Kids

by DD42

There are those who say that the future is not written in stone; that our destinies are ours to make. However, when a new group arrives at the doors of Fairy Tail, they will turn that theory upside down and then some (Multi-Pairing). *Cover art by Toni Boloni*

24. Chapter 19

A/N: Hello everyone and welcome back! Sorry if this is a bit late but I've been busy with work and taking some time to catch up on my rest. My first year of college is over (it ended last week) and done with and I am home for the summer! I SURVIVED PEOPLE! Turns out I had one exam but it was focused on what I'm studying for my major and I had a final paper I needed to write. Both weren't easy but it's over and done with now; I can now sit back and relax.

Just got caught up with the latest FT chapter; GO LUCY! SHOW EVERYONE HOW BADASS YOU ARE! But; there goes the neighborhood…which is weird because, two chapters ago I said Magnolia Town was destroyed in my story. Uhm…coincidence, I assure you.

Sooooooooo… last chapter ended on a tense cliffhanger with the fates of both the kids and the FT mages left hanging in the balance. Well, I am going to tell you this now:

WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS CHARACTER DEATH AND VIOLENT CONTENT; READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!

That's right folks; people are going to die.

From an author's standpoint, this is a ballsy move. I know you guys have become attached to not only the characters I've created but the cannon characters as well. Who lives and dies shall be revealed but I'm taking a big risk with some of the stuff I'm about to pull/drop on you.

I will fully understand if you not only hate me but shed a few tears. It is what it is, however. I hope this chapter doesn't discourage you from reading on because things will only pick up in intensity from here.

Still, this is a major plot point for the story and it had to be done; that's the only way I can justify it. This chapter marks where all the "dark stuff" I've been hinting at will come into play…so try to brace yourselves.

Believe me, I had to stop myself from writing once or twice because I found it hard to write what I had planned out.

So…before we continue, here is a shout out to you guys who have been nothing but supportive throughout the writing of this story.

-ichihime4: Hello there, how are you!? I'm glad to know my joke last time wasn't too lame. I have entertained the thought of being a writer but later on in my life, perhaps when I retire or something along that line. I'm glad you like my writing, it warms my heart to hear that. Fake tears eh? I hope this chapter doesn't actually make you cry…because if you were blindsided last chapter, I hope you're prepared for this one. I will tell you that the mysterious woman's identity will be revealed but that won't be until towards the end of the chapter. Your 15 going on 16!? You may be one of my youngest readers. Happy in advance birthday by the way! I too sometimes act like a little kid, there's no shame in admitting that.

-kazenoseiren: Hello and welcome back; I missed you last time! Two weeks; were you on vacation or something like that? If you were, I hope you had a good time. Yes, your long awaited answer chapter was delivered and I'm glad they were answered. How will the mages of FT get out of this one? Hmm…you'll have to read and find out. I'm not going to kill off everyone don't worry but there will be death in this chapter. Will there be a happy ending…well, I'm not going to spoil everything by answering that. You'll see when the time comes.

-Darkhope: Hi there' how are you!? Uhm…yeah, I'm going to be frank with you; I was nervous writing this chapter because I was running what your possible reactions may be in my head. HAVE MERCY, I BEG OF YOU! I honestly and sincerely apologize if I make you sad; I really do. I'm glad you like this story; all my hard work truly is paying off isn't it? Chiara may be little but she can pack a punch when she puts her mind to it. As for her memory, all I can add to that is this; the mind of a child is truly a fascinating thing, isn't it? Sam was a character I had fun making. I based him on Gray but added a little bit of myself and some other factors into his character. Glad to know you like him.

-Toni Boloni: Hello and welcome back; how are you!? HAVE MERCY! *Quickly puts on riot armor and helmet* I'm sorry for putting you on edge with the last chapter but it was all for this chapter. As to why I did all the suspense and detail is because it all led up to this point. Much like the FT manga where it went through a dark phase, this story is too. You were yelling at your computer? I thought I felt a disturbance in the force (please don't yell at your computer, I don't people thinking you're crazy). So, I know I gave you some sad feels before but for this chapter…you may want to keep a box of tissues nearby. Your lovely compliments always make me smile so thank you for such wonderful words. As for the picture you are working so hard on, take your time; I'm not going anywhere and I don't want you to feel rushed. At least I have a reveal time frame to look forward to. Exams came and went, so I'm just glad I can relax and catch up on my sleep.

-Codename Jellybean: Hello and welcome to the story; I'm glad you are enjoying it so far.

-Mistwing: Hello and welcome back! You had the SAT's? Man, I remember how brutal those were so I can't blame you for falling asleep. Take all the rest you need. Yeah, SAT's are a pain but they have to be taken (I think?). Still, I hope you did well on them! As for what happens to Gajeel and Saito, you'll just have to see but I can assure you, it's not what you're expecting. As for Chiara, sorry to say this but her situation is very, very real.

-The Muffin Slayer: Hello there and welcome back! *Cowers behind riot shield* HAVE MERCY; I BEG OF YOU! *See's sword lowered, pokes head out with nervous smile* Uhhhmmm, yeah, I wasn't quite expecting your response…I'm sorry for the last chapter but you may seriously flip out on me for this. All in all, I'm glad you like this story (your response is evidence enough). That quote you used was it me or you that said that? If it is you, I have no problem because that sums up my thoughts perfectly. This chapter will reveal Saito and Gajeel's fates, and the fates of the others as well. Whether a paradox occurs or not, you'll just have to see. Yeah, I know about the grammar issues; I type so fast that I miss some things here and there. FT Chapter 383 had me rooting for Lucy all the way and I can't wait to see what happens next. And Jellal will have a kickass part to play in this chapter, just you wait. *Hides behind riot shield again* Fair warning; brace yourself.

So, now that's done, let's proceed forward. I know you guys have been anticipating this since last time so, I'll try not to disappoint.

A word of warning though, as you've probably already guessed: sad feels ahead. Prepare thy selves! *Don's heavy body armor and barricades self-indoors*

P.S. There is a Call of Duty: Ghosts quote used early in the those of you who have played the game, you'll know it when you see it and the significance of the quote. (DISCALIMER: I do not own COD: Ghosts. Infinity Ward and Activision are the rightful owners.)

P.S.S: The other song used in this chapter is "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)", by Billy Joel.

XXXX

CHAPTER 19: Loss…and Rage

XXXX

Suddenly
The lights go out
Let forever
Drag me down
I will fight for one last breath
I will fight until the end

-"Dear Agony", Breaking Benjamin

XXXX

Saito and Gajeel: Magnolia Train Station…

Gajeel's world suddenly exploded in white-hot pain. Coughing up blood, Gajeel slowly looked at the source of his agony; his right abdomen.

Jutting out and through his flesh, like a jet black shard of shrapnel, was the tip of Thorn's tail. Gajeel found himself slowly lifted off his feet as he groaned in agony.

Thorn began to cackle.

"Like I said before; boring and pathetic."

With a flick of her tail, Gajeel was tossed a few feet away from Thorn as he cried out in pain. The wound was deep and he was losing blood via his front and back.

"I'd be lying if I said, I had enjoyed our little match. You kept me entertained for the entirety of a few minutes before the luster wore off."

Thorn gave a casual shrug of her shoulder and raised her tail as it began to elongate.

"Oh well…can't be helped. At least you let me test out my new power, so for that," Thorn said as her tail snaked out in front of her, "I'll make your death quick before I handle that meddlesome boy of yours."

The tail launched itself forward at blinding speed, angling itself for his head.

Knowing what was about to come, Gajeel instinctively closed his eyes; hard.

"DAD!" Gajeel heard Saito's voice.

"Saito, I'm sorry…Levy…I love you..." Gajeel thought as he braced for the immeasurable pain he was about to face.

CRUCNH

SQUELCH

Gajeel's eyes remained shut as the snapping of bone and tearing of flesh reached his ears…but…he felt no pain.

Had he died so quickly that his body didn't even register that it had been torn into?

No…that wasn't the case.

He could still feel the beat of his heart, the pain in his torso and the feeling of his hands and feet. Gajeel automatically clutched at the gaping hole in his abdomen as he felt his blood slip past his fingers. If he didn't get help soon, he was going to bleed out.

Gajeel suddenly became aware of something warm, wet and sticky running down his face. Slowly opening his eyes, Gajeel brought his one hand to his face and rubbed the wet substance off. Looking down, Gajeel's eyes widened in shock.

Blood.

His face and chest were covered in dark, crimson red blood.

…And it wasn't his blood.

Gajeel heard a pained, strangled gasp…coming from a familiar voice.

Rising his head and looking up to the source of the voice, Gajeel felt his breath leave his body as it went numb; his blood freezing in his veins.

For there, impaled on Thorn's razor-sharp tail, was Saito.

His son.

"No…" Gajeel said, his voice coming out in a strangled whisper.

Saito's feet hovered a mere three inches off the ground as he dangled helplessly from the barbed instrument of death. Thorn's tail had come in low but Saito's interception had forced it up through his left side and out the middle of his upper back. With a sound that resembled rocks breaking, the last remnants of his Dragon Skin faded from his legs as blood began to leak down Saito's back and side.

Saito had seen his father be easily stabbed by Thorn and tossed down like he was a piece of trash. He then saw her raise and extend her tail, ready to strike.

All thought had stopped for Saito the moment he saw the tail aim itself at Gajeel. He knew what was coming next…

…And he refused to let it come to pass.

He refused to lose his father again.

Instinct automatically took over. His Dragon Skin formed to his legs and his adrenaline went into overdrive as Saito forcefully pushed himself off the wall he was lodged into. The wall shattered even further from the force of the kick as Saito dashed forward with blinding speed. His feet blasted deep holes into the concrete as time slowed down for him. He had covered the distance between himself, his father and Thorn in a matter of seconds.

The tail was quickly closing in as it angled for Gajeel's head.

The next moment, Saito was in front of his father as he turned his body sideways to block the attack; to shield his father from certain death.

The tail in turn had ripped into his body instead…and he knew pain like no other.

Now, Saito dangled in shock as he became aware of his surroundings once more. His body trembled as he looked down at the spined weapon jutting from his side. With rapid and ragged breathe, Saito began to violently cough up blood as his shock wore off.

"NO!" Gajeel screamed in horror.

With shaking hands, Saito grabbed the tail in a vain attempt to fight on.

"NO! NO! SAITO!" Gajeel screamed again as he desperately reached out to his son.

The tail jerked forward and retracted back to Thorn causing Saito to cry out in excruciating pain. The tail brought Saito face to face with Thorn as she let out a very amused chuckle, her eyes giving off an amused gleam

"Ah…a fighter to the end. That took some serious balls kid, I didn't think you had it in you."

Saito glared at Thorn as he coughed up blood once more while his hands still struggled against the tail.

"Go…to…hell…" Saito choked out.

Thorn openly laughed at Saito's words.

"Pathetic." Thorn said as she raised her tail and deftly tossed Saito off of it.

Saito spun in the air for the briefest of moments before bouncing off a support column with a wet and meaty thud as he landed face first on to the floor; his blood beginning to rapidly pool beneath him.

"SAITO!" Gajeel called out in terror before quickly fixing Thorn with a rage fueled death glare.

"I"LL KILL YOU, YOU HEAR ME!? I'LL KILL YOU, YOU SON OF A BITCH! I'M GONNA KILL YOU! MOTHERFUCKER!"

Thorn cackled as she turned her attention to Gajeel.

"You; kill me!? In your condition!? HA! Don't waste your breath."

Thorn casually walked over to Gajeel.

"You're on your hands and knees spilling your blood all over the place; bleeding to death as we speak. You're just as bad as he is." Thorn said as she jerked her thumb at Saito.

Gajeel growled as a trickle of blood seeped past his lips. Thorn then squatted down to look at Gajeel in the eyes as she extended a sharpened finger and caressed/cut Gajeel's cheek with it.

"From the way I see things, you two aren't long for this world. Especially the kid. Considering how much blood he's losing, I'd say I also pierced his heart too."

Thorn grabbed Gajeel's chin between her thumb and finger and lifted his head.

"You two were entertaining but I need someone who'll be more interesting to toy with…" Thorn mused as her grin became clear in her voice, "Someone like…that little bookworm of yours."

Gajeel's eyes widened in horror and Saito let out a hacking cough from where he lay.

"No; Levy!" Gajeel thought in panic.

"STAY AWAY FROM HER!" Gajeel roared and made to strike Thorn only for her to catch his arm at the wrist.

"Watch me." Thorn said smugly as she squeezed Gajeel's wrist to the breaking point but let go at the last-minute. She then stood up and walked away.

"Make the most of your time with your boy…what's left of it anyway." Thorn said before laughing maniacally as she broke down a hole in the station wall; leaving through her own exit.

"No," Gajeel hissed, "Damn it, no."

Saito coughed again, harder and more violent than before, bringing Gajeel's attention back to his son.

"Saito!" Gajeel said through pain as he scrambled over to his son, his blood quickly trialing behind him. Gajeel reached Saito and flipped him on to his back, doing his best to ignore the rapidly widening pool of blood that belonged to his son.

Saito's eyes were closed and his breathing was shallow.

"Saito, stay with me!" Gajeel said as he forcefully shook his son.

"C'mon, stay with me!"

Saito's eyes fluttered open and he slowly focused on Gajeel.

"Don't you dare; don't you dare leave me, you hear!?"

"Dad?" Saito said, his voice hoarse.

"I'm here don't worry." Gajeel said as he placed one hand on Saito's wound while keeping the other on his.

"Dad…" Saito said, his voice weak, "I'm…I'm so sorry…I…I couldn't lose you…not…not again…"

Gajeel shook his head.

"Don't worry about that, just worry about yourself." Gajeel said before wincing in pain.

Saito noticed the rapidly bleeding wound in Gajeel's abdomen.

"Dad…you're…you're bleeding…"

"It' nothing. Don't worry about me." Gajeel tried to reassure his son.

Saito coughed again forcing his blood to bubble past his lips and Gajeel's fingers.

"Damn it no, why isn't he healing!? Why is he bleeding so much!?" Gajeel thought as he desperately tried to apply more pressure to the wound.

And then he remembered what Saito had said they day they hand bonded at the farmer's field.

"My Dragon Skin does keep me protected from most if not all physical and magical damage; so long as nothing vital is struck. The only reason those slashes healed is because I have a high pain tolerance and the wounds weren't that deep. However, if I lose concentration, my Dragon Skin will deactivate. Or if I take serious damage to my chest or torso and I start to bleed out, my body won't be able to recover."

Gajeel shook his head in defiance.

"No…" He whispered.

"If I'm struck through the head or chest, especially my heart; I will die."

"Dad…" Saito whispered, "Dad…I can't…I can't feel my legs…I'm…I'm not healing…"

"Don't speak, you're going to be just fine; I promise."

Saito slowly shook his head.

"No…I'm not…"

Saito coughed again and he took in a labored breathe. His eyes began to widen as he remembered something Thorn had said.

"Mom…she's going after mom…"

Saito tried to push himself up but collapsed back down, the movement making his bleeding worse.

"Shit, no…I have to save her…I have to save mom…" Saito said in desperation.

"Damn it, how could I forget about her!?" Gajeel said before he began to cough up blood.

"No! I can't lose her! I can't lose you!" Gajeel said as he tried to fight past his pain.

Saito watched as his father tried desperately stop his bleeding as well as his own. But it was a vain effort.

The two of them were losing too much blood.

They were going to bleed to death and his mother was going to be tortured before she died.

There was nothing they could do.

"No…" Saito said.

A thought occurred to him in that instant.

"…there is a way."

It was a desperate measure he had sworn he would use only if it were absolutely necessary. Considering his situation and that of his father's, Saito guessed that time was now.

"What did you say?" Gajeel asked.

Saito looked at his father and slowly raised and placed his right hand on the crook of Gajeel's neck.

"Dad…I'm so sorry…for what I'm about to do to you." Saito said.

"What?" Gajeel said before Saito raised his hand as he curled his fingers, his Dragon Skin forming a fierce and sharp claw, and plunged them into Gajeel's skin.

Gajeel let out a sharp cry of pain as his flesh was pierced, his hand snapping up t=and clamping down on Saito's wrist.

"S-Saito, what….what are you…" Gajeel hissed before he felt a pain unlike anything he felt surge over his body.

The veins in Saito's arm had become more pronounced and had turned black as the Dragon Skin was injected into Gajeel's blood stream. Saito held fast as he gave Gajeel the power he had been born with.

"I…give you…my…power." Saito said as the runes on his body glowed in intensity before they slowly began to fade from his body. Then his veins returned to normal and the Dragon Skin on his hand receded from Saito and into Gajeel. Saito plucked his fingers out and let his hand fall as the puncture wounds instantly sealed shut. Gajeel clutched at where he had been stabbed as he collapsed backwards, crying out in pain as his body writhed in agony.

He felt as if he had been doused from head to toe in gasoline and then set on fire.

The pain; it was worse than when his Second Origin had been unlocked.

The sound of the wound in his torso stitching itself back together barely registered with Gajeel as he continued to writhe in pain. A sensation similar to his skin being cut forced Gajeel to look at his arms where he was shocked to see runes, the very same that had once covered Saito's arms, carve themselves into his skin along with his shoulders, chest and torso. Once whole the runes began to glow a brilliant blue…before the Dragon Skin began to cover his body.

His muscles hardened, his bones restructured to fit the natural armor and Gajeel felt his magical power increase twofold. As the last of the armor formed to and covered his face, Gajeel's eyes opened to show that they were now glowing red. Slowly rolling back forwards, Gajeel looked at Saito who now had a small, sad smile on his face.

"Saito," Gajeel said, his voice now taking a sharp, metallic ring, "What did you do to me?"

Saito took in a forced breathe.

"I…I…gave you…my Dragon Skin," Saito said, "I'm…I'm too fucked up to be of any use…to be able to save mom."

Saito coughed again, wincing sharply in pain. Gajeel was by his son's side and applied pressure to the wound once more while carefully cradling him in his arms…only to have Saito weakly force his hand away from the deep wound and clasp it in his own.

"Don't…it's too late for…me…"

Gajeel shook his head in denial as he gripped his son's hand with both of his.

"No…don't say that; don't say shit like that."

"But…there's still…time to save…mom…" Saito took a shaking breathe as his hand tightened against Gajeel's, "…go to her…leave me…save her."

"No; no, I'm not leaving you, I have to save you." Gajeel protested.

Saito smiled a weak smile again.

"Dad…I'm bleeding too much…there's nothing more that can be done. Listen…listen to…to me." Saito said, his eyes asking his father to do as he was asked.

Gajeel nodded as he felt hot tears run down his armored skin.

"Combine…combine the Dragon Skin with your Iron Shadow Dragon magic…and you'll be unstoppable. You'll be able to save mom…and kill Thorn."

Saito coughed again and gasped in pain. He could feel his heart slowly start to slow down.

"You'll be able to…protect the future."

Saito's eyes fluttered shut but he forced them back open.

"Promise me…that you'll do that."

"I…" Gajeel swallowed the lump in his throat, "I promise, Saito."

"…Good." Saito said before coughing a large amount of blood. Gajeel pulled his son closer as he fought off a terrified sob. Saito's eyes were now half lidded.

"I just realized something…about why you didn't have the Dragon Skin before." Saito said as he listened to the pounding of his father's heart, "Grandpa Metalicana wasn't supposed to give it to you….I was."

Saito began to chuckle weakly before coughing.

"Isn't that pretty damn ironic?"

Gajeel didn't answer, he only held his son closer; Saito's grip on his hand was slowly fading.

"Dad…for what it's worth…I'm really glad I got to…to spend so much time with you again…to see you and mom…"

Thudum…thudum…thudum…

His heart's beating slowed.

"It was…the best time…of my life…"

Thudum…thudum...

Tears openly fell from Saito's and Gajeel's eyes.

"Tell mom…that I'm sorry…and that I…I love her…"

Thudum…

Thudum...

"D-dad…" Saito said in a shaking voice like that of a frightened child, "I…I…"

…Thudum...

…

…Thudum…

"I…I l-o…l-ove…love…y-you…"

...

Saito's eyes closed and he exhaled his breathe for the last time as his head slumped against Gajeel. His hand slipped from his father's grip and fell against his waist.

"Saito?" Gajeel asked, his voice hoarse as he gently shook his son.

"Saito!?"

Saito didn't move.

"Don't go…don't go…Saito please don't go!" Gajeel pleaded.

Saito didn't answer his father's pleas.

"Don't leave me." Gajeel managed to say through a choked sob.

But it was no use; Saito was dead.

Gajeel lowered his head and rested his forehead against his son's as pained sobs wracked his body. Taking in a deep, ragged breath, Gajeel tossed his head back as he let out an agony filled cry.

"NOOOOOOO!" Gajeel screamed.

Gajeel's cry soon evolved into an animalistic roar of fury. The armor surrounding his mouth began to splinter and crack before a maw of sharp, fierce teeth made from Dragon Skin was formed from the crack. His eyes turned from glowing crimson to brilliant cobalt as shadow engulfed him and Saito.

And throughout this event, Saito's last words continued to echo in Gajeel's mind; refocusing his rage elsewhere.

"Save mom…protect the future…"

In that moment, Gajeel Redfox came to one simple realization; he was going to kill Thorn.

XXXX

Sam and Gray; South Gate Park…

Gray Fullbuster found himself frozen, no pun intended, in place as he watched the five spears Talon had summoned launch at him as the spear mage tossed her hands forward.

Five spears.

That's all it was going to take to kill him.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl for Gray as he watched the projectiles speed towards him.

"I'm not moving," Gray thought, "Why the hell am I not moving!?"

"Why am I not fighting back!?"

A number of factors raced through Gray's mind about why his body refused to obey the command to move.

If he tried to escape, Thorn would just send another volley of spears his way or he was still stunned from her previous attack or…or…

…Or there were just too many possibilities.

Then the memory of his death at the Grand Magic Games by Motherglare and the hatchlings flashed before his eyes.

His question was answered.

Gray came to the realization that he was going to die again…permanently this time.

Ultear wouldn't be there to reverse time like she had done.

He wouldn't get a second chance.

"This is it…I'm really going to die this time." Gray thought as he felt his body begin to numb.

The spears drew closer.

This was it…this was really happening.

He was going to die.

He wouldn't be able to see his friends again; the people and Guild he cared so much about.

…And Juvia. Gods, he didn't even want to think about what his death would do to her if she somehow managed to survive.

The water mage had become the one person who Gray had come to love with all his heart and soul. The thought of never getting to hear her laugh or to see her smile again broke his heart in two.

But it wasn't just Juvia who Gray thought about.

He thought about his children, his future children, who he had grown so close to.

Sam was in no better shape than he was…but at least the two of them had gone down fighting.

Jenny was fighting her battle elsewhere. She was a strong girl…she'd be able to come out on top.

And Chiara was with Juvia. Gray cursed himself for not getting the chance to pick her up and hold her in his arms just one last time.

There were so many things he wanted to say to them, so many-

"DAD!" Gray heard a voice call out.

Reality snapped back into motion as Gray felt someone nail him fast and hard in the side with a body check. Gray was tossed to the side as his head spun to see what had hit him.

His breath caught in his throat as he skidded against the ground and locked eyes with Sam.

A small trail of ice followed behind the young ice mage as he held his father's shocked gaze; a weak, apologetic smile on his face.

Sam had seen Thorn ready and fire her attack at Gray, hell-bent on killing him.

His fight or flight instinct instantly took over as adrenaline instantly surged through his body.

He wasn't going to let his father die again.

He refused.

Sam had slammed his fist into the ground, the pain in his left leg instantly forgotten as he used his ice magic to launch himself at Gray. Turning sideways, Sam used all the force he could muster from his ice and momentum to push his father out of harm's way.

He made a small smile when he felt his shoulder connect with Gray. He then locked eyes with his father as he watched as the ice mage was moved out of the line of fire.

However, by saving his father, he had also taken his place.

Sam's small apologetic smile quickly faded as he broke eye contact with Gray and casted a fear filled look forward…

…As the spears found their new target.

"Shit." Was all Sam said.

The first spear came in from the left and nailed Sam right in his left side. The second spear cut his left arm off at the elbow as the appendage flew upwards from the first strike. The third spear struck Sam just below his sternum and the fourth and fifth spears dug deep gashes into Sam's right elbow and right side.

Sam could only gasp in surprised pain as he coughed up blood and fell onto his back; he hadn't even gotten the chance to cry out; the attack had been so devastatingly effective.

"SAM!" Gray screamed in horror as he watched his son collapse to the ground.

"SAM!" Gray said again as he scrambled over to his son who was now bleeding profusely from his wounds.

"Sam? Sam!?" Gray said as he shook his son who had blacked out from the attack.

Sam's eyes fluttered open as he coughed up a stream of blood. He let out a strained groan as the spears in his abdomen and side shifted.

"Son of bitch…" Sam wheezed, "That hurts like a motherfucker."

"Don't move!" Gray said as he tried to assess his son's wounds, "Just don't move, I'm going rip the spears out and seal them shut with ice."

"Sounds painful." Sam mumbled. It was hard for him to speak with all the blood in his mouth.

Gray proceeded to remove the spears from his son, who cried out sharply with each pull, before sealing the wounds shut with ice. He was about to freeze Sam's damaged arm when he heard a jovial series of laughs.

Gray turned his head to see Talon still on her perch.

"Oh man, oh man, I did not see that coming!" Talon said as wiped tears from her eyes, her laughter bubbling over with her words.

"That's impressive. I mean, honestly, to throw yourself forward and take someone else's place like that takes some serious balls."

Talon took a calming breath before cupping her hand next to her mouth.

"Hey Sammy boy, if you can hear me, I give you serious props for pulling that stunt!" Talon called out.

Gray glared at Talon as he helped Sam lean up slightly.

"You're gonna pay for this you bitch, you hear me!? You're gonna pay!" Gray yelled in anger at the spear user.

Talon equipped another series of spears and levitated them into a new striking pattern.

"I'd love to see you try buddy boy, because from where I'm standing, I have you two set up for a nice and messy double kill."

Talon grinned as her eyes flashed wildly.

"Now please stay still this time and DIE!" Talon screamed in delight as she tossed her hands forward, sending another barrage of spears.

The spears rapidly closed in but were stopped when Sam despite his pain, slammed his fist onto the ground, creating a barricade of ice around him and Gray. The spears were stopped but the blades were able to punch through the ice and cause a series of spider web like cracks to form from the impacts.

"Oh come on!" Talon cried out, "That's a cheap move right there!"

Talon let out an irritated groan of annoyance.

"Gods, this is harder than it should be," Talon said as she ran a hand through her hair, "Oh well; old fashioned way it is."

Talon quickly drew a new spear and launched it into the ice, further breaking it.

"I'll just break down that little igloo of yours until you're in my sights again!"

"Shit!" Gray swore as the spear punched into the ice.

"She's got us a pinned."

Sam coughed up a wad of blood before gasping in pain. His blood was leaking out of the ice that sealed his wounds. And at a rapid pace to boot.

"Dad…dad, I don't think those seals are holding." Sam said before coughing again.

"Damn it, hold on. I'll reapply my ice and-"

Gray was cut off as he cried out in pain when two spears punched through the barrier and cut deep into his back and into the side of his left leg.

The back wound Gray could deal with but his leg…the spear had cut past the muscle and cut the artery. Even with the blade still embedded in, his blood was rapidly spilling out past the blade.

Gray hissed as he pried the spear out and placed his hand over the wound, sealing it shut with ice.

He was met with similar results with Sam.

"Ah…ah damn it." Gray said as he clutched his hand to his leg.

"We're trapped." Sam said as a large section of the ice barricade fell off with another spear attack.

No matter how he looked at it, Gray knew Sam was right. Even with their combined power, Gray knew that Talon could easily out class them and kill them on the spot.

They could try to escape…but they wouldn't get far.

Right now, she was just toying with the, making the kill all that more satisfying before she moved on…to Juvia and Chiara.

It was a fact Sam recognized as well.

It would take a miracle for them to stop Talon and get out alive at the same time.

Or…a desperate measure.

Sam closed his eyes in resignation as another slab of ice was broken. He was in no shape to take down Talon…but his father was.

He knew what he had to do.

"Lilly…Jenny…Chiara…Mom…everyone," Sam thought as he formed a claw of ice around his fingers, "I'm sorry for what I'm about to do. I really am…but I have to do this. It's the only way."

"Dad." Sam said, opening his eyes and catching Gray's attention.

"I'm sorry."

Gray winced, his complexion turning slightly pale as he continued to bleed.

"Don't be…we were outmatched from the start."

Sam shook his head slowly.

"No…not about that."

"Then…what?" Gray asked.

Sam's hand snapped forth and landed on Gray's chest; a magic circle instantly glowing to life beneath it.

"This." Sam said as the magical circle flared brightly. Ice suddenly spread out from the circle and dug itself beneath Gray's skin and into his veins.

Gray gasped in shock as his hands latched onto Sam's wrist as his son held firm.

From the deep laceration on his back, ice splintered out and slowly began to grow onto Gray's body. The same went for the wound in his leg as the ice conformed to leg. The tribal style on Sam's shoulder's and shoulder blades faded away and reappeared in the exact same spot on Gray's body.

"I give you…my power." Sam said through clenched teeth.

Gray's hands shook before he let go of Sam and collapsed to ground, crying out as the ice continued to splinter and cover his body at a now progressive rate.

The pain was searing. He could feel ice water flood his veins while the ice clung to his skin.

It was worse than when he had obtained Second Origin.

Much worse.

"Sam…" Gray gasped, "What are you doing?"

Sam gave his father a small smile before using his remaining hand to remove his silver cross necklace from his neck. He then used his ice to push himself up before crouching and placing the necklace over Gray's head and letting it settle onto his neck.

"Sam?" Gray asked, eyes wide if fear.

Sam smiled sadly again before rising. He ignored the pain in his abdomen and side; the blood seeping from the wounds.

"Sometimes…when the pack is in danger, an animal will sacrifice itself to make sure the rest of the pack survives."

Sam noticed that the condition of the barrier had rapidly deteriorated. Talon was just a spear or two short from fully getting access to his father and himself.

Gray's eye's widened further, his mind distracted from the creeping pain of the ice which now encased everything except for his head and right arm.

"No…" Gray said in horror, "Sam, no!"

"I'm sorry…I really am." Sam said as he formed a gauntlet of ice around his free arm.

It was now or never.

"I'm that animal dad…I can't stop Talon on my own. But you can." Sam sighed deeply before turning his body forward, "With my power combined with yours…you'll be able to stop Talon and kill her."

Sam clenched his knuckles as he felt a single tear run down his cheek before it froze.

"I still have some juice in me…I'll by you some time."

"NO!" Gray protested as he struggled on the ground.

"Man Lilly is never going to forgive me." Sam said as his tossed his arm out to the side; causing the barrier to break apart.

"There you are," Talon said, "I was wondering when you were going to come out."

Sam didn't answer. He instead tapped his foot on the ground and caused a trail of ice to explode from the ground and quickly work its way to the tree. Talon leapt off her perch at the last moment, barely evading the ice.

Sam looked over at Gray for the last time.

"Protect mom…protect my sisters," Sam said, "…protect the future."

And then Sam limped forward, his arm raised as it fired a large shard of ice at Talon.

"NO!" Gray yelled as he reached out for Sam, "SAM, STOP!"

Ice began to run over his shoulder and onto his outstretched arm and up his neck.

"SAMMY!" Gray said, "SAMMY!"

Talon, now at ground level, glared at Sam as she deflected the shard of ice with her dual bladed spear.

"You got a death wish boy!?" Talon called out, "Because if you do; I'll be more than happy to grant it!"

Sam fired another shard but it too was deflected.

"Bring it on Talon!" Sam replied, "I'm ready; how about you!?"

The two mages drew closer. Sam attacked and Talon countered.

"SAM!" Gray called out still desperately reaching for his son.

Closer.

"SAM!"

Closer.

"SAM!" Gray's tone rose in desperation as the ice closed around his chin and wrist.

Sam let out a cry of defiance as he continued forward.

"NOOOOOOOO!" Gray yelled.

He and Talon were now feet from each other…

…And Talon struck first.

Deflecting another shard of ice, Talon dashed forward just as Sam created another shard of ice. Spinning her spear around her hand in a circular motion, Talon brought her spear up in a swift slash which cut Sam's arm off at the shoulder. Before Sam could even cry out, Talon grinned a wicked grin as she reversed the angle of her spear and brought the blade back down…

….Cutting Sam's head clean off his shoulders.

XXXX

Lilly…

Lilly Dragneel froze in her tracks as a searing, white hot pain filled her chest. Her hands instantly gripped at her heart as she let out and explosive and pained gasp.

This pain…it was unlike anything she had felt before. It was pain that tore at her heart and into her very soul. It was such a traumatic pain that Lilly collapsed to her knees.

"Lilly!" Lucy said in shock and was at her daughter's side in an instant.

"Lilly, what's wrong!?" Lucy asked.

Natsu was currently going head to head in a deadlocked battle with the cloaked stranger from before, Leaving Lilly, Lucy and the celestial sprits to plot their next move or exploit any opening they could get.

Or, that had been the strategy until Lilly suddenly fell to her knees.

Lilly didn't her mother's panicked questions. All she knew at the moment was the pain that filled her heart.

"What…what is this?" Lilly asked her herself, "What is this…pain?"

Suddenly, Lilly felt something slowly fade away from the back of her mind. A presence that she was always aware of.

Sam.

Sam Fullbuster; her mate.

No matter where she went, no matter how far, she would always feel Sam's presence in the back of her mind. They were bonded together as mates; they were literally and figuratively connected for the rest of their lives.

Except now…Sam's presence had faded from her awareness.

"No…" Lilly whispered as tears silently fell from her eyes.

The only way a Dragon Slayer would no longer feel the presence of their mate…is if they had died.

"No…no, no, no, no, no," Lilly repeated over and over as she began to uncontrollably shake and hyperventilate.

Sam, her lover, her friend, her protector, her mate; was gone.

Lilly's skin began to crack as scale like patterns broke out in patches across her skin. Her veins began to rise from beneath her skin as a growl of unparalleled rage surged from deep within her throat. Her eyes glowed a brilliant crimson as sparks slowly left her panting mouth.

"Lilly?" Lucy asked in fear and concern.

Lilly rose to her feet, shaking all over in rage. Lilly's eyes quickly locked onto the cloaked stranger…and she went ballistic.

XXXX

Gray…

A horrified and pained gasp split forth from Gray's mouth as his pupil's shrank to the size of pin pricks, his body freezing up completely.

His mouth hung open in shock.

He had gone numb in an instant.

The only sounds that came from Gray were the pained and shocked gasps that managed to escape from his throat as he watched his son's head roll away from his body. Sam's body had instantaneously gone ramrod straight.

For what seemed to be an eternity, the body stood stock still, as if it were not fully aware that its connection had been severed. Then the knees began to buckle before they fell to the ground and with it, the rest of the body.

By that time, Gray had become fully encased in a mound of ice. The only distinguishable feature being his still outstretched hand and frozen countenance. The soft glow the ice had admitted flared once, then twice and then dimmed from existence as the ice sparkled in the afternoon sunlight.

Talon rolled her eyes and lightly kicked Sam's body, adding insult to injury.

"Stupid boy." Was all she said.

Spinning her spear around her hand once again, Talon cracked her neck as she casually strolled over to Gray. Talon snorted as a sardonic smirk formed on her lips.

"Your boy had balls Fullbuster, I'll give him that much. But that's all he had."

Talon looked at the ice that encased Gray with a mixture of contempt and amusement.

"You gave it a good effort, but in the end, your boy died for nothing; just like you. You're now a sitting duck, trapped in ice by your own son in futile effort to protect you. I'm going to kill you now and then kill that little water mage you hold so dear to you. If I'm in a good mood, perhaps I'll make the death of that brat your water mage always has with her relatively quick and painless."

Talon smirked.

"Relatively."

Talon raised her spear high above her head, pointing down.

"Goodbye, Gray Fullbuster."

Talon brought the spear down…right as Gray's left hand broke out of the ice and caught the blade of the spear with his hand; which was now covered in an armored form of ice.

"WHAT!?" Talon cried out in surprise.

A shard of ice shot forth, causing Talon to leap away. However, although she managed to escape, there was now a gash in her shoulder. Talon looked at her wound and then at Gray in surprise.

The ice that had kept Gray down began to shatter and break away as the ice mage slowly rose to his feet. He was now covered in an armor that resembled Sam's celestial armor. Although the armor was streamlined and formed naturally to his body only his shoulders and upper arms were exposed along with the pants covering his upper thighs. Behind his mask, Gray's eyes glowed a fierce, cold blue as he closed his gauntleted hands into closed fists; his knuckles cracked as he did so.

Gray inhaled deeply and exhaled, his breath coming out thick like a fog from behind his mask as he glared fiercely at Talon.

From her spot, Talon could feel the strength radiating from Gray's magical aura and she swallowed hard. Amongst the overwhelming killing intent, Talon felt the Gray's magical power had increased significantly.

No matter.

She still outmatched him.

"Should've stayed down." Talon said through gritted teeth as she launched her spear at Gray's head.

The spear flew forth but Gray simply cocked his head to the side at the last-minute; dodging the attack.

Before Talon could respond, Gray propelled himself forward with his ice at rapid speed; closing the distance between him and Talon. Ducking low, Gray upper kicked the spear mage in the jaw, launching her into the air. Gray then dashed up with his ice, following Talon, and delivered a punishing blow with a straight punch to the abdomen.

Gray didn't know where the moves came from. It was if someone or something was guiding his actions.

Talon bounced and rolled on the ground before managing to right herself.

Gray jumped down from his ice perch and the ground cracked beneath his feet. Talon glared as she drew two new spears.

"You're going to regret that." Talon said as she launched her salvo.

The spears flew straight and true and nailed Gray in his chest and stomach. Then, "Gray" began to crack down the middle before bursting into shards of ice.

"What!?" Talon said, just in time for a fist to smash into the side of her fist.

Talon was flipped sideways as she watched Gray turn into his blow, his eyes never leaving her.

"An ice clone!?" Talon said.

The clone quickly reformed itself and materialized right behind Talon, slamming the Ice Hammer it made right into her back. Talon gasped explosively as the wind was knocked out of her. Gray was in front of her again and Talon couldn't stop his next attack.

"Ice Make: Ice Cannon!" Gray said through clenched teeth.

The bazooka esque weapon fired the cannon ball at high speed before exploding in a brilliant flash of light and ice. When the smoke cleared Talon lay in a small crater as blood leaked from the corners of her mouth. Struggling to move, Talon pushed herself up and made to retrieve her spears when the ice clone returned with a boot to the head. Talon was knocked down once again as the clone formed two ice swords in its hands and plunged them into Talon's writs.

Talon cried out as she felt the feeling in her fingers numb.

The clone removed the swords and stepped back as Gray walked over to Talon.

"Get up." Gray bit out.

Talon glared at Gray.

"I said," Gray replied, "get. Up."

"Fuck you." Talon spat at Gray.

Gray didn't respond. He instead grabbed Talon by the throat and lifted her up off the ground. He then formed a knife made of ice in his free hand and slowly raised it to chest level with Talon.

"You killed my son." Gray growled.

He then plunged the knife into Talon's chest, causing her to gasp and her eyes to widen. Gray twisted the knife, causing blood to spill from the wound and her mouth.

"And now I've killed you." Gray said. His eyes flared once and series of ice shards burst forth from Talon's back from within the ice knife.

Talon let out a strangled gasp as blood spilled forth from her mouth before her eyes went blank.

She was dead.

Gray retracted the ice back into the knife before letting the weapon disappear. He then tossed Talon's body to the ground as tears fell from his eyes. The pain in his heart hadn't subsided with the death of Talon.

He had avenged his son…but Sam was still dead.

The cracking of ice caught his attention and Gray looked to see the ice clone falling to pieces. Only, instead of seeing himself…Gray was confronted with a mirror image of Sam. In the heat of the fighting and his anger, Gray hadn't noticed that the clone had taken Sam's appearance.

The Sam clone looked just the way Sam did before he died, just without his armor and his arms back in place. A blank expression stared back at Gray.

"S-Sam?" Gray whispered as he extended his hand out to the clone.

The clone surprised Gray by giving him a soft smile as if it were saying farewell. A crack formed in the center of the clones face…and it then shattered to pieces and then to ice dust.

Sam was gone…was again.

Gray's arm fell numbly to his side. It was a while before he finally moved again. He dragged his feet past the body of his son before falling to his knees before Sam's head. With shaking hands, Gray picked up the severed head and held it close to his chest as he continued to silently weep. He did his best to ignore Sam's petrified expression of shock and pain.

"Sam you fucking jerk." Gray sobbed as pulled the head closer.

Sam's last words slowly replayed over and over in Gray's head.

"Protect mom…protect my sisters," Sam said, "…protect the future."

The words repeated over and over before realization struck Gray.

"Juvia…Jenny…Chiara!" Gray said as his eyes opened in shock.

It was then that the wind carried a voice through the park and reached Gray's ears. It was small but Gray could hear it clear as day.

"MOMMY!" the voice of a little girl screamed in fright, "DADDY! HELP ME!"

Gray would recognize that voice anywhere.

It was Chiara's…his daughters.

"Oh God no." Gray whispered.

It sounded like it came from the lakefront; not that far off. Gray set Sam's head down and was immediately on his feet, using his ice to make him glide faster to his destination.

"Mavis please don't let me be too late!" Gray pleaded, desperate to reach is daughter.

XXXX

Levy; Westside of Magnolia Town…

"This way everyone, hurry!" Levy McGarden said as she directed a crowd of civilians towards the direction of the Fairy Tail safe zone.

"Just head for the outside of town and you'll be able to find the rest of Fairy Tail, you'll all be safe there."

As the last of the civilians ran by, giving their thanks as they did so, Levy was greeted by her compatriots; Wendy Marvell and Romeo Conbolt.

"I think that's the last of them." Romeo said.

"Everyone we ran into directed towards you." Wendy said.

Wendy gave a quick, approving nod as she took one last look around to make sure no one was left behind.

"Great work you two, let's head back to the others and see what we can do from there." Levy said as she turned to leave.

A shadow quickly passed over the three mages and was shortly followed by a black clad creature landing in front of them just a couple feet away.

"What the?" Romeo said as he watched the crouched new comer slowly rise to their full height.

"Going somewhere?" The creature asked as their glowing red eyes squinted in amusement.

Levy instantly recognized the voice structure. This creature, this woman, sounded exactly the same way Saito did when he used his Dragon Skin.

Levy let out a surprised gasp.

"Thorn!" Levy whispered.

Thorn touched her hand above her heart in an affectionate manner.

"Aw, you know who I am; I'm touched." Thorn said in a mocking tone.

"This is bad…this really bad." Levy thought as she protectively outstretched her hands in front of Wendy and Romeo, as the three of them began to back away.

"If she's here, does that mean that Gajeel and Saito are…?" Levy swallowed hard, not wanting to think what she was about to think.

"Where's Saito?" Levy said, summoning her courage, "Where's Gajeel? What have you done to them!?"

Thorn let out an amused chuckle…before suddenly appearing before Levy, who let out a startled gasp.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Thorn said before the flat side of her tail flung out and slapped Levy aside.

"LEVY!" Romeo and Wendy called out.

Before the two could respond, Thorn was before the two mates and pulled both her fists back low. She then thrusted her fists forward and punched both Levy and Romeo in their stomach's with such force that the two instantly vomited as they were lifted off their feet.

Letting the two fall to the ground in crumpled, twitching heaps, Thorn spun around and faced Levy once again.

Levy had recovered from her attack and rose on shaking legs.

"What did you do to Gajeel and Saito?" Levy asked as she wiped the blood from her lips.

Thorn let out an annoyed sigh.

"Still going on about that? Fine; your two boy toys are now bleeding to death considering I punched two decently sized holes into their chest and stomachs."

Levy felt the world around her stop.

"No…" Levy whispered, "That…that can't be."

Levy took a shaking, frightened and angered breathe.

"You're lying…you're lying! Saito and Gajeel wouldn't lose to scum like you!"

"Believe it sister…and pretty soon you'll be joining them."

Thorn's tail lashed out and struck where Levy was standing. Levy dodged the attack and rolled away just before the bladed appendage struck.

"Solid Script: Fire; Heat Spell!" Levy said as she rose to a defensive stance.

The blue flames were casted forth from the projected word and engulfed Thorn in fire.

"Solid Script: Earthquake!" Levy said as the word "EARTHQUAKE" appeared before her as she casted the spell with her hands. The solid lettering, colored like rocks, instantly fell to the ground, causing a deep fissure to crack open. Thorn, still engulfed in flames fell into the crack in the ground. Levy then casted the Heat Spell again and filled the fissure up with blue hot fire.

Levy took in a series of quick breaths and ran over to Romeo and Wendy who had risen to their hands and knees.

"We have to get out of here; we have to get to the Train Station!" Levy said as she helped Romeo and Wendy rise to their feet. Romeo let Wendy lean on him for support as Levy helped the smaller framed girl.

"Not so fast!" A voice said.

Levy spun around and was met by Thorn's open palm as it slammed into her chest. Knocked away, Levy was quickly brought back as Thorn's tail wrapped swiftly wrapped around Levy's neck. Thorn quickly knocked Romeo and Wendy away with a backhand and directed her attention back to Levy. Her armor steamed slightly from the heat that still clung to the armor.

"Nice try little lady…but you should know that those lame ass spell's won't do jack shit against my armor."

Thorn said as she tightened the noose around Levy's neck. Levy gasped as her eyes widened in pain while she grabbed at the tail. Thorn extended a sharpened finger and dragged it across Levy's taut stomach, cutting the skin and making Levy cry out.

"I'm going to take my time with you…I'm going to make you bleed until you scream for death. Those two idiots of yours got it easy compared to what I have in store for you."

Thorn pulled her hand back, readying an arm blade.

"Saito!" Levy whispered in fright, "Gajeel; help me!"

A nearby wall suddenly exploded into to broken fragments as a black, shadowy mass came tumbling through and barreled down on Thorn and Levy. The mass then rapidly circled around the two, leaving a long trail of shadow behind it.

"What the hell!?" Thorn said.

Suddenly, from within the shadow, an arm snapped out in the shape of a blade and cut the tail that was holding Levy in two. Thorn let out a surprised and pained cry before the same arm transformed into a closed fist and punched Thorn in the face with such force that she was sent flying into a nearby building. Levy fell to her knee's as the tail fell away and disintegrated. Coughing, Levy clutched her throat as the shadow materialized into a human shape.

Levy looked up and gasped slightly.

Standing before her was another black clad figure; another person with Dragon Skin.

"S-Saito?" Levy asked.

No.

The person wasn't Saito.

This person was taller, more muscular with broader shoulders. And they had long, spiky hair that reached the middle of their back. Shadows drifted off this person in wisps as they clenched their hands into fists. The person then looked over their shoulder, revealing glowing blue eyes.

Levy recognized this person.

It was the man she had fallen in love with.

"Gajeel?" Levy whispered.

Gajeel remained silent as he lowered his eyes in sadness briefly before turning back to Thorn, letting out a menacing growl as Thorn pulled herself from the wall.

Thorn glared at Gajeel as she cracked her neck.

"IMPOSSIBLE!" Thorn hissed, "YOU SHOULD BE DEAD!"

Gajeel made his Dragon Skin enhanced Dragon Sword. The challenge had been issued.

Thorn growled as her tail regenerated and launched herself forward, claws outstretched. Gajeel brought his arm up as the claws dug into his armor and formed deep wounds. Gajeel simply shoved Thorn back, his blade cutting into her chest as the wounds on his arm healed. Gajeel charged forward, his blade digging deep into the ground and rushed Thorn. Slashing and hacking at Thorn, the dark mage dodged and weaved the strikes which were far too close for comfort.

Rage flowed through Gajeel's veins, driving his actions and increasing his ferocity. He would not stop until Thorn was dead at his feet.

Gajeel's left hand suddenly snapped out and he fired a spike from his knuckles, nailing Thorn in her ribs. Stunned from the attack, Gajeel performed a powerful roundhouse kick which nailed Thorn in her jaw.

Gajeel didn't give her a chance to recover.

Performing a quick wall run, Gajeel pounced onto Thorn and knocked her to the ground. Gajeel landed atop Thorn and drove his arm blade into Thorn's left arm, cutting it off. Thorn, despite her pain, lashed out by driving an open palmed spike through Gajeel's shoulder. Gajeel raised his arm to strike again but Thorn twisted her body and tossed Gajeel off of her. Thorn grabbed her arm and reattached it to her shoulder and ran Gajeel. Gajeel, flat on his back, raised his left leg and fired a spike at Thorn at high-speed from the bottom of his foot.

The short-range and speed of the attack prevented Thorn from dodging the projectile and was subsequently nailed in the abdomen and sent flying back into a building where she stuck. As Thorn tried to pull the tibia shaped barb from herself, Gajeel rose and reformed his arm into an even larger blade by clapping his hands together and held it high.

"Karma Demon: Iron Dragon Sword!" Gajeel roared brought the blade down upon Thorn, decimating the area in front of him.

The smoke from the demolished building slowly cleared and Gajeel stomped forward as he let the fingers of his right hand turn into razor-sharp blades. Standing atop the rubble, Gajeel dug his hand into the pile of brick and debris and pulled Thorn out by her hair.

Her armor had disappeared, leaving her open and exposed. Gajeel brought her to her knees and pulled her head back, forcing her eyes to snap open in shock with a pained gasp.

"Remember my face," Gajeel said, "remember my sons face…and let the memory follow you to hell."

Gajeel raise his hand…

"Die." Gajeel growled.

…And plunged his fingers into Thorns heart.

Thorn's eyes bugged out for the briefest of moments before rolling up into her head as a trickle of blood ran past her lips.

Gajeel ripped his fingers out and let Thorn's body fall.

It was then that his Dragon Skin faded away…and with it, Saito's presence. The sensation in the back of his mind that had guided his fight.

Gajeel lowered his head and tried, but failed, to fight back the tears that welled up in his eyes.

"Gajeel?" A voice said, making Gajeel turn around.

"Levy." Gajeel whispered.

Gajeel's bloodshot eyes met Levy's wide ones and Gajeel quickly slid down the rubble pile before running over to his mate and sweeping her up into his arms. The two embraced tightly as Levy let out a relieved sob.

"Gajeel…I was so worried about you." Levy sobbed.

Gajeel gripped Levy tighter and pulled her close before pulling back as Levy framed Gajeel's face with her hands.

"She said…she said that you had been killed…that Saito had been killed." Levy said.

Gajeel suddenly froze before lowering his head in what appeared to be sorrow and shame.

"What's wrong?" Levy asked.

Gajeel didn't answer.

"Gajeel, what's wrong?" Levy persisted. It was then that she became aware that Gajeel had come alone.

Looking back, she expected to see Saito helping Wendy and Romeo. But Saito wasn't there. Wendy and Romeo were helping each other up.

Levy looked back to Gajeel.

"Gajeel…" Levy said in hesitation, "Where's Saito?"

Gajeel winced hearing his son's name. Levy felt her heartbeat pick up and a cold shiver of dread run down her spine.

"Gajeel…where is Saito? Where is our son!?" Levy demanded as she shook Gajeel's shoulders.

Gajeel looked up and it was then that Levy saw the tears streaming from Gajeel's eyes. Gajeel shook his head in sorrow.

"He…he…oh Gods, Levy I'm so sorry." Gajeel choked out.

Levy felt her body go numb.

"What?" Levy asked.

"Levy…Levy sweetheart I'm so sorry…Saito…Saito he…" Gajeel said before closing his eyes shut.

"No…" Levy said, her voice detached.

It couldn't be true. What Gajeel was saying wasn't true!

"No…it can't…you're…you're lying!" Levy said, her voice shaking.

Gajeel opened his eyes…and it was then that she saw the anguish that filled his eyes.

"Levy…Saito…he protected me…but he's…he's…" Gajeel said.

"NO!" Levy sobbed, still trying to be defiant to the truth.

"He's gone." Gajeel said before breaking down.

Seeing Gajeel crumble into silent sobs, Levy knew that Gajeel's words were true.

Saito was dead.

Her son, her baby boy…was gone.

Levy buried her face into Gajeel's shoulder as her sobbing slowly turned into pained wails.

XXXX

Senna, Erza, Jellal and Meredy; Kardia Cathedral…

Senna Fernandes's katana clashed with a shower of sparks as the metal met Wraith's broadsword. The young swordswoman grunted as she forced her opponent back and performed a spin strike with her blade which Wraith countered.

Senna glared as she directed her gaze at Wraith's masked visage. Sweat ran down her brow as she inhaled deeply through her nose.

"You are skilled," Wraith said as he broke contact and performed a series of quick strike which Senna blocked…or partially blocked, "but you have started something you will not finish."

Wraith's sword had nicked her forehead, causing a small trickle of blood to run past her eyebrow and down her cheek. Senna gave a defiant smirk as she licked her blood away when it reached her lip.

"We'll see about that." Senna said as she dashed forward.

Watching it all, from the outside of the magic cancellation barrier, were Erza, Jellal and Meredy. Erza stood close, her hands pressed flat against the barrier as she watched with wide, fear filled eyes.

Her daughter was engaged in a duel to the death after all.

Jellal had his hand on Erza's shoulder as he stared with an equally pensive look at the battle before him. Meredy simply wrung her hands and bit her lip in nervousness.

Senna had completed her run and leapt at Wraith. Instead of striking, Senna landed behind Wraith and performed a crouched sideswipe and kicked Wraith's feet out from under him. Rising up, Senna quickly brought her blade down. Wraith intercepted the attack as he held his blade sideways, but Senna put all her strength into pushing the blade down and was intent on slicing Wraith's throat. A vein began to pop in her temple.

Wraith grunted slightly as he fought the blade back. Thinking quickly, Wraith brought his foot up and kicked Senna on the back, shoving her forward. Senna let out a surprised cry and rolled sideways when she recovered from being knocked forward just as Wraith hopped to his feet and brought his sword down where Senna had been.

Senna back flipped twice from Wraith before jumping high and pushing off the barrier. Tackling Wraith, knocking both their swords away, Senna delivered fierce punch to Wraith's armored face; her armored knuckles denting the mask Wraith wore.

"I don't need a sword to kill you," Senna said as she punched Wraith again, "when I can use my hands!"

Another hit and this time Wraith's mask emitted a cracking sound. Urged on, Senna picked up in the speed and ferocity of her blows. Wraith's mask continued to crack until a sizeable mark appeared down the center.

Wraith, however, had had enough of being punched in the face and extended his hand. A tendril of shadow shot forth from inside his arm guard and latched onto his sword, pulling it forth rapidly. Senna barely dodged as Wraith brought his sword up and cut her cheek and cut off some of her hair.

Leaning back into her evasion, Senna quickly rolled forward and performed a fierce upper kick with both her feet and nailed Wraith smack dab in the face; shattering his mask.

Wraith stumbled back, clutching his face, as Senna flipped back and used her telekinesis to retrieve her sword. Ready to strike, Senna however was forced to pause when Wraith turned back around. She was too shocked by what she saw.

Wraith, who had seemed human in appearance on the outside…was actually living shadow on the inside.

He had no face to speak of; just a pair of smoky grey glowing eyes and a visible nose. The rest of his face was like a blank, neutral canvas made from an amorphous shadow.

"What in hell fire?" Senna asked.

Wraith looked at the shattered remains of his mask and then to Senna.

"Surprised aren't you?" Wraith asked, his once metallic voice now taking on a ghostly echo.

"I told you before what I am. I am my master's servant: nothing more, nothing less."

Wraith then looked at and flexed his hand.

"I was created by my master to do her bidding. I am what I am."

Senna took a step back, her sword held in a horizontal stance.

"You're a freak, that's what you are." Senna bit out.

"Perhaps," Wraith said, "but regardless…I find it very unwise…to lower your guard!"

Wraith suddenly dashed forward and delivered a fierce gut punch to Senna's abdomen.

"Senna!" Jellal and Erza called out.

Wraith brought his sword down and cut deep into Senna's shoulder causing her to wince in pain. Senna deflected the blade back and spun into her attack, delivering a similar slash to Wraith's chest. Her blade was able to pierce the armor and cause the black ichor from before to spill out.

Senna and Wraith then charged each other, their blades locking together again. However, the wound to Senna's shoulder was deep and it caused her arm to slacken. Wraith used this to his advantage and pushed forward. Senna grunted in a mixture of pain and panic.

She could her Erza and Jellal pounding their fists on the barrier in desperation; their terrified cries muffled by the powerful blocking magic.

Wraith suddenly let go of his sword handle with his one hand and hit Senna's chin with an open palm strike. Senna was stunned by the attack…and Wraith was given an opening.

Wraith spun around one-eighty and thrusted his sword back with intense force.

The broadsword punched through Senna's high strength armor and pieced her right below rib cage and out her back. Senna explosively gasped as she instantly let go of her katana.

"SENNA!" Erza screamed as Jellal stood paralyzed in shock. Meredy's hands had flown up to her mouth as tears formed in her eyes.

Wraith twisted his blade and pulled it out of Senna as the young woman clutched at her chest, fell to her knees and collapsed onto the ground; her blood pooling beneath her.

"NO! NO, SENNA!" Erza screamed in desperate horror as she watched her daughter bleed on the floor of the cathedral.

It was then that with Senna falling in battle, her magic dissipated. The swords she had summoned to cast the cancellation circle disappeared and the barrier broke like glass.

Wraith looked down at Senna as she coughed and clutched at her wound.

"I'm sorry…but I warned you that this was a battle you couldn't finish. You put up a valiant effort, therefore, I will grant you a warrior's death."

Wraith raised his blade, pointing down and prepared to strike.

He would've brought his sword down had it not been for the beam of dark energy that blasted Wraith with enough force that it sent him flying out of the cathedral's large, central stained glass window.

Jellal stood trembling in rage as he glared out the window. The whites of his eyes flickered in between black and white as he took in ragged breathes. His irises took on a red tint.

His world had went numb when he saw Senna fall to the ground, her face contorted in shock and pain as her blood was spilled. The image of his daughter about to be killed had caused something within Jellal to snap.

He had used his Darkness Magic without even thinking.

And now his fury coursed through his, driving his emotions.

"Kill…" Jellal said, "IM GONNA KILL HIM!" Jellal roared as he used his magic to propel himself out the broken window after Wraith.

Erza was by her daughters side in an instant along with Meredy who instantly placed her hands on Senna's wound in hopes of stopping the bleeding.

"Senna!" Erza said as she grabbed her daughters hand, "Senna, stay with me!"

Senna coughed up blood as pained tears leaked from her eyes.

"Senna, hang in there; c'mon, hang in there!" Erza said.

"Mom?" Senna wheezed.

"I'm here." Erza said as she swept Senna's tousled hair behind her ear in a comforting motion.

"Mom…I'm so sorry…he…he got me." Senna said as her blood leaked out underneath her.

"Don't worry about that!" Erza said as she added her free hand to Meredy's in an attempt to help stop the bleeding.

"Don't worry about that, don't speak, just…just…" Erza said as tears fell from her eyes.

Her daughter was bleeding to death and she had no idea what to do; no idea what to say.

"Oh Gods, Senna what were you thinking!?" Erza sobbed.

Senna weekly raised her hand and wiped Erza's tears from her one cheek, unintentionally smearing her blood on her mother's skin.

"I…I couldn't stop…him with magic. Hand to hand," Senna took in a pained gasp, "was the only way. But he was stronger…stronger than I thought."

Senna's eyes' fluttered shut before she forced them to open again.

"Mom…mom…Dad…he's gone after Wraith."

Erza nodded and gently caressed her daughters face.

"Don't worry; your father will handle him."

Senna shook her head as she grimaced in pain.

"No…no, he'll…he'll lose himself…fighting Wraith. You…you have to go to him…stop Wraith…and stop dad…save dad."

Senna shifted her body but gasped in pain, her wound shifting. Her blood was now leaking through Erza's and Meredy's fingers.

"Take my sword…use it…use my power…to kill Wraith." Senna said as nodded her head at the katana.

"It's rightfully yours…its come full circle after all." Senna said with a weak chuckle.

"Senna…" Erza said.

"Take it…its okay." Senna replied.

Erza reluctantly let go of her daughter's hand and slowly picked up the aforementioned sword. The moment her fingers made contact, Erza felt an influx of magic flow through her fingers and into her body.

It was powerful…it was familiar.

"Whoa…" Senna whispered.

"The sword recognizes its true master," Senna said before gently gripping Erza's wrist, "go…go now."

Erza slowly shook her head, tears falling from her eyes.

"I… I don't want to leave you."

Senna smiled a small smile as she continued to silently cry.

"Neither do I…but nothing can change that…" Senna took in a shaky breathe, "Go…kill Wraith…save the future."

Senna's eyes began to close.

"I love you mom…aunt Meredy…d-dad." Senna whispered.

"No…" Meredy whimpered.

"Senna please don't go."

But Senna's eyes continued to close.

"Tell Igneel that I'm sorry…and that I love him…" Senna's voice was growing weak.

"I'm sorry."

Senna's eyes closed.

"I'm so sorry."

Senna exhaled for the last time as her life left her. Her head tilted to the side and her stray bangs covered her eyes.

Meredy broke down into tears while Erza slowly rose to her feet, her head lowered and eyes hidden by her hair. Erza's grip on the katana tightened as her hands and shoulder shook.

"Meredy…" Erza said, her voice colder than ice, "Stay with Senna. I'll be back shortly."

Erza turned on her heel and leapt out the broken window, leaving Meredy and her daughter behind.

It didn't take her long to find Jellal and Wraith. The two had left a path of destruction in their path as Jellal unmercifully pursued his daughter's killer. They had actually circled around the cathedral and back onto the main street that led to the building. She caught up with them right at the bridge that led over the first canal.

"YOU KILLED MY DAUGHTER!" Jellal raged, "YOU KILLED MY LITTLE GIRL!"

Jellal fired his Dark Ray again but Wraith was able to just barley deflect the attack. But Jellal didn't let up. He fired the attack again and again until he seemed to whittle down Wraith's defenses. Seeing an opening, Jellal extended his hand.

"Dark Force." Jellal whispered as he slowly clenched his hand into a fist.

The invisible force began to bind Wraith as he began to groan in anguish.

"This pain is nothing compared to what you did to my daughter." Jellal hissed.

Wraith fell to his knees as his armor began to buckle in on him, his arms clenched to his sides as his hands curled in pain. Soon, the black ichor that was his blood began to leak and spray from the cracks and cuts being made into his artificial skin.

Jellal grinned a twisted grin. Soon, he would kill the monster that took away his daughter's life.

Soon he would have his vengeance.

It was then that Erza knew she had to act and to act fast.

Erza equipped her Heaven's Wheel armor, only this time it was her daughter's version of the armor. Using her newly granted armor, Erza burst forward and past Jellal.

"ERZA!?" Jellal said.

Letting out a battle cry, Erza leveled her katana, pulled it back and then sliced forward as she passed Wraith.

His head soon followed.

Erza stooped at the apex of the bridge as she listened to Wraith's head clatter to the street. She let her armor fade away and the ichor drip from her blade.

She then slowly turned around with tear filled eyes and looked at Jellal. The blue haired mage had fallen to his knees and had released Wraith's headless corpse. The shadow that had formed Wraith began to billow out of the armor as it disappeared from existence.

Silently, Erza walked to Jellal and went down to her knees as well.

"I was supposed to kill him," Jellal whispered, "I had to kill him; I needed to kill him!"

Erza set her sword down and pulled Jellal into an embrace. He tried to resist but eventually gave in as he tightly wrapped his arms around Erza; both burying their faces into each other's shoulders.

"Let it go Jellal," Erza said as she became choked up, "Senna…Senna wouldn't want you to fall into that darkness."

Jellal tensed as he silently cried into Erza.

"She's gone." Jellal sobbed.

"Our daughter's gone."

Erza could only manage a strangled gasp as she joined Jellal in their mutual sorrow.

XXXX

Juvia; Lakefront…

Juvia's feet pounded on the cobblestone as she ran along the side street that led to the lakefront. Desperate pants left her lips as Juvia forced her body to run as fast as her legs could carry her. She had heard the banshee like scream and the destruction that followed, knowing Jenny and her opponent were close by.

And where Jenny was; Chiara was sure to be.

The side street led to the main street that ran along the lakefront. Making a hard left, her feet sliding against the cobblestone, Juvia bolted down the street as she felt the burn of adrenaline surge into her veins.

"MOMMY!" Chiara's voice cried out, "DADDY! HELP ME!"

Fear gripped Juvia's heart. She wasn't far now.

"MOMMY!" Chiara cried out again, her voice reaching a fever pitch.

"MOM-"

"NO!" Juvia screamed at the sound of her daughter's voice being cut off.

She was now upon the battleground. The road in front of her had been torn up, creating a slight rise in the cobblestone with debris scattered about. Juvia ran up the rise and stopped at the top as she looked down into the depression that had been created by Shriek's scream.

Everything around her faded from her awareness as she focused on the center of the depression.

Shriek stood stock still, unaware of Juvia's arrival, with his arms raised and a look of murderous rage on his face.

And dangling from Shrieks hands, was Chiara.

Her feet and arms dangled limply as Shriek held her by the neck.

It was this sight before her that caused Juvia to snap.

"CHIARA!" Juvia screamed.

Shriek's head snapped to where Juvia was standing and fixed her with a glare.

"GET AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Juvia screamed as she leapt down from the rise and into the rubble strewn depression. Juvia instantly casted her Water Cane spell and lashed out Shriek. The dark sound mage extended his hand and blasted the attack away with a sonic pulse. But Juvia was undeterred. She charged Shriek with impressive speed and before he could react, Juvia used her Water Slice spell to slash Shriek across his chest and face, creating deep lacerations and forcing him to let Chiara fall to the ground.

Shriek cried out in pain and Juvia summoned her Water Beam spell to send Shriek careening out of the depression and up on the street.

Juvia instantly turned her attention to Chiara, who still lay motionless.

"Chiara!" Juvia said as she picked up her youngest child.

"It's okay now, mommy's here!"

But…Chiara didn't move.

"Chiara?" Juvia asked as she looked at her daughter.

Chiara's eyes were wide and tear-stained. Her mouth hung open slightly with a small trickle of blood running down the corner of her mouth.

"C-Chiara?" Juvia whispered.

The little girl didn't respond.

"CHIARA!?" Juvia said, her voice rising in panic as she shook her daughter in order to get some form of response from her youngest.

Chiara's head fell to side at a slightly off angle. It was then that Juvia saw the red marks around Chiara's neck.

Hand marks.

Her daughter had been strangled to the point where her neck had snapped.

"No…NO!" Juvia said in horror.

She had been too late.

Her daughter…her baby girl was dead.

Juvia began to scream in agony as she clutched Chiara's body close. She began to look around frantically for help…for anyone that could help her little girl.

"HELP!" Juvia screamed, "SOMEBODY HELP ME! SOMEBODY HELP MY BABY!"

As Juvia looked around, she then remembered her other daughter.

Her oldest; Jenny.

"JENNY!" Juvia called out, "JENNY!"

She did not receive a response.

"JENNY WHERE ARE Y-" Juvia's voice caught in her throat when she finally found her other daughter.

Jenny was still pinned to the concrete slab where rusted pieces of rebar still jutted out from her right forearm and shoulder along with her lower abdomen and left lung.

She was unresponsive to her mother's desperate cries.

Juvia clutched her hand to her head as she began to hyperventilate. Her daughters…her children were dead.

"The little bitch got in my way." A voice said.

Juvia's head snapped up and saw Shriek looking down on her from the upper street.

"The other one is payback for the other night." Shriek continued.

Juvia's body shook in anger as super-heated steam began to boil off her skin. Her irises had shrunk to the point where they were almost non-existent as she literally saw red.

"You…" Juvia growled as she set Chiara on the ground and rose to her feet, her body quaking in pure, uncontrollable rage.

"YOU FUCKING ANIMAL!" Juvia screamed.

Her water whip flared to life and swiped out the ledge Shriek was standing on; splitting the stone in two. Shriek leapt from the falling piece of street and landed in a crouched stance as Juvia's Sierra spell took over her body. Her body boiled, literally, as Juvia charged forward and screamed for blood.

"YOU KILLED MY BABIES!" Juvia screamed as she struck out blindly with her Water Slicer's.

Shriek dodged the close ranged attacks and repulsed Juvia with a sonic blast. Her water body was slightly torn from the attack but Juvia wasn't fazed by the attack. Swiping her arm, Juvia was able to cut Shriek across his chest.

Hissing in pain, Shriek hopped back and summoned the stylized, purple energy guitar in his hands.

"Sound Magic: Blast Riff!" Shriek said as he strummed the chords of the guitar and sent the sound magic and energy at Juvia.

The sound notes blasted Juvia sky-high and when she crashed back down, she stumbled to her feet, her Sierra still boiling as she growled deeply, still driven by rage.

Shriek sent another series of notes that blasted Juvia back into the wall before the rubble collapsed on top of her. Juvia managed to crawl out before a massive sound blast from Shriek's combined hands rocked her world. Her Sierra spell faded from her body and Shriek ran towards her. He pounced onto Juvia, his knees digging into her abdomen making her gasp in pain. He then punched her in the face with a fierce right hook.

Then a left hook.

And then a right.

He continued to brutally lay the beat down unto Juvia, who was knocked senseless and unable to respond to the punishing blows.

"First the girl," Shriek said through clenched teeth, "then the brat!"

Juvia's eyes' snapped to the side by another punch.

"And now you! It's a pity you Fairy Mages die so easily!"

Unbeknownst to both Shriek and Juvia, the sound of the punches and Shrieks words reached the ears of one Jenny Fullbuster.

Emitting a small gasp, Jenny's eyes slowly opened.

Her body burned in pain from the rebar that punctured her body…and she could feel a piece of metal through her back; piercing her heart.

She could feel the internal bleeding without moving.

Disoriented, Jenny raised her head and looked at her surroundings. Destruction, rubble, and the sound of fighting.

Fighting.

She remembered now.

She was about to be killed by Shriek when Chiara had intervened and-

Chiara.

Her little sister!

Jenny looked for her sister with her eyes and soon found her motionless body on the ground, eyes staring at nothing.

"No." Jenny croaked as she reached her free arm out to her sister.

The metal shifted in her back and she immediately coughed up blood.

Her sister was dead. She had failed to keep her promise to her mother.

Her mother…

Jenny looked to the sound of the punching and saw Juvia having the life beaten out of her.

"No…" Jenny whispered, "No…damn it no…"

She was going to lose her mother again.

And she was being forced to watch.

"Not again," Jenny whispered, "Not again…I won't lose her again."

Jenny raised her hand again and pointed it at her mother as she leaned forward, causing the metal to shift and her bleeding to rapidly increase.

She had failed her sister…but she refused to fail her mother.

"Water Beam." Jenny said and fired the water spell at Shriek, knocking the preoccupied dark mage off her mother.

Juvia spat up a wad of blood and slowly raised her head, looking at Jenny; the origin of where the attack had come from.

"J-Jenny." Juvia said through a swollen mouth.

"I…give you…" Jenny said as she coughed up blood, "my…power."

Her bracelet on her left hand began to glow, as did the one on Juvia's wrist. A magic circle formed beneath Juvia as it spun clockwise at a rapid speed. Water spilled out form the circle and enveloped Juvia before forming a clouded sphere of water. The sphere began to glow a bright blue as Shriek stood up again.

He then sent a fierce glare at Jenny.

"What did you do!?" Shriek snapped.

Jenny smirked a defiant smirk as blood seeped past her lips.

"WHAT DID YOU DO!?" Shriek raged.

"…Kicking your ass." Jenny whispered as the glow on her wrist faded.

Her arm fell limply to her side.

"I'm sorry…" Jenny whispered, "I failed you and dad. But you'll just have to carry on without us now. Carry on and…and protect the future."

Jenny coughed up a thick amount of blood as her eyes began to close while she looked at Chiara.

"Don't worry Chiara…I'm right behind you."

Jenny's vision began to darken as she listened to the slowing beat of her heart.

Suddenly, a ghostly hand appeared out of the corner of her vision and interlaced its fingers with hers. She didn't know if she was hallucinating or not, but she could feel the touch of the hand.

It was a familiar touch.

The feeling of lips gently kissing the side of her head made Jenny smile slightly as two silent tears fell from her eyes.

She knew who this ghost was.

"I…I m-missed y-you…S-Selina." Jenny said as her eyes closed.

"And I missed you too." The ghost whispered back in a comforting tone before leaning down and kissing Jenny on the lips with a gentle kiss.

With a content sigh, Jenny exhaled her last breath and died.

And with the expiring of her soul, the barrier surrounding Juvia fell apart like the falling rain.

Juvia arose from the ground, her body dripping in water, and her wounds healed.

Her eyes opened, glowing a brilliant blue. She looked at her wrist where her bracelet pulsed one and then twice before the light faded away.

And with it, the connection she felt to Jenny.

Juvia felt tears run down her cheeks as he gently pressed her fingers to the bracelet.

"Jenny." Juvia whispered.

The sound of a sonic pulse caught Juvia's attention her head snapping to Shriek. A visible sound wave raced towards Juvia but the water mage held up her hand and created a protective wall of water. The sound smashed into the water and forced it to curve inwards towards Juvia; but it held firm regardless.

Juvia's eyes squinted at Shriek as she quickly leaned in a half crouch before running forward with the help of her Water Rush spell. Bypassing Shriek, Juvia let the pressure wave created by her spell toss the sound mage aside. Shriek rolled into the attack and after a quick spin, righted himself before firing a concentrated beam of sound at Juvia. The attack hit Juvia with full force but her now enhanced water body simply fell apart before reforming back to its original shape.

"How did she get so strong so quickly?" Shriek said aloud as he dodged a blast of high pressure water that got far too close for comfort.

"I have my daughter to thank for that." Juvia said in a tone dripping with venom.

"Ah, I see," Shriek said as he licked his lips, "the broad I nailed to the concrete? Well isn't that nice. Giving her power to mommy and thinking it'll save her."

Shriek wiped the sweat from his upper lip.

"Fucking pathetic." Shriek spat.

Steam rose off Juvia's skin.

"I think it's time for you to shut that mouth of yours." Juvia hissed.

"I'd love to see you try." Shriek quipped.

"Watch me." Juvia said as she tapped her foot against the ground.

From the multiple cracks in the ground, small bubbles of water rose up and began to glow.

"What the?" Shriek said before the bubbles glowed brightly…and exploded.

Shriek let out a surprised cry as he was blasted out of the depression, into the air and down the street. His clothes smoking, Shriek pushed himself up to find that Juvia was standing just a hundred feet away. Juvia raised her hand into the air with her fingers held out.

"Water Force: Dragon's Tempest." Juvia said.

From the nearby lake, a large surge of water propelled up and around Juvia in an intricate spiral as Jenny's signature technique took shape in the form of a terrific Water Dragon. The Dragon, once formed, focused on Shriek and let out a challenging roar.

"Die." Juvia said as casted her arm forward.

The dragon roared again and charged forth. Wraith held out both his hands and fired a concentrated blast of sound at the dragon. Sound met water and the two opposing forces pushed against each other. Shriek gritted his teeth as he focused all his power into the attack. He was holding the attack at bay but a few streams of water were able to shoot past and cut his arms and legs. If he could hold off the attack long enough, perhaps he would be able to counter attack and-

A large block of ice suddenly smashed Shriek in his ribs, knocking the wind out of him. His defense broken, the dragon slammed into Shriek and tossed the sound mage all the way down the street and crashing through a store front.

Juvia looked up to a nearby rooftop and saw a figure clad in ice armor standing atop the roof of a nearby building.

"Sam!" Juvia whispered in relief.

"Sam" pointed back to the storefront and Juvia was brought back to the task at hand. She quickly ran down the street while "Sam" kept to the rooftops.

As the dust settled, Shriek stumbled out, bloodied and battered. As he tried to regain his senses, two pillars of ice burst from the ground and latched onto his hands, freezing solid. The ice then retracted back into the ground, pulling Shriek down to his knees. Shriek struggled against his restraints but was stopped when two blades of water cut deep into the flesh near his neck.

Shriek let out a silent cry of pain as his eyes burst open and found Juvia standing before him. Juvia glowered at Shriek as she held the two water slicers in her hands. Her face quickly curled into a snarl and with a swift pull of her arms, Juvia cut Shriek in two in an "X" shaped motion.

Shriek literally fell to pieces without emitting a sound as his blood briefly sprayed out from his corpse. Juvia starred at what was left of the corpse for a moment before letting her water fade away. The sound of cobblestone breaking caught her attention and Juvia turned around to see that "Sam" had leapt down from the rooftop.

"Sam!" Juvia said as she ran up to the ice mage and took him into a swift hug. Holding the mage for the briefest of moments, Juvia pulled back…and let a perplexed look cross her face.

The armor covering the mage had begun to fall off the user's body to reveal-

"Gray!?" Juvia said in surprise.

Gray Fullbuster quickly framed Juvia's face with his hands and pulled her into a soul searing kiss, which Juvia returned. After a minute, the two pulled back for air as Gray rested his forehead against Juvia's.

"I was so worried about you," Gray said, "I thought I had lost you…I thought I had lost the girls."

Gray's words instantly reminded Juvia of her daughters…who had since passed on from the world of the living.

Juvia's lip quivered as choked sobs wracked her body. Tears rapidly fell from her eyes.

"Juvia!?" Gray said, "What's wrong!?"

Gray gripped Juvia's shoulders.

"Juvia…are Chiara and Jenny safe? Are they alright?"

Juvia met Gray's stricken gaze with her tear filled eye's and let out a choked sob.

"Gray…Gray I…I tried…I tried to…tried to get to them…but…but I was too late." Juvia sobbed.

Gray felt his blood freeze.

"Juvia…what are you saying?" Gray asked.

Juvia weekly shook her head.

"They're gone." Juvia said, "He…he killed them…he killed our daughters." Juvia said as she fell to her knees.

Gray soon followed in shock. His skin had turned deathly pale.

"No…" Gray whispered as tears froze to his cheeks.

His children were gone.

He had failed to protect his son…and now his daughters.

"No…no, no, no, Gods, please no…" Gray choked out.

As Juvia leaned against Gray's chest for support, she noticed through her tear filled vision that Gray now wore two silver cross necklaces around his neck.

The first she recognized as Gray's.

But the second one belonged to Sam.

Her son.

"G-Gray…why…why are you wearing Sam's necklace."

She felt Gray slowly tighten his hold on her as he pulled her closer.

"Gray…where's Sam?" Juvia said as she looked up at the ice mage, "Where is he? Is he hurt…is he alright?"

Juvia's expression changed from concerned hope to one of fear as Gray failed to meet her gaze. Gray continued to let his tears freeze to his face as he held Juvia close. Silent, pained sobs shook his body as Gray shook his head.

Realization soon dawned on Juvia as shock and horror as her heart became gripped by both emotions icy touch.

Sobs turned to muted wails. Wails soon turned to screams.

Gray could only hold Juvia as she screamed Sam's name in sorrow and anguish as she tried to deify what Gray had silently told her; Sam was dead.

And with his death, the two mages were forced to realize that the three children they had come to love more than anything else…were gone.

XXXX

Natsu, Lucy and Lilly; Market District…

Lucy wasn't really sure what had happened.

One minute, she and her daughter had been trying to figure out how to help Natsu in his fight with the cloaked stranger and the next, Lilly began to gasp in pain before she suddenly went ballistic.

"Lilly!" Lucy cried out as her daughter charged forward, screaming in anger.

"Lilly wait!" Knight said as he ran past Lucy and after his master.

"What's gotten into her!?" Capricorn asked as he stood next to Lucy.

Lilly charged forward, leapt into the air with her fist raised and aimed at the stranger.

"FIRE DRAGON's IRON FIST!" Lilly bellowed.

Natsu barely had time to react as Lilly landed in between him and the stranger and drove her fist into the ground. Fire erupted from her fist and forced the two mages back as the bottom of the strangers' cloak caught partially on fire. The stranger didn't seem to notice or mind, however.

Lilly didn't let up.

Performing a front flip, Lilly outstretched her feet and delivered a powerful, dual snap kick to the stranger's chest and knocked them back.

Lilly landed in a crouch and sprung forward with an enraged roar.

"YOU KILLED HIM!" Lilly screamed as she pounced on the stranger and delivered a series of flame powered punches, hitting anything she could see whether it be the stone of the road or the stranger herself.

"YOU KILLED SAMMY!" Lilly said as tears streamed from her eyes.

"YOU KILLED MY MATE!"

"Did I now?" The stranger said as her hand suddenly snapped up and caught Lilly's fist.

Lilly pulled back her other fist ready to strike but a blade suddenly snapped up from the strangers cloak and pierced her shoulder. Lilly didn't feel the pain but the blade gave the stranger the leverage she needed to twist Lilly off of her. With Lilly on her back, the stranger delivered an open palm strike to Lilly's stomach making her gasp in shock before the stranger pulled Lilly up and smashed her head onto her knee, making her go into a paralyzed daze.

"GET AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER!" Natsu roared as he charged forward.

The stranger turned in time for Natsu to strike her with his Fire Dragon's Crushing Fang spell, blasting her sideways into a nearby building. Natsu inhaled deeply and stomped his foot forward.

"Fire Dragon's Roar!" Natsu said and sent the jet of flame into the stranger, setting her and the building on fire.

Knight skidded to a halt near Natsu, his sword pointed forward. The blade glowed for a only a second before Knight fired a concentrated beam of energy into the fire and the building, causing the front of the building to explode and collapse in on itself.

Lucy kneeled by Lilly and helped her daughter stand as she clutched at her shoulder. Taurus and Capricorn took up flanking positions near Knight and Natsu.

The building continued to smolder. Nothing moved.

Natsu turned around and gave Lilly his trademark grin as he held his thumb up.

"I think we got her." Natsu said making Lucy smile while Capricorn and Taurus nodded at each other in approval.

Lilly scowled.

"Not until I see the body." Lilly said, her eyes still retaining their red hue.

Lilly marched forth and pushed past Natsu and Knight before climbing atop the rubble. Moving some debris away, Lilly used her enhanced sense of smell to guide her digging. She could smell the burnt cloth on the stranger; she was close.

Lilly had moved a series of bricks out of her way when a hand shot out of the rubble and pressed their palm flat against Lilly's upper abdomen. Before anyone could react, the hand fired a concentrated beam of energy into Lilly as it cut through and out her back.

Lucy screamed in horror while Natsu and the Celestial Spirits gawked in horror.

Lilly instantly felt blood shoot past her lips as she fell to her knees. The hand that had been pressed to her stomach reached up and grabbed Lilly by her neck. Soon, the stranger pushed themselves out of the rubble as they lifted Lilly up. She was covered in soot and her cloak had been torn to the point where the hood now covered her head and shoulders like a cowl. What had been hidden beneath the cloak was now revealed; a black tank top, dark form fitting pants, a belt with small pouch, knee high laced up leather boots and black fingerless gloves.

"You think those pathetic attacks would do anything to me little girl?" The stranger said.

Lilly weakly gripped the woman's wrist as she struggled against her grip. Blood leaked from the hole in her abdomen and lips as she struggled for breath.

The woman chuckled and tossed Lilly away, letting her fall down the rubble and to the ground.

"LILLY!" Lucy screamed as she bolted for her daughter.

The woman's shadow suddenly extended out and sharp, whip like tendrils emerged from the shadow. The first tendrils struck both Taurus and Capricorn, piercing through the celestial spirits and immediately causing them to fade back to the Spirit World.

The final tendril aimed at Lucy who was still running to Lilly. The attack was intercepted by Knight, however, who had dropped in front of Lucy with his shield raised. The tendril however punched right through his shield and pierced his head.

"DAMN IT!" Knight said before he too disappeared to the Spirit World.

Satisfied with her handiwork, the woman jumped down and ignored Lucy as she focused on Natsu.

"Fire Dragon's Wing Attack!" Natsu said as he reared his fist back, readying to charge.

"Nice try." The woman said as she caught Natsu's fist when he threw it forward. Although the fire burned her arm, she didn't react to the pain.

She seemed unfazed.

The woman let out a dark chuckle before a blade materialized in her hand and stabbed Natsu right above his left kidney. She then pulled the blade out and plunged the blade into his left leg, right above the knee.

Natsu let out a cry of pain before collapsing to the ground, clutching his leg as he let out one explicative after another.

The woman looked over her shoulder at Lucy who cradled a bleeding Lilly in her arms. Lucy saw the stranger looking at her and pulled Lilly closer in fear.

The woman chuckled again.

"I do believe my work here is done," the woman said in an amused tone, "If you'll excuse me now, I have some unfinished business to attend to with that son of yours."

"…N-No…" Lilly gasped as blood leaked from her mouth.

The woman spun on her heel and quickly leapt to the top of a nearby building before heading off in the direction Igneel had gone.

"Damn it!" Natsu said through clenched teeth, "Damn it! Damn it! Fucking damn it!"

Lilly began to weakly struggle in Lucy's grip as she tried to turn on her side.

She had to get to Igneel.

She had to save her brother.

"No…" Lilly moaned, "No…Igneel…no."

Her movements made the bleeding in her center increase as Lucy tried to stop the bleeding. Lucy instantly felt her bile rise at the feeling of how hot and sticky her daughter's blood was.

"Lilly don't move, you'll only make it worse!" Lucy pleaded with her daughter.

"No… I have to get to Igneel! I have to…I have to save my brother!"

Lilly began to cough harder and with each spasm, more blood left her mouth and seeped through Lucy's fingers. Lilly's skin was quickly becoming pale.

Lucy felt hot tears run down her cheeks as her body trembled. Her daughter was dying and she had no idea what to do.

Natsu had since managed to crawl over to Lucy and applied his hands to Lucy's, ignoring his own wounds.

"N-Natsu…I…I don't know what to do!" Lucy said through a choked sob.

Lilly coughed hard again as she gasped for air.

"No," Natsu said, "it wasn't supposed to be like this!"

Natsu pounded his fist into the ground.

"Damn it, it wasn't supposed to be like this!"

It was then then that Natsu began to cough up blood himself.

"Natsu!" Lucy said in panic.

"S-shit." Natsu bit out.

Lilly could feel her strength leaving her.

Her father was right; the battle wasn't supposed to be like this.

She, her brother, and her parents should have been able to overpower Aya. They should have been able to kill her…they should have been able to save the future.

But things had gone wrong. Very wrong.

Aya's power had increased from last they met and the mysterious woman had been an unexpected development.

Sam was dead. Her mate was dead…which also meant the others were in danger as well.

Add to the fact that she was bleeding to death and that her brother was about to be outnumbered, Lilly came to the realization that they well and truly screwed.

"No!" Lilly thought defiantly and through her pain, "No! I refuse to lose Igneel! I refuse to let my nakama die again!"

Lilly wracked her mind for ideas.

She could sear her wounds shut…but she would be pass out from the pain and blood loss.

She could give her mother her spirit key…but Igneel had the other half. Besides, Knight couldn't be summoned for a few hours regardless if she had the keys or not.

"Shit!" Lilly gasped.

"Shit, shit, shit, shit!" Lilly said as tears streamed from her eyes.

Never before had she felt so weak…so powerless!

There was nothing she could do.

There was nothing-

Lilly paused.

She was wrong. There was something she could do.

"Dad…Mom…I think there is a-a way to s-save Ig-Igneel."

"How?" Lucy asked, "I need to stay with you and Natsu."

Lilly made a sad, soft smile as she shakily raised her left hand. Lilly closed her eyes as she concentrated all her power into her hand. Slowly a small ember of fire began to flicker to life just above her palm. Lilly closed her eyes harder and soon, the ember soon flared to life as a brilliant ball of fire.

"L-Lilly?" Natsu asked.

Lilly opened her eyes and looked at her father. Her chocolate brown eyes met her father's, wide and confused dark green eyes.

"Dad…eat the fire."

"What?" Natsu asked.

"Lilly…what are you doing?" Lucy asked.

"Eat the fire…it has…it has all of my power…it will make you stronger…stronger than you've ever known. My power will be yours."

"…Why?" Natsu asked.

Lilly smiled as a tear ran down her cheek.

"Because…I'm as good as dead." Lilly said.

"Don't say that!" Lucy said in shock, "Lilly please don't say that!"

Lilly shook her head sadly.

"I…I can't do anything…" Her eyes fluttered and opened, "too much…blood…"

Lilly coughed.

"But…you can dad…you're wounds aren't so bad as mine…the fire will heal you…will give you power…"

Lilly swallowed hard.

"Dad, please…" Lilly said through a choked sob, "Please, take the fire and save my brother. Even if I die…he needs to live…for you and mom…for the future."

Lilly moved her towards Natsu.

"Daddy…please," Lilly pleaded, "please."

Natsu eyes brimmed with ears but he nodded regardless. He gently took the ball of fire from Lilly's hand and consumed it. It took a second or two, but the effects were instantaneous.

Natsu hissed as his body temperature warmed significantly while his eyes began to glow red and his canines sharpened. His veins began to pop in his arms and neck as scale like patterns formed around his eyes and temples. His wounds began emit the hiss heard when wood is set on fire as the wounds sealed shut. Natsu clenched his knuckles causing them to crack while his body shuttered.

Lilly smiled.

"That's the dragon slayer I remember."

Natsu looked at Lilly and gently cupped her cheek with his hand.

"Lilly…" Natsu whispered.

Lilly grabbed her father's hand and gave it a slight squeeze before letting it fall away.

"Go…save Igneel." Lilly whispered.

"…Go."

Natsu closed his eyes as white-hot tears streamed down his cheeks.

"I'll save him, don't worry." Natsu said.

He then looked at Lucy, leaned forward and kissed her passionately before quickly pulling back and rising to his feet.

"I'll save Igneel; I promise." Natsu said with conviction before turning on his heel and sprinting off down the street, following Igneel's scent.

Lucy could only nod her head in despair as tears ran down her face while she held Lilly.

"Don't cry…I always hated it…when you cried." Lilly said. Her breathing was becoming more labored.

"H-How…h-how can I not!?" Lucy croaked, "Y-You're my little girl."

"Y-You're d-dying a-and there's n-nothing I can do."

Lilly smiled a sad smile.

"Mom…I know I'm not long for this world…but…before I go, could you please…sing me that song…that Grandma Layla used to sing…"

Lucy openly wept even more when she heard this.

"I always liked to here that…when I was little."

Lucy slowly nodded as she took deep shaking breathes. When her voice came out, it was shaking and filled with sorrow.

Lilly began to sing with her albeit weakly.

Goodnight, my angel
Time to close your eyes
And save these questions for another day
I think I know what you've been asking me
I think you know what I've been trying to say
I promised I would never leave you
And you should always know
Wherever you may go
No matter where you are
I never will be far away

Lucy took in a shaking breathe but forced herself to continue as she gently ran her fingers through Lilly's hair, not caring if the golden strands were stained with blood.

Goodnight, my angel
Now it's time to sleep
And still so many things I want to say
Remember all the songs you sang for me
When we went sailing on an emerald bay
And like a boat out on the ocean
I'm rocking you to sleep
The water's dark
And deep inside this ancient heart
You'll always be a part of me

Goodnight, my angel
Now it's time to dream
And dream how wonderful your life will be
Someday your child may cry
And if you sing this lullabye
Then in your heart
There will always be a part of me

Someday we'll all be gone
But lullabyes go on and on...
They never die
That's how you
And I
Will be

Lucy finished the song…and became aware that Lilly had stopped singing with her.

Looking at her daughter, Lucy saw that her daughter's eyes had become blank and lifeless. They were staring at nothing.

It was then that Lucy knew, her daughter was gone.

With a shaking hand, Lucy closed her daughter's eyes, lowered her head to her daughters and wept.

XXXX

Igneel…

Igneel Dragneel couldn't remember the last time he was in such a desperate fight.

Well, it wasn't that he couldn't remember; it was that he chose not to.

Because every time he thought about those battle-those struggles for survival-it brought back memories of death, chaos and destruction.

Of people running for their lives only to be unmercifully cut down.

Of mages he had known since he was a baby, mages who were practically family, give their lives so that he and the others could live on.

Of laying out under stars that no longer seemed bright and hopeful; of silently crying and praying to whatever deity was watching to just let him and the people he loved to live to tomorrow.

But now that he stood toe to toe with the woman who had essentially ended the world as he knew it, Igneel found it impossible to keep those memories at bay.

They fueled his rage…but it did him no good.

Since he had caught up with Aya in a small courtyard with a fountain, Igneel had been unable to land a single, solid hit on the dark mage.

She dodged, repelled and cut back at Igneel. The young mage found himself resorting to every trick in his book.

But it didn't matter.

Igneel stood cut and bloodied as he took in deep breaths while glaring at Aya.

The dark mage smiled a cruel smile making Igneel snarl.

She was toying with him.

"What's the matter boy?" Aya asked, "The other day you were so strong and swift on your toes. But now…you seem out of breath; getting tired now are we?"

Igneel wiped the blood off his cheek before snapping his hand forth and firing a blast of energy at Aya who simply let the attack phase through her shadow body.

Igneel didn't let up, charging forward and firing his light energy at rapid fire. Aya bobbed and weaved through the blasts of light and formed a shadow sword in her hand. She deflected some of the energy with some quick swipes of her sword. Igneel drew his forearm back and tried to hit Aya but the mage ducked underneath the attack and swiped her sword against the back of Igneel's knee, causing him to fall and cry out in pain.

Aya created a shadow whip, wrapped it around Igneel's ankle and tossed him into the fountain, breaking the statue in the center. Igneel recovered, slowly, as he leaned up and brought his hands together, firing a concentrated beam of light at Aya.

Aya simply extended her hand and let the beam of light deflect off her hand and back at Igneel, blasting him off the fountain.

Igneel rolled on the ground for a moment before coming to a stop. He slowly pushed himself off the ground, letting a trickle of blood drip from his mouth.

Rising to his knees, Igneel glared at Aya. He was ready to attack when pain suddenly exploded across his back.

Igneel cried out as he fell to his knees once again…and from behind him, the tip of her blade dripping with Igneel's blood, was the cloaked stranger.

Aya raised her hand and tendrils of shadow surged out from hers and wrapped tightly around Igneel's arms, pulling them so they were outstretched.

The cloaked woman then stabbed Igneel in the abdomen making him jerk in pain.

"I've been looking for you boy." The cloaked woman said as she pried the blade out.

"You're a very hard man to find."

The woman then walked over to Aya and patted her on the shoulder.

"Nice work here. I have to admit, I actually thought those brats would put up a better fight. Turns out I was wrong; they let their parents clean up their mess."

"So… does that mean the others are dead…even Wraith?" Aya asked.

The cloaked woman nodded.

"Wraith, unfortunately, is no longer with us. As are the others."

Aya gave a slightly resigned sigh.

"I see."

Igneel chuckled.

"Eye for an eye." Igneel said.

The cloaked woman turned to Igneel.

"Don't be so smug boy…after all, before my compatriots died, they took your friends with them."

Igneel visibly froze.

"What?"

"Your friends are dead," the woman said, her voice dripping with amusement, "you failed boy."

"No…you're lying! You're lying!" Igneel hissed as he pulled at his bindings.

The woman laughed.

"Oh it's no lie, I assure you; I did kill your sister after all."

Igneel snapped.

"YOU BITCH! YOU BITCH! I'M GONNA KILL YOU!"

Igneel's face turned into snarl of pure rage.

"SHOW ME YOUR FACE SO I CAN RIP IT OFF!"

The woman cocked her head to the side.

"As you wish…Igneel Dragneel." The woman said as she pulled what remained of her cloak from her head and let it fall to the ground.

In that moment, Igneel felt the blood in his veins freeze.

"No…no, it can't be." Igneel said in terror.

Standing before him, with a cruel grin on her face, the same face that had haunted his nightmares; was Aya Higurashi.

Her future self-had come to the past.

XXXX

The previous day; in an unknown location…

"Having trouble are we?" A voice suddenly said, startling Aya out of her thoughts.

Aya spun around to see a cloaked figure standing in the back corner of her room.

"Who are you!? How did you get in here!?" Aya said as she formed a shadow sword.

The cloaked intruder raised a hand in a disarming fashion.

"Relax, I mean you no harm. I am merely here to aid your efforts."

Aya scoffed.

"I don't need your help…how do you even know about my plans? How could you possibly begin to understand?"

The cloaked figure took a step forward from the shadow.

"Let's just say that I have a…unique perspective on these things." The intruder said as they lowered their hood.

Aya gasped and took a step back in surprise.

"You!" Aya whispered.

Standing before her was…herself!?

No.

This version of herself appeared slightly older…more powerful even.

"Hello Aya." Future Aya said.

"Who…who are you!?" Aya asked.

"Isn't it obvious," Future Aya asked, "I'm you…well, the "you" of the future to be more accurate."

"The future?" Aya asked.

"Yes…the future you and your compatriots helped create."

Aya's eye's widened slightly as a smile quirked on her lips.

"Does that mean the plan was a success!?" Aya asked.

Her future self-nodded.

"It went better than I could have ever hoped for. The world is in disarray and order had all but collapsed."

Future Aya then held up her hand before Aya could rejoice.

"But," Future Aya said, "A complication has arose that threatens our plan."

"What do you mean?" Aya asked.

"A group of mages from my time escaped here to the past in an attempt to stop you and the others. Before I could pursue them, their time gate was destroyed and it has taken me longer than I had hoped to follow them."

Aya lowered her hand.

"You should have already met them; a group of teenagers in possession of the master key."

Aya scowled as she clenched her hand into a fist.

"That boy," Aya hissed, "So that's how he knew who we were…how he knew about my plans."

Future Aya nodded.

"From the look of things, I'd say you and the others were overpowered. Am I wrong?"

Aya nodded bitterly.

"I see. In my time, they are weak. But here, they can hold their own." Future Aya then smirked, "But…I have a solution to that problem. A way to get your plan back on track."

"How?" Aya asked.

Future Aya reached within her cloak and removed five magic seals. Even from where she was standing, Aya could feel the power radiating from the seals.

"I had a feeling those brats would do everything in their power to stop you. So I brought some "gifts" to level the playing field. These seals contain an essence of power from myself and my counterparts. Although small, the seals will give you and the others a massive boost in power that is near in strength to what we obtained in the future."

Aya put the seals away.

"All you have to do is let the seal fuse to your body and viola. But, they can last only for twenty-four hours…so we'll have to act fast if we want to deal with those meddlesome Fairy Tail mages."

Aya gave a cruel smirk that mirrored her future self.

"Then what are we waiting for? Come, meet me with the others…and let's begin our hunt."

XXXX

Now…

"Impossible." Igneel whispered.

Future Aya smirked as she walked to Igneel.

"But it is boy. I admit, you may have given me the slip but it didn't take me long to figure out what you were up to here in the past."

Future Aya leaned forward, her face close to Igneel's.

"It did take me a while to fix the time gate you had made though. That White Dragon Slyer of yours did a good job of damaging the portal."

"Uncle Sting!" Igneel thought.

"What did you do to him!?" Igneel hissed.

Aya chuckled darkly as she stood back and put her finger to her chin in mock thought.

"Let's see…oh, I remember now. The famed White Dragon Slayer and that Cat Woman he was with…what was her name…Ah! Millianna," Future Aya said as she snapped her fingers, "the two of them are a head shorter than they were before."

Igneel trembled in anger.

"And that princess that was with you, well…she took a nasty fall."

Igneel pulled against the shadow that bound his arms as he growled like an enraged animal.

Aya smirked before laughing cruelly.

"They were foolish to take me and my compatriots on. They did stall me…but I found you eventually."

Aya raised her blade and touched the tip to his throat.

"I can see it in your eyes. You may not be saying it…but I know. You're asking why. Why did I kill your family? Why did I bring your world to ruin? Why did I hunt you down?"

Aya slowly lowered the blade and began to cut Igneel's shirt and vest open.

"My answer is a simple one. I didn't manipulate time so I could gain power and rule the world. I used the power I obtained to destroy it. You see, I find that shit about ruling the world to be cliché and overdramatic. I simply just want to see the world burn; that's all there is to it. I was fed up with the way the stagnated natural order the world had fallen into; the balance the mage guilds had formed. I wanted darkness, despair and chaos to reign so I could fix the natural order to my liking. So I gathered three other people who shared my views and created a warrior to do my bidding and once we had stirred up enough trouble, we used time magic to enhance our skills and…eliminate the problem that stood before us. You're guild happened to be the strongest in all the land…so it was natural for us to start with you."

Igneel's breathing had become ragged as he glared murderously at Future Aya. Aya had finished cutting his shirt open.

"As for why I was always able to find you…well that scar I gave you should have been the first clue. You see, when I spilt you open, I left the tiniest hint of shadow in you so I could sense you and find you and your group whenever I wanted."

Igneel's eye's bulged at this.

"I let you and your group live and be whittled down because it was entertaining to me; because I tolerated it."

Aya turned her blade sideways, and lifted the Master Time Key from Igneel's neck; still on the necklace from the previous night.

"And since you have brought this to my other half, you've essentially dug your own grave." Aya said as she snatched the Key from off Igneel's neck. She then took her blade and quickly stabbed Igneel in his stomach, making him cry out in pain.

Igneel could only watch as Future Aya handed the key to her past self.

"Now that that is taken care of…I believe it's time I take my leave. With the brats out of your way, your plan can get back on schedule."

"I can hardly wait." Aya said.

Future Aya chuckled darkly before reaching into the small pouch on her belt and retrieving the master key; the same key she had just given to Aya.

The key began to glow as a magical circle appeared beneath her before it began to spin clockwise. A key hole materialized in front of Aya and she placed the key in it. She turned it to the right and the circle flared to life.

Future Aya looked at Igneel one more time, her smirk still present.

"Goodbye…boy." Future Aya said.

The time gate glowed a brilliant white and when it settled, Future Aya was gone.

Aya examined the master key as she smiled a triumphant smile.

"All this trouble over such a small, but powerful item." Aya said.

She then placed the key beneath her cloak and looked at Igneel.

"I have you to thank for giving this to me boy. And now that your friends are disposed of, I no longer have to worry about my plans being disrupted."

Aya quirked her lips in a grin.

"But, that still leaves you. So…I think it's time we said fare well."

Aya raised her hand and charged up a concentrated beam of shadow energy in her hand. Igneel was till immobilized no matter how hard her struggled.

"Goodbye, Igneel Dragneel."

"GET AWY FROM MY SON!" A voice called out.

"DAD!?" Igneel said as his head snapped up to see his father leaping off a roof top and down towards Aya.

"FIRE DRAGON'S CLAW!" Natsu roared as his feet met the ground and caused a massive blast of fire to barrel down on Aya.

Aya formed a shadow shield as the attack forced her back and to release her hold on Igneel. Igneel collapsed to the ground, clutching the wound in his stomach.

Aya's shield had been burned away but that didn't stop her sadistic smirk from forming on her face.

"I take it the girl is dead." Aya stated rather than asked.

Natsu growled low and dangerous.

"You killed my daughter you son of a bitch." Natsu hissed.

"And I was just about to finish the job with your son." Aya retorted.

This made Natsu become further enraged as fire engulfed his arms while his eyes glowed a brighter red.

"YOU'RE GONNA PAY!" Natsu said as he charged forward.

Natsu ran at Aya full speed but Aya held her ground as she raised her hand and fired the concentrated beam of shadow energy she had charged.

Natsu dodged the attack as it sped past Natsu. He was forced to pause in his attack when he saw Aya make a grin that said, "Who said I was aiming at you?"

Natsu's eye's instantly turned back to Igneel in time to see the attack reach him. Igneel didn't have any time to react as his eyes widened in shock.

The beam connected with the ground in front of Igneel and detonated in small but powerful explosion which sent Igneel flying back end over end and crashing into building before he slid motionless back to the ground.

"IGNEEL!" Natsu screamed in horror.

"Ta~ta~." Aya said in a sing song voice.

Natsu looked back at Aya just in time to see her disappear into her shadow teleportation spell.

"NO!" Natsu said but it was too late; Aya was gun.

Turning back to Igneel, Natsu ran back to his son.

"IGNEEL!" Natsu said as her ran to his son's side.

Igneel lay face first on the ground and was groaning in agony.

"Igneel, I'm so sorry!" Natsu said as he turned his son onto his back. Natsu gasped in shock.

The left side of Igneel's face was covered in deep cuts and blood and the left side of his neck had been cut, causing even more blood to spill. Igneel began to writhe in pain as blood gurgled from his throat. His right hand latched onto his father's shoulder as he wheeze pitifully.

"Igneel…oh, Gods, I'm so sorry!" Natsu said as he held his son down, "Don't move, I'm going to help you!"

The most serious wound was Igneel's neck. He was rapidly losing blood and could die if it wasn't treated. Natsu held out his index and middle finger and formed a ball of fire to form on the tips.

"This is going to hurt." Natsu said.

Natsu pressed his fingers to the wound in Igneel's neck and cauterized the wound shut. Igneel gasped in pain before crying out.

Natsu stood and lifted his up so his arm was draped over his shoulder.

"Hang in there!" Natsu said, "Just hang in there Igneel, we're gonna get you help!"

Igneel coughed up a wad of blood as his eyes began to roll slightly up into his head.

XXXX

Fairy Tail Safe Zone…

The mood was one of panic and confusion as the mages of Fairy Tail kept watch over the townspeople that had been evacuated. Many of the people were asking the mages what was going on and why the town was being attacked, and said mages did their best to answer.

Surprisingly, no one from the town had been killed.

There were some who were seriously injured from the initial attack but they were expected to recover.

But as for the mages of Fairy Tail…they were forced to confront their own losses in the form of seven dead children.

In the emergency triage set up by Mirajane and Porlyusica, the two mages tended to the civilians who had been wounded. But in a separate area of the tent, the bodies of the deceased kids lay underneath a miss match set of blankets and jackets…while their parents kneeled in sorrow next to their children. Once the fighting all bit settled down, Makarov had sent out teams to find the mages who had gone to battle. But when they returned, they brought back the distraught parents…and the fallen kids.

No one spoke.

No one dared to.

Porlyusica looked over her shoulder with a concerned frown on her face as she finished bandaging a man's leg. Although she had always proclaimed her hatred for "humans", the aging mage couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness in her heart.

She hadn't gotten close with the kids…but she had come to respect them regardless.

And she honestly felt sorry for their parents who openly wept in sorrow.

Porlyusica sighed.

Those kids had been cut down before they had even reached their prime. It was heartbreaking.

"HELP!" A voice called out, "I NEED HELP!"

Lucy instantly bolted upright hearing the voice.

"Natsu!" She whispered and bolted out the tent.

"WENDY!?" Natsu cried out, "PORLYUSICA!? SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!"

Porlyusica looked at Mira.

"Stay here." She said and exited the tent.

She followed Lucy and saw Natsu stumbling past the crowds before collapsing to the ground a couple yards from the tent.

It was then that Lucy and Porlyusica saw Igneel…and the state he was in.

"IGNEEL!" Lucy screamed in terror as she kneeled down to her son with shaking hands.

Natsu looked Porlyusica with a desperate, pleading look.

"Please!" Natsu said, "Please, help my son; I can't lose him!"

"Hold him down, we need to stabilize him." Porlyusica said calmly as she set about examining Igneel.

And while this was happening, Igneel continued to gasp in pain.

His eyes rolled up into his head as they began to close.

His parent's desperate cries began to fade out.

And before Igneel lost consciousness, one last thought passed through his mind.

"…Lilly…" Igneel thought; and darkness filled his world.

XXXX

A/N: Well folks…here it is; 56 pages long. The longest chapter I have written thus far.

This took longer than I had hoped but it's here now. This chapter took a bit out of me so I'm going to take a break for a day or two or three before I get to work on the next chapter…and recover from any flak I might receive.

I should have it ready sometime next week or weekend.

Not much to say about this chapter. Please; don't hate me!

Next time; Chapter 20: I stand alone

As per usual, if you guys have any comments or questions, please put it in your review and I'll make sure to respond to you in the next chapter.

Once again; thank you for your patience.

Until next time; read, review and most importantly of all, HAPPY READING!