Lucy's Apartment
Lucy stuck her head through the crack as she opened the door. She and Plue looked around the and found nothing out of the ordinary. "Looks like we're alone for once. Why do I have to search my own place for weirdos?"
"You know, I haven't been here in a long time. I think I deserve a bath..." She walked through the curtain to her bathroom and sat in the tub and Plue copied her. "Awww, you get all wrinkly in the tub like I do. Oh, you're so cute..."
A few moments later, she was dressed in her pajamas. "Time for bed..." She climbed into her bed and pulled the covers over her, only to wake up as she felt something odd. "That better not be who I think it is..." She stood up and pulled on the fabric, ripping the covers off to show Natsu and Happy sleeping.
"Hey, morning Lucy..." Natsu mumbled.
"This is my house!" Lucy shouted. "Hell, this is my bed! Get out!" She pulled on the scarf and Natsu spun like s top before crashing down on the bed.
"Five more minutes..." He mumbled.
"Not a chance." Lucy said.
"Give Natsu his scarf back, meanie..." Happy mumbled.
"Why? Does it mean that much to him?" Lucy asked, looking at the fabric.
"Aye, Igneel gave it to him." Happy explained. "I means a lot to him. In fact, he's only let one other person touch it."
Natsu groaned in his sleep making them both look over. "Are you sure he's okay?" Lucy asked.
"Aye." The cat nodded. "He's probably just sick from eating that ethernano."
"Is that bad?" Lucy asked.
"Aye." The cat nodded again. "Once he ate a bunch of Laxus' lightning and the same thing happened.
"So, eating anything other than fire makes him sick?" Lucy asked as she spun around and sat on the bed. "Wait, why would he ever want to eat Laxus' lightning?"
"Well, he didn't want to eat it." Happy explained. "They fought, and Natsu got his but kicked pretty bad."
"Wow, I had no idea he was that strong..." Lucy mumbled scared.
"Aye, he's super, duper strong." Happy said. "But I'm pretty sure Erza or Mystogan could take him. Actually, Mira was pretty tough back in the day. They used to call her the 'Demon'."
"But she's so sweet..." Lucy said shocked.
"We should have a big tournament to decide who's the strongest." Happy suggested. "It might be fun to find out where you stand, don't ya think?"
"I'm nit into the idea of ranking my friends." Lucy said.
"Gray and Elfman are pretty tough..." He mumbled as Lucy picked him up. "Gajeel and Juvia are pretty awesome too."
"I get it." Lucy said as she opened the window. "Everyone is awesome but me. Now it's time for you to head home, okay?" She looked down at his back pack and noticed a peice of paper sticking out. "What's this?"
"Oh, I almost forgot. I was supposed to show that to you, Lucy." Happy said as he pulled out the paper. "You need he money for rent, right?" He hell out the flyer and Lucy took it. "Fairy Tail's gonna be part of the harvest festival."
"How does that help me?" Lucy asked.
"Look at the bottom of the page." Happy pointed and Lucy looked.
"Miss Fairy Tail contest?" Lucy asked as she read it.
"Aye." Happy nodded. "And as you can see, the winner gets 500,000 jewel."
"Oh my gosh." Lucy mumbled. "If I win that prize money, I can pay rent for the next seven months."
"Even though Mira and Cana are entering too, I'm sure you still have a chance." Happy said pessimistically.
"Great, how am I supposed to compete with Mirajane?" Lucy asked as she dropped her head. "I mean she's a freaking bikini model for Sorcerer Weekly. Wait, I'm younger than she is, that makes me the exciting new model! I can do it! Five hundred thousand jewel, here I come!"
"So, you're against ranking your friends unless there's money involved?" Happy asked.
"Happy, you want some yummy fish?" Lucy asked, offering a live fish to the cat.
"Sorry, I don't take bribes." Happy said, making Lucy growl at him.
Northwest of Shirotsume
Ghoul Spirit Guildhall
Three people, two male and a female at the end, walked into the guildhall after taking out all the guards in their way, scaring the dark wizards. "You laughed at us, didn't you?" The middle man asked. "Big mistake."
"If you want a fight, you got one!" A dark Mage shouted as he and another charged the three.
"A pack of filthy rats think they can stand up to members of a real guild?" The girl asked as she pulled her glasses down. "What is the world coming to?" Her eyes glowed and the dark wizards turned to stone.
"What the-" Someone in the mob shouted surprised. "They turned to stone... Get them!" The whole guild charged them in anger.
"Let's party, babies!" The man on the end said as five wooden dolls flew forward and shot green beams as he chuckled.
"That's enough, Bickslow." The green haired man said.
"Seriously?" He turned to the other man. "We're done already?"
"Let's not waste anymore of our time with these weaklings." The greenette said. "Why they decided to form a guild is beyond me."
"We can't leave just yet." Bickslow said back. "My babies need more fun than that."
"More fun! More fun!" The dolls repeated in chorus.
"Be patient, I assure you they'll see plenty of action soon enough." The rapier wielder said as he brushed his hair, showing his green Fairy Tail emblem on his hand.
"So we're going through Laxus' plan?" The woman asked as she moved her fan, showing her green Fairy Tail emblem over her right breast.
"But now we have a new Dragon Slayer to worry about." The masked man said.
"Are you saying you're scared of him, Bickslow?' The brunette girl asked.
"Not a chance." He smiled and stuck his tongue out, showing his black emblem on it.
"Who are these guys? And how did the three of them beat our whole guild?"
"Wait, that's the Thunder Legion! They're some of Fairy Tail's most powerful wizards and Laxus's personal guards."
Magnolia Border
"The Thunder Legion will be back soon." Laxus chuckled as he sat outside the town. "Looks like it's my turn to rule. "Looks like it's my turn to rule. These little Fairies are gonna eat each other alive. Your reign is about to end, old man."
Morning
Magnolia Street
"The whole town is getting in on the Harvest festival spirit." Makarov said with joy as he and Mirajane walked down the street with supplies in hand.
"Not to mention everyone at the guild is getting ready for the Fantasia Parade." Mira added.
"Of course they are." He said back. "People come from all over the country to see our parade. We can't let our fans down."
"It would be nice if Laxus would join us just once." Mira said hopeful.
"Bah. The less said about him, the better." Makarov said back.
"I heard from Levy that he's back in town." She said. "Even if he says no, it wouldn't hurt to ask him."
"What, he's here?" Makarov asked before stopping in place.
"Is something wrong, master?" Mira asked as she looked back.
"Of all times, why did he have to show up now?" He mumbled to himself.
Years ago
"Gramps!" A young Laxus shouted as he raced towards his grandfather. "Wait up!"
"Hi, Laxus." The old man said, turning around.
"You're not gonna be in the parade with anyone else?" The blonde asked.
"Why would I do that when I promised I'd watch it with you?" Makarov asked back.
"Alright!" Laxus cheered, before rushing towards the crowd. "You're gonna let me join the guild someday, aren't you?"
"Sure, when you're old enough." Makarov said back.
Laxus reached the back of the crowd and tried to watch, but couldn't see through the mass of humanity. "I can't see!"
"That is a problem..." Makarov picked the boy up and grew like a water balloon, letting Laxus see everything. "How about now? The Wizards from Fairy Tail are pretty cool, right?"
"Yeah, they're the coolest wizards in the world." The blonde nodded. "You're the best guild master ever, gramps."
Day of the Harvest Festival
Natsu groaned with every step as he walked forward. "Must eat... Everything..."
"He still not feeling well?" Lucy asked as she watched him between Gray and Juvia.
"Looks that way." Juvia nodded.
"The second he eats something, he'll be fine." Gray said.
"Same old, same old, aren't you Gray?" All three turned around a man with a sack walked forward.
"Warren. It's been a while." Gray said.
"Didn't think I'd make it back in time for the festival, but here I am." He said back.
"This guy takes on so many jobs, we hardly ever see him." Gray joked.
"Hello, I'm a new recruit." Juvia said stepping forward. "My name is Juvia."
"Meet Warren Rocko." Gray introduced the man. "Master of Telepathy magic."
"Nice to meet you." He said back.
"The pleasure is mine." Juvia bowed. "This festival is quite a sight."
"Yeah, check out this crowd." Lucy nodded looking around. "Who knew this town had this many people?"
"Well, people come from all over the place to see the Fantasia Parade." Warren explained.
"I can't wait to see it." Lucy cheered.
"See it?" Gray asked. "You're gonna be in it, remember?"
"Be in? Why does that phase..." Lucy mumbled before she went wide eyed. "The Miss Fairy Tail Contest! My rent money!" She turned around and ran towards the guild.
"A contest..." Juvia repeated with a murderous aura around her. "I refuse to be outdone by that bimbo."
"So I guess you'll be entering Miss Fairy too, huh?" Gray asked.
"Which is?" The three left turned to see Drake walk over, now decorated with his emblem. It was dark blue and located directly above his heart.
"It's a big modeling contest held every year." Warren explained. "Winner gets five hundred thousand jewel."
"Interesting. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to be looking for a apartment that I can rent."
Fairy Tail Guildhall
"The long wait is over, everyone!" Max spoke through the microphone as a crowd gathered around the stage. "Welcome to the one, the only, Miss Fairy Tail contest! Where your favorite Fairies fight in a battle of beauty! I'm your host, Max Alors the sand wizard. So let's get started!"
"Elfman I get, but why are you here?" Gray asked Natsu sitting next to him.
"Because he's a man." Elfman said.
"Now let's meet entrant number one!" Max shouted as the crowd cheered. "The beauty who can drink you under table whenever she wants, Cana Alberona! Bust out some magic and show us your stuff!"
"With pleasure." She held up her deck of cards and they swirled around her.
"What is she doing behind those cards?" Max asked as her body glowed and the cards flew to the side. "She changed into a swimsuit!"
"The prize money can cover my tab." She smirked.
"A swimsuit!?" Lucy asked from the side. "Not fair!"
"That's a clever idea." Erza mumbled. "Maybe I should do the same."
"Erza!" The blonde asked. "You're in this too!"
"Whenever I hear the word contest, I can't help but get excited." Erza confessed.
"Good bye, rent money..." Lucy sobbed.
"On to entry number two!" Max shouted. "Just because she's new, doesn't mean her magic ain't S-Class. The radiant beauty rain or shine, Juvia Lockser!"
'May these feelings reach you my beloved.' She turned her body into water and reformed herself in a bikini.
"And that's two women all set for a day at the beach!" Max shouted as the crowed cheered more.
"Look at me Gray!" Juvia said. "Do you like what you see!?"
"What's with all the bikinis!?" Lucy shouted frustrated.
"Next up is entrance number three!" Max shouted. "Fairy Tails centerfold whose stole the he hearts of millions, Mirajane!" The crowd went crazy as she waved. "Show us your stuff."
"I'm skilled in Transformation magic." She said. "So get ready to see a new side of me." The crowd cheered as her face glowed. "This is my Happy face!" The cheers stopped as she stood on the stage with Happy's face. "Next is my Gajeel face."
"Entry number four, the Fairy Queen herself, Erza Scarlet!" Erza jumped from the side and stood on the stage as the crowed cheered.
"Wow, she's popular..." Lucy mumbled with fear.
"Let me show you a Requip you don't see every day." She chuckled before wind kicked up around her and her body glowed. Both died down as she stood in a Gothic Lolita dress. "Looks like I win."
"Didn't think I'd see dress like that..." Macao mumbled.
"Entry number five, as cute as she is smart, Levy McGarden!" Jet and Droy shouted with joy as their leader summoned words with her Solid Script magic.
"So cool!" Both shouted.
"Entry number six, the sharpshooter with her sights on your heart, Bisca Mulan!" Max announced as Bisca walked out in a swimsuit.
She pulled out four coins in her hand and threw them into the air before summing her sniper rifle. "Bullseye..." She pulled the trigger and shot through all four coins before they landed in her hand.
"So hot..." Alzack mumbled.
"Let's hear it for entry number seven!" Max shouted. "Fairy Tails rising star, Lucy heart-"
"No!" Lucy panicked and kicked Max in the face. "Don't say my name out loud!" She waved back at the crowd. 'There's no way they'd give me the prize if they knew who my dad was.'
"Ugh, show us what you've got." Max groaned as the blonde pulled out some pompoms.
"Uh, my spirits and I are gonna do a cheer for you guys." Lucy explained and the crowed went wild.
"Entry number eight!" A new voice said, confusing everyone.
"Eight." Drake counted the number of contestants. "That can't be right. Unless...someone entered themselves at the last minute."
"Hold it sister, I haven't even done my cheer yet!" Lucy complained.
"If you're talking about fairy, then it's me." The blonde turned to see Evergreen walking up behind her. "If you're talking about beauty, then it's me. I'm the only woman here who embodies everything men desire, therefore the winner is me, Evergreen. Now this idiotic contest can end."
"She's back?" Gray asked as everyone stared at the stage.
"Guess Laxus can't be far behind." Elfman added.
"Go mess up a different contest!" Lucy shouted. "I really need this money!"
"Lucy, don't look her in the eyes!" Gray shouted, confusing her.
"I'm sorry, who are you?" Evergreen raised her glasses and turned the blonde to stone, sending the crowd into a panic.
"Everyone, run now!" Max shouted and all non wizards left the room.
"What is the matter with you, Evergreen!?" Makarov shouted. "Are you trying to ruin the festival?"
"Ou contraire, I think things are just getting interesting." The curtain raised up behind her, showing the other girls in the same state as Lucy.
"No, Mira!" Elfman shouted.
"She got Erza, too?" Happy asked.
"I order you to return them to normal at once!" Makarov shouted.
Lightning shot down from the ceiling and Laxus stood up. "So much for your loyal fans. The real party is just about to start!"
"I should have known..." The master mumbled as Gray looked up at the rafters.
"Freed and Bickslow?" He asked.
"The Thunder Legion.." Macao mumbled.
"Let's have some fun!" Laxus shouted.
"Enough of this nonsense." Makarov growled. "Turn them back to normal or face the consequences."
"If I were you, I'd play nice, old man." Laxus chuckled. "Unless you don't want these ladies in the parade."
"This isn't a joke, Laxus!" Makarov shouted. "Stop fooling around!"
"I'm serious old man." The blonde said back as Freed and Bickslow jumped down.
"I've always wondered whose the strongest in the guild..." He said. "Now it's time to find out."
"Yeah, let's have some fun!" Bickslow said as his dolls repeated the last word.
"There's only one rule, last one standing wins!" Laxus explained. "It's the Fairy Tail battle royale!"
Natsu slammed his fist into the table. "Nice and simple, that just the way I like it. I'm fired up now."
"Glad someone sees it my way." The blonde smirked. "If nothing else, the attitude is a step in the right direction."
"This is a festival right?" The pinkette asked back. "Let's party."
"Did you seriously forget what happened last time you tried to fight him?" Warren asked.
"I was just a kid back then." Natsu said back.
"That was last year!" Warren reminded him.
"But since then, I've become a man!" Natsu launched forward.
"On the other hand, that attitude is gonna get you hurt." Laxus mumbled before lightning crashed onto Natsu and knocked him out.
"I told you so..." Warren shook his head.
"Naturally, if you want me to turn the girls back to normal, you're going to have to beat us first." Evergreen added.
"But those odds aren't bad." Bickslow chuckled. "There's four of us and about a hundred of you guys."
"You have three hours, no more no less." Evergreen held up three fingers. "After that, these statues will be reduced to dust."
"All of Magnolia will be our battlefield." Laxus added. "The fight will begin when and if you find one of us."
"Laxus, how could you..." Makarov growled before he grew in size. "I won't stand for this!"
"Simmer down, old man!" Laxus shouted. "It's all part of the festival! It'll be fun!" He burst into light and blinded the others. "Let the battle of Fairy Tail begin!" The light died down and the quartette had vanished.
"High stakes hide and go seek..." Macao mumbled.
"Let's go!" Elfman shouted. "We gotta save our girls, so man up!" The whole guild rallied behind him and ran out to the streets.
Alzack stayed back and stared at Bisca. "I will save you, no matter what." He turned around and ran past the master who stared at his feet.
"You insolent brat!" He shouted before turning around. "I'll put him in place with my own to hands!" He reached the door and slammed into thin air.
Gray heard a noise and turned around. "What's wrong, gramps?"
"An invisible wall..." Makarov mumbled as he tried to break through.
"Don't be silly. There's nothing here!" Gray picked up the master but couldn't bring him past the guild entrance. "What the hell?" He dropped the old man when he noticed something floating in the air. "What is that thing?"
"Must be one of Freed's enchantments." Makarov surmised.
"Enchantment?" Gray asked.
"It's a barrier made from magic runes." Makarov explained. "Anyone who steps inside must obey the rules set if they wish to escape."
"So what does it say?" Gray asked.
"Stone objects and anyone over eighty years old shall not pass." The master translated.
"Whoever writes the rules wins the battle, huh?" Gray asked.
"Perhaps, but enchantments like these take time to write." Makarov nodded. "Meaning they'd be useless in a one on own battle. Still, they make pretty good traps."
"You seriously can't break through?" Gray asked.
"The rules are absolute." Makarov reluctantly said.
"So, I guess it's up to me." Gray said before turning around. "We're going into this fight without you gramps."
"I'm sorry." He apologized.
"Laxus might be your grandson, but I'm not gonna hold back." Gray darkly said before running into the city.
'I don't know if Gray or anyone else in the guild is strong enough to beat Laxus.' Makarov thought. 'Erza maybe, but not in her current state.' He glanced over and saw Reedus hiding behind a pillar, poorly. "I can see you. What's wrong, Reedus?"
"I'm scared Laxus is gonna hurt me..." The painter confessed.
"That's okay. Why don't you visit Porlyusica in the East Forest?" The master suggested. "She might have a potion that can cure petrifaction."
Natsu sat up with a scream.
"You're awake." Happy cheered.
"What happened? Where's Laxus? Hell, where's everyone?" He asked, looking around.
'If he got serious, he might be strong enough to pull it off.' Makarov's thought as the Dragon Slayer ran over. 'I'll have to put my faith in his raw talent.'
A slam then got their attention as they looked towards the stage. Drake had punched a hole in the wooden floor.
"I'll make Laxus regret this stunt."
...
Magnolia
"You find anything, Alzack?" Jet asked as he and Droy ran over.
"Nothing here." The gun Mage said back. "What about you?"
"We got nothing." Droy answered.
"Damn it!" Alzack growled. "How dare they do that to Bisca..."
"Dude, calm down." Droy said.
"Calm down!?" He shouted back. "We only have three hours!" Runes appeared on the street and created a barrier, trapping them. "An enchantment?"
"So they put these things up all over town?" Jet asked.
"It has to be Freed's work." Droy added. Runes popped up behind them and they turned around. "It says 'only the wizard who proves themselves the strongest may leave'. What does that mean?"
"I think he wants us to fight each other..." Jet mumbled.
"That's a cheap trick, Freed!" Droy shouted.
"Alright..." Alzack mumbled from behind. "I have to save Bisca. I can't just hang around here doing nothing!"
Guild Hall
"Why can't you two get through?" Makarov asked. "Neither one of you are statues! Don't tell me you're both over eighty!?"
"You wish." Drake sweat dropped.
"Battle of Fairy Tail, status report." Makarov read. "What? Jet vs Droy vs Alzack? Is this some sick joke?"
"Why are they fighting?" Natsu asked.
Magnolia
Alzack jumped back as Jet slammed his foot into the ground. Droy summoned his Knuckle plants and jumped off the vines. "Guns Magic: Tornado Shot!" He pulled the trigger and fired.
Guildhall
"The winner is Alzack." Makarov read. "Jet and Droy, K.O'd."
"What?" Natsu asked in shock.
Kardia Cathedral
"Let's see how long you can stand this game of Fairy eat Fairy, old man." Laxus chuckled.
Magnolia Caffe
Patrons sat around the tables, talking about the guild of the town. No one knew what was going on, just that all the members were acting weird. An explosion blasted the wall behind them as Vijateer leapt onto the next building.
"Townspeople?" The dancer mumbled. "Why aren't they affected by all this? Maybe these 'rules' only apply to the wizards..."
"Vijateer!" Nab shouted as he landed on the roof and rushed the dancer. "Sorry about this, but rules are rules. I can't fight Laxus until I beat you!"
"I really didn't want to hurt any of my friends, but I don't have a choice!" He said before he jumped forward, avoiding an attack.
The crowd stared at the two as another explosion happened and Warren and Max burst out of the wall. "Just give up, I can read your attacks before they even happen. You can't surprise me."
"Just because you can do that doesn't mean you can dodge them." Max said back as he gathered a ball of sand. The sand shot at Warren, forcing him to cover his eyes. "Take this!" The MC threw a punch.
"Saw that coming a mile away!" Warren said as he dodged the fist.
Back Alley
"I'm gonna save Mira!" Wakaba shouted at Macao. "Even if I have to beat you!"
"So, does your wife know about your little crush?" Macao asked back.
"Not my fault your wife left you." The smoker said back.
"Now you've done it." Macao gritted through his teeth.
Street
"Laki! Are you trying to one up us with your new look?!" A girl asked as she and her friends surrounded the wood mage.
"A little hair chop could cause all this trouble, who knew." Laki chuckled. "I'm a superstar!"
"We're gonna teach you a lesson!" All four shouted.
Guildhall
"Max vs Warren. Winner: Warren." Nicholas read as more runes popped up. "Vijateer vs Nab. Winner: Nab. Laki defeats four others. Macao vs Wakaba. Ongoing."
"Foolish children!" Makarov shouted. "What do they think they're doing!?"
"They don't have a choice." Happy said back. "They have to fight each other because those enchantments are hidden all over town. It's like Laxus said, this is the battle for Fairy Tail."
"But why?!" Natsu asked. "This doesn't make sense..." He slammed into the wall, trying to push his way through. "I wanna fight too! I wanna see who's the strongest!"
"Can you please take this seriously? Our guild mates lives are at risk."
Makarov nodded and turned to the stage with a huff. "I understand that everyone wants to prevent that, but there going about it in the wrong way. We can't let Laxus win."
"Come on, do you seriously think he'd hurt them, gramps?" Natsu asked. "I know he can be an ass, but he's still a member of our guild, isn't he? This has to be a bluff."
"Well, I'm going to find another way out of the guild hall." Drake made his way to the bar and slammed into some runes on the window. "How come I can't escape."
"Beats me. I can go through just fine." Happy said as he circled in and out of the guild.
"Does this mean we're over eighty?" Natsu asked in a panic. "Because I know I'm not a stone statue."
'You still think of Laxus as part of the guild... You actually believe he wouldn't harm his fellow members...' Makarov's thoughts were interrupted when a new rune appeared.
"Time remaining, two hours, eighteen minutes." Drake read after coming down to the first floor. "Combatants remaining, forty-two."
"No, it can't be!" Makarov said in shock. "That means over half the guild has taken each other out."
Back Alley
"Purple Rain!" A magic seal appeared and shot balls of fire at Wakaba, who faded into a pink cloud. "Not good..."
"That was my Smoke Fake." Wakaba said from behind. "You're losing your edge buddy."
With Reedus
"I gotta... get to the... East Forest." Reedus panted as he ran out of town. "The master... Is counting... On me... To get Porlyusica... For... The girls..." He reached the edge of town and slammed into a wall. "No, it can't be... Freed set up a barrier around the whole town!?"
His eyes went wide as Free materialized behind him. "Trying to break the rules, are you? Laxus made it quite clear. Magnolia is the battle ground, and your guild members are now your opponents. If you are a wizard, then you must fight. That's the rule."
With Gray
"Where's the Thunder Legion hiding?!" Gray shouted as he ran through the city.
"It's Gray, it's Gray!" Two of Bickslow's dolls cheered as they fired their lasers at him. He jumped out of the way and into a clothing store.
"Yo." He turned around and stared at the masked wizard. "What do you say we have some fun?"
With Elfman
Elfman stopped in the middle of the street and stared at Evergreen. "Turn my sister back to normal, right now!" With a mighty roar he charged the girl.
"I'm not a man, you know." She pushed glasses up and Elfman looked down, crashing into a flower stand. "Flowers for me, how sweet of you. They do suit me." A clawed hand pushed Elfman up as he stood in his Beast Soul with a blindfold. "Such a shame the only cute thing about you is your name."
"Turn my sister and the others back to normal or else." He threatened.
"Do you really think you can beat me blindfolded?" She asked mockingly. He slammed his fist into the ground and she jumped to the side. He sniffed the air and found her scent before turning around and repeating the attack. "Very clever, you could tell where I was just by my scent."
Golden dust floated off her and surrounded Elfman. "Unfortunately, you're already covered in my fairy dust. Fairy Bomb: Gremlin!" The dust glowed before it exploded and knocked Elfman out, blowing the blindfold off. "You know, I like statues. Even the most disgusting creature can be rendered beautiful when fashioned out of stone."
Elfman gasped for air as Evergreen pushed her glasses up. "Now, gaze into my eyes, and submit to the beauty of stone..."
Guild Hall
"Elfman vs Evergreen. Winner: Evergreen." Nicholas read as the number dropped to forty one.
"I'd thought he'd have no problem beating her." Happy said.
"Now it says Grays fighting against Bickslow?" Natsu growled. "Why does he get to have all the fun?"
"It also says Freed is fighting against Reedus." Happy added. "Looks like the Thunder Leigon is making their move."
With Reedus
Reedus ran and found himself stuck in an ally as Freed appeared behind him. "This is the end of the line." He pulled out his rapier and swung at the painter, knocking him to the ground.
"Freed, stop." Reedus pushed himself up. "I'm begging you, please don't do this... To your friends..." He dropped to the ground and fell unconscious.
"Only forty wizards left." Freed mumbled as he stared back at the city. "Victory will soon be ours."
Guildhall
"Oh no! They took out Reedus!" Happy screamed.
"I knew it." Natsu said back. "There was no way he could have beat Freed. That guy is good."
"You're cheering for the wrong person." Drake reprimanded him. "Now he can't get help for the girls."
"Didn't you deal with this sort of thing while you were on the run." Natsu asked, slamming his fist into the rune barrier.
"Not really." Drake responded.
"Couldn't you freeze the stone and cause it to crack?"
"What kind of question is that? They aren't covered in stone. Thye ARE stone. Why do you think Laxus is threatening to destroy them!?"
"Well, we don't need the help." Natsu said back. "Laxus is just bluffing about turning the girls to dust."
"I'm just bluffing, am I?" All four turned around and looked at Laxus.
"Laxus." Drake narrowed his eyes before charging forward to throw a punch and passing right through.
"It's just a Thought Projection." Happy said.
"Now you tell me."
"So, how come you two are still here?" The blonde asked as walked over to Natsu. "What happened to all that bravado from earlier? Are you two scared now?"
"No way!" Natsu shouted back. "We're stuck!"
"What do you want?" Makarov growled at his grandson.
"You call these weakling your kids, right?" The blonde asked back. "So how does it feel watching your kiddies tear each other apart? To bad Natsu and Erza can't join the game, because without them you don't have anyone strong enough to take in the Thunder Legion. You ready to give up?"
"Hey, don't go forgetting about me jerk."
"Shut up, criminal." Laxus said back.
"It's not over yet!" Happy shouted. "Gray is still out there, and he's just as strong as Natsu!"
"The hell did you just say!?" Natsu asked insulted. "That guy is as strong as me?!"
"He is, isn't he?" The cat asked back.
"Gray?" Laxus chuckled. "You're seriousl gonna put all your hope on him!?"
"I wouldn't underestimate the boy's power if I were you." Makarov warned.
"He did manage to trap Brianna in her Harpy form." Nicholas added. "That's not an easy thing to do."
With Gray
The totems fired their lasers at Gray who jumped out of the way. He jumped over a shot from all five before Bickslow waved his hand. "Line Formation!" The totems stacked them on top of one another before they fired their lasers at one, creating a blade that destroyed a wall of the store.
"Not bad, kid." Bickslow said. "Give me a Victory Formation!" He ordered his dolls but nothing happened. "What's going on?" The dust settled and the dolls were shown to be frozen solid. "When did he-?"
Gray kneed him in the face and sent him flying before he slammed his hands together.
"I bet you've never seen this spell before. It's inspired by our newest Dragon Slayer. Ice-Make: Dragon Claws!" A series of claws formed on Gray's hands. Five blades of ice raced towards Bickslow.
"X-Formation!" Bickslow crossed his arms and five mannequins blocked the slashes.
"The hell?" Gray asked as he landed.
"Guess you haven't heard about my Seith Magic..." Bickslow said as the manikins laughed around him. "I control my babies souls. Freeze them, and I'll jut move them to another doll. I'm controlling an immortal army over here."
"Over here..." The dolls repeated.
"Then I guess I'll just freeze you instead!" Gray sent a blast of ice forward, only to have the mannequins block it and Bickslow run out the store. "Get back here, coward!" Gray shouted as he chased after the man. Bickslow turned into an alleeyway and Gray followed him, only to find it empty. "Where did that freak go!?"
"Getting warmer." Gray looked up and saw Bickslow doing a split between the buildings. "I see you..."
Gray was not amused. "Real funny, what are trying to pull?"
"I just wanna play, but my babies are getting bored." Bickslow mocked. "It's time we spiced things up a bit!" An enchantment was activated behind Gray, making him turn around. "No more luck for you. You can't use magic for as long as you're inside that barrier. Sucks to be you. It's a party out here and you're stuck in there."
Gray turned back around as the mannequins fired more beams, kicking up dust. "Don't bother getting up." Bickslow taunted. "You can't win without your magic."
"Wanna bet!?" Gray jumped up off the sides of the building and prepared to throw a punch as the dolls floated up to his level. "You want some?" He looked forward and noticed a little girl looking out the window. The dolls and he allowed himself to be hit, protecting the girl.
"That's it?" Bickslow laughed. Gray jumped out of the smoke and punched him in the face, sending both crashing to the ground.
"Listen, jerk." Bickslow said standing up. "When my babies hit you, just stay down!" He walked forward and noticed Gray was unconscious. "Damn, that was a good hit. Good thing I wore my helmet."
Guildhall
"Only twenty eight contenders remain." Laxus smugly read as runes popped up on the wall. "And that moron was gonna save you!?"
"You and your pals used some dirty trick to beat him!" Happy shouted. "I just know it."
"So, whose gonna beat the Thunder Legion now?" Laxus mocked. "Oh, I know. Maybe Wakaba."
"Gajeel!" Happy shouted.
"Him?" Laxus asked. "He's made it clear he doesn't want to play. It's not like he really cared about this place."
"What are we invisible?" Natsu shouted as he wrapped his arm around Nicholas' neck.
"You two might as well be." Laxus laughed as Makarov thought about the options.
"Enough." The master spoke. "This isn't worth it." He turned around and face Laxus. "I surrender, alright?"
"You're just gonna give up?" Natsu asked.
"You've had your fun, now stop this." Makarov ordered.
Laxus smirked at his grandfather. "What's wrong, don't have the stomach anymore? I thought you were the master of the mighty Fairy Tail guild. You can't just give up like that. But, if you insist on quitting, then why not just hand the guild over to me and retire early?"
"That's what this is about? A stupid title!?" Nicholas asked. Lightning flew out of the city and zapped him. "What's your problem with me?"
"You're playing dirty, Laxus!" Natsu shouted. "Come here and face us!"
"I should have known." Makarov said, shaking with rage. "This is what you were after all along, wasn't it?"
"You've only got an hour and a half until the girls crumble to dust." Laxus said back. "If you really want to end this, than announce your retirement to the whole town. I wonder, what means more to you, your kids or your title. Choose carefully."
"You're asking for it!" Natsu sprinted forward and threw a punch that went right through the projection, sending him crashing into a beam. "If he wants to be master, he should have the guts to face me! How come he won't fight me!?"
"To be honest, I wouldn't mind giving up my master seat..." Makarov mumbled to himself.
"So your just gonna give it to him?" Natsu asked.
Makarov shook his head. "No, he may be strong, but he's not trustworthy. I'd never leave him in charge. He doesn't have enough conviction or heart to take this seat from me."
"We have to do something before he turns the girls to dust!" Happy shouted. "There has to be someone who can beat Laxus..." Crunching metal pulled the fours attention over to the bar as Gajeel popped up with a metal cup in his mouth.
"Metal head?" Nicholas shouted.
"You've been here this whole time?" Natsu added.
"You can't eat the tableware!" Happy shouted.
"Gajeel, will you fight for us?" Makarov asked as the Iron Dragon Slayer jumped over the bar.
"Sure, why not?" He chuckled as he walked over. "I got a score to settle with that guy anyway, and if granite face here won't step up, then I will." He reached the door and slammed into the rune wall.
"I knew metal rusted fast, but I didn't think you'd be over eighty already." Nicholas shouted.
"I'm not that old!" Gajeel shouted, sparking a brawl between the two.
With Evergreen
Evergreen landed onto of a public stage after wiping out a mob of guild mates. "My, what a shame... You are weak."
With Bickslow
Nab and Laki ran down the street as Bickslow's dolls floated after them. "Bickslow, stop this!" Nab shouted. "We're friends, aren't we?"
Bickslow hung upside down and chuckled at the statement. "Friends? I don't have weakling for friends. Right, babies!?" The dolls launched their lasers and knocked the two out of the game."
With Alzack
Alzack leaned against a building, panting heavily as Freed walked out from the side. "Freed..."
"Greetings, Alzack." The greenette said.
"Thanks to those enchantments of yours, I've had to hurt my friends." Alzack growled as he looked at his pistol. "I kept telling myself it was for Bisca, but that doesn't justify anything." The wind picked up around them as Alzack threw his gun to the side. "No more games, Freed... I'm doing this with my own two hands!"
He launched forward and threw a punch that Freed dodged. The gunman turned and gasped as he looked down. Fred pulled his sword out of Alzack and he flicked the blood off it as Alzack fell down. "Your anger made you careless. However, I do not wish to kill anyone today."
He placed a rune on Alzack that boosted the recovery rate. "In the battle of Fairy Tail, only three remain."
Guildhall
"Only three left in the whole guild?" Makarov shouted in shock. "But that means..." He turned around at the brawl that now included Natsu. All three slayers noticed the glance and stopped fighting. "You're the only ones left!?"
"But what about me, Master?" Happy asked upset. "I'm a member too, aren't I?"
'I can't believe it...' Makarov thought to himself. 'All of Fairy Tail has wiped itself out fighting each other. We have no wizards left to battle. It's all over...'
"I've got no choice." Natsu huffed. "Guess I'll bring Erza back."
"Wait what!?" Makarov asked as he stared in shock.
"I thought I'd have a chance to show her up..." He mumbled as he walked over to the stage.
"Wait, what are you about to do!?" Makarov shouted.
"I'm gonna use my fire to met the stone off her." The pinkette explained.
"Aren't you listening." Drake said as Natsu laid the statue of Erza down. "They aren't covered in stone, they are stone!"
"We don't know that until we try." Natsu said back as he ignited his hands. "Here we go."
"Please, be careful!" Makarov shouted.
"I'm... just gonna be over here." Nicholas said he sat down at a table. A crack appeared on Erza's head, scaring everyone.
"I didn't mean to, I swear!" Natsu shouted at the statue. "Someone get me some glue!"
"Forget the glue!" Gajeel said back. "We got a use your fire, my iron, and his stone to weld her back into one solid piece!"
The crack grew larger as Natsu dropped to his knees. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" The stone broke off and Erza pushed herself up on her hands.
"I feel hot..." She mumbled before glaring at Natsu. "It was you, wasn't it...?" She launched forwards and threw a punch that sent Natsu crashing into Gajeel. "Were you trying to cook me!?" The two flew back and crashed into Drake.
"What the hell?"
"Erza's back!" Happy cheered.
"Thank goodness, but how are you free?" Makarov asked.
"Well, if I had to guess, I'd say it had something to do with my right eye." Erza suggested.
'That's right.' Makarov thought. 'Since the magic was taken through her artificial eye, it must have weakened the spell.'
"Erza, do you know what's going on?" Happy asked as he floated over.
"I think I do." Erza nodded. "Even though I was stone, I could still hear everything being said."
"Yes, this is our chance to strike back!" Makarov cheered as the number of combatants changed from three to four.
"The runes have already added me to the game." Erza said slightly impressed. "Automatic updates. But these only four left..."
"No, it's just you." Happy said. "The others are stuck here because of the enchantment." The number went up to five.
"What the?" Natsu turned around and looked at the statues.
"The others are still stone, so it can't be them..." Makarov mumbled.
"Aren't you guys forgetting about someone?" Erza asked with a smile. "A member whose frequently out of town?" Natsu, Makarov and Happy stared at her before they gasped in realization.
"Wait, you mean him?" Natsu asked.
"And he's back just when we need him!" Makarov said.
"He always did have impeccable timing." Erza nodded. "Looks like the real fight is about to begin."
"Does someone wanna fill us in?" Gajeel asked.
"Who are you referring to." Drake added.
"We're talking about a man who may be the strongest wizard in Fairy Tail." Erza explained. "Mystogan."