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.

54. The Violent Quell

Chapter 54 – The Violent Quell

Everyone loved Pokémon VS Acnologia last chapter! You can never have too much Pokémon! Hard to believe that we're 54 chapters in! Time for the X791 Arc!

To Recap:

As Dialga and Palkia transported Nic and everyone else, 7 years passed by, and everyone back at Fairy Tail had gotten older. Nic and all of Team Tenrou went into the future, where Dialga and Palkia showed them the events that transpired between the Weather Trio and Acnologia. Groudon and Kyogre underwent Primal Reversion and became Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre while Rayquaza Mega Evolved into Mega Rayquaza. Throughout the catastrophic battle, Mega Rayquaza destroyed the Magic Council's Etherion cannon. The Weather Trio then used their signature moves and defeated Acnologia, leaving him mortally wounded and fly off into the skies. The Weather Trio then went back home, and Nic and all of Fairy Tail did as well, catching up with everyone.

---

Chapter 54 – The Violent Quell

"Okay, you should be able to take them off now." Porlyusica told him.

Nic slowly reached behind his head and began to undo the bandages. He untied them and they coiled in an unkempt manner when touching the floor. Soon enough, they were all off, and Nic's left eyelid was seen shut.

"Have a look." Porlyusica handed Nic a hand-sized mirror which he accepted. He looked into it and began to slowly open his left eye, and much to his mild surprise, there was an eye there. An artificial one to be more accurate.

Nic didn't show any signs of awe or tears. After the bloody hell that caused him to lose it in the first place, you couldn't expect him to show any sign of enthusiasm. Though this scenario did require gratitude, and Nic was pleased with how the components of his artificial eye were exactly like his old one.

He moved his eye from left to right and back, and then all direction, seeing everything crystal clearly. 'It's been a week, and I can finally see out of both eyes again.' He thought with a light grin.

Porlyusica kept her stern expression towards him. "Don't bother thanking me. I'm just doing my job, though I'd advise that you wear your sunglasses so as to keep the light from damaging it. Any Magic that works with the eyes you should be okay to handle, but don't get too reckless child."

Nic stood up slowly, the stool creaking. He slowly started taking the bandages off of his abdomen. "Yeah…got it." He muttered.

Taking his abdominal bandages off, he looked into a full-scale mirror and began to spectate himself. Nic was far from the definition of vanity; he never minded a few good scars here and there if he ever got any, but he could only huff out a sigh of pity as he looked at the giant hand-sized scar that was on his lower right, the same place Lysandre struck him and he bled out from before.

There really wasn't anything that could be said nor done. He got the wound, and now his scar was the size of his hand, grander than Gray's new one he got earlier as well. He didn't complain, but thinking about it made the scar sting.

Looking at the rest of himself, he looked down at his new navy blue baggy pants; similar to Natsu, though not as baggy, and a different color. The pants stopped at his ankles, and he also adorned new shoes with scarlet patterns outlining the thin, black material fit for all types of conditions.

Nic looked back at his doctor and gave a nod. "I know you said no thanks are necessary, but I'm grateful for you fixing my eye."

Porlyusica turned away with endless grumbling. Nic knew Porlyusica was never the one who liked being around humans, so he respected her self-desire for isolation and continued on with his own business.

He put on his new gray T-shirt; this one being the same gray shade and a V-neck much like his old one. After putting it over his very toned physique, he went to the nearby coatrack and put on his new coat. Since his old attire was pretty much gone, he got a custom made attire that he was currently wearing, including the new coat.

The coat he put on was a solid black with purple edging. The coat went from the shins upwards. This time, the coat had sleeves that overlapped the gray sleeves of his shirt underneath. The short sleeves also had purple edging. Around the waist was a light purple belt with a Poke Ball sign in the center, separating the top from the bottom, the top being extremely loose and showing his gray V-neck. On the back of the coat was a purple Fairy Tail emblem that would've been where his actual one would've been. The purple emblem was surrounded by a thin purple ring, the black of the coat filling up the space in between.

Putting it on, Nic got accustomed to it since it gave him more of a Fairy Tail appeal. With one last look behind, seeing Porlyusica scrutinizing her medicine, he kept a half grin and flipped on his sunglasses and turned to leave.

One week had passed since Team Tenrou had come back, and everyone got new attires as well. Though a few like Levy and Freed stayed in their old attires. Many events also transpired during that time period. Lamia Scale had come to visit, Lucy, Sophie, and every girl that lived at Fairy Hills were in debt due to rent issues, but a heavy impact for Lucy was the passing of her father. Even so, they all must press on.

Nic found himself standing in front of the tavern that was the Guild Hall, to which he had no trouble with. He's only been there once before staying at Porlyusica's for a week, but the small space was something he was always accustomed to.

He kept a smile as he had his sunglasses on still, as the doctor prescribed. He slowly stepped in, and almost immediately, everyone present turned towards him and stood in awe.

"Nic?" Lucy asked.

Natsu smirked with crossed arms. "About time, lazy!"

"Man, we were starting to think you'd never get better." Gray figured.

"That's a real man for ya." Elfman stated.

"Hey guys, sorry to keep you worried this long." Nic apologized.

Makarov nodded as he sat on the bar top. "It's quite alright. So, how are your injuries."

Nic momentarily picked his sunglasses off and smiled, showing his new artificial eye that looked exactly like his old one. Smiles and cheers were present as they saw that Nic was better. He put his sunglasses back on and looked towards his right, seeing his sister approaching.

Vanessa also sported a new attire. She sported a short, light blue tank-top that showed quite a bit of her ample figure as well as her belly. Over it was a blue vest with a folded collar, with the left side of the vest having a Poke Ball insignia. The vest reached down the edges of her belly, stopping at the waist, where a light blue belt held up her purple skirt that went down to her thighs. She also adorned a sari-like pink skirt that covered her left leg. The sari skirt reached down to the shins, where they overlapped her black stockings that reached below the knee caps. She had on light blue shoes, but also had on blue forearm bands with silver edging, the right armband having the Key Stone embedded into it.

Vanessa smiled wide. "Glad you're okay." She walked on over and shared a hug with her brother. Nic kept a warm smile as he was relieved to be back up and running.

Sophie relaxed in a chair with her elbow supporting her chin, watching the siblings hug.

Sophie's attire was also a complete overhaul. She now adorned a far more professional appearance. She had on a dark blue dress with no shoulder straps, light brown edging defining where the dress stopped, which was above the cleavage and under the bare shoulders. She had dark blue sleeves that were rather long and opened up a little upon reaching out, showing her light blue fingernail polish. Light brown lines went down the sides of her dress and stopped at her light brown belt. The bottom half was a dark blue shirt that reached her ankles, which revealed her left leg, which was opposite of Vanessa. In front of the skirt was a red Memory-Make Magic symbol. Underneath you could see Sophie also had skin-tight black shorts. She had light blue boots with silver shin guards to finish up the whole ensemble.

Sophie seemed please as her light pink lipstick glistened. "I knew Nic would take a long time, but I never recalled him being that critical."

Natsu stood atop of a table. "Well, let's party!"

Everyone cheered in honor of Nic's return, and within that celebration, Erza was seen with crossed arms and in her new Heart Kreuz Armor. Everyone's shouts and cheers became muffles as her gaze was fixated on Nic as he seemed content being back with the guild and family.

'Nic.' She thought sincerely.

Nic worked his way towards the bar, where Cana was seen right next to him. She held up a smile and a mug of booze. "Hey champ. It's been quite awhile."

"Indeed it has." He replied, looking back at the guild as they began to celebrate. It was going smoothly until a sudden flying mug hit Gray's head, causing him to immediately turn towards Natsu in accusation. As fortune smiled down upon them, another brawl began to rise, which made Nic sigh.

He stood up and turned away. "Shall we?"

Cana followed suit. "Let's." She carried a few mugs of booze with her as she walked behind the bar, where Nic had begun sitting down and reached for his earbuds.

"VIP guests coming through!" Sophie and Vanessa both ducked behind the counter, where they dodged a booze mug just in the nick of time. With a quick huff, they relaxed and huddled behind the counter.

"You'd think they'd learn to lighten up on the physical activity after everything that's happened." Vanessa figured.

Cana gave a cheeky smile. "Well that's Fairy Tail for ya."

Vanessa snickered. "Yeah, I guess so."

Nic looked up at the ceiling, smiling as furniture was tossed about, but it didn't bother him since he had his metal in. "Just like old times, right?"

Cana smirked. "Yeah, you can say that again." She then began gulping down booze.

"After 7 years, the whole sanity corner is still here." Sophie stated.

It wasn't so fortunate anymore when Vanessa hummed in confusion when one of her Poke Balls began to rattle madly, and sure enough Krokorok appeared out on top of the counter.

"GRAH! LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING FAIRY TAIL MAGES IN COMPLETE DISARRAY! KROKOROK STARTS THE PARTY! BECAUSE KROKOROK IS THE PARTY! AND NO PARTY IS WITHOUT KROKOROK!" He yelled haphazardly as he dove into the fray.

Vanessa faceplamed. "Oh no, not again." She huffed in disappointment. "Every time, every single time. Honestly…"

Sophie raised a brow. "Lighten up. For him it builds character."

Mira and Kinana both looked down at the group of four and smiled with light giggles as Natsu flew over their heads.

---

The rumbling and bashing all about went on for as long as the day was. It felt like forever, but in reality it was only an hour. As surprising as it was, Erza didn't bother to stop them. She figured they could let out a little steam after stressing about Nic for an entire week. Personally, Vanessa and herself were just as stressed, but they knew checking up on Nic four times a day would do no good; besides, they knew he was in good hands.

The brawling started settling down, having only Elfman, Gajeel, Gray, and Natsu remain standing and bashing about. All Erza did was spectate and let them have at it.

"You think it's time to settle them down?" Mira asked.

Erza sat on her stool with her back turned. "This isn't anything new, but I suppose." She stood up and put her hands to her hips. Turning towards the four guys punching the other's face, she gave an authoritative stance. "Alright, break it up."

It wasn't heard and a mug had hit the railing of a shelf, causing an album to fall to the floor, spilling the contents all over right beside Erza.

Irritably twitching her brow and clenched her fists and readied to Requip a sword. "I said…" As she shifted her body, her eyes caught a glimpse of the various sketches that fell. Reedus' sketchbook had fallen over and Erza was unable to look away as her glanced at the several sketches that were of seven years ago.

Among them were of Team Natsu, Makarov, and Team Shadow Gear. Her senses were nowhere near the fight that was happening as she was solemnly fixated on the sketches. She continued looking through them and saw more sketches of the Exceeds, Gildarts, Laxus, and the Thunder God Tribe. She came across a sketch of Sophie, and one of Cana drinking, and then her eyes widened a little when glancing longingly at the next few images.

She looked at a picture of Nic and his sister, the Pularis siblings smiling happily. She looked at the sketch ever so closely, kneeling down to where she saw the details were exactly like Nic's warm smile. Her brown eyes looked at another picture, these next two having Nic and Vanessa with their respective Pokémon before Tenrou Island. But the biggest shock and touch of all was seeing the last one.

The image made Erza mist in the eyes, for it was the one that Reedus painted when Nic came back from the Tower of Heaven incident. The picture was the moment where Nic was sitting up and Erza was crying tears of joy with a happy smile as she and Nic embrace with all of their hearts. The blissful memory was like yesterday, and she could recall just how happy she was. Seeing Nic smile in the sketch, she almost had a tear emerge, but blinked before it could swell.

She delicately picked up the sketches and put them back into the album, placing it back on the shelf. She completely ignored the fight going on and had a soft smile on her face as she turned towards the bar.

Witnessing the whole thing, Mira giggled. "Aw, someone's thinking about him."

Ignoring her, she turned to go behind the bar, yet to her surprise just Sophie and Cana were present. Although her approach did get their undivided attention.

"Oh hey, Erza." Sophie greeted.

"Hello Sophie." She replied. "Have you seen Nic?"

"Well they left a little while earlier, wanting to get some fresh air. I'm pretty sure Vanessa said she was training to control her Aura Magic against her Pokémon." The blonde informed.

Cana hiccupped. "If you're looking for loverboy, check outside." She drunkenly teased.

Heeding her words, Erza turned and left for outside, leaving the boys to settle the quell for themselves. She turned about but had no signs of Nic or his Pokémon. 'That's weird, I thought he'd be out training.' She thought. The mystery was solved when she went around the Guild Hall, and the sight she saw made her stop stiff.

Nic was seen sitting against a tree, sunglasses on his face. His right leg was stretched out as the left supported the small sketchbook Reedus lend him. Around him were his Pokémon, all seemingly napping as Nic's head was tilted, giving the idea of him napping as well.

She never took him for a lazy kind of guy; she knew full-well Nic was nowhere near lazy, but given Vanessa loves to sleep, and the few cases that Nic's always asleep sometime or another, she could only assume that the Pularis siblings don't like missing out on sleeping when it's absolutely necessary.

Ignoring the circumstances, she slowly made way towards Nic, and his Pokémon didn't seem to be stirring at all, as if they subconsciously knew a threat wasn't at hand. Erza quietly approached and looked down at Nic, seeing him sleep peacefully.

He was cute when he was asleep. The calm and placid expression on his face was priceless, and seeing him sleep was what made her smile grow.

She leaned over and noticed that he was in the middle of drawing something before he dozed off. She saw a pencil drawing, a very defined pencil drawing, of all of his Pokémon; Greninja, Charizard, Kecleon, Garchomp, and Arbok all sleeping on the grassy field.

She admired the work before she decided that it was best to try and wake him. She gently put an armored hand on his shoulder and gentle nudged him. "Nic?"

Nic moaned softly as he started to stir. His head casually tilting back and turned to see Erza standing in front of him, much to his surprise. "Erza?" He asked.

"Are you still recovering?" She asked.

Nic looked down at his sketch and noticed the pencil fell out of his hand, but he didn't seem too concerned about it. "No, I'm just taking it easy. It's my first day back at the guild, and I figured some meditation or light running would help me get back into the swing of things." An askew smirk crossed his face. "But as you can see, I wanted to do a little art beforehand."

She lightly chuckled. "Still, it's a very good drawing."

"Thank you."

Erza walked and turned to have her back against the same tree and slid down and sat right beside him, which took Nic by surprise.

Seeing the surprised look, she stayed casual. "Is there a problem with me right beside you?"

Nic didn't think much of it and he grinned softly and rest his head back against the tree. "No, you're fine." Nic wasn't surprised by Erza's boldness in their proximity, but it was mainly the fact that, aside from Greninja and the rest, this was the first time in a long while that they've been alone together. They weren't alone like this since their little date before the Oracion Seis incident, but the feeling of being alone with Erza again was actually comforting rather than foreign.

"Hey, Nic?" The redhead asked after a long period of comfortable silence.

"Yeah?"

"Tell me. Are you still…upset?"

"Of what?" He asked.

Erza looked away, holding back the lurch that was coming on. "Of what happened with…Jellal?"

The air wasn't stale, but Nic's nerves crept. He stayed silent as he was left to ponder. Bringing up the topic was uncomfortable to say the least, but dodging the inevitable was unnecessary. Something was wrong if Erza was worried about him not getting over the Nirvana incident, but looking back at said scene and his proclamation during his fight against Azuma, he had the strength to put all of that behind him.

He looked up at the sky. "…Don't worry, I'm okay now." He assured. "I'm sure it wouldn't be fair to anyone if I wallowed in the past."

Though he had sunglasses on, Erza could still sense the resolute in Nic's words. The tone was what made it all the more believable. She didn't see the dilemma anymore necessary as her worries were cleared once Nic had stated it.

"Okay." She sat back against the tree, remaining idle and silent as she and Nic looked at the napping Pokémon, their peaceful slumber resembling Nic's quite a bit, but it wasn't in her place to say or think of any uncanny resemblance. She was just glad she finally got be more or less alone with him.

Nic's turn to be worried arose. "And what about you? Are you…" He trailed off as he chose not to finish the sentence.

Erza caught on quickly and she sullied her own gaze, but quickly dismissed it and turned towards Nic.

"It's alright, I'm as well as you." She assured. "I have you…and everyone else too."

The last part made Nic turn away with a small blush in his cheeks. Still, it was very tendering for her to say something like that. It was over and done with; besides, Erza had already made a choice.

She slowly crept closer to Nic's side, her arm touching his, yet their hands didn't touch. The proximity was closing and Nic didn't fight, but just let it happen. It wasn't until Erza laid her head on Nic's shoulder that he started to get very nervous.

"Erza?" Nic asked in surprise.

All Erza did was softly moan as she closed her eyes, relaxing as Nic was in question. Mentally, Nic wasn't sure what to do, but looking back at what happened, the trials and adulations endured, everything that had happened, all coming together now.

Nic's nervousness faded away and his smile returned. He slowly and softly settled back into the same position he was in and Erza's head adjusted a little so she was much more comfortable. A nice, warm air breezed past them as they sat in the same place for what seemed forever.

Nic's hand slowly crept on over to Erza's and he placed his hand softly on hers, making them both brighten in their faces.

Only a few minutes passed before Erza slowly opened her eyes again.

"Nic, I…"

Greninja and the other's eyes opened back up when footsteps were heard. Nic jerked right back up, standing up with a high sensory. Erza also noticed the large horde of footsteps and was unable to finish her sentence. They all stood as figures approached from the distance.

"Is that…?" Erza saw the figures approach the Guild Hall.

Nic's eyes narrowed underneath his sunglasses. "I'm afraid so."

Rune Nights led by none other than Lahar walked in an authoritative manner and stood before the Guild Hall. Everyone inside began to step out. Gildarts, Makarov, and everyone else made way in front to find themselves pointed at by staves.

"Nobody move. This is an order by the Magic Council." Lahar announced. "You are to remain where you are. Any attempts of reluctance shall be classified as a felony."

"What's the meaning of this?!" Makarov demanded.

"By the order and authority of the Magic Council, you are to come with me. They want a strict word with you bunch, especially you." Pointing at Nic, many staves were pointed at him and his Pokémon, all of which were extremely defensive. "The Magic Council's primary concern was with you. You are under arrest."

"What?!" Natsu barked out. "What a load of crap!"

"Yeah come on! What the heck did he do?!" Gray shouted.

Vanessa, having arrived from sensing the large amount of aura, clenched her fists. "You…if you want my brother, you have to-"

"Don't Vanessa." Nic said, making everyone turn towards him.

Vanessa and everyone else looked appalled. "But Nic…"

"Believe me, I want to break them as badly as you…" His eyes narrowed further. "Even more than all of us put together, but I'm afraid we have no option." Nic and Erza both slowly walked ahead, though Nic turned around towards his Pokémon, giving them the same looks they were giving him; one of anticipation. If anything were to go awry, have no hesitation in coming out. That's what went through them.

Without even nodding, they were returned with high pressure and Nic and Erza advanced so that the Rune Knights could restrain them.

---

In Era, the entire Fairy Tail Guild was restrained in handcuffs, all walking into a courtroom with glazed tiling. A few grumbles were heard here and there and Natsu's cuffs were double secured given his volatile nature. Nic had to suppress his temptation to break out of his cuffs and storm up to the Magic Council.

"Fairy Tail, you are here because we have some concerns that revolve around the incident of Acnologia and Tenrou Island seven years ago." Org addressed lightly.

"We've given you more than enough time to adjust to the current time, and now we are at our wit's end." Another Councilmen stated in a more aggressive tone.

Gran Doma slammed his staff on the ground, getting the court started. "Fairy Tail, you have been at a low profile these past seven years, but beforehand you have been loose cannons. We want answers, and more specifically from Nic Pularis."

Nic stayed silent and remained composed enough to not do anything hasty.

"On the day you all disappeared, there was a very disturbing scene that was widespread. Sea levels arose that day, and astronomical levels were beyond recognition." Another Councilmen stated.

"On that note, our surveillance that day had caught site of the most intense calamities up to date. The sheer power emanated and incriminating footage sought by the Naval Platoon that day had the whole world turned on its head." A Councilmen stated.

Org grumbled. "We were originally infiltrating for recon of any secrets you had regarding your guild."

Makarov shook with a growl. "How dare you."

"We had every right to." Gran Doma stated. "You have been a major thorn in our backside, but when we found out the attack of Grimoire Heart and the location of Zeref, we wanted nothing more than to secure the island and your guild for treason."

"However, everyone felt a far more malevolent energy." Org added. "And afterwards, the call of Acnologia was heard." His eye closed. "But then it happened."

A large lacrima screen above them showed the one incident where Acnologia was seen in the sky, and his Dragon's Roar was intercepted by a spatial portal. It showed Dialga and Palkia appearing and attacking, distorting space and time in the process.

Macao's eyes shook out of surprise. "Whoa."

"So that's what went down." Laki said in slight awe, seeing Dialga and Palkia fend against Acnologia.

"Then this came up…" Gran Doma switched the video to later at the precise moment the Weather Trio emerged. "We've been recording the Magic levels that day, and all of that power resonated from so many beasts, yet the only Magic levels emanate were of Acnologia."

"History has long known Dragons as the rulers of this world, but these creatures that had arisen had completely rivaled that ideal. No creatures as powerful as Dragons have ruled since 400 years ago."

"That being said." Another Councilmen stated. "We have evidence to show how the creatures are related to you…"

The screen flashed to when the Weather Trio had started their confrontation with Acnologia.

Rayquaza roared. "We are assigned to protect the wielder of the Plates!"

"Protect Nic Pularis!" Kyogre shouted.

Groudon let out his own roar, shockwaves emanating. "For the sake of all that has entity, we shall stop Acnologia and save the Plate wielder from harm!"

"That said, we witnessed you all disappear and watched the entire fight. During the escalation, we attempted to use Etherion." Org stated.

Natsu's eyes narrowed as he growled. "So? We know all this stuff!"

Gran Doma's eyes narrowed and pressed on. "Now then…" The lacrima screen switched to the moment where Mega Rayquaza used Dragon Ascent and completely annihilated the Etherion satellite. The scene caused the ones who weren't Team Tenrou to widen their own eyes in sheer disbelief. "The Etherion satellite, the sacred light of the Magic Council, destroyed at the claws of these monsters that invaded, or as they said 'protect' you." His voice had exquisite spite. "It took us three years to repair it."

"Following the defeat of Acnologia, we were unable to pull up any lead other than what we have witnessed." Org said.

Nic kept himself as still as possible. "And what do you believe this has to do with me?" He feigned curiosity.

"Don't play coy with us!" Gran Doma demanded. "As the Magic Council, we are to get any answers we want. It's been seven years, and the case has never been closed…as an added bonus, astrologists and everyone else noticed a greater disturbance."

Another Councilmen took lead. "The biggest dilemma is that the stars during the night have been missing – for 7 years."

Erza's eyes widened, as did Nic's. The redhead looked very much surprised. "7 years with no stars?"

Nic looked down, silently getting agitated. "Damnit." He muttered under his breath.

"Enough beating around the bush. Who are you? And what is the connection to those invaders? And what of these so-called 'Plates'?" Gran Doma demanded.

The room was as silent as it could get. Nic's sunglasses were on his face, shielding his glare that would've stopped a full-grown animal from charging. He looked around, seeing the stressing looks of Erza and Vanessa and all of everyone else.

Given the evidence, and the experience he had with the Council, there was no point in hiding it. With a confident gaze, he kept a frown. "Very well."

"Nic, please don't." Lisanna insisted.

Juvia turned towards her. "I'm afraid it's inevitable."

Erza gulped as she braced for what Nic had to say.

"I am Nic Pularis…I do not come from here. I come from another world that crosses the boundaries of time and space, from a land with creatures known as Pokémon." He started.

His proclamation surprised and shocked the Council to an extreme level. Lahar and other Rune Knights present also had widened eyes and horrified expressions.

"That also explains why you were unable to sense Magic to begin with, for Pokémon do not use Magic. I was sent here to ascertain 18 Plates to save the collapsing universe."

Almost immediately, Gran Doma stood up, as well as everyone else. "This is absurd! We demanded for answers, and you expect us to believe that you and those creatures disembarked from anywhere else than Earthland?!"

"This is insane! Absolutely nothing is greater than those of Earthland's power!" Another Councilmen barked.

More and more complaints were hollered at Nic, but the Multitype user was beginning to get agitated and was seen shaking. The shouting and accusation boomed until Nic hollered back. "SILENCE! NOW!" Upon everyone's surprise, even Fairy Tail's, Nic's Strength move showed him toning his arms and tore the cuffs off of him with no problem.

Gran Doma and the Magic Council was as silent as could get, their eyes baffled with Magic Cuffsbeing ripped apart. "How is this possible? Magic isn't supposed to work with those on." He muttered.

"Grand Doma, I think we should consider-" Org was then cut off.

"Silence Org!" He turned sharply towards Nic, his stern glare having no effect on the latter. "How can this be? If what you say is real, then how did you get your powers?!"

A silence fell once more. "…from a sickly god, Arceus." His response narrowed Gran Doma's eyes. "I was entrusted Plates by him that can cure poisons, withstand all elements, and I am to collect all 18 and save Arceus' life, for without him, all life would become a void."

Gran Doma's grip on his staff tightened. "Those creatures that spent space and time, that's unfathomable! Unworldly!"

"This is all the more reason to keep you locked up, or perhaps executed." A Councilman stated.

"The hell you say?!" Natsu shouted, making Rune Knights point staves at him.

"Power like that is to never be in the hands of such an individual. No one or nothing is able to possess powers such as those; and even if it were possible, it does not belong to you." Gran Doma's tone was like a ship hitting an iceberg, cold and very worrisome. There was an immense pressure between Nic and the Council.

Nic was beginning to give off a cold vibe again, the temperature all around dropping some few degrees. Fairy Tail and everyone else felt this and swallowed.

"Aw man, Luminous is gonna get crazy again. I can feel it." Gajeel warned.

Gildarts' expression and gritting teeth have an annoying worry. "This is bad."

"You are not the boss of me." Nic snarled. He put his hands together and made a long, white needle that was Cut, and pointed it menacingly at the Council members. "When everything is in danger, I have to be the one to stop it, and no one, not even you, will stand in my way!"

Gran Doma's eyes showed anger and violent hostility. "Threats are unacceptable! And you shouldn't even be using Magic since the whole building restrains Magic as well!"

"Like I said, I use no Magic." Nic answered, continuing his menacing tone. "Everything that I say is true, and only accepting and leaving me alone will stop this argument."

His tone was even more gruesome than Gran Doma's, which was what unnerved the Council entirely. This even made Gran Doma himself unnerved to a degree, then Nic pressed on.

"If I find out that you are holding a Plate, forgiveness will never come." He started advancing towards the stand, and many guards began to converge in front of him, but his glare under his sunglasses still shook their cores. "I cannot even forgive you for your past judgments. Not for Lullaby, not for Phantom Lord, not for anything. I can never forgive for even taking Jellal."

This made Erza lurch as it was like a bomb. Seems as though Nic left something out. He was okay with Jellal in general, but the fact he was still taken was something that saddened her a little.

"Hmph. Seriously?" Another Councilmen stated. "Jellal, that rapscallion? The darkest of them all?"

Another Councilmen sneered. "So you really do consider that convict an ally."

Nic raised a brow. "Convict?"

"Yes, you'll be the first to now that he had escaped prison, roughly six years ago." This news made Nic gasped, as well as Erza and Team Natsu. "That guy's been missing and we can't find him. To think you still consider him one of your own."

"We should've disbanded Fairy Tail from the start." Gran Doma announced. "We were fools to allow your guild to stay together. Housing an invader from another world, possessing the call upon creatures to destroy Etherion, and befriending a criminal." His grip was so tight blood stopped circulating. "Fairy Tail is nothing but destruction, and the situation of these Plates you say only makes it all the more suiting to leave it to us."

"What did you say?" Nic challenged.

"WHY YOU-GRAAHH!" Natsu thrashed, but Rune Knights were keeping him contained by pinning him to the floor.

"Natsu! Stop this at once!" Makarov shouted.

Nic aimed Cut at Gran Doma. "You will never stop us! This is my mission, and no one shall interfere!"

"You you…" Gran Doma was cut off when the entire room was beginning to sparkle, and to everyone's shock, stardust was beginning to seep out of nowhere.

"What's going on?" Mira questioned.

"I don't know…wait." Wendy's Dragon Slayer nose twitched, and she felt that the scent was familiar. "Wait, this smell…"

Gray looked around, noticing the pink and blue stardust. "Wait, I recognize this stuff!"

"Is it really them?" Vanessa questioned. Suddenly the entire room sparkled greatly, to the point where everything was a flash. The flash dimmed, revealing a black space with pink and blue stardust. Planets were seen in the far distance, both already crashed and a massive field of asteroids were floating around.

The Magic Council and Lahar's men panicked as they found that they were floating in what seemed to be space.

"What's going on?!" Lahar shouted.

"What just happened?!" Levy exclaimed.

Org looked around confused. "Space?" Looking around, there was only black, and no stars were present.

"What is the meaning of this?! Is this Illusion Magic?!" Gran Doma shouted.

Suddenly the pink and blue stardust began to converge above everyone, and the two stardust clouds began to take shape, flashing to reveal familiar faces.

"Dialga? Palkia?" Nic asked, shocked to a great degree.

Both creatures roared at the Magic Council, their grand presence making them all gasp in horror. "What the-those are the monsters from the footage earlier!"

Dialga and Palkia said nothing.

Lahar extended his arm out. "Hurry! Attack!"

"YAAAH!" The Rune Knights began charging after Dialga and Palkia, but when they advanced, they were all trapped within rippling pink spheres, keeping them from moving.

"What?" Lahar noticed that he was also confined and pounded the shield, but nothing happened. His eyes winced in frustration. "This can't be happening."

Macao was in awe. "They're…distorting space?"

"Whoa, didn't see this coming in my life." Wakaba commented.

Dialga and Palkia roared at the Magic Council again, making them wince. Finally, they spoke.

"Listen well, all of you." Dialga announced, his blue aura radiating with intensity.

Palkia took over, his pink aura emanating with just as much intensity. "Nic Pularis, the successor of this mission, shall never be stopped, and we shall be at his call for if he sees you to never interfere again."

Gran Doma was still terrified, but he composed enough to bark back at them. "Who are you?!"

"I am Palkia, and beside me is Dialga. We resonate from another world, where Nic lived before we sent him on his mission. He shall ascertain all 18 Plates, and he shall not fail."

"For as you see…" Dialga looked around, and everyone else did as well. "Everything is falling apart, planets are hitting the other, stars are gone, and black holes are expanding. The void is among us, and Nic must bring back life."

Org was in shattered awe. "So Nic Pularis was telling the truth. Everything will die."

"Grah! But that does not mean that you cannot best the Council's judgement!" Gran Doma snapped.

"SILENCE!" Palkia roared, causing Gran Doma to stop and flinch. "We have every right to do so. We can control time and space itself. Your authority compares to no one, and your power and Acnologia had nothing compared to Pokémon."

Gran Doma growled lowly as the footage from before said it all. Mega Rayquaza and the Weather Trio bested Acnologia, and if they could truly possess time and space and send Team Tenrou into the future, there was nothing to say.

"Dialga. Palkia." Nic muttered.

Dialga roared upwards once again, causing a few Rune Knights to get dizzy from being so scared. "Know that if you do interfere, death shall be your next action."

"You have been warned. Remember our power well. Pokémon are to never be underestimated." With that said, Dialga and Palkia both turned back into stardust, and the room became visible against. Everyone around found themselves either sitting or standing in confusion.

"What just…" One of the Councilmen finally composed. "This power we sensed, it was greater than anything that was measurable."

Org swallowed. "I told you, Nic Pularis was telling the truth."

Snapping out of shock, though still having Cut activate, Nic pointed at them again. "You saw right there. The universe, not just the Magic World, the universe is in peril." He jumped past the Rune Knights and got into Gran Doma's face, his Cut at his bearded neck.

Everyone was as stiff as boards as this dark action even unnerved Erza. Gran Doma was seen with a paralyzed expression of startled disbelief. Nic's cold vibe was back, and when Gran Doma looked into his eyes, he saw a red, which made him shake in fear.

"Know this." Nic threatened. "I shall never side with you. Ever. You are my enemy. The Magic Council shall never see the light of day if Fairy Tail or any who are our allies be harmed by the likes of you." He slowly retracted Cut from Gran Doma and stood, undoing Cut and jumping back down to the ground.

As he slowly walked back towards Fairy Tail present, he looked at the awe and fear in many of the Rune Knights faces, even Lahar's. What they saw and witnessed was real, and the universe was collapsing gradually. All they could do was quiver and stand still while Nic looked at the individual expressions of Fairy Tail.

Many such as Natsu's and Gray were of small pride, some with concern including Makarov and Gildarts, some were still in shock, and many including Vanessa and Erza included expression of remorse, seeing the ideals behind Nic's actions.

Nic slowly walked past everyone, and turned back towards the Magic Council, seeing the petrified fear they had because of the evidence. Org was seen having shaken eyes while Gran Doma was seen with a shaking body, hidden rage as there was no room for him to win this.

With those few expressions, Nic pried open the sealed doors of the courtroom and took off. No one dared to stop them, for they knew it'd be impossible to do so. He was seen walking down the hallway out of the building with balled up fists and a shadow over his eyes, concealing the rage that he has against the Council.

---

Following Nic's sudden actions, all of Fairy Tail returned home. The Magic Council's main target was Nic Pularis, and with him having them completely humiliated, and the fact that disbanding Fairy Tail would do no good for them, they ended the case and sent Fairy Tail home.

"Man, did you see their faces when Dialga and Palkia showed up!" Natsu laughed while slapping the table top.

Gray snickered. "Took real guts for the guy, and it was worth seeing their distraught faces after all of that."

Vanessa had an elbow supporting her cheek as she looked over. "So, that's how arrogant the Magic Council is."

Sophie nodded, her arms supporting her chin. "Yeah. Their ruling is absolute, but Nic is always that rebellion they don't stand a chance against. He loathes them to no end."

"I know." Vanessa rested her head down on her arms. "Must remind him of our parents."

Makarov grumbled as he was contemplative of the predicament. "Hmmm. Not sure if that was a wise move. Because of him, Fairy Tail's on a pedestal for the Magic Council to watch over." He then drank up some booze.

Macao turned towards him. "True. His actions were rather severe."

Max crossed his arms and looked at the ground. "Still, even with the possibility of the Magic Council condemning us again, I'm sure they'd think twice now."

Lucy looked worried. "I don't even know if we should be worried or thanking him for getting the Council to back off."

Looking around, Natsu noticed something was missing. "Huh? Say, where is he anyway?"

Cana sighed after finishing her mug of booze and set it down. "Knowing that monster, he's probably blowing off steam somewhere in the woods."

Vanessa turned towards her. "Shouldn't we, you know, check on him?"

"I wouldn't, at least not now." Macao stated. "We all know Nic, and from what you told us Vanessa, he hates authority, so stressing about it in his case isn't healthy."

"Just leave the guy be." Wakaba said. "He'll be fine. He's been through worse."

Some frowned and looked down, Gildarts and Team Tenrou present took Wakaba's words all too personal, because what he said was too true. Remembering Lysandre gouging Nic's left eye, and leaving Nic with a giant scar on his right side.

"Don't remind us." Gildarts implored as he drank up.

Erza sat looking out the window, her hand resting her chin. She looked out at the forest, seeing quite a few bursts here and there. She could only assume Nic was training his frustration off, and it's also safe to bet that his Pokémon were training as well, helping Nic vigorously work off the steam.

She was so close, and the Magic Council took her chance to admit Nic what he meant to her. She knew that Nic wanted to be with only his Pokémon right now, so she backed off much to her own dismay. Even after Nic's outburst, it was perfectly understandable given that Nic only listens to those closest to him, and she knew he never wants to be suppressed, otherwise he'd breakdown in humiliation like what happened in Kalos.

Though this wasn't the best chance, she was still content. She always had another opportunity, hopefully when Nic calmed down.

"Hey Erza."

"Hm?" Natsu's voice got her attention and she turned away from the window, snapping herself out of her trance. She looked to find Team Natsu in front of her.

Gray smirked. "Come on, thinking about Nic right now isn't gonna do any good. Just leave him be."

"Yeah!" Happy cheerfully shouted. "Come on, lighten up on loverboy!"

"Careful Happy, she bites." Natsu laughed.

Erza glared harshly at her team. "What was that?" She sternly ordered.

"N-Nothing!" They exclaimed in unison.

"Good." She looked away. "Though I suppose you're right. He should be fine." She grinned. "After all, he has his Pokémon with him."

Lucy looked cheerful. "There ya go! Now come on! Natsu already picked out a job for us to go on."

"Everyone else including the Thunder God Tribe went out on jobs to forget about the Council, so we better join that bandwagon." Gray noted.

"I suppose. A job should prove nice." She then walked with her team out the doorway, but before they could fully leave, Erza turned towards Wendy and Carla. "Do you two wish to join us?"

"Yeah, it's a big job! You should come along!" Lucy implored.

Wendy smiled. "Sure! We'd love to!"

Carla smiled. "Yes, might as well. Relishing in the past can be quite uncomfortable." As she started proceeding, Carla momentarily stopped walking and her mind began to see something. Her premonition prowess kicked in, and it showed the following in order: A bar getting destroyed by some crazed figure, a huge machinery that seemed to be charging, a pale man with bones jutting out, a weird fellow with a peacock-like cape letting out a cry, Nic and a few others covering up in an underground location, Nic and Erza fighting outside the Guild Hall, Nic, Cana, and Sophie on a ship; the three mentioned, Greninja, and three other guys crying loudly on the edge of that ship, and Nic angrily fending against a shadowy figure with chained creatures in the background. 'What was that just now? A premonition?'

"You coming Carla?" Wendy asked.

Snapping out of her trance as fast as possible so Wendy didn't catch on, Carla proceeded in following, keeping a façade while she worried slightly over what she saw.

As they departed outside, walking towards them with a case, a dark blonde girl that looked a little older than Lucy approached.

"Uh, hello?" Lucy asked.

The girl smiled back. "Hello…"

---

A few more hours came and went, and as Team Natsu and the dark blonde were gone, things calmed down. Vanessa was seen outside the Guild Hall, practicing her Aura Magic in close range with Mawile, Nab was still staring at the board, and everything was the way it usually was.

Gildarts began making way out the door. "Oh Cana, sweetie~!" He chimed.

Cana irritable turned towards him. "What?"

"Daddy's going out on a job. He'll be right back!" He turned and left with a cheeky, child-like expression.

As soon as he was out of sight, Cana sighed in relief. She had to get away asap, and there was no better way than a job of her own.

"Someone having daddy issues?" Sophie walked on over, seeing the unusual look that Cana gives when annoyed by her father.

The drinker turned away. "Something like that…" She got up from the bar. "But I think I might as well stretch my legs and get some fresh air."

"I see what you mean." Sophie smiled neutrally. "I was actually gonna go out on a job myself. I was gonna ask Nic to tag along since it's a tall-order job, but you can accompany if you want."

Cana didn't show enthusiasm, but she was interested. "Sounds like we're gonna need all the help we can get. Sure, now let's go get Mr. Crankypants."

The two girls went walking through the woods not long after, where they found a clearing up ahead. They were fortunate to know where Nic was given they followed a small trail of ravaged branches and tattered bark lines.

Sure enough, they found him…upside down in a shirtless handstand, balancing a large, flat stone with all of his Pokémon on top and staying perfectly still, all meditating and remaining silent. Nic was sweating as his defined, lean physique shining from the sweat, and they could all see his giant scar.

They all saw his intensity underneath his sunglasses, and they blinked before they figured it was time to stop their unnecessary eye-candy. "Nic!" Sophie called out, breaking his concentration.

Nic grunted as his half-hour training had to end, and his leg strength, he kicked the massive stone up, and the Pokémon jumped off and landed with no problem and the stone crashed to the ground, shaking the earth.

Nic stood straight up and stretched his arms over his head. "Yeah?"

Cana and Sophie walked towards him, holding up the job request. "Sorry to make you stop your training, but we figured you could help us on a job request." Sophie explained.

Nic was handed the request. "Oh yeah? Let's see…" He then read the flyer.

Underground Dark Guild known as Ghoul's Coffin taking over. Sources say they have immense weaponry in their base in the city of Dahlias.

Reward: 15 Million Jewel

Cana's eyes widened a little and hiccupped. "You never told me the reward was that much! I could buy booze to no end!"

Sophie snickered. "Perhaps, but since it's only the three of us, it'd be divided up 5 Million each. You in?" Looking at Nic, he didn't make any motions but give the flyer back.

With another stretch, he began reaching for his shirt and coat. "Sure, a nice job is just what the doctor ordered." He turned back and returned his Pokémon and put his shirt over his scarred body, putting his new coat on as well. "So where is Dahlias?"

"Well I checked a map, and it's located northwest, a two day trip to say the least; one day if we get on a train to Lupinus and walk the rest of the way since Dahlias' train station has shut down due to renovations."

Cana's eyes narrowed. "Best not jump to that conclusion." She sounded serious. "News may say that, but what if it was just a decoy to hide any information regarding Ghoul's Coffin. I went out on a job two days ago and I've only heard about this Dark Guild once, apparently their power is enough to keep the mayor at bay."

"Then it seems we'll have to conduct a strategy when we enter the city." Nic stated. He started walking. "For now, let's start our pursuit."

"Right."

---

Sundown came and went and Nic was seen in the trees, spectating the scenery as the dark sky showed no stars again, making him grunt. 'Seven years and everything has been in suspense.' This got on Nic's nerves, but he was more or less trying to keep himself occupied with the mission at hand.

Cana and Sophie were sitting down at a campfire, sitting across from the other. Cana stared at the ire while feeling its warmth.

Sophie huffed and narrowed her gaze as the flames reflected off her eyes. "This weapon that the job request states worries me."

"Yeah, me too. If what I believe is correct, then we should keep a low profile when entering the city. They might have spies all around." Cana stated.

Sophie nodded and looked up. "But let's not forget that Nic is Fairy Tail's ultimate ace in the hole."

Cana smirked as she looked up as well. "True, even more power than my dad." But the sudden remembrance of Gildarts being all daddy-happy made her shudder some more. "Honestly, he can be such a clingy person."

"Don't be so hard on him. He's just trying to catch up on 18 years of not being a father…" Sophie's expression turned into a frown. "However I think parental talk should be omitted."

"Why's that?" Cana asked. When Sophie pointed up to see Nic's arms crossed and resting in the trees, earbuds in, Cana caught on. "…oh."

"Let's just worry about Dahlias. We'll need all of our strength tomorrow." Sophie then lied down with her arm as a pillow.

Cana mimicked the motion and also began to get drowsy. "Guess so."

In the trees, Nic's eyes slowly closed, sleep taking him.

It was a peaceful night as the flames flickered, warming them up for tomorrow.

---

Morning had come and the three emerged from the woods, with Nic on a branch on the treeline, getting a huge view of Dahlias. Suffice to say that it was an eye-opener.

The hill the trail fell down overlooked a huge city with what seemed to be twice the size of Magnolia, though nowhere as big as Lumiose City in Kalos. The population was also grand compared to Magnolia, and on all sides; north, south, east, and west, there were three sparkling lacrima towers, all of which were pink.

Cana smirked. "I gotta say, this city's got class."

"It's supposed to be beautiful during the summertime." Sophie said. "Rumor has it that the Dahlias flower is where the city's name is derived from. They have quite a few festivals every summer and everything is decorated in Dahlias flowers."

Cana put a hand to her hip. "Better hope their booze is as grand."

Nic jumped down from the branches and landed right beside Cana, getting to his feet. "Worry about the booze after the mission." His eyes narrowed. "And besides…something feels off."

Cana stretched and put her arms over her head. "Well we might feel it after we step inside the city. A nice morning stroll through the woods was just what the doctor ordered for me."

"Well since we got a feel of Mother Nature this morning, let's head on in." Sophie said.

Nic started following them, walking beside them. "True. We should head to the Mayor's Office, but discretion is vital. Stay in the allies and away from the public so as not to get any unwanted attention. It'll no doubt attract Ghoul's Coffin's attention."

"Good plan." Cana agreed.

The three began to head downwards towards the city, but as they were heading there, they past a fellow Mage, but something was off. As time slowed down, Nic's eyes caught the fatigue and circles under the man's eyes, as if he'd been hit by several trains at once.

The man continued walking along like a zombie and Nic grunted low so that neither Sophie nor Cana could hear. 'That was definitely something wrong.' Nic figured. 'There's an odd feeling, but I can't seem to know where it comes from…'

Trying to keep the matter to the side, the three traveled through town, though they pressed through more alleyways than streets themselves. The three were still keeping an eye out, and so far nothing was amidst, everyone was lively as the town itself, though the concern of the guy they passed by earlier still made Nic uneasy.

They soon made it to the northern part of Dahlias, where they stood in front of the Mayor's huge office. It was as big as Kardia Cathedral, though they paid no heed to the structure of it all.

"So this is it?" Sophie wondered.

"Looks like it. If we hurry, we can meet with Mayor before any meetings get under way." Nic pushed open the doors, and inside the lobby, approaching the desk, they saw a woman with wavy black hair coming down from a ponytail. Her endowed figure could be fair enough to rival her to Erza or Mira if applied.

She noticed the three and looked up, her expression looking a little grim. "May I help you?"

"Yes." Nic replied. "We are Mages of Fairy Tail. We've come in regards to the request that was established." Nic held up the flier, and the woman's eyes blinked and kept a calm demeanor.

She examined them up and down and narrowed her eyes. With an askew smirk, she pressed a button on her desk. "Excuse me sir, but you have guests."

"Send them in." The male voice responded.

"Yes, right away." She let go of the button and pointed at the doorsteps that led upwards towards a white door. "The Mayor's room is the large door to my right."

"Thank you." Nic said, hiding hidden annoyance from her unwelcoming attitude.

As they went the way she told them, Cana turned towards Nic. "Man, talk about stress. She certainly could use a kick in the pants."

"Perhaps." Sophie agreed. "But you never know if it's because of the Ghoul's Coffin incident. Maybe the resident employees are on edge for their safety…"

As they disappeared, the woman frowned and turned away, holding a finger up to her earpiece.

"They're here."

Inside the office, there was a man with short, black hair and moustache. His brown eyes looked out through the landscape through his large windows behind his desk. His dark red suit reflecting the morning sun from the east. The rest of his office had a couch on the right, right next to a hanging fern. On the left were two chairs separated by a frame with the picture of a tulip.

"You know, spring is a nice time, but Dahlias is known to be exquisite during the summer. Those pink lacrima all around help amplify the light that comes all around, perhaps making our city all the more radiant." His voice hinted remorse as it was also rhetorical.

He turned around towards Nic's group. "My apologies for my secretary. She can be a bit…insensitive."

"It's no trouble." Nic stated. "Greetings Mayor Florian. I am Nic Pularis, and my accomplices; Sophie Lednick, and Cana Alberona. We've come in regards to the job of eradicating Ghoul's Coffin."

Mayor Florian sat back in his desk and folded his hands, a small grumble as he looked down. "Hmmm. Well I see that you three have answered the request, but…" His frown forewarned something that got on their nerves. "I apologize for the inconvenience, especially for you, Luminous; but we no longer are in need of your assistance."

Shock arose on Cana and Sophie's faces, but Nic's eyes never left the Mayor's, reading him like a book. Behind his expression was something of a plea, and a mixture of fear.

He took out a check and began to write all over it, and Nic's eyes traced the numbers in disarray. "I'll be obliged to pay for the trouble." After writing, Nic was handed the paper and turned back towards the two with a calm expression.

However, Cana showed clear dismay. "You're kidding me, right? We've spent yesterday trying to get here and…" She trailed off when Nic's eyes shot at hers, a sign he was giving her. Immediately, Cana silence and followed his lead. "My apologies."

"We're sorry for disturbing you." Sophie stated.

"Thank you for your time." Nic turned and lead Cana and Sophie out, with the Mayor waving politely out towards them. Nic closed the large doors behind, and once on the other side, Cana turned towards Nic with arms over her head.

"Well that felt like crap. Why'd you go along with it?" She asked him. "Even I knew he was lying."

Nic's expression still remained calm and resolute. "I'm aware. We all knew. If he sent out the request, there'd be no point in turning back; besides, this ominous feeling I've had since we've entered Dahlias has been unnerving."

Sophie turned towards the window. "You think it may have something to do with those lacrima he talked about."

"That's our only lead." He looked down at the check, and the numbers were all over the place. The numbers in order were 4, a sideways 3, 6, sideways 1, and 4 again.

Looking at it, he turned towards Sophie. "Hey Sophie, you still have a map?"

Sophie nodded. "Yes?"

"Good." Nic began walking out the door, noticing that as he turned, his eyes looked back to find the secretary desk empty, having a sign that said she was out for the day. His eyes narrowed greatly under his now-on sunglasses and left with the group.

Outside, a few blocks down, they sat on a bench where Sophie held up a map. Nic pulled out the check again and looked at the numbers.

Cana leaned over and looked confused. "So did he never learn how to write a proper check or what?"

"It's not a check." Nic stated. "It's directions."

"Oh really? How're you so sure?"

Nic pointed at the first number. "Take a look at this." Cana and Sophie both leaned in. "You notice how the 4, 6, and 4 are at the bottom of the check? And notice how the 3 and 1 are sideways, yet facing the other. If put it together, you get down 4, right 3, down 6, left 1, and down 4." He looked back at Sophie's map, tracing his finger. "If you could understand a city such as this, as I could in Lumiose City, specific locations are measure by blocks."

Sophie's eyes widened. "So that's what you mean. So he really was giving us code."

Nic turned towards her. "Yes. He may have an informant of some kind at that location, but we can't be sure."

"He's right." Cana agreed. "You never know if he's really a member of that Dark Guild in disguise."

"Precisely, which is why while we three take the bait, we'll have an aerial surveillance if anything were to go awry." Nic stood up and turned towards the two girls. "So Sophie, where's the location?"

Tracing her finger in conjunction with the numbers, Sophie followed the directions and finally pinpointed the location. "Here." She pointed at a location with a red dot on it. "It's called 'The Nectar's Well'."

"Then that's where we'll head." Nic enlarged a Poke Ball as he pulled it out of his pocket. "Those lacrima positioned are what also disturb me. We can't get an omnidirectional view from where we are, so…" He threw it up, and in the air, the Poke Ball opened. Out came Nic's Staraptor. The Predator Pokémon had her talons to the ground as she looked at the three. "Staraptor, you'll be watching from the air. See if those lacrima are guarded, and if the first sign of Ghoul's Coffin, engage."

"You don't have to tell me Nic. I was born to fight enemies on site." Spreading her wings, Staraptor ascended into the skies, with Cana and Sophie watching.

With her in the skies, Nic turned back towards his comrades. "We should be moving as fast as we can."

The small group headed way, following down to where the location was. As they pressed on from the bench, a small protrusion from underneath the bench appeared. The protrusion had an eye and it retreated back into the earth.

---

In an undisclosed domain with poor lighting, several figures were present. They all looked up at the huge piece of equipment with a multitude of satellites to receive signals from the lacrima. The whole machine resembled a retracted cannon tip that was covered in pure black. It stood on supported legs with three pink lacrima on each leg, shining.

A dark smirked overtook a man's expression. "Not much longer now."

Another man with a madman gaze stuck his tongue out as little ghosts floated around his space. "GYAHAHAHA! Oh man! I can't wait to begin! Why can't we fire it now?!"

Another shadowy figure with shoulder pads and shin guards kept a grin. "Don't be so hasty, Boig. It's taken us three months to collect the necessary energy. We only need just a little bit more, and then everything within Dahlias shall be nothing but ash. Such glorious spectacles require a degree of patience."

"Oh don't be silly!" Another voice announced, sounding more flamboyant than the rest. His silhouette showed a feathered cape and two shoulder figures resembling peacocks. "True art is within the effort put into matters, such silly talk will do no good."

"Hmmmm." The sitting figure remained subtle as he waited for news. At that instant, his green eyes looked to where a protrusion began to emerge from the ground. They all turned to find the other member rising above and standing on pointed and curled black shoes.

"Salut." He said, his silhouette maintaining a cape with curvy points that were a high collar. "I have returned with news!"

"So, she was right? That fool snuck out a request after all?"

"Ah yes, she was. They're heading to the location as we speak!"

The man smirked mildly, keeping his calm yet sinister appeal, the only other thing being revealed being the bone-white guild mark on his forehead, which was a coffin with a devil's horned head in the center.

"Good. Tell Seiryo that he'll be having some company."

---

The small group made way towards The Nectar's Well, where their next clue was to be. But to Cana and Sophie's surprise, Nic made a sharp turn deeper into the alleyway.

"Nic, what's with the little route change?" Cana asked quietly.

"Ssshh! Quiet, we're being watched." Nic informed.

Cana perked up as she heard some sudden footsteps from where they came, advancing with discreet. She turned back towards Nic. "What do we do? Take them on?"

"No. We'll cause too much of a disturbance. We'll have to somehow get right pass them or knock them out without drawing loud attention." Nic glowed, much to Cana and Sophie getting a little blind. Looking back at him, they recognize his Meadow Plate Form.

Though just like his new X791 appearance, the Plates' Forms also altered slightly, though very minor. Everything about the Meadow Plate was the same as before, only there was a jungle green belt rather than light purple and there wasn't any grass insignias, but the coat with sleeves had a green Fairy Tail insignia and ring on the back, and the whole thing was a light green with green edging.

Nic slowly peeked around the corner, seeing 4 or so guys creep up. With a quick pivot, he was caught on sight by the 4 men and he exhaled a green powder. The powder swallowed up the guys and their noses twitched. They soon looked drowsy and slumped to the ground and started snoring.

With that, Nic's Sleep Powder worked and he glowed, reverting to himself again.

He turned back towards Cana and Sophie. "We gotta move now." Slightly off guard by Nic's tactic, the two stepped around the sleeping guys and resumed their trek, now keeping even more weary senses. Thanks to Nic's reflexes and sensory, he could tell if something was up, but fortunately nothing else arose afterwards.

As they made way, Sophie fell curious. "Hey Nic, how did you know we were followed?"

Nic kept his face forward as they turned to the next street. "I noticed that secretary with the attitude had suspicious smirks; and when she wasn't present when we left, that's when I figured out we were ratted out."

Cana looked surprised. "So you're saying that we were found out at the beginning?!"

"Afraid so. It's paramount to remain on high alert." Nic stopped when they stood in front of a crimson-signed building with golden words spelling out 'The Nectar's Well' in cursive. Looking back at his accomplices, and up to the sky, seeing Staraptor looking down from high above, Nic then made way inside.

The inside was classy, very classy; almost like casino-classy. The windows in the front of the building were in an arc as the inside showed men sheering mildly and drinking from glasses, some from actual bottles. Nic, Cana, and Sophie all made way inside, ignoring the few whistles from drunken guys and girls.

They made way to the bar, with Nic sitting in between the two. There was a classy bartender and he handed another guy a fresh booze bottle and then took notice of the three. Shifting his eyes to see Cana's Fairy Tail symbol on her lower left, the bartender suspiciously moved his eyes to find everyone busy, leaving him to tend to the three.

"Hey there." He said, his bald head and moustache giving him a mature figure. He leaned in, looking around once more before going into a whisper. "You uh…wouldn't happen to be who the Mayor sent, do you?"

Sophie eyes narrowed. "So, you're the informant?" She asked quietly.

The bartender looked down. "Yeah, glad someone finally got the message."

"Thanks, but we're not here to drink." Nic said.

"Especially since you can't." Cana muttered under her breath.

"Hm?" He turned towards Cana, to which she acted as though nothing had happened. He ignored the comment and turned back towards the bartender, still keeping their voices at the lowest volume possible.

"Tell us, do you know anything of Ghoul's Coffin?"

"Yeah, word gets around, and being a bartender, I get some juicy info. Apparently they arrived here but six months ago, a few months after this place opened up. They were laying low until they confronted the Mayor four months ago, where some…negotiations were made."

"Negotiations?" Cana repeated.

"Yeah, apparently in exchange for sparing everyone's life, the leader of the Dark Guild would lay low as long as a fraction of the city's finances are headed towards his guild, though not so much that it's noticeable by bills or records."

Sophie was very suspicious. "And what exactly do you believe is going on now?"

The bartender looked around and back at them. "You know those huge pink lacrima on all four ends of the city?"

Nic and his group nodded.

"Rumor has it that Ghoul's Coffin forced the Mayor into constructing them. They seem pretty like a rose, but their thorns are where it gets deadly; and by thorns, I mean the price."

"Price?" Nic asked.

"Yes, if you've noticed, Mages who leave here are exhausted because those lacrima gradually suck away your Magic Power, the more you use it."

The news made the group's eyes open in surprise.

"Further details are foggy for me, but I do think those lacrima are connected to something."

"You mean as a battery for something?" Sophie asked.

Nic's eyes narrowed. "You mean to power up something potentially deadly, like a weapon." No surprise there, given that Nic had a similar experience with that one mission with Erza, and also the power charges with Nirvana.

"Exactly." The bartender heard a slam on the other end and he turned towards that direction. "Coming!" He turned towards the three. "Hold on."

As he tended to others demanding booze, Nic, Cana, and Sophie all turned towards the other.

"So if we use Magic, it'll be gradually drained from us into the lacrima?" Cana asked.

"Seems like it." Nic said. "I remember seeing a guy looking fatigued when we were heading into the city. That must be a result from using too much Magic."

"That means whatever they're using, it must require a huge amount of Magic Power." Sophie deduced. "And if it's built up to this point, then it's fair to say that we don't have much time."

"Meaning we have to find and deal with those lacrima…" Nic was interrupted when a sudden thud happened behind him. The three turned around, finding a guy falling unconscious with a bruised face.

"Haha! Oh man, that was wild. I haven't felt that good this week."

The one who took down the guy had black hair in a light purple bun at the top. He had a muscular body and an orange sash that held up his brown pants with white motif-like flames. He had on purple plated armor on his shoulders and arms, but nowhere else.

"AW MAN! WILD!" He roared.

Nic showed annoyance. "What does he think he's doing?"

The bartender looked up with surprise. "What? Bacchus! Not you again!"

"Bacchus?" Cana repeated.

"Unfortunately. He's a real hassle to deal with, especially when drunk. Try and tell him to settle down and you'll wind up like that poor fellow there." He referred to the passed out man on the floor. "That guy can't keep away from this city's liquor."

Bacchus approached the bar, and arm on the top. "Say, how's it been? Loving the decorum."

The bartender's eyes narrowed. "Let me guess? That?" His inquiry was mixed with spite.

Bacchus smirked. "You know it! HAHA!" He laughed aloud. He raised a brow. "Say now. Remember I gave you quite the hefty tip last time."

The bartender sighed and turned around to look and pluck out a bottle, the one he plucked out being a dark crimson with green and gold on the tag. He placed it on the top, where Bacchus slammed 50,000 Jewels in dollars and hauled the bottle for himself.

Recognizing the bottle, Cana's eye almost widened. "Hold on! I've seen that bottle before!"

Bacchus raised a brow, turning towards her as he sat down. "Oh? Bet you haven't had this stuff yet. This new brand of sweet liquor is like honey running down your throat. HAHA! Man, one sip and you'd be swinging like a mad chimp!"

"Really?" She raised a brow. "Bet I can stomach that."

Bacchus gave a mischievous smirk, leaning in. "You know, you got a smoking hot face little lady. How's about a cup with me to pass the time? A few sipping contest, and by winning…" He looked at her blue bras and licked his lips. "I get a special trophy."

Immediately appalled, Cana backed off. "You pig!"

Bacchus leaned in some more, hiccupping while still being drunk from before. "Come on, playing hard to get only makes me more wild than ever."

Still disgusted, Cana looked away. "As if. That booze can wait another day, without a perv like you taking my dignity."

Bacchus' elbow was sliding across the counter, nudging her arm. "You're making my spirit sing~."

"Hey!"

Bacchus found himself leaning back as Nic was glowering down on him, appearing faster than the speed of lightning. The sudden action made Bacchus hiccup some more, as well as getting a bit of attention.

"*Hic* Hello?"

"She said to back off, so you better step down before I decide to make you." Nic warned, his sunglasses on his V-neck.

At a corner table, a man surrounded by beautiful and busty babes smirked at the scene before him. His cool demeanor being ever so suave as it amplified his attractiveness. He had unkempt yet wild black hair that slicked in several directions. Two short black bangs framing his intrigued face. He had on brown, fingerless gloves and an open red vest, revealing his muscular abs and chest. He on blue baggy pants that tightened and ended at the shins. He also had on brown boots. A disturbing feature that anyone would've seen if they knew was the orange coffin 'tattoo' on the left side of his neck.

Raising a brow at the scene before him, his smirk widened. "Well what do you know. Seems that the boss knew what was coming after all." He looked around at the ladies before him before picking up and sipping a half-empty shot glass. With a sigh, he sat back some more.

Bacchus hiccupped again and smirked at Nic. "Defending your little hottie of a friend? Takes real guts kid, I'll say that."

Nic growled as Sophie stood up in readying any defense if the case were to come up.

Nic balled his fists. "You obviously don't know how to approach a woman. She clearly has no interest in you, so lay off."

Cana sneered in victory. "You heard him. Take your little party and beat it."

Bacchus raised a brow. "Really?...alright." He said nonchalantly. "If that's what you want, I'll go." He turned and left…or so they thought.

Bacchus hiccupped and suddenly reached backwards, doing a backhand slam. The sudden assault being halted by Nic blocking with his forearm. A loud echo boomed from that sudden block, making the entire bar silence.

Everyone turned to see Bacchus' assault single-handedly halted by Nic. They knew Bacchus was trouble, but Nic's sudden forearm block caught Bacchus by surprise.

Bacchus retracted his limb and swung around, facing Nic. "Gotta say pal, that was some trick." His expression grew crazier. "Gets my soul shaken and stirred. Guess I should introduce myself, right? I'm Bacchus of Quatro Cerberus, their S-Class Mage."

Cana and Sophie's eyes widen.

"Seriously?!" Cana exclaimed.

"S-Class? That means he might be on-level with Erza." Sophie said.

"*hic* You bet toots. That redhead and I go way back." Bacchus answered. Hearing this made Nic want to grit his teeth so bad, but he kept as composed as possible. "That chick and I fought quite a few times, but the score was never really settled. Wonder how someone like you can do?"

His challenge was unnerving everyone. Cana and Sophie both kept their distance, as they knew how defensive Nic can be against guys like Bacchus, who smelled like trouble…and liquor.

The pressure in the air intensified to where not even wine glasses moved. The intensity all about was coming to a climax, but a clear and consulting clap broke it all together.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen. Please, no fighting in front of the ladies, it'd be rude." The guy from the corner stood up and walked on over, getting Nic, his group, and Bacchus' attention. Almost immediately, Nic knew something about him was wrong, but didn't imply it up front.

"Come on, we're all friends here." He wrapped an arm around them both, giving a compassionate vibe. "I think you guys just got off the wrong foot. Er, Bacchus was it? Think this guy's got a point about giving those who aren't interested their space."

Bacchus' was reluctant as he scoffed. "Brah! Hey man, being a mediator?"

Nic's eyes narrowed, but went along with the act. "But he does have a point Bacchus. Leave Cana be and we can forget what happened."

The man turned upbeat again. "There, see? He knows when the slate should be clean. Now how's about we all just take a look at the other. Come on." He snapped his fingers, and then that's when two mirrors appeared in front of Bacchus and Nic, surprising the latter.

'Mirror Magic?' Nic thought.

Cana and Sophie both gave discerning glares at the suave individual.

The individual put a mirror up to his own face, admiring and combing back his hair with his fingers. "See, you see yourselves now. Would you really wanna hurt yourselves?"

Bacchus gave a twisted grunt, as to where Nic kept his cool and calm seriousness. He only looked at himself for a few moments before he heard a small snicker from the guy. Nic's eyes narrowed when suspicion rose to a pinnacle.

It was then that Nic, Cana, and Sophie's eyes caught sight of the man smirking as he dove a fist into the mirror in front of him, going into the mirror. Nic and Bacchus suddenly saw his hand reach out of both mirrors, surprising them and forcing Nic and Bacchus to jump away, avoiding the fists.

Cana swiped a few tarot cards that glowed. "You sick liar!" Cana threw the glowing cards at him, but he turned to see the cards flying at him.

"Oh please!" He extended his arm out, shifting one of the mirrors to block the cards. Much to Cana's shock, the tarot cards bounced off the mirror and shot back at her. After a sudden gasp, Cana and Sophie screamed as they jumped out of the way as the cards exploded, destroying part of the bar counter.

Immediately, drunks and spectators alike began to make a hasty panic and ran for the exit, making The Nectar's Well filled with just the startled bartender, Nic's group, Bacchus, and the man.

"Well now, seems the fun's over. Too bad, I was enjoying the comfort of those bimbos before you showed up, Fairy Tail." He said in amusement.

Nic eyes the guild mark on his neck, and he confirmed his suspicions. "I knew it all along. You're a member of Ghoul's Coffin, aren't you?" He accused.

The suave yet sinister man chuckled wildly and faceplamed himself. "Well duh! I knew you knew! But please, call me Seiryo." He casually implied.

Sophie and Cana were both back up and glaring at Seiryo with vile intensity. "So you were planning a sneak attack?" Sophie asked. "That's something Dark Guild scum would pull off."

Seiryo turned towards her. "Obviously hotstuff. And I know you guys think that you can take me on, but don't get your hopes up."

Nic, Cana, and Sophie all glared at Seiryo before Sophie pointed her own head, making a Memory-Make seal. "Memory-Make: Stone Lightning!" Above Seiryo, a thunderbolt jutted down from nowhere. He smirked as he jumped back and dodged the bolt, turning the place where he was to stone.

Cana showed two more cards and lashed them at Seiryo. "Icicle!" She swiped her cards, which unleashed large icicles at Seiryo. "Try dodging that!"

"Hmph. Gladly." He snapped his fingers, where a mirror appeared before him and the icicles touched the mirror and rushed right back at Cana.

"Cana!" Sophie rushed in front of her, making another Memory-Make seal. "Memory-Make: Pyro Saucer!" She fired saucers of fire from the seal, shooting at the icicles and shattering them into nothing but bite-sized fragments, and the attack rushed on towards Seiryo, whom wasn't there.

"Wait, where-" Sophie was cut off when she was delivered a sidekick from her left, sending her crashing into a table.

"Sophie!" Cana shouted. Cana turned to strike Seiryo, but she was grabbed by the arm and thrown to the opposite side of the bar, screaming as she landed on her back.

"Oh come on! You know it's not cool when I have to fight chicks!" Seiryo pestered.

A sudden flaming punch from behind made him raise a brow, and with a quick snap of the fingers made a mirror behind himself. Nic's Fire Punch struck the mirror, but the impact caused Nic to jerk back, deflecting his own attack.

His Flame Plate Form was only different from the coat. An orange belt, complimented by the charred baggy pants and red coat with yellow edging without the flames. He grunted as his Fire Punch was deflected just like that. "He's deflected and seen all of our attacks?"

Seiryo kept an arrogant vine while whisking his left bang. "Struck stiff? Well that tends to happen when you fight someone like me." His expression grew dark with a vile smirk as he glared at Nic. "When you have Telepathy and Mirror Magic, you're pretty much screwed."

Nic's eyes opened in surprise. "Telepathy and Mirror Magic? That explains why you foresaw our attacks! You read our minds!"

"Literally." Seiryo chimed. "Be glad it's just me you're facing. The other five aren't as friendly to the ladies as I am."

"I'm a boy." Nic testified.

Seiryo smirked, creating a mirror by his side. "I know." He punched into the mirror, and Nic felt a weird feeling from behind and jumped, dodging what was a mirror behind him with his fist going through it.

'Damnit! If he can read our minds and see our attacks as we speak, and use Mirror Magic to bounce it all back, we'll have little opportunities to get a hit in.' Nic thought.

Seiryo smirked and took a more laid back stance. "Let's really throw a party, shall we?" Snapping his fingers from both hands, the bar windows broke completely, shattering as shady members with bandanas of a coffin with a horned-devil appearing with swords and other weaponry.

Sophie grunted as she saw that they were all surrounded. "No good. He's got us cornered."

Cana grunted as she was surrounded completely. "And we can't use that many spells. Every spell casted would sap even more Magic from us."

Sophie silently cursed herself. "Then we have no option but to use minimal spells to drive them away."

"You'll try." Seiryo extended his arm out. "Attack!"

"HRAH!" The men all screamed as they charged after Nic, Cana, and Sophie. Nic readied a counter by opening his mouth in prep of a Fire Spin…

"HIYAH!" A sudden force of wind from a swiping palm struck a lot of the guys' feet, causing them to fly through the air. The origin of the attack resonated from none other than Bacchus.

"Bacchus?" Nic asked, surprised.

Bacchus smirked. "Heh. Now this is a party." He turned around as three more men went to attack, but Bacchus quickly pivoted and backhanded them, sending them all flying and crashing into more men. He looked back at Nic. "So Luminous, I might as well let you off this one time. Things are about to get…wild."

Bacchus let out another battlecry as he turned and dashed with incredible speed that could perhaps rival Nic at best. He stuck his palm out and struck a few more men down just like that.

Nic turned away, still not exactly seeing eye-to-eye with Bacchus as he fought Seiryo. Quickly glancing around, Cana was shooting off cards comprised of lightning at one huge batch, and Sophie using another Memory-Make Spell that sent green beams from mirrors that struck down at least twenty more men.

"Tch, such an annoyance." Seiryo stated. "Try saving yourself with this!" He extended his arms out, making six mirrors all around him. He made a mirror on his left and Seiryo reached through vigorously, and Nic found himself being choked behind the neck, restrained by all four limbs, and another clenching his forehead.

Nic grunted as his entire body was restrained, and Seiryo squeezed harder, making Nic grunt as his neck muscles were pressed harder.

Seiryo smirked and chuckled. "Having fun yet? Hm…" His amusement stopped when Nic's eyes flashed open.

"Now I will…" Nic grunted some more as he set his whole body ablaze, the sudden ideal prompting Seiryo to let go as he felt his hand burn.

"YEOW!" He retracted his hand through the mirror and clenched it, seeing it burned and getting to a knee, leaving him open for Nic to strike him down.

"Flame Charge!" Nic remained cloaked in flames as he lunged into Seiryo, and the Ghoul's Coffin's Mage only looked to receive a hit, crashing into a table and shattering it. Nic got into a landing pose and removed the flames.

"It doesn't matter if you can see attacks if you can't properly block them."

He glowed again as Seiryo slowly grunted as he sat up, witnessing Nic transform yet again while the fighting all around went on. Nic was seen in his Earth Plate Form, where everything of the attire was the same except now adorning a light-mud colored coat with dark brown, tattered edging with an equally dark brown belt.

He lunged after Seiryo as he still wasn't up yet. "Drill Run!" Clasping his hands together, Nic spun like a drill towards Seiryo.

Seiryo looked surprised and he made a mirror at the last second, which Nic drilled into and made him make sparks in between him and the mirror for a few moments and he shot back into a backflip.

Seiryo huffed as he flipped his styling hair back. "See? Unlike Wave Magic, my Mirror Magic can bounce back anything, whether it'd be rocks or any matter, even paparazzi and fangirls."

Nic narrowed his eyes. 'Sounds similar the Reflector Magic like Midnight used, at least from what I've heard.' He contemplated. 'But from what I've seen, he can either reflect attacks or reach through mirrors, but he can't do them both at once, which is his weakness.'

Bacchus eyed the multitude of individuals around him, all in greater numbers than before. "Well, guess it's about time we get this party going by my books."

He took a bottle of booze from the table right next to him and took it up to his mouth, sipping from it. With a few gulps, he let out a sigh and dropped the bottle to the floor and it rolled away.

The many members of Ghoul's Coffin took note of how Bacchus' face turned a bit red and hiccupped. His stance adjusted, and in a sudden flash, he struck down at least ten more men in the blink of an eye.

Sophie looked over, seeing the sudden speed enhancement of Bacchus. "You're kidding! His speed enhanced from drinking?"

Bacchus hiccupped as he looked back at Sophie. "Oh come on sweetheart, don't tell me you've never heard of Drunk-Chop Hanging Palm before." He sarcastically asked before pivoting and hitting more guys with a fast palm strike.

Sophie narrowed her eyes. "Drunk-Chop Hanging Palm…so he uses Palm Magic." She turned around when she sensed some more guys advancing, prompting her to attack. "Memory-Make: Charge Blades!"

Sudden stones covered in lightning protruded from the ground beneath the Mages in front of her. The blades of stones flashed before exploding in yellow lightning, shaking and electrifying everything around her. Many Mages fell from that one attack.

Cana looked back, seeing how Sophie wiped out so many at once. "Nice one!" She looked back ahead and threw glowing cards at more incoming Mages, exploding and sending them flying into many others. She huffed and looked back at Sophie, seeing how she was beginning to pant a little.

"Oh man, Sophie don't exert there. You used too much there." Cana warned.

"*huff* I know, but at least *huff* we managed to take out the rest."

---

"That makes at least 20 at each station." Staraptor's eyes overlooked where the four lacrima towers were, using her vision and hawk-like yes to deduce the numbers of each station.

"If I get closer and see any signs of threat, I should…" She was halted when she started hearing screaming from another street closer to north. She turned and saw a bit of dust rise from one of the bars.

"That has to be Nic and the others!" She said aloud, and flapped on ahead to where the scene was unfolding.

---

"Emanation Beam!" Vanessa shot a beam of teal aura at Braixen.

"Psyshock!" Braixen countered by shooting purple beams from her stick she had in hand, both Magic and move colliding in the middle. A small explosion made strong winds surge, forcing Vanessa and Braixen to cover up.

When the dust settled from the small clearing, Vanessa got to a knee and huffed, having been tired from practicing all morning. After a couple of minutes of panting, she slowly stood up, followed by Braixen.

"I think that should do it for now." Vanessa signaled. He looked down at her hand with a confident smile. "At least I got better in controlling my Aura Magic."

"No doubt." Braixen huffed. "You've been training for the past week, and it's evident that your aura has enhanced as well."

"Right. Let's head back inside." Vanessa pulled out Braixen's Poke Ball and returned her. She then turned and headed towards the Guild Hall.

A few minutes later, she arrived inside. "Hey guys!"

Lisanna turned towards her. "Oh hey, Vanessa!"

"So how was your morning workout?" Macao asked.

Vanessa smiled some more. "It went swell. I'm progressing better and better." She looked around, seeing Team Natsu, Nic, Cana, and Sophie not present. "Where is everyone?"

"Well Natsu and the others went out on a job yesterday and won't be back until later on today." Macao answered. "And if I'm not mistaken, I think Cana and Sophie dragged Nic along on their mission."

"Wasn't it that one enormous job of eradicating Ghoul's Coffin from Dahlias?" Max asked.

"Dahlias?" Wakaba asked. "I've heard of that city. Apparently it's well known for its summertime flowers."

Macao smiled. "Yeah, and apparently it's known for its bars and pubs as well. They say that they put actual flower nectar in the alcohol to give it more vivid potency." He turned towards Kinana and Mira, his smile fading. "Although, something troubles me."

Makarov and everyone turned towards him.

"That place has a specific bar that has a booze so powerful that even a sip is enough to knock you for a loop. But it's who I'm worried about that'll drink it."

Makarov looked confused. "Cana can stomach that stuff. I'm not so sure about Sophie since she's still too young, and…" His eyes opened up again. "…oh." He blinked as realization was beginning to dawn upon him. "Wait…"

Vanessa and everyone looked around in curiosity, but then they got a little anxious when Makarov's eyes shook and face darkened in horror.

"Wait, Nic is in that city!" His eyes shook violently as if he were traumatized. "Oh no…oooh no..."

"Makarov, what's the matter?" Vanessa asked.

Makarov clenched his fists and looked down in shame, his entire body shaking. "Something terrible happens, when Nic drinks even the smallest of alcohol. And…and…"

Vanessa felt a little nervous from looking around, seeing the faces of everyone, except Lisanna, all beginning to pale.

Makarov looked at her, a dark and horrific expression on his face. "Things can get really uncontrollable."

"Uncontrollable?"

---

"Dig!" Nic jumped and bean to tunnel underneath the bar flooring.

"Hey!" The bartender whined. "That flooring wasn't cheap!"

Bacchus rushed in after Seiryo from his right, but Seiryo put up a large mirror as Bacchus advanced, barely managing to stop Bacchus and bouncing the blows off the large, circular mirror. Bacchus skidded back and fell over into some rubble, surprised that he actually hurt himself.

He sat up and frowned. "Oh man, that was wild. *hic* Too bad this stuff's wearing off so soon."

Seiryo snickered, but was short-lived when the ground behind him cracked. He turned around all too soon and Nic emerged from the cracked ground, driving a fist into Seiryo, knocking him back and tumbling into a skid and stopping on a knee.

"You bastard." He growled. He looked around to find himself pit against the four again, all of his forces defeated by Cana and Sophie. The two girls surrounded Seiryo with Bacchus and Nic. Seiryo slowly backed away and found himself losing ground near the entrance to the bar.

"Alright, lay it on him!" Bacchus hollered.

Sophie pointed a finger at her head. "Ready Cana?"

Cana showed a few cards. "Ready! Let's hurry before he has a chance!"

A Magic Seal appeared before Sophie. "Memory-Make: Mirrors of Cold Retribution!"

"Mind if I back ya up on that?" She flashed three cards and made a Magic Seal. "Thunderbolt's Fate!"

Ice mirrors appeared all around Seiryo as he panicked. Green beams then shot from the ice mirrors from all directions, and the lightning shot from Cana's cards went beaming ahead.

Seiryo saw the attacks coming and he extended his arms on either side. "No you don't! I saw that from the beginning! Angular Defense!" A dome of pure mirror with sharp edging like a polygon dome encased him, deflecting the green beams and lightning in all directions, hitting some walls and bits on the ceiling.

"You're kidding me!" Cana exclaimed.

Sophie clenched her fists. "He can use the mirrors from all directions as well." Her eyes narrowed. "Hopefully I remembered it."

Underneath the dome, Seiryo smirked. "Hm. Now…Reflective Alcove!"

The mirror dome that was still deflecting the attacks began to collapse on one side, angling the deflected beams at Nic.

Sophie and Cana both went wide-eyed. "Nic, watch out!" Sophie shouted.

Nic saw the lightning and green beams head his way and he inhaled a deep breath and then opened his mouth again. "Mud Bomb!" He shot the brown ball of mud with rapid intensity. When the attacks met at the middle, an explosion of green and brown erupted, the shockwave from the attacks, making everyone fly off in random directions. Bacchus barely held his ground, yet Cana and Sophie fell on their butts with a thud.

Nic skidded back and covered up from the attack, until he stepped back towards the destroyed bar top, where he grunted as the explosion cleared out. In front of him was a mirror, where Seiryo's hand gave Nic a harsh shove. Nic covered up to block the shove, but he fell backwards and grunted as he crashed into the shelves of booze behind the counter. The bartender moved out of the way and to the side.

Among them, a crimson bottle with gold and green on it, of which wasn't broken, flung into the air.

---

Makarov swallowed. "This phenomenon happened on the night, the night Nic was proclaimed S-Class." His voiced was shaken. "We were all so happy, and Cana forced Nic to take a big gulp of booze."

---

Nic was seen sitting up and grunting as Seiryo smirked. Booze was all over the place and he looked ahead at Seiryo. 'Damnit, I got sloppy!'

"Hmph." Seiryo's smirk widened.

Nic was about to get up again, but noticed the distraught faces Cana and Sophie were giving, something that was vaguely unnerving him. He noticed that their eyes gazed at the twirling crimson booze bottle in the air, the strongest booze, of which was one Bacchus purchased earlier. He looked up slowly, seeing the bottle twirl down onto him.

---

Makarov looked even more scared. "Just one gulp was all it took; nothing more, nothing less."

---

The cork on the bottle became undone while spinning in the air. The bottle pointed down at Nic as he looked up in shock.

---

His eyes were still wide. "That's when everything went awry."

---

The bottle began to descend as time was very slow, about to be aligned with Nic.

---

Vanessa looked really piqued. "What do you mean?"

Makarov looked up to the ceiling. "First we noticed that his face got a little heated…" He trailed off to when he remembered Natsu challenging him, and Nic turned around and…

Makarov shuddered. "A few moments later, the entire Guild Hall was in complete chaos! As if…as if all hell had rained down upon us!"

---

Sophie and Cana's fixated eyes widened as they were flashing back to that one night, the night that…

Sophie's eyes shook. "Oh no…"

Cana swallowed. "Please miss, please miss…"

---

"Please, just tell me what happened!" Vanessa pleaded.

But Makarov was still shuddering from the experience. "It was horrible! Horrible! Nic was like…a wild beast from the deepest forests in Earthland. An untamable hurricane." His eyes looked at Vanessa, filled with traumatizing experience. "It was wild hysteria. The likes of which, no one has ever seen."

Vanessa's eyes shook as she was beginning to get the picture. She looked down with a hand to her chin. "So you're saying that Nic is a complete lightweight?"

Macao shuddered. "And that was just after one gulp of regular booze." He looked back at Vanessa with the same level of horror that Makarov displayed. "If he had anything stronger, or an entire bottle…"

Vanessa was seeing the idea, and it wasn't pretty. "Then…he'd might be an unstoppable bringer of doom."

---

The booze bottle's tip fell upon Nic's lips, making him gag briefly as the contents within the bottle began pouring into him.

Cana and Sophie alike turned completely white, unable to process what in the world had just happened. Their mouths hung open as they were as stiff as statues, their arms limp from shock.

The booze contents continued down Nic's throat, gulp after sudden gulp.

The two shook and twitched. "C-C-Cana?"

"S-Sophie?" Cana squealed back.

"I…I think we need to find cover."

Cana shook her head. "No one is safe now." Though she did try and attempt to hide along with Sophie, the two lunging behind some broken tables close to the wall.

Seiryo and Bacchus looked at the two women ducking for cover with askew gazes.

"Heh? Why the sudden duck and run?" Bacchus asked.

Seiryo hummed lightly. "It's for the best. I didn't wanna harm those ladies anyway. I'd leave them to the others. Now…" Seiryo turned back ahead towards Nic, but something wasn't right. Bacchus also took note as the empty booze bottle fell down right beside Nic.

Seiryo could barely hold back a laugh as he facepalmed, seeing Nic's face turning red. "GAHAHA! Oh man! This is just too priceless!"

Bacchus raised a brow. "Heh?"

Cana and Sophie shuddered while paling as they looked through the open spaces of the tables, seeing Nic's face turn from light red to a darker shade, his mouth twitching, and they could see his expression turn sourly aggressive.

Sophie chimed one last sentence timidly and quietly. "And so, the madness begins."

---

The only reason I brought Bacchus into this mess is because I decided to bring back someone very dear that we all missed…yup, it's Drunk Nic! How was this chapter for a change? Wanted to humiliate the Magic Council, and also give Sophie and Cana a little more spotlight since they are Nic's closest friends.

Speaking of Cana, I got up a small poll, so check it out.

Aside from the long Reviews you might leave for this chapter, there's something else I wanted to ask. The last time I asked this question was Ch 22, so I'll ask it again: What was your most favorite fight up to date, with or without Nic? Add that in with your usual Review please!

Please Favorite, Follow, & Review this story and/or chapter if you guys love the originality of the X791 Arc, NicxErza moments, and anything else!

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Next Time: Dancing with the Enemy