Departure and Arrival

Naruto was not a happy man. Levy, but most importantly Erza, had just gotten back from their training trip and he couldn't even hang out with his girlfriend because of this. Naruto grunted as he read the letter sent directly from the King. Glancing upwards he winced as the sun briefly flickered into his eyes, hiding the Fiore Knight from view. "So King Toma has finally called on us huh," Naruto stated, grunting. He turned, the Uchiha who had known him practically his entire life frowning.

"So he's calling on us right before the Harvest Festival? Hn."

Naruto smirked. "Disappointed you won't be able to celebrate with Mira aren't you?"

Sasuke deadpanned at the blonde, the emotion behind it clear despite his ability reflect it through his eyes. "No, however I'm sure you and Erza want to have a play date tomorrow night."

Naruto and Erza punched Sasuke in the shoulder, growling at the Wizard Saint before Naruto nodded to the knight. Turning to face Erza he sighed. "I guess we can reschedule our date after the Harvest Festival then. I can't exactly turn down the offer from the King."

Erza sighed, a disappointed look flashing across her face before she quickly covered it up. "I understand. Just get done building that arena soon alright? You break it fast you build it fast."

Naruto grinned, quickly forming a clone of himself with his Energy-Make. "Don't worry, it'll be done in flash!"

The knight nodded, walking away, Sasuke dragging Naruto behind him before he and his girlfriend could kiss.

"The faster we get this done the faster you two can have all the fun you want."

Naruto cried out indignantly, but didn't resist, waving goodbye to Erza with tears falling down his face. The redhead just laughed at her boyfriends behavior, shaking her head before she walked back into the guild.

Naruto and Sasuke grunted as the slowly made their way out of Magnolia, the blonde idly noticing a few people who walked with too much poise and control walking into the city.

"Sasuke."

"Yeah I noticed," the Uchiha said. "We're just gonna have to leave it up to them."

"If you say so," Naruto stated. "None of them seem powerful enough to threaten Natsu or Erza, so hopefully whatever happens they can take care of it."

Sasuke nodded. "Right. Now let's finish this building so we can get back fast enough to help them if they need it. Besides, if anything big happens you can just make clowns and send them back here."

"You mean clones?"

"I said what I said."


Lucy winced as she saw Natsu stumbled across the ground, looking like a man possessed.

"Is he okay?"

"He does seem rather off," Juvia stated, a frown on her face.

Levy nodded. "Yeah, Natsu's just hungry is all. This happens...too often to be welcome actually."

Levy's point was only made stronger with Natsu's demand for food, screaming for it at the top of his lungs.

"It seems Natsu hasn't changed a bit huh Levy?"

"Hey Warren," The blue haired girl called as she turned. "It's been a while. I didn't know you were back in town."

"Yeah, I didn't think I'd make it back in time for the festival, but here I am."

Lucy blinked, confused, as was Juvia although she did not show it. Levy however knew the blonde to well to not pick up on her confusion. "This is Warren you guys. He's a Fairy Tail mage, but he's typically doing so many jobs that people rarely ever see him. He's a master of Telepathy."

"Wait, does that mean he can read my every thought?"

Warren laughed. "Well I don't just force my magic onto other people typically so while theoretically yes I won't do it."

"I am Juvia," Juvia stated, waving. "The bimbo you are talking to is Lucy."

"Bimbo!" Lucy cried indignantly, only for Levy to laugh, patting her shoulder. "Don't we all have somewhere to be? Somewhere that doesn't involve you both fighting."

"Oh right the Miss Fairy Tail contest," Lucy cried out, racing off towards the guild. "I need my prize money! My rent!"

Juvia and Levy quickly waved to Warren before racing off after her, leaving him slightly stunned. Chuckling the man continued to walk towards the guild hall. "It seems like we've just got more eccentric people to add to the table every day. I wonder if I'll see Naruto or Sasuke around? Haven't seen them in a while."


"Hello there ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the one and only Miss Fairy Tail Contest, where the female Fairy's fight in a battle of beauty! I'm Max Alors, Sand Magic extraordinaire, and I'll be your host for today!"

The crowd erupted into wild applause, although the people voicing the largest amount of support were Macao and Wakaba, the two's voices practically drowning out the rest of the crowds.

"Now let's see entry number one, an exciting beauty any day of the week! Cana Alberona!"

Natsu blanched, dropping the piece of bread from his mouth. Elfman glanced at him. "What is it?"

"Isn't she dressed exactly the same as she always is?"

"Maybe she'll do something with her magic. Hopefully something very manly."

"No, that would defeat the purpose," Macao stated, before he went back to cheering.

Cana smirked, raising a deck of cards before they all began to swirl around her, her body beginning to glow. Eventually the storm of cards got so dense that her form was invisible before they were all blasted away, revealing Cana scantily clad in a tiger-stripped bikini with her hair down, covering one of her eyes in a pose.

Cana walked off the stage as Max continued his show. "At entry number two! She may be new to the guild but she has class. A ray of beauty, rain or shine! Juvia Lockser!"

Juvia, much like Cana, used her own magic, a swirl of water storming around her before she too transformed into a bikini.

"Next is entry number three! Her beauty is forever told, Fairy Tail's center piece, her beauty being the envy of women all over the land, Mirajane Strauss!"

Mirajane smiled, waving her hands at the crowd. "My specialty is Transformation Magic so I'll show you all something I've been working on." The beautiful white haired mage then turned her head into...Happy's. And then Gajeel's.

The crowd was silent.

"Entry number four! The Fairy that needs no introduction!"

Erza landed on the stage a second too soon, a smirk on her face.

"Erza Scarlet!"

Smirking Erza closed her eyes. "Let me show you a Requip you don't get to see every day."

In a storm of magic Erza revealed herself in a skin-tight maid's outfit. The crowd went wild.

"Entry number five, Levy McGarden!"

The entries went on like this for quite a while until they finally landed on the last entry. Lucy. However, just before she was about to start her performance a voice boomed out above everyone else.

"Entry number eight," came the call. It was feminine.

Lucy frowned. "Hey, what the hell, I haven't even begun to do my cheer yet!"

"I am the very definition of Fairy," came the call, the woman walking out from behind Lucy. "Not to mention the very definition of beauty. I'm the only woman here who embodies everything one desires, and therefore the winner is me. The lovely Evergreen. Now this idiotic contest can end!"

"She's back," Natsu stated. "Didn't even notice her smell."

"That must mean the rest of the Thunder God Tribe is back," Elfman stated.

"Can't you go mess up a different contest," Lucy called, waving her hands in front of Evergreen's face, although the woman took no notice of it, her eyes closed. "I really need this prize money!"

"Lucy, don't look her in the eye!" Warren called, but it was too late. Evergreen had taken off her glasses to stare at Lucy.

"I'm sorry, what was your name," Evergreen called as her eyes flashed with power. Instantaneously Lucy was turned to stone.

"This is bad," Max stated, stepping away from the Thunder God Tribe member. "Everyone, get out of here!"

The crowd, including non-mages, were quick to follow orders, running far into the town.

Makarov growled, walking forwards. "What do you think you're doing Evergreen! You're ruining the festival for everyone!"

"On the contrary," Evergreen stated as the curtain behind her began to raise, revealing a stone statue of every girl in the Miss Fairy Tail Contest. "I think things are just getting interesting."

"Mira," Elfman called.

"No way, she got Erza too," Happy stated, confusion on his face.

"Don't be a fool," Makarov stated. "Return them to normal this instant!"

However, Evergreen didn't respond, a flash of lightning shattering through the ceiling to reveal Laxus, a grin on his face. "Well," he stated at his interruption. "Looks like all your fans went home. Pity, because the fun's about to start."

"I should've known," Makarov muttered.

"Hey look," Elfman stated, pointing around. "Freed, and Bickslow too."

"The whole Thunder Legion," Macao stated, a frown on his face.

"I've had enough," Makarov stated. "Turn them back our else."

Laxus just laughed, a flash of electricity appearing above Lucy. "You better play nice if you don't want these ladies to meet their grave," he stated, causing a cry of shock from everyone as the lightning bolt struck right beside the blonde. Natsu snarled, flames already beginning to lick his body as he glared at Laxus.

"In other words I'm taking all of them hostage. Break the rules and I'll shatter all of these chicks one-by-one."

"This is not a funny joke," Makaba stated.

Laxus grinned, pointing a finger at Lucy's head, a bolt of lightning just barely diverting itself out of the way before it smashed into her head. "I'm not kidding old man."

"I've always wondered who was the strongest in the guild. Now it's time to find out," Freed stated.

"There's only one rule," Laxus stated. "Whoever's left standing in the end is the winner. It's a Fairy Tail Battle Royal."

Just as Laxus finished talking a loud crack shattered the stunned silence of the guild, revealing Natsu's flaming orbs boring deep into Laxus' eyes. "Nice and simple. Good. That way I won't have to jump through any loops before I kick your ass."

"Have you already forgotten just how badly he beat you the last time you went at it?" Warren called, only for Natsu to grin.

"I was a kid then. And I assure you," Natsu stated, glaring at Laxus. "I'm no kid now."

"What do you mean that was last year," Warren called.

"Yeah, and since then I've become a man!" Natsu roared.

"Ah ah ah," Evergreen stated. "Naturally if you want the girls to turn back to normal you're going to have to defeat us first."

"The odds aren't that bad, there's like four of us and a hundred of you guys."

"Plus all the friends we invited to join the party from other guilds as well," Freed stated.

Makarov whirled, glaring at Freed. "You invited other mages to have a battle royal in the middle of a city! Have you lost your minds!"

"You have three hours and not a second more," Evergreen stated, completely ignoring the question. "After that, these pretty statues of yours will be reduced to dust."

"All of Magnolia will serve as the battlefield. The battle will begin when, and if, you can find us," Laxus called. "Of course, if you find some of our surprise guests, the battle begins then too."

Makarov roared in outrage, reaching towards Laxus, his Titan Magic activating.

"Now now old man where's your fun? It's a festival you see," Laxus said, emanating black and yellow lightning. "Now, let the Battle of Fairy Tail, begin!"

When the light died down, none of the Thunder God Tribe were still in the building.

"Let's go, we gotta man up and save our girls," Elfman roared, rushing outside, followed by a crowd of mages.

Makarov turned, slowly walking towards the edge of the building only to slam into something that caused him to stop.

"What the, master?"

Jet glanced at Makarov, confused.

"An invisible wall," Makarov cried out, trying to push against it.

"Don't be silly master, there's nothing here," Jet stated, grabbing the elderly man's hand and trying to pull him forwards only to find that he couldn't. The two kept trying until they glanced up to see some writing in the air.

"It must be some kind of writing," Jet stated.

"Freed must have done this," Makarov stated. "One of his enchantments no doubt."

"Any idea what it says?"

"Stone statues and anyone over the years of 80 shall not pass."

"So he's essentially saying Laxus is to afraid to fight you because he knows he'd lose."

"Yes, but he's also effectively not allowing me to help you all, and no one is strong enough to take on Laxus anymore because Naruto and Sasuke are gone and Gildarts is not here."

"We can group up," Jet stated. "No one individually is strong enough to even match him right now. But if we group up we can take him out."

"That's a good plan, just be careful. He's probably thought of that already and has some sort of plan."

"Maybe," Jet stated. "But I bet he doesn't know about my spear! If I can get to my house and back I can negate this magic master! Just give me some time and I'll get it for you!"

Makarov's eyes widened, before he smirked. "Good thinking Jet. Go, quickly!"

Jet nodded, before taking off in a burst of speed. Natsu glared at Jet's retreating back. "Well I see why it works on you gramps, but why can't I pass?"

Makarov glanced upwards, not even noticing the Fire Dragonslayer standing right next to him. The teen was leaning against the air, clear proof that for some reason, the runes recognized him as being over eighty years old, or a stone statue, and since one was obviously not true...

"What the hell?"


Droy grunted as he glanced around, clenching his fists. "You find anyone Alzack?"

"No," the gun mage stated, frowning. "What about you?"

"Sorry, I got nothing," Droy muttered, a frown on his face. "I'm worried about Levy."

Alzack nodded, clenching his fists. "Damn it! How dare they do that to Bisca!"

"Hey, just try and take it easy man," Droy stated, only to get Alzack's furious eyes pointed in his direction.

"Take it easy! We only have three hours!"

The two stopped arguing as they saw purple markings spring to life, surrounding the duo, causing their eyes to widen. Droy, confused asked Alzack what was going on, only to see the man's face turn very grim.

"It's an enchantment," Alzack stated.

"An enchantment," Droy questioned. "Are you telling me they put these things up all over town?"

"It must be Freed's work," Alzack stated only for the two to glance at a section of the runes that joined together before them. "It says, only the Wizard who proves himself to be the strongest is allowed to leave this barrier."

"But what does that mean?"

Alzack's eyes darkened, realization coming to him. "He's trying to make us fight each other."

Droy's eyes widened in realization. "Well that's a dirty trick! But we won't do it. I just wish Naruto was here to open up these barriers."

Alzack frowned, pointing a gun at Droy, causing his eyes to widen in horror. "Sorry," Alzack said. "But I gotta save her," he roared, firing a bullet that instantly knocked Droy out cold. "Think of it this way," the gunman stated as the barrier dropped. "If I save Bisca I save everyone else too."


Makarov grunted as Natsu continued to try and press through the barrier, only to continuously fail.

"Come on," Makarov grunted. "You're not a stone statue and there's no way you're old enough to be over eighty," the man grunted only for his eyes to widen as he saw a new rune appear below the rules.

"Battle of Fairy Tail status report: Droy vs Alzack. Is this some kind of joke?"

"I don't understand why they would be fighting each other," Natsu muttered, rubbing the back of his head, Happy voicing the same thoughts with a trusty "Aye sir!"

"Winner is Alzack," Makarov read. "Droy K.O."


The huge man grunted through the streets, looking idly by as he saw the Fairy's fight one another in prisons of runic magic. A frown formed on his face as he glanced around. "Gaa," the man whined, looking around piteously. The huge man continued to whine until all of a sudden a surge of magic surrounded him, two Fairy Tail mages standing nearby appearing before him.

The huge man smiled.

"I'm gonna save Mira, even if it means I have to fight you," Wakaba cried, glaring down at Macao who stood on the street below him.

"Bet your wife doesn't know about your little crush huh," Macao retorted.

"You're just jealous cause your wife left you."

"You crossed the line bud!"

"Gaa!"

Milk Boy leapt into the fray, reaching out to grab Macao, Wakaba barely able to shout out in shock before Macao was smashed into the ground, forced unconscious due to the sheer force.

"What the hell," Wakaba muttered, only to see the massive man turn towards him.

"Gaaaaa!"

Milk Boy leapt forwards, forcing Wakaba to leap away, the ceiling of the building he was standing on collapsing as Milk Boy landed, unable to support his weight.

"What the hell is going on here," Wakaba muttered.


"Max vs Warren, the winner is Warren. Vijeeter vs Nab, the winner is Nab. Macao vs Wakaba vs Milk Boy, in progress." Happy stated, reading out the runes as quickly as they appeared.

"Milk Boy," Natsu questioned. "I've never heard that name before."

"It must be one of Laxus' hired help," Makarov stated, grunting. "That's a problem. We have no idea who these people are, what they can do, or what threat they pose to both the citizens and our own mages. And I can't even get out there to help."

Natsu grunted, nodding his head. "Yeah. Our three strongest mages are trapped in this building."

Makarov sighed.

"Time remaining, two hours, eighteen minutes. Fairy Tail participants remaining...forty-two."

"No way," Makarov stated, horror crossing his face. "That means that more than half of the guild has wiped themselves out in less than an hour."

"No way," Natsu stated. "Is there really no way I can go out there and beat Laxus?"

"Is that really what you're thinking about!"

"What," Natsu stated, frowning. "This is a tournament to see who's the strongest! I just got stronger, I wanna know where I stand!"

"Think about the big picture here Natsu!" Makarov roared. "The girls won't be safe unless we defeat the Thunder God Tribe in two more hours!"

"Ah, that's just a bluff," Natsu stated. "Laxus wouldn't hurt them. He's still one of us remember?"

Makarov was silent. He did not know if he could honestly say yes to that question.

"Macao vs Wakaba vs Milk Boy, winner is Milk Boy," Happy stated.

Makarov's fists clenched. He could only pray that Jet was fast enough to reach his house and back.


Wakaba groaned as he was left on the ground, a bruised and tattered mess on the shattered cobblestone streets.

"Gaa," came Milk Boy's disappointed cry. However, he soon grinned as he saw another dome of energy appear around him, seeing Alzack staring at him, worry on the mans face.

"Gaaaaaa!"

Alzack fired, the bullet erupting in a flash of brown light before mud slammed into Milk Boy, forcing him into a nearby wall before the mud quickly solidified. Milk Boy roared, his muscles bulging as he ripped himself free from the mud. Alzack frowned.

"I do not know who you are foreign mage, but you are stopping me from helping Bisca. For that, I will not hold back," Alzack muttered, before he fired once more. This time the bullets flashed white, two tornadoes ripping forth and smashing into Milk Boy. Milk Boy roared, charging through the tornadoes despite their strength, reaching out to grab Alzack. The Gun Magic user leapt into the air just in time to avoid being grabbed, frowning down at Milk Boy who whined angrily.

"He's strong, but he's still slow. He beat Wakaba, but that's not saying much. Still, it's best if I don't get caught up with him."

Alzack reloaded his gun as he began to fall, nodding.

"Alright then."

He aimed and then he fired. The bullets flashed yellow before they moved even faster than before, each hitting Milk Boy in the shoulder, causing him to cry out in pain. The overgrown man-child seized, screaming in pain as Alzack launched downwards, dropping a heel kick on the mans head. Milk Boy stumbled before he collapsed to his knees, groaning. Alzack grunted, the tip of his barrel raised to Milk Boy's head. A bullet flew out, smashing into Milk Boy's head and sending him flying through a wall that collapsed onto him. Alzack nodded, preparing to turn only to see Milk Boy rise from the rubble.

"What!" Alzack called. "That should have taken you down. All that trauma to the head isn't something most people can withstand!"

Milk Boy whined, grabbing the milk bottle at his side before taking a swig. Alzack frowned, tensing. Whatever that milk did to him it wouldn't be good. He was proven correct when a dark aura appeared around Milk Boy before he leapt forwards at a much faster speed, smashing into Alzack before he had time to react. Blood shot from Alzack's mouth from the sheer force before he was sent flying through several walls, his body broken.


"Evergreen!" Elfman roared, staring down the female mage in the middle of the street. "A real man would never need to take hostages," Elfman roared, dashing forwards. "If you have any pride you'll turn my sister back!"

Evergreen could only chuckle, lifting her glasses. "Well, I'm not a man you know." A golden light emanated from Evergreen's eyes, briefly blinding Elfman and allowing the female mage to send him flying into a nearby booth, causing citizens to start running away in fear. Flowers floated around the duo, causing the wizard to smirk.

"Oh, are these flowers for me? How kind of you. These suit me so well."

"Beast Soul: Lizardman!"

"It's a shame the only thing that's cute about you is your name. Elfman."

"You're gonna turn my sister back or else!"

"Do you really think you can defeat me?"

Elfman roared, launching himself forwards, only for Evergreen to easily flip over the attack, landing behind him. Elfman swung his arm round, rotating his torso just enough to smack into Evergreen, at least, if she hadn't leapt over that blow as well.

"I'm sure you're very strong in that form, but it won't matter if you can't hit me. And unfortunately for you, you're already covered in my fairy dust. Fairy Bomb Attack!"

Bright yellow lights swirled around Elfman before erupting in a thunderous explosion. When the smoke cleared Elfman was unconscious. Evergreen smirked. "Statues are wonderful aren't they? No matter how ugly the beast when turned to stone it can only create a beautiful work of art."

Evergreen pulled one of Elfman's eyes open, her magic flowing through her before he was turned to stone. A smirk fell on her face. "Too easy."


"Evergreen vs Elfman, winner is Evergreen," Makarov stated, disappointment echoing in his voice as he read who the victor was. It wasn't surprising. Evergreen was strong enough to challenge low S-class level mages. Elfman just wasn't at that level where he could defeat his opponents quite as handily yet.

"Freed vs Reedus, winner is Freed," Happy muttered.

"It's a good thing Laxus is just bluffing, otherwise we'd be in trouble," Natsu muttered. "The only people around who can take out Laxus aren't here or are stuck inside."

"I'm just bluffing am I? You sure about that?"

Natsu and Makarov turned, both stunned to see Laxus standing right behind them, although he seemed partially see-through.

"A Thought Projection," Happy stated, frowning.

"Natsu, what are you doing holed up in this dump," Laxus questioned. "You scared? And here I thought all that big talk from before actually meant something. Guess I was wrong."

"I'm not scared, I'm stuck! Freed's stupid runes won't let me out!"

"What do you want," Makarov muttered, glaring at Laxus.

"How's it feel huh," Laxus questioned, glaring at his grandfather. "You think of the guild members as your children right? Must be tough watching your little kiddies tear each other apart. It's too bad Natsu and Erza can't join the game, because you don't anyone else strong enough to take on the Thunder God Tribe. You ready to throw in the towel?"

"Milk Boy vs Alzack, winner is Milk Boy," Happy read dejectedly.

"Gajeel is still here," Makarov stated.

"Him? Please, he's made it pretty clear he doesn't wanna participate in this little battle. Otherwise he would have started fighting by now. Doesn't surprise me honestly. That guy couldn't care less about what happens in the guild."

"Am I invisible," Natsu cried.

"Might as well be if you can't get passed the barrier," Laxus mocked.

"Enough," Makarov stated, a tired edge going into his voice. "It isn't worth it. I surrender all right?"

"Wait a sec," Natsu cried out, shock in his voice.

"You've had your fun, now stop this."

"What's gotten into you," Laxus muttered, a grin ripping his face in two. "I thought you were the master of the almighty Fairy Tail guild! You can't just give up at the drop of a hat! But if you insist on quitting, then by all means hand the guild over to me and I'll let you go into early retirement!"

"I should've known," Makarov stated, venom coating his voice. His grandson was a brat. "This was your goal all along wasn't it."

"You've only got an hour and half until those girls turn to stone. If you really wanna end this, then announce your retirement all over the town through the guilds loudspeaker. Tell everyone you're relinquishing Fairy Tail over to me! What means more to you? Your children, or your title? Choose carefully."

A loud knock surprised the trio in the building, causing them to glance up to see Gajeel jumping down to the ground, a frown on his face.

"You've been here this whole time," Natsu cried out.

"Gajeel, will you fight for the guild? I know this is a lot to ask, but Laxus has neither the conviction nor strength of character to lead a guild. This is bigger than the title."

Gajeel shrugged. "Might as well. I've got a score to settle against that bastard anyway. Don't worry I'll handle him."

"How," Natsu questioned. "You're not even as strong as me!"

Gajeel glared at the Fire Dragonslayer, rage burning in his eyes. "One word idiot. Drive."

Natsu's eyes widened at the information before he grinned. "You too huh? We'll have to fight once more then to see who's stronger!"

"Sure, after I kick the brat's-ow!"

Gajeel had slammed straight into the barrier set up by Freed.

"What!" Makarov cried out in rage.

"Don't tell me you're over eighty too!" Natsu cried out.

"Do I look over eighty to you!"

"Remaining Fairy Tail participants...four," Happy stated, looking over all the battles. The Thunder God Tribe had been busy eliminating the rest of the guild while Laxus had been there arguing. Barely anyone was left. "Wait, two of those people are Gajeel and Natsu though right?"

Makarov's eyes widened, horror crossing his face. "No way, to be defeated so easily. There's no one else who can defeat Laxus."

"Wait then who is the fourth person?"

Makarov frowned, thinking of the guild members. He knew all of them by name, he made a habit of doing it. The only time he didn't know a guild member truly was when they just joined. His eyes snapped open wide in realization.

"Azuma! That man is strong enough to face Laxus if their brief spat from before told me anything. He can do this. The only question is where is he? He doesn't seem to be the type to care to much about stuff like this, other than the fact that he gets to fight people."

"Don't worry master," came a call from across the room. "I'll handle the rest of this. There's no need to worry about Azuma."

The four mages in the room turned, all of them surprised to see Erza standing there, a frown on her face.

"Erza's back!" Natsu cried.

"That's good and all but how was the spell broken," Makarov questioned. "Maybe we can replicate the process."

"I'm not sure," Erza stated. "It might have to do with my faux-eye. Evergreen's powers are ocular, so having a fake eye could weaken the effects."

"I see, it must have weakened the effects of the spell," Makarov stated. "A shame though. We can't replicate the effects. But you are strong enough to defeat the Thunder God Tribe. Please, go defeat Evergreen. If she's defeated then the spell will fail, releasing the girls and putting an end to this madness!"

"I know master. I was stone, but I could still hear most of what was said."

"Remaining Fairy Tail participants, five," Happy read.

"It seems they've already added me to their ranks," Erza said. "Good. So no complications will occur."

"Wait, no it says there's six," Happy stated, watching as the number clicked up. Not too long after it clicked up again.

"Seven people remaining? If two Fairy Tail members are still out there, and Natsu and Gajeel are in here, it must have counted Erza, but who are the other two," Happy questioned. None of the other girls had been freed from their stone confines, so someone must have entered Magnolia. Two people specifically.

"Could it be Naruto and Sasuke?"

"Possibly," Makarov stated. "That would be a godsend at this point, but I doubt the two of them heard of what was going on and have gotten back. No this is probably something else."

"Could it be Mystogan," Erza questioned, a grin on her face.

Makarov's eyes widened. "I see. That is a possibility. If he's back our chances of success just significantly went back up."

Gajeel grunted. "Someone wanna fill me in here?"

"Mystogan," Erza stated. "One of Fairy Tail's S-Class mages. A particularly strong one at that."

"But who is the other mystery man?"

"Who knows," Natsu muttered. "Either way, we need you to get going Erza! We don't have much time left before we lose! Beat Freed quickly so I can get out of here and kick Laxus' ass!"

"My primary objective is Evergreen because of her hostages, but I'll keep that in mind," Erza stated before rushing off. The four mages could only look at her, a frown on each of their faces. They couldn't do much else other than have faith.


The man raised an eyebrow seeing the Fairy Tail member completely unconscious on the ground, surrounded by others, bruises covering their bodies.

"What the heck happened here? Vijeeter, Nab, Laki? What happened to the three of you?"

No response was given, however that was expected. They were all unconscious. A frown fell over the mans face. "Is Fairy Tail under attack?"

The man quickly began to run through the town, a worried look on his face. The towns people were all fleeing in panic. That could not be a good sign. The man rounded a corner, just in time to see a man with fire in his hands slam his fiery blade into Jet's stomach sending the teen flying into a wall of runic magic.

"Jet!" the man called, rushing over to slam his hands into the runic magic. "Are you okay?"

"Gray?" Jet groaned, gripping his spear tightly. "When did you get back?"

"Just now," Gray stated. "What happened while I was out? Is this guy attacking the guild?"

"Not exactly," Jet muttered. "Laxus is holding the girls hostage. He's threatening to kill them unless someone defeats the entirety of the Thunder God Tribe before the time limit is up. But he set up traps. He forced us all to fight each other, and because no one other than me could break the runic magic, well, they were forced to abide by its rules and defeat each other in the hopes of fighting a member of the Thunder God Tribe."

"I see," Gray muttered. "Damn it Laxus!"

Jet grinned. "Yeah it sucks, but now that you're here do you think you can take this guy off my hands. Master can't participate because of a rule that Freed put in place. But with my spear here I can negate his magic, allowing Master to put an end to all of this."

Gray smirked, looking up, his eyes widening as he saw the man before Jet. "Yeah, no problem. I've got something to prove to this guy anyway."

"I highly doubt you've gotten significantly more powerful since the last time we saw each other Gray Fullbuster."

"Oh you would be surprised," Gray stated, an icy blue aura surrounding his form. Jet ignored the duo however, destroying the barrier with Gae Dearg before he nodded to Gray. "Good luck. He's powerful. I'll be back with help as fast as I can."

Gray nodded, not bothering to pay attention to Jet as he dashed off back towards the guild. Gray grinned.

"So Chuck, how did you get off the island anyway?"

"I used a boat."

Gray frowned. "Really?"

"You asked," Chuck stated, before forming a katana of fire. "Look, I came here because I was offered the chance to battle. I wanted to battle the redhead from before, but I was unable to find her. If you're anything near the level of your other friend from back at the temple you won't be strong enough to challenge me. I'll be on my way."

Gray grinned, ice shooting from his feet to freeze the entire area, Chuck's legs encased in ice, leaving him unable to move.

"Oh, I'm nowhere near his level anymore," Gray stated. "I've long since surpassed that."

Chuck Barley grinned. "Oh?" Flame burst around him, melting the ice that surrounded his legs but spreading no further. He smirked. "Let's test that theory then shall we?"


Sorry for this chapter being so short, but I didn't really see any benefit to keeping it going longer than I wanted. This chapter was mainly setup for the next chapters battles and getting all the characters into play. There wasn't really going to be in depth battles in this chapter. Next chapter though, things get going.

You'll get to see Erza's, Gray's, and Jet's growth in battles where they aren't severely outclassed no matter what they do, like Gray was with Deliora. I'm not sure on it right now, but we may also be getting a little visit from the demon side of Mira.