SailorStar9: After getting Chapter 13 out, this is Chapter 14 of this fic. (Sighs) Guys and girls, is it too hard for you to leave a review, instead of just putting this fic up on your favorited list and story alerts?
Disclaimers: I own nothing, except for the plot bunny and my OC.
Chapter 14: Armour of the Heart
"What is this?" Gray gaped, running in and seeing Natsu being swallowed by Fukuro.
"Gray." Simon turned. "Ulyo too?"
"What on earth is going on?" Ulyo demanded.
"He swallowed him!" Happy replied.
"I digest the magical power of those whom I have devoured." Fukuro explained.
"Give Natsu back!" Happy roared, flying straight towards the owl-headed mage.
"Fire!" Fukuro blasted the Exceed back with Natsu's flames.
"Happy!" Gray exclaimed.
"He digested Salamander's magical power and turned it against us?" Simon realized.
"How do you like that?" Fukuro taunted.
"This is the power of the Assassin's Guild." Simon breathed.
"Finishing move!" Fukuro let loose a stream of flames.
"Seriously, that's one seriously hot flame you got there." Gray admitted, Ulyo's 'Water Release: Water Shield Dance' having defected the flames.
"Another opponent has showed up." Fukuro remarked.
"You there." Gray looked over at Simon. "Aren't you supposed to be following Shô and Erza?"
"Gray, it's obvious this guy stalled them." Ulyo reasoned. "We need to hurry up and find them or we'll be in a lot of trouble."
"Ulyo is right." Gray agreed, placing Happy on another cage's roof. "Jellal claimed he was going to use Erza as a sacrifice for his ritual. I don't know anyone who can fight against Erza when she's serious, but being trapped in that card will leave her exposed to all sorts of danger."
"It was a bad decision to tell Shô everything at once." Simon admitted. "I never thought he would react like that."
"Gray… Ulyo…" Happy wept. "Save Natsu."
"We always have to clean up his messes." Gray snorted.
"That's true." Ulyo chuckled.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Gray gave Fukuro a glared. "Flaming piece of shit!"
"Digestion has begun." Fukuro declared. "In about 10 minutes, Salamander's body shall be liquefied. And when that happens, all of his magical power will belong to me."
"I'll take care of this guy." Gray announced.
"Don't be full of yourself." Fukuro taunted.
"Ice Make: Lance!" Gray released his attack.
"Fire Dragon Roar!" Fukuro countered.
"Get away!" Simon barked. "He possesses magic similar to that of Salamander."
"Water Release: Water Encampment Wall!" Ulyo's water barrier managed to block off the fire stream.
"Water can't be created in fire." Fukuro mocked, continuing his assault. "It's only a matter of time before your shield is evaporated. It's futile! If you're Salamander's friend, then you, of all people, should know how powerful these flames are."
"Ulyo, why…" Gray was stunned.
"I've told you," Ulyo winced, the flames bombarding her barrier. "Kaa-sama may have instructed you to protect me, but I'm no longer the weak and defenceless little girl back then. I want to fight by your side, as an equal."
"He froze the flames?" Simon was astonished when Gray solidified the fire.
"Ulyo, stand back." Gray placed himself in front of her. "A man doesn't use his woman as a shield. You call these Natsu's flames?" he taunted Fukuro. "Give me a break. You're just an imposter."
"That's some impressive magical power you have there." Fukuro admitted. "I'll capture you two as well. Huh?" he blinked charging forward to swallow Gray when the ice mage froze his mouth. "So cold!"
"I've heard of brain freeze, but that's just ridiculous." Ulyo chuckled.
"We can't be wasting any more time here." Gray reminded. "We have to hurry and catch up with Erza. We're going to bring Erza back."
"Here I come!" Fukuro declared, both mages meeting fist-to-fist.
"Out of my way!" Gray growled, readying his 'Ice Blade: Seven Slice Dance' spell and taking out the owl-headed mage, forcing the assassin to vomit out Natsu.
"He did it!" Happy whooped.
"Amazing." Simon was stunned.
SailorStar9: Now that's done, read and review.