Upon the graveyard of Dragons, Natsu and the others encountered Arcadios and Yukino, both had heard the story of how Acnologia came to be.
"I'm the head of the holy chivalric order of the Cherry Blossoms, a part of the army of the Fiore Kingdom that is stationed in Crocus" said Arcadios in introducing his identity to the group.
"and I'm Yukino Agria, a temporary sergeant" said Yukino in introduction.
"what is an upper general of the army doing here?" said Gray with a confused face.
"Yukino…why are you?" said Lucy
"I shall explain" stated Arcadios. "we needed the power of the Celestial wizard for a certain strategy, so we asked Sergeant Yukino for that"
"a Celestial Spirit Wizard?" said Wendy.
"you…you were the one who hired those group of hooligans on the second day of the GMG to get Lucy, aren't you?" asked Natsu as this got everyone's attention.
"how very conclusive of you" said Arcadios with a smile. "if I recall, you are Natsu Daimou of Fairy Tail, and also the current Emperor of our neighboring continent, Lingyue. I watched your match, and I am very amazed by your performance"
"I could care less of that" said Natsu as his eyes glows red "right now I'm a Fairy Tail Wizard and I want to know the reason why you wanted to kidnap Lucy"
"I see" said Arcadios before he turns around and started walking the direction of where he came from. "follow me and you will have your answer"
Yukino followed suit while Natsu and the others stayed at where they are.
"should we even follow them?" asked Lucy with a nervous face.
"this is the royal army's general, we're talking" said Gray.
"better if you all follow them" said Draco as Natsu looks at the Dragon spirit riding on his shoulder till now. "I am sensing the faint dark presence again. I will return in moments time"
"alright" said Natsu before Draco disappears and left the group. Natsu then looks at the group and said "let's go"
Everyone looks at Natsu before to each other and then nodded.
Upon moment's time, the group were brought to the Mercurius Palace where the King of Fiore resides.
"it's Mercurius" said Wendy, in seeing the palace again.
"yeah" agreed Charla while shaking off the bad memories of their first visit to the place.
"why here?" said Natsu to Arcadios who went through the large gates first with Yukino.
"there is something within the castle that you all must-see" said Arcadios in reply. "there I will explain to you all, the reason of why I had planned to kidnap Lucy-dono a few days ago"
Everyone looks at the knight skeptically before they followed him.
Arcadios left everyone down the nearby stairway where they descended to the lower levels of the palace.
"that time, I had believed that we needed a Celestial Spirit Wizard quickly, so I ended up taking a hasty decision" said Arcadios. "forgive me for my rushing actions"
"and then?" said Natsu as he looks at Arcadios. "there is more to it, right?"
"yes" replied Arcadios with a nod. "the GMG is a camouflage to obtain a great amount of magic from various wizards. All for the sake of a certain project"
"you've been sucking away magic from the games?" said Wendy.
"for what project would you need so much magic for?" asked Charla as Arcadios led them to another gate which slowly opens.
"for the Eclipse Project, the gateway to change the world. And for it to happen, there is the need for a large amount of magic" stated Arcadios before the gates open fully and there stood the Eclipse Gate within the chambers.
"that's a large gate" said Lily.
"what's behind it?" added Gajeel.
"the possibility of a new world" stated Arcadios with a smile. "when the sun and moon intersect, open the gate with 12 keys. If you do, the door will open, and you shall be able to travel 400 years back and defeat Zeref before he became an immortal. That is the purpose of the Eclipse Project"
"t-time travel?!" said Lucy as everyone got shock running into their minds.
"for the Eclipse Project to work, we need the power of a Celestial Spirit Wizard to cross time" explained Yukino while chiming in. "only with the power of a Celestial Spirit Wizard can we use the Dimensional Boundary line of the spirit world to open the door"
"originally we were meant to substitute the Celestial Wizard with Pseudo magic" stated Arcadios. "but with a real celestial spirit wizard and the 12 keys, this project will be even perfect. It is absolutely necessary for the time of the Eclipse that will take place on the 7th of July"
"7th of July…" said Gajeel.
"that is when our Dragon parents disappeared…" muttered Wendy.
"please Lucy-dono" said Arcadios as he turns to face the blonde mage. "please help us defeat Zeref"
"defeat..Zeref?" said Lucy in shock before Natsu got in front of her and faces Arcadios.
"are you mad?" asked Natsu to Arcadios who blinked his eyes twice.
"pardon?" replied Arcadios with a confused face.
"using the Eclipse Gate to go back to the past in defeating Zeref would sound like a brilliant plan, but have you thought of the backlash of doing such plan?" said Natsu as black flame marking started to appear on the left side of his face. "are you trying to play god?"
"what does he mean?" said Wendy before several golden flashes appeared and all 8 Lingyue Celestial Spirits appeared around the chamber. Draco and the other Four Great Guardian Beast spirits in their large form as they had serious daggering stares down at the group along with the Four Animal Spirits.
"the Celestial Spirits?" said Yukino in surprise to the 8 Lingyue Celestial spirit's sudden appearance in the chamber. "but how can someone use magic to summon them in this chamber? The Eclipse Gate would've sucked it away instantly"
"they're not like ordinary spirits" said Lucy with a nervous face at the serious daggering stares from the 8 spirits. "they're Lingyue Celestial spirits who are in the form of Chi which is something similar to magic but not"
"so this is where the sensation of black magic is coming from" said Draco with a bellowing voice as he looks at the Eclipse Gate before to Arcadios. "human, you are planning to break one of this world's greatest taboo"
"taboo?" said Charla with a confused face.
"a rule?" added Lily
"god created many rules upon creation of the world, and one of them happens to be the taboo of misusing the power of time" stated Enra while riding on top of Genbu's head, the Monkey King looking furious. "traveling back to the past and rewriting history can cause great catastrophe to the present."
"he's right…" said Lucy while thinking of the possibility. "if we defeat Zeref, there might be many things that changes in our time"
"yeah, lots of things" added Gray as he believed that if Zeref is gone and that means he would not be a Fairy Tail mage nor will his parents would die from Deliora.
"you must understand! This is for the greater good of the world!" said Arcadios to the 8 spirits. "if we defeat Zeref, that means the dark guilds and any dark evil left by Zeref upon our time would disappear instantly!"
"do you believe that those things will be the only things that disappear? You do not understand the concept of time and reality, human" said Genbu with a dangerous glare at Arcadios.
"the Eclipse Gate is not a tool that is supposed to be use by the hands of humans, it's existence is already a vile taboo" added Houou while flapping her flaming wings to stay airborne.
"therefore, we will take it away from you" added Tengu while holding up his hands and claws came out. "and we will get rid of those who would try to stop us"
"things are looking rather tense here" said Lucy as she and the others slowly back away.
"w-wait a minute! If you take the Eclipse Gate away, the world would be in chaos!" shouted Arcadios before thunder rang and lighting strikes down upon the knight. "aagggh!"
"Arcadios-sama!" Yukino gasped as Gray and the others look in surprise at Draco who had fired the bolt of lightning at the man from his jaws.
"silence, human! The world will not be in chaos if the Eclipse Gate existence is not dealt with!" stated Draco with a growling voice. "the Celestial Spirit King, and the 12 Golden Zodiacs would not interfere upon this project of yours. For it is not against the rule of the spirit world, but we the 8 Celestial Guardian Spirits of Lingyue will act upon our last contract agreement with Kaguya-sama. To protect this world from the coming darkness!"
"Let us destroy the gate" said Byakko who soon let out a roar and a twister of air came barraging the gate. Draco and the others followed the action as they fired their attacks upon the Eclipse Gate.
"no! stop!" shouted Arcadios to the 8 spirits before an explosion occurred from the Eclipse Gate.
"waaah!" screamed Lucy as everyone hangs on to their ground and not get blown away by the explosion.
The explosion caused a rumbling and shaking tremor upon Mercurius as this surprised the occupants within.
Returning to the scene, the 8 Celestial Spirits of Lingyue looks at the clouding smoke where the Eclipse Gate was at.
Natsu and the others watch the smoke as it slowly blows away and reveals that the Eclipse Gate is gone.
"t-they destroyed the gate" said Yukino in surprise.
"that's….impossible.." said Arcadios with a shocked face.
Natsu looks at the fleeing smoke and to the floor as his eyes widen a bit when he finds no rubble remains of the gate.
"Draco, it's gone" said Natsu as he looks at Draco. "the Eclipse Gate had disappeared before your attacks could hit it"
"that is impossible" said Draco with a growling voice. "with the 8 elements attack from all 8 of us, nothing should be able to protect that gate"
Enra was watching the scene before he caught sight of a shadow lurking away at a haste pace.
"there! I saw a shadow lurking away!" said Enra while pointing to the direction of where the shadow had gone to.
"could it be another dark presence besides the lass?" said Genbu as Draco growls before he looks at Natsu.
"Natsu, our actions here are limited, therefore we ask of you to destroy the Eclipse Gate if you ever encounter it again" said Draco as Natsu nodded before the Dragon spirit looks at Arcadios. "remember this human. If you do not heed our warning about the Eclipse Gate, we will rain chaos upon your kingdom in act of protection of Lingyue. We care less of what happens to this kingdom if you do not heed our warning"
"he doesn't need to tell him twice after what they unleashed" said Gray to Lucy who nodded rapidly.
"i-I'm telling you! We need the Eclipse Gate!" said Arcadios before the royal guards came to the scene.
"the royal guards?" said Yukino as the guards surrounds the group.
"that is far enough" said a voice as everyone turns and sees Darton coming into view. "we will take it from here"
"Minister Darton?! Why are you?!" said Arcadios while getting cuffed by some soldiers.
"we are apprehending you for treason, and as well as revealing top secret information to outsiders" said Darton to Arcadios.
"they are not outsiders! As you know, they have an important role in this plan!" said Arcadios in retort.
"yes, but this is for the sake of the country" said Darton before he looks to Natsu and did a short bow. "I'm very sorry that our country is planning on such actions, Daimou-dono. Forgive us for our violent actions"
"I don't care of that, what I care is that the Eclipse Gate is destroyed" said Natsu before he has a dark look with both his eyes glowing menacing red. "Fiore and Lingyue may be in a permanent peace treaty, but this Eclipse Plan can break it easily. If this gate is not destroyed, then I assure you your kingdom will be destroyed by my might"
"yes, I know that very well" said Darton in an apologetic tone before he turns to look at the other members of the group and then pointed a finger towards Lucy then Yukino. "guards, apprehend the two Celestial spirit mages and lock them away"
"w-what?! why me!?" exclaimed Lucy while getting surrounded by the soldiers.
"wait a minute, are you not Arcadios-sama's subordinates!?" said Yukino while getting her hands pulled back and cuffed by some soldiers.
"hey! stop! What are you trying to do with Lucy!?" exclaimed Gray as he with Gajeel were about to stop the soldiers when Enra with Tengu got in front of the two with their weapons readied.
"if you don't to face our wrath, you two better stay put" said Enra while holding his staff.
"we aren't so merciful to those we treat as enemies" added Tengu as the Black Raven Spirit holds up his metal claws.
"Natsu! why are you not helping?!" said Charla to Natsu who showed the Exceed his glowing red eyes.
"you may have forgotten, but I'm an Emperor of Lingyue and a father to my family. I do anything to protect my family and my country" said Natsu before a powerful shockwave pulse out around him and nearly blew everyone away. "even if I have to rid of anyone who I once considered as a friend"
"h-hey! you got to be kidding me!" exclaimed Gray to Natsu before Enra pushes his staff against the ice mage's chest, warning him to not move.
"Natsu! ow!" shouted Lucy as she with Yukino and Arcadios are getting taken away by the soldiers.
"Lucy-san! Yukino-san!" exclaimed Wendy as she with Gajeel, Gray, Lily, and Charla were getting pushed away by the soldiers while Kiara ran to Natsu and climbed up to his right shoulder.
"Natsu! you got to stop them!" shouted Gray to Natsu who ignores him
"be sure that this Eclipse Plan is never acted, Human" said Draco to Darton whiles he and the other spirits slowly disappears. "or your kingdom will perish by our might"
"yes, I understand" said Darton with a nod to the Dragon spirit before all 8 Lingyue Celestial spirits disappears from the chamber.
Natsu stood in his place as he watches the soldiers push away Gray and the others before he looks at Darton.
"that knight named Arcadios said that he was planning this project with someone else" said Natsu as he squinted his eyes. "and I know one person with high power who could conduct this project in secret"
"yes, the King or the Princess have such power" said Darton as he looks down. "It is not possible for the king to plan such a feat, therefore I fear that it is the princess"
"I vowed peace over conflict, but this project is wavering my will of my vow" said Natsu as his eyes glows red before turning reptilian. "even if it is this kingdom's princess or even its king….." Natsu looks at Darton with his glowing reptilian eyes. "….i will ensure one of them dies by my hand if the gate is opened and misused"
Darton didn't say a word as he holds it all in and just nodded to Natsu who glance at the man before he turns and started walking away, leaving Darton alone in the chamber which large gates slowly closes.
Upon the next day which is the second last day before the final match of the GMG, and at the Bar Sun location.
"Lucy was captured by the kingdom?" said Erza as she got an explanation of what had happened last night.
"we would've gotten her back quicker if Natsu had help us" said Gray with an annoying voice while glancing at Natsu who sits by the bar with Makarov.
"this Eclipse Gate and its project….it sounds very dangerous" stated Makarov while scratching his chin. "Natsu did the right action, if you ask me"
"how is getting Lucy captured by the kingdom is a good thing?! Sure, messing with the past can bring a big trouble to the future, but why does Lucy have to get dragged into this!?" said Gray in retort.
"think it clearly, Gray" said Erza to the ice make wizard. "you and the others weren't captured like Lucy. If you were captured, then we won't even know of this Eclipse Plan in the first place"
"yeah, you guys are our team's participating team" said Mira with an agreeing look. "if you got captured and didn't show up for the games tomorrow, there might be lots of suspicions"
"I suspect that they captured Lucy so that this Eclipse Project is halted as requested by Draco and the other" said Makarov while scratching his chin. "whoever protected the Eclipse Gate might try to kidnap Lucy if she is still with us"
"and the ones who got Lucy is the kingdom's minister of defense, this is one problematic situation" said Laxus while sighing with his arms crossed.
"considering that they won't give Lucy back until this matter is solved, we cannot do anything in action" said Makarov before glancing at Natsu who had been silent in this whole conversation. "especially if we are risking peace with Lingyue"
"what do we do then? Lucy might be held by those guys for who knows how long" said Gajeel as Makarov sighs.
"we can only participate in the GMG, hope that the Eclipse Gate is found and destroyed, then we may ask for an audience with the king" said Makarov while thinking. "the king is the only one with power to overrule the actions of the kingdom's ministers, after all"
"do not think that I don't know of your plan in sending a team to save Lucy and Yukino, Master" said Natsu as Makarov looks at the salmon haired mage who sends a glowing daggering gaze at the old man. "I know that Fairy Tail always prioritizes the safety of its members, but I prioritize everyone's safety. Especially when there is a coming darkness upon this kingdom"
Makarov looks at Natsu before he sighs.
"I understand" said Makarov. "I won't do any actions"
Natsu looks at Makarov before he looks away and sends his glowing gaze at the people in the room.
"that goes for all of you" said Natsu as black flame markings spreads from the left side of his face. "I will make sure that none of you live if you dare to act against my decision"
Everyone looks at Natsu as the man is frightening when angered or at any moment of time for a danger that may arise his concern.
"damnit" muttered Gray while clenching his fists.
Meanwhile at Mercurius in the dungeon cells.
Lucy looks out from the bars of her cells as she tried to think of a way to escape.
"I wonder how can we get out of here?" said Lucy as she tried to think of many escape plans.
"i'm sorry…it is because of me" muttered Yukino with a depressed frown.
"come on, Yukino. It's not the time to be depressed!" said Lucy to Yukino. "it is no one's fault that we are in prison cells and anything, we just got involved in the kingdom's internal strife, that's all"
"no…it's really my fault…." Said Yukino while frowning even more. "It's because of my one selfish desire"
"desire?" asked Lucy with a curious face.
"I used to have an older sister" said Yukino as she is retelling her past. "her name was Sorano. I used to be a clumsy child and always get mad by my parents, but my older sister always defended me. she was kind and beautiful, I loved her so much, but I soon lost her one day during a children hunt of Zeref Believers."
"children hunt? You mean the village of where you grew up at is…" said Lucy as Yukino nodded.
"I was barely able to escape with my life, and I don't even know if my sister had survived or not" said Yukino while tearing up. "if the Eclipse Project could be initiated and we'd be able to defeat Zeref. And without Zeref….my sister would still be with me…"
Lucy frowns as the Project Eclipse is a dangerous project but with many benefits to many who lost so much because of Zeref. Even she was hesitant if the project should be acted or not.
Now, the day had passed as it is the 6th of July, the last day of the GMG.
The fireworks exploded over Domus Flau as the crowd cheered in both excitement and anticipation as this was the last day of the GMG and the winner will become Fiore's number one guild.
"After six long days the moment has finally arrived!" Lola announced over the cheering crowd. "The closing day of the Grand Magic Games is here! All of the battles, blood, sweat, and tears have all been for this moment. Today we will finally determine just who the strongest guild in Fiore is! As always I am your commentator, Chapati Lola. With me for the final time is Mr. Yajima."
"Thank you for joining us." Said Yajima with a nod and a smile.
"And our special guest for this momentous day is none other than our games mascot, Mato!" Lola introduced.
"Kabo." Greeted Mato
"Um, Mr. Mato." Lola began. "Shouldn't you be refereeing?"
"With today's event, I won't have to do a thing-kabo." Replied Mato.
"Well with that, let's get to the arena where our top 6 teams will be making their final entrances. First up, in 6th place, the wild dogs of Fiore. The Hellhounds without a leash: Quatro Puppy!"
Quatro Puppy entered the arena center with their usual vigor, howling and roaring through the crowd's cheers. Bacchus led the charge, followed by Rocker, Semmes, Nobarly, and Yeager behind the man.
"let's win it this time, boys" said Oldmine by the Quatro Puppy stand.
"Can these wild beasts make the comeback of the century today?" asked Lola while hearing the cheering crowds. "We will find out in minutes. Next up is the team that came in 5th. The beautiful rogues: Blue Pegasus!"
Blue Pegasus came to the arena as Ichiya left the group while accompanied by Ren, Hibiki, Eve, and Jenny who is replacing Nichiya.
"good luck, dearies!" cheered Bob from his guild's stand.
"next in 4th place is the beautiful dancers of the sea, Mermaid Heel!" exclaimed Lola as Mermaid Heel entered the arena; Kagura leads her team as she has a serious tense face on.
"go go! everyone!" cheered Happy by the crowd stand with Simon who had come to cheer his little sister's guild.
"in 3rd place is the powerful rogues of the land, Lamia Scale!" shouted Lola as Lamia Scale's team came in as Lyon lead his team with a proud smile.
"go, Lyon! Go, Jura! Win this game!" shouted Oba Baba while spinning around.
"now for our top two guilds!" Lola exclaimed on the mic. "In 2nd Place! Sabertooth!"
Sabertooth came out as Minerva lead the team, the members looking rather different from the previous two days before.
"looks like Sabertooth seems radically different then they have been in previous years." Commented Lola in seeing Sabertooth's faces.
"With so many strong teams aiming for their position at the top it seems they have decided to take this much more seriously." Stated Yajima
"They look good to me-Kabo!" cheered Mato with his usual mascot smile.
Sting followed his group as he walked with no attention.
"Sting-kun!" the voice of Lector's cheering is heard and caught Sting's ears as the man turns and sees a silhouette of Lector by the Sabertooth's team stand before vanishing.
"Lector" thought Sting with a small frown.
"Remember our agreement, Sting." Said Minerva while glancing at Sting
"Yes, Princess." Sting nodded. "I won't fail you."
'Just hold on a little longer, Lector.' Sting thought. 'You'll be back home soon.'
"and now! For our number one team! Fairy Tail!" exclaimed Lola as the crowds cheered wildly for the number one team of Fairy Tail who came into the field, but there has been a change of members.
"oh?! What's this?!" exclaimed Lola as he sees Juvia standing in place for Gray.
"JUVIA!?" shouted Lyon with a blush.
"Seems that Gray Fullbuster is stepping out from this game" said Lola as he sees no signs of Gray by the Fairy Tail team stand.
"I wonder what had happened?" said Yajima in wonder.
"Let's hear it for Fairy Tail!" shouted Makarov as the Fairy Tail Guild cheers for their team.
"Do your best, guys!" shouted Lisanna
"Show them the power of a real man!" added Elfman while raising his fists up.
"show them whose boss, Laxus!" Evergreen shouted out with Freed and Bickslow joining in.
"was this plan yours, 6th?" asked Mavis to Makarov who sighs before shaking his head.
"that boy has ways of doing an action, but I trust that he knows what is best" said Makarov with his arms crossed.
"go! Ma- I mean Papa!" cheered Haruka as she nearly made a blabber out.
"go!" shouted Haruo while Ikki is carried by Cana and Ikaruga is nowhere to be found.
"will this plan really work?" asked Makarov with a thinking face. "if his plans get found out, we might be facing capital punishment"
"I'm sure it will work out well" said Mavis with a smile as she looks at the field and to the Fairy Tail Team. "for any member of Fairy Tail, he will do anything to protect those who are dear to him"
Meanwhile at the Mercurius Palace. Two soldiers were stationed at the front gates as they were tasked in guarding the entrance.
"man, the games already started" one guard said to the other with a disappointed voice. "I wanted to see the games"
"don't whine. we got our duties, remember?" said the other guard as he sighs a bit. "but man, I wanted to see the games too"
As the two guards just stands in their positions, two shadows appeared behind them and the two guards got hit behind the head hard before they fell to the ground.
"you got to work on your socialization skills" said one of the shadows who is Gray.
"just keep quiet" said the other shadow who is Natsu, the man and Gray are on a rescue mission to get Lucy back.
"all clear" said Gray to a nearby bush where Mira with Wendy, Kiara, Charla, and Lily came out of.
"I hope we don't get capital punishment for this" said Wendy with a bit of nervousness in her tone.
"I wouldn't worry about that after I'm through with the capital myself" said Mira as she doesn't like the idea of their member being in prison rather than getting capital punishment.
Natsu takes a key from one of the knocked out guards as he unlocks the entrance and gently opens the door while peeking in to see if there were any guards inside and there were none.
"the stairway is by the right, keep your eyes for any guards coming for a patrol" said Natsu to the rescue team who nodded before they all went in.
"I do hope Ikaruga can pull off the disguise" said Makarov with a sigh as he looks at Natsu on the screen, the man not being in the team but rather Ikaruga who is in disguise as her husband. "this Lingyue Disguise technique is very amazing, I can't even tell if she is Ikaruga or not"
"very true" said Mavis in agreement.
"With all the teams assembled let's start the Grand Magic Game!" Lola announced out as a glow emitted from the bottom of the arena center, catching all the teams off guard.
"what the heck?!" exclaimed Gajeel as each team started to disappear one by one before they reappeared in a city a few seconds later.
"we're in the city?" said Juvia as she looks around the area where Fairy Tail Team is at.
"The final event must take place in the city itself." Erza surmised.
"Let's get down to the rules of the game, shall we?" said Lola as he coughed before continuing. "The entire city of Crocus is the battlefield in this final event. The teams have been scattered throughout various parts of the capital and are awaiting the sound to go. Whenever members of the opposite team encounter one another a battle will immediately ensue, whoever wins that battle gains one point for their team. Also, each team has a designated leader. The leader is a mystery to the opposing team but when that leader is defeated the team that beat them receives five points! This means that any one team can score a total of 45 points, which also means that every team is eligible to win."
"This will be an interesting contest." Yajima nodded.
"Will the teams split up or stay together?!" Mato exclaimed. "That's the question-kabo."
"work like the plan, alright?" said Erza to her team as they nodded.
"we'd better cover her back" added Gajeel motioning to Natsu who is actually Ikaruga in disguise as the man.
"do not fret" said Ikaruga as Natsu with a smile before holding up the golden octagon gem in the right hand. "Natsu-han already prepared my protection beforehand"
"Now are all the teams ready?!" Lola announced over the intercom. "Who will climb the mountain and secure the title of Fiore's strongest?! Let the Grand Magic Game…begin!"
The gong sounded and the crowd went wild.
"The last fight is about to start." "As expected, most teams separate." "Everyone! do your best!" "Sabertooth has skilled fighters so they separate." "Some fight in pairs. Some in groups of three."
Rufus who was standing on top of a tower with Orga beside him, looks up at a Lacrima Screen, as Orga saw his masked ally's action.
"What's up, Rufus." Asked Orga to Rufus.
"They're not moving..." Rufus replied
"what's this?!" Chapati screams out in shock as the crowd looks shocked as well. "Fairy Tail members... Are just standing around in a circle with their eyes closed!"
Everyone looks at a Lacrima Screen that showed Erza, Juvia, Gajeel, and Laxus standing in a circle with Natsu/ Ikaruga in the middle, the four facing outwards while Natsu/ Ikaruga in the middle.
"what the hell?!" said Elfman in shock.
"come on you guys! Move! The time is ticking!" exclaimed Lisanna.
"is this some sort of plan?" asked Cana while sitting Ikki on her lap.
"come on! First come first served!" exclaimed Max.
"Fairy Tail's behaviour is curious..." said Lola before he saw some actions on the lacrima screen "but in the meanwhile, someone already met the enemy!"
Everyone looks at the screen as they see Toby and Yuka attacking Norbarly who is all alone.
"While I seal his magic..." said Yuka while canceling Norbaly's action of using his magic before Toby swung his green long claws at Norbarly and takes him out. The two got their team 1 point that increased their possessed points.
"Too bad we ended up against two women." Said Ren as he with Hibiki and Eve takes out Arana and Beth in an instant.
"The points are changing! And Fairy Tail still isn't moving!" exclaimed Lola.
Lyon and Jura both eliminated Rocker and Yeager and got their team 2 points.
"Lamia is exterminating the puppies!" exclaimed Lola as Oldmine looks pale as a white sheet to see his team getting taken out one by one.
1st Place: Fairy Tail – 65
2nd Place: Sabertooth- 52
3rd Place: Lamia Scale – 43
4th Place: Mermaid Heel – 34
5th Place: Blue Pegasus – 32
6th Place: Quatro Puppy – 7
"As long as we have Jura and Daimou doesn't move, no one will win against us!" cackles Obaba while cheering in happiness.
"Indeed..." "Is there anyone else able to defeat Jura...?" The crowd mumbles in agreement.
As Yuka and Toby went around the city, they find themselves encountering Bacchus.
"yo" greeted Bacchus to the two.
"Bacchus!?" said Yuka in surprise.
"he's invincible when he's drunk!" exclaimed Toby.
"looks like I'm the only one left, but I'm not going out without a fight" said Bacchus with a smirk before Sting came down and slams his fist right at the Quatro Puppy's team leader in an instant.
"IT'S STING!" shouted Lola as Sting got his team 5 points for taking out Bacchus. "what a turn of event! Sting got his team 5 points, and the numbers are changing!"
"in addition, Quatro Puppy is eliminated-kabo!" added Mato as Oldmine passes out with his soul coming out of his mouth.
"damnit! He got him before us!" said Yuka.
"let's get him! It's two of us against one of him!" said Toby as he was getting ready to attack when Rogue appears behind the two and takes them out in an instant.
"ah! Rogue came to the attack! Sabertooth got more points again!" exclaimed Lola
1st Place: Fairy Tail – 65
2nd Place: Sabertooth- 59
3rd Place: Lamia Scale – 43
4th Place: Mermaid Heel – 34
5th Place: Blue Pegasus – 32
6th Place: Quatro Puppy – 7 (out)
"The numbers are moving so fast, it's confusing! But, Fairy Tail still hasn't moved!" exclaimed Lola that showed the still not moving team.
"is it time, First Master?" asked Makarov to Mavis who nodded while standing up on the rails.
"In these four days I recorded the enemy's battle skills, magic, mental and action patterns... I memorized them all. This is all my foretelling" said Mavis while smiling. "it is time for the strategy of the Fairy of the Stars to go!"
"YEAH!" Fairy Tail team exclaimed in agreement as Natsu/ Ikaruga raises the Octagon golden gem to the air and it shines a golden light. Before long, a large Lingyue magic circle appeared and Draco descends upon the magic city.
The Fairy Tail team soon jumps up as Draco picks them up on his back before flying through the city.
"Fairy Tail is moving!" exclaimed Lola as the crowd sees the action. "and they're riding one of the Celestial spirits who appeared a few days ago!"
"upon action, they will have a 97% of encountering Rufus who will make his move on them" said Mavis and upon statement, Rufus appeared on one of the lacrima screens. The masked mage of Sabertooth looking at the sky where Draco is flying upon.
"do not underestimate my ability" said Rufus with a smirk as he placed the two fingers of both hands to the side of his head and activates his magic "I shall make you all fall from the sky"
"Memory Make: Hoshi Furu Yoru Ni!" Dozens of light blast flies to the sky and headed straight for Draco and Fairy Tail team on his back
"This magic...!" exclaimed Lola in seeing the attack.
"It's a magic that annihilated their enemies on the first day." Yajima commented
"So pretty-kabo!" Mato commented with a smile.
"the element of his magic attack is lightning, therefore it can be blocked by Laxus or Draco" said Mavis, upon word Draco breathes out streams of lightning at the incoming attack along with Laxus who did the same action.
Rufus looks at his attack being blocked as he looks surprised before looking annoyed.
"because of this, there is now a 68% chance that Rufus will move on us while a 32% of him waiting at his area" stated Mavis "even if he does any of the two, it won't be a hindrance to our strategy"
"What's she saying...?" Max asks Elfman.
"No idea..." replied Elfman with a shrug.
"The Fairy Star Strategy..." said Lisanna while looking confused.
"must be one weird strategy" stated Cana while holding Ikki who sits on her lap, the child watching the battle commence with curious eyes.
"upon 4 seconds, it is time for the group to split up while leaving Ikaruga with Draco" said Mavis as Draco flies down close to the city's level, letting Erza, Juvia, Laxus, and Gajeel jump off his back while leaving Natsu/ Ikaruga on the Dragon spirit who ascends the sky. "for Erza, she will encounter an enemy when she goes to the north west direction"
Erza went to the north west area as she finds Jenny who is all alone.
"geh?! Erza!?" exclaimed Jenny in surprise.
"it's like the First predicted" said Erza with a smile while summoning a sword in her grasp. "what a terrific person"
In a second, Jenny is sent flying to the air by Erza who took her out and got Fairy Tail 1 point.
"Gajeel will head south and finds Ren and Eve from Blue Pegasus then takes them out" said Mavis as Gajeel did as she strategized.
"sorry!" shouted Gajeel while blasting Ren and Eve with a roar attack.
"Hibiki! Run!" exclaimed Ren in the silver breath storm.
"how can they find us so fast!?" said Hibiki while running away before he got encountered with Juvia who blasted him away in a wave of water. "aaaahhh!"
"after Juvia defeats the escaping enemy, head to the shopping area to find another enemy" said Mavis as Juvia nodded before she heads off.
"Fairy Tail is on a roll!" Lola commented on the mic as the team got points that got them to stay at the first place rank.
1st Place: Fairy Tail – 69
2nd Place: Sabertooth- 59
3rd Place: Lamia Scale – 43
4th Place: Mermaid Heel – 34
5th Place: Blue Pegasus – 32
6th Place: Quatro Puppy – 7 (out)
"YAY!" "the firsts strategy is hitting the mark!" "yahoo!" cheered Nab, Vijeeter, and Warren in unison.
"Laxus to F-8, Erza to S-5, there are enemies at the area" said Mavis as she is formulating her strategy in her head.
"be afraid you all" said Makarov with a grin. "the Fairy Tactician Mavis is here!"
"She's skilled..." "So she wasn't just cute." Stated Macao and Wakaba in tears.
"Well you know... She is the one who created Fairy Tail after all." Said Alzack with an awkward smile.
"Ichiya-san... I'm sorry..." said Hibiki after being washed up from Juvia's attack.
Ichiya is at another part of the town as he can hear the please of his fallen teammate.
"Uhm. Leave the rest to..." said Ichiya before he got taken out by Orga who shocked the small man with his black lightning.
"this should change the game a bit" said Orga with a smirk before he turns to leave after getting his team 5 points.
"oh boy! Blue Pegasus is out! Seems like Sabertooth are gaining points fast!" shouted Lola as the score got added up to the ranks.
"and also! Rogue took out Risley! Leaving Mermaid Heel with only two members left-kabo!" exclaimed Mato as he looks to a lacrima screen that showed Rogue standing in front of the down Risley.
1st Place: Fairy Tail – 69
2nd Place: Sabertooth- 65
3rd Place: Lamia Scale – 43
4th Place: Mermaid Heel – 34
5th Place: Blue Pegasus – 32 (out)
6th Place: Quatro Puppy – 7 (out)
"What a passionate battle," commented Lola
"Uhm... So the Pegasus is completely defeated." Said Yajima while feeling a bit of pity for Bob's guild.
"The number of people has quite decreased, kabo!" commented Mato
"First, without Natsu. How will Erza and the others face Jura?" asked Makarov as Natsu is the only strong member of the team before and the only one who could overpower in minutes.
"Have you thought about it?" Laki adds on.
"I have," Mavis said with a smile as she looks to a screen that showed Natsu/ Ikaruga riding Draco who hovers above a library building. "but for now, we must take out Sabertooth's team first"
At the Mercurius dungeon, Lucy with Yukino was just in their cell together when they heard a few squeals from the front bar. They turn to look and sees Kiara standing in front.
"Kiara?!" said Lucy in surprise before she hears some shushing nearby as Natsu and the others came into view. "everyone!"
"ssssh! Be quiet!" said Mira to Lucy while Gray is looking around for any signs of incoming soldiers. "we're here to bail you two out of here"
"how did you?" asked Yukino before the cell's bars were melted into puddles by Natsu.
"we explain when we get out" said Natsu.
"here, Lucy-san" said Wendy while giving Lucy a set of her usual clothes.
"thanks" said Lucy as she started changing before looking at Gray. "don't peek"
"this is a time ticking situation, why the hell would I peek?" said Gray before Mira hits his back head. "ow!"
"girls need privacy no matter what" said Mira with a glare as Gray squeaks in fear.
"now..how do we escape? The guards we knocked out at the front entrance might already wake up and told the others" said Charla while thinking.
"this might prove to be a challenge for us to escape" said Lily.
"wait, they still got my keys and Yukino's. we got to get them back from them" said Lucy while pulling up her knee socks.
Before anyone could say a word, the floor tiles split apart, and everyone fell in.
"what the?!" "the floor just!?" exclaimed Lily and Charla in surprise.
"w-wait a minute! I'm still changing though!" screamed Lucy.
"aaahh!" Lucy, Wendy, Charla, Lily, Yukino, Kiara, and Gray all fell in except for Natsu who had held onto the cell's bar, and Mira who is hovering in her Satan soul, the two having keen senses before the floor split apart.
"great, just what we need" said Mira before she flies down to get the others as Natsu sighs before he jumps and joins her.
Upon the very bottom of Mercurius' dungeon. Gray fell first before Yukino, Wendy, Lucy, Kiara, Lily, and Charla piled above him and squished him hard.
"h-heavy!" exclaimed Gray in pain.
"You guys alright!?" Mira called out as she hovers down while Natsu landed a few feet from the group.
"I think so" said Lucy while rubbing the side of her head.
"w-where are we?" asked Gray as he looks around the area.
"welcome to Hell Palace" a voice echoed as this got everyone's attention.
"who was that!?" exclaimed Lily in surprise.
"ah! there!" said Wendy as she pointed up to the ceiling where a magic screen is present and showed the image of Hisui. E. Fiore who is the princess of the Fiore Kingdom.
"you fell in the trap perfectly" said Hisui. "look around you, this is the city of Death; Hell Palace. This is where you will relish the last moments of your freedom as you will never get out. Therefore rot here forever, thieves"
"who is that?" asked Gray.
"Hisui. E. Fiore, she's the princess of this castle" said Natsu, knowing who the latter is.
"she's the princess?" said Mira while looking at the screen before it disappears. "is she the spoiled brat one or what?"
"is this the time to ask that?" asked Lucy with an awkward smile.
At the Mercurius Palace in a chamber room.
Hisui stood in front of a dressing mirror which had served as the vision link channel with Hell's Palace where she saw Natsu and the others within.
"princess, that was perfect!" said a soldier who is stationed in the room with several others.
"she managed to protect the castle without his majesty being present!" "Hisui-sama is incredible!" "long live Hisui-sama!" the other soldiers cheered while Hisui frowns in front of the mirror.
"breath-taking fights continues in the GMG, and I'm sure that they'll be even more hot blooded" said Lola as everyone watch one lacrima screen that showed Natsu/ Ikaruga walking within the library building where Rufus is within.
"you have finally come" said Rufus while sitting on a chair and is reading a book in his hand. "I was waiting for your arrival, Salamander"
"in the Library area, it is a clash between Natsu Daimou of Fairy Tail against Rufus of Sabertooth!" exclaimed Lola as the crowd cheered. "it is like the reenactment of the first day of the GMG!"
"will she be okay? I mean, Ikaruga-san hasn't been doing any battle or anything for like 7 years!" said Romeo to Mavis.
"not to mention, if she gets her cover blown, we're toast" added Warren.
"yeah, by the GMG committee and Natsu" said Macao with a shiver as everyone knows that the man is protective of his wife and children, while being extremely hostile if any of them gets hurt by accident or not.
"do not worry" said Mavis with a smile. "she is not a frail woman"
"look at that!" Lola suddenly screamed as everyone turns their attention back to the screen and their eyes went wide to see Natsu/ Ikaruga standing behind Rufus who is on the floor and is holding his stomach that has a bleeding cut.
"s-so fast!" said Rufus as he got cut by Natsu/ Ikaruga who holds a sheathed katana that is a Chitetsu lookalike.
"you thought that you could defeat me within this building?" asked Natsu/ Ikaruga as he glanced at Rufus with a small smirk. "you have thought wrong"
Rufus gritted his teeth before he sensed a rumbling sensation from the floor as the whole building is shaking.
"this is?!" said Rufus in surprise as he saw bright light coming down from the glass roof above him. The masked man looks up and sees Draco hovering above the building with powerful electrical lightning charging within his jaws. "what?!"
"rain down, the storm of lightning" said Natsu/ Ikaruga as Draco roars before he fires a powerful bolt of lightning straight down the building and on Rufus. "Orion's Quasar"
"AAgggghhh!" screamed Rufus in pain as he got struck by the attack directly.
An explosion occurred within the building as the shockwave of the explosion could be felt by the crowd in the Domus Flau.
"as expected! Natsu Daimou is too strong! Rufus of Sabertooth out! Fairy Tail got another one point!" shouted Lola on the mic as this got some members of Fairy Tail to jaw drop.
"An expected victory." Said Yajima with a smiling chuckle
"he's too strong-kabo!" exclaimed Mato in surprise. "this is the first time Rufus-kun lost-kabo!"
"I think having Lingyue Celestial spirits is a bit overkill," said Macao as Wakaba nodded in agreement.
"yay! Yay!" cheered Haruka and Haruo in unison while Ikki babbles and reaches his little hands out to the lacrima screen that showed Natsu/ Ikaruga. The child knows his mother even in the disguise.
"looks like she's not just a strong mother" said Levy with a deadpanned awkward face.
"you got that right" said Cana while petting Ikki's head.
At a part of the city, Orga looks at the screen that showed Rufus' defeated form as this made the Lightning God Slayer to smirk.
"so he got you, Rufus?" said Orga with a chuckle.
"Natsu Daimou is a strong mage, but that doesn't matter to me as long as I can defeat you…Gajeel." Said Rogue as he sinks into the shadow.
At another part of the town, Minerva is walking around before she stopped and looks to the sky.
"is Sabertooth going to crumble or not…Sting?" asked Minerva with a smile as Sting is sitting in an alley at another part of the town.
Flashback
Remembering back the occurrence at Crocus Garden, a mourning Sting stood in front of Jilemma who laid on the floor with a bleeding hole on his stomach.
"that's good" said Minerva as she walks towards Sting who look at her.
"This day shall be forever marked as the dawn of a new era for Sabertooth." Minerva explained. "And since Sting was the one who ended my father's despotic rule, I believe he would be an exceptional candidate for our new master."
"Minerva…" Jilemma said. "You little…what are you planning?"
"I'm only following the rules you have set for the guild, father." Minerva replied with a conniving grin. "The same rules you instilled in me at an early age. 'The weak will always fall to strong.' Correct?"
"Damn…you." Cursed Jilemma in anger as Minerva smirks before turning to look at Sting.
"Despite your and Rogue's battle ended in a draw, you showed a power that I had never seen inside of you before. Your drive to become the strongest, your desire to uphold your promise to Lector pushed you farther than ever before." Stated Minerva with an impressed look "And this action, the pain of seeing your friend disappear in front of your eyes, only amplified that potential. It was almost inspiring. I believe that you can even surpass Salamander with this power."
"miss, I…" muttered Sting as he is still distraught about Lector.
"You can rest easy." Minerva cuts in. "Lector is still alive. I used my magic to teleport him away just before Jilemma's magic took effect."
Sting's eyes widened in disbelief at the news. His tears flowed again, this time in happiness.
"Really? Thank you, Princess! Thank you so much!" said Sting as he wiped away his tears and fell to his knees. "Please give him back to me….I'm so grateful for…"
"Don't be naïve!" Minerva said, a fierce look in her eyes as she stared at Sting. "You will not see Lector again until Sabertooth has won the Grand Magic Games."
"What? Wait. Please, Miss!" Sting pleaded. "Please give Lector back to me!"
"Then heed my words and win the Grand Magic Games." Minerva said. "I am not my father, but that does not mean that I will allow Sabertooth to be turned into a laughingstock. We must remain the strongest at any cost. You have already displayed once that you have overwhelming power within you. Harness it, show the world your strength, and win. Only then will I return Lector. Your actions alone determine whether he lives or dies. Is that understood?"
Flashback
Sting looks at the street before he slowly lifted his face as he had a strong hard gaze
"I will win…" said Sting as he paused for a moment and then continued. "…at all cost"
That's a wrap!
Bye bye
