Chapter 24:
The silence was deafening. Questions no one had answers for running through everyone's mind but none left the grim lips. Natsu was standing completely still, only thing reminding the rest of the guild he was not one of the statues the fact he retained his color.
Wendy hesitated for a second, standing several feet away from Natsu, eyes darting between Natsu and her guildmates turned into stone, before she took a step forward. Seeing no reaction from the Dragon Prince she walked closer, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder and she felt him stiffen, muscles tensing even more as he pried his eyes off of Mira. ''Are you alright?"
Rage was twisting his usually blank face making Wendy flinch involuntarily. Natsu blinked slowly, obviously not expecting that question. Slight glow lurked beneath his red eye, something Wendy wouldn't notice if she wasn't standing right in front of him. ''Am I.. alright?"
Wendy gave a hesitant nod.
Natsu didn't respond, brushing her hand off of his shoulder, eyes moving to the rest of the guild and the members froze when the cold glare settled on them. Makarov seemed to find his voice, shock pushed away and replaced by anger. ''What are you waiting for? Move out! We have to find them!''
Even while he was saying that he was moving towards the doors, other members quickly running through the door. No one wanted to stay around an angry Natsu. Angry Makarov made them run that much faster. Makarov's stormy expression was stopped when his face connected with a barrier, previously invisible. ''What the-?''
''Freed's runes''
Makarov jumped at the mockingly blank voice. Natsu stood not even a foot away, face carefully blank. Makarov was not fooled. He was not sure he had ever seen him this angry. No, he was positive he had never seen him this angry. Natsu sighed and rested his hand on the runes, causing them to flare again, not letting him through either.
Thee of stone made and thee of age 80 and above are not allowed to pass through. Doors for thee are locked.
Natsu paused, looking at the runes with brief interest before turning his gaze at Makarov. ''You're that old?"
Makarov twitched, eyelid pulsing for a brief moment. ''So?"
Natsu shook his head and looked back at the runes before he muttered an incantation Makarov heard many times, sinking into the floor. A loud crack echoed in the hall and Natsu flew from the hole that opened only a foot away from the original one, his clothes smoking slightly as he stood up and dusted himself, black tendrils of magic dancing around his feet, a growl escaping his lips. ''Locking the dimension as well? Blocking my access to the Void, Freed?" Natsu muttered to himself.
Makarov and Wendy stared at him in shock. ''Wha- why can't you pass?" Wendy asked in shock turning towards the runes and hesitantly reaching out, breath hitching when her own hand connected with them.
''What is going on?!" she cried out, fist slamming into the runes again.
''You're not older than eighty, right?" Makarov looked at Natsu curiously. Natsu rolled his eyes. ''Of course not. I'm seventeen"
Makarov blinked, almost surprised. He often forgot just how young Natsu was. Wendy glanced at Natsu. ''But why can't we pass? I'm definitely not older than 80 and I sure as hell am not a stone statue''
Natsu shrugged. ''I... I am unsure'' he obviously wasn't used to not knowing. ''I…'' he paused, hesitated actually and Wendy grew suspicious. ''What?''
''The heart Father put in me was over 200 hundred years old. It might have something to do with that but...''
Wendy nodded in understanding. ''That doesn't explain why I can't pass''
Natsu stayed silent, turning to look at the barrier. ''No, it doesn't'', the tone of his voice made Wendy and Makarov wait for an explanation or elaboration that they soon realized would not come.
Metal screeched behind them, crunching and braking, and Makarov and Wendy jumped, turning towards the source. ''I do hope you enjoy guild's silverware, Gajeel'', Natsu stated taking his hand off of the rune-inscribed wall and looking towards the dragon slayer who bit through another fork. ''I'm fairly certain this isn't silver,'' Gajeel responded, eyeing to fork.
Makarov blinked, not sure what to think about the sight before him nor the almost casual conversation in the middle of their situation. 'Is he even aware of what's going on?'
Seeing three pairs of eyes on him made Gajeel sit straighter and with a sigh, he put down what was left of the fork. ''How about I try?''
''Be my guest'', Natsu stated dryly, stepping aside as Gajeel walked to them. The dragon slayer studied the seemingly empty doorway. ''It shouldn't be that hard to just walk through it, right?'', he mused, scratching his black hair as he walked towards the doors. ''Maybe it just needs a stronger push''
''Must be that''
Wendy stared at Natsu, her mouth falling slightly open. ''Try running'', Natsu prompted with a straight face, and before Makarov or Wendy could say anything Gajeel ran head first into a wall.
Makarov blinked astonished at what the iron-using mage did while Gajeel climbed to his feet, one hand pressing on the growing bump on his head while the other pointed an accusing finger at the other dragon slayer who had his hands crossed over his chest. ''You knew this would happen!''
''Of course, I did'', Natsu responded easily, turning once more to the doors. ''I believe we can safely conclude that Freed either didn't write down that dragon slayer's can't pass or the fact I tried to pass first made the runes respond to dragon slayer's magic in the same way they did to Master Makarov's magic''
Macao and Wakaba skidded around another corner, the two friends silent as they continued their run through the empty streets. Raijinshū will pay for this, that much was certain. To do something like this?! To any other guild it would be unforgivable but to their own...?! 'Why, I'm going to -!'
Macao fell on his ass, splayed over the concrete with his head ringing and hurting like he ran head first into the wall. Wakaba was beside him in a second neither exactly sure what happened in that second before a moment later purple light shone down them. Macao pressed his hand against his temple, Wakaba blinking in shock, his cigar almost falling from his mouth as they stared at the runes written in front of them over and over again, surrounding them in a dome.
''The hell?!'' Macao hissed, rising to his feet and glaring at the runes like that would make them disappear. Wakaba cursed and took his cigar into his hand, clenching his teeth and throwing the cigar to the ground before pulling out a new one. ''Freed's runes'', Wakaba stated the obvious with a sneer. ''It's gotta be''
Macao spat at the ground, turning to Wakaba, ''He must've put them all over Magnolia''
The two turned their grim faces to the wall that trapped them in the spot.
A friend stands at thy side,
These rules thy must abide,
For one to move through the town,
Struck thy friend in the ground.
''Ugh... Is this supposed to be a riddle?'', Macao muttered staring at the short inscription. Wakaba nodded, staring at the text without any more comprehension.
''Are... is this saying we have to fight one another to get out?'', Macao asked, his eyes widening. Wakaba shook his head in disbelief. ''It does... I'm not going to fight you. Not in this sick game''
Macao nodded as he plopped back down on the ground. ''Are we going to just wait here until someone gets us out?''
Wakaba sat next to him. ''I don't see any other option''
As soon as the last word left Wakaba's mouth the rune-made wall shifted and shrunk. The two mages stared at the edges as they started drawing closer. ''Is this... Freed would crush us like fucking ants if we don't fight each other?!''
Wakaba sighed as he stood up and dusted his pants, the runes immediately stopping their advance.
Macao stood up, shaking his head. ''This is just sick''
''There's no way out'', Wendy growled as she stomped back into the hall. ''Air, floor, windows, everything! Freed warded the whole guild into a giant purple ball!''
''I did tell you that'', Natsu said briskly, waving his hand through the air as he motioned around them. ''Has there been any hole in the runes I would've been able to pass through the void''
Wendy glared at him, ''I know you're in a foul mood, Natsu, but so are we, there's no need to be so snarky'', she sat next to him, planting her chin into her hands.
''You're pouting'', Natsu pointed out.
''Well, there's not much else I can do, is there?''
Makarov moved towards them, wondering if there was anything, he could do to stop the bickering when the runes flared again and new words wrote themselves in the doorway.
Fight: Macao vs. Wakaba
The four stared at the words. For a moment, unable to understand what was written for it made no sense before it clicked and Makarov fumed, slamming one enlarged fist into the runes that stayed unmoving.
''He's forcing them to fight! That bastard!''
Makarov slammed his fist into the wall again, startled when the words shifted again only to scream at them when he read what was written.
Fight: Warren vs. Max
The names started listing with worrying speed, one pair after another rolling over the doorway. Wendy bit her lower lip, nails digging into her palm. ''They are fighting all over Magnolia''
A growl escaped Gajeel's lips, a sneer stretching his lips back. ''Laxus, you sick bastard''
A number blinked into existence above the names.
43
''That must be the number of how many are left'', Natsu muttered after a moment, doing the math between the shown names and the number.
They watched in silence, the macabre show in front of them playing in words that held a much darker meaning than should possibly be allowed. The whisper of a crack that sounded through the hall was unheard by most, none with the hearing on the level with Natsu who turned around, searching for the source of the sound he would've missed had it not been a complete silence around them. Wendy noticed as Natsu cocked his head and listened to something she missed. She paused before doing the same.
Silence...
A louder crack sounded this time, Gajeel taking notice of it as well as he turned around and a moment before the cracking sound came again all three pairs landed on the gathered statues.
Makarov, finally hearing the sound turned as all four looked at the statues in horror. Wendy dashed towards the frozen group, looking from statue to statue to find the source when Natsu grabbed her shoulder and forced her to stop. All looked at him as he simply pointed at one statue, a crack spreading from one eye across the face and slowly growing longer and wider.
''Erza?!''
''We can't let her statue brake!'', Wendy ran towards her hands hovering over the growing cracks as more spread over the magical stone. Makarov gaped, mouth opening and closing for a brief moment before he finally managed to wheeze out. ''G-Gajeel go get some glue! Or – or cement or –''
''Plaster?'' Natsu supplied dryly and Makarov's eye twitched. ''This isn't a joke! If that statue brakes she will-''
The Erza-statue exploded into a mist of dust and stone and Makarov almost fainted while Wendy released a shriek and Gajeel jumped back. It took the three a moment to realize Erza stood there, now a lot more colorful and very much alive if a bit shaken. ''Ah... I... What? You're alive?'' Makarov brought Erza out of her shock as he poked a suspicious finger in her side making her jump.
''Of course, I'm alive'', Erza dusted her shoulders and skirt. ''Why wouldn't I –'', she blinked, eyes searching the room and when she met Natsu's blank face she couldn't help but flinch, her eyes quickly turning back to Makarov. ''What's going on? The last I remember is Evergreen walking towards us and taking off her -'' Erza's eyes widened before they narrowed as realization settled. ''Evergreen turned us into stone, didn't she?! Where is she, when I get my hands on her, I'll – ugh!'' she gave a wordless cry of frustration.
''We have no idea since we have been unable to get out of here'', Natsu supplied simply. ''Freed made sure me or master Makarov wouldn't be able to disrupt Laxus' plans and he either botched the runes or something else because Wendy and Gajeel are stuck as well''
Erza blinked at the matter-of-fact tone. ''Wha -? Then is someone else looking for her?''
''I'm fairly certain they are quite busy''
Erza followed the finger Natsu pointed towards the doors listening with growing dread as Makarov explained what happened until then.
''Erza...,'' Makarov looked at her, his expression solemn. ''Try to find Evergreen. I dare say you are the only one who can''
Erza gave a decisive nod, confidence filling her as she turned towards the doors and marched towards them only for Gajeel to stop her, a somewhat sheepish and curious look on his face. ''Just a quick question. How did you manage to break free? If it only takes time than we don't have to-''
''I lost my eye when I was a girl in...,'' her eyes strayed to Natsu who made a point to look at the runes running down the length of the doors. ''... a very dark place. One is artificial. Evergreen's magic is based on eye contact and for it to fully work she –''
''Needs a real eye,'' Gajeel nodded in understanding.
''Right,'' Erza gave a brisk nod before turning once more to the door and moving out, changing quickly into the black-winged armor and taking to the air.
''They are going down fast,'' Natsu commented almost absently when only the four reminded in the hall.
17
''You didn't have to be so cold to her'', Makarov muttered after few minutes of silence. Natsu didn't respond, rightly assuming Makarov thought he was still this angry over what happened weeks ago. He didn't know of their conversation that very morning, after all. Makarov wasn't completely wrong to think that still ruffled his feathers but it was far from the majority of the mess he now had to deal with, with the scarlet-haired mage.
It seemed like the time crawled around them, every minute drawing like an hour in the long wait. It seemed like hours passed before Erza's name finally appeared.
Fight: Erza vs. Evergreen
'Get Mira out of this,' Natsu thought silently to Erza, 'And we'll call it even'
Erza took some satisfaction in seeing Evergreen's gaping face. What the other woman did made her vindictive and her foul mood was only enhanced by Natsu's animosity – something she was loath to admit was very much warranted now that she thought about it. What a fool she was. ''Evergreen!'', Erza called to the brown-haired mage. ''I'll give you one warning'', a sword appeared in Erza's hand, the tip pointing towards the other woman. ''Undo the spell and I won't have to force you to do it!''
Evergreen sniffed, one hand resting on her hip, the other spreading the fan in front of her face before she snapped it shut. ''You think I'll do what you say just because you say so?'', she pointed her own fan towards Erza in a mockery of Erza's pose. ''I will give you a warning of my own, Scarlet!''
''I will beat you here and now and when I do that I will be known as the Queen of Fairy Tail! I'm am your superior in every way and today I will prove it!''
Erza blinked, a bit surprised at the anger before she smirked. ''Isn't that more of a threat than a warning''
Evergreen's face flushed red as she took a step forward. ''It's a promise!''
Erza moved forwards, reaching Evergreen before the other girl could react properly, only allowing her a moment to dodge the attack as Erza's sword sliced the air, the power behind the slash leaving a deep line in the building on the other side of the fight. Evergreen jumped back again, twisting her body out of the way again before thrusting her hands forwards.
''Fairy Machine Gun: Leprechaun!''
Golden needles blinked into the air, shooting towards Erza with vigor. Titania ducked under the first wave, jumping over the second and throwing her three feet long sword with precision and strength one would expect from a dagger. Evergreen stumbled out of the way, aware of Erza's next words even as she gathered her own magic for the next attack
''Requip: Black-winged armor!''
Black wings spread behind her as Erza shot after Evergreen like a wraith, a sword in each hand ready to strike. Evergreen rolled out of the way turning around and repeating her earlier attack only to watch it being dodged just as easily as the first time. Watching her failed attack distracted the green-dressed witch enough for Erza to slam her shoulder into her stomach, one hand gripping forearm and forcing away one hand and the other thrusting a sword through her shoulder causing the female mage to scream out as the two slammed into the building's side.
Before the female member of Raijinshū could free herself from the painful grip another sword appeared in Erza's hand just as she released her forearm and she thrusted the sword into Evergreen's upper arm, making sure to miss anything important as she pinned the woman to the building's side.
''Undo the spell'', Erza demanded, arms crossed over her chest as Evergreen gasped a pained breath out, wide eyes looking at the sword stuck in her arm, in shock from the sudden pain.
Evergreen swallowed, a weak smile playing on her lips as she looked back at Erza. ''You know...'', the smile turned wicked. ''I can destroy those statues with just a thought –''
Evergreen's words were cut short as Erza slammed her fist into her face, her nose exploding in a shower of blood as Evergreen's head slammed into the building's wall and the woman fell unconscious. Erza sighed, pulling out her swords carefully and letting the woman fall down to the ground.
''Next time you lie try to be more convincing''
Winner: Erza
''Yes!'' Makarov pumped his fist in the air, jumping a surprising height for his own height and age. Wendy shared his enthusiasm and Gajeel smirked. The three were far too focused on the win to watch as Natsu turned, his face calm and passive as he walked towards Mirajane just as first cracks started appearing on the gray prison that was formed around them.
Lucy stumbled out of the mist first, blinking rapidly to clear her eyes of the dust as she waved her hand in front of her face, a second later her shoulder was used by a disoriented Cana as she leaned on the blonde-haired girl looking around the mostly empty guild hall.
''What happened?'', Lucy asked after a moment, watching as the rest of the girls proceeded to dust themselves. Levy dusted her dress, inspecting the guild with a calculative look. ''I remember Evergreen coming and she... took off her glasses –''
''That bitch!'', Cana fumed, stomping her leg before her eyes finally landed on Natsu who stood to the side and she blinked in surprise. ''What are you doing here?''
''Evergreen turned you into statues'', Wendy supplied, moving to stand next to her brother. Silence gripped the group for a moment before Levy sighed, breaking it and turning to the three dragon slayers and Makarov, who proceeded to recount today's events. By the time he was finished the girls were looking quite murderous. Makarov had to admit he was both impressed and terrified, glad those glares weren't directed towards him.
'If looks could kill...'
''Why aren't you out there helping?'', Juvia asked. A click behind her sounded as Bisca loaded a shotgun a moment after putting a fully loaded gun at her hip. ''You think we don't want to?'', Gajeel asked before gesturing towards the doorway still glowing brightly with runes. ''Runes written there made that impossible''
''Freed's?'', Mira asked, her eyes moving to Natsu who was staring back at her. The pink-haired dragon slayer was awfully quiet. He nodded after a moment even after Wendy responded and her answer was received with six decisive nods.
''Well, that means all we have to do is beat Freed and the runes will go down, right?'', Lucy asked, slamming her hands together. ''Let's do this!'', she dashed out of the door. Cana followed after her, a deck of cards gripped tightly in her hand. Levy moved to speak with Makarov and by the way she brandished her special pen she was discussing the possible removal of Freed's runes. Bisca brushed past them, Juvia close behind and Mira moved as well, her clothes changing into black leather pants and tight black top. ''I guess I should be on my way as well. Someone needs to have a chat with Raijinshū''
A cold hand around her wrist stopped her, clawed fingers delicately wrapped around pale skin. She looked down at the bandage covered hand and followed its length up to its owner, mismatched eyes staring down at her in what she dared call concern. Natsu blinked and any trace of it disappeared as he cleared his throat at the realization, he's been quiet a moment too long. ''Be careful''
Mira smiled up at him, aware of their difference in height now that she stood so close. ''Of course. No need to worry. It'll take a bit more than some rune-mage to beat me''
Natsu blinked and looked away for a brief moment, a taint of pink marking his cheeks before he shook his head. ''I'm not worried'', he argued, and probably only now realizing he was still holding her hand, released it promptly. ''It's just that ...''
''I haven't used my magic in years,'' Mira shrugged. ''Maybe I can dazzle him with a good speech''
Natsu leveled her with a half-lidden look clearly stating he was not impressed. Mira grinned in response and rushed out before the dragon prince could say anything else. Natsu turned with a soundless sigh, meeting eyes of a very amused Gajeel.
The prince straightened his already straight back and raised his chin with a sniff. ''Not a word, Redfox''
Gajeel grinned. The weird wheezing chuckle leaving his lips. Wendy glared at him playfully. ''Don't tease him, Gajeel, it's not his fault he's worried. I think it's rather cute''
Makarov gaped and Gajeel quaffed a laugh at what was probably the most expression he has ever seen on Natsu's face that slackened into a scandalous look of pure surprise that Wendy would say that. He quickly covered it, glaring fiercely at the girl and while the glare was usually all he needed to make someone quiet the blush that covered his cheeks only made both dragon slayers laugh harder, Makarov joining with a chuckle soon afterwards.
''I will have my retribution'', Natsu muttered as he walked away, moving towards the archway where Levy tried to pretend, she hasn't been laughing as well. Wendy maybe managed to keep laughing when Natsu glared but Levy wasn't sure she wouldn't have to find another place to work on removing the runes.
Fight: Juvia vs. Bickslow
''Shame'', Natsu muttered and Levy looked up from where she sat on the floor, a thread of magic disappearing into the air as she stopped her fifth attempt to catch any thread of the runes. ''Why?''
Natsu reminded silent, a moment later the runes responding for him.
Winner: Bickslow
''Jerk or not, Bickslow isn't a pushover'', Natsu simply stated. ''Any member of the Raijinshū could've been a candidate for S-class trials in a year or two if not this year already''
Levy blinked in surprise. ''You think he's that good?''
Natsu shook his head. ''That would be pushing it. I never said he was that good. Simply that he isn't weak''
''Juvia isn't either'', Wendy argued and Gajeel nodded in agreement. ''She was an S-class in our former guild'', Gajeel reminded him.
''Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail are hardly the same. I dare say it isn't even comparable. You were their strongest member, were you not?'', Natsu said and proceeded when Gajeel nodded, ''There you have it''
Gajeel scowled, turning to the runes as new names wrote themselves.
Fight: Lucy vs. Bickslow
Natsu raised an eyebrow before sighing. Gajeel looked at him, ''What? Not going to comment on this one?''
''I have no idea how much the fight with Juvia weakened Bickslow nor, if I'm completely honest, do I know how strong Lucy is. That being said I would say if Juvia hadn't arrived first it would've been Bickslow's win''
Winner: Lucy
''As it stands Lucy won'', Wendy commented and Natsu nodded in agreement.
Fight: Cana vs. Freed
Master frowned, his fists clenching. Natsu was right. Freed had been a candidate for S-class trials this year. It was debated whether or not he should've been in the trials the year before but it was decided to give the young man a year more to prepare. Cana was good but she was not an S-class. The fight dragged on, each moment they spent waiting for the result that much worse.
Winner: Freed
Gajeel growled, slamming his transformed hand into the runes. ''This waiting is driving me insane! We can't do a fucking thing!''
Natsu's lips twitched downwards, a brief frown appearing on his forehead as he licked on fang before clenching his teeth. ''We are well aware of that. Pointing out the obvious won't do us any good''
Makarov released a heavy sigh, turning to Levy. ''How are you doing, Levy?''
Levy sighed, sitting back on her heels with a furious glare at the runes she was trying to breach. ''I'm sorry... My magic... I don't usually work with these types of runes. And these are really complicated''
''Just keep working. You are doing a great job'', Makarov encouraged, eyes moving back to the runes. As he turned his attention back to the archway, he barely had time to move out of the way as Bisca came sprinting in, a sniper gripped tightly in her hands and a panicked look on her normally calm face.
''MASTER!'', she released a breath, panting after what was obviously a long run. ''You have to see this!'', she dragged the small man first few steps of the way before continuing her sprint up the stairs to the balcony, Makarov, Levy and the dragon slayers close behind.
The sun was low in the sky, just an hour or two before it would start to set. Its position made the golden orbs hovering in the circle around town very obvious, the rays dancing off of their surface.
Levy raised her hands to her mouth, horror filling her. ''T-thunder palace...''
''Is Laxus insane?! Is he trying to kill everyone in Magnolia?!'', Gajeel shouted, once more feeling helpless.
A black spark of magic danced over Natsu's shoulder, his eyes moving over the circle as he gritted his teeth. If that thing went off... Wendy and Mira... He growled, a growl coming deep from his throat as every pair of eyes on the balcony fell on him with growing dread as the temperature around them dropped.
''That fucking bastard!'' Natsu screamed, a spider web of cracks spreading around him as he sent a ball of chaos energy at the runes above them, the ball exploding on the runes with frightening strength. The other five fell silent, watching in morbid fascination as one person they never wanted to see angry raged.
Natsu didn't let them gape for long as he turned on his heel and marched down the steps towards the archway just in time for new runes to appear and his anger spiked as he slammed his fist into the runes. ''Bloody fucking assholes...,'' he growled under his breath, glaring at the runes, wishing they would disappear. He ignored the growing pain in his limbs and chest, knowing his rising anger and magic made a poor combination with dragonification.
Fight: Mirajane vs. Freed
Mira watched with wide, horrified eyes as Cana was thrown aside like a rag doll. Freed let her fall, her skin blackened on several spots from the forming bruises by the time Freed was done. She felt useless, her magic churning inside her yet unwilling to respond as readily as she remembered it did once upon a time. She didn't even have to concentrate, simply stating the name and let her magic do the rest. Now... She wasn't sure what to call nor how to respond to her magic.
She was terrified of it, she knew. It brought far too many unpleasant memories. She watched as Freed turned towards her, his one uncovered eye looking down at her in what she quickly recognized as pity. She straightened her back, staring up at the mage who stood on the bridge. He had no right to pity her. She opened her mouth, ready to try and talk him down. She was only half-joking when she told Natsu she would try it.
Before she could say anything Elfman jumped from around a corner, beast soul draped over his skin as he jumped in front of her.
''Elfman!'', Mira gripped his shoulder, trying to drag him back. Her brother was strong, she knew that, but Freed was better. There was nothing else to say about that. It was that simple. Elfman obviously couldn't care less.
''Don't worry sis'', his voice was gruff as he looked at her, a grin stretching his grizzly features. ''I won't let him touch you''
Freed raised an eyebrow with a tsk. ''What exactly do you think I was going to do to her?''
Elfman looked up and spat at the ground to signify his disgust. ''I don't know and I don't care. You won't get any closer''
''You idiot,'' Mira hissed. ''You should've let me handle this. He'll –''
''Eat dirt,'' Elfman finished with a growl and jumped up, swinging his fists at Freed who jumped out of the way. What followed was as fast as it was brutal as Freed dodged Elfman's attacks, one after another, before he finally grew tired and moved from defensive to offensive. He jumped into the air, his feet making contact with purple runes as he stood above Elfman, his sword drawn in his hand as he pointed it at Elfman who glared up at him, eyeing a stone he planned to throw at him.
Purple runes shone in the air before he could and Freed almost carelessly swung his sword down, Elfman jumping back, not sure what to expect but the purple light hit him regardless. A blood-curling scream tore free from his lips as he collapsed on the ground, gripping the dirt between his fingers.
''Pain'', Freed read the word the runes represented out loud with a resigned voice, sounding like he was doing just another task he didn't particularly like but was needed to be done regardless. The words appeared again as Freed swung his sword again and Elfman screamed.
''Stop it!'', Mira screamed at the man above them, rushing to her brother whose take-over wore off, his form shivering in shock. ''Stop this, Freed! What the hell is wrong with you?!''
Freed landed between them, his side facing her as he turned his head. ''Are you going to fight, She-devil?''
''What?'', Mira looked at him, bewildered at the question.
''Are you going to fight me?''
''I –''
Before she could respond Freed turned to Elfman, looking at the unconscious man for a moment before with a sigh he pushed him away with his foot, closer to the bridge's edge. Mira's eyes widened before they narrowed, her magic exploding around her, in symphony with her anger.
''Don't. Touch. Him!''
Freed looked at her, a smirk stretching his lips. ''Or what?''
A step closer to Elfman, a step closer to the edge.
Mira gave a wordless scream of frustration, the scream forming into words as she gave the green-haired man a wild look.
''Full body takeover; Satan soul'', she growled, her voice at the end becoming dangerously low as magic exploded around her, skin on her face cracked, the black scar rising to the surface underneath the glowing eyes filled with anger.
End of chapter 24.
Rewritten
Next chapter: Natsu vs. Laxus
Sooo... what do you think?
Please review and thanks for reading. :)