A/N: Sup' everyone. I apologize if this chapter is a little late. I'm just coming out of a cold that was really, REALLY screwing with my head , I've had to deal with my first major essay for my writing class along with a math midterm I'm studying for and I had a wedding I needed to attend (HAD A CRAZY GOOD TIME!). ..Needless to say I've been busy. I want to make it clear that I will try to update this story as soon as possible whenever I finish a chapter but I have a busy schedule so a weekly update plan is a bit…iffy, to say the least and I always wait a day or two…or three for the reviews to come in. All I ask is that you be patient with me; please.
On another note, about all the couples in this story that I ship or imply are together…THE SHIPS HAVE SET SAIL AND AS THEIR CAPTAIN; I WILL GO DOWN WITH 'EM! *clears throat and recomposes himself from Captain Morgan pose*
With that out of the way, a shout out to you guys:
-PandaGirl: You were hyperventilating!? Damn, I didn't know this story had such an effect on you *Embarrassed smile*. In all honesty, I'm glad you like what I've done so far, I really am. As for you liking Saito, I guess I'm better at crafting characters than I thought. I will try to update soon so hang in there please.
-Darkhope: I did my best to make the proper scenes for my pairings. I'm glad I was successful in doing that. I'm very detailed so expect more as the story goes on. Glad to know you ship Gruvia!
-Sesshomaru'sCrazygal: I'm glad you love the story and have no fear, I will continue with this story for a while before I start something else.
Now ladies and gentlemen, please return your trays to the upright position and fasten your seat belts because you're in for a loooong ride.
OH! Before I forget; for Deathwing's voice the closet real life voice actor/actor that I know of would have to be Michael Ironside…dude's a badass. Enough said.
XXXX
CHAPTER 4: Contact Pt.3
Minutes before initial encounter's…
Erza Scarlet walked at a leisurely but alert pace as she and her two guild mates made their way into the central square. Romeo and Wendy stayed back a few feet behind Erza, covering her back in case anyone tried a sneak attack. The central square was a large, open sized area that encompassed a total length of ten city blocks. At the center of it was a massive but beautifully crafted water fountain with multiple steps and benches that led to it. Children laughed and played while other people gathered to lounge and talk on the benches or dip their feet into the cool pools of water the fountain offered.
"In a place this lively it's going to be hard to pick out those Pain guys." Romeo said as he observed the crowd.
"Indeed, so that's why I want you two to be alert at all times." Erza said as she glanced back at the two mages.
"I wish Carla were here, maybe she could have provided us with a bird's eye view of the crowds." Wendy said with a hint of sadness in her voice.
Before they had left the barracks, Erza had Pantherlily and Carla break off from the group in order to scout out the rest of the city. Their ability to fly meant they could easily spot the Pain members and return to Erza or their respective partners at a moment's notice. Both exceed had vehemently expressed their objections to the idea but once Erza reminded the two cats of the stakes at hand, they reluctantly agreed to Erza's plan; Carla more so than Pantherliliy.
"I regret not having her come with us, but she can be in more places than we can at one time." Erza said as she gave Wendy a sympathetic smile.
Romeo placed a comforting hand on Wendy's shoulder.
"Don't worry about her, she can handle herself." Romeo said with a small but confident smile.
Wendy's cheeks took on a slight pink hue as she gave Romeo a similar smile.
"You're right…I'm sure she'll be just fine."
Erza smiled as she watched the two before turning her gaze forward once more.
Then Erza asked, without preamble, a question that sent Romeo and Wendy for the mother of all curveballs:
"So, Romeo, Wendy, how long have you two been dating?"
Erza's tone had been so nonchalant that it took a second for the question to register with the two. But once it did…
"WHAT!?" Romeo and Wendy said in unison, their cheeks turning a vibrant crimson while their expressions mirrored the perfect combination of surprise and fear.
"Bingo." Erza thought.
The swordswoman stopped and faced the mortified couple.
For some time Erza had suspected that the Rainbow Fire mage and Sky Dragon Slayer had been together. She had seen the two become closer in the months following the conclusion of the Grand Magic Games. The two could be seen at a table talking about a book that either Romeo or Wendy was reading or just having a pleasant conversation. As time passed, Erza noticed the two would sit closer and closer to each other. Then there were the times Erza had spotted the two walking about Magnolia. At first, Wendy's and Romeo's hands would brush causing Wendy to turn a wonderful shade of scarlet that almost matched Erza's hair color, but they eventually moved from subtle touching to linking their pinkie fingers together and finally to full blown fingers intertwined. Erza didn't want to be the one to start up the rumor mill so she held her tongue and passed it off as just puppy-love. But based on Wendy's and Romeo's reactions…
Erza gave a triumphant smile as she crossed her arms.
"I knew it…so; how long."
If it was possible for the young couple to blush even more than they already were, Erza had no idea. The two looked like two red hot peppers from the blushing on their faces. However, that didn't stop Wendy from slowly linking her hand with Romeo's.
"For t-the past t-three month's now." Wendy said as she averted her eyes.
"And you haven't told anyone because?" Erza let her question hang in the air.
Romeo began to rub his neck with a nervous smile.
"Well…you see, the thing is...we've been trying to wait for the right time."
"And why's that?" Erza asked.
"Natsu and the other guys get so protective of me whenever some guy my age comes around," Wendy said with a small sigh, "and I don't think I need to explain how Carla would react."
The image of a mother grizzly bear protecting her cubs was the general image that came to mind.
"We just want to wait for when everyone will be accepting of our relationship…and not try to kill me at the same time." Romeo said as he and Wendy nervously chuckled.
A calm silence ensued.
"…You won't tell anyone will you Erza." Wendy asked hesitantly.
Erza smiled and shook her head.
"Your secret is safe with me. I respect your decision and I will support the two of you in any way that I can."
Romeo and Wendy beamed at Erza.
"Just don't let your relationship interfere with your work. I don't want you two to needlessly risk your lives if something were to happen." Erza said as she turned back around.
"They do look cute together." Erza thought.
"Ah, young love, such a wonderful thing isn't it?" Said a deep, rough but composed voice.
The trio turned to the source of the voice and froze in place. Sitting at a bench, only a couple of feet away from them was Mikhail Deathwing; the leader of Pain. He had his arms stretched out across the back of the while his left foot rested across his right knee; a typical relaxed position.
"He wasn't at that bench before, when did he get there!? I didn't even sense him!" Erza thought as she took a defensive stance while Romeo and Wendy moved to cover left and right flank.
The civilians had started to notice the commotion being caused by the mages. Some backed away in fear while others looked on with curios fascination.
"I was wondering when you would get here Fairy Tail." Deathwing said as he lowered his arms and linked his hands together in his lap.
"Mikhail Deathwing I would presume?" Erza asked as she slowly drew her sword from its sheath.
"I am." Deathwing said with a nod of his head.
Deathwing, despite his age, which if Erza had to guess was somewhere in mid to late fifties, was fit with broad shoulders and a composed stance. His snow white hair was still tied back into a ponytail and his jagged scar was still prominent by his eye patch. However, instead of a fierce glare, Deathwing observed his opponents with a professionalism one would not expect from a rouge mage. He wore a set of battle scarred gunmetal grey armor which covered his shoulders, chest, back, torso, thighs and shins. Underneath the armor he wore black cargo pants tucked into a pair of well used combat boots and a black long sleeved shirt which he kept rolled up at his elbows. The appearance was completed with a pair of black combat gloves that had armor plating on it.
He was intimidating to say the least.
Erza could feel Deathwings aura slowly rise out of him like a cold finger running up and down her spine but steeled herself none the less.
"You know why we have come here?" Erza asked.
"I've known for a long time."
Erza's eyes squinted faintly.
"How so?'
"Your guild is one of the strongest in the land…it's only natural that the King would ask for your help in this mater…though I do say I'm disappointed…I was expecting more of a challenge in a one on one duel, considering the great Erza Scarlet was sent to fight me. I do not know who the two kids are." Deathwing said as he looked Wendy and Romeo in the eyes with his cold green eye.
Wendy shivered while Romeo swallowed hard. Only Erza remained unperturbed and slowly shifted into a combat stance.
"…Mikhail Deathwing, I, Erza Scarlet am placing you under arrest by order of the King of Fiore. You are to stand down at once and are to be taken in to immediate custody by the Capital Guard."
Deathwing held Erza's glare before standing himself.
It was then that Erza noticed that Deathwing had a halberd strapped across his back. From it, he unsheathed a large, well-crafted two handed claymore broadsword.
"I'm afraid I can't do that Miss Scarlet."
"Failure to comply will result in the use of lethal force." Erza said as Romeo and Wendy prepared to strike.
"If it is force you want, it is force you shall get." Deathwing said as he snapped his fingers. A series massive explosions rocked the square, sending debris and even people flying in all directions. Those who survived the surprise attack instantly ran away for their lives, screaming in terror.
Erza, Wendy and Romeo were thrown off balance by the sudden cacophony of screaming and explosions. Deathwing seized the opportunity bolted forward with unprecedented speed. He was faster than Erza had anticipated and she barely had time to bring her sword to bear. With a resounding clash of metal, the swordsman and swordswoman clashed.
The two stood still for a moment, their blades grinding against each other before Deathwing pushed forward with immense strength. Erza though pushed back, found her footing and swung her blade in a diagonal strike. Deathwing blocked the attack by flipping his sword so the flat side of the blade took the hit before slashing at Erza.
Romeo and Wendy had recovered from Deathwing's blitz on Erza and instantly moved to help.
"Purple Fire!" Romeo called out as said ball of flame formed in his hands. Romeo hurled the fire balls at Deathwing but watched in shock as not only did he dodge the fire but parried at strike from Erza at the same time.
"Kid, you're going to have to do better than that." Deathwing said as he leaped away from Erza and onto one of the higher steps that led to the fountain.
"Destruction Magic: Small Bomb." Deathwing said as he stomped his foot on the ground. A piece of stone was instantly dislodged from the ground and flew up to arm level. Deathwing punched the rock and it flew at Romeo, glowing a brilliant red. Romeo dodged the attack but was thrown back by the concussive blast when the rock exploded on impact where he'd just been standing.
"Romeo!" Wendy called out.
Romeo landed on his feet and regained his stance.
"I'm alright just focus on him!"
Wendy faced Deathwing with a glare.
"Sky Dragon's Roar!" Wendy said as the massive wind tunnel began to form. With a deep breathe, Wendy blew with all her might. The hurricane grade wind tunnel hit Deathwing who barley dodged the attack. Using her own attack as a distraction Wendy turned to Erza who equipped her Purgatory Armor.
"Erza," Wendy cried out, "Fast wind that run the heaven…ARMS AND ARMOR VERNIER!"
The magic circle instantly appeared beneath Erza. Using her already enhanced strength, Erza kicked off the ground and flew at Deathwing, reaching him in seconds. Erza raised her sword and slammed it down on Deathwing who blacked the attack. As soon as the blades connected, a massive crater formed beneath Deathwing's feet, pushing him into the earth. But Erza wasn't finished. With her double enhanced speed, Erza gut punched Deathwing out of the crater and sent him sky rocketing into the air; where Wendy was waiting.
"Sky Dragon's Claw!" Wendy yelled as she slammed her foot into Deathwing, sending him back to earth. Deathwing landed in a small crater and Romeo, who had been watching the fight, took action.
"Red Flame!" Two blazing red balls of fire formed in Romeo's hands which he slammed together causing a jet of flame to blast out at Deathwing. The rush of air combusting followed by a massive blast of flame and heat soon followed.
Wendy and Erza quickly rejoined him.
"Romeo, that was amazing." Wendy said as she gleefully embraced Romeo in a tight hug.
The blushing fire mage smiled in turn.
"Just something Natsu taught me, nothing much."
Erza nodded with a smile.
"You did well Romeo, your father will be proud to here of this and-", Erza stopped midway through her sentence and spun around towards Deathwing as a powerful aura began to radiate from the fire. The flames soon disappeared to reveal what appeared to be a glowing blue shield. The shield was rapidly pulsating and from behind it, the tree mages watched the swordsmen slowly rise, his armor and parts of his hair singed. The shield disappeared and Deathwing sent the mages a glare that said it all: . .
Deathwing wiped the corner of his mouth and gave a rueful smile as he saw the crimson streak on his knuckle plate.
"It's been a while since I've seen my own blood."
Deathwing cracked his neck.
"I admit that was quite the attack you three pulled there," Deathwing said as he casually swept some dirt off his shoulder, "but I think it's time I stopped screwing around and showed you three what I'm really capable of."
The air suddenly grew thick and heavy as Deathwing projected his aura. Wendy and Romeo suddenly gasped for air and fell to their knees as the massive amount of killing intent hit them. Erza felt the familiar tingle of fear run up her spine.
Deathwing took in a deep breath before raising his sword.
"Chaos Beam."
And with those words, a red beam of destructive energy shot from the sword.
"Get behind me!" Erza cried out as her Adamantine Armor appeared just in the nick of time.
The red beam of death (which would make a certain orange haired Vasto Lorde nod his head in approval) hit with cataclysmic force. Anything that stood before the beam of instantly destroyed as it tore through two city blocks of Crocus. When the smoke cleared, Deathwing calmly walked up to the mages.
The sight before him was grim but Deathwing could have cared none the less. Erza's armor had fallen to pieces the moment the beam had stopped. Her body and what remained of her armor was badly burnt and she laid face down, panting for air. Romeo and Wendy were in similar shape. Though they had survived the blast, their clothes had been scorched to tatters and there were multiple burn marks on their bodies. Wendy's once long flowing hair and been badly burnt and would need to be properly cut later. The two groaned in pain and struggled to move as Deathwing approached.
Romeo defiantly raised his hand in an attempt to fight back only for Deathwing to grasp his wrist and violently break his arm as if it were a twig. It took a second, but when the pain registered with Romeo, his screams echoed throughout the square. Wendy was pulled up by what was left of her hair and was promptly punched in the gut with enough force that she explosively gasped out in pain while blood shot out from her mouth. Deathwing dropped her in a heap as she feebly clutched her stomach, crying in pain as she did so. Deathwing finally turned to Erza. Flipping her over with his boot, Deathwing raised his sword with both hands, tip pointing down.
"W-why?" Erza hissed through a labored breath.
Deathwing paused and lowered his blade to his side. He knew what she was asking.
"Without chaos, there can be no order and without order there can be no chaos." Deathwing stated.
"Ever since the end of the Grand Magic Games, the balance of power in the world has begun to slightly shift and change. I was hired for my unique skills to help shift that balance in my employers favor; also figured that my affinity for chaos would also keep me tied to the job. So I accepted the offer, rounded up some strays that shared a common interest and headed for the capital. If I was going to help spread chaos, what better place to start than the source of order in Fiore."
Deathwing raised his sword back above his head.
"You fought well Erza Scarlet. For that, I will give you a warrior's death."
Deathwing was about to plunge his sword into Erza when a flash of yellow light sped past him and with it, Erza.
The figure inside the light stopped a good distance from Deathwing as he gently but protectively held Erza in his arms. A woman with long pink hair soon landed next to him, having grabbed Romeo and Wendy when Deathwing was distracted.
The haze of pain began to clear from Erza's eyes and her savior, who had once been a blur, came into focus.
Erza, despite the pain, gasped in shock.
"J-Jellal!?"
XXXX
With Igneel and Lilly
"Hold still and die already!" Myerson yelled as Igneel and Lilly simultaneously dodged another blood attack. Myerson's once ever present grin had turned into a furious snarl.
"Graaaahhhh," Myerson yelled as he sent another blood whip at the siblings, "this was fun before but now you're just really pissing me off!"
"Sorry freak but we ain't in the habit of dying," Lilly said as she dodged the whip, "but you on the other hand…" Lilly ran up to Myerson with surprising speed, spun around once while raising her right elbow and nailed Myerson square in the jaw sending him flying and into a building.
"Nice one sis!" said Igneel.
"I learned from the best." Lilly said as she cracked her knuckles.
"Ready to let me have a turn?"
Lucy gestured at the smoke cloud.
"He's all yours."
Igneel smirked.
"Be ready on my word."
"Gotcha."
"Teleportation!" Igneel said as he disappeared in a flash of light.
While the exchange had happened, Natsu and Lucy could only stare with their mouths agape at the two new mages. Moments earlier the two had been saved from certain death by the two mages who claimed to be their children.
"I…I don't…I can't believe it." Lucy thought as she looked at Lilly.
"How can she be my daughter, how can she be Natsu's daughter…how can she be our daughter!?"
Lucy was afraid to admit it, but the more and more she had watched Lilly move, act and talk, the more she believed that she was looking at her future daughter. It also didn't help that Lucy's now awakened maternal instincts had instantly established an attachment to Lily.
"And that boy…he looks exactly like Natsu."
Yes, if one were to take away the glasses and the fringe covering his forehead, Ingeel could pass as a clone for his father.
"But how can this be?" Lucy whispered.
"NATSU, LUCY!" a voice cried out.
The two instantly turned around to be tackled by Happy, who had left his safe spot.
"You're alright, you're alright!" Happy said as he held onto the mages for dear life, "I thought that scary guy was going to kill you!" Tears of joy spilled down from the Exceed's eyes.
Natsu and Lucy hugged Happy back before letting him go.
"What happened back there, who are those guys?"
Happy said as he watched Lilly from afar.
"We…we don't know." Natsu said, his shock still apparent.
"They said they were our children…they said they were mine and Natsu's children." Lucy said in equal disbelief.
"WHAT!?" Happy cried out, "But you and Natsu don't even like each other and-Hey, where'd she go!?" Happy said as he scratched his head in confusion. Natsu and Lucy turned around to see that Lucy had disappeared.
"She…she was there a second ago." Natsu said.
XXXX
Myerson pushed a large slab of concrete off of him before standing. He flinched in pain as he did so. Pain was something he wasn't really accustomed to. He was used to giving it, not receiving it. The attacks from those two punks were starting to get to him.
"I'm getting real tired of this shit." Myerson hissed in anger.
"You and me both." Said a voice from behind Myerson.
Myerson spun around and received a punch made of hard light to the face. As Myerson hit the ground, Igneel hopped off the ruble while he twirled his hard light Tonfa's in his hands.
Myerson stood up and glared at Igneel.
"That's quite the trick you got there buddy boy."
Igneel smirked and braced his Tonfa against his forearms.
"You haven't seen anything yet."
Igneel dashed forward and began to strike at Myerson who countered with his arms. The tonfa connected with Myerson's hard skin and series of meaty "thwacks" echoed out with each blow. This exchange went on for a minute before Myerson suddenly grabbed Igneel's wrists, holding him in place.
"GOTTCHA NOW YOU LITTLE BRAT!" Myerson screamed in glee as a blood blade shot out from his stomach and impaled Igneel.
Natsu and Lucy gasped in horror while Myerson began cackling madly.
Igneel's face was one of shock before he began to…laugh?
Myerson cocked his head.
"What's so funny?"
"Igneel" suddenly burst into motes of light.
"WHAT!?" Myerson yelled.
"A clone…made from hard light." Lucy whispered in disbelief.
Myerson heard the clatter of feet but before he could turn around, a blade of hard light was rammed through his back and out his chest. Igneel then swung around Myerson and swept his feet out from under him. Flat on his back and stunned from the attacks, Myerson failed to react in time as Igneel formed multiple hard light blades and proceeded to nail Myerson to the ground through his arms and legs.
Myerson began struggling while Igneel hopped back to Natsu and Lucy.
"WHEN I GET OUT OF HERE YOU ARE SO DEAD! YOU HEAR ME; DEAD!" Myerson raged as he frantically tried to pull against the blades.
Igneel said nothing as he placed his hands on the ground.
"Lilly, let it rip." Igneel said as his hands began to glow.
"YEEEEEEHAAAAAAWWWW!" Lilly cried out.
Natsu and Lucy looked up in time to see Lilly use a jet of flame to propel herself high into the air off the top of a nearby building.
She spun once in the air before engulfing her hands in two separate flames of fire; one a fiery orange the other a volcanic black.
"Got your one way ticket to hell tight here!" Lilly called out.
"That's…!" Natsu cried out.
"Shield!" Igneel said as a barrier of light surrounded him, Natsu, Lucy and Happy.
"DRAGON GOD'S BRILLIANT FLAME!" Lilly cried out and slammed her fists together.
The destructive blast flew from Lilly's hands and showed no signs of stopping as it sped for Myerson.
Myerson, who had been frantically struggling against the blades, did so with renewed vigor. But as the flames of destruction closed in on him, the blood mage could only do one thing: scream in terror. Myerson howled louder and louder as the flames engulfed and subsequently vaporized him in flash and explosion of light.
The crazed blood mage had been defeated.
As the smoke cleared, Igneel dispersed his shield, stood up and walked a couple of paces forward, arms extended.
"Look out below!" Lilly called out gleefully.
Igneel smiled and easily caught his sister. He then let her get on her own feet as she dusted off her skirt.
"That…was satisfying." Lilly said as she and her brother high fived.
"You did good sis. But we need to link up with the others now."
"That's right. Saito should have found his folks by now and Sam and Jenny should be…"
A sudden explosion to their right caught their attention as a large wall of ice erupted out of the ground. The ice shattered and Sam and Jenny ran out followed close behind by Gray and Juvia.
"…meeting up with us as we speak." Igneel finished.
The two groups ran up to each other.
"You alright boss?" Sam asked as he and Igneel shook hands.
"Could have been worse..." Igneel looked over Sam's shoulder, "looks like you found your folks."
Sam looked back at Gray and Juvia, and gave a small smile.
"Yeah, they're still trying to wrap their heads around the idea."
"What about Saito and Senna?" Jenny asked as she and Lilly approached.
"Saito should be busy with his parents and I think Senna should be finding hers any minute now."
"Oi, who's this Senna and Saito you keep talking about and who are you two supposed to be any way?" Natsu asked as he observed the two newcomers that had come with Gray and Juvia.
"We'll explain later. Right now we need to find Erza Scarlet and Jelllal Fernandes."
"Jellal!? What's he doing here, and what does this have to do with Erza!?" Lucy asked, her mind raced at the sudden turn of events.
"We'll explain later," Igneel said pointedly,"but for now we have to go." Igneel made to turn but Natsu grabbed his shoulder.
"We're not going anywhere until you give us damn answers."
Igneel turned and faced his father. Natsu was a little unnerved by how similar he and Igneel looked alike.
"Look…we can both stand here and talk while one of our guild mates is in danger or we can discuss this later and take action. Which one do you want?"
Natsu let go of Igneel's shoulder as a conflicted look crossed his face. He slowly clenched and unclenched his fists before sighing in resignation.
"Fine…we'll play it your way…for now."
XXXX
Jellal Fernandes glared at Deathwing as he protectively held Erza close to him.
"And who might you be?" Deathwing asked as he observed the blue haired mage.
"I am Jellal Fernandes, member of Crime Sorcière. You on the other hand are Mikhail Deathwing, the leader of the rouge group Pain."
"Ah, I remember who you are now. You're reputation precedes you."
"J-Jellal…w-what are y-you d-doing here?" Erza asked through her pain induced haze.
Jellal looked down at Erza and gave her a comforting smile.
"Don't speak. Just rest for now."
Jellal set Erza down on the ground with as much care that he could muster.
"Meredy, please take care of Erza and the kids…I'll handle him."
"Right." The pink haired mage replied and moved over to Erza as Jellal slowly advanced towards Deathwing.
"Yes, what are you doing here? I have no quarrel with you...but if you interfere, you will force my hand."
"We were just passing through and I heard there was a rouge group causing trouble hear. I did some asking around and found out you may be involved. Then today I heard there was a Fairy Tail team here hunting you down. I just followed the first signs of fighting and here we are."
Jellal looked back at Erza.
"You hurt someone very special to me and for that I will make you pay."
"Will you now?" Deathwing challenged.
Jelllal summoned up his Heavenly Body Magic and smirked.
"Watch me; Meteor."
Jellal bolted forward faster than Deathwing could react and delivered a fierce punch to Deathwing's chest. Deathwing went flying backwards and Jellal rounded on him and slammed him to the ground.
Jellal landed away from Deathwing as said mage stood up.
"That's quite the talent you got there."
"You haven't seen anything yet; Heavenly Arrows!" Jellal said as seven beams of light flew from his hands.
Deathwing dodged five of the beams and deflected the other two with his sword. He then pointed his index and middle fingers of his free hand at Jellal.
"Chaos Lance." A thin, rectangular beam or red light shot from the fingers and sped at Jellal. Jellal dodged but was shocked when the beam redirected itself back at him in a zigzag pattern.
"Damn!" Jellal grunted out and used Meteor to avoid the beam. No matter where he went, the beam followed.
"I need to get rid of that thing." Jellal said as he hopped from building to building.
An idea suddenly struck him and stopped in his tracks. The beam sped towards him and just as it was about to strike, Jellal ducked and the beam imbedded itself in the stone behind him. Jellal stood up and glared at Deathwing.
"Heavenly Beams." Several beams of light flew from Jellal and impacted where Deathwing had been standing only for the Chaos Mage to dodge the attacks. However, Jellal had foreseen this. As soon Deathwing was in position, he unleashed his next attack.
"Grand Chariot."
Deathwing looked up just in time to be struck by the rain of devastating magic bolts from the seven seals Jellal had summoned. But Jellal wasn't finished.
"Dark Ray." A black beam of darkness shot out from Jellal's hand and impacted where Deathwing had been hit. He had avoided using his Dark Magic but with Deathwing he wasn't taking any chances. Jellal leapt down from the building and landed near Meredy.
"Let's get out of here and get these three to safety."
Meredy nodded and was in the process of picking up Romeo and Wendy when they heard and ominous laugh come from the rubble. The two watched as a battered Deathwing stepped out of the crater Jellal had created. Deathwing's armor around his chest plate and shoulders had been badly damaged and the mage proceed to pull a series of release tabs that loosened the armor and let them fall to the ground.
"Bravo boy, bravo", Deathwing said as he clapped his hands slowly, "you gave me a run for my money there."
The air around Deathwing suddenly shifted and Jellal felt a massive surge of power course through Deathwing's body.
"It's time I showed you all the full extent of my power."
A series of markings that resembled zigzagging tattoo's appeared on Deathwing's uncovered skin.
"I may be a Chaos mage, but there is one thing about me that gives me even greater power than that."
Deathwing's aura was now visible and it flared in a spectacular display of darkness.
"Tell me boy…do you have what it takes to fight a Chaos Dragon Slayer?"
Jellal and Meredy's eyes widened in shock and before either could react, Deathwing stood before them. He backhanded Meredy and then slammed his open palm into Jellal's chest in one fluid motion. Jellal who was sent flying back was suddenly grabbed from behind and thrown to the ground by Deathwing. The force of the impact caused Jellal to instantly begin coughing up blood before Deathwing slammed his foot down on Jellal's stomach causing even further damage. Deathwing removed his foot and stepped back as Jellal unsteadily rose to his feet only for a blinding pain to grip his body as his back suddenly became sliced open. Before he could cry out, another slash cut his chest with a series of follow up attacks to his arms and legs. Deathwing was using his Dragon Slayer magic and sword to cut Jellal at impossible speeds; speeds he couldn't avoid.
Brought to his knees, Jellal could only gasp for breath as Deathwing approached him and leveled the tip of his sword at the base of his throat.
"And now…you die."
Deathwing pulled his blade back ready to thrust.
"J-Jellal!" Erza and Meredy screamed.
Fate, however, decided to once again intervene.
Before Deathwing could so much as move a muscle in his arm, an armored fist came out of nowhere and delivered a blindsiding and powerful punch to his face. Deathwing was sent flying end over end as the newcomer landed in front of Jellal.
She was a tall woman with a slim but athletic build. Her aquamarine blue hair had natural, scarlet red highlights in it and was tied up into an elegant bun with two black chopsticks holding it in place. She had dark, amber colored eyes that seemed to almost glow with strength and subtle anger. Beneath and above her right eye was an intricate but elegant black tattoo. Her lips were set in a firm line as she slowly adjusted her stance. Her body was covered from neck to toe in a simple set of armor that was beautiful in its simplicity, while a skin tight bodysuit hugged her from beneath the armor plating. In her hands she wielded a long bladed Katana sword which was engraved with the kanji for "Family, Strength, and Honor."
Deathwing rose to his feet and observed the newcomer as he wiped some blood from his mouth.
"Another one, eh? Tell me, who might you be?"
The girl angled her blade so that the tip was pointed at Deathwing.
"I am Senna Fernandes; daughter of Jellal and Erza. Member of Fairy Tail…and you are my enemy."
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A/N: And cut; that's a wrap people! Sorry again for this taking so long. I wanted to post this yesterday but it got late and I was tired so yeah…go figure. I'll start the next chapter ASAP but until then, please leave a review and ask any questions you have; I'll be happy to answer them.
Until next time, happy reading!