Balam

Midnight and Cobra stared at the group as they stood before them. "What's the first order of business if I may ask," Zash asked, a smirk on his face. Midnight smiled, his lust for power continuing to show through his wild eyes. He had sensed it as well, the power Animus held carefully bound beneath him. "We go for a test run," Midnight muttered, "One-against-one. And I know who I want to fight!"

The group all turned to Animus who looked at Midnight. "You will lose."

Midnight roared his challenge, sending ethereal blades towards Animus, however the man merely sighed as the blades impacted against him, causing no damage. Midnight's eyes widened. "What?"

The other members of Oracion Seis leapt away from the beginning battle, their eyes wide. "That guy...he took that attack like it was nothing," Doriate muttered, his eyes wide. Cobra frowned. "That should be impossible. No one can withstand the power of Midnight's magic, at least not without some other magic helping them!"

Zash smirked. "Animus is no ordinary person kid. You'll soon see why."

Midnight rushed forwards, Darkness Magic swirling around his gauntlets before he sent it flying forwards. "Dark Rondo!"

Animus sighed, raising a single hand, magic energy swirling around it. "Enough," he muttered, swiping downwards as the magic reached him, sending it shooting towards the ground, however suddenly the magic curved and shot around towards Animus' back instead of impacting with the ground.

"Gotcha!" Midnight roared.

The magical energy exploded as it made contact with Animus, a massive cloud of smoke covering the area where the legendary man once stood. Midnight stood there in silence and anticipation, waiting to see if that was all it took to take down the powerful man, only to be severely disappointed once a gust of wind blew away the smoke. Animus stood there, that bored look on his face still there, not a visible trace of damage on his body.

"Impossible," Midnight muttered, his eyes wide. Animus shook his head. "Not impossible. You're just to weak. It's time for me to finish this." Animus raised his arm, energy swirling around it in a powerful, yet condensed, storm, before he suddenly disappeared, reappearing right next to Midnight. "Fall."

Animus' hand pressed against Midnight's chest, causing the teen to screech in pain as a utterly gigantic explosion shook the area, the destruction it wrecked extending for miles. As the smoke cleared Midnight lay on the ground, his chest littered with wounds, each bleeding profusely. "Have you had enough," Animus asked, only for Midnight to roar, standing on his feet despite his grievous wounds. "No! I'm just getting started!"

Animus stared at the teen, an impressed look on his face. "You are an interesting specimen. Not many can withstand what you just did. I suppose you are strong enough to be a member of this group."

Midnight glared at Animus, a dark power slowly leaking from his body. "You fool," Midnight hissed. "I am more than a mere member! I am it's king!" Animus snorted, however despite his amused behavior he noticed the power rising within Midnight despite his egregious wounds. It surged upwards, slowly barely as though it were hitting a seal, something that refused to allow him to tap into his true potential. Animus smirked.

"Open the gate, fool," Animus muttered, and all at once the power Midnight gathered exploded in a surge of black magical energy. Animus stared into the energy, frowning as he saw the energy leave destructive crevices throughout the ground. Animus stared, smiling as he felt the energy rise higher and higher before it finally stopped. There, standing in the whirlwind of dark energy, was a demon. Horns extended from Midnight's head, twirling together to form a crown. His face had melted away completely, revealing black bone-like structure covering it, his completely red eyes contrasting with the structure heavily. Armored pauldrons appeared over his shoulder, with armored shin guards around his legs. The teen was shirtless, his muscular body swirling as it acclimated to his new body. The new demon clenched his fists, armored claws scraping together loudly. Midnight stared at Animus, before his wings exploded outwards and he howled.

Animus remained still in the face of the creature, his eyes widening as he felt minor cuts form on his body. "He's harming me with the mere sound of his voice combined with his magic. That form is interesting," Animus muttered, a smile forming on his face.

"Come little human," Animus roared, his own energy swirling before a pillar of blue energy shot into the sky. Crystal started to form at Animus' feet, the power he was radiating dwarfing Midnight's terrifying power.

"Show me what you can do!"


Deliora stared out over the abyss that was the Land of Isvan. The snowy climate covered the entire area before her in white, even her eyes unable to see through the dense blizzards before her. "I can hardly imagine there being many people here anymore after I terrorized them for so long." Deliora sighed as she walked through the wasteland, her eyes widening as she came across a town. "I suppose the best way to gain his attention," Deliora muttered, a smile growing on her face, her magical energy exploding, "Would be a repeat performance!"

Deliora opened her mouth and a massive beam of energy shot forwards.


Naruto frowned as he looked at Lucy. "I still don't know how you convinced me to come on this trip," Naruto muttered, an annoyed look on his face. Lucy smiled as she looked over at the ocean waves, a smile on her face. She had managed to convince her friends to go on a trip with her to Akane Resort, thanks to the tickets that Loke had given her before he went back to the Celestial Spirit Realm.

"Come on, it'll be fun! Besides, I think we all could use a break after what happened with Phantom Lord!"

"You're preaching to the choir here," Levy stated, as she splashed water onto Lucy. Lucy laughed, continuing the water fight with the blue haired mage. Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "I guess," he muttered, before his eyes widened as he saw Happy, submerged in the sand, a smile on the cats face. "I thought it was hot Happy?"

The cat purred. "Warm..."

Naruto laughed, pointing at Happy. Natsu smiled as he leapt towards Naruto, fire coating his fist. "Ignore Happy! Fight me Naruto!"

Naruto turned, a devilish grin forming on his face as black winds covered his hands. "Bring it Natsu!" Just as the two over excitable mages were about to engage Erza appeared, glaring Natsu down, until he turned into a grovelling puppy. "No fighting on this trip," Erza whispered, a glare on her face as her scarlet hair rose into the sky. Natsu squeaked out a reply before he dashed away, Levy and Lucy promptly dragging him onto a surfboard.

"Looks like someone is feeling better," Naruto said, a smirk on his face. Erza turned to face him, an annoyed look on his face. "I'm fine. You shouldn't egg him on though." Naruto smirked. "Ah, but it's fun! Can't you tell? He's getting stronger. His flames are much more intense. I saw the damage he inflicted in the metal robot from his battle, it was intense. Hell, his flames grew so hot that he burned himself! That's intense."

"Shouldn't you be worried about it then," Erza asked, but Naruto shrugged. "Not particularly. When I was first learning how to use Kurama's power I hurt myself. While it's not the same I'm sure then once he gets used to using this new power he won't hurt himself anymore."

Erza rolled her eyes, looking over at the water. "Maybe so. Still, we don't have to worry about it right now. It's vacation time." Naruto nodded, a smile donning on his face as he wrapped his arm around Erza's waist. "Yup, meaning..."

Erza's eyes widened in surprise as Naruto flipped her, Erza landing in the water, a dark look on her face. "You're on," she grinned before she pulled his feet out from under him, the blonde smashing into the water. The two wrestled, water splashing everywhere as they kept trying to pin one another to the ground, grins on their faces the entire time.

"That's soooo cute, don't you think Lu!"

The two S-class mages paused, glancing to look at the rest of their group who were grinning at them, a camera in hand. Lucy grinned, a dark look that did not fit her coming over her face. "Yeah Levy, it's like they're trying to get it on right here!"

"Well, knowing Erza's perverted mind I wouldn't be surprised. Naruto's probably no exception!"

Erza and Naruto blushed, both feeling incredibly awkward. Despite their relationship they had yet to go further in their relationship than the frequent make-out session. They hadn't been together that long anyways, and to do it so soon, neither of them felt particularly ready for it.

At least for right now.

However, that didn't mean they wouldn't get back at the trio for teasing them. Naruto looked at Erza who smirked. "Let's do it?"

"Let's do it."

The duo leapt at Levy and Lucy immediately starting to wrestle with them, Natsu joining in not long afterwards, leading to a cluster of young adults fighting in the waters. The group continued, smiles on their faces until it started to rain.

"What the," Lucy muttered, rain pattering against her body. "That's...weird weather for this climate."

"Yeah, it doesn't rain that much here. Especially not out of the blue like that. It's almost as though something is causing it," Levy muttered, a frown on her face. Natsu frowned. "Well that sucks. We can't stay outside for too much longer then huh," he muttered, looking at all the people packing up their belongings to head back into their hotel rooms. Naruto shrugged. "Well, can't argue with the weather."

"You could if you wanted."

Naruto rolled his eyes at Lucy's comment, preferring to just return to the hotel room. The rest of the group followed suite.


Naruto sat next to the couch, hand in a book that Levy gave him on sealing. He was still working on how to unseal Mito's spell. So far he had made no progress, she wasn't known as a master of seals for nothing, and it was beginning to get frustrating. He had never been stumped like this, even when he was learning Dark Ecriture. Mito was just out of his league, even with all of his knowledge. He'd likely need the combined help of Levy and Freed to even start making some headway.

Naruto groaned as he threw the book on the couch, too frustrated to continue. How he longed for the gift that was Nullification Magic. The blonde laid on his back, frustration fueling him before he shot up at a groan. The blonde turned, his eyes widening as he saw Erza shaking on her bed, flailing and throwing covers off of her.

"Erza! Erza!"

The blonde ran over to his girlfriend, shaking her, worry in his eyes. "Erza wake up! Wake up!"

(-Dream-)

Night. That was all she could remember. Night and...fire?

Her eyes snapped open as she looked out, the boats sailing in towards the land, the priest...no...she swore she would never call them that again. The slavemasters carrying their torches, the sinister grins on their faces being the only discernible feature. Everything else was just a blur.

But she could remember those damn grins!

She was thrust forwards, a priest roughly grabbing her and dragging her past a weird magical creature, eerily similar to a dog but with no actual face, just a pink body and a powerful looking jaw with fangs that looked like they could rip her limb from limb.

All of a sudden the scenery changed, she was no longer being transported but working. The construction had taken years already, but it was nowhere near done. And it was laborious work. She was tired. She was new. The guards knew that she had to be broken into shape.

She was broken.

Magical items kept her chained, electricity coursing through them and punishing her whenever she didn't move fast enough. Whips. Lashes. Bites. Pain. Torture. Everything she could expect from working to slow, or not servicing the guards fast enough. Captivity. Shackles.

Freedom further than the sky.

She couldn't help it.

She collapsed. She was tired. A dog. She quickly curled up into a ball, avoiding the stinging kicks of the guard, the dog roaring at her, demanding her attention. Slowly she rose, tears in her eyes as she tried to look away, but she found no comfort, the guard throwing her forwards, forcing her to work once more, barely any food in her system to keep her going.

The scenery began to move in fast forward now, as though she was watching a film. A man, being hit with a magical explosion. A dark grin. And...

blades. Lots and lots of blades.

The construction crumbled, dust filling the air with cries of triumph. Monsters took to the sky, but they were quickly destroyed.

"Don't you see! There's no freedom in this world!"

She fell to her knees, staring at the sky.

"-za! Erza! Er-"

(-Dream-)

"-za! Erza wake up!"

Erza's eyes snapped open, her body jolting to action, quickly summoning a blade in her hand, a cold sweat slowly trailing down her face. Naruto immediately clenched his hand around hers, lowering her weapon. "Easy Erza, it's okay. It's okay. Breathe."

The redhead's breath was laborious, almost impossible for a brief moment before she finally managed to slowly calm herself.

"What's wrong? What did you dream about?"

Erza shook her head. "Nothing...it was...just a dream." Naruto frowned. "Then why is the blade still in your hand."

Erza glanced downwards, her eyes widening as she saw her hand gripping the sword with a deathgrip. She honestly hadn't noticed she summoned it.

"It was...nothing, just trust me on this okay Naruto?"

Naruto frowned. If it was the hold him he would have said yes. If he still lived back in the Elemental Nations he would have said yes. If it was before the incident with the Bijuu he would have said yes. But now...things were different. He had people he knew he had to protect and he knew he wasn't undoubtedly the strongest thing in the world anymore. He had people who could fight him, possibly defeat him. Jose had shown him that much. Cobra had shown him that much.

Mito had.

"No." Naruto stated, Erza's eyes widening. Naruto clenched the girls hands. "Erza I am here for you. I can't just sit here and do nothing while you're suffering! You are one of my precious people! I can't just sit here and watch in silence while you suffer. If there is something I can do to help I'm here for you. I promise you that and I'm not going to break my promise! That's my nindo! That's my ninja way!"

Erza stared at Naruto, tears filling her eyes, gliding down her cheeks and shattering on the sheets in tune with the rhythm of the rain. "You're not a ninja anymore," she whispered. Naruto frowned, kissing her forehead before he rested his head on hers, pulling her into a tight hug. "No I'm not. I'm yours. And that makes my promise even more important."

Erza's eyes widened before she smiled, lifting her head. "Naruto," she whispered, kissing him. Naruto gently kissed her back, the two falling over onto the sheets as the delicate tenderness of the kiss quickly turned passionate. Before they knew it clothes were flying off both of them, both acting on instinct before Erza paused. Naruto waited, staring down at her with odd eyes.

Erza turned away from him, rolling off of the bed and using her magic to change into her Heart Kreuz Armor. "I'm sorry," Erza muttered, rushing towards the door. However she was stopped when a hand caught hers.

"Don't apologize for something you're not ready for. Frankly I'm not ready either. We shouldn't rush things." Erza paused, staring at her feet, her body shaking. Naruto frowned, merely walking forward and wrapping his arms around her.

The two stood there for some time, both of them lost in their thoughts in the presence of one another.


The duo had only left the room by Lucy's request, the blonde dressed in a sharp dress that was revealing but modest. The blonde wanted them to go downstairs to the casino, where Levy was currently keeping Natsu preoccupied. Both had agreed.

As Erza stepped into the casino her eyes widened and a small smile formed on her face. The casino was massive, and despite the fact that it was a casino there was still laughter and happiness in the air. The redhead couldn't help but let the smile grow larger.

'I guess it's okay to enjoy myself once-in-a-while.'


Levy laughed as she saw Natsu crying out at a machine, smashing his fists against it as a manager ran over. The fiery mage was clearly annoyed, victory having come so close to being within his grasp only to have it cruelly ripped from him at the last moment. It was strange, and she could tell that Natsu hated it. Levy stopped laughing.

She knew why he hated it and yet here she was...laughing.

Natsu's inferiority complex was visible to her now. It wasn't before, he was to far away from her then, unattainable, but now that she had spent so much time with him she could see it. In fact, it was painfully obvious. His constant desire to prove that he was the best, manifested in him constantly challenging people like Gildarts, Naruto, or Erza to a fight when he knew that he wouldn't be able to defeat them made it quite telling. She was surprised she hadn't noticed it before. It was all a coping mechanism for his complex, a way to prove undeniably that he was the best by defeating people that he placed a pedestal. Even his constant upbeat personality could even be a persona, although she wasn't sure of that.

But why? Why do all of that? She didn't know his reasons, and yet here she was...laughing.

How could she laugh, when even with his complex he was better than her...

Levy turned, a frown marring her face as she saw the poker table. Maybe she should just play a game or two. She was good at poker, very good in fact. She nodded, the frown leaving her face as she walked over only for her eyes to widen with shock as she saw Naruto already sitting down, a devilish grin on his face. It looked like he was having a good time, and from the heated glares he was getting from the other participants they knew it as well. It looked like he had won every round since he joined the game. The devils luck was clearly on his side, and he had the skills to back it up. If he kept this up, he wouldn't need to work as a mage ever again.

How could she compete with that?

No, she couldn't.

"You're the mage...from Fairy Tail..."

Levy turned, her eyes widening as she saw the ex-Phantom mage. She curled her fists, her magical power surging, barely restrained beneath a wall of nerves. "What are you doing here...Juvia?"

The blue haired mage frowned, looking at the ground, getting Levy's eyes to widen. That face...it did not match up with how she looked. The blue haired teen looked absolutely stunning in her dress, easily enough to make men across Fiore go mad, and yet here she was...frowning. She should be happy, flaunting, confident in herself, her body, and her beauty, and yet she looked dejected. All because of her. Levy placed a hand on her chest, feeling the warmth of her heart beneath her breast. How could she do that to someone?

"I mean, it's weird seeing you hear ya know? I heard Phantom Lord was disbanded, but I never heard what happened to all of the mages. Why are you at Akane Resort?"

There...that was better. Less aggressive, despite the fact that she surely felt like she had every right to be. This mage was powerful, and had kidnapped Lucy! She deserved to go to prison, not wander around with freedom. But why was she being so nice? Why did she feel so compelled to care for this girl before her.

"Juvia...was let off by the Council...Gajeel-san took the punishment for Juvia." Levy's eyes widened before she nodded. That didn't make sense to her, the iron demon she had met briefly not anything like what seemed to be described by Juvia, but maybe the blue haired mage knew the Dragonslayer better than she. Either way it didn't matter.

"Why are you at Akane Resort?"

Juvia frowned. "Juvia...Juvia has done a lot of bad things. Juvia is not sure whether or not she still wants to be a mage...Akane seemed like a good place to start." Levy's eyes widened as the admittance flowed from Juvia's mouth. She felt the emotion in those words. It was powerful, almost alluring. She felt...bad?

How could she truly hold resentment for her? Juvia was a mage who was loyal to her guild, and who wouldn't do what their guildmaster asked of them, even if it meant breaking the law. Levy wasn't sure she could say she was any different. However before she could respond there was a shout, getting the duo's attention. They turned, only to see Erza dancing in the center of the dance floor, scaring off the rest of the dancers with her...moves. To say she danced badly would be an understatement.

Perhaps the largest one of the past century. Still, the other dancers got over it and rejoined the dance floor.

Levy couldn't help herself. She burst into tears, laughter filling the casino. Juvia stared at Levy, shock on her face. 'How can she be so carefree? How can she be so...happy...even with me being next to her?'

Juvia could only continue to stare.


Natsu cried out as he smashed on the keyboard, the manager continuing to try and calm him down, "Come back seventeen! I'll do anything!"

"Cool your jets boy!" Natsu and Happy both turned, confused as to who was talking to them only for their eyes to lock onto a blocky man as he continued to speak.

"Either play nice like the rest of the grown-ups or hit the bricks you get me," the man said, a smirk on his face. Happy paused as the man smirked at them, backing away slowly. The feline dropped onto all fours, feeling an unmistakable urge to hiss as the man's smile continued.

"Blocky..." Happy muttered with disgust.

"Now I'm gonna give ya some friendly advice pal! In life ya got one of two paths to take..." The man's lower body glowed before it shot from him, smashing into Natsu's arms and lifting him up into the machine, spiderweb cracks forming at the impact as the man smirked, pointing his finger towards Natsu. The man's arm turned into a rifle, his finger the barrel as a red light clicked onto Natsu's forehead.

"You can either live the dandy life, or die a jealous poser!"

The manager looked on in horror.


Naruto smirked as he left the poker game, preparing to go collect on his chips. He had won his fair share of money, and was content to use it for whatever crazy idea dawned on him. He was usually like that. Splurging only when some random idea came up.

He paused as he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning he looked up, shock on his face as he saw the absolute behemoth of a man that stood before him. "Naruto Uzumaki," the man said before a magic circle appeared and a massive explosion rocked the casino.

Naruto frowned as he looked down at his clothes as the explosion cleared, his chips sent flying. "Why I do believe you've made me lose my chips," Naruto muttered, an annoyed look on his face. The blonde turned to glare at the massive man, a golden aura slowly beginning to appear around him. "Got any idea what you're doing buddy?"

The man growled out, "Where is Erza," just as the blocky man did to Natsu.

"Erza," Naruto called out, confused. "Why do you want her?"

"None of your business," the man ground out.


Lucy laughed as she danced next to Erza, ignoring the terrible dancing of her friend. She paused however as she saw a blonde boy walk up to Erza, a gentle smile on his face. "Excuse me ma'am, may I have this dance?" Erza paused, a look of shock on her face as the blonde boy smiled at her.

"It can't be...Sho?"

The now-named Sho smirked, a deranged look forming in his eye as cards whirled around behind him, spelling out 'Death' in large letters. "So you do remember me, I guess playing my game with you won't be as fun now huh," he said.

Lucy frowned, looking at Erza with worry. "You know him?"

"You're alive," Erza muttered, shock written on her face as her body and voice shook. She couldn't believe her eyes. Not after her dream, not after her dream!


"Now where is she," the blocky man muttered, his gun clicking. Natsu frowned, the man clearly was prepared to back up his threat. "You think I'd tell you? Huh!"

The man snarled, preparing to shoot, only for the word Repel to appear in front of his gun, the bullet flying into the ground as Levy and Juvia appeared in front of Natsu. "What the hell do you think you're doing huh," Levy yelled, a look of rage unfitting of her on her face.

However, before the trio could do anything darkness shrouded the area, as if the lights turned off. Another gunshot went off.

The lights turned back on.


"A gunshot?" Lucy called out, her eyes wide.

"I'm right here sister," Sho called, a smirk on his face as he released a deck of cards, terrified screams coming from them as people trapped in cards fell to the floor. "Cool huh," the teen whispered. Erza's eyes widened. "You use magic?"

"That's right. You're not the only one with powers anymore."

"But who taught you that?"

A loud cat cry shot through the area before a pink magic seal appeared beneath Lucy, a whip wrapping and binding her tightly.

"Let her go!" Erza roared, turning to see a cat-like girl binding Lucy. "Well aren't you all rosy," the girl stated. "Millianna? You can use magic too?"

"It's been a while Erzy-werzy," Millianna stated, a smile on her face.

"Please you have to let her go! She's okay she's a friend of mine!"

"A friend huh," Sho muttered, a dark grin on his face. "We used to be friends too Erza! Remember? Good friends!"

"We were very close," Millianna said, a smirk on her face. "Until you decided to betray us!" Sho roared at the top of his lungs.

"Why don't you cut the dame a little slack pal," called out, the blocky man appearing in behind Sho, his arm thrown around his shoulders. "Keep those emotions in check and everything'll turn out real dandy!" The blocky man turned to face Erza, the sinister smile on his face he head with Natsu still there.

"Very nice! Life on the outside's been good to you huh doll?"

Erza took a step back, worry on her face. "Wait a second...Wally?"

"I've gone through some changes myself," Wally muttered, ignoring Erza's question. She knew he was. That was good. It would make this much, much sweeter. "Old mad dog Wally you grew up with has seen a lot through the old days."

Wally tipped his cap, light shining down on his shades as he stared Erza in the eye. "Ya see, I'm much smoother now." Lucy blanched, leaning away from the man. Confidence was attractive and all, but in this situation she felt disgusted. And...

"Blockhead," she muttered, a twitch in her eye.

"You practice magic as well," Erza muttered. It was clear that her entire world was breaking. She didn't understand what was going on. First her dream, then this it made no sense. Her friends shouldn't be back. She thought that they were dead. This was...this was too much!

"Why not? It's not that difficult once you get the hang of it. Of course," the enormous man appeared behind her, his deep voice reverberating throughout the area. Erza shook at the tone. She knew exactly who this man was. "you already knew that. Didn't you?"

"Simon," Erza said, a dejected tone in her voice as she slowly turned on. Millianna growled, tightening her hold on Lucy, getting her to cry out in pain. "Erza! Who are these people? Why are they attacking us?"

"Does it matter," Naruto muttered, walking forwards, a golden light shrouding him. Natsu, Levy, and Juvia stood behind him, all of them furious. Happy however was nowhere to be seen. "I'm gonna kick their ass," Naruto muttered, his eyes glowing with power.

"Oh? Bring it pal!" Wally muttered, his arm transforming to a gun once more. Naruto smirked. "You think a gun is gonna be fast enough to catch me? Think again."

Millianna raised her hand, shaking it before she pointed to Lucy. "I'd stay very still if I were you. After all, you wouldn't want your friend here to get hurt now would you?" Naruto growled, however he remained calm, his golden shroud dying out. Natsu snarled, his magic begging to be used, however he kept it in check.

"Why do they keep calling you sister," Levy asked, confused.

Erza sighed. "He's not actually my brother. It's just...we all grew up together." Levy's eyes widened, shock written on her face. "What do you mean grew up together? You joined Fairy Tail when you were young."

"Before I joined the guild," Erza clarified, getting Levy's eyes to widen. Erza was still very young when she joined the guild, not even having reached puberty yet. These must have been childhood friends, although clearly something went wrong along the way for them to turn on her like this.

"What do you want!"

"We're here to take you back with us," Wally cried out in response, his gun facing Erza. "The easy way or the hard way, get what I'm saying!" Erza frowned, her fists clenching as she stared at Millianna. "I'm begging you, please release Lucy!"

"Who cares about her!" Sho roared. His temper was getting the better of him. "We want you, sister." Wally smirked, moving his gun towards Lucy, the red light clicking onto her forehead. Erza's eyes widened in shock, Natsu and Levy both preparing their magic before Wally's gun disappeared, appearing behind Erza. With a BANG the deed had been done. Erza collapsed to the ground, completely unconscious.

Naruto rocketed forwards, appearing next to Wally instantly however in a flash, they were gone, Erza with them. Naruto swung at air, rage on his face as his magical output fluctuated, cracking the ground beneath his feet with its pressure.

"I'll kill him," Naruto hissed.

Natsu growled, nodding his head as he burned away Millianna's rope from Lucy, the blonde stretching as she was freed. "But where did they go?" Levy turned to the blonde, a frown on her face. "I don't know. It seems like they used some form of teleportation or high-speed movement, fast enough to not be noticed by Natsu or Naruto. Natsu snarled, his veins bulging. "They took Happy," Natsu muttered, rage on his face. "That Wally guy...is gonna pay!"

"He's mine."

Natsu turned to Naruto, his eyes wide. Naruto had calmed down. He wasn't radiating an oppressive power like before. No he was calm, or rather he looked it. His magical power was carefully bottled up inside him, begging to be unleashed, but he was restraining it.

That was commendable.

"As long as I get Happy back," Natsu muttered.

"But we still don't know how to find them." Natsu smirked as he looked at Lucy, pointing to his nose. "That's what you think. I can smell 'em. Just follow me and we'll be there in no time!"

The group nodded, taking off in a mad dash to recover Erza and Happy.


The guards. The dogs. The atmosphere. It was all the same as before. Age had done nothing to make the Tower of Heaven more appealing. Even with her childhood friends growth, Erza could only feel despair in this area. Despair that was only worsened because of their involvement. She thought they were dead. She didn't know...she didn't know this.

Erza stared up at the tower, its asymmetrical, almost chaotic, design only continuing to disturb her peace. Nothing lined up here, nothing made sense. The only thing that remained was pain, suffering, and death. Metal tubes looked like vines, gold look like weed, as if calling to some form of a divine deity. But this tower was not divine.

And neither was its God.

Erza frowned as she stepped off the ship, an annoyed look on her face. "The Tower of Heaven."

"Indeed," Sho stated, his friends all walking off to handle their own affairs. It was just him and Erza. "I see. Would you please untie me? I promise I won't cause any trouble." Sho looked at her bindings, and for a brief moment it looked like he felt sympathy, however Erza got none. "I'm afraid I can't. You've proven yourself untrustworthy." Erza frowned, attempting to use her magic to break out only to find herself unable. "That won't work. Millianna's bindings conceal magic. You'll just be struggling in vain."

Erza stared at the ground, her voice shaky. She could feel the weight of the world crashing onto her back. She...she couldn't handle it. Tears fell from her face, splashing against the ground. "Fine," she whispered out. "I won't resist. But please Sho, would you allow me to require into my armor?"

"The tower," Erza continued. "I'm afraid of going back there. I just wanna have it on!" Erza cried out, tears falling from her face. "If I don't wear my armor, I won't feel secure."

Sho shouldn't have said yes. He knew he shouldn't have. He had every right to be vindictive and enjoy her insecurities. But he couldn't say no. It was her voice. Her goddamn voice. She was broken, shattered. The realization of what she had done had donned on her. She knew that she couldn't escape. She wasn't going to try to.

"Honestly I didn't want it to happen like this," Sho muttered as he prepared to release her. "I miss you so much," he continued, tears falling from his eyes, soaking through Erza's gloves. She could feel his pain. "It hurts me."

"Tell me. Why did you do it," Sho muttered, as he rested his hands on her bindings. "Why did you betray Jellal!"

Erza jumped as Sho's enraged voice reverberated through her body, her eyes widening as tears continued to stream down her face. "Jellal..." Erza whispered.

(-Flashback-)

"I'm scared. I can't go! All the other kids...they're dead!"

A much younger Sho stared at Erza, his eyes wide as he saw her confession. He didn't know this was how she felt. And from the look on his friends faces none of them did. Even Simon, who knew her best could only stare at her with surprise. "Erza," Simon whispered, reaching out towards her.

"There's nothing to worry about. We're gonna be fine," came a voice. The group turned, a young boy with blue hair standing there, confidence in his eyes despite the rags on his body. Simon scoffed.

"We're finally getting back our freedom! Our future! Our dreams!" The young boy reached his hand out to Erza, who slowly reached out to grab it. "Let's go, okay!"

"Okay," Erza whispered back.

(-Flashback End-)


"Are you saying it still exists," Belno muttered, confusion on her face. "I thought all of them were destroyed! After we learned what they could do they couldn't be allowed to stand!"

"About a decade ago construction began on the R-system," a voice called out. "A structure designed by a cult of Black Magic users."

"Again, like I said we had all seven of those towers destroyed. There shouldn't even be ruins left of them!"

"Evidently we missed one," Ultear muttered, pointing at the image displayed in the center of the circle. "How did we miss it," Yuri called, the man frowning as he stared at Ultear. "I'm afraid I don't know. Our team went missing after sending in this image," Ultear called out.

"It looks finished to me." Yajima muttered.

"But why revive the R-system? After all this time," Belno questioned. "The Tower of Heaven," rang a voice. The group turned to the youngest member of the group, Siegrain standing there with a frown on his face. "It's not the R-system. It's the Tower of Heaven, to be clear."

"It doesn't matter what it's called," Yajima hissed. "It utilizes forbidden magic, there would be chaos if this is found out. The Black Arts have been removed from the records and mage scrolls for a reason!"

"We'll have to find a way to subdue them," Ultear muttered. "We can dispatch the military."

"That's not an option," Yajima muttered. "After their failure at The Compound we don't have the time to send them after this. We're already busy enough as it is trying to get a new General, much less track down those demons. A Lich takes priority over this."

"Besides," Hogg muttered. "The cult that was previously occupying the tower no longer is there according to our newest intelligence. It's a group of wizards. Apparently led by a man named Jellal."

Michello's eyes widened. "Jellal?"

"That's the name of your twin brother? Right Siegrain," the Chairman muttered, his eyes narrowed. Siegrain opened one of his eyes to look at the Chairman. "Yes. Unfortunately that is him."


Cana stared at Makarov, shock written all over her face.

"What did you say Master?" Makarov smirked as he looked at Cana. "I said that's quite the powerful magic you've got there. A branch off from Gildart's Crash magic to be specific! It's called Shatter. I've seen it in action in the old days. It was pretty rare, but also powerful."

Jet looked at Makarov, his eyes wide. "Really? What do you know on it? I've never heard of Shatter before."

Makarov nodded. "I'm not surprised. It wasn't really common. It's a magic that's primarily transmitted genetically, which is why it's so strange that Cana here has it. Maybe she's Gildart's secret love child or something," Makarov joked, laughing at his own joke. However the elderly man pulled himself together quickly. "Anyways. Shatter is an interesting magic. Unlike Crash it doesn't break apart everything it touches. It breaks only an objects weak points. It can even allow the user to manipulate them."

Cana's eyes widened. "The lines that I saw." Makarov nodded. "Yes. I presume those were likely mapping out where those weak points were, almost like fault lines. You can manipulate them because of Shatter. I know it can be used to destroy things, but I remember once that there was theory that it could be used to heal others. I'm not sure how, but I remember it." Cana smirked, a nodding. That was a lot of potential in just one branch of magic. This was exactly what she needed to bring herself to the next level.

"You should be warned though that unlike Crash, Shatter cannot see fault lines on magic-based attacks, so things like Natsu's Fire Dragon Slayer Magic can't be affected by it. Also the fault lines with people are varied. From what I've seen it requires physical contact to actually see them clearly."

Makarov shrugged at the end of his speech. "That's all I know about it though. From here you're on your own. Learn your magic wisely, and carefully."

Cana frowned, nodding before she sighed. "I better get started. I need to have control before I use this magic on people. I could probably end up inadvertently killing someone."

"Just probably," Jet asked, a smirk on his face. Cana looked at the smug, speedy mage, an annoyed look on her face. "Yeah probably. Don't make me try it out on you!" Jet rolled his eyes. "As if you could even hit me Cana." Cana raised an eyebrow, a smirk on her face as she leaned in, getting Jet to back up uncomfortably.

"Is that a bet?"

Jet's uncomfortable look turned to one of confidence. "I guess it is," Jet stated.


Racer and Hoteye frowned, looking over the guild in front of their face. It stood in the center of a rocky wasteland, the only noticeable landmark for miles. It was large, that was sure, with even towering over even the largest rock spire, despite being built into the ground itself. The guild hall looked less like an actual guild, dark guild or not, and more like a fortress.

"I think they're projecting," Racer muttered, a smirk on his face. Hoteye did not comment, the duo walking towards the fortress before they felt a powerful magic aura, the doors of the fortress slowly opening.

"Why are members of Oracion Seis here," a booming voice called out, staring down at the two. Racer and Hoteye glanced at each other, before nodding. Both of them released their magical power, shattering the illusion that bound them. They looked around, noticing the mages surrounding them. "Well Hoteye, looks like we're being greeted with kindness," Hoteye stated, noticing the threatening faces around them. Hoteye rolled his eyes. "They will fall before we work towards the master plan. Money!"

Ivan Dreyar stared at the two ex-Oracion Seis members, not that he knew that, with suspicion. "Why are you two here? Surely we didn't do anything to anger Oracion Seis," Ivan muttered. He had not been expecting this. These two were powerful, too powerful. They had seen clear through his illusion. He would be forced to lead his guild in battle against two very powerful S-class mages. He did not think that they would be capable of defeating them. But he could try. He was the only one who would be capable of fighting them on an equal footing.

Gajeel glared at the members of Oracion Seis, his magic power fluctuating. This would be intense. Even he knew when he was outmatched, and this was a very clear mismatch in skill. Makarov hadn't mentioned that he would be fighting powerful Dark Guilds when he gave him the get-out-of-jail free card. Gajeel clenched his fists, his magical power barely restrained. He needed to be ready and waiting for their next move.

The Iron Dragonslayer glanced around looking at his fellow guildmates. Flare would be of no help here. She wasn't strong enough to be useful in a real battle yet, and these two would be no pushovers. However, Flare wasn't the only one who would be uesless. Nullpudding and Kurohebi would be virtually useless. They had potential, unlike Flare, but they were just to weak right now. Ivan he knew could handle himself, but that wasn't what he was worried about.

Gajeel glanced at the other member of their guild. The new addition.

Velveno.

Gajeel had seen his bounty papers before when he still worked with Phantom Lord. An escaped convict, and drug and gang lord. He had a 2,000,000 jewel bounty on his head. From what he had heard he was a capable fighter, but he had never seen it firsthand, having never bothered to go hunt him down.

Dealing with drug lords just wasn't his particular forte.

He never thought that he would be joining up with him. Fighting alongside him. He was better than a Dark Mage wasn't he? Even if his actions from before didn't necessarily show it. Gajeel shook his head, he couldn't afford to distract himself when faced with monsters such as the two in front of him. Them he had heard of, and he had knowingly avoided hunting them down. He couldn't handle them, even with his S-class title. Not all S-class mages were made the same.

Only Jose would have had a chance of defeating them in Phantom Lord.

Maybe that was why Phantom lost the war with Fairy Tail? Jose probably should have thought that through a little better. After all, Fairy Tail had several mages who on paper should be capable of going toe-to-toe with mages such as these, and yet they attacked them anyway. The more he thought about it the less realistic victory seemed. Had they really thought that just fighting head-on with no real strategy except kidnapping would have let them win?

Wow, hindsight really was a bitch.

Gajeel frowned, his eyes widening as the weakest members of Ravel Tail shot forwards, and were promptly defeated in a single blow, the movements of Racer almost instant to his eyes. Gajeel's eyes widened as Racer appeared in front of him.

'Shit!'


Sasuke frowned as Mira and Elfman stood in front of him, both of them using their Full-Body Takeover. Mira stood in front of him in her Satan Soul, Elfman standing in Beast Soul: Weretiger. Mira stared at Elfman, confusion on her face. "That's not the form you used during the Phantom Lord incident," she questioned. Elfman opened his mouth to respond with the truth before he shook his head.

"It's nothing sis, I just wanna make sure that I can use more than one form."

Mirajane nodded, noticing Elfman's strange behavior but preferring not to comment, the duo staring at Sasuke. Sasuke closed his eyes, releasing a deep breath. "Whenever you're ready Sasuke," Mirajane called. Sasuke took another deep breath, before his magic energy exploded, Mirajane and Elfman clenching their fists as they felt a brief electric wave wash over them.

Sasuke's eyes widened. "It works," he muttered, a smile on his face. Mirajane frowned. "I still don't really understand this whole idea." Sasuke smirked. "It's simple. I emit an electromagnetic field with my God Slayer Magic that acts as a form of echolocation. Humans emit a small electromagnetic signal. It's not much, in fact it's almost unnoticeable, but it's enough for me to get the general idea of where you guys are. I should be able train this ability to make it better, but for now it will make up for my lack of sight. I'm not exactly sure how it will work with energy-blasts yet though so refrain from using those. Let's keep this close combat. I need to get the hang of that first."

The two Strauss siblings nodded before they shot forwards, Sasuke flailing briefly as the signal briefly vanished before he gained it again, however it was too late, Mirajane and Elfman both smashing a fist into his stomach, sending him flying backwards. Sasuke smashed into a rock, coughing up spit as he groaned, slowly rising.

"Sasuke!" Mira called, worry in her voice.

"Don't worry!" Sasuke called. "Keep going! I can take it! My enemies won't be as kind as you two."

Elfman nodded, a smirk on his face. Sasuke was working him up. His own determination made him want to face his own problems more and more. "Yes! This is how a man does things! To match your manly strength I shall fight you!" Elfman roared his declaration to the heavens as he rushed forwards, Sasuke gulping as the signal moved once more.


Natsu frowned, staring up at the massive tower in front of them. "I assume that's what caused this," he managed to gurgle out before he barfed, his motion sickness not working well on the boat. Naruto frowned, looking at the dead birds and fish in the water, his fists clenched. "Those guys...who are they?"

"I don't know. But they'd have to be powerful to destroy a Fiore naval ship," Levy muttered, her eyes wide as she saw blood in the water. "They'd also have to be perfectly willing to start a war with Fiore over this. The Magic Council probably knows about what's happening here."

Naruto frowned, thinking of his previous encounters with the Magic Council. "I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing at this moment," Naruto muttered, staring up at the metal monstrosity that towered into the sky.

"We need to hide," Lucy stated, pointing at the tower. "If it can blast down a naval ship what's to say what it can do to our dinky ship?"

The group briefly panicked, Lucy's words ringing true, however Juvia was quick to find a solution, shrouding the boat in a dome of water that blended in with the water, despite their movements. "Good thinking Juvia!" Levy called, patting the girls shoulder. Juvia opened her mouth, not knowing exactly how to respond.


"It's been completed," Erza questioned, now dressed in her Heart Kreuz armor. Sho nodded. "I don't know why you're so surprised. We've been working on it since you left almost ten years ago."

Wally sighed as he led Erza through the prison section of the tower, directing her to a cell. "The ceremony will take place later tonight. You'll be staying here until then."

'Ceremony?' Erza stared at Wally, her eyes wide and confused as he smirked at her. 'They're going to activate the R-system. But the magical cost...they couldn't have achieved it. Much less it's other requirements!'

"I'm sorry but this is the price of betrayal. And although you hurt him Jellal's giving you a special honor. He's chosen you to be the sacrifice for the ceremony." Erza's eyes widened at Sho's declaration, her eyes hidden by her hair as he said it. She could only stare at the floor, terror racking her body.

'Die...I'm going to die here...at my friends hands...'

Erza didn't know how to function. She couldn't see, she couldn't breathe, she just felt. The redhead was weak, so weak when faced with all of this. She had nothing to lean on. She couldn't handle this. She was to weak to save her friends first, and now she was too weak to save herself.

"I must say I'm sorry I won't ever see you again. But you're going to help us get to heaven." Sho smirked as he noticed Erza's shaking. "You're trembling? Are you afraid of being sacrificed? Or does this cell, bring back memories?"

(-Flashback-)

Dogs. They were howling. Barking. The guards were leering at her, sinister grins on their faces as their eyes were covered by their hoods. Erza shook, kneeling behind the standing form of Jellal. The rest of the group was behind them, each cowering at the terrifying image.

"Did you brats really think you could get away that easily! You're all gonna be punished big time for trying to pull one over on us!"

Erza shook, terror in her eyes as she saw the guards discussing what to do with them. "Normally I'd agree with you here, but, we cannot afford anymore construction delays on the R-system. Just tell us the leader and we'll just take them."

Erza glanced around, briefly staring at the crying visage of the younger Sho before she slowly nodded her head. Just as she was about to speak out she heard a voice.

"It was me!"

Erza's eyes shot towards Jellal, surprise in her eyes. He wasn't the leader behind this idea! Sure he was the backbone of it, but the person who came up with the idea wasn't him. Why would he...why would he put himself in that situation?

"Well aren't you brave," muttered the guard. "But I know it wasn't you. It was the redhead!"

Erza's eyes widened with fear at the declaration, quickly scrambling backwards. "Take her away!"

"No it wasn't her! I swear it was my idea! She didn't do anything!"

Lightning flashed, and silence filled the room.

"Please don't worry about me. I'll be okay!"

"Erza!"

Erza could only stare at Jellal, dead eyes that seemed so unnatural to him shaking him to the core. "It's just like you said Jellal. There's nothing to be afraid of."

(-Flashback-)

"You're the one who ended up being punished even though I came up with the plan," Sho muttered, a longing look on his face. "I was to scared to say anything. I'm sorry for that."

"That's in the past," Erza whispered out, getting Sho's attention. "Do you even know the consequences of using the R-system? It's requirements? It is Black Magic! It's inhumane and forbidden!"

"Who cares," Sho muttered. "Forbidden doesn't mean anything. And magic wears away at one's humanity anyway!"

"That is a black magic philosophy," Erza yelled, shocking Sho with her resistance. "Are you one of them now?"

"Are you seriously comparing me to those idiots from before! They thought this could only be used to revive people! We know better because of Jellal's enlightenment! We can use the tower to get us into heaven!"

Erza frowned as Sho turned around, slowly raising her leg. "Heaven?"

"Once he is revived the world will be reborn! And we will become its rulers!" Sho laughed, staring up at the ceiling with rage and lunacy in his voice. "Everyone who wronged us! Everyone of them will be stripped of their freedom once we're in control! They'll have no choice but to bow down before us!"

Sho gasped as the breath was taken out of him, Erza's heavy body smashing into his back and sending him slamming into the prison bars, knocking him out. Erza stared at his unconscious form, a lost look in her eye as she chewed through her bindings, spitting out the pieces of rope.

"Jellal," Erza muttered, rage filling her voice. "What has he done to you Sho?"


Happy stared at his woke up in the cat themed room, fear in his eyes. "Where am I," the cat muttered, terror in his voice. All of a sudden Millianna appeared at his side, getting him to jump. "Creepy cat girl!"

"How are ya feelin'?"

Happy stared at the girl for a while before he answered. "I've been better." Millianna squealed as Happy talked, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him tight, restricting Happy's airflow unintentionally in the process, squealing about talking cats.

"Doll, better let go before you kill him 'eh?"

Millianna reluctantly released Happy due to Wally's advice, the cat thanking the man despite him also being his kidnapper. Just as the conversation was about to continue two guards rushed into the room.

"We've got bad news! Erza Scarlet has escaped from her cell!"

"That's Erzy for you," Millianna said, almost as if she was cheering. A strange look was directed her way from the guards before Wally brushed them off, sending them away. "We better go handle this situation Doll. Ain't no way she's busting out of this tower again."

Millianna nodded, rushing after Wally as the duo rushed off to find Erza.


"We must do something to stop Jellal! The military, navy, anything!"

"Ignorant fools," Siegrain muttered, rubbing his forehead. This caused an uproar in the Council, but Jellal merely continued unperturbed. "Only fools would send in the military and risk the lives of hundreds of innocent soldiers!"

"What would you suggest," the Chairman muttered, interested. "This is a precarious situation," Jellal stated plainly. "There's only one way to stop my brother. To completely destroy the Tower of Heaven. And there's only one way to do that. Etherion."

Immediate uproar.

"That's cross dimensional destruction magic we can't do that!"

"Are you crazy?"

"We can't!"

"Etherion is an absolute last resort! It is more dangerous than the R-system itself! It is more dangerous than the Wizard Saints!"

"Just hear me out!" Jellal roared out. "We can pinpoint a target anywhere in the region. If we focus on the Tower, we can cause less collateral damage and destroy the Tower."

Ultear raised her hand. "I vote to fire." Jellal smirked. "Just a couple more and we'll have the majority."

"Are you mad," Yajima muttered, his eyes narrowed. "We can't let deliberations delay us time is of the essence here! Please, vote with me!"

Yajima stared at Jellal, horror on his face. 'This boy knows not what he does!'


Naruto growled as he saw the beasts circling over the tower, likely using some form of smell of echolocation to locate intruders due to the lack of eyes they had. "What are we gonna do to get passed them," Natsu muttered, annoyance on his face. The group had landed some time ago, and had barely managed to avoid getting spotted by a guard. Naruto and Natsu had both wanted to engage, but Lucy managed to convince them not to, if only due to the danger it could place Happy and Erza in. The group frowned, thinking over their options before Juvia appeared from the water behind them.

"There appears to be some form of underwater passageway. It should be sufficient to get you all inside. We can get there in tens minutes if we swim."

"We can hold our breath that long right," Natsu muttered, rubbing the back of his head. Levy slapped him. "No! That's not humanly possible! What are you an idiot!"

"In that case wear these," Juvia muttered, forming a sphere of water. "It's a case of water that contains oxygen. You'll be fine if you swim fast enough." Natsu grinned, giving Juvia a thumbs up. "Great idea...who are you?"

Juvia looked at the ground dejected at the notion that Natsu didn't know who she was, but Levy quickly explained the situation along with Lucy before the group got moving. They resurfaced in a strange lower level of the tower, a blend between metal and earth. "We're beneath the tower now huh," Lucy whispered, looking around. "This is not what I was expecting."

"I wonder where they're keeping Erza and Happy," Natsu growled out, looking around. He was clearly still irritated at the attack from the casino and he wasn't just going to leave it alone.

"Intruders!"

The group turned, their eyes widening as they saw a man riding on one of the beasts, a horde of guards following after him. Naruto sighed. "Really? So much for the stealthy method. That wasn't required at all," he muttered before he disappeared in a flash of golden light. When he reappeared all the guards were unconscious, along with the beast. Lucy turned to Naruto, her eyes wide. "That was so fast," she whispered. Naruto smirked at his fellow blonde, resisting the urge to grin at his the compliment. "Really? That wasn't even my top speed. We don't have time to waste."

Lucy nodded, awestruck. That look was wiped off of her face however as the stone face in the room opened, its tongue extending downwards to the floor. "I guess that's their way of inviting us in," Levy muttered, looking at the pathway with skepticism. Naruto nodded, but started running despite the obvious fact that it could be a trap. "I have to save Erza! You guys get Happy and then we'll put a stop to this thing alright!"

Before the group could respond Naruto had disappeared into the tunnel, not wasting any time. Natsu wasn't slow to follow, leaving the rest of the girls alone. "Well I guess we have no choice huh," Lucy said, a smirk on her face. "We knew what we were coming here for when we left the casino," Levy muttered, rushing up the tongue followed by Lucy. Juvia stayed behind, watching Levy's back with interest, before she nodded to herself and ran after her fellow blue-haired mage.


Laxus smirked, Freed in front of him. "Have you gotten the message out?" Freed nodded. "Yes, Laxus-sama. All those with the message will arrive in Magnolia at the registered time. They will all participate in the grand battle to weed out the chaff."

Laxus smirked, yellow and black lightning crackling around his body. "Good." Laxus stared up at the ceiling, a smirk on his face. "Alright. That's good. Go prepare your spell. You said it will take you about a month to complete. That's just barely on schedule with Fantasia Parade. Get to work." Freed nodded, turning on his heel to go prepare. He had a lot of work to get done.


Velveno is not an OC. He actually exists in the anime.