So, a bit of note as to why my updates have slowed down a bit recently. For one thing, it has been extremely hot here, with multiple nights being 30 degrees plus, making it hell for me to sit in my small room and write, as my computer heats things up more.
In addition to that, I have decided to give One Piece another try. Five years ago I started reading Fairy Tail and found it boring, last year (well, last year and a fortnight) I picked it up again and it spawned more than half a dozen fics from me. Considering that I actually didn't find One Piece boring the first time around and it was the seventh replay of the Crocodile Arc on my morning cartoon watching which made me give up on it, which was ten years ago, I figure I owe it to myself to at least give it a decent watch… that and the fact that Bleach is now finished so I need another weekly manga to keep me going through the weeks, as I'm only reading Fairy Tail now.
In any case, there a few days of cooler weather coming now, so I should be able to get out an update or two soon. I'm about halfway through an update for one of my Bleach stories now and will probably move on to the other one after that, as I'm on a bit of a Bleach kick now.
In any case, enjoy the chapter and thanks for reading.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Techniques
Chapter 8 – Rules of Engagement
The boat containing the vacationing Fairy Tail mages and their would be captors pulled up to the base of the Tower of Heaven. Simon disembarked from the ship first, with Mira following immediately after. The others hesitated for a moment, before following suit, joining their comrades.
'Well, what is this plan of yours? I'm assuming since you wanted us to come to the tower, you have a plan of action.' Asked Mira.
'I do. It was always my intention for us to stick together, as Jellal may have hired other people to ensure everything goes smoothly. Jellal is at the very top of the tower and is there right now.' Started Simon.
'Then I'll end this right now.' Said Mira, preparing to fly up, only for Simon to grab her arm.
'Let go of me.' Demanded Mira.
'Please wait! Jellal has power on par with a Wizard Saint, no one other than a Wizard Saint can defeat him in one on one combat, that is why we need to face him as a group.' Said Simon, before letting go of Mira.
'Fine then, lead the way.' Said Mira, to which Simon nodded.
'Please follow me then.' Said Simon, before making his way into the tower.
Mira was not more than a step behind Simon and the others followed after.
'Are we sure this is a good idea? I mean, is this Jellal person really just going to let us all ambush him?' Asked Lucy, eyes darting around in worry.
'No, there is a good chance he even knows we are coming for him. Jellal is perceptive that way.' Said Simon.
'And you would be right, Simon.' Said a disembodied voice, coming from multiple mouths, which suddenly appeared on the walls of the tower.
'I see you revealed your hand, Simon. I only hope it is good enough for you to win here. You see, I have in fact hired a little help, since I had anticipated at least you defecting at some point. Who would have thought you would have convinced the others too?' Continued the voice.
'We only told them the truth.' Said Simon, referring to Erza and himself.
'Ah, that explains it.' Said the voice.
'Jellal! You lied to us! You used us!' Shouted Shou in anguish.
'Indeed I did. You did make a good pawn, Shou. You weren't the brightest, but your blind devotion was appreciated.' Said the voice.
'So it was all true after all.' Commented Wally, with Millianna appearing as though someone had stolen her favourite toy.
'In any case, here are the terms of engagement. You see, I've arranged a little entertainment. At this moment, the Magic Council is discussing using Etherion on this little tower of ours. It could strike at any time now without warning. On the other hand, I require my target, Erza Scarlet, in order to fulfil my goals and activate the Tower of Heaven. Either way, should you defeat me, then you win. If I get my hands on Erza Scarlet before Etherion fires, I win. However, I wouldn't want things to be too easy and for that reason, Trinity Raven is within this tower as well and their goal is to bring me Erza Scarlet, but their secondary purpose is to defeat each and every one of you. Fairy Tail mages and traitors alike, let the games begin.' Said the mouths, before they melded back into the walls.
'Well, you've heard the situation now I suppose. We need to get up there and stop Jellal, but Trinity Raven… we stand no hope against them alone and need to work together.' Said Simon.
'We'll see.' Said Mira.
'We need to move, quickly!' Urged Simon, leading them towards a staircase.
As the group climbed the staircase, they were met with two dozen mages at the top of it wielding numerous weapons.
'Attack!' Shouted one of the men, before they were all blasted away, by a wave of dark energy, compliments of Mira, knocking them all out.
'Let's go.' Barked Mira, getting a nod from Simon.
The group climbed up another staircase, only to come across a split in the road, going towards three separate paths.
'Behind each tunnel is a member of Trinity Raven. Choose wisely how you go about getting past them, as only one path leads to me and you don't have time to spare.' Said Jellal, appearing as two dozen mouths along the tower walls again.
'Damnit, he's right! There is no telling when Etherion will strike.' Cursed Simon.
'It's really simple then, we split up. Juvia, you take Lucy and cat girl along the path to the right. Gray, you go with Simon and block face along the left path. Erza, you're coming with me straight through the middle.' Ordered Mira quickly, only for someone to disagree with her plan.
'No, I won't let you hurt sis!' Shouted Shou, before Erza disappeared from view and Shou ran down the central path.
Mira sighed and placed her palm on her forehead.
'I was going to tell him to stay here, since he is the weakest among us, but he very likely just went down the most dangerous path.' Complained Mira.
'What makes you think your path is the most dangerous?' Asked Simon.
'Simple, I can feel the power of the mages inside each path to a rough degree. Now though, I'm going to have babysit two people instead of one, just great. Anyway, get moving people.' Said Mira, before flapping her wings and shooting off down her path.
'Well, we might as well follow her plan then. Wally, Gray, come with me.' Said Simon, getting a nod from Gray and a tip of the hat from Wally, before the trio headed to the left.
'Juvia thinks we should move as well.' Said Juvia, before starting to walk off towards the right.
Lucy gave a small groan before following after, Millianna walking beside her.
'Your friend Mira is pretty scary.' Commented Millianna.
'Yeah… but she isn't normally like this. She's a model and one of the nicest people in Fairy Tail. Something's changed her these past few days and it's frightening. It's like she is a completely different person.' Admitted Lucy.
'You shouldn't talk about Mirajane behind her back, Lucy.' Said Juvia, turning back to look at the two.
'But she's been acting so different.' Protested Lucy.
'Well, Juvia never saw how Mirajane acted before, so Juvia will take your word for it. However, Mirajane has shown herself to be quite powerful these past few days.' Said Juvia calmly, as they started to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
'I guess…' Said Lucy, trailing off at the end.
The trio walked in silence from that point on, as they neared the light at the end of the tunnel. As the three past into the light, it took a moment for their eyes to adjust, but they focused very quickly on the man in front of them.
'Oh yeah, three lovely ladies. I can't wait to have some fun with all of you.' Catcalled a man, who looked more at home in a band than an assassins' guild. His long dark hair stood out the most, but the tattoos and spiked shoulder pads were also of note.
'I'm Vidaldus Taka, a member of Trinity Raven and for the next few moments, your entertainment.' Said the man introducing himself, before strumming his guitar.
'Ugh, that sounds terrible.' Whined Lucy, with Millianna whining in agreement.
'It's actually quite good, but we don't have time for this, Water Lock.' Said Juvia, raising her arms towards the man.
'Did you say rock?' Asked Vidaldus in excitement, before being engulfed in a dome of water.
'Way to go Juvia, you did it.' Cheered Lucy, only for what happened next to stun the trio.
Vidaldus' hair started to swirl within the dome of water and seemingly sucked it away into his hair, leaving the man dry as he was a few seconds ago.
'Ah, water is just the thing for your hair in the morning. No shampoo though, as the hair won't like it.' Said Vidaldus, sticking his tongue out and grinning.
'That's not right at all, you need to wash your hair more frequently when it gets long, or the oil builds up.' Disagreed Lucy.
'Meow, is this really the time to be discussing hair care?' Asked Millianna.
'Well why not? I'm sure Juvia agrees, that's why she cut her hair. I have to take extra care of my hair too.' Said Lucy, causing Juvia to glance back at her.
'Must you remind me of my shortcomings, Love Rival?' Hissed Juvia, confusing Lucy.
'What did I say?' Whined Lucy.
'Okay, time to see which one of you girls will be my succubus today. How to choose though?' Hummed Vidaldus.
'How about none of us?' Suggested Lucy.
'Yes, Juvia will defeat you now, Water Cane.' Said Juvia, swinging her hand out at Vidaldus, which turned into a whip-like extension of water and gouged a deep line into the rocky wall behind where he had stood, having jumped to the side to avoid being hit.
'Oh, I like you girlie. Rock and whips, you should be with me, we could pull of a great performance together.' Said Vidaldus, swinging his head around in excitement.
'Juvia is not available. Water Slicer.' Said Juvia, swinging her hand again, this time launching numerous scythe-like projections of water at Vidaldus, getting a few scratches on him this time.
'Oh you bitch, that's it, I'm going to get serious with you now. You'll be screaming my name when I'm done with you!' Spat Vidaldus in anger.
-line break-
'Be careful now, there is no telling who will be up against.' Warned Simon, as he led the way through the tunnel.
'With the three of us working together, everything should be dandy, Simon.' Commented Wally.
'It doesn't matter who it is. If they aren't as strong as a Wizard Saint, they won't be able to stop us. That and I don't really believe you on how strong this Jellal guy is supposed to be.' Added Gray.
'You would do well not to underestimate him. Not everyone can become a Wizard Saint.' Said Simon.
'Not according to what I've seen.' Scoffed Gray, confusing Simon, as they exited the tunnel.
'Ho, ho, evildoers, I, Fukuro, the avatar of justice, will defeat you evildoers.' Crowed a muscular man, with the head of an owl.
'Evildoers? You're the guys trying to kill us.' Pointed out Gray.
'Ho, ho, you seek to stop Master Jellal's honourable goal, therefore you three must be evildoers. Evildoers will be punished and face justice. I, Fukuro, will deliver this justice, prepare yourselves.' Said Fukuro, before two jets behind him exploded into action and launched him forwards at the trio.
Wally dematerialised and Gray leapt to the side to dodge. Simon, used his magic however, causing the room to go dark.
'Ho, foolish, the darkness is not your ally, I see all evil, even in the dark.' Said Fukuro, before slamming into Simon and launching him into the stone wall behind him, while simultaneously disrupting his magic, restoring light to the area.
'Simon!' Cried Wally, only for Fukuro to turn on him.
'Ho, perish along with your comrade.' Said Fukuro, before blasting off at Wally.
Wally faded away again in a stream of white blocks, before reappearing by Simon's side and quickly checking him over.
'Simon, are you still able to fight?' Asked Wally in concern.
'Yes, but we should not underestimate our foe in the slightest. One more false move and it could be our end.' Warned Simon, climbing back to his feet.
'Ho, you are right, evildoer, however, justice stops for no man. All of you will fall here.' Said Fukuro.
Wally and Simon prepared for Fukuro's next attack, as he launched himself at them again, thanks to the jetpack on his back. Wally raised his arm in preparation to shoot the owl-man, while Simon starting gathering his darkness magic.
'Forget about me? Ice Make: Wall.' Said Gray, gaining the attention of the three, who had temporarily forgotten him.
Fukuro crashed into the wall of ice Gray had erected between the three combatants, stopping the attacks of both side.
'Such underhanded tactics. You have angered me now evildoers and I will fight you with the mighty hammer of justice.' Crowed Fukuro in annoyance.
-line break-
'Shou, you need to stop! Why are you running towards Jellal and why did you trap me in this card!' Screamed Erza, banging her fists against the magical card barrier encasing her.
'Don't worry sis, my card is special and nothing can hurt you in there. As for where I'm going, I'm going to beat Jellal myself and stop him from hurting you.' Said Shou.
'No, Shou, Jellal is too strong for you, you won't stand a chance!' Cried Erza in dismay.
'You'll see sis, I've gotten strong.' Said Shou proudly, only for his face to form a scowl, as he saw someone standing in his path.
'I am called Ikaruga, greetings.' Said the woman blocking Shou's path.
Ikaruga wielded a katana and stood tall in her traditional sandals, atop extremely high platform soles.
'Move it. Who the hell are you anyway?' Asked Shou, not at all phased.
'Oh my, such a boorish young man.' Commented Ikaruga, raising her sleeve to her face, hiding her smile.
'I ain't wasting my time on trash like you!' Shouted Shou, causing Ikaruga's eyes to harden, even as he threw numerous cards at the beauty.
Ikaruga unsheathed her sword and slashed it wildly, slicing through all of Shou's cards with ease, splitting them in two.
'There exists nothing under the sun that I cannot slice.' Said Ikaruga, only for Shou's chest to suddenly erupt in blood, as two slashes appeared on his body.
As Shou fell to the floor, the card containing Erza floated out.
'Shou!' Cried Erza in worry.
'Oh my, you were hiding away in a place like that, Erza.' Commented Ikaruga in amusement.
'You have to let me out of here right away! She's not an opponent you can beat!' Shouted Erza, slamming her hands against the card barrier.
'Don't worry… that card has protection on it… nobody on the outside should be able to hurt you at all.' Laboured Shou, straining his head to the side to see Erza better.
'Shou! Let me out! That woman's sword… it isn't normal!' Demanded Erza, with wide eyes, as Ikaruga prepared to attack.
'Don't worry… she can't… see.' Said Shou, only for his eyes to widen in shock, as a slash was blocked by Erza within the card.
'She cut inside the card… cut into a completely separate dimension! Gasped Shou in disbelief.
Numerous more slashes were sent at Erza and Erza blocked them repeatedly, until finding a distortion in the fabric of space the card made up. Erza sliced through the distortion to exit the card and appeared in front of Shou.
'I have no business with you. Leave.' Said Erza, causing Ikaruga to laugh in amusement, as the knight's steel armour was shredded like paper, shocking the redhead and her friend.
'That was by way of a greeting. Oh? Don't tell me… you didn't see me move?' Teased Ikaruga, with a malicious smirk on her face.
'I saw it fine.' Said Mira, finally reaching the group.
The three turned to face the newcomer.
'Erza, with how conflicted you are right now, you can't beat this woman. I can though. Go and face your demons, while I show her a true demon. Remember, after this is all over, you better stop cowering behind your past and face the future with your head held high.' Said Mira, coming to stand next to Erza.
'I thought you hated me.' Mumbled Erza.
'I hated the frail shell of a woman I've seen these past few days, but I don't hate my rival who could match me in battle. Maybe she could beat this woman in front of us, but with your mind clouded, you wouldn't be able to do it. Go and finish your business.' Said Mira, flapping her wings and flexing her claws in preparation.
'Oh my, I suppose you want me to just let Erza there walk right past me?' Queried Ikaruga, hand still on her blade.
'That would be the easy way, the hard way is I keep you occupied until she gets past you. Then I'll finish you myself.' Growled Mira.
'The Demon, Mirajane. I had thought you had disappeared long ago, yet here you stand in front of me. Etherion is likely to strike within the hour, so if you think Erza can stop it before then, be my guest. Jellal won't make it easy for you anyway.' Commented Ikaruga in interest.
'You heard her, go Erza. If you lose though…' Barked Mira, trailing off at the end.
'I won't.' Said Erza, before walking towards and past Ikaruga, who made no move to stop her, before continuing on to find Jellal.
'Well then, Demon, why don't you show me how you earned that title?' Requested Ikaruga, stepping into her battle stance.
'With pleasure.' Huffed Mira, before shooting off at Ikaruga and launching a right cross at her face, only for the swordswoman to raise her katana and block the strike.
'I fought with Erza for years, a sword won't stop me!' Roared Mira, before her tail came around and lashed out at Ikaruga, forcing her to leap back in order to avoid being struck.
Mira pressed her advantage and launched a left uppercut at the swordswoman, forcing her to leap back again.
'Mugetsu-Ryuu: Garuda Flame.' Cried Ikaruga, as she slashed her blade upwards, launching a wave of flames at Mira, which overwhelmed the demon.
'I guess I was wrong, even Erza could defeat you. You're weaker than I expected.' Said Mira, whipping her left hand to the side and launching the flames away from her.
'Oh my, I was only warming you up, but it seems you've taken my kindness for weakness. In that case, prepare yourself for death, demon, my blade will deliver you to its sweet embrace.' Said Ikaruga.
-line break-
'So, Ikaruga let you simply pass by?' Questioned Jellal, standing over a chess board.
'This ends here and now Jellal. The torment you've put Shou and the others through comes to an end.' Said Erza.
'Torment? Perhaps you have the wrong idea about what happened after you left us. Oh no, I didn't torture anyone. In gratitude to me saving their lives, many were happy to stay on and help me build this tower. You see, what those slaves didn't understand, was a carrot is much more effective motivation than the stick, or in our case, whip. No, I even let those who didn't want to stay here any longer leave, once construction had gotten underway. The only one tortured in this tower I helped construct, I suppose, would be you. Unable to move on, unable to help her friends, unable to make new ones. Your torture only just begun when you left here, isn't that right, Erza.' Said Jellal.
'This madness ends now Jellal!' Roared Erza, before charging Jellal.
-line break-
'Happy, we're almost there, how are you holding up buddy?' Asked Natsu, as he and his best friend flew through the air.
'I'm good, but I want a lot of fish after this is all over.' Said Happy.
'You got it buddy.' Grinned Natsu, before refocusing his gaze on the tower they were steadily approaching.
"Hang on everyone, I won't let anyone hurt you. I'll destroy that tower and stop Etherion, or my name isn't Natsu Dragneel." Thought Natsu, before increasing the output of flames propelling him through the sky.