The Fairy Contender

by Insane Dominator

One day, Nic Pularis is drawn into a sub-dimension, where he encounters Legendary Pokemon. He is entrusted with Plates by Arceus, and send to the land of Fiore, where he encounters Natsu, Lucy, Gray, and Erza. He must go through multiple perilous journeys with his Pokemon and Fairy Tail, and triumph and endure hardships to master all eighteen Plates and save the universe. OCxErza.

28. Light within Darkness - Part II

Chapter 28 – Light within Darkness – Part II

Hey guys, I was intending to end the Arc at this chapter, but due to the exceeding length of it, it'll have to go for another chapter. I'll have to rethink as to how many chapters will be put in the Edolas Arc, hopefully no more than six or seven.

Pace wise, I feel as though I am slow, and I'm not sure as to how I can speed up with all of the vitality this Arc covers, so I ask you bear with me on this one just like I said before.

GoldenCyclone4: I just got anxiety because there was so much to cram in, expectations, satisfaction, etc. All of that combined was starting to get to me, so I cut off the chapter a little over 15 or 16K.

On with the show!

To Recap:

Erza finally confronts Jellal, but he lost his memories and he tries to destroy Nirvana along with himself. Erza pleads for him to live and atone for his sins. Brain disarms the spell and he takes control of Nirvana, revealed to be a huge city that has six legs. Everyone boards it and Nic senses yet another Plate and leaves Natsu and Happy to team up with Arbok and Staraptor, and with their combined efforts, Cobra and Cubellios were defeated.

---

Chapter 28 – Light within Darkness – Part II

"He was a tough one." Staraptor said. "At least he's over with."

Just then, they heard footsteps coming. Natsu was still pale and sick as Brain walked up to them, staring at them. Immediately, Staraptor spread her wings and Arbok bared his fangs, ready for yet another tough brawl. Nic didn't train them to be slackers after all.

Brain had one of the lines on his face fade away, which signified Cobra's defeat. He stared at the unconscious Dragon Slayer and his pet snake and looked back at Natsu and Nic's pokémon.

"How pathetic, Cobra being struck down." Brain scolded. "To think he was bested by another Dragon Slayer. And also two creatures that seem to follow Luminous' lead." He stared coldly at them and grinned. "This is quite a predicament. Three of the Oracion Seis has been defeated, yet we still have Nirvana."

"Humph. For ssssomeone named Brain, you're assss dull asss that guy lying on the ground." Arbok mocked, referring to Natsu.

"Are you ready to go another round Arbok?" Staraptor asked, clenching the ground with her talons. Arbok hissed in agreement, despite the damage and scratches he's accumulated.

Brain chuckled. "With Nirvana, I can easily make the weak follow me. I can even make you all follow me; after all, your power is beyond exceptional."

"Friends don't come from power! They come from hardships and trust!" Staraptor scowled.

Arbok hissed. "I am loyal to Nic-sssssama. If I follow you, I will kill you merccccilessssly." Arbok threatened.

"I doubt that. I doubt that very much." Brain said with a dark look on his face. "Your power shall make Nirvana all the more threatening."

Arbok and Staraptor tensed up, ready to fight, but then a voice spoke up from behind Brain. "If you were as so much as lay a finger on my Pokémon, I swear you'll lose that entire arm of yours." The voice threatened. Arbok and Staraptor turned to see that Nic and the others have arrive, much to their joy.

Brain turned around. "Oh? What's this?" He looked to see Nic in his Insect Plate Form still, Sophie, Lucy, Gray, and Jura all there and ready for action.

"Natsu!" Lucy exclaimed, seeing him motion sick. He turned and groaned, seeing that his eyes were deprived of pupils.

Sophie face palmed. "Oh right, motion sickness."

Arbok hissed and Staraptor scowled at Brain from behind, making him turn towards them and he turned back towards the others. He remained confident. "Seems as though you have me cornered." He said calmly.

"Please guys, help." Happy called out, looking up at the sky and unable to move.

"Are you okay?!" Lucy exclaimed.

"Sir Cat is still alive." Jura said.

Staraptor turned towards Arbok, and both turned towards Nic. Nic saw that Natsu and Happy were stuck and unable to move. "Staraptor! Arbok! Bring Natsu and Happy over here!"

"Asssss you wish." Arbok obediently said without the slightest hesitation. He grabbed Happy and he slithered over in the blink of an eye, surprising Brain and everyone else.

"Consider it done!" Staraptor flapped and picked up a motion sick Natsu, who seemed to have felt slightly better, but not much. Staraptor flew back with incredible speed as well, surprising everyone there again. In no time, they were back by Nic's side and had Lucy hold Happy while Natsu was set back on Nirvana, much to his discomfort.

"My, what incredible speed." Brain remarked. "If they are that fast then they must have no trouble taking down their prey."

Nic leered harshly at Brain, gritting his teeth. "Don't ever talk about my Pokémon being the bad guys." He turned back towards his Staraptor and Arbok. "Are you two okay?"

Staraptor nodded. "Yeah, it was tough but we managed."

Arbok hissed. "Nic-sssama. I have defeated Cubelliossssss."

Everyone looked and saw that Cobra and Cubellios were behind Brain and laid in defeat.

"Whoa! It's true!" Lucy exclaimed.

"That snake charmer and his pet looked like toast!" Gray exclaimed.

Nic turned back with satisfaction. "Even if you didn't Arbok, I'm still grateful you did your absolute best. You too Staraptor." Nic then pulled out their poke balls. "You guys earned a nice rest, return." Just like that, Arbok and Staraptor returned back into their poke balls with satisfaction of helping taking down a member of the Oracion Seis.

Brain just glared at the Allied Forces that were in front of him and he walked a few paces forward. "The Oracion seis has been chopped in half, meaning half of us have been defeated. I was about to have that buffoon and those pets join my side, but it seems that since they're with you insects then you must go down first."

Sophie stepped forward. "If you want Natsu, then you'll have to go through us first. Natsu's heart will never cross over to the dark side."

Brain grinned. "I will make it so that even you will be forced to obey me."

Natsu gurgled on the ground. "Guys…stop…him…and stop…this thing…" He then feel sick and paled.

Gray frowned. "Oh, we're gonna stop it alright, but not just for your sake."

"Yeah." Lucy said.

Brain was then engulfed in an evil green aura, signifying his Magic power. "Is that so? You'll stop Nirvana? Try your best, but don't waste time as we are quickly approaching our first target." Everyone's eyes narrowed at Brain giving his target. "The Cait Shelter Guild Hall."

Everyone went wide-eyed at his answer. "That's the guild Wendy and Carla belong to." Happy stated exhaustingly. "Why them?" Brain just grinned and chuckled.

"What is your objective?" Jura asked in a demanding tone. "What do you hope to gain from their demise?"

"The world on its head." Brain answered. "In a mere flash, this guild shall be consumed in darkness. The glorious future. What splendid horrors await us!" He smirked with such satisfaction about the potential future.

"Never! We won't let that happen!" Sophie protested.

Gray stepped forward. "You're not going to get away with this scumbag…" Just then, he felt such an immense amount of Magic, and I mean massive. Gray stiffened as he felt Jura's anger behind him.

"You still haven't told me!" Jura said, making Gray slowly turn his head and see a scary and intimidating look on Jura's face. "What do you hope to gain?!"

Gray found his breathing to be harsh, as he was actually feeling even more anxiety. He and everyone else there then heard Brain let loose a chuckle that soon exploded into a maniacal laughter.

"I DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER TO YOU! I OWN LIGHT AND DARKNESS ITSELF! KNEEL BEFORE ME AND ASK FOR ONE THING ONLY…FOR MERCY!" Brain then had that dark look on his crazy face as he laughed out to the sky.

Nic's eyes narrowed and his gaze turned sharp. People like him have misguided minds that like to twist the lives of others and make them suffer. Nic will never tolerate such behavior.

"What a bothersome fool." Jura said, stepping forward ahead of everyone else.

"Jura?" Sophie wondered.

"This fool is far too delusional to hold a conversation." Jura was then engulfed in his Magical aura again, this time feeing more potent.

Brain ceased his momentary laughter and pointed his skull at them. "Did you hear me?! I asked you to kneel-!"

It came in a furious blur. Nobody saw it coming nor going. Even Brain was extremely shocked what happened in those next three seconds. Within that time span, in a great mad dash that left even Jura baffled, Nic struck Brain right in the chest over his Oracion Seis mark with a Megahorn, which was an attack where Nic grew a large ramming horn made of green energy and drove it into Brain, making him gag at the severity and sudden impulse. Brain flew into earth, sending a vast amount of dust and wind flying about uncontrollably.

The ground was shaking as Natsu and everyone else gaped their mouths comically in surprise and astonishment. Jura himself was surprised that Nic was faster than he had expected when driven to a certain point. Jura was slightly wide-eyed at the fact Nic landed a brutal move before he did.

As the dust subsided, Nic was vibrating his wings in the air and glaring harshly with his sharp glare piercing through his multi-cell visuals. Brain was in a heap of rubble and was shaking from not just the surprise, but he was nearly wounded on his abdomen.

"His power and speed. It's…it's incredible." Brain remarked.

Nic stared coldly still. "You didn't answer his question." He said in a firm tone.

Jura composed himself yet again and he frowned in seriousness. "He's right. Stand! Once you've explained your intentions on the Cait Shelter Guild, then we'll let you rest!" He said.

Brain just looked on in utter surprise as two cold stares bared down on him. Jura and Nic both were glaring for an answer while Brain was remaining still in utter surprise.

"Whoa, baldy and Nic aren't messing around." Gray said.

"Nope, they're dead serious alright." Lucy added.

Happy looked on as he was still exhausted. "Iron Rock Jura is one of the Ten Wizard Saints, just like Master Makarov."

Sophie blinked and narrowed her eyes. "Iron Rock Jura and Luminous Nic going against the leader of the Oracion Seis? The thought gives me goosebumps. We may need to stand back guys, this could get ugly."

Brain finally composed and grinned. "My, how interesting. You've caught me off guard Luminous. I admit I'm a bit surprised, but it seems that attack seemed too strong of a start, meaning it was an impulsive action, though I commend you for being able to catch me off guard." Brain got to his feet and looked on.

Nic frowned at this fact. It was an impulsive action somewhat. Megahorn is the strongest Bug-Type move, so he had to be alert as Brain deduced this factor.

"I know there are numerous guilds closer than Cait Shelter." Jura said with a threatening expression on his face, his eyes sharpening. "To go so far out of your way, it defies a specific intention."

Brain grinned as he then held up his staff. As dark green energy began surging in his staff. Nic quickly flew back to Jura's side as Brain was initiating his assault.

"Before we get there, I'll kill you all! Dark Rondo!" A dark green beam of energy then launched at them and was coming in fast. The intense Magic blast of energy went zooming in and Nic looked over at Jura, who wasn't moving. He assumed that Jura had a plan to act.

At the last second before impact, Jura had three stone pillars emerge from underground and crisscross to intercept, protecting him and Nic from Dark Rondo. "Iron Rock Wall!" The Dark Rondo had failed to pierce as the rocks in front were left without even a scratch.

"Whoa." Gray awed.

"That move was awesome." Lucy stated.

"You can say that again." Sophie said.

"That move was awesome." Lucy stated once again.

"Sir Nic." Jura signaled as the Dark Rondo was finishing. Nic's wings vibrated and he zoomed straight up and over the wall, so as to get a clear shot at Brain.

"Pin Missile!' Nic brought his arms and hands forward, unleashing white orbs with green streams of light at high speed at Brain, who didn't seem to notice until last moment. Brain ceased his attack and he jumped backwards to avoid the missiles, watching them burst and send rock flying upon missing. Brain then glared at Nic as the light of Fairy Tail remained positioned in the air.

"Jura and I demand an answer. If you won't tell us, then we'll have to force you! Signal Beam!" Nic put his two hands together and unleashed a streaky pink beam with multiple blue shapes at the misguided man.

Brain readied an interception. "Why would I tell an insect like you? Dark Rondo!" The attack fired yet again and then Signal Beam and Dark Rondo collided in midair. The two forceful attacks were pushing with all of their might. Nic and Brain were both intercepting until the attacks finally cancelled out, making an explosion that rippled a small shockwave about, making the ground shake slightly.

"You're attacks are pointless." Jura said, jumping on top of his Iron Rock Wall, right next to Nic. "Answer us or we shall do this Sir Nic's way!"

Brain merely grinned. "Oh really?" Suddenly, Brain vanished, reappearing several meters behind Jura's wall. The speed was rather quick, surprising everyone watching.

"Behind you, watch out!" Sophie warned. Jura and Nic both turned around as Brain initiated yet another attack.

"Dark Capriccio!" Brain then launched a green beam laced with a fire spiral at it. Jura used his skills and he moved his arm around and the Iron Rock Wall behind them bended around and came in front of them, shielding them from the attack. The Dark Capriccio kept on driving its way, still hitting the rock and everyone watched. "Your defense is pointless. The Dark Capriccio pierces through everything it hits! Your rock will be crushed like paper!"

Sure enough, Nic and Jura evaded and got out of the way as the Dark Capriccio started to crack the rock and ultimately broke through, crumbling the rock like it was nothing. Jura landed on the ground while Nic was still in the air.

"Attack Order!" Nic's sunglasses/multi-cell lenses then glowed up, giving it a bright red color. Just then, a multitude of Combees made of green energy were created and unleashed a multitude of multicolored beams at Brain in all directions, leaving him unable to defend from so many directions. He grunted as he was blasted in all directions at once. There was smoke and when it subsided he was shown to be okay and the makeshift Combees vanished.

"You'll pay boy! Dark Capriccio!"

"Signal Beam!"

The two attacks then collided, just like with Dark Rondo, only this time Dark Capriccio was much stronger than the previous attack and then Signal Beam was giving out, making Nic grunt.

"I got this. Iron Rock Wall!" As Signal Beam finally gave in, Jura summoned forth three huge slabs of rock in front of Nic and himself. The Dark Capriccio smashed into the Iron Rock Wall, slowly breaking through towards them.

"You're just avoiding the inevitable! No matter how many walls you put up, my attack shall reach you!" Brain shouted.

"Don't bet on it!" Nic then dashed forward and he then got to his knees and awaited as Dark Capriccio finally broke through. Then he fired yet another Signal Beam, he aimed low just below the Dark Capriccio, deflecting it upwards and making it miss.

"WHOA!" Sophie, Lucy, and Gray exclaimed in unison.

Brain grunted, not seeing this attack coming. "Another evasion. This will hit you head on!" He conjured up even more Magic energy in his staff. "Dark Capriccio Scream!" A much stronger and faster version of Dark Capriccio went driving towards Nic and Jura.

Jura initiated his defense yet again. "Iron Rock Wall!" Jura then created even more of the same attack; this time, there were ten Iron Rock Walls lined up for ultimate defense. The Dark Capriccio Scream was easily crashing through the rocks, breaking them with ease.

"Jura, watch out!" Lucy exclaimed.

Brain grinned as his attack finally blasted through the last Iron Rock Wall, he was sure to hit Jura this…wait, where was-?

"X-Scissor!" Nic erupted from Brain's left and his hands glowed light blue. He put his hands together and a light blue 'X'-shaped energy appeared with magenta outlining. He then slammed into Brain's left, making Brain's attack lose its trajectory and missed Jura, curving towards his left.

'Luminous! He attacked me while my attention was on that Wizard Saint!' Brain thought as he was stumbling backwards and Nic leaped away and looked back at Jura. Nic nodded at the Wizard Saint, to which Jura knew he meant this was their chance to finish. Jura nodded back and he put two fingers behind his extended left hand. Just then, rocks glowed and rushed at Brain. The rocks quickly enclosed him in what formed a huge mass.

Everyone observing was beyond baffled that Nic and Jura's team-up was extraordinary. "They…they trapped Brain under all of that rock!" Lucy exclaimed.

Jura then brought his hands together and a yellow rippling wave of light engulfed the ground. "Supreme King Rock Crush!" The rocks then crushed completely, with Brain taking the entire attack. Brain yelled as he felt the full force and he was soaring in midair.

Everyone's mouths gaped in utter shock at the strength of the attack. Gray looked at the display. 'Now I see why Lyon respects him so much.'

Brain was deprived of pupils as he fell on his back on the ground. "They did it! Nic and Jura defeated the leader of the Oracion Seis!" Gray exclaimed.

"We won!" Sophie exclaimed with joy.

As Brain laid on the ground, his pupils returning, everyone stepped towards him and surrounded him. Nic glared at Brain as he reverted back into himself. Jura walked up with his serious face. "Now, answer me. Why is it that you are targeting Cait Shelter?" Jura said one more time.

Natsu was still on the ground and had a hand over his mouth. "S-Stop this thing, like right now!" He pleaded in a muffle.

"You've lost, so you better answer us while you still can." Nic argued over Brain struggling. Brain just looked up at the sky as he was unable to move.

"N-no. I never imagined I would fall like this…losing a battle against a light guild." Brain said, talking out loud and ignoring everyone else. "Hear my words Midnight, don't lose…that is my Prayer…don't let the Six Prayers disappear." Everyone there listened closely at Brain's words, processing what he was saying. Nic especially paid attention. "You're our last hope…of keeping him at ease…" Brain then fell unconscious, and the last line on his right cheek vanished.

With Brain now out of commission, this left everyone to ponder. Jura stood affirm, processing the last part. "Keeping who at ease?"

Nic blinked with narrowed eyes as he then put his sunglasses on his V-neck. He was left bewildered by this as well. Just who was Brain talking about? "I'm not sure, but whoever it is, he seems to even intimidate Brain."

Gray crossed his arms. "Hold on, is it my imagination, or one of those black lines on his face vanish?"

Lucy tried to wave it off so as not to panic. "Gray, I think you're trying to scare me."

Sophie herself was no fool. She knew what Gray talked about. "No, I saw it too. And from my memory, didn't he originally have six lines?"

Nic looked down as his memory from the beginning arose as well. "Yeah, you're right. And if you put it together, that leaves two lines, meaning Midnight and Richard, but Richard's on our side but even so, with every member falling those lines disappear. Just what could this mean?"

Before any questions could be given or answered, they heard a shout from close by and saw Wendy and Carla running towards them. "Hey, guys!" Wendy called out.

"It's Wendy!" Lucy said.

"Just as I thought, only those hooligans can cause such damage." Carla stated as she was right by Wendy's side.

Happy saw Carla and felt more than satisfied to know she's okay. "Carla!"

Wendy ran up to the guys and looked very worried. "We got bad news guys! I think this thing is heading for my guild for some reason!"

Gray crossed his arms. "Don't worry, everything's gonna be fine." He stated nonchalant-like. He then gestured down towards the defeated Brain, to which Wendy and Carla took notice. Wendy gasped at seeing the leader of the Oracion Seis lying in defeat. Gray then looked over his shoulder at the defeated Cobra and Cubellios. "That snake charmer scumbag is down for the count as well."

Wendy smiled, seeing how two Oracion Seis members were down before her eyes and it was done by the people in front of her. "Wow."

Sophie smiled in the relieving situation. "From what we know, Brain was also controlling this thing and that means Nirvana should be still soon."

Carla wasn't necessarily satisfied with this outlook. "It doesn't sit well with me. He may be down, but did you ever find out his reason for targeting our guild?" She said sternly.

Gray shrugged the matter off. "No, I guess it's what bad guys do."

Nic also wanted to find out the reason, but even he was left unsatisfied. Aside from Cait Shelter being the first target, that same thought as to who Brain referred to lingered within. 'Still, who is he?'

"I may have lingering concerns, but the worst is over." Jura stated.

"No." Everyone turned in confusion as to where the sound came from, and they saw that it was from a motion sick Natsu, who had his head up. He looked pale and sickly. "Guys please…stop this thing." He then had puffed up cheeks.

"Aw you poor thing. Are you poisoned too?" Wendy asked. Sophie, Lucy, Gray, and Nic all shook their heads at Wendy.

Nic then turned to the top of the tower. "All that aside, I think we'd best get up to the top. It may lead to a way to stop Nirvana if not sooner."

Jura agreed and stepped forward. "Very well Luminous, well shall follow your lead." Nic then turned towards the top and he and everyone else, save Gray for carrying a motion sick Natsu, made their way up the tower in no time, getting to the top and observing their surroundings. Aside from pillars, there wasn't anything.

"This is odd, there's nothing here." Gray said.

"Yeah, talk about perplexing." Sophie said. "If there was a master control or a control panel, it would be easy to spot. Don't you think?"

"Right, but it seems that either there is one or it's hidden; either way, we can't detect it." Nic said in his own observation.

"Then how are we suppose to stop this thing? I thought for sure if Brain went down then this thing would stop, but it's still going." Lucy said concerning the matter at hand.

Wendy watched over a motion sick Natsu, unsure as to what was wrong with him. She looked back at everyone who was confused. "What do we do? I casted a spell to dispel the venom, but he's still sick."

"Natsu and vehicles don't mix one bit." Happy explained.

Carla looked unamused by Natsu's weakness. "That is so pathetic."

"I really don't think my stomach wants to be inside me!" Natsu squealed.

Wendy blinked. "Motion sickness?"

"Yup." Happy answered.

Wendy then put both of her hands on the sides of Natsu's head. "In that case, I'll cast a spell that'll restore his balance. Troia." Her hands glowed blue and Natsu's face had flashed blue and Wendy had removed her hands, allowing the spell to kick in.

Almost immediately, Natsu's paled face and sickly gaze turned back to normal. He jumped into the air in relief. "Yeah! I feel alive!" Natsu cheered, jumping repeatedly. "I feel a zillion times better!"

Wendy smiled at her success. "I'm glad. I thought that might work."

Nic looked over at Natsu. "Okay, now that that's out of the way, we still need to figure out as to how Nirvana can be stopped." He explained to the group. "Richard did explain that this would be the most accurate place as to where Nirvana could be controlled."

"Was Hoteye - er, Richard lying?" Lucy wondered.

Jura stood affirm and did think as to how he and Richard became allies. "No, I believe him to be a man of his word."

"There are no physical controls. And the Royal Throne is taken by us and the one who was piloting it has been defeated, so perhaps we should ask why it's still functioning as it was before?" Carla reasoned.

Gray blinked. "Do you think it's on an auto pilot? If so, then it could be programmed to fire too."

Wendy looked down at the floor and was looking exceedingly melancholy. This thing didn't look like it could be stopped and it was about to destroy Cait Shelter. The situation looked hopelessly grim as the Sky Dragon Slayer was shaking and started to cry. Wendy had hands over her mouth as she was losing hope. "My guild is in trouble."

Natsu and Nic looked at her and they gave off a determined vibe. This little girl's guild, her home, was about to be trampled. That will not happen, not while Fairy Tail is still kicking. Seeing her so fragile like this almost reminded Nic of his sister.

Nic remembered his sister all too well, though they haven't seen each other ever since he left home. A kind, sweet, and very proud girl to have such a strong and very enduring brother. Nic gazed at Wendy, not wanting to see this girl cry again. Nic crouched down and he put a hand on a melancholy Wendy's shoulder. The Sky Dragon Slayer looked up from sadness to see a grin on Nic's face.

"Wendy, if this is your home you protect it with your life. Everyone who is there didn't send you so you can watch them fall, they send you because they believed in you. And for those in Cait Shelter, for the one's you hold dear, you have to pick yourself up and stay strong to the bitter end. Be proud Wendy, we've made it this far, and we're most certainly going to keep going and stop Nirvana, for all of our sakes."

Nic's speech had gotten every person's attention as they had felt inspired. Nic was right. If their home was threatened, they wouldn't run, they would defend it. Wendy stopped her crying and she wiped away the tears on her face as Nic stood back up.

"You're right." Wendy said, feeling herself get picked up by Nic's words. Even if this was a dark time, she had to stay strong. "I will! I'll be strong!"

Nic nodded, satisfied with Wendy's resolve. Everyone there grinned and they too felt uplifted.

---

Meanwhile, at Cait Shelter…

The people were gathered inside a Guild Hall that was more like a tent in the shape of a cat's head. Inside, the people gathered around and gazed upon a short old man with gold arm bands, a thick beard, and an Indian top. They were murmuring and grumbling about the situation at hand as to sending Wendy.

A fellow member went through the tent entrance in a panic. "I got terrible news! Nirvana has been activated! It's heading this way!"

"Seriously?!" "Not even the Allied Forces can stop that monstrosity?!" "Even with Jura, Erza, and Nic on their side?!" The members were panicking as to the strong forces combined weren't stopping Nirvana. They all then turned towards the guild master, Roubaul.

Roubaul poured a glass from a jug and had the glass sit and he then surprisingly held the jug in his hand still and drank out of it. The members of Cait Shelter all face palmed and gaped at his action. "Why pour glasses when you're just gonna chug from the bottle?!" One member questioned. The master simply kept chugging, trying to keep himself occupied.

"Please sir, Nirvana will be here any minute!" A female member urged, to which Roubaul finally reacted and he sharply turned with a gaping mouth and the drink erupting from his mouth and spilling like a waterfall.

"Don't tell me that confound thing's heading our way?!" He exclaimed with the drink spilling out, revolting and comically making the guild hit the floor.

"At least swallow before to shout Master!" "Why?!" "Does he always have to react like this?!"

Finally composed a minute later, everyone turned at Roubaul, who now spoke. "Nirvana has awoken and is now setting its sights on us. Could this be our fate or coincidence now?" He contemplated.

One member looked at another. "If the coalition failed, what happened to Wendy?" He asked.

The member turned towards him. "I don't know. I fear the answer won't appease us." He worried.

At that moment, Roubaul was drinking another jug when he heard the doubt of Wendy. He sat the jug down and spoke. "Do not worry." He said, forgetting to swallow again and spilling the contents of his drink. The same reaction happened with the people as did the first time.

After the contents spilled, literally, he looked serious. "Fear not, the Magic of light is alive and well! This factor alone shall lead us to victory!" Master proclaimed, to which everyone cheered. Still, some members were left concerned.

"Still, this doesn't feel like a coincidence, does it?" "At this point, somebody's figured out who we are." "That's why they're coming for us."

"Please guide us Nabula." Master Roubaul said.

A guild member scratched his head. "All do respect, for as long as I've known you, what does Nabula mean?" That question went unanswered as the guild continued to have doubt and panic.

"Should we evacuate? We're not strong enough to handle Nirvana-!"

"YOU FOOLS!" The Master exclaimed, spilling his drink from his mouth yet again. The members were shocked by his outburst, yet disgusted still by his drink waterfall habit. After it all spilled, Roubaul spoke in an affirmed manner. "Have you all forgotten that Mages are fighting to stop Nirvana? We must have faith that they succeed and not dishonor them by running away."

Roubaul then drank from his jug yet again and the members looked on in worry. Sure they were scared, but hearing Master say that dishonoring Mages was unqualified, they were resilient as to what has to be done.

Roubaul put his jug down, and the next time he spoke there was no waterfall of drinks, rather him speaking softly. "Trust me I know. It's hard to keep faith close to you in hard times…" His eyes looked out in deep regret. "Perhaps the time has come. We knew our transgressions would find us one day…"

---

With Nic and co.

"So if there isn't a control panel, what do we do?" Happy asked with a raised paw.

"Destroy it of course." Natsu said in an obvious tone.

Lucy cocked her head with a sigh. "Leave it to us to destroy and entire city."

"Arbok could easily break a city with his Earthquake, but even so we're not sure what else Nirvana can do." Nic stated.

"Not to mention that's a pretty tall order." Gray added, stating there was more than city, but also Nirvana itself, in which Arbok's Earthquake would not reach unless they were inside it.

"We shall confront Brain to see how Nirvana can be stopped." Jura suggested.

"I doubt that horrific excuse of a human being would share such information with us." Carla doubted.

Wendy narrowed her eyes and looked away. "If he won't tell us maybe Jellal knows." Wendy muttered. She then had a quick remembrance as to what happened, with Jellal emerging with Natsu's anger. She let a concerning gasp escape.

Sophie looked at Wendy, seeing her look surprised. "Is everything okay Wendy?"

"Anything that might help?" Gray added.

Wendy turned nervously away. "Well I'm not quite sure, but I may be the best option we have so I'll do my best to find it." She said. Wendy then turned away and began to run towards the doorway in which surprised everyone.

"Wendy?" Carla grew her wings and flew. Everyone looked on as Wendy went away to find Jellal.

"Huh, she is determined." Lucy said with some confusion.

Just as she finished saying her sentence a voice echoed in the air, a familiar voice. 'My friends, can you hear me?' The voice said telepathically. Everyone looked in the air as they heard the voice. 'It is I, the wizard name Hoteye.'

"Uh, am I hearing things?" Lucy asked.

"No Lucy, I hear it as well. It's Richard." Sophie said.

"Did you defeat Midnight, Richard?" Jura asked loudly.

'I tried my best, but in the end my Magic wasn't strong enough to defeat him.' He regrettably informed his comrades. 'Do not concern yourselves by rescuing me. You must work together to take down Midnight for good. If you defeat him, Nirvana's power will be rendered dry and the city shall stop.'

Natsu, unlike everybody else, hadn't got a clue as to who was talking. "Am I suppose to know this guy?" He asked in confusion.

"Wait, so we can stop this thing without breaking it?" Gray asked to Richard's voice.

'Quite possibly yes. He's directly below you. His power is not to be underestimated. Please be careful my friends!'

"The same to you Richard!" Jura said to their friend.

"What are we waiting for?" Lucy asked, ready to take on Midnight.

"Alright, now we're talking. I'm all fired up now." Natsu grinned and punched his own palm.

'Only one of the six Prayers is still on the battlefield. Every ounce of confidence and trust belongs to you my friends. Defeat Midnight, and stop Nirvana once and for all!'

---

With Brain

"...I wish you luck…my faithful comrades." Brain skillfully tricked the Allied Forces masquerading as Richard's voice. With little strength, he grunted and he laid back down on the ground passing out.

'Sir Richard!' Jura exclaimed, hearing the grunt and still believed it was Richard.

---

With Nic and co.

"Alright, now that we know Midnight is right below us we shall stop him once and for all." Jura stated. "We must do so for the sake of Sir Richard and all good people."

Everyone nodded in agreement and raced downstairs and readied for battle, all except Nic, who lagged behind. Before he exited the roofing he looked out at the city, unsure.

The thought of Erza boggled his mind. Erza hasn't been seen and that was beginning to get to him. Nic truly cares about Erza and he hoped that she was okay, wherever she was. Still, a hint of guilt coiled Nic's insides. Perhaps he was too hasty in his need to take down Jellal earlier. Nic narrowed his eyes and he looked and pondered.

'I hope she's okay.' Nic thought in worry. He then ran and joined the others down at the stairs. He noticed that as the door was opening, catered by Natsu, Nic saw a huge light behind the door and then everything went blank for a brief moment.

It happened so fast that Nic didn't even have to register it and use Protect or shift into his Stone Plate or use Wide Guard. All that could really be heard was an explosion and rocks everywhere.

After what happened, the group was found covered up by a shield of rock. Natsu and Nic were the first two to open their eyes,

"Is everyone alright?" Natsu hollered through the small rocky shield that covered them like a dome.

"Yeah, don't go shouting it like a megaphone." Gray said, opening his eyes.

"Aye." Happy groaned.

"Are you kidding me? We're from Fairy Tail. I can't believe we fell for that trap so easily." Lucy complained as she got up and she had hit her head on the ceiling of the rocky shield.

"Well apparently we're dumb enough to get buried alive." Gray said getting up, to which Lucy panicked.

"Wait…" Sophie looked around under the rubble where her comrades were. "Where's Jura?"

Natsu punched repeatedly to get through the ceiling of the dome and he finally breached through, getting some air. He looked forward and he was shocked with horror, to which everyone arose and they too had horror plastered on their faces.

Jura had his arms out and had shielded everyone. He was breathing heavily as he had took the attack head on.

"No!" Gray shouted.

"Jura!" Nic exclaimed.

Sophie and Lucy both had hands over their mouths in horror as Jura's eyes were deprived of pupils. "H-He…he risked his life..." Sophie started.

"…to protect us!" Lucy finished.

The area in front of them all then disintegrated and dust scattered slowly as it now revealed the outside.

"Pops, hang in there!" Gray exclaimed towards Jura.

The damaged Wizard Saint slowly turned his head as he was breathing heavily, exhausted to the point of death. He tried to choke out the last words he spoke.

"The strength of bonds and triumph in your guild. You're all so lucky." Pretty much everyone there was shaking tremendously as it looked like Jura was dying and Sophie still had hands over her eyes.

"It brings me…great relief…to know you're still alive." Finally, Jura fell backwards and dropped to the ground.

"POPS NO!" Gray shouted.

"You can't die on us!" Sophie shouted with tears.

"JURA!" Natsu shouted. Nic himself was horrified. No words came to mind. Absolute none. This was the second time someone risked their life right before his eyes, and it was hard to take in. In less time than it took for Gray to strip, Nic rushed to Jura's side and he immediately checked on him.

"Jura! Jura! Listen to me!" Nic exclaimed. "You can't die!" Nic then looked at Jura's wrist and he immediately checked his pulse, to which was low, but not fatal at the moment. Nic let out a deep relieving sigh and he turned towards the others, who were there by his side and looking over Jura.

"He's alright for now." Nic said. "He's just badly damaged, but he needs help as soon as possible."

"Hang in there pops, we'll get help for ya!" Gray called out to the unconscious Jura.

Natsu and Nic had clenched fist, they were more than ready to stop the last of the Oracion Seis after what happened here.

"Ridiculous." A ghastly voice said within the broken tower. This made the guys jump to their feet and leer around to see where it came from. The voice continued. "Brain was a fool. He used the last of his power to make that trap, yet only one of you fell."

"Show yourself!" Nic demanded.

Happy turned with the group to see where the voice and saw a small glint of something hovering towards them from the dust. "Over there!" Happy pointed, getting everyone's attention.

"He was a pitiful leader. A disgrace to the Six Demons!" Everyone there was astonished, save for Nic just tensing up, to see the very staff that Brain was carrying levitated about. The orb in his mouth and the eyes glowed an ominous light green. "But our goal is not suppressed yet, Midnight still stands."

Klodoa slowly levitated towards the group and was in front of them, making them tense up just as Nic was.

"Since he's not here, there's nothing stopping me from disposing you myself." Klodoa said. As everyone was ready to go on the defensive, Happy let a gasp escape.

"THAT CANE TALKED TO ME?!" Happy shrieked.

"As a talking cat, I wouldn't find that all surprising." Lucy stated.

Happy then shrugged. "I guess." Klodoa's eyes and orb then glowed yet again as he then broke into a maniacal laugh that made Sophie's spine tingle.

"That's crazy! That's the staff Brain carried." Gray exclaimed in recognizing it.

Klodoa continued his laughter, with the teeth clanging on the blue orb. His crazy laughter was now starting to intimidate the group. Not surprising Natsu clenched Klodoa's staff and he continuously banged Klodoa against the ground.

"Would you stop that creepy laugh it's annoying! I had just about enough of you and your cruddy boss!" Natsu just went off at a nonstop rant as Klodoa was repeatedly hit against the ground.

Lucy looked baffled. "You don't know where that's been!"

"Well, at least that stopped the laughter." Sophie sweat dropped.

"Stop this thing you rotten driftwood!" Natsu demanded, and Klodoa was released from his grip and he got up in Natsu's face.

"How dare you insult me by calling me a wood that I am clearly not!" Klodoa barked back. He then got back a little his eyes glowed a little brighter. "I am the seventh member of the Oracion Seis, and we shall destroy you all…"

Natsu grabbed him again and banged him against the ground repeatedly to shut him up. "I said I had enough out of you! Stop this city!" Natsu demanded as he comically repeatedly hit Klodoa against the ground.

Lucy blinked. "Hold on, I thought there were six members in the Oracion Seis?" Lucy wondered.

Sophie turned towards Lucy. "Me too, maybe that skull doesn't have a brain?" She tried to joke.

"Who cares? Numbers or not, that cane is talking about kicking our butts." Gray reminded everyone.

"He's right, stay alert guys." Nic warned.

Happy shrugged. "Look on the bright side, it can't really kick our butts since it has no feet."

Klodoa slipped out of Natsu's clutched hand and he jerked away. "You violent brat." Klodoa reprimanded as he then floated off a distance and looked out from the city. "It won't be long now until that wretched guild is close at hand."

"You mean we're that close to Cait Shelter?!" Sophie panicked.

Klodoa turned and his eyes glowed. "Indeed! And once we destroy them, we shall commence our rein of darkness once and for all!" He then broke out in yet another evil laugh.

---

Meanwhile, with Erza…

Erza was shocked to the core when Jellal fell before Midnight, landing on his abdomen and grunted. Jellal couldn't get up as he was very much weakened from earlier. She was left wide-eyed that Jellal was struck down in one simple assault, in which Midnight simply distorted air and send Jellal flying.

Midnight wasn't amused. "Is that all the great Jellal has? That wasn't even close to impressive." He scowled, Jellal lying beside the formidable Midnight. Erza was still fairly in shock as to what happened. Midnight continued to taunt Jellal. "Did you forget your memories and how to use Magic too? That's too pathetic to even describe."

Finally coming around and seeing Jellal on the ground struggling, Erza thought to herself. 'Memories or no, he should've gone down so quickly. That Self-Destruction Spell he placed on himself earlier must have used up more power than what I originally initialized.'

As Midnight was now approaching Erza, he stopped moving forward and looked back when he heard Jellal grunting and trying to stand, but to no avail

Midnight chuckled, now slightly amused. "At least you're determined." He commented lightly. Midnight then turned towards Jellal with a hand on his hip. "I can't wait to see how much pain you can take."

Midnight then heard the sound of a sword being summoned and his attention was focused on Erza, who was running towards him with sword in hand. Erza slashed at Midnight, but the latter simply stood still while the slash was deflected and he wasn't even touched.

Erza gasped at Midnight not being hit, trying to comprehend what was going on. Midnight grinned as Erza's slash followed through. "If Erza Scarlet wants her turn that badly, who am I to keep her waiting?"

Erza then leaped back repeatedly to gain some distance between her and Midnight and she baffled at her attack. "My sword didn't even hit him!"

Jellal went wide-eyed, seeing her take on Midnight. "No you mustn't take your chances with him, he's far too dangerous!"

Erza pressed on with her attempt at trying to hit Midnight by summoning a second similar sword into her left arm and swung at him again, but to no avail as the slashing motion was deflected. 'How's he doing that?!' Erza didn't even get to answer her own question when Midnight moved his arm in an arc and released distorted air that made Erza skid back several feet.

When Erza stopped skidding, her armor was beginning to change for some odd reason. Was the distorted air the cause? Every single part of Erza's Heart Kreuz Armor was beginning to tangle around her and constrict her entire upper body, making her drop her swords. "What is this?!" Erza then felt the collar of the armor distort and bind her neck all the way up to her chin.

"Erza!" Jellal shouted. Midnight simply watched as Erza was being binded by her armor. Erza struggled as the constriction was harsh on her. She opened her eyes from suffering and grunted ever so heavily as she mustered up her strength and her armor glowed. She let out a yell as she then finally broke free and her armor was dispelled, revealing only her blue skirt and white blouse.

Midnight saw Erza's strength and went a little wide-eyed, seeing how she broke free. Even Jellal was impressed. Erza then glared at Midnight as she requipped into her Heaven's Wheel Armor. "Now I get it. You use Reflector Magic!"

Midnight smirked. "That's right, clever aren't we? Whatever attack you throw at me, I'll be able to twist and manipulate all of it. Aside from impermeable defense skills, my Magic trumps my opponents."

"Reflector Magic, it's too formidable." Jellal said as he was on the ground.

"Every opponent has their flaws. You are no different." Erza warned, holding up a blade. "I shall be your end! Dance, my blades!" Erza then summoned and unleashed endless numbers of swords. Even with all of them heading towards Midnight, his Distort Shield merely deflected them all, annoying the Fairy Queen.

Midnight crossed his arms. "Even sheer numbers won't help you this time." Midnight said. He then distorted the air even more and the hundreds of swords went flying back at Erza. Erza then repeatedly slashed in defense of her own attack. The multitude of swords went at her and she was fending off every single strike with precise swings and blocks by her swords in hand. The last few swords finally made a clang sound as they pierced the ground.

Midnight then extended his arm and then Erza's Heaven's Wheel Armor was beginning to coil around her body like a mummy, effectively making her wings on the armor shatter in pieces and left Erza to struggle even more. This time, Erza choked and yelped at the same time with wide eyes.

"Much better." Midnight said. "Now sooth me with the sounds of your screams!" The armor then tightened and Erza screamed in agony as she was being constricted even tighter and tighter and made her continue screaming. Midnight sadistically smirked, satisfied with Erza's screams of ongoing pain.

Erza used the only sword in her left hand and twisted her body and threw it. Midnight saw it coming and he calmly leaned towards his left as the sword passed him. Erza narrowed her eyes, grunting.

However, just at that moment, she had realized something crucial. A weakness.

The sword pierced the rock behind Midnight. "Impressive. Spiral Pain!" He moved his arm in an arc and a huge tempest of spiraling and distorted air engulfed Erza and her surrounding, tearing her up and her coiling armor.

The armor on Erza completely shattered and left her in her white blouse again. Erza let loose a very loud agonizing scream as she was caught in the midst of the attack. When the wind subsided, Erza yelped helplessly after her continuous screaming and fell on the ground with a harsh thud.

Jellal looked with wide eyes as Erza was struck down as well. "No, Erza." Jellal looked and saw that Erza was not moving, meaning she was down.

"Finished already?" Midnight scowled. Erza didn't move still as she had suffered so much damage and no noise came from her.

Jellal finally got his hands under him and arose to his knees at last and looked back at the creep who took down Erza. "C-Curse you."

Midnight was left disappointed with the fight. "You can't die on me. I still wanna play." Erza still didn't respond. "I need entertainment, at least until we reach Cait Shelter!"

Jellal glared up at Midnight. "What is this Cait Shelter?" He demanded.

"Our first target of course." Midnight answered.

"And what earned them that honor?" Jellal wondered, wanting an answer to that as well.

Midnight then turned around and stood in front of Jellal, his body turned away. "An excellent question. Long ago, a peaceful tribe, the Nirvits, created Nirvana in hope of stopping a cataclysmic war. They realized the weapon itself was far more deadly than the war itself, so they sealed it away. They were so afraid of it, they swore to watch over the burial site. Their descendants took up that task and made a guild that still remains to this day – Cait Shelter. The Nirvit bloodline must end if we are to continue." An even bigger smirk ran across his face. "We shall use Nirvana for what it was intended for. We shall send the word spiraling into such sweet chaos!"

Jellal grunted at Midnight's deranged ways. Midnight continued. "And we'll start by crushing Cait Shelter. If the Nirvits wanted no part, we'll make them go into war! Nirvana will taint their hearts into sweet despair! They'll slaughter each other!"

"Heartless monster!" Jellal scowled at Midnight. Midnight then shifted his gaze down towards Jellal.

"Do me a solid and cease this fight-for-justice crap." Midnight walked closer towards Jellal. "Your heart is so foul it may even trump mine. One could say that you're the very quintessence of evil." He spoke the last part slowly and quietly.

Jellal grunted and turned to look Midnight in the eye. "That's a lie!" He protested, but Midnight sought to keep pressuring Jellal.

"Look at what you've did. Forced children into slave labor, murdered one of your closest friends, and even tried to kill Erza for the greatest power in existence." Jellal looked sharp-eyed and was being taunted by his destructive past. Sure he forgot he did all of that, but was this really what Jellal intended to do? "Do you know how many people you left in despair and sorrow? They all feared you, trembled upon your wrath. An entire ocean of tears was all because of you." Jellal looked away as he was continuously pressured. "You inspire me Jellal, join me."

"Wait, what?" Jellal gasped and saw Midnight sticking a hand out.

"You are destined to be the newest member of the Oracion Seis." Midnight finished. As Jellal was left to doubt what good intentions he had, they heard a certain female struggling to get up.

Erza was grunting as she was using whatever strength she had to push her damaged self up. She slowly but surely got to her own knees and eventually got to her feet, to which Midnight and Jellal looked to see Erza tripping and almost stumbling. She finally got up completely and stood still, with her hair shadowing her eyes.

"Don't listened to him." She said. Erza then glowed and opened her eyes. "The light you have inside you is brighter than ever." Erza had on her Robe of Yuen. It had a short sleeveless tunic with a multitude of flower motifs. It was open on the sides and revealed much of her chest. The openings were closed by a dark obi with a red rope. A pink flower-patterned cloth enclosed Erza's waist, which had a long purple cloth coming from her tunic. Another cloth was held on her sides by a large red ribbon. The cloth was yellow-bordered and was edged several times. She had pink stockings and simple sandals. Her sword she carried was a bisento, the blade having a cove at the blunt side of the blade with a hole, looking somewhat like a halberd.

'Erza.' Jellal saw Erza was keeping him in the light, not wanting to lose him.

Midnight turned towards her. "Well now, I'm surprised you can even stand." Erza glared at Midnight, her eyes fixated on defeating him.

Jellal smiled, thinking. "That hope will guide you throughout your life."

Jellal looked at Erza with a soft smile on his face. 'Your words are the light, Erza.'

Midnight walked up and stared at Erza coldly. "I get my real fight after all."

Erza twirled the blade in her hand and then pointed the tip at Midnight. "I swear on this blade that I wield, I shall end this chaos, and your life."

Midnight grinned in delight of having an opportunity to tear Erza apart even more. "Come on Erza, or should I call you Titania? I want to see your strength with my two eyes, but I won't feel it." He was sure he could beat her easily.

Erza readied her bisento and she then dashed into Midnight and she slashed the weapon twice vertically, both of which were simply deflected by Midnight in an instant. They were deflected and hit the sides of buildings.

Jellal was stunned by the speed of her attack. "She moves so fast." He remarked.

Erza slashed yet again, and the attacks went through Midnight this time, yet they still hit buildings instead. Midnight chuckled. "You can be the fastest being alive, but you can't touch-!"

Erza then surprised everyone by hitting Midnight in the chest with a palm strike, stunning Jellal and Midnight both. The latter gagged and he crashed into a building side in a crater engraved.

Midnight slowly dropped to the ground and he looked at Erza in deep surprise. "No, you hit me!"

Erza remained posed with her palm still out and she held two fingers up. "Two. There are two crucial weaknesses in your Reflector Magic." Midnight went even more wide-eyed as Erza realized his weak points. "It's true you can bend weapons and Magic attacks, you can't do that to manipulate the human body. If you could, then you wouldn't have twisted my armor."

Midnight arose and he extended his hand and distortion appeared around him. "Who cares? I can make those clothes you wear squeeze you until you pop."

Erza's Robe of Yuen then entangled her, but Erza didn't feel all that constricted as she continued explaining. "Now your second weakness…" Erza made a Magic Seal above Midnight, summoning forth a multitude of swords and blades that pointed straight down on him. Midnight panicked as he was very wide-eyed as the weapons came down. He barely dodged the weapons, but he still got damaged from the attack continuously coming down on him. He landed on the ground with a yelp and thud.

Erza remained still as she still explained. "By you twisting my armor, you dodged my sword. Why didn't you change its trajectory? Simple, it's because you can only control one space at a time. Either your enemy or yourself, but not both. While you're bending me, you're defenseless."

Jellal looked on with amazement as Erza was able to figure all of that out in a short span of time. 'Amazing. She was able to figure that all out that quick?'

Erza then started to move her arms as her robe was elastic. "One more, this is my Robe of Yuen, by far the most elastic in my collection, and immune to your Magic." Erza's robe then returned to normal and she requipped her bisento once more. She smirked. "Huh, I guess that would count as a third weakness."

Midnight pounded the ground under him in agony. "No! No! No! It's too late!"

"Yes, it is. This battle is over." Erza implored. She then grunted in shock as Midnight suddenly started laughing.

His laughing stopped and he looked up with a dark look. "That's not what I meant. Too late for you. You should have defeated me earlier. Before midnight. You missed your only chance to rest in peace!" This news startled Erza and Jellal both.

A bell then sounded from the distance, striking midnight. Era and Jellal both looked around, hearing the bell. "What is that sound?" Erza wondered.

"A bell?" Jellal said.

Midnight then arose and a red Magic seal appeared above him. Erza and Jellal both then watched as Midnight actually began shapeshifting. His body morphed in a horrific manner, gushing bubbles from everywhere and he grew in size tremendously. He grew teeth and feral eyes as he unleashed a feral laughter.

"What is he?" Erza asked, seeing an enormous and monstrous demon in front of her. Erza tensed up as the demon before her made a black sphere in between the hands with a white glow. He threw it as Erza jumped to attack, but the sphere exploded, pretty much annihilating almost half of Nirvana's city, leaving everything in debris.

"There was no freedom in the Tower of Heaven, not even after the uprising. I was still too afraid to sleep at night." Midnight said.

"What?" Erza heard this and she realized that they too were there. She went wide-eyed and was beyond stunned. "You were there?! All of you were there, in the tower?!"

Midnight jumped. "Titania, you're just as guilty as Jellal!" He went for a punch but Erza blocked and fended with her bisento. "You turned your back for all those years. Jellal caused so much pain! You're at fault because you could've stopped it and you didn't. Just ask them!"

Erza turned around in horror and wide eyes as she then saw a makeshift image of both Simon and Rob, horrifying her.

"Grandpa Rob…Simon…" Erza was temporarily paralyzed but she fought back and slashed through the lie that Midnight was, but she had slashed through Rob and Simon and they disappeared.

"Aw you've done it again, you've killed them again." Midnight taunted.

"SHUT UP!" Erza slashed at Midnight again, but he was gone and in place was Jellal, with her slashing him. Erza went wide-eyed and gasped.

"That's right, make him pay for the trouble he's caused." Midnight taunted even more. Erza slashed at Midnight and he sidestepped and pierced her, making the great Titania scream in bitter agony as she felt her inside explode and her being destroyed.

"ERZA!" Jellal shrieked.

Everything suddenly disappeared. Everything vanished back to what it was before the Magic seal and Jellal was wide-eyed.

Midnight nearly had no pupils as Erza had delivered a powerful blow, posing several feet behind him. As the bell finished toling, Midnight fell to his knees.

Midnight turned his head back in shock and pain. "N-n-no. My illusion failed! She saw right through it!"

'I…It was an illusion? This whole time? But it was so real. Horrific.' Jellal thought.

"Another weakness is not knowing I'm immune to Visual Magic." Erza stated.

Midnight raised his arms in the air and he looked up at the sky. His eyes started to get all misty and had tears in the corner of his eyes. "No, I've lost! But I'm the strongest! I'm the strongest of the Oracion Seis! No one can touch me." He then blinked and tears fell. "I'm suppose to be the strongest Mage of all time."

Erza explained to Midnight as she still looked away. "Someone who can mock others so callously has a very long way to go to achieve greatness." She stated.

Midnight looked up at the sky as he cried still. "All I've ever wanted…my prayer…my Prayer…was to find a quiet place…and finally sleep in peace…" With that, Midnight fell backwards and was finally out, defeated.

Jellal looked on as Erza had taken down Midnight. 'This is who Erza truly is.'

The wind blew as Erza explained. "If one truly desires greatness, you must know what makes you weak, and more importantly…" She turned back towards Jellal with a smile. "Live with an open heart." She then walked away from the defeated Midnight.

---

With Nic and co.

Natsu screamed as he unleashed a flaming fist, but Klodoa swerved upwards by curving his stick and he spiraled vertically and hit Natsu, sending him rolling like a bowling ball.

"Natsu!" Gray exclaimed as the Dragon Slayer rolled into a wall.

Nic grunted. "Stay alert, this one's strong as well."

Sophie cocked a brow. "How a skulled cane can be kicking our butts is something I'll never question."

Klodoa then rammed his head into Gray and made the latter gag. Natsu grabbed Klodoa's stick, surprising him.

"I got you now!" Natsu stated. Klodoa then curved and he repeatedly headbutted Natsu, and when Gray came in close, he repeatedly headbutted him as well, annoying both.

"Keep him steady!" Nic yelled as he was in a running position. "Quick Attack!" He was outlined in blue and he dashed at an alarming rate as Klodoa was targeting Natsu, making the skull turned in confusion and Nic rammed into him, sending the skulled cane into Sophie, who caught the stick part and swung him like a bat into the wall.

"Ouch!" Klodoa yelped as he felt that one. He then curved his skull head at Sophie. "You little girl!" He whipped his stick repeatedly, Sophie clinging on but even she was overpowered. She was thrown into Nic, who caught her.

"You okay?" He asked, letting Sophie down on the ground on her two feet.

Sophie nodded. "Yeah, but he's strong."

"Let's get him!" Gray exclaimed as he and Natsu went at him, only to get swat by the stick and were on their knees, flinching.

"Annoying children, Evil Shock!" Klodoa's blue orb then became surrounded in lightning and he shock Natsu and Gray both with a fair amount of electricity.

"Gray! Natsu!" Lucy exclaimed in worry.

"That skull isn't fooling around!" Happy exclaimed.

Klodoa floated in the air as Gray and Natsu were on the ground in blue sparks, as to where Nic and Sophie were both standing and awaiting for Klodoa's next move.

"Poor babies. You may be young, but you got a ways to go." Klodoa said. Just then, he turned as he felt a strange foreboding feeling. "-eh?!" He then floated still as Natsu and Gray got to their feet.

"Now what?" Natsu asked impatiently.

"Why did he stop attacking?" Nic wondered.

Just then, Klodoa got images of the individual Oracion Seis members and their defeats. All six were taken down, much to his horror. "No. This cannot be. They all have fallen." Klodoa was baffled as he was now starting to panic. The orb in his mouth even fell out and cracked on the ground. They all saw Klodoa with a gaped mouth.

"Gah! The horror! The Great One is coming!" Klodoa warned.

Natsu crossed his arms. "What's he yammering about?"

"Something isn't right." Nic said. "Is this 'Great One' the one Brain mentioned earlier?'

"This won't be great for us." Sophie said in irony. Klodoa was trembling in the air, terrified beyond measurement. His teeth were chattering like crazy.

"Who the heck are you talking about?" Gray asked.

"It's Brain." Klodoa answered with a shaken voice.

"But we've already kicked his butt." Natsu stated.

Klodoa was looking away and was uneasy. "I'm aware of that, but you all don't know is that there is yet another personality that dwells inside of him."

Nic then felt uneasy. He raised a brow in suspicion. "You mean like multiple personalities?"

"Of that kind yes, but just one other." Klodoa answered. "You've seen Brain, the cool-knowledged man that is to be the surface, but there is another face that craves destruction and destruction only. They call him Zero." He hissed the last part.

"Zero, huh." Nic muttered, narrowing his eyes. "Nothing but destruction. That sounds similar to Yveltal." Before he could rethink to that day, pressing concerns were at hand in regards to Zero's uprising.

"Brain was bad enough." Sophie stated.

"Zero's worse?" Happy asked.

"That is correct." Klodoa said. "He had an incredible thirst for power. Fortunately Brain was able to seal him away using six Magical Keys."

"And those 'keys' must be the Oracion Seis." Sophie indicated.

"Correct. Bound by Body Link Magic, and once those six bodies fall, Zero shall be set free to roam the land and destroy.

Everyone was on edge. If Zero was unleashed, then things will be far more challenging. Natsu of all people wasn't one to back away from a challenge.

"Sounds like a challenge." Natsu said, uneasy.

Everyone then jerked away as a wall from close by burst and send dust flying everywhere. Nic and everyone both looked and were tensed up like crazy.

Zero was here.

Klodoa panicked and he was gaping his mouth once more and he turned as Zero, in Brain's clothing, showed up. The skull nervously turned and he swiftly bowed before his greatness. "Master Zero! I welcome your return!" He pleaded helplessly.

"Master Zero?" Lucy said. Nic narrowed his eyes as he was in a defensive stance, glaring at the man before them.

"Things have taken quite a turn, haven't they Klodoa?" Zero's voice was similar to Brain's but lighter toned and a little more scruff-like. "Even Midnight fell."

Klodoa looked up at Zero. "Please sir, I ask for your forgiveness!"

"You misunderstood. I'm not displeased, but the contrary. It's been far too long. This feeling. This flesh. This power. I've longed for it!" He then disposed Brain's cloak and cast it aside. "It's time to begin the task that I have been summoned for!"

"Yes sir!" Klodoa swiftly stepped aside as Zero unleashed a green light, showing not just a raw amount of power, but also him transforming and his body now had a green military outfit. His skin was pale with his hunger for power. He had huge red menacing eyes that spelled bloody murder and small black pupils. Unlike Brain, the silver hair was all wavy.

His power was giving Lucy shaken eyes.

"I must say." Zero started. "You've done a remarkable job destroying my guild. But as its Master, I am bound by my obligation to kill you all." He threatened with a menacing tone, a scary look on his face that even startled Nic. Nic grunted as he saw that Zero had far more power than what Brain had.

"No way…" Sophie started. Zero glowed green and the ground shook. "His power is so terrifying it's making the ground itself tremble."

Gray and Natsu smirked. "You ready to go Natsu?"

"You bet, I'm all fire up now!" Natsu stated.

Zero looked amused. "I'll start with the one with the bald head! The one who finished this man's body I was imprisoned in!" He aimed a Dark Rondo at Jura, who was still down. Gray stepped in fast and he made Ice Make: Shield, making a shield that stopped Dark Rondo.

Even so, it was a struggle. "You'd really attack a man that's down?!"

"You coward!" Nic scowled. "Trying to take down someone that can't fight!"

"Spare me your pity…!"

---

With Erza and Jellal

Erza looked back to see that Jellal was clenching his side, still hurting. Erza, still in her Robe of Yuen, looked at him.

"Can you continue?" She asked with little emotion.

"Yeah, I can manage." Jellal managed to speak, but he was hesitant to say.

Erza then looked down at the ground in some form of pity. "Forgive me." She paused and looked neutral at the ground in contemplation. "I've been focused on taking down Nirvana that I am not concerned for my friend's safety." She looked at him. "You're badly damage, and you have lost almost all of your Magic power. I need to be aware of your condition. Please, rest."

Jellal blinked at Erza's words. He grinned and looked away. "Erza, that's kind of you. But don't worry about me. I unleashed Nirvana upon this world and must do everything I can to destroy it just like you guys. There's no other choice for me."

Erza stared at Jellal for a few moments before she looked back at the ground. "How long?" She started, confusing Jellal. "I can't help but ask myself, how long must I keep fighting the never ending wrongs in this world?" Erza looked up at the sky and stared deeply into the atmosphere over her head. Her head was in the clouds.

She thought of the world, but more than that, the universe itself. This world has unending evil, does it ever end in the universe? Why must bad always rise?

Jellal saw her contemplate and he softened his gaze. "Erza." Erza turned towards him. "Think of it this way. As long as bad is in this world, good will stop it. If one person keeps fighting, follow him, you must you him as an example. If he is your light, let him shine away any and all despair and darkness in your mind. Let him fight the evil and never fall. Always remember what you're fighting for. It's for that reason why good always trumps bad."

Erza was a little shocked. There actually was someone they both looked up to. Jellal's light was Erza's words, as to where Erza's light was…

"Hey!" A voice called out. It sounded all happy. "I've found you!" The voice was directed mainly towards Jellal. It was Wendy.

Erza turned and casted her thoughts aside and put on a smile. "Look who's here. We were worried about you. You okay?" Erza asked Wendy.

Wendy and Carla nodded. "Uh huh." She then turned towards Jellal as Carla deactivated her wings. Wendy blinked as Jellal looked at her. "It's good to see you." She finally spoke to him after such a long time, and those were the first words in ages.

Jellal stared for a moment, confused. "Do I know you?" He innocently asked, much to Wendy's shock and displeased frown.

Wendy looked down at the ground and was sad. Seven years and she was forgotten. Her eyes looked upset. "I knew it, he doesn't remember me."

Erza herself frown at Wendy's discomfort, seeing as how this matter looked personal. Erza's sad expression was kept on her face as she closed her eyes. "It's not personal. He's just not himself." She explained. This news made Wendy and Carla both look rather surprised. Erza then looked at Wendy again. "Unfortunately, he lost his memories."

Wendy looked back at Jellal, seeing him looking away in disappointment. 'He lost his memories. I see, so that's why.' Wendy figured since Jellal's memory was wiped, she would have to start from the basics. "Jellal? My name's Wendy Marvel."

Jellal looked at Wendy still. "Your name is Wendy Marvel? I'm sorry, but I don't know you." He regrettably said.

Carla turned back towards Jellal after seeing the sad look on Wendy. "You've lost your memory? If that's the case, then you forgot how to stop Nirvana haven't you?!" She said towards the amnesiac.

Immediately, Jellal denied the secondary part. "No, I tried." He looked down, remembering his failure. Erza looked to see that Jellal was upset he couldn't stop this monstrosity, and she too felt sadness and pity creep upon her face. Jellal paused and he further explained to a shaken-up Wendy. "I failed. My Self-Destruction Spell didn't work. There's nothing more I can do." He regrettably informed yet again. "I'm sorry."

Now Wendy was in a little panic. "What do we do?" She questioned.

"Don't give up so easily!" Carla exclaimed, making everyone turn towards her. "Our guild is about to be destroyed! You can't turn your back on us! There's got to be something we can do-!"

The ground began to shake tremendously, shocking the others and making Jellal get back to his feet.

---

Cait Shelter

The members were gathering close to their Master, seeing how they were unable to escape the fate that was before them. Nirvana was here, and it was conjuring white and purple in its cannon-like hole in the front.

The members all remained still in fear of their fate. Roubaul was surrounded by his people and he too saw Nirvana charging up an incredible amount of power. He kept a still look.

"I ask that you please remain calm." He stated unemotionally. "Don't you see? There's no escaping the fate before us."

Several people in the guild were crying as they didn't want to end like this. They all held onto each other, praying for a miracle to happen before Nirvana could strike.

Roubaul's eyes widened. "From this day, we shall be punished for our sins!"

---

Nirvana

"What's that?!" Erza exclaimed. They then ran towards the front of Nirvana as fast as they could, seeing that the front had a very large hole. The hole was spiraling with an eerie sound, a mixture of white and purple was spiraling as big as Nirvana itself in front of the hole.

Erza was too stunned. "It can't be?!"

"That's Cait Shelter!" Wendy exclaimed, seeing her guild from that distance away.

Erza was trying to understand as to what was going on. "What's going on? So much Magic power being generated!" Her eyes were then seen with horror. "He's going to fire Nirvana!"

Nirvana was charging even more power. You could even hear the power being stored like a high-powered generator. The light had gotten brighter and brighter, and more Magic was swelling like crazy.

Carla was horrified. "The guild…it'll…"

Wendy began to shout. "Please! NOOOOO!"

Nirvana finally fired, unleashing a very devastating black and white beam of energy, even more gruesome than Jupiter. The beam of horrendous energy shot at a devastating rate and Erza, Jellal, Wendy, and Carla all watched with horror-filled eyes as the guild was about to be destroyed.

It seemed as though time had slowed down as the small group watched as the beam inched closer and closer…

A beam of light shot through the clouds high above, aiming a strong aerial beam on one of Nirvana's legs, causing the entire structure itself to tilt and the beam of catastrophic energy's trajectory was shifted. The blast had gone over the guild by a mere couple inches, barely getting the cat ears on the structure.

Wendy and everyone saw this and were beyond baffled. "Wha…what just…?" Jellal was too in shock, as well as everyone else.

Even more shots from the sky came down, energy beams bombarded the city and the blast subsided. Wendy clenched onto Erza as she held Wendy. "What was that?" Erza wondered as the entire structure was tilted slightly.

A large shadow was below them and everyone looked up. Erza was extremely surprised. "No way, it can't be!" She and everyone else couldn't believe it either.

It was the Magic Bomber Christina. The whole thing was flying, but was still badly damaged from earlier.

"Oh wow!" Wendy smiled.

Erza grinned. "The Magic Bomber Christina saves the day!"

Jellal was confused. "Is it an ally-?"

Suddenly, everyone got a signal. 'Can you hear me?' The voice said, and everyone there could hear it. 'Anyone, please respond!'

Erza smiled. "I know that voice, it's Hibiki!"

'Erza and Wendy! Good to know you're alive and well.'

Another voice came up. 'In case if you're wondering, I'm alive, but not quite well.'

'Master Ichiya! Glad to hear it!' Hibiki responded to his boss.

"I can't believe it, I'd never expected to see the Magic Bomber fly again." Erza stated in relief.

'It wasn't easy.' Hibiki said. 'It was hard work. For a group that doesn't know each other, we can get the job done. One of Christina's wings was destroyed so Lyon molded one using his Magic. Sherry and Ren are combining their Magic to keep the damaged hull intact. Our attack on Nirvana was thanks to Eve's Snow Magic. Unfortunately that took the last of his overall strength, so he's out at the moment.'

"We owe you one." Erza said.

Wendy was up spirited. "Because of you, my guild is safe. Thank you."

'I'm sure you know everyone is running low on Magic energy. I'm afraid we can't attack from the ship anymore. Just flying out here was bad enough.' Hibiki regrettably informed everyone. 'Don't worry about us, we're gonna be fine.'

Hibiki paused before he let loose the most vital part of his message. 'Listen up. There's one last thing. I've finally found what we've been looking for. I found the way to stop Nirvana!'

Erza and everyone there was stunned to say the very least, they had finally found the one and possibly only way stop Nirvana once and for all. "Please, tell us!" Erza shouted.

'You know the six appendages we thought were legs? Well they're not, they're pipes. They suck Magic from out of the earth. At the base of each leg is a lacrima that controls the Magic energy. From my understanding, if all six are simultaneously destroyed, it'll force Nirvana to shut down. They must be destroyed at the same time, otherwise the other five will repair the one.'

"Simultaneously?!" Erza exclaimed. "How do we do that?!"

'If I could, I'd use my Telepathy to time the strike. I'll give you guys a synced timer.' Blue bars then appeared above everyone's heads. And when they'd reached one hundred, the download was complete.

Wendy blinked. "Twenty minutes?"

'That's how long you guys have until Nirvana reaches full power.'

"We have to destroy…" Erza started.

"…all six at once." Jellal finished.

'Man.' Ichiya said coldly.

Suddenly, someone came into the connection and it gave everyone a chill. 'Care to tell me?' It was Zero.

"Who are you?!" Erza demanded.

"It's that creepy Brain guy!" Wendy stated.

Zero laughed. 'I am Zero, Master of the Oracion Seis! First of all, allow me to commend you, you fooled me. I'd never thought other Mages would have Archive Magic like Brain. Now heed my words! All of you! I am going to obliterate all that you hold dear! I have already begun by destroying five of your friends! A Dragon Slayer. An Ice Wizard. A Celestial Wizard. A Memory-Make Wizard. A Mage with sunglasses. And a cat!'

'He got Natsu, Nic, and the others?!' Hibiki exclaimed.

Erza eyes shot wide with dread at the hearing of Nic's demise. Erza was left frozen as she felt her heart drop. Nic. Him eliminated? Her pulse palpitated uncontrollably. In an act of impulse, she hollered up to the air. "That's a lie!"

Zero laughed in the background, and he felt too good at destroying those people. Another voice then entered the background.

'Who said we were defeated in the first place?' The calm yet serious voice echoed. Zero went wide-eyed, as did Erza. Erza recognized the voice all too well and she was more than satisfied that she then heaved a sigh and grinned.

It was Nic, and his voice was heard with the others as well. 'We're not down yet!' 'That Zero creep may have got the drop on us, but now we're ready!' 'That creep's gonna pay!' 'You're right girl! No way that Zero jerk is gonna win!' 'Aye!'

The voices ranged about thanks to Hibiki's Telepathy. Everyone there was beyond glad they were okay. Zero was beyond furious. 'Curse you! How did you survive?!'

Nic grinned. 'We were a little surprised with you attacking us with such raw power, so we had to lie low until we could regroup.' Nic then began explaining.

Zero's Dark Rondo ultimately blasted through Gray's shield. The Ice Wizard and Jura were about to be hit, but Nic was fast enough to cover some ground. "Protect!" Zero's entire attack was completely stopped, making the maniac grunt.

Natsu came from above with a Fire Dragon's Iron Fist, but Zero simply flicked his finger and a shockwave made Natsu spiral up and hit the ceiling.

"Natsu!" Lucy exclaimed. She was actually petrified by fear, seeing the feral look on Zero's face. Zero then unleashed yet another shockwave by extending his hand and had seemingly blasted the group.

"Oh no!" Sophie exclaimed.

Nic was able to react fast enough. He transformed into his Stone Plate as the shockwave was coming at them like a tsunami. "Get behind me!" He shouted, everyone getting behind. "Wide Guard!" A neon wavy multitude of screens eroded in front of Nic as the shockwave was blasting dust and rock at a very high level. The debris flew right passed them as they took notice Nic had saved them.

As Wide Guard was still going, Nic held an arm up. "Guys, we need to regroup! Everyone get down! Rock Slide!" Nic had then glowed white and multiple white rings appeared above them. Large rocks then fell down from above and was aimed above the group.

Nic then raised his arms overhead. "Wide Guard!" The wavy neon strands then appeared over them and the rocks landed on the shield and the rest fell on the sides, looking as though they were buried. When all of the dust cleared, Zero looked to see no trace of them.

Zero grinned evilly as Klodoa was beside him. "A brilliant job Master Zero! Very well done!" He fearfully told his master.

Zero was sure that since he didn't see their bodies, he assumed they were crushed by the rubble and he smirked evilly. "Humph! That was too easy!" He then turned away as Klodoa followed him in fear.

Hearing his, Zero's eyes showed extreme anger and wincing at the fact he was duped. 'You fools! YOU TRICKED ME!'

Nic grinned. 'It was a close call. After the coast was clear, Natsu, Gray, and I all moved the rocks so we can get some fresh air, but we still hid within them to ascertain our low profiles. While there, we were recovering our strength.'

Everyone except Zero was smiling at Nic's crafty handiwork. They didn't see that one coming, not ever.

'The guy nearly gave me a panic attack, but it was all good. I gotta say he's a lot more reflexive than we have originally thought.' Gray explained.

'We managed to recuperate some Magic, but just very little.' Sophie explained. 'If what you say is true Hibiki, then we should have more than enough to take down Nirvana, right?'

'That is correct.' Hibiki said.

They all then heard Zero groan, of which turned into a dark statement. 'Oh really? You think you can destroy all six lacrima simultaneously? Well you can try, but I am standing in front of one of them, and I have no intention on moving!' Zero then laughed maniacally. 'As long as I'm here, it'll be impossible to destroy all six at once!' Brain then had cut his connection off, giving a slight sting to Hibiki's head.

Erza punched her own fist and looked angry that Zero was intercepting them at one lacrima.

"Though it seems impossible it can be done." Jellal stated. "Each Mage can destroy a lacrima at once. Each Mage has a one-in-six chance of running into Zero. Unfortunately, it seems only Erza stands a chance here.

The Telepathic connection was then put back online. 'Do not fear My Honey.' Ichiya said. 'I am able-bodied and at your service…though I'm kind of tied up at the moment.'

'Master Ichiya! That's three.' Hibiki said.

'You can't forget about us!' Sophie shouted.

'Sophie and the others, then that makes eight. Good, we have more than enough. The remaining two should pair up and assist those who are going to destroy the lacrima.' Hibiki was then temporarily cut off as he was extremely exhausted. Christina's wing that was made by Lyon shattered and Sherry gave out. Christina was then starting to fall, much to everyone's shock.

'G-Guys…my telepathy is about to run out.' Hibiki warned with exhaustion in his voice. 'Awhile ago…I uploaded a map into your minds. I numbered them so that you could find them.'

Nic himself was more than satisfied, knowing that thanks to the map and the continuous usage of the Plates up to now, his radar was able to focus more. The energy was still faint, but it felt stronger in certain parts. He was able to indicate the strongest point. Before he could think some more, everyone began calling dibs on lacrima.

'I'll take one!' Natsu called out.

'Two!' Gray shouted.

'Three! Though I hope Zero isn't there.' Lucy said.

'Then I shall take number four.' Ichiya said. 'I can tell it's close by due to its parfum.'

"You mean because of you see it on the map." Erza pointed out in a sigh, leaving Ichiya in revelation.

'My Honey, why must you insist on making a fool out of me?!'

Erza ignored him. "I can take number five."

'Erza, it's great to hear from you.' Nic said, relieved.

Erza smiled. "Yes, as am I Nic." Her smile widened, remembering that she didn't see him at all since the mention of Jellal earlier.

"Then I'll take-!" Jellal was cut off when Erza clasped her hand over his mouth to silence him.

'Whose voice is that?! Is there someone with you?!' Natsu shouted.

'That voice…why is it so familiar?' Nic wondered, trying to ponder.

Erza turned towards Jellal. "Nic and the others aren't aware of your amnesia yet. Nic still thinks you're an enemy, so try and keep quiet." She reasoned, to which the blue-haired man nodded silently. Erza then looked up at the sky, Christina had finally fallen into the woods again with a crash. Everyone there heard it and the telepathic connection was cut off.

---

With Nic and co.

"What happened?!" Natsu exclaimed.

"Our connection was cut off." Nic said.

"That means…" Lucy looked at the ground. "…Hibiki…"

---

With Ichiya

Still tied up, but on the ground, Ichiya struggled to break free and muster the strength to get up. As an alternative, he turned on his stomach and hopped with the stick like a bunny.

Ichiya did his best to hop. "Men! Men! Men! Men!" Ichyia only made a couple of hops in when he fell back on his side with a thud. Ichiya was exhausted as he was all sweaty and clear snot dripping from his flat nose. He was tired.

"Come on Ichiya, you've gotta stay strong." He told himself. He was huffing and breathing heavily and twitched slightly. "I have to make it to lacrima number four…everybody's counting on me…" He said in between his exhausted breaths. "The last thing I want to do is let my new comrades down."

Ichiya turned back on his abdomen and he mustered up the strength to keep hopping. "I'm not out of breath! I got this! I may not look it, but I'm a young man! MEN!"

---

With Erza and co.

Erza and everyone with her was wide-eyed and shocked that Christina crashed to the forest. And Wendy covered her eyes.

"Oh no!" Wendy squealed with covered eyes. Erza and everyone else looked down with closed eyes, looking away as they had hoped for the best for those onboard Christina, praying that they were alright.

With no time to mourn, Carla turned towards her comrades. "We have six Mages now, let's move!"

Erza nodded in agreement. "I guess Zero's at lacrima number one."

Wendy gasped. "But that's where Natsu is heading!" Jellal's eyes widened as Wendy mentioned that name.

"He's got a nose unlike any other. And I can guess that Nic may have teamed up with him as well." She said, believing those two were teaming up for Zero. "Natsu must have chosen knowing Zero would be there. If anyone can stop them, it's those two."

"We've gotta go-!" Wendy was caught off when Erza showed a smile.

"It wouldn't be wise to underestimate those two. They can do it. I have faith in Natsu and Nic. Let's just get to our posts." Deep down, Erza was worried about Nic, but even she knew that worrying about him when he's strong was her mistake. She should be worrying about destroying her assigned lacrima.

"Nastsu…Nic…" Jellal muttered quietly. "…Nic…"

"Let's split up, I'll take lacrima number five and you take number six." Erza said as her back was turned and walked away towards the lacrima. She then heard Jellal wince and she stopped and turned towards him. "Is there something wrong?"

Jellal had a hand to his head. "No, I'm fine." He said. He slowly turned and he began limping away, much to Erza's suspicion. She looked on with some concern as to what Jellal was doing. He wasn't fine, that's for sure.

"Nic…Pularis…"

---

With Nic and co.

Happy turned towards the others. "Alright guys, that's six people! Let's go! And if you see Zero, take him down!"

Everyone grunted and they then nodded.

Sophie held up a clenched fist and looked at Lucy. "Lucy, I'll accompany you to lacrima number three. Since all of them were taken, I'll go with you, okay?" Sophie asked.

Lucy nodded. "Okay."

Everyone then began splitting up, and that left Nic to stay in place. He knew something. He remembered full well that Natsu had a nose unlike any other, and knowing his combatant ways, Nic assumed he would be going where Zero was.

Nic narrowed his eyes. "So Zero is in chamber one…" Nic then felt his Plates pull at him again, and they detected the signal yet again. Nic went slightly wide-eyed upon realizing this feeling earlier. He jerked towards the hallway Natsu ran down to and he began his dash.

Nic dashed faster than anyone there, easily catching up to Natsu as he was about to enter the tube that went towards chamber one. Nic turned towards Natsu, as the latter was surprise.

"Whoa, Nic?" Natsu turned towards him with surprise. "Why are you here?"

"Relax Natsu, I'm coming to aid you in this fight." Nic stated. The Dragon Slayer was a little surprised by Nic joining him. Even though Natsu wanted to take Zero on alone, he knew full well that teaming up with the man responsible for taking down Jellal would be an ideal victory if they worked together.

Natsu looked ahead and he saw a light, meaning they were close. He was running and Nic was slowing his pace to match with his, which didn't bother him. "Alright!"

Nic then looked ahead as well and narrowed his eyes. "And besides…Zero's in front of something I need."

---

Okay people, that makes the next chapter the big finish to the Oracion Seis Arc. I was fortunate that I got this chapter in quick. My pace is very fast. I guess you could say I'm all caught up. I hope you're enjoying this story so far and the plot and the twists and turns I try to make.

I have a vital chapter to do as a transition into the Edolas Arc, and after that comes a very special Arc I personally made up. I can say you will have a lot more Pokémon appearances starting in the Edolas Arc.

Please Favorite, Follow, & Review this story and/or chapter if you guys are loving the action and the ongoing series in general and are anxious for more.

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Next Time: Despondent Flames