Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.
WARNING: THERE WILL BE SPOILERS! Read at your own risk. There's still original stuff in here, but if you haven't gotten to this point in the anime/manga, then some things may be ruined for you. I advise catching up to the anime/manga if you haven't already (for more reasons than just reading my story)! Thank you and enjoy!
Fairy Tail—The Master and the Dragon
Chapter 95
Underneath the hovering headquarters of Zentopia, cowering in the shadow of the enormous Infinity Clock, sat a small town. Many of Zentopia's devout followers called the place home and had lived their lives peacefully and contently. But now, as chaos and panic filled the skies, the people became frightened for the first time. They had seen loved ones suddenly and inexplicably change with every loud chime of the Infinity Clock.
Fortunately, salvation had come for the innocent people. The Magic Council had sent soldiers who herded people high into the mountains and set up special runes for protection. The purple characters stretched twenty feet into the air, focused more on power and force than size, but the width was large enough to fit everyone comfortably. The small population sat, huddled and trembling, looking to the Magic Council for guidance since their Archbishop had seemingly turned his back on them.
Lahar stepped forward. "My name is Lahar, Captain of the Enforcement and Detention Corps of the Magic Council. Please stay inside of this barrier created by the Rune Knights. It will keep you safe from the magic coming from those large chains."
Lahar turned to face the entrance of the barrier. It served as a membrane, allowing the people of the town to pour inside to safety while keeping the magic at bay. He waved his hand. "Quickly now! Inside the barrier!"
Suddenly appearing within the barrier was Doranbolt. He had been using his magic to search for stragglers who had not made it to the barrier. Currently his hands were on the shoulders of a mother and her son as he brought them to safety. "Stay here."
"Thank you," the mother whispered.
"DIRECT LINE!" Doranbolt cried as he once again vanished. This time he appeared in front of a family resting in front of their broken home. A little girl was crying into her mother's chest while her father and elder brother looked at the ground sorrowfully. Once they had seen him appear beside them, they all turned in surprise.
"Stay calm!" Doranbolt assured them. "I'll be taking you inside of a protective barrier! Take hold of me and hold on tight!"
As Lahar and Doranbolt worked diligently to protect the people of this small town, the battle over the Infinity Clock was only just beginning.
Hughes swayed on her knees, sweat dripping from her body. Her body ached and her breaths were hot and heavy. She lifted her head with the little strength she had to look at the slumped form of Gatman the Cleaner. "You could hear it too, right? The telepathic communications?" she asked, her voice weak and raspy. "What will you do now?"
"Now?" Gatman repeated, his massive head hanging.
Hughes attempted to stand on her feet, but as soon as she tried putting weight on one leg, her body crumpled and she was back on the floor. "Lord Byro and even the Archbishop himself were nothing but tools. And that means you and I were, too."
"And that means it wasn't Zentopia's doctrine. I was just being used by the new Oración Séis…"
"Hey, I feel like a loser, too, ya know?"
"Gatman will…shut down now." Gatman's massive head whipped down, crashing into the stone walk. "Goodnight."
Hughes's eyelids began to droop. "What the hell is that about?" As her eyes began to close, she sent out a prayer. 'It's all up to you now, Coco. Good luck.'
"I'm curious. Why do you need me?" Lucy mused.
Midnight turned, Klodoa clutched in his hand. It was Klodoa who answered first, his tone implying amusement. "Are you not the holder of most of the 12 golden Gate Keys, one who can open gates to other worlds, and one who possesses a high level of magic power?"
Midnight added on. "This clock that was sealed away by Celestial Wizards can only by controlled by the magic of a Celestial Wizard."
"And you expect me to do that?" Lucy spat. "There's no way in hell!"
"Relax. You're only the sacrifice," Klodoa said calmly.
"The clock is in our possession. Through your magic, the Infinity Castle will be in tune with our goals and intentions," Midnight explained further.
"Infinity…Castle?" Lucy pondered. What was the Infinity Castle? Was that where she was now? She then shook her head. "Wait, I have to be sacrificed for this?!"
"With Real Nightmare, individual values are controlled," Imitatia said. "As a result, discord will disappear from this world entirely." She smiled sweetly. "I'm so proud of my Big Sister Lucy. You're going to give people true freedom."
"It's this way!" Nikolias shouted over his shoulder as he led the group of Fairy Tail members through the unfamiliar halls of the Cathedral. He was their only shot in navigating quickly and without getting lost. Currently he was locked on to Gildarts's scent. There was no hesitation in his steps as if he had run the route many times before.
"We've been running for a while, Niky. How much longer until we get there?" Gracie asked.
"The scent is really strong. He should be very nearby." Nikolias banked sharply down a hall bearing left. At the end they could see small flames dancing in an open chamber. "In there!"
The group dashed into the open chamber just in time to see Lapointe's body slam into the ground amidst a sea of candles. Gildarts was standing with his fist high in the air. Natsu, Laki, and Coco stood stunned behind him. Byro stood opposite them, his normal cold stare fixed on Gildarts.
Happy's face lit up the moment he saw Natsu. He flew right for him. "Natsu, you're okay!"
Natsu turned and blinked. "Happy? Hey!" He grinned at his small friend. "What, were you worried? Come on, of course I'd be just fine!"
Erza quickly surveyed the room. The moment she saw the Archbishop laying sprawled out on the floor, she was quick to relay the order. "Wendy, heal the Archbishop."
"Right!" Wendy said as she sprinted for the small man. Carla was right by her side.
Byro's glare slowly turned to the new group. "Unbelievable. You would even break into this holy sanctuary? I've never met such an insolent guild before."
Lapointe laughed, his voice echoing from the sea of candles. Broken candles were sprawled out all around him from his fall. "Try all you want, maggots. Struggle away until you're satisfied. But try as you might, you will never stop Real Nightmare. This world will end."
Gracie crossed her arms over her chest. "What are you blabbering about? Shouldn't you be unconscious? I could fix that for you."
Lapointe scowled at Gracie. "You have no idea what power you're up against."
"Duh, it's the Infinity Clock," Gracie said matter-of-factly.
"You know so little. The Infinity Clock has been Zentopia's source of power since long ago. Back then, it used to be called the Infinity Castle."
"Infinity Castle?" Gray repeated.
Lapointe continued, a wicked smirk appearing on his face. "During the upcoming anniversary event that's held once every 100 years, all of the magic that the Infinity Castle has accumulated will be released! There's no way to fight against that much magic!"
"Crazy bastard," Nikolias growled.
"But why do all of this?" Happy asked.
"It's all to return this world to chaos," Lapointe answered quickly. "There's no other reason. If I control Real Nightmare, I can return this pathetic world to the state of chaos it was in long ago, prior to Zentopia's founding! The time has come for people to release their malice and desires that they've kept sealed away deep inside!"
"That's what Neville feared would happen," Carla said. "That was his reason for creating that seal. He wanted it to last through the many ages that would follow."
Wendy helped the unconscious Archbishop into a sitting position. "What does any of this have to do with Lucy?"
Nikolias clenched his fists. "This is all way too messed up. I refuse to allow this world to be overrun with this chaos."
Lapointe laughed. "Is that so? Well if you wish to stop the Infinity Clock from releasing the magic stored within the Castle, there is but one way. You will have to end the girl's life!"
"You mean Lucy?" Erza asked.
"There's no other way. The end of the world starts here!" Lapointe laughed wildly.
Flames erupted around Natsu as he leapt for Lapointe. "That's bullshit! I will find a way to stop the Infinity Clock and save Lucy! You just watch me from your place in hell!"
However, before Natsu could even come close, Lapointe's body began to fade and waver as if he were being sucked away. "What's happening to me?" he gasped. "My body…my body is…!"
Natsu leapt back, wary. "What the hell?"
"I get it," Gildarts said calmly, looking over his shoulder at Lapointe. "You're one of the fakes. I guess you never realized that you were nothing more than a puppet created by Personification Magic."
Lapointe managed a smile. "You must be kidding. I'm the one who used that spell!"
"We've seen a lot of puppets on our way here," Laki added. "They had the exact same form as you. That's how we know for sure."
"You talk a lot about how you will control Real Nightmare, but the reality of it all is that you were just a tool. Nothing more," Gildarts said.
"You're wrong!" Lapointe roared as his body faded more and more. "I am a cardinal of Zentopia! I am…no…doll! I am…I am…!" And with that, he vanished. All that was left behind was a small bundle of white hair wrapped together.
Natsu sniffed the air as a familiar scent tickled his nose. His eyes widened. "That smell…I knew it! It is Master Zero! That's Master Zero's hair!"
"Pathetic creature," Erza said.
"It must have been created to think it was human," Gray said while shaking his head.
"To be a better smokescreen probably," Gracie huffed. "No one guessed he was working with the enemy."
"Lapointe wasn't the only one being used," Byro said, bowing his head. "My Legion was also nothing more than tools. But no longer." He lifted his head. "I see now what path I should take."
Nikolias narrowed his eyes. "What path would that be?"
"As soldiers of Zentopia, we should save the world," Byro explained.
"That's not a bad idea!" Gracie chirped.
"To stop the Infinity Clock, I will kill Lucy Heartfilia."
"You were so close," Gracie sighed. Her expression darkened. "Just try it."
Natsu burst forward like a raging rocket, veins in his head throbbing. He threw a fiery punch at Byro. "Over my dead body!"
Byro stopped the punch with his palm, using his abilities to dispel Natsu's magic. He used the same arm to easily upset Natsu's balance. As the fuming Dragon Slayer stumbled forward, he whipped his arm out and swatted him away like a gnat.
Natsu hit the ground hard, but quickly brushed it off as he stood up. "Bastard." His whole body was tense and trembling. Embers rose around him. The air was filled with an intense heat. "I'll kill you if you so much as breathe on Lucy!"
"Natsu, go and find Lucy," Gildarts said, stepping towards Byro. "I'll take care of things here. Besides, I have a score to settle with him."
Natsu gritted his teeth. His rage was filling his entire body. He wanted to crush Byro underneath his heel for threatening Lucy. However, he shook his head and stepped back. He knew that there was something far more important than fighting right now. "Right. I'm counting on you, Gildarts! Pay him back for me!"
Gildarts nodded, fixing his gaze on Byro.
Coco ran over to Natsu. "I can lead you into that thing…the Infinity Castle!"
Natsu's rage was quickly replaced by a large grin. "You're a lifesaver, Coco! Lead the way!"
"I'm afraid I can't let you pass."
The sudden new voice was followed by a crashing sound as a figure landed on the floor of the Archbishop's chamber. The figure straightened out to reveal a familiar furry face.
"Sammy!" Panther Lily cried.
Samuel, in his Edolas form, took a battle ready stance. "I shall carry out Lord Byro's will."
"What are you trying to do here, Sammy?" Panther Lily demanded.
"Please understand, brother. This was my decision to make. Already there's no time to lose!" He summoned his wings and leapt into the air.
"Wait, Sammy!" Panther Lily called out.
"I do feel bad, but I don't need calculations to understand this; when one life is in the balance when facing the end of the world, the answer is obvious." He turned sharply and flew off.
Gracie blinked as she watched the Exceed disappear through the chamber door. "Am I the only one confused as to why he bothered to show his face? He didn't try to stop us."
"Irrelevant," Nikolias said. "If he isn't going to stop and fight, then we have a clear path. We need to hurry and get to Lucy before that gray furball beats us to her."
Happy and Panther Lily summoned their wings. "We'll try to stall him!" Panther Lily said as the two took to the air after Samuel.
Byro held up his staff, the end glowing pink with his magic. "I won't let you interfere!"
Happy and Panther Lily's wings disappeared in a small puff of smoke. They fell to the ground and landed with a thud.
"I told you that I'm your opponent!" Gildarts roared, sending out a wave of Crash Magic towards Byro. It was easily dispersed, but it drew Byro's attention back to him.
Happy lifted his head. "Natsu, we can't fly with you. We'll stay here. Go save Lucy!"
Natsu pumped his fist. "Count on it, buddy. I'll bring Lucy home."
"Follow me!" Coco called out, taking off in the same direction that Samuel had gone. Natsu was close behind her.
Erza turned to face the group as she relayed orders. "Warren, stay here as well to act as a communication liaison. Gray, Gracie, Nikolias, Gajeel, and Elfman, you come with me."
The group silently nodded their understanding.
"I'll stay and try to heal the Archbishop," Wendy offered.
"Naturally I'll stay by her side," Carla said.
"I will as well," Laki added.
"Right. We're counting on you," Erza nodded. She and the group took off after Coco and Natsu.
"Halt!" Byro ordered. He took a step to try and follow, but Gildarts wasn't going to let him get in the way. He fired more Crash Magic that forced Byro to skid to a stop and focus his magic on neutralization. "Bastard."
"You don't listen too well. I'm your opponent," Gildarts growled.
"Why do you oppose me? Have you forgotten that I can neutralize all magic?" Byro asked.
"Oh, I haven't forgotten. And it may be true that someone like Nikolias would be a better match, but where would the challenge be?" Gildarts asked rhetorically with a smile. "If I can't use magic, then I'll just have to rely on my fists, right?"
Byro balanced on his toes and leaned forward, prepared to leap. "In a physical showdown, I will surely win. I practice swordplay and barehanded combat every day." In a flash, he pounced. He swung his staff down, but Gildarts nimbly dodged out of the way. The ground split open beneath the force of the staff head.
"You sure are big on logic, eh?"
Byro didn't reply as he followed up with another overhead swing from above. Gildarts, who had leapt near a wall, tried to leap away again, but the force of Byro's swing sent a shockwave that demolished the ground and the wall. The pressure kept Gildarts from easily moving any other direction but back, so he rode the debris through the new hole in the wall. He slid to a stop in the new room. His focus was still on Byro, but he knew that this room was empty of anything. There were no walls; only stone pillars holding up the roof. The intense winds blew through, whipping around his cape.
Byro landed across from Gildarts in this new room. "It would appear that I have you on defense."
Gildarts chuckled. "Is that so?"
Wendy, with the help of Warren and Laki, moved the still unconscious Archbishop to his bed. They put him under the covers before Wendy closed her eyes and began using her magic. Her hands emitted a soft pale blue light that illuminated the Archbishop. Happy, Carla, and Panther Lily stood atop the large bed, watching with anticipation.
Wendy's brow furrowed. "This is a tricky spell that he's been put under. It's clouded his mind, allowing him to be treated like a puppet."
"Do you think it could be the same spell that was cast on Cana when she made teams before?" Laki asked.
"Most likely, yes."
"What do you think, Wendy? Can you help him feel better?" Happy asked.
Wendy shook her head, but kept her focus on her magic. "My magic doesn't seem to be having any effect."
Laki put a hand to the Archbishop's forehead. "He's still running a very high fever."
"But why is that?" Panther Lily inquired.
Wendy opened her eyes. "Let me try something." She leaned forward, her magic still active, and placed a hand on the Archbishop's head as well. "I can detect traces of magic on his brain. He must have been under the spell for a long time for that to happen. It's like a disease."
"We have to remove it. Otherwise there's no chance for recovery," Carla said.
"What do we do?" Happy wailed.
Wendy took a deep breath. "If I can perform delicate healing magic upon him without damaging his brain, I may be able to remove the magical traces plaguing him."
"If the Archbishop comes to his senses, we may be able to learn something new about the Infinity Clock," Warren added.
"Can you use Heaven's Aura?" Carla asked.
Wendy shook her head again. "I haven't refined it enough. It would be too dangerous. Besides, I've only ever used it for physical injuries. I don't know if it can heal mental damage."
"Regardless, do your best, Wendy," Laki said encouragingly.
"Right. I will."
"This way! Hurry!" Coco called out as she led the Fairy Tail members following her through the outer streets of Zentopia's headquarters.
"How exactly are we supposed to get inside?" Gracie asked.
"I could always fly, you know," Nikolias said.
"And I already told you," Gracie sighed, "that flying up on a dragon is too conspicuous. Who knows what will happen to Lucy if they see us coming."
Nikolias huffed, but said nothing else. He knew Gracie was right. Speed meant nothing if it could possibly endanger Lucy.
"Don't worry," Coco said. "We can get in. I met a priest when I was in my prison cell. He told me all sorts of things about the Infinity Clock. According to him, there's an eye within a triangle located at the very center of the cathedral. It will take us into the Castle."
Natsu looked up at the Infinity Castle looming above their heads. His entire body heated up and his chest tightened. "Hang on, Lucy! We're coming!"
Klodoa hummed. "It would appear that Lapointe has been taken care of."
Midnight showed no disappointment. "It doesn't matter. He served his role. Even though he was a puppet created from my father's hair, he was just a disposable tool."
"How could you say that?!" Lucy spat. "Whether it was created from magic or not, a life is still a life!"
"You're incorrect, Big Sister Lucy," Imitatia said. "What matters is the heart. That thing that you're defending was lacking a heart. It's not worth your sympathies." Suddenly, Imitatia spun on her heels to face the entrance to the room they were in. "Something is coming."
Lucy felt her heart beat faster. "Natsu?"
"No. It is not him or anyone in Fairy Tail."
Lucy's heart immediately sank. "Then who?"
Through the opening flew Samuel. He glided towards them on his white wings. "I found you! My calculations were spot on as expected."
"Samuel?" Lucy said, confused.
Midnight said nothing. He simply smiled and walked off. "I leave this to you, Imitatia."
Imitatia stepped forward. She could sense Samuel's intent. "Big Sister Lucy is mine. I won't let anyone else have her!"
"Wait, isn't Samuel on your side?" Lucy asked.
"Perhaps once before, but things have changed. He's here to kill you, Big Sister."
"Kill me?" Lucy gasped.
Imitatia summoned her bladed, flower-shaped shield from her left hand. The blades hummed as they spun rapidly. She thrust the weapon out, holding on to the vine that was attached to the shield.
The speed of the attack caught Samuel off guard. He tried to maneuver out of the way, but Imitatia's control was impeccable. In an instant she changed the direction of her bladed shield to aim for Samuel's wings. The attack hit its mark and Samuel's wings vanished in a puff of smoke. Imitatia yanked on the vine to bring the bladed shield back around. It collided with Samuel's chest, slicing a gash in his fur. With a cry, Samuel plummeted down, crashing through the floor to a lower level of the Infinity Castle.
Imitatia stared at the hole where dust was billowing up. "It's ironic. We used Legion to capture Big Sister Lucy. Now they're the ones after your life while we protect her." She turned to look at Lucy. "I will protect you, Big Sister."
Lucy's lip trembled. "Michelle…"
The entire Cathedral shook mightily from the blows exchanged by Byro and Gildarts. Both were skilled in hand to hand combat and were able to strike, dodge, and counterstrike fluidly. However, they were almost too evenly matched; no one fighter could gain the upper hand. Gildarts was able to maintain his composure while his experienced eyes and mind searched for an opening patiently.
On the other hand, Byro was beginning to grow frustrated. He gripped his staff tightly. "Gildarts Clive!" He swung down, breaking the stone panels that made up the floor. Dust and dirt spread out in a cloud, but Byro knew he missed. "Why won't you fight me seriously?"
Gildarts looked quickly over his shoulder towards the hole in the wall. "I didn't want any of the young ones to see, especially Natsu." He looked back and smirked. He pointed mockingly at Byro. "If they saw me pulverize you, who knows what they'd think? Natsu would probably get jealous. You did threaten his girl, after all."
Byro raised his staff and scowled. "Surely you jest."
Gildarts rolled his neck. "That was a good warm up. I'm feelin' pretty loose."
Byro heard enough. With a roar he lunged forward, leading with his staff head.
Gildarts, still smiling, threw a straight right handed jab. His fist met with the staff directly and immediately shattered it. Byro was frozen in shock. In fact, he was so bewildered that Gildarts was able to land a free left handed hook that caught Byro in the jaw. He went flying into a stone pillar and slumped forward. Gildarts laughed like a joyful child. "This is actually pretty nice, pitting muscles against muscles every once and a while."
Byro clenched his jaw tightly. He leapt up like a feral animal, roaring with rage as he lunged at Gildarts. He swung his fist, landing a powerful blow to Gildarts's left cheek, but the Fairy Tail mage just shrugged it off.
"That can't be all you have. Come at me with more power!" Gildarts demanded.
Fury continued to build inside of Byro. He was being made a fool of and he wouldn't stand for it. With another angry shriek he swung his other fist to land an even stronger blow to the other side of Gildarts's face.
Gildarts smiled. "So you've reached your limit, huh?" Gildarts drew back his arm and fired a direct blow to Byro's stomach. Shockwaves created by the force of the hit erupted from Byro's back. Byro collapsed to his knees. His breathing was raspy and his eyes were wide. "I was expecting more."
'How? How is the gap between our individual strengths so wide?' Byro wondered. He had been training for so long and he had only the utmost confidence in his abilities. Yet facing Gildarts Clive, he may as well be a novice.
"You got beyond the frustration of being betrayed and you fought for what you believe in. Honestly, I can respect it," Gildarts said as he glared down at Byro. "But here's the thing; to our guild, there's nothing more important than the lives of our friends. Not even the fate of the world takes precedence."
Byro had nothing to say. He knew he was beat. He fell forward as the last of his strength left him.
Small grunts escaped Wendy's throat as she continued to pour her magic into the Archbishop. The rest of the Fairy Tail group watched in silence to help her focus. However, the longer she worked, the more worried they became. She was clearly beginning to tire.
Yet her efforts were clearly benefitting the Archbishop. Already his complexion was getting better.
Carla bit her bottom lip. 'Wendy, why must you push yourself like this? You've never had to continuously heal someone for this long before. I fear your body can't handle it.'
Wendy squeezed her eyes tighter. 'Focus…carefully…delicately…almost there.'
"That looks tough," Happy said softly.
Carla smacked his arm. "Quiet! She's focusing!" she hissed.
"Sorry," Happy whimpered while rubbing his arm.
Wendy lowered her arms, stopped her magic, and took a deep breath. She turned and smiled tiredly at her friends. "It's okay. I finished."
"That was quick," Warren commented.
"I'm impressed," Carla marveled. "When did you improve so much?"
"I've gained experience. Plus I have a great teacher," Wendy said with a big smile. "Anyway, I'm pleased to say that the magic attacking the Archbishop has been removed."
Laki put a hand to the Archbishop's head and beamed. "His fever has gone down! Incredible!"
Happy's eyes widened. "That's it!"
Everyone jumped at Happy's outburst. "What's wrong, Happy?" Panther Lily asked.
"Samuel is going to stop the Infinity Clock by killing Lucy, right?"
"Yes, and that's why everyone else is going to stop him," Carla said matter-of-factly. "We know this already. What's your point?"
Happy ignored Carla's comment and continued to grin from ear to ear. "There's another way to stop the Infinity Clock!"
Everyone gasped. "There is?"
"What is it?" Carla asked.
"All we have to do is defeat all of the members of the new Oración Séis!"
"What would that do?" Laki questioned as she attempted to follow Happy's reasoning.
Happy looked towards Wendy, Carla, and Panther Lily. "Do you remember when the Infinity Clock was reactivated? The new Oración Séis engraved their seals on it."
Carla put a paw to her chin. "Now that you mention it, I also recall 'Michelle' or whatever her name was engraving her seal on the clock piece she delivered to Lucy. At the time we had no idea what those golden-yellow runes meant, but I suppose that's the cause."
"I bet those seals are proof of ownership of the Infinity Clock," Happy continued. "So if we defeat all of the members, I think we could remove their right of ownership to the Infinity Clock!"
"And then maybe we could free Lucy!" Carla finished, seeing how Happy's idea could save Lucy.
Warren put a hand to his head. "I'll relay that message to Natsu and the others!"
"I'll head out to try and find Lucy!" Happy exclaimed.
"I'll go as well," Panther Lily said while crossing his small arms over his chest.
"I'll stay here with Wendy, Laki, and the Archbishop, so be careful," Carla said.
Warren activated his magic. "Natsu! Everyone! Can you hear me? Listen up, because we've got a plan for you for how to save Lucy!"
"Really? It's that simple? Hey, I was totally right!" Gracie exclaimed. She and the rest of the Fairy Tail group had just heard Warren's telepathic message on how to stop the Infinity Clock without having to sacrifice Lucy.
They had been running through the lower levels of the Infinity Castle. The wide tunnels were relatively straight and poorly lit. The dull tan stone walls disappeared into darkness a few yards away. Steel markings spiraled along the walls and every now and then red beams jutted out of the structure haphazardly.
"Beat all of the Oración Séis members to stop the clock and save Lucy," Natsu repeated with a wicked grin. "I like every bit of it!"
"It's a simple strategy, but it gets you excited!" Elfman cried.
Nikolias's head twitched slightly. He slid to a stop. "Good timing, too. We've got company. Look up!"
Everyone stopped and looked up. Standing on a high red beam was Cobra. He glared down at the Fairy Tail members. "I could hear it. You think you can defeat us, eh?" An evil smirk split his face. "Don't make me laugh! I can hear it! Your anxiety, your desperation, your despair, all of it!"
Natsu lit his hands on fire. "Bastard! I'll take you down fast so that Lucy can be saved!"
Cobra shook his head. "No you're the last one I will face. Before that, there is someone else who I want to finish off!" He lifted his hand and swung it forward. Arcing blasts of sound magic tore through the air and crashed into the place where Erza was standing. The Fairy Tail members were blown back and Erza disappeared in a cloud of dirt. "I told you we would settle this. Who knew the day would come so quickly?"
Erza leapt out of the cloud and landed unscathed on the ground. "You heard him, right? I'm his current target."
"Erza, let us fight, too!" Natsu barked.
Erza shook her head. "We have to beat all of them, not just Cobra. You all go find the others."
Gracie stepped forward. "I'll back Erza up. No worries!"
"Gracie, are you sure?" Nikolias asked.
Gracie winked at him. "You kidding? I'm itching for a fight, so sooner is better than later I guess."
Nikolias silently nodded his understanding.
Gray put a hand on Natsu's shoulder. "Come on, leave it to Erza and Gracie."
Natsu nodded and the group took off. "Alright. Don't lose guys!"
"This brings back memories of Tenrou, eh Erza?" Gracie asked while summoning her katanas.
"Yes. I look forward to fighting alongside you again in a similar fashion," Erza agreed with a smile.
Cobra huffed. "So I have to deal with two Titanias?"
"Hey, I refuse to let Erza have all of the fun, ya know?" Gracie chirped while waving her katana at him. "It's not fair that you favor her."
"Your voice is annoying," Cobra spat.
"Hey! How rude can one guy get?" Gracie shouted. "Alright, buddy, you asked for it! Let's take him down in record time, Erza!"
As the rest of the Fairy Tail members continued up a stone staircase and along the path, they came upon an open room filled with exotic plant life. The floor was straight and flat, but the sides of the path sunk in and rose at random. Temple-like buildings of various heights reached for the ceiling. On the opposite end of the path they traveled was a large window made of golden glass that shone like a topaz. Patterns were etched into it resembling rays of the sun.
"Is this place some kind of greenhouse?" Gray asked.
"Weird thing to be inside of a clock," Gajeel muttered.
"That's as far as you go, cretins!"
A soft voice echoed on the air. The group froze and looked up. Atop one of the tall, narrow temples nearest the golden window stood Angel. She smiled confidently down at the men and Coco that stood below her.
Nikolias couldn't hold back the growl that escaped his throat. "Angel."
Angel giggled. "I'm glad we could meet again, Nikolias."
Nikolias stepped forward. "She's mine." His voice was deep and intimidating. Coco, who was not used to hearing Nikolias's voice in such a state, shivered.
"Man, everyone needs to stop laying claim!" Natsu complained.
"Natsu, your priority is Lucy. Don't forget that," Nikolias said. He looked over his shoulder. "No one is more important than her. Let us take care of Oración Séis."
Natsu clenched his fists and nodded. "You're right. We'll keep going. Kick her ass!"
Nikolias nodded as the group continued on. He returned his glare to Angel.
Angel moaned and put a dainty finger to her lips. "So I get to fight you again. I can't wait! The only one who could ever challenge me."
Nikolias tightened his jaw and flexed his hands. Shadows swirled around his body. "Angel…prepare yourself," his shadows intensified, shaking the small room, "BECAUSE I WON'T HOLD BACK!"
"Wow. I can feel the tremors from here," Coco breathed as she led the group onward. The new room they found themselves in was filled with large, unmoving steel gears. Ivy and weeds wrapped around them, indicating just how long it had been since they had last been in motion.
However, as soon as they entered, a blast of magic struck right in front of them, halting their progress.
"Well well! Looks like we have intruders!"
Looking down at the Fairy Tail members was Midnight. Klodoa was clutched tightly in his hand. The skulled staff was chuckling.
"Midnight…or Brain II…oh whatever the hell your name is!" Natsu yelled.
Midnight looked down with a calm smile. "None of you will climb any higher than this."
Natsu clenched his fist. He wanted badly to be the one to fight Midnight. However, he remembered Nikolias's words. He knew he was right. His priority had to be Lucy. "Guys…"
"Yeah, we know," Gray said as he stepped forward.
"Let us take care of this one, Salamander," Gajeel chuckled as he, too, stepped forward. "Hey, make up man!" he called up to Midnight. "If you call yourself Brain II, you have to be the leader, right? That's perfect!"
Midnight's expression never changed. "A Fairy Tail underling holds not even a shred of hope."
Gajeel spat off to the side. "We'll just see about that. Go, Natsu! Get to Lucy!"
Natsu looked to Coco and Elfman. "Let's keep moving."
They nodded. "Right!"
As the trio continued onwards, Gray and Gajeel took battle ready stances. "Hope you're ready. We have to at least keep him busy," Gray said.
Gajeel snickered as he leapt up. "Screw that! We'll kick his ass! IRON DRAGON LANCE!" Gajeel's right arm turned to iron and as he thrust it forward it extended.
Midnight held up his hand. A thin magical barrier appeared and forcibly bent Gajeel's iron off to the left. The attack met nothing but metal. "I see. You're another Dragon Slayer."
Gajeel landed and withdrew his attack. "That Reflection crap is total bullshit," he spat.
Gray made his move. "Let's see him block all this! ICE MAKE LANCE!" Gray threw his hands out as dozens of ice spears shot towards Midnight in arcing patterns. However, Midnight's barrier made them all shoot off in different directions as if they had bounced off of rubber.
"Black Steel Gajeel and an Ice Make wizard," Klodoa pondered. "Not very smart, are you?"
Gajeel grit his teeth. "Shut up! IRON DRAGON LANCE: DEMON LOGS!" Once more Gajeel thrust out his arm. This time, however, a dull colored magic circle appeared. Green blasts of iron shot out like missiles, but once again, Midnight's barrier deflected them.
Gray tried to join in. "ICE MAKE CANNON!" From his ice he created a giant launcher. He fired a massive ball of ice right where Gajeel's attacks were landing. The attack collided with the barrier, but burst apart soon after. Midnight remained unharmed.
Gajeel bent down and gripped one of the gears with both hands. With a grunt he snapped off two separate pieces and shoved them in his mouth. "I get stronger after I eat some iron!" he shouted with his mouth full. He swallowed down the pieces and took a deep breath. "IRON DRAGON ROAR!" he bellowed. A tornado of iron bits tore through the air towards Midnight.
Midnight put his barrier up once again. The Roar collided and the force pushed Midnight back slightly. However, it held firm and Midnight was able to bend the twister upwards.
From Midnight's blind spot, Gray appeared. A massive hammer of ice was gripped in both of his hands as he brought it over his head. "Now try ICE MAKE HAMMER!"
Midnight didn't even move. With his power of reflection, he forced Gajeel's Roar to bend even further until it crashed into a surprised Gray. Gray lost his balance and fell hard on top of a gear. Midnight looked over his shoulder with an arrogant smirk. "You both are making me want to see your faces twisted in agony."
Suddenly, Midnight felt a hand on his shoulder. His head spun back around to see Gajeel holding on to him. Gajeel grinned. "Pretty sadistic of you. Well, doesn't matter to me if I am in pain. I ain't running away!" His other arm turned into a massive iron sword. He brought it high over his head. "IRON DRAGON SWORD!" he cried while swinging down with the blade. His attack slashed through Midnight's chest.
However, there was no spray of blood or cry of pain, like Gajeel thought there would be. Instead there was a puff of smoke and Midnight was gone. Gajeel stumbled forward slightly. "What the hell?"
"SPIRAL PAIN!"
Gajeel didn't have time to turn, but he knew that somehow Midnight had gotten behind him. The next thing he knew, blades of wind were cutting through his tough skin and lifting him high into the air.
"Gajeel!" Gray cried as he forced himself to his feet. His clothes and skin were torn from where Gajeel's redirected attack had struck him. Ignoring the pain as best he could, he took his Maker stance. "Hang on!"
Midnight smiled calmly. "I would have loved to fight with you longer, but there's no more time." With his other hand he stretched out his attack to sweep up Gray as well. Soon both Fairy Tail mages were floating high in the air, their bodies berated by Midnight's attack. Midnight then swung both arms across his body, increasing the magical hurricane's power. The winds pushed Gajeel and Gray through the outer most wall of the Infinity Castle.
Both of the Fairy Tail mages were free-falling, their cries echoing through the castle.
Midnight turned and began walking. "Now then, back to the matter at hand."
Gildarts walked forward towards the very edge of the windowless room. His battle with Byro complete, he was about to leave when he heard a strange noise over the wind. Curious as to what it could be, he moved towards it and looked up. He had to squint, but he could just make out two forms in the sky moving closer and closer to him. "The hell is that?"
The forms were getting closer and more defined. Soon, Gildarts was able to identify them.
It was Gajeel and Gray.
"Shit," he hissed. With his good arm he grabbed hold of one of the stone pillars. He held out his mechanical arm. "Gajeel! Gray! Grab on!"
Gajeel and Gray both heard Gildarts call out to them. They reached out towards his arm. Both of them were able to grab hold.
However, the force in which they were falling jerked Gildarts's body down forcibly. His grip held firm to the pillar, but by holding on so tightly, the stone pillar cracked and broke apart beneath his strong fingers.
All three were now falling towards the rocky mountains below.
The singular winding path running through the Infinity Castle led the remaining members into a narrow room. The patterned walls were plain and smooth. The floor below the raised path was green and grid-like with large green cubes sporadically placed throughout. Surges of electricity jumped about as if alive.
Panting heavily, Natsu ran with everything he had until he was passing Coco.
"Not so fast! Do you even know where you're going?" Coco asked upon seeing Natsu pull ahead of her, something that surprised her greatly. "I mean, we should be getting close to the hub that supplies the Infinity Castle with a flow of magic power, but still…"
"I can't smell her," Natsu breathed, his eyes wild with fear. "No matter how close we get, I can't smell her! Why the hell can't I smell Lucy?!"
"Calm down, Natsu!" Elfman cried as he took up the rear. "A real man has to stay calm!"
"To hell with calm!" Natsu shot back.
"Natsu, don't worry. I have faith that Lucy is still okay," Coco assured. "Maybe you can't smell her because she is somehow linked up to the Infinity Clock."
Natsu nodded. "Yeah, that makes sense. That think does have a weird scent to it that could be blocking her out…" He sniffed again, hoping that even a fragment of Lucy's scent would reach him. Instead, he picked up something familiar. "Wait…I smell Michelle!"
"If we follow that, maybe it will lead us to Lucy," Elfman offered.
That was all of the encouragement that Natsu needed. He kicked it into another gear, motoring down the path towards the location of Michelle's scent. The end of the path was illuminated brightly. His heart beat faster and faster as the doorway grew in size.
Soon, he was leaping through and into a new room. The rounded, curved stone walls made it feel like it was the inside of a bubble. The floor was flat, but suddenly dropped off to make space for an empty abyss. At the edge of the floor was a solitary stone staircase leading up to the Infinity Clock.
And inside of the Infinity Clock was Lucy.
Tightness gripped his chest. His eyes widened. "LUCY!"
Lucy's head twitched slightly. Her consciousness was starting to fade away, but she could hear it. She could hear his voice. "Na…tsu?"
"I'm here Lucy! Just hang on!" Natsu cried as he ran for the stairs.
Imitatia stood at the top of the stairs brandishing a long sword. The tip was shaped like an axe and jagged teeth lined one side. A rose sat on the blade near the golden and black hilt. She held the blade up threateningly. "Big Sister will never return to you. All Big Sister needs is me! I won't let anyone have her!"
Flames erupted around Natsu. His eyes glared at Imitatia maliciously. "Get out of my way, Michelle! I won't hesitate to hurt you if you keep me from Lucy!"
