Evergreen turned her head to the far side of the arena where Raven Tale was huddled around Blacksnake. There was something in her gut that told her that this wasn't going to end well. Flashes of when Flare had fought Lucy came to her mind. There was clear cheating involved and just what they had did to Wendy was what they had done to Lucy. Now Evergreen was worried that it was going to be the same thing that happened to Freed.

Even after what was years for the Rune Mage, it still felt like it was only yesterday for Evergreen. Her protectiveness over the man still strong and most likely never fade.

"Looks like Freed baby is going to have a rather interesting match," Bickslow mumbled to her. His voice low so that the others in their guild wouldn't butt in.

Ever nodded her head and pushed past a few guild members to try and get a better view of the arena.

Mavis was swinging her legs back and forth. Her glassy eyes examining the entire arena. Her face was set in a hard stare as she began to analyze the fights that was going to start in just a few minutes. For a moment, a dozen outcomes flashed through her mind. All of them leaving Freed as the victor. The ghost had felt his power the moment that he had stepped foot into the battlefield. He was strong but there was something darker in his magic that she was very curious to see unleashed.

Freed was out of sight, covered by his guildmates who were sure to have been trying to give him some advice on what to do during his fight.

"So Lamia Scale was the guild that Freed chose when he left Fairy Tail?" She asked in a soft voice.

Makarov moved to the young girl's side with a painful look in his eyes as he watched Jura move from one side of his team balcony to the other. Very much fretting over, who the old man thought was Freed, like a mother. The man cared for Freed so Makarov was not surprised that the Wizard Saint was a little worried over Freed having to face a member of a dark guild. From what both men had talked about a few months prior, Freed had gone through a lot and Jura and Lamia Scale had been a large part of his recovery.

Makarov, regardless of what happened, still saw Freed as one of his own. Most importantly he saw him a Fairy Tail Wizard. Maybe it was his possessive nature? Maybe it was the old man's stubbornness, but the night before had opened his eyes. Fairy Tail was not fully complete until every one of his children was there by his side. Yes, the old man knew that he was being petty, that Freed was a man that could choose what he wished to do with his magic, life, and future. But what had happened to him the past six years Makarov felt that those six years needed to be eased with a lifetime of joy.

"After what had happened to us he needed a support that Fairy Tail could no longer offer him. I and the guild do not hold anything against him for leaving." Makarov said in a sure voice. "He will always remain a member of this guild even when he bears the sign of another."

Mavis hummed in understanding, her eyes shining with curiosity. "You really do care for these children, don't you?" She said in a light tone, her words carrying an air of fondness and respect. "Freed is a powerful wizard so I am very interested in seeing what he is capable of doing."

"I wish him a quick victory when it comes to my son I do not trust anything that he has power over. That includes is goons." Makarov growled.

Suddenly the entire arena became quiet. The old man looked around confused until he saw Freed begin to walk out into the field.

"May the strength of the Fairies be with him…" Mavis whispered, her eyes narrowed and calculating.

Freed stood in the middle of the hallway, his breathing coming in controlled inhales and exhales. His body began to relax, his mind clearing of anything that could fog his mind. Anything that was keeping him grounded began to slip away from his mind. A slow crawl of magic made it's way from the center of his body to the tips of his fingers that twitched to hold his sword. Already he can feel the call of his darker side, waiting for a chance to leave his body and create a chaos of whoever was put against him.

Luckily for him, his opponent was a person that Freed would not be holding back. He was going to tear Black Snake to a million tiny pieces for what he did to Wendy and for what his guild had done to Lucy.

There was going to be no mercy and he was going to with the battle no matter the cost.

"Freed Justine you may make your way to the center of the battlefield." A Royal Knight roughly said.

The Rune Mage gave the man one last glance and began to make his way out into the arena where he would face off in a battle that he was sure would last no longer than a few minutes.

In the last six years, he was able to grow his power faster than he could ever imagine. He had created new runes, a new demon take over and his ability to write his spells had become a hundred times faster then what they used to be.

He earned the title of an S Class wizard and at that moment he was going to make sure that everyone against him knew about his power and the power that Lamia Scale had.

The light blinded him for an only a short moment. The sound of the announcer's voice booming through the arena and ringing in his ears.

"There we see the great Freed Justine. One of the strongest mages in Lamia. He was able to gain the title of S Class wizard within three years of being with his guild." He said in an excited voice.

Everyone in the arena was going wild. They cheered out for both mages with as much power as they could. At the time the wizards competing couldn't even hear each other.

As Freed's eyes adjusted to the bright afternoon sun he looked across the arena. Black Snake slowly made his way to the center where the Game's Mascot stood. Freed let his body relax as the only thing on his mind was the battle before him. Slowly he felt his magic start to spread from his very core to the tips of his fingers, ready to write a rune at a moments notice.

When both mages were in the center the Pumpkin Head finally began to speak.

"Now before we start the first battle of the day both fighters must understand that loss of life is not the responsibly of the Games. If you die then that must mean that you did not wish to live in the first place." He said those last words with an annoying cackle.

Freed threw a glance at Black Snake and for a moment thought if he would regret killing him. Lucy and Wendy flashed through his mind and at that moment decided that if it came down to it then he would not even bat a lash.

"You both have thirty minutes to win over the other. If neither one of you win then it is a tie. Five points will be awarded to both teams. If only one wins they receive the full ten points." The Pumpkin Head laughed one last time before he rose his hand up in the air. "May the first battle for today begin!" With a snap of his fingers, the masked man was gone in a flurry of smoke, leaving behind Freed and Black Snake.

At that moment, the entire Colosseum went silent. The anticipation thick in the air.

Freed's head tilted to the side, his bangs hiding his eyes. The words that came out of his mouth dripping with venom. "How is it that a dark guild like your gained any sort of recognition?"

Black Snake looked back with wide eyes, a sinister light making them shine.

"How is it that any guild would take you after being a dirty traitor?" Black Snake sneered.

Freed's breathe caught in his throat for a moment. The calm state that he was in, falling apart only a small faction to let in an anger that would fester into something darker in the near future. He should have seen it from the start, but he was blind.

Slowly, Black Snake began to walk around Freed, like a lion circling its prey. His body was loose and relax, his arms limp at his side. The way that he held himself showed that he gave no care in the world.

Freed knew better than that, he knew that there was a sinister power simmering right under the surface.

His hand rose to wrap his nimble fingers around the handle of his sword. His eyes following Black Snake's every move. Slowly he began to move as well, his feet light on the ground.

They circled each other, eyes scanning the other trying to find weaknesses.

Freed told himself that he was not going to make the first move. No matter what the other man said he was going to stay calm and make sure that his emotions were in check. Falling prey to his heart would cost him dearly.

"Is this fight a dance? I was expecting a battle. Scared?" Freed taunted. His lips turned up in a smirk.

Black Snake's eyes hardened into slits. His shoulders tensing for a moment before falling back into an ease state. "You wish, little Fairy. I'm going to make sure that I tear you apart for the fun of it." He threatened.

For a moment Freed said nothing, seeing the way that drove Black Snake closer to the brink of attack.

"A worthless bottom feeder like you would never stand a chance against me," Freed spoke boldly. His eyes were filled with pride.

Black Snake lost his cool composure in a way that no one else would have noticed but Freed. The corner of his lip twitched downward, his fingers reaching out to something invisible. The dark wizard gave one last look before his entire body began to disintegrate into the sand at his feet.

The crowd gasped in confusion, they looked around the arena floor and saw Freed standing alone.

Freed took this as the first move. His body stiffened and he looked around with sharp eyes. The grip on his sword tightened as he pulled it from its sheath. The sound of the metal scraping against the leather rang in his ears like music.

Everything seemed to be at a standstill. Freed turned on the balls of his feet to survey the area around him. The tip of his sword dragging lightly on the ground. Hoping that Black Snake could feel the sharp tip.

The feeling of his magic began to form again in his chest. Spreading out to the tips of his fingers.

Suddenly his hand shot up. A purple glow dancing across his eyes as runes began to form around his. Runes that were so quickly written that they just as quickly disappeared into the earth around him.

A feeling tugged his right side as his runes began to hunt down their target.

The soil began to tremble, bunching together.

He could feel a spark of magic. It was strong without a doubt, but he knew that he was stronger.

Black Snake erupted from the earth in a flurry of power and sand. His eyes sharp and an arm raised, ready to strike the first blow.

In a practice movement Freed brought his blade up in a swift arch. He turned his head sharply to the right and faced off Black Snake. The tip of his blade grazing the tip of the man's nose.

"A true wizard never fights their opponent while their back is turned." Freed snarled.

As quick as lighting Freed dove forward and swung his sword.

When metal hit flesh, said flesh began to crumble into sand.

Black Snake laughed victoriously as Freed pulled back. His face contorted into an angry glare.

Freed watched in rage as Black Snake again began to turn into earth.

The familiar tug pulled his back. Turning around quickly he caught Snake's hard kick. His arm brought up to the side of his head. Runes glowing and acting like a shield to keep him from any damage. He brought up his sword once again. Aiming for the delicate part of his enemy's exposed inner thigh.

Black Snake was ready for that. He dropped his leg. Diving down quickly and making a grab for Freed's hand.

The arm that was shielding Freed's head shot out and delivered a hard punch across Black Snake's face.

The crowd gasped in unison, but the sound didn't register to either fighter.

Black Snake grunted in pain. The throbbing he could feel on half of his face making the world tilt slightly. That didn't deter him from snapping back into attention, he needed to get that sword away from Freed.

Without a moment of hesitation, he threw himself at Freed. His quick fingers wrapped around both Freed's wrist. He pulled all his weight forward and slammed Freed into the ground.

Freed felt the air leave his lungs in an instant. His back screamed in pain as it hit the floor.

The force of the fall had his head snapping back and slamming into the ground. A sharp yell escaped his lips as the pain shot through his head.

"God, I can't wait until you stop breathing!" Black Snake cheered.

Freed tried to move, but his enemy's weight pinned him down. His arms spread out on either side of him. His hand clutching desperately at his sword.

Black Snake cast a quick at the blade. With a wicked smile, he brought up Freed's hand and slammed it back down.

"Let it go! Let it go! Let it go!" He repeated. His words ringing with a sadistic laugh as he continued to slam Freed's wrist in the ground.

Freed thrashed helplessly. Trying to get away from Black Snake. His wrist was in agonizing pain. His grip on his sword was growing weak. Finally, one last hard slam had a sharp pain shoot through Freed's entire arm. He cried out in furry and in pain as he was forced to let go of his trusted weapon.

Black Snake howled in glee. His fingers tightened for a moment until finally, he let go of his trusted weapon.

There lay Freed, defenseless and at the mercy of his enemy. There was natural panic that made his body thrash for a moment. Then the familiar building of his dark magic surged in his core to flare out in his body. His eye was consumed in black and his pupil lit up a brilliant purple.

Around both mages, the air dropped a few degrees.

The crowd grew quiet and watch in suspense as they waited for either one of the competitors to make their next move.

Black Snake felt the shift in energy around them. His eyes narrowed for a moment until he felt something warm on his chest. He looked down quickly and saw bright runes on it.

"What the hell are you doing?" He snarled down at Freed.

Freed gave him a sinister smile. That was the only warning that his opponent was going to have before a sharp hot pain exploded throughout his body, making him hunch over Freed. His grip on Freed's wrist vanished as Black Snake jump off him. His hands clawing at his chest trying to figure out the cause of his pain.

"Did you forget that this is a magical duel?" Freed mocked.

In just a few short moments he was back on his feet. His right was wrist throbbing in pain, but that was something that he was quick to ignore. He glanced quickly to his blade and tried to retrieve it, but the earth around it shook and a pillar of sand shot from up. Throwing his weapon up in the air and across the arena.

Freed was not going to deny the fact that he was facing a strong opponent.

Black Snake was still going through a great amount of pain, but his rage was enough to fuel his sudden magical burst.

Freed scowled in annoyance. His eye shinned brighter causing his rune of pain to glow even more.

The surge of pain that came from that had Black Snake doubling over in pure agony.

Freed took no moment of recovery. He closed the distance between them in just a few long strides. With practice eased he rose his leg and delivered a harsh kick across Black Snake's skull. The power of the blow sending his across the arena and colliding against the wall.

Everyone watching the battle gasped in horror. The announcers looked at one another trying to figure out what they could say.

Freed's hands trembled as he began to hurry over to his sword. Yes, he was able to fight without it. He made sure to train just as hard in hand to hand combat, but there was still this feeling of vulnerability that had him restless.

Maybe it was the rush of power that had his sense of overload or maybe he was just not concentrating enough? He should have felt it, he should have felt the loss the moment that it happened. He should not have left himself open.

Behind him, Black Snake clawed at the ground. The pain that he was experiencing was for once terrifying. He should never have underestimated the little fairy. He should have understood the darkness that seemed to always follow the man. In a moment of desperation, he looked out to his guild.

Obra was at the very edge of the balcony as if waiting for this moment. All Black Snake needed to do was make the smallest inclination with his head and the pain over his chest vanished. He gasped in relief and pushed himself up to face his enemy again. This time, however, with the odds in his favor.

Behind Freed, Black Snake pushed forward. His feet dragging against the ground causing the dirt to fly up around his ankles in a cloud of dust.

"I'm going to end you…" Black Snake hissed.

That was all the warning Freed had until the ground around him lit up in a magical spell. The floor shook and without a second moment to spare a column of explosive sand shot up sending him up into the air.

The audience gasped in horror as they watched Freed be hit with explosive after explosive. It felt like it wasn't going to end. The magical attack just kept going on until everyone had thought that Freed was sure to have been incapacitated.

Freed felt his skin get cut by the sharp and jagged grains of sand. His eyes stung, and tears were desperately trying to clear his vision. The explosives burned at his clothing and marred his skin. He gave a sort cry then biting his tongue as his mouth was filled with sand. He tried to cast a rune to act as a barrier, but his magic was not working. The absence was felt in his very soul. It was like he had just lost his arm. It was like being a tethered ball and being cut from the rope. Freed couldn't help but wonder if this had been the way that Lucy had felt when Raven Tail had nullified her magic. If she felt the same nakedness that Freed was experiencing, then

All he could do at that point was face the pain and attacks. His magic was of no use to try and protect him.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Black Snake decided that enough was done to his opponent. He let his spell drop, sending Freed from midair crashing down to the ground again.

Freed's body was on fire, even the slightest movement was making him regret the choice. Still, there was astonishment in how far he had been beaten. He was a fool to have thought that he was invincible. Yet, he couldn't help but feel something dark. Something that was creeping around the back of his mind like an afterthought.

"You are such a weak little Fairy!" Black Snake said gleefully, but there was still a strain in his voice. The way that he held himself was sluggish. His arm coming up and clutching at his chest, the same spot where Freed had cast the rune. "I'm going to show you the real power of Raven Tail."

Freed with the little energy that he had left smirked into the ground. His hair falling over his shoulder to shield his face. "I would have destroyed you and you know it. You're a coward that hides behind others because you're too weak to fight your own battles." Freed said all this as his arms tried him push him off the ground. His body was being hit by the air around him causing his injuries to sting even more. He brought up his knees to get his chest off the ground as much as he could. The mere weight of his body was almost too much for him and it made his elbows tremble.

Black Snake glowed with furry. His body trembled as his magical energy began to hum underneath his skin.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught something shining in the sunlight. It was Justine's blade. In that moment a sinister idea formed in his mind.

Without a second of hesitation, he manipulated the sand around the blade sending it into the air and having it lad in his outstretched hand. The weight of the sword felt odd in his hand, but he wasn't worried about that for what he was thinking of doing.

Slowly he walked towards his fallen opponent, the tip of the sword dragging along the floor.

"I should slice your throat for talking to me like that. I don't need anything to beat you." Black Snake sneered.

When he was close enough he grabbed a fistful of Freed's hair and yanked him off the ground.

Freed's body was at its breaking point. Something was slowly cracking within him. He didn't even have enough energy to try and push Black Snake away from him. His mind didn't even register the pain that she should have been feeling at that moment. Everything was going numb; his body was tingling all over and his mind becomes this fuzzy place of static. All that he could really account for was the glint of his sword. The way that the sun played on the polished metal and flashed in his eyes.

Then like in a blink of an eye his sword was flying through the air towards him pierced right through his body.