Hello! How are you doing today? Told you guys, I'll be keeping up with my updates :) So, anyway, I really haven't got much to say at all. Happy EARLY Christmas! I'm hoping to get presents from all of you! ;) This chapter is very exciting, and since I hit the chapter 20 mark, things are picking up from here on out. Secrets and bad guys will be revealed. Now, on with the show!

Disclaimer I own nothing of Fairy Tail but Scarlet Destiny is all mine :)


Erza looked wearily at Zolo's silver-bladed sword. She dared not to charge forward for another attack against Zolo. She quickly took into account, how worried his teammates seemed to get as soon as he revealed his intention to draw his second sword.

She had no doubt in her mind that there was something more to this silver sword. Like, Zolo's other sword named 'Akki', Erza believed that this newly revealed 'Kazuki' has some sort of catch to it. Similar to how Zolo had told her that 'Akki' could cause much more damage than one would think, Erza was positive this other sword had to share some sort of similar attribute.

But, what was it? What could this silver-sword do? Erza knew it was dangerous to enter a battlefield without knowing anything that your opponent could do. She also knew she was running out of time. If she didn't figure out what to do, Zolo was going to fly towards her, both swords ready to slash. No, this could not happen. She needed to get this spar back in her favor.

Erza knew what she was going to do next was risky. She could get hurt, or worse, killed. It was a risk she was going to have to take. The only way she could be prepared to counter any of Zolo's attack with this new sword 'Kazuki' in the near future, was to first find out what it could do. Erza had to make herself the live bait and test out the sword now.

She knew she had to get him angry first. If so, then he might let out a mistake when using his sword so she could avoid any possible negative outcomes that may happen if he was to use 'Kazuki' again st her.

The plan formed, Erza began. First step: taunt.

"Heh, look at that pathetic sword. It's barely sharp. A very dull sword." Erza mocked.

She watched as Zolo's eyes turned to thunder. Taunt taken. In the back of her mind, Erza made a note that the small sentence seemed to effect Zolo more than she thought it would. He looked to be more furious than she expected him to be. How much did he care for the swords?

"You won't be able to say that once 'Kazuki' has his go at you." Zolo snarled back.

Second step: Ask a rude question only to be given a vague answer.

"So, this 'Kazuki', what can it do? I doubt it could even make a mark on me."

"'l'll show you, if you like." Zolo said anonymously as he pointed the tip of his sword directly at Erza, rearing to go.

Erza could feel accomplishment, a warm, gooey feeling run through her body. She easily hid her smirk and carried on. This was it.

Last Step: Final nail in the coffin and wait for him to attack.

"This whole fight has been a waste of my time. I know for a fact that you and your guild mates are weaklings, but this fight has given me proof."

Zolo was enraged. Erza stood ready, feet apart, her sword held up high to block up-coming attack. However, things changed. Zolo zoomed forwards, in a faster speed than he had before. All Erza could really see was a silver blur coming straight for her. A dreading feeling settled within her stomach as she watched the blur. Zolo had held back.

Erza knew for a fact she could not block the attack. Zolo would just break the sword she had in her grasp and the slash might still land her. With little choice left, she had to dodge the attack. Quickly, Erza preformed an acute black flip, managing to avoid the attack and put a great deal of distance between her and Zolo with one movement.

She could hear the air being cut in half, a quick and fatal swoosh sound. She just manage to catch the sight of Zolo's sword's slashing the ground where she once stood before finally stopping, most of the top of the sword buried deep in the ground. Erza 's eyes widened at the sight. The sword seemed to have cut through the solid ground like it was made out of butter.

"Shit, that was close! What the hell is with that sword?" Gajeel shouted out loud enough for everyone to hear.

Everyone was in clear shock to see Zolo's sword managed to slice through the ground. It was unbelievable. It must have taken a huge amount of strength to do.

"Impressive," Kuro mused , "Not everyone can avoid Zolo's attacks so easily. Especially, if he is using 'Kazuki' as the main sword for attack. She's good."

"That doesn't answer my question!" snapped Gajeel, narrowing his eyes crazily at Kuro, and his group that were still standing in the lake.

"'Kazuki' also has a mind of its own. But, unlike 'Akki', 'Kazuki' has the ability to slice through anything. No matter how tough the material is, Kazuki can cut through it. That's its main power. That's one of the reasons why it managed to cut through the ground so easily." Mia explained, her voice louder than usual so everyone can hear.

"Tch, I hate it when people spoil the fun and reveal the logic behind my attacks," Zolo growled lowly.

He slowly slid his sword off the ground, crumbing stone and grass dropped from his now free sword. Erza gritted her teeth as she watched the movement while also worrying about what her next action was. While, now she knew what that sword could do, she couldn't think of a way to counter attack it. Their was no way she could block an attack from that sword if it could cut through anything.

The only way to end this battle with her winning, was to hit Zolo in full force before he could use that sword on her again. Easier said than done. While, she could use 'Adamantine Armour', the armour which gave her absolute defense, to give her some upper hand, there was no point now. The armor was too bulky for her to move fast enough for attack. Speed was necessary for defeat.

Smirking, Erza raised her eyes, to meet the melted brown eyes of her opponent,

"That is a very valuable weapon to have. Although, there is a weakness. There is no use for you to have that sword if your opponent is too fast for you to directly hit."

Zolo raised an eyebrow, ready to question Erza on what she meant when suddenly she shouted,

'Flight Armour!'

Instantly, Erza's body was replaced by a revealing armor, its design much like resembling that of a cheetah including her having cheetah ears as well. In her hand was a slim sword. Zolo looked warily at her, noticing this armor had less protection. Meaning, that 'Akki' would do very well against it.

Not saying another word , Erza bolted forwards at an incredible speed, much faster than Zolo was with his attack. Zolo 's eyes widened in shock, and he barely managed to dodge the swift strike, Erza's sword was an inch away from cutting his stomach.

"Now...that is fast." Nyx commented in surprise.

Erza knew she couldn't give time for Zolo to recover from her sudden attack. She lunged forward, and delivered strike after strike against Zolo. Some of them Zolo did manage to counter, but the majority of Erza's attacks had to be dodged. In doing this quick rescission of strikes, Zolo was left with no time to use 'Kazuki' on her.

The assault only lasted for a few minutes before Erza abruptly stopped, a large span of land between her and Zolo. She was breathing heavily and there were multiple scratches all over her body. The wound on her shoulder from 'Akki' was stinging painfully and it was all she could concentrate on. She was worn out from her constant attacks against Zolo.

The Scarlet Destiny member wasn't fairing better. Zolo had more wounds over his body from Erza's rush of slashes, the main being one across his side when he had been a few seconds too late to move of the way. Like, Erza, he too was breathing heavily although a large grin was gracing his lips. It had been some time since he had been pushed to the limit.

"Enough!" Zolo shouted as he swung both 'Akki' and 'Kazuki' to face Erza, "it's my turn. Let's see how you do against both of my swords at once!"

Multiple things happened at that moment.

"Zolo! Don't!" or "Please stop before you kill her!" was heard being shouted by multiple members of Scarlet Destiny.

Natsu was ready to jump into Zolo's path and would have done exactly so if both Ren and Lucy weren't holding him back, each grabbing an arm of the enraged dragon slayer.

Veruna and Nyx both looked like they were going to jump into the fight at that exact moment to stop Zolo. They couldn't just let him disobey the direct order from Jared and get them all into trouble.

Zolo rushed to Erza and raised both his swords, high in the air. Erza felt her throat close up, ready to dodge, but the stinging wound on her collarbone was becoming unbearable. Her muscles seized up and she noticed Zolo had managed to increase his speed yet again. She was too exhausted to defend herself/block the attack.

She was directly inline to take the full force of his attack. He was inches away from her, 'Kazuki' started to rain down upon her.

"ZOLO!"

Everyone expected to hear the deafening slash of Zolo's sword cutting through skin, the splash of blood that would cover the bright, green grass. Although, none of this happened. At the last moment, before Zolo's sword could slash across its target, someone managed to come in between Zolo and Erza.

Jared.

'Akki' went straight through Jared body, slicing straight through Jared's shoulder and coming out at his side. At that moment, Jared's hand closed itself around the sharp blade and held it in place, a few inches away from his hip. Zolo managed to stop 'Kazuki' before it too slashed through Jared.

Erza was not behind Jared. Sarah had also managed to reach in time to grab Erza and drag her a few steps back so she was in no way able to get hit by the attack. She and Erza were now standing a few meters behind Zolo and Jared.

No one spoke. Dead silence was across the clearing. The sky darkened, the sun blocked by a grey cloud. Their was a furious expression across Jared's face. His teeth were gritted together tightly and his eyes narrowed dangerously on Zolo's surprised one.

"Jared..." Zolo whispered.

"Zolo..." Jared replied back through gritted teeth.

His grip on Zolo's sword tightened. No one moved. They just watched and waited . Lucy could literally feel Jared's blazing anger from where she stood. It was so overwhelming.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?!" Jared roared out loud, the anger all being unleash ed at once.

Some people took a cautious step back while others just flinched at the sound of Jared's voice. Lucy knew there was no way to stop Jared from feeling so angry. He had every right to be. She heard soft puffing sounds behind her and quickly took a glance behind to find Wendy and Kouta making their way to the scene with Carla flying above. Both little kids nearly crashed into each other with what they saw.

Zolo didn't reply. He couldn't. This just edged on Jared's anger.

"What on earth made you think it was alright to start a fight?! When I told you specifically not too!"

Sarah realized that Jared might not be handling this the best. He was way too angry. She knew why though, Zolo could have put a lot of people in Scarlet Destiny in jeopardy, but still, like Jared had always told her, he needed to reign in his anger.

"I did what I felt I needed to do. We needed to test Fairy Tail mages abilities." Zolo came up with the random excuse easily and most would have fallen for the lie, but not Jared. No, he was used to Zolo's lies.

"Great lie and all but I want the truth." Jared snarled back.

It was hard for him. Jared didn't like what Zolo had done. It was his responsibility as the Master of Scarlet Destiny to make sure no one got hurt in any way, and if someone on his own guild was threat for that happening...he needed to be put in place even if Jared felt sick doing it.

Zolo looked down at 'Akki' that was still gripped in Jared's hand. Drips of blood was spilling from his hand caused by Jared holding the sword so carelessly against his skin tightly. Zolo knew 'Akki' was probably digging painfully into Jared's skin but Jared was probably too angry to notice. He knew for a fact that most members in Scarlet Destiny had never seen Jared, the cool, collected guy, this angry before.

It wasn't like Zolo could tell Jared the truth about the spar. If he did, then...no he couldn't think about it. His magic protected him but if he was to tell god knows what would happen. So, he would still lie. In his style so Jared would never notice.

"I did it for fun."

Silence. Jared was now visibly shaking with anger.

"Do you have any idea the consequences we have to face if you did wound Erza badly?!" Jared yelled back.

Zolo just shrugged. A voice in his mind was telling him to act disinterested and vague.

"Zolo, listen! You can't do things like this anymore! You're in a guild! What action you takes affects the rest of us too!" Jared shouted out hopelessly.

"I wasn't going to hurt Erza. Or kill her."

"You had both of your swords drawn Zolo. That attack I stop had the intention of ending someone's life. You were going to try to kill her."

"Maybe I was. Maybe I wasn't. We will never know now." Zolo replied with a drawl.

Jared couldn't stand it any longer. The whole situation was driving him so angry, he could see white spots clouding his vision.

"You know what Zolo?! You haven't changed at all! You are still the same person you were before you entered Scarlet Destiny!"

Jared regretted the words as soon as it burst out of his mouth. He watched the reaction in shame. Zolo eyes widened at the words, and Jared could see the pain in that exact moment when Zolo had let his guard down. And, there was so much pain.

"Jared, you went too far." Sarah whispered behind him, one of the only few people to know that those words were knives to Zolo's heart.

Jared let go out 'Akki' and let out a tired sigh. He was wrong to say that. He let anger cloud him. Zolo wasn't that person anymore. He was far from being that killer he once was. Hell, Zolo had made leaps and bounds to stop being that monster. If Zolo was anything like he was in the past, he would be more anti-social as he was now.

"Zolo, I'm sorry. I should have never said-" the rest of Jared words were cut off.

"No, it's okay, Jared," Zolo started "Your right. I was acting exactly like the person I once was. The heartless person I was in my past. I am in the wrong here. I should have never started this spar."

Almost robotically, Zolo slid both his swords back in his sheaths before taking a step back. He broke eye contact with Jared and looked behind him at Erza, who was looking at him with both curiosity and confusion.

"I am sorry for causing you harm Titania. It is my fault for forcing you to agree to a spar. I hope in time you can forgive me." Zolo apologized.

Every single member in Scarlet Destiny were shocked to the core. Even Jared and Sarah seemed surprised. Never have they heard Zolo apologize to anyone before. It just never seemed in his vocabulary to do so. It made Jared feel even more sick in the stomach. Zolo just showed a clear example of how much he had progressed from his past self.

"Zolo...just go back to the guild home. I'll deal with you in a bit." Jared commanded softly.

Zolo didn't argue. He just nodded his head. Then with a swift turn around, he just walked stoically out of the area by Lucy and Ren's way. Both watched as Zolo walked past between them, head down. The only sound was the clangs of his swords banging on his leg and the stomp of his shoes.

Even after he turned the corner and left, people were still silent. Until, finally Jared spoke up,

"Listen Scarlet Destiny, Fairy Tail. The search for the dark guild ends now. We can start looking again tomorrow. I want Kouta and Wendy to come here and help heal Erza. The rest of Scarlet Destiny, go back to out guild home. Don't fight with me this time. Do as I say. I, Sarah, Kouta and Wendy will join you later. We will be discussing some hard things. As for Fairy Tail, you may do as you please. Go back to your own guild if you will..."

After a few moments did everyone take action. Kouta and Wendy went forwards to heal Erza who took into account the young boys healing power. Kouta took care of most of the healing of Erza while Wendy took care of Jared's bleeding hand.

Scarlet Destiny members were first to leave as a group together. Fairy Tail members lingered behind watching the healing process and waiting for Erza. Although, there was one thing going through each of their minds.

How did Zolo's sword slash right through Jared's body and yet he is standing like it never even happened?


The place where the sun never shine, where night haunts the days, and where evil will always reside.

He was bent over on the floor, on one leg and one of his arms across his other leg which was up. His breathing was steady unlike the person next to him that was nearly hyperventilating.

"Control your breathing in front of the Lord!" He hissed out loud not daring to look up.

"It's okay. Let the slave be. A reaction like that is to happen when in my presence." The Lord laughed out loud, sounding sickly sweet.

"Th-" the rest of the slave sentence was cut off,

"Do not talk to the Lord unless he speaks directly to you!" He shouted out.

"Y-Yes M-Master."

The person next to him was his new slave. His last slave died a terrible fate by the Lord. But, it was his own fault for looking at the Lord. No one looked at the Lord. His new slave was just as every bit stupid as the last, yet he was much more competent and his magic was unique. A great asset as his slave he would be.

"How is the plan coming along?" Lord questioned.

"Exactly as we have planned my Lord. The Magic Council has taken the bait rather quickly. They have sent the two guilds we have purposely not attacked to seek us out. Of course, no knowledge of us have been found yet. Except for the little girl we let see us purposefully so she could speak of our guild mark. Neither guild knows anything about us."

"You have done very well."

"I am glad I have pleased you, my Lord. It was rather easy to do. People are easy to interpret. The Magic Council have followed our breadcrumbs without any knowledge of them causing their own demise."

"I praise your intelligence. Now, we must move swiftly on to the next phase. Tell me, Slave, have the preparations been set?"

"Yeah, it has. Both, Fairy Tail and Scarlet Destiny will not see what's coming at all!" laughed the Slave.

He suddenly felt an immense feeling to snap his own Slave for talking so arrogantly. Especially in front of the Lord. But, he could not afford anymore casualties.

"Excellent. It is now time to reveal ourselves. We will take the fight to the guilds. People will fear our guild name 'Lacus Animarum' when the time should come. Do well, Slave. I do not tolerate mistakes. Bring Fairy Tail and Scarlet Destiny here, in our hands, at our mercy."

"Yes!" He shouted out bowing his head lower in respect.

Silence.

"Now, then, I will take my leave. The next meeting will be held shortly after Slave has made his move." Lord spoke.

He heard the sound of footsteps and knew that the Lord was leaving his throne. He waiting. Dared not to look up. In respect, he stayed the bow position even after the footsteps were just a mere whisper to him.

"Can we look up not Master?" Slave asked cautiously.

"BE SILENT SLAVE OR I WILL RIP OUT YOUR TONGUE MYSELF!" He roared out loud not liking being disturbed in his thoughts.

"Damn, isn't this like the 80th threat to you this week, Slave? And, its only been two days...You really don't get the clue do you?" whistled a new, deep voice.

Both He and the Slave looked up at the sound to a figure standing before them. It was a male. He was wearing black trousers with an equally plain black top, full sleeves. His facial features was hidden, a white masked with two straight red lines on each cheek, and red lines to outline the holes for his eyes and mouth. His hair was a blackish/purplish color all spiking up in different directions. A silver bracelet was seen on his wrist, glittering in the moonlight that was shining in the room from the glass rooftop.

"Red," growled 'He' "What are you doing here?"

Despite the unnatural killing intent being sent his way, the man with the mask, address as Red just laughed.

"Got bored. Didn't feel like patrolling with the she-devil...ugh, she can get annoying when you get her angry. Don't worry I didn't see our precious Lord. I came in after he left."

Silence.

"Red, you cannot just do as you wish! Their rules set in this place and you know it. While, you are incredibly strong, I am stronger. I will not hesitate to torture you just as I have many times before."

Silence. Red dared not to speak.

"Please, Master, forgive my brother. He did not mean to speak out of turn." called out a new voice.

All three of them turned upwards to the sound to see a man standing on the balcony that was outlining the second floor of the hall. The man jumped of the balcony and landed on his feet gracefully like a cat. The man-made his way over to the three. He was taller than all of them and dress exactly like Red. He too wore a mask but instead of red outlining the mask it was a dark blue instead. His hair too was a blackish/purplish color but it was cut shorter than his brother, Red.

"Blue!" shouted out the Slave "I haven't seen you in a while. Whatcha been up too~?"

"Please, Slave do not speak! Your insolence and stupidity is a headache to all!" 'He' shouted out.

Blue didn't react at all to the Slave words. Instead he looked to his brother, and gave him a somewhat disapproving look under his mask.

"You should not have left her alone at all, brother,"

"It wasn't my fault! She can be such a handful at times so I just sneaked away."

"While, I must admit, that the girl may not be the best of company, she is one of our most useful resources. And, you should not speak so ill of her, brother. You know she can hear you when she pleases and easily attack you now. And, no one will be able to save you."

"Puh, like to see her try." Red grumbled back.

"Enough of this!" 'He' shouted "This is outrages! Why are you out of your post, Blue? You should be looking after our prisoner!"

Blue turned his face towards the Master. There was a moment of silence.

"Our prisoner wishes to speak to you. I have come here to tell you of the such. What you will decide, I must know."

He sighed loudly. Things were nearing to the plan being fully active and he did not need to concern himself in trivial matters. Yet, it must be sorted out.

"Fine. I have decided that I will go to see the prisoner. Blue, you go with my Slave and double-check to make sure all is set-"

Before, He could even finish the sentence, Slave suddenly yelled out,

"Yay, Blue! We get to work together! Come on, let's go! Its gonna be so much fun~!"

Slave grabbed Blue arm suddenly and yanked him forwards in a run towards the door and out to the beyond. A few moments later, their was a loud smash, and a pain scream.

"Don't touch me." was heard floating into the room.

He sighed even more loudly at his Slave stupid antics. Red looked at the door, seemingly amused.

"That obsession your Slave has on my brother is very creepy. But, because it annoys the hell out of my brother, I love it." Red announced with a laugh.

"It is a nuisance. As for you, Red, I want you to go back to your post."

"Aw, come on! I don't want to go back to her. She is annoying! It feels like I'm in hell when I'm with her!"

Suddenly, an arrow came out of nowhere, flying over Red's hair by a mere inch above. The arrow struck the wall loudly embedding itself on it.

"It seems that she has heard you just as Blue has warned you about." he spoke stoically.

"Yeah...I'm gonna run now." Red said.

Suddenly, he bolted off, right past the He, who looked extremely annoyed and angry. Things were taken more seriously when the Lord was present. No one dared to mess around within the view of the Lord.

"Run all you like! I will get you with my arrow. Right across that damn mask of yours!" a floating, female voice spoke out of nowhere.

There was no answer, and if there was, he did not here it. Instead, he turned around and too walked out of the hall. It was time to pay a small visit to their prisoner.


Dungeons

He stared on at the person behind the bars. The person was on the floor, curled up in a defensive ball, dressed only in rags. He coughed loudly, to make his presence known. The person on the floor, a male, jumped up and turned around to 'He'. The prisoner was an old man, wrinkles set deep into his skin.

"You..." the old man hissed out lowly.

"Yes, it is I. You have called for me." He replied back.

"I have had enough of this! You can't just keep me inside a cell! People know me. They will come looking for me!" the old man screeched.

"Ah, yes, you have a family now. A wife. A son. A daughter. Tell me, old man, do you care about them? He asked innocently.

The old man did not reply.

"Well, I presume you care about them. So, since you do, I suggest you do as you are told and rot in this cell. No one will come for you." He replied back calmly.

This only enraged the old man further.

"Why are you doing this man!? You let me go only to take me back! Why?" the old man cried out.

"There is no need for you to know." he replied as he spun around to walk away.

"No!" the old man yelled as he zoomed forward, wrapping two meaty hands around the prison bars "There's more to you capturing me again. Your planning something so big. I just know it, man. Let me go! Let me go!"

"Shut up!" he started as he looked back at his prisoner, eyes ablaze "If you think we will just let you go must mean you are brain damage. Just live the rest of your life here."

There was only silence. This time he turned around, determined to leave this pitiful creƤture. Except,

"Why them? Why target Fairy Tail, man?! Why Scarlet Destiny? Why target them? Why try to destroy them?"

Silence.

He turned around slowly and surly a grin appeared on his face.

"Our real target is to be opened. That is our grand prize. As for targeting, well, let's just say the destruction of Fairy Tail will be a bonus."

"...And, the other guild!? Scarlet Destiny?! What about them!?"

"Ah, as for Scarlet Destiny," Pause "Scarlet Destiny are just the icing on the cake."


And, Done! Yay! We got another scene from the bad guys! So, on an honest note, what do you think of them so far? Please read and review and tell me what you think. I really wanna know. To be honest, the only person that knows the true identity of both 'Red' and 'Blue' is...someone...Not telling who ;) I don't want to give any spoilers away but she knows exactly who they are and I hope she messages me, screaming about them...Hahaha.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING...PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING...PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING!

1) Okay, so...no cover at all...Oh well, I guess if anyone ever wants to send me a cover for this fan fiction they can do so when they want. Its open from now till...I get a cover...if I do.

2) THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! SO READ THIS! Basically, a lovely fan fiction follower 'YKinoshita' has proposed to me an idea. This is where she wants to write an 'OVA' of this story but set in a high school AU. I think it sounds brilliant idea! Where, Lucy ends up going to an international high school kind of thing after getting kicked out of her previous high school and stuff like that happens. So, I want to know your opinions on it. Would you read it? It would be posted on my web page but 'YKinoshita' would be writing it. TELL, ME WHAT YOU THINK?

Review...pretty please with a cherry on top!

Till next time...see yh!