A/N: We're back and it's time for another chapter of Dragon Tail Z! Thanks for the reviews and hope you like this chapter;
Disclaimer – I do not own Dragon Ball Z or Fairy Tail, Akira Toriyama and Hiro Mashima respectively do!
Chapter24 – To the Infinity Castle!
Gohan, Coco, Laki, Solaseed, Mary Hughes and Byro stared in shock as the Cardinal was smirking from his ability to block Gildarts attack despite being stripped of his magic; the Ace of Fairy Tail remained still as his fist twitched in Lapointe's hand. "Is that the best you can do Gildarts?" Lapointe inquired. "I expected more from Fairy Tail's strongest human member." The Cardinal then twisted Gildarts wrist before palm striking him in the chest, sending him flying backward into another part of the room.
"Gildarts!" Gohan and Laki cried.
"Lapointe!" Byro cried as he raised his hand imbued with magic. "Divine Sword!" He swung his hand down on the Cardinal who just grabbed his wrist before he could finish the attack. "Impossible! No one has done this before!"
"You have served you purpose Lord Byro, even if you know the truth now, it doesn't matter since you can't stop me!" Lapointe declared as he pointed his hand at Byro's feet. "Now that I don't need you, the Archbishop, or the Legion Platoon, you're all free to die as the world is plunged into darkness! Haaah!" He yelled, releasing a kiai that cracked the ground beneath Lord Byro, causing the Legion leader to fall into a room under them and be buried under piles of rubble.
"Lord Byro!" the females of the Legion Platoon yelled.
"T-That was kiai! A low level one!" Gohan muttered.
"What's that?" Laki asked.
"It's a Ki technique." Gohan replied.
"You mean that energy you use to fight?! Are you saying that Cardinal Lapointe can use Ki?!" Laki questioned.
The Demi Saiyan glared at the Cardinal who was just clenching his from feeling his new power. "Where did you learn to do that?!" he asked.
"I think we both know the answer to that question boy," Lapointe replied while smirking. At that moment, the rescue team had entered into the Archbishop's chamber. "Ah, company."
"Gohan! You're ok!" Wendy exclaimed.
"Yeah, for now anyway." Gohan said.
"Save the reunion for later. Wendy tend to the Archbishop!" Erza instructed.
"Right!" Wendy complied as she went over to the Zentopian leader.
"Is this him?" Carla asked.
"Who are you?" Solaseed inquired.
"It's alright, I'm Wendy. I can help, I know some healing magic." Wendy explained as she placed her hands over the Archbishop and released her magic.
"Wow! She's pretty good for a child," Solaseed thought. "Thank you child, let us heal the Archbishop together." She said while adding her healing magic to Wendy's.
"There's no doubt about it! Even if you're not him, you look and smell just like Master Zero!" Natsu said to Lapointe.
"But this guy can't be him can he?!" Gray asked.
"That's right! I am merely a product of what Master Zero left behind, and I have his will within me." The Cardinal clarified. "And I know who some of you are too. Natsu Dragneel aka the Salamander, the Fire Dragon Slayer. Gray Fullbuster, the Ice mage and disciple to Ur. Erza Scarlet aka Titania, the Fairy Queen. And Wendy Marvel, Maiden of the Sky, the Sky Dragon Slayer."
"He even knows our names, he must be connected to Zero somehow," Erza said.
"Probably just from his pals that we beat seven years ago!" Gray said.
"I don't really if this guys is Zero or not! But he must be the one responsible for using the phony Michelle to trick us and capturing Lucy!" Natsu deduced as he set his fist on fire. "So I'm gonna burn him to a crisp!"
"Hang on Natsu! This guy can use Ki like me, he just knocked both Gildarts and Byro aside without breaking a sweat!" Gohan warned.
"What?! He just beat Gildarts?!" Gray asked.
"How can he be that strong?!" Erza said.
"So, you took it as well. The Combat drug." Gohan guessed.
"Yes, but this one was even greater than the one the Neo Oracion Seis used earlier. It was enhanced to bestow upon us even greater powers." Lapointe said.
"That doesn't explain why you need a sample of my blood!" Gohan said.
"Heh! Where do you think the component needed to enhance the drug came from?" Lapointe asked. "Rancor has told us a lot about the Saiyan race, including one of the secrets to their unfathomable power, the S-Cells!"
"S-Cells?" Gohan asked.
"Long before the extinction of both races, the Tuffles sought to discover the source of Saiyan strength; through many research, experiments and sacrifices, they learned what made Saiyans so unique in battle. Microscopic cells found in Saiyan bodies that increased as the Saiyans grew stronger, the S-Cells they decided to call it." Lapointe explained. "For years, the Tuffles tried to harness these cells and weaponize them; but progress was slow and the Saiyans they used as test subjects that supplied the cells died from failed experiments. Then, the Tuffles learned something, it wasn't the strongest or ruthless of Saiyans that possessed the greater amount of these cells, it was the compassionate ones."
"What does that mean?" Gohan asked.
"The S-Cells were rarely found in the most vicious elite Saiyan warriors, and those with them were minimum amounts at best; but in the bodies of soft-hearted low-levels, the cells were bountiful! Because of their sentiment, the power the cells stored was hidden away, but if the Saiyan was put through an emotion stress, such as anger or sadness, the powers could be forced out and magnified! The Tuffles gathered as many low-level Saiyans they could find and put them through a lot of experiments, painful experiments! Not many of them lasted very long!" Lapointe said with a sinister smile. "Evidently, this is what led to the war between the two races once the Saiyans found out how the Tuffles were abusing their comrades."
The mages looked disgusted after hearing the pain the Tuffles forced on the Saiyans. "Disgraceful!" Erza exclaimed. "To resort to using great warriors as test subjects is wicked!"
"Those Truffle jerks got what they deserved if you ask me!" Natsu said.
"Too bad with all their intelligence they couldn't use it for anything better instead on wasting it on a project that was never finished!" Gajeel said.
"Oh but it was finished." Lapointe corrected. "Even after the Tuffle race was massacred, Dr. Raichi continued his research with the cells he had stored away; when they died out, he needed a blood sample from another Saiyan to continue."
"Kinda hard to do that when the Saiyan Race was brought to extinction." Gray said.
"True, but there were survivors; and fortunately, one of them was the strongest of all Saiyan warriors! A kind hearted low-level soldier whose potential was nearly unlimited! With every fight, he grew stronger and he wasn't a bloodthirsty killer like his people, just a gentle spirited simpleton; which meant his S-Cells had to be plentiful!" Lapointe said as he gazed at Gohan. "You know who I mean, don't you boy?"
Gohan nodded "My father,"
"That's right; though he's not here, Rancor learned another secret of the S-Cells. They can be passed down through genetics, even among half-breeds like yourself." Lapointe said. "The first time you fought Rancor, he realized you must've had a sufficient amount of S-Cells in you since they're required for you to acquire those super forms. All we needed was a sample of your blood to obtain these cells, and with Brain's research along with Rancor's Tuffle intellect, we managed to perfect the combat drug and acquire the power you Saiyans wield." To prove his point, the Cardinal held up his hand as made it glow with Ki. "With Ki and magic together, the Neo Oracion Seis will grow stronger and stronger with every second we're in battle our emotions, our will, our desires will fuel this new power and make us unstoppable!" He then thrust his hand forward at Gohan and his friends, sending a stronger Kiai at them.
Gohan countered by raising his hand and deflecting the shockwave. "Is this the unstoppable power you desired? Cause I barely felt that!"
"Fool! Our power comes from the desires within, and ours surpasses anyone else's!" Lapointe declared.
"And that's why you'll fail! True power comes in response to a need, not a desire!" Gohan stated.
The Cardinal frowned before he chuckled and said "Struggle all you want insects, the Real Nightmare already has you in its web. You're too late. As of today the world you knew has already ended. The Infinity Clock fuels the great power that Zentopia was founded upon, and that power has not diminished since it was imprisoned. But back then it was known to all as the Infinity Castle."
"Wow, ho original," Gray said sarcastically.
"Every one hundred years during Zentopia's founding festival, the Infinity Castle releases every ounce of pure magic power it has accumulated. A century's worth of power ripe for the taking." Lapointe explained; as he spoke, a small gray exceed fly above everyone and hid behind a statue.
"You caused all that suffering just so you could steal magic?!" Happy asked.
"No you fool; my only goal is to revert the world to chaos! There is no higher purpose to me!" Lapointe declared. "With Real Nightmare in my control, I can return the world to anarchy that reigned before Zentopia's time! The true heart of man with all its greed and hatred will be allowed to flourish once again!"
"Neville must've realized this could happen, so he created a seal that spread across generations." Carla deduced.
"But what does any of that have to do with Lucy?" Wendy questioned.
"The Infinity Clock was originally sealed away with the power of a Celestial wizard and thus the only way to control it is with that very same power." Lapointe answered. "Your friend's magic will be used to bind the Infinity Castle to our will."
"You'll never get the chance, cause we're about to stop you right now!" Gohan said.
"Oh really? Then please don't let me sway you from saving the day! All you have to do to stop the clock is to kill the girl!" the Cardinal revealed smugly. "But I know you won't do that, which means Zentopia's Armageddon, its chaos it inevitable!" Lapointe started laughing maniacally, convinced his victory was assured.
"SHUT UP!" Natsu shouted as he charged at the Cardinal with his fist on fire; Lapointe just blocked his assault. "We're gonna stop the Infinity Clock and without killing Lucy! We'll never sacrifice our friend! We'll save her, just watch!" Natsu proceed to throw more fiery punches at the fake Zero but he easily blocked all of them.
"Ha ha ha! How do you plan on stopping us if you can't even land a hit on me?!" the Cardinal asked as he smacked Natsu back towards his friends where he was caught by Gohan. "Face it Dragon Slayer, with the magic from the Infinity Castle, the power of Ki at our disposal and the Celestial Wizard as our sacrifice, you stand no chance!"
"We've beaten you guys before with our magic!" Gray said.
"And now we've also add Ki to our abilities!" Erza added.
"So all we gotta do is save Lucy and beat you to stop this thing!" Natsu said. The three mages then acted on their words by charging at the Cardinal. Lapointe was suddenly glowing with a green and yellow aura; he held out his hand, summoning a green magic sphere that extended to the shape of a whip. He swung the whip, striking Erza, Gray and Natsu before they could get to him.
"It seems my magic has returned, and with the Ki from the combat drug enhancing it, I am stronger than you can ever imagine!" Lapointe declared while clenching his fist. "It's a shame you're unable to do the same with your Ki, otherwise you might've stood a chance!"
The Fairies glared at the Cardinal before Gohan stepped in front of them. "Let me take him guys," he said.
"Heh! I wonder how my newfound strength will fair against the might of a Saiyan," Lapointe, intrigued. Before either of them could make a move, someone said "Wait a minute," Everyone turned to see Gildarts walking towards the Cardinal. "Hmm, every though that blow wasn't meant to be fatal, I'm surprised you can stand after taking it."
Fairy Tail's Ace stood in front of the Demi Saiyan. "I'm taking this guy."
"Are you sure Gildarts?" Gohan asked.
"Yeah. He just caught me off guard with that cheap shot, but it won't happen again." Gildarts assured.
"Oh? And what makes you think you stand a chance now?" Lapointe inquired.
"Because, I'm dying to wipe that smug look off your face man!" Gildarts said. He then throws a crash-empowered punch which causes two magic circles to form between him and Lapointe, with two magic powers colliding; the two pushed against each other Gildarts used more power to push Lapointe back into a wall. "Alright, you guys better get out of here now! Go save Lucy and take the Archbishop to safety, things are gonna get real nasty soon!"
"But what about Lapointe?" Natsu asked.
"Didn't I say I'd take care of him? Just go already Natsu!" Gildarts said.
"Man, this feels like Déjà Vu," Natsu said.
"I'm surprised you know what that means." Gildarts said before he noticed Lapointe getting back up again. "Aw crap!"
"I really hope you can do better than that!" the Cardinal said as he dashed in front of the crash mage and uppercut him, sending him flying into the ceiling. "Don't tell me I've defeated the mighty Gildarts so easily!"
"Gildarts!" the younger Fairies cried with concern.
"Don't worry, I'm just getting warmed up!" Gildarts said before he used the ceiling as a springboard and slams into the rogue Cardinal, causing the entire room to quake as the both fell through the floor.
"You'd better not lose, ya hear me Gildarts! And make sure he feels it!" Natsu shouted before he and the others quickly evacuated from the Archbishop's chambers.
"Come on, we'd better get moving!" Gray said.
"Hey, I know a way into the Infinity Castle," Coco revealed.
"Then lead the way!" Gohan said.
"Coco, I'm glad you're not hurt." Lily thought as he smiled.
"Warren, you'll stay with the others while they treat the Archbishop! Elfman, Gray, Gajeel, Jenny, you're with us!" Erza instructed.
"Got it!" they complied. They were about to make their way when their path was blocked by a slightly bruised Lord Byro.
"What do you want pal? Can't you see we're in a hurry?" Natsu asked.
"First, I wish to thank you for helping to expose the truth to me even though we were enemies." Byro said. "And I wish to apologize, even if I was being manipulated by Lapointe, as head of the Legion Platoon, I am solely responsible for the suffering me and my soldiers caused by our actions."
"Byro," Solaseed muttered.
"It's fine. You made a mistake, but we can worry about that after we stop this thing!" Gohan said.
"You misunderstand me boy. I'm apologizing not for what we did when we were used as tools, but for what must be done in order to save the world from destruction. As a warrior sworn to Zentopia, I am prepared to do what it takes to end this nightmare; if the Infinity Clock is to be stopped…then Lucy Heartfilia must die!" Byro declared.
"I WON'T LET YOU TOUCH HER!" Natsu shouted as he rushed to strike Byro with his fire fist; the Zentopian soldier defused his magic and blocked his punch before knocking him aside.
"Byro, stop! Haven't we done enough harm to the innocent?! Don't add this sin to your conscience!" Solaseed said.
"I know how this seems, but we do not have the time to discuss it right now! I must deal with Lapointe for all the crimes he's committed! I will leave Lucy's execution to you…" Byro said as he glanced up. "Samuel!"
At that moment, the gray exceed descended to ground level in his battle form. "Yes sir!" he said.
"It's the other cat!" Gajeel stated.
"Sammy!" Lily exclaimed.
"As I told you before brother, I serve Lord Byro!" Samuel stated. "And I intend to carry out his orders once again!"
"Don't you dare get in our way!" Natsu warned as he stood up.
"What are you planning to do?" Pantherlily asked.
"Simple, keep you away from your friend! The time for talk is past brother!" Samuel answered as he sprouted his wings and flew over the rescuers. "I understand your anger, but I don't need calculations to know what's right! When the life of one person is weighed against the fate of the entire world, there's only one course of action!" The gray exceed quickly took off to get to the Infinity Castle.
"Take him down!" Lily ordered.
"Aye sir!" Happy agreed as both he and the black exceed flew to stop Samuel.
"You won't interfere!" Byro shouted as he raised his staff; his magic quickly canceled out Happy and Lily's before they got too far.
"Why you!" Natsu shouted as he tried to hit Byro again, only to miss as the Legion leader dodged and them went to face the ex Cardinal. "Damn it!"
"I'll go after him and save Lucy!" Gohan said as he revved up and went airborne. "You guys catch up when you can!"
"Wait! We still don't know how to use the Ki to boost our magic!" Gray said.
"What are we suppose to do to bring out this new power?!" Erza asked.
"Just remember what I said, the power comes in response to a need, not a desire! You have to create that need!" Gohan said.
"Kid, wait! Invigorate!"Solaseed chanted as she used her magic to heal Gohan's injuries. "You should be able to fight better now!"
"Thanks!" Gohan said as he flew to get to the Infinity Castle.
"Be careful Gohan!" Wendy shouted.
"Natsu! You guys gotta hurry up and find Lucy!" Happy said.
"Yeah, I'll save her pal!" Natsu promised.
"Come on, this way!" Coco said as she led the others towards the Castle.
With Gildarts, Lapointe evaded a punch from the crash mage before kicking him several meters away; he then jumped to smash the Ace of Fairy Tail with his fist but Gildarts blocked it with his arm, shattering the ground beneath his feet to cushion the blow. Lapointe then backed away and held out his hand and yelled "Dark Capriccio!" firing Master Zero's piercing spell at the Fairy. Gildarts quickly countered by touching the spell, hitting it with a white blast that dissembled it and scattered it all around them.
"Let's try this again, Empyrean!" Gildarts shouted as he threw his strongest punch at the Cardinal again. Lapointe was socked in the face and was blown backwards, but he landed on his feet and just cracked his neck. "Damn, I barely fazed him," Gildarts muttered.
"You're as strong as the rumors say you are! And your magic is even more destructive, but with Ki coursing through my body I am superior!" Lapointe said.
"Oh yeah? Then what's taking you so long to beat me?" Gildarts asked. "If you're as strong as you think then come on! Show what you got!"
"As you wish!" Lapointe complied as he fired a kiai at Gildarts blowing him into a wall that crumbled. "What's wrong? I hope the game's not over yet, I was just getting started!"
"You think this is all a game?! Toying with people's lives?! Manipulating the innocence, including the Archbishop, Solaseed and the Legion Platoon?!" Byro asked as came behind the Cardinal and smashed him in the back with his staff. "Well, I promise to put an end to this game, forever! Divine Slash!" Byro channeled magic power into his staff and swung it in a diagonal slash at the Zero clone; the force shattered the ground around them. When the smoke cleared, Byro was surprised to see that Lapointe was holding the top part of his staff in his hand. The Legion leader was then karate chopped in the head, sending him crashing along then ground before he stood up only to be hit with an energy blast that further destroyed more of Zentopia's inner structure.
"I care not for the pathetic lives that were used to bring about chaos. All I care about is destruction and being in the center of it!" Lapointe said.
Gildarts suddenly appears and fires a massive crash blast (the one he used on Natsu immediately after his first punch in the S-Class Trials) to which Lapointe counters with his own a massive Darkness Magic blast of his own; the two attacks shook the entire room as the mages were blown backwards from their attacks cancelling each other out. Lapointe then sensed something above him and looked up to see Lord Byro coming at him; the renegade Cardinal fires his Dark Delete which the Legion Platoon leader nullifies them before landing in front of him, forming a spear of light with his right hand and thrusting it at Lapointe's chest. The manipulator just grabs it with his bare hand and crushed it before grabbing Byro's wrist and tossing him into the crash mage. The two got up in time to see Lapointe fire numerous Ki blasts at them.
The mini blasts created a dust cloud that surrounded the two; when it dispersed, Byro was seen standing before Gildarts holding his staff vertically while conjuring a large Magic circle to defend them both. "Your skills are indeed impressive Byro, but you stand no chance against my power!" Lapointe chastised.
Byro dropped the shield and glanced at the Fairy. "Are you alright?" he asked sternly.
"Yeah, thanks pal." Gildarts said. "Guy's pretty tough huh? Guess this Master Zero was really something before he was arrested."
"It's not just Zero's magic he's using, the Ki he gained from that combat drug is enhancing his abilities to an unprecedented degree." Byro said. "He has truly become a fearsome opponent."
"Maybe, but my hotheaded friend was able to beat Zero magic seven years ago," Gildarts said. "And since you can nullify magic, all he really has to beat us with is this Ki."
"True, but Ki is just an effective weapon as magic, that Gohan has certainly shown that." Byro stated. "He may not be as strong as the boy, but if we wish to defeat him, then we must hit him with everything we've got!"
"We? Are you suggesting what I think you are?" Gildarts asked.
Byro nodded "As much as it hurts my pride as a Legion soldier, I must ally myself with a guild mage if I wish to punish Lapointe for the crimes he's committed against Zentopia!" he answered. "I ask that you join me in battle to defeat this madman!"
"Heh! No need to beg, I'll help ya. After all, it wasn't just you he used, but my guild as well, including my daughter!" Gildarts said before growing an anger face as he unleashed his full power. "And that is something I can never forgive!"
"I feel the same about using the Archbishop." Byro said as he went full throttle as well. "But just know, even if we do defeat him, we won't immediately become friends, we're merely two sides allying together to destroy a common enemy!"
"The enemy of my enemy if my friend, yeah I get it. Don't worry; if we win and you still feel that way, I'll gladly take you on to settle our score from last time." Gildarts promised.
"Two of the strongest mages in Fiore against the product of Master Zero's will? This will be exciting indeed!" Lapointe said as he powered up too. "The both of you will be perfect test subjects against my increasing power!" The rouge Cardinal braced himself as the Ace of Fairy Tail and the Leader of the Legion Platoon charged at him and swung their fist at the same time to strike him.
Elsewhere, Wendy and Solaseed were struggling to remove the dark magic that was used to control the Archbishop, but progress was slow and the old timer wasn't looking like he was getting any better. "Is he under the same spell that was used on Cana?" Laki inquired.
"Yes, I think so," Carla replied.
"Any luck Wendy?" Happy asked.
"Our healing magic doesn't seem to be working on him," Wendy answered.
"Keep trying," Happy encouraged.
"His fever is still pretty high," Laki said as she felt the old man's head.
"What's the matter?" Lily asked.
"I think the spell was cast on the Archbishop's brain for too long," Wendy explained. "Fragments of it are stuck in still there!"
"Damn it! I should've treated his grace as soon as I was summoned! I can't believe I let Lapointe trick me and risk the Archbishop's life for so long!" Solaseed growled.
"So unless you can safely remove the fragments he may not live long enough to help us." Carla said.
"Do you think you can save him?" Happy asked.
"If we use our magic delicately enough to prevent brain damage, then we might possibly save him." Wendy answered.
"I've never encountered such a dark spell as this one, it must be connected to the Real Nightmare." Solaseed thought. "We have to be very careful, I don't know if we can remove this without harming his grace."
"There's not much of an option is there? If he comes out of it, he might be able to tell us more about the Infinity Clock." Warren said.
"Come on girls, we know you can do this," Laki said.
"Okay!" the two healers replied.
With Gohan, the Demi Saiyan flew after the gray exceed to the top of the Zentopia Cathedral where he saw a large pyramid with an eye in the center of the base floated just above. "He must've gone up there, I've got to hurry!" he thought before flying right into the pyramid; his chasing Samuel came to an end when he made it to the room where his fellow guildmate was being held in time to see Imitatia clip the Zentopian cat's wings and knock him elsewhere. "Did she jus save Lucy?" Gohan thought before the deceiver faced him with her emotionless expression. "What am I thinking? Of course not, they just need her alive so that they can complete their plans!" The Son of Goku descended to ground level and stood in front of the steps.
"Gohan!" Lucy called.
"So, you're the first to get here, the child warrior of the mighty Saiyan race." Imitatia taunted. "It doesn't matter who it is, I won't let anyone take my big sister away from me!"
"I'm here to save my friend Lucy, and you have no right to call her your sister after what you've done!" Gohan stated. "But, in the name of our past friendship, whether it was fake or not, I'll give you one chance to step aside and stop your evil deeds!"
Imitatia gave her answer when she pulled out the enhanced combat drug from in between her breast and gulped it down; her body started emitting a red outline. "I won't let you have Lucy, Saiyan!" she said sternly.
"Fine. Then you leave me no choice!" Gohan said as he powered up while still in base form. "Even if she has that super combat drug mixing her Ki with her magic, she's no match for me even in my current state." He thought as he took a battle stance.
"No, Gohan! Don't do it!" Lucy cried.
"Sorry Lucy, but if we want to save you and the world, then we need to take down all enemies, even those we thought were our friends." Gohan said. The Demi Saiyan shifted his feet before charging at the Oracion. Imitatia tried to strike him with her flower shield but he disappeared from her sight and appeared behind her; the next thing she knew, she was kicked in the face by the Saiyan's foot before taking multiple punches to the gut. He then uppercut her in the chin and double kicking her before finishing by using a kiai to blast her into a wall. Gohan then went flew to where Lucy was stuck and started pulling to get her free. "Hang on Lucy, I'll get you out in not time!" He assured. As he pulled the orange substance restraining the celestial wizard started crack.
"I think its working, keep pulling!" the blonde mage told her friend.
Gohan complied as he did so; he then felt a slight sting in his back and turned to see Imitatia still on her feet and aiming her hand at him. Several thorned vines shot out of her Vine armor and stretched towards the Saiyan; Gohan quickly jumped away from Lucy and back flipped over the Oracion, evading her vines. The Z Fighter charged at Imitatia who rushed at him back. She threw many blows at him that he blocked easily. She managed to store a lucky hit when she used her shield to strike the lower part of Gohan's neck, he staggered a bit but shook it off as he countered by elbow bashing her in the face. Gohan continued his assault by punching her a few more time before grabbing her wrist and slamming her into the ground. Imitatia immediately got up and jumped over the Saiyan and stood in front of the stairs leading to Lucy. "That was the closest you'll ever get to Lucy! I won't let you reach her again!" She declared.
"Oh yeah? And do you think that striking my weak points is gonna stop me?" Gohan asked surprising the Oracion. "That's right, I know that style of fighting. But that won't work on someone as tough as me!"
"It doesn't matter! Whether human or Saiyan or both, your body will take damage when I strike your vitals!" Imitatia "You won't be able to take it forever, said. "With my magic and Ki as one, I'll eventually strike a nerve that'll bring you down for sure."
"We'll see about that Michelle!" Gohan said as he charged at her again. Imitatia reacted by throwing her shield at the Saiyan hybrid; Gohan just sidestepped it and grabbed the vine it was attached to.
"Fool! My Cilice can cause instant pain to anyone; even if they're not binding you as long as you touch them you'll feel the agony!" Imitatia stated. Gohan's body immediately lit up with red light as the deceiver's magic to effect; however, the black haired Saiyan showed no sign of being affected as he just pulled on the vine, reeling the fake Michelle towards him while pouring Ki into his right fist. He punched her in the gut, the force of his blow blasting her into the ceiling. Gohan then raised his hands above his and focused energy into his palms.
"Masenko…ha!" he yelled as he fired his signature blast at the sixth Oracion; the demon flash attack hit her dead on and exploded before Imitatia was seen falling to the ground hard. "I'm sorry, but it's over for you now." Gohan sighed before he saw the girl stand up again with her body bruised and her arm broken. "Impossible, not even Frieza could handle that attack and still get up unscathed!" he thought. The grazes on Imitatia's body suddenly vanished as her arm repaired itself. "What the heck?"
"Even the might of a Saiyan isn't enough to take me down! My body is immune to pain!" Imitatia explained. "None of your attacks will ever faze me! And don't call me Michelle! My name is Imitatia!"
"Man! I can't sense her life force even though she can use Ki! She barely shows any emotions, she does what she's told and her body just shrugs of pain! It's like fighting an Android all over again!" Gohan thought before he smirked. "But even Androids have their weaknesses!"
Imitatia raised an eyebrow at the half Saiyan. "What's so funny?" she asked.
"Nothing, just that you remind me of a few enemies my friends have already defeated." Gohan answered.
"Whatever you're planning won't work on me. My real power comes from neither Ki nor magic, but from my heart! And as long as I follow what it tells me, I will never waver in battle no matter who I face!" Imitatia declared.
"Funny, my father had that very same nasty habit of following his heart, and I've inherited it from him! So I won't back down til the end!" Gohan said as he placed two fingers from his right hand to his forehead. "I'll give you one more chance to give up before I attack again!"
"Michelle…Gohan…please stop." Lucy pleaded.
"Don't worry big sister, we won't be separated again!" Imitatia swore to her sister. "Even if I have to kill a Saiyan, you will always be with me!"
"If that's your answer, then just know this…I warned you!" Gohan said as he started focusing energy into his fingertips. He then raised his left hand and fired multiple Ki blasts at the deceiver; Imitatia evaded the blasts before summoning her rose sword and rushing at the Saiyan. She swung at him multiple times but he evaded very slash with ease; Gohan started dashing around the room with the sixth Oracion right on tail.
"I thought you said you had a way of defeating me? Now you're just gonna run?" Imitatia inquired.
"I'm not running! I'm just preparing …for this moment!" Gohan said as he phased right in front of Imitatia, catching her off guard as he placed his two fingers sparkling Ki at her stomach. "Special Beam Cannon…Fire!" he roared, the piercing blast went right through the deceiver's abdomen, shocking her and Lucy; Imitatia fell flat on her back with a gaping hole in her stomach as Gohan lowered his fingers and turned away.
"Gohan…why? H-How could you? Michelle…" Lucy muttered as started to get teary eyed.
"She gave me no other choice. I didn't want to do this, but she wouldn't back down. I'm sorry." Gohan said sadly before looking at the celestial mage. "Now let's get you out of here." As he walked up the stairs he didn't notice the Oracion he struck down getting back up; she swung her flower shield at him surprising him when it struck his back. He turned to look at her with wide eyes as he saw the fatal wound her gave her heal with magic energy. "How..?" was all he could ask before Imitatia swung her sword at him, unleashing a blast wave at him; Gohan crossed his arms to block the attack, he then looked up to see Imitatia coming down on him with her blade. He jumped away from her still confused as she stood in front of the stairs again.
"I told you nothing you hit me with will bring me down! I will fight for all eternity if that's what it takes to protect my sister!" Michelle stated. "Just give up, you can't beat me!"
"That doesn't mean it's not worth trying!" Gohan said taking his stance again. "You're self heal did surprise me, but I'm not out of tricks just yet!"
"Let's see how many tricks you can use before I kill you!" Imitatia said as she summoned her vines again; Gohan went airborne and flew all around as he swiftly evaded the Oracion's cilices. He then fired an energy blast that she countered with her own before jumping at him with her sword.
Meanwhile, Coco led the other members of the rescue team through the outer streets of the Cathedral. "Come on, hurry!" Coco yelled.
"It's really hard to keep up with you, kid!" Elfman said.
"I met a priest in prison who told me, that pyramid in the middle with the giant eye could take us to the Infinity Castle! But we still have a long way to go!" Coco explained.
"Hang on Lucy, we're coming for ya!" Natsu said with determination.
"My name is Lahar, I'm the Chief Marshal of the Custody Enforcement Unit! We freed you from the magic effects of the chains! You'll be protected if you remain inside the barrier!" Lahar explained. Not too far from the Infinity Castle, Rune Knights were busy at work rounding people up and placing them inside the Shiki barrier. While Lahar tried to keep the distressed bystanders calm, Mest used his magic to transport more and more people into the barrier.
"You're safe now, just stay in here." He told a mother and her son as he dropped them off. "Direct line!" he disappeared and teleported to another group of people. "Don't be afraid, I've come to take you and your family to safety."
"Good! Keep moving, you're almost there!" Lahar instructed as he herd more people into the barrier. Just then, he looked up to see the Saiyan Prince and the She Devil flying toward them; they landed in front of him which he questioned. "Why are the two of you here? Shouldn't you be with the others to stop the Infinity Clock?" he inquired.
"We got sidetracked on the way," Trunks replied before dropping Racer. "Brought you a gift though."
"That's Racer!" Lahar said in surprise. "One of the Neo Oracion Seis has been defeated!"
"What's going on?" Mest asked as he appeared beside Lahar; he then looked down and saw the unconscious speed demon. "Whoa! You guys took down Racer!"
"I didn't do anything, it was all Mira," Trunks admitted. "She's super strong and super fast!"
"Oh Trunks, you don't have to flatter me," Mira said while blushing.
"It's true though," Trunks said before speaking to the Rune Knights. "So you guys wanna take him in?"
"Yes, Mest will transport to our Custody officers who are helping with people elsewhere; they'll hold him til this is over!" Lahar said.
"Good, then we'd better get going right Trunks?" Mira asked the Saiyan who didn't answer. "Trunks?"
The Time Traveler was looking out into the distance where he could see multiple people cowering in fear from the bizarre circumstances; he was then reminded of his futuristic home where millions of people were living in fear due to the Androids ravaging the world for their own amusement. The half Saiyan then faced Mirajane and said "We shouldn't be too far from the others; if you keep going straight you'll find them in no time."
"You're not coming?" She asked.
"I'll catch up later, but first I wanna help get these people to safety." Trunks said. "I can't just leave them like this, reminds me of the people from my home. I won't be long."
"If you're sticking around to help, then so am I." Mira said. "You left the others to make sure I was ok, that means we're both going to catch up with them, together. Our friends can last until we get there to help them."
Trunks nodded "Alright, then let's to work!" he said.
"If you're going to help us, then start with the people in the town nearby." Lahar instructed them. "Gather as many people as you can and bring them to the barrier." Trunks and Mira nodded before they rushed to the town to get more people. "Mest,"
"Don't worry, I'm on it!" Mest assured as he grabbed Racer and teleported away.
In another location, Balderich Wilhelm and Amber Celadon were directing people onto the former Grimoire Heart airship in order to take them to a secure place; as they did that, Chief Tyson and his Indian Knight Trio were gathering people from nearby and taking them towards the ship. "Everyone, please come aboard the ship! We'll take you to a safe place til the crisis has past!" Amber announced. Tyson soon flew by with at least thirty people in tow. "Tyson, are you almost done?"
"Just a few more doggies to round up ma'am!" the Cyborg replied.
"Well, we'd better finish soon," Jillian said as she brought fifteen more people. "The other may still need our help in taking down the Neo Oracion Seis." At that moment, Mest appeared with the unconscious Racer. "Or not,"
"Is he one of the six demons?" Hugo asked as he came with some people.
"Yeah, this is Racer." Mest answered. "One of Fairy Tail's mages took him out."
Jillian placed her hand on the speed demon's neck. "He's still alive, but he'll be out for a while."
"Looks like they really gave this guy a beat down, just what I expect from those ruffians," Tyson said.
"We'd better place him on the ship's prison hold for now." Balderich suggested. "We'll take him to the council prison while we're transporting passengers." Jillian nodded as she summoned her Ki wires to restrain the Oracion and carried him onto the black ship. "Alright Tyson, you and your crew should hurry up and head to the frontlines." The Head Captain of the 1st Custody Enforcement Unit said to the Redneck; Tyson saluted him and went to finish evacuating people.
Back at Zentopia, Wendy and Solaseed were still trying to remove the spell from the Archbishop's mind with their healing magic; although slowly, the old man's color was starting to return and his face became less distressed. "I think its working!" Laki said.
"Yes, he doesn't look nearly as sick as before," Lily agreed.
"Don't try to rush it, be very gentle." Wendy muttered to herself.
"She looks exhausted," Happy stated about the Dragon Slayer.
"She's never cast her cure spell for this long before, so its only natural that she'd get tired from it." Carla explained. "It looks like Miss Solaseed is draining herself as well."
After a few minutes, both healers stopped and sighed deeply. "I know you both want to save him but your using way too much magic power, don't force yourselves." Carla said to them with concern.
"Maybe you ladies should take a breather and try again later," Happy suggested.
"Don't need to, I think he'll be just fine." Wendy revealed, surprising the others.
"Wait, you're done already?" Happy asked.
"My goodness, when were you going to tell me you've improved so much Wendy?" Carla questioned the Sky Maiden.
"I was surprised at your skill; because of you we were able to safely remove the spell." Solaseed said while petting the young girl's head. "Seems like you've done this before, probably did most of the work here."
"Yeah well, I got a lot of experience recently," Wendy explained while smiling. "In any case, the Archbishop is out of the woods and the spell won't bother him again!"
"It's true, even his fever's gone down!" Laki said as she felt the old man's forehead.
"Excellent work Wendy," Lily commended the girl.
"Never doubted you for a minute." Warren said.
"Nicely done little lady," Bisca said.
"I am truly grateful to you young healer. Thank you so much for helping to save our beloved leader." Solaseed said while bowing her head to Wendy.
"Oh, it's no problem. I'm happy to help." Wendy said.
"Now in only getting rid of the Infinity Clock was as easy as removing a spell," Happy said before he realized something. "But what if it is. I've got it!" the blue exceed exclaimed getting their others attention.
"What is it?" Lily asked.
"Samuel thinks he has to kill Lucy to stop the Infinity Clock but he's wrong! There's another way! The answer was right in front of us!" Happy stated.
"And that answer is?" Carla asked.
"Isn't is obvious? We have to defeat the Neo Oracion Seis!" Happy answered.
"We have to defeat every single one?" Lily asked.
"I don't follow you?" Laki said.
"Remember when they all first showed up with the clock pieces they had Rancor steal from us? The very first thing they did was brand it with their seal!" Happy said as he recalled when they encountered the six demons in the Zentopian tomb.
"Now that I think about it, the sixth seal on the clock hand, it must've belonged to Michelle." Carla said when she remembered seeing the seal message on Lucy's heirloom.
"Us cats know a lot about marking things so I'm pretty sure that's how it works! I think if we're able to beat all of them and erase their seals, then their ownership of the clock will go away as well!" Happy explained.
"And if they don't control it, then they can't hold Lucy anymore!" Carla added.
"She'll be free!" Happy cheered.
"I'll let Natsu and the others know about Happy's theory." Warren said as he touched his forehead.
"I'm gonna try and find Lucy!" Happy said.
"I'll join you!" Lily said.
"I'll stay here with the others but we'll meet up with you later. Please be careful." Carla said
"Right!" The male exceeds said as they flew off.
"These guild mages are so high spirited. Even in these dark times, they still have hope, and as a result they're able to find different solutions to the problems while trying to save their friend." Solaseed thought while smiling. "This must be i where their real strength comes from; Zentopia could really learn a lot from them. Perhaps this is what Coco learned when she betrayed us, or tried to teach us herself." The Head Nun then turned and started to walk away from the Fairies.
"Hey, where ya going lady?" Bisca asked.
"Forgive me, I'd hate to ask of this after all you've people have done for us but could you all keep an eye on the Archbishop?" She requested. "I'm sure he'll wake up soon and help you stop the Infinity Clock."
"Ok, but where are you going?" Laki asked.
Solaseed pulled off her robe, revealing her combat wear and her rebound sword strapped to her back. "I'm gonna go find Lapointe; he and I have some unfinished business!" she replied as she clenched her sword handle; as she walked off she released a fierce magical aura that sent a chill down the others spines. "I'll make pay for what he's done to Zentopia!"
"She's scary," Warren stated.
"No kidding," Bisca said before she noticed Wendy going off too. "Where you going Wendy?"
"I'm going to try and find the others, so that I can help too!" the Sky Maiden answered.
"Absolutely not!" Carla yelled. "You just exhausted you magic and now you wanna go fight?! You'd be wise to leave this to the others!"
"But I can't just sit by and do nothing! I know I used a lot of magic just now, but I'm actually fine!" Wendy argued. "Besides, if defeating all of the Neo Oracion Seis is the way to save Lucy, then we'll need all the fighters we can get, including me! I received the Ki power boost too, so that means I need to use it to save my friend! Lucy and Gohan need our help, so I have to at least try!" The Sky Dragon didn't wait for a response as she ran to catch up with her guildmates; Carla watched her for a moment before summoning her aero wings and picking Wendy up. "Carla?"
"Well I can't just let you go off on your own can I?" Carla replied. "Plus it'll save time if we fly!"
Wendy smiled. "Right, thanks!" she said.
"Thank me later. Now, we have a job to do!" Carla said.
"Yeah, let's go save our friends!" Wendy exclaimed.
With the other mages, they ran through the lower levels of the Infinity Castle when they heard Warren's telepathic message. "Hey guys, can you hear me?! We might have figured out another way for us to stop the Infinity Clock!"
"Huh? Does anyone else hear that?" Elfman asked.
"It sounds like telepathy from Warren, but I can't understand him!" Natsu replied.
"He says, we can stop the clock by beating the Neo Oracion Seis!" Erza clarified.
"Then they can't control it anymore!" Coco said.
"And we might be able to save Lucy in the process!" Gray added.
"I can get behind that plan! I start to rust if I don't bash in some heads before dinner!" Gajeel said.
"I'm sick and tired of all this running around, I'm ready to brawl! Let's show em how manly we are!" Elfman said.
"Uh some of us are women here! But you got a point; it's time to reveal our beautiful strength!" Jenny said.
"I'm all fired up now!" Natsu said.
The rescue team suddenly stopped when they saw someone standing on a red beam right above them with their arms crossed. "End of the line kids!" said the enemy before them, which was Cobra, the Poison Dragon Slayer.
"Snake dude!" Natsu growled.
"Cobra!" Erza exclaimed
The Oracion immediately pulled out the enhanced combat drug and quickly drank it; the snake mage began channeling a red aura before his body changed into the same draconic form he used when he fought Lieutenant Steelsoul. Erza glared at the 2nd generation Dragon Slayer while the others were stunned by his appearance. "Aw, do you remember this form Titania? I hope you and your friends aren't terrified of it, I wouldn't want you to have second thoughts about fighting me!" he snarled.
"So, this is that freaky form you said he took back then?" Gajeel asked.
"Yes," Erza replied.
"Eh, looks more like an incomplete takeover, not very manly if you ask me!" Elfman said.
"Are you kidding?! That looks so awesome!" Natsu said joyfully. "Man I wish I could do this Super Dragon Force thing!"
"It's called Dragon Force 2 flame brain!" Gray corrected him.
"Man, these guild rats will never cease to annoy someone with their childishness," Cobra muttered. "Although, I think I like the name you gave this form, Dragon Force 2, to show that I've gone beyond even the final stage of any Dragon Slayer before me."
"Natsu, this form may look desirable to you, but its price would be too costly! I would never allow you to sacrifice your humanity just to gain this monstrous transformation!" Erza reprimands the Fire Dragon.
"Good, cause I'd rather not imagine a half Dragon Natsu," said a snarky Gray.
"All that anxiety! The sweet desperation of despair, I can hear it from all of you!" Cobra said with a wicked grin.
"Not if I char your ears off!" Natsu shouted.
"I'm saving you for last Salamander! Titania and I have unfinished business!" Cobra said as he flexed his claw. "Isn't that right?!" He swung his claw, sending a sound wave at the scarlet mage that blinded her comrades; Erza jumped to evade the attack and landed right before the dark mage unharmed.
"You heard him! Go on, I've got this!" Erza assured her friends.
"We can help you!" Natsu argued.
Erza shook her head. "No he's only interested in fighting me; it's because I heard the cry of his heart." She declared.
"Shut your mouth!" Cobra shot back.
"Come on, we should get going," Gray said.
"Fine." Natsu complied as he and the others continued on their path. "Erza, if you die I'll kill you!" he shouted to the Fairy queen which seemed to make her chuckle.
"Mind telling me what's so amusing?" Cobra asked.
"There's no point in telling you, when you can already hear it." Erza replied. She then summons her sword and charges at the Dragon Slayer; Cobra's face expresses his surprise at the speed Erza managed to reach him. She strikes him with her blade, though it didn't pierce his armored scales, the force from the attack sent him flying. Cobra quickly regained his composure and rushes at the swordswoman with his dragon claw; Erza countered by swinging her sword and the two clashed multiple times while moving at incredible speeds.
"What is this? How is she able to keep up with me?" Cobra thought as they stopped clashing. "Poison Dragon Scales!" He swung his arms, releasing numerous curved poisonous attacks at the Fairy Queen; Erza just stood still before swinging sword rapidly deflecting all the scales and sending them back to Cobra. The snake mage crossed his arms to block his own attack; he stared at Erza who was staring to emit a gold outline with confusion. "How did she deflect all those scales? What's going on?"
The rescue team made their way into another part of the castle that was full of ancient plants. "What's with all the plant life?" Elfman inquired.
"A greenhouse maybe," Gray suggested.
"Why grow a garden inside a gigantic clock?!" Gajeel asked.
"Does it really matter?" Natsu questioned. The mages suddenly stopped when they saw the white haired Oracion standing on a temple stone right above them.
"I'm sorry boys and girls, but this is as far as you're getting." She declared.
"I recognize that chick!" Natsu said.
"Angel," Gray said.
"Hmph, she thinks she's so pretty standing over us and looking divine." Jenny said with spite. "I can't stand her!"
"Keep going, I can handle this one!" Gray said as he stood forward.
"Ok, you and Erza really need to learn to work as a team," Natsu chastised the ice mage.
"You got no right to talk!" Gray argued back.
"Fine, she's all yours. She wouldn't be a challenge to me anyway." Natsu surrendered looking a bit smug. The others ran off, living the ice mage with the former celestial mage.
"So you're my opponent? How incredibly boring." Angel commented.
"Oh don't worry, I'll be sure to make things interesting for ya," Gray promised which made the Oracion smile.
The group proceeded into a room filled with metal gears covered rust and moss; they were suddenly stopped again when a magic blast intercepted their path. They looked up and saw Midnight and a giant mech suit (basically Jackpot mark II except the zipper is on his stomach) staring down at them. "Oh look, a merry band of intruders to kill!" the machine announced.
"It's Midnight! I mean Brain III or whatever he's called now!" Natsu said.
"But who's the giant metal man?" Coco asked.
"Its voice sounded familiar, it's probably that creepy talking stick!" Natsu said.
"My name is Klodoa, I've told you that already," Klodoa said. "Although, I guess now in my new suit, you should call me Jackpot mark II!"
"So you lost your old suit and got another one huh?" Natsu said. "It doesn't matter; I'll wreck this one just like I did the last one!"
"Because of you and Byro I lost my perfect suit, but Lapointe arranged for an improved one," Klodoa said. "It was created by the same resources and engineers used to make Centurion, but meant to be greater! Now you will all be used to test its abilities!"
"Look I don't have the time to break another one of your toys, so beat it!" Natsu said.
"Did you really think you'd make it to the top completely unopposed?" Midnight asked.
"About time you showed up, I call dibs! You guys go find Lucy!" Natsu exclaimed.
"What was all that crap about teamwork hypocrite?!" Gajeel asked.
"Watch it!" Natsu warned.
"You keep going, he's mine!" Gajeel said.
"Should've known you'd want him to yourself! I already called dibs so go find your own!" Natsu said.
"So you're the head of the Neo Oracion Seis. You don't look scary; you look like some antsy kid who got into his mother's make up!" Black Steel mocked the Oracion leader.
"I'm not concerned with the opinion of gutter trash," Midnight said.
"Come down here and say that to my face!" Gajeel dared him.
"Uh guys, if you're both trying to take the mech?" Coco asked.
"I'm taking Midnight, give the stick guy to this loser!" both Dragon Slayers said before they glared at each other.
"Come on! Why don't you both just man up and decide already?!" Elfman commented.
"So you're the one called Black Steel Gajeel right? Tell me, are your brains made of scrap metal as well?" Klodoa inquired.
"Why you… that's it I'm so gonna eat you for lunch!" Gajeel screamed at the stick.
"Great, does that mean I get to take Midnight?!" Natsu asked.
"No! It means I'll take them both on if I have too!" Gajeel replied.
"Now way! Don't hog all the fun!" Natsu yelled. Suddenly Jenny Realight blitz past the Fairies and Coco and jumped towards Jackpot. "What the?"
"Partial Take Over, Machina Soul!" Jenny announced as she reared her right fist back. "Bionic Arm!" Her right fist changed into a bionic gauntlet-like one as she swung it at the unsuspecting Machias; she struck it with such great force that it was sent flying across the room until it went through the wall into another room. Jenny then turned to the others and said "Since you boys couldn't decide who gets to have this toy, I'll just take it for myself! Proceed with the mission, I'll finish this!" she then jumped after the machine she punched leaving her friends, in awe at her strength.
Gajeel quickly got over it and smirked at Brain II. "Guess that just leaves you with me pretty boy!" he said before addressing his friends. "Why are you still here? Go already!"
"Why are you still trying to give me orders?!" Natsu asked.
"We don't have time to argue about this, let Gajeel handle it and keep moving!" Elfman said as he grabbed Natsu and ran off with Coco.
"It shouldn't be much further!" Coco said as she led them.
"You cheater! I'm gonna get you back for this!" Natsu yelled to the Iron Dragon.
With Erza, the fight between the Dragon Slayer and the Fairy Queen was moved to another room, Cobra slashed at Erza with his dragon claws but she blocked everyone of his strikes with her sword before jumping away from the Dragon Slayer to gain some distance. "She's even better than the last time we fought; I don't understand how though?!" Cobra thought.
Erza glanced at her hand as she felt her new power; she closed her eyes, feeling the Ki flowing through her body. Her life force continued to expand as it mixed with her magic energy and amplified that as well. Her strength, speed, senses along with the other traits she used in battle were enhanced as the rush from the adrenaline in her grew stronger. She then held her sword with both hands and swung it at Cobra, creating a Ki slash attack. The snake mage jumped into the air to avoid the attack before he glared at the Fairy Queen who once again closed her eyes to feel her increasing strength. "I can feel this power, it's incredible!" she muttered.
"How is she able to do this? I need answers!" Cobra thought as he tried to read her thoughts, only to receive nothing. "I can't pick out what I'm looking for; she's only thinking about this new power but not about how she got it!" Cobra then flew at Erza and used his new tail to slap her sword away and then punched her in the gut; Erza just grabbed his wrist before kicking him in the gut. Cobra winced before throwing more blows at Erza who countered with her own; the two mages traded blows before ending with a double kick and separating from each other. Erza requips another sword and swings at Cobra a few times; the Poison Dragon throws a fist that clashes with the sword, creating a sound wave that shattered the blade and the armor around the left arm that held the sword. Erza grasps slightly bruised her left before she was knocked aside by Cobra's tail. "I don't know how you acquired this new strength,, but if you think it's gonna be enough to beat one of the Six Demons, then you're dead wrong!" Cobra declared as Erza stood back up. "And soon you'll just be dead!" He then charged at the Scarlet mage baring his claws while Erza summon a giant sword and braced herself.
With Jenny, the female member of Blue Pegasus had followed Jackpot Mark II to where he had crashed landed from her earlier attack but didn't see him around; she looked around for the stick in machine when she suddenly sensed an attack coming at her. She quickly sidestepped a bolt of lightning from Klodoa's lightning bolt bonus before facing him. "Impressive, you managed to evade my lightning bonus," Klodoa said. "However, that was just a weak attack! Now I'm gonna get serious! You struck me when I wasn't expecting it, nearly put a dent in my new suit! I won't forgive you for…" he was cut off when the blonde mage jumped and appeared right in front of him; she then used her bionic arm to punch Jackpot flat on his back, making a small explosion that surrounded them in a dust cloud. When it cleared Jackpot was lying in a web-like crater with Jenny standing over him.
"If you're going to make me pay then stop talking and start fighting!" Jenny said smugly. "You know, I can tell this is your first time using that new suit, so don't worry, I'll be gentle when I'm kicking your butt left and right til you're rekt to pieces." The Take Over mage raises her left arm and tries to smash the mech suit again; the slots on Jackpot's chest screen shift to pictures of someone in a barrier. A giant barrier of magic suddenly formed around the slot machine, protecting it from Jenny's attack.
"Don't underestimate me, nothing can get through my Barrier Bonus!" Jackpot said as he expanded the barrier, pushing Jenny backward. Jenny quickly used her partial take over on her legs, turning them bionic and stomping on the ground to hold her position; the shield still pushed her back but she began to slow down as her feet dug a long trench line into the ground. Jackpot then dropped the barrier and charged towards Jenny at full speed with his rockets jetpack. The slot machine then punched the blonde mage, sending her flying into the wall. Jenny stood up as her coat cape fell from her shoulders onto the floor; she spat out a little blood before jumping to strike the mech suit with spinning axe kick from her bionic leg. Jackpot quickly activated his Spinning Attack Bonus, showing three spinning top symbols on his chest and started rotating his upper body into a tornado while he ran towards his opponent.
The two attacks clashed, causing a massive explosion from the impact; the Take Over mage was eventually overpowered and blown through the floor to another room in the castle.
With Gajeel, the ex phantom lord member was currently facing off against the Oracion leader. "Iron Dragon Club!" He shouted as he extended his metal arm towards the dark mage. Midnight simply held up his hand, using his reflector spell to block the attack.
"Iron Dragon? So the gutter trash has claws after all!" Midnight commented.
"That reflector spell you keep using sucks!" Gajeel said. "You're starting to piss me off!"
"Heh, I've already had to deal with one rustbucket, but with you, I won't even need my Genesis Zero to win this fight," Midnight said.
"Don't compare me to some Machias freakshow! Iron Dragon Lance; Demon Logs!" The Dragon Slayer shifted his right arm into a large spear before firing multiple iron projectiles at the dark mage. Midnight countered the same way he did with the last attack but Gajeel was relentless; as he continued to fire, his body started emitting the gold outline from his Ki increase. One of the logs managed to get through Brain II's defense, striking him in the leg and making him cringe. The Fairy used that moment to stuff some iron chunks into his mouth. "Just a quick snap, then I'll finish you!" he said as he ate a few more bits of iron and took a deep breath. "Iron Dragon Roar!" He exclaimed before letting out his breathe attack. The twister of iron shards flew towards the dark mage; Midnight put up his barrier again, bending the attack upward. Gajeel then appeared at his opponent's back and Midnight quickly directed Gajeel's breathe attack right at him, causing an explosion.
"You should realize by now that nothing you throw at me will hit the mark!" Midnight stated. "Centurion and that Indian Knight were a better challenge than you!"
"Oh yeah?" Gajeel asked when he suddenly grabbed the Oracion's shoulder from behind. "You may be able to reflect things from a distance, but up close and personal is a whole different story!" His hand then changed into a sharp blade. "And just so you know, I'm much stronger than that knight and Machias combined! Iron Dragon Sword!" He swung his sword down on the head Oracion, who screamed in pain when it looked like he was cut right down the middle; he then disappeared, surprising Black Steel. "What? A fake?"
"My mirages are convincing, aren't they? Not even that Indian Knight could pick out the real me!" Midnight said as he appeared behind the Dragon Slayer. "Spiral Pain!" He created a strong gust of wind that blew the Fairy into the air and sent him flying out the Infinity Castle. However, Gajeel quickly yelled "No way am I letting you off that easy! Iron Dragon Harpoon!" as he changed his hand into a spear with chain attached to it and launched at castle; it pierced the wall, allowing the Iron Dragon to swing back to where he fought Midnight. Caught off guard, the Oracion was struck in the head by an Iron Dragon Club kick from the metal muncher. Midnight staggered a bit before he was hit with another club from Gajeel, pushing him into many iron pillars and crumbling them.
Midnight's blood drips from his mouth whips makes Gajeel smirk as he powers up and dons on his Iron Scale Armor. "Hope you're not finished yet, cause I'm just getting started! Try to last long enough for me to get the rust off these scales would ya?!" Gajeel taunts him before charging at him.
Brain II then smirks as he powers up himself. "Perhaps you are more than gutter trash; this will be an entertaining fight! Or at least a good warm up before I face the one who defeated my father!" he declared as he charged at Gajeel; the two mages clashed and started trading blows, causing shockwaves with every collision.
In another room, Lord Byro and Gildarts were throwing their best attacks at the Cardinal, but he seemed to be tanking everything while striking them with double force. Byro swung his staff at the dark mage, sending an earth shattering wave at him but he withstood it effortlessly. "Byro, I heard that you had refined your combat prowess to the point where no man has been able to defeat you in a physical match right?" Lapointe inquired. "But that Saiyan was able to do just that, and now I posses his strength, which means your defeat is inevitable!"
"Silence! I refuse to let a traitorous dog like you defeat me!" Byro shouted as he raised his staff up. "Divine Bullet Squall!" the Legion leader summoned a magic circle above the Cardinal, unleashing numerous powerful magic blasts to rain down on him. Lapointe simply raised his hands, sending a massive energy blast upward that deflected the magic blasts and destroyed the magic circle above him. This however, left him open to a punch to the face from Gildarts; Fairy Tail's Ace didn't stop there as he proceeded to beat the dark mage with multiple blows. Lapointe eventually grabbed Gildarts fist before kicking him in the chin and then hand chopping him aside.
"You're wasting your time! The world falls deeper and deeper into the darkness as my power continues to grow stronger! You two will never defeat me alone or together!" he said.
"Is that so? Well you certainly like to hear yourself talk." Gildarts said. "But take some advice, don't focus on what we can't do instead of what we're about to do!"
Lapointe then looked behind him and saw Byro leveling his hand that channeled white magic power at him. "Divine Lock!" he exclaimed as he summoned a ball of magic energy, imprisoning the phony Zero. "In this prison you're incapable of using any magic and you Ki attacks won't work when you can't use them from inside there!" Byro declared.
"Not bad Byro, but still not good enough!" Lapointe said as he crossed his arms; his body started channeling energy before he raised his arms, unleashing an explosion of Ki. The entire magic sphere was filled with dark red light before it cracked and burst open, letting out the combustion and blowing the two mages backwards. The men landed on their backs and looked up to see Lapointe dusting himself off.
"Damn, his power is beyond what I imagined possible," Byro said as he stood up.
"Yeah, nothing we've thrown so far has put a scratch on this guy." Gildarts said as he got up too.
"So, what now?" Byro asked.
"At this point, our best chance is to combine our strongest attacks and hit this guy with it full on!" Gildarts suggested.
"You mean…like a Unison Raid?" Byro inquired.
"Yeah, something like that," Gildarts replied.
"Hmm, very well." Byro agreed. He then raised his staff as he focused most of his magic power into the tip; Gildarts smiled as he powered up to max. Lapointe raise an eyebrow in curiosity as he felt the two magic powers mixing and increasing. Gildarts reached out and grabbed Byro's staff to pour his magic power into it.
"A Unison Raid huh? And one of this caliber would be able to kill even a Wizard Saint," Lapointe stated. "If this is your final card to play, then please, don't hold back!"
"We weren't planning on it pal!" Gildarts said.
The two mages then pointed the staff at the rouge Cardinal as the white light on the tip began to shine brighter. "Verity Extension Blast: Heavenly Pulverization!" They shouted. A massive white beam shot out of the staff and flew straight towards Lapointe; the dark mage just smirked as he crossed his arms over his face and prepared to withstand the attack. The magic blast struck the Zero clone and exploded with the light blighting up the entire room like a star as it quaked. In the aftermath, the two were breathing heavily; when the smoked cleared, Lapointe was still standing in the same spot with only difference being that he robe was torn to shreds.
"What? How did he survive that attack?" Byro asked.
"I can't believe it, that attack was stronger than anything I've ever produced on my own, and it barely scratched him!" Gildarts said in disbelief.
Lapointe lowered his arms and began to examine himself. "That was an impressive attack, and your teamwork was flawless. Plus with my magic nullified, I had no way of countering the blast; and yet, all you were able to accomplish was to ruin my garments." He said, light then consumed his body before fading away and revealing him in the same militaristic attire as Master Zero along with the Cardinal cap. "What do you think? Quite the fitting uniform yes? To show that I have exceeded my predecessor Master Zero; so I shall take on the name…Master Zero thousand!"
"Well, that's stupid. Zero thousand is just four zeros which is the same as one zero." Gildarts commented.
"It's symbolic! It signifies that I'm a thousand times stronger than the original zero!" Lapointe yelled.
"A thousand times zero is still zero pal, so you're still just nothing!" Gildarts said as he and Byro sweatdropped.
"You'd know a lot about being nothing, because that's what you're about to be!" Lapointe said as he revved up his energy; he was surrounded by a sparky aura as he slowly held up his pointer and middle finger. An enormous blast wave of Ki consumed the two mages as the dark mage grinned wickedly. The roof of the room where they fought was immediately blown off and the explosion force affected even the Infinity Castle. When it stopped, both Byro and Gildarts were seen lying on the ground on their stomachs as Lapointe stood over them. "Such a wonderful power! I have ascended past the level of any mage in this world; I might not even need the Infinity Clock! I could destroy this world on my own!"
"Heh! Well I got news for you, your plan's not gonna work! Whether with this Ki power or with this clock, Fairy Tail's gonna stop you and save the world!" Gildarts groaned.
Lapointe just frowned at him. "That sounds like an empty threat coming from someone as beaten down as you are." He said as he aimed his hand at the two. "But enough playing around; you two are just heretics, and you must be eliminated!" His hand conjured up a red sphere Ki that expanded each second. "This world's end draw nigh, true destruction is at hand! A pity you won't live long enough to see it!"
"Spiteful Saint X20!" someone shouted from above the Cardinal; he canceled his attack and looked up to see a barrage of light attacks coming down on him. He was immediately bombarded with many magic blasts as Solaseed descended in front of Byro and Gildarts with her White Wings of Heaven activated and a serious scowl on her face.
"Lady Solaseed?" Byro muttered in surprise. "What are you doing here?! What about the Archbishop?!"
"His grace has been freed from the dark spell cast over his mind, his condition has improved, and it's thanks to those guild mages." Solaseed replied before facing the men on the floor. "Time to get up boys! We don't have the luxury of taking a break! Invigorate!" She used her white arts magic to heal the injuries Byro and Gildarts received; in a few seconds, the men were back on their feet, fully healed and their magic power restored.
"That excellent physique, those divine white wings, and the ability to heal! You've got to be an Angel, darling!" Gildarts said as he extended his hand to take Solaseed's. "Hey there, name's Gildarts. Nice to meet ya. Gotta say, your healing magic really made me feel like I'm in heaven; maybe when the world is safe again, I could thank you properly by taking ya out sometime,"
Lord Byro sweatdropped at this scene. "Such vulgar, how can he be do carefree after nearly being killed moments ago?" He thought.
Solaseed just took her hand back and said "I believe that there are more pressing matters at hand, like taking down this renegade Cardinal. So can we please focus on that?"
"Yes ma'am! I'm eager for a little payback!" Gildarts replied while cracking his knuckles.
The smoke cleared and Lapointe was still on his feet; his gaze fell on the head nun who returned it with a glare. "Aaah Lady Solaseed, how nice of you to give me a warm welcome. I hope you weren't too late to save that old fool; it's such a shame when a good puppet is just left to rot when deemed useless." He said mockingly.
Solaseed gritted her teeth in anger. "I'll make you eat those words! You're gonna wish you never came to Zentopia when I'm through with you!" she yelled as she used her hands to form a white bow and create an arrow of pure white magic. "This attack brings salvation through death upon any Demon and judging by your sinful acts, it should surely eradicate you! Arrow of Salvation!" she fired her attack right at the rouge Cardinal who just smirked as he swatted it aside casually.
"An incredible attack, you've lost your touch even after retiring," Lapointe stated as he glanced at his hand which was burned from the attack. "However, even the three of you stand no chance against my powers! It would be so easy to erase all of you, but that wouldn't be thrilling at all! So, I'll you all one last chance to come at me with everything! Help me begin the origin story of how I ascended from dark mage to god of destruction!" Lapointe then powered up as he grew excited.
Solaseed glared at the former Cardinal intensely as she pulled out her sword and channeled her magic power; she then places a magic symbol on the men behind her, using her breath of bless to increase their magic power. "I hope you boys are ready, cause things are about get real intense!" she said.
"Yeah, we gotta make this final attempt to stop this guy count!" Gildarts said as he powered up too.
"This may very well be our last stand; we cannot afford to fail again! We won't be getting another chance!" Byro said as he focused power into his staff. The three mages stood together before rushing at the dark mage who just smirked and stood ready to take all three of them on with great anticipation.
Elsewhere, Natsu, Coco, and Elfman were still running through a thin path to where their celestial mage friend was being held; the patterned walls were plain and smooth. The floor below the raised path was green and grid-like with large green cubes sporadically placed throughout. Surges of electricity sparked throughout the chamber. (A/N: Yes, I used the description from the Master and the Dragon cause I didn't have a better one! I hope the author is cool with that.) "We should be getting close to the center of the Infinity Castle's magic power! It's here somewhere!" Coco said.
"I don't smell Lucy at all!" Natsu said. "I wonder why?"
"It's probably cause she's linked to the Infinity Clock!" Coco replied.
"Hold on!" Natsu said as he continued sniffing. "I think I've got Michelle's scent!"
"Right on! If we follow that it should lead us straight to Lucy!" Elfman said. "I just hope she's still alive!"
"Don't worry. I'm sure Gohan's already there." Coco assured. "With his help we can free Lucy for sure!"
"Oh yeah!" Natsu agreed.
At their destination, Lucy watched weakly as the sixth Oracion continued to swing her sword at the Demi Saiyan; Gohan then blocked her blade with his right arm, snapping it in half before kicking her into a wall. Imitatia stood up again, unfazed as she pulled out another rose sword from her shield. "You're fighting a hopeless battle; you may be stronger than me, but my body does not weaken from your attacks! You'll never defeat me or take my sister away!" Imitatia declared.
"You think so? Well that's where you're wrong Michelle!" Gohan said. "I'm guessing you didn't hear Warren's message right? All I have to do is defeat you to stop the clock and free Lucy!"
"You'll never accomplish that!" Imitatia said.
"Heh! You know, I've fought people who couldn't instantly recover from damage in battle, but they all have one thing in common." Gohan said as he took a stance and cupped his hands together. "Their powers are useless when there's no body to regenerate from! The dead don't recover at all!"
Michelle's eyes expressed surprise from his statement. "You truly think you posses the power to destroy me completely?!" she asked though she knew the answer.
"You've seen what I'm capable of, so you must know I've been holding back!" Gohan replied as he powered up. "I could've done this sooner, but I need to get you away from Lucy so that she wouldn't get caught in the blast."
"No…you wouldn't…" Michelle stuttered.
"Watch me!" Gohan shouted as he concentrated his energy into one spot. "Ka…me…ha…me…" as he chanted, a blue sphere of Ki formed in between his palms; Imitatia held up her shield for defense but her body was shaking. Gohan noticed the fear in her eyes but disregarded it as he prepared to end her life.
"No Gohan…don't…do it," Lucy said softly.
"Sorry Lucy, but this has to be done." Gohan thought before saying to the deceiver "Take a good look at your sister, cause after this… you'll never see her again!" Just as the Son of Goku was about to unleash his attack, he sensed three energy signals coming right their way; at that moment, the Dragon Slayer, the Athlete, and the Take Over mage entered into the room.
"LUCY!" Natsu cried.
"Gohan!" Coco called to the Saiyan.
"Guys, get out of the way!" Gohan warned but it was too late. Imitatia took immediate action as she faced the mages and fired a red energy blast at them. Gohan quickly dispelled his attack and passed in front of his friends; He placed out his hands and caught the Ki blast before redirecting it upwards. The half Saiyan sighed before glancing back at the mages he just saved. "Talk about rotten timing guys, I was just about to finish her." He said.
"Can't you just do it now?" Elfman asked.
"Not going to be easy at this point," Gohan stated as Imitatia stood in front of the steps leading to Lucy.
"What took you so long to beat her anyway?" Natsu asked.
"I was holding back," Gohan replied.
"Well, I'm glad she's still here, cause I got a whole lot of payback to extract from her!" Natsu declared.
"My friends…they made it…they're here." Lucy muttered.
"You're wasting your time because Lucy belongs to me! Turn around and go back to that rotting guildhall!" Imitatia ordered as she held out her rose blade.
"Michelle," Natsu growled.
"If you value your lives, you'll leave her with me!" Michelle said.
"It's you who should back down now because you don't stand a chance in this situation!" Gohan stated. "You're outnumbered and outmatched!"
Michelle closed her as before opening them again "You're right. I didn't want to rely on him, but you leave me no choice!" she said as she raised her flower shield up and it bore the symbol of the six demons. "Rancor, attack now!" Suddenly, a massive green energy blast shot out from the roof and descended towards the Fairies.
"Look out!" Gohan cried as he quickly turned around and used a kiai to blow the others away from the blast. Rancor then dived towards the Saiyan, intending to punch him; Gohan placed one hand over the other and used them to block Rancor's attack. The Z Fighter then powered up and released an energy wave that pushed the Tufflebot away from him. "Great, him again!" Gohan hissed.
"What's the matter Saiyan? Not happy to see an old friend again?" Rancor asked mockingly. "It's about time we settled the score don't you think? This next battle we engage in…will finally end the war between our races once and for all!"
The good guys glared at the bad guys as the two sides prepared for the fight of their lives.
A/N: Done! Man, these are getting more tiresome to write and that's cause I spend most of my time on this story now! Alright, now for the battles to commence and to see what new abilities the Fairies will get from having Ki boost their magic power! Stay tuned, cause it's only going to get better, I guarantee it! Keep those reviews going! Until next time, TTFN AntiHero out!