Chapter 45 – Infiltration

I got the rest of the Tenrou Island Arc planned out, so I'm ready to tackle the next several chapters!

To Recap:

Nic and the rest of the S-Class Mages prepare to set up the trials, but Nic senses a Plate, but he puts that matter aside temporarily and focuses on examining Vanessa and Sophie. Despite their efforts, Nic didn't make it easy for them, and Sophie ends up failing.

Chapter 45 – Infiltration

The rest of the candidates who passed talked with Makarov, and the ones who failed had the option to head off back to Magnolia or join up at base camp, which was where Nic and everyone else was at.

Erza was in her black bikini, wearing an apron as she stirred some food. Everyone talked about how their trials went, where Erza tested Juvia and Lisanna, and Nic against Sophie and Vanessa.

When Mira explained how Elfman and Evergreen defeated her, Erza looked stunned.

"No way! They said that they're getting married?!" The redhead asked in shock.

Sophie blinked and looked slightly off guard. "I most certainly didn't see that coming."

Mira rubbed her cheek, where a patch was. She looked a little embarrassed. "Yeah, it was a shocker. I apparently gave them an opening to attack."

Erza pointed the ladle at Mira. "Why didn't you tell me? They've obviously been dating for a while to marry, but you never mentioned it!"

Nic was leaning against a tent pole, his attire consisted of the plain black swim trunks he had on back at Akane Resort before the Tower of Heaven incident. "Knowing Elfman, Erza, I'm sure it was just to catch her off guard."

"I can't argue with you there." Mira said to him.

"What if it wasn't a strategy?" Erza reasoned.

Mira turned back and smiled at her. "Remember what your meant-to-be boyfriend said, I doubt it's true." A curious expression dawned upon her, not paying attention to the deep shades of red upon Nic and Erza's faces. "Still, I couldn't imagine them getting married and having babies."

Mira then pictured it out, where there was a baby head that resembled Elfman's face, with Evergreen's glasses. "I'm a real baby!"

Somehow, this imagination didn't make her feel satisfied and she wept in her hands as Nic and Erza were both in a brief daze.

"W-wait." Nic stammered. "D-did she…?"

Erza was beginning to blush even harder. First Mira teasing about Nic and Erza's meant-to-be status, and then the talk of marriage and babies set something off like a ticking time bomb. Her faced bloomed with steam. "M-Married…b-b-babies?" Slowly, her gaze went towards Nic, who had his sunglasses to keep himself from having his dazed gaze from being shown, but she knew he was looking at her.

The two then whipped their heads away from the other in embarrassment. "Uh…" Both didn't know what to say since they were in their own little world, somehow embarrassed from thinking of marriage and little versions of themselves causing mayhem.

While they were trapped in their steaming fantasies, Lisanna pictured Elfman and Evergreen side-by-side. "You know…now that I think about it, they'd make an awesome couple.

Juvia, much like Nic and Erza, was steaming and red in the face. "T-they're gonna have…babies."

Sophie chuckled at everyone. "Look at them, all romantic-like." She said to Vanessa, who was currently eating lemons. "C'mon, ever wanted to be an aunt?"

Vanessa honestly didn't put any thought about it, but this did make her swallow her lemon hard and she nearly choked. All she really wanted was to be happy, knowing her brother would be happy. Now that she knew that he had feelings for Erza, she didn't think much after that.

"I…uh…" Vanessa tried to avoid the question. "So, what happened to Freed and Bickslow?" She asked aloud.

Thanks to her question, everyone snapped out of their romantic trances, except Juvia, and got back on topic. Nic and Erza's faces flushed to a light pink and they continued to look away in embarrassment.

"Freed and Bickslow went back home, and Gildarts as well." Erza said, barely composed, but was back on track by the time her sentence finished.

"And here I thought they wanted to see who wanted to become S-Class." Sophie asked. She then jerked open her eyes and remembered something. "Hey it just hit me, Wendy and Mest haven't shown up yet."

Nic realized it as well, looking about and noticing their absence. "Now that you mention it, they didn't arrive here."

Lisanna looked down. "Probably they forgot we were supposed to juncture here."

"…babies…" Juvia said, still distraught and steaming.

Vanessa turned in her seat, looking at Erza and Nic with crossed. "So what is it with Mest?"

Lisanna was piqued as well. "Now that you mention that, I never ran into his counterpart in Edolas. Did we join during the two years that I was gone?"

"You know, I'm not sure." Mira said.

Erza looked confused as well. "I figured he's always been a member."

However, Nic looked with a very puzzled expression. He wasn't sure, because of his frequent stays around the Guild Hall, but he knew when something wasn't right. His arms were crossed and his eyes narrowed under his sunglasses.

"Strange, I never saw Mest before the trials." He said, having everyone turn towards him. "Now that I think back, I've never met him in my life."

Erza and Mira were a little shocked, and Juvia was also brought out of her imagination.

"I thought I always saw him around here and there." Mira said.

"Mira." Nic's tone was dead serious, and everyone could sense it. "I know a face when I see one, and I can recognize them with given hints, but I am certain that I've never saw Mest in my life."

"Really? I thought he was around sometimes?" Sophie asked.

Nic turned back towards Sophie. "Sophie, you have the best memory in all of Fairy Tail. If you really thought about, have you even heard of him?"

Sophie thought long and hard about this, and the more she thought, the more worried she got. Her Memory-Make gave her the power to remember full-well, but Nic did bring up a valid point.

"You know…yeah, you're right." Sophie agreed. "Now that I really thought of it, Mest really wasn't mentioned once. Frankly, this bothers me."

Juvia then got up from her seat. "I volunteer to go look for them. All of this is really making me nervous as well."

"Very well." Erza then undid her apron and cast it aside. "Nic, Vanessa, Sophie, and I shall accompany Juvia while Lisanna and Mira guard the tent. This point Nic brought up is starting to make me catch on as well."

Juvia then turned around and sulked. 'I wanted to go see my beloved Gray become S-Class!' She mentally whined.

Meanwhile…

Evergreen and Elfman were both running for their lives away from some giant pig-like creature that inhabited the island. They had six hours to find Mavis Vermilion's grave, and apparently they had a struggle with the wild inhabitance.

"GAAAAAH!" They both screamed. The pig0like creature was running after them, its teeth showing.

"A REAL MAN SHOULD NEVER RUN FOM HIS ENEMIES!" Elfman shouted, ironically running for his life.

Evergreen was hitting the panic button mentally. "Cut the real man crap! It's not helpful!" She shouted.

The pig then aimed a giant hoof at Evergreen, and Elfman saw it attacking. "Look out!" Elfman then jumped and grabbed Evergreen, tossing himself and his teammate into a downward tumble through a rocky tunnel, which the pug couldn't fit through. The two screamed and tumbled until they got through the tunnel, hitting some grass.

The two groaned as they actually felt some pain flare here and there. "Man, that wasn't manly at all." Elfman muttered, not noticing he was still holding Evergreen close to him.

Realizing where she was, Evergreen shoved Elfman off of her in embarrassment. "Get off!" When Elfman was pried off, a tick mark then bloomed on her head. "I don't have any interest in you, meathead! I only said those things to Mira just to throw her off! As if I really wanna hook up with someone like you!"

As Evergreen shook, Elfman look a little confused. "Where's this coming from?" He muttered. "I gotta hand it to ya, that was clever. Hard to believe a nice girl like you pulled off a dirty trick like that."

Some rustling was then heard, and Evergreen and Elfman both turned their heads towards some bushes, where they saw someone approach them. The person left them fairly surprised.

His hair was as black as the night sky, as were his eyes. He had on boots and a black attire with a white drape around him. He looked ever so confused as a shadow cast over his head.

"Why?" He asked. "Why have you come to such a desolate place?" Elfman and Evergreen alike were on guard as they slowly took a step ahead. "I had the impression this island was uninhabited."

Elfman didn't take it lightly. "Well you're wrong pal!"

"Only members of our guild can be on this island!" Evergreen barked.

"…So I'm trespassing? My apologies, I had no idea." He said somberly.

Elfman took another step. "Well you know now!"

"No, stay back!" He yelled, making Elfman and Evergreen jerk in response. A brief moment passed as he looked at them. "If you want to live, then you must keep your distance."

Elfman clenched his fists. "Sounds like a challenge pal"

The man showed no ill will in his somber mood. "It's not, I show no interest in quarreling. I'll leave the island with no delay."

Evergreen and Elfman alike both seemed rather suspicious as they gaze sourly at the black-haired individual, yet their guards were still kept up; and it was a good thing too because as the man began taking steps away he cringed and a pulse vibrated violently through him, making his eyes beam fear and anxiety.

The man started to shake violently in place and clutched his own head. "No, it's happening…h-here it comes…" At first Elfman and Evergreen figured he was having a panic attack or a breakdown, but as strange winds blew, they knew something was wrong.

A veil of black began to surround the trespasser, crumbling the falling leaves into nothing. A strong palpitation flowed and the veil was expelled around the surrounding area, leaves disintegrating and Elfman and Evergreen were caught unable to move.

"Get down!" A familiar voice called out, and their bodies were thrown to the ground to avoid the shockwave of death, but the grass died nonetheless. The trees all around were dead, yet the three were spared.

Natsu looked up at the person with a steady and stern gaze, looking at the black-haired man's shaking and distraught eyes. Natsu looked with startled eyes as he looked at the man before him. The man's eyes began to water as his lips quivered.

"…Natsu…" He muttered.

With Nic and co.

The group walked along the rocky field that looked over the seas, with green birds flying over their heads. Erza walked alongside Nic, the two leading the charge.

"I forgot how big Tenrou Island was." Erza stated. "Finding them may take longer than we thought."

Nic looked over at Erza. "True. I could use the Sky Plate for an aerial surveillance, but if I do that, I could possibly be an interference with the trials."

"True, but we'll look all day if we must, and your Sky Plate could be for if we have no lead." She reasoned to him. She put up a small smile. "But even so, it's appreciative how careful you consider such situations."

Vanessa and Sophie walked behind them, hearing everything and grinning as they even saw small shades of pink on their faces. Sophie couldn't help but giggle loud enough for Vanessa to hear. "This suspense is killing me." She muttered to Vanessa. "They better tie the knot soon before I start having fits."

Vanessa sweatdropped. "I don't think that's necessary." She said. "You know relationships take time. You can't rush these things."

"True." Sophie groaned. A mischievous smirk then broadened her face as she leaned over Nic and Erza's shoulders. "So, how long are you two gonna talk about admiring the other?"

Nic and Erza froze in place and jerked in shock, realizing they were lost in the other again. They began to get flustered on the spot and turned to face their little blonde matchmaker.

"W-we were doing no such thing!" Erza persuaded.

"Yeah, w-we were just talking about ways to find Mest and Wendy." Nic added.

Sophie rolled her eyes. "Oookaaay, but if you want us to cover ground, we can head in another direction to give you two some alone time~." She cooed.

Nic have an annoyed yet twisted expression as he crossed his arms. "Okay, I think you're spending a little too much time with Juvia."

Vanessa turned around and looked back. "Speaking of which, I think Juvia's lost in her fantasies again." She didn't give much of an impression on Juvia's spacing-out at first, but once she learned the reason, she was a little worrisome.

"Juvia, no dawdling. The last thing we need is to be separated." Erza said, continuing her pacing. The group continued on for another couple of minutes, idling by the scenery and what not, and then Erza decided to get something off her chest. She stopped and looked back at Juvia.

"Juvia, you're not afraid of me, right? I apologize from before."

"What are you talking about?" The Water Mage asked before it sparked in her head. 'Oh, she must mean when we fought from before.'

Erza wasn't satisfied with herself. "I'll admit I was less cautious in our battle than intended, but I needed to get my point across about how brutal S-Class is to burden." She looked up and remembered herself and how she finally achieved S-Class status when she was Vanessa's age. "It was long and arduous path, and my skills were put to the ultimate test." She then looked away with a clenched fist. "And then when you do achieve such a rank, suddenly everyone wants to fight you and public eyes dawdle upon you…"

Her voice began to become mumbling to Juvia as she just thought about Gray. Juvia just groaned as Erza was left to talk into space.

Sophie looked towards Nic and leaned in towards her. "Is she always this passionate about stuff?"

Nic blinked and half-grinned. "Yeah, but it's the little things that matter to her, and she wouldn't feel right if they went unchecked."

"Hm, sounds like you." Sophie reasoned, in which the comparison made Nic sigh.

The three watched Erza apologize, in which her own spirits shot back up, Nic just smiled as Erza enthusiastically dragged Juvia along, with Sophie and Vanessa following as well. Even through the walk, something about Mest and the situation led Nic to frown once more.

As time passed, they found themselves in a rocky swamp-like forest, with wolves watching in the background.

"I was wondering. Do you know exactly what kind of Magic does Mest use?" Juvia asked.

Erza got a confusing expression on her face. "Yes, but he's still somewhat new to the guild…now that I think about it, I honestly don't know."

Nic was left to think as he looked away, still walking. 'Strange, Erza and everyone else know him, yet I don't. Also, what exactly is Mest's Magic? Does it have something to do why I can't remember him like the others do?'

Nic then turned towards Sophie. "Hey Sophie, your Memory-Make, can it possibly be affected or altered?"

"Hm?" Sophie looked questioned. "What are you implying? You mean my Memory-Make has a weakness."

"I just have a theory. How can you guys somehow know about him, yet I'm not affected; and with what Juvia's question about his Magic rising, I got a really bad feeling."

Everyone then unconsciously began to pick up their pacing when Nic mentioned his theory. Questions and concerns thickened heavily.

"You mean that Mest guy may have some sort of Magic that can alter our memories?" Vanessa asked.

Nic nodded as he ran slowly. "It's possible. If he could do such a thing, then it'd be no wonder why you guys know yet you don't. I could also speculate that the reason why I'm unaffected is because of the Mind Plate."

Sophie realized it then. "Of course! The Mind Plate gives you undeterred psychological immunity. If so, then-!"

Erza and everyone then stopped as the truth dawned upon them. "That's it! Now it all makes sense!" She turned back towards the group. "If what Nic says is true, then our minds were altered to think we know Mest! He's not a real member of Fairy Tail!" Everyone went wide-eyed and gasped.

Nic clenched his fists. 'Looks like finding that Plate is gonna have to wait longer.' He then gestured for everyone to move ahead. "Hurry! We gotta find Wendy!"

The group then started to run again, and they had no reason to stop; that is, until Nic saw something up ahead. Nic went wide-eyed when he saw a small body. He went up and recognized it. "Levy!" Nic saw Levy hurt, with her yellow headband gone and her dress torn up a bit. "Levy? Levy?" Nic nudged her, but no response.

Nic turned her over and Erza and the others looked from behind. "Levy?" Her eyes slowly opened, and her vision started to get less hazy. "Levy?"

Everything for Levy cleared, and she saw Nic. "Nic." She had tears in her eyes.

"How did you get such injuries?" Juvia asked.

Vanessa crouched and looked at Levy. "Levy, are you okay?"

Levy tried to get up, and Nic and Erza both were used as support for her to stand. Levy soon got to her feet and huffed a bit before the tears began to scroll down her face. "You guys…we're in major trouble, and Gajeel needs help."

"Gajeel?" Juvia looked around and noticed that Gajeel wasn't around.

Erza looked to Nic. "This situation is getting dire. We need to find Gajeel and fast."

Nic nodded and looked back at Levy. "Levy, can you take us to Gajeel?" His answer came with a nod and Levy slowly supported herself. She began to feel wobbly, but retained balance. She turned and began to lead way towards Gajeel.

"Come on! This way!" Levy raced with the group, but Nic chose a tree and then climbed it. He used the extra height to gain some surveillance. Nic didn't shift into his Sky Plate as he chose tree-jumping as a more precautious alternative. Using the Sky Plate could give away their position to the enemy if there was one.

As Levy traveled through the forest, Nic sprung from branch to branch, keeping up and seeing some clashes not too far. Through it all, his traveling through the forest didn't help sense a Plate any better than he already did. The Magic present on the island made it feel more surrounded and hard to sense.

Soon, Nic saw a giant iron sword up ahead. "Guys, we're close!" Nic saw the massive iron sword being swung down in the distance, and as they proceeded, they felt the ground shake violently as a lot of Magic was used at that very moment.

A few moments passed by before Nic stopped by a tree branch on a tree that looked out at a clearing, with everyone following suit.

"Gajeel!" Levy shouted, seeing the Iron Dragon Slayer. Gajeel was seen lying on the ground some meters away. Close by was some shattered rock, and right in front was a long trail where his giant iron sword struck from before. The others slowly gathered around to see the damage done, which surprised them. There was a rooster that was out cold nearby, and some brown goat-like creature in a samurai attire.

Levy fell to Gajeel's side. "Gajeel! Please tell me you're alright!" She begged.

Gajeel winced on the ground, slowly opening his eyes and smirking. "Told you I could handle these losers." He lowly said.

Levy smiled in relief. Glad that Gajeel was in one piece. "Yeah, you did…" She trailed off as she was too joyful to say much of anything. But, all good things come to an end. The goat samurai, known as Yomazu, chuckled on the ground, though still defeated, which scared Levy a bit.

Everyone turned towards Yomazu as he smirked and finished laughing. "You brats are hopeless. Our guild's coming your way, whose power exceeds my own. They are…the 7 Kin of Purgatory!" He chuckled lowly again.

Erza swallowed, Vanessa and Sophie tensed up, Nic gritted his teeth, and Juvia looked surprised, as was Levy.

"The 7 Kin are attacking?" Juvia asked.

Nic's eyes were seen with discomfort through his sunglasses as he made way towards Erza's side. "This is bad, we need to signal everyone."

"Agreed." Erza requipped a cylindrical black and yellow stripped signal flare. "He must put the trial on hold, and prepare for battle!" Erza shot the flare up and a very large pink-red firework went off in the sky, engulfing the sky all over Tenrou Island with the warning of an enemy attack.

Erza then requipped into her Heart Kreuz Armor and turned towards the others. "Our first priority is to find Wendy, and still be alert of Mest."

Nic nodded and turned towards his sister. "Vanessa, you stay close by, and Sophie, you cover for Levy and Gajeel as they'll head back to base camp." He ordered, transforming back into his own attire.

Sophie and Vanessa both nodded. Sophie then turned and saw Levy carrying the heavy Gajeel. Gajeel noticed that he was being carried by Levy. "Don't be pushing yourself, small fry." He groaned.

"Well, I don't see you getting halfway there without falling back down, you big lug." Levy said.

"Yeah, yeah. Just quit flapping your gums." Gajeel muttered and fell silent as Sophie ushered them through the woods.

Juvia saw the whole thing and her cheeks blushed. 'Oh, I'm sure my beloved Gray needs my help.'

Nic and Erza both then walked in front of the defeated Yomazu, who sat up but didn't seem to be putting up much of a fuss. Nic commenced the interrogation.

"Alright, talk. Why have you come here?" He demanded.

Yomazu turned his head in a cocky manner. "Pffft. Like I tell you bozos."

Erza growled and a tick mark flushed her head. She then dealt a bash to Yomazu's head for not answering, which resulted in him getting a large bump.

Feeling pain, and not wanting to go through it again, Yomazu answered. "We seek…him. The Legendary Black Wizard, Zeref." Immediately, Erza and Nic both had shrunk pupils in sheer disbelief and horror, as well as Juvia and Vanessa, though Vanessa didn't know anything about him.

"That's nonsense!" Erza shouted.

Nic knew full-well of this Zeref guy, and he sounded like bad news. "That's absurd! He can't possibly be alive! We've seen Dark Guilds and many others try and resurrect him, meaning there's no way he can be resuscitated!" Nic lashed out, given his past experience with the lowest rankings in Tartaros and Jellal.

Yomazu smirked evilly. "You're wrong. Lord Zeref never did die, he's been living for over four-hundred years!"

"Four-hundred years?!" Vanessa exclaimed.

"Yes. Apparently he's been dormant this entire time, a slumber that lasted for centuries." Yomazu explained mischievously. "Once we awaken him, all within this world shall be consumed in darkness!"

Erza immediately denied the accusation. "That's unforgivable! Don't you know this is Fairy Tail's sacred ground?! There's no way we'll let it be swallowed by such evil, nor the world!"

"Hehe. Believe what you want, but no matter which way it's seen, Master Hades and the 7 Kin of Purgatory is on its way, and I say you shouldn't underestimate them." He then began to list them. "The Time Mage, Ultear."

"Ultear?!" Nic exclaimed. Remembering his past with her, and how he saved her just once…among other things that left him shook to the core.

Yomazu continued. "Rustyrose. My superior, Caprico. Kain Hikaru. Zancrow. Meredy. And finally, the one who's already here, Azuma."

Erza gasped. "You mean that last one's here now?"

Nic turned away and back out at the area behind him, feeling a strong force coming, and his sensory is very sharp. "This is very bad. If what he said is true, and he was on par with Gajeel, yet the 7 Kin of Purgatory is far stronger, then we're gonna have a major battle on our hands." Nic then turned towards Yomazu. "Tell us, how long until your forces arrive!"

Yomazu chuckled. "Minutes you fool! That's all you're ever getting out of me." He then went back to smirking evilly and his cockiness was awarded with a knock-out blow from Erza, giving him a second large bump on his head, making him fall to his side in unconsciousness.

"These actions are intolerable! We have to meet up with Wendy and the others at once!" Erza shouted.

Nic nodded and looked at Juvia and Vanessa. "Juvia, Vanessa, be on your guard. Like he said, we only have a matter of minutes before we're invaded."

Juvia then looked around and back at Nic. "Right, we'll stay close by."

Vanessa gulped and huffed, showing some signs of nervousness overflowing. "I'll do my best. My Pokémon and I will fight to stop them."

The four then ran back into the forest, trying to find their allies. Nic still didn't want to shift because he could once again give their position to the enemy; plus, the island would be too big to scout for. He just jumped back into the trees and zoomed onwards, his acrobatic skills in the trees keeping him going with the others.

With Sophie and co.

Sophie walked in front, keeping alert at all times. Her head swayed left and right as she was feeling Magic all around. She looked back to see Levy slowly progressing as she kept up Gajeel.

"Don't quit yet." She told him. "We have to find the others. We're at a disadvantage."

Sophie's eyes stayed focused. "Levy, we may be alone, but we still won't go down that easily." She then looked ahead. "We're Fairy Tail after all…"

Their little encouragement was cut short when they saw some sort of weird sea-goat like man flying with a jetpack over their heads. He had on some black attire, and sunglasses as well.

"What is that? An enemy?" Levy asked.

Sophie clenched her fists as she prepared herself for the worst as the sea goat was high above them. "We'll soon find out." She and Levy then saw the sea goat release many orange orbs that started to rain down onto them, and Sophie narrowed her eyes as the orbs expanded as they descended, and she saw that from inside, soldiers with purple capes and masks. "They're coming from above! Quick! Levy, get Gajeel to safety!"

The orbs soon popped when met at a low altitude, releasing the soldiers. The soldiers had many weapons that ranged from swords, to hammers, to Magic Staves.

"But what about you?" Levy shouted in concern.

Sophie kept her focus on the soldiers. "Don't worry Levy, your priority is to escape. I'll provide cover."

Levy didn't really have much of a say. She was weakened, and Gajeel couldn't fight in his condition. Much to her own dismay, she had no choice but to find immediate cover. She heaved Gajeel and herself behind some rock and bushes as the soldiers finally touched the ground, landing one-by-one, surrounding Sophie.

Sophie took in the whole surrounding, and saw the casual swords and weaponry and Magic Staves present. To her, this seemed too easy. Though she couldn't underestimate them. The last time she underestimated a certain someone, she was eliminated from the S-Class trials. This time she'll be more careful.

She got into a battle stance. "So I take it you're with the 7 Kin of Purgatory. Then this mean you're here to weaken us then." Sophie then put a finger to the side of her head. 'I'll have to limit the number of Spells I use in case if I ever come across one of the 7 Kin.'

"Get her!" Soldiers shouted. Simultaneously, they converge down onto her, heading way with swords and other weaponry.

Sophie made a chain of memories. "Memory-Make: Mirrors of Cold Retribution!" Sophie then made a multitude of mirrors made of ice that covered every direction around her, and let loose dark green energy waves from every single one. The multi-directional spell blasted away just about a majority of the soldiers that went in to attack. They all sailed away and screamed from being struck down with ease. A few had themselves anchored down to keep their ground as many others flew past them, but it wouldn't prove to be of much help.

Sophie noticed how she got a good number of them, but the stragglers were soon joined up by even more soldiers in the distance.

'This is gonna take longer than I had thought. I hope I'm giving Levy and Gajeel enough time to escape.' The blonde Mage hoped. She then pointed a finger at her head and a chain of memories was made. "Memory-Make: Charge Blades!" Sophie made the ground shake beneath her, throwing many soldiers off balance. The ground beneath then gave way to shattering and jutting out incandescent stone with yellow tips of electricity, exploding in yellow bursts in every single direction around her, engulfing every soldier with electricity and pain.

Meanwhile, Levy looked back, hearing the screams of the soldiers and the bright flash of yellow from Sophie's recent spell. She still had heavy concerns for her guild mate, but like Sophie said, her priority was to find base camp and the others as quickly as possible.

Levy then left the scene completely, heading into the thick forest as she saw Sophie flash yet another chain of memories.

With Nic and co.

Nic leaped about from branch to branch, crouching every time he landed and when he was about to jump. His leg muscles had no signs of cramping, considering how he's performed such skills in Kalos for the past couple of years. His senses were at their peak, and he was certain that enemy forces were bound to face them soon.

The small group of four found themselves in the marshland, where the water went up to their ankles, and the roots of the trees were shown. It seemed to have gone on for quite some time before Nic questioned something.

As he took another leap, his voice was directed downwards. "Juvia. Erza." He called out, getting their attention as they went through the area. "Tell me, just who are the 7 Kin of Purgatory?"

Juvia obliged to answer as she ran at a pace close by Erza and Vanessa. "The 7 Kin are the aces of the Dark Guild known as Grimoire Heart. I'm certain you are aware of whom they're relate to."

Under Nic's sunglasses, his eyes widened slightly at the remembrance. But that didn't slow down his pacing. "Yes, unfortunately. They're one of the three that makes up the Balam Alliance, as I recall thoroughly. We've already confronted Tartaros and Oracion Seis, and now Grimoire Heart."

Vanessa looked over as she ran, ignoring her wet ankles and feet. "Erza, just what exactly is this Balam Alliance?"

Erza looked at Vanessa, who was on her right. "That's right, you're new to this world. The Balam Alliance is the most powerful and most recognized allegiance in the history of all Dark Guilds. It's comprised of the three that Nic mentioned, which are Tartaros, Oracion Seis, and the Dark Guild that's invading our sacred grounds, which is Grimoire Heart. Those three rule the Dark Guild Underworld, and are by far the most lethal adversaries against all Magic wielders."

Though startled that she found herself at a disadvantage, she mustn't back down now. She had powerful Mages and her Pokémon to help her in any way possible. If there was ever a time for Vanessa to find her Magic, now would be the time.

Nic was still being aware, but his mind froze mentally when Oracion Seis spilled out of his mouth, because it was that very incident that left him uneasy, and it revolved around one bothersome thing: Jellal. The very mention or thought of that man somehow left a small, odd sting in his sub-conscience. He can't help but have the memories flood, about the Tower of Heaven, about his revival, about helping protect them against Zero, and the most painful of them all; when he looked back with a smile at Erza and she cried until the sun came up.

Nic wasn't sure what was coming over him now that the azure-haired Mage infiltrated his mind. He could most likely feel jealousy, which was saddening him some. Nic loved Erza, but he still wasn't fully convinced that Erza has moved on from Jellal, her first love. 'Why am I still bothered by that? Erza needs me, right?' He pondered. 'Why am I not fully convinced she really needs me like she says?'

"Something up ahead!" Erza shouted. Her voice, her sheer voice, yanked Nic back into reality, stopping on a tree branch as the others from below stopped in place.

Retaining focus, Nic looked around and saw capes of purple with masks running through the marsh in all directions. "They're coming in all directions!" He shouted. Vanessa tensed up and was back-to-back with Erza and Juvia. Erza requipped a sword as soon as the first few Grimoire Heart grunts were sighted.

First a couple, then dozens, and soon enough the group found themselves surrounded by a large number. From above, Nic to see the vast number still escalated; at least seventy-five or so.

"How'd they overwhelm us so easily?" Erza asked, pointing her sword ahead.

"I don't know, but seems there's more coming." Juvia stated calmly, seeing the soldiers with swords and other melee weaponry.

Vanessa pulled out two Poke Balls from her big, brown purse. "I may not be able to do Magic yet, but I still have some aces up my sleeves!" She then threw her Poke Balls into the air. "Come on out!"

The two Poke Balls opened, and Vanessa's Goomy appeared out in the water in front of her, as well as her Krokorok. Both looked out ahead of them, seeing the copious of enemies.

Seeing the enemy's numbers, Goomy shook. "T-this will b-be tough." She then swallowed and tried to keep lack of confidence from having her not battle. "I won't back down! Not with these bullies messing with Fairy Tail!"

Krokorok clenched his claws and pointed ahead at random member. "Let me tell you something, grunts of Grimoire Heart! Krokorok, is gonna send you flying, then pull you back down, so he can send you flying back up again!"

The members all converged onto them, and the group did their best to assault back. Erza clashed her sword with a few others, but easily knocked them away. She then sliced rapidly through many that were in front.

"Water Slicer!" Juvia lashed her arms out, dealing a number of water crescents at the soldiers, who all screamed and sailed back and avoided the sharp-edged attack that sliced their weaponry. Juvia then moved her arm in an arc and a powerful wave swamped the enemy.

Vanessa extend both her arms out. "Goomy, Dragon Breath!Krokorok, Shadow Claw!"

Goomy narrowed her now concentrated gaze and a round of loops engulfed her body, making water ripple around her. She then let loose a blue beam that shot a straight path and struck several Grimoire Heart members, engulfing them in a blue explosion.

Krokorok's claws were engulfed in a black aura with purple outlining, and he then slashed vertically. Grunts all sailed back and fell over as Krokorok kept up with his attack, slashing away more incoming blades and members.

"GRRAH! You want a piece of Krokorok? YOU WANNA PIECE! HAVE A LARGE ONE!" Krokorok then slashed diagonally, cutting down a vast number at once with the force of the critical hit.

Vanessa was so focused on offense that she didn't realize two members jumped from behind and tried to attack with swords. Vanessa saw shadows and she turned around, cringing with a shocked expression when she saw them coming in close.

A barrage of yellow stars with golden sparkles was shot from above, and the members were hit and flew back and crashed into other fellow incoming members as the attack continued to glide through the air and hit many more.

Vanessa looked up to see where the attack came from, turning out to be Nic covering her with Swift. "Stay sharp Vanessa!" Nic shouted, swiping his arm in another direction from above the tree branch, hitting several members close by with Swift again. "You gotta be more alert of your surroundings!"

"R-right!" Vanessa then turned her back as Nic dropped down from above, splashing as his two feet landed behind Vanessa, brother and sister back-to-back.

Nic examined the area as Erza and Juvia slashed and launched waves to wear down the numbers, and Goomy fired her Dragon Breath once more, as to where Krokorok used Shadow Claw and slashed at several members, all of the attacks sending them flying.

"The numbers don't seem to diminish." Nic said, his back still against his sister's. He then pulled out a Poke Ball of his own. "If that is the case, then we'll need to cover a wider range." Nic threw his Poke Ball, out appearing his Charizard.

Charizard flapped in the air and roared, the sudden appearance making members scared. "Whoa, is that a dragon?!" "How'd he summon one out of the blue?!" "This is bad!" "We gotta keep fighting guys, otherwise the 7 Kin will have our heads!"

Nic extended an arm out, and that was Charizard's que to go to work. The members all panicked as Charizard then opened his mouth and fired Flamethrower, the powerful stream of fire scorching away, and a part of the area that Flamethrower struck was engulfed in an incinerating explosion.

The members all panicked, but still pressured on. Charizard planted his feet into the water, but paid no heed. He looked back at Nic. "And I don't suppose that this is a mere warm up, right?" The Flame Pokémon asked his trainer.

Nic brought his arm across and swiped it, bringing a long, white needle out, via Cut. He readied himself. "Yeah, but be sharp!" Nic then rushed at members before him, coincidentally slashing at the same time Erza did, both cutting the members before them down together.

Charizard turned back around. "As I'll ever be." He stated quietly. Charizard ignored the Dragon Breath explosion in the distance and readied Dragon Claw with both hands, the energy released making strong winds stop the members from advancing before him. He then flapped his wings and then spiraled and slashed as the battle raged on effortlessly.

With Makarov

Makarov was a massive giant that was far larger than Grimoire Heart's airship. The airship itself had a very complex design with the colors of black and red, with extremely large seals, two on the engines and one underneath to keep it in the air.

Makarov, in his giant form and showing his red Fairy Tail emblem on his chest, was standing in the water and had one palm up and one upside down, a massively powerful sphere of pure light in between.

"I'm going to give you until the count of three to leave and never return." Makarov's deep-toned voice hollered.

Master Hades looked through his protective glass that gave a clear view of above and Makarov right in front. Master Hades was a tall and elderly man with long, slicked, silver hair. He had an eyepatch over his right eye, and the beard went down to his waist. He had a dark red shirt with shoulder pads and shiny gauntlets. His black cape had the Grimoire Heart emblem on the back and had a high-collar mantle with jagged edging with gray. His light pants had red flames on the bottom, similar to Nic's coat, and was supported by a dark yellow belt. He also sported a Greek helmet with devil horns.

Hades didn't seem all that surprised when Makarov was using the ultimate spell. Rather, he smirked. "Ah, Fairy Law. One of the Three Grand Fairy Spells. The spell that vanquishes all that the caster deems as an enemy." He stated flat.

"One." Makarov counted.

"Let's see just how effective your Fairy Law is." Hades retorted mildly.

"Two."

Hades had the bulletproof windows from before slid to the sides. He had the whole sky to freely look over as he stepped out as Makarov had finished counting.

"Three. Time's up." Makarov then pushed his palms together and the light shined in all directions. "Fairy Law!"

As the spell activated, Hades himself wasn't moved, as he pointed one of his palms downwards as one was kept up. In between, instead of light, pure darkness swirled. "Hasty as always." He scolded, much to Makarov's confusion.

Makarov was left shaken in the eyes as the spell Hades was using seemed familiar. Hades smirked as his cape went wild. "Grimoire Law!" The very spell itself had left Makarov in sheer shock and horror as the light in between his palms was reduced to nothing, and Grimoire Law was dispelled, sparing Makarov as he finally realized just how similar the spell was to his.

"No…" He muttered. "No, it just can't be. It's impossible!" His voice escalated.

Hades smirked. "Long time no see, boy."

Makarov was full of horror and revelation, his eyes so wide it almost looked like he's seen a ghost.

"It is you…Master Precht."

Back when Makarov was still rather young, roughly in his late thirties or forties, Makarov was left with bitterness as he was still rather wily and temperamental.

Makarov fidgeted about with a large tick mark on his head. "How damned could those Council jerks possibly be?! I can't stand them breathing down our necks like this!"

Of course, he still hated the Magic Council as much as he does now.

In his fit, he started grabbing nearby members and wanted to pound his frustration about wildly, but it wouldn't do him much good, and persuasion from the victims only did so much. Yup, still very high strung.

"That would be enough boy." A voice rang, and Makarov turned his head and looked at the person who owned the voice, which the current Master of Fairy Tail.

"Oh, uh, Master Precht. I didn't realize you were back!" Makarov panicked weakly. In that point in time, Precht's hair didn't seemed to have changed at all, but he had a fur coat and a staff with the end having the shape of Fairy Tail's emblem, and he didn't have a moustache like he did in the present.

"Must you always be so rash when going on jobs?" Precht asked. He then turned away. "Makarov, come with me."

"…yes Master." Makarov said, defeated.

Sunset approached and the two were seen on a cliff, overlooking the sunset over the seas.

"Okay…so I may or may not have roughed up some bandits that bad-mouthed our guild." Makarov confessed. "I don't see the problem is, really."

Precht didn't seem annoyed. "There isn't anything wrong with defending something when it's that precious to you, but when resorting to violence, you only complicate the problem. Do you know that violence is like a wildfire? It's best to never be that small ember that becomes that uncontrollable hostility."

"What do expect me to do? Just let it slip by?" Makarov grumbled.

Precht kept quiet for a moment before speaking again. "Harmony is what life and all essence centers around. Forgiveness is a powerful thing, but can never be so easily learned, as you must learn your own actions and learn to forgive yourself. Violence is something that isn't forgiven if something is hurt."

Makarov turned away, disinterested. "Do you ever stop to know you say the same thing over and over?"

Precht smiled amusingly. "I'll keep saying it until you finally understand boy." He then turned towards the sunset. "Makarov. Someday I won't be the Master anymore, and as Mavis had bestowed this heavy mantle onto me, I must bestow on someone soon. That person must and perhaps will understand that being stressful will only falter and collapse. It's a massive pillar that one must keep up. You'll understand soon enough."

Makarov turned his head back up to Precht. "The heck you saying old man?"

"In due time boy, in due time."

Hades smirked at Makarov as he looked off guard. Makarov stood in place, still frozen and unable to comprehend as to how in the world Hades could have possibly turned his back against his own kin.

"But, Master…why? Is this some sort of joke?" Makarov said. The only reply he got was of Hades holding both his arms up and purple Magic seals emerged, which released energy chains with grabbling hooks on the ends at Makarov, embedding them into his shoulder blades. Makarov yelped as the chains made him jerk back and hit the island cliffs.

Hades used his raw strength and literally yanked his chains about, dragging Makarov about and lashing him around like a whip against the island, soon jerking his chains enough that enough force was applied to have Makarov get sent skidding back and away far inland.

Makarov reverted to his normal size as the chains released him at last, and Hades twirled elegantly until he set foot on Tenrou Island, right as Makrov had hit the ground. Makarov's landing was that of a brief handstand that made him backflip until he was in a crouched position, requipping into his Fairy Tail ceremonial robe.

Makarov looked at Hades with disappointment and anger. "I see you've abandoned Fairy Tail for the dark side." He stated coldly and with disgust.

Hades crossed his arms as he inspected Makarov. "Even after 48 years, you still envision black and white." He responded in an obvious tone, as if expecting this. "It seems you haven't changed a bit."

"Well just look at all the damns I give!" Makarov retorted. "I may have a narrow vision, but I know an enemy when I see them with my own eyes."

"Really?" Hades curiously replied. "Funny, Fairy Law didn't think so. You clearly know how to talk the talk now, boy."

Makarov balled his fists. "I always hated that nickname; in fact, I wanted to pound you every time I heard that name…but I do not want to fight. I warn you to leave at once."

His warning was all for naught as Hades remained where he stood. "Unfortunately, boy, I cannot. I have some objectives of my own, and Fairy Tail stands in my way." His Magic began to coat his body.

Makarov then coated his body in his own Magical aura, light versus darkness in a way, with Makarov being the heads and Hades being the tails.

"If that is how you wish to proceed, then we shall have it your way." Makarov responded coldly.

The two glared frigidly as their Magic fumed about, the intensity within the atmosphere accelerating drastically. They both stopped showing off at the same time, and they commenced their assaults with aiming two fingers from each hands and beaming them in all directions, like a spell. Lightning bolts shot from their pointed fingertips, clashing simultaneously.

After that draw, Makarov extended an arm out and made a yellow Magic seal. "Rain of Light!" From the seal, a barrage of light beams shot at Hades.

Hades extended an arm up and a shield of darkness protected him, and the light was absorbed by the shield, being turned into darkness that was shot back at Makarov, who barely escaped with a jumped. He didn't imply the explosion and ground shaking when the attack missed and he readied his next move, but fell short when he saw Hades next move.

Hades moved his hands about, and three dark Magic circles circled and lines up like a funnel, which startles Makarov as he set back on the ground.

"What's this?! An Amaterasu –Formula 28?! And he cast it like it was nothing!"

"Do you know realize the differences between us, boy?" Hades then converged the three circles into a single one, and then everything in front of Hades was swallowed in a giant pillar of dark energy that expanded over a certain area and shook the ground.

From the bitter center, a small glint was seen, as it soon expanded and Hades grunted when Makarov expelled a lot of Light Magic that dispelled the Amaterasu – Formula 28. The energy emanated by him even made a crater at his feet and some small rock levitate.

Hades made a Magic seal and fire his Chain Magic once more, snaring Makarov in the shoulders before he could move. Hades yanked harshly and dragged Makarov threw the air, smashing him against several trees, yelling haphazardly until Hades dispelled the chains, letting Makarov fall on his back with a thud. "I live and breathe the darkness, and no light can possibly keep all darkness lit."

Makarov struggled to his feet, but soon stood in place. What he didn't realize was that he was caught off guard yet again. His eyes shot wide when he found himself trapped between three Magic circles on both sides and one giant one below and one atop.

"Wha…what is this?!" Makarov demanded.

Hades merely smirked in victory.

Not wanting to lose, Makarov pulled out an ace. "Maximum Defense Seal – Three Pillar Gods!" Makarov crossed both arms, and three massive, ethereal pillars with dark seals emerged, two on his sides and one behind him.

Hades then flashed his left eye open, activating the large amount of Magic seals. "Amaterasu – Formula 100!"

A small glint was seen, but violently expanded all around, letting lose a menacing shockwave that swallowed up a portion of Tenrou Island. The explosion could've been heard from all around the island.

With Nic and co.

As Nic used Cut and slashed at three members before him, he stopped and heard the explosion from where he was. Everyone there stopped momentarily and looked in the direction as to where that attack came from.

The echo and the dome from far away was seen, which greatly grew some worry. "What was that?" Erza asked.

"It looked like a very powerful spell." Juvia answered, looking up and seeing the dome diminish from afar. "I don't think one of our members has that kind of power."

Goomy shook. "Oh dear, I hope everyone isn't hurt."

Krokorok stomped in the water that got up to his legs. "This is Fairy Tail, we always survive dome-like explosions! Even those kind that are big and large!" He shouted before jumping and using Shadow Claw once more.

Goomy blinked. "Uh, I don't think it works that way…" She then noticed a fellow member on her right and jumped in time, avoiding the hammer that pounded at the water. The member looked up to see Goomy's blob-like body come down. "Dragon Breath!" Goomy's mouth then opened and fired a mid-air assault that blew the member away upon being hit, making him tumble into others helplessly as Goomy landed back into the water.

She looked back up with a strong gaze of resolve. "No time to gawk! We gotta protect Vanessa!" She turned and saw more members come at her, and she opened her mouth and initiated yet another Dragon Breath ahead, catching many in a blue explosion.

Erza slashed yet again, intercepting swords and slashing them away. Even she was worried as to what happened, but her matters were left to stop any and all incoming members as quickly as possible without being worn down. She pressed on, concern still in the back of her mind.

"Boomburst!" Nic's mouth glowed a light blue and he then took in a really deep breath before expelling all the air out of his lungs, unleashing a powerful blue shockwave that expanded in a shockwave in front of him. All of the guys before him were engulfed in a blue explosion that rattled the area and they all flew back an unknown length. He soon found himself back-to-back with Erza, which didn't bother him at all. Though he wanted to smile and turn to assure they were gonna be fine, he was absolutely certain that it wasn't necessary, and just had her back. "These numbers aren't letting up. If this keeps up, your Magic will be depleted."

Erza kept her glares on the enemy members. "Yes, we need to finish them quicker." She then looked back at Nic. "Can you keep going?"

Nic snickered. "Come on, as long as I have you guys and Charizard, there's no way we'll be worn down by such low-lives!" He shouted the last bit as he dashed ahead and used Mega Punch right in a member's chest, knocking the wind out of them and fell back. The members from behind pressed on to attack, but they heard some projectile coming in from somewhere, but didn't bother to look up, with resulted in them all getting hit by a powerful shockwave by Charizard's immense Fly that made the ground shake and waves crashed against members, and the force in general shot them away, giving the group space.

Charizard turned his back and face more that were in the vast distance and closing on, but he shot a glance back at Nic. "And that's saying something." Charizard stated, having heard what Nic said moments before he used Fly from before.

Nic and Charizard both smirked in confidence of the other, and they both continued to fight on.

With Cana and co.

If Cana wasn't pissed then, she was now. Becoming S-Class was one of her dreams and priority. She tried her best in the first round with Lucy and it was all for naught when Grimoire Heart decided to crash the party, which set her off big time.

The fire in her eyes coursed the determination through her veins and into her cards as she lashed them at some members before her as she fought with Lucy, Loke, and Gray in some ruins. "Wind Edge!"

Her attack made an ascending wind that struck some members mercilessly, with caught Loke's eyes as he had a fist of golden light. "Holy crap, she is pissed." He commented.

Gray. Shirtless as always, had his stance ready and was conjuring up some ice and aimed at some members nearby. "It's their fault to begin with! They should've to never set foot on our sacred grounds." He then shot his attack that was ice at the Grimoire Heart members as they didn't stand much of a chance. "You hear that?1 We're talking about you losers!"

Members gained up on Cana as she had her back turn; luckily, Lucy was there and had her trusted Fleuve d'etoiles to keep the members at a distance. She lashed her weapon, with sent a water-like whip that made the members all go flying back.

"Cana, stay alert!"

Cana was a little in shock, but bot over it. "Yeah, sorry Lucy." Soon the four found themselves back-to-back. They were surrounded in every direction and they really didn't have much room. "There's just no end to these clowns!"

Lucy held out a Zodiac Key. "I can use Taurus or Sagittarius to even things out." She reasoned.

Loke turned towards her. "That's too drastic. If they have reinforcements, they'll just be exhausting your Magic."

"Even so, once we exhaust our Magic, they can just pick us off with ease." Cana counter-argued. "If we had Nic's hand-to hand combat like you guys told me, then we could even things out, but we don't!"

Gray got into another stance. "Now I'm mad!" He growled, blasting away many more with his ice. "We'll keep this up all day if we have to!"

"I hope this doesn't keep up." Lucy muttered, whipping her whip with flowing water.

With Makarov and Hades

The smoke and dust began to clear out, the area around Makarov was ravaged in a crater. Through the dust, Hades saw that Makarov was shaken up and sustained minimal injuries from the massively powerful attack. Though his Three Pillar Gods were destroyed, the spell did keep Makarov alive and in his condition.

Hades had to hand it to Makarov. "I have to admit Makarov, that spell impressed me somewhat. Didn't expect any less from my successor." He stated.

Makarov's health really wasn't the best, as his eyes widened and his heart started to give in somewhat. He clenched it and gasped, getting to a knee and panting heavily.

"Hmm? It would appear that your years are finally catching up with you, boy." Hades mocked. "Nearly half a century has passed since we've last seen the other. I guess fate decided to bring full circle about."

Makarov kept his footing and shot daggers at Hades. "I don't understand." Makarov said, feeling somewhat better. "You were a phenomenal Guild Master Precht. Why'd you turn your back? Was all the talk of harmony and peace…a lie?"

Hades' look darkened slowly and he extended an arm out and down, using his Magic and crashing Makarov into the ground, embedding him into a deeper crater his side. Hades heard Makarov struggle.

"Makarov, understand that Magic was born from the depths of darkness, and those who use it were sought as powerful and fearful individuals." He said, turning his back, beginning to walk away. "Eventually, Magic was integrated into culture, and eventually everyday life as we know it; however, as I dug deeper, I found that al Magic revolved around Zeref. Once I find him, I shall see into the eyes of the true personification of Magic."

Makarov was face-down and immobile.

"Sleep boy. Fairy Tail shall be buried with Mavis."

Makarov's fingers twitched, and he shot his eyes open as he slowly arose, much to Hades' shock. Makarov let loose a battlecry and charged right for him.

Hades didn't show any shock as Makarov went after him; in fact, he was rather peeved. He pointed two fingers and he shot a projectile at high speed, catered to a special Magic known as Bullet Magic he had as well.

Makarov screamed in agonizing pain as the projectile went straight through his abdomen, making him feel as though he was having the entire world rush through him. Hades had a straight, unemotional face as he saw his successor in mid-air as glints of the Bullet Magic disappear, leaving Makarov wounded and slowly falling back. Hades then turned back once more as Makarov's vision blurred as he was slowly falling back towards the earth.

'It's not over…not yet.' Makarov thought as his back finally had hit the ground, echoing dramatically as his eyes closed and he was close to losing consciousness. '…My successor…I hope you will lead Fairy Tail to greatness…'

Elsewhere

In a desert-like terrain, filled with aged rocks and a lot of heat, the blue sky above went on endlessly. A cloaked figure with a knapsack over his shoulder walked on to the unknown.

The figure walked about until he suddenly sensed something and came to a halt. He remained still as he had a very odd feeling that something was bearing down on him.

He slowly turned his head back, looking with surprise behind him into the sky. "…it feels…it feels like, someone's walking over my grave…"

As to where I followed the anime a good fraction of the chapter, I added a few bits of my own originality into the mix. I added slight fluffy moments in the beginning; but other than that, it was just straight-forward.

Please Favorite, Follow, & Review this story and/or chapter if you guys like the fight scenes portrayed, the escalating plot, etc.

Next Time: Cornered