Hey everyone! I've finally got some free time so I've decided to crank out another chapter! Enjoy!

The Dark Fairy

Chapter 54

Joshua leaned up against the headboard of the bed and squinted his eyes a little as the sunlight streamed through the thin curtains that separated the balcony from the room. A gentle breeze was sweeping through the room, giving the room a relaxing feel. But Joshua was anything but relaxed. His eyes were glued to a lacrima orb as images of the third day of the grand magic games played out in front of him.

"You need to relax young man. Healing requires rest." Porlyusica stated as she hovered near the lacrima as well.

"You're just as anxious to see this day get going as I am." Joshua frowned, "I should be out there."

"Well, you're not." Porlyusica reminded him, "So relax and trust that they will do well."

Joshua sighed and rested his head back so that he was looking up at the ceiling, "I'm not worried about them not doing well. I'm worried that they won't be able to handle Imperius if push comes to shove."

Porlyusica raised an eyebrow, "You sense something off about them?"

"You don't?" Joshua replied, his hazel eyes looking over at the old healer. "They are bad news. And… they use a magic similar to mine. I wouldn't be surprised if it's the same exact thing."

Porlyusica didn't like the sounds of that. Joshua's magic was a powerful one. Unknown yet powerful. She had long ago classified it as a lost magic along with Makarov. To know that there were others practicing such dangerous spells was unsettling.

"There is a silver lining. From what I have seen, they don't seem as strong as you are." Porlyusica commented.

She saw Joshua's face harden once again, "We haven't seen all of them fight yet. You are right, from what I have sensed the four inhuman ones are not as powerful as me. They are very strong, but I could take them on." As he said this, the lacrima's image changed to show the human in the Imperius guild, "It's the human among them that worries me."

"Welcome back viewers to day three of the Grand Magic Games!" Announced Chapati Lola, "While they set up today's event, let's take a look at our leaderboard!"

The leaderboard appeared on the lacrima.

1st Place: Raven Tail- 23 points

2nd Place: Imperius- 22 points

3rd Place: Quatro Cerberus- 21 points

4th Place: Sabertooth- 18 points

4th Place: Lamia Scale- 18 points

6th Place: Mermaid Heel- 17 points

7th Place: Blue Pegasus- 16 points

8th Place: Fairy Tail A- 12 points

9th Place: Fairy Tail B- 11 points

Joshua's face went pale as he saw Fairy Tail occupied the bottom two spots.

"Well… you all aren't doing well." Porlyusica frowned.

"Yeah… no kidding." Joshua mumbled.

"Currently we have a surprise in first place with Raven Tail, but Imperius and Quatro Cerberus are right on their heels!" Chapati explained.

"And then there is the tie for fourth between Sabertooth and Lamia Scale. Who would've thought that those two guilds would be on such equal footing this year!" Bob Cat exclaimed.

"Remember Mr. Cat," Yajima said, "Sabertooth's results are slightly skewed due to Sting forfeiting yesterday's event. Other than that, they have performed almost flawlessly. And they will only get better now that Minerva has replaced Yukino on the team."

The camera changed to show a woman wearing a strapless and sleeveless blue dress. She had glossy black hair with two buns on top of her head. Her face was a visage of power as she stared at the camera as if it was nothing more than a nuisance.

"I'm getting a bad feeling from that one." Joshua mumbled and Porlyusica nodded in reply.

"Great observations Mr. Yajima." Chapati nodded, "But still, this is anyone's game today. One win by our bottom feeders propels them into the upper tier! It will be close even after today." Chapati stopped talking into his microphone and leaned back to listen to someone who spoke some muffled words, "I have just been informed that the next event is ready to go! Today's event is… PANDEMONIUM!"

The roar of the crowd rumbled around the stadium. Joshua could practically feel the ground shaking even all the way at the Honey Bone Lodge.

"All guilds, please select your participant!"

Joshua payed close attention to the competitors stepping out from their teams and out to the arena floor.

"For Mermaid Heel, it is none other than the lovely Milliana!" Chapati announced. "For Blue Pegasus, Hibiki Lates!" Joshua saw hundreds of women in the crowd swoon, "For Quatro Cerberus, Nobarly! For Raven Tail, Obra!" A figure wearing baggy black robes, a black hat, and a blue mask with beady eyes and a long nose stepped forward for the former dark guild, "For Sabertooth, Orga Nanagear!" The crowd roared wildley as the hulking man with long green hair stepped up for the number one guild in Fiore.

"He's strong right?" Joshua asked.

Porlyusica nodded, "I never kept up much with these games. But, I've heard of the five strongest wizards in Sabertooth. He is one of them." he aged eyes focused on the man, "I hear he even gives the twin dragons of that guild a run for their money."

Joshua nodded at the explanation. He was someone to be wary of for day five, when the battle royale was scheduled to occur.

"LOOK AT THIS! LAMIA SCALE IS SENDING OUT JURA NEEKIS!"

Joshua's eyes pressed against the lacrima, "REALLY!?" he exclaimed as he watched the wizard saint calmly walk out, his arms hidden in the long, flowing sleeves of his shirt. Joshua felt a surge of anticipation for this match, he had always wanted to see Jura in action and this was his chance.

"Fairy Tail B is sending out Cana Alberona!"

Joshua saw the card mage step out of the crowd.

"Why is she in? I thought she wasn't on a team?" Joshua mumbled.

"Mystogan withdrew from the tournament. Said something about investigating a dark power." Porlyusica explained.

Joshua didn't show any reaction. Jellal had caught wind of something. He was just hoping that he wouldn't be left in the dark on it.

"Imperius has selected Fifth Brother to participate for them!" The hulking creature with opaque eyes and stone grey skin lumbered forward with a chorus of boos urging him onward.

"Do you know how powerful that one is?" Porlyusica asked.

"He seems to be more of brute than an actual threat." Joshua noted, "But we will find out."

"Last but not least, Fairy Tail A is sending out… Erza Scarlet!"

The camera switched to Joshua's big sister marching out into the arena, clad in her Heart Kreuz armor and a look of pure determination on her face.

"GO ERZA!" Joshua shouted loudly causing Porlyusica to cover her ears.

All of the competitors stood in an arch in the center of the arena. Several shot smiles at each other, recognizing friendly competition among friends. The only ones Erza acknowledge were Milliana, Cana, and Jura whom she briefly nodded to before becoming completely focused once again.

"Before we begin, let's introduce our guest commentator! Please welcome Lahar, Captain of Magic Council's Enforcement Unit!"

The were scattered cheers around the stadium. But most of the crowd's attention was focused on the stocked lineup on the arena floor. Most of the guild's had sent out their toughest competitors.

"It's an honor to be here." Lahar stated, "I look forward to a good day of competition."

"As do I, Captain!" Chapati replied, "Now then, let the Pandemonium begin!"

A loud chime rang out in the arena. High above the Domas Flau, a black magic circle formed in the air, it's shadow encompassing the entire arena. Joshua stared wide eyed at the lacrima as a massive castle sprouted out of the magic circle and hung upside down in the air. The competitors were equally as shocked by the dark nature of this castle. It's intimidating dark stone clashed violently with the cheery atmosphere the arena once had.

"Attention competitors." A short man in a pumpkin mask stepped up towards the competitors, "Before today's event begins. I shall explain a few rules." The stadium fell to a hush, "First, Pandemonium is a castle filled with one hundred monsters!" Gasps echoed out from the crowd, "Each monster ranges in difficulty, from D class monsters to a single S class monster, of which some would say is the same strength as a Wizard Saint." Some of the competitors look nervously at each other, "The winner of this event is determined by who can defeat the most monsters! To decide the order everyone will go in, we'll draw straws."

The pumpkin man held out a white gloved hand with nine straws in them, "The smallest straw goes first."

Each competitor reach over and plucked a straw from the short man's hand. After several moments, the pumpkin man looked around.

"Who has the smallest straw?"

Joshua smiled as he saw Erza raised a short little stub in her left hand. The pumpkin man nodded and motioned for her to enter the castle.

"Remember, defeat as many monsters as you can. The most wins."

Erza smirked, "You'll have to find another way for the others to participate today. Because I plan on taking out all of them."

The crowd was silent for a moment before loud, laughter filled the arena. The camera panned around to see if Erza would react to the mocking laughter she was recieving, but her face remained emotionless.

"It seems like a member of the weakest guild in Fiore wants to take out all of the monsters!" Bob Cat exclaimed, "I'm not sure she can actually do that."

In the Honey Bone Lodge, Porlyusica was doing her best to hold down Joshua as he thrashed around.

"LET ME AT THOSE ANNOUNCERS!" Joshua roared, "I'll teach them a lesson for doubting Erza! She's gonna do it!"

Porlyusica smacked him hard upside the head, "Hold still!" She roared as she held his arms down.

"Um...well…" The Pumpkin Man muttered, "Good luck then."

Erza stared at the doorway to the castle as it slowly creaked open.

"I don't need luck."

….

The crowd stared wide eyed, mouths hanging open as they stared up at the lacrima visions around the stadium. The competitors on the ground couldn't believe what they were seeing either. The only one not taken totally by surprise was Cana, who merely drank from a bottle of alcohol and smugly grinned at her stunned opponents. The announcers up in the booth could only gape as they watched what was occurring inside of the Pandemonium castle. A loud rumble erupted from the castle followed by a defiant shout from Erza Scarlet. A moment of silence, then the sound of steel slicing through the air. A loud thud rang out and another monster had fallen.

"A-amazing!" Chapati stammered as he watched Erza hack and slash her way through the monsters, "Sh-she's actually doing it!"

Back at the Honey Bone Lodge, Joshua has his right arm tightly clenching Porlyusica as he pumped his left fist in the air.

"GO ERZA! TAKE OUT THOSE MONSTERS!"

"LET GO OF ME HUMAN!" Porlyusica shouted but Joshua ignored her as he continued to cheer loudly.

The images flew by him on the lacrima as Erza launched from one monster to the next, easily dispatching the numerous D class monsters and working her way through the C class like a sickle through a field.

"Three quarters of the monsters have been defeated and it barely looks like she has broken a sweat!" Chapati exclaimed stunned.

"It seems that over the past seven years we have forgotten how powerful Titania of Fairy Tail truly is." Yajima nodded.

"OH YOU BET YOU GUYS HAVE!" Joshua shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Would you stop shouting!" Porlyusica snapped.

Joshua watched with a wide smile as Erza finished off the last of the C-class monsters and approached the dozen B class monsters. Erza quickly requiped into her Black Wing Armor and surged forward, dodging chains and hanging platforms that made up the inside of the dark castle. Even the B class monsters were no match. Erza's swords danced in her hands like ballerinas, graceful and powerful, every motion and stroke precisely timed and deliberate. Joshua watched with silent awe at the skill she was displaying. He had seven years of training with a Sith lord and an assassin and he doubted that he could match the level of skill Erza was displaying, and she was almost entirely self taught. It was an impeccable display of what training and hard work can bring.

The last of the B- Class monster fell to her twin black swords. The crowd was no longer silent, they were roaring. Their cheers echoing around the arena, causing the castle in the center to tremble from the volume of their voices.

The powerful requip wizard wiped her brow with the back of her right hand before she turned to face the five A class monsters that lumbered towards her. The crowds cheers fell as they saw the massive size of the monsters. They were easily twenty, maybe even thirty feet tall and looked more fearsome than creatures from the bleakest nightmares. Joshua closed his eyes to sense the power of these monsters. His own confidence in Erza's victory dipped a little as well. He knew Erza could easily take on one of these monsters, but five at once may be a stretch. Joshua squeezed his eyes tightly as he now probed the monsters for weak points.

"What are you doing?" Porlyusica asked.

"Looking for weaknesses." Joshua mumbled back.

As his sight crept along the monsters his senses were suddenly bombarded by a dark power that seemed to blacken out his sight. Joshua's vision disappeared. The dark side of the force flowed through the arena like a black river on the darkest nights. It choked out the light Joshua had previously felt and made his body go cold as he sat in his bed back at the Honey Bone Lodge.

"Joshua?" Porlyusica shook his shoulder but Joshua didn't respond. He was no longer focused on finding weak spots on the monsters. His attention was now firmly fixed on finding the origins of this power.

Where are you? Joshua swept past the shadowy outlines of people as his sight zipped him through the arena.

His sight stopped at the highest seats in the arena, close to the press box. He had reached the epicenter of the vortex in the dark side of the force. At first he didn't see anything out of the ordinary. He just saw a crowd of people staring down at the arena as they watched Erza engage in a tense battle with the A class monsters. All of them blissfully ignorant of the darkness that was now choking the arena. Joshua clenched his jaw. The disturbance was around here somewhere. Joshua carefully used his sensory abilities, subtly moving by each person and studying them all.

Where are you?

A low chuckle softly emitted nearby. It's sound a hideous mix of a droid voice box and damaged vocal cords. Joshua felt his skin grow goosebumps as he sensed the power emanating from the low chuckle. His sight slowly turned around. Standing behind him, up against the walls of the arena was a figure clothes in all black. A deep black hood hid his face in shadow, only a solid red, electronic eye and a natural crimson eye were visible in the shadows.

"Amazing isn't it?" warbled a voice that at some syllables sound distinctly human but at others screeched like a malfunctioning robot.

Joshua narrowed his eyes, he could not show fear.

What is amazing? Joshua replied with his mind.

"This event, it's amazing isn't it." The figure nodded to the lacrima screen displayed in front of the crowd, "Erza's power amazes me to this day."

Joshua frowned, Who are you? How are you speaking to my mind? How… do you know Erza?

The figure's terrifying cackle softly emitted from the shadows of it's hood.

"I know a great many things you do not know. Things you couldn't possibly imagine. And… things that you have yet to learn but shall learn soon. Powerful things… terrifying things… things that would make you jump with joy, and sob in the earth."

Joshua scowled. He didn't like that answer. It made no sense. He stretched out the force around him and attempted to gain access to the enigmatic figures mind. Joshua felt his sensory abilities hit a brick wall immediately. It wasn't just any brick wall either. This was the most sophisticated mind defense he had ever encountered. Joshua didn't even bother pushing again, he knew he couldn't break through that barrier. The figure made a disappointed clicking noise and slightly shook his head.

"That was a lackluster attempt. Really… that is the best you are capable of?" The figure cockily replied, "But, I should've expected as much. It'll take a good deal of time before you reach my level."

Joshua got the distinct feeling that this figure was grinning at him.

"How about I give you a little taste of my power?"

The dark side burst forth like a dark hurricane. Instantly Joshua gasped and opened his eyes.

"AND ERZA HAS DEFEATED ALL ONE HUNDRED MONSTERS! AMAZING! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!" Chapati boomed as Joshua panted in his bed.

Porlyusica looked at Joshua, "What happened?"

Joshua felt sweat beading down his skin.

What was that? What the hell was that? It felt like Zeref but it wasn't.

Porlyusica shook Joshua's shoulder, "Hey! Answer human!"

Joshua blinked and looked back at Porlyusica, "Um… it was…" Joshua gulped, "I need you to go to the eastern hill outside of the city walls. Three people from Crime Sorciere are there. I need to speak with them immediately."

The old woman's eyes widened then she gave Joshua a frustrated glare.

"I'm not leaving you when you are still bed ridden. No, we will send for them when the guild comes back tonight."

"But, Ms. Porlyusica, this is important."

The old woman shook her head, "And so is your health. So forget about it. I never leave my patients completely alone."

Joshua was going to respond when he decided that it was not worth it. There was no arguing with the old woman. He'd have to wait, and hope that maybe Jellal noticed something off in the arena. Joshua then cringed at the thought.

I can't believe I'm putting my hopes in that blue haired bastard!

…..

Jellal raced through the massive crowds in the arena. He could feel that power subtly moving around the Domas Flau like a snake. A large, massive, dark boa that was slowly constricting around the arena and choking the light away. It was subtle, slow, and unnoticeable to those who weren't specifically searching for it. But there it was yet again. For the seventh time in seven years, this dark power has made it's appearance at the games.

Jellal turned a corner past a concession stand and accidentally barreled into another person. Both of them fell roughly to the ground.

"Geez, watch where you are going will you!?" the man opposite of Jellal winced.

Jellal shook his head to clear the spots from his vision. He quickly looked across and saw a man with short brown hair and tan skin. He wore a magic council enforcement uniform and had a large scar on the left side of his face.

"Doranbolt?" Jellal muttered under his breath. Just my luck, I knock over an overzealous magic council officer.

"Yeah, so?" The man grumbled as he got to his feet then extended a hand to Jellal, "You need to watch where you're going Mystogan."

Jellal blinked momentarily then remembered that he was still disguised. Losing his nervousness, he grabbed Doranbolt's hand allowing himself to be helped up.

"Thanks." Jellal replied lowly, trying his best to imitate Mystogan's reserved behavior.

Doranbolt nodded then looked over at the arena.

"It looks like their using the Magic Power finder to place the other competitors." Doranbolt noted as the lacrima vision switched to several officials hauling a large machine out onto the arena floor.

"Hm…" Jellal replied.

"So, who do think will win second place?" Doranbolt asked, "My money's on Jura. I don't think anyone will out power him."

Jellal glanced at the competitors, "Don't count out Cana."

Doranbolt chuckled and nodded, "True. I've heard she's strong. But… I don't think she's wizard saint strong."

Jellal shrugged as he continued his Mystogan impression, "You never know." He nodded to Doranbolt and continued on his way, leaving the Magic council officer to continue his spectating of the games.

He reached the peak of the Domas Flau. There were no seats that were higher up. He could feel the power nearby. He was getting close. The disguised leader of Crime Sorciere passed by some more spectators, brushing by them as he walked through the confined space. Then he reached a dead end. The door in front of him read:

PRESSBOX
OFFICIALS ONLY

Jellal sighed. There was no way the power was originating from the other side. A follower of Zeref wouldn't be foolish enough to leak out his power near a magic council member, especially one as enthusiastic about justice as Lahar was. It appeared that he had reached a dead end.

"Blue…"

Jellal's eyes widened. The air around him grew ice cold. He could see his breath coming out from his mask. The dark power he felt around the stadium condensed itself around him.

"Haired…"

The fugitive whipped around to see a figure clothes in all black slowly stalking towards him. The crowd payed him no mind, as if they didn't even notice he even existed. The figure strode up to Jellal till his face was mere inches from Jellal's. Jellal saw the face. His brown eyes grew wide and he felt shock build inside of him. His fears were true. But how? How was this possible!? The figure's electronic red eye narrowed and Jellal felt his airway being squeezed shut.

"Bastard."

….

"WOW! Three thousand eight hundred and twenty five points for Orga Nanagear!" Chapati bellowed as he jumped to his feet.

The crowd ooed and ahed as Orga Nanagear's lightning charged fist retracted back to his body. The green haired man grinned as he basked in the crowd's adoration. That was a record for the games, no one could possibly be stronger than him.

"Next up… JURA NEEKIS OF LAMIA SCALE!"

Orga's confidence disappeared. He had completely forgotten about the wizard saint. Jura slowly walked up to the machine. His long beard drifting lazily in the breeze that drifted through the arena.

"Will Jura be able to beat Orga's record breaking mark? We are about to find out!"

Jura smiled to himself and wound up his arm. His fist surged forwards. Just as he was about to strike the machine a loud explosion ripped through the upper stands of the arena, near the pressbox. Jura's fist stopped inches short of the machine and his gaze whipped up to the explosion. Screams of panic filled the Domas Flau and Rune knights raced out onto the arena floor. Even more Rune knights surged towards the explosion.

Smoke billowed from the press box area.

"Hurry! We need to see if everyone is ok!" Erza shouted before rushing towards the stands.

Cana and Hibiki raced behind her. They were all followed by Milliana who used her cat tail whips to grapple up into the stands and rush to help people caught in the explosion. Jura moved quickly as well, helping panicked people quickly and safely exit the arena. As he did this, he noticed that most of the guilds were also assisting the evacuation. Fairy Tail being the key participant. It warmed Jura's heart to see his old friends in action like this again. Kagura rushed up to stand beside the wizard saint, using her status as a powerful wizard to comfort the crowd and direct them to the exit.

"What was that Jura?" the most powerful wizard in Mermaid Heel asked.

"I'm not sure." Jura replied.

"OH MY GOD LOOK!" screamed a woman in the crowd.

Kagura looked up to the explosion. The smoke had finally started to dissipate. Her eyes widened and she felt her stomach flip inside of her. Standing in front of the press box, arms outstretched with a magical barrier around the announcers, was Jellal Fernandes. Kagura felt like she was going to be sick as she saw that face, that blue hair, and that tattoo over the right eye.

"Kagura!" Jura snapped, "Focus on helping the people here!"

Kagura ignored the wizard saint. Revenge was on her mind. Nothing else. She gripped her sheathed sword and sprinted towards Jellal. As she got closer she saw something peculiar. He was wounded, badly too. Blood was dripping from multiple cuts and a large red stain was covering his chest.

Good! He's wounded, which makes it easier for me to kill him!

Kagura's mad rush was suddenly stopped as she smashed into what felt like an invisible wall. She groaned on the ground and raised her head to see the human member of Imperius standing beside her.

"Your revenge will come soon." The man muttered, "But it's probably be best to assist the people here before causing more destruction."

Kagura growled and struggled to get up but found that she was pinned by an invisible hand.

"Stubborn." The man commented, "Good. You'll need that if you are going to even hope to kill that blue haired man. From what I sense, he is far more powerful than you are."

Kagura grit her teeth, her jaw creaking as she clenched it tighter and tighter.

"Now, focus your anger elsewhere, your chance will come." The man said, "I won't let you go until you do."

"Why do you care?" she snarled, "You're guild seems more than fine with killing."

The man scowled, "I care because I want you to succeed. He's the biggest threat here other than the wizard saint and the Scarlet boy." Kagura's eyes widened, "Your highest chance for success is waiting. Besides… there is something else here that won't let you take him out. Not yet."

Kagura growled again and attempted to break free of the invisible grip one more time before finally relenting. She relaxed her muscles and as soon as she did that, the invisible hand on her disappeared.

"No go help the masses leave." The man began to walk away, "If you wish for my assistance in your quest for revenge… then meet me at the Crossbones Inn, western edge of this city. We can discuss things there."

The man walked away and met up with the inquisitors, who were waiting for him at the exit.

"Who's the girl?" The Seventh Sister asked, "Don't tell me you have some kind of lustful feeling for her."

"Inquisitor." The man's eyes glinted crimson for a moment, "Watch. Your. Tongue." The Seventh Sister gulped and cowered away, "She is nothing now. But…" they wall began to walk towards their lodging, "She has the potential to be something."

….

Joshua stared shocked at his lacrima orb. Jellal had been unmasked by an explosion. And he was not looking very good.

"DAMMIT!" Joshua roared as he slammed his fist into his mattress. He glared over at Porlyusica, "GET TO THAT HILL NOW!"

Porlyusica didn't argue with him this time. Crime Sorciere needed to be alerted. Just as she was about to rush out the door. She saw a figure appear in front of Jellal. It was a powerfully built man with dark skin and long, brown dreadlocks. He appeared out of a tree root that jutted up from the floor of the arena. The man grabbed Jellal and sucked him into the tree root with him, disappearing away from the area.

"What was-"

She noticed Joshua breathe a slight sigh of relief, "Azuma moves fast. That's good. Crime Sorciere is already moving." he looked over at the old healer, "How will my condition be tonight?"

Porlyusica rubbed her chin, "After another round of healing by Wendy, you should be able to move on your own again. But you will not be in any shape to fight. Not until the last day of the games."

The teen nodded, "Good. I'm going to that hill myself. There's no need for you to go now. Jellal has been evacuated out of there."

Porlyusica noticed the concerned expression on his face. Erza had flashed up on screen along with the rest of Team A and B. They were directing traffic, trying to clear the arena of the massive crowds.

"Don't worry they'll be fine."

The lacrima orb suddenly was filled with static. Joshua gulped and gripped his sheets tightly as his senses picked up the sudden change in magic in the area.

"You spoke way too soon old lady." Joshua muttered. He threw the sheets from his body and swung his legs out from the bed.

"What're you doing!? You are in no condition to-"

"Wendy, Erza, everyone is in danger!" Joshua snapped back, "I need to get to that arena now! And you are going to help me."

"I will-"

Joshua gave Porlyusica one of Erza's patented glares.

"Don't argue with me on this one. You are going to help me there, or I'm going to drag myself there."

Porlyusica sighed, cursed under her breath and wrapped Joshua's right arm over her old shoulders. Joshua winced as he felt his ribs shift. He then exhaled and did what his master taught him. He let the dark side of the force fill him. He absorbed the pain and used it as fuel to push him forward.

"Alright…" he breathed to Porlyusica, "Let's move."

….

Erza's brown eyes slowly opened. Her head pounded and she felt like she had the worst stomach ache ever. Her vision was still a little foggy, but it was slowly clearing up. Everything came into focus. She was surrounded by a dome of dark purple that seemed to be alive. The magic inside of the dome swirled around Erza. Her brown eyes quickly glanced around. She was still in the arena, the ground was the same beneath her. But there were no fleeing crowds. Instead there was only the two Fairy Tail teams. A few feet away she saw Laxus shake his head and slowly get onto his hands and knees.

"What the hell?" he heard him mumble. The blonde lightning mage glanced over at Erza. "Do you know what's going on?"

Erza shook her head before rising to her feet, "No idea." she glanced around again and saw that their other team members were all knocked out, "But it looks like our enemy is using the chaos as a distraction so they can make their move."

"We most certainly have, Titania." said a voice that sounded completely crazed.

Laxus and Erza looked right and saw Raven Tail's team standing there, all of them grinning and ready for a fight. Standing in the middle of them was none other than Ivan Dreyer. The insane master of Raven Tail grinned maniacally at the two Fairy Tail wizards.

"How are you doing my son?" Ivan said as he looked at Laxus, "It has been a long time. How many years now? Ten? Eleven?"

"Not enough." Laxus snarled, "What the hell do you want?"

Ivan chuckled madly, "You know what I want. I want the destruction of Fairy Tail." Erza and Laxus grit their teeth and readied for a fight that they new was about to occur. Ivan spread his arms out, "But in order to do that, I need to obtain one thing. Tell me Laxus… Titania… do you know of Lumen Histoire?"

Erza raised an eyebrow, "Lumen what?"

"Don't play dumb!" Ivan snarled, "You are Makarov's most trusted mage, Titania. You have to know. And you… Laxus. You are his grandson, he has to have told you of Lumen Histoire."

"I don't know what the hell you're talking about." Laxus growled, "And I don't have the patience to hear any more of your insane rambling."

Ivan frowned, "You won't listen to your own father?"

Laxus laughed, "You should talk to Gramps sometime. He would tell you that I'm not very good at listening to my elders. I don't give a damn about you or whatever Lumen Histoire is. All I know is that you have managed to knock out my guild mates and trap us in some kind of magic barrier. Which makes you my enemy, nothing more."

Ivan's eyes burned with anger, "YOU PETULANT BRAT! Destroy them!"

The four members of Raven Tail's team rushed towards Erza and Laxus.

Laxus scowled and casually looked over at Erza, "You hang back. I can handle these weaklings."

Erza smirked, "Have fun."

The enemy was now feet away. A red haired woman with a revealing red dress and mad eyes swung her long hair towards Laxus. She cackled triumphantly as the hair wrapped around Laxus and tightly gripped his body.

"Gotcha Blondie!" The woman cackled.

The wizard named Blacksnake rushed up and punched Laxus in the jaw, causing the lightning mage to stumble backwards. Then, Obra came up behind Laxus and delivered a powerful strike causing him to fall on his face. Lastly, Alexei jumped forward and kicked Laxus in the stomach causing him to slide away. All of the Raven Tail members laughed loudly as Laxus lay on the ground.

"That's supposed to be a Fairy Tail S Class wizard?" Alexei snarled through his bronze mask.

"Blondie wasn't as tough as we feared." The red haired woman smirked as she tilted her head to the side.

Erza remained completely calm and Ivan noticed this.

"What's the matter Titania!? Paralyzed by fear as a wizard more powerful than you is defeated by my guild?" Ivan cackled.

Erza shook her head, "Hardly. I'm just thinking about what kind of cake I should enjoy after Laxus beats you all like a drum."

"What?"

Lightning bolts arced around the dome and struck the dirt around the Raven Tail members. The bolts raced around the area under the dome, causing electricity and static to build up around everyone. Erza crossed her arms and glanced over at Laxus.

"Quit the theatrics and beat these guys already. Jellal needs our assistance."

Laxus laughed, "I thought you told me to have fun."

His powerful hands grabbed the red hair that was wrapped around him. He tensed and lightning arced up the hair and slammed into the cackling woman. Another lightning bolt surged around the dome and crashed into Black Snake sending him flying across the dome. Obra and Alexei gulped and took a step back as Laxus muscled out of the tangled red hair and stomped towards them.

"So… Alexei do you want to go first? Or should I hit Obra?"

"HIT OBRA! HIT OBRA!" Alexei screeched.

"Alexei it is then." Laxus grinned before hitting the armored man with a charged fist.

The bronze mask on Alexei's face shattered instantly as he flew back from the powerful punch. The dome shimmered then disappeared, revealing what was going on to the rune knights who had the area surrounded. Disappearing with the dome, was Ivan, who shimmered as well before disappearing into thin air. Obra looked back and forth uncertain of what to do. He was about to take off running when he saw a blade glinting in the sun. Obra felt fear and sweat pour over him as she stared down the blade of Erza Scarlet, pointed directly at his long nose. Obra's shoulders sagged, this fight was over.

Laxus grinned and moved towards Alexei. But then he stopped. The rune knights near Alexei were parting to let their two captains through. Lahar and Doranbolt moved quickly, working in perfect tandem. Doranbolt pinned down Alexei before he could rise to his feet again and Lahar smacked Magic Suppression cuffs onto the man's wrists.

"You won't be going anywhere." Lahar said firmly. He glanced at his rune knights, "Apprehend the Raven Tail guild. Their actions today are proof that they are still are dark guild."

The dozens of rune knights quickly moved past and placed cuffs on Obra and the unconscious members of Raven Tail. As the knights moved the dark guild members away Lahar walked up to Laxus and Erza.

"Thank you for assisting with the apprehension of those dangerous criminals." Lahar bowed, "It appears the magic council owes Fairy Tail a favor now."

"It was our pleasure." Laxus snarled.

Erza frowned, "What do you mean Raven Tail's actions show they are a dark guild."

Lahar smirked back at her, "I may be able to convince the magic council that Raven Tail was responsible for the explosions, with assistance from witnesses of course."

"I thought you'd be convinced that Jellal was responsible."

Lahar exhaled, "Jellal is a criminal. And I will capture him eventually. But… he did just save my life. If not for his actions, that explosion would've killed me and many others. So… I can look the other way this time. Farewell Erza Scarlet."

Lahar and Doranbolt exited with their prisoners. As they left, Joshua passed by them as Porlyusica helped him hobble along.

"Erza!" he called.

Erza blinked as she saw Joshua approaching, "What're you doing here? You are supposed to be resting?"

Joshua smiled, "I can't let you have all the fun."

"I thought you wanted to make sure they were safe!" Porlyusica snapped.

"I AM!" Joshua snapped back.

"DON'T TALK BACK TO ME YOUNG MAN!"

"I CAN TALK AS MUCH AS I WANT!"

"Joshua…" Erza snarled. The teen gulped and looked fearfully over at his older sister, "Respect your elders."

"Yes ma'am!"

Laxus blinked, "Wow, you've got him trained well."

"Shut up thunder head." Joshua muttered.

Before Laxus could insult Joshua back Erza glared at them both, silencing them immediately. As this all occurred, the other members of the guild stirred and slowly got to their feet.

"Aw man. What just happened?" Natsu groaned.

Wendy shook her head, her eyes spinning a little, "Does anyone need some healing." She mumbled, "If you do, sorry, I'm dizzy."

Joshua laughed and hobbled over to her, "C'mon dizzy. Let's get back to the lodge."

"That joke sucks." She mumbled as Joshua ignored his own injuries and helped her up.

"And I can make them all day."

"Please don't."

….

Meldy and Ultear waited nervously up on the hill outside of the city. Meldy sat beside a tree, a lacrima orb in her lap while Ultear paced back and forth. Ultear then stopped her pacing and folded her arms.

"Where is Azuma!"

Meldy sighed, "You know traveling by tree root takes some time."

"I don't care!" Ultear exclaimed, "Jellal is injured and we don't know who caused it yet. Only he does. If Azuma doesn't show up I'm going to- I'm going to-"

"Going to do what?" asked a deep voice nearby.

Ultear jumped and flipped around to see Azuma materializing out of the tree Meldy was leaning up against. In Azuma's thick arms was Jellal, bleeding and bruised, but still awake. Azuma set Jellal down gently against the tree and Ultear rushed up.

"Jellal! What happened!?"

The blue haired man coughed and winced. He then began to explain who he saw. Ultear, Meldy, and Azuma felt lumps in their throats as he heard his story.

"That's… that's not possible. He wouldn't.." Meldy trembled, "He couldn't…"

"That is what I saw Meldy." Jellal replied, his voice growing hoarse, "There is no doubt about it now. He is our enemy. And we must stop him."

Ultear sighed, "Are you sure you heard that correctly? It was a loud stadium."

"I'm sure of it." Jellal replied, "Only one person calls me that. And that is exactly who I feared our enemy was."

"But it makes no sense." Meldy said, "He was injured today."

"It makes complete sense." Azuma argued, "The boy was in the games, and when he was present at the stadium, we didn't sense that power. Then, when he is injured and not at the arena, that power appears. He could have snuck away, faked his injury, and watched the games from afar."

Ultear shook her head, "I'm having a hard time believing it as well. We can't rush into this, we need more information. If what you say is true Jellal, then we need to tread lightly. He is obviously far more powerful than he is letting everyone know."

Jellal nodded and felt exhaustion wash over him.

"Get some rest now." Ultear said, "We will watch from afar now."

Jellal nodded slowly before drifting off to sleep.

And Chapter! What a chapter! Lots of information and setup for the next arc, the dragons arc. We got a glimpse at who the villain could be. But who is it anyways? There are clues there. Let me know who you guys think it is. Also, what do you think the inquisitors have planned for Kagura. It seems their leader has pegged her as an asset of some sort. It'll be interesting to see what happens there. Anyways, I should have another chapter out soon. So be ready! I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!