Strike Team
"We're almost there," Levy stated, glancing around. She still was slightly surprised at the sheer amount of Fairy Tail mages going on the mission. The sheer power in the group was almost insurmountable. Just how powerful was Oracion Seis to require this type of firepower? Naruto, Sasuke, Erza, Mirajane, Azuma, Natsu, Gajeel, Gray, Juvia, Jet, Cana, Elfman, and her. That was twelve people, in addition to the other guilds they were going to meet. It was something out of a superhero movie.
"I can't wait to meet them," Elfman stated. "To go on this mission I'm sure they must be manly!"
"But there are girls going on this," Cana muttered, shaking her head.
"Elfman's right," came the call from the 'Titania'. "The most important thing when we meet the other guilds is establishing better ties with them. They're our teammates from here on out. Fight for them just as you would any Fairy Tail mage."
"It's hard to believe we'll need them," Jet stated. "I know they're strong and all, but this much firepower is required?"
"I wouldn't underestimate them," Gajeel stated. "Fighting against them...it was overwhelming. How useless you can feel in comparison...it isn't easy."
"That's why we're in teams," Mirajane called. "We're not going in looking to fight alone."
"I see it!" Happy called from the skies, pointing ahead. "The meeting place is right there!"
The group nodded, approaching the large, strangely pink building. With a gentle push the double doors in front of it, casting long shadows into the room.
"Weird decour," Cana whispered, staring at the large pegasus statues on either side of the hall. "I guess that's what to be expected from Blue Pegasus though."
"This is Master Bob's villa, of Blue Pegasus," Erza explained.
"Him?" Gray stated, shivering. "I'm not good with him."
"I don't think anyone is," Naruto muttered, a worried look on his face. "Still, he shouldn't be here. We should be waiting on-"
"You're here, welcome!"
The group turned, surprised to see the three men before them dancing a jig and singing a song as they greeted them.
"Do they have some sort of issue," Gajeel whispered to Juvia. The blue haired girl shrugged.
"We..."
"Are the representatives chosen..."
"From Blue Pegasus."
"Stop talking like that," Sasuke grumbled.
"We are the 'Trimens'" the trio stated, clearly not caring about Sasuke's plea. The Uchiha clenched his fist, irritation on his face.
"I am Hibiki, of the Hundred Nights!"
"I am Eve, of the Holy Night!"
"I am Ren, of the Silent Night!"
"You know 'Titania' your beauty doesn't do the rumors justice," Hibiki stated. "It is an honor to meet with you. Did you know I was ranked number one on 'Wizard's You Would Want To Be Your Boyfriend'? Maybe we should chat sometime."
Naruto's eye twitched.
Eve dropped to a knee in front of the white haired Mirajane, reaching his hand out. "How do you do?"
Sasuke's and Elfman's eye twitched.
Ren gently took Levy's hand, guiding her to a couch the trio had pulled from the side of the hall. "Come with me please."
The trio led the three girls to the chair, sitting them all on it before offering them a hot towel.
"Are you hungry, we have food?"
"No thank you," Mirajane stated.
"We have cake. How about that?"
"I'll pass," Erza called.
"I'll kill them," Naruto stated, eyes dark.
"You and me both," Sasuke hissed.
Cana chuckled, pointing at the duo. "Ah, are the two boyfriends jealous?"
"We are not jealous!"
"You have a seat too," Ren stated, gently placing his hand on Cana's hip. "You're just too cute."
"Hand off," Cana stated sweetly, glaring daggers at Ren.
"What's with them?"
"Who even are they?"
"You two idiots don't pay attention do you," Gajeel chastied, looking at Natsu and Gray.
"Don't pretend like you were paying attention either Gajeel," Juvia muttered.
"Let's work together on this plan. We should combine our strength and-"
"So cute," Eve stated, interrupting Erza's talking. "That demeanor of yours is wonderful. I've always looked up to you."
"Come you all must be tired after your long journey," Hibiki stated, gently bringing over Juvia and Levy as well. "Spend the night with us."
"Forever," the three called, getting down on one knee before all the female Fairy Tail mages.
"That's it, everyone dies," Sasuke hissed, thunder billowing in the distance.
"Guests," came the call. The group turned to see a short man walking down the steps, defusing the situation. "Stay right where you are."
"Ichiya say one more word and I swear to kami I will turn this place to rubble," Naruto grunted.
The S-class mage was silent at that.
"Ichiya-sama, I thought she was your girlfriend," Eve called.
"You thought what," Naruto stated, eyes burning into Ichiya. If Sasuke didn't know he was sealed off he would think the blonde was drawing on Kurama with how much killing intent he was radiating.
"I am not! I am Naruto's girlfriend!"
"I'm taken as well," Mirajane stated.
"You and Sasuke finally got together," Levy questioned. "How cute."
"Yup," Mirajane stated, grabbing Sasuke's arm and smiling. The broody mage looked away, looking slightly embarresed only to see Elfman staring at him.
"Yes?"
"Hurt her and I hurt you are we clear?"
"Crystal."
"Clean up this instant, we didn't come here to play around," Ichiya called. The trio of Blue Pegasus mages nodded, moving the couch back to where it once lay, immediately acting far more disciplined than they had before.
"Well this is quite the show," Jet muttered, amused.
"Listen up you crappy Blue Pegasus boy-toys! Stop making passes at our princesses, got it," Gray stated.
"You men can go home now," Ichiya responded.
"Thanks for coming," The Trimen stated, bowing before Gray.
"They send posers like you for a mission like this! I could wipe the floor with you," Gajeel muttered.
"Try it," Ren claimed.
"We're plenty strong," Eve added in.
"A fight? Let me join in," Natsu stated, eagerly looking at the Trimen.
"Shut up."
The entire group turned, surprised to see Lyon standing in the doorway, an annoyed look on his face. "Is this how you introduce yourselves in front of Lamia Scale? Show some respect."
"Lyon?"
"Gray?"
"Ah, so you joined a guild," Natsu stated. "I'm happy for you."
"How awful," Hibiki stated. "More of you."
"I think all the men should leave," Ren muttered.
"Ah, but there's a woman here as well."
"Sherry," Gray muttered. "I guess all of you are here then."
"Blue Pegasus has four people, but Fairy Tail has thirteen. What are you all so weak that you need all the help you can get? For us three was enough."
"Three," Mirajane questioned.
"Indeed," Jura stated, walking into the building. The man towered over the entire group, easily the tallest person there. Naruto smirked, surprised to see his state of physical health.
"Oh, seems like you recovered quite well from our battle Jura."
"Likewise," the man stated. "It is good to see you again."
"You know you probably shouldn't brag about being less people if Naruto is the strongest person in the room," Erza stated, smiling at Sherry. The girl frowned, looking away from Erza.
"Why don't I count," Happy whispered. "With me here it's thirteen people."
"With all of us here all that is left is the two from Cait Shelter. They should arrive soon enough," Jura stated.
"Two people," Gray questioned. "They sent two people on a mission as dangerous as this?"
"How crazy powerful are these two? I wanna fight them!," Natsu muttered.
"They chose quality over quantity, of that I assure you," Naruto stated. "At least for one of them. And Natsu...as you are now, you'd lose."
"So you know one of the members," Jura questioned.
"I knew everyone selected to go on this mission. I've been planning it for a week after all."
A light squeal came from the door of the building, causing the group of mages to turn to see a small blue haired girl on the ground.
"I told you to slow down Wendy. Why didn't you listen?"
"Sorry," Wendy muttered, dusting herself off as she stood. "Uh, I'm sorry I'm late..."
Shin Seijin walked up behind the girl, placing a head on her head with a wide smile on his face.
"I'm Shin Seijin and this is Wendy Marvell, the two mages from Cait Shelter. Sorry we're late!"
"It's nice to meet everyone," Wendy stated, bowing.
"A kid," Naruto muttered. "That's...an interesting decision by Cait Shelter."
"A child," Azuma questioned.
"I thought you said you knew everyone," Erza asked.
"I knew their names," Naruto stated. "Most everyone here has a reputation or we've met, so it wasn't hard to predict. Even Shin when we fought before...but I can't say I was expecting this."
"Well all members have been gathered from all four guilds," Jura stated.
"You're just continuing," Cana yelled.
"Still, sending a child on a mission like this. Even with another mage, what is Cait Shelter thinking," Sherry muttered.
"She is not with just him, Miss Too-Much-Makeup," came the call from the ground, revealing a bipedal white cat, haughtily staring at Shin. "You didn't introduce me."
"My apologies Carla," Shin stated. "I didn't mean to exclude you like that."
Happy and Carla locked eyes, the two staring at each other. Happy smiled, hearts forming in his eyes only for Carla to tilt her nose upwards, causing him to stare at the ground, disappointed.
"Um, I can't fight at all," Wendy muttered. "But I can use a lot of support magic to help you out. Please don't leave me out!"
"A support mage huh," Naruto stated. "Well it's not ideal to be inept in combat, but don't get so down on yourself. Support tactics are essential."
"It's because you're so weak-kneed that people always look down on you you know. Stand up for yourself more," Carla stated.
"I'm sorry."
"I'm not saying apologize this quickly!"
"She also can fight more than she gives herself credit," Shin stated. "She's just a little shy."
"I apologize for our behavior," Erza stated. "I admit I was a little taken aback at the beginning, but it wasn't my intention. I'm glad to have you with us Wendy."
"It's Erza-san! It's really her Carla!"
"She's a better woman that I thought she'd be."
"Have you heard of me," Happy questioned, approaching Carla. "I'm Happy, the Necomander!"
Carla turned, rolling her eyes. Happy fell to the ground, crushed.
"Oi, Salamander, does that name sound familiar to you?"
Natsu turned to Gajeel, nodding. "Yeah, I swear I've heard that name before."
"Me too."
"You two know the girl," Jet questioned.
"I dunno, can you remember for me," Natsu questioned.
"That's not how this works!"
"Enough!" Naruto called. "We didn't come here to play games. This is serious. Let me get to explaining the plan."
The entire room turned, looking at Naruto. The blonde walked in front of them, sighing.
"As you're all well aware by now, we're here to put a stop to Oracion Seis. We have intel that they're gathering in the Worth Woodsea just north of here, looking for an ancient spell that was sealed in the forest. That spell is known as Nirvana."
"I've never heard of it," Jura muttered. "What does it do?"
"It's destruction magic that was powerful enough for ancient people to seal it," Hibiki stated, walking up to stand near Natsu. With a flash of his fingers a picture of the Worth Woodsea appeared. "That's basically all we know. No one knows what exact type of magic it is."
"Woah, what type of magic is that," Levy questioned. "I've never seen it before."
"Archive," Mirajane stated. "It's a rare magic. It's like having a database of information always at your fingertips."
"Our goal here is primarily to defeat Oracion Seis. Ideally before they unseal Nirvana. Any questions," Naruto called.
The room was silent.
"We have twenty-two people to their six, but even still we can't underestimate them," Hibiki stated. Hibiki typed onto the field before him, pictures of Cobra, Hoteye, Zash, and Animus showing up. "These are some of the members we've managed to catch on camera. Still, I believe many of the Fairy Tail members are more acquainted with them than we are."
"Right," Naruto stated. "While what you said is true it's not entirely accurate. There's been a lot more recent events. Gajeel, care to explain?"
The group turned, surprised he of all people would have information. The teen grunted, a sigh escaping his lips.
"When Oracion Seis attacked Crocus they had six people. But there may be more. Racer, a known member of Oracion Seis, recently attacked the Dark Guild Raven Tail with assistance from Hoteye. Neither of the two, nor known dark mage Ivan Dreyar were seen at the attack on Crocus. There is a possibility that they could be working with Oracion Seis again. Raven Tail had five mages in it as well. That, at worst, is an additional five dark mages to deal with."
"What!"
"That's ridiculous! That amount of firepower is something unprecedented!"
"That's not all," Naruto stated, causing the group to quiet. "They'll likely also have the support of whatever dark guilds are still active working underneath Oracion Seis. And that's not to think about their actual members we know about."
"Cobra," Erza stated. "He's a Sound Magic user. He has the unique ability to know what you're going to do before you do it. He's also incredibly fast and powerful. Not to mention he wields Poison Dragon Slayer Magic."
"What," Natsu hissed.
"Another Dragon Slayer," Gajeel muttered. "How many of us are there?"
"Um," Wendy whispered. "I also am a Dragon Slayer. I use Sky Dragon Slayer Magic."
"What," Levy questioned. "What are the odds?"
"You're a Dragon Slayer," Natsu called. "That's awesome.
"So that's why you smelled weird," Gajeel stated.
"She even uses a similar branch of magic like you Naruto! Sky Dragon Slayer Magic and Sky God Slayer Magic. I wonder which is stronger," Shin said, a smile on his face.
Naruto stared at the girl, finding it hard to deny the fact that he was interested in her magic. Still, he had a job to do.
"Be that as it may, Wendy and I comparing magic will have to wait. Cobra is easily one of their more powerful members. He was capable of giving me problems. He isn't someone easy to beat. Gray."
"Doriate," Gray muttered, an angry look appearing on his face. "I don't really know what his magic is, but I know that it made me smaller, like I was a child. I was weaker too. I had no way of fighting back against him."
"Well of course you wouldn't," Lyon stated. "You're weak."
"Say that to my face bastard!"
"Focus," Sasuke stated, his words forcing the two to look away from each other. "Azuma."
"Midnight," Azuma stated. "He uses some type of reflection-like magic. He can manipulate anything inanimate. The air, your clothes, the ground, even making your attacks unable to touch him, if it's inanimate he can manipulate it. He also has the ability to use Darkness Magic. Plus side, he can't take much of a hit."
"Gajeel."
"Fingers, honestly he's not strong. You don't need to worry about him. Racer has some level of speed related magic. He's fast. Ivan Dreyar uses Shikigami Magic and Illusion Magic. He's easily an S-class in strength, and was the only one capable of matching Hoteye in combat. Hoteye used some form of Earth Magic. There was also Velveno. I don't know much about his abilities, but he was able to match Racer's speed so I assume some form of speed-based ability."
"I may be of some use here," Jura stated. "I've heard of this Velveno. A drug lord. He uses Magical Drain. It's a magic that allows him to copy any magic ability of those that he touches. He's an extremely dangerous criminal. We don't know how many magic he can copy at one time."
"Sounds dangerous," Juvia whispered.
"He is," Gajeel muttered. "There's also some of the weaker mages in Raven Tail. Kurohebi, who could use Mimic, which is along the same lines as Magical Drain. Nullpudding, who can use Needle Magic, and Flare who can control and light her hair on fire. Individually they're not much of a threat, but together they could pose a problem. There's also Zash Caine. I'm not sure what his magic is, but completely incapcitated me in an instant. He's dangerous."
"And finally, Animus," Naruto stated, anger filling his voice as he said the mans name. "He's incredibly dangerous. He's easily the most powerful member. He defeated Makarov in battle."
"He defeated a Wizard Saint," Lyon whispered.
"Makarov Dreyar as well," Ichiya stated. "He is not to be trifled with."
"No, he isn't," Naruto stated. "Which is why if you see him, you are not to engage. In a team or otherwise. Animus should only be fought by Sasuke, Jura, or myself. Preferably together, do I make myself clear?"
The group nodded, each of them understanding the gravity behind Naruto's words.
"I have placed one of my markings on Animus. The plan is for Sasuke and I to go separate him from the group when we finally engage them. Jura should be capable of helping you all defeat the other members before he comes to help us. As for the rest of you," Naruto muttered, reaching behind him. He pulled out several Thunder God Kunai, handing one of them to every person in the room.
"If you need me, throw that kunai and I'll be there instantly. Do not try and be a hero. If you need help, ask."
"Still, the ideal is that we don't need to fight them," Ichiya stated. "The goal is to find their base of operations. They must have a temporary base in the Woodsea. If we can locate this base, we can destroy it with the Magical Bomber, Christina!"
Hibiki nodded, pulling up a picture of the Magical Bomber on his Archive.
"Why not use that on Animus then?"
"It won't work," Sasuke said plainly. "Animus is too strong to be taken down by that. That's why it's a necessity that we isolate him for us to handle. Frankly speaking, I don't think anyone here is capable of handling him individually."
"There isn't," Naruto stated, his eyes dark. "It might take all three of us to defeat him."
"Well I'm not worried," Shin stated. "After all, we've got three Wizard Saints here! I'm sure you all are plenty strong enough to handle him together!"
Naruto smiled, "Yeah, that's the goal. Either way, it's time to get going. Everyone understand?"
"Yes sir!"
"Alright," Naruto stated. "Let's get moving!"
"They're here," Animus stated, eyes snapping upwards. "I can smell them."
"Fairy Tail," Midnight questioned, his eyes narrowing at the suspicion.
"Yes."
"Good," Midnight stated, a grin forming on his face as he flexed his now healed body. "Azuma...he's going to regret fighting me."
"This isn't about them," Cobra stated. "Have the Dark Guilds separate them for us. Zash, you know where to go correct?"
"I got the information from the Council, I know where it is. But we still need to free him to undo the sealing."
"Good thing the prisons aren't working to well right now," Doriate stated, chuckling. The demon was carrying a large coffin on his back, before he placed it on a wall on the cave. "Tartaros took a little long, but we've got him."
"Good," Animus stated. "Now we can go get the girl."
"He's right," Zash stated, billowing out smoke from his cigar. "Let's go greet this...strike team...they've sent to stop us."
"Be careful," Animus stated. "I doubt Naruto Uzumaki is not prepared to deal with us."
"Don't worry," Zash stated, smirking. "With my eyes, we can handle him."
"Do you think they're ready," Racer questioned, glancing back at the group of Raven Tail, Carbuncle, mages following them. Hoteye glanced back, a frown on his face. They had recruited the group to get their revenge on Cobra and Midnight. Trained them. All but Ivan Dreyar, Velveno, Dyst, Kafuchi Marmalade, and Drum Bee required some form of tune ups. Still, the duo had managed to make them be recognizable as something worth being proud of.
That was when the news of the Crocus attack broke. That was uncharacteristic of Midnight and Cobra to say the least. And the other dark mages with them spelt trobule for them as well. They went out to find Death's Head Caucus then, only to find the guild disbanded. Apparently their power trio, Trinity Raven, had been defeated at the Tower of Heaven by a bunch of Fairy Tail mages. Fairy Tail mages that had already fought with Oracion Seis, and from the reports, survived.
Death's Head Caucus would be no use to them.
So the duo had gone to their backup plan. They had gone to Carbuncle, travelling all the way to the Principle of Veronica to recruit them. The guild had been surprisingly powerful. Dyst especially, having been stronger than even Velveno. Still, they had defeated the group. Then they had moved along to find Drum Bee. The man was more than willing to accept their invitation. It was an odd experience, considering that most dark mages were very individulist. But the lure of testing his power in a battle once more against powerful opponents before he tried to take down Gildarts Clive again proved to be too enticing for him.
Kafuchi Marmalade was where they had found issue. The man had outright refused to join their group. They had engaged him to force him to obey but the battle had not gone as they had initially hoped. He was strong than either of them had given him credit for. They had almost died in that battle. Still, they had managed to defeat the man and he joined them.
They would get their revenge.
"Not the Raven Tail mages no, but we don't have much of a choice," Hoteye stated. "Money is on the line if we don't defeat Midnight and Cobra. And you know how much I hate losing money."
"They're not trustworthy allies to be bringing into a combat like this," Racer stated. "We'll need to get them involved in battle fast to guarantee that they won't run away and leave us stranded."
"That's manageable," Hoteye stated. "Time to move."
Racer nodded, glancing back.
"We're moving out!"
The Light Team ran forwards, running towards the Worth Woodsea with a purpose before a large shadow covered them.
"What's that," Levy whispered, shock on her eyes.
"Christina," Hibiki stated, a smile forming on his face. "It's moving out."
"Impressive. That things looks dangerous. There's no way that we can let you use it against us then."
The group turned, surprise on their faces as they say the members of Oracion Seis standing there before them.
"So you came to us," Naruto stated. "Thanks. Makes our job easier."
"Hibiki, bring Christina down on them!" Ichiya commanded.
"Not gonna work," Animus muttered, blurring into motion. The man sped towards Christina only to be intercepted by Naruto, the blonde grunting as he stopped him in the air.
"Miss me? I've been waiting for this."
"I'm sure you have. Unfortunately, I don't have time to deal with you. Zash!"
"Right!"
Zash stepped forwards, locking eyes with Sasuke Uchiha. "Oi, Uchiha."
Sasuke frowned, looking at him, his eyes lazily looking in Zash's general direction. Zash grinned, his eyes glowing red.
"Kill them," he commanded, only for Sasuke to stand still.
"Was he trying to do something," Mirajane questioned.
"I dunno," Gray stated. "His eyes glowed red for a second there."
"He's blind you idiot your magic won't work," Doriate roared. "Let me handle this!" Doriate's body hummed with magic before Naruto's body suddenly began to shrink, returning to that of a child.
"What!"
Animus smirked. "Sorry, but you're not priority right now."
Animus batted the child from the sky, shooting towards Christina. With a roar he punctured through the hull of the ship, tearing across it through the other side until it exploded, its shrapnel falling to the ground.
"Christina!"
"Well there goes that idea," Hibiki muttered.
"So that's Doriate and his magic. I see, he's clearly a threat," Sasuke muttered. "Alright everyone, time to move!"
Doriate grinned as Sasuke blurred forwards, lightning cloaking his body. "Not so fast," he muttered, magic humming around him once more before Sasuke fell to the ground, a child.
"My turn," Fingers muttered, energy forming at his fingertips before he sent the attack towards Sasuke. THe Uchiha grunted, stumbling over his now too-large clothes only for Mirajane to blitz in, swiping him away before the attack landed.
"Separate Doriate from the group! He's picking us off!"
"Right," Jura stated, golden energy swirling around him.
"Not so fast," Zash stated, eyes glowing red as they locked eyes with the Wizard Saint. "You're not blind. Now do as I say, kill them."
Jura's eyes widened before they glowed a faint red, turning to stare at the Light Team.
"Something's wrong with him," Lyon stated. "Jura, can you hear me?"
Jura roared in response, golden magic swirling around him before pillars of earth sent the Light Team flying in separate directions.
"What are you doing!" Mirajane called, setting Sasuke down and staring at Jura. "We're on the same side!"
Jura didn't listen, sending more columns of earth her way that she was forced to blow apart using her Darkness Magic. Zash grinned.
"Is that her Animus?"
"Yes," the man stated, appearing with a boom behind Wendy. The girl stumbled, fear in her eyes as she saw the man before her.
"You smell like..."
"Maiden of the Sky, you shall be coming with us," Animus stated, grabbing the girl by the shoulder.
"Not so fast!" Natsu roared, jetting forwards with flames behind him, only to be stopped by Jura, the two's forearms clashing. Natsu grit his teeth, jets appearing behind his shoulders, causing him to spin and launch a kick towards Jura's head. The Wizard Saint caught the blow, the staggering force behind it barely bothering him before he launched a punch that smashed into Natsu's stomach, sending spittle from his mouth as he flew backwards.
"Stop this! Sky God's Bellow!"
Jura turned to stop the attack, only for surprise to grace his face as he saw the weak attack, barely managing to even reach him with its current power.
"What the," Naruto stated. "That doesn't make any sense."
"My turn then," Cana muttered, dashing in with the assistance of Sherry. The Lamia Scale mage had the earth rise up in the form of her mud dull, blasting chunks of earth at the mages only for Jura to easily deflect them. Still, the attack served as a distraction as Cana got in close, observing the lines on his body before she punched. Jura raised a hand to block, only for his entire body to be blown away by the force of Cana's blow. Jura flew backwards, but the damage was done. Animus grabbed Levy, disappearing and reappearing back with the group of Oracion Seis members.
"Let's move."
"Right."
Animus blurred into motion, disappearing from view. Midnight waved his arms, the winds howling around him before they swirled around the Oracion Seis members.
"See you later, Fairy Tail mages. Try not to die before we see you again. I wanna kill you myself," Midnight hissed. And with that the group, including Jura, was catapulted away by the wind.
"Well...that didn't go well," Erza stated.
"No shit," Cana muttered. "What the hell just happened?"
"The reason why I was so wary of Zash," Gajeel stated. "That explains what he did to me. He can...control someone."
"It only works if he locks eyes with them though," Levy stated. "He wasn't able to control Sasuke."
"Not that it matters much," Gray stated. "Doriate can weaken you, make you younger. I'm not sure how it happens, but it can clearly effect more than one person. And I'm not sure how long it lasts or what it's conditions are. But if he can do that..."
"They've effectively taken down our three most powerful fighters in one engagement," Erza stated, a frown on her face. "They were planning this. That's the only way they could have so effectively taken us down."
"Christina down, Jura controlled, Naruto and Sasuke incapcitated. How do we proceed," Hibiki questioned.
"Well clearly we have two main problems," Naruto stated, garnering the groups attention. "Doriate's magic is too powerful to be brushed to the side. We don't know if there's a limit to the amount of people he can influence. And the threat he poses by making all of us weaker is significant. He has to be the primary target. Defeating him should release Sasuke and I from this spell. The second problem is Zash. Defeating him stops him from turning us against each other. He's likely to be guarded by Jura, who also happens to be the third strongest person here. With Sasuke and I incapcitated..."
"Things are looking rather bleak. It took you on the borderline of your base strength to defeat him, and you both stated you weren't going all out. We can't assume we'll have that luxury when facing him," Natsu stated.
"We'll need to team up to beat him," Erza stated.
"Not necessarily," Hibiki stated, pulling up Archive. The mage pressed a few buttons before a picture of Zash appeared on screen. "Zash's power works by controlling the mind. My Archive can send junk data into a human. Theoretically I should also be able to rewire the information in someone's head, at least temporarily breaking the mind control."
"Or controlling him for yourself," Lyon stated.
"Potentially," Hibiki admitted. "But if I can do that anyone working with Jura should attempt to quickly defeat Zash. If that's possible the mind control should fade permanently and he's off the field."
"And then we have to get back Wendy!" Carla stated.
"I'll get her back," Shin stated, eyes dark. "I promised Wendy I'd protect her. And from bastards like Oracion Seis...there's no way I'll let any one of them hurt her. I'll get her back."
"I'll go with you," Natsu stated. "I can't just let a fellow Dragon Slayer get hurt like that."
"Me too," Gajeel stated.
"Who's going to handle Doriate though," Lyon stated. "He's far too powerful to be left alone. Sherry and I can't help because we have to help Hibiki free Jura. We know his fighting style well too well for us not to."
"I'll handle Doriate," Gray stated, the only person responding to Lyon's question. "I've fought him before. I have the best shot."
"You'll need help."
"He's got me," Levy stated. "My magic can't quite be depowered in the same way. There's less words I can use because of control, but lack of control also offers some explosive benefits if used right."
"Juvia can assist as well. If her magic is destablized she may be able to still provide some assistance," the former Phantom Lord mage stated.
"That's not enough firepower to handle Jura," Naruto stated plainly. "Lyon, Sherry, Hibiki, you'll all need more help."
"Mirajane you should go with them," Sasuke stated. "Your power should be enough to give them a fighting shot."
"Right!"
"I should go too," Erza stated plainly. "I have a fake eye, there's a possibility Zash's magic won't work on me or will have a weaker effect."
"Good idea," Jet stated.
"Alright, so we've got a general plan of attack. Still, we have no idea where they are right now," Azuma stated. "We can't touch them if we don't know where they are."
"Naruto, you marked Animus when you fought him before right," Sasuke questioned. "Can you teleport us there?"
"Not in this state no," Naruto stated. "I don't have the control to teleport anywhere right now. But I can sense where they are because of it. They're to the north, deep into the woodsea. I can't give you more than that."
"I think it's reasonable to expect that they'll leave many of their serving dark guilds in the forest awaiting us as well. We must be true men to defeat them," Ichiya stated.
"They might even try to split us up, to weaken our love."
"Actually we should split up anyways," Ren stated. The group looked at him like had had grown a second head, but the man merely shrugged. "We have the general location of their base, but nothing else to go on. What if we miss it? That can't happen. Split up into four groups I say. One group to save Wendy, the other group to free Jura and take down Zash, another to try and separate them, and the final group to take down Doriate. Besides, we can disrupt their teamwork if they're not working together."
"He's right," Hibiki stated. "If I sort everyone into teams this seems to be the best bet. For targetting Jura and Zash we'll have Team A. It should be myself, Mirajane, Erza, Lyon, and Sherry. For freeing Wendy we'll have Team B. This will be composed of Shin, Natsu, Gajeel, Carla, and Happy. For the group targeting Doriate, team C, we'll have Gray, Juvia, and Levy."
"I can help with that as well," Eve stated. "I might as well be useful somewhere."
"That works fine," Hibiki stated. "The final group, Team D, will be composed of Azuma, Ren, Jet, Cana, Elfman, and Ichiya. Their objective is to split up any members of Oracion Seis they can and defeat them."
"Sounds like a good plan," Ichiya stated. "Needless to say it was set up by competent men!"
"What about you Naruto and Sasuke, you won't be exactly useful to us as you are," Ren stated.
"Leave us here," Sasuke stated. "If the magic breaks or has a range limit we can respond immediately. Naruto's teleportation will take us to the battlefield. The rest of you get moving."
"Got it," Azuma stated.
"Let's move!" Natsu roared, charging into the forest, followed quickly by the rest of the group. The Light Team quickly split apart into four groups, before moving off into the Worth Woodsea.
"I have a bad feeling about this," Sasuke muttered. "Their strategy sounds fine but, like ours, it's only good before things go south. And we haven't even seen Racer and Hoteye's group yet."
Naruto frowned, staring at the group as they disappeared over the cliff, into the Woodsesa.
"We don't have much of a choice. We weren't expecting Doriate's abilities, not were we expecting Zash's. They're best used the first time, otherwise we have a way of countering them. We just have to have faith they can take down those two before we can join the battlefield."
"And then we can make them pay," Sasuke stated, eyes dark. "They'll regret not killing us here."
"That they will," Naruto stated. "That they will."
With Oracion Seis
"Man," Doriate muttered, slamming the coffin on the ground in front of Animus. "This thing sure is heavy."
"A coffin," Wendy whispered, staring at the large, T-shaped purple monstrosity before her.
"Indeed," Animus stated, turning to look at the Dragon Slayer. "And I need you to heal the man inside for us. We need him to activate Nirvana."
"I will do no such thing!"
"Oh you will," Animus muttered. "You don't have a choice. Either you heal him, or we kill your friends."
Wendy stepped backwards, horror in her eyes as Animus stared her down. There was no cruelty in the mans eyes, merely a firm resolution. Animus gestured back to the coffin, making a hand sign. Suddenly the chains wrapped around it glowed red before they collapsed, the coffin melting in a glow of blue light, revealing Jellal lying inside, held up by strange, teeth-like markings inside the coffin. Covering his skin were blue cracks, pulsating with energy.
"This man is Jellal. A former Wizard Saint, and a former member of the Magic Council. He is also the only man with the ability to awaken Nirvana. He was bathed in Ethernano and became like this, but he is not actually dead. But with your healing powers you can return him to the way he was. It was Jellal Fernandes who saved your life is it not? Do you not owe it to him to save him?"
"Jellal..."
"Doriate, Zash, Fingers, go secure the perimeter. Make sure none of the pesky mages reach this place."
"What should we do," Cobra muttered, leaning against a nearby wall. The man watched as the three dark mages left, Jura following closely behind Zash in the process.
"You and Midnight will remain here with me," Animus stated. "When the girl heals Jellal, we will take him to Nirvana."
With Team B
"Hey, Carla," Natsu questioned, running along the forest with the rest of his group. "You said Wendy was the Sky Dragon Slayer right? Does she eat air like Naruto?"
"Eat," Shin questioned. "Wouldn't it be food? Like the rest of us?"
"Nah," Gajeel stated. "Us Dragon Slayers can eat the elements that we control. Natsu can eat fire, I can eat iron. God Slayer's can do it too. Naruto eats air, and Sasuke eats lightning."
"Oh wow," Shin muttered. "That's...an interesting ability."
"More useful than you'd think," Gajeel muttered.
"You would be correct," Carla stated, butting into the conversation. "She does eat air."
"Hmmm," Natsu grumbled. "I've always meant to ask Naruto this but I wonder what it tastes like."
"It can't be any different than breathing in oxygen right," questioned Shin. "We don't taste oxygen."
"I have no idea. But I do know that Wendy volunteered for this mission because she heard about you two Dragon Slayers. Gajeel 'Black Steel' Redfox. Natsu 'Salamander' Dragneel. She was hoping you would be here so she could meet you both."
"What does she want with us?"
"She said that the dragon that taught her how to use magic disappeared seven years ago. She's hoping either of you know where the dragon might be."
"That happened to us too," Gajeel muttered. "Metallicana disappeared seven years ago. I have no idea what happened to him."
"Same thing with Igneel. What's her dragon's name?"
"If I recall correctly she said her dragon's name was The Sky Dragon, Grandine. I take it as such that you do not know where the dragon is?"
"'Fraid not," Natsu muttered. The fiery Dragon Slayer was too lost in his own thoughts about the mystery of the dragons disappearance that he didn't notice the large tree root before him, tripping to fall on his face.
"Idiot," Gajeel groaned. Natsu groaned, pulling himself to his feet.
"Shut up, bastard," Natsu hissed, turning to look at Gajeel.
"Focus," Shin stated, horror in his voice. The duo turned to look at him, only for their eyes to widen just as his did. "Because we have bigger problems..."
A dark, black miasma surrounding the trees and air, floating around like a curse that refused to be lifted.
"The trees are black," Happy whispered.
"That ain't right," Gajeel stated. "Not right at all."
"Zatou-nii, they said it's because of Nirvana right?"
The group turned, surprised to see two monkey-looking men approaching them.
"It's just that terrible a magic," Zatou stated, a grin on his face as he stomped towards the group. "The earth itself is dying, Gatou-nii!"
"Look alive," Shin stated, glancing around as he saw more and more mages appearing, all of them looking strangely monkey like as they landed on branches to stare down at them.
"H-hey," Carla whispered, taking a step backwards. "We're surrounded!"
Natsu laughed, pointing at the duo. "Oh! It's monkeys! We've got two monkeys!"
"Who the hell are you guys," Shin questioned, glaring at them. Slowly golden energy began to wrap around his body as he stared them down.
"We're Naked Mummy, and we work for Oracion Seis!" Gatou roared.
"Let's play," Zatou stated, a purple miasma covering his fist.
"Naked Mummy?"
"One of the dark guilds we were told about 'Salamander'."
"This is too much, I thought we were only up against six people," Carla whispered.
Natsu and Gajeel grinned, cracking their necks as they stared the group down. "Nah, we got this," they stated simultaneously.
"What are you talking about? We're surrounded and they have the numbers advantage. We have to hurry to break through their ranks and escape!"
"Nah Carla," Shin stated. "This guys work for Oracion Seis. And Oracion Seis took Wendy..."
A golden hue covered his body, tell-tale signs of Meteor activating. The man snarled as he looked at the Zatou and Gatou, letting his Magic Power run free. "I refuse to let someone else I know die because of them!"
"Shin's right," Natsu stated. "We'll force them to tell us where Oracion Seis' base is! And then we'll crush them!"
"These brats are making fun of us!"
"We're Naked Mummey and we work for-"
"Shut up!" Shin stated before he moved. The man disappeared, moving at faster speeds than he had during his fight with Naruto, shredding through the ranks of the dark guild. Natsu and Gajeel grinned.
"We won't be left behind!"
"Take this!"
With Team A
"Who the hell are these guys," Lyon muttered, glancing around at the mages that surrounded them.
"Red Hood," Mirajane stated, eyes narrowed. "A Dark Guild. They specialize in assassinations."
"Assassinations huh," Sherry stated. "Explains why they were able to ambush us like this. They must be good at surprise attacks."
"That's Erza Scarlet, the 'Titania'! Defeating her would make an excellent trophy!"
"You won't get the chance," Erza stated, her clothing changing into that of her Heaven's Wheel Armor with a simple usage of her Requip. Dozens of swords came into existence with flashes of light behind her, the woman's eyes narrowing.
"Now scatter. Blumenblatt!"
With Team C
"Who are these guys," Gray muttered, slowly taking off his shirt. Eve stared at the teen, slightly confused at his behavior when they were surrounded but answer his question nonetheless.
"The dark guild, Black Unicorn," Juvia stated. "I remember hearing about them when I was a member of Phantom Lord. They're often hired to do robberies."
"Damn silky hair!"
"Damn handsome men!"
"We're gonna crush you," another member called.
Levy stared them all down, her eyes calculating. She drew her club, staring the group down. "We don't really have time to deal with these guys."
"Then let's take them down in one fell swoop," Gray muttered, a chill forming in the area.
With Team D
"Ah you understand the power of manliness too," Elfman questioned, looking down at the shorter man.
"But of course," Ichiya responded, a grin on his face. "Men are most impressive. Especially one such as you. So tall, such muscle definition, the power within you must truly be frightening no?"
Elfman winced, clenching his fists. "Ah, yes. My power is truly impressive! Even more so when I use my Beast Soul!"
"Beast Soul? I have heard of that magic before. For you to be able to control such powerful creatures at such a level is incredible, especially at your young age. Ah, to be a young man once more. I must see you in action! I can tell you are a true man!"
"I can tell you are as well! Manliness radiates from you!"
"Can they shut up," Cana whispered to Jet. "They've been talking about this since we left!"
"I wish they would honestly," Jet said, sideyeing the two. "How can they bond over...being men? That's weird."
"Ichiya-sama is great," Ren commented. "It's that other man who is the problem. The oaf is trying to take Ichiya-sensei from us."
"Why did you just refer to him inconsistently," Jet questioned.
"More importantly," Cana emphasized. "Trust me, none of us are looking to take Ichiya from Blue Pegasus. He is more than welcome to stay there. Forever."
"From the way the two are embracing it would paint a different picture."
The duo of Fairy Tail mages glanced back, annoyed as they saw the two men holding each other, shouting men at the top of their lungs.
"Oh boy."
"I'm going to murder them," Azuma muttered, only for him to suddenly stop. Cana paused, watching him carefully.
"What are you gonna do it now?"
"Eyes up," Azuma muttered, eyes narrowing as he looked around the area. "We're not alone."
Cana frowned, reaching out with her senses only for her to quickly pull them back in. There was no need for them any longer. The dark guild that has surrounded them revealed themselves, each of them grinning as they stared down the members of the Light Team.
"We're surrounded," Cana stated, staring at the groups.
"Ah, this is the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your manly Beast Soul to me Elfman!"
"And you you're Perfume Magic! It will be a competition between men then!"
Azuma shook his head, looking at the duo. 'I'm not sitting through that.'
The man merely raising a hand before the trees themselves began to attack the dark guild members, wrapping them up before detonating. In a matter of seconds the entire dark guild lay on the ground, defeated.
"Oh my," Ichiya stated, looking at Azuma. "You defeated all these men so quickly. That is most impressive. Still, it is not very kinda of you to intervene on a competition between men."
"I don't have time to waste on weaklings," Azuma muttered. "I came here looking for a real fight. This isn't that."
"Can't say I disagree with that," Jet stated. "Let's get moving!"
With Oracion Seis
"Why is Jellal here," Wendy whispered, confusion on her face.
"Does it matter," Animus stated, sitting on a rock in front of the girl. "You owe him your life, and if you do not heal him your friends may very well die. Heal him."
Wendy stood still, conflict raging across her face. Animus sighed, nodding to Midnight. The teen nodded, flexing his hand. A blade of wind formed right at Jellal's neck, cutting only deeply enough to cause a light trickle of blood to fall.
"If you that is not enough reason to do so, then maybe if we choose to kill him instead."
"Stop it!" Wendy cried, tears forming in her eyes. "Please...don't."
"Then cure him, it should be simple for you."
"Please...give me some time to think.
"Fine," Animus stated. "You have five minutes."
With Team B
"Oi blabber-ape," Natsu stated, picking up the fallen Gatou of Naked Mummy. "Where's your guild?"
Gatou shook his head, refusing to speak. Natsu snarled in response, headbutting the man and letting him drop to the ground before proceeding to walk up to Zatou. The man shook his head at the question, instead looking up to at another tree branch.
"It's up to you now...guest."
"Tch, leaving me some small fry fairies," came the voice. The group turned to see Erigor standing above them. "Long time no see flame-brain."
"Oi, nice to see you. How's it hanging ya breezy bastard," Natsu muttered.
"We ain't got that kinda relationship idiot," Erigor hissed.
"What are you doing here?"
"I work with Naked Mummy under Oracion Seis," he stated. "Where's the blondie? I got a rematch with him. This time I won't lose."
"Naruto's not here. And you couldn't beat him anyway."
"Oh," Erigor stated, a grin forming on his face. The winds howled around him as a manic grin formed in his face. "You so sure about that! I'll show you just how stro-"
The man coughed, spit vomiting from his mouth before he dropped to the ground. Shin sighed, stepping away from the man to look down on him.
"Shut up. Like I said, I'm not here to waste any time. Now where is your base?"
"The...the abandoned village," Erigor muttered, groaning in pain. "It's to the west of this location."
"The west of here," Shin muttered. "Let's move!"
"Right!"
With Team D
"Where the hell are we headed," Cana complained. "We can't just keep wandering aimlessly."
"Maybe we should have asked one of those dark mages where their base was," Ren questioned.
"Gee ya think?"
"Don't blame me. It was that man who knocked them all out instantly."
The group began to devolve into arguing until a yellow box appeared in front of them.
"What's this," Jet questioned.
"A message from Hibiki," Ren stated. "He's probably tracking our locations right now. He's telling us where their base is," he muttered.
"To the west," Ichiya stated. "But what are these great powers I sense to the north then?"
"You're feeling those too," Azuma questioned. "So I'm not imagining things."
"Indeed, I feel their power. They are moving quite quickly though, towards that location in the west. What could they be?"
"I don't know. But if we reach that base we might just find out."
"Wait a minute," Jet stated. "If you're feeling more powerful people nearby that might be where Racer and Hoteye are! We didn't see them when they attacked us."
"No, it's more than just two powerful energy signals," Azuma stated, a grin forming on his face. "There's six of them. Six incredibly powerful mages headed our way. All of them must be S-class. And there's additional ones around them as well, low A-class."
"Did you just say six," Cana stated. "Six more S-class mages and we don't even know who they are?"
"That throws a wrench in the plans," Elfman stated. "We need to figure out who they are."
"If they're dark mages then this situation just got a lot more serious," Cana stated. "The only S-class mages we have available right now are Erza, Shin, Ichiya, Mirajane, and Azuma. That's already less than Oracion Seis has. This many more..."
"The plan remains the same," Ichiya stated. "Take out Doriate and Zash. If we do that Naruto and Sasuke can regroup with us. Then, we split them up and defeat them."
"The plan remains the same but the numbers advantage we thought we had is gone," Jet stated. "Too many people will have to fight individually. And if that happens..."
"People could die," Elfman stated, clenching his fists. "We won't let that happen! We'll stop them!"
"There's only one way to do that now," Azuma muttered. "Let's head to their base. We find our opponents there."
"Right!"
With Team C
Gray sighed as he dropped the finally fallen body of the dark guild members, shaking his head. "Useless. Not a single one of them told us where their base was."
"I'm sure we'll be able to find it if we keep looking," Eve stated. "The other groups have likely dealt with something similar already. I'm sure one of them knows where their base is. As soon as we get that information Hibiki should be capable of sending us the information."
As soon as Eve finished talking a yellow box of magic appeared in front of them, made of Archive.
"Speak of the devil," Levy stated, a smile forming on her face. "Their base is to the west of here?"
"Not that you all will be making it there."
The group turned, their eyes wide as they saw Doriate standing there. The demon chuckled, stepping away from the tree he was leaning on to leer at them.
"Gray, I've been meaning to finish the little spat we had back in Crocus. Think you can actually land a blow this time?"
"You weren't able to land a blow last time? I thought you said you fought him," Eve questioned.
"Yeah well I also said I had no way of fighting back against him so."
"Well at least you got one part of the story accurate."
"Don't get too cocky fool," Gray stated, a grin forming on his face. "This time, I won't lose. Not to you."
Doriate chuckled, raising his arms as the magic haze covered his body once more. "I'd like to see you try and stop me!"
And with that, all four members of Team C regressed to a child-like form. Doriate grinned, marching towards them as it began to rain.
"So, who wants to die first?"
"Easy answer," the child-like Gray stated. He made his focus, knowing he would need it in his younger state with his lack of control. "You."
With Team A
"We must be getting close to their base," Mirajane stated.
"Oh you are little flies. Kill them!"
The group jumped, shock on their faces as they saw the ground erupt into spikes where they once were, barely avoiding the attack. Landing away from the spell they looked forwards, Zash and Jura standing before them.
"Just who we were looking for," Erza stated. "Our targets."
"Oh, you came looking for me 'Titania'? You sure know how to make a guy feel special. Sad I'm going to have to kill you. Jura!"
The Wizard Saint roared, letting loose another blast of earth at the group that forced them to separate.
"Mirajane, you help me combat Jura! When we create an opening you move in Hibiki! Lyon, Sherry, distract Zash, and don't let him lock eyes with you!"
"Right," the group called and then they moved.
With Team B
"So that's where they are huh," Natsu muttered, looking down at the ancient shrine of the Nirvits. "Wendy! We're here!"
"Oi, shut up you idiot," Carla stated. "There could be enemies in there!"
"We're gonna have to go through them regardless," Shin muttered. "Might as well barge through the front door. Take out the whole bastard group while we can."
"I'm sure you'd like that wouldn't you," Midnight stated, floating above the duo, his wings fully unfirled.
"Midnight," Shin stated, a frown forming on his face. "Of course they sent one of their stronger members."
"Fire Dragon's Roar!"
Midnight watched the attack soar towards him, only to be deflected easily by his magic. Natsu's eyes widened as the attack was negated so easily.
"You idiot, we already know inanimate attacks won't work on him! We're terrible matchups for him!"
"You two go," Shin stated. "I'm faster than both of you, and I can attack in close quarters better. Go free Wendy, understand. I'll handle him."
"Right!"
The two Dragon Slayers leapt over the cliff, followed closely by Carla and Happy. Midnight watched them fall, before he turned to look at Shin.
"They're going to die you know."
Shin smirked, cracking his knuckles. "I wouldn't be worried about them you bastard. I'd be worried about what I'm going to do to you!"
"Oh," Midnight questioned. "Give me your best shot then."
"Times up," Animus stated.
Wendy stood still.
Animus snarled, stopping towards the girl. "Your Lost Magic. Sky Dragon Slayer Magic. It has healing properties! If you won't use it now when will you use it! Would Grandine just sit there as someone she owed her life to was able to be healed in front of her?"
"You know Grandine," Wendy stated, confusion in her eyes. Animus' eyes narrowed, realizing he had her.
"Of course I do," he muttered. "And if you heal Jellal, I'll let you know what happened to her."
"Grandine..." Wendy muttered, staring at Jellal. The girl slowly approached him, tears falling from her eyes, and got to work.
Animus grinned. "Good. Nirvana is in our grasp."
"Wendy!"
The girl turned, shocked to see Natsu and Gajeel standing outside with Carla and Happy.
"Wendy," Carla said, joy in her voice. "You're okay."
"I thought Midnight stopped them," Cobra muttered. "What happened to him?"
"It's of no matter. Look."
The man turned, shock on his face to see the healing completed already. Before him stood Jellal Fernandes, in the flesh, fully healed.
"No way," Natsu muttered, shock on his face. "That man. That's..."
Gajeel looked at his Dragon Slayer companion, confusion on his face. "What is it? Who is that guy?"
"Jellal..." Natsu hissed. "Jellal Fernandes!"
"I'm sorry," Wendy whispered, tears falling from her eyes as she cried on the ground. "I'm sorry! This man...he saved my life."
"Wendy, you used your healing magic!" Carla cried.
"But what! Jellal, is a horrible person! He attacked Erza! Caused the Magic Council to launch the Etherion at the Tower of Heaven!"
"I know..." Wendy whispered. "I heard the rumors about all that but...but I can't believe them! The man who saved my life would never do something like that!"
"That bastard," Natsu hissed, staring Jellal down. "Naruto beat him before, but I won't let him stand this time! Jellal!"
The teen rushed Jellal, only for a blast of blinding energy to send him flying backwards, skidding across the ground as he did so. Wendy shuddered at the action, collapsing to the ground in the process, the events too much for the frail girl.
"'Salamander!'"
"Impressive magic power I see," Animus stated. Jellal turned to stare at the man, unleashing a wave of power in his direction only for it to do nothing to the man, causing him to smirk. "Yes, I imagined that would be the response."
Jellal frowned, clearly troubled by the development of someone he could not send flying. Animus grinned, grabbing the man.
"Cobra, take care of the trash. I'll be finding Nirvana. Meet back up with us when you've accomplished your goal."
Cobra nodded, watching as Animus vanished in a burst of speed. Natsu turned, trying to reach out and grab him but it was too late. The duo were gone.
"Well looks like you're mine to defeat," Cobra stated. "Lucky for you I'm not really here for you guys."
"What does that mean," Gajeel questioned.
"I'm here to handle more important issues than you," Cobra stated, frowning as the energy signals reached him. "Like these guys."
The earth rumbled, before the roof of the shrine exploded, the debris flying in every direction. Gajeel grit his teeth, looking up at the sky to see who was strong enough to cause such an attack only for his eyes to widen as he saw them.
The other members of Oracion Seis.
"Cobra," Racer said. "Nice to see you again. Where's the friends?"
"Out and about, Racer," Cobra stated. "Just me here I'm afraid."
"That will have to do then," Hoteye muttered. The ground suddenly turned to a slush in an attempt to bind Cobra, only for the Poison Dragon Slayer to leap into the air to avoid the attack. Racer leapt at him, trying to blindside him with his speed only for Cobra to deflect the attack and leap away, landing in the river surrounding the shrine.
"You know that won't work, Racer."
"Oh don't worry, I came preparred," the S-class mage stated. "The rest of you, clean up the trash! Hoteye and I can handle Cobra!"
Natsu and Gajeel turned, their eyes wide as they saw the many mages facing them down.
"Gajeel, if these guys are as strong as they feel..."
"Yeah 'Salamander'," Gajeel muttered. "We're in for a rough ride here."
"Fairy Tail," Ivan stated. "Well I guess working under these two wasn't the worst situation for me. It brought me to you."
"And who the hell are you," Natsu questioned.
"Me, I'm Ivan Dreyar. Founder of Raven Tail. But one of you already knew that, didn't you?"
Gajeel grit his teeth, taking a step backwards.
"'Salamander' we have to run. We can't handle him."
"Run," Ivan stated, a grin forming on his face. "Oh no Gajeel. We can't have that. Don't you want to say hello to your guild mates?"
"I'd rather not," Gajeel muttered, watching Flare, Nullpudding, and Kurohebi slowly move around them in an attempt to surround them.
"Happy!"
The blue cat nodded, activating Aera and grabbing the two Dragon Slayers. With a groan the cat moved to the air, gritting its teeth as it tried to drag the duo away. Carla was not slow to react either, grabbing Wendy and blasting away with her Aera magic as well.
"Oh well we can't have that," Ivan muttered. The man grinned, sending a swarm of shikigami towards the fleeing trio of Dragon Slayers. The shikigami swarmed around them, releasing a blast of Darkness Magic that sent the three to the ground. "You won't be getting away that easily, Fairy Tail," Ivan stated, a grin on his face.
"Raven Tail, hunt them."
The group of dark mages marched towards the fallen Dragon Slayer mages, moving to climb the cliff to reach them.
The hunt had begun.
Okay this is gonna be a big arc. A lot of plot lines are closed, and a lot of ones are opened. I hope you're all ready for this. There's a lot of characters to juggle and it will probably be the longest arc thus far in the story. Most of the phase one fights are set up, so next chapter we're finally gonna get to the fights. That also means the pace of this arc is gonna slow down, considerably. It's been going a little fast, but now with the fights I can slow it down a bit. The Fairy Tail guild is about to realize what the real world is like. No more Naruto and Sasuke being there to save the day. No more Makarov being an unstoppable force. No more rules and regulations. The only thing they have to rely on is their own strength and teammwork.
Oh boy, this is gonna be fun.