Tower of Heaven

Gajeel changed his arms into iron pillars just as Racer lashed out with a kick, grunting as he was sent skidding backwards. 'Fast,' Gajeel thought before his eyes widened at Racer appearing at his side. Gajeel swung his arm, quickly transforming it into the cleaver that was Iron Dragon's Sword. Yet his eyes widened as he saw Racer merely disappeared, reappearing inside of his guard with a smirk on the man's face.

"You're way to slow," Racer stated, slamming his fist into Gajeel's chest and sending him flying backwards. Gajeel coughed up blood, smashing into the ground before he quickly rolled onto his feet, barely avoiding Racer smashing his head into the rocky ground with his kick. Racer smirked, cracking his neck as he walked towards Gajeel. "Is this the best you can do? I really expected better if I was to be honest. I guess the moniker 'Black Steel' was for nothing huh?"

Gajeel growled as he stood, clenching his fist. He honestly didn't know how he got that name. He didn't even use steel. People were just stupid. Gajeel growled as he stood, preparing to attack Racer, only for his eyes to widen as Racer was suddenly decked, Velveno smirking as he sent the man flying. Racer flipped in the air, landing on his feet before glaring at the drug lord.

"Bastard," Racer whispered, death in his eyes before he dashed forwards. Velveno smirked before he did the same, the duo meeting in a blitz of movement that Gajeel couldn't track. By the time they stopped they looked like they were back in the positions they were in before they brawled. "What the hell," Racer called out, fury on his face.

"You can't keep up with me! No one should be able to keep up with me!"

Velveno smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Well what can I say? I'm full of surprises," he muttered before he blurred forwards. Racer rushed to meet him. Gajeel watched the duo, a frown forming on his face before he turned to see Ivan engaging Hoteye, the duo in an extreme battle. Gajeel frowned. He wasn't skilled enough to fight on a level comparable to either of them. The only option he had was to run away.

Like he wasn't going to do that anyway. Makarov had to know about this.


Natsu, Lucy, Juvia, and Levy frowned as the guards surrounded them, all of them holding weapons. "Die intruders!" they roared, rushing towards the group. Just as Natsu was about to unleash hell on them they went flying however, Erza decimating their ranks, her hair covering her eyes.

"Erza!" Lucy cried out, excited. Erza stopped as the final guard was sent flying, unconscious, before looking at her guild mates. "Thank goodness you're okay," Levy cried, a smile on her face.

"Wow," Juvia said, her eyes wide with wonder as she saw Erza stand there, blade in hand. "She's so cool."

"It's you? What are you doing inside the tower?"

"Looking for you," Levy stated, confused at Erza's tone. She was aggressive. Erza was never truly aggressive. But this...this was different.

"Go home! This place is too dangerous! I can't protect you here!" Natsu growled, slamming his fists together, a cloud of flame surrounding him. "You're not gonna scare me away! I ain't going anywhere till that blockhead gets a taste of my fist! He took Happy, and he ain't getting away with that!"

"You have to go," Erza stated adamantly. "I'll get Happy back for you Natsu."

"But why," Lucy questioned, her eyes probing Erza's form. The redheaded mage, despite the power gap between the two, suddenly felt very self-conscious, and squirmed underneath Lucy's gaze.

"I don't care why," Natsu hissed, before he stormed off. "This means war damn it! I'm coming for ya Happy!"

"Wait," Erza cried out, but it was too late, Natsu had disappeared. Erza grit her teeth before she turned to the rest of the group. "Let's go and help him!" Lucy cried out, only for Erza to raise her blade. "No! You don't have to worry about Happy! Millianna is a cat lover she won't do anything to hurt him! I'll bring them both to the guild with me. Now find Naruto and go!"

Levy laughed, rubbing the back of her head awkwardly as the object of the redhead's affection was brought up. "Well ya see," Levy muttered, getting Erza's attention. "Naruto also stormed off into the tower earlier. He's on a warpath as well." Erza groaned, rubbing her brow. "Naruto can take care of himself, he'll be fine. He'll leave when he finds out that I'm okay. In the meantime, you guys have to leave!"

"Don't be ridiculous we can help you!"

"I don't want your help. This is my problem. It doesn't involve you."

"How can you say that," Levy whispered heatedly, getting Erza's attention. It took a lot to anger the quiet girl, but she had a temper. Maybe she had crossed a line with her last statement.

"You saw Natsu," Levy hissed. "We're already plenty involved. They already attacked us at the hotel, and all those innocent people! Have you forgotten that Fairy Tail never leaves anyone behind!"

Erza winced at Levy's words but stood strong despite herself, glaring daggers back at the heated gaze of the Solid Script Magic user. "What is up with this tower," Levy questioned, pressing forwards. "And who is this Jellal?"

Erza paused, her eyes wide. "Leave!" she managed to cry out, making Lucy blink. "Erza...are you okay? You're freaking me out here. This isn't like you at all. You were nervous in the face of Matatabi and still fought. What's wrong?"

Wet.

The trio of mages stared as they saw it. Erza's tears. "You can't help," she whispered out, her breath hitched as she fought back her choked sobs. "The odds are stacked against even me. Win or lose this battle I'm staring death in the face."

"What do you mean," Levy questioned.

"There's no point in fighting the inevitable. This building...it is the Tower of Heaven. It is also called the R-System. Over a decade ago a cult dedicated to Black Magic started its construction. They wanted to use it to cast a forbidden spell that brings the dead back to life. The spell required multiple human sacrifices, so the cult captured people around the area and forced them to work as their slaves. The only reason I know this is because I was one of those slaves. Anyone who dared to resist the cult or run away, would mysteriously disappear. We lived in constant fear, with no peace of mind. We thought we had made friends despite that, even though we knew we wouldn't be together long. One of my friends in the tower was a boy named Jellal."

(-Flashback-)

"Erza!"

Erza didn't bother to lift her head as Jellal came barging in, having taken out the guards despite his small body. He quickly moved to release her from the pole she was trapped against, his eyes filled with worry. "Don't worry. I've got you."

Jellal caught Erza as she fell to the ground, slowly turning to look at her before his eyes widened. "You're eye," he stated with horror.

"They've gone to far," Jellal whispered, his voice progressively getting higher and filled with more rage. "She didn't deserve this! None of us did! No!"

"Fight..." Jellal whispered, rage in his voice. "We have to fight!"

(-Flashback-)

"So we took a stand for our freedom. But Jellal was captured. We had hoped to save him, he was in some ways the leader of the entire rebellion. But when I found him...his sense of justice was shattered. They did something to him and he was a completely different person. His new persona was just...pure unadulterated evil. I could feel the vile magic flowing off of his body when I found him. I have to fight Jellal. I have no choice. I have no to do it."

(-Flashback-)

Erza smiled as she tried to carry Jellal out of the prison cell that he was in, only for her eyes to widen as Jellal's grip on her tightened, his eyes meeting hers. She froze. Those were not Jellal's eyes. Whatever eyes they were, they were the eyes of a demon.

"We don't need to leave the tower," Jellal whispered, awe and reverie in his voice, "Because, true freedom is right here with me!"

Jellal shrugged himself off of Erza, leaning against the wall as he struggled to walk, blood not quite in his legs yet from falling asleep while he was being tortured. He stumbled across the ground, his eyes filled with malice.

"That doesn't make sense! I thought you more than anyone else wanted our freedom!"

Jellal paid Erza no mind. "Don't you see. There's no freedom in this world. Those fools who held you prisoner may not hold you prisoner anymore, but you haven't experienced true freedom. Because that can only be experienced in Zeref's world!"

Erza shuddered, the voice the resonated throughout the room inhuman, almost, demonic. Those could not have been Jellal's words. She refused to believe it. It had to be the dark magic that surrounded him, leaking from his body as it cracked the ground beneath the blue haired boys feet. Jellal slowly stood, the magic giving him strength, his legs able to carry his weight.

"Now I understand why they made us work so hard on this tower! They believe they can use it to resurrect Zeref!" Jellal laughed, kneeling before one of the guards Erza had defeated as she stormed into the tower. "You claim to be such devout followers but you couldn't even sense presence here! Could you?" The dark mage squealed, crumbling under Jellal's gaze. "This tower belongs to me." It was not a claim.

It was as if he were merely stating a fact.

"I will finish it's construction and bring Zeref back to life!"

Jellal laughed, his magic exploding forth, crushing the guards head before he turned to the other one, his eyes wide with sadistic glee. "That's magic," Erza whispered, her hand over her mouth. "You...you killed him!"

"Of course I did," Jellal stated, his voice warped. "If you wanna sense Zeref's presence you have to focus on your hatred!"

Jellal roared his declaration to the world, a magic formula appearing beneath the other guards feet before he vaporized. Erza's eyes widened with horror. "What's gotten into you?"

"I haven't changed one bit. I'm renaming this place the Tower of Heaven. Erza you and I will stay here and resurrect Zeref!"

"No!" Erza cried, grabbing Jellal's wrist. "Why would anybody wanna stay here when we finally have a chance to leave?"

A powerful force slammed against Erza's tiny frame, the young girl being sent flying through several walls before slamming into the ground, a harsh force pinning her their. The redhead slowly opened her eye, trying to see Jellal only for her to focus on his eyes. They were...so different. No longer kind, the warmth in them having been snuffed out by something impure. Unholy.

Zeref.

"Fine! If you wanna leave so badly I'm not going to stop you. But you'll have to go alone. There's no way I could finish the tower's construction by myself. So I'm going to keep the others here with me. But don't worry, I promise I won't mistreat them. They'll all be well-fed and clothed, and get plenty of rest. Zeref would likely appreciate more hatred, but weak and unhappy people don't make very good slaves."

"That won't happen! Everyone is already on the boats waiting for us! There's no way you can convince them to work for you now!"

"Oh I can convince them alright. I'm going to give them a purpose. Once they learn of Zeref's power they will happily work to resurrect him!"

"No!" Erza cried, shaking her head, managing to stand despite the force of Jellal's magic. "None of them would willingly become a sacrifice!" Jellal laughed, as if that complaint had already been addressed a million times before and he was talking with a child who did not understand the depth of his words.

"That doesn't matter! Zeref told me sacrifices aren't necessary. He's such a benevolent god isn't he?"

"Please Jellal," Erza cried, tears falling from her only remaining eye. "You've got to come to your senses!"

For a moment it look like her words had an effect, like Jellal would stop, but then purple and red energy encased Erza's form, binding her tightly. "I could ask the same of you! But because you have helped me by getting rid of the rabble that called themselves worshipers I will let you live. Enjoy your newfound freedom. But here are some rules. You cannot tell anyone of this place. The government cannot know. If word gets out, the tower and everyone inside it will be destroyed. You cannot return to this land, otherwise I will kill all of your friends," Jellal muttered before he brought Erza close, leaning into her and taking a deep breath.

"I figure Sho would have to be the first to go," he whispered before everything went black. The only phrase Erza would remember when she woke up on the beach was, "One wrong move and your friends will suffer! I will enjoy true freedom while you suffer, burdened by your guilt!"

(-Flashback-)

"The time for action is now! We can use the satellite dish to fire at the R-system. We have to do it now!"

The Chairman frowned, rubbing his beard. "The R-System is forbidden magic..." he muttered. Ultear nodded, "There is a reason why it is not part if our recorded history! It has to be destroyed! Why can't you see that?"

"Etherion would destroy all life in the tower, including your own brothers life," Yajima stated, a frown on his face. "Why can't you see that? This is a serious matter, with no doubt, but nothing that Barakiel could not solve! Are you really so quick to kill your own brother, even if he is a dark mage? That is not human Siegrain

"If it's for the greater good." Siegrain stated. "The lives of innocents will be lost," another council member said. "Sacrifices have to be made."

"How could you say that," Yajima muttered, disappointment on his face. "Can you imagine how we'd be vilified for attacking without warning? We'd go down in history as mass murderers!"

"I would sacrifice my reputation in order to save countless lives. I suggest you get on the same train of thought."

"Think about how this will effect future generations," Leiji claimed. "How can we teach our children the value of life if the dead can be resurrected?"

"Is that really an argument here," Yajima roared. "How can we teach our children the value of life if we go down in history as mass murderers!"

Belno and Leiji shook their heads. "We will vote in favor of an Etherion attack," the duo muttered.

"That's the majority," Siegrain stated, nodding. "Prepare to fire the Etherion."


"Zeref," Levy muttered, thinking. "You mean the Legendary Black Wizard Zeref?" Erza nodded, a frown forming on her face. "Yes." Lucy frowned, crossing her arms underneath her breast. "Wait, wasn't Lullaby a demon created by Zeref? If it's power lived up to its myth, then why would anyone want to bring it back to life?"

"Ask Lyon," Erza stated, a frown on her face. "I suspect that Deliora was another one of Zeref's demons. I'm sure Gray could confirm it for you if he was here."

"If this wizard is as evil as you say then why would Jellal want to resurrect him," Juvia questioned. Erza shook her head. "I don't know. That's the question."

"That doesn't explain why they hate you though," Lucy stated. "Why would they hate you if Jellal is the one who sent you away?"

"Jellal probably lied," Erza stated plainly. "It doesn't matter either way. It's not their fault. If I can defeat Jellal none of this matters anymore. It's time for me to for Jellal."

"That's not true, sister."

The group turned, their eyes widening as Sho stood before them, his eyes deranged. "Why are you lying to them?"

"Sho..."

"Do you think by making yourself a martyr you're gonna get sympathy from your friends? Tell them the truth! That's not how it happened and you know it! You blew up the boats we were going to use to escape! We were going to die at the bottom of the sea if it weren't for Jellal! You left us! He said that you were drunk off your magical power, that you abandoned us and your past, regardless of who you left behind!"

"Did you ever think he might be lying," Levy claimed. She winced as she said it. The words were harsh, even for her, but they needed to be said. Sho whirled on her. "You only think you know her! You weren't there back then! You don't know anything about us!"

"Jellal's words were our only salvation! I worked on the tower for his sake! He was the only thing that gave us hope," Sho cried, tears falling from his eyes as he tried to justify his actions. "You can't expect me to believe that Jellal is lying!"

"He is."

The group turned again, exasperation on Lucy's face at the one liners being used by the newcomers in the conversation. "Aren't you the one who attacked Naruto," Lucy cried. Simon nodded. "Yes. I had to lure you all here somehow."

"You were lying to," Sho muttered, falling to his knees. "How could you do that to me," he shouted, rage filling his voice. Simon walked over, placing a hand on Sho's shoulder in an attempt to placate his anger. "I'm sorry. Jellal had you under a spell and I couldn't convince you otherwise. I had to play along until the time was right."

"So you knew all along," Erza stated. Simon turned to Erza before he nodded, a soft smile on his face, not that Erza could see it. "I've always believed in you Erza, and there's nothing that can change that. I mean those words from the bottom of my heart."

Erza smiled, leaning into to Simon's embrace as he hugged her. "Simon," she whispered. "Thank you."

"I never knew," Sho, whispered, frustration clouding his face. "I can't believe I blindly followed him all these years. I doubted you. Cause you left me all alone! You have no idea how much that hurt! I don't know what to do! I don't even know which one of you I should believe anymore!"

Lucy frowned, glancing at Levy who looked annoyed with the situation as a whole. Clearly the blue haired girl was losing her patience with Sho. Levy was overprotective, and the notion that someone would not believe Erza, much less doubt her, was undoubtedly vexing. The blue haired girl flexed and released her hands before she took a deep breath, restraining her desire to tell the young mage to grow up and deal with his problems.

It seemed the angry side of Naruto was rubbing off on her.

Erza could only stare, wordlessly. "Sho. I'm sorry I couldn't stand up to Jellal for all these years. But I want you to know, that throughout all of these years, I never forgot about any of you," Erza whispered, pulling Sho in tightly so he could cry on her shoulder. It reminded her old times. "I've waited years for this moment," Simon muttered. "Powerful wizards have finally arrived to take down Jellal. But first, I think we have a certain blonde we'd better stop from killing everyone in the building."

"Naruto wouldn't kill anyone," Lucy cried, indignant at the supposed slander, but Erza merely shook her head, Sho standing up. "No, Simon is right. If Naruto thinks I'm hurt or worse...he won't stop until he sees Jellal's corpse at his feet." Simon nodded. "Yes he is the main person we have to calm down. But we also have to stop the 'Salamander' and Wally from clashing. From how he spoke, it is likely the young Dragonslayer will kill him as well."

"I doubt it," Erza muttered. "Natsu is strong, and definitely angry, but he doesn't have it in his heart to kill someone. At least not easily. Kidnapping Happy was a low blow, but he won't kill over it."

Simon nodded. "Alright then. The blonde it is."

The group nodded before they dashed off to find the two wayward mages.


Meanwhile in a cat themed room Wally stood in front of Natsu, a gun in hand. "Well ain't that dandy. Guess who I found intruding on our place here!" Natsu smiled, flames igniting around him as his muscles bulged. "Just who I was lookin' for," Natsu hissed. Wally smirked, his eyes narrowing just a fraction of a second to soon, letting Natsu react in time. The Fire Dragonslayer spun, catching Millianna's rope before pulling her in, slamming his fist into her stomach before she was sent flying, before he turned to Wally.

"I'm not playing around," Natsu roared, as Wally shot bullets at him, the Dragonslayer easily dodging them. "You'll pay for what you did to Millianna ya here me!" Wally roared, only for Natsu to sigh.

"If you show me where Happy is I'll stop."

"Never! That would make Millianna cry!"

Natsu rolled his eyes. "Then you're gonna eat dirt!" Natsu rushed forwards, jets of flame propelling him before he slammed his fist into Wally's gut, the man collapsing to the ground. Natsu stared at his unconscious form. "That was really easy. You guys should train more. Where are ya Happy?"

"Right here!"

Natsu turned, his eyes widening to see Happy, flying in the air thanks to his Aera Magic. Natsu grinned. "Hey buddy! I'm sorry that they kidnapped you!" Happy shook his head. "It's not your fault! It's the fault of those stupid mages!" Natsu nodded enthusiastically before he grinned. "Ready to go clobber some heads partner?"

"Aye sir!"


Jellal smirked, knocking over two pieces on the board that looked similar to a rectangle and a cat with a piece that looked like a dragon. "Sho and Simon have chosen to betray me. And the Dragonslayer progresses towards me, Wally and Millianna not even slowing him down. Heaven's Game is truly interesting is it not?"

Vidaldus frowned, leaning against a wall as he looked at Jellal. "But master, Erza must be captured at once so we can begin the ceremony. I'm afraid the time for playing games is over."

Jellal smirked. "Prudent as always Vidaldus. Fetch her." Vidaldus' eyes widened, shock written on his face. "You'll allow me?" Jellal smirked, turning to face the crystal in front of him, the same prison room where he first encountered Zeref. "It is our turn." With that Zeref moved three pieces, a guitar, a bird, and a pink-haired women forwards. Vildaldus grinned. Jellal stared at the board, a frown on his face as he looked at the golden spiral piece.

"There's just one player unaccounted for. No one for him to face." Jellal smirked, standing. "I think I should pay him a visit. Maybe we'll finally learn who is stronger out of us Wizard Saints."


Naruto frowned as he blasted through the base. He had carved through every guard he had seen, frustration on his face as he hadn't found Erza yet or the man who attacked him. Naruto growled, clenching his fist, before his eyes widened as a voice boomed throughout the building.

"I welcome you to the Tower of Heaven. My name is Jellal, and I am the ruler of this tower. I see the players have been arranged. I'm delighted you've come all this way to see me. Shall we play a round of Heaven's Game?"

"I won't be playing any games," Naruto hissed, connecting the dots. If he was attacked, and Erza was kidnapped there was only one person who could have ordered it according to this voice. Naruto snarled, rage filling his body. "I'm coming straight for you."

"Now now, calm down little Uzumaki. The rules are really quite simple. I wish to use Erza as a sacrifice in my ceremony to resurrect Lord Zeref."

The tower shook. Naruto's power exploded throughout the tower, his eyes glowing a brilliant golden as his magic shook the ground, black winds carving deep trenches in the walls. "Try it bastard," Naruto hissed, his voice quiet but powerful. "I'll kill you!"


Sho shook as Jellal's voice carried over throughout the halls, ignoring the shaking of the tower. "No! I won't let you," Sho muttered, confusion, but most importantly, rage on his face. Simon stared at the boy for a brief moment before he looked around, worried. "He could be anywhere in this tower. Stay on your guard."

"If I succeed, the gates of Heaven will open, crowning my victory. However, if you can manage to find a way to stop me, you'll be the winners of the game. To make things a little more interesting, I've enlisted three knights to battle on my behalf."

"Three knights?" Levy asked, looking at Simon. The massive man shrugged. "I have no idea. Whoever his knights are, they are people we've never met."

"The only way you can get to me is if you defeat them. In other words, a three on eight battle."

"Eight," Erza said, a frown on her face. "That doesn't make sense. If we include Naruto there are nine of us."

"Of course, that's excluding my little Uzumaki friend. He can come to fight me now. We'll see who comes out on top. Oh, and I forgot, there is one more surprise I should tell you. The Magic Council has the Etherion Square focused directly on this tower. In one hour, well...I think you get the picture. Should the Etherion strike, complete annihilation. No player stands to win the game. Game over. Let the game begin."

Sho roared in outrage, his magic flaring before Erza was trapped inside of his card, getting the rest of the group to stare at him, confusion and distrust in their eyes. "What are you doing," Lucy cried.

"I won't let him lay a finger on her," Sho stated, "I'll kill Jellal by myself if I have to!" Sho roared, rushing forwards to combat Jellal, Simon reaching out after him. "No you can't do it alone!" Levy frowned, racing after Sho. "Get back here you idiot!"


Natsu's and Naruto's eyes widened as the met each other, both flying through the air. "Natsu," Naruto asked. "I assume you had the same idea as me then huh?" Natsu nodded, Happy's Aera Magic allowing him to fly as the cat lifted him, helped by the flaming thrusters at Natsu's feet. "Might as well cut straight to the finish line!"

Naruto smirked. "Indeed, but you don't have to. I can handle Jellal myself." Natsu looked at the blonde, confused. "What? But I wanted to fight him!" Naruto turned to his student, his eyes harsh, a golden light shining where his irises used to be. "Jellal is mine!"

Natsu winced under the glare, but nodded nonetheless. "Understood. I'll handle anybody else who tries to get in the way." Naruto nodded. "Look out," Naruto muttered before he blasted higher into the sky. Natsu nodded, dodging the first strike of the bird-like man who dive bombed him before he shot towards him, yet the bird man vanished in a burst of speed Natsu wasn't expecting, appearing behind him and punching him, sending him flying through the side of the tower, inside before following him.

Natsu groaned, flipping to land on one of the cages in the room he appeared in, glaring up at the hole. "'Salamander!'" Natsu turned, eyes narrowed as he saw Simon standing there, clearly confused. "Weren't you the one who attacked Naruto?" Simon sighed, rubbing his face. "That's why I wish you had stayed with Erza. I'm a double agent. I've been pretending to be underneath Jellal's spell this entire time in order to stop him!"

"We don't believe you," Happy cried out, getting Simon to sigh. Natsu raised his hand though. "Is that the truth?"

"Yes."

Natsu frowned, staring at Simon before he nodded. "Who is Jellal? And why is he making us play this game?"

"He's got a twisted sense of humor. He's the twin brother of Siegrain, a man on the Magic Council. I assume that's how he knows they're going to fire the Etherion."

"So it's all a fight between two brothers?"

"It's possible. I don't the specifics of their relationship, or lack thereof."

Natsu frowned, thinking before his eyes widened as he heard a whistle, leaping before the hawk man smashed into him again, glaring at him. "I will not tolerate the breaking of rules," the hawk man cried, pointing at Natsu. "You will be punished in the name of justice! Fukuro! The name of true justice has arrived!"

"Some...kinda weird justice bird," Natsu muttered, confused, only for his eyes to widen as he saw Simon light up a magic formula. "Dark Moment!"

Natsu and Happy tensed, only for their eyes to widen as they felt hands clasp their shoulders. "We have to get out of here. We can't beat this owl!"

"Even in the darkness the light of justice shines true!"

Natsu and Happy stumbled as they felt a ripping force, the lights turning back on once more before Fukuro could be seen, Simon smashed against a wall, likely due to the punch the owl man had sent his way. "Be careful! These guys means business! Their assassins from the Deaths Head Caucus!"

"Assassins have guilds," Natsu questioned, making Simon nod. "Yes! They're known as Trinity Raven! They're responsible for killing every single officer in the Western Army during the Capria War! Their strength is legendary! They're professional assassins, you cannot defeat them!"

Natsu cracked his neck, smirking. "Don't worry," he muttered, white flames swirling around his body. "I got this."

"Oh," Fukuro asked, cocking his head towards Natsu. "Word is in our guild that you're responsible for many evil deeds 'Salamander'. As a knight of justice, it is my duty to defeat you!"

"Don't do this 'Salamander', I'm telling you there's no way you can beat him!"

"Don't worry I said," Natsu roared, his flames melting the metal bird cage he was on. "I won't lose to some poser like this who uses guilds as an excuse to team up and kill people! Let's dance birdbrain!"

"'Salamander' you are so naive. I'm doing this world a great service, by destroying those who commit evil deeds! And since you are an evil doer, you must be destroyed!"

Fukuro launched himself forward with his jet pack, grabbing Natsu by the chest and pushing him off the metal cage. Natsu grinned, fire igniting around his hands before tendrils of flame burst from his feet, giving him the power necessary to spin, grabbing Fukuro's arm before he flung him into a nearby metal cage, Natsu flying in the air thanks to the propulsion of his flames. "Tch, you can't fight me like that you dumb bird."

Fukuro called out before he shot forwards again, disappearing in a burst of speed. Natsu grunted, recoiling as Fukuro smashed his fist into Natsu's gut, the young Dragonslayer being sent flying into the wall, smashing into it. Fukuro smirked, shooting forwards again only for Natsu to grin, ducking under his punch that cracked the wall before tackling Fukuro. "Fire Dragon's Sword Horn!"

Natsu roared as he pushed forwards, flames igniting on his body, sending Fukuro flying backwards before the owl man flipped and shot forwards. Natsu grinned, jumping off the metal cage he stood on to avoid Fukuro only for his eyes to widen as the man reacted at impossible speeds, reaching his massive arm up and grabbing Natsu's ankle before he shot high into the air, spinning before launching Natsu down towards the metal bird cages. Natsu groaned as he flipped but managed to ignite flames at the bottom of his feet, stopping his downwards momentum. Fukuro smirked with his beak.

"Interesting! You're stronger than I thought. You may be a challenge."

Natsu smirked, his white flames continuing to expand throughout the area. "Just watch me crush you," he roared.


"Natsu!" Lucy called, frowning as the pink haired Dragonslayer still did not respond. "How can he not here me? He's got ears like a dog." Juvia turned, her eyes wide. "Really? Juvia presumes that is a trait common in all Dragonslayers then?" Lucy nodded. "Probably, yeah."

The two frowned, a loud rumbling approaching them from the holes in the walls before each of them held their ears in pain, wincing at the guitar that was echoing throughout the area at maximum volume. "Is that a guitar," Lucy cried, pain etched on her face. The duo could only stare at the holes in the wall, their eyes widening as they saw a man, dressed in a strange, almost clown-like, getup that walked forwards, guitar in hand.

"Yeah!" the man roared, the guitar finally dying down. "You two like my destruction solo! I'm an assassin from the Death's Head Caucus Guild. Nice name huh?"

Lucy ignored him. "That hair? It's awful." Vidaldus turned, an irritated glare on his face as he stared at the blonde. "You're first," he muttered, rage etched on his face. Lucy paled.

"I take it you're one of the three knights Jellal spoke of," Juvia stated, crossing her arms. Vidaldus laughed, his mania visible as he cried out a powerful, "You got it babe! I am of the Trinity Raven! When they scream about Vidaldus Taka, they're talking about me!"

Vidaldus roared, his hair waving madly behind him being it shot forwards, Lucy running to avoid the tendrils while Juvia merely stood there, letting the blades of hair bisect through her water body. "Is this the best you can do," Juvia questioned. Vidaldus smirked. "That's one crazy body ya got there babe! Let me take it off your hands!"

Vidaldus started playing his guitar again, laughing. "I'm gonna make you my succubus! Rock of the Succubus!" Juvia frowned as the sound waves roared forth, Lucy watching with intent despite Vidaldus' repetitive phrasing. Suddenly, purple magic shot forth, smashing directly into Juvia before she had any time to react. "No!" Juvia cried, the purple magic enveloping her. "Stop! Leave me alone! He's too dangerous!"

"What's happening? Juvia!"

Juvia cried out in pain, her eyes wild before she was surrounded by an intense white light that forced Lucy to look away. When the light disappeared, Juvia looked completely different.

"Juvia?"

Vidaldus smirked. "She's my succubus now babe. Don't worry. If you're good you can join her too."

Juvia stared at Lucy, the crazed look in her eye being the least changed thing about her, her outfit completely changing from the rather conservative outfit to a very revealing one, her hair flowing all around her. "I'm gonna take you for a ride straight to hell blondie!" Juvia cried, her hands waving.

"Say your prayers if you want but you'll still burn in hell tonight," Juvia cried, her tongue lolling out of her mouth as she leered at Lucy. Lucy took a step back, her body shivering from the unprecedented change. "What did that guy do to you?"

"Rock on!" Vidaldus roared, strumming his guitar once more, causing Lucy to put her hands over her hears, taking several steps back in pain. Juvia grinned at Lucy. "Yeah! Feel the noise!"

Lucy groaned, attempting to yell over the loud sound of Vidaldus' guitar, "Juvia! Is he making you act like this?"

"What don't you get about this babe," Vidaldus roared, "I've made hot stuff here my slave! I've got her like a dog on a chain! I thought about making both of you my slaves but," Vidaldus grinned, leering at Lucy's body, making the girl feel uncomfortable as he stopped playing his guitar. "That wouldn't be as much fun."

Lucy grimaced. "Okay, sicko is dying," she whispered. Vidaldus laughed. "There's nothing hotter than watching some chicks in a cat-fight! Ripped clothes, down and dirty action, it's the best!"

Lucy drew her Celestial Spirit Keys, her eyes narrowed. "Oh, I'll give you a cat-fight alright," Lucy whispered, feminine fury in her voice. "I've fought Juvia once before. I know how to handle her."

Juvia screeched before she shot forwards, her body transforming into a massive wave of water as Vidaldus strummed his guitar once more, Lucy grimacing as she was hit by Juvia's attack. Lucy clenched her Celestial Spirit Keys, trying to keep track of them before her eyes widened as she felt a fist impact with her gut, the blow destabilizing her, and letting Juvia push her along with the force of the water.

Lucy grimaced, managing to pull out the key she wanted before she thrust it forward. 'Open, Gate of the Water Bearer, Aquarius!'

The water-based Celestial Spirit roared her fury forth, glaring at Lucy with annoyance, despite the current predicament the girl was in. "You summon me here, in someone else's water, to fight your battle!"

Lucy would have responded if she could talk. Aquarius merely glared at the girl with the words, 'We will talk about this', going unsaid before she swung her urn, violence in her eyes as Juvia's attack suddenly contorted itself, smashing into Vidaldus with a fury. As the water from Aquarius attack, and Juvia's body, disappeared Lucy sighed, taking in deep gulps of air, only to see Aquarius standing in front of her.

"Stop summoning me like that," the Celestial Spirit said before disappearing. Lucy blanched. 'I suppose my safety is a little too much to ask for huh,' she thought, before she turned to Juvia. The blue haired mage was slowly standing, staring at the ground. "Juvia," she whispered, reaching out. "Are you okay?"

Juvia whirled on Lucy, but instead of insanity being in her eyes all Lucy could see was sadness. "I harmed you," Juvia whispered, confusion on her face only for Lucy to shake her head. "You didn't. You weren't in control of your actions. The only one who harmed me...where is he?"

The two female mages turned, their eyes widening as they saw Vidaldus against a wall, completely unconscious from the attack Aquarius had thrown at him. Lucy smirked. "I guess that's a victory for us then huh," she questioned, making Juvia giggle. "I suppose so..."


Natsu grinned as Fukuro rushed in for another attack, blocking the burly owl-man's attack with his forearms before he used fire to push himself forwards, his fist coated in flame as he spun, his hay maker flying forth. "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Fukuro growled, raising his forearm to block, wincing at the power behind Natsu's strike, before launching a flurry of blows towards Natsu's head. Natspu grinned, dodging the blows before his body exploded in flame, Fukuro crying out in shock as he tried to blast away.

"Jet Ho Ho Hou!"

Fukuro cried as he shot upwards, the massive jetpack on his back exploding with power as he used his magic to fuel it, the owl-man rocketing higher in the room. Natsu grinned, shooting after him, his flames acting as propulsion. Fukuro glanced backwards before he grinned, spinning around and rocketing towards Natsu, their fists clashing with a roar. The two struggled for a moment, trying to overpower one another before Natsu roared, swinging his other hand round as it swirled with white hot flame. "Fire Dragon's Crushing Fang!"

Natsu roared as he clawed swipe smashed into Fukuro's head, the bird man sent crashing into a nearby cage before Natsu rocketed forwards on his jets of flame, his hands blazing.

"Fire Dragon's Wing Attack!"

Natsu roared as he swung his flames at Fukuro, the flames whipping wildly as they slammed into the bird, his screams heard throughout the room. Natsu grinned as his flames died down, although he still used them to keep his position in the air, waiting to see if Fukuro would continue the fight. He would not be let down as Fukuro suddenly shot forwards, his jetpack blasting with intense power before he slammed his fist into Natsu's stomach, causing Natsu to gasp in pain as he was sent flying, Fukuro appearing above him in a burst of speed before lashing out with a heel drop that smashed into Natsu's skull, sending the Dragonslayer spiraling downwards, smashing headfirst into an iron birdcage.

Fukuro grinned as Natsu slowly began to stand, shaking his head. "Good. This is what I wanted! You're stronger than all the other chumps I've fought! Get ready, I'm gonna enjoy this!"

Fukuro shot downwards, his mouth open wide. Natsu, still groggy from the blow to the head, was barely able to react in time, only managing to raise his hands and grasp Fukuro's mouth, which had extended to be large enough to swallow Natsu whole, halfway down his body.

"Damn it," Natsu cursed, trying to push the large owl-man off of him only to fail. "Get off me bird brain!"

Fukuro, unable to talk due to his compromising position merely roared before the jets on his back exploded with energy, pushing even further downwards. Natsu grimaced before he felt the iron bird cage rattle and creak, his eyes widening at the sound. "Oh I'm not falling off this thing!" Natsu grunted with effort, fire exploding from his elbows to fight against Fukuro, but even with the added thruster he was still forced to his knees by the sheer force of Fukuro's power. Groaning Natsu roared.

"I am not going to lose here! Fire Dragon's Roar!"

Fukuro's eyes widened with pain as flames shot throughout his system, scalding him deeply. Fukuro cried out in pain, letting Natsu goo, desperate to escape the wave of flame. Natsu smirked as he saw Fukuro, his guard down as he tried to recover from the extraordinarily painful attack, before he leapt at the bird-man.

"Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame!" Natsu roared, launching the massive fireball at the bird. Fukuro squawked at the attack, unable to react in time, and took the full brunt of the blow as it exploded, sending him flying into the wall. Natsu grinned, shooting forwards. "Fire Dragon's Sword Horn!"

Natsu's head smashed into Fukuro's chest, shattering the wall with the force of his blow, the duo free falling through the air. Natsu grinned at Fukuro as they fell before hie eyes widened as Fukuro disappeared, a loud BOOM echoing throughout the area as he did. Natsu blanched, shooting flames from his feet to keep himself airborne, as the long drop to the ground would have undoubtedly killed him on impact.

Natsu narrowed his eyes, looking for Fukuro. "Where did the bird go," Natsu muttered before he felt a blaring pain in his stomach. Looking down as he was sent rocketing away he could only see the remnants of Fukuro's trail, before he smashed into the wall, groaning in pain. Natsu's eyes widened as he saw Fukuro moving towards him once more, this time visible, but for a much more obvious reason.

'He's faster in open air! He must have been moving slower to not slam into things inside! I actually made him stronger!'

Natsu grimaced at his realization, but nonetheless prepared to act. Fukuro was rushing him in a straight line, meaning that he was able to be tracked if he moved in a straight line. Natsu's hands burned with flame, a grimace forming on his face. He would have to hope Fukuro couldn't turn while moving at such high speeds.

"With a flame on the right hand, and a flame on the left hand, when you combine the flames together..."

Fukuro was right before him, the ball of flame just finally finishing its completion. It was do or die right here.

"Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame!"

BOOM.


Gray growled, frowning as he felt the familiar power that flooded the Land of Isvan once before, and even subtly in Galuna Island flooding the area once again. It was oppressive, and he knew that he wouldn't be able to fight it alone. He wasn't as strong as Ur yet. But he was closing the gap. Gray turned to Ullr, the rage clear on his face as his veins bulged, his magic barely restrained. He wouldn't to fight. He wanted to feel Deliora's blood on his hands. He could only hope that he could get it.

Ullr stared at Gray, the young mage not even having to say anything before he sighed, nodding. "I will help you in your conquest. But make no mistake Deliora will not be an easy opponent to defeat, even for me."

Gray shrugged, cracking his knuckles. "I don't want easy. I just want it dead."