Chapter 29 Discovery

"The Winner of today's Final Match is HYDRA FANG, which gives them a massive lead of 62 Points!"

"Boring," Natsu coldly said, standing over the unconscious Twin Dragons.

"What the hell was that," Gray shook.

"He beat them without taking any damage at all," Elfman said.

"It was scary," Wendy shivered.

"His fighting style has completely changed," Mira said.

"Yeah, usually he'd just charge in all hot-headed," Gajeel nodded.

"But this time he actually used a tactical battle strategy," Laxus said. "Not only did he read their moves, but he overwhelmed them with his power,"

"Woah, Hydra Fang is crazy strong,"

"Yeah, this guy beat Saber without taking damage,"

"Can anyone beat them?"

"What are you talking about? Laxus beat that Kimimaro guy yesterday,"

"Yeah but this guy is in a league of his own,"

Kagura then jumped down next to Natsu "As expected, Natsu-san,"

"Let's go Kagura," Natsu said, and Kagura nodded. The two then jumped out of the arena and on top of the statue, being greeted by the rest of their team.

Sora smirked "Yo, good work down there,"

Natsu ignored the comment "Let's go, we have a meeting apparently he wants to go over the plan again,"

"Again," Sora signed "Fine,"

Juzo and Hitomi nodded, as did Kagura. Natsu and his team then looked down at the stadium, his eyes focused on Erza, and it was then all 5 of them left the arena.

"Natsu," Erza shouted.

The rest of Fairy Tail was silent, unable to process what had happened.

"Erza, should we," Gray asked.

It was then Erza vanished.

"Wait? Where'd she go?" Wendy said.

"Don't tell me she chased after him," Elfman said, shocked.

Seeing Erza vanish made Makarov go wide eye "Erza,"

"We should go, I have a lock on their magic," Ultear said.

Jellal nodded "Let's go,"

The three members of Crime Sorciere jumped on top of rooftops tracking the magical signature of Hydra Fang, as they jumped from rooftop to rooftop they saw Erza ahead of them.

"Erza!" Jellal called out.

"Jellal?" Erza looked back "What are you doing,"

"I'm assuming the same as you," Jellal told her. "We believe Hydra Fang is the source behind the source of dark magic,"

Meanwhile, in the forest area, Hydra Fang was heading towards their meeting stop.

"We're being followed," Natsu told everyone.

"How many," Kagura asked.

"I sense about 4 people," he answered.

"Yes, the birds confirm 4 people are following us," Juzo confirmed.

"Really who are they," Sora asked.

"Erza, Ultear, and Meredy of Grimoire, and Jellal," Natsu simply answered.

"Should we engage them," Hitomi asked, and Natsu shook his head.

The last name that was said made Kagura tensed up, she immediately stopped and was ready to fight.

"Kagura," Natsu said.

"But.." Kagura shouted.

"Natsu-Kun is right Kagura," Orochimaru appeared from the shadows.

"Orochimaru-sama," Sora said. "What are you doing here, thought you were going to meet up at rendezvous point,"

"Don't worry, for now, I'll handle them, for now, you 5 return to a hideout. You need a lot of rest with the final day of the games coming," Orochimaru smirked.

"You heard him, let's go," Natsu ordered his team.

Kagura was hesitant at first, missing the chance of facing the man who took everything from her, but she obliged and left with the others. After the team left, Erza and the members of Crime Sorciere arrived.

Orochimaru turned around to face them and he smirked "Well it's been a while," he stared at Erza "Kyuubi Jinchuuriki," his eyes then went to Ultear, and Meredy, "Ultear-san, and Meredy-san my have you grown, and" he then faced Jellal "Jellal-Kun isn't it,"

"Orochimaru," Erza glared

"So you are here," Meredy said.

"What are you doing here," Ultear's eyes narrowed.

"Well isn't it obvious I'm having my own guild participate in the Games," Orochimaru chuckled.

"So you are Hydra Fang's master," Meredy shouted.

"Why yes," Orochimaru smirked.

"Why enter it, you never showed interest in this kind of thing, you're planning something aren't you," Ultear glared.

"Let's just say I want to see how my experiments perform, suffice to say they produced amazing results," Orochimaru answered.

"Experiments," Erza growled "is that what Natsu is to you,"

"Why does it matter to you, he came to me of his own free will," Orochimaru told her,

"Bastard," Erza glared "Give Natsu back,"

"My, my," Orochimaru signed "You two are quite alike, always impatient and not willing to listen to the truth,"

"Shut up," Erza shouted "You manipulated him,"

"Still it was his choice to join me was it now," Orochimaru smirked.

"Bastard," Erza glared her anger glaring up.

"Erza calm down,," Kurama told her.

"But.." Erza was interrupted.

"You want to save him, I get it, but losing your shit is not going to help," Kurama said.

Erza was mad but she knew the fox was right, getting angry now won't help anyone.

Orochimaru smirked "Oh, calmed down, have we. guess there is a difference between you and Naruto-Kun,"

"What are you planning for Orochimaru," Jellal began to question.

"Hmm," Orochimaru tilts his head "as I said, I'm testing my experiments,"

"No, there's something else. There's always large amounts of dark magic being gathered from the games, and we know you're the source," Jellal said.

"Oh that," Orochimaru shrugged, but he smirked "You'll just have to wait and see,"

"Restrain him now," Jellal shouted.

Erza and the others nodded, Erza quickly dashed at the snake man with her Benizakura.

INFINITE SPHERE

MAGUILTY RAY

Both Ultear and Meredy fired crystal balls, and light swords at the snake man, creating a large dust cloud from impact. Once the dust cleared, to their shock Orochimaru was not there but what appeared to be shredded skin.

"What the hell," Erza said.

"Damn it, another one of his escape tricks," Ultear grunted.

"He got away," Meredy looked down.

"Damn it," Erza punched a tree "And I don't sense them anywhere they're gone,"

"What should we do Jellal," Meredy asked.

"They're still competing in the Games, so they won't be gone for long," Jellal said. "Erza,"

"Yeah, I'll keep an eye out during the games," Erza told him.

"Are you alright," Ultear asked. "I mean it must be hard for you and your guild right now,"

"Yeah, it's just," Erza held back tears "Hard seeing him like that so merciless, and cold,"

"Erza," Jellal placed a hand on her shoulder "I know its hard, but if anyone can save him it's you,"

Erza smiled "Thank you Jellal, I should go and tell the others,"

"Right, we'll update you when we find anything out," Ultear nodded, and Erza vanished.

"So what do you think Orochimaru is planning," Meredy asked.

"I don't know, but it's easy to say that it's nothing good," Jellal said.

…

Honey Bone Inn

"I see that's what happened," Makarov said, after Erza and told him what happened.

"And what about Natsu," Lucy asked.

"Lost track of him, but I know we'll see him on the final day of the games, that's for sure," Erza told them. "Didn't get the chance to talk to him because of Orochimaru,"

"And what did he say," Gray growled.

"Nothing much, but he pissed me off," Erza growled. "Telling me Natsu joined him at his own free will,"

Gray slammed his fist on the table "that's bullshit,"

"I know, he manipulated Natsu when he was vulnerable, and he gave Natsu a curse mark which gave him the power to control him," Erza said. "But still it was Natsu's choice and I can't accept it, but I will get him back, for now, we need to know what Orochimaru is planning,"

"So Hydra Fang is responsible for the source of dark magic," Gray said.

"That's right," Erza nodded.

"But they said it's been happening for the past 7 years and this is Hydra's first time competing," Lucy said.

"They must have been staying in the shadows, and chose now it's a good time to enter in order to enact their plan," Mavis said. "And it obviously takes up a lot of magic power if it took 7 years,"

"What is their plan?" Wendy tilted her head.

Erza shook her head "We don't know, but the only thing that matters is that if we stop him there's a chance we can bring Natsu back,"

The others nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, I say it's time we knock some sense into him," Gajeel smirked.

Laxus nodded "We need to wake that dumbass up,"

Gray smirked "Not only that, we need to win to show everyone that we're number 1,"

"Tomorrow, we have a break. Then after that is the final day," Makarov said. "So be sure to rest up,"

"YES SIR!"

"Natsu, just you wait. We're going to bring you back," Erza looked out at the night sky.

…

The Next Day

Erza awoke in her hotel room, she looked and saw most of her teammates were fast asleep. She smiled, and walked downstairs to the dining area and was greeted by Mira cooking breakfast.

"Good morning Erza," Mira smiled

"Morning Mira," Erza sat down and Mira gave her breakfast.

"So how are you feeling, I mean after yesterday," Mira asked.

"I'm fine, it's just that Natsu…" Erza looked down "I just want to talk to him, but he.."

"Hey don't fret, we're going to see him tomorrow anyway right," Mira smiled. "Plus it's hard for everyone right now, not just you. We were all shocked to see him,"

"I know, but it was me who failed to reach out to him 7 years ago, I couldn't save my friend," Erza said.

"You're not the only one who failed," Mira told her "We all felt helpless finding out what Natsu did, but like Master said, crying about it won't help. He believes Natsu is going down his own path in life, we may not like it, but this is a journey for him to take on his own,"

"Thank you, Mira," Erza smiled finishing her food, and standing up "I should go train then, if I'm going to be fighting Natsu tomorrow I should be ready,"

Mira nodded "Good luck,"

Erza smiled and waved and left the hotel on her own to train.

"Hmm, she is truly hurting as we all are," Makarov entered.

"Master," Mira said, surprised.

"What you say is correct Mira, Natsu is going through his own journey, and we best hope he dispels the darkness taking hold of him," Makarov said. "And as his parent, I need to take responsibility for any wrongs he commits,"

"Master, you don't have to bear that burden alone," Mira told him "Like I told Erza,"

Makarov smiled and nodded "Yes, we are in this together as a family,"

…

After some time in the afternoon, everyone in Fairy Tail went about to enjoy their day off. Though obviously things still didn't sit right with everyone due to yesterday's events.

Gray was walking through the town, completely frustrated "Damn that flame brain, what the hell is the matter with him,"

"Gray-sama," Juvia said. "Are you alright,"

"I'm fine, just pissed is all," Gray scoffed. "After all we've been through together and he just ups and leaves and acts like none of it mattered,"

"Gray-sama," Juvia said softly.

"Sorry, I'm just angry I can't do anything for my friend," Gray said, and his mind flashbacks to Galuna "Even though he did a lot to help me,"

"Is something troubling you,"

Both Gray and Juvia jumped in surprise, at hearing the voice. They were both shocked to see who it was, it was the same feminine-looking man they encountered before.

"Hey, you're…" Gray said.

"The same person we met during the qualifiers," Juvia said, surprised.

The feminine boy smiled and nodded "It's nice to see you again,"

Gray smirked "Yeah, same here. Are you gathering herbs again,"

The boy nodded "Yes, I need it to make medicine. You seem troubled what is wrong,"

"Well, you see we encountered an old friend recently," Juvia answered.

"And the reunion didn't go well, to say the least," Gray signed.

"I see, your saying friend is lost," they asked.

Gray nodded "Yeah, I want to get him back,"

"And you'll do anything for this friend," They asked.

"Yeah, I'll do anything to get him back," Gray said determined "I can't call myself a Fairy Tail wizard if I can't help a friend,"

"Gray-sama," Juvia said.

The boy smiled "I see, then I wish you luck," the feminine boy then left the two, and once he did Gray had an off feeling.

"Gray-sama, what's wrong?" Juvia asked.

"I don't know, it's just that guy seemed kind of familiar, not like when we met him days ago, but something else," Gray stared back at the leaving figure.

Elsewhere, a saddened Wendy walked through the city, thinking about Natsu as well.

"Wendy is thinking about Natsu isn't she," Happy said.

Carla nodded "What do you expect, like everyone she is depressed,"

"And she looked up to Natsu like he was her big brother, it must be hard for her. Seeing someone you admire for so long turned to your enemy," Lucy said, "We all feel the same,"

Happy nodded wiping some tears "Natsu,"

Lucy wiped her tears "Natsu, I hope you open your eyes and realize that we need you,"

Wendy looked down depressed "Natsu-Niisan," she cried.

As she absently mindedly walked, she accidentally bumped into someone.

"Oh sorry," Wendy apologized but her eyes widened at who she bumped into.

"Wendy, are you alright," Lucy ran up and her eyes widened too.

"Is that…" Carla shook.

"It is," Happy said.

The group was shocked to see that the pair they bumped into was Juzo and Sora

"Hydra Fang,"

Sora smirked "Oh if it isn't Natsu's old buddies,"

Juzo was silent and didn't say anything.

"Hydra Fang," Lucy said with a serious tone.

"Oh, what's with that tone is that any way to greet us," Sora said. "You know as friends of a friend,"

"You expect us to be nice to you," Lucy scorned "Your guys master Orochimaru corrupted Natsu,"

"Corrupted? I remember him going to Orochimaru-sama willingly," Sora shrugged. "And you're acting like we like Orochimaru-sama,"

"Huh," they all blinked.

"Just because we work with that guy doesn't mean we like him, we do it because we have to," Sora told them. "Anyway, I bet you guys are going ask about Natsu, but sorry we can't tell you,"

"But.." Wendy was interrupted.

"Listen, kid, I know you're worried about him or whatever but get through your head he's with us now," Sora smirked, he then turned to Wendy "I look forward to facing you tomorrow kid, I really want to know who rules the Skies, the dragons, the gods, or the demons,"

"You really are annoying, Sora," Juzo signed.

"Shut up, Juzo," Sora shouted. "Anyway let's get out of here, I'm hungry,"

Juzo nodded, and he turned to Wendy and her group "Despite his attitude, he is right the Natsu you know is gone he is far different than the one you knew, We'll see you all tomorrow, I wish you luck,"

"Wow, it seems that the Juzo guy is the most sensible one," Carla said.

"Yeah, it's surprising," Happy nodded.

"We definitely have to beat these guys," Lucy said, determined.

Wendy nodded "Yes, and once we beat them we're one step close to helping Natsu-niisan,"

…

RASENGAN

Erza destroyed another large boulder, she breathed heavily.

"Hmm, you're getting better," Kurama said.

"Thanks, but I feel it's not enough yet," Erza wiped her cheek, remembering Natsu's fight with Sabertooth.

"From what I can see, you two are pretty even, though I feel you are a bit stronger than you," Kurama said.

Erza nodded "Yeah, I know. That's why I need to keep training until I can beat him and make him see the light,"

Kurama smirked "you know I can beat him if you let me take over,"

"I know, but this is something I have to do," Erza told him.

Kurama signed "yeah I know, just a suggestion,"

Erza took a breath "I need to get stronger then I can save him,"

…

Hydra Fang Hideout

"So you really think this plan is going to work, Orochimaru-sama, I mean opening that thing could be dangerous," Sora said.

"Yes, I am aware but I want to see how this era will react and fight this kind of threat," Orochimaru smirked.

"You want to see how much humanity has evolved since your era," Kagura asked.

Orochimaru nodded "Yes, many things have changed since my time and I want to see how much. And to show much I have changed to humanity by destroying the very capital of this country,"

"And what makes you think the kingdom is going to open it," Hitomi asked.

"Because that Baka no Hime believed every word I said, she was so foolish into believing those words without any proof, I already provided her with the keys and sneakily snuck them back to their owner's room without them noticing," Orochimaru smirked, "And when that gate opens, this country will be destroyed,"

"And Natsu is a big part of this plan," Sora asked.

Orochimaru nodded "Why yes, his ability would be the most helpful, though I know you may not go through with my plans," he said the last part under his breath.

…

Castle Underground

Natsu was currently in the undergrounds of the Crocus, he explored the under caverns for some time, only finding bones and remains, some of which looked older than most. He also bones that appeared to belong to large creatures.

"Dragon bones,"

It was then something caught his eye, it appeared to be an old rusted piece of metal attached to some old headband,

Natsu's eyes narrowed "What is this,"

He stared at the headband curiously, and the symbol looked odd, but he knew what it was.

"A Leaf?"

Hey guys what you all think, I couldn't come up with a good title for this chapter. anyway hoped you enjoyed be sure to review and I will see you next time.