Dragon Slayer
Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy tail
"Speaking"
'Thoughts'
"Magic"
Last time
"There's no need to continue this foolishness any longer as the title of Miss Fairy Tail belongs to me" the woman declared.
"Who are you?" Lucy asked annoyed at being interrupted.
"I'm Evergreen of the Raijin Tribe" Evergreen replied and before Lucy could ask another question, Evergreen's brown eyes shined and a moment later she was turned to stone.
The curtains behind the two burned revealing the other contestants have been turned to stone as well in time with the arrival of the other members of the Raijin Tribe, Freed Justine and Bixlow behind them, their leader Laxus Dreyar.
Chapter 11: Fighting Festival
"Whoa! Where is that bastard Laxus I'm going to beat the shit out of him!" Natsu shot up from looking left and right looking around for his desired opponent.
"Oh! your awake Natsu, Laxus and the rest of the Raijin Tribe has left along with the rest of the guild and we only have three hours to find and defeat Laxus or the girls will be killed" Happy explained hovering beside Natsu.
"What? That bastard using the girls as hostage if he really wants a fight, he should've just asked me and I'll gladly hand his ass to him" Natsu growled glancing at the girls his eyes landing on the two women that shared his heart.
"Natsu, you're the only one that could take defeat Laxus, I'm counting on you" Makarov commanded after finding out about the restrictions placed on the enchantments prohibiting him from joining the fight.
"Don't worry Gramps, I'll beat that bastard and win this thing!" Natsu exclaimed his fist ablaze showing his determination win. 'Don't worry you two, I'll set you free in no time' Natsu glanced at the statues of Erza and Mirajane and clenched his fist ready to defeat anyone who will stand in his way. "Here I go!"
Makarov's jaw fell as he saw Natsu slam into the invisible barrier slowly sliding down to the floor as he got up beside him.
"Are you 80 years old too Natsu?" Makarov asked in shock baffled why Natsu wasn't allowed to go through.
"No I'm not" Natsu replied as he immediately stood up and began arguing with Makarov about the reasons why he can't get through.
As the minutes passed by Natsu, Makarov and Happy watched helplessly as the Fairy Tail Mages number dwindle down by the minute with Alzack defeating Jet and Droy to find more opponents and save his beloved Bisca much to the shock of those left stuck on the guild and delight of Laxus. Fights continued to rage around the town as the numbers dropped below half as they are forced to fight each other due to Freed's enchantments. While some of the members run across the members of the Raijin Tribe, Gray is pitted against Bickslow as Elfman is easily defeated by Evergreen followed by Reedus who met Freed near the outskirts of town removing their chances of saving the girls adding more grief to Makarov.
"Hahaha, isn't it amazing to see the mages of this guild, your children as you put it fight each other just so they could get to me" Laxus appeared behind the two an amused smile on his face.
"Take this Laxus!" Natsu roared sending a flaming punch to his head only for him to pass through and landed face first on a post.
"Stupid as always" Laxus mocked as he turned around shaking his head as Natsu continued to rain flaming punches on Laxus's thought projection.
"Stop hiding Laxus and fight me you coward! I know that you're just bluffing about killing the girls, so come back here and will duke it out!" Natsu taunted glaring at Laxus.
"You think I'm bluffing, you're even a bigger fool than I thought you were" Laxus cackled at Natsu whose eyes narrowed in anger. "Besides with both you and Erza gone nothing will stand in my way in claiming the guild"
"There's still Gray" Happy exclaimed with confidence of the Ice mage's abilities.
"Yes, Gray is still out there and his one of the strongest in the guild" Makarov added some hope returning.
"Yeah, even though his a good for nothing pervert, his a strong good for nothing pervert" Natsu exclaimed with absolute confidence in his rivals skills.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"Well, well, well if it isn't my old pal Gray" Bickslow greeted standing in front of Gray behind him a fashion shop. he was a tall and lean wearing a dark mildly fitting cloth with white vertical running throughout his clothes, covering his head in a hood with his face and hands exposed. Though his face is always obscured by a metal visor that looks like a medieval sallet that has eight elongated holes four on each eyes obscuring his eyes from the others, his arms is covered by a pair of armbands with intricate tribal design, large shoulder pads with a skull design in the middle with lighter color edges connected by set of metal bands over his chest and around his back, another metal band tied around his waist holding a large waistguard made of cloth separated in four long, light-colored pieces adorned with "X" in each one and reaching below his knees, and finally he wore dark baggy pants with two light colored belts in a cross formation. His pants tucked in a pair of armored grieves.
"Bickslow where is Laxus? I need to get to him and stop this madness" Gray asked as readies for the fight.
"Oh? What's the rush let's have some fun first Gray" Bickslow invited as he sent his dolls to attack Gray who rolled to the side as they flew pass him.
"Ice-Make Path" Gray shouted a path made of ice shot towards Bickslow who jumps inside the fashion shop through its glass doors with Gray hot in his trail. Gray Jumped to his right to dodge the set laser beams that shot at his direction using the cabinets to hide from the attack as Bickslow followed as to not lose sight of his opponent.
"You really are good" Bickslow applauded standing at the opposite end where Gray stood a feral smirk appearing on his face. "But not good enough, Now my babies!" his dolls appeared behind Gray unleashing a barrage of lasers to the unsuspecting Gray shattering him.
"Too slow" Gray mocked appearing on the far side of the aisle to Bixlow's right. "Ice-Make Cannon" Gray shot Bickslow with his bazooka sending him flying on the opposite end slamming on a pillar. "Line Formation" Bickslow commanded as his dolls stood atop one another unleashing a crescent shaped beam towards Gray who erected a wall of ice. The attack collided with cutting through it and grazing Gray by the shoulder and continued its path along the opposite wall.
"Not bad, I always knew you'd be quite the opponent" Bickslow commented as he dusted himself standing from the ruble relatively unharmed except for a few scratches much like his opponent. Bickslow catapulted himself towards Gray who created a giant hammer made of ice heading towards Bickslow, but before it could hit its target it shattered into a million pieces stunning the Ice mage who received a knee to the gut sending him sailing into the wall. He flipped in mid-air landing on his feet standing vertically along the wall as he glared at his opponent. "Ice-Make Lance" several lance shot out form Gray's hands rushing towards Bickslow as his dolls tried to shoot down the lances but wasn't enough to stop it as they hit the ground with Bickslow avoiding them by jumping away.
'His dolls are both his strength and weakness' Gray thought as he dodged another set of lasers. 'So doing this will stop you' "Ice-Make Freeze" Gray shot beam made of ice towards Bickslow's dolls hitting every single one of them and sending them sprawling to the floor encased in ice. Bickslow charged at Gray ready to knock his lights out thinking that he didn't notice him only for Gray to turn to his position placing both of his hands on Bicklow's shoulders as he watched as Gray jump of the ground until he's vertically aligned with Bickslow before descending and delivering a sharp knee on Bickslow's face sending him flying backwards from the strength of the blow.
"You're really starting to annoy me Gray" Bickslow spat tasting his blood as he tried to call on his dolls but none came.
"Sorry but I already froze your dolls" Gray offered already preparing to attack. "Ice-Make Arrows" a hail of arrows headed towards Bickslow seemingly accepting his defeat that was until five mannequins appeared in front of him blocking the attack.
"X Formation" Bickslow stated as five mannequins floated around him as he stood unharmed from Gray's attack. "It was a nice touch freezing my babies, but even if you freeze their bodies, but you won't be able to freeze their souls and I could just transfer them to a different body"
"Ice-Make Geyser" Gray shouted a geyser made of Ice shot out from the ground freezing Bickslow's new dolls as he narrowly dodged the attack. "Thanks for the tip, now I'll just have to freeze you and you're dolls"
"That's if you can catch me" Bickslow shouted as ran out of the building. Cursing Gray followed suit into an alley with Bickslow standing on the middle of the alley a smirk plastered on his face before the he noticed that he was trapped with him in one of Freed's barriers. "You're a fool for following me here Gray"
"Enough talk!" Gray charged Bickslow holding a sword made of ice that jumped and grabbed the surrounding clothes line as he sent his dolls to attack Gray who dodged each one and almost cleaving one in half immediately cornering Bickslow his hands preparing to deliver the finishing blow that was until he saw the girl on the window behind Bickslow halting his attack. Using this to his advantage sends a powerful kick to Gray's gut sending him crashing into the ground where another set of barriers surrounded him as Bickslow landing on one of the clothes line. Gray stood up and tried to use his magic only to fail unable to summon any of his powers.
"So even the great Gray is nothing without his magic" Bickslow mocked hanging from above.
"You're still a sneaky little bastard Bickslow" Gray seethed at his enemy's cheap tricks.
"You can say whatever you want, but it won't change the fact that I win, finish him my babies!" Bickslow commanded as his dolls fired their lasers at Gray covering him in a cloud of smoke. Thinking that he already won is stunned to see Gray spring himself to his height ready to knock him out only to be ambushed by one of Bickslow's mannequins hitting him a laser sending him slamming on the wall but he quickly retaliates jumping out of the wall punching Bickslow and blowing him away. Bickslow stood up ready to beat Gray to submission when he saw him unconscious on the ground.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Laxus laughter echoed throughout the empty halls to the dismay to the three occupants of the room. Forcing Makarov to make the decision to concede and accept defeat seeing that no one could fight his grandson. With Gajeel nowhere to be seen and Natsu unable to join the fight was already inevitable.
"I told didn't I Grandfather nothing will stand in my way and my Raijin Tribe" Laxus taunted laughing at their inevitable defeat.
"But there's still Gajeel" Happy exclaimed as Laxus seemed to consider this before bursting out into another fit of laughter.
"Gajeel? Then where is he? He isn't seem to be joining in the fight and his loyalty to the guild is still questionable at best and there's still me to defeat" Laxus stated a smug look on his face irritating the Dragon Slayer at his blatant disregard for the mages of the guild.
"This is enough Laxus, you win, and we surrender. So please release the girls" Makarov finally conceded much to the shock of Natsu.
"But gramps I can still take him on, don't accept defeat so easily" Natsu protested with Happy adding his refusal to accept defeat.
"It's ok Natsu, I don't really mind accepting defeat as long as my children are safe" Makarov explained simply as Natsu simply crushed the urge to complain and thought of Erza and Mirajane's safety.
"No" Laxus replied simply stunning the trio. "If you really want to resign. Do it after you have handed the title of 'Master' to me and announce it through the city speakers. 'I, Makarov surrender my title as Master of Fairy Tail to my grandson Laxus Drayer!'" Laxus exclaimed.
"I can never hand the title Master of Fairy Tail to you Laxus as you don't know what it means to be a Master" Makarov snapped as he felt his chest tightened a little glaring at his grandson.
"Laxus!" Natsu roared aiming another punch at Laxus this time he ended up landing on Freed's barrier as he quickly got up and glared at Laxus.
"Think about it grandfather, time is ticking" and with that Laxus's thought projection disappeared.
"Don't worry gramps, you won't have to give up your title" Natsu reassured Makarov who merely gave him a somber look.
"Retiring as Master of Fairy Tail has been on my mind lately" Makarov admitted stunning Natsu and Happy who tried to dissuade their parental figure who smiled at their sincerity. "I really we wouldn't mind giving the title to Laxus, but his impulsive and impatient behavior always made me hesitate and this stunt only proves his still not ready to become Master" Natsu was about to comment when they heard some metal clanking on the bar. Looking at its direction the trio found the missing member of the guild. Gajeel Redfox, hunch over holding a bunch of silver and pots with a mouthful of metal in his mouth.
"Where the hell have you been?" Natsu asked as Gajeel walked towards the trio.
"I was there on the bar eating, you sorry excuse for a Dragon Slayer, can't fight with an empty stomach you know" Gajeel snapped back butting heads with Natsu as hope returned in Makarov's eyes at the new situation.
"Don't worry Master I'll defeat that grandson of yours and stop this madness" Gajeel assured ready to join the fray.
"You need to find Laxus and defeat him we only have less than two hours before the girls turn into dust" Makarov stated as Gajeel nodded in understanding.
"Don't screw this up tin head" Natsu muttered while Gajeel just scoffed at him.
"As if, besides I still a beef to settle with the guy" Gajeel replied coolly all pumper up for the fight. "Here I go!"
All of their jaws fell on the floor as Gajeel suffered the same fate as Natsu face planting on the invisible barrier Freed created as he slowly slid down on the floor. The two Dragon Slayers began two agrue with each other at how useless the other is. Meanwhile Makarov silently watched as the members of the Raijin Tribe take out the remaining mages of Fairy Tail with Freed defeating Alzack, Bickslow defeating Nab Lasaro and Laki Olietta as Evergreen defeated the remaining mages en mass leaving them with just two combatants both unable to participate being locked inside a barrier.
"That's it! I'm gonna revive Erza myself" Natsu grumbled as he stomped towards the stage as Makarov followed suit to make sure nothing bad happens.
"Who knew Titania had a killer body and tits to die for, wonder what she looks like in her birthday suit" Gajeel commented giving Erza a once over.
"You have no idea" Natsu muttered his mind stuck in the gutter for a moment as he recounted the image of Erza's naked form.
"Get your head out of the gutter" Gajeel snapped as Natsu glared at him. "So how are you gonna do this Salamander?"
"Oh that's easy I'm going burn her and see if it melts" Natsu replied a sadistic grin threatened to split his face.
"What! That's dangerous Natsu" Makarov warned watching from behind.
Natsu walked up to the statue of Erza having ran out of options seeing that the three of them has no chance of getting out and time is wasting every time their stuck inside. Putting both of his hands ablaze and ran his hands over Erza's form a mere centimeters from her petrified form increasing the temperature as he goes up, starting from her feet, her smooth calves, her firm thighs, her full hips, her slim waist, the sides of her breast as it would be very awkward if her ran his hands over them, the sides of her face and going back down to her shoulders and arms. At the end of his attempt he was blushing as his mind was assaulted by the memories of how her body felt against his hands.
"You liked that didn't you?" Gajeel asked noticing the blush on Natsu's face.
"Natsu's a pervert" Happy commented.
"I'm not a pervert!" Natsu snapped back as he began to bicker with Gajeel and Happy when a crack appeared on Erza as they ran around in circles panicking.
"That was a very stupid idea, Salamander" Gajeel said pointing his on Natsu.
"Erza's gonna die!" Happy cried spinning around in circles as the crack increased.
"I know! Were gonna weld her back" Natsu exclaimed his brain completely somewhere else.
"What! That's even worse, what if she can't get out?" Makarov complained but remained unheard by the three.
"Ok, I'll provide the steel" Gajeel complied his arm turning into a metal pole, his brain went on a trip with Natsu's brain as said Dragon slayer placed Erza's body on the floor as the cracks increased.
"Hurry!" Natsu urge as the both of them are ready to weld the crack shut, when Erza's petrified form shattered revealing Titania relatively unharmed with Gajeel and the Master's eyes glued to the sight of Erza's bouncing breast freed from their stony confines. Natsu took Erza into a hug making the light blush on her cheeks intensified at the sudden action especially with the others looking as she inwardly sighed in relief when Happy joined in making it look like a friendly hug.
"I feel hot" Erza stated after Natsu released her and helped her stand up. "Did you have something to do with this Natsu?"
"Yeah, I tried to melt you!" Natsu stated proudly.
"Melt me?" Erza echoed a tick mark forming on her forehead.
"Aye, but when a crack appeared we thought Natsu broke you and decided to weld you back" Happy added the tick mark on Erza's head became more pronounce.
"You tried to melt me then weld me?" Erza asked as the two nodded Gajeel slowly backed away already sensing the danger while Natsu remained clueless blinded by his relief. "Have you gone insane?" Erza roared slapping her boyfriend's face sending him flying on Gajeel's direction as they landed off the stage.
"How did you escaped Erza? Didn't you look into Evergreen's eyes?" Makarov asked as he stood next to Erza who's also wondering the same thing.
"I guess…it was because my right eye is artificial that I didn't fully absorb her magic" Erza answered placing a hand over her right eye. A feeling of irony at how something that reminded her of her painful past saved her.
"I see" Makarov nodded. "There's no time to waste Erza you need to join in on the fight"
"I know Master, I heard everything Evergreen said" Erza replied as she requip into her favorite costume. A bunny girl outfit a black strapless one piece hugging her curves perfectly and showing a healthy amount of cleavage with a small tuff of fur on her butt, white collar with a black bowtie and cuffs, stockings, black stilettos and Bunny ears. "Don't worry I'll save the girls Master"
"Do your best Erza!" Happy cheered Titania.
"Now we have three fighters on our side" Makarov stated looking at his three children Natsu bugging Erza about something as Gajeel continued eating metal. Just as Erza is about leave the runes announce the appearance of another competitor. "Another one, could it be?"
"I don't think its him Master, remember we have a member who prefers to stay away from the city, I think he just decided to join the fight" Erza stated a smile on her face as the chances of them winning increased.
"Mystogan" Makarov muttered in recognition even though he knew little of the wayward mage, he is certain to where his loyalties lie.
"Alright! Now we have a greater chance of winning this thing" Natsu cheered as Laxus frowned at his spot, sparks of electricity arched throughout his body reflecting his anger and impatience as the thought of the three top mages of Fairy Tail might foil his plans.
"I'll be going now, Master" Erza said glancing at Natsu who gave her a confident grin before fading to a smile. She nodded and left as the three breathe out a sigh of relief as Erza passed through Freed's barrier not wanting a repeat of their fruitless attempts.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Running around town Erza met a few of the worried town's folk at the commotion their members are causing and reassured them that it was all in the preparation for the parade. Erza performed multiple backfilps and requips a sword as she dodged a barrage of needles heading her way. Looking up she saw the one who attacked her standing on top of a building looking down on her.
"I wonder how you got out of my Stone eyes, but what irritates me is calling yourself Titania, the queen of fairies" Evergreen questioned some of her excitement slipping in her voice at finally defeating and claiming the title she dreamed of.
"You can have my title as I didn't asked for it in the first place, but I can't forgive you for threatening the life of my friends so prepare yourself!" Erza stated leaping towards Evergreen and delivering a horizontal slash at Evergreen who began flipping in midair to gain some distance from Titania scattering dust around Erza.
"Fairy Bomb: Gremlin" Evergreen shouted as the dust around Erza exploded. Erza shot out from the cloud of smoke moments later relatively unharmed slashing at Evergreen and ends up hitting the water tank behind her. "You're too slow Titania" Evergreen mocked as she flew away sending needles towards Erza who blocked it with her swords cutting them to pieces. Landing on another rooftop she waited for Titania to drop by using the opening she used her Stone eyes to petrify Titania. Erza noticing her plan closed her left eye landing a few feet from Evergreen who used her eye Magic and failed.
"I didn't know your right eye is artificial" Evergreen commented dodging another slash from Titania and flipping into the air over Erza. "Fairy Ray" yellow beams made of Fairy dust shot out from her wings hitting the place where Erza used to be creating explosions along their wake as they followed Erza along the roof tops. Erza dodging the rays and deflecting the needles sent at her direction as a few needles shredded her Bunny ears, ripping through her top and stockings exposing the smooth skin underneath causing her to gasp as she turns her head and glared at Evergreen with her right eye for ruining her favorite costume. She threw one of her swords almost hitting its target and using the small opening, requips her Heavens Wheel Armor flying above Evergreen. "Trinity shot" Erza roared her attack colliding against Evergreen's "Fairy Ray" the explosion sending Evergreen to a warehouse.
Landing inside the warehouse Erza scanned the dark room the whole where she came in the only source of light noticing some of the boxes marked as highly explosive and realized this was where some of the fireworks used for the festivals are kept. Blocking some needles sent her way and retaliating by sending her swords at the direction only to hit some box filled with fireworks.
"Come out Evergreen, I won't forgive you for ruining my favorite costume" Erza commanded a little sidetracked from her original goal, but thought that by defeating Evergreen she could hit two birds with one stone, revenge for her costume and freeing her friends.
"You fell for my trap Titania" Evergreen's voice echoed and was already too late when Erza realized the whole place is filled with Fairy dust. "Fairy Bomb: Gremlin" a massive explosion shook the place sending Evergreen back a few feet from the powerful shockwave, a large fireball erupted where the warehouse stood visible throughout the town of Magnolia. Alarming the townspeople at the sight but they calmed down when they saw fireworks coming from the same place and thought that it was another part of the preparation for the parade. She began to laugh thinking that she has won until two objects shot out from the burning building flying towards her direction, barely able to dodge both objects that flew back into the raging inferno.
"It was a rookie mistake in my part for falling for that simple trap" Erza's voice echoed from the inferno that began to spiral into a single point. Evergreen felt fear crawl up her spine and doubt her chances of winning as she saw Erza standing in the middle with the flames being sucked on the Dragon head shoulder guards until nothing was left. Knowing full well when to retreat, she flew away desperate to get help before getting pinned to a buildings chimney. She looked at what restrained her to see chains made of fire wrapped around her form with two shields embedded on the roof and wondered why she's not singed upon contact as one is wrapped over her exposed cleavage just as one is wrapped under her breast. She tried to break free only for her bonds tighten especially around the chest. Just in time to see Erza slowly descend with wings similar to a dragon's only made of fire and reminded her of something she has read when she was a little girl. Valkyries, undefeated battle maidens sent from above to guide the fallen warriors to Valhalla.
"You will only hurt yourself if you continue to struggle, Surrender and I would not harm you as you are still a member of Fairy Tail" Erza offered landing gracefully on the roof her wings dissipating as she landed. "And if you want to call yourself Titania then by all mean you could, I never really knew who gave me that title"
"You're too naïve Erza Scarlet. My Stone eyes has another ability and that's remote control and if you don't strip naked and degrade yourself, I'll turned them into dust" Evergreen snapped back putting on a brave face though downright terrified at the intense battle aura Erza is emitting.
"I understand" Erza replied her eyes gaining a deadly glint in them and requip both her blade and halberd and forming a giant spear aiming it at Evergreen who started sweating bullets at the sight of the massive weapon already hearing rumors about Erza's new powers but took them as such, Stories and ignored them. "If you value winning more than your life then by taking your life I would avenge the soul of those crumbling maidens, farewell Evergreen" Erza said solemnly "Lustrous Fang"
Evergreen began screaming in panic stating that she already freed the others as she saw the tip of the giant spear getting closer and closer before it dissipates into thin air an armored fist replacing it hitting her square in the face.
"That's how you perform a bluff" Erza stated simply removing her fist. "Now where is Laxus?"
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Back at the guild Natsu is standing at the stage yet again this time standing in front of Mirajane hands ablaze ready to repeat what he did with Erza in the hopes of freeing Mirajane and the rest of the girls.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Gajeel asked as Natsu stood up his burning hands an inch above Mirajane's breast.
"I'm going to try and revive Mirajane" Natsu retorted dispelling the flames in his hands but kept them in their current spot.
"Didn't you hear or you're just as stupid as I thought you are, Titania was able to break free because of her artificial eye" Gajeel snapped back hitting Natsu in the head unintentionally knocking Natsu forward grabbing a handful of Mirajane's impressive chest, his fingers digging into the soft orbs of flesh as an echo of startled gasps erupted from the revived girls. Natsu slowly spun his head forward to see a brightly blushing Mirajane whose face is a mixture of embarrassment and arousal causing him to jerk his hands away and see the looks on the other girl's faces and began groveling for his life. Cana who was closest smirked at Natsu knowing that Mirajane won't do anything and would most likely liked it, Lucy next closest crossed her arms over her chest slowly backing away from Natsu wondering why she ended up in a team with perverts remembering her first meeting with Gray borrowing her underpants naked, Juvia blushed a faraway look on her face, Levy much like Lucy and Bisca backed away.
"It's ok Natsu, no harm done" Mirajane said still blushing amusing Cana even more.
"You know Natsu, if you want to do some touching I could let you touch mine if you drink with me again" Cana teased winking at the flustered Dragon slayer.
"No, thanks I already know what yours feel, they're as firm as a rock" Natsu said plainly at the stunned face of Cana who flushed red in anger as the others giggled, he began running around the guild to avoid Cana's wrath making the others laugh lightening the mood. Until the announcement of Laxus about using Thunder Palace to keep the game from ending activating in an hour and ten minutes, the announcement stunned Natsu and the other's about finding out what Thunder Palace is and what it can do, enough to cause their Master to become ill and sent to the infirmary tended by Levy and the others. Trying to find a way to stop the spell from activating, Bisca requips a sniper rifle shooting one of the Lacrimas flouting around town effectively destroying it, but it came with a prize as a bolt of lightning struck Bicsa rendering her unconscious as Mirajane explained that each Lacrima is casted with the Living Link Magic that reflects the damage done to the Lacrima back to its attackers.
"Stop this Laxus!" Natsu raged slamming his fist at the barrier in anger trying to force his way out.
"Sorry, but a battle won't be over until one side is annihilated" Laxus explained before ending the link as Natsu continues to force his way through the barrier.
"I think I might be able to get you out of here Natsu" Levy appeared explaining her plan about deciphering Freed's rune allowing them to go out and fight.
"Are you sure about this Levy?" Natsu asked excitedly.
"Yes, but it'll take me awhile to decipher them don't worry I'll move as fast as I can" Levy assured as Natsu and Gajeel anxiously waited for the resident bookworm to finish her work.
Meanwhile Lucy is running around town with Happy entrusted with the task of getting the people to safety without causing panic for the people. When all of the sudden dolls appeared behind her and explodes, but before she could get hit Happy arrived and lifted her into the air and carefully dropping her off on top of a nearby building.
"Thanks Happy" Lucy said to the flying cat.
"Aye, don't mention it Lucy" Happy chirped floating beside the number one Celestial mage of Fairy Tail.
"Well, well, well, it's the newbie that I've heard of, how about I call you the Cosplay maniac queen" Bickslow comments standing on top of a nearby building adjacent to theirs. "Sorry if I've got to be serious on you, but where in the middle of the game, get them my babies!"
"Do you really think the Master is going to forgive you for starting this mess?" Lucy asked as she and Happy continues to dodges the beams from Bickslow's dolls.
"Oh, don't worry about that, when this game is over Laxus, will be the new Master" Bickslow stated simply watching his dolls do the work for him.
Lucy narrowly dodges another beam and decided to take out the dolls first in order for her to get to Bickslow. Grabbing one of her golden keys and summoned the archer spirit Sagittarius at her side.
"What do you need Madam Lucy, mush-mush" Sagittarius saluted.
"I want you to take out those dolls Sagittarius" Lucy ordered as the archer spirit quickly draws his bow ready to do his Master's request.
"At once Madam Lucy, mush-mush" Sagittarius dodged a beam from his left before aiming at the offending doll and destroying it in one shot, quickly spotting another doll attacking his Master fired another arrow destroying it, leaving just three more dolls which are easily disposed of by Sagittarius who quickly stood beside her Master.
"Good work Sagittarius" Lucy complimented as Sagittarius salutes at her praise.
"My babies!" Bicklsow cries out in agony for his destroyed babies allowing Lucy and her spirit to lower their guard a smirk appearing on his face as he summoned his dolls ambushing Lucy, but was intercepted by Sagittarius taking the brunt of the attack.
"No! Sagittarius, are you alright?" Lucy panicked after seeing Sagittarius took the hit.
"I'm alright Madam Lucy, I'm glad you're not hurt, mush-mush" Sagittarius replied through pained breathes as he slowly disappears. "But I'm afraid I have to return to the Celestial Spirit World, I'm sorry Madam Lucy, mush-mush"
"You can destroy my dolls all you want, but you can't destroy their spirit as I could merely transfer them to another container" Bickslow lectured a victorious smirk on his face. "I have the advantage because I'm currently standing on a toy shop"
"My keys" Lucy exclaimed as one of Bickslow's dolls stole it from her belt.
"I'll go get it Lucy!" Happy exclaimed flying after the doll that took Lucy's keys, only to be knocked out of the air by another doll.
"Sorry newbie, but it's the end for you and your souls will be serving Laxus's cause" Bickslow stated smugly. "Bayron Formation"
Lucy sat the at roof helplessly as Bickslow's dolls spun into a pentagonal formation sending a large beam heading her way and just as she was about to be hit, someone carried her out of danger. Looking up to see her savior to see his handsome face obscured by his bright strawberry blonde locks that gave her rescuer's identity away.
"Loke? How did you pass through without the key?" Lucy asked stunned yet glad at Loke's arrival.
"I guess our love for each other gave me the power to pass through my gate" Loke stated a charming smile on his face, Lucy blushing at his new look.
"Wow, Loke you look like a grown up cat" Happy stated landing besides the couple. "So when are you gonna get married?"
"Thanks Happy, maybe later after we defeat Bickslow" Loke said with a straight face as Lucy realized her position and began pounding his chest ordering him to let her down. "Ok, dear"
"Stop fooling around, we've got a serious problem at our hands" Lucy huffed blushing crossing her arms and looking away.
"But I wasn't joking, the barrier between the human and spirit world crumbles at the strength of 'Our Love' as I'm the only one that can pass through the gate without your consent, here take my ring as a sign of my undying love for my beautiful Master" Loke stated removing the ring on his finger and handing it to Lucy who blushed again in frustration and embarrassment as she began to chase Loke around over the roof hitting him in the head as he merely laughs with Bickslow almost forgotten.
"You like him don't ya!" Happy muttered load enough for Lucy to hear as she passed in front of Happy.
"Shut up" Lucy screamed in exasperation before dodging another beam attack from Bickslow's dolls shooting at them from all directions.
"I always knew you were a celestial spirit, tell me are you going to bare your fang's on me even after I've kept your secret" Bickslow stated watching Leo destroys his dolls that continues to transfer into new bodies.
"He knows" Lucy gasped dodging another beam while Bickslow nodded in confirmation.
"Aye, Bickslow's eyes can see spirits Lucy" Happy explained.
"I don't really care about what's happening around here, but hurting Lucy is something I can never forgive" Loke stated glaring at Bickslow before giving Lucy a bright smile openly flirting with his master yet again who blushed from embarrassment from both Loke and Happy.
"Oh? Are you going to beat me? You've never even beaten me in a fight before and I was just playing with you back then" Bickslow exclaimed laughing before sending his dolls to attack them again.
"You should pull back Lucy, I'll handle this" Loke suggested which Lucy declines stating that she fights with her spirits and not use them as mere shields wielding her whip. They dodge another barrage from the dolls and decided a two pronged attack. "Understood I'll take out the dolls while you take care of Bickslow"
"Ok, let's go Happy" Lucy nodded as Happy flew her to Bickslow's spot waiting for an opening, Loke's hand began to glow and enveloped in bright light, destroying dolls in quick succession, their owner simply guffaws as he kept transferring their souls to another doll sending a few of them to Lucy's direction that Loke easily intercepted stating he'll never allow a single doll to touch Lucy's perfect body making Bickslow laugh with Lucy taking the opportunity to attack him. Seeing that he didn't have that much power asked Lucy to push Bickslow back hitting him in the face.
"Tch, I guess there's no choice" Bicklow muttered removing his visor revealing his face, a tattoo of a doll on it and his blue hair in a strange haircut, but what made him dangerous was his eyes that began to glow an emerald green.
"Don't look" Happy shouted as the two follow turning away and closing their eyes.
"What is it Happy?" Lucy asked afraid of opening her eyes in the case something bad might happen.
"It's Bickslow's Figure Eye's, everyone in the Raijin Tribe has secondary abilities in their eyes though Evergreen uses them as her main weapon, Bickslow's eyes gives him the ability to turn anyone looking at them into dolls and control them at his will.
The dolls attack and began to tackle them unable to dodge from their eyes being closed, Bickslow celebrating his impending victory stating that no one could beat his Figure eyes and Human possession combo. Loke offered Lucy that he'll return for a minute so she could call Horologium the increase her defense, but she reminded him that her keys were taken adding that she trust whatever plan he has making Loke smiles determined to succeed for his master that gave him a new lease and outlook in life.
"Lucy, when I give the signal you should attack" Loke stated but she tried to persuade him it's dangerous. "Remember, you trust me"
Loke stood in front of Lucy, his body began to glow activating his Lion's Brilliance with Bickslow sending his dolls to stop anything Loke's planning using his Baryon Formation. Before he could unleash his attack Loke unleashed his magic bathing everything in blinding light temporarily blinding Bickslow closing his eyes as he signaled Lucy to attack and binding Bickslow in place.
"You can't beat me Loke!" Bickslow screamed struggling from his binds wonders how a girl like her is able to hold him down, Loke charging towards him hands enveloped in bright light.
"Since I met Lucy I've regained my powers as a spirit, No, since I met Lucy I've become stronger and I'm not those stupid dolls of yours because love gives us celestial spirits power" Loke exclaimed unleashing his spell. "Regulus Impact" Loke punches forward sending the energy he gathered towards Bickslow transforming into the face of a lion colliding against Bickslow defeating the Puppet Master.
"We win!" Happy cheered flying around.
"Thanks Loke, we couldn't have done it without you" Lucy smiled to which he returned.
"Look up" Loke replied simply to which she did to see sending a ball of light into the air exploding with the words. 'I LOVE LUCY!' his name inscribed under it large enough for all of everyone to see as she began to strangle Loke who merely laughs stating that's it's called 'Light of Love' with Happy teasing them.
"I'm so tired" Lucy collapses on the ground from exhaustion from both the fight and the two's antics.
"Here, always take care of them Lucy" Loke handed her, her celestial keys. "I'll always be there when you need me Lucy, always"
"Thanks again Loke"
Back at the guild Gajeel couldn't believe his eyes at the status report seeing Lucy defeating Bickslow while Natsu proudly stated that she's strong as they began to argue about 'the tortoise and the hare' and seeing Lucy's victory inspired Levy to work harder and with the unlikely help coming from the arguing duo, moments later she was done amazing the two Dragon Slayers.
"Are you two ready?" Levy asked after writing on the runes with both Dragon Slayers nodding in the affirmative. "Please do your best where counting on you two to stop Laxus"
"Don't worry I'll beat some sense into him and stop this madness" Natsu stated already pumped up.
"Not if I get there first, I still have to pay him back for what he did to me last time" Gajeel snapped back as moments later both Dragon Slayers are out of the barrier and racing throughout the town.
Running around town Natsu met a familiar scent and quickly followed it to find Erza going to a men's public bath wondering why the hell is she heading for that place in the first place.
"Laxus stop this immediately!" Erza ordered busting open the door to find naked old men bathing some are shocked while some are flustered wondering why the beautiful Titania is paying them a visit. "Evergreen, that woman tricked me" she snarled.
"Erza what are you doing in an all male public bath? Don't tell me, you like em old" Natsu asked feigning disbelief which Erza interpreted as real.
"What? No, it's not like that, I, Evergreen tricked me" Erza explained thinking about returning and ending Evergreen's life for real.
"Are you just using me?" Natsu continued to tease Erza as he spun around dramatically as she began to panic.
"No, that's not true, you know I, I…" Erza growled in frustration unable to say what she wanted to dispel his worries. "That's it, I'm going to kill her"
"Hey, wait, I'm just joking" Natsu turned around grabbing her by the shoulder.
"Joking" Erza whispered barely above whisper as she spun around delivering a powerful punch on Natsu's face sending him flying through a few buildings. "IDIOT!"
"Uhm" one of the men inside the bath started but the glare she sent him could've have turned anyone to dust.
"What!" Erza growled scaring the people inside.
"Uhm, Lady Erza could you close the doors where kind of exposed" the half naked man replied before flinching in fear.
"I see, sorry for the inconvenience" Erza apologized slamming the doors closed before they collapsed after she left.
"I'm sorry Erza" Natsu pleaded sporting a massive lump on his left cheek running alongside Erza, who is giving him the cold shoulder.
"…" Erza remained silent.
"Erza, hey Erza, come on, I was joking" Natsu pressed.
"I don't find what you did funny" Erza snapped back glaring at Natsu as they turned a corner scouring places where Laxus could be hiding.
"How about this, I take you out on a date after all this commotion goes down" Natsu looked at her seriously gaining a shocked reaction from Titania who looked at him with narrowed eyes.
"I thought we we're keeping this a secret" Erza questioned delighted at the thought of finally telling every one of their secret and stop Mirajane from making a move at Natsu.
"Of course it's still a secret" Natsu exclaimed making Titania frown. "But we could take a take a simple mission and take our time"
"Fine, but I choose the location" Erza relented it wasn't what she wanted but it's better than nothing and maybe she shivered at the thought of taking things to the next level.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Mirajane giggled when she saw the giant 'I LOVE LUCY!' in the air as she searched for his defeated brother around town. Turning around a corner she found Elfman unconscious on the street reverting to his human form as she immediately ran to his aid.
"Elfman, Elfman, Elfman, wake up" Mirajane called out to her brother who slowly came to and see tears falling from her eyes.
"Sister, what don't cry" Elfman said wiping the tears of her eyes.
"I'm sorry Elfman, Please forgive your big sister for not fighting along with you" Mirajane cried helping Elfman stand as they walked away to safety.
"Its ok sister, please don't cry, your smiles after each battle is enough to keep us going" Elfman replied consoling her sister.
"No, it's not ok Elfman, I promise from this moment on I'll fight to protect everyone I love" Mirajane replied. Elfman was about to reply but stopped when he saw the determined look in her sisters eyes smiling even through the tears a smile made its way on his face, a glimpse of the former Mirajane strong and confident.
"I understand" Elfman nodded as they walked towards a river in time to see a fight going on between Cana and Freed with the later defeating the former destroying the bridge.
"As expected from a veteran of the guild, you strong" Freed Justine muttered noticing the two new arrivals, but paying them no attention.
"Take it back, Juvia is not a child of the Phatom, she's a member of Fairy Tail!" Cana shouted in tears after shakily standing up from the rubble. Freed merely shook his head and pointed his pointer finger on Cana and wrote something on her forehead as she collapsed screaming in pain.
"Freed, it's unmanly to attack a woman more so when she is injured!" Elfman screamed as he tried to face Freed only to stop and look at his elder sister.
"Don't Elfman, please look after Cana for me" Mirajane said softly but not without all the power behind it.
"But sister, it's a man's job to protect his sisters" Elfmand pleaded Mirajane simply shook her head a smile on her face.
"It's also a man's job to follow his elder sibling's request" Mirajane argued. "It's ok Elfman, my powers have returned so I'll be fine"
"Since when sister?" Elfman asked shocked at his sister's revelation.
"A lot has happened after I returned from my last mission Elfman and I've come to realize that I've spent enough time being helpless, this time I'm going to protect you and be the elder sister I should've been and not be a burdened for my little brother" Mirajane explained.
"But you're not a burden sister" Elfman countered not believing her sisters words as he never thought of her as such.
"I'm lucky to have you as a brother Elfman, but please do this for me" Mirajane pleaded as Elfman nodded.
"Be careful sister" Elfman ran towards Cana carrying her to safety as Mirajane gave him a smile.
"So your powers have returned" Freed Justine commented his long emerald locks swaying in the air garbed in his knee-length red coat with sword in hand following Mirajane with his exposed eye.
"Please stop this Freed, I know you're just following orders from Laxus" Mirajane asked not really wanting to fight someone who she knew was just following orders.
"I might be following orders, but that doesn't mean I do not believe in what Laxus's is trying to achieve" Freed replied though what he said is true it's the means that Laxus is using that his against, but his loyalty to Laxus kept him from stopping. "As one of the S-class mages you're a threat to Laxus's rise to power and I must eliminate you"
"Dark Ecriture: Fear" Freed swings his sword horizontally at Mirajane's direction who dodge to her right knowing full well what it could do basing on what happened to Cana. She continued to dodge Freed's swings as she managed to close their distance, jumping the air and cocking her fist, she quickly descended back to earth slamming her fist with all her strength and shattering the bridge beneath her covering her in a cloud of dust and debris as he used his 'Dark Ecriture: Wings' to get away.
"What power" Freed exclaimed in amazement at Mirajane's strength unable to use his spells due to the cloud of dust covering her. Something shot out of the dust cloud causing Freed to attack it with his runes hitting the rock, eyes widening in shock as a shadow shot pass behind him and looking up to see Mirajane's smooth legs coming down over his head in a powerful axe kick, crossing his arms to block the attack fruitlessly sending him crashing to the shallow river below, standing groggily and barely able to dodge as Mirajane threw another powerful punch, the waters exploded creating a wall of water upon impact covering her yet again before cutting through it with her kick sending him tumbling along the river, using his hand to right himself in time to see Mirajane catapulted herself towards him aimed his left hand like a gun towards Mirajane who spun around dodging his spell, Mirajane's fist connected on Freed's crossed arms his boots digging on the river bedrock blocking the attack, his knees buckled at the strength of the attack, her momentum sending her body forward pushing her fist forwards sending Freed flying to a massive boulder sticking out in the middle of the river.
"Let's stop this Freed" Mirajane called out her left hand numb and exhausted from her earlier onslaught cursing for herself for her lack of stamina, hoping that what she did was enough to convince him to stop.
"You really are powerful, Mira" Freed stated stumbling out of the ruble with a few scratches and bruises.
"Please we don't have to continue this any further" Mirajane pleaded not wanting to resort to her 'Satan Soul'and severely injuring Freed, finding her recently regained powers stronger than she remembered after Natsu saved her from dying and suffering the same fate as their Master from Aria of the Elemental Four.
"I admire you're will to avoid fighting Mira, but to help Laxus fulfill his goals I must defeat you and anyone that would stand in his way, I have no choice but cast this forbidden spell" Freed exclaimed and casting 'Dark Ecriture: Darkness' on himself. Freed's covered eye glowed as his body is covered in black energy enveloping it in its dark light. Moments later the light dissipated revealing Freed's hulking form; his body has gained mass with his skin tone changing into gray with black fur covering his arms, torso and legs leaving certain parts uncovered such as his massive fist, chest and abdomen, the upper part of his coat disappeared leaving him wearing a waist coat and steel greaves and finally his handsome face replaced with a demon's as two massive horns grew from his forehead curving upward following his long and untamed hair.
Mirajane was barely able to dodge the massive fist that headed her way as she jumped to the side only to be backhanded by Freed sending her towards the rivers embankment taking the wind out of her.
"Sister" Elfman screamed ready to go to her sister's aid.
"Stay back!" Mirajane commanded giving Elfman a pained smile standing unsteadily. "Please Freed…we don't have to do this" she gasped feeling a few broken ribs in her sides as Freed just looked at her.
"Like I said before, I am determined to see Laxus's plan to the end" Freed exclaimed his voice deeper than before. "Only a demon can master a demon, if you want to stop me, then defeat me, if you don't…" Freed looked at Elfman and Cana's position before flying towards the two and grabbing them by the throat, his massive hands slowly squeezing their wind pipe. "I'll end their lives"
"Elfman!" Mirajane screamed catapulting herself towards their direction the pain in her sides forgotten, transforming in midair carving a path towards Freed's direction, delivering a powerful kick to his head sending the Rune user flying to opposite side of the river, dropping his two hostages which Mirajane caught easily as she gently brought them back to the ground.
"It's admirable that you remained loyal to your convictions that's why I asked you to stop, but you forced my hand by threaten my brother's life therefore I must eliminate you" Mirajane stated her sweet voice became low and sultry yet they didn't lost their edge to them as she glared Freed down. Mirajane's appearance change drastically much like her male counterpart after she activated her 'Satan Soul', her dress is replaced by a dark red suit revealing her arms and thighs, it has a wide opening in the front baring her cleavage, belly and back with gold colored spiky edges, a cravat tie is tied around her spiky collar, small thin belts wrapped around her upper arm and shoulders, she also wore a pair of high heeled boots that reached middle thigh with two jagged blade like streaks in the middle reaching her knees, a pair of large gauntlets on her scale covered forearms with fins on either arm, a large scaly tail made of scales protruded just above her butt, her long flowing hair stood up with her long pony tail increased in length, her ears became long and pointed, her cheerful face replaced with a stoic expressions as her eyelashes grew longer a jagged line crossing over her right eye with similar marking on her right breast and bare thighs and finally gaining sharper canines and a dark shade of lipstick on her lips. But what took Freed's attention were her eyes, their color shifted from deep shade of blue to yellow with vertical slits.
"That remains to be seen" Freed remarked rushing towards Mirajane with speed that doesn't match his current size intent on taking out the Majin in front of him, his large fist came crashing down towards to Mirajane who caught it with her left hand stopping the attack shocking the Rune user, sending a palm thrust on his upper forearm bending his elbows, forcing him to lean forward and catching her leg with his face sending him flying to the side, righting himself in midair and flying away to gain some distant from his target. Mirajane felt her power still growing after transforming, but felt that something is holding it back so it could reach its full potential.
"Darkness Breath" Freed roared sending a tornado a dark energy towards Mirajane. Narrowing her eyes at her opponent, she grew bat-like wings on her back and flew taking the attack head on causing an explosion upon collision; she flew past the smoke unscathed shocking Freed as she appeared in front of him. "Evil Spark" Mirajane slammed hands on Freed's torso electrocuting the Rune user before raining Punches and kicks on the paralyzed Freed before kneeing him in the torso and sending him crashing back to the ground by bringing her clasped hands together like a sledgehammer on his back. Spinning in midair, Freed flew away before he could crash into the ground trying to get away from the Majin that is quickly gaining distance in catching up to him as they got farther away from town into a much more rocky region of the river.
'I must get away; I can't match her level of power' Freed thought furiously dodging a gauntlet clad fist from hitting him creating a large crater with Mirajane in the center as he flew again desperate to get away and think of a plan to gain the upper hand. Mirajane narrowed her eyes at Freed catapulted herself from her spot kicking dirt at her lift off, the two demons clashed in midair exchanging dark magic powered punch and kicks with Mirajane getting more hits in than her male counterpart, dodging another punch he quickly spun behind her raising both of his hands in the air gathering dark magic in his hands creating a black orb with a bright red corona emitting red light.
"Darkness Flare Bomb" Freed exclaimed, Mirajane quickly spinning around in time to catch the attack with her right hand pushing her back towards the river, deflecting the attack and hitting one of the rocky walls as she crashed down on the river below, thinking that he finally got some break from the onslaught and couldn't help but groan inwardly as a purple beam shot up from the water hitting his wings that repaired itself, the river exploded outward Mirajane cloaked in a purple aura hovering over the riverbed, hands extended outward the river whirling around her staring at Freed with calm collected eyes occasionally shifting its colors.
"Evil Explosion" Mirajane exclaimed aiming her hand at Freed the water from the river shot forward exploding on Freed that is visible throughout Magnolia, flying up towards Freed kicking him in the side sending him flying back where they started. "Soul Extinction" Mirajane gathered her dark energy in between her hands and launching it towards Freed creating another explosion this time sending him back to the ground his "Dark Ecriture: Darkness" and "Dark Ecriture: Wings" gone, his clothes ruined and his body battered unable to move from his current spot with Mirajane landing beside him, her Take Over spell disappearing as she looked at him with sad eyes.
"Do you pity me? Finish it! I don't need your pity!" Freed screamed at her as she shook her head and kneeled beside Freed.
"Were members of the same guild, we smile and laugh together" Mirajane replied trying to break through the barriers he imposed on himself.
"You're wrong Laxus is my only comrade" Freed insisted looking defiantly at Mirajane.
"That's not true! Tell me weren't we friends once!" Mirajane shouted at Freed as he looked away tears started to pool in his eyes.
"We were" Freed admitted.
"I think it's not a bad thing to follow someone, but there are a number of people around you connected to one another" Mirajane held his hand remembering the times when the others were friendly with him. "As long as you reach out someone will be there to reach back and it's when people realize how lonely it is being on their own, they'll become kind"
"I didn't really want to do any of this" Freed cried in regret for hurting those he once consider friends.
"I know" Mirajane replied smiling. "Let's all enjoy the Harvest festival next year"
She helped Freed stand up smiling at him which he returned albeit shyly when she turned her head to see her brother running towards them carrying Cana on his back.
"That was amazing sister!" Elfman cheered standing beside her.
"I'm sorry for what I did" Freed apologized as Elfman and Cana looked at him and smiled.
"It's Manly for you to accept your mistake and apologize, don't worry about it, we're all family in Fairy Tail" Elfman stated slapping him at the shoulder causing Freed to wince in pain and Mirajane to chastise him.
"Yeah Freed, as the saying goes today's enemies is tomorrow's friend just like Juvia who tried her best to fit in the guild" Cana added as she got down from Elfman's back. "By the way, you should apologize to her"
"I understand, like I said before I'm sorry, I truly am" Freed apologized again as Mirajane and the two smiled at him.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"Wow, I feel sorry for Freed at facing Mirajane" Natsu commented seeing the massive explosion in the air along with the 'I LOVE LUCY!' banner in the air.
"So that's Mirajane doing" Erza commented plainly. "I guess Freed must've done something to awaken 'Satan Soul'"
"Maybe, now I want to fight Mira" Natsu commented a little giddy at the thought of facing Mirajane in combat.
"What do you mean?" Erza asked.
"Mirajane got her powers back during our mission, didn't I tell you?" Natsu asked as we walked with his eye closed in a thinking posture.
"No!" Erza asked with a little edge in her voice that Natsu didn't miss.
"I see, I'll tell you when this is over" Natsu assured while Erza nodded warily.
They continued to run around town until finally sensing a commotion happening in Kardia Cathedral, running towards it they saw Laxus and the heavily clothe Mystogan facing off with the two combatants noticing the new arrivals shocking the two more so Mystogan, Laxus used the opportunity to attack the other hitting him in the face and destroying his mask revealing the person that tied Erza to her painful past. Erza was stunned at the sight of her childhood friend, the same one that banished her and threatens the life of her friends, but instead of anger it was relief and longing as she saw the same kind face he always had before he changed.
"Jellal?" Erza asked her voice shaky as Mystogan gave her a pained look, one of regret and the thought of the same Jellal she fell in love with when she was a kid was back. Natsu saw the look on Erza's face and it didn't need a genius to see that they had a past and he knew that this was the person he was looking for, seeing the look on Erza's face even after marking her hardened his resolve to get them back together, after finding out why Erza suddenly took a liking to him.
'Now that I know who she likes, I can make things right with Erza by getting those two together' Natsu decided. During the mission with Mirajane he found out about what he did to Erza when he supposedly helped her, bending her to his will as the being gently put it and made the decision to make amends by pairing her to the person she likes before it happened even if he had to paint himself as the bad guy, he tried to be happy about it but he just can't knowing that Erza already occupied a place in his heart, but he was determined nonetheless.
"I didn't want you to see my face, but-" Mystogan's voice faded out when Laxus sends two bolts of lightning towards his and Erza's direction.
"Erza, stop daydreaming" Natsu exclaimed blocking the attack that was meant for Titania his forearms numb from the attack.
"I'm sorry, but I have to leave the rest of the fight to you" Mystogan apologized before fading into existence.
"Jellal!" Erza called out as she tried to reach out to him with Natsu blocking her path, a flash of hurt appeared on Natsu's face when he heard her call out to Mystogan.
"Erza, you should go out and find a way to take care of those Lacrima, I'll take care of Laxus" Natsu stated as he stood up to his full height, Erza for the first time found Natsu's presence imposing after realizing what she has done.
"I'm sorry Natsu" Erza apologized ashamed at her earlier outburst.
"You take me on? I barely even realized your here" Laxus taunted but fell on deaf ears with Erza the only one taking offense.
"Laxus!" Erza growled moving forward but Natsu stood in his way. "Natsu?"
"Erza please go, time is running out" Natsu asked again his voice blank without any emotion.
"I, I understand" Erza reluctantly agreed as she ran out until she was just a few feet away from the door. "Natsu"
"Yeah" Natsu looked at her direction and regretted calling him to see his blank expression.
"Please stay alive" Erza asked but her tone was pleading and she forced a smile when she saw him grin at her that didn't reach his eyes.
After Erza left Natsu relaxed and narrowed his eyes at Laxus who adopted a look between boredom and irritation as he stared down Natsu. Annoyed at having to fight someone in his opinion is under him when it comes to power and skill.
"So you want to fight me Natsu?" Laxus asked.
"To tell you the truth, I really didn't mind about your idea of finding who's the strongest mage of Fairy Tail is, but the moment you threaten the life of the girls and the people of Magnolia is where I draw the line" Natsu stated his fist ablaze sizing up his opponent.
"What are you going to do about it?" Laxus taunted.
"Beat you!" Natsu exclaimed as the two began their battle inside Kardia cathedral unable to notice an unknown observer watching from the shadows amused at the sudden turn of events.
"I'm sure Jellal would love to see this" Ultear muttered sitting atop one of the buildings around the cathedral, dispelling her observation Lacrima as it turned into dust.
AN: Well here's another chapter of my fic so what do you think? Reviews are appreciated.