's streets. Cyrus' ever watchful eyes darted around, searching for any sign of attack. There was none, although, that could be said about the streets themselves too; not a single person could be seen. "Faith must have used some kind of trick, or illusion to keep everyone inside. That minimizes the number of other people running around and spotting his hallucinations" he said aloud, earning a slight nod from Erza.

On the way, Cyrus had already explained about the illusionary prowess of the two they would be facing, and although he could only guess which Nightmare was fighting who, the details he gave them all about their abilities did strongly support his beliefs. "If I am correct, then we are heading towards Gray's position now, where Faith is fighting him. He looks around Walter's age, but don't be fooled by any false smile he gives you, he is very dangerous. He goes into every battle assuming he's going to lose or die, and so he holds nothing back" Cyrus added a few moments later. Sting scented the air in front of them as he was told this new information.

"I can smell something up ahead" Sting called out. Cyrus looked to the blond for a moment, before fixing his gaze ahead, rainbow colours filling his eyes.

"Yes, I can see the mist, it's just up ahead" the brunette stated, before gesturing for everyone to stop. They all did and Cyrus deactivated his Eye magic. "I think it's best we split up before you enter the fog. Sting, you come with me so we can locate Natsu, and Rogue, Erza and Lyon, if you continue then you should be able to find Gray" Cyrus said flatly. Erza and Lyon nodded in agreement, however Sting looked confused.

"I thought we'd agreed to all find Gray whilst you go off after Natsu" the blond White Dragon Slayer stated. Cyrus nodded, but his face showed a withdrawn look.

"Yes… but the situation might be a bit direr than I thought. Judging from the thickness of that mist, and the strength of the spell, Faith has not even begun to use his full power, and since it's been a little while since Gray and were taken then… it must mean Gray's already being fooled by the tricks and isn't succeeding against Faith. If that's the case then I may need help finding Natsu more quickly, understand?" the Script mage explained. Sting nodded and gave a slight look to Rogue, who didn't react.

"Alright, let's go. Keep safe Rogue" Sting said to the Shadow Dragon Slayer. Rogue nodded.

"Don't be tricked by what you see Sting, I know what you're like" Rogue stated back with a sly smile. Sting nods and then turns to follow Cyrus as Erza and Lyon faced the direction of the fog, Rogue coming up beside them.

"Gray's had quite a few bad memories, it's likely they will be used against him" Lyon stated coolly. Erza nodded in agreement.

"We don't let our troubles show, however I know how bad it can be to face up against the bad parts of our past. Gray's had to face them several times, Deliora, Ur, Ultear, his father… we must save him, as his friends" Erza declared. Lyon smiled slightly and nodded.

"Let's go" Rogue insisted. At that they all rushed forwards, towards the spiraling mist.

/

Gray POV

I panted heavily, my magic power slowly exhausting, yet with not one spell having hit that Nightmare. "Is that it, ran out of juice?" Faith's annoying voice sounded out, his form stepping out of the mist once more. I sent a daggered glare at him.

"I'm not done yet…" I breathed. The Nightmare just laughed amusedly.

"If this is all you can do then I just have to wonder how that noisy pink idiot is doing. Perhaps I should have picked him as my target… then again he is probably doing about as well as you" Faith mused. I laughed darkly and retook my usual Ice make stance.

"Natsu is too strong to be beaten that easily" I stated, channeling my magic to ready another attack. Faith sighed and tapped his foot impatiently.

"When are you going to stop being so damned delusional. You can't beat what you can't even hit" he said with an eye roll.

"That's a funny comment coming from a guy who let's all his illusions do the fighting for him" I retorted, earning a shrug from my opponent. Before he could come up with another comment that would most likely succeed in pissing me off, I sent a blade of ice slicing through him, only for his form to fade into mist, just like all his other illusions. Yup, another illusion. I don't think he's ever gonna come and fight me directly…

"That's seventeen illusions of me you've attacked" Faith's voice sounded out from within the fog.

"Well come out and fight me if you don't want to make it eighteen" I replied with a casual anger; this guy was way more annoying than Natsu had ever been before.

Laughter played out in the cloak of mist, dark and menacing. "I think I'm done testing your aim, and done playing around; let's see what it'd take for you to lose that annoying mental fortitude" Faith declared, another version of him stepping out of the mists.

I grinned at him. "So you want to make it eighteen then?" I questioned him, forming an icy sword in my hand. The boy shook his head. "No, I'm going to see how far I can really push you. Ever since you stepped into this fog I have been slowly reading your mind and collecting data, and now… I've got the perfect opponent for you to fight" he grinned evilly at me, before another person stepped out of the mists beside him.

"Hello boy" Silver Fullbuster, my father, greeted. I looked blankly at the illusion, images of the last time I saw him, in Tartaros, filling my head. Faith giggled gleefully.

"Exactly as I'd expect, now… Mr. Silver, if you would be so kind as to destroy your son" Faith gestured for Silver to step forward. The Ice Devil Slayer sighed.

"Sorry 'bout this, but I have to do it" he said. I nodded, the tattoo that gave me my own Ice Devil Slayer power pulsed. I held my arm for a moment, before hardening my resolve. It's only an illusion I thought, My real father died, and then died again later I added.

Silver smirked. "Let's see how well you use my power" he said. I nodded and felt the flow of Devil Slayer power emanate from my right arm.

"Let's do this" I smirked, sending a blast of purple devil ice at my opponent. Silver laughed and dodged the attack.

"You'll have to do better than that" he said.

"I'm just getting started" I retorted, charging up my magic to full. Faith smirked and his eighteenth incarnation faded into the mists.

"This'll be fun" he said gleefully. I was too absorbed in beating my father to notice the slight shift in the mists.

I'll be this illusion… then I'll find that damned Nightmare brat and beat him too I thought viciously.

/

Natsu POV

"You're one strange lady. You keep blocking all my attacks with those creepy spider legs" I said, warily circling my opponent. The women maintained her annoyingly perfect poise as she stared down her nose at me.

"Dear me, you haven't been able to land a single attack yet. I had hoped for a bit of fun, after all Hope talked about you I thought you might be at least able to provide a little entertainment. I suppose I shouldn't have expect anything though…" she mused. I growled at her, however she glared back. "That isn't a noise a civilized person would make, do you think yourself some kind of beast?" she asked.

I gritted my teeth; the more this woman talked the more I wanted to tear her limb from limb. To make matters worse my inner dragon was make increasingly louder demands for me to find my mate. "I've gotta finish this quickly" I muttered to myself.

The woman, so-called Fear, scowled. "Muttering isn't polite boy, speak up if you've got something to say" she reprimanded me. I grinned, I could feel the anger fueling my magic.

"Oh I've got something to say to you all right, it's right here!" I declared. Surging forward with flaming feet, an immolated fist aiming directly for the Nightmares face. She smiled and as I neared I stopped midflight; Gray smiled at me, before a blade ran through his chest. I shook my head and as the illusion vanished, I realised that the woman had too. Laughter rang out around the streets. "That was too easy. One look at your mate and you stop… but one picture of their grisly demise and you go white as a sheet. If you want to beat me dear, then you're going to have to do so much better" she giggled from within the mist.

"Damn it, stop hiding!" I barked. More laughter followed my comment.

"No. Come find me" she retorted. Suddenly two gruesome figures shot out of the mists, twisted creatures somewhere between human and serpent. I struck them both down instantly and charged in the direction they had come from. An arena of mist swirled about the place a short distance on, clear vision within a circle, where the mist was holding back. She's doing this deliberately… I thought quickly.

As if she read my mind a confirming laugh rang out. "I think it's time I see how good you are, Natsu Dragneel. Show me your power, and let's see how long it'll take for you to break. In this place, you will fight all the creatures you are most afraid of" the Nightmare stated.

I snorted, "There ain't nothing I'm afraid of, lady. Bring it on, or stop wasting my time and tell me where Gray is" I shouted back, fury and annoyance filling my voice.

An audible sigh sounded out. "Are you sure there isn't anything you're afraid of… saaaay… this" she said, before a figure stomped out of the mist. I jumped a little at the sudden appearance, however it did not frighten me too much. Staring me down was a large, monstrous-looking creature, with three bird-like heads atop long, sloping serpentine necks and a grossly bulbous body. I smirked, "That's not really that scary, it's just a big ugly bird. And I know it's an illusion so it can't hurt me" I stated.

"Is that so?" the women said, before the beast roared loudly. I readied my fists, preparing to take it down in one strike, just like all the other illusions. It screeched as one of its heads came crashing down. Suddenly a slight twitch of my nose caught wind of something and I dodged to the side at the last second, right before the creature's head impacted upon the ground, sending bits of stone everywhere. "What the-" I breathed, "It's real?"

The Nightmare's hollow laugh sounded out once more. "Yes, my ultimate power; Illusion of Bravery. With this power, I can make any creature I want real, so long as someone is afraid of it" she explained. I furrowed my brows.

"But I'm not scared. It's just a big bird" I called out.

"Yes, that is true… however, there is more than just you here" she said gleefully, "Before we executed our plan, me and my partner put every person in Magnolia into a deep, restful sleep. Within their dreams I can gather any nightmarish creature they think up and make it reality. Behold my unlimited store of imagination, and as long as the people fear their nightmares I can utilize them against you" she cackled maniacally. My eyes widened; She has that much power?!

"I'll still… beat you" I said, faltering for a moment.

"Really, you don't sound so confident" the woman said, as she walked out of the fog with as much precise elegance as she had before. I glared scornfully at her, before eyeing up her monster. "If you really want to show me that resolve then you know what you have to beat" she said, gesturing to her side, where her creature called out in high pitched screeches. I gave it no more time and charged.

"Fire Dragon Roar" I commanded, spewing forth flames from my mouth. Up until now I had kept my magic use to a minimum to make sure I had enough to helped Gray once I found him, however now was not the time for it and I decided instead to use it to beat this woman and her creations as quickly as possible, then I could see Gray sooner. The flames burst over the creature and it cawed in pain, before dropping down and dispersing into mist. The Nightmare woman clapped her hands unenthusiastically. "Very good" she said sarcastically, "Now how about something a little more interesting" she added. After another moment three figures leapt out of the mist; these were a lot more familiar. What? But that's… Mira… and Erza and… I couldn't bring myself to look at the last creation for too long. Gray…

The Nightmare laughed. "Ah, so you recognize them" she giggled. I glared at her, burning hatred in my eyes and soul. I hate these Nightmares… I'll kill them all…

"Of course I do, but I thought you said you could only create what people were afraid of" I questioned angrily.

The women nodded, however another fourth person walked forward from the mists, a very recognisable person. "Yes she can" they said, "And many people in this town have seen the scary, destructive power of Fairy Tail. It's only natural for a few of them to be frightened" Natsu said with a grin.

I looked confusedly at myself for a moment, before a grin spread across my features. "So you're going to force me to fight my friends… well at least I know they can't really beat me… But I never thought I'd get to fight myself" I laughed.

The Nightmare laughed all the more to hear this. "This should be a very interesting battle, but however can you bring yourself to strike at your very own mate" she said. I sighed, with all my protective instincts I knew I could never bring myself to hurt Gray, however… this was an illusion…

"That's easy, I'll do it for you" Fake-Natsu said after a moment. I looked stunned for a moment, before the pinkette turned to the illusion of Gray, and struck him repeatedly until he was doubled over, gasping in pain. He eyed me with great hurt in his eyes. "Natsu…" he breathed. I felt sick watching this display, however the other me didn't stop, he kept attacking and beating Gray. I felt helpless as Gray was beaten to near-death in front of me, even though I knew it was an illusion. I fell to my knees and a great burning sensation emanated from the mating mark I now had on my chest, a burning sensation that spread quickly to my heart.

"I can't… you can't…" I stuttered, despite all my boasting I found myself completely helpless watching this scene. The Nightmare grinned wickedly as she watched my despair.

"Ha, I knew there was something's you feared. You can't hide your emotions from me, Dragon Sayer" she cackled.

Before I could sink any lower, or the illusion Gray could gasp any harder, a new sound burst forth from within the mist.

"White Dragon Roar" it called, before a piercing beam shot through the illusion of Gray and me, sending them back to tendrils of mist. Still shocked, but for different reasons, I looked over to the source of the beam as Sting and Cyrus came barging in. Are they… illusions? I thought confusedly, I couldn't really be sure of anything anymore.

The Nightmare scowled at them. "Impossible, how could you find him?" she said. I smiled; that was all the confirmation I needed that they were real.

Sting smiled. "A Dragon Slayer's nose cannot be tricked so easily" he said, before looking to me, "Natsu, I saw what she was doing, are you okay?" he asked me. I smiled wearily, but stood up.

"Y-yes… I just…" I began; however, Sting shook his head.

"Don't worry, I woulda been the same if it was me and Rogue" he reassured me. Cyrus analysed me with his usual critical gaze, before facing the Nightmare once more.

"Hello Spider Hag" he said. The Nightmare smiled viciously.

"That's Spider Queen" she corrected, "Although it doesn't matter, with Walter on his death bed, and Blake too busy to attend, you cannot hope stand up to me alone, Script mage. I will succeed in killing another Code, and then another will die soon after" she added, with an evil cackle.

Cyrus smirked as I walked over to join him. "Who said he was alone?" I asked her, "After all, I'm still gonna burn you to a pile of ashes, twice now for showing me that" she just glared at me.

"Very well then, I guess I'll have to use my most powerful ability" she said, before darkness engulfed her form. "You will not survive this, damned humans!" she called out angrily.

Cyrus grinned. "Okay you two, this is where it's going to get tricky" he said.

I nodded and looked at Sting, who smiled. I will kill her, and then I will kill that bastard Hope too…

No one mess with Gray, even a fake one… not like that!

Chapter 35 End

Next Chapter; A Coded Victory