Clash at Kardia Cathedral

Streets of Magnolia

"Bickslow versus Levy, winner is Levy! Freed versus Gajeel, winner is Gajeel! Chuck versus Gray, result draw!"

Lucy stated, her eyes wide. "No way! Levy beat Bickslow! And Gajeel beat Freed! All of the Thunder God Tribe is defeated now! And Gray is back! He did tie with whoever that Chuck guy is though."

The blonde frowned, craning her neck as she thought. "I wonder who that could be. But either way the only person left to defeat now is Laxus. We can put an end to all of this. We've just got to find him." Lucy then paused, thinking back to all of her encounters with the S-Class mage, and the stories she had heard of him. Of how he was likely one of the strongest members of the guild. "Then again do I really wanna fight him? I'm sure Natsu and Erza can handle him."

The blonde shivered. "I hope. I can't really fight against someone like that. But there still has to be something I can do to help." That's when the blonde noticed it. In the sky, even though a chunk of the lacrima's had been taken out there were still quite a few that had not been. That was a problem.

"But if I can find a way to get those lacrima's destroyed then maybe no one has to fight Laxus at all! I thought Jet was supposed to handle that...but Freed beat him. Maybe I can find where he was..."

Nodding, the blonde rushed towards the lacrima at the edge of the city, looking for her fellow guild member.


Fairy Tail Guild Hall

"Where can I find the old fool?"

"He's right inside," Mira stated, falling out of her Satan Soul and setting Porlyusica down on the ground. The medic nodded, rushing to the infirmary to see him groaning in pain, completely unable to move. The medic stood over the man, a frown slowly forming on her face despite the stoic look she always had.

"How bad is it," Mira said. "I gave him his medicine, but I'm not sure how quickly he'll recover."

The medic said nothing, merely glancing at Mira with a sad look in her eye. "Go and fetch Laxus."

"I'm sorry?"

"What he is doing is shameful, especially with the old man on his deathbed."

Mira paused, the words hitting her like a truck as soon as Porlyusica said them. "Deathbed...but wait...you can't be serious? I gave him his medicine!"

"And it isn't working as well. He's old, his body isn't handling it well. It's unlikely he'll survive. The stress on his heart, especially from his idiot of a grandson's decision is too much. He views you all as his children, imagine how this makes him feel."

Mira frowned, glancing at the ground. Porlyusica whirled on the girl, causing her eyes to snap upwards in shock, unprepared to see the stoic medic move so fast or show her that face. Those tears. "Please...just do as I say. He cannot wait. There's not much time."

Mira's eyes widened before she nodded, immediately transforming into her Satan Soul form to move faster before she rushed out of the guild. She had to find him. She had to find Laxus.


Kardia Cathedral

(-Flashback-)

"So tell me boy, why aren't you participating in the Fantasia Parade with us," Makarov asked, glancing at a much younger - and less muscular - Laxus with curiosity.

"Why should I? Nobody'll care if I'm there or not, right? Ever since I was little all I've ever been known as is your grandson! It's like I never got to be my own person! No one calls me Laxus! I'm Makarov's grandson! I don't get credit for anything, it's just expected of me because my grandpa's the guild master!" the boy stated in a sudden explosion.

"Ah so that's what this is? You're feeling overlooked. Do you honestly believe most people in the world feel like they get the credit they deserve?"

"It was bad enough just living in your shadow. Why did you have to go and make things worse?"

"I'm sorry."

"You're sorry?" Laxus said, spitting the words like poison. "Don't you have a heart old man?"

Makarov could only sigh, looking at the ground with disappointment. "You went too far," Laxus continued. "You didn't have to kick my dad out of Fairy Tail!"

Makarov's silence only gave Laxus more steam.

"So why did you do it?"

"Because Ivan - what your father did caused great harm to Fairy Tail," Makarov stated, quickly putting in a title instead of the man's name. Clearly there was pain still present in that memory.

"Ok, so maybe he made a few stupid mistakes but who hasn't? He's still your own flesh and blood right! He's still your son!"

"Flesh and blood or not, any member who would endanger the lives of his brethren must be banished without exception! That's how our predecessors have preserved Fairy Tail over the years. That's how our guild has always worked!"

"Then why don't you just kick me out too huh! So that way I can join his new guild and me and my dad can work together! And we'll both take you down!"

"He's gone and established a new guild?" Makarov stated, the news clearly a surprise to him. "Where is he? Do you know where Ivan is, you must tell me at once!"

"Yeah right, like you'd give a crap," Laxus stated, turning on his grandfather. "Good luck trying to find him yourself."

"Please you have to tell me Laxus! Listen! Ivan left with information that could be detrimental to Fairy Tail! I have to find him! It's life or death! The safety of the guild is at stake!"

"Guess you shoulda thought about that before you kicked him out."

"Tell me where he is!"

"Someday I'm gonna surpass you...but not for dad's sake. It'd be for my own."

Makarov paused, confused until Laxus glanced back at him, the sheer hate in the boys eyes giving him pause. "And then you'll have to live under my shadow."

(-Flashback End-)

"Hn, I knew this day would come," Laxus stated, reading the news of his fallen comrades. "This is it. You can't say I didn't warn you old man." The man glanced upwards at the runes that were slowly ticking away at the clock until the lacrima's went off. "Only ten minutes until the palace goes off."

That was when he heard it. The steps. Laxus turned, grinning as he saw the man who stood before him. "Hey Mystogan," Laxus stated, grinning. "You actually showed up."

The lightning mage broke out into a laugh, the grin on his face becoming savage. "I'm surprised you're here. I didn't think this game would be of any interest to you?"

"If you bring down the Thunder Palace right now we may be able to convince the citizens that it was part of the festival."

"Is that really why you came back? Gimmie a break. You're looking for a piece of the action, you wanna know who the strongest wizard in Fairy Tail is. You or me?"

"No, I know the answer to that question quite clearly and neither of the two who can compete for that title are here right now. How convenient for you."

Laxus snarled, glaring at Mystogan as lightning flickered around his form. "Huh! You tryna say that the two dipshits Naruto and Sasuke are stronger than me! I'll make you pay for that! I already beat Sasuke into a pulp, Naruto will be next!"

"When he was blind," Mystogan clarified. "Besides, don't be so quick to rule out Erza."

"Are you kidding me," Laxus stated. "Sure the girls got spunk, but she's still weak!"

"Huh, you think she's weak. You're either blind or more ignorant than I thought."

"Nothing against her but it's clear both of us are stronger. One of us is Fairy Tail's strongest mage, the question is who deserves the title! Her, even those two so-called Gods. Not on our level."

"Right...gods you beat only because he was blind because he so effectively counters you. And his lightning is stronger. And Naruto fights him evenly. Easy to say how a fight between you with them would turn out."

Laxus' face burned, a snarl forming on his features as lightning crackled around him, his eyes seeing red. "I'll make you pay for that."

"That's not even mentioning Gildarts."

Laxus snapped. "I'm sick of talking about it! I'll settle this here and now Mystogan, or should I say-"

Laxus roared, bringing his fist forwards to fire a bolt of lightning to block the beam of energy that Mystogan quickly fired with a beam of energy from one of his staffs. The resulting collision of magic surged outwards, shattering the glass in the Cathedral and sending a pulse outside of the building, dust flying upwards.

"How do you know about that?"

"Oh? Did I strike a nerve? Rare to see you lose your cool like that. Whaddaya say? Beat me, and I'll tell you."

"You're going to regret that statement Laxus," Mystogan stated, placing his staff on the ground. "You're about to witness magic the likes of which you've never seen before!"

"Oh I'm so scared," Laxus mocked. "Go on and show me what you've got ya freak! I'm dying to see how much stronger I am!"

Mystogan said nothing else, slamming his staves into the ground in a semi-circle in front of him, "Skyscraper."

Laxus' eyes widened as suddenly the ground flashed with a purple energy, tendrils of the stone floor of the Kardia Cathedral reaching upwards before a mass surged into the sky, carrying him with it. The man hollered, a surge of white light and energy exploding around him to reveal the man floating above the Cathedral, at a height that would surely kill him if he fell from.

"What happened? Impossible! The entire church?"

Laxus' eyes widened even further as a beam of white energy shot towards him into the sky, surrounding him. The sky suddenly darkened, a vibrant mix of purple before it began to tear, two hands pulling at it like a child trying to open a box, revealing two gleaming red eyes and brilliantly white teeth. Before the S-Class mage could do anything he was bound, wrappings binding his body together like rope. The monster roared, reaching its scaly green arm through the tear towards Laxus.

"What kind of magic is this?" Laxus roared before his eyes narrowed. He understood. With a scream of rage electricity sparked before he expelled it, the world around him ripping apart like a piece of paper to reveal Mystogan standing in front of him, nothing having changed.

Laxus laughed, glaring at the other S-Class mage with a deranged look in his eye. "Now that's funny! Did you seriously think you'd be able to defeat me using some kind of stupid illusion!"

"Perhaps not, but it seems you're still a bit slow on the uptake."

Laxus' eyes widened before he found himself surrounded by purple energy, magic circles of different colors appearing above him in a column.

"What?"

"Five-Layered Magic Circle: Sacred Song!"

"You think I'm the slow one huh," Laxus stated, grinning as a yellow magic circle appeared underneath Mystogan's feet. Electricity sparked around the man as lightning surged into the air, Mystogan's attack activating at the same time as the purple light around Laxus' exploded downwards. As the smoke from the two attacks cleared the two seemed mostly unharmed however, the attacks not doing much damage. Mystogan leapt into the air, staring down a savagely grinning Laxus. The man reached out and pointed, purple energy surrounding Laxus from the staves still on the ground and sweeping towards him, only for Laxus to avoid it by quickly shifting into lightning and disappearing. Mystogan's eyes widened, Laxus' lightning form surrounding him before sparking with electricity, causing him to grunt.

Laxus landed in front of the man, shifting back to corporeal form to stare at his opponent, the man blurring into sight from a mist. Laxus grinned. Mystogan was good at avoiding damage, and apparently could shift into an elemental form too. But that would not be a problem, not for him.

"Now this is more like it," Laxus stated, only for his eyes to widen as the duo were interrupted.

"So here you are," Erza stated, staring at the two other S-Class mages present in Fairy Tail. Erza glanced at Mystogan shock on her face. "You're here? Mystogan..."

The man's eyes widened, his arms reaching up to cover his face, his attention fully on making sure Erza couldn't see him. Laxus capitalized. A bolt of lightning shot through the air, slamming into Mystogan's face. The man grunted, not in any serious pain, only for his eyes to widen as he felt the fabric on his face shred and submit to the breeze. Erza's eyes went cold as shock flooded her system.

"Jellal?"

Mystogan turned.

"But how? You're still alive? I thought you were left in the Tower..."

"Erza, please forgive me. I was afraid you'd see this. I'm not your friend Jellal, I do know of him, but I'm not him. I'm sorry," Mystogan stated, his body fading into mist. "But I must be going."

The mist disappeared before Erza or Laxus had any time to think, the man clearly long gone by the time the duo had processed what had happened. Laxus recovered faster than his other S-Class mage however, launching a bolt of lightning that Erza just barely managed to avoid, panic on her face.

"What's that expression you've got on your face girlie? To afraid of fighting Laxus!"

Erza frowned, shaking her head. She could think about Jella-Mystogan...whoever...later. She had a fight to focus on right now. The citizens were counting on her to defeat Laxus. With a nod she took a deep breath. Her eyes hardened as she looked at Laxus, the man's eyes widening. "Oh? Are we gonna see Erza try and take me on seriously? It won't be much of a fight."

Erza merely frowned, watching Laxus' black and yellow lightning flicker around him. 'With Sasuke's lightning adding to his own it'll be difficult for even my Lightning Empress Armor to negate the damage of his attacks. Still...that's better than nothing. It's the only magic Laxus can use so mitigating damage is essential unless I can get in a better blow with a quality-enhancing armor. He's an all-range fighter, so no specific weapon choice is needed. Mugetsu-Ryu it is.'

Erza nodded to herself, her body glowing as her Lightning Empress Armor appeared around her, her hair tied back in a braid. The Mugetsu-Ryu appeared in her hands, causing Erza to smirk.

"Prepare to lose Laxus."

Laxus smirked. "As if I'd lose to you! Now fight me," the man roared, launching a blast of lightning right towards Erza. Erza snorted, dodging the attack before rushing in towards Laxus. The man's eyes widened, raising a lightning covered fist to block the swipe of her blade.

"Fast," he muttered, causing Erza to smirk. That was when Laxus noticed it. Only one hand held Erza's blade. Her other hand shot forwards, slamming into his gut, causing him to grunt before Erza ducked down, her getting behind him before slashing down at his back, causing him to hiss as the metal bit into his skin. The man whirled, ignoring the faint trail of blood he could fell before he launched a storm of lightning Erza's way, forcing her to leap out of the way.

"You're not dulling your blade Erza! Good!"

"I can't afford to waste time. You need to be defeated as fast as possible. Don't worry, I won't kill you."

Laxus shook his head, the savage grin on his face growing. "No...no that won't do. If you don't come at me with intent to kill," Laxus muttered, appearing in front of Erza in a flash, the woman's eyes widening, "then you'll die!"

Laxus' fist rushed out, cracking Erza along the jaw, forcing her to step backwards. Laxus didn't stop there, reaching out and grabbing the arm that held her sword before plowing another blow into her abdomen, causing her to kneel over, spittle flying from her mouth. Laxus smirked, his kneecap glowing with lightning as he cracked it up into her jaw, sending the redhead flying. Erza grit her teeth, focusing through the pain to summon five lances from the sky, each of them shooting towards Laxus. The man grinned, dodging them only for his eyes to widen as Erza was in front of him again.

'She already recovered from that?'

Erza swiped upwards, Laxus just barely avoiding her blade only for his eyes to widen as she instantly shifted into her Black Wing armor, her follow-up already flowing.

"Moon Flash!"

White energy flaked off of the woman's blade as she cross-slashed at Laxus the man raising his guard to block only to be sent flying from the sheer force, slamming through one of the pillars of the Cathedral. The man grunted, lowering his arms to reveal blood dripping from his forearms, Erza's attack clearly doing more damage than expected. Laxus looked up to grin at Erza, only to find the woman gone.

"What?"

"Blumenblatt!"

Laxus' eyes shifted towards the doors of the Cathedral, shock on his face as he saw Erza - already in her Heaven's Wheel Armor - sending a mass of weapons his direction. The man immediately reacted, his body shifting into lightning to avoid the attack only to find Erza in front of him again, her Lightning Empress Armor on this time, only in her hands was the sword of her Flame Empress Armor. Fire spun around the blade before she let fly, Laxus grunting as the two elements clashed.

'She already knows the way to hit me in this form?'

Laxus grunted as he reformed in his solid form on the ground, burns marring his clothing, forcing him to discard his jacket and headphones in favor of a singed shirt.

"Well well," Laxus muttered. "You're stronger than I gave you credit for Erza. Since when could you change armors so fast?"

Erza stared at Laxus, Mugetsu-Ryu along with the Flame Empress Blade in her hands, creating a rather intimidating sight. "You don't know anything about Fairy Tail mages Laxus. A shame, considering you are one."

"Oh," Laxus called. "Well then educate me."

"We fight stronger for our friends, our family, who you are threatening with these lacrima hanging overhead. With them all around it's only obvious that there's no way you can win this battle. Even if I fall, Natsu and the others will defeat you."

"Natsu!" Laxus laughed. "Please! That brat's a decade to early to be challenging me to a fight. Besides, that's good. I want the best from you Fairy's, so that way when I snuff it out it'll feel all the more satisfying!"

Laxus grinned, raising a hand like he was pretending to a fire a gun at Erza as a small orb of black and yellow lightning concentrated at the tip of his pointer and middle fingers. "Now, enough talk! Fight me! Volt Cannon!"

With a twitch of his thumb the lightning fired, causing Erza's eyes to widen. She didn't even have time to react before it smashed into her, causing her to cry out in pain as the breastplate of her armor shattered, the force of the attack sending her flying into a wall. Laxus grinned, only to see Erza stand from the rubble, glaring at him. The woman no longer wore her Lightning Empress Armor, the clothing clearly not proving useful against Laxus' lightning, instead opting for her Flight Armor, only a small shield was in her hand where her Flame Empress Sword used to be.

'That attack...it's so fast. Like a rail gun. Concentrated lightning bolts moving at high speeds.'

Erza grit her teeth, watching as another ball of lightning concentrated around Laxus' finger tips before he shot it. The girl raised her shield, only for her eyes to widen as it pierced through it like it wasn't there, the beam going through the hole in the wall into the sky before exploding in the distance. Erza grimaced, discarding her shield before she rushed in. Laxus' eyes widened, firing off another Volt Cannon in his shock, only for Erza to leap out of the way, the lightning just whizzing by her hair as she raised the Mugetsu-Ryu.

Laxus grunted, lightning flickering off of his arm in a surge as he swung his arm down to meet her. "Arc Saber!"

Laxus' arm and the Mugetsu-Ryu clashed, an explosion of force sending the stone around the two clashing S-Class mages flying, the duo locked in a contest of strength. Laxus grit his teeth, the lightning around his arm just barely holding up against the sheer cutting power of the sword in Erza's hand. Still, with another surge of lightning any progress it had made towards reaching his arm had been redone, giving Laxus the confidence to surge forwards with his full strength, forcing Erza away. The woman didn't let up the attack however, ten blades whistling into existence behind her. Laxus' eyes widened, the man leaping away from the blades that speared the ground where he was standing, only for Erza to appear behind him in a burst of speed, her blade whipping forwards.

Laxus leaned backwards, avoiding the attack. In a show of extreme agility the man flipped from his position, lightning sparking from his feet as he cracked them into Erza's raised arms causing her to get sent flying. The woman managed to catch herself, but not before Laxus appeared above her, lightning sparking in his hand.

"Extend!"

Laxus pointed his electrified arm downwards, causing Erza's eyes to widen as she leapt away from the lightning that speared the ground just where she was standing. In a blur she flung her arms out, swords appearing around her again only this time they crackled with the different elements. Laxus' eyes widened. Erza smirked. The swords launched their elements from the tip of their blades, forcing Laxus to shift into his elemental form to be fast enough to avoid the storm. Erza didn't hesitate though, directing her blades towards him once again, the blow landing square on Laxus, forcing him to the ground. Laxus grunted, shifting back to corporeal form to reveal Erza swinging down on him. The man grunted, dodging the blade and grabbing her sword arm, only for the blades from before to swing towards him, each of them slashing at his arms. The man retreated only a few minor cuts on his arm from his shock.

The man grunted, several spheres of lightning appearing behind him before they shot forwards, only for Erza to cut through them like butter in a burst of speed in a display of her Sonic Claw. Laxus frowned, lightning sparking off of his fist as Erza rushed in, only for his attention to shift to the lingering blades, the elemental blasts forcing him to dodge once more. Erza appeared above him, blade sparking with crimson energy.

"Flying Dragon: Fire Blaze!"

Laxus' eyes widened as Erza's blade went downwards, a deep cut forming from his collarbone to hip, the man crying out in pain as the wound sent him backwards, the scarlet energy cauterizing the wound soon after Erza's blade left. Laxus snarled, glaring up at Erza who flicked her blade, her elemental blades swirling behind her.

"You bitch!" Laxus roared. "You think you can beat me! You're crazy," the man roared, black and yellow lightning arcing around him. He was Laxus! He had defeated Sasuke! Sasuke! He was not going to lose to some two-bit redhaired swordswoman!

Laxus threw his arms forwards, lightning surging from him in a bright light, making him painful to look at as his muscles bulged. Erza's eyes widened as she felt the magic he was gathering.

"Laxus wait-"

"Not a chance! Sky Roaring Cannon!"

Erza immediately fired with her elemental swords, her Requip coming in handy as she shifted her armor to that of the now repaired Adamantine Armor, her shield immediately locked together. The shift couldn't have happened sooner, as Laxus' attack shot forwards. A virtual thunderstorm was shot towards Erza, countless lightning bolts massive in size smashing against her shield. The girl roared through the attack, each collision increasing the stress on her arms until eventually she couldn't hold it anymore.

"I'm not done yet!" Laxus roared.

More bolts fired, Erza's Adamantine Armor destroyed once more. With nothing to restrain it the lightning raged, and in a massive clap of thunder the storm of electricity tore forwards, the back of Kardia Cathedral exploding in a storm of electricity. The air reeked of ozone as Laxus laughed, ignoring the collapsing building instead looking for Erza's form. When he couldn't find her his laughter only got louder.

"Come on Erza! I thought you were the undefeatable Queen of the Fairies! Well fight me if you are!"

Laxus roared with laughter, shifting to his lightning form to avoid damage from the remaining pieces of rubble as the rest of the Cathedral collapsed inwards. The man appeared once more as all the rubble settled, sitting on a larger piece as he looked for Erza. Laxus grinned.

"Maybe I killed her?"

"Think again."

Laxus grit his teeth, glaring as he saw Erza rise from the rubble, burns covering her body as she stood in her destroyed armor, her arm twitching.

"Ha! But you didn't get out of it unscathed! I bet you can't even more that arm of yours huh! You're handicapped!"

Erza smirked. "I don't need the use of my arm to beat you Laxus."

"Oh? And how do you figure that?"

Erza smirked, taking a deep breath. "I've been training Laxus. With Kama, I'm sure you know who he is. And let's just say my limits are not what they used to be."

"So that's how you've gotten so much more powerful huh? Makes sense. You actually resemble a Fairy I could see in my guild."

Erza growled at the remark. "It's not your guild, and I'm going to prove that right now," she muttered, before twenty brilliant white lights shone behind her. Laxus blinked, waiting from some reaction only to see the light ripple, like water against the air.

"I'm confused? Should I be expecting something?"

Erza grinned, the tips of swords appearing through those portals.

"This Laxus," Erza stated as the swords continued to emerge, shimmering with energy, "is the result of my training. Continuous portals into my pocket dimension. I call it The Gate of Bablyon."

Laxus grinned, lightning sparking around his form. "Oh yeah," he muttered. "Well then bring it. I'll crush that gate right here and now!"


Outskirts of Magnolia

Happy groaned as he heard the voice. "Quiet Lucy," the cat muttered, only for Lucy to ignore him. Jet groaned as well, slowly waking up now that Freed's magic was no longer affecting him.

"Lucy?"

"Jet!" the girl cried. "You're finally awake! Good! What happened?"

"Freed," the teen said, groaning. The teen rubbed his head, the pressure still bothering him somewhat. "We fought. I managed to hold him off for a bit but he beat me."

"Well you don't need to worry about him anymore," Lucy stated. "Gajeel beat him."

"Gajeel did," Jet stated, surprise in his voice before he grit his teeth. "Of course he did," the teen stated, glaring at the ground. "It's always Gajeel..."

"Hey," Lucy stated, grabbing his attention. "There's no need to feel bad. You're getting stronger. But we need to focus! There's still plenty of lacrima floating around Magnolia. Do you think you can get rid of them?"

Jet nodded, picking up Gae Dearg and glancing at Happy. "You ready to keep going Happy?"

"Aye sir," the cat stated, its wings appearing from his back. The cat quickly grabbed Jet, the duo taking off into the sky, causing Lucy to smile.

'Good. That should help. Still they might not have enough time. I need to help them out.'

Lucy nodded, rushing towards the opposite direction of the two to try and help them. "If I can destroy just one of those things, it's helpful!"


Buildings of Magnolia

Levy smirked as she looked across the town, the girl standing on the roof of the tallest building she could find. She didn't have much time left. She had to find a way to handle those lacrima. There was no way that she was capable of handling it all by herself, at least not by directly attacking them, but there were other ways to handle a complex problem. She didn't need to charge in blindly. That wasn't her style.

The girl nodded, weaving her hands through the air as she called upon her magic. She had to do this right, otherwise nothing good would come of it.

"Lightning Rod!"

Levy smirked as she saw the structure form, only for her eyes to widen as she saw its size. It wasn't large enough. It would only attract enough lightning in her area. She couldn't accept that. She had to make it bigger. The girl placed her hand on her creation, groaning as she strained her magic once more. The fight with Bickslow was tiring enough, but this would be pushing her to her absolute limit. Not like she had a choice. With a grunt she began to whisper.

"Bigger."

And so the lightning rod grew.


Kardia Cathedral

"Don't you see what's happened to our guild Erza," Laxus exclaimed, standing from his seated position. "Thanks to the old geezer, Fairy Tail's nothing but a joke now! All I'm trying to do is make things right!"

The man roared, a bolt of lightning sent towards Erza only for one of her blades to shoot from the portal, lightning wrapping around the blade as though it was channeling it before shooting towards Laxus. Laxus raised an eyebrow, dodging the weapon as it sank into the rubble behind him, disappearing in a haze back to Erza's pocket dimension before Laxus had any time to grab it.

"Interesting. So you can fire those swords like projectiles huh? This seems like just a slightly modified version of your Heaven's Wheel Armor."

Erza smirked. Good, that was what she wanted him to think. No need to reveal her ace in the hole just yet.

"Don't you understand," Laxus stated. "You can't beat me. No one in Fairy Tail can! And then I'll create a new Fairy Tail, one where our name strikes fear into people's hearts!"

Erza shook her head, glancing at the clock. Only a minute remaining. She had to end this fight fast. The lacrima above the city were still there. Laxus noticed it as well, the man frowning.

'What's the old man doing? Is he really gonna sit back and watch all these people die?'

Erza grit her teeth, launching her blades forwards. Laxus' eyes widened as suddenly the weapons surged, forcing him to dodge. His eyes widened as at the slightest contact with energy massive amounts of energy shot forth, generating explosions.

'The hell!'

Erza appeared before Laxus, her portals swirling around the duo as she slashed out with the Mugetsu-Ryu. Laxus lurched backwards to avoid the blade, only to transform into lightning and disappear in a flash of energy as more weapons cratered down where he was. The man reformed on a nearby piece of rubble, only for his eyes to widen as the smoke cleared and Erza was not there.

"Where did she-gah!"

Laxus roared as a lance shot through his shoulder, red filling his vision before he yanked the blade out, the resulting explosion sending the man skidding backwards before he used the lance to deflect the remaining storm of weapons that came. The resulting chain of explosions from the contact obscured him from vision however, causing Laxus to grin. Lightning sparked around him violently, the man staring at Erza who was standing before him calmly, although a thick film of sweat could be seen on her face.

"Thor's Hammer!"

Erza's eyes widened as black and yellow lightning swirled around Laxus before the man roared, the lightning coalescing into a massive hammer. The man roared, bringing the weapon down, causing Erza's eyes to widen. The woman dodged out of the way, the hammer hitting the ground where she once was.

"I'm not done yet!" Laxus roared.

The man swung, the hammer grinding against the rubble and ground as it chased Erza smashing into the woman with a thunderous BOOM that sent her flying. Erza grunted as she skidded against the ground, just barely recovering as Laxus appeared overhead, the hammer swinging downwards.

"Die, Erza!"

Erza grit her teeth. She had few moves that could counter that attack in sheer destructive force, and none of them were easily accessible. But she could pull off weakened versions of the techniques with her Gate still open. Two gates swirled close to one another, the green energy from the blades crackling as Laxus' hammer descended.

"Fairy Burst!"

The two blades shot forwards, slamming into the lightning like a massive bullet of green energy stopping Laxus' attack cold. The two attacks roared together, struggling to overpower the other until they both detonated, the shockwave from the attack sending both Erza and Laxus flying as the explosion rocked the town. As the smoke from the blow cleared it revealed the two S-Class mages, both glaring at each other.

"You're more impressive than I thought Erza," Laxus muttered.

Erza said nothing, simply launching herself forwards. Laxus grunted, dodging the blade just barely, but Erza wasn't done yet. The woman grunted, flipping and launching a kick towards Laxus' head. The man smirked, preparing to block only for his eyes to widen as the lower leg of Erza's Flight Armor shot from one of the portals and onto Erza's leg, the kick's speed suddenly increasing. Laxus was unprepared, his block being too slow for the newfound speed as the kick slammed right into his head, sending him flying. The man grunted, flipping midair and stopping himself by thrusting his hand downwards, his momentum stopped just in time to see Erza appeared in front of him, her right arm covered in the armor of her Giant Armor.

Laxus raised an electrified arm in time just to block the punch that sent him flying once more. The man grunted, raising an arm as he flew, ten bolts of lightning careening forwards, forcing Erza to dodge. The woman was too preoccupied on them however, Laxus solidifying in front of her, having used his lightning form to close the distance. Before she had any time to react Laxus' fist slammed into her gut, causing her to heave before another punch cracked into her jaw, sending her flying away. Laxus caught up in an instant, a kick flying through the air straight into Erza's back sending her into the sky. Laxus smirked, leaping up an elbow dropping her back to the ground. The man thrust his arms forwards as he saw Erza slowly try to stand.

"Storm Tempest!"

Laxus roared as from his hands another virtual thunderstorm formed, the tornado of wind and lightning shooting towards Erza, spinning like a drill. The woman stared up at the attack, gritting her teeth as she opened another gate in front of her, the tip of her De-Malevo Lance seen at the end, the lance swirling with red energy. The woman groaned as she strained, creating as much pressure against the gate as she possibly could before she let fly.

"Scarlet Lancer!"

The De-Malevo Lance shot through the sky, spinning like a drill as it collided with the thunderstorm, its red energy swirling around it, making it look like a missile. The two attacks roared in their duel for supremacy, visible streaks of energy sparking across the sky until it happened. The thunderstorm split as the De-Malevo Lance carved through it, Laxus' eyes widening as he only just barely managed to get his center of mass out of the way as it raced upwards, the lance clipped his side. That was enough however. The pain was blinding as Laxus fell to the ground, his side erupting in pain as he heaved on the ground. Erza grit her teeth, looking at Laxus.

"I didn't want to do this Laxus," she muttered, her gates surrounding the man. "But you've left me no choice."

"Choice," Laxus spat, the word like poison in his mouth. "Please. With an attack like that you could have put me down before I had even started to get serious. That isn't an attack you use unless you intend to kill Erza."

The redhead was silent. She knew that. She was the one who had developed the technique. But she had been left with no other choice. Laxus was sending his bigger attacks at her, and the only way she had to counter attacks of that magnitude were her more deadly techniques. Kama had been insistent on this. If you're fighting an enemy that is vastly more powerful than you are, you fight to kill. Don't let them come back even stronger. And while the woman did not want to kill Laxus, she had to make sure he was defeated in order to save Magnolia.

"But you're too late," Laxus muttered, staring at the timer as it finally reached zero and the lacrima across the city glowed a magnificent yellow as lightning channeled around them. "I can't believe the old man didn't stop them from going off."


Outskirts of Magnolia

Jet groaned as he destroyed another lacrima, seeing as the orbs all began to glow a brilliant yellow. "Happy! We don't have enough time! There's too many left in the city!"

"But we can't stop now," the cat said, getting Jet to nod. The man then glanced forwards, watching as the lacrima's began to spark. "Hold me right here Happy, and whatever you do, do not move a muscle."

The cat blinked, confused but nodded nonetheless. Jet nodded, raising his arm and taking a deep breath as he channeled his High Speed magic, pressure building in his arm. The teen grunted, feeling the surge. He always felt the need to move whenever he activated his magic. It was painful to just sit around with it active doing nothing. It felt like a bull was goring him. But he needed it. He needed to let all of the pressure build. Not a second could be wasted.

Finally he reached it.

With a cry of effort Jet let his spear fly, the added strength from his arm enough to send it careening forwards. The weapon raced forwards, spearing through countless lacrima until it lost momentum. The teen smirked, only for his eyes to widen in horror as he realized the truth. He hadn't destroyed them all.

"Quick, Happy get me to the spear!"

"Aye sir!" the cat called, racing as fast as possible. But it wasn't enough. The lacrima's fired.


Buildings of Magnolia

Levy cried out in pain as she ran out of magic power. That was it. That was the best she could do. All of her magic energy was spent making the lightning rod as large as she possibly could. At this point all she could do was hope. Hope that this would be big enough to concentrate all of the lightning and make it harmless. That was when she saw it, a large swath of the lacrima's destroyed all at once.

"Who did that," she whispered before her eyes widened. Lightning descended on Magnolia. It was going to be horrific, the loss of life catastrophic, until she saw it. All of the lightning was moving one way, one direction.

Towards her.

Levy shouted with joy as all the lightning released by the lacrima funneled into her lightning rod harmlessly passing into the ground beneath Magnolia. The girl smirked, a breath she didn't even know she had been carrying leaving her mouth.

"We did it," she whispered. "We saved the city."


Kardia Cathedral

"What?" Laxus muttered, as he saw all the lightning coalesce in one spot. He didn't understand. Why wasn't Magnolia destroyed? Sure he had never intended for the Thunder Palace to actually destroy the city, but once it was released there was no stopping it. Yet it seemed like the spell had done nothing. What had happened?

"Looks like Fairy Tail put a stop to your spell," Erza stated.

"What," Laxus roared, glancing at Erza with rage. "What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure," Erza stated. "The lacrima's were still in the sky, so Jet wasn't able to destroy all of them. Still, the attack seemingly did nothing. But there is one man I know who can eat lightning like it's nothing."

Laxus' eyes widened with horror as he heard her words. There was only one possibility then. The worst possibility. Naruto and Sasuke were back. And if they were...there was no way he could beat them in his wounded state.

"No," Laxus stated. "They weren't here when the battle started. There has to be another way! They can't have been responsible for this! There's no way they would have even gotten wind of it!"

"Maybe so," Erza muttered. "But either way, something stopped your lightning from destroying Magnolia. That's all that matters in the end. You have nothing to threaten the master with anymore Laxus." The redhead shook her head, deactivating her magic. Her gates all snapped to a close, the redhead breathing deeply as she finally was able to rest. Suddenly it hit her. The drain of that technique. She collapsed to her knees, relief on her face. The battle was over.

"No," Laxus stated, hatred burning in his eyes. Erza's head snapped upwards, horror in her eyes as she saw lightning spark around Laxus before he leapt into the sky, the sky darkening from his magic as he glared down at Erza, hatred in his eyes. Lightning roared to life around him, his eyes glowing with lightning as he became far to bright to look at.

"IT ISN'T OVER YET! IT ISN'T OVER TILL I WIN!"

"Laxus..." Erza muttered, a frown on her face. There was no way she would be able to counter this technique. That much she could tell. All she could do was survive. The woman grunted, her magic swirling around her to form some sort of makeshift shield. That was the best she could manage as she heard Laxus shout.

"NOW DIE! THUNDERCLAP CANNON!"

That was when the world changed. Black and yellow light burned across Magnolia the world itself seeming to change as the sky morphed. The sky darkened, a giant hole forming with Laxus at the epicenter. Lightning crackled across the hole before Laxus grinned. The man roared, before a virtual torrent of black and yellow lightning descended, thunder roaring like the gods. The massive tower of lightning descended towards Erza, the female mage's eyes widening in horror as she saw it. She wasn't prepared. She had thought that she could weather this attack with her magic making a natural shield, but even that wouldn't be enough. Not for this. She couldn't survive this. She had to deflect it.

Acting quickly as the tower descended Erza quickly called upon her gates, groaning as the magical strain of instantly reverting to such a powerful technique after being able to rest was immense. Still she realized what she had to do. The S-Class mage drew the Mugetsu-Ryu, crimson energy sparking violently against it. Hopefully it wouldn't shatter underneath the force of this attack. Erza tensed her legs and leapt, crimson energy licking her form like fire as the lightning reached her.

With a cry she swiped forwards, trying to make the tiniest of separation in the storm in an attempt to squeeze her body through the attack and survive. The lightning stormed downwards, striking the ground with enough force to cause an earthquake, the tower of black and yellow lightning visible for miles. Suddenly there was a bright flash as the tower detonated, the explosion sending a shockwave of force throughout Magnolia, dust and smoke billowing across the city.

As the attack cleared Laxus landed on the ground, breathing heavily from the use of his magic. Ozone filled his lungs as he glared at the ground, smirking in vanity as he saw the lack of rubble, or...anything. His attack had cleared it all away. Only a crater remained. Grinning Laxus looked for Erza, wondering if her body had survived the attack, only to be disappointed as he saw the swordswoman standing not to far from him as the smoke cleared. He grinned however as it became clear what had happened.

She was practically unconscious, blood falling from all over her body, burn marks covering the parts that were bleeding as she held a perfectly fine Mugetsu-Ryu in hand. The woman's clothes were practically rags, and she shook as though it was taking all of her concentration just to remain standing.

"Tch. You're still up after that?"

Erza looked at him, her eyes hard before she tried to smile. Laxus frowned as he saw her.

"Fairy Tail wins Laxus..." she whispered before falling only for a pair of arms to catch her. Laxus' eyes widened as he saw Natsu, the fiery teen sneaking up on them.

"You're gonna be alright Erza," Natsu stated, lifting the girl and carefully walking her to the outside of the crater. Natsu nodded, placing her gently against an outlying building before he turned to stare down at Laxus, the blonde glaring back at him.

"What," Laxus called.

"I thought you'd stop at all the girls," Natsu stated. "After you turned them to stone I though tyou would stop. I reassured gramps that you wouldn't actually hurt them. Hell, even when I saw the Thunder Palace I didn't think you'd actually hurt anybody. Then I saw it...the lightning fire down on Magnolia. We're lucky Levy managed to stop it."

"Levy, how did she-" Laxus began, but Natsu was on a roll.

"And now Erza, what you did to her...it's unforgiveable," Natsu hissed. "Stay out of this Azuma."

The man frowned, sitting on a nearby building. Laxus' eyes widened. He hadn't even sensed the man. Would he be participating? He was clearly strong. Could he defeat Azuma right after battling Erza, especially if Natsu jumped in? That would not be easy.

"Laxus is mine," Natsu stated, white flames surging around him. Laxus smirked. Natsu had given him an easy opportunity.

"Fine," Azuma stated. "But if you lose I get next."

"I won't," Natsu hissed, causing Laxus to smirk.

"Oh really Natsu? How cocky you've gotten. Last time we fought you couldn't touch me! You couldn't have made such significant progress in so short a time!"

Natsu snarled, his fists blazing. "Just watch," he hissed, before he launched himself forward.

Laxus snarled, lightning flickering about his form as Natsu appeared in front of him, fire coating his leg. The kick was blocked by Laxus, the titan of a man launching a punch towards Natsu that he just barely dodged, leaping away before leaping forwards.

"Fire Dragon's Sword Horn!"

Laxus snarled, taking the blow with a grunt only to grab Natsu the second he collided with him. With a roar lightning flooded the duo, Natsu howling in pain as lightning arched around him until his eyes hardened. With a roar fire exploded around Natsu, forcing Laxus backwards as the teen swung around Laxus, getting behind him. With a roar a punch slammed into Laxus' back, sending him stumbling forwards, Natsu following up with a knee to the back of the head. As soon as the blow landed however Laxus reached up, grabbing Natsu and sending electricity coursing through his body once more. Natsu howled, but this time had no time to free himself. Laxus roared, slamming Natsu onto the ground before raising his foot, electricity crackling around it before he slammed it downwards, and with another yell a tower of electricity spiked into the air, Natsu crying out in pain.

Laxus grunted, picking Natsu up by his hair before launching a punch into his stomach, bending him over. A knee to the head had Natsu in the air, giving Laxus enough time to grab his legs and spin him, throwing him back onto the ground. Natsu grunted in pain, Laxus appearing above him with a savage look on his face before his punch descended, Natsu cratering into the ground. Laxus wasn't done though, lightning exploding from both of his fists as he sent punch after punch onto Natsu's downed form, roaring with rage all the while. Natsu cried out in pain, unable to react to the blitz of punches before Laxus raised both fists in the air, lightning sparking down from the heavens to collide with his body.

"And scene," he hissed, "Jupiter's Descending!"

Laxus brought his hands down, slamming them into Natsu in a double axe-handle before he roared, a massive orb of lightning surrounding the duo before exploding in a storm of violent energy. Laxus roared as the smoke from the explosion cleared, revealing Natsu on the ground, groaning in pain.

"You're no match for me," Laxus stated, glaring at the Dragonslayer.

"Maybe not right now," Natsu grunted. "But I haven't gotten serious yet."

"Ha! I can tell when you're bluffing kid! This is as far as you can go! I'll admit, Erza surprised me with her strength. She came at me all out from the beginning, but you think you can defeat me! That's hilarious!"

Natsu groaned, standing on his feet. "I don't think," Natsu stated, thinking back to his training with Naruto. "I know."

"Please! I'll crush you like the insect you are!"

"I'm afraid I can't allow that to happen," another voice called, gaining their attention. At the edge of the crater stood Gajeel, the teen glaring down at Laxus.

"I have another challenger?" Laxus stopped himself to laugh. "You'll all end up dead soon anyway, anybody who dares to stand in my way will be eliminated!"

"Let me take care of Laxus ok," Natsu called. "You stay out of this!"

"No deal!" Gajeel roared. "I've got a score to settle with that punk. Besides, don't you see it you idiot? That guy took down the fucking 'Titania'! He's a real monster, he's not just messing around! He probably is the most powerful guild member for miles!"

Azuma snorted.

"You can tell he's got Makarov's blood running through him," Gajeel muttered. "It sucks, but I think we're gonna have to fight him as a team. You and me."

"Hey no way I'm gonna take down Laxus on my own! Besides, I'd never team up with a goon like you, so stay outta this!"

"This isn't the Laxus that you grew up with!" Gajeel muttered, pointing at the man. "He's been threatening to kill everyone, you know that damn well! You've seen what he did to Erza! Far as I can tell that's an enemy, not a friend to be messing around with! If we wanna save the guild, we gotta stop him right here and now."

Natsu grit his teeth, glaring at the other Dragonslayer. "Since when are you so pro-Fairy Tail?"

"I can protect or destroy whatever the hell I want to," Gajeel roared, a faint blush on his cheeks.

"I thought you said that the skies not big enough for two dragons?"

Gajeel grinned, cracking his neck. "Yeah that's true, but there ain't no dragons flying in the sky now. Not with all this lightning."

"Just so we're clear this is gonna be the only time I ever team up with you," Natsu hissed.

"Trust me this ain't fun for me either. We'll fight it out some day."

The two then grinned, glaring at Laxus. "Let's do this!"

The duo then launched themselves forwards, reaching Laxus at the same time. The two didn't hold back, a flurry of punches and kicks sent towards Laxus only for the S-Class mage to block all of them, a grin on his face all the while. Laxus grunted, blocking a blow from Gajeel before deciding to retaliate, ducking underneath Natsu's punch as lightning crackled along his hands. With a roar lightning shot forwards, Natsu being sent flying from the electricity before he had a chance to react. Gajeel grunted leaping back to catch the teen.

"Use your breath!"

"Fire Dragon's Roar!"

"Iron Dragon's Club!"

The two attacks raced forwards, Natsu's fire melding around Gajeel's club as they surged towards Laxus. It didn't matter however, as Laxus leapt into the air to avoid the attack. Gajeel grunted, swinging his arm towards Laxus, morphing it all the while.

"Iron Dragon's Sword!"

Laxus grit his teeth, carefully swinging his legs so that he could use the dodged sword to leap even higher into the air, stretching his arms out as electricity sparked on them.

"Volt Cannon!"

Gajeel's eyes widened before the lightning shot forwards, piercing through his shoulder causing him to cry out in agony. He wasn't the only Dragonslayer however. Natsu leapt into the air behind Laxus, white fire blazing around him.

"Fire Dragon's Celestial Fire!"

Natsu roared, the larger version of his Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame launching itself towards Laxus. The man was too slow to react, slamming into him in an explosion of fire, sending Laxus careening towards the ground. Gajeel roared as Laxus fell, stretching his arm out.

"Iron Dragon's Lance: Demon Logs!"

The green energy lances shot forwards, slicing into Laxus' skin as they fired, sending the man skidding away from the force of the attack. Laxus grit his teeth as his shirt was effectively shredded, the rag blowing away in the breeze, revealing his bare chested body. However, before he had any time to counterattack Natsu and Gajeel continued their assault.

"Fire Dragon's..."

"Iron Dragon's..."

"Roar!"

The two tornado's of fire and iron shot towards Laxus detonating in a massive explosion. The two Dragonslayers stared at the area, waiting to see their opponent, only for their eyes to widen as they saw Laxus, only a few cuts and bruises despite all of their attacks.

"Don't tell me that's the best the two of you can do," Laxus stated. "Neither of you deserve the title of Dragonslayer!"

"There's barely a scratch on him," Natsu whispered.

"What the hell," Gajeel stated. "I know he's strong and all, but that was a ton of Dragon Slayer Magic there's no way that he could have withstood all that with barely any damage."

Laxus laughed. "I'll let you guys in on a little secret. Not too many people know about this, cause I really hate the old man's lectures. But I guess I can trust the two of you," Laxus stated as his canines suddenly elongated. The man roared, electricity shooting from his body as his Magic Power spiked, the group ripping apart just by being near him. Laxus' roar only got louder as his body got bigger, the magic causing him to increase slightly in size as his muscles bulged. Tattoo's appeared on his arms, lines that crisscrossed in every direction.

Natsu's and Gajeel's eyes widened in horror.

"You gotta be kidding me," Natsu whispered.

"Oh no way," Gajeel muttered.

"Lightning Dragon's..."

"I had no idea that Laxus was a Dragon Slayer too!"

"ROAR!"

The duo had no time to react, Laxus' own roar dwarfing both of theirs, combined. The blow struck the duo, causing a massive explosion of lightning that could only be matched by the Sky Roaring Cannon. As the smoke from the blow cleared all that could be seen was Natsu and Gajeel on the ground, electricity crackling around them.

"You're still alive," Laxus muttered, confusion in his voice. "Damn, I was sure that would finish you off."

"I can't move," Natsu whispered, his voice raspy.

"Me either," Gajeel grunted.

"You two, Erza and Mystogan, the old geezer," Laxus stated, rage building on his face. "Those weaklings in Fairy Tail, and the pathetic people of Magnolia...your time is over now!"

Laxus roared, lightning shooting from him in a shockwave, the ground shredded from the force.

"Where's all that magic energy coming from," Gajeel muttered. It didn't make sense. Laxus shouldn't be able to keep up such devastating attacks like this. No one could just throw around magic like this like it was nothing.

"Wait a minute this is," Natsu whispered as he saw Laxus' hands move into formation.

"No way, this guys trying to cast Makarov's judgement spell," Gajeel stated, his eyes wide in horror. "It'll target anyone the caster sees as their enemy."

Light suddenly flooded Laxus' body, the cracks in the ground shooting light as well as the town began to shake. Laxus grinned, laughter flooding the area as he prepared to unleash Fairy Law.

"You're right metalhead. I've mastered the Fairy Law!"

"That's the same spell that defeated Master Jose," Gajeel stated, getting Natsu's eyes to widen. "No."

"Laxus, what are you thinking," Natsu cried. "Don't do this!"

"Laxus stop!"

The group of mages all glanced up in the sky, Mirajane floating above them in her Satan Soul form. "Laxus you've gotta see the master he doesn't have much time! Master Makarov...your grandfather, is close to death!"

Natsu's eyes widened shock flooding his system as he heard the news. Makarov was dying? But why? Laxus stared at Mirajane, his expression unreadable, but the light still crackling around him showed that he had no intention of changing his mind.

"Stop this now! Go see him while there's still time! Please before it's too late!"

"This is working out even better for me," Laxus stated. "Now that the old man is on death's door I have an even better chance at becoming Fairy Tail's new master."

Mirajane's eyes widened with horror.

"Damn you," Gajeel muttered, hate in his eyes. This was low.

Natsu froze.

"This will be the dawn of a new era for Fairy Tail! I'll rebuild everything from the ground up, one so powerful all will tremble at our name!" Laxus roared, the shaking and light getting more intense as he went on.

"You can't do this," Natsu hissed. "Don't you even care about gramps at all!"

"Fairy Law."

Light flooded Magnolia.

Light faded.

Natsu and Gajeel groaned on the ground, both of them coughing the smoke out of their lungs. Nearby Mirajane stood not to far away, trying to cleanse herself. Azuma sat on the nearby buildings, a grimace on his face but otherwise the man was fine. Laxus stared, confused at the reactions. Why were they still there?

"What the? No way, impossible! How in the hell are you all still alive!"

"The other guild members and citizens of Magnolia remain unharmed," Azuma stated, glancing around. "Looks like your spell didn't work. Not a single person was killed."

"But that's impossible! I cast the Fairy Law perfectly!"

"Maybe so, but if what I overheard is right then maybe your true intentions betrayed you," Azuma stated. "Perhaps you inherited more than strength from your grandfather. Maybe you also have his heart. I don't know. I'm not positive on the inner workings of the spell." Azuma then stood, dismissively waving Laxus away.

"But you lack the conviction to fight, that much is obvious."

Then...Azuma left.

"He's right you know," Gajeel stated, finally able to stand. "I know that spell. Master Makarov used that spell to defeat Master Jose. It doesn't effect you if the caster does not view you as an enemy. Tch, and after all that talk you couldn't back it up."

"No that's ridiculous," Laxus stated, rage building on his face. "The truth is anyone who would ever dare stand in my way is my enemy!"

"This has gone on long enough," Mira stated. "You need to go see the master before he's gone!"

Laxus roared, lightning shooting from his body into the sky, Mira barely avoiding the surge. "Let the old man die for all I care! He's nothing to me! He may be family, but I'm stronger!"

Laxus roared his claim to the heavens, lightning splitting the ground once more as he raged. Mirajane shook her head, a sad look on her face.

"Natsu, Gajeel, please...win."

"Who do you think you are!"

Laxus turned, shocked to see Natsu standing next to Gajeel, flames surrounding him as rage shrouded his face. "You're not stronger than gramps! You couldn't even pull off Fairy Law! You may be his grandson, but you're no better than the rest of us! Don't you know blood ties don't matter, cause everyone in the guild is supposed to be considered family!"

Natsu roared his challenge back at Laxus, his flames towering into the sky as well. The two pillars roared, the light from their elements forcing almost everyone to look away.

"That's just a lie! None of your are my family! Blood ties do matter!"

"You've been in the guild long enough to know better! If you think that makes you above everyone else in the guild, then you're wrong!"

"And you're dead!" Laxus stated, lightning gathering around his form. Natsu grit his teeth, glancing at Gajeel.

"Gajeel, I can't really control myself in this form. My sense of self is overwhelmed by this desire to burn everything around me. I'm not able to control it yet, so be wary of that."

Gajeel blinked, confused. "What are you talking about?"

"You'll see," Natsu stated, flames surrounding him. The teen roared, flames surging from his body. "Fire Drive!"

Gajeel's eyes widened, understanding what Natsu meant. But still, this was not what the duo were expecting. Laxus was also a Dragonslayer, and a powerful one at that. And his magic seemed never ending! There was no way Natsu could match him blow for blow without help. And his Drive was not suited to fighting in such an open space. He simply lacked the maneuverability to be effective in this battle. The teen didn't get to deliberate any longer on how to help, as Natsu shot forwards, jets of fire at his feet in a blaze. Gajeel's eyes widened as the teen moved. He couldn't even keep track of him! The only reason he knew where he was was due to the searing heat.

Natsu roared, his multi-colored flames covering his fist as he lashed out with a punch towards Laxus. Laxus roared, punching back, the two fists colliding in an explosion of fire and lightning. Natsu didn't let that stop him however, streams of fire exploding across his arms as he swung them, massive tendrils of flame slamming into Laxus causing the man to roar in pain. Even his lightning couldn't protect him from the heat. Natsu leapt forwards, flames surrounding his body as he raised his hands into the air.

"Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame!"

Laxus' eyes widened as the gigantic ball of flame descended, its heat making the environment almost unbearable. Laxus took aim at the orb, gritting his teeth. "Lightning Dragon's Blitz!"

Laxus snarled, a mass of electricity swirling around his arms before shooting forwards in the form of a massive bolt of lightning that struck the orb dead on, the resulting explosion sending electricity and flame everywhere. Natsu didn't hesitate to follow up however, landing on the ground as flames surged from around him over the entire battlefield.

"Fire Dragon's Roasting Bath!"

Laxus grit his teeth, quickly using his lightning to fly into the sky only for his eyes to widen as Natsu shot towards him, jets of flame propelling him into the air.

"Tch, he's not slowing down at all," Laxus muttered, flipping in midair. "Let's see if this does the trick. "Lightning Dragon's Breakdown Fist!" Lightning crackled alongside Laxus' fist, before he punched forwards, a massive construction of lightning in the shape of his fist firing towards Natsu. Natsu didn't even slow down, beginning to spin in the air as fire spiraled around him, turning him into a spinning fiery bullet. The modified Fire Dragon's Sword Horn split Laxus' attack in two, Natsu roaring as his blow hammered into Laxus' stomach. Laxus coughed, spittle flying from his mouth, yet before he could move Natsu grabbed his arm, the heat from his flames searing his harm with burns. Laxus howled in pain before Natsu spun, tossing him towards the ground before using his fire jets to launch himself downwards.

"Fire Dragon's Claw!"

Laxus groaned, just barely turning into lightning to avoid the destructive fiery kick, the blow colliding with the ground only for an explosion of fire and rock to shoot into the sky upon contact, causing Laxus' eyes to widen. Another draconic roar pierced the heavens before the tower of flame began to move, shooting towards Laxus as Natsu directed his hands towards him. It wasn't just the tower however, flames from the ground roaring up to attack Laxus. The man's eyes widened, lightning shooting from his both to challenge the oncoming flame. The man swung his arms out wildly, desperation on his face.

"Sky Roaring Cannon Rapid Fire!"

The bolts of lightning shot through the air, colliding with the flame, the two elements dueling for dominance before erupting in a storm of lightning and flame. The two Dragonslayers stood there as the elements calmed down, staring at each other with nothing but loathing in their eyes.

The other Dragonslayer on the field could only stare at Natsu, shock on his face. He was doing it. He was going blow-for-blow with Laxus! But how? Surely his magic energy was going to run dry at this rate, faster than Laxus' own if the mans seemingly-never ending pool of magic never showed signs of depletion. Gajeel shook his head. Maybe he wasn't kidding when he said he was wild. He just fought throwing everything at his opponent in a desperate attempt to defeat them. But when Natsu fell someone would need to fight Laxus. Gajeel grit his teeth, closing his eyes as he tried to regain his Magic Power. It was going to be up to him.

He could only hope Natsu weakened him enough where he wouldn't need to rely on his Drive.

Natsu and Laxus snarled at each other before they launched themselves forwards, lightning and fire colliding in the center of the crater. Natsu roared, ducking underneath Laxus' punch to launch his own, his multi-colored flame spearing through Laxus' lightning and smashing into his gut. Laxus roared, transforming into his lightning form to quickly appear behind Natsu, smashing his fist into Natsu's back. The teen stumbled forwards before he roared, fire surging around him in a vortex, forcing Laxus back. The blonde didn't hesitate to continue his assault however.

"Lightning Dragon's Claw!"

Laxus roared his attack as a massive talon of lightning shot towards Natsu, piercing through his flame with a cry, the power behind the attack sending Natsu flying. Gajeel watched as Natsu landed next to him, the teen shocked. However, before Gajeel could try and help his fellow Fairy Tail mage he ducked, barely dodging out of the way of Natsu's fist.

"What the hell are you doing," Gajeel cried, only to leap into the air to avoid Natsu slamming his hands on the ground, a plume of flame shooting into the sky. Gajeel's eyes widened, being saved from the burning storm as Mirajane quickly moved in to move him out of the way.

"What's wrong with Natsu," Mira asked. "Why is he attacking you?"

"It's what he told me," Gajeel stated. "Salamander can't control himself in that state. He's like a beast. He sacrifices himself for overwhelming power. That's his drawback."

"Drawback?"

"Every Dragonslayer from what I've seen has a drawback the more powerful they get in their power. For me my Drive sacrifices my mobility for increased attack power and defense. For Salamander it seems his ridiculous attack power comes at the cost of his mind."

Mira's eyes narrowed, staring at Natsu. "I see," she muttered, watching as Natsu's attention turned to Laxus once more. The teen hissed, flame spouting from his mouth before he launched himself forwards once more, a storm of flame following after him. Laxus grit his teeth, shifting into his lightning form to avoid Natsu's deluge of fire, only for his eyes to widen as with a roar and a swing of his arms the storm of fire chased after him. Laxus flipped, shifting back to his normal form to channel his lightning as the storm of fired closed in on him.

"Lightning Dragon's Roar!"

Laxus screamed his attack to the heaven's, his storm of lightning meeting the fire in a titanic clash of elements. However, before the two attacks could decide the victor an orb of flame shot from the lightning, Natsu raging as he appeared. Laxus' eyes widened, unprepared for the rash decision as Natsu's punch collided with his face. The teen didn't let up, another punch slamming into Laxus' kidney, kneeling him over. A double axe handle sent the man to the ground before Natsu gripped his back.

"Fire Dragon's Grip Strike!"

Laxus cried out in agony as flames shot downwards, exploding with a fury and searing his back before he leapt upwards, rage on his face as electricity covered his fist. Natsu didn't have time to block the punch, the blow cratering into his gut and sending him flying into the sky. Laxus shot upwards, catching Natsu in an instant. The man flipped, lashing out with a devastating kick that struck Natsu's head, a satisfying CRACK echoing across the battlefield before Natsu shot towards the ground, a slight earthquake caused by his impact. Laxus snarled down at the teen, lightning gathering around him.

"Arc Saber: Extend!"

The blade of lightning shot downwards, spearing into Natsu's back, causing him to howl. Yet Laxus wasn't able to rest, Natsu's constant thrashing making it difficult for the man to maintain a strong hold on him. Laxus grit his teeth before he grinned savagely.

"Shred!"

With another surge of electricity the blade changed, Natsu crying out in pain as tiny blades of electricity shredded his body from the inside. Laxus smirked, dispelling his attack only for his eyes to widen in horror as Natsu instantly stood up as though his body had not suffered terrible wounds.

"How," Laxus whispered, watching as Natsu leapt towards him in the sky, jets of fire blasting out of his feet causing him to move faster. With a spin of his arms a Fire Dragon's Wing Attack was sent his way, the twisters of flame too large for Laxus to avoid completely. Laxus grunted, avoiding the brunt of the damage, suffering only burns to his arms as Natsu appeared next to him in the air, his attack already prepared. Laxus' eyes widened as he realized what came next.

"Fire Dragon's Roar!"

The signature attack belched forth an absolutely massive tornado of varying colored flames, the attack eliciting a scream of agony from Laxus as his body burned. The man quickly turned to lightning, desperate to get out of the attack, only for Natsu to appear next to him as soon as he did so, his fiery hand reaching out and grabbing Laxus' face just as the man returned to normal.

"Fire Dragon's Grip Strike!"

Laxus roared as Natsu's flames surged forwards again, this time the teen keeping his hold until he slammed Laxus' head into the ground. With a roar the savage Dragonslayer called on his pyrokinesis, flames surging around the duo in a massive tower of flame. A spark of lightning to shot into it, lightning exploding out of the tower to reveal Laxus holding Natsu's arm, his face a look of rage.

"Lightning Dragon's Iron Fist!"

Natsu heaved as Laxus' blow smashed into his stomach, bending the teen over, before Laxus leapt upwards, lightning crackling from his knee as Natsu was sent flying from the blow. Before Natsu could get far however Laxus reached out, grabbing him by the ankle before spinning the teen, electrocuting him all the while. With a roar Laxus let fly, the teen slamming into the ground with a mighty crash before Laxus' arms flexed, reaching out towards Natsu.

"Sky Roaring Cannon!"

"Fire Dragon's Roar!"

The two attacks collided in the air, the shockwave produced by the duo sending Mirajane and Gajeel backwards from the force.

"We have to stop them! At this rate they'll destroy the town!"

"We can't!" Gajeel cried out. "I can't face that destructive power without using my Drive, and it's not ideal in this situation!"

"And I can't match them," Mira stated, horror on her face as she realized just how far behind she had gotten from her prime.

The two sat there, angry at their helplessness as they watched the two Fairy Tail mages glare at each other, their attacks having cancelled one another out in another powerful shockwave. Natsu and Laxus snarled both leaping towards each other, the two wreathed in their respective elements as their fists clashed in midair. The force from the two sent them both flying to the ground, the two landing with a grunt before rocketing towards one another. Natsu launched a flying kick that Laxus skid underneath, reaching up to grab Natsu's leg and smash him into the ground, lightning surging around him.

"Lightning Dragon's Jaw!"

Laxus roared, raising his hands in a double axe-handle before bringing them down, Natsu howling in pain as the orb of lighting surrounding Laxus' hands collided with his gut. The orb exploded, a massive sphere of lightning forming around the duo. As the sphere began to shrink however Natsu reached out, grabbing Laxus with a savage grin on his face. A burst of fire from his back later and Natsu was directly in front of the giant of a man, his fist flying forwards. Laxus grunted as he was sent flying from the blow, Natsu appearing in front of him, fire shooting from his feet. Another punch lashed out, smashing Laxus into the ground. Laxus grunted, flipping to his feet before ducking to avoid Natsu's kick from smashing into his head. Laxus launched a punch with a roar, only for his eyes to widen as another jet of flame appeared behind Natsu's shoulder, speeding his natural turn and allowing him to avoid the blow. Another jet appeared on his other shoulder, the teen disappearing in a burst of speed, causing Laxus' eyes to widen. Before he had any time to react Natsu's knee collided with his chest, lifting him into the air as blood shot from his mouth. For a brief moment Laxus shuddered, his never ending Magical Power flickering before returning to normal. Natsu didn't notice however, following up as fire formed around his hands like lances thanks to his pyrokinesis.

"Fire Dragon's Talons!"

Natsu roared, his twin lances launching themselves towards Laxus, the man gritting his teeth as they approached. Laxus burst into lightning, dodging the attacks with ease before he shot forwards, appearing next to Natsu as his fist cracked against Natsu's head. The teen howled in agony, Laxus roaring as he launched a kick that smashed into Natsu's gut, sending him careening towards the ground. Laxus watched Natsu crater the ground with a grin on his face, lightning crackling around him. With a burst of speed Laxus appeared next to Natsu, his foot raised as lightning crackled around it. With a BOOM Laxus' foot descended, a wave of electricity surging across the ground. Natsu groaned as Laxus lifted his foot, slowly raising himself up despite his wounds.

"You're still moving," Laxus whispered, confusion on his face before he leapt back, fire swarming around Natsu. The teen hissed, flames coming from his mouth before he sent a wave of fire flying towards Laxus. Laxus grunted, countering with his own wave of electricity. The two elements smashed into one another, Laxus and Natsu glaring at each other from inside their protective spheres, before they charged forwards, their fists colliding in a shockwave that sent the two flying away from each other.

Natsu snarled, his jets of flame returning before he disappeared in a burst of speed. Suddenly a ring of fire formed around Laxus, the man's eyes widening as he barely saw Natsu speeding through the flames. Natsu roared, his mouth covered in flames.

"Fire Dragon's Screech!"

Natsu howled, small needles of flame shooting towards Laxus causing the man's eyes to widen. Laxus grit his teeth, lightning forming around him before he sent it out in a wave, the lightning deflecting the needles and shattering the prison of fire formed around him. Natsu wasn't done yet however, descending from above Laxus with a roar.

"Fire Dragon's Comet!"

Laxus' eyes widened, realizing Natsu was too close to avoid completely and instead raising his arms, lightning crackling along them.

"Raging Bolt!"

Laxus roared, a massive orb of electricity forming in his hands before he sent it flying towards Natsu, the teen wreathed in a massive column of flame as he descended. The two collided, streaks of magic shooting from the clashing forces before eventually Natsu won. The lightning orb shattered, lightning flying in every direction as Natsu descended on Laxus, another explosion of fire erupting across the battlefield. When the fire finally calmed it revealed the two Dragonslayers glaring at one another, both panting heavily.

"Give up Natsu," Laxus said snarling. "You can't win!"

Natsu didn't respond, his eyes little more than orbs of flame. Laxus grit his teeth, roaring his challenge as lightning surged into the sky once more, Natsu hissing in response. Natsu inhaled, Laxus doing the same before the two fired.

"Lightning Dragon's Roar!"

"Fire Dragon's Roar!"

The two tornado's of lightning and flame collided with one another, the two attacks warring for supremacy until they merged, a twister of lightning and flame surging into the air. From outside it was hard to see, but two figures could be seen blitzing each other in the twister, colliding with tons of force. One such clash proved to much for the elemental surge to take, the twister sending fire and lightning in every direction as Natsu and Laxus were forced in opposite directions. Natsu, drawing the short end of the stick, smashed against the ground while Laxus roared higher into the air. The two snarled at each other, yet something was off. There was a difference.

Natsu was tired.

Gajeel knew it. Throwing around that catastrophic offensive firepower had to come from somewhere. The magic that must have cost Natsu must be astronomical. The teen couldn't maintain that level of output for a long period of time. It was impressive he had managed to fight Laxus for this long. But still, there was a problem. Laxus only looked winded towards the very end of the battle. While it proved that Laxus could eventually tire out it did not bode well for Gajeel. A winded Laxus, after fighting both Natsu and Erza, versus him. Sure the man was tired, but if he was only now reaching that point Gajeel was not sure he would be able to win. That was the least of his worries however as he saw the sky above him changing.

Laxus snarled down at Natsu, the skies changing color to darken once more. This time it was more than just effect of Laxus' magic however. the amount of fire Natsu had sent into the sky had changed the weather, cumlonimbus clouds resting in the sky. Gajeel's eyes widened.

"We need to move," the teen hissed to Mirajane, the S-Class mage agreeing with him as the two shot off. Laxus roared as the two moved, massive claps of thunder coming from above before he raised his hand.

"And with this I end the battle," Laxus roared. "I win Natsu!"

Natsu roared, flames roaring around him as he began to gather magic to face the blow. Laxus smirked. No matter what it wouldn't be enough. If Erza couldn't stop the down-played version of this attack Natsu had no chance at doing so. A massive hole formed in the clouds, lightning sparking all around it as Laxus grinned, a face almost seen in the lightning as he did so.

"Now die! Lightning Dragon's Thunderclap Cannon!"

"Fire Dragon's Roar!"

It wasn't even a contest. The tornado of flame was crushed by the virtual building of lightning that collapsed on top of Natsu, the teen's howls of pain unable to be heard, drowned out by the deafening thunderclap that roared across the area, threatening to burst eardrums. As the lightning cleared it only revealed Natsu, completely unconscious on the ground in an even deeper crater, completely unable to move. Gajeel glanced at the teen, a frown on his face as he rubbed his sensitive ears.

"Is he dead," Mira whispered, fear in her voice.

"No," Gajeel stated. "I can hear his heartbeat. It's faint though. He needs immediate medical attention."

Mirajane glanced at the Iron Dragonslayer, nodding her head before she shot down towards Natsu, grabbing him before whisking him away. Gajeel nodded as he watched them go towards the guild hall before turning to glare up at Laxus, the man clearly exhausted from the attack as the clouds above disappeared. Gajeel nodded. Good to know he wouldn't have to deal with that attack. There was no way Laxus could have the magic power to shoot another attack like it. The conditions weren't right, he didn't shoot fire into the air like Natsu did, and there was no way Laxus could generate another storm with his magic.

If he could...well Gajeel didn't want to think about what would happen to him if he could.

With a grunt Gajeel stood, glaring up at Laxus who turned to face the teen, lightning still flickering around his form.

"So, you're all that's left huh! Ha! You're weaker than even Natsu! He beat you in the guild war! What makes you think you can defeat me!"

"You think Natsu is the only Dragonslayer to unlock Drive," Gajeel called out, a grin on his face. Laxus snorted.

"Please! I beat him in his Drive, and I can beat you also! I've faced two opponents who were surprisingly more powerful than I expected, and I beat them both, what makes you any different!"

"Simple," Gajeel stated, dropping to a low stance. He couldn't use his Drive here. It just wasn't suitable for the situation. Laxus was far to maneuverable, and he wasn't fast enough to hit him even when Laxus came in close. Besides, there was no way he'd win in a battle of long distance battling, especially with Laxus' speed factored into the equation.

"You're tired."

Gajeel leapt into the sky, reaching Laxus' height in a single bound, causing the man's eyes to widen. The two sent punches flying towards each other, the blows slamming together. Laxus grinned, preparing to launch another punch only for his eyes to widen as Gajeel began to fall. The man rocketed after him, lightning forming in his hands. With a roar Laxus sent a bolt of lightning flying towards Gajeel, the teen grunting as he landed on the ground. With a grunt, the iron studs in his body shot out and expanded, forming an orb that absorbed the lightning without issue. Quickly Gajeel recalled his studs, leaping up at Laxus with a grin on his face. Laxus' eyes widened, the man trying to move out of the way. He managed to avoid Gajeel's punch, but the teen wasn't done, spinning as he launched one of his legs Laxus' direction.

"Iron Dragon's Lance!"

Laxus' eyes widened as Gajeel's leg transformed into an extending lance of iron, the lance shredding into his chest. Laxus coughed up blood, forcing his body off of the lance before the lance went to deep, falling to the ground in a thud. Gajeel smirked, landing on the ground before rushing Laxus. He had gotten the advantage with that move and he was determined to keep it. Gajeel appeared above Laxus, fist already cocked back.

"Iron Dragon's Hard Fist!"

Laxus snarled, lightning sparking around him in a flash as he launched a blow to counter. "Lightning Dragon's Iron Fist!"

The two blows clashed, Gajeel's eyes widening as he was sent flying from the force of Laxus' punch, barely managing to land on his feet. The teen glanced upwards, his red eyes locking with Laxus' as he saw the unrestrained rage left in those eyes.

'No way! He has this much power left, even after all of his wounds! He looks like a fucking bruise and can still fight!'

Laxus got to his feet, snarling before he waved his hands, bolts of lightning forming in his hands before he launched them at Gajeel. Gajeel frowned, lunging to the side to avoid the blow only for his eyes to widen as Laxus appeared in front of him, lightning crackling around his fist. Gajeel raised his arms, blocking the blow only to be forced to a knee. Laxus snarled, raising his hands only for Gajeel to extend his arms forwards, just barely casting his Iron Dragon's Club in time to send Laxus flying away. The Iron Dragonslayer snarled, raising his hands in a claw-like shape, iron sticking out from each of his fingers before he fired.

"Iron Dragon's Claw!"

The ten bullets of iron shot forwards, Laxus just recovering from Gajeel's earlier blow before the bolts pierced into him, causing him to hiss with pain as blood leaked from the small wounds. Snarling Laxus shot himself towards Gajeel, his leg covered with lightning as he spun in midair, launching the limb downwards. Gajeel grinned however, clasping his arms together and roaring in effort, Laxus' eyes widening as suddenly he felt the iron in his body move, ripping itself out, causing him to howl with pain. Laxus' kick stopped in midair, the man dropping to the ground in a grunt of effort before he roared, converting his body to lightning and shooting away from Gajeel, the bits of iron falling to the ground. Gajeel grunted, watching as Laxus shot towards him, converting to physical form just as his punch launched.

"Thunderclap!"

Gajeel grit his teeth, the blow racing forwards into his lower chest, causing him to hiss with pain as he was sent flying into the air from the force. Laxus chased after him, streaks of lightning trailing behind him as he launched a spin kick, the blow cratering into Gajeel's side, sending the teen to the ground. Laxus snarled, lightning trailing from his arms as he raised a hand.

"Judgement!"

Laxus conjured a massive bolt of electricity, black lightning arcing throughout the center of it before reaching the tip of the bolt, a sphere of black lightning channeled around it. With a grunt he launched it towards Gajeel, the teen's eyes widening as he saw the attack shoot forwards.

"Iron Dragon's Roar!" Gajeel roared, barely managing to fire the tornado off in time to stop the attack. The two spells clashed, fighting for dominance before they cancelled each other out in another explosion, causing Laxus to grit his teeth. The man channeled lightning into his hand, yet before he was able to do anything Gajeel appeared from the smoke, the teen already spinning like a buzzsaw, his arms transformed into his Iron Dragon's Sword, the blades on it spinning like a chainsaw.

"Iron Dragon's Buzzsaw!"

Laxus instantly raised his lightning covered hand, only for his eyes to widen as Gajeel quickly launched his leg forwards, batting the arm out of the way before bringing down the attack, Laxus howling as the weapon cut into his shoulder and upper chest, before a violently burst of green energy sent him flying to the ground. Gajeel grinned, his arms each transforming into their own Iron Dragon's Lance as he pointed them in Laxus' direction.

"Iron Dragon's Dual Lances: Demon Logs!"

Gajeel roared as lances of green energy shot forwards, spearing into Laxus' body, the man howling as the bolts he couldn't avoid shredded muscle. Gajeel smirked, landing on the ground away from Laxus. The man was effectively pinned. It was time to end the fight. With a grunt Gajeel charged forwards, his fist glowing with energy as he launched it forwards. Laxus roared, lightning suddenly bursting from his body and shattering the lances pinning him, quickly dodging Gajeel's Iron Dragon's Hard Fist before he launched his own blow forwards.

"Lightning Dragon's Thunderclap!"

With a roar Laxus' blow cratered into Gajeel's chest, the teen sent flying from the force of the blow. Laxus was quick to follow, lightning covering his legs as he launched a kick. Gajeel grunted, reaching up to grab the appendage, ignoring the tingling in his hands as he lunged forwards, his shoulder ramming into Laxus' chest roughly. Laxus heaved, his Magic Power wavering for a brief moment that Gajeel capitalized on, hardening his elbow with a brief application of Iron Dragon's Scales before he elbowed Laxus' in the chest, the man stumbling backwards as he wheezed, as though he had been stabbed through the chest. Gajeel grinned, taking advantage of the moment once more, launching a punch straight towards Laxus' chest.

"Iron Dragon's Hard Fist!"

Laxus coughed up blood, the force of Gajeel's blow sending him flying back into another section of the crater. Gajeel smirked, flexing his hand as he saw the man smash into the ground.

"That has to be the end of it," he muttered, only for his eyes to widen as he saw it.

Laxus stood on his feet, snarling. All of the wounds had clearly affected him, he looked immensely fatigued, but he still wasn't giving up.

"Are you kidding me," Gajeel hissed. "How is he still standing! All of these attacks and he's still standing! There's no way anyone is this strong!"

Laxus snarled, lightning storming around him. The man then launched himself forwards. Gajeel shook his head.

"If I can't beat him through brute force maybe I can beat him another way," the teen muttered.

Gajeel grit his teeth before he did charged back at the Lightning Dragonslayer. The two clashed. Gajeel launched a punch that Laxus sidestepped, an uppercut smashing into Gajeel's kidney, lifting the teen and causing him to heave. Laxus grinned, another punch flying forwards, Gajeel barely raising his arms to guard before the blow smashed against his arms, sending him flying. Gajeel grunted, curling into a ball as he skidded against the ground, Laxus appearing behind the teen to catch him with one arm.

"Wha-" Gajeel was cut off as Laxus sent a wave of electricity through his body, Gajeel crying out in pain as he seized. Slowly the teen began to crumple to the ground, the overload seemingly to much for him to take. Laxus smirked, stopping his surge as he looked to Gajeel.

"Tch, you were even weaker than I thought."

Gajeel smirked.

Laxus' eyes widened as Gajeel leapt upwards, his body changing as he became armored with scales. "Iron Dragon's Hard Fist!"

Laxus heaved as Gajeel's uppercut smashed into his stomach, bending the man over. Gajeel didn't hesitate as the opportunity presented itself, swinging his legs up as he dropped Laxus to the ground, forming a solid guillotine choke. Laxus panicked, air instantly cut off. The man tried to overpower Gajeel, but found that in his weakened state that was an impossible task, at least from his current position. Gajeel grinned, applying even more pressure, trying to force Laxus into submission.

"And you're easier to fool than I thought," Gajeel muttered. Laxus' eyes filled with fury as he said that, lightning crackling off of his body before he surged, electricity coursing through Gajeel causing him to scream out in pain. Eventually the pain became too much and Gajeel's grip slipped, giving Laxus enough room to free his head, his arms raised as lightning coursed through them.

"Jupiter's Descending!"

Laxus roared as the attack descended, the explosion of lightning enough to cause Gajeel to scream. Laxus grinned, lightning crackling off of his fists before he brought them down in a savage rain of blows, designed to knock Gajeel out. However he underestimated the tenacity of the Iron Dragonslayer, a grin forming on his Gajeel's face before he too began to rain blows, Laxus' head snapping back and forth from every punch. The two continued like that for a long while, grins on both of their faces all the while, until eventually someone gave.

Laxus stumbled after one punch, using a hand to catch himself from falling over. Gajeel capitalized. The teen launched his fist forwards, only he had no intention to punch Laxus. With a quick use of Iron Dragon's Club the man was batted into the air, all of the air leaving his lungs before Gajeel appeared next to him, mid-flip. Gajeel's legs began to change shape, forming a thick club before it batted downwards on Laxus' back, sending the man careening towards the ground. Gajeel smirked but wasn't done, inhaling deeply before he grinned.

"Iron Dragon's Roar!"

The tornado of iron and shrapnel collided into Laxus the man roaring in pain all the while. As the attack ended Gajeel landed next to the blonde, raising his fist. Laxus wasn't done yet however, reaching up to grab Gajeel's ankle, sending a jolt of electricity through his body. Gajeel seized for a brief moment, unable to move, giving Laxus enough time to launch a punch forwards, the blow sending Gajeel flying as cracks formed on his Iron Dragon's Scales. Laxus snarled, getting to his feet before he launched himself after Gajeel, lightning crackling around his fists before he slammed both of his fists into Gajeel's chest and stomach simultaneously, an explosion of lightning firing from Gajeel's back. The Iron Dragonslayer spat out blood, the liquid falling on Laxus' chest before Gajeel managed to catch himself on his knees. Laxus grinned, raising his electrified knee upwards, cracking into Gajeel's jaw. Gajeel stumbled backwards, his body wide open for Laxus' punch that cratered the teen, forcing him onto the ground.

"Just die already!"

Laxus roared his declaration, a magic seal forming along his arm as lightning crackled. Gajeel groaned, his world blurry from the series of blows as Laxus stared down at him savagely.

"Lightning Dragon's Heavenward Halberd!"

A massive ji made of lightning formed in Laxus' hands, the weapon clearly radiating power despite Laxus' drained visage as he stared down at Gajeel. The Iron Dragonslayer's vision cleared, his eyes widening as he realized the precarious situation he was in. There was no way he would survive that in a direct hit. Laxus brought the blow downwards, an explosion of lightning towering into the heavens just after Gajeel said two words.

"Iron Drive!"

Laxus' eyes widened with horror as he heard Gajeel's proclamation, fearing that the teen would be like Natsu in his own Drive, only for his eyes to widen as he saw the cracked, but not shattered form of Gajeel underneath him, the teen's dense armor saving him from the worst of the attack. Red eyes glared back at him, causing Laxus' eyes to widen, the man trying to move out of the way only for a dome of iron to rise from the ground, trapping the two in.

"What," Laxus cried out, causing Gajeel to grin.

"Nice try," Gajeel muttered, grabbing Laxus as he tried to step away. "You almost got me there, I won't lie, but it wasn't fast enough!"

Laxus stepped away, fear in his eyes as he watched green magic explode around Gajeel, forming a dense aura around him in the enclosed space that made it hard to breathe.

"Not everyday you hear your lightning wasn't fast enough though huh," Gajeel stated, steam coming from his mouth. Laxus snarled, lightning flickering around his body. He could see it. Gajeel was moving slow. There was no way he would manage to hit him, not even in this enclosed space. There was still enough room to maneuver. Gajeel grinned, waving his hands, the dome suddenly contracting, killing any thoughts Laxus had of avoiding the next attack.

Gajeel grinned, the intense green aura around him intensifying as he glared at Laxus.

"Now that blow did a bit more than I care to admit so I'm gonna end this fast! Try not to die! Iron Dragon's..."

Laxus desperately tried to escape, blasting Gajeel with the rest of his magic energy, lightning surging into Gajeel's body with a vengeance, yet due to his enhanced defensive abilities the Iron Dragonslayer managed to tough his way through it, his eyes never once leaving Laxus or closing.

"No!" Laxus cried. "Not like this! This isn't what's supposed to happen! I'm supposed to be Fairy Tail's new guild master!"

"Roar!"

The tornado of iron and shrapnel exploded forwards, smashing into Laxus before making contact with the barrier, encasing the entire area in a storm of shrapnel and iron, green energy overflowing. From the outside all that could be seen was an iron dome in the center of a crater, green energy radiating from it as steam wafted into the air before eventually a crack formed.

That crack seemed to be a catalyst, the entire dome shattering in a massive explosion of green energy not long after, revealing Gajeel, no longer in his Drive and on his knees with an unconscious Laxus in front of him, the man completely unable to move. Gajeel grinned down at the S-Class mage, shuddering before he collapsed on the ground next to him.

"I told you," Gajeel muttered. "I'm gonna end it..." he whispered, unconsciousness capturing him.

Not far from the duo Freed's runes could be seen changing.

Gajeel versus Laxus, winner is Gajeel!


Um, before anyone gets any ideas let me make this clear about the Erza vs Laxus fight. Erza is not stronger than Laxus. Laxus in my story is on the level of some Oracion Seis members. Erza is not. She can definitely push him, as seen, but if they had continued their fight as though the Thunder Palace timer was still going on, Laxus would have eventually won. Remember, he didn't even use his Dragon Slayer Magic on her. He hadn't gone all out yet. After all, it took a combination of Erza's, Natsu's, and Gajeel's efforts, all of them going all out, to take down Laxus. That man is strong. Also, Natsu is not stronger than Erza. He has more destructive force, but he's not exactly stronger. There's a lot that goes into a fight.

Note the fight between Gajeel and Laxus was initially a lot shorter, but I wanted to elongate it. It felt a little too short and anticlimactic. To me it didn't feel like Gajeel only won because Laxus was tired, and even now if I'm being honest it still doesn't feel like that. Later on I may go back and make that fight longer. Nothing worth reading again if you've already read the chapter in the long term, but a more gruesome fight definitely.

Anyways, I hope you all understand the basic powerscaling for Erza, Natsu, and Gajeel. If you don't, well that's ok, because all three of them participate in the Oracion Seis arc where they'll each primarily have 1v1 battles, so you'll get to see where they match up there, instead of all three of them wearing down a significantly stronger opponent until they get the victory. Of course, they'll still be fighting people around this level of strength then as well, so how far will they progress until the Oracion Seis arc begins?

For those of you worried about my other stories don't worry. Those chapters are almost done. Fanalis is almost done and the Bleach chapter is nearing completion. They just have a few more scenes they need to have. I just had the muse for this story at the time and really wanted to write these fight scenes.

Anyways, what did you guys think of the fight and the chapter. I think it was pretty cool, but I want to see. I think my fight scene writing has improved also, so be sure to let me know. And remember, review, review, review!