Chapter 65:

Ultear sighed theatrically ''Well that lady sure knows how to be melodramatic''

Annie glanced at her mother, delicate eyebrow raised in question. ''Look who's talking''

Ultear blinked before crossing her arms over her chest, tipping her chin up faking hurt. ''My own daughter''

Arthur only palmed his face. ''Seriously''

''You're a lot like Natsu in some prospects despite not being his son by blood'' Lily noticed.

Arthur shrugged. ''I've heard that already''

''While I always enjoy a nice chat'' Gajeel started dryly ''I would like to find a way out before the last day finishes''

''Agreed'' Carla nodded her head delicately.

Ultear looked back towards the ceiling, barely visible despite the light her orb dutifully provided. ''I could probably make the ceiling crumble and then have the exceeds carry us up one by one but that will drive too much attention on us''

''We want to avoid that'' Gajeel agreed.

''Oh, so now you want to be quiet'' Arthur only smirked at Gajeel's glare. ''Stuff it, kid''

''I'm not that much younger than you'' Arthur reminded the teen next to him.

''There's a hole in that wall!'' Happy made his presence known as he flew back towards the group. Ultear turned to the blue exceed, patting him on the head much to his delight. ''Good job, Happy!'' Ultear grinned, moving her raised hand towards the hole Happy found, the orb floating above following her movement.

Her eyes fell on a hole barely large enough for Annie to pass through. ''Don't you think it's a tad bit too small for us?'' Yukino asked the exceed.

Happy shrugged. ''Hey, I found the hole. What did you do?''

Yukino blushed in response before she looked away guiltily. She was the reason they were here, whatever others denied it or not.

Ultear shot Happy a glance. ''Be nice Happy'' she scolded lightly before she turned her raised hand away from the orb, which reminded floating but it's light dimmed. Her hand stopped outstretched towards the hole, the rocks around it crumbling and turning to dust and in only a few seconds an archway was opened.

''Nice'' Arthur acknowledged before he melted down in the shadows as the group started making their way towards the newly made passage.

''Showoff'' Annie remarked, jumping away as one shadow raised from the ground, ready to topple her over.

Ultear smiled, her eyes lingering on two teenagers she loved like they were her own. It was surprising how much of Mira's, Natsu's and her own personality seeped into theirs despite the age of the two when they joined. 'Well,' Ultear smirked, turning to look back at the path before her, concentrating on the orb slightly more to give the group more light. 'The changes have gone both ways' Ultear thought of Natsu and Mira, probably already knocking mages down in the tournament.

Yukino gasped moments before Ultear herself saw it. With more light and already pass the archway, it was not hard to see a figure lying on the cold rocky ground after all.

Minerva found herself quite unhappy with her situation. Facing against Souleater, or whatever this diabolical creature before her was, was not in her carefully set planes. Not this soon into the game anyway. She was somewhat hoping the pink-haired menace would go after Jura and the two would have a double knock out or something.

''I've been looking for you'' Mira informed the Sabertooth member, still wearing Natsu's face twisted in her own hellhound take-over.

Minerva's lips pulled back in disdain. ''Well, isn't that nice of you'' she replied with a sniff. Mira chuckled. ''Care for a dance?''

Minerva frowned at the question. 'He's acting weird...'

Mira didn't wait for Minerva's replied as 'he' rushed at the girl, one hand cocked back, ready to strike. Minerva leaned to the side and twisted her upper body, moving away from her opponent in one fluid motion before she trusted her hands forward, a glowing purple orb appearing beside 'Natsu' seconds before it exploded.

Mira saw the glowing orb but without enough time to doge raised one hand to shield her face. The explosion gave more smoke than fire, Mira would say, as it barely left a mark on her gray skin, pushing her back several feet.

Minerva frowned at the questionable results her quick attack gave.

''My skin's tougher than that'' 'Natsu' informed her. ''You'll have to do better than that''

Mira flexed her claws. ''Here, let me show you''

Mira rushed forward once again, faking a jump before she crouched low and skidded past the Sabertooth mage who jumped to avoid the fake. ''Oblivion fire!'' Mira chanted as black fire exploded from her outstretched hand. Minerva cursed her airborne position as the fire warped around her. Mira's eyes stayed on the burning figure for a moment longer, something not feeling right. It clicked a second later and the temporarily pink-haired take-over mage turned on her heal and raised her leg in a block just as Minerva's own shin moved to kick 'him' in the naked torso. Mira twisted, drawing her hand in slashing motion towards Minerva's own abdomen.

Minerva jumped back the second she realized Mira spotted her, ignoring the dull pain in her leg that left her feeling as if she had kicked a rock and not a leg and instead more concentrated on the red liquid that seemed from three thin lines on her stomach where the abnormally long claws met her flesh.

'Natsu' looked carefully at the woman before 'him' wandering how to proceed, his eyes momentarily moving to the burnt piece of three that was unlucky to be used by Minerva as a substitute while she teleported.

Minerva didn't miss the momentary distraction and the short lull in the battle was blown in a fiery fashion as two orbs appeared around Mira who dodged the first, closely followed by second but found that the orbs kept appearing one after another in rapid succession and just as she dodged another one she practically landed on the other which blew up the next second. Mira cursed, smoke rising from her bruised back and singed hair. ''You'll pay for that''

Minerva panted, the amount of magic needed to keep that attack too large considering the results. Whatever form Souleater had it made him much more resistant to physical damage than she originally thought.

Erza stood on one of the few flat roofs of Blooming Capital, her eyes searching the horizon for her adversary. She has been searching for Kagura for some time now but the woman's movements were far too erratic for Erza to properly follow and First did say she would cross this point at least once.

An explosion rocked the ground and Erza's head snapped to the side, her eyes immediately landing on the rising smoke coming from few blocks away. 'So Mira found Minerva' Erza smirked. With her concentration turned so carefully on the two magic signatures dancing in the distance she almost missed the one closing in on her. She would've if the sun didn't betray her position.

As soon as a shadow fell on her Erza knew Kagura arrived and with a grim face she turned around, naginata appearing in her hand that she trusted forward, her strike blocked by a scowling Kagura.

''How nice of you to finally join me'' Erza said with a smirk. ''I've been waiting for you''

Kagura snarled in response, her eyes fixed on 'Mira' who frowned at the unfriendly gesture. ''Have I done something to offend you?'' Erza asked, momentarily forgetting it seemed to Kagura that Mira asked her that.

''You-'' Kagura said as she spun around, her still sheeted sword clashing with Erza's naginata in an array of sparks. ''-Have ruined my life!''

Erza froze in shock at the words, her grip on naginata loosening and it took only another hit from Kagura to sent it flying.

''You and your wretched guild!'' Kagura screamed in anguish as she spun the blade once again, Erza jumping back to avoid it and despite it being sheeted the tip still somehow managed to cut through the skin on her right arm. Erza hissed at the pain but didn't let it bother her as she changed from her purple Robe of Yūen into Black Wing Armor, a double-bladed, two-handed longsword in her hands which she twisted to block another strike from Kagura.

''What are you talking about?!'' Erza felt her temper boiling. No one insulted her guild. No one.

''You have taken him in! You allowed that killer inside your hall! You accepted him as a member!'' Kagura spun around and ducked under Erza's trust, trusting her own blade forward but it was blocked once again by the other end of Erza's longsword.

Erza's eyes narrowed. ''What does Natsu has to do with anything?!''

''Souleater!?'' Kagura screeched, her anger making her lose concentration and she found herself with a superficial stab wound. ''Who's talking about Souleater?! I'm talking about Jellal!''

Erza ducked under Kagura's blade, switching her own weapon for a sword as she moved behind the other woman, slashing at her back. Kagura cried out and stumbled forward.

''What did Jellal do to you?!'' Erza yelled, not pausing as she swung her blade down only hitting the roof they still stood on while Kagura rolled out of the way.

''He killed Simon!'' Kagura screamed. ''He killed my brother!''

Erza recoiled, the memory of Simon dying in the tower so vividly flashing before her eyes she could practically feel the coldness of that place. ''Simon was your brother?!''

Kagura's eyes narrowed further. ''You knew Simon?''

Erza's mouth clamped shut, remembering she looked and sounded like Mira. 'Maybe it would be easier to talk to her' Erza pulsed her magic out, alerting Kagura that something was about to happen but the Mermaid did not expect for Mira's image to melt in front of her eyes and leaving Erza standing in front of her. Erza didn't need to look at her hair to know she looked like herself again. Natsu sensed the pulse and he released the illusion.

''I knew Simon'' Erza replied. ''He was my brother too''

Kagura stopped, staring wide-eyed at the scarlet-haired girl.

Whatever Kagura planned to do next was stopped as Minerva landed in front of them with a grace of a meteor. Mira followed closely behind, still disguised as Natsu and still sporting the hellhound take-over.

Kagura looked at 'Natsu' apprehensively, after seeing what Erza did unsure who she was looking at but the take-over soul was a good hint.

Minerva groaned as she pulled herself into sitting position, a large bruise already forming on the lower part of her jaw.

''Sorry to crash the party'' Mira grinned, the grin just a tad bit sinister.

Erza gave a wry smile. ''Don't apologize''

''Arcadios!'' Yukino cried out as she rushed to the lying figure. ''What happened?!''

Arcadios cracked his eyes open though one stayed shut, too swollen to be fully open. He stayed silent for a moment, obviously not really seeing who was in front of him. ''Yu-Yukino?'' his voice was hoarse. ''You... What are you doing here?''

A grimace, clearly caused by pain flashed over his face. ''Never mind'' he continued. ''Just.. Run''

Yukino's eyebrow's scrunched in confusion as she looked back towards gathered Fairy Tail mages. Others stayed still except Gajeel who shrugged.

Ultear's eyes widened a second before others noticed something amiss and the purple-haired wizard pushed at Annie with all her might, yelling at the same time to warn the others. ''Move!''

Gajeel didn't need more than that as he grabbed Yukino's arm and pulled her threw her away, moments before gigantic fist met his back, sending him flying through the air.

''Gajeel!'' Phanter Lily yelled, transforming into his battle form and bringing his sword out, trying to get a look at his partner while at the same time keep an eye on a looming figure of their enemy. Carla and Happy flew up, both looking panicked.

Before Gajeel collided with the rock shadowy hand rose from the ground and caught him, gently setting the groaning dragon slayer on the ground. ''Shit...'' Gajeel moaned.

Arthur rose halfway from the shadow to look at the dragon slayer worriedly. ''You alright?''

Gajeel only nodded as his eyes moved to the source of his pain. ''Have you seen that, Kama? I hit him! PAN!'' the giant man yelled with a cocky grin.

A man appeared behind the giant, the speed he used to make his appearance making even Ultear's eyes widen. 'That... I've only seen Natsu moving that fast!'

''Do use your magic next time, Neppa'' the man, Kama if the giant was to be believed, spoke impassively. ''We would have one problem less to deal with''

Annie glared at the two, but her glare was quickly overridden by shock as a man landed in front of her from wherever he used to be until now. ''TAI!'' he screamed waving with what appeared to be a flagpole, a gale generating behind him and blowing Annie back. Another shadowy hand rose from the ground and the flying Fairy Tail member was once again caught by Arthur whose own eyes narrowed in annoyance.

''Tut, tut'' the voice carried from below the ground as rose protruded from cracked rock, growing in size until it was bigger than Gajeel, it's petals opening to reveal a pink-haired girl with a smile on her face. ''You missed, Uosuke''

''TAI!'' the flagpole-carrying man yelled at the girl offendedly. ''I did not miss anything, Cosmos! She just didn't hit the wall! TAI!''

''How many of them are there?'' Carla muttered when pieces of paper floated in the air, swirling next to Kama and forming a black-haired woman. ''All you did was ruffle her hair'' the girl told Uosuke.

''Who are you?'' Ultear demanded, stepping forward. Kama's eyes turned towards her and an eerie sense of familiarity passed over her.

''We are an independent unit serving the Kingdom of Fiore from the shadows'' Kama informed her.

''And also the reason why no one leaves the Pitfall Palace'' Paper-lady informed them with a grin. ''We're what you would call perfect executioners''

Kama nodded in agreement. ''We are the Garou Knights''

A chill went down Ultear's back as recognition shone in her eyes.

Natsu was sprinting through the streets of Blooming Capital, not even bothered by buildings as he jumped from one roof to the other in order to get to his goal faster. He had felt Jura's magic few blocks away and while he would be happy with wizard's close proximity, Laxus' and Orga's signatures were there as well and he did not like his fellow member's odds.

Natsu jumped over another gap between two roofs and skidded to a stop as he took in the sight before him. Laxus was standing slightly aside, his eyes locked on Jura who was in the process of driving Orga's head in the stone ground.

''That was disturbingly easy'' 'Jellal' muttered looking as Jura straightened his back and dusted his hands.

''He is certainly not nearly as strong as you, Mr. Fernandes'' Jura turned to face Laxus but his eyes moved up to the roof behind him. Laxus tensed, sensing the presence of Fairy tail dragon's far closer than it was last time he sensed it.

Seeing that he was noticed Natsu jumped down, using Chaotic void to appear next to Laxus.

''Jura'' Natsu greeted.

''Mr. Dreyar'' Jura nodded in greeting, smiling pleasantly.

''We never managed to finish our fight back in the battle part a few days ago'' Jura stroked his long beard turning to 'Jellal', a pleasant smile on his lips speaking only of wish for excitement rather than any thrill for brutality the fight between them will surely bring.

Mavis frowned. ''I didn't predict Jura and Laxus would meet before Natsu made his way to Jura. The chances of that happening were too low considering everything else''

''Will it change the outcome?'' Makarov interested.

''It shouldn't'' Mavis spoke tersely. Igneel hummed beside them ''Natsu is strong. He will defeat this... Saint''

A curious look passed Igneel's face. ''Was he chosen by gods?''

Makarov frowned in confusion, not sure what the dragon was referring to for a brief moment before he had to fight back a chuckle. ''No, Jura was not chosen by gods. A title of Wizard Saint has nothing to do with gods. It is bestowed to strongest wizards in Fiore. I am.. or was – I'm not sure of my current placement – a member of the group myself''

Igneel nodded. ''So you're strong?''

Makarov blinked at the question. He had little doubt that compared to the dragon king beside him he was not exactly strong. ''I would like to believe so, yes''

Macao leaned forward, grin on his face. ''The old man's just modest. He's probably one of the strongest wizards in this arena!''

Igneel's golden eyes turned from Macao back to Makarov who shifted uneasily. ''Really?''

''And what does that make you?'' he turned to Mavis who crossed arms over her chest, a pout forming on her face. ''I'm not even in my real body. You know what that makes me!''

''That's right... how can you see the first?'' Romeo looked at Igneel warily. ''You're not a Fairy Tail member'' Romeo turned to Makarov carefully. ''He isn't, right?''

''I'm not a member of your guild'' Igneel snickered. ''I'm simply capable of seeing spectators, ghost, and anything invisible to humans whatsoever. Your race is very blind in most prospects''

''Ultear?'' Yukino asked carefully, her eyes fixed on Garou Knights rather than on woman she was talking to. ''What's wrong?''

''You are the group that Natsu talked about'' It would appear that his name was not well known only on the surface but below it as well if the sudden tension of the Knights was anything to go by.

''Natsu Souleater?'' Kama asked tentatively though his voice was still carefully controlled.

Ultear simply nodded.

''Mr. Souleater refused our offer'' Kama replied simply.

''Offer?'' Gajeel asked apprehensively. He didn't like where this was going.

''Fairy tail's Kira refused to join us! TAI!'' Uosuke yelled, slamming his flagpole in the ground. The Fairy Tail mages tensed, the air suddenly cold.

'If they wanted Natsu in their group they are either really arrogant or really strong' Gajeel cursed. He had a nagging suspicion it was the latter that was the case.

Kama cocked his head, his eyes boring into Ultear's. ''I assume you are done with the pleasantries'' he lowered two scythes he was carrying in a position where it would be no doubt easier to swing. ''I know I am''

Kama rushed forward, one scythe facing the ceiling while the other held back, in a position ready to cut.

The black-haired woman, Kamika from what Annie heard Cosmos speak, disintegrated to paper and in a swirling mass rushed towards her. Annie jumped back, leaving the illusion of herself standing the ground, dividing Kamika's attention just long enough to get some distance as Kamika cut through the illusion.

Yukino cursed her weakness under her breath as she realized she did not have her keys. With a yelp, she jumped out of the way as a giant, 'Neppa' she reminded herself, slammed his fist where she stood, smoke rising from the rock and she realized with morbid fascination that she was dealing with acid.

Gajeel growled in annoyance as the flagpole-waving idiot rushed at him, cackling madly. His hand transformed into an iron club and he trusted it forward but Uosuke dodged, waving the flag, not unlike a fishing rod, and releasing a stream of water, smoking and hot. Gajeel dropped to the ground and rolled out of the way, escaping the boiling water by a mere inch.

''Kitties!'' Cosmos crowned happily, suddenly appearing before Happy and Carla, sitting happily in a new rose that protruded from the ground.

Carla yelped in shock at her sudden appearance while Happy gave a shrill shriek of fright. Cosmos moved to grab Happy, her giggling stopping abruptly when the rose she was sitting in shook and fell, cut from the ground by Lily's sword. ''Don't you dare hurt them'' Lily growled angrily, his grim face pulled back into a snarl when Cosmos landed with an 'ompf' in front of him. The girl glared dangerously at the exceed and Arthur emerged from the shadows. ''Let me help you with this, Lily'' Arthur informed the exceed. ''I don't like her very much'' Lily smirked and nodded his head.

Ultear glared at Kama, the man dancing with his scythes with deadly precision. ''I am trained in the art of killing since I was a child'' Kama informed her. ''You are facing the best executioner there is''

Ultear grunted in effort when on scythe came to close and she had to use her orb to stop it instead of dodging, sighing as it shattered in a spray of fragments. She waved her hand, effortlessly reforming the shattered orb.

''Time arc'' Kama realized.

''Time arc'' Ultear confirmed.

Something in Kama reminded Ultear of Natsu, she decided, as he swung his scythe at her, once again aiming for her neck. He was either not using his full speed or he couldn't use both the scythes and that speed Ultear witnessed at the same time. She was not sure whatever she would be able to match his full speed, not when she was having trouble keeping up as it was.

She ducked under another swing and waved her hands through the air, magic circle appearing on the ceiling and the rocks rained down on Kama whose eyes turned up and he danced his way out, thankfully away from Ultear.

Ultear faced the man, the orb flying towards Kama but even as he shattered it another appeared, closely followed by another and another until he was surrounded by glowing orbs. His eyes narrowed and he dropped his brunt lower, bringing the scythes up.

Ultear frowned but did not stop as she sent the orbs flying towards the man, the seriousness of her situation becoming more clear by a second as one after one, orbs exploded in a spray of fragments. Her eyes narrowed and she willed the orbs to reappear around Kama just as he destroyed the last.

The man glanced at her in annoyance, obviously not happy to deal with that number of flying objects aimed his way but it was all Ultear could think of at the moment and she certainly wouldn't be considerate of his happiness. Ultear found herself with a tough choice. If she destroyed his scythes – for she didn't doubt she could – he would probably use more of that speed she witnessed but as it is now she was not capable of making more than a small bruise if even that. The lone orb that floated above the man, shards of the rest lying beneath his feet a testimony to it.

Ultear frowned. To destroy or not to destroy? Choices, choices...

Kama frowned as well beneath the hood and facemask that covered his lower face.

''What are you planning?'' he asked almost curiously.

Ultear raised one elegant eyebrow. ''And you think I would tell you... why...?''

Kama shrugged before he rushed toward Ultear once again. Ultear side-stepped the strike trusting her leg forward, her knee driving in Kama's stomach just as Kama's elbow caught her in the face.

The two rolled to the floor, Ultear ending on top of the man and kicking away one of the sharp weapons. Kama grunted before he drove his foot in Ultear's hip, the purple-haired mage rolling away with a curse.

Kama jumped to his feet and pulled his remaining scythe up, swinging it at Ultear that still lied on the ground. Ultear rolled out of the way, wincing as the scythe caught few strands of her hair, leaving one lock of hair uneven. Ultear scowled, her eyes on the hair now lying on the ground while she stood up. She didn't have much time for remorse as scythe waving executioner came rushing back at her, but Ultear decided enough was enough. Cutting her hair was something he shouldn't have done.

Her face slightly red, both from anger and from the fight that seems to be dragging on and on, she twisted her hands in a complex pattern and just as the blade came close once again she trusted her hand forward. ''Time arc: DISINTEGRATE!''

Kama's eyes widened as his weapon rusted, cracked and exploded in a shower of dust, the once beautiful blade no more. His moment of distraction cost him as Ultear spun around, years of sparring and training making her combat skills on par with the best. Her kick met him in the jaw, lifting him from the floor and sending him toppling back.

He skidded to a stop, rolling to the side as Ultear landed moments later on the spot he has occupied, her orb flying above her in circles. She trusted her hand forward, the orb following as it crashed towards him and Kama once again dodged, the orb hitting the stone with such power behind it that it left a circular imprint and broke once again though it was quickly repaired by an obviously angry Ultear.

Kama jumped to his feet and ducked under Ultear's next blow, sliding behind her and driving his elbow into her back before pulling a dagger out of his boot, twirling it in his hand before throwing it at the purple-haired wizard who once again turned the weapon into dust.

Ultear didn't have much time to smirk at executioner because he was in front of her the next second, her movements to fast for her to properly follow as the two exchanged blows and kick, only Ultear's experience and reflexes keeping her in the fight.

She was not wrong about his speed and she once again found herself at loss as to what to do. She jumped back and looked carefully as Kama reached her, her eyes on his feet instead of arms and with a silent prayer she slammed her heeled foot in the ground. ''Ice-make: Frozen garden!''

She wasn't a fan of using the ice-magic considering it reminded her too much of her late mother but she was gratified to see Kama slowing down enough to adjust his footing at the newly slippery rock. Ultear rushed at him this time, used to move across the ice even after years of ignoring that part of herself.

Kama to his credit didn't look overly surprised Ultear knew another form of magic, completely different than her obviously preferred type. Ultear slammed her palm into Kama's chest, freezing part of his torso and right shoulder.

The man cursed, flipped and skidded out of the ice, right beside his other scythe that until now lied forgotten.

Ultear stood still in the center of her little ice arena.

''You know I can destroy that scythe'' Ultear informed him.

Kama inclined his head in agreement. ''True''

She did not expect the man to throw his weapon at her. The massive weapon spun wildly towards her, the precision with which it was thrown true to the man's claims. Ultear trusted her hand forward once again, the same incantation leaving her lips. As she watched the weapon disappear she did not expect for Kama to emerge from the dust, his fist back before he drove it in her jaw, sending her flying through the air, reeling from the blow.

Kama didn't wait for her to get back to her feet and jumped at her, fist flying as he hit her in the head, driving elbow in her nose moments later. Ultear gasped as it broke, blood spraying the rocky ground. The pain from the blows was numbing and even as Kama himself was having a problem drawing breath in his lungs he did not stop.

''MOM!''

Ultear's eyes snapped open, moving to look at Arthur who was desperately trying to reach her but his hands full between fighting Cosmos and protecting exceeds.

Ultear looked at Kama who jus cocked back his fist, probably ready to knock her out. Ultear sneered, showing her bloodied teeth to Kama and with a final scream Ultear pulled back, the orb lying on the rocks lifting and flying towards Kama hitting the man in the head and sending him to the ground. Ultear reeled back and threw herself on Kama, ice spike appearing in her hands, aiming towards Kama's heart. Kama's eyes widened and the man reached for the second dagger he hid in the other boot.

Natsu tensed as odd feeling rose the hair on his hands. He wouldn't put it down to excitement because even against Jura he did not doubt in his victory. No, it was not excitement... it was almost...

''Fear'' the Voice supplied gleefully.

Natsu's eyes narrowed. 'I don't get afraid'

''And I'm not in your head''

''Jellal'' 'Laxus' turned to 'Jellal' who tensed, something not missed by Jura who looked at the interaction curiously. The tone of the voice was the same but the voice itself sounded off. Jura frowned. 'Could it be?'

''Find Sting and Rouge and deal with them. I will finish this'' Laxus commanded and Jellal frowned, Jura's own frown deepening.

''Hey, I wanna fight Jura from day one! You won't take this chance from me''

''From day one?'' Jura asked curiously, smart eyes glinting and when 'Laxus' gave Jellal the glare Jura knew.

''Mr. Souleater and Mr... Dreyar I assume?''

Natsu didn't reply as he dropped the illusion surrounding them. Laxus only grinned in response, rubbing the back of his head. ''I am seriously considering knocking you out myself simply because you annoy me'' Natsu decided, speaking to Laxus who blanched, reasoning Natsu wouldn't do that but somehow being more than sure he would.

Jura gave a wry smile. ''I would not mind fighting both of you. You know I'm a Wizard Saint and you should not underestimate me''

Natsu looked at the wizards for a moment, an idea Mavis probably wouldn't approve of forming in his head. ''You are the one underestimating us''

Laxus couldn't hide the smirk that formed on his face. 'Us' Laxus thought smugly 'I will take that as a compliment'

Natsu glanced at Laxus and the dragon slayer had to look twice to be sure that yes, there was a smirk on the usually stoic face. ''Laxus, would you mind showing this fine gentleman the power of Fairy Tail dragon slayers. He seems to be unaware just how little he thinks of us''

''I didn't mean to offend'' Jura defended himself. ''I just merely pointed out that I am not to be underestimated''

''And yet you do that to us'' Natsu turned a bored look at Jura. ''Were you not there when I fought two dragon slayers of Sabertooth?''

''I was there'' Jura admitted easily, knowing the dragon had a point. Natsu dropped through the ground as Chaotic void opened beneath him and Laxus suddenly found himself wondering when did he stop needing incantation to do so. Natsu reappeared on the roof he stood on moments ago and sat down, legs crossed.

Laxus knew what that meant. He will be watching the fight but he will not interfere even if he was about to lose. No, he will stand up only when the fight is over or someone else joins.

And Laxus appreciated that. ''Let's dance'' Laxus grinned, lightning exploding around him.

Jura eyed the dragon on the roof one last time before nodding somewhat jerkily, not sure what to make of the situation. Laxus rushed at him, true to the rumors and what Jura witnessed before, far faster than his bulk would suggest.

Jura sidestepped the lightning that was Laxus and slammed his foot on the ground, spikes of rock rising and following the evading electricity.

''Stone forest!'' Jura announced and the ground shook, the rocky pillars rising for several more moments but Jura cancels his attack when Laxus turns around and from his running and moves behind Jura who with a quick motion of his hands rose a rock wall, Laxus stopping in front of it, almost colliding. With a grin still on his face, he pulled back his fist and shouted ''Lightning dragon's breakdown fist!'' the rock shattered beneath the pressure but Jura was no longer directly behind it, having retreated to safer distance moments earlier, his own attack at ready. ''Iron rock fist!''

The giant fist made of stone rushed at Laxus who twisted his upper body, barely avoiding the attack as he did so. Letting himself fall to the ground when the fist twisted midair, its intent obvious, he rolled out of the way one more time, and with one arm propelled himself to his feet and jumped in the air, landing on the fist much to Jura's surprise and before the Wizard Saint had much time to dwell on current situation Laxus drove his fist into the rock, shattering it.

''Impressive'' Jura complimented even as he closed the distance between himself and Laxus and the two started exchanging blows with rapid success.

Laxus ducked under the fist and twisted his arm, his elbow aimed at the side of Jura's head, only for it to be caught by Jura who pushed the elbow away making Laxus lose his balance and drove a knee in his side.

Laxus grunted as he stumbled back, one hand on his bruised stomach, one up and catching Jura's fist. Jura's eyes narrowed but he lifted his leg, aiming at the same spot he managed to hit moments earlier. Laxus sidestepped and balled his fist, pumping electricity through it and managing to catch the Saint in the jaw.

''What is he doing?'' Mavis's eyes narrowed as they watched Natsu walking away from the fight, sitting on the roof nearby.

Igneel was also frowning. 'Something's not right'

''Wasn't he told to fight the Saint?'' Igneel questioned trying to sound just curious. Makarov looked at him for a moment before nodding. ''It was the plan. I'm not sure what he's thinking''

Igneel's frown deepened. ''Is something wrong?'' Makarov asked the king carefully.

Igneel didn't look at him, his eyes trained on the lacrima that showed Laxus and Jura proceed to fight before switching back to Natsu and the fire dragon king was vaguely aware the guy with funny hair was commenting, screaming really, something again.

''Natsu disobeying orders?'' Igneel snorted ''Depends. Does he respect you?''

''I would like to believe he does'' Makarov frowned.

''He doesn't disobey unless he decided something's more important. Now either he deems your grandchild worthy to fight instead of him... or he's hiding something''

Natsu watched as the two wizards below fought, content to just sit there and watch, dropping trough Chaotic void when a stray rock or lightning flew his way.

He wasn't sure how would it end if he fought the Saint but he was unwilling to admit to himself or anyone else how close he was to lose control when he turned into a dragon.

And it was all its fault!

''You know I'm a guy, right?''

'...Yes, but I refuse to speak to you like a person. You are an 'it' until you show me your face'

''You want to see my face?'' There was something gleeful in its voice. ''You know I could pull you back in...''

Natsu kept his face carefully blank but his heart gave a panicked jolt. 'You wouldn't dare. Not now'

''You think I care whatever you and your guild win or lose?''

'Actually, I do. If you didn't care you wouldn't let me out of my mind since second day'

''Believe me, the only thing your victory will bring is a slightly quicker way to get my endgame on track. Even if Fairy Tail loses I will get what I want''

'Not until you take control of my body'

''It's only a matter of time''

Natsu frowned, a growl leaving his parted lips. 'You will not do as you please in my mind'

''I think I'm already doing that''

As distasteful as the sentence was it was not that far from the truth. He visited his Memory hall on the occasions he managed to fall asleep since the second day. The sight that greeted him was not pretty and the constant headache that seemed to grow with each hour was not a good sign. The 'books', scrolls and half torn papers littered the ground and he had no doubt some were burned if the ash on the ground was any identification.

''Why so quiet?''

Natsu didn't respond and kept the eyes stubbornly on the fight in front of him.

Ultear landed on Kama, her eyes mad with fury and adrenaline, lips pulled back in a snarl. She didn't care for the dagger that Kama pulled, didn't care her own weapon was a hastily created spike of ice. She long since realized she won't leave this fight alive if Kama does.

She landed on Kama, the poor lightning giving spectators no better insight on what exactly happened after that.

There was a sickening crunch of what sounded like a bone. There was a wet sound of blood being spilled across the rock.

And there was the silence as two bodies stayed still.

The silence did not last long as Annie screamed, the sound shrill and laud.

''MOM!'' Arthur called once again, running towards the two, leaping and stumbling over the uneven rocks on the ground forgetting to dive into the shadows, forgetting Cosmos. None of it mattered.

One of them moved, Kama or Ultear, Arthur wasn't sure but as he got closer he could see the blood and Why is there so much blood?!. Kama was still underneath Ultear so if he moved Ultear would move as well but... it had to be her.

He almost cried out in relief when Ultear's hand moved and with a groan, she pushed herself up, the snap of something they heard now proved to be the ice she held, broken in two, one end buried deep into Kama's stomach.

The man was gasping for breath, eyes wide in shock, his hood back on the rock, revealing short magenta hair.

''Kama?!'' Cosmos asked in shock taking a step forward though she paid her deconcentration dearly when Phanter Lily slammed the hilt of his sword into her temple, driving her head in the rock and sending her into blissful unconsciousness.

Kama coughed behind the metal mask, one hand sloppily reaching for it and taking it off with some fiddling, blood dripping from the inside.

Kamika growled, moving toward Kama but her path was stopped as Annie stepped in front of her, cold sweat running down young girls back as she told herself her mother was fine. A cut decorated the left side of her forehead, running from the hairline and bellow eyebrow – a result of one of Kamika's attacks hitting. The blood bothered the girl as it kept shrouding her vision. Kamika wasn't unscratched herself, a dark bruise already forming on her jaw and shoulder.

Kamika growled at Annie, angry at interruption as she swung her leg to kick her but all she hit was air as her leg passed trough Annie once again before copies of the brown-haired girl surrounded her.

''You're not getting away'' the copies echoed.

Gajeel himself finished Uoskue moments earlier than Kama fell so he was moving towards Yukino who didn't seem to get the upper hand. Her lack of keys too much of a handicap despite her rather impressive combat skills.

Nappa was too big and too strong and while he barely looked scratched and winded Yukino was holding her hand, bleeding and disfigured from the acid.

The relief in her eyes when Gajeel clubbed the man in the head just as he was about to deal a finishing blow was obvious in her big blue orbs.

Ultear stood up with some help from Arthur who almost dropped her in shock when he realized the blood he touched on her was not only Kama's.

''Mom... You.. You're bleeding'' Arthur whispered, eyes fixed on the dagger buried under Ultear's ribs.

Ultear winced as she looked down at the hilt. ''Right... Help- Help me sit down''

Arthur nodded, biting his lips that turned white just like the rest of his face. Ultear sat with a huff next to Kama's feet, the man still staring at the ceiling that was too dark and too far to be truly seen.

Ultear warped her fingers around the dagger gingerly, careful not to jolt it around too much.

''I can breathe so I don't think it cut the lungs or diaphragm'' Ultear told Arthur who looked ready to be sick.

''Too bad'' Kama rasped next to her earning a kick from Arthur. ''Shut up, you bastard!''

Kama grinned at him, teeth bloody. ''I'm just doing... my j-job, kid. I'm ex-executioner for-'' he was stopped by a coughing fit that lasted for several moments before he rasped ''-prisoners that fell down here. If... If king sends someone down than th- they did something that deserves no be... better than dying''

''So you don't even know what people did to get sent here?'' Arthur sounded disgusted. ''You just kill them?''

''As quickly as possible'' Kama gave a weak nod.

Ultear gave a quiet cry as she pulled the dagger out while Arthur was distracted, freezing the wound with magic as the blood started flowing down faster.

''Don't be angry at him, Arthur'' Ultear gasped and pulled herself up. ''As he said... he's just doing his job''

''He-!'' Arthur looked bewildered. ''He almost killed you!''

Ultear shrugged. ''I didn't say I like him''

Kama gave a groan as he shifted, pulling the ice out and turning on his side, clutching the hole.

He could make out Kamika and Nappa still fighting, albeit both seemed to be losing since black-haired guy joined the girl. They will lose this and he will die if he doesn't stop the bleeding. He will die regardless probably.

''Stop the fight'' Kama tried to shout, though it turned more into a pathetic whine at the end. It was enough from what he could see. Kamika stopped and so did Nappa. Kamika looked relieved while Nappa only annoyed.

Ultear eyed him carefully. ''What are you doing?''

''Letting you go'' Kama replied with a weak cough. ''You will win this and I don't want my men to get hurt''

Ultear seemed satisfied with the answer. More than Kama could say as she bent down and froze his wound much to Arthur's horror. ''What are you doing?!''

''I hope this means you'll leave us be. We are no criminals. We merely tried to rescue our friend from the empire. Yukino didn't break any laws, she was doing what Arcadios told her and our guildmate got her keys stolen by your king. Or Arcadios. I'm not sure who to blame anymore''

Kama didn't reply, and for a moment Ultear wandered if he died. He was still breathing so she guessed he was alive. For now.

Gajeel and Yukino eyed Nappa suspiciously. The man only rolled his eyes. ''Um... Ultear... Should we fight them?''

Annie looked at Ultear, waiting for an answer, she herself was sitting on Kamika's shoulders, hands in positions mere inches from hitting the girl.

Ultear looked at Kama. ''No''

''Let's go''

''Don't.. Don't think we will not go after you once I can get to my feet'' Kama informed her though his tone was not serious, it was more teasing to some extent though Ultear guessed she wouldn't be able to tell if certain dragon didn't give her enough practice in the emotions department.

''You're just giving us a head start'' Ultear assured him. Ultear turned on her heel and with a wince and a hand on the ice started walking. Carla filed to her, worried expression decorating her face. ''Do.. Do you want me to carry you? I... I could''

Ultear smiled at the exceed. ''No, I can do it. It doesn't hurt that much. The ice is numbing the pain''

Yukino walked to the purple-haired mage, Gajeel at her side. Her damaged arm warped in cloth that until now held his hair back from his face. ''Is your arm alright?'' Arthur asked seeing the bloody cloth.

''It's fine'' Yukino sent him a strained smile. Annie gingerly left Kamiko's shoulders, the woman sending her an annoyed look which Annie ignored.

''We should get Arcadios'' Yukino continued but it was Lily who answered, still in his battle form. ''Already done that''

Arcadios looked at them, leaning against Lily, one leg badly twisted.

The group, bruised and battered turned away from the executioner, three lying and remaining two walking toward Kama.

It was weird, to just walk away from the fight like that, where your enemy is still up, still watching you walk away. Strange, indeed.

The feeling of that reminded even after the group left their horizon, silent. Almost as if worried a word too loudly said would restart the fight.

Worried but not afraid. They could win. They would win had the fight continued.

''I know a way out'' informed them Arcadios when the group of nine rounded another corner, the chances of Garou knights hearing them nonexistent. ''At least believe I do''

Ultear raised an eyebrow before nodding. ''That's... good'' she said after a moment. She didn't trust him. Not now and she doubted the man will earn it anytime soon.

''You don't trust me'' Arcadios observed.

''Can you blame me?'' Ultear replied.

Arcadios chuckled. ''No''

Laxus rubbed his jaw, the result of Jura's fist only brushing against it a warning to not let the man hit him. If that fight connected directly... Laxus shuddered, it would not bode well for him. He could practically feel Natsu's glare on him for letting even that connect.

He didn't blame him.

Jura nodded at him, a sign of respect. It would appear not many opponents withstand even that. 'Well...' Laxus grinned 'I can pack a mean punch as well'

Jura moved again, hands rising and feet stomping in deadly rhythm, rocks rising from the flat ground forming a spiky path towards Laxus whose response was a deep breath. ''Lightning dragon's ROAR!''

The rocks erupted, Jura's attack demolished behind giant roar but the wizard didn't look surprised, he simply jumped away intercepting Laxus' fist as the man appeared in front of him moments later. Jura raised his leg, kick aiming at Laxus' knee but Laxus jumped and trusted his hands forward sending the Saint sliding back.

Jura's eyes narrowed as he formed a path beneath him, skiing over the rocks that rose and jumping to the roof.

''You are remarkable opponent, Mr. Dreyar''

''So are you'' Laxus replied, once again using lightning to reach the man. Jura spun out of the punch and drew his elbow into Laxus' abdomen, Laxus gasping for breath at the sudden lack of oxygen in his lungs.

Jura taped his foot and pillar rose sending the lightning mage flying. Laxus spun in the air, managing to regain his composure. 'Giving me high ground was a bad idea'

Jura seemed to realize that as well because he was jumping from the roof and rising pillars from the ground towards him, intent set to stop him.

''Dragon slayer secret art:...!'' Laxus shouted, taking great satisfaction when Jura's eyes widened. He had started falling by now but the pillars Jura sent after he proved useful as he landed on them jumping up from one to the other, moving closer towards the Saint.

The smoke rose, obscuring the two fighters from the view of spectators.

Jura stopped the attack and stomped on the ground, the pillars bending over his head, forming a shield.

''Thunder blade!'' Laxus screamed, the lightning coming from the clear sky overhead and mending with him, hitting the rock with earth-shattering force.

Ultear and group stared at the open gate that led to their freedom. Or more specifically at the cloaked figure standing there. The cloak was black and clean, decorated with purple roses at the bottom. They didn't say anything at first, content on just looking at Ultear and her group in silence.

A dangle of, a sound of metal against metal was quiet but in the absolute silence, it was deafening.

The figure, a woman, raised her hand, showing two different set of golden and silver keys. Sets Yukino recognized easily and before she could voice her thoughts one set was flying towards her, tossed by the cloaked figure. She coughed them, barely but she knew before even looking at them that those were her keys.

''I believe that's yours'' the woman spoke, her voice uncannily familiar.

''Thank you'' she whispered in relief, silent tears flowing down her cheeks.

''You're welcome'' she replied shortly.

''Who are you?'' Ultear demanded.

The cloaked stranger looked at Ultear, her face hidden in the shadow of her hood but as she lifted her shin her lips became visible in the light, lips twisted into a sharp smile, slightly disfigured by a deep scar that decorated the right side.

''Me?'' the woman reached for her hood. ''Well, essentially: you''

Purple locks spilled from as the hood came down. Familiar, slightly older, face of Ultear attached to the stranger. ''You from the future, anyway''

End of chapter 65.

Now, I know it's been a long time but I this chapter's pretty long so I'll call it even. I hope all of you liked it and I hope to get some reviews when I post this because I am seriously thinking about hiatus considering the lack of any kind of response. That being said, what do you think? Talk to me! I need to know! Not much talk about Acnologia in this chapter, I know but the last day needs to be finished. I won't go into every fight in detail so I hope you don't mind. Ultear from the future, eh? I've been considering who should it be. Mira, Wendy, Natsu... there have been many people I thought of but I realized I give Ultear to little spotlight (that might be just me though but eh... deal with it). Also, this chapter was finished pretty late and I didn't have the strength to read it over (it has over 8000 words) so I apologize deeply for any and every mistake that might be here.

All in all, please review and thanks for reading :)