Hi everyone! Happy New Year to all of you! And what way to better kick off the New Year than an update to arguably my most popular story! Thank you all for your support.
So without further delay, I present the next chapter to Fairy May Cry

The Calm Before the Storm

High above the clouds in the sky of Fiore was a massive and intimidating air-ship, being supported in the air by a dark red magic circle below it. This ship was the home and guildhall of one of the most prominent dark guilds of the Baram Alliance: Grimore Heart.

Within the air-ship, in the command center, appeared to be a throne with a single man sitting in it. The shadows obscured his features as he gazed into a crystal ball, observing something in motion.

He was not alone as someone entered the chamber. A beautiful young woman with fair skin, dark purple hair, and brown eyes. She wore a revealing purple sleeveless dress with black-heeled shoes while carrying an orb with her. This was Ultear.

"You summoned me, Master Hades?"

"I did." Hades said as he telekinetically moved the crystal ball he was looking into towards Ultear. "Tell me what you see here."

She looked into the orb with interest and saw something that actually surprised her. It was Dante, more accurately it was his fight against the demons from Devil Hand on Fairy Tail's previous mission.

"So, the rumors are true it would seem." Ultear said.

"Indeed. Sparda's youngest son has aligned with Fairy Tail." Hades stated. "A shame really, the boy is rather raw but I can sense much potential within him. If he had joined us, I could very well say he'd be our most powerful asset."

"Would you like me to convince him to switch sides?" Ultear asked.

"No, that is not the reason I called you, my dear." Hades replied. "I'm certain you have heard of this newer guild that has recently came to light."

"Devil Hand."

"Their numbers are rather interesting; a dark guild comprised almost entirely of natural demons. Even so they've already turned many heads despite only appearing a short time before now."

"Have you sent them an invitation to join the Baram Alliance?" Ultear asked. "The loss of the Oracion Seis has caused some issues in our alliance's power structure."

"I have, but received no response." Hades responded. "Ultear, I want you to find them for me. See what it is they intend to do. If they're plans will interfere in our own goal to awaken Lord Zeref it could be problematic for us."

Ultear's smile curved into a frown, that idea was not very pleasing to her. "Do not worry, Master Hades. I will find this Devil Hand and if they plan on getting in our way, I'll destroy them completely."

Hades chuckled as a smile was seen on his obscured face.

East Forest

Wendy was in her training outfit once more as she tried to go on the offensive against Modeus who laid out his open palms for her to punch, and while she did, he could tell that she was a bit lacking in strength. He caught her fist from her next punch and swiped his feet to knock Wendy down.

"You're pulling your punches." He told her as she tried to stand up and catch her breath.

"Well… I wouldn't want to hurt you."

"We both know that's not the reason." Modeus said. "Your mind isn't here. You're thinking about that girl from the other night, aren't you?"

Wendy looked down. "Yes."

"I thought we already covered this, Wendy." Carla said, having been observing on the sidelines but started walking toward them. "There's no use dwelling on this."

"But Carla aren't you at the very least curious?" Wendy asked. "Sheeree is alive. She's real! All of Cait Shelter wasn't, but she was! And now she's part of a Dark Guild! I… I just can't imagine… I've got so many questions in my head right now!"

"Questions that we are unable to answer." Modeus said. "We talked about it with Master Makarov when we got back yesterday, remember?"

Flashback

"You are certain of this?!" A surprised Makarov questioned as Dante, Erza, Modeus, Wendy, and Carla told him about their mission with the Magic Council. They told him about Angel, the demons they encountered, and especially about the girl from Cait Shelter that Wendy apparently knew.

"Yes; though only a few of us saw her, we can confirm that not all of Devil Hand's members are demons." Erza said.

Makarov closed his eyes. "To think someone so young would set down such a path. I can't even begin to imagine how this happened."

"Master." Wendy spoke up. "Can this really be happening? Could it have been possible that not all of Cait Shelter was an illusion?"

"It would appear so." Makarov said. "Though I cannot answer how it would be possible, up until the incident with the Oracion Seis, I've never even met another member from that guild."

"Yeah, a kid being in a Dark Guild is definitely messed up." Dante said. "What I'm a bit worried about is what she can do. She copied Grey's ice-make magic, Carla's wings, even Wendy's own Dragon Slayer magic. Is that even possible?"

"There have been those who have used Dragon Slayer magic before, yet they aren't considered true Dragon Slayers." Erza said, recalling how both Laxus and Cobra were artificial Dragon Slayers. "Could it have been possible this girl had a lacrima implanted inside her as well?"

"Even if that were the case, it would not apply to how she was able to use Aera magic." Carla pointed out. "That magic can only be used by Exceeds and no other species, it should be physically impossible."

"But we saw her Carla!" Wendy exclaimed. "We saw Sheeree use wings like you do!"

"Perhaps not the same sort of wings." Makarov said, getting everyone's attention.

"Master, what do you mean?" Modeus asked.

"I believe that this girl possess the ability of Magical Drain." Makarov proposed.

"Magical Drain? The hell is that?" Dante asked.

"A very rare form of magic." Makarov answered. "Supposedly, it allows a wizard to copy the magical abilities of those who are near him or her. It's the only reasonable explanation as to how she was able to mimic yours, and Grey's abilities."

Dante rolled his eyes. "No one likes a copy cat."

"But why would she join Devil Hand?!" Wendy questioned. "It makes no sense at all!"

Makarov sighed before responding. "Wendy, I understand if this is too personal, but what was your relationship with this girl?"

"Well…" Wendy tried to find the right words. "We were friends…"

"Hardly." Carla interrupted. She felt bad about that, but Wendy had a tendency to sugar coat thing so Carla decided to be straight with it. "Sheeree was not the friendliest person we knew. Wendy did try for many years to approach her, but she would either ignore her or just straight up tell her to 'get lost'. Though she seemed anti-social, I can say for certain that she at least never hated Wendy… not in the same sense we saw her recently."

Wendy looked down a bit while the rest of the group contemplated in silence, at least before Makarov spoke up again.

"This certainly is disturbing. However, Wendy, I think it's best that you refrain from leaving Magnolia until Devil Hand has been dealt with." Wendy was about to speak up, but Makarov continued. "I can understand why you feel responsible, but this girl has proven to be dangerous. And if she is any indication, I shudder what to think would happen if she brought you to Devil Hand; its bad enough one of my children is already a target of theirs, I won't allow another to be as well. So until the matter is resolved, I want at least one other member of this guild with you at all times, and that is final."

"But…" Wendy was stopped when Modeus placed a hand on her shoulder.

"We understand, Master Makarov. I will watch over Wendy."

She looked towards Dante and Erza as they had serious looks and silently agreed this was probably the best decision. Even Carla seemed to nod in agreement. She sighed.

"Okay, Master."

End Flashback

"I know." Wendy said. "But… I can't help but feel maybe… this was my fault. That Sheeree became part of a Dark Guild because of me."

"Wendy, don't even think that." Carla told her. "Sheeree made her own choice, not you."

"But…" Wendy was interrupted as Modeus kneeled down in front of her and placed his hands firmly on her shoulders, as he looked her in the eyes.

"Wendy, listen to me very carefully." He began. "This is not your fault. You didn't know. I don't know the circumstances with Sheeree, but you are not responsible for her actions, despite what she might say. You are a good and kind person with a big heart capable of nothing but love, and don't you ever doubt that."

She looked at him with shaky eyes. "Modeus"

"He's right." Carla spoke up. "Wendy, you may be naïve, but above all else, you have a kind soul and are willing to do anything for those you care about." She smiled. "And I am proud to be your friend."

Tears threatened to fall from Wendy's eyes as she smiled. "You guys" She choked rubbed her face with her arm.

Modeus stood up and looked at her with a kind smile. "Now, let us head back to the Guildhall, its getting late."

She smiled and nodded. "Right."

At another spot in the East Forest alongside a river; Natsu, Happy, and Lisanna were fishing with rods but had found next to nothing yet.

"Wow, the river's really dead today." Happy noted in a sad tone of voice. "Right Natsu?"

The Salamander didn't answer as his head was dropped and he was snoring. Happy pouted and was about to do something.

"Happy wait." Lisanna whispered as she placed a finger over her mouth and smiled as she slowly went up to his side. She slowly and carefully put her hands on his shoulders before pushing him into the river.

Natsu was wide-awake as he shot out of the water. "Alright who's ready to fight me!" He looked around with fists at the ready; only to stop as he saw both Lisanna and Happy giggling. He then pouted. "Not funny."

"Sorry, but I just couldn't resist." Lisanna said in-between giggles. Her laughing soon stopped as she saw the scar on Natsu's chest as he climbed out of the river. She recalled her talk with Dante and seeing that scar sort of now gave her a clue as to how he got it.

"Hey Natsu, why didn't you tell me about Vergil?"

Natsu looked at Lisanna as if she just uttered the name of an unholy demon; Happy had a similar expression.

"What?" That was all he could say.

"On our job together, you told me about Dante and his father… but you didn't mention he had a brother. Why not?" She asked.

Natsu's face became extremely serious. "I didn't want to scare you." Lisanna looked in genuine surprise as Natsu continued. "Vergil… he's a real monster. Stronger than anyone I ever fought… and I couldn't beat him." He hated to admit it, but he lost badly against Vergil.

She looked at his chest. "Did he give you that scar?"

"Yeah."

Happy spoke up. "I was there, I saw him do it. Vergil is super scary… he even took down Erza and Mira! He took on Natsu, Grey, and Gajeel and wiped the floor with all three of them!"

To say Lisanna was surprised was an understatement. "He's really that strong?"

"You got no idea." Natsu told her.

"How is he… compared to… Dante?"

"Honestly, I think Vergil is actually stronger." Natsu seriously stated, surprising Lisanna.

"Aye; it took Natsu and Dante working together to bring him down, and even then he still got away." Happy added. "He took down some of Fairy Tail's strongest members… and he… almost killed Natsu." Happy recalled that memory of when Vergil slashed him and it wasn't pretty.

Lisanna slowly placed a hand over her mouth as she looked in surprise while Natsu looked down grimly, his own hand placed over his wound. This got heavy real fast, fortunately for them though, the mood was brought to an end when Lucy came out of the woods and saw them.

"Hey guys." She greeted with a smile, but the smile vanished when she saw the looks on their faces. "Uh… is something wrong?"

"Nah, just talking about stuff." Natsu said as he stood up and tried to put on a smile, trying to get Vergil out of his head. "So what's up Lucy?"

Lucy looked a bit confused before getting to the reason why she was here. "Oh well…" She took out a flyer. "I found this want ad for a job and I was wondering if you guys wanted to come with me." The mood was still pretty down. "If this is a bad time…"

"No, actually I think it's a good idea." Lisanna said, thinking it was best to think about something else. "Yeah, let's go. It could be fun!"

Happy looked a bit worried. "But are you sure it's okay for you to go, Lisanna? I mean Devil Hand is still out there."

"I wouldn't worry." Natsu said. "I mean, between you, me, and Lucy; I think Lisanna's gonna be fine."

"Plus I got my Dragon Soul now." Lisanna added with a smile. "I don't think we have anything to worry about."

Lucy smiled. "Great, so let's get going." She began to lead them out of the forest thinking that this job could be a good opportunity to connect with Lisanna. She also wanted to talk with her and get some of her feelings off her chest so they could get a good start at what she hoped would be a long and prosperous friendship.

Vergil sat in a meditative position, just outside the set of stairs that led to a large ruined door, the entrance to what would soon be the end of this world. He sat in silence for a good long time until he felt a presence.

"I know you are there." Vergil stood up and didn't even turn around. "If you are attempting to attack me, I suggest you walk away."

Ultear walked out of the shadows with a cocky smile on her face. "I must be rather rusty if the eldest son of Sparda could feel my presence."

Vergil slowly turned his head as his eyes set upon the woman. "Why are you here?"

"Oh come now, surely you can guess…"

"I know who you are." Vergil interrupted. "You are Ultear Milkovich, one of the elite among Grimore Heart and former member of the Magic Council. If I can assume, then you are here to 'check in' on my guild for your master."

"You don't miss anything, do you?" Ultear teased. "Something along those lines, yes. Though in honesty I am surprised, who would have guessed Sparda's eldest son was the founder and leader Devil Hand?"

"What is it you want?" Vergil questioned.

"All we want to know is why you haven't accepted our offer to join the Baram Alliance." Ultear responded. "You didn't even send a reply, don't you believe that's rather rude?"

"I'm not particularly interested." Vergil replied. "Devil Hand's purpose is all but upon us, joining your pact of dark guilds would be all but pointless."

"And just what might your purpose be?"

"It has nothing to do with Zeref, so there's no need to worry about that." Vergil pointed out.

Ultear's smile vanished, as she was honestly surprised. Grimore Heart's goal involving the Black Wizard was something that was kept secret from even the other guilds in the Baram Alliance. How could he have known about this?

"Does your master take me for a fool?" Vergil questioned, as if you could read her mind to understand what she was thinking. "Do you believe I am so consumed by my own quest for personal power I am ignorant to everything else around me? I make it a matter not to underestimate my enemies."

"We don't necessarily have to be enemies." Ultear said. "And to prove it to you, I would like to assist you on your venture."

"You intend to leave your guild for mine?" Vergil asked.

"No." Ultear responded. "I was given specific instructions from my master on how to proceed regarding whether or not your plans would interfere with ours; as they apparently don't, I will assist you as a notion of good will from my guild to yours."

Vergil looked towards Ultear, he was aware of her magic abilities and it could prove useful. Of course, he had a feeling that she was really here to keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't step out of line for Grimore Heart; though he was fairly certain if she turned on him he could take her.

"Very well then, you may assist me." Vergil told her. "However, as you are in my service, you will follow whatever instructions I lay. I needn't remind you of the consequences should you cross me."

Ultear smiled, as she appeared to bow. "Oh I promise to be a most humble guest."

Vergil turned around and motioned for the dark wizard to follow him, which she did with a sinister smile on her face.

It was mid-afternoon as the day was entering the point where the sun was slowly coming down and the sky was turning something a mix between day-time-blue and orange. The Fairy Tail guildhall was rather quiet and peaceful; which was exactly what Lady needed.

The attractive Devil Hunter was sitting on the roof of the building with her legs dangling over the edge as she looked off toward the horizon as she tried to collect her mind. She was able to distract herself with the job she recently took to escort Angel with everyone else; but now that was done, there was no getting her mind off… him. Was he here in Magnolia? Is he responsible for Devil Hand? She wouldn't put it past him. There were so many mixed emotions when it came to him; anger, fear, sadness, he was the cause of many of those in her life. If he were here, what would Fairy Tail do? What would they think of her if they found out the connection? Sure they accepted Dante, but what about her? She looked toward her right leg where her Fairy Tail guild emblem was placed on it; she never thought of it till now, but she was scared; Fairy Tail is supposed to be one big family, and if he really was here, would he try to take them away like he did with her mother?

"Hey!"

She turned around in surprise to see Dante walking up to her.

"Uh… Dante!"

"That's my name." He joked a bit.

She sighed. "What are you doing up here?"

"I saw you on the roof alone so I'd thought keep you company." Dante went up next to her as she pulled her legs back slightly. He sat down next to her and looked toward the horizon. "Nice view."

"Yeah."

He looked down. "That be one nasty drop."

"Heights don't scare me." Lady replied.

Dante looked at her with a serious face. "But I know something that does, or actually someone." She didn't say anything as she looked towards him. "You think he's here?"

"I hope not." She said honestly.

"I wouldn't be so quick to say that he's not part of Devil Hand." Dante said. "Think you should tell everyone else?"

"How can I?" Lady uttered. "If they knew… I… I don't know what they'd think?"

"You'd think they'd kick you out?" Dante questioned. "One of their members totaled their last guildhall and he's rocking around like a rock-star. They're not gonna judge you just because of your old man. You got every reason to hate him."

"I know… but…" Lady didn't continue as she just hugged her own legs even tighter.

Dante knew she wasn't much to talk about her past, especially when it came to him. But if he really was part of this, it would be best if Fairy Tail knew; and it also be best that Lady tell them, because if Dante did she would probably shoot him.

"You know, if he is involved in all this crap, you really should at least tell Gramps."

Lady sighed. "I know your right but… not right now." She stood up and rubbed her face. "I need to clear my head, I'll talk to him later tonight. For now, I think I just need a walk to sort some things out."

"You want some company?" Dante offered.

She looked toward him with an honest smile. "Yeah, I'd like that."

He smirked as he suddenly picked her up bridal style, much to her shock. "Hey what the hell are you…!?" He then jumped off the roof and fell straight to the ground, landing on his feet before standing up right as Lady punched him in the face.

"Warn me next time you do that!"

He smirked. "I thought heights didn't scare you."

She grumbled as her cheeks turned a small shade of pink. "Whatever, you know you can put me down now."

He set her down before she stretched a bit and the two began their walk through Magnolia.

Vergil walked through the cavern alongside his 'guest' where he came to an open chamber where the rest of his guild was waiting; particularly Arkham and the Seven Sins.

"Well look who's here?" Mammon waved. "Nice to see ya boss."

"Ahem!" Iblis glared at him as he rolled his eyes.

"Sorry, I mean Master Vergil." He then spotted Ultear and grinned. "Well who's this little hottie?"

The remainder of the Seven Sins looked in honest surprise, with the exception of Belphegor who was bored as usual, as well as Arkham who raised an eyebrow. Ultear saw the members of Vergil's elite and looked with interest; though when her eyes set upon Leviatha and Beelzebub she looked in honest surprise.

"Children?" She did not see that coming. But then again, it reminded her of a pink-haired girl around their same age in her own guild, so it wasn't impossible, but still. Her eyes then set upon Arkham as he looked at her. One look from his eyes was enough to send a chill down her spine, which surprised her. It was rare to give her the willies; but something about this man reminded her of Hades.

"This is Ultear, an agent of Grimore Heart." Vergil introduced. "She will be our guest for this place and time."

"Grimore Heart?" Iblis questioned. "That's a surprise. Didn't expect you guys to take notice so soon."

"Nothing can escape our eyes, I promise you." Ultear said.

"So your guild gonna pick a fight with us?" Satan asked. "I hope so, I've been so bored I'm itching to kill someone!"

"When are you not?" Leviatha questioned sarcastically.

Ultear regained her smile. "As entertaining as it would be to face you all, I'm only here to observe and assist if need be."

"Well I wouldn't mind observing you sweetie." Mammon said with a smirk as he gazed at her long slender legs as well as her assets.

"Why her though?" Asmodeua questioned. "Wouldn't you prefer a real woman?" She took a seductive pose before looking at Ultear. "Though I wouldn't mind adding her to my little… collection." She licked her lips.

"Keep each of your thoughts to yourself!" Iblis barked at her subordinates. "Master Vergil, are you certain this is wise, allowing her here?"

"Should she betray us, I'll be the first she answers." Vergil said. "Besides, she may have some use to us."

Most of the Seven Sins seemed all right with this, they all knew better than to question Vergil. A few of them had heard of Ultear and her achievements as one of Grimore Heart's strongest members, but even then Vergil outmatched her. Arkham looked with interest, this was not foreseen, but no matter; as Vergil said, she could be useful toward his own goal.

"Now then, shall we begin?" Arkham gained everyone's attention.

"Finally, something to ease my boredom." Belphegor said in a dull tone. "So what's next on our list."

"We have remained in the dark long enough." Vergil said. "Now is the time we rise."

This caught everyone's interest as Iblis, Satan, Asmodeua, and Mammon looked particularly excited. "Alright! I've been waiting for this!" Mammon delighted.

"You and me both! I can't wait to spill some blood!" Satan clenched his fists in anticipation.

"So, what shall we do, dearest master?" Asmodeua lulled.

"We shall divide and conquer." Vergil began. "Iblis, you will take Mammon and Beelzebub to the prison where Angel of the Oracion Seis is being held and you will bring her here."

"As you wish, mighty Master Vergil." Iblis bowed with a prideful smile on her face.

"Leviatha, Satan, Asmodeua, and Belphegor; the four of you will wait outside these caverns for Arkham who will deliver what we need." The eldest son of Sparda instructed.

The four dark wizards looked towards Arkham as he nodded towards Vergil.

"I myself will bring the last piece we need." Vergil said. "Ultear, you will come with me. But you will only observe, nothing more."

"I understand." Ultear nodded.

"Now then, go forth Seven Sins of Devil Hand!" Arkham exclaimed. "The Era of Darkness begins now!"

The tower that served as the single prison for Angel didn't appear to be all that guarded; at least not from the outside. Inside, there were several dozen Rune Knights throughout the entire facility; with a group of at least six just inside of the main gate. It was ordered by Lahar that Angel would remain in this prison until Devil Hand was dealt with and that Angel was no longer an open target. The six of them stood guard in front of the entrance ever vigilant.

However, they were quickly taken by surprise when a stream of dark purple, almost black, energy blew off the top of the gate. It wasn't long before the gate fell as the Rune Knights stood back in time to see the forms of Iblis, Mammon, and Beelzebub walking into the prison.

"Yo sorry about the door! Not!" Mammon mocked.

"Good afternoon gentlemen." Iblis greeted as the Rune Knights stood their ground and pointed their spears at the trio who were not intimidated in the least.

"It is come to our understanding that you posses something of ours, a fallen angel who has lost our way." Iblis continued. "We'd be more than happy to help relieve you of this burden."

"You're with Devil Hand!" One Rune Knight exclaimed.

"No shit buddy." Mammon mocked again. "Like our Pentagram symbols weren't a dead-give-away."

"I understand that you gentlemen are only following orders so I have a proposition for you." Iblis offered. "We will be taking Angel so you and all your men have two choices. You can all leave here and live, or you can stay…" She had a sinister gleam in her eyes. "And all die."

The Rune Knights didn't deter. "We don't negotiate with Dark Wizards!"

Iblis sighed. "Suit yourself. Beelzebub?"

The young boy walked up. The Rune Knights were somewhat surprised at how young this boy was but still stood firm as he slowly walked toward them and stopped.

"You really should have left." Beelzebub said in an emotionless voice. "I can't keep the hunger contained… he's hungry… and he wants out." He closed his eyes and opened them to reveal they were pale black.

A cold whirlwind circled Beelzebub. The temperature in the room dropped almost completely as a black and grey magic circle appeared under his feet and his body began to glow pale white.

"Take Over: Wendigo Soul!"

There was a bright flash of light; forcing the Rune Knights to cover their eyes. When the flash subsided, they could only look in horror at what stood in the boy's place.

The creature was at least twelve feet tall. His entire body appeared to be completely covered in black leaves and bushels with grey ribs along the outside of his chest and long black sticks dangling off his back. He had long black slender arms that appeared to be simply furry skin and bone with razor sharp claws. His most unsettling feature was his face; which appeared to be a white goat skull with long curving horns.

"Yeah you guys should have left when you had the chance." Mammon told them as the monster roared and lunged at them with razor sharp teeth.

Fairy Tail Guildhall.

Things seemed to be pretty normal around Fairy Tail as all the wizards were going about their normal business; Gajeel hung on the upper levels and chatted with Panther-Lilly along with the Thunder Legion; Trish sat with Modeus, Wendy, and Carla at one table; while Erza and Grey sat another talking.

"I don't know about you, but I think we should make Lisanna part of our team." Grey told Erza.

The scarlet-haired woman smiled. "Agreed, she's already close with Natsu and it seems Lucy is starting to get along with her as well. Plus I'm sure Natsu would like that idea." She hinted, causing Grey to chuckle a bit.

They didn't notice Juvia comically hiding behind a nearby pillar. "I should join their team as well. That way I can always be with you my love!"

Grey stopped laughing as he looked to Erza and saw her attention was diverted toward the entrance; he looked in her direction and saw what she was seeing.

Someone had walked into Fairy Tail. He clearly wasn't a member and his appearance was a little unsettling to say the least. Pretty much all conversation in the guild hall came to an end as everyone set their eyes on the man who was slowly walking into the guildhall, with the only sound in the building being his footsteps.

Arkham wasn't looking at any of them, yet neither person could take their eyes off him. They clearly hadn't seen him before, and yet there was something about him that was very uncomfortable. Some looked a bit scared, others looked with serious expressions as they had a feeling he wasn't here for a social visit.

He walked toward the bar where Mirajane was looking at him with uncertainty in her eyes. He slowly traced his fingers along the countertop as his eyes set upon her. One look from his eyes was enough for her to back up slightly.

"Um… can I help you?"

"I am looking for Sparda's youngest son. Is he here?"

Outside; the sun was almost beginning to set as Dante and Lady were on their way back to the guildhall.

"Feel better?" Dante asked.

"Yeah, a little bit." Lady answered honestly.

He nodded. "So, how do you feel about… telling everyone?"

Lady sighed. "I still don't like it." Dante looked a bit disappointed before Lady continued. "But best to rip the bandage off now and get it over with; don't want to repeat the same mess with Vergil."

Dante nodded, as that was probably a good idea. His eyes set on the entrance to the guildhall, but he stopped when he saw who was in there. Lady saw him stop and looked a bit confused.

"Uh… I think it's a bit too late right now actually." He said.

Lady looked to the entrance and her pupils shrank and her heart had skipped a beat. He was there! Arkham was inside Fairy Tail!

"Wha… what do you want with Dante?" Mira asked.

"I have a message for him." Arkham answered. However, before anyone in the guildhall had dared to move; a red flash had appeared above Arkham before it landed right behind him to reveal Dante pointing his Ebony pistol at the back of his head. Lady had also suddenly appeared with her bladed-rocket-launcher pointed right at him as well.

Now everyone in Fairy Tail was on his or her feet. If Dante had a gun trained on him, then this guy was bad news.

"Dante! What's going on!?" Grey questioned. "Do you know this guy?!"

"Oh yeah." Dante said with a scowl. "Miss me Arkham?"

Arkham's eyes set upon Dante before slowly looking down toward his amulet that he always wore. He then slowly turned to the woman pointing a rocket launcher at him.

"Mary, you've grown stronger, haven't you?"

"Go to hell!" Lady cursed.

Now everyone was really surprised; not just at Lady's comment, but at how this man addressed her.

"Mary?" Erza questioned with a raised eyebrow.

Wendy's eyes widened. "Her Edolas counterpart's name, but why would…?"

She then remembered something Dante said early on in their Edolas journey. How he said Mary was Lady's birth name but she had it changed.

"Let's just say she has issues with her father and leave it at that"

"Her father?" Wendy thought.

"You point a gun at me, Mary?" Arkham asked her. "Your own kin? Your dear papa?"

"The only family I ever had was my mother and she's dead!"

"You break my heart." Arkham said, without even moving. "After all, it was I who gave you your name… my darling daughter!"

That took everyone in the Guildhall by shock. This man was her father?! And she was pointing a bazooka at him?! From the look on Dante's face as well, it was clear that this guy was certainly no friend.

"What the hell do you want Arkham?!" Dante demanded, ready to blast his brains out.

"I have come bearing a message for you Dante, from your brother." While everyone in the building had looked with even further surprise at that word, Dante could only scowl. "He sends this invitation." He slowly raised an open hand. "Please accept it."

The second his hand was fully raised he snapped his fingers.

*CRASH!*

The whole roof had broken through. Everyone looked up in complete and utter shock as at least two dozen Hell Vanguards fell from the hole in the ceiling and toward the ground.

Before the entire guild could erupt in chaos; Arkham had in one fluid motion delivered a palm strike to Dante to send him flying through some of his unfortunate comrades, while also sweeping Lady off her feet with his legs. While she was airborne he quickly grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder before leaping over the bar and grabbing Mira by the wrist with his free hand.

Dante quickly recovered and pointed Ebony to where Arkham had stood only to find he had vanished along with both Lady and Mira.

"Damn it!"

He barley had enough time to turn around and block a scythe-strike form a Hell-Vanguard with Rebellion was all of Fairy Tail was swept up in chaos.

Arkham had appeared in an empty, rocky, field with both Lady and Mira, as the black haired young woman kicked herself off him and landed in between Mira and her father as she pointed both her pistols at him, only to find he had completely vanished. She looked around frantically but wasn't able to spot him.

"Lady…" Mira stuttered as the aforementioned woman looked down toward her. "Was that… really… your father?"

It was a silent few seconds before Lady responded. "The man I once called my father is dead. That was a monster wearing his skin!"

"Such contempt, Mary." He suddenly appeared in front of her. She immediately opened fire on him, but he swiftly and inhumanely dodged all her bullets before quickly coming up and grabbing her wrists; twisting them to force her to drop her guns before pulling her close.

"You have your mother's spirit."

"Shut up you bastard!" Lady shouted at him, but before either could move, Mira quickly came up and pulled Arkham away by the shoulder before standing protectively in front of Lady and glaring at the evil man.

"I don't know what is going on, or what you intend to do, but if you try to lay so much as a finger on Lady, you'll have to go through me. And I promise, it will not be a pleasant experience for you." She warned.

Lady looked toward Mira in surprise. She had just learned this man was her own father and yet she was willing to stand up to him to protect her? She smiled inwardly; she really was lucky to be part of this guild.

Arkham merely smiled. "I hold no illusion I could ever best the mighty She-Devil in combat."

"That's why he brought us!"

Both women turned toward a large mound of rocks in surprise to see Satan, Leviatha, Asmodeua, and Belphegor all looking down upon them.

Satan punched his fist into his palm. "So ladies, who's ready to get hurt?" He cracked his knuckles.

Natsu, Lucy, Lisanna, and Happy rode a train to where their supposed job would be. And as one would expect, Natsu looked ready to puke his guts out.

"Maybe we should have asked Wendy to come along." Lisanna laughed nervously.

"Or we could have just walked there." Lucy joked as they both laughed.

Happy meanwhile did his best to try and help Natsu. "Come on buddy, just close your eyes. I heard that always helps. The world won't spin if you can't see it."

Natsu's cheeks bulged as he tried to close his eyes. "I don't think its working."

Both girls giggled slightly before they began to talk. "You know, its kind of funny." Lisanna said.

"What is?" Lucy asked.

"When I arrived in Edolas, pretty much everyone I met there seemed like a backwards version of the people I already knew." Lisanna explained. "Except for you, well the Edolas Lucy. She was the only Lucy I met; same for Wendy, Juvia, Gajeel, Eva, and Mary, or Lady; so when coming home and meeting all the people I knew and getting to know you for the first time, I can't help but feel a bit of déjà vu, like I'm getting to know the reverse versions of the people I knew there."

Lucy thought for a moment before she smiled. "Yeah, well when you put it like that, it does feel a little weird."

"I was pretty good friends with the Lucy back in Edolas and I'm hoping we can be friends to." Lisanna said. She gently took a hold of Lucy's hand.

Lucy smiled before it faded slightly. "Hey, listen about… before when it felt like I was giving you the cold shoulder…. I'm sorry."

Lisanna looked at her in confusion. "Was it something I said?"

"No, no it wasn't you. It was me." Lucy replied. "Listen, I want to talk to you about something. I'm sorry if it feels like I'm unloading on you but…"

Before the conversation could even begin; the train suddenly came to a screeching halt as it appeared a horizontal flash slashed through the front end of their car. The train stopped suddenly as everyone fell over and toppled onto each other.

They groaned a bit, before Natsu slowly got up with his senses beginning to clear up. "Hey, we stopped moving. Are we there?"

Both girls and Happy got up and groaned. "I don't think so." Lucy held her head.

"What was that?" Lisanna wondered.

Happy looked towards the front where his eyes bulged out. "WHOA! THE WHOLE CAR HAS BEEN SLICED OPEN!"

All three of them looked up in shock to see a gapping hole leading outside where they could see the rest of the train continuing along the tracks, leaving the severed car behind.

The group ran outside to see that the train car had appeared to be completely cut in half vertically.

"What the heck?!" Natsu questioned.

Lucy got a good look at as she felt her hand down the metal. "It's a clean cut. No ridges, nothing. Sliced through the whole train car like butter!"

"What can do that?" Lisanna wondered. "Natsu do you…" She looked in surprise to see his face had become pale, as if he had seen something terrifying.

"Natsu?" Happy wondered.

"That scent…" Natsu uttered as sweat came down his face. "It's… it's him…"

They soon heard footsteps above them, from what was left of the train car. They all looked upward to see the silhouette of a man standing at the edge of the severed train car, his back to the setting red sun as his shadow loomed over them. His blue robe flowing in the wind, his white hair straight up, with a katana in his hand. Though Lisanna looked in surprise; both Lucy and Happy recognized him immediately and could only look in absolute fear.

"Oh no…" Happy whimpered in terror.

Lucy almost fell down as she shook, her eyes couldn't believe it. "Vergil."

"Hello Fairy Tail." The eldest son of Sparda greeted with his cold eyes. "Did you miss me?"

Done.

I know this chapter seems somewhat short, but already a lot has happened.

We got our first glimpse at Hades in this series as he has sent Ultear to keep an eye on Devil Hand, who has now begun to make their move. Iblis, Mammon, and Beelzebub have gone to capture Angel. Fairy Tail has finally met Arkham face-to-face as he has grabbed both Angel and Mira and brought them before four of the Seven Sins; Satan, Asmodeua, Leviatha, and Belphegor. And of course, Natsu, Happy, Lucy, and Lisanna have now met Vergil.

Things are about to kick up in the next chapter as the guild war between Fairy Tail and Devil Hand begins. Chaos will reign and blood will be spilt! Lets kick off the New Year with a bang baby! See you soon!