Chapter 59

Walking straight ahead of him, Natsu had finally come out of the underground passages and entered the ground floor of the palace. He hadn't slowed down. Neither when he had to fight against the last executioners of the prison, nor against the guards.

Continuing on his way, he was simply followed by Happy, who did not know how to speak to him. It had to be said that the exceed was still frightened by the latest transformation of Natsu, even if he had managed to return to his original form. However, the worst thing for him was to see Natsu putting his hand on his heart, now that the glare had made Wendy's magic disappear.

" Natsu, you ...? "

" It's nothing. " Roared Natsu, despite breathing harder. " I will survive until tomorrow, even if I have to spend the whole night fighting! "

A new group of guards then arrived on them. However, having felt them long before they arrived, Natsu had managed to generate a powerful "FIRE DRAGON'S ROAR", which immediately put them out of his way.

As for the rare survivors, they could not help moving back, while they recognized the face of the mage.

" It's… It's him. "

" This is the guy who attacked the palace three months ago. "

Making fun of them, Natsu continued walking. He didn't really know where to go or what to do. In fact, he just hoped to be lucky. The chance to come across the Prime Minister. The chance to make it disappear once and for all. The chance to avenge all of his friends.

However, he suddenly stops, after sniffing the air.

" What's going on ? " Wanted to know Happy.

" He's there. " Assured Natsu, positioning himself in combat mode. " The general of lightning. "

And as if to prove it, static electricity materialized in front of the duo, before the lightning fell. As they left, a large figure faced them.

" You had to show yourself. " Roared a familiar voice. " However, I thought I was clear with you the last time. "

Barely blinking at his appearance, Natsu just watched Budo face him now.

" What are you coming to do here, Natsu Dragnir? "

" I came to destroy this palace as well as the Prime Minister. "

" Tsss. " Said Budo. " Don't you have enough at the end? Since I have known you, I have seen in you only a man who only seeks to perform miracles impossible to achieve! You want to beat Esdeath! You want to destroy the palace! You want to cause the loss of the empire! First of all, do you really think you are on the side of the good guys? "

Simply letting its flames cover it, Natsu questioned him.

" Because you really think you are doing good, on your side? "

" It's not my goal. " Replied Budo, letting lightning surround him. " I only obey orders. "

" In this case, you can never understand me. " Replied Natsu. "A man who constantly wants to realize his dreams is always more likely to achieve them than a puppet. "

" Who did you call a puppet? "

Settling then, while remaining silent, the two men ended up resting on the ground, before rushing towards each other, fist forward.

Making movements with his ax, Ieyatsu tried to train as best he could while staying on the roof of the Night Raid base. He was here to carry out a very important mission: guarding the base during the absence of Najenda and the others.

However much he repeated himself, Ieyatsu felt incapable and useless. They were only two members of the group to have stayed here: Kurome and him. However, if Kurome was here, it was because she was still resting after Akame knocked him out. If she had been in shape, she would have left too.

" I am useless. " He said, finally sitting cross-legged on the floor.

Suddenly footsteps could be heard. Turning around, gun in hand, Ieyatsu frightened the person standing behind him. Having decided to join him with a loaf of bread and a bottle of water, Kije had surprised the man.

" That … ? " The boy wondered.

" I ... I just came to see you to find out if you weren't hungry. " Explained Kije, showing her what she was holding. " I never thought I would scare you like that. "

" Sorry. " The man immediately apologized, putting his gun on the ground!. " I completely forgot that you and your daughter were here! How is she, actually? "

" Logue went to sleep a little! taught him Kije! And I'm happy! Since we were attacked, she refused to sleep because of the nightmares she had! Now, thanks to Wendy, she can sleep again and regain her appetite! She will end up feeling perfectly safe here! "

" I would do everything to make it happen. " Assured Ieyatsu immediately, resuming his training. "Nothing can happen to you. "

Seeing him thus, smiling at him, Kije ends up sitting near him, while affirming.

" You don't have to feel degraded. "

" Hein? " The boy wondered.

" I saw you earlier. " Taught him Kije. " When Najenda asked you to stay here! You were disappointed, weren't you? You don't have to be ashamed! "

Finding that she understood that something was bothering him, the boy replied.

" Of course, yes ! In a group, those who stand guard are always the most useless! Excluding you, I am the weakest person in this base, by far! I don't even have a gram of courage in me! "

" Of course non ! Before leaving, you faced Wild Hunt and fought against two of its members! Me, on the contrary, I did nothing but flee in front of them! "

" Compared to you, I had a weapon! noticed Ieyatsu! In addition, it was not courage, but vanity! I thought I could beat these guys, but all I did was insult the Night Raid by making fun of myself! I don't have my place here! I better give up and go back to my village!

Listening to him, Kije finally retorts.

" The abandonment is not a solution! My husband is a perfect example! "

" Hum? What do you mean ? "

" When Bols and I met, I was a woman who hated the imperial army! I had been able to attend executions and I saw the soldiers like monsters! And one day, my road crossed that of Bols! It was his first day in the capital and he got lost trying to go to an army barracks! Despite my disgust for the army, I had shown him the way and it was after that that I noticed that he had made a fixette on me! Twice, he asked me to marry him, overnight, which I naturally refused! I knew nothing about him and I would have even bet that he was just a crooked man having become a soldier to do what he wanted! However, an accident ended up making me understand that I was wrong ! "

" Someone attacked you? "

" It's not quite that! In fact, another man was making advances to me at that time! He was the son of a rather wealthy bourgeois, and had always been nice to me! In fact, I had even thought of the idea of marrying her more than once! However, I discovered its true nature! One morning when I was outside, Bols came up to me and wanted us to chat together to get to know each other! And, despite the fact that we only talked for a few minutes, the other man, who spent his days spying on me without my realizing it, had seen us do it! Without my understanding of the reason, he thought I was taking advantage of his absence to see other men, including Bols! And he felt betrayed! And that same evening, he revealed his psychopathic nature, by burning my house !

" Ah, yes ! Charming young man! "

" He had launched a bottle of burning alcohol through a window and the fire started very quickly, and prevented me from leaving my home! I do not know by what happy coincidence, but, at this precise moment, soldiers were patrolling not far from here! Unfortunately, seeing the flames, none of them had the courage to rescue me! All but one! Bols was among them and did not hesitate a moment to enter the house to save me! When he came to me, I remember finding myself lying on the ground, after inhaling too much smoke! As soon as he saw me, he took me in his arms, before turning around! And that's when it happened! "

" What happened ? "

" The end of a flaming beam fell on his face, completely burning half of it! Yet, ignoring his pain, he just kept going, so that I could survive! I had then lost consciousness! But as soon as I opened my eyes, I was in a bed, in a hospital! And that's where I saw it! Bols was sitting on a chair, asleep with bandages around his head! I had passed out during the whole night, but he had stayed by my side, refusing to rest in a bed too despite the condition of his face! "

Suddenly admiring a magnificent sunset in the distance, she said.

" If I'm still alive, it's because Bols has not given up on the idea of living the rest of his life with me, just to find himself disfigured by saving me! And you know what ? He did well to do it! Since I got married to him, I haven't regretted once to continue my life with him! He is not only my husband! He is the man of my life! "

Listening to him, Ieyatsu only nodded slightly while asserting.

" I doubt that I could become a guy like him! Whatever I may say, these guys are just as amazing as each other! I want to become like them, but I wonder if I will be able to become it before the final confrontation! "

" You know … " Started Kije.

Suddenly, five figures jumped in their direction, before landing on the roof of the base.

" That … ? " The woman wondered.

" Enemy. " Roared Ieyatsu, placing himself in front of her, weapon forward.

Staring at him, the newcomers seemed to stare at him. However, not recognizing him, a man wanted to know.

" Natsu-sama is he here? "

" Hein? " Ieyatsu wondered.

" I asked you if Natsu-sama was here. " Repeated the man.

" Natsu? You ... do you know him? Who are you ? "

Suddenly, a sixth figure appeared on the roof.

" Kame, there is no one here. " Affirmed a woman's voice. " Natsu-sama is not here. "

" If Night Raid is not there, then they must be in town. " Understood the so-called Kame. " Ok, here we go. "

But while his comrades left, Ieyatsu called out to him.

" Hey, wait! Who are you ? "

" Who we are ? " Asked Kame, showing himself. " I'm Kame! Fairy Tail army lieutenant! "

He left then, not even giving Ieyatsu time to understand his answer.

" The army… of Fairy Tail? "

Biting into a big leg, Giry couldn't help but stare at the steps of the arena as Tatsumi's execution time was fast approaching.

" So many people to kill suddenly and I was ordered to keep quiet! Tsss! To say that I could have beaten my personal best! "

" Esdeath has our eye on us. " Izou reminded him, while lying quietly on several seats. " Come on, we just do the surveillance and then we just have to kill the prisoners! My sword is just thirsty for blood! "

" Pfff, there are no children here. " Champ noted, while looking for one.

" What parents would bring their kids to see an execution? " Asked Dorothea.

" To make them warriors, this is the basis. " Retorted Suzuka. " I killed my first person at the age of four. "

Suddenly yawning, Izou looked at the huge cross in the center of the field, where Tatsumi was chained. Then he looked up at the sky, while asking.

" In your opinion, will they come to save their friend? "

" It's not as if we might not like it. " Remarked Dorothea, running her tongue over her lips. " I really want to taste their blood! "

" Bof. " Announced Giry. "For once, I'm not a fan of facing them! Esdeath will be there and will surely keep the strongest for her! "

" Me anyway, I am not motivated if there is no child. " Remarked Champ.

" By the way, don't you think that Night Raid can attack the palace, in our absence? " Wanted to know Suzuka.

" If, that's why Budo and our very dear "chef" stayed there. " Assured Izou.

Suddenly sneering, Giry noticed.

" This imbecile Syura is worth nothing now! I admit that at the start, he made a good impression on me! However, now that he no longer has his teigu, all he can do is shout his father's name loudly! It pisses me off more than anything! In fact, I would like Night Raid to get rid of it!

" And who will lead us in this case? " Asked Dorothea.

" I could sacrifice myself! sneered Giry. " But, I warn you, as chief, I reserve fifty percent of the next murders! "

" Esdeath-sama. " Suddenly rejoices Suzuka, seeing the young woman enter the arena to face Tatsumi.

" Tatsumi. " Cried the woman, drawing her sword. " I learned a lot from the human body through all the torture I gave! I know exactly where to stab you, if I want to kill you! I have high hopes on how long you will stay alive! "

" Tsss, do you have any idea that I don't care? " Asked the boy.

Then, looking to the side, he saw the people in the stands, watching him with a smile or a sneer.

" These people ! Is my death so much fun for them? "

" Hey, Tatsumi. " Cried Esdeath. " At least give me the pleasure of looking at myself while I'm going to kill you! "

" I don't care about being tortured or undergoing anything else. " Assured the boy. "I will not yell or beg you! In place, … ! "

Raising his lips upward, he assured.

" I will smile in the face of death and show you the pride of Night Raid. "

Seeing him do it, Esdeath said.

" I understand even better why I wanted you as a husband. "

As for looking at the execution in silence, Izou ends up turning his head to the side, while drawing his saber.

" They arrive. " He announced.

At that moment, a wall of the arena exploded, stopping Esdeath in its tracks.

" Hum? " She said, turning around.

Then, a big smile appeared on her face when she saw some silhouettes facing him. There was Gajeel Wave Mine and Bols there.

" Y ... You? " Tatsumi wondered.

" Did you really think we were going to let you down? " Asked Mine.

" Not only we will deliver you but, in addition, we will take the opportunity to kick the buttocks of all these beautiful people who are here. "Gajeel assured him.

" If I'm here, it's only because it's you, Tatsumi. " Wave asserted, turning his head to the side. " Don't imagine that I would do the same for anyone. "

" I have a debt to Night Raid and I intend to repay it now. " Assured Bols.

" Oh ? " Wondered Esdeath, seeing his former subordinates. " So what we say is true! You dropped me to join Night Raid. "

" Sorry, general. " Apologized Wave, seizing the Grand Chariot. " I promised to protect the empire and what I will do here and now! So to hell with your discipline and all that goes with it! From now on, my place is within Night Raid and I do not regret my choice under any circumstances! "

" It's the same for me. " Assured Bols. "However, know that I sincerely thank you for all that you have done for us, the Jaegers! "

" Ha ha, but what an idiot. "

Landing then in the stadium, Wild Hunt advanced towards the small group, while sneering.

" I thought that only Seryu and Wendy had joined Night Raid for real, but with you in their ranks, that changes everything! remarked Giry! More opponents equals a greater chance of having the right to fight a powerful opponent! "

" Grrr! Wild Hunt! " Wave roars, letting Large cart cover it.

" Content to know that you remember us. " Dorothea said, with a mocking smile.

" Tsss, that bunch of shabby. " Said Gajeel.

" Gajeel-sama. " Someone suddenly rejoices.

Blocking an arm that stretched toward him in time, Gajeel glared at Suzuka as the latter blushed at his sight.

" You? Are you still alive? "

" Yes, and this despite the fact of your violent punch. "

Thinking back on the latter, Suzuka began to groan, before grabbing the torn coat she had wrapped around her waist. Glancing at the garment, Gajeel couldn't help but be surprised, finding that it was his own coat. The one who had been torn apart during his fight against Suzuka.

" Hey, what are you doing with that? "

" It's to remind me of you! Suzuka told him, blushing a little, while she began to sniff the garment! Yes, remember the brutal and violent man that you are! I hope you can hit me very hard again! "

" Oh, shit ! Another crackpot! "

" Good, how do we distribute these people? " Wanted to know Giry.

Nevertheless, Dorothea kicked him hard in the buttocks, causing him to fall forward. So he found himself out of the path of a tornado of wind, which could only hit the ground.

" The others are there. " Izou noticed, looking up.

Indeed. Making an aerial entry, the rest of Night Raid arrived towards the arena. Using her powers, Wendy used the wind to float. Next, Lily held Bulat, while Run did the same with Leone and Akame.

Immediately, two former groups, who were still enemies a few days ago, began to surround Esdeath and Wild Hunt.

" Oh, oh. " Said Dorothea. " Is it me or should we start to panic? "

" Tsss! You definitely can't spend a quiet day. " Champ noted, frustrated that there were no children.

" Night Raid! Jaegers! " Cheered them Esdeath. " If you came to fight me, I congratulate your courage! However … ! "

Freezing the ground at her feet, she said.

" Running away is now impossible. "

" Who spoke of flight? " Gajeel retorted, his arm turned into an ax.

" This teigu? " Wondered Esdeath, recognizing the weapon of his former subordinate.

Then, examining Gajeel's face, she understood who he was.

" You're that guy ...! The one who killed my old men! I recognize your silhouette even if you no longer wear your mask! "

Then, staring at Bulat, she said.

" I recognize you too, Bulat! In fact, I am surprised to see you! Since Tatsumi inherited your teigu, I thought you were dead! "

" Well, let's say that I came very close to death. " Bulat assured, while holding his combat spear. " But don't worry! I had enough time to rest to recover in order to beat you! "

" Oh ? " Said Esdeath, looking at each of his enemies. " But where is the most important? I'm talking of course about Natsu! "

" Well, while you are all here, he surely launched a raid on the palace, right now!. " Assured Mine. " Clearly, it is destroying everything there. "

" Good, confirmation. " Dorothea announced. " Syura is going to die. "

" Hourra! I become the new group leader, now! " Said Giry.

" We never gave our agreement on this point. " Retorted Izou, while drawing his saber. " In addition, it is on condition of leaving alive this arena. "

And as if to launch hostilities, Bulat took a deep breath before shouting.

" Everybody ! Let's go ! "

Immediately, turning to Wild hunt, Bols and Run launched their attacks on their respective enemies, while Champ and Giry did the same. As soon as the first explosion sounded, each person left their place of origin to get into a fighting position.

Immediately, saber forward, Izou was the first to run towards Akame.

" Akame, will you do me the honor of crossing my sword with me? "

" Out of his way. " Wave retorted, pretending to hit him.

Jumping back to avoid his charge, Izou looked somewhat unhappy, while Wave faced him. He wanted to fight a swordsman. For his part, Wave glanced over at Akame. He was ashamed to think so but he knew he was weaker than she was. Therefore, he had to support her and allow her to avoid unnecessary fights so that she could focus on her only opponent: Esdeath.

The latter, who was the only one who hadn't moved an inch, stayed with a smile on her face. And that smile grew longer as the woman finally jumped into the air, to avoid a tornado of wind.

Directing her gaze towards Wendy, Esdeath saw the child propelling herself towards her using her wind, ready to face her.

" SKY DRAGON'S WINGS ! "

Moving his head quickly, to avoid his two fists, Esdeath then went on with a kick that struck Wendy in the stomach.

" ARRGH. "

" Sorry to tell you, Wendy, but you're still too weak to face me! You might have been luckier if Seryu was with you! "

However, suddenly reaching by grabbing the general's leg, Wendy opened her mouth before attacking him.

" SKY DRAGON'S ROAR. "

Too close to be able to dodge it, Esdeath attacked himself head on. Speeding towards the stands, she bumped against them. However, before the shock, she managed to surround herself with a block of ice to attenuate the shock. She therefore had no trouble getting up without any damage.

But already she had to get out of the path of a laser beam, projected by Mine.

" Oh, you seem to have a very interesting weapon. "

" IRON DRAGON'S AX !"

Immediately drawing out his sword, Esdeath blocked Gajeel's blade. Then she covered her second arm with ice to stop Lily's sword which had thrown over her in a stealth attack.

" What? " Surprised the Exceed.

" GRAUHORN ! "

Backing away immediately, Lily and Gajeel saw hundreds of ice cream spears materialize around Esdeath, before rushing at them.

" MAGMA DRIVE ! " Cried Bols, aiming the projectiles with his weapon.

Using his firepower, the man melted the attack before it could pierce his friends.

Seeing this, Giry suddenly started to smile, before pointing Crocharyu towards the masked man.

" Perfect ! You will be the first to taste my acid! "

" Hey, minute.

Turning around, Giry seemed surprised to see Bulat walking towards him.

" Hum? What do you want the invalid? "

" Oh, that's nasty. " Bulat said, with a small smile. " But you know, I always have enough strength to defeat you. "

" Ha ha. " Giggles Giry, pointing with her sixth fingers. " You, defeat me? No but you dream! Without teigu, you don't have a chance to defeat me. "

Then, his two fingers spit out two jets of acids which fused towards Bulat. However, despite these, the man remained motionless, with his smile on his lips.

" Who told you I didn't have a teigu? "

" What? "

Suddenly Bulat raised his wooden leg and it immediately began to light up. Then he hit the ground with all his might. In an instant, a shock wave crossed the entire floor of the arena, pulverizing the earth all around Bulat. Rising then, pieces of the ground were put in front of the acid jets and stopped the latter.

" That … ? " Was surprised Giry. " What was that ? "

Then suddenly he backed away while Bulat ran straight towards him, with lightning speed.

" I present to you my new teigu: Whitearth! The teigu capable of creating earthquakes that can spray any type of soil! "

" As if I was afraid of you. " Roared Giry, swelling his muscles. " My body is the most resistant of all! You never ...! "

Suddenly the tip of Bulat's false leg touched him in the chest. Giry may have the strongest muscles in the world, the fact remained that the earthquakes shook his body completely, like an electric shock. The impact was so powerful that it destroyed its entire skeleton.

Immediately, the body of the murderer was thrown towards the main door of the arena, wide open and his body flew through the city before crashing against a bell tower, a few hundred meters away.

" And one. " Announced Bulat.

" Too… Too strong. " Assured Leone, as she countered Suzuka's attacks.

" Tsss! " Grogned Dorothea, seeing the main guinea pig of his experiments being beaten so easily.

Suddenly jumping backwards, she avoided a cloud of feathers swung by Run.

" Grrr! Damn Jaegers! "

" It was you who sought the war, so don't complain. "

However, he flew higher to avoid a sphere of fire that brushed against him. Immediately, he glared at Champ, while the latter amused himself by aiming at him.

" I have an account to settle with you. " Announced the clown, preparing new spheres.

Throwing them at Run, he laughed when he saw him flying all over the place to avoid them.

" Ha ha! You may run away, I will end up having you! You should even let yourself go! The faster I will touch you, the faster you will be able to reach your dear students in paradise! "

" You can always dream. " Roars Run, avoiding a new sphere.

" Grrr! You Jaegers, you have the gift of getting on my nerves! "

Looking at Bols, Champ said.

" Especially that the daughter of it escaped me! This is the first time that it happens to me ! So I must kill you! Once done, I could track down her daughter without anyone being able to stop me! And then I would make her an angel! "

" No way. " Roared a voice.

Suddenly, before she could make out, Wendy found herself in front of Champ's huge belly and struck him with all his might.

" SKY DRAGON'S FIST! "

Almost pushing his eyes out of his sockets, the clown finally uttered a strange noise as he pressed his hands to his stomach, before falling to his knees.

" This blow was for Logue. " Said Wendy, with a hateful tone! I will never let you track her again! I would protect her from you. "

" Dirty little bitch. " Roared Champ, creating a sphere in his hand. " Die! "

Too close to counterattack, Wendy tried to back away. Pain lost, catching up in less than two, the sphere suddenly released a strange gas, finding its target.

However, Champ seemed surprised when he saw Wendy escape unscathed. Instead, having played the role of a human shield, Run had been hit in the arm by the sphere and winced in pain while the latter was rotting, like an overripe fruit.

" That … ? RUN! "

" Hahaha! Poor fool! You wanted to play hero and here are the consequences! This was my sphere of decay! Your arm is now lost forever! "

Then creating other spheres, he launched them towards the duo.

" Die. "

Nevertheless, he suddenly spat blood, as feathers crossed his huge belly.

" ARGH! What? "

" Never underestimate me. " Roared Run, giving him a stubborn look. "I know very well that I don't have the power of Wave or Wendy! Nor the determination of Kurome and Seryu! It may even be that my determination to avenge my students is weaker than that shown by Bols to protect his family! However, I know one thing! "

Closing his fist, he fired a powerful punch which struck Champ on the level of the jaws.

" I won't lose against you. "

Stepping back, Champ managed to keep his balance and created a new sphere of fire in his hand.

" Die, rot. "

Unfortunately for him, Run and Wendy suddenly jumped and used their powers to float in the air.

" That … ? "

" SKY DRAGON ROAR ! "

" RAIN DEATH! "

Finding himself trapped in a real tornado of wind, Champ began to howl in pain, while sharp feathers, mixed with the wind, began to lacerate him in all directions. Undergoing this torture for many seconds, the clown then fell to the ground, covered with wounds.

Seeing him thus, Run landed in front of Champ. Looking at his enemy, the man suddenly saw him spit blood, signifying that he was alive. Immediately, Run lifted his foot to crush his face. It doesn't matter whether or not Champ dies from his injuries. He wanted to destroy the body of this clown in dust, so as to make this being disappear from history forever.

However, a hand was gently placed on his arm.

" Run. " Said Wendy. " No. "

" Sorry, Wendy! But this time, you 're asking for too much! I can't spare it! "

" I know exactly how you feel! I hate this man myself! I hate him just by imagining what horrible things he intended to do to Logue! And I know what heinous things he did to the children you knew! But killing him will not resuscitate them! "

" Killing him will prevent him from killing other children. " Retorted Run, calmly.

Then placing her hand on Run's chest, Wendy closed her eyes before lighting up her hand.

" Your soul… it is like that of Seryu! A white soul, which becomes blacker at every moment, because of the wickedness of the people of this empire! Run, please, don't let your soul go black forever! This guy doesn't deserve you kill him! You don't deserve to be considered a murderer because of this bastard! You don't deserve to have your blood on your hands! "

" Stops, Wendy! Please ! I have to ... I have to kill this asshole! I must avenge my students! I must … ! I must … ! "

Suddenly, the man widened his eyes, feeling a small hand slightly pull the back of his shirt. Turning around, Run caught sight of a dozen children behind him, smiling at him. His students.

" That … ? "

" Run-sensei! " They shouted then, showing him big smiles. " Thank you ! "

Then each of them disappeared from view of the man, while the man screamed.

" No, come back! Don't ... Don't go! "

" Their soul rests in peace, Run. " Announced Wendy, in your back. " You don't need to do more! You are and you will remain their hero! Don't become a demon by killing this clown! "

Falling to his knees, Run clenched his fists, while beginning to sob.

" If only ... If only I had been with them that day! I could have saved them! I could have avoided this massacre! Why ? Why ? "

" Run! Nothing's your fault. " Wendy assured him, gently placing his hand on his back. " You did what you should have done! You were a wonderful teacher and a hero for each of these children! You can believe me ! "

Suddenly, Wendy felt a warm breath in her neck. Turning around immediately, she saw Champ's figure, standing behind her. Despite his bloody face and numerous injuries, the clown had managed to get up and thought of only one thing: revenge.

" I will kill you. "

However, he ends up widening his eyes, seeing an intense light darken him. Noticing her too, Run grabbed Wendy with her valid arm and flew into the sky, the instant an energy ray crossed the entire stadium. Shouting in fear, seeing the attack sink on him, Champ ended up being hit and found himself disintegrated.

" That … ? " Wondered Izou, when he had just avoided an attack by Mine.

" I had one? " Mine wondered.

" Tsss, what a team of broken arms. " Said Esdeath, seeing them fight. " This moron has known the most ridiculous death there is! "

Suddenly, she used her sword again to block an attack from Gajeel.

" Are you still there? "

" As if I was going to pass such an opportunity! Now that this Natsu fool is not here, I have every opportunity to beat you without being disturbed! IRON DRAGON'S ROAR! "

" ICE WALL ! "

Blocking the mage's attack, Esdeath noticed.

" Your attacks are very similar to those of Natsu and Wendy! So I can predict them quite easily. "

" IRON DRAGON'S SWORD! "

Jumping over the wall, Gajeel found himself behind Esdeath and pounced on him. Using his own sword, Esdeath exchanged several blows with him. Then she noticed something in his eyes. Compared to Natsu's, he had a real murderous look. Gajeel would not hesitate to kill her.

" Ah, here is one that perhaps goes to the end of its goal. "

" IRON DRAGON'S CLUB! "

Seeing Gajeel's fist stretch out, Esdeath dodged it in time, running to the side. But immediately she was followed by Gajeel, who attempted to shoot him down with his saber. Finally, deciding to take her by surprise, the man threw a new roar towards Esdeath. Forming protection in time, Esdeath let the wind of the explosion sweep across her face, while she couldn't make her smile disappear.

" What are we having fun. " Asserted Esdeath. " You may not be as strong as Natsu, but at least you amuse me a lot! "

Hardening his gaze, hearing the worst possible insult, Gajeel finally came to a halt before affirming.

" It's your turn ! Attack me! "

" Hein? "

" Attack me if you dare! Go ahead, come back with all your might! Don't hesitate to want to kill me! But despite everything, I bet you what you want that you can never defeat me in one fell swoop! "

" What? " Esdeath wondered, with a frown.

" You heard me very well! A woman as weak as you can never scratch me! "

Listening to her call her "weak", Esdeath ends up running towards him, saber forward.

" Very well ! But don't think for a moment that I'm going to kill you! "

Indeed, wanting to remove the smile from the face of the mage, Esdeath looked at his abdomen and imagined himself already drawing a precise line in order to make Gajeel suffer without killing him.

But, for that, she absolutely didn't want Gajeel to move. No, she was not going to rush the work on someone who had just called her weak.

" MAHAPADMA! "

Freezing the air, the young woman continued to run and ended up slicing Gajeel at her abdomen. Precise, powerful and fast. The blow had calculated to the nearest millimeter in order to avoid its vital points. At the very moment when MAHAPADMA was going to stop, Gajeel was going to fall to the ground, screaming in pain

Immediately, she rejoices in advance to see his face. However, astonishment appeared on hers, when she saw her sword break in pieces.

" That … ? "

Eventually stopping, Mahapadma no longer keeps Gajeel motionless. Then turning around as if he expected to find Esdeath behind him, he ends up presenting his body to him. To Esdeath's surprise, it was covered with a layer of metallic scales. Man had managed to create it before Esdetah stopped time. And hitting this solid skin was the cause of the deterioration of his weapon.

" I warned you. " Assured Gajeel. " You didn't get me the first time! And the most fun is that your master card can no longer be used! "

Staring at him more seriously, Esdeath ends up turning around a bit when he sees Akame and Lily begin to surround him.

" Esdeath! This time, victory will be ours! "