Chapter 30: War in the North…To Face the Shadow

Somewhere near the North Pole, the team wandered through the frozen tundra as they made their way to the Northern City, bundled up with only their eyes visible as they tried to follow their guides. Said guides were from the city, who had made contact with the resistance and were waiting for them. Before they even left the boat the group was tied together with one guide at the front and the other at the end of the line. All of this was to help them keep close and not get lost in the coming blizzard.

During the travel, the Shinobi couldn't help but chuckle as they watched heard Juvia mutter about Gray being shirtless in the snow and swooning at the thought. The rest of the group however could only focus on the heat a good fire would give them when they got out of this blizzard.

At those thoughts, the guides shouted out indicating the lights that were seen through the blizzard.

"There! We're almost there, can't be more a than a few-"

However before he could finish, the lead guide was attacked by a large, snarling, white mass!

His screams cut off as it ripped his throat open and dragged into the blizzard's white haze. It began to drag the rest of them with him. But with Sakura's quick thinking, her thrown kunai at the rope which cut them loose. After a brief moment to pull themselves out of the snow, they all gathered themselves in time to hear Sakura scream over the howling winds.

"RUN!"

And with that the group went dashing through the snow toward the lights on the far end.

However trudging through the snow was slow going, and before long they felt the rope grow taught as they were all stopped. Looking behind their eyes were filled with horror.

The guide behind them was taken. His screams ringing out as they took sight on their attackers.

Three monstrous Dire Wolves, pure white apart from the blood on their maws. Their yellow eyes looking hungrily to the rest of their prey as they dropped the fresh corpse in the snow.

Without much thinking Sakura called out to Juvia, "Juvia, we need more speed! Can you make a path?!"

With a nod she summoned her magic, casting water onto the snow just enough to get it to melt and solidify into an icy slide, which they leapt onto and slid down as Juvia continued to summon her power.

"Laxus, you and the others keep them from reaching us!" she roared, and with that, the Thunder Legion let loose a hail of spells as they kept the wolves of the Enemy at bay. However while the wolves were slowed by dodging the projectiles they were still hot on their heels.

They could hear the snarling and barking as the beasts charged down upon them. Before long they were surely going to catch up to them. Somehow by some unknown hand of fate, the guards at the gates to the city could hear them and even now they could hear people shouted on the walls as spears of ice were thrown down to assist them.

The beasts, though pained by the sudden attack slowed only slightly. But it was enough.

At the same time the gates were thrown open so that they could slide through before they were shut just before the bloodied, rabid beasts could come through. The sudden slam as they each should slammed into the gate in rage could be heard with the snarling roars. However the spears continued to fall on them and they were forced to retreat with what prey they had already claimed.

Before they could do or say anything to thank their saviors, they watched as the Water Benders summon ice spears to float around them. However they were stopped from any further action as they heard a commanding voice behind them.

"HOLD!" the man roared, all looked to see that standing before them was a tall man with dark hair and beard, his brown eyes holding gaze that locked onto the newcomers. A gaze that clearly stated, "You live by my word alone."

This was the Northern Tribe Leader, Chieftan Arnook, as he got a better look at the…peculiar group, his eyes lost their icy chill and warmed to the newcomers. He even graced them with a small smile, "The Resistance told us you were coming…welcome."

The group struggled to their feet as their adrenaline had them shaking. That and the ice beneath their feet, with a wave of his hand, and elder man, with no less a presence of command willed the ice to brake down and become snow so that they could stand.

This was Master Pakku, Master Bender of the North and the right hand of the Chieftan. The newcomers nodded in thanks, however his look was still that of suspicion and readiness. While the Magi could sense the high level, controlled spiritual energy, the Shinobi new only by his stance that he was ready to kill in a moments notice.

Chieftan Arnook however, either by the knowledge that his friends was there, or by faith in the Resistance kept his wamr demeanor.

"You must be freezing," he said, "Please, join me at my home, we were just preparing dinner, a few more mouths won't hurt."

With a nod of thanks Sakura spoke with a bow, "We are most honored sir, I am Sakura Haruno, acting captain of our squad. We were sent here to lend you aid.

For the first time Pakku raised a brow, "And what can such a small group do in our war against the Fire Nation?"

Sakura, who had been well verse in conversing strongly with dignitaries as Tsunade's apprentice, spoke with a strength and confidence that would make her almost the polar opposite of her childhood.

"Alongside our unique abilities and skill, we bring knowledge, that which will allow you to know your enemy better, and the Darkness that now stakes claim to them," she said plainly. Her personal feelings aside, which hated calling her friends such a vile thing, she knew it was the quickest way to get their attention.

With that a more sober gaze came upon the Chieftain, who now understood their meaning, "Perhaps we should dine in the Conference Hall then," he stated, seeing the topic was not one for his home, "Come."

They walked in silence, as the Magi and Shinobi looked upon the people of the North. This must have been what Ba Sing Se looked like during their Siege. In any case, neither group had ever seen such suffering. In fact many of the Magi with darker pasts began to feel guilty for their actions based on their lives, when a people with this level of fear and despair was almost palpable.

Finally, they reached the main governmental hall where the Chieftain ordered a meal to be prepared for them and their guests. In any other situation Chouji would have been ecstatic over a meal, but the sight outside quelled his usually unchallenged appetite.

And just as well, and they were each granted two fish and a little grain on the side.

"I apologize that we do not have a more lavish plate prepared," Arnook apologize, "With the Siege we have had to ration our supplies."

Though they were easily starving, the group only thanked their hosts graciously before eating their meal. At this point the Chieftain decided that now was time for business.

"So…I heard you had information about the truth behind the sudden turn in this war," he stated, and with that Laxus was the first to speak.

"Yes, we have had close encounters with him before," he stated, "He is quite the hassle."

While that gave them credence in the eyes of the Water Tribesmen, it only led to a NEW question, "I'm sorry," Pakku queried, "But who is 'He'?"

Laxus turned to the Levy, "That perhaps is best explained by our little bookworm. She knows more detail given her love for history."

Though she blushed at the sudden attention, a gentle and encouraging squeeze on the shoulder from Gajeel, she took a deep breath and spoke.

"He is an ancient being who had existed before time, he's the Dark Lord of all things dark and terrible. His name is Sauron," she said the name, seeing that she had total attention she continued.

"He is the one controlling the Fire Nation, and with his own monstrous forces they had swept across the Earth Kingdom like a plague. From vile goblins to the monstrous Uruk-Hai and Trolls along with many manner of hellish beasts."

Gajeel spoke up, "Those mutts outside, I'm guessing he sent them to squeeze you and keep you from gathering resources. Not to mention the fear factor."

At this the Chief nodded, "Most of our hunters ended up never returning, so we have been forced to fishing and hunting via the water when the Moon rises."

"And even then the conflict has scared off a lot of our prey. We are managing, but it is a struggle," Pakku admitted.

Hearing this the group contemplated their next move, and given the time it took to get here, they knew they needed to move fast.

It had been several days since they left with the small vessel to go North, plenty of time Sakura surmised that the other team would need to make it into Ba Sing Se. So whatever they were going to do to keep the enemy at bay needed to be put into play quickly.

As the others spoke more in depth about the enemy, Sakura's mind couldn't help but wander to the other team. In truth she had wished to join the others, but as much as her emotional side demanded she stay, Shikamaru had been right.

"There is perhaps only one other person who could trigger something from Naruto, and that's you. We can't take that chance," he had said coldly.

She had protested but eventually understood, knowing that from her memories of…the incident…that she had said horrible things to him just as the others.

But what perhaps was the most damning thing…was what Sai had told her a few weeks after they found his mangled body. What had sent her heart to what she thought were the depths of despair: that Naruto had loved her. She had known of his advances, and rejected them quite forcefully over time, but after he had returned with Jiraiya, and she had seen his maturity and strength, she had grown to admire her teammate.

His compassion for others, balanced only by his ferocity in battle, she couldn't deny something caused her heart to skip when she heard him say her name, or to see him standing by her side as they confronted the Akatsuki.

And the lengths he went when they faced Orochimaru. But worse still…was the promise he had made to her. The Promise of a Lifetime she realized had condemned Naruto to a tormented existence, to bring back the man she truly wanted.

And yet nothing compared to the what she felt after Sauron gave them their memories…the memories of her fists crashing into Naruto.

She had hit him many times before…but never like that day. She could still remember the feeling of bone disintegrating under her knuckles. And to think that he had loved her made her feel like the very worst of traitors.

Now the only reason she kept on, was the drive to save him. To somehow save him from a path that would make Sasuke's seem like a minor offense. In that way she could understand Hinata's decision to betray all she knew. But Sakura feared that joining him in darkness would only corrupt her.

She was suddenly ripped from her thoughts as she heard Levy finish her list of evidence regarding their foe.

"We don't know how," she said, "But they plan to shatter all of their enemies in one swoop, and if we can't find a way to stop them from performing their ritual whatever it is, we are all doomed."

Upon hearing all of this, the Chief and Master Pakku looked at one another before turning to the Shinobi.

"And where do you come into this?" Arnook asked them, now it was Sakura's turn to speak as she banished her inner thoughts and once more took on the emotionless mask of her station.

"He's preparing to go to war with our peoples as well. And we are already facing a war of our own," she explained, "So our leader sent us as a part of the team. While another goes to try and stop them at the source, we are hear to help you strengthen your stance.

The Chief nodded, "Our Southern brother has already spoken of your abilities. Impressive to say the least, but how can such a small group contest with those amassed against us?"

At this Tenten spoke up, "We want to help stop the Fire Nation, and the one who's taken over, but right now we need to sort out what to do with the army out on the water. We specialize in taking on larger forces, hit and run tactics, and as ANBU, assassination."

At this the Chief, Master Bender, and the few guards in the room shuffled uncomfortably. At this Laxus decided to chime in.

"As Magi, each of us possess unique abilities that can assist you either in battle or as support," he explained, "A majority of the Magi have come here to assist you along with these Shinobi who are well versed in combat. We will help you keep your home."

A nod of thanks from the two leaders before Sakura spoke up, "Show us what we are dealing with.

With a nod from Arnook, Pakku stands and leads them to the wall. As it was night the mighty army had withdrawn a safe distance.

Chief Arnook spoke, "It's only thanks to the Water Benders that they could cancel out the flames. When the Moon rises, so do our powers, yet the same is to be said for them when the Sun takes to the sky."

"It is only by the strength of our Benders that we have been able to keep them at bay. And they fear the Spirits who will come to our aid should they get too close."

At this the group turned to the leader, "Spirits?" Chouji asked, seeing that explanation was needed, Arnook obliged.

Our ability to Waterbend is gifted to us by two spirits, the Water Spirit itself and the Moon Spirit. Their bond to one another allows us to use their element. In return we care for and protect them.

Chief sheds a tear as a sober as she looked to the sky, "My daughter, she stands by us, and gives us strength…though she cannot defend us from their beasts."

Chouji nodded as he thought on them, "The wolves outside…"

Pakku nods, "They rip apart our hunting parties, we've been forced to venture out into the main waters to keep the people fed. It's treacherous, but…"

Sai finished his sentence, "Better an enemy that you can see."

Laxus let out a growl, "Well it's about time we find out a way to deal with these bastards and send them packing. Got any ideas Sakura?"

As they thought about it for a moment, Sakura came up with something that made her grin.

"Laxus, can your team help with some of the defenses and can you cause a little ruckus to keep them at bay?" he asked her, a question which made the entire group grin at the thought.

Seeing this made Pakku shift in discomfort, "What are you thinking Lady Haruno?"

Turning to him, her green eyes grew cold, "I think it's high time we give them a warm welcome, but first, we will need your Benders to work overtime as we only have a few hours before sunrise."

As morning came, so too did the Fire Nation.

As they Fire General looked upon the walls, he was surprised to see that they were even thicker and stronger than the day before.

At this his lieutenant, came forth to give his report, "Sir, we estimate that the wall is three times thicker than yesterday. They must have been up all night working on it sir."

For a moment the General was concerned, but brushed the thought off, "It matters not, our orders are to maintain a regular barrage, not to invade yet. Commence bombardment, see if we can get any of those Greek Fire stones over the wall to give them a more stern reminder."

[Fairy Tail: Scarlet Warrioress]

And with that, the Fire Ship Barrage began to rain down upon the walls of the North. He sighed at yet another tedious day. Once he saw that everything was operating smoothly, he would retire to his quarters and enjoy some herbal tea.

However, his eyes would soon widen as something VERY different happens.

Just as their artillery strikes the wall, an unknown, ethereal wall of purple runes appear and before anyone knew it, the artillery deflected right back at them. So shocked by this unseen act that he wasn't brought out of his stupor until several ship are nearly caught by the blasts were it not for the Magi of Alvarez sending up protection shields.

And with that the siege weapons were halted, it seemed a stalemate had been reached, however they would soon realize they were mistaken, as they failed to see the dark cloud form above them.

On the wall, the Water Tribesmen were shouted and cheering in triumph at their handiwork and that of their new allies.

"I must admit," Arnook said in awe, "I never thought I would see such an incredible sight, and with only magical script no less!"

Levy and Freed both smiled and gave their humbled thanks at the high praise, but they weren't done.

"We've halted their attack, now to send them packing," Sakura said before turning to Laxus, "You're up. See if you can hit their fuel lines."

With a grin, the man flexed and with a grunt both his body and the sky let loose a barrage of lightning. It was probably was one of the most beautiful and deadly sights ever to be seen as HUNDREDS of bolts ripped through the fleet. Many were able to stay shielded, but a group of unlucky ships were hit, igniting the fuel and sending them to the depths.

Before long the remaining ships who had been able to take on the onslaught were turning in an attempt to get out of range.

At this the Water Benders once again let out a huge roar of cheers.

Sakura let out a sigh, "That should take care of them…for now. Hopefully our friends in Ba Sing Se can have similar luck."

[Ba Sing Se Inner Courtyard]

Hinata took a moment to regain her equilibrium before following her master, they had just returned from Isengard, her mind still wrapping around all that she saw. Before they could make their way back into the halls, the Shadow Captain appeared before them.

"My Lord…they're here," the man informed them, the Dark Lord merely nodded.

"Excellent, let's be sure to give them a warm welcome," he said with eagerness, the man nodded before vanished in a swirl of leaves.

Activating her Byakugan, Hinata saw the newcomers were in fact a portion of her old friends: her cousin, and Natsumi along with some of the Magi climbing onto the Outer Wall.

With surprise evident she turned to face Sauron's back as he was walking away, "…you knew they would come."

Sauron froze, his titanic form towering over her as he turned to see her face. He knew it wasn't a question, and the matter of fact, emotionless gaze he gave her in response made her shiver.

She still wasn't over seeing such…cold and deadly visages on whom she loved. But it wasn't the look on his face that sent chills down her spine.

It was his answer, "I counted on it."

And with that he turned to where Azula and her entourage awaited him. Something about his answer, it made her truly realize just how different he was from the boy she once knew.

He was methodical, strategic, ruthless, but also a leader, inspirational, and powerful.

And in the darkest corners of her mind…she liked it.

[Ba Sing Se Outer Wall]

Lucy grunted and struggled as she got up over the edge of the wall before letting out a squeal as she fell onto the wall's walkway with a loud thud. The others turned toward her, but chose silence…apart from a rather concerned cat.

"Are you okay Lucy?" he asked from where he stood in front of her. She righted herself from her awkward position and lowered her hood and mask so she could breathe and rub the welt growing on her head.

With an exhausted whine she answered, "Yeah I'm okay Happy…just winded."

At this Happy nodded, "Maybe you should work out some, you are a little heavy ya know…"

That immediately got Lucy back to fighting strength and lung capacity as she roared, "Zip it cat!"

This of course was a problem, causing Kiba to snarl at them, "QUIET!" he barked, "You wanna bring the whole city down on us!?"

At the sudden scolding both emit an audible "Eep!" before covering each other's mouths, quivering at the sudden deadly anger in his voice. Not to mention the ANBU mask of a dark snarling dog didn't help them either.

Erza and Gray could only shake their heads at the antics before them, however Natsu seemed to pay no mind to the situation, which honestly made Lucy a little concerned.

In truth the Magi were thankful for the dark clothing given to them, with hoods and masks to draw up to their noses, Natsu seemed all too excited at first to be dressing like a REAL ninja. However, since they got to the top of the wall and closer to the dark presence, he was starting to get VERY quiet…

His eyes flashing anger, his hands flexing like claws, his overall stance resonating the urge to be let loose like a beast onto the unsuspecting enemy.

Thankfully boh Erza and Gray had been watching in the event that he tries to go on a one man rampage through the city. Only Erza had ever seen him this enraged…the day he thrashed Jellal for making her cry.

Taking a moment to shake that…nightmare from her mind, Erza looked back over the wall to the fields outside the City.

[WOW OST: Warlords of Draenor]

But now she was faced with an even greater horror, "My God…"

The others followed her eyesight and felt a very their breath catch. While they moved among and through the crowd of enemies they couldn't get an idea of how many filled the camps.

But now…

Now they could see it all…so many troops that they looked like a super colony of ants they were so numerous. The largest they had seen were when all five Elemental Nations combined. And while they had seen the Uruk's march from Isengard…this force was so much more vast.

In fact they made their united force look like a mob. For it wasn't just their numbers that truly made their blood chill, it was their movements.

Outside the camp, the Dark Army was going through drills, their tight knit cohorts of troops operating and turning on a time in full battle gear. In some cases the blocks of troops marched toward and THROUGH each other, a maneuver that from here looked like they would collide with each other.

But rather they passed by each other with only

They march together like they were a Hive Mind. Yet they knew that this was the skill and discipline of a true army. They were at a loss for words.

Gray grunted, "Now we know what the General meant…"

Lucy couldn't help but drop her jaw, "This is…unreal…how are we supposed to match that?

Despite the Magi's fear of the situation, it was the Shinobi, and specifically Shikamaru who could see just how BAD this was.

He frowned as his eyes went wide, "It's worse than that…"

To hear this much emotion and fear from the quiet and usually blank faced man, "This is a true military…no mindless charge, no blind rage… Every step, every move is methodical, the perfect balance and coordination of their forces."

"If the Shinobi engaged this force…we would be slaughtered," he said with terror.

Lucy's responded almost pleadingly, "Surely it can't be THAT bad?" she whimpered, "I mean, many of us have abilities and skills that could take out huge numbers at once."

However, with his Byakugan activated, Neji shook his head, "No…he's right, this is what the general meant. They have normal troops, mages, and benders. Their beasts and monsters, all utilized for specific roles rather than blind charges."

"We Shinobi are better in skirmishes, duels, and hit and run…but this…we'd break like water on rock against this force."

Now it was Ino who voice the terrible situation, "We would have to whittle them down over a course of YEARS before we stood a chance. Or our powers would have to be so overwhelming that their own magic and benders couldn't keep it at bay…but I fear we wouldn't get a chance to summon such power."

At this Natsu let out a draconic growl, "All the more reason to stop HIM now, before this horde of monsters are unleashed!"

The other Magi and Shinobi look at the loose cannon of the group, this could end badly if they didn't aim him at something soon.

At this, it was Shino, "We aren't going to be any good just standing here…we need to move. Because the next patrol will be coming this way soon."

The others nodded, and with great struggle, turned from the horrific forces against them and to where their Dark Master undoubtedly plotted his dominion over them all. Making it down one of the towers, they waited for Neji to give the all clear.

However he paused for a second, "The streets are abandoned…not including patrols and a few drunk orcs."

Sure enough, the streets were abandoned, the destruction left alone…it was as if they were just letting the city rot away. No reconstruction nor structures focused to rebuild or anything. It was just decay. Realizing that the quiet was useful for them, they moved quickly, darting from shadow to shadow.

While this action confused the Magi, the lack of crowds in truth was not good. Their motion was far more likely to be noticed among the stillness. However, while the Shinobi could move fast enough, the Magi could not keep that up for long.

And it was not long before they were spotted, and sure enough, a feral voice ripped through the silence.

"I found the Tarks!" the a snarling voice spoke. The group whips around to see an Orc already charging at them with a score of his brethren behind him.

"They were expecting us!" Erza said in shock, now they knew that stealth was pointless. Sauron was expecting him, and judging by the horde bearing down on them and the unknown woman who's hands seemed to spark blue flames.

For a split second the group was silent, thinking on what they could do. But the decision was made for them by the order of their captain.

"GO LOUD!" Shikamaru bellowed.

[Fairy Tail: Scarlett Warrioress]

And with that the group finally lets loose, amazing Azula. Now she understood her master's warning.

The moment that masked man gave the order, it was like a force of nature unleashed. Orc's totally annihilated, with a speed that she couldn't believe, their might when it came to their combat prowess of what their language meant "Shadow Warriors."

Their blades were like flashing images of light before carving apart the orcs, their bodies moved like intricate dancers of death. Their knives flew through the air to find their marks in orc throats.

And the Magi themselves were more than capable to take on the Orc rabble as well.

"ICE MAKE: EXCALIBRE!" Gray roared as his greatsword came to existence and cleaved through four orcs in one go.

Erza's two katana's sharp enough to cleave through the Orc iron and the heads behind them.

And Lucy's magical whip sent even more through the walls. And with archery summon, the two of them made quick work of the remaining orc horde as the Natsu roared fire from his maw to roast a group of reinforcements.

The sight frightened her to be completely honest. Such skill and speed, they tore apart the patrol like they were pests. But now they had locked eyes on her, and judged rightly that she was a threat, if not a potential asset.

"Get her."

And with those two words, she turned on her heels and lifted off toward the palace, bending fire beneath her feat to launch into the sky. With a curse from the captain, she heard him yell, "She'll warn him, we need to stop her!"

And so they take off after her, leaving the Magi behind to make their way as quickly as possible. Looking around, started to make their way after him, but something was wrong.

"Natsu?" Happy asked with concern for his best friend…who was missing.

Azula was moving so fast the world was a blur, but she had enough skill to keep dodging shadows trying to reach out and snag her. But a look below told her that they were still hot on her heels. This was perhaps the first time she felt true fear outside of the being in the presence of the Nine and their master.

As she reached the Palace courtyard something happened…the flames beneath her feet vanish, causing her to plummet from a bone breaking fall. However she was able to rolling with the impact and the armor took the rest of the blow.

Looking to see what cause her bending to leave her, she froze when she saw one of the members in their group, standing between her and palace…as her blue flames were pulled into his open maw.

With a sigh of satisfaction and angry growl, the pink haired man stared at her. His slit, draconic eyes staring holes into her. As she heard a commotion behind her, she looked to see her hunters had appeared behind her.

[Agni Kai: Musicality Remix]

Taking a deep breath she turned fully and showed her angry grin.

"So…" Azula said with her regular air of confidence, "you are the betrayers. Some of them anyway."

The group freeze at those words. Whoever this was, she was high enough to know them. And to know what they did…she was close enough to know the truth.

"He told us you were coming, I have to say that I was impressed," taking this opportunity she gets into her stance and sends forth a HUGE blaze of blue fire from her hands, "LET'S SEE WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO!"

Shikamaru bellowed, "Scatter!"

And with that the Shinobi spread out, and without any other verbal que they set to work. Ino's hand flashed into signs quickly before water gushed from her mouth and doused the flames.

Azula is shocked for a moment by the sudden action, "Water Bending!?"

No…it was different, none of the grace of a Water Benders in her moves, but she didn't have time to think further before a massive amount of orange fire was sent blasting her way, her only chance was to send out her own blast of fire to counter it.

Yet once against, the entire inferno was consumed by the many before it could harm anyone. In fact it seemed to only make him stronger.

She issued forth more flames, but the blind one, through some unknown skill, thrust his hand forward and with a cry of "AIR PALM!" sent a concussive blast that dispersed the flames. And were it not for the sudden crackle of earth she would not have been able to avoid the earth hands gripping for her.

She was at a loss, the usual signs that told her when one was going to bend, they were useless in this fight. They summoned their abilities through what appeared to be hand gestures. So she had to rely on her instincts to stay ahead of them.

Now she knew why her master had ordered her to keep her distance. She looked as the group surrounding her and her adrenaline spike…and she smiled.

Azula chose to speak again, "I must admit, so far you prove the Dark Lord's words true. Your prowess in battle is matched by few I have ever witnessed."

At this, Shikamaru goes through signs and shadow tendrils start to whip around her, "Surrender," he said with a sense of finality. However the Fire Lord only laughed.

"You may have skill, but you are no match for the Shadow," she said with every ounce of confidence in her body before she once more emitted fire from her feet and rocketed into the open doors of the palace.

With a snarl Natsu roared, "COME BACK HERE!" dashing off toward the entrance, however ice catches his feet freezing him in place. Turning to see that the Magi had finally caught up.

"Let me go!" he roared as Gray walked up to him.

"Don't be stupid! Unless you want someone to slit your throat the moment you get through those doors, we go in smart!" he roared at his friend.

Now they were growing concerned. Yes he was normally a hot head, but this was different…

Natsu looks back as the group with a rabid look on his face before using his flames to banish the ice and darted inside.

"NATSU!" Lucy screamed before rushing after him.

And knowing that they were likely dead within the next few seconds the Magi and Shinobi dashed after them. And of course, the Shinobi knew that without them they would all be dead.

So they charged after them, and the moment they went through…

The Doors slammed shut with a BOOM!

The group search around them, before the torches on the palace pillars. Thirty on each side, begin to take light, filling the long room with a ghostly blue hue. Every pillar had a knight stationed there, like menacing statues they didn't even show awareness of the intruders.

And at the far end, they could see that the throne, sitting on the steps were the three woman whom he used to taunt them when he broken out from the cage. Hinata, Mirajane, Freya, like models they sat there, two pairs of eyes with Predatory hunger, and the third with a blank expression that not even a Hyuga could read.

Of course, this was because these were the eyes of the Hyuga Princess herself.

And in the far distance, they saw a broken and bloody throne, one that clearly held the image of a toppled monarchy. And upon that macabre seat was their former friend, his skin pale, his veins blackened, and his eyes the same hellish blaze they had grown to fear.

Sauron, his form that of the young man they all knew, with a knowing smile spoke with his demonic voice, yet almost with a friendly tone.

"Welcome my friends," he said with his arms wide as if in welcome, "you are just in time to witness the beginning of the end."

AN: Hello everyone! HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, got to enjoy time with you families. I apologize for the late post. This chapter I needed to get it just right, and between the family stuff and dealing with work its been crazy. But I will say I have missed you guys and gals.

As always, please let me know what you think, what scenes or parts got you intrigued. Or things that could improve the story. I always love hearing from you all.

Also I still have the poll up, and a second one if you got some time take a look at those.

Bless you all, may this year be filled with blessings and wondrous events.

It's 4:30 now...so I'm gonna go pass out, have a great night everyone.