Chapter Thirty-Two

Quick Recap

Despite Erza's efforts to keep everyone safe and confront Jellal alone, Link had planned a way for everyone to get to the Tower of Heaven. After using Farore's Wind and then an accelerated ride on a ship, the stubborn group of ten arrived and proceeded to enter. However, upon entering they were confronted by Jellal's voice, which was heard throughout the Tower. He congratulated them on arriving and ensuring him a fun game, as well as Simon for finally getting his three friends to see the truth after all these years. Jellal then went on to tell the reason Erza had been targeted, she was to be sacrificed in order to bring back Zeref.

As that settled in for the Fairy Tail Mages and Juvia, Jellal told them the rules of his little game. They would have to surpass three warriors, the assassin team Trinity Raven, before he was able to get Erza; who herself was enroute to him to bring an end to his plans. The final shock was Jellal passing on that the Magic Council had decided to utilize Etherion, a magical weapon that could bring untold devastation on unimaginable scale, against the Tower of Heaven. With that, he split everyone apart, Trinity Raven included, to ensure a more chaotic and enjoyable game.

The first to encounter Trinity Raven was Simon, who was up against the owl-headed Fukuro. The Darkness Mage was quickly defeated and almost killed before the timely intervention of Natsu. Natsu and Fukuro seemed evenly matched before Fukuro used his jetpack and sent Natsu on a ride, who was immediately overcome with motion sickness. Not content with just defeating his fiery opponent, Fukuro proceeded to use Capture Magic and swallowed Natsu whole with the intent of digesting him to obtain his Dragon Slayer Magic. Gray showed up shortly after that and went on the attack, dodging firebalss and then powering through the stolen flames to deliver an Ice Magic infused punch that caused Fukuro to expel Natsu and then freeze him solid; though the quick victory obviously took its toll on the Ice-Make Mage.

Jellal, amused by the turn-around, returned his attention to his chess board to see the blue guitar piece advancing towards two other pieces.


"Natsu!" Lucy shouted through cupped hands as she walked through what appeared to be an amphitheater. Constructed of the same dark stone as the rest of the Tower, the front row seats were twenty feet up and the circular ground floor was about 125 feet in diameter. It almost gave her the feeling of stepping into gladiatorial combat. Luckily, though, the two entrances were large double-doors instead of barred metal gates.

"Natsu-san!" Juvia echoed as she walked a few feet to the left of Lucy, a distance she had kept almost constant since they had appeared together at the bottom of a stairwell. "Juvia still feels she should be trying to find Gray-sama." She said as Lucy was about to shout again and got a sigh from her.

"I already told you, the ones most likely to actually hear us are Natsu and Link." Lucy explained for what felt like the tenth time in the past four minutes. "It'll be especially good if we can find Natsu, he can track down everyone else easily enough." She added and Juvia paused at that before she nodded.

"So Natsu-san has heightened senses like Gajeel-kun then…" The Water Mage said thoughtfully and Lucy looked back at her with a surprised expression. "Juvia wonders if that's common amongst Dragon Slayers." She added and this time Lucy blinked as she considered it. "But Juvia was not aware that Link-san was a Dragon Slayer. Shouldn't Link-san also be able to find them that way?" Juvia continued and Lucy froze in surprise before she turned around.

"No, Link isn't a Dragon Slayer, he's… well, he's Link." The blonde explained lamely and Juvia looked at her in mild curiosity. "His hearing is better than Natsu's, but he doesn't have his sense of smell." Lucy said before she turned around to keep walking. "Link!" She called out and Juvia sighed.

"Juvia cannot believe that instead of being with Gray-sama she ended up with her love rival…" The Water Mage lamented and once again Lucy froze before she looked back at Juvia in shock.

Before she could say anything, the loud wailing of a guitar sounded throughout the amphitheater. "What is this racket?" She cried out in pain as the screeching assaulted her and had her covering her ears.

"Juvia believes it is a guitar… it's quite good." Juvia stated calmly, unmoved by the sound, and Lucy looked over at her incredulously; her hands never moving from her ears.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah!" Sudden, loud shouting could be heard in conjunction with the guitar and they both looked up at a higher tier to the strange sight that was Vidaldus. "Welcome to the show, ladies!" He yelled with a laugh as he spun his head around wildly. Vidaldus suddenly stopped playing to bring his left hand up with his thumb, pointer finger, and pinkie finger out and the middle and ring fingers tucked in.

"Who are you?" Juvia demanded impassively while Lucy let out a sigh of relief.

At least that racket is over. The blonde thought as Vidaldus let out another wild laugh.

"You don't know me? I'm hurt!" Vidaldus said before he started playing again. Lucy started to flinch instinctively before she froze as she noticed this time it wasn't as grating. "You face the musician of madness, the rocker of death!" He declared and then jumped in the air without missing a strum of his guitar. "Welcome to the hell show!" He said as he landed thirty feet in front of the two women. His black hair rippled outward before he sent his head into a wild spin, whipping his long hair around. "Brought to you by Vidaldus Taka of Trinity Raven!" Vidaldus finished with a final flourish of his guitar as he flipped his head one last time to let his hair flow down his back and once more brought his hand up with a pose.

Juvia's eyes widened slightly while Lucy's eyes went wide in shock and fear. After the mess with Eisenwald and then Link's encounter with Shinobi, Lucy had decided to look more into Dark Guilds. It seemed an especially good idea once she ended up on her current team. Who knew when she would be roped into another job to take down a different Dark Guild? "T-Trinity Raven?" Lucy stammered in recognition, for even among the inhumane stories that accompanied such Guilds, the name Trinity Raven of Death Head's Caucus had stood out.

"So, Trinity Raven is the group Jellal-san was speaking about." Juvia said as she regained her usual placid expression and Vidaldus let out another laugh. "Wota Rokku!" She declared as she thrust her right hand forward. Immediately an orb of water appeared around the dark-haired mage, completely engulfing him in its watery embrace.

"So… so fast…" Lucy said as she watched the trapped guitarist try to talk and then breathe in the water prison. She gave a small wince as she remembered her time being held in that same spell when Juvia had captured her but quickly moved past the memory. I guess that's to be expected of someone from the Element Four. She thought as she looked at Juvia respectfully.

Juvia continued to look at Vidaldus impassively as she waited for him to pass out. Suddenly the pale madman winked, which caused her to blink in confusion. He started to spin his head around in the water, causing his hair to swirl, and suddenly all the water started to get absorbed into the black locks. "What?" She said in surprise as her water continued to get sucked in until there was nothing left.

Vidaldus gave one last spin of his head and then flared his still wet and now sparkling hair back behind his head. "Ahhh, that was refreshing. Sometimes all your hair needs is a good soak to help it shine." He said as he ran a hand through his quickly drying hair before he took notice of the looks of surprise on both Juvia and Lucy. "My hair can absorb all kinds of liquids." He explained with a grin before his face went serious. "Oils and alcohol are a no-go, though. Can't afford to have this beautiful work get damaged." With that said, he looked between the two speculatively. "Hmmm… two good looking ladies…" He said as he brought his right hand up to grab his chin thoughtfully. "Hmmm… nope… I can't decide which one to make my succubus…" Vidaldus mused and Lucy sighed dramatically.

"Here it is again…" She said sadly as she brought her hand to her head.

"What?" Juvia asked curiously as she glanced back.

"My beauty… so many problems occur because of it…" Lucy answered with another sigh. Juvia looked at her for a few more seconds before looking back at Vidaldus, dismissing the blonde.

Vidaldus was mumbling to himself as he pointed back and forth between the two, his gaze still serious, before his finger finally stopped. "Aha!" He yelled, his smile coming back, as he grabbed his guitar. "Time to begin!" He declared while he positioned his hands on the strings. "Rock of Succubus!" Vidaldus yelled as he started playing a riff on his guitar.

Lucy once again brought her hands to her ears as she closed her eyes. What's so different this time? She wondered before her eyes opened back up. Music Magic? She wondered. Hell. She suddenly heard in her head and blinked in surprise. Hell, hell, hell! The voice, her voice, echoed, tinged with madness. It's time to rock! "AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Lucy suddenly screamed as she reared her head back against the sound and Juvia looked back in surprise. "GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" Lucy screamed before her entire body was engulfed in a purple light, its glare making Juvia shield her eyes. When the light cleared and Juvia could see again, her eyes went wide with shock at the sight before her.

Lucy's blonde hair flowed loosely down her back, and she now wore purple eyeliner and lipstick. Her clothes had changed into black, skintight shorts that barely reached halfway down her thighs, a black corset that showed off her midriff and pushed her breasts up together into a jaw-dropping display of cleavage, and black boots that nearly touched her knees; all of them made of glossy leather. Her whip was tied around the waist of her shorts almost like a belt with her keys hanging from a belt loop, and spiked bracelets adorned her wrists. "Hell, hell, hell!" Lucy said with a wild laugh as she brought her right hand up in an echo of Vidaldus' usual pose.

"Lucy… san?" Juvia said softly as she tried to process the sight before her.

"Any woman that hears my song comes under my control." Vidaldus explained and Juvia looked back at him in surprise. "But if I took control of both of you, that would be too boring." He said then gave a wild laugh. "I want to see a catfight! Pulled hair, stripped clothes, clawing and biting!" He yelled with a lick of his lips and Juvia looked at him with a faint expression of disgust.

"Well, what's the problem?" Lucy asked and Juvia looked back in surprise to find her barely inches away, her brown eyes shining with malicious delight. "Let's rock!" She declared before she reached up and tore Juvia's coat open, sending buttons flying and revealing her breasts in an ice blue bra. "What is it with you and the color blue?" She asked with a chuckle as she shook her head.

Juvia's face started to go red before the coat was pulled down, trapping her arms, and Lucy threw her to the ground, sending her hat rolling away. "Lucy-san, stop!" She pleaded as Lucy reached down and roughly pulled the coat the rest of the way down, leaving her torso exposed except for her bra. "Wota Rok-!" Juvia started to say as she thrust her right hand back before freezing. The memory of Lucy held in her spell, struggling to draw breath, came to her. I… I can't do that to her again. The Water Mage thought before she was pulled up by her bra straps.

"Hey, hey, hey. What's this?" Lucy asked as she reached up and pulled Juvia's hair roughly. The Water Mage's curls came undone, her hair flowing down her back as she gasped in pain. "What's wrong? Weren't you about to use that spell on me again?" She demanded before slamming her forehead into Juvia's, getting another gasp of pain from her. "Come on, Phantom Lord, what's the harm in trying to drown me again?" She asked with a wild laugh and Juvia looked away in shame. "Come on, fight back!" She demanded before bringing one hand up to slap her face. The hand went through with a splash as Juvia's head took on the property of water. "Oh? Are you ready?" Lucy asked as she went for another headbutt only to go through. When she brought her head back out, water flowed down onto both of their bodies, getting a perverted grin from Vidaldus.

Several more vicious slaps came to the same result, but Juvia did not move as she stared into Lucy's crazed face. Why? Juvia wondered as tears started to form in her eyes. Why is this painful? She wondered before being shoved back by the frustrated blonde. "Lucy-san, please return to your senses." Juvia said when she regained her balance and Lucy looked at her curiously. "Lucy-san may be Juvia's love rival, but Juvia does not wish to hurt Lucy-san." She pleaded and Lucy blinked before laughing so hard that she grabbed her stomach.

"You stupid, dense, love-sick bitch." Lucy said through her laughter and Juvia's eyes widened in surprise. "Well, it doesn't matter." She said before she grabbed the whip on her waist and brought it out with a sharp crack. "Love rival, enemy, target; in the end if that's the excuse you want to attack me then let's do it!" She said with a wild laugh before she brought the whip back and lashed out at Juvia.

Juvia ignored the lash as she wiped at her eyes and the whip went right through her with a splash. The second it did, her eyes went wide as she felt some of the water getting pulled into the whip. She quickly jumped to the side to get away from the weapon, her confusion obvious as she focused to reform her body. "Hahahahahaha! You like it?" Vidaldus asked with a laugh. "I know the stories about you, Juvia of the Deep." He said as he started to play on his guitar. "Your little water body trick seemed a bit unfair, so I sacrificed some of my hairs for that lovely toy." He explained and Juvia looked back at the whip in understanding. "Come on, come on! Will you get sucked up or take the lash?" He asked as he started to whip his hair around to his music, a movement Lucy copied that sent her blonde hair flying wildly.

Birdcage Room

Simon, are you there? The sound of Sho's voice made Simon grunt in surprise as he opened his eye. The Darkness Mage looked around to see Gray still sitting next to him and Natsu still passed out with a worried Happy sitting next to him. Simon, we have a problem! Sho tried again and this time Simon blinked before he groaned, getting a glance from both Happy and Gray.

What's wrong? Did you encounter Trinity Raven? He asked worriedly but received the equivalent of Sho, Wally, and Milliana shaking their heads. Simon sighed in relief, this time getting a curious look from the Ice-Make Mage as Happy returned his attention to Natsu.

All three of us split up to find everyone, and so far they're all coming around to our side; Jellal's little speech hit them hard. Sho reported and Simon froze before a small smile came to him. But the problem is that most of them can barely move. Nee-san really did a number on anyone that tried to stop her from getting to Jellal. He continued and Simon gave a one-eyed blink in surprise. The way they're spread out, I don't know if I can get to them all before Etherion is supposed to hit! Simon's eye narrowed in thought as they all tried to come up with a plan to save everyone.

"What's wrong?" Gray asked, seeing the troubled look on his face, and Simon quickly explained the situation to him. "Damn it…" The Ice-Make Mage said as he looked down and tried to come up with a solution as well.

Happy kept looking down at Natsu for a few more seconds before he stood up. "Where are they?" The blue cat asked as he looked over at Gray and Simon. When they looked at him curiously, they both blinked when they saw his white wings unfurled. "But Gray, no more throwing Natsu off of high places!" He suddenly yelled as he pointed at Gray with his right paw.

Gray looked at him in surprise before he brought his right hand to his chin thoughtfully. "That's actually not a bad idea…" He murmured and Simon looked at him in surprise.

"Gray!" Happy yelled as he stomped his right foot and Natsu twitched as his eyes fluttered for a second.

Gray looked back at Happy quickly and brought both hands up. "I mean if we run out of time on our end I can make a slide to get us down quickly." He explained and Happy blinked before sighing in relief. "It'll be a rough ride, but it beats getting blasted by Etherion." He said with a grin and got a nod from the two of them.

Sho, give me your location so I can send Happy to help you. Simon sent a second later and felt confusion from the three. He can fly-

Nya!? Milliana sent in surprise, a feeling echoed by Wally and Sho.

-so as you two find the others, tell Sho their locations and move on from there. Simon finished and after a couple of seconds got feelings of agreement from them. "Happy, here's your first stop." He said as he returned his attention to the determined feline.

Amphitheater

Juvia stared at Lucy for several more seconds before she swallowed nervously. "Juvia… Juvia doesn't want to hurt Lucy-san." The blue-haired mage tried again but the blonde just continued whipping her hair around. "Juvia wants to… wants to join Fairy Tail; to be Lucy-san's nakama!" She yelled out tearfully and Lucy froze, her head down and hair flowing over her face.

"My… nakama?" Lucy asked and Juvia nodded her head as a hopeful smile appeared on her face. "You idiot!" She laughed wildly as she brought her head up with a demonic smile. "You think the bitch that drowned me, that worked to destroy Fairy Tail, could ever join?" She asked and Juvia looked down at the ground miserably. "Do you want to see what everyone's reaction would be?" She asked evilly before she looked back at Vidaldus. She mimed a serious expression at him, which got a curious look before he shrugged and took on the expression. With that she reached down and pulled free one of her Golden Keys, the end in the shape of a male lion's head. "Open, the Gate of the Lion!" Lucy chanted as Juvia looked on in confusion. "Leo!" She declared as she slashed down with the Key and Loke appeared in a flash of light.

Loke's appearance had drastically changed; his orange hair now longer and looking like spikes jutting in every direction, with a pair of strands framing his face and a pair on top of his head, vaguely akin to animal ears; the entire style was reminiscent of a lion's mane. His attire had also changed, now wearing a black, well-tailored suit with the buttons undone to reveal a white button-up shirt and red tie. His black pants were held up by a tan belt that had a chain attached to it going into his left pocket and he wore black dress shoes. The only thing that remained of his previous look was his azure-tinted sunglasses that still allowed others to see his hazel eyes.

"You called on me sooner than- what are you wearing!?" Loke's initial coolly stated comment with a suave smile disappeared in the face of the Lucy's current appearance. Even that, though, was overcome by the look of fear on her face.

"L-Loke… behind you…" Lucy stammered and Loke quickly turned around in a defensive crouch. His eyes went wide when he saw Juvia before they narrowed. "She's trying to get revenge, help!" She cried out as Juvia stood transfixed by the anger in his eyes.

Loke reacted without thinking, barely registering the sadness on Juvia's face, as he rushed forward. "Take this!" He yelled as light started to emit from his hands. He started with a punch to her stomach that then burst with light in order to damage her water body, a punch that connected with flesh that did not turn to water. The double hit sent Juvia flying back with a loud gasp of pain, and when she hit the ground she rolled for several feet before finally coming to a stop. To say Loke was surprised would be an understatement as he looked at the downed Juvia. That was too easy, what's-

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Lucy's and Vidaldus' sudden wild laughter made Loke look back in surprise. "Do you get it now?" Lucy taunted, making the Celestial Spirit blink in confusion.

"So Juvia…. Juvia can never join… Fairy Tail…" Juvia's sobs had Loke spinning back, his confusion mounting, before he froze as he saw tears flowing down Juvia's face to the ground. "Juvia can… never be… Lucy-san's nakama…" She continued and Loke's eyes went wide in shock.

"Well done, my succubus." Vidaldus laughed and Loke's eyes narrowed as he looked back at them. "Go ahead and get rid of your boy toy." He ordered and Lucy immediately brought the Key up.

"Close, the Gate of the Lion!" She declared to dismiss the Celestial Spirit, but the only thing that happened was that he turned around to walk towards Juvia.

"I have a few questions, Lucy." Loke said as he reached into his suit jacket to pull out a handkerchief.

"Close, the Gate of the Lion!" Lucy said again, her face now showing aggravation, but again Loke just ignored it as he gently reached down to wipe at Juvia's tears.

"What caused this change?" Loke asked as Juvia looked up at him in surprise. "What happened to the loving young lady who defied the Spirit King to save me?" He continued sharply; his eyes tight with restrained anger and concern.

"Hey! I said get rid of him!" Vidaldus snapped as he started to play an angry riff on his guitar and Lucy flinched at the sound. "I don't care to have any more guys at this hell show!" He snarled and the blonde swallowed nervously.

"Force Gate Closure!" She called out as she brought the Lion Key up.

This time a golden light surrounded Loke and made him wince as he dropped the handkerchief to the ground. As his body started to go transparent he suddenly growled and shook his head, to which the light suddenly disappeared. "I see… so that's how it is." He said softly as he reached back down for the handkerchief, ignoring the look of shock on Juvia's face. "Juvia, I'm sorry." Loke said and Juvia blinked in surprise. "This is going to sound selfish… but can you help me save Lucy?" He asked and she looked at him with wide eyes before slowly nodding her head. "Thanks." He said with a small smile as he stood up and offered her his hand.

"How did you resist that?" Lucy demanded angrily while Juvia slowly stood as she glared first at the Lion Key and then back at Loke.

"What can I say?" He replied with a diffident shrug before he pulled his suit jacket off. "I guess my time in Fairy Tail made me more stubborn." Loke said with a grin as he draped the garment around Juvia's shoulders, a grin that quickly disappeared. "Especially since I already vowed to be your pillar." He said solemnly, to which Lucy blinked before laughing hysterically. "Juvia, how did that bastard do it?" The Lion Spirit asked.

Juvia immediately pointed to the blue guitar, her eyes once again focused. "Vidaldus-san played a song that took control of Lucy-san." She said and Loke's right hand closed into a fist.

"Got it." Loke said as he took a step forward, only to pause as Lucy stretched her whip out.

"Hey there, wild child." The blonde said before she cracked the whip to the side. "You're crazy if you think you're getting to Master Vidaldus." She said before she brought her free hand up in Vidaldus' pose. "Maybe I can end up like Karen, yeah!?" She yelled with a laugh and Loke's sudden, sharp intake of breath brought Juvia up beside him.

"What is-?" The Water Mage started to ask before pausing at the haunted look on his face.

"No…" Loke said softly before he closed his eyes and shook his head. "Juvia, if I get you an opening can you get that guitar?" He asked and Juvia started to shake her head before pausing.

"Juvia thinks so." She said after a few moments and Loke gave her a small grin.

The Celestial Spirit returned his attention to his possessed summoner and narrowed his eyes. "Here I come, Lucy!" He yelled as he ran towards her.

Lucy gave an evil chuckle as she brought her whip back. "About time, let's rock!" She yelled as she lashed her whip out. Loke brought his left arm up to take the strike with a wince before he quickly spun his arm to wrap the whip around it. Lucy blinked in surprise as Loke skidded to a halt five feet away from her and gave a strong pull, yanking her towards him.

The orange-haired Lion pulled her into a hug and jumped to the side. "Juvia, now!" He yelled as he jumped and Juvia turned into a torrent of water, her shoulders, arms, and head still visible; Loke's jacket was sent flying away.

Vidaldus watched in amusement as she came roaring in like a cyclone, ready to absorb her attack once more. "Wota Jigusa!" The Water Mage suddenly yelled and the sound of water roaring became intermingled with the sounds of blades clashing. Vidaldus took a step back in surprise, feeling that this attack wouldn't be absorbed so easily, if at all.

"Master!" Lucy screamed as she struggled against Loke before suddenly looking up at him. As he opened his mouth to say something she leaned up to kiss him on the lips, making him freeze in surprise and blush. A second later a knee found his crotch and all the strength left his body as he dropped with a wheeze. The instant Lucy was free she took off as fast as she could.

Juvia's focus was complete as she flew in at the now nervous Vidaldus, intent on slicing his hair and guitar to tiny pieces. Because of that, her surprise was complete as Lucy jumped out and barely pushed Vidaldus out of the way in time. Juvia immediately started to cancel her spell, but wasn't able to in time as she slammed into Lucy.

"AAAHHHHHH!" Lucy screamed in pain as she was sent flying back at the front of the torrent, cuts starting to appear all over her body and her attire. A couple of seconds later Juvia turned back to normal, pulling Lucy into a hug as she rolled to take the initial impact on the stone floor.

The two of them rolled a few feet before coming to a stop, and Juvia immediately pulled them both to their knees. "Lucy-san, are you okay?" She asked, concern thick in her voice, as she took in the cuts on the blonde.

"HAHAHAHA!" The wild laughter exploded from Lucy as she brought her face up to smile at Juvia. "About time, Phantom Lord!" Lucy taunted and Juvia froze as she looked into Lucy's eyes.

Damnit! Loke thought as he heard the laughter, laughter echoed by Vidaldus, as he struggled to rise to his hands and knees. How could I be so-

Stop it! Loke's self-recriminations were cut off at the sound of Lucy's voice in his head. Stop making me say these things! He heard her beg and his eyes widened in surprise as he slowly looked over. Stop making me hurt them like this! Shock filled him at the sight of his deranged Lucy still spewing hateful taunts, but now with tears streaming down her face.

"Lucy…" Loke said softly before gritting his teeth in rage as he continued to hear her pleas echo in his mind. "You… you bastard…" He growled as he forced himself to his feet, glaring at the equal parts amused and confused Vidaldus. "How dare you?" Loke growled out as Vidaldus, who had been preparing to replay Rock of Succubus, looked over at him.

"Oh? Is the boy toy getting angry?" Vidaldus taunted with a crazed laugh. "Don't worry; I'll put her back under my spell to get rid of those tears." He said before he froze as a surge of killing intent suddenly slammed into him from the enraged Celestial Spirit; making him feel as if he was in the presence of a mighty predator.

Loke brought his right fist up to eye level, bent at the elbow, as he placed his left hand on his bicep. "Oh Regulus, grant me your power!" He chanted and his entire body glowed with light. While Loke was chanting, Juvia continued to look into Lucy's eyes, no longer hearing the words as she saw the sad light, the source of Lucy's tears, within the malicious delight. "If you think I'm going to let you do that again, you're wrong!" Loke yelled as he rushed forward with his right fist cocked back, the outline of a male lion head appearing around it. "Regulus Shogeki!" He roared when he was fifteen feet away from the recovering Music Mage and thrust his fist out, which caused the lion head to fly out with a roar of its own, the head expanding to five feet in diameter.

Vidaldus quickly started playing a new song on his guitar. "Wall of Rock!" He declared as he spun his head around and a whirling purple barrier appeared around him. The lion head slammed into the barrier in a blinding and deafening display, but when the light cleared the barrier still stood.

At the same time, the maliciousness in Lucy's eyes disappeared, leaving only a deep shame and sorrow. "Juvia-san… " Lucy sobbed when the clash of Regulus Shogeki and Wall of Rock was over. "I'm… I'm so sorry…" She barely got out as she looked into the Water Mage's eyes. "I didn't mean it… I-" Lucy was cut off as tears came to Juvia's eyes.

Juvia suddenly pulled Lucy into a hug, taking the Celestial Spirit Mage by surprise, as she put her hand comfortingly on Lucy's head. "It's okay, Lucy." She said softly as the blonde continued to sob. "Juvia is just happy that Lucy is okay." She said as tears of happiness came to her eyes.

The moment came to an end as Loke let out another yell as he charged Vidaldus' barrier. Claws of light formed around his hands as he went into a wild frenzy, trying to prevent the madman from playing any other songs. He suddenly went into a spin and put his left hand over his right fist to slam his elbow into the barrier with a flash of light. Damnit, my strength still hasn't fully recovered. He thought as he felt himself quickly running out of magic. He couldn't stop, though. He couldn't abandon Lucy to face that horror again, so he kept his barrage up in an attempt to break through.

Lucy looked over at the berserk Loke as she watched him go all out. "I have… I have to make it up… to both of you…" She said with a sniffle and Juvia's arms tightened protectively. So warm… Lucy thought, surprised that the usually cold and distant Juvia could be so caring, as she reached up to return the hug.

Such concern for her nakama… Juvia thought before her eyes widened slightly. Wait, her words… could she… could she also see me…? She wondered hopefully as she felt Lucy hug her back. Unnoticed by either of them, they both started to emit a faint glow.

Sweat dripped from Loke's face as he struggled to breathe while Vidaldus continued playing on his guitar and laughing. Damnit… I'm almost… He thought as the light around him started to dim. Suddenly a surge of power flowed through him, power that manifested itself in his Light Magic flaring brightly. Surprised, Loke stopped his barrage to look down at his body. This… this feels familiar… He thought back through the many centuries of his existence, trying to pinpoint where he had felt this before. When he glanced back at Lucy and Juvia, he had his answer as he saw the glow around them and immediately went back on the attack to keep Vidaldus pinned. "Lucy! Summon Taurus and Cancer!" He yelled out.

Lucy blinked before she looked at Loke in shock. "B-but that's forbidden to-""It's okay!" The Celestial Spirit yelled, cutting off her objection. "Trust in your nakama and do it!" He ordered as he jumped up to do a spinning double kick and the impact almost caused Vidaldus to lose his rhythm.

Lucy wasn't sure what he meant, but found herself grabbing for her two Golden Keys when she finally noticed the glow emitting from her. A quick glance to Juvia showed her doing the same as the Water Mage also noticed what was happening to them. After a moment's pause, Lucy's left arm came up from behind Juvia's back and reached for her right hand with a tight grip. "Help me." She said quietly, still not sure what was going on, and Juvia nodded as she kept her hold on Lucy. "Open, the Gates of the Golden Bull and Giant Crab!" Lucy called out as she thrust the Keys into the air between the fingers of her right hand; one ending in the shape of an axe and the other in the shape of a crab. "Taurus! Cancer!" She finished as she brought the Keys down.

Taurus, in all his muscular, loincloth-clad, minotaur glory, appeared in a flash of light with his mighty labrys strapped to his back. A few feet away from him appeared the stylishly dressed Cancer, wearing black slacks with a pair of holsters that held his scissors, a blue silk, button-up shirt, black sunglasses with red rims, and his black hair styled like eight legs with his red crab legs coming from his back. Both of them looked at each other, surprised that they were both in the Human World, before they looked at Lucy questioningly. The sight that awaited the duo made them both freeze.

At first Taurus went into pervert overdrive at the sight of the two scantily clad, wet women pushing their large endowments together in a hug before the sight of their tears made him freeze. The sight of two women with such nice bodies crying would have been enough to boil his blood by itself. However, one of them was his summoner, his beloved Lucy, whom he had sworn to protect.

Two Years Ago

Taurus appeared in a flash of light and immediately prepared to flex his muscles, ready to impress his new summoner, when the sight of her made his jaw drop. Long blonde hair, beautiful brown eyes, and a curvy figure shown off by her tight black shirt and blue mini-skirt almost gave the Golden Bull a heart attack. "You're supposed to be Taurus, right?" The young lady asked curiously as she looked up at him.

Taurus blinked before he brought his jaw up. "That's right." He confirmed before he started to walk around her with an evaluating look. His new summoner watched him uncertainly as he did a full circle before he stood before her again. "You've got a niiiiiice body!" He suddenly said with a perverted grin and brought his right thumb up approvingly.

The blonde blinked in surprise before she sighed and brought her right hand up to her forehead. "Great, you're just a huge pervert." She said in exasperation.

"Wrong!" Taurus said with a snort, causing his golden nose ring to shake, and she looked up at him surprise. "I am not only a pervert; I am also the strongest of the Zodiac!" He said as he brought his massive arms and flexed, making every muscle on his massive frame swell and stand out like iron. "None can match me physically; just call on me and I'll protect that niiiiice body!" Taurus declared as she looked at him, impressed by his obvious strength.

She suddenly looked at him uncertainly. "Will you really be able to protect me?" She asked, her voice almost a pout.

One could almost see steam coming from the Celestial Spirit's ears and nose as he gave a large exhale from his nose. "I swear on the name of the Golden Bull!" He said as he slammed his right hand onto his massive chest.

The young woman suddenly smiled brightly, and poor Taurus wasn't sure how much more of this he could take. "In that case, my name is Lucy! It's nice to meet you." She said as she reached out with her right hand. The trembling Golden Bull had to wait several seconds before he could reach out and shake her hand back.

Present Day

Taurus took in the sight of her tears, of the purple makeup running tracks down her face, and grit his teeth as his hands clenched into fists. His already massive body swelled a few inches as rage filled his entire being at her miserable state.

In contrast, Cancer went very still as he took in his beloved summoner's appearance. The cuts on her body, the attire he knew that she wouldn't be caught dead wearing, and the makeup that stood out rather than used to enhance her natural charms. But the thing that wounded him the most, just as with Taurus, was the fresh misery and tears in her eyes.

Six Years Ago

"Wow!" A 12-year old Lucy exclaimed as she looked at her hair in the mirror, put in braided pigtails that flowed back past her shoulders. "I've only seen a few professionals do work this good." She said with a bright smile as she looked back at Cancer.

The Giant Crab smirked proudly as he placed his scissors in his belt holsters. "Of course, such is my passion, ebi." He explained smoothly and Lucy giggled.

"Hey, do you mind if I call on you to try more styles? Maybe get some beauty tips from you?" She asked as she went back to admiring Cancer's work, and the Celestial Spirit froze.

To be called on not just for combat, but for his true calling, his passion? Not only that, but to actually give advice and tips to bring out this young girl's full potential in beauty, the daughter of his beloved previous summoner? His smirk became a true smile as he regarded his new summoner. "Nothing would make me happier, ebi." Cancer replied, getting a bright smile from her.

Present Day

Cold fury flooded the Giant Crab's body, the only sign of it being his clenched jaw, as both he and Taurus turned to see their fellow Spirit, Leo, jump back from the purple barrier. The Lion turned to see the same rage burning in him reflected in his brethren. "Taurus." Leo said and got a snort from the trembling Bull. "He did it." He said coldly as he pointed at the pale, black-haired psychopath still playing his song and Taurus's world went red.

"MROOOOOOOOOOOO!" Taurus roared as he rushed forward, pulling his labrys from his back as he did. As he approached the purple barrier he pivoted slightly as he reared his mighty axe back.

"T-Taurus, not even-" Leo brought a hand up to quiet Lucy as both he and Cancer looked on. The Lion understood her concern, for in a fight Taurus would rarely beat him one on one; but there was a specific reason for that. Leo was a combat specialist, and as such he would move around Taurus' blows and counter. Vidaldus, though, was keeping his barrier up to try and hold back the raw muscle and fury that was the Golden Bull, who was undoubtedly feeling the same surge of power that Leo was feeling.

"Abare!" Taurus roared as he swung his labrys in a horizontal arc into the Wall of Rock with bone-shattering force. A large shockwave pulsed out, making Leo, Cancer, Juvia, and Lucy shield their eyes against it, as Taurus pit his boundless rage against the mighty barrier.

"Now this is a show! Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!" Vidaldus yelled as he stopped spinning his head to look up with a laugh. "An animal's fury versus the power of rock!" He yelled as his fingers never once slowed their furious playing.

The standstill continued for several seconds when Taurus dug deep, his muscles bulging even larger, determined to break through to the one that had dared make his Lucy cry. "MRRROOOOOOO!" He roared when, with a sound of shattering glass, Taurus smashed through and the force from the blow sent Vidaldus skidding back. More importantly, however, his right hand came up and off the guitar strings.

"Not bad, bull man!" Vidaldus said and started to laugh before the sound of scissors cutting and several twanging sounds made him look down. His eyes went wide when he saw his guitar strings all cut in four different places, rendering his instrument useless.

"Ebi." He heard behind him and all his hair seemed to suddenly explode away from his now bald scalp right as he registered Cancer standing behind him, scissors held in his hands. Even as Vidaldus' eyes filled with horror at the loss of his hair, the Giant Crab disappeared in a flash of light. Before Vidaldus could scream in denial, Leo suddenly appeared before him with both fists surrounded by light in the form of lion heads.

"Regulus Sutashawa!" Leo roared as he unleashed a barrage of punches, each one pushing Vidaldus back. The Lion kept pace with his enemy, though, and in seconds he was punching the rocker into the wall of the amphitheater. "Regulus!" He yelled after several more seconds as he jumped away and brought his right fist back, Vidaldus barely conscious. The lion head on that fist glowed more intensely while the one from his left fist slowly disappeared. "Shogeki!" Leo finished as he punched out and a lion head, ten feet in diameter, flared out with a roar and sent Vidaldus the rest of the way through the wall of the room itself and out of sight.

Juvia and Lucy looked on in surprise at the way the three Celestial Spirits had fed off each other's efforts, never giving Vidaldus time to recover, not noticing how the glow that had been surrounding them was almost completely gone. Leo glanced back, though, and indeed took note of that and sighed. A second later he stumbled to the side and Taurus' eyes widened in surprise as he stepped toward him. "It's okay." The Lion said as he put one hand back to stay the Golden Bull. "Our presence here is draining them quickly… so I cut myself off to give you and Cancer some time." He panted as sweat quickly formed and dripped from his face.

Taurus blinked before he gave a quick snort as Cancer reappeared in a flash of light next to Juvia and Lucy with a bundle of clothes. "I would have preferred to finish him myself." He remarked as Cancer knelt down while the two mages looked at the Giant Crab in surprise. "But I suppose smashing through a barrier that the mighty Leo couldn't works almost as well." Taurus said with a grin and got a weak glare from his fellow Spirit. "Go see Aries soon… she was worried sick and feeling guilty the entire time you were gone." He suddenly said with a serious expression and Leo froze before he looked away and gave a nod.

"Here you are, ebi." Cancer said as he handed Lucy a white towel. He started to hand one to Juvia as well before he noticed the blue-haired mage actually absorbing the water into her body. "I brought you both a change of clothes, shoes, and bandages, ebi." He continued smoothly as he placed one bundle of cloth, primarily green, and a roll of bandages by Lucy.

"Juvia is fine, Juvia's coat-"

"I saw it, ebi." Cancer said as he placed a blue and white pile by her. "I believe that this would suit you better, ebi. Beauty such as yours should not be buried unless you desire it, ebi." He said and Juvia blinked in surprise at his words.

"If beauty is not to be hidden, then I've got something-" Taurus started to say with a perverted grin before freezing as Cancer had one of his scissors out and pointing at him in a flash.

"You continue to confuse perversion with style, ebi." Cancer said coolly as the two locked glares, at least one would assume Cancer was glaring under his sunglasses. Lucy looked on nervously and started to open her mouth before the two started chuckling.

"It was nice to fight alongside you in the Human World again, Cancer." Taurus said and thumped his right hand against his chest, getting a nod from the Giant Crab in reply.

Cancer turned his attention back to Lucy and Juvia, noticing that their glow was all but gone. "Feel free to call upon me if this one would care for my services, ebi." He said as he motioned to Juvia before being surrounded in light. Lucy nodded her head and Cancer smiled as he turned transparent before disappearing.

"Those clothes really show off your niiiiice body." Taurus said as he became surrounded by light, his perverted grin still in place, and Lucy brought her hands up to cover her chest with a blush as she looked away with a pout.

"You -"

"But next time, a smile would be better to see." He said with a gentle smile as he knelt down to wipe away what remained of her tears and Lucy hesitated before she looked back up at him. "Nothing but a smile would be niiiice, too." He added with a wink as he turned transparent before disappearing.

Lucy's face flared bright red and she grit her teeth for a couple of seconds before she sighed and smiled. "Pervert…" She said softly and a chuckle from the now nearby Loke brought her head up.

"I'll have to tell him that he managed to get one with that last comment." Loke said as he tightened his tie, his suit jacket back on. His face was bathed in sweat but he still managed a gentle smile as he looked down at Lucy. "Well done, you two… it's been a long time since I've seen something like that." He said and the two looked up at him questioningly. "You mean…" Loke said as he looked at them in mild surprise before he dropped to his knees with a gasp. "Well… it's not… important…" He got out as Lucy looked at him in alarm before pulling free of Juvia to run over to him. "Lucy… can I ask… a favor?" He asked and Lucy immediately nodded her head in agreement. "Can you wait… a few days… before summoning me?" He asked with a weak grin as both hands went to his groin and she looked at him in confusion. "Your legs are as strong as they are nice to look at… this may take some time…" He said before he disappeared in a flash of light. Lucy's face went bright red in embarrassment and mortification as she remembered kneeing him in the crotch.

A couple of minutes later Juvia and Lucy were changing into their new clothes. "I can't believe that perverted rocker didn't include underwear." Lucy grumbled as she finished putting on a lime green bra, bandages now on multiple parts of her body.

"Juvia is surprised that Cancer noticed." The Water Mage remarked as she picked up her new elegant white dress with a light blue diamond pattern on the chest and back portion but Lucy shook her head.

"No, Cancer probably just assumed they would be soaked as well." She explained and Juvia paused as she considered that before she pulled the dress on. "Juvia… thanks again." Lucy said as she picked up her green dress with yellow moon and star patterns scattered about at the waist and bottom.

Juvia was silent as she finished putting the dress on then offered a warm smile. "Juvia is happy Lucy is well… even if Lucy is Juvia's love rival." She said and Lucy froze as she looked at the dress before she sighed.

"Juvia, I have no idea what you're talking about." Lucy said and Juvia looked at her suspiciously. "Oh come on, why would I lie after all that?" She asked and Juvia hesitated.

"But… before Gray-sama said-"

"Gray?" Lucy asked in surprise as she stared at the Water Mage. "Why on earth would you think I'm a love rival for Gray?" She asked incredulously and Juvia's eyes narrowed dangerously. "D-don't get me wrong, Gray's a great nakama but I don't see him that way." She added a bit nervously before she started to put her dress on.

"Then why did Gray-sama say he would rather die than turn Lucy in?" Juvia asked, still suspicious, and Lucy sighed as she finished pulling her dress on.

"Because he would do the same for anyone in Fairy Tail, just as I would." Lucy answered solemnly and Juvia blinked before she looked down.

"That's right… Juvia must have forgotten that." She admitted as she reached down to grab her ice-blue slippers. While delicate looking, they were specially made to be almost as sturdy as boots, a trait shared by Lucy's green slippers. "But if Lucy decides-"

"I already have someone-" Lucy cut herself off with a blush as Juvia looked at her curiously. "A-anyway, let's go find the others." She said as she turned to start running towards one of the large doors. Juvia quickly followed, considering asking Lucy more, before she decided that she could do that later.

"Link-san or Natsu-san would be the ones most likely to hear us, correct?" Juvia asked and Lucy nodded her head before she looked over at her.

"You may as well get used to calling them Link and Natsu." Lucy said and Juvia looked over at her curiously as they opened the door. "When you join Fairy Tail you'll find that everyone will get confused if you address them formally all the time." She explained and Juvia's eyes went wide. "Anyone that will go the lengths you did for their nakama is always welcome in Fairy Tail." Lucy said with a gentle smile.

Tears formed in Juvia's eyes before she swallowed and nodded her head. "Right… Juvia… will try to remember!" She said as she recovered with a bright smile.

"Ooiii!" They both heard and turned to see Wally running towards them, waving his right hand with a relieved smile on his blocky face.

Jellal's Throne Room

Jellal was silent as he contemplated what he had just seen. At first it had seemed Vidaldus had the advantage in every way. His hair countered the Water Mage's only method of attacking, his Music Magic forced the two women into a fight that Juvia obviously didn't have the heart for, and he had even been able to withstand the barrage from the Lion Celestial Spirit. But then that one moment… that one moment when those two had somehow joined their magic in a Unison Raid.

Perhaps not a true one, such as the one he had heard done by Link and Erza against Jose of Phantom Lord, but the principle had remained the same. Two people that shared such a strong bond and desire to protect the other that it lowered the body's defenses against foreign magic and allowed their magic to merge; with the end result being an exponential increase in power. What had come from that was something he had only read about, three Celestial Spirits being summoned at the same time by one Celestial Spirit Mage. He had to admit their combination, the way the three had built off of each other, had been devastating to behold.

Lucy Heartfilia… He thought as he contemplated the key piece on the chess board. The only thing that had stood out for her was her family name and luck in being surrounded with powerful companions. Jellal mused to himself. "Incredible… Fairy Tail is truly making this a better game than I could have hoped for." He said with a dark chuckle before he looked at the piece representing Ikaruga. "It looks like it depends on you now." Jellal said as he then looked at the crossed red blades piece moving towards it. Eighteen minutes left…


Into the Past: Bath Time

Eleven-year old Link, a member of Fairy Tail for three months now, sat with his back against the trunk of the large oak tree that held his cabin. He and Erza had finished training an hour ago, and his partner had asked if Link would show her the secluded spring where he bathed. A little confused, the Hylian had nonetheless agreed to meet her at his cabin while she went to Fairy Hills to get a change of clothes. The young blonde gave a yawn and stretched his still sore limbs. He suddenly paused and looked forward again before he stood up and brushed his green tunic off.

A couple of minutes later Erza came jogging up with a light brown duffel bag against her left hip, the strap going over her right shoulder. "Sorry it took me so long." Erza said to which Link offered a small smile and shake of his head. "Okay then, on to the spring." She said with a determined nod and got a return nod from Link.

As they walked through the forest, Link couldn't help but notice how Erza seemed to be excited about something. He considered asking her, but decided the spring wasn't that far away. Besides, if she wanted to talk about it on the way there she already would have. Link thought in mild amusement to himself. In some ways, Erza's assertiveness was comforting. It was almost like having Navi with him, right down to her anger when he put himself at risk. On the other hand… well, Navi could never hit with the force Erza could pack behind her fists.

Still, Link couldn't deny that Erza was a great partner. She was strong and brave, yet also kind when she chose to be. Still, there was a sadness and loneliness in her that he spotted far too often for his comfort. As her partner he was supposed to look out for her, but he wasn't sure what to do. It didn't help that he wasn't sure how long he might remain in this Earthland. Every job he took might give him the clue he needed. Every day that passed might be the one when the Sages found him. It was almost too much at times for the young Hylian, especially on those occasions where his darker memories from his journey to save Hyrule would surface.

For her part, Erza was indeed excited for she had read something recently she meant to try. They were partners, and from Link's words when he first talked about it the word was an important thing indeed to him. Ever since their first job, Erza had found her time with Link to be truly enjoyable. Sure, he could be a reckless idiot and seemed incapable of thinking of his own health; but he always wanted to help people in need. Her lessons in learning how to play the ocarina were a true source of joy; she had never thought that playing music could feel so good. Still, there was a darkness that would sometimes shade the fire in his eyes that disturbed her. In their time together she had learned much from Link, but in looking back she hadn't learned much about him. Thus, with no real idea on how to fix that she had started reading until she found something that might help.

After a fifteen minute walk Link stopped and looked at Erza to indicate they had reached his spring. Erza blinked in surprise as she took in the sight, for it was more beautiful than she had thought it would be. Roughly thirty feet wide, the spring almost looked like a rounded square with a stream feeding into and out of it on opposite sides. She could see the bottom in the clear water about ten feet out, showing an almost consistent decline the further out it went, before the water became a deeper blue and the bottom could no longer be seen. Out from the water sprouted several tall stalks of various plants at random intervals closer to the shoreline. Over the water tree branches spread outward, almost as if the trees from the shoreline were trying to reach out to each other. "How… how did you find this place?" She asked with wide eyes and Link tilted his head to the side, not understanding the question. After all, he found it the same way he found anything else; exploring. "Link… you have been sleeping like I've told you, right?" Erza asked sternly in the face of his questioning expression and Link froze before his ears lowered.

It wasn't that he forgot; the number of bumps on his head made that hard to accomplish. Link just sometimes found it difficult to sleep and walks in the forest always calmed him. It certainly gave him more restful sleep in those few hours than tossing and turning for several hours would have afforded him. Still, Link couldn't help but look away as he scratched his cheek.

Erza sighed as she put her duffel bag down and turned to face him. "Well, you always seem well rested at least. I suppose I can't hold it against you that you require less sleep than some." She said and Link gave a small sigh of relief. "Now then, are you ready?" The redhead asked and the blonde blinked as he looked back at her in confusion. "We're going to take a bath together." She said as she opened up her duffel bag and started pulling two small buckets, bottles of soap, shampoo, and conditioner, two loofas, and a blue towel.

Link took a step back in surprise at her statement, for he couldn't recall any such comment before. "Come now, surely you have a towel in your pouch." Erza said as she looked at him and he nodded after a couple of seconds. "Well then, how about a change of clothes?" She asked and Link offered another nod. "Then let's get started." She said with a nod as she sat down to take her shoes off.

"Why?" Link asked after she had gotten both shoes off and she looked up in surprise to see that he hadn't moved. She was further surprised to see him looking to the side, obviously uncomfortable.

"W-well, I read that doing so is a good way to get closer to someone." Erza replied, herself now a little uncertain at his discomfort. She closed her eyes, took a breath, and reopened them with new determination as she quickly took off her socks then stood up and faced him. "So we're going to take a bath and talk." She said firmly but Link continued to look to the side. "Come on, get undressed." Erza told her partner as she reached for his brown belt. The redhead froze as Link quickly moved back from her grasp before she looked at him uncertainly. "Do… do you… not want to be closer?" She asked slowly and Link hesitated for several seconds.

He eventually sighed sadly as he reached up and took his green cap off and carefully folded it. "Link, if you truly don't…" Erza started to say sadly but trailed off as Link carefully placed his cap on the ground. Once he stood back up he reached for his belt, his eyes still showing his discomfort. "Link, I understand-" Erza once again stopped as Link undid the belt and took his tunic off to stand before her wearing a pair of green shorts and his brown boots. The young Hylian was unusually toned for someone his age, showing a physique better suited to someone a few years older. However, what drew Erza's wide-eyed gaze was the long scar that stretched from his right shoulder to left side of his stomach.

Erza looked back up and froze to see Link looking down at it, an almost haunted quality to his eyes now. Her partner seemed unaware of anything at that moment; and unknown to her all he could see were two glowing red eyes amongst a blur of black.

"HYAAA!"

Link flinched as that cry echoed from his memories before he closed his eyes and shook his head. When he looked back up, he froze to see Erza looking to the side in shame. "I… I'm sorry, Link." She said softly as her hands tightened into fists. "I… know what it's like to want to keep a scar hidden." She continued and Link looked at her in concern and curiosity. "This eye is a fake." Erza explained as she brought her right hand up to its matching eye and Link blinked in surprise. Suddenly, the Hylian recalled the times he had seen her with tears that they had only been in her left eye. "I… I lost it…" She tried to say as she trembled and tears formed in her left eye. "This was foolish." Erza finally said and bowed her head in apology. "Please hit me!" She demanded and Link looked at her in shock.

After several seconds of wrestling with his uncertainly, Link's eyes finally firmed as he walked towards her. When she felt a hand on top of her head she initially flinched before realizing it was meant to be a comforting gesture. Erza looked up to see him smiling gently at her and shook his head before he sat down and took his boots off.

"But-"

"If we don't wish to talk about something, we say so." Link said as he stood back up. He tilted his head questioningly after a minute and Erza blinked before she rubbed her eye.

"Yeah." She agreed with a small smile before she closed her eyes to Ex-Equip her armor.

A few minutes later Erza and Link were both out in the water without clothes. Erza, her blue Fairy Tail mark showing on her left arm, sat in front of Link, his green Fairy Tail mark on his right arm. Link was currently washing her back with one of the loofas in steady movements. Floating next to them were two buckets, one empty and the other holding the other loofa, bottles of soap, and other various hair products. Link was silent as he soaped up her back before he cleared his throat. "What's your favorite color?" He asked, not really sure where to start, and Erza gave a small giggle.

Over half an hour later Erza was staring at Link's soapy back with an unhappy look on her face. "So you're from this other land called Hyrule and trying to get back?" She asked and got a nod in response. "That's why you joined Fairy Tail, hoping to find a clue." Erza continued and got another nod. "Any day you could be gone…" She said as she grabbed a bucket and slowly rinsed Link's back off.

"Or I could be here forever… I don't know." Link replied and Erza froze at that possibility. "All I can do is keep looking…" He trailed off before he turned around to face her. "… and enjoy what time I have with my partner." He said firmly and Erza blinked in surprise. "I've been too focused on what if, not on what is." Link stated with a nod. "This was a good idea." He added with a small smile.

Erza looked at him with wide eyes before a smile came to her. Suddenly she reached forward and pulled him into a hug, taking him by surprise. "I think this is the most I've heard you talk." She said with a soft laugh. "Oh!" She said in surprise as she realized Link hadn't returned the hug. "Did I-" Erza cut herself off as she felt Link reach up to return the hug tentatively.

The two slowly broke their embrace and moved back to look at each other before Erza's smile returned. "I guess this worked." She said and got a return smile and nod from her partner. "Thank you for telling me the truth, Link." She said and got another nod.

"Thank you for taking the time to listen, Erza." Link said before he put his left hand on her shoulder. "I'm truly grateful to have you as a partner." He said and Erza blinked in surprise before she offered up a bright smile. "Shall we do this again sometime?" Link asked and immediately got a nod from his partner.

Two Years Later

Erza, a light brown duffel bag over her right shoulder, walked through Magnolia Forest with Gray, wearing a red shirt, black shorts, and black shoes, and Natsu, wearing a red, button-up shirt, yellow shorts with brown pockets, brown shoes, and of course his white, scale-pattern scarf, following her. Both of them were confused, disgruntled, and carrying backpacks; Natsu's brown and Gray's black. "Why are we following you again?" Natsu grumbled as they walked. He had been planning on spending the afternoon playing with Lisanna and Happy. Instead, Erza had shown up with a cowed Gray and said they were both going with her to some spring in the forest.

"Because we like breathing?" Gray muttered then gulped as Erza glanced back at them.

"I said you'll see, Natsu, now stop asking." She ordered sternly and Natsu gulped at the look in her eyes before he looked down and nodded. "Good." Erza said as she looked forward again.

They eventually reached the spring, and both the boys stopped as they looked at it in surprise. "Wow… this place is amazing." Natsu said with wide eyes and Gray couldn't help but nod in agreement.

"It certainly is." Erza said with a content smile, never getting tired of viewing Link's spring. Speaking of which… She thought as she looked around and saw a brown pouch a couple of feet from the water. "Link?" She called out, pulling the Ice-Make Mage and Dragon Slayer back to their senses.

A few seconds later the blonde's head came out from the water in the middle of the spring with a small gasp. He shook his head vigorously to clear the water from his eyes and looked around curiously, immediately spotting Erza, Gray, and Natsu. Link gave a smile as he started to swim towards them and Erza placed her duffel bag on the ground.

"So this is Link's swimming place?" Gray asked as he and Natsu followed suit and placed their packs on the ground. He had to admit it seemed like a cool little hideaway to relax, though he still couldn't figure out why Erza had 'insisted' on Natsu and him coming along. "I guess that's why you wanted us to bring towels." He added as he took red t-shirt off.

"Indeed." Erza said with a nod as she crouched down to open her duffel bag.

"This is so cool!" Natsu suddenly exclaimed as he opened up his pack before freezing as Link stood up and walked towards them. "Uhh… why is Link naked?" He asked before a shimmer of light caught his and Gray's attention.

Both of them lurched back with large blushes to see Erza walking to the water carrying two buckets, four loofas, bottles of soap and hair products, and not a stitch of clothing on her. "Why are you naked!?" They both yelled together and Erza looked back at them questioningly.

"How else would we take a bath together?" She asked and they look at her in shock. "Now hurry and take your clothes off." Erza said sternly and they both shook their heads adamantly.

"Why the hell would we take a bath together?" Gray and Natsu demanded in anger and embarrassment as they looked away from the slightly older girl.

Erza sighed as she handed the buckets to Link, one of them holding the bathing supplies, and turned back to face them as Link went a little further out in the water. "I've noticed that you two still aren't getting along very well." She said and got glances of confusion from the two boys before they quickly looked away again. "Nakama should be nicer to each other, and bathing together helps with that." She said and got grunts from them.

"First, I'm not this hothead's nakama." Gray said and Natsu nodded in agreement before the insult registered and instead glared at the other boy. "Second, if this is supposed to work so well shouldn't you try it with Mirajane first?" He asked and Link looked back with concern in time to see Gray sent face-first into the ground courtesy of Erza's right fist.

"Anything else you'd like to say?" Erza asked darkly as she cracked her knuckles. Natsu looked over at Gray and gulped before giving a sigh of defeat. "Good." The redhead said as she turned around and walked back to the water, determined to do this as many times as was necessary to get those two to finally get along.


Into the Past: Balance

The moon was full in the sky over a rocky, mountainous terrain as 14-year old Link sat cross-legged, his forearms resting on his knees and the thumb of each hand touching its corresponding middle finger with his eyes closed. He wore his green cap and tunic, white shirt and pants showing underneath, and was barefoot with his brown boots off to the side. "You see your armory?" A beautiful, dark-skinned woman with long, raven-black hair and red eyes asked in the same position. The woman, Durga of Avyactha, wore silver colored, loose pants and an abbreviated top of the same color that showed her toned figure and moderate bust with a pair of simple sandals next to her. The two of them sat by a campfire with lizards impaled on sticks next to it, cooking in the heat, as well as a small basket of various roots and vegetables further back.

"Yes, Guru." Link replied softly, the only movement he gave was the steady pace of his breathing.

"Good, now find what you wish to use." Durga instructed as she watched him carefully, seeing his eyes flicker beneath his eyelids. After a few seconds his eyes stopped moving and he offered a small nod, his golden earring shaking slightly with the movement. "Reach out and grab it with your mind and body." She said and Link slowly brought his left hand out before him.

Link took a deep breath in through his nose then slowly exhaled out his mouth as he closed his hand as if grabbing something. A few seconds later there was a shimmer as he Requipped the Kokiri Sword to his hand. The second he felt it his blue eyes popped open to look at it and smiled at his success.

"Well done." Durga congratulated with a smile of her own before her face became stern. "Again." She ordered and Link nodded his head before he closed his eyes.

It has been three weeks since the two had left Magnolia. Roughly one week had been spent traveling away from any sign of civilization before Durga had decided to make camp. The other two had been spent much as they were now, Link practicing on utilizing Maharathi. A few days ago he had been able to Ex-Equip a few random weapons, and just now was his first success in Requipping one of them.

Link continued to Requip and Ex-Equip different weaponry for another hour before Durga spoke up again. "Let us eat and then rest." She said and Link hesitated at first before he nodded his head. They both repositioned themselves by the fire and reached to grab for a lizard. His progress is very good. Durga thought as she watched him eat. Talent is playing a part, but his focus is truly astounding. She thought, truly amazed that someone his age could bring that level of concentration to bear so consistently. She had said nothing in that regard of course, but she was starting to wonder if he would even become prideful if she did.

He asks for no consideration, no breaks, all of his being set on the task before him. Durga chewed on her dinner thoughtfully as she considered this. I've barely heard him speak at all and it has been just us for two weeks now. She realized in surprise, for the only time he had spoken at all was to answer a question. The raven-haired woman sighed at the thought; it felt as if this would be a long year.

"Guru, may I ask a question?" Link suddenly asked, for Durga had informed him early on that such a title was how he was to refer to her.

Durga blinked in surprise at that before she noticed he was looking down at the strange golden triangle tattoo on his left hand. "Proceed." She said with a nod, the movement causing her black hair to shimmer in the moonlight.

"Which do you think is superior in a fight, courage or power?" He asked softly and she froze as she looked at him in surprise.

"That's a surprisingly deep question for someone your age." Durga said after several seconds had gone by and Link looked up at her intently, his eyes asking for her answer. "Well, my answer may not be universally held but I think you're looking at it the wrong way." She said and Link tilted his head with a confused expression. "Think of it like this." She said as she Requipped a slender metal pole and scratched out two triangles in imitation of his tattoo on the ground. "Courage," Durga pointed at the upper triangle then paused as Link shook his head. "Oh?" She asked and Link blinked before he looked away as he scratched his cheek. "Hmph, very well." She said in amusement then returned her attention to her drawing.

"Courage," Durga said as she pointed at the lower right triangle, "and power." She finished as she then pointed to the upper triangle. "You're looking at them as conflicting forces." Durga said and Link's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Courage represents the will to keep going, to not quit no matter the odds." She explained as she once again pointed at the right triangle. "Power represents the strength to accomplish your goals, no matter what may stand in your path." She went on as she pointed to the upper triangle. "But tell me, what good is courage if you lack the strength to obtain what you desire? What good is power if you lack the will to see it through?" She asked and Link blinked as he considered her words. "However, something else is needed." Durga said as she drew a third triangle.

"Wisdom." Link said softly and Durga looked up sharply to see him rubbing absently on the same triangle she was drawing.

After a while, Link took notice of her silence and looked up to see her gaze on the Triforce mark. "That's correct." She said when he took his right hand away from his left and paused to look at him thoughtfully. "The three are not meant to be kept separate, no matter their strengths on their own." She eventually continued when Link looked away uncomfortably. "Are you sure that you don't already know this?" She said and Link hesitated before he shook his head. "Your tattoo seems to indicate otherwise." Durga gestured to it and Link's ears flicked twice before he swallowed.

"This… this was given to me before I could truly understand it." Link said and Durga's eyes narrowed. She could tell he was being honest in his lack of understanding, but hiding something regardless.

"Very well." Durga eventually said before she elaborated on the third triangle. "Wisdom represents the vision needed to properly utilize the other two as needed." She said and Link returned his gaze to her drawing. "Power without wisdom leads to corruption and unchecked hunger for even greater power, a continuing cycle that leads to ruin. Courage without wisdom leads to foolish disregard and eventual self-destruction." She said and Link's eyes widened slightly. "Wisdom without power, however, leads to the inability to turn your vision into reality. Wisdom without courage leads to the inability to carry out your vision." Durga paused as she heard Link starting to breathe heavily and looked up in concern.

"You reckless idiot, how could you do something so stupid!?" He heard Navi's near constant admonition as they worked to stop Ganondorf and then later free Hyrule from his grasp.

"Just one piece brought me Hyrule in a single day. Imagine how great my power would grow with the Triforce rejoined!" He heard the deep voice of his enemy as he reveled in his power and increasing it further.

"The time has come to finally deal with Ganondorf… but I can't do it alone. Link, after all you've done it seems wrong to ask more… but will you please stand with me and stop this madman once and for all?" He heard Zelda's plea, filled with hope but also desperation, and brought his hands to his head.

"Link!" Durga said sharply and the blonde gasped as his eyes snapped back open, filled with shock. "Are you okay?" She asked and Link looked up at her then shook his head to clear his mind. After a few seconds he looked back up at her and nodded his head, his gaze once again intent. Durga continued to study him carefully for a couple of minutes before she looked down at the drawing. "Tell me, can you see the final part?" She asked and Link blinked before he looked at her drawing.

After a few minutes, his eyes suddenly widened before he walked over to kneel down in front of it. "The final part…" He said softly as he reached down with his left hand to touch the inverted triangle that the three parts made.

"Correct, this is the most crucial part of the three." Durga said with a nod and a small smile of pride at his reasoning. "When someone can bring balance to all three in themselves, they can bring forth their true strength." She said and Link swallowed thickly.

"True…" He said softly before he looked at the Triforce on his left hand for several seconds. "I finally understand what this means." Link said with a small smile as he looked up at her. "Thank you, Guru." He said and got a nod from her.

Perhaps this year won't be so long, after all. Durga thought as she studied her surprising student. "Come, finish eating and then we'll sleep. We still have much to go over before this test Makarov spoke of." She said and got a nod from Link before he went to continue his meal.


Wota Rokku - Water Lock

Wota Jigusa - Water Jigsaw

Regulus Shogeki - Regulus Impact

Regulus Sutashawa - Regulus Star Shower

Abare- Rampage


Thanks to Vandenbz for being my beta reader.

Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter.

Till next time.