Chapter 64:
Carla truly hated herself at the moment and as much as she tried to convince herself she had no reason to, she couldn't help it. She often wondered why her visions were always announcing bad things. White exceed also wondered why did she ever say what she saw to Makarov and not Natsu. It wouldn't be easier but the dragon would definitely have a better idea of what to do rather than 'sit and wait' that Makarov suggested. Carla sighed shaking her head.
The city was practically abandoned even though it was the middle of the day. Everyone was in the stadium or in their homes watching the games and those that weren't watching them probably wished they were. Well not all of them. Carla and her little group had their eyes set on completely different goal, watching the game the last they wanted to do at the moment but the relaxing aspect of it might be more welcomed than this.
''You okay?'' Happy asked her, looking at her worriedly. Phanter Lilly agreed with Happy ''You've been quiet for a long time''
''I'm fine'' Carla assured them, her eyes moving from Happy and Lilly to their surroundings and rest of companions. Ultear glanced at them over her shoulder while Gajeel, Arthur, and Annie continued their walk.
''Don't get me wrong'' Arthur started, the group of five making their way towards the castle. ''But why exactly are you here?'' he turned to Exceeds.
''To help of course!'' Happy sounded offended. ''We can be useful'' he assured shadow user.
''Of course'' Arthur did not sound convinced.
''Guys. Don't forget why we're here'' Ultear reminded them. ''We need to find Lucy's keys and take Yukino as soon as possible. The longer we take the chances of Eclipse project being successful are bigger. Natsu and others are counting on us and we sure as hell won't let them down''
''How are we gonna enter the castle anyway?'' Gajeel questioned. ''People will recognize our faces in a second. And I doubt guards will just let us waltz in, especially after they saw me and exceeds yesterday''
Annie grinned. ''You think I'm here just because I'm cute?''
Gajeel raised his eyebrow, watching as a magic pink magic circle appeared above Annie's open palm that faced the sky. ''Illusion-Make –''
''AT LAST! AT LAST! Ladies and gentlemen!'' Chapati screamed in his microphone as enthusiastic as he was on the first day. ''This is the final day of Grand Magic Games!''
He paused, waiting for crowds' cheering and clapping to stop before he continued. ''For today's special guest is a well-known figure... Would you greet Game's mascot Mr. Kabo?!''
The crowd cheered again while Kabo leaned forward towards his microphone. ''Good day to you all – Kabo!''
''Today, the winner of Grand Magic Games – the number one guild in whole Fiore will be decided!''
''Let's look at current placement of the guilds''
Lacrima lit in the sky, showing the points of each guild in curvy letters.
1. Fairy tail – 51 pt
2. Sabertooth – 50 pt
3. Mermaid heel – 44 pt
4. Blue Pegasus – 38 pt
5. Lamia Scale – 36 pt
6. Quatro Puppy – 32 pt
''And before we begin I believe we have to greet these six miraculous, marvelous teams!''
''On sixth place, fierce hounds of hell, Quatro Puppy! Will they be able to climb on top and make a comeback?''
''WILD'' Quatro Puppy team bellowed in the union as they came to the stadium bathing in the cheers the crowd produced at the sight of them.
''Next, we have Lamia Scale''
Leon waved to the crowd, Jura beside him and rest of the team behind.
''Will you greet Blue Pegasus?''
Ichiya was quick to pose before the crowd as he and his team walked out.
''They might be in third place but their beauty is unbeatable! Mermaid Heel''
Kagura had her face blank and back tense as she walked out but Millianna and rest of her team made up for her stoicism more than enough as they waved to the crowd and jumped in the air.
''They held first place since Grand Magic Games were founded. Will they be able to take it this year as well or will they have to satisfy with second place? I present to you SABERTOOTH!''
The Sabertooth looked ready to draw blood as they stepped out with Minerva in the middle.
''They put their game faces, alright'' Yajima chuckled.
Chapati smiled before he continued. ''They were the best since their founding, losing their title seven years ago. They rose from the ashes greater than ever. One would say friendliest but I would say scariest guild in Fiore – FAIRY TAIL!''
Natsu stepped out of the shadows of the entrance of the arena, hands deep in his coat's pockets. Mira and Jellal stood closest to him, Erza and Laxus slightly behind. As they came to a stop, lightning cracked through the clear sky, for a brief moment symbol of Fairy tail decorated the sky leaving the crowd in awe.
Laxus grinned smugly while Erza smirked. ''Nice detail''
''We need to make a nice entrance. This is probably the strongest team Fairy tail ever formed'' Laxus replied.
And it was obvious that mages around them were all well aware of that fact as they looked at the group of five, tense and uneasy.
Yajima grinned. ''We maybe saw them yesterday but they still take my breath. All of the mages below do. Young and powerful – a combination not too many can brag about''
''I agree with that completely – kabo!'' the short pumpkin-man grinned.
Chapati nodded in agreement as he continued with his announcement. ''For the last day, we prepared something special''
Even as he was saying that teams in the arena disappeared in a fashion of a teleportation spell, quickly disappearing, looking almost like static much to crowd's amazement. Six lacrimas appeared in the sky not long after that showing every guild standing on deserted streets of Crocus.
''Today, the whole crocus is their playground!'' Chapati exclaimed excitedly.
''Now that's disorienting..'' Laxus muttered as he looked around, his teammates curiously gazing at their surroundings. ''Where the heck are we?'' the lightning mage wondered.
Natsu shrugged. ''Somewhere in Crocus. It's part of the game it seems''
''You will run around the city and when you meet your enemy the fight will start!''
Chapati's voice was still clearly heard but the source of it was unknown.
''If your enemy loses consciousness or is unable to fight your guild automatically gains a point. Also, and listen carefully now – each team will decide the leader but other teams won't know who the leader is. If you defeat the leader your guild gets five points''
A smile passed Chapati's lips ''The max points you can get are 45 so basically, any guild has a chance to win''
''We have to win'' Erza stated. ''Was there ever any doubt we won't?'' Jellal asked with a smile that made scarlet requip mage blush.
''I wish you all good luck. Fight and you will be remembered, lose and you will be champions, win and you will be LEGENDS! Let the final day of Grand Magic Games BEGIN! ''
The sound of a gong echoed across Crocus and teams sprung into action all around the Blooming Capital.
''Humans sure have found new ways to entertain themselves since I was last among them'' Igneel commented as he appeared beside Makarov in a burst of flames, almost making the small master falling from the railings he was sitting on.
''Lord Igneel, nice of you to join us'' Mavis grinned at the dragon king in human form who nodded his head with a grin of his own. Makarov blinked in wonder as he looked from Mavis to the dragon and then back. ''You knew he would come here?''
''Of course, I knew'' Mavis replied. ''I asked him to come''
Igneel looked at Makarov. ''I hope I'm not intruding''
Makarov gulped unconsciously as he eyed the man beside him. Despite the fact he hid his magic it was obviously there and he knew without a doubt no human would ever match it. ''No, of course not'' Third replied quickly when he realized Igneel was still waiting for the answer.
''If you don't mind me asking...'' Makarov noticed from the corner of his eye the rest of his children moved away from the dragon when he appeared, every last one of them on guard but still cheering from the top of their lungs along with the crowd. ''Where is Acnologia?''
Igneel's grin didn't disappear nor subsided since he appeared and it started to unnerve the master. ''Acnologia? He's around''
Realizing he won't get anything else out of the dragon he looked back at the lacrima, frowning when he noticed something was not right.
''Since when can Jellal use lightning?'' Bisca was the one who asked obviously noticing along with everyone else that something was not right.
Mavis' eyes glinted as she grinned slyly. ''The strategy has to be perfect and in the way things are going it would appear my skills haven't gotten rusty''
Makarov's eyes widened, black orbs fixed on the petite blonde. ''Natsu might not use illusions in a fight but making a disguise seems like something he can do extremely well''
''Wait... Are you saying...?'' Makarov gasped.
''We are watching Laxus, not Jellal'' Mavis replied. ''Not that anyone else will know that until it's too late''
''They won't know what hit them'' Macao realized.
''They won't know who hit them'' The First corrected. ''And even if they manage to realize what's going on Natsu will switch their appearance and it will stay that way until he's knocked unconscious or runs his magic container dry and we all know how unlikely is that to happen'' Mavis's smile disappeared, her face serious as she looked at lacrima that showed Mira with a sword in her hands. ''Only 0.01% to be exact''
''Ready?'' Natsu asked once the gong sounded. The rest of the team nodded and the end of dragon's lips twitched up for a second before they separated, each moving in their own direction.
Natsu spared a glance at small floating lacrima in the air behind him, knowing full well it transmitted his picture to the people at the stadium and as he rounded a corner he softly whispered. ''Illusion-make: Stranger's face''
When lacrima came around the corner 'Laxus' stared back and the blonde mage sprinted away, following the sound of a fight only a few blocks away. Members of Quatro Puppy and Blue Pegasus stared back at him in shock. Rocker and Eve exchanged a worried look and Eve took a step away from Rocker, his intention clear.
''What do we have here?'' Chapati asked in wonder. ''It would seem these two know the danger they are facing and have decided to fight together''
''Isn't that against the rules?'' Yajima looked confused.
''Not at all – kabo''
''You take his right, I his left?'' Eve asked with raised eyebrow receiving a nod from Rocker.
''You must be quite naive if you think that will help'' 'Laxus' spoke to them and before either of the two could blink the dragon in disguise was standing in front of Rocker, strong hand on his throat pushing him into the ground without a moment of pause. Eve's eyes widened in shock while Rocker stayed lying, not even a twitch coming from the mage whose head left a dent in the stone floor.
'Laxus' rolled his neck, a loud pop echoing before he ran at Eve who barely had enough time to bring his arms up in a block.
''Chaos dragon's iron fist'' was the only warning he got as fist coated in black slammed into his crossed forearms, a crack of his bones clear as 'Laxus' pushed right through his hastily made guard, sending the teen flying into the nearby building.
''Fairy tail is quick and merciless when it comes to business, it would seem'' Chapati commented while 'Laxus' continued walking down the road. ''Two points for Fairy tail''
On the other end Mira walked down the empty street, her eyes moving to her reflection in the window, a grin spreading across her face as the pink-haired dragon stared back. 'This is perfect'
She didn't bother running to her enemy as Jenny jumped from the roof right in front of her, blonde's eyes widening when she found herself looking at 'Natsu'. ''Shit''
Mira grinned which only seemed to make Jenny even more nervous as Blue Pegasus member took a step back.
''I don't think running will get you far'' 'Natsu' said as she licked her teeth, somewhat surprised when even her voice sounded different. 'He doesn't do things halfway that's for sure'
Jenny gulped as she shakily took a fighting stance, biting her lower lip before she spoke. ''Take-over: Machina soul''
Blonde truly didn't expect that dragon on the other side of the street would mimic her action as 'his' grin widened.
''Take-over: Hellhound'' Mira grinner, the incantation spoken out loud just to mess with Jenny, the shocked face of her opponent a clear sign it was worth it and her grin turning just a tad bit sinister.
White light warped around 'Natsu' and when it disappeared Mira's grin could only widen when she realized the illusion was still there.
Jenny didn't find it nearly as funny as Mira, it would seem because she found herself staring at a monstrosity from children's nightmares. 'Natsu's skin turned gray and his skeleton seemed to get bigger under his skin as every bone on his naked torso was easily spotted. Along 'his' spine three inches long blades have grown and a long bony tail swished behind. Skull that seemed to belong to a dog or a wolf covered the top of his head and his long pink hair was matted back, the ponytail was gone.
Mira flexed her fingers, long claws instead of fingernails making it unable to fold a fist. She bent her knees under black baggy pants that reached her knees, ready to pounce on the mage in front of her.
''Y-you're a takeover mage as well?!'' Jenny all but screeched when she got over her shock.
''Surprise'' Mira replied as she stuck out her forked tongue at her, long and sharp teeth glinting in the light.
Jenny took a calming breath, unable to look away from solid black obsidian eyes she was staring at. It took only a second for Mira to move, running toward's Jenny like a bullet, quickly diving under Jenny's arm that should've been a guard and bringing her leg up, slashing take-over mage over her shoulder with two claws that replaced her toes.
Jenny cursed, pressing one hand over the wound and turning around to face 'Natsu' who had slipped behind her when the hit landed only to come face to face with 'his' helmet while Mira drove her fist into her stomach, lifting her from the ground and sending her crashing into a nearby building. Jenny barely had enough time to lift her head to look up again when Mira slammed her tail in the top of her head.
Jellal had to admit even he was surprised by how real the illusion's seemed, the fact they were solid even more frightening. He wondered how well Natsu understood human relationships because he found himself staring at Erza in his reflection. He'll probably have to ask him about that later on.
''Look what we have here''
Jellal tensed, turning to face the newcomer. His back relaxing at the sight of Jäger.
''Shouldn't you be running in other direction?'' 'She' asked.
Jäger grinned. ''Don't think I'm that easy to beat. You would be surprised how – ''
What Jellal would be surprised over was never found out because he slammed in guy's head with a meteor, knocking few teeth out and rendering the man unconscious in a second.
''Piss off'' 'Erza' muttered. ''I have bigger fish to fry''
Erza warped a white lock of hair around her finger, wondering how was it possible even she couldn't tell it was an illusion. 'Makes you wonder' she smiled before she looked up at the empty street before her. She started walking, her walk quickly turning into a jog before it turned into a full-blown sprint. Her eyes quickly falling on Hibiki and Ren who were jogging in front of her, both quiet and tense, looking around every other moment.
''Hello boys'' she greeted as they whipped around to face her, their mouth falling slightly open at the sight of her.
''Shall we dance'' Erza smiled as two swords appeared in her hands and requip mage moved toward the two with terrifying speed and precision.
Ren yelped in shock as he avoided her first strike, blocking the second by sending a gust of wind that knocked 'Mira' from her balance but going with the stride 'Mira' jumped and back-flipped, one sword disappearing only to be replaced by a spear that she threw at Hibiki the moment her feet touched the ground.
Hibiki moved out of the way, losing balance as he did so but the blonde still managed to hastily cast Force Blast.
Erza, not the one to be caught off guard by the spell jumped to the side to avoid it before she exclaimed, not willing to risk one of them getting away as it might blow her cover, ''Requip: Black Wing armor!''
Ren gaped as the white-haired woman in front of him warped in black armor, two bat wings spreading behind her and a long sword in her hands.
''Hibiki... Isn't that Erza's magic?''
Hibiki was staring in shock at 'Mira', a screen appearing before him as he used Archive searching for any explanation to no avail.
''I-It is''
''Eyes on me!'' Erza exclaimed as she ran at Hibiki, screen in front of him disappearing and Force shield flickering to life in front of him.
Erza slammed with her blade in the shield, pushing Hibiki back but unable to actually push through it. With a smirk, the wings on her back swung lifting her in the air in a show of surprising speed few could match in the air. Ren moved towards her, one hand cocked back before he trusted it forward with a yell ''Aerial bullet!''
Hand-sized sphere of compressed air flew towards Erza who folded her winds, falling below the spell before she spread them again and landed on the ground with a spin, releasing the sword in her hands that caught Ren in his side. Ren hissed in pain, his eyes moving to the long cut in the side of his waist.
''Ren! You alright?!'' Hibiki asked, worry clearly attached to his voice. Ren's eyes widened as he looked at Hibiki, confirming his fears the blonde didn't keep his eyes on their opponent and before Ren could even warn him the but of 'Mira's sword slammed into the back of Hibiki's head.
''Light's out'' 'Mira' said, her eyes on Hibiki for a brief moment before she looked at Ren, a small smile on her lips before she charged forward. Ren blocked the first strike and leaped out of the second but the third hit his mark as the flat of the sword slammed into his forehead, knocking him unconscious.
Laxus looked at his hands that were smaller than what he expected and the blonde moved a hand through his hair before pulling few strands out. His eyes widened slightly at the sight of blue hair and a grin split his face. With one hand he traced the place his scar used to be, only smooth skin in his place and tattoo he knew was there.
'Jellal' looked around, confirming what he already knew – that no one was there. He cocked his head to the side, listening for the sound of footsteps, his grin widening when he heard one two blocks away.
His body flickered in lightning and lightning mage disappeared, reappearing a few moments later in front of Beth who yelped in surprise when blue-haired mage appeared in front of her.
''F-Fairy tail?'' Beth whispered in shock. ''Just my luck'' she muttered to herself a moment later.
''Just your luck'' Laxus grinned, crossing his arms over his chest much to Beth's confusion while she took her stance.
''Why aren't you ready to fight?'' Beth questioned. ''Don't underestimate me! Get ready to f-'' she stopped mid-sentence, her words catching in her throat as a spark traveled down her spine.
''Don't worry'' Laxus smirked. ''It's just temporary''
Beth's eyes widened as she found herself paralyzed. ''W-what did you d-do?'' she managed to ask.
''Lightning'' 'Jellal' shrugged as he brought one hand up, sparks dancing between his fingers.
Beth couldn't even open her mouth to scream when bolt crashed into her, knocking her unconscious.
''Fairy tail definitely didn't leave anything to chance'' Chapati commented as they watched Beth slump to the ground.
Wendy stared at 'Jellal' and even though she knew it was really Laxus she couldn't help but feel guilty. The blue-haired wizard had no idea what he learned yesterday and the more she tried to convince herself she did the right thing the more the gnawing feeling in her stomach of something terrible was bound to happen grew. A look at Natsu only made her feel worse.
''It's going according to my plan'' Mavis said with a smile. ''Now, Jellal needs to head south, there is 87% he will encounter Rufus and Rufus won't run. 91% is rather reassuring after all''
''Erza needs to head north-west'' Mavis continued, ignoring looks of shock her guildmates sent her. ''74% of chance Kagura will cross her paths with her if Erza heads in right path''
''Mira needs to head west and there is 81% of chance she will come face to face with Minerva''
''What about Jura?'' Makarov asked when First quieted down. ''He won't be easy to beat to anyone and only Natsu will be capable of that but then Rogue and Sting are left, not to mention Orga and Bacchus''
Mavis nodded. ''I am well aware of that. And while Laxus will deal with Orga the chances of him meeting Orga before Sting and Rogue are only 45% and Laxus will be hard pressed to defeat them if Orga shows up in the fight''
''Natsu will have to go after Jura and he will have to do it quickly because Sabertooth could do a lot of damage before we move forward''
''You truly deserve the name of Fairy strategist, First'' Makarov said to himself earning a curious look from Igneel.
'Fairy strategist?' Igneel mused. 'That's good to know'
Mavis smiled turning to look back at lacrimas in front of them. Her eyes briefly stopping on points and number of team members that were displayed in the middle.
1. Fairy tail – 58 pt 1 leader + 4
2. Sabertooth – 52 pt 1 leader + 4
3. Mermaid heel – 45 pt 1 leader + 2
4. Lamia Scale – 42 pt 1 leader + 3
5. Quatro Puppy – 32 pt 1 leader + 0
6. Blue Pegasus – 38 pt 0 leader + 0
Jellal moved quietly through the streets, his eyes set on the large building in front of him. Crocus – Town Library was written above large doors he found himself in front of. He opened the doors, a smile tugging his lips when Rufus found Erza entering the library.
''I remember you'' Rufus said as he tipped his hat up. ''You will surely be a worthy opponent. Maybe the best I can remember having in a long time''
''You have no idea'' 'Erza' replied with a smirk while Rufus frowned. ''I do not remember you talking in such a manner''
Jellal reminded silent as his smirk widened. ''Your memory won't do you much good now''
Rufus' frown only deepened at that but after a moment a smile passed his lips. ''We will see, won't we?''
Jellal tightened his muscled and brought his fists up while Rufus put his index and middle finger against his temple. ''Memory – make:''
The blonde mage didn't manage to finish the incantation because he was forced to leap away and jump in the air when over twenty books rose from surrounding bookshelves and rushed at him. Rufus raised an eyebrow at that as he neatly landed, his eyes fixed on 'Erza' whose hand was outstretched, 'her' palm facing him.
''Memorize'' Rufus whispered, keeping his eyes on Jellal who promptly disappeared in a flash of light and using meteor rushed at blonde whose eyes widened.
''That... is not something I expected'' Rufus commented when Jellal stopped his flight in front of him, raising his leg, ready to deliver a kick to blonde's head.
''I warned you'' Jellal replied while Rufus ducked under his leg and balled his fist ready to hit scarlet-haired mage in front of him in the stomach.
'Erza' twisted out of the way and raised her elbow, catching Rufus in his ribs. Rufus backed off, jumping away to get some distance between themselves. ''You have yet to draw a sword. Should I be offended? I am not to be underestimated'' Rufus smiled at Jellal.
Jellal smiled back as he moved red hair out of his eyes. How Erza could fight with long hair was beyond him. ''Darkness magic'' Jellal said, his magic turning darker, making Rufus' eyes widen yet again.
''Dark Grab'' Magic danced in the air around 'Erza' hand taking the shape of a hand that rushed at Rufus who leaped out of the way only for the hand to follow him, twisting and closing around his leg.
''Memory – make: Black void!'' Rufus quickly yelped and disappeared in a flash of gold light just when the arm around him started tightening.
Jellal's eyes widened. Despite the difference in color he had no doubt what that spell was – or better to say whose it was.
''No way...'' Jellal breathed out. ''H-how?! That's Natsu's spell! That's freaking chaotic void!''
Rufus reappeared few meters away from him, looking quite smug, a grin on his face.
''I already told you. Don't underestimate me''
Makarov could only thank Igneel he didn't fall off the railing down in the arena.
''I did not predict this'' Mavis was just as shocked as everyone else and that did nothing to calm Makarov's nerves.
Igneel stared at the screen wide-eyed before he looked at Mavis. ''You are aware just how dangerous that spell could be in this fight''
''Yes'' Mavis said. ''I'm afraid to think what else he had copied during this Grand Magic Games this year''
''Memory molding...'' Levi said in amazement. ''It truly is something else''
''The limitation of it is seemingly non-existent. Not even ice molding can take creativity to that extent'' Gray muttered with a frown.
Mavis nodded in agreement. ''Unfortunately, that couldn't be truer. Unless Rufus has smaller reserves this could prove troublesome''
''But Erza – ugh, I mean Jellal will still win, right?'' Elfman asked worriedly.
''Despite everything I don't have a reason to believe otherwise at the moment but I find myself worried'' Mavis said, her eyes moving to screen next to the fight they watched until now, the screen showing Jura defeating Bachuss frighteningly quickly.
1. Fairy tail – 58 pt 1 leader + 4
2. Sabertooth – 53 pt 1 leader + 4
3. Lamia Scale – 47 pt 1 leader + 3
4. Mermaid heel – 45 pt 1 leader + 1
5. Blue Pegasus – 38 pt 0 leader + 0
6. Quatro Puppy – 32 pt 0 leader + 0
''If someone else decides to join the fight it will prove fatal''
The fact Rogue was moving toward library did not help.
Jellal composed himself as quickly as possible, his eyes sharper than they were at the beginning, a clear warning ringing in his head. 'Win as soon as possible'
''I do not remember you being capable of using Darkness magic'' Rufus commented idly.
''Then I wasn't the only one who underestimated my opponent'' 'Erza' shot back.
Rufus smiled. ''No, you weren't. That being said... I do remember someone else in your guild being capable of that''
Jellal tensed.
''Ah... Would you like to see another trick of mine? I am capable of quite a bit more than remembering'' Rufus asked, two fingers resting on his temples again. ''Memory – make: Dark lightning!''
Rufus's magic pressure spiked for a second, momentarily turning darker not unlike his own and Jellal found himself watching in surprise as a handmade of shadow and lightning rushed at him. In a flash of gold, he moved out of its way with Meteor. The speed of his retrieval too big for the hand to follow as it tried to turn around only to crash into bookshelves, books on it exploding in a shower of smoldering paper.
Jellal moved towards Rufus who smiled again, ''Memory – make: Shrine of Turbulent Fang!''
The air started moving around them with speed and ferocity that soon turned the wind into towers of tornados that surrounded the blonde making it impossible for Jellal to come near him unless risking of crashing into one of the imposing towers of wind. Rufus lifted his other hand and tornados rushed at Jellal who cursed and quickly crossed his arms. Tornados crashed and dust rose making both crowd watching the fight and Rufus to withhold their breaths.
When nothing happened for several more seconds Rufus allowed himself to smile. ''I have memorized you and I will remember your defeat''
''All you will be remembering is my victory'' Jellal replied and Rufus barely had time to widen his eyes when Jellal landed behind him using meteor and slammed his open palm on his back, a red snake circling through his hand and into Rufus warping around him.
''Bind snake'' Jellal finished, putting 'her' boot on Rufus and pushing him to the ground while Rufus tried to resist the spell that paralyzed him.
''H-How?'' Rufus managed to ask.
''A combination of meteor and Darkness cage that slowed tornadoes down enough for me to avoid being hit. You did rip a part of my skirt though'' 'Erza' explained, her eyes on shreds of blue skirt that reminded on 'her', instead of knee-length the right side now only enough to cover 'her'.
''Sweat dreams'' Jellal finished as he cocked his hand back and slammed it into Rufus' head, knocking the man unconscious.
''I must admit you fairies continue to surprise me''
Jellal's head snapped up just as Rogue exited the shadows cast by the entrance doors.
1. Fairy tail – 58 pt 1 leader + 4
2. Sabertooth – 53 pt 1 leader + 3
3. Lamia Scale – 47 pt 1 leader + 3
4. Mermaid heel – 45 pt 1 leader + 1
5. Blue Pegasus – 38 pt 0 leader + 0
6. Quatro Puppy – 32 pt 0 leader + 0
''This is almost disturbingly easy'' Gajeel commented as the small group moved through the halls of castle's dungeons as quietly as possible, any guard that even so much as looked at them would found themselves staring at empty air. 'And people say illusions were useless in combat'. Annie made a small snort in amusement as they walked right past another guard.
''If you keep talking you'll break my illusion. There is only so much I can do to mask sound'' Annie whispered to iron dragon slayer.
Ultear sighed as the conversation among them subsided raising one hand, her trademark orb floating above it as she did so. ''Yukino shouldn't be far'' Ultear informed her companions as she led the group to another turn. It only took them few more minutes before they reached Yukino's cell, the white-haired ex-Sabertooth member sitting on the metal bed that looked anything but comfortable.
Group of seven stared at her for a moment, neither sure what to say in order to avoid Yukino making too much noise and appearing out of thin air might be just the right thing to make her scream. Annie sighed as she looked at the group and turned back toward Yukino before dropping the spell that cowered her but careful to keep the rest hidden. Yukino still jumped when she saw her but thankfully didn't make a sound.
''You.. You're that Fairy tail member...?'' Yukino asked uncertainly. ''Annie... right?''
Annie smiled brightly, pleasantly surprised she was recognized as people usually only recognized brother. ''Yes, I am. Are you alright?''
Yukino blinked at the question but nodded after a moment. ''What are you doing here?''
''We're here to rescue you. We can't allow Eclipse being started and that means getting you out and finding Lucy's keys is our primary concern''
''Wait.. We?''
Annie smiled somewhat sheepishly as she straightened her red skirt while six members appeared behind her. ''Oh'' Yukino gaped. ''There's quite a number of you... How did you pass all the guards?''
''I'm illusion molder'' Annie explained. ''Now let's go. We need to get yours and Lucy's keys before we can get out''
''They took Lucy's keys?'' Yukino asked in horror before she hung her head in shame. ''It's all my fault''
''Don't blame yourself for it now. There's no use in doing that'' Arthur shrugged. ''What's done is done''
Yukino nodded reluctantly before she looked at metal bars that stood in her way of freedom. ''Umm... You have any idea of how to get me out?''
Arthur grinned as he moved to the lock and placed his hand around it. Yukino watched with interest as shadows extended over the lock and entered the keyhole. ''It should take only a moment or – ''
He didn't manage to finish his sentence as Gajeel grabbed the lock and ripped it apart with his bare hand before stuffing it in his mouth. ''You're too slow, Souleater-junior''
Arthur's eye twitched as the doors screeched open. ''My last name's Smith, not Souleater''
''Whatever'' Gajeel grumbled while the two teenagers stepped aside so Yukino could step out. ''Thanks for getting me out''
''Thank us once we're out of castle'' Lily advised with a smirk. ''I'll do it again'' Yukino smiled pleasantly.
It was probably that kind of things you say just before everything went wrong, most of the Fairy tail members mused when the floor beneath them opened not a corridor further when they moved quickly towards upper floors. Group of eight crashed into the cold dry dirt a good deal further from the hole above them and they could only watch as it closed behind them.
''Now that's unfortunate'' Arthur mused before he turned to Gajeel, deadpan expression on his face as he stated bluntly ''I blame you''
Gajeel spluttered in shock for a second before he scowled fiercely ''How is this my fault?!''
''You made too much noise breaking that lock'' Annie agreed, smiling when Gajeel leveled her with a glare. Years around Natsu certainly helped the two young teenagers becoming immune to quite a number of glares.
''Do any of you have any idea where we are?'' Happy asked looking around, barely seeing few meters in front of him due to the poor light. The only source was, after all the roof above them and minimal amount that filtered through the cracks.
Ultear shook her head as she raised her palm, the orb floating above it again as the light emitted from it, casting light on the cavern they found themselves in. Yukino blinked at the sudden light before she looked at Ultear in amazement. ''How are you doing that?''
''Time arc'' Ultear smirked. ''I'm reflecting the light that in the past fell on the orb''
''Amazing'' Yukino breathed out but before she could comment much further on it a female disembodied voice echoed around the walls. ''Welcome to the Pitfall Palace. The last stretch of freedom for criminals such as yourselves. But I would advise against celebrating. No one ever managed to get out of this place''
Woman's figure appeared in front of them but her constant buzzing in and out of focus told them of a poorly executed thought projection. Guards behind green-haired woman stood still but neither of them anymore solid-looking. ''Your bones will rot here, thieves, so pray for your death to come quickly'' the woman finished and her picture disappeared again.
She couldn't take it. She felt downright sick and it took all her willpower to stay standing straight. Wendy gritted her teeth and tightened her grip on the railing. She'll tell Natsu at the end of the day. The battle Carla saw shouldn't happen today... probably.
End of chapter 64.
Next chapter: A bloody bath is bound to happen. The question is: Who will bleed?
I hope you all like the chapter. I wrote this one fairly quickly so I hope you're all happy about that. Please review and thanks for reading :)