Chapter 18

'Thinking' – thoughts

"Speaking" – speech

'Thinking' – Dragon/God/Beast thinking

"Speaking" - Dragon/God/Beast speaking

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or any of its characters they are property of Hiro Masima.

demigodninja21: Yeah, I thought that it would be appropriate that those two would but heads, considering that Bickslow's 'babies' are souls possession object, and with Natsu being quite powerful in this fic the fear factor there can be fun to explore.

USSRParrot: Glad you found that funny and I had a chuckle while reading your comment as well. :)

GreekfanFT: After reading your comment I have to agree with your that the interaction that I wrote between Ur and Ultear was lacking, I hope that in this chapter I rectified it at least a bit and look forward to reading your opinion. Feel free to let me know if there is anything else, that is the best way for me to improve, helpful and constructive criticism.

Amanny: I agree with you on the Thunder Legion, now the only one that still has to feel the power of death is Laxus, but there are still a few things that has o happen before that confrontation occurs.

-With Natsu and Ultear-

Natsu and Ultear were enjoying the night sky under a tree. It has been a couple of days since Ur woke up and she was currently busy with Mike to get used to walking on her prosthetic. The prosthetic was expertly made, and the only way one would be able to tell it wasn't her real leg was if you inspected it closely or if Ur wasn't wearing shoes.

"Have you told her about Grimoire Heart yet?" Natsu asked as he looked down at Ultear who had her head resting on his chest.

"No, I want to tell her but I can't seem to find the right time," Ultear said with a sigh and sadness in her voice.

"It would be better to tell her sooner rather than later. I can't speak for her but I think she will understand once you explain everything," Natsu said in a comforting tone while running his fingers through her hair.

"I know it's just…" Ultear trailed away as she couldn't find the words to describe what she was feeling and looking up a Natsu's face for some form of comfort.

"If I may take a guess, you are happy with how your life is right now, having your mother back and seeing a way out of the dark guild. The problem is that you are afraid to reveal the truth about that because you are afraid of what she might think about you," Natsu said as he locked eyes with Ultear.

"I guess you're right," Ultear said with a disheartened tone as she lowered her eyes again.

"I can't speak about a mother's love from personal experiences, since I never knew my parents, only the one who raised me, but from what I saw when I looked at your life source I know your mother truly cares for you. The first time I met you I mentioned that there was a 'warm protective ice' I sensed inside of you, not physically but magically. Now that I know your mother is an Ice-Make mage I understand what that was. It was her magic combined with her love for you that protected you in ways this world can never truly understand," Natsu said as he pulled Ultear into a comforting embrace.

"Wait you never knew your parents?" Ultear asked, shocked about this bit of new information.

"Yes, but for now that isn't important, right now you have to tell your mother about Grimoire Heart, and I will stand by your side throughout it all," Natsu said as he squeezed her tight in his cool embrace that Ultear found so comforting.

"How can I ever thank you enough for doing all off this for me?" Ultear asked as a beautiful smile formed on her lips.

"I told you that you were my mate and that there was nothing I wouldn't do for you Ultear," Natsu said as he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"I'll tell her tomorrow while we are on our way to Magnolia for the festival, I think for tonight we should just board the overnight train," Ultear decided after a moment of comfortable silence. 'I don't deserve someone like Natsu by my side, but I am so happy that I gained this one blessing. Even though my life is filled with crimes and atrocities one blessing is already too much, and now I have two,' Ultear though with a beautiful smile and happy tears forming in her eyes as she thought about the two pink-haired people who meant so much to her.

-With Laxus-

Laxus was sitting on a ridge overlooking Magnolia as stars filled the night sky. He had a troubled look on his face and was deep in thought when the bushes behind him rustled before revealing the Thunder Legion.

"What took you so long, that job was easy. You should have been back by midday," Laxus said with a scowl. As he turned to meet them face to face a look of confusion spread over his face.

"What happened that could have given you those looks?" Laxus asked. Freed had a haunted expression, Bickslow had a frightened expression and Evergreen had one filled with concern for her fellow team members.

"Uhm, there was a complication during the job," Evergreen ventured, careful not to say anything that might upset Laxus.

"A complication you say? Don't tell me there was someone there who gave you trouble. That was a pathetically weak dark guild that anyone could have dealt with," Laxus scoffed with anger beginning to flare in his eyes. He didn't have time for weaklings, and soon he will make sure Fairy Tail is a guild to be feared.

"N-No nothing like that," Evergreen stammered, afraid of an outburst from the powerful mage in front of her.

"We never even had a chance to deal with the dark guild, someone else beat us to it," Freed said as he finally found his voice. Evergreen let out a sigh of relief. Luckily one of her teammates started talking again after what happened at Shirotsume Town.

"And what do you mean by that, there was no one else who took that job, so please inform me how someone else beat you to the punch?" Laxus asked with anger in his voice. He will not tolerate people making excuses for their failures.

"He wasn't someone who would take a request, I don't know why he was there but when we arrived he was just looking for the guild master, having already dealt with the rest of the guild," Freed said with the haunted look still plastered to his face.

"And who is this mystery person, and why the hell do you all look like you went through the greatest trauma in your lives?" Laxus asked, trying to get his anger under control. This wasn't the time to argue between themselves, not if he wanted his plan to work

"'Death Walker'," Bickslow said with a shaky voice.

"Wasn't that the guy who dealt the final blow to Jose?" Laxus asked, slightly surprised that the mysterious wandering mage made another appearance with something related to Fairy Tail.

"Yes, and recent rumours say he was somehow involved with the Council firing the Etherion Cannon," Freed confirmed having regained his voice but still working to get his calm and collected facial expression back.

"And what was it that this guy did that reduces you lot to this pathetic whimpering pile of weaklings?" Laxus asked with a bit of mockery in his tone.

"That guy isn't right in the head, he had already taken out the guild members before we arrived and he was tormenting another to find out where the guild master was, but that wasn't so bad, the part that makes me say he is crazy was when he saw Bickslow's dolls he went on a rant about crimes worse than death while practically choking Bickslow to death," Evergreen said.

"He sent me through a wall and if my babies didn't stop him I don't know how far that maniac was going to go," Bickslow said with the residual fear still heard in his voice.

"Are you saying that you were too weak to fight him?" Laxus asked with a dangerous aura forming around him.

"No, not at all we were just caught off guard because he was calm one second and completely mental the next,' Freed quickly defended their momentary defeat, with Laxus' only reply being a huff. Luckily for the Thunder Legion, the dangerous aura disappeared.

"That explains Bickslow but what about you Freed, don't tell me after he surprised you he managed to deck you so hard that you are having nightmares about it?" Laxus asked. He chose to forgive Bickslow's defeat for now since he was caught off guard by a mad man with mood swings. But if the same held true for Freed then he would consider their excuse of being caught off guard as a complete lie and he would have to deal with them, just to show them who the boss is.

"After he punched Bickslow and his dolls managed to somehow persuade him to stop his advance he went to where the master was hiding out. We heard two screams before complete silence and he left. I went to look at what happened," Freed stopped explaining as an involuntary shiver ran down his spine just from recounting what he felt and saw.

"Any day now," Laxus said in an impatient tone, throwing his arms wide to emphasise his impatience.

"First was the heavy feeling of death that came from the room, it was like a thousand people died in that one spot at the same time, the aura of death was so thick you could taste it," Freed began with a disgusted look on his face as he remembered the overpowering feeling of death coming from that room.

Laxus, Evergreen and Bickslow had shocked looks on their faces. If he felt that much death then what could possibly have been in that room. Evergreen now understand why he had such a look of horror the entire way back. And this was only the before he entered the room.

"The reports said that the guild master was a formidable wizard, and an average mage wouldn't be able to win him, but when I entered the room all that I saw was the withered remain of an old man. He looked like a sickly old man that was on death's bed for the last year, not the ruthless mage that slaughtered the villagers with a gleeful smile. His skin was yellow, he had no muscles. Basically, he was a skeleton with bones. But the worst thing was when I came near him," Freed said, but his voice caught in his throat.

What horrible thing did he experience when he came close to that man… corpse would be a better description, to be honest. They gave Freed enough time to compose himself since even Laxus had to agree, this situation wasn't something just anyone would be able to deal with. The Thunder Legion certainly weren't cowards.

"There was nothing left in this man, no life, no magic, not even anything that could resemble a soul, only this cold void, I could actually see some of the wood of the floor deteriorating at an alarming rate," Freed said his eyes once again filled with the same amount of horror they had ever since he left that room, the only thing now was that the other three people around him shared those horror-filled eyes.

"Bickslow, is that possible, to remove someone's soul along with everything else and reduce them to such a state?" Laxus asked the possession mage.

"No, that shouldn't be possible. Sure I can transfer the souls I possess into bodies, but that's it, I can't remove them, from a living being, my babies are lost souls I found, it should be impossible to strip someone of their soul," Bickslow replied.

"And you are a hundred per cent sure this wasn't some kind of an illusion?" Laxus asked. He had his doubts about that though, for someone to come up with such a sick illusion was unimaginable.

"If only it was Laxus," Freed replied while shaking his head to rid himself of the images he saw. The tone he used said it all, it was as real as any of them.

"We can come back to that later, for now, we have to get our heads right, tomorrow the festivities begin," Laxus said, getting a wicked grin at the end.

"Fairy Tail will rise once again," Freed agreed as he threw a glance over the city.

'Your little Fairies are going to eat each other alive, old man. Your era is about to come to an end. Time to step down and let someone who is better suited for the job take over. No one will ever mock Fairy Tail again,' Laxus thought his glee turning to anger and rage before his thought was over.

-Early morning on the train to Magnolia-

Ultear sat next to Natsu on one of the benches in their booth while Ur occupied the opposite bench. They had a pleasant sleep, well Natsu was able to manage it. Ultear had woke her mother up early and told her there was something important she wanted to tell her. Now Ur was sitting with a curious gaze, Ultear had a nervous expression and Natsu wore his regular calm expression so few people knew about since he usually had a hood covering his face.

"So what is this you wanted to tell me?" Ur asked in honest curiosity. Ultear shot Natsu a quick glance, hoping for encouragement. Natsu offered her a gentle smile and squeezed her hand. Ultear took a deep breath.

"There are three dark guilds that hold the title of leaders of the dark guilds. They control their underling guilds, sending them to do their dirty work when they don't want to do it themselves. These guilds form the Balam Alliance. Arguably the strongest of these three guilds is Grimoire Heart," Ultear started, Natsu could hear the knot in her throat and gave her hand another squeeze.

Ur was confused as to why her learning about the top brass of the dark guilds was so important for Ultear to wake her up this early, especially when they are only going to a festival. But she decided not to interrupt and rather to listen to her daughter. Hoping to find some clarity as the talk evolved.

"Grimoire Heart has a team of elite mages known as the Seven Kin of Purgatory, this group of people have committed many atrocities over the years," Ultear's voice started to waiver at this point. Ur's concern for her daughter grew, whatever this was, it was difficult for Ultear to say. Natsu pulled Ultear into a gentle embrace that made Ur's heart warm up. 'She found someone that truly cares for her,' Ur though with a quick smile that vanished as quickly as it came when her eyes rested on Ultear once again. The silence that filled the room was only broken by the occasional intake of breath ass Ultear tried to recompose herself.

Ur wanted to get up and console her daughter but the look in Natsu's eyes told her that this was something Ultear had to get through on her own. Ur could see the hurt in Natsu's eyes as he glanced at Ultear. He wanted to help her as much as Ur wanted to but since he knew what was about to happen He knew that the best help he could provide is just to be there for her until it was said and then to be more vocally supportive. For now, he was her rock, her anchor.

"I am the leader of the Seven Kin," Ultear revealed after a deep breath. She shut her eyes as she said it and flinched when she heard Ur getting up. 'Why did I do this, why did I mess everything up. We were happy but now, how will she ever be able to look at me again,' Ultear thought as tears formed in her shut eyes.

Her eyes snapped open as she felt two slender arms snaking around her shoulders. She opened her teary eyes only to see Ur pulling her into a hug with tears in her eyes as well.

"My baby, my daughter, I'm so sorry," Ur said in a distraught voice. It was a voice filled with disappointment, but to Ultear's, horror and shock it wasn't directed at her. Ur was disappointed in herself.

"What are you sorry for, I'm the one that committed so many evil deeds, I should be apologising for being such a disgrace of a daughter to someone as pure as you Mom," Ultear replied with her tears flowing freely.

"It is the duty of the parent to raise their child. I failed you as a mother and that is what drove you down the wrong path, you never knew what was right because I never told you. You were just a child and I was a failure of a mother," Ur said, her voice shaking and her tears flowing.

"No, Mom, that wasn't your fault, you never abandoned me, they lied to you and I was the one that was driven by revenge and a delusional dream, that is why I committed those horrid deeds," Ultear argued. Her mother never hated her, Natsu told her that she loved her, and when she and Ur had their conversation once Ur woke up she explained how she mourned for her lost daughter each and every day.

Ur had almost laughed when Ultear said she thought she replaced her with Lyon and Gray. There was no replacing a lost daughter, only some way to ease the pain. Ur said the reason she took on her students was to help her get out of the rut she was in when she thought she lost her precious daughter.

"My sweet girl, there is nothing that you can say that will make me stop loving you. The wrong choices you made is just as much my fault as it is yours, if not more," Ur said after a moment of a teary embrace between mother and daughter.

"The thing about the world is that there is no wrong or right answer, only answers with less severe consequences. The concept of the world being black and white is delusional, it's all different shades of grey. It's nearly impossible to truly see what consequences a decision will hold, because of the multitude of other decisions that will influence it. To make a mistake is normal, all that we have to do is be prepared to deal with the consequences of our actions," Natsu said, seeing that this was the best time for him to speak.

Ur and Ultear looked up at the man, they saw the turmoil in his eyes ass one thought went through both their minds. 'What horrors did he see and how did he obtain such knowledge at such a young age?'

"Ultear, I love you with all my heart, you are my daughter. The mistakes you made that put you on this path is all due to my mistakes. We can sit here and argue about who has more blame but that won't get us anywhere. What I'm trying to say is let's forget about the mistakes, and let's face the future together. I will not lose you a second time," Ur said with a bright smile on her face and eyes filled with so much love only a mother can show.

"I would like that Mom," Ur replied with the same bright smile. The two purple-haired women hugged each other once again and Ur cast her eyes at Natsu over Ultear's shoulder. She mouthed a silent 'Thank you' to which Natsu replied with a soft smile.

When the mother-daughter duo released one another from their embrace they returned to their respective seats.

"So do you two know what will happen during this Fantasia Festival?" Ur asked.

"I'm not entirely sure what all the events are but the two most popular are the 'Miss Fairy Tail Contest' and the parade at the end of the day," Ultear said after raising her finger to her chin.

"Well if those are the most popular we should see it, what do you think Natsu?" Ur asked, wanting to know how this man's mind works. The men she knew would jump at the opportunity to see beautiful women in a contest like this.

"As long as I can stay under the radar I have no complaints, so I guess being at the most popular events might work well," Natsu replied in a neutral voice. Ur had a small smile on her face but Ultear could see the disappointment in her eyes. Her mother had the same devious streak as her, and Natsu's dismissive answer prevented the short-haired woman from having a bit of fun at the pinkette's expense.

Ultear let out a giggle and only shook her head dismissively when Natsu cast her a questioning glance. Their destination was fast approaching and Ur was in deep conversation with Ultear, discussing what they thought they would see at the festival and what they would like to do.

With their train ride over, the three festival-goers made their way through the crowded streets of Magnolia. Ultear was wearing a light purple tank top that left her stomach exposed, tight-fitting jeans and a grey jacket, Ur wore the same outfit except that the top was light green and the jacket was light brown, while Natsu was wearing his usual black clothes but instead of his hood he had a dark grey hat on and a pair of sunglasses. Ultear insisted that the hood would make him stand out and found this little alternative to keep his face as hidden as possible without drawing attention to them.

Much to Ultear's annoyance only a minute after they got off of the train and started to venture through the streets she saw a group of Fairy Tail mages they had a few encounters with already. Ultear knew they would have to talk to them at some point but for now, she just wanted to spend time with her mother and Natsu. Thinking quickly before the other two saw the group she pulled Ur's hand and led her mother to a stall that sold sun hats. Ur didn't suspect a thing but Natsu knew why Ultear suddenly changed direction.

Natsu had an amused smile on his face as he watched Ultear leading Ur to the hat stall and them buying themselves large hats to wear. Ultear hoped that with the hats they would be less likely to be recognised while they were far away from the fairies and having them look nice and block out the sun was an added bonus. Natsu's smile grew a little when he saw the happy looks on the two's faces.

The trio made their way from stall to stall, enjoying some wonderful food and just generally enjoying their time before the 'Miss Fairy Tail contest. As the sun reached its peak it was time for the trio to go to where the contest was held, the Fairy Tail guild hall.

As the guildhall came into view Natsu suddenly stopped, catching Ultear and Ur's attention.

"Everything all right?" Ultear asked as she saw a frown forming on Natsu's forehead.

"Just something unexpected, Nothing for you to worry about but I'll look for Makarov once we get to their hall. I have some questions for him," Natsu replied with the narrowed eyes that were hidden behind his sunglasses.

"Just let us know if you need help, even though I can't use magic just yet I can still give advice," Ur said with a smile that Ultear mimicked.

"I will thank you," Natsu replied. 'I hope Makarov has a good explanation or there will be dire consequences,' Natsu though as a slightly darker expression took over his face.

-With Makarov-

The guildhall was beginning to fill with people who were there for the Miss Fairy Tail contest. 'Oh what a wonderful contest this is, to see those girls in their natural beauty can bring a tear to your eye,' Makarov though as he thought back to the previous years of the competition.

A few minutes before the show would start Makarov looked at the entrance of the guildhall and saw two women and a man enter. From his vantage point on the second floor, he couldn't see their faces thanks to their hats but once he saw their figures he only had one thought on his mind. 'I wish those two beauties were in Fairy Tail,' the perverted master thought.

Then his attention shifted to the man that accompanied them. If you asked Makarov he would say that man was one lucky bastard. His eyes seemed to have rested on the man for a moment too long because the man turned his head to look straight at Makarov. Makarov wondered whether behind the sunglasses the man would have curious or furious eyes. Not wanting any trouble he redirected his eyes back to the stage where he could see Max preparing for the show.

Max was a man of average height with light brown hair. He wore a purple suit jacket, a massive red bowtie and white pants. Max took the reins when it came to announcing the contestants and he was a natural at it. The young man had a ton of energy and a good way with words to ensure the transition from girl to girl would be smooth.

"Makarov, can we speak in private for a moment?" a deep voice asked from behind Makarov that nearly made the short man jump from the second floor. With a grumble, Makarov turned around to see the man who was with the two beauties standing in front of him. 'Oh no, is this because I looked at his girls or something?' Makarov thought as he started to sweat. He didn't want any trouble and some guys can be quite protective, if his experiences over the years were anything to go by.

"The show will begin shortly my boy, why don't we just enjoy it?" Makarov asked nervously. 'Hopefully, the allure of Fairy Tail's beautiful girls will get me out of this,' Makarov pleaded with whatever gods would listen.

"The matter I want to discuss is quite pressing and I suggest we have this conversation in a more private setting for your own good," the man said in a tone that was slightly threatening but still controlled. 'Can this really be about his girls or is there something else?' Makarov thought to himself, sure he saw protective guys but this was a bit too much.

"Fine follow me, and let's make it quick I need to oversee the events here," Makarov relented as he motioned for the man to follow him. Once they entered his office Makarov turned to the man with a questioning glare.

"Show me the immortal you are hiding," the man demanded as he removed his hat and sunglasses revealing a set of obsidian eyes and pink hair.

"'Death Walker', what are you talking about?" Makarov asked, surprised that the elusive mage was standing here in front of him and asking him such a strange question. He knew 'Death Walker' would be here because Erza told him about her invitation but he suspected him to stay in the shadows or something like that.

"The immortal you are hiding underneath your guild, take me to her now," Natsu demanded as a bit of his aura started seeping out. At this Makarov turned serious and quickly activated the silencing runes around his office. He knew that 'Death Walker' was aware of Fairy Tail's greatest secret.

"Who told you?" came the simple question from Makarov. His magical aura matched the one 'Death Walker' was putting out, even though it was only a fraction of what both men were capable of.

"No one told me but you can't hide something that obvious from me," Natsu said as he glared daggers at the old man.

"I would suggest you forget about it and swear not to tell another soul about it," Makarov said in a dark tone as his magical pressure increased but keeping it low enough that no one outside of the office would realise.

"This is a matter that exceeds your jurisdiction Makarov. This is a matter pertaining to the realm of the dead where the souls of those who passed rest," Natsu replied, matching Makarov's magical aura.

Makarov clenched his teeth. He knew that threatening this man wouldn't get him far, he could hear it in his voice and see it in his stance. 'Death Walker' wasn't going to back down and if this little conversation would turn into an argument everyone in the guildhall would surely realise that something is wrong. Their magical auras were reaching the point where the protective seals would no longer be able to keep them hidden from those outside the office doors.

"The Miss Fairy Tail Contest is about to begin, and as Guild Master, I have to oversee it. I would appreciate it if we could postpone this conversation until after the contest is over. We can discuss this further then," Makarov said through clenched teeth. He didn't want to discuss this but if word got out the best outcome would be a war between nations.

"If you back out, I will rip this place apart until I reach it," Natsu threatened. This was a matter of his Father's realm and the laws that govern all life.

"I give you my word, boy," Makarov said. He watched as the man placed his hat back on his head and put his glasses on before sinking into the shadows and disappearing. Makarov fell into a chair and released a sigh. Someone knows about Fairy Tail's greatest secret, could this day get any worse.

-With Ultear and Ur-

There was a large crowd forming directly in front of the stage and Ur wasn't one for crowded spaces. It was one of the reasons she had her house so far from the town where she used to live. Ultear was happy to oblige her mother and found a table near the edge of the guildhall where they wouldn't be too crowded. They could still see the stage clearly though so there was no real downside to sitting a bit further away.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the wait is over. Welcome to the one and only Miss Fairy Tail contest where your favourite Fairies bide in a battle of beauty. I'm Max Alors, Sand mage extraordinaire and I will be your host for this exciting event," Max called out into his microphone. He was met by the cheers of the crowd.

"Quite the lively crowd," Ur commented as she and Ultear waited for the show to start.

"A bit too loud if you ask me," Natsu said as he appeared next to Ultear who let out a squeak of surprise at his sudden appearance.

"Got what you were looking for?" Ultear asked.

"It was delayed a bit since Makarov wants to watch the event, but after this, I will get my answers," Natsu said in a serious tone.

"Must be something important," Ur commented after hearing Natsu's tone. Natsu answered with a hum before Max gained everyone's attention once again.

"Our first contestant is the exciting beauty who will drink you under the table any day of the week, Cana Alberona," Max announced. Behind him, the spotlight focused on the brunette who was met with a roar of approval from the crowd.

In her hands was a deck of cards which started to circle around her, obscuring her from view.

"What could she be doing in that tornado of cards?" Max called out, getting the crowd excited for what is to come.

The cards glowed brightly before vanishing, revealing Cana in a brown and green striped bikini and striking a pose.

"So this contest is about beauty and showing off your magic?" Ur asked, interested in seeing more magic used in ways, not for combat.

"So it seems," Ultear agreed. She didn't see the devious smirk her mother got before it was too late.

"I wonder if Natsu would like to see you change with the help of your Arc of Time magic, or could he possibly enjoy your Ice-Make more?" Ur whispered into Ultear's ear. Ultear lit up like a tomato at her mother's suggestion as she rapidly shook her head and stuttered, not able to form comprehensible words.

Ur just giggled at her daughter's embarrassment and her giggles only increased when she saw Natsu's lips twitch into a small grin. Their attention was once again pulled to the stage as Max announced the next contestant.

"She may be new to the guild but her magic sure is S-Class, Entry number two is radiant beauty even in the rain, Juvia Lockser," Max called out as the spotlight revealed Juvia in a white and blue outfit. A wave of water obscured the view of the crowd before covering the stage and revealing Juvia in a blue and white polka dot bikini in a beach setting. The crowd once again roared its approval.

"Seems like they would have called it the Miss Fairy Tail Swimsuit Contest," Ultear commented.

"They play to their advantages, considering the crowd has quite a lot of men," Ur said.

"This guild is quite forgiving considering that Juvia was a mage of Phantom Lord and they were in a war not too long ago," Natsu commented on Juvia joining the guild.

"They sure are a unique bunch," Ultear agreed.

"Entry number three needs no introduction, this famous beauty has stolen the hearts of men and women alike, Mirajane Strauss," Max called out revealing Mira in her normal maroon dress.

"She is quite beautiful," Ur commented.

"She is a top model for Sorcerer's Weekly, that might tip the scales in her favour," Ultear said.

"Might want to rethink that," Natsu said as he pinched the bridge of his nose and pointed to the stage. Ur and Ultear nearly toppled over as they saw the abomination that was Mira's body with a blue-furred cat face. It was quickly replaced by the face of a long-haired man with metal studs on his face.

"That is quite… unique?' Ur said, not sure herself what to think of this performance.

"She is an expert in transformation magic, so I guess this does display that," Ultear said in an uncertain tone.

"I don't think this will win, especially judging from the crowd's reaction," Ur replied, pointing to the shocked looks the crowd. The crowd was unhappy at this outcome except for someone who was laughing like a maniac, clearly enjoying themselves.

"Following that performance, we have the famous queen of the Fairies, Erza Scarlet," Max called out as Erza somersaulted onto the stage. The crowd roared in admiration as Erza stood before them in her Heart Kreuz Armour.

"Re-quip" Erza called out as she was surrounded by a golden glow. When the light died down the deafening roar of the crowd could be heard as Erza stood on the stage in a Gothic Lolita outfit, clearly a crowd favourite.

"Sometimes veering from the norm will gain you the best result," Ur giggled as she watched the excited reaction of the crowd.

"Not something I ever thought I would see her wearing," Ultear commented with an amused look.

"Our next entry is a petite and cute Fairy, she is as smart as she is charming, Levy McGarden," Max called out the next girl. Ur and Ultear giggled at the obvious infatuation that two of the guys in the crowd had for the bluenette as she showed off her Solid Script magic.

The show went on with Bisca showing her proficiency with a sniper before Lucy slammed her hand over Max's mouth, preventing him from saying her last name. She feared that if people knew she was the daughter of the Heartfilia family, she wouldn't get the prize money.

"I'm going to a cheer for you guys with me Celestial Spirits," Lucy said as she stood in front of the crowd on a cheerleader costume. The crowd showed their anticipation by giving her a cheer, however, before she could even begin a new voice made an announcement.

"And now for entry number eight. I am the very definition of Fairy and beauty. I am the only woman here that embodies everything men desire, meaning that the winner is me, the lovely Evergreen," Evergreen said as she strolled onto the stage.

"If she's here then that fool who plays with lost souls shouldn't be far," Natsu growled. Ultear and Ur sent him a questioning glance but they didn't have a chance to ask since Lucy started shouting and complaining.

"Lucy, don't look her in the eye," Gray called out from his spot in the crowd but it was too late. Evergreen lifted her glasses and her eyes glowed a pale yellow for a moment before Lucy turned to stone. Confusion filled the room.

"Everyone, get out now," Max yelled out. He needed to get everyone out of here as quickly as possible to prevent any civilians from being harmed. In the blink of an eye, the entire crowd ran for the doors, leaving only the Fairy Tail mages, Natsu, Ultear and Ur.

"What is the meaning of this?" Makarov demanded, but he was stopped dead in his tracks as the curtains rose, revealing all the girls, turned to stone.

"Return them to normal this instant," Makarov demanded, anger seeping into his voice. Everyone's attention was pulled to the roof as the crack of electricity could be heard. A bolt of lightning struck the stage, revealing Laxus with a maniacal grin on his face.

"Seems like everyone ran away, and the party is just getting started," Laxus said with a grin plastered over his face. From where he stood it was hard to see Natsu's table so he didn't notice them, and neither did the Thunder Legion as they formed up around Laxus.

There you have it, friends. The question now is how Natsu will react to the Battle for Fairy Tail, and how events will play out. I hope you enjoyed Ultear's confession to Ur, let me know what you thought about it. If you have anything you would like to see during these battles let me know and I will see if I can include it. Feel free to leave a review with your thoughts and I just want to say thank you to Mcluke256 who suggested Natsu confronting Makarov, next chapter will have a bit more of that particular conversation. Other than that, uploads might increase in frequency depending on how much I wright and I will see you all in the next chapter.