The Tale Of Natsu Dragneel Vol I Power Of The Dragon

by Azza1608

The desire to protect those he loved most, that was what drove him to embark on a Century Quest with Gildarts all those years ago. Harsh training wasn't enough to prepare him for the horrors of the real world and he returned a changed man. (Not a story for those seeking Canon logic. Everything from character portrayal, events to power scaling is completely different.)

16. The Tower of Heaven

Edited (08/06/22)

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

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The Tower of Heaven

/Base Of The Tower/

The team had spent the last several hours tracking the kidnappers across the sea, only Natsu's trusty nose to guide them as they steered through a thick fog that had rolled in overnight. Despite this, with Natsu's nose and Elise's skill at the helm of their boat, the group managed to arrive at a small island.

The group slowly disembarked, noticing the abundance of Dark Guild flags strewn about the place, and the lack of members to go along with them. In addition to this, the tower at the centre of the island was crudely constructed and reeked of Dark Magic.

"Look at the size of this thing," Gray muttered as they stopped a good distance away from the tower to observe it. "This has to be where they took Erza, this has Dark Guild written all over it!"

"You're right about that Gray, this is definitely the work of a Dark Guild," Natsu replied quietly as he sniffed the air several more times. "Erza's here, I can still catch her scent."

"I don't like the fact that there aren't any guards here," Elise noted as the eerie silence found itself interrupted by naught but the wind. "Come to think of it though, I don't even recognize this mark?"

"Could be small time," Gray suggested only for Elise to shake her head.

"As a former Captain of the Dark Guild Subjugation Squad, I'd still know who they were. The Council might be useless for the most part, but they do their homework on the Dark Guilds, this one must be either really old and managed to stay off the radar or relatively new."

"Wait a minute," Natsu said as he stepped closer to one of the worn flags emblazoned on a nearby rock face. "There are words written here …"

"Let me have a look Natsu," Elise said as she knelt down and examined the faded wording beneath the insignia for the Dark Guild. "This is in Boscian!"

"The hell does Bosco have to do with all of this," Gray wondered aloud as all four crowded around the flag. "An old outpost of theirs maybe?"

"No, this is definitely a Dark Guild Gray," Elise muttered darkly as she rose back to her full height. "It says 'Cult Of Zeref' in the Boscian language, meaning that these mages are, or were, comprised of mages from that region."

"So this place is, or was, run by a bunch of Zeref's loyal worshippers," Natsu said as he began to pace back and forth. "But what does Erza have to do with all of this?"

"Hey Natsu," Gray said as he looked between the Dragon Slayer, Elise and Juvia in a rather nervous manner. "You don't think that this might have something to do with … well … y'know …?"

Natsu narrowed his eyes at the Ice Make Mage, wondering what he was on about until his brain managed to dredge up the knowledge from just over a decade ago. His eyes widened to the size of dinner plates as he fully comprehended what Gray had just said, spinning around and looking up at the tower in horror.

"No …"

"It would fit, wouldn't it?"

"What are you two on about," Elise asked, clearly confused as both men shared a look before nodding.

"A long time ago, back when we were kids, Erza showed up at our Guild Hall one day," Gray began slowly. "She had nothing but rags and was missing an eye. She asked to speak to gramps alone and, after a good hour or so in the office, she was officially a member of the guild."

"What does this have to do with this place and Erza though?"

"Before Erza joined Fairy Tail," Natsu said as he looked like he was swallowing a lemon. "She was … a slave."

"What!?"

"She eventually told us once we managed to break down the shell she'd crafted around herself, told us that she'd kill us if we told anyone else," Gray said solemnly as he looked toward Natsu. "But considering how this all looks; I think it would be in all of our interests to get you two up to speed on exactly what we're dealing with here."

"Erza was once … a slave," Elise mumbled, unable to process such a bizarre statement. "Unbelievable!"

"If I'm right, we're dealing with a man who betrayed Erza a long time ago," Natsu said darkly as he looked back up toward the top of the tower. "A man who just so happens to have a twin that currently sits upon the Magic Council AND is one of the Ten Wizard Saints-."

"You're talking about Seigrain," Elise gasped. "But then that means-!?"

"We're dealing with him, the SSS Rank Criminal, Jellal, Seigrain's twin," Natsu said as they all looked up at the top of the tower.

"We need to get moving before they get Erza to Jellal, if they haven't already," Gray growled with Natsu nodding stiffly in agreement. "But how do we get in?"

"I don't know if it will be a solid lead, but upon our approach I noticed there was a means of entering the tower through a small underwater network," Juvia said nervously, prompting all three to look at her with confused looks.

"You all right Juvia," Gray asked as the Water Mage took a step backward. "You scared?"

"N-no, nothing like that," Juvia replied quickly. "It's just, I feel like I shouldn't have heard all of those things you all discussed and-!"

"Juvia!"

The Water woman was silenced by Gray as the Ice Mage placed a gentle hand on her left shoulder, eliciting a fierce blush in turn.

"You don't need to be worried about hearing that, you're one of us now," Gray said with a small smile. "Sure, Erza might have wanted to keep this a secret but let's be real, this is info you actually need to know."

"And besides," Natsu grinned as he walked past her and toward the water's edge. "Like Gray said, you're one of us so you're as good as family!"

Juvia was blown away by the words of the two as Gray lead her toward the water, Elise simply snickering knowingly, having basically gone through the same thing earlier in the year when she joined.

"Kind of nice to not be the newbie anymore," she grinned as she wrapped an arm around Juvia. "Good find by the way, thanks Juvia!"

"I-I-I'm glad I could help!"

"Now we've just gotta get in there," Natsu said as he looked at where the entrance to the small cave was. "Hope you guys can all hold your breath-?"

"I can create pockets of air for all of us," Juvia squeaked, covering her mouth in embarrassment. "I-if you would like me to, that is!"

"You can help us breathe underwater, that's impressive," Gray grinned as he placed a hand on Juvia's shoulder again, unaware that each touch was turning her into a complete mess.

"Alright Juvia, coat us up so we can get in there," Natsu said only for Juvia to stutter, unable to speak. "Juvia?"

"She's got it bad," Elise snorted in amusement. "She looooves him!"

"Shut up Elise," Gray snapped as he shook Juvia rather forcefully. "Oi, Juvia! Snap out of it, Juvia!"

"Eh … I'm on it," the completely frazzled woman stuttered out as she somehow managed to form solid bubbles over their heads.

With a nod, Natsu was the first to jump into the water, sinking beneath the murky depths with the others following suit moments later as they prepared to infiltrate the tower.

/At The Top Of The Tower – Same Time/

Sitting upon his throne, the blue haired man watched with a grin as three individuals walked in, the woman wearing a kimono dragging a resisting Erza alongside her. The moment Erza saw the man however, her struggling immediately ceased.

"No …"

"Oh yes," the man grinned as he leant forward on his throne. "Long time no see, Erza."

"When I saw the others, I didn't want to believe that you were behind this," Erza muttered as she was unceremoniously tossed onto the floor before the man.

"How many years has it been since we last spoke Erza, since we last saw each other?"

"Not long enough," Erza said through grit teeth as she glared up at the man. "You're just as insane as the last time we spoke, Jellal!"

Guild Master Of R-Genesis

Ally Of The Bharam Alliance

SSS Rank Dark Mage

Jellal Fernandes

"Insane is a matter of perception Erza," Jellal smirked as he looked over toward the three standing behind Erza. "Did all go well in the retrieval mission?"

"No," the pink haired woman replied bluntly as Jellal's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Natsu Dragneel obliterated Tempester and Jackal and knows we took Erza Scarlett. Not only that, Elise Faulkner and Gray Fullbuster almost caught your underlings and I was forced to intervene in order for us to make an escape."

"Meaning that it is highly likely Dragneel has tracked you all back to the tower," Jellal hummed as he leant back into his throne. "To be honest, this is within my calculations."

"Really? You predicted Dragneel and the others would track us down to the tower?"

"Oh yes," Jellal grinned as he looked back down to Erza with a cruel smirk. "Dragneel has proven to be a thorn in the Bharam Alliance's side on numerous occasions. He's not a man to be underestimated, not after overpowering Jose Porla as he did."

"Hoo! Jose was a fool, a pathetic mage with an ego the size of the sea, HOO," a strange, owl-like humanoid cooed eliciting a chuckle from Jellal.

"On the contrary, Jose Porla was one of the most powerful mages in the country. Sure, he had a massive ego, but his actual power and skill cannot be denied. Despite how pathetic the Magic Council is, they don't half ass the appointment of Wizard Saints."

"Returning to the matter of Dragneel and his friends, what should we do," the pink-haired woman asked curiously as Jellal looked back down at Erza once again.

"I know exactly how to deal with them," the Dark Mage grinned as another figure stepped out of the shadows. "Isn't that right?"

"Oh yes, the deaths of those three will go a long way to serving the interests of the Bharam Alliance."

Standing at Jellal's side was a man clad in a black leather bodysuit that was covered with belts, pouches and other assortments. A black cloak was wrapped around his shoulders that fell just past his back with the pommel of a sword sticking out of the top end.

"No way," Erza gasped as the older looking man tucked a strand of grey hair behind his ear and shot her a toothy smirk. "It can't be!?"

Guild Master Of Death's Head Caucus

Right Hand Of The Oracion Seis' Master

SSS Rank Dark Mage

Kidomaru

"Surprised to see me, little fairy," Kidomaru grinned as he knelt down to her level. "To think that even the mighty Titania would turn white as a sheet within my presence, truly fascinating."

"Though not surprising," Jellal laughed as Kidomaru rose back to his full height and returned to Jellal's side. "Given your reputation."

"Just what would the Death's Head Caucus want with all of this, why would the Guild Master be here!?"

"Come now Erza, surely you aren't that stupid," Jellal scoffed as he stood up and gestured to the area they were in. "I've done it, completed what we all worked tirelessly for all those years ago! Today, the R System shall finally be activated!"

"This has been an important project for the Bharam Alliance, significant funding was put into seeing the construction of this tower through," Kidomaru added. "As the right-hand man for the Guild Master of the Oracion Seis, I was dispatched to personally oversee the final arrangements for the tower's activation."

"You won't get away with this," Erza growled as she slowly got to her feet. "Natsu, Elise and Gray are coming, they'll tear this place to the ground!"

"I doubt the three of them will be enough to stop the R System," Kidomaru replied as he walked toward a nearby window. "Besides, even if they did come, they're already far too late to accomplish their original objective."

"What are you talking about!?"

"I'm referring to you, Erza Scarlett," Kidomaru chuckled darkly as Erza looked back to Jellal who seemed rather amused at her confusion.

"Remember how I let you go all those years ago during the prison break," Jellal asked as Erza nodded slowly in response. "Consider this me … collecting on an investment."

"What …?"

"The R System will require the core of a powerful mage in order to be activated successfully," Kidomaru continued as he turned around and pointed at Erza with a dagger that fell easily from one of his sleeves. "That core shall come from you, Titania!"

"So all of this time, all of the years I've been with Fairy Tail …"

"You've just been operating within the confines of the cage I'd carefully crafted for you," Jellal smirked as Erza felt everything within her slowly drain away. "You were never free Erza, forever attached to the leash I latched onto you."

"Damn you Jellal … DAMN YOU!"

"Get as angry as you want Erza, it makes no difference to me," Jellal sniffed as he returned to his throne and sat back down. "Right now, all that matters in ensuring my long-awaited plan finally comes to fruition."

"Which means we must prepare for the arrival of those other fairies," Kidomaru said as he turned toward the other three in the room. "You all know what to do."

"Yes Master," the three said with a bow before vanishing in a burst of speed.

"I trust you'll spend your final hours lamenting just how pointless your entire life has been up until this moment, so I shall give you the dignity to cry alone in the privacy of a cell," Jellal said as he snapped his fingers, another figure appearing at his left straight away. "Simon, take Erza to her cell."

"At once Jellal," the rather large and burly man replied as he walked over and grabbed Erza's arm, motioning for her to follow. "Come on Erza."

"You won't win Jellal," Erza hissed as she was forcefully dragged away. "Natsu will destroy you for this!"

"Oh, I sincerely doubt that," the Dark Mage replied as his insane grin only widened. "He might be powerful enough to defeat Jose, but he's not at my level."

Erza had no chance to respond as she was dragged out of the room, leaving Jellal and Kidomaru alone. The two Guild Masters were silent for a moment until Kidomaru turned around and spoke.

"I figured I should probably let you know that Master Brain is pleased with your progress and wished to express that teaching you was, in his words, a pleasure."

"I see, I'm glad."

"No you aren't," Kidomaru smirked in reply with Jellal mimicking it moments after.

"True, I hate the bastard," Jellal laughed as he held out his hands in front of him. "But he gave me power so I have to return that favour."

"Indeed, such is the way of a Dark Mage."

"And what about you Kido, what do you get out of serving Brain," Jellal asked as the Guild Master sat down on the nearby windowsill. "Considering who you are and what you've done, I'm shocked you're even willing to serve under him."

"Heh, a good question," the older man chuckled in reply. "But in asking it, the question only proves just how little you truly know."

"Is that right? And just what don't I know?"

"If you knew Brain as I do, you'd know exactly why I rightfully serve under him and the other two head Guild Masters of the Bharam Alliance," Kidomaru replied softly as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it with the tip of his finger. "I might be able to assassinate just about anyone you can point me at, but those three are some of the few beings I cannot even consider trying to kill. They are simply far too powerful."

"Surely you're joking, they can't be so far beyond us like you're saying," Jellal scoffed in response. "Otherwise, they'd have taken over already."

"The only thing that keeps them in check are the Ishgar Four," Kidomaru replied darkly as he took a drag from his cigarette and released a small puff of smoke in the shape of a skull. "They told us that freely, said it was an important thing to note."

"Interesting," Jellal mused as Kidomaru continued to speak.

"But, if they manage to succeed in their plans, such as the R System, then they would have the means to challenge the Ishgar Four."

"And then?"

"What do you think," Kidomaru smirked as he looked out of the window and chuckled. "Seems our guests have arrived, there's an abandoned boat on the shore."

"Then it's time to make the final preparations," Jellal said as he rose from his seat and walked toward the exit. "I expect Dragneel to storm right up here so I shall do my part now and have you oversee the direct activation of the R System itself as I distract him."

"A wise choice," Kidomaru nodded as he hopped off of the windowsill and moved to join him. "I wonder how long it will take for him to reach us?"

"Only time will tell," Jellal smirked as they descended the stairs. "Let the games begin."

/Bottom Of The Tower – Same Time/

Having travelled underwater in order to infiltrate the tower, the small group resurfaced into a small cavern. One by one, they hauled themselves out of the little stream that flowed through the room as Natsu dried them off.

"That was a rather unique experience," Natsu said as he increased his body heat to dry himself off.

"I thought it was fun," Elise giggled in reply as she grabbed onto Natsu. "Dry me off next!"

"Alright, just settle down," Natsu sighed as he slowly dried Elise off to an acceptable level. "Gray, get over here!"

"I'm not hugging you," Gray smirked as Natsu waved his hands over the Ice Make Mage before looking toward Juvia.

"I assume I don't need to dry you off Juvia?"

"No, my body absorbs all forms of water," she replied as every part of her, clothes included, shimmered slightly before returning to normal. "See?"

"Interesting," Natsu hummed as he stared at Juvia, making the blue haired water mage blush from the attention.

"I-is something the matter Natsu?"

"No, just curious," Natsu muttered as he continued to just stare at her. "How exactly is your body like that? Was it always like that?"

"I've always had the ability to turn my body into water, I was born with it," Juvia replied as she turned around and started walking toward the nearby stairwell. "I'd rather not talk about it too much though, if that's alright …?"

Natsu, Gray and Elise shared a look, wondering just why the young woman didn't want to talk about her water body. But they wouldn't pry, that wouldn't be fair on her, especially since they barely knew her.

"No problem Juvia, we're just curious is all."

"I understand," Juvia smiled softly as she turned back to face them. "I thank you for not prying."

"Speaking of prying," a loud voice echoed throughout the cavernous room as the group looked up past the stairwell Juvia was approaching. "Looks like you four are intruding upon sacred ground!"

Juvia leapt back toward the others, all four assuming defensive positions as dozens of guards stormed into the small cavernous area. All of them were obviously weak, wielding magic weaponry and even non magical ones in some cases.

"Seems we didn't get here unnoticed," Natsu chuckled softly as he stepped out in front of the group. "All right you lot, who the hell are you and who do you work for?"

"You think you're in any position to demand answers from us," one of the grunts snapped in reply, pointing a sword in Natsu's direction. "We're not letting you get any further!"

"You hear that guys? We've got no chance now," Natsu snickered as Elise and Gray held back laughter of their own. "These idiots actually think they can stop us!?"

"Rather foolish," Juvia sniffed as her eyes scanned the crowd. "Three of us could easily wipe them away with an area of effect attack and against four of us in direct combat …"

"Their chances are nil," Elise said as she summoned an Ebony blade to her side. "Less than nil."

"Gray," Natsu said as the Ice Make Mage raised an eyebrow. "Lock em down."

"Heh, read my mind," Gray grinned as he summoned two Dark Blue Magic Circles around his arms and held his arms out to his side. "Ice Make – Blizzard!"

Bringing his hands together for a loud clap, the entire area around the group suddenly dropped below zero, everyone outside of their small group being encased in thick prisons of ice.

"Nice job Gray," Natsu said as he took several steps forward before spinning back around. "Now that the trash has been taken care of, we can look at dealing with their competent mages."

"You think they'll actually have any of those here," Elise asked prompting Natsu to nod in response.

"Look at the marks on the uniforms of these grunts Elise, you should recognize them," Natsu said as the other three stepped up to one of the frozen grunts and had a look at the emblem.

"The symbol of Zeref," Elise hissed as she snatched the cloth out of Natsu's hand. "Of course its them, when aren't those bastards behind something!?"

"Easy there Elise," Natsu replied as he took the cloth back. "Don't let your hatred get in the way of the mission."

"I'm not!"

"You will if you blindly charge into this place seeing red," Natsu snapped in response. "You're strong, but stronger when focused. Remember what we discussed about your Bloodlust?"

"It leaves me open to all sorts of counters," Elise sighed tiredly. "Sorry …"

"Don't worry about it, I'm just looking out for you," Natsu replied as he placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "Besides, I can sense several powerful signatures around and with you being the second strongest here I can't have you crippling yourself, not when lives are at stake."

"You're right," Elise sighed again as she took a deep breath before exhaling slowly. "I'm good now, I just can't stand Zeref cultists."

"I don't think you're alone on that one," Gray muttered darkly as they all looked over toward the hole in the wall the cultists had arrived from. "Well at least they revealed the entrance for us, guess we should get moving."

"Where should we begin searching for Erza," Juvia asked as Natsu motioned directly above them.

"I'd bet my fortune that she's up the top of the tower."

"What makes you think that Natsu," Juvia asked curiously prompting Natsu to chuckle softly in response as they started making their way toward the sole exit.

"These Dark Guilds that like to build these elaborate weapons always have a common flaw when designing them," Natsu replied as they reached the cave exit. "Nine times out of ten, the Dark Mages put their command centres atop the highest point so they can oversee their minions and keep the primer for the weapon nearby."

"Yeah, dozens of them do that," Elise chimed in. "Castle Valtheim had the throne room, Tartaros have that cube thing they fly around in, Grimoire Heart have their airship and the list goes on. On each of them, the leaders are always around the highest point on them so it's a safe bet that Erza's up the top."

"I'm not willing to bet against either of you guys," Gray chimed in whilst shaking his head. "Trust me Juvia, if these two think that's where we'll find Erza then that's where she'll be. They've dealt with Dark Mages way more than I have."

"I see, then I too shall trust in their judgement if someone as all-knowing as you believe their word!"

"She loooooves him-!"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP ELISE," Gray roared as Natsu openly started laughing at his expense with Elise bursting into a fit of giggles moments after. "I hate you guys!"

"Alright guys, as funny as ribbing Gray is, we've got a job to do," Natsu sighed as they stopped at a set of ascending stairs and looked out a nearby window that showed a view of the ocean and the bleak rocky cliffs directly below. "I'm gonna go on ahead and try get directly to the top."

"You gonna climb," Gray asked with Natsu nodding in the affirmative. "And what about us?"

"Those Dark Guild Mages you guys said were at Akane need to be taken out, if we want any chance of shutting down whatever is going on here. I'm confident you three can handle it."

"Right, will do," Gray nodded as he looked to Elise and Juvia who nodded stiffly in agreement. "If you see the bastard who tormented Erza up there Natsu …"

"I know," Natsu said, cutting Gray off as the Ice Make Mage and the Fire Dragon Slayer shared a cruel smirk. "Good."

"I didn't forget Gray, not that."

"I'll bet."

"Alright then, I'm heading off," Natsu said as he jumped out the window in front of them and began scaling the side of the tower, quickly going out of sight.

"Alright guys, we've got the Dark Mages from Akane to deal with and there's a fair few of them," Elise began as she leant up against the wall. "We've got the guy who tried shooting you Gray-."

"That blockhead, yeah."

"We've got that muscly guy who can use blinding magic," Elise continued as she began counting them off. "The cat girl, the bastard who turned Erza into cards, the samurai looking bitch and probably several more if these power signatures are anything to go by."

"I'm guessing you wanna try focusing them, right," Gray asked with Elise nodding in agreement.

"I have dibs on the samurai bitch, I owe her for that comment back at Akane Docks," Elise growled as she clenched her fists.

"Fair enough, she seemed way stronger than me or Juvia anyway so-."

Gray was cut off as Natsu came flying through the outer wall and crashed into the pillar keeping the stairs stable. He didn't seem hurt however as he casually ripped himself free and dusted himself off.

"Hey guys, fancy seeing you all here!"

"What the hell happened out there," Gray snapped only for the sound of flapping wings to draw all their attention toward the large hole in the wall.

"HOO! What's happening is I'm about to devour your friend like a worm, HOO!"

"What the hell is that thing," Gray snapped as he pointed towards an owl-like humanoid who forced his way through the hole in the wall.

"Well now, that's rather rude! I'll enjoy killing and eating you, HOO!"

"Eat me!? Fuck you, I'll kick your ass freak," Gray snapped as he entered an offensive stance. "You guys go on ahead, I'll clip this birdbrain in no time!"

"Thanks Gray," Natsu said as he blasted his way past the owl-like man and started scaling the tower once again.

"I'll go on ahead too, good luck Gray," Elise grinned as she charged further up the stairs leaving Gray and Juvia alone with the owl-like man.

"Guess it's just the three of us now, huh freak!?"

"Two snacks before devouring Dragneel," the owl-like man chirped as his head bobbed forty-five degrees to the right. "Today must be my lucky day, but I must warn you of one thing."

"And what's that?"

"Death from digestion truly is one of the most painful ways to die," the owl-like man screeched as he flapped his wings and took flight. "I shall enjoy you both down to the last morsel, HOOOARGH!"

/Elsewhere In The Tower – Elise's POV/

"Alright Elise, where the hell have you ended up now," the War God Slayer muttered to herself as she entered what appeared to be a recreational area of the tower that had a rather oriental feel to it.

Looking around the large area, Elise could sense something was off as her senses screamed to her that she wasn't alone. Sure enough, right as she was about to dismiss the feeling she was blocking a powerful slash attack as the pink-haired samurai appeared in front of her.

"Ahh … I was wondering when you would arrive here, little Fairy," the woman purred as she vanished and appeared nearby with her blade already sheathed. "It has been many moons since one has blocked an attack from my blade, even fewer have encountered me more than once and lived."

"Who are you," Elise snarled as she entered a defensive stance, her senses at their peak knowing full well that this woman was indeed powerful despite her appearance.

Member Of Death's Head Caucus

SS Rank Dark Mage

Leader Of Team Trinity Raven

Ikaruga

"I see," Elise muttered darkly to herself as she narrowed her eyes. "Death's Head Caucus, the notorious Assassination Dark Guild rumoured to be behind the killing of thousands of noteworthy individuals!"

"It appears that our reputation is as strong as ever," Ikaruga smirked cruelly as she slowly drew her blade. "You are quite correct of course; I'm flattered to know we are so widely regarded."

"Despised is how I'd put it," Elise spat back as the woman giggled softly into her hand.

"My my, you certainly are full of fire … I like fighting ones like you, they always have the most interesting faces when I plunge my blade into their chest."

Elise said nothing as she watched Ikaruga for any sign of attack, her body tensed so that she could react at the slightest twitch indicating movement.

"Do you like my sword, Mugetsu-Ryu," Ikaruga asked suddenly as she held the blade out before her. "You should consider yourself lucky; normally my sword can slice through anything so the fact that your blade was able to match it is nothing short of a miracle."

"Well to me your sword isn't anything too special," Elise replied cautiously prompting Ikaruga's smile to fade as the Dark Mage narrowed her eyes. "You're extremely skilled, I'll give you that much. But honestly, you've still got a long way to go before you reach true mastery of the sword."

"Is that so," Ikaruga replied with a slightly more reserved tone. "I believe you might have gained the wrong impression of me, little Fairy. You seem rather confident that I'm not all that skilled, I really should rectify that."

Elise felt the rush of wind hit her heightened senses as Ikaruga appeared several metres behind her, the walls and floor instantly being coated in countless slashes as Elise suddenly changed into a defensive stance.

"Ah, not such a perfect guard that time," Ikaruga laughed as Elise felt pain along the side of her face. "What was that you were saying about my swordsmanship, little Fairy?"

Elise's eyes widened as a trickle of blood slid down her cheek. Slowly raising her free hand, she wiped some of it onto her hand and looked at the crimson liquid in what appeared to be shock.

"It seems you now realize just how sorely outclassed you are little Fairy," Ikaruga laughed again as she took several steps forward. "I shall endeavour to make your death swift since you did provide me with some minute form of amusement-."

Ikaruga froze as Elise's form started to shake slightly, a muffled sound coming from the War God Slayer that put the Dark Mage on the defensive. As Elise turned around, Ikaruga was shocked to see she had a maniacal grin on her face, her Crimson Red eyes looking almost hollow which actually sent a shiver down her spine.

"Wh-what could you possibly find funny about this situation," Ikaruga snapped as Elise brought the blood on her fingers up to her mouth and licked it, her pupils dilating even more as she suddenly snapped her free hand out to her right.

The blood from her fingers was flicked onto the nearby white fencing, coating it red, however Ikaruga's gaze never wavered from her opponent. She knew just by looking at her, this one was something different.

"You want to know what I find funny," Elise asked in a tone that was both hollow and yet so amused at the same time. "You are a strong Dark Mage, a strong opponent."

"And you find that funny?"

"Oh yes," Elise grinned as she entered a relaxed stance with her sword at her side. "Because now I can say I killed you in self-defence, it was down to the wire after all."

Ikaruga felt that same chill run up her spine as she looked into the now maniacal gaze of the girl opposite her. She wondered how someone like her could even exist in a legal guild however her thoughts shifted to Dragneel and other high ranking Fairy Tail Mages and she got her answer.

'She's like them,' The pink-haired Dark Mage thought as images of Natsu, Makarov, Gildarts, Laxus and Mystogan appeared in her mind. 'Unlike the weaklings of that legal guild, this one is blooded!'

"You certainly are a strange one, but it will take much more than words to beat me!"

Ikaruga made another attempt to slash Elise only this time once she reached Elise, she was stopped dead in her tracks as Elise performed a basic downward slash to counter her upward strike.

"What-!?"

Ikaruga could feel the power behind Elise, one arm easily matching her two in terms of raw strength as the God Slayer grinned maniacally and leant forward until her head were merely inches away from Ikaruga's own.

"Give me a good fight now Ikaruga … I don't take kindly to being teased only for my opponents to die on me after a few minutes!"

Ikaruga winced as she felt her blade being pushed back and Elise closed the small distance between them and delivered a fierce headbutt that sent the Dark Mage skidding backward. Flicking her blade to fire off an aerial slash attack, Elise simply sidestepped it as the Assassin rose back to her full height.

"Don't underestimate me, legal trash!"

Both combatants vanished as dozens of gouges began to appear throughout the room, the two sword users tearing the place apart as their battle began.

/Lower End Of The Tower – Same Time/

"Get down here ya damn bird bastard," Gray hissed as he fired off several ice shards at the strange bird-like man.

"HOO! I'm not foolish enough to engage you in a fair fight without being certain of my victory, so I'll stay up here!"

"Well, if you aren't gonna come down here then I'll drag you down," Gray snapped back as he extended both his arms outward as two dark blue Magic Circles appeared on each hand. "Ice Make – Freeze Lancer!"

Bringing his hands together, the two Magic Circles formed into a much larger one that began firing out dozens of large lance shaped icicles directly at the bird-like man. With a hoot, it expertly began bobbing and weaving around Gray's attack which only further angered the Ice Make user.

"HOO! Looks like you missed," he taunted before landing on a nearby piece of piping. "You must be a novice if you thought challenging me like that would get you anywhere!"

"Who said I was aiming for you," Gray replied as the bird-like man snapped his head upward.

"What-!?"

The bird-like man was suddenly crushed under debris as the roof above them collapsed, Gray's attack having been targeted at certain supports in order to make it give way. Both Gray and Juvia watched as the pipes snapped and he crashed into the ground below, water quickly flooding the area.

"We need to get moving Juvia, that bastard surely isn't getting up from that," Gray said quickly as they both moved toward the stairs only for a massive piece of the roof to fly past them and crash into the stairwell, blocking their only way up.

"You honestly didn't think a pathetic fall like that was going to stop me, did you!? Do you even know who I am, HOO!?"

Member Of Death's Head Caucus

S Rank Dark Mage

Member Of Team Trinity Raven

Fukuro

"Who cares what your damn name is, we don't have time to mess around with a clown like you," Gray snapped as Fukuro ruffled his feathers whilst pushing the rest of the rubble off of himself.

"What you want is irrelevant, legal trash! Our orders are to eliminate any who would impede the progress of the tower, HOO!"

"Gray, the water level is rising," Juvia cut in as Gray looked down the stairs and noticed that the burst pipe from earlier was still expelling large amounts of it. "I can breathe underwater but you can't and we don't have time to waste trying to stop it!"

"You're right Juvia," Gray muttered as his eyes darted around the extremely thin area they had to work with. "First priority is getting us out of this damn narrow hallway!"

"Perhaps we should try our luck breaking through the wall," Juvia suggested as Gray nodded swiftly.

"All right then, let's try it! Ice Make – Hammer!"

Manifesting a large hammer, Gray smashed a hole through the nearby wall as the pair swiftly ducked into it. Spinning around, Juvia summoned a wave of water and shot it toward the hole as Gray froze it in order to seal it off.

"You think a bit of ice will be enough to stop me, who do you think I am!? HOO!"

Gray and Juvia quickly realized that beyond the wall was only a limited space for them to stand before a sharp drop and looked around for options. Seeing another pipe, Gray fired several ice shards at it which tore it open as water fell down into the dark depths below.

"You ready Juvia, this might get rough!?"

"If we're going to die here then hold my close my darling," Juvia gasped as she leapt onto his back, much to the Ice Make Mage's chagrin. "Let me feel your love one last time!"

"The hell are you on about," Gray snapped as he began channelling his magic. "Alright, here goes! Ice Make – Winding Slide!"

Leaping onto the slide, Gray began to slide down it with Juvia clinging to his back for dear life. As they slid, Fukuro smashed through a nearby wall and was wielding a piece of piping, prompting him to curse.

"Damn it, we're exposed here!"

"Not yet Gray," Juvia replied sharply as Fukuro charged toward them. "How dare you interrupt my romantic slide with my beloved Gray! Water Slicer!"

Gray watched as Juvia's right arm morphed into water as she started flinging high pressure slash attacks at Fukuro, one of them slicing the metal pipe he had clean in two and another slashing him across the chest, drawing blood.

"HOOOOO! I'LL KILL YOOOOO!"

Before Fukuro had the chance to recover, the duo reached the bottom of the slide and leapt off right as something powerful smashed into the ice slide and shattered it. The pair landed with Juvia clearly excited as she hugged Gray harder.

"Oh Gray, that was so romantic! Can we do it again!?"

"Come on Juvia, now's not the time for this," Gray snapped as he pushed her off. "Where the hell is this place anyway and what the hell was that last attack that shattered my ice?"

"HOO! The two of you are such fools for coming down here," Fukuro taunted as he landed atop what appeared to be a massive sewer pipe. "Indeed, this place works perfectly for our plans, HOO!"

"Our plans," Gray muttered as the pair heard laughter come from within the massive pipe. "Shit …"

"Oh yeah, that's right bitches," a voice echoed throughout the area. "YOU'RE ALL MINE NOW!"

"Who the hell," Gray muttered as a man with exceedingly long hair and a metal musicians clothes emerged from the sewer pipe with an electric guitar slung over his right shoulder. "Who the hell are you supposed to be!?"

"What's that!? The little baby Fairy doesn't know me, I'm hurt," the man cackled as he smashed his guitar on the ground and shattered it. "Truly!"

Member Of Death's Head Caucus

S Rank Dark Mage

Member Of Trinity Raven

Vidaldus Taka

"So, another freak," Gray sighed prompting Fukuro to ruffle his feathers before dropping down to stand next to Vidaldus.

"HOO! The two of you are acting tough now, but I wonder how long that will last when you're being digested!?"

"We'll pass on that, thanks," Gray replied with a frown. "We've got more important things to be doing that humouring a bunch of weirdos."

"You think we'll just let you walk outta here," Vidaldus laughed as he smashed his guitar on the ground again, further smashing the floor. "You guys are seriously retarded!"

"You ready for this," Gray asked Juvia who nodded with a smile.

"You might think that you have us trapped down here, but there's one thing you've failed to realise," Juvia said as both Vidaldus and Fukuro suddenly stumbled forward as the entire area began to shake violently. "I am a woman comprised entirely of water; it is mine to command!

Vidaldus and Fukuro quickly realised that they were completely surrounded by water as several small water spouts began to appear around them. Both leapt back up from the watery ground and onto the sewer pipe as Gray's wrists were surrounded by dark blue Magic Circles.

"You guys are in for it now," Gray grinned as water began to shoot out from the spouts. Gray began to freeze the water being shot out turning them into razor sharp projectiles that were flying in all directions.

Fukuro attempted to rush Gray but was hit in the leg by several shards causing him to stumble forward before regaining his footing and retreating. Vidaldus fared better as he began to play his electric guitar which shattered any ice that came too close however the water was another story and he quickly found himself being forced all around the room.

"Gotta show everyone the results of my training," Gray muttered as he looked toward Juvia who had a deep look of concentration on her face. "With Juvia here there's no way I can lose!"

Regaining his focus, the pair continued to lay into the two Dark Mages who were now firmly on the defensive. Refocusing his Ice Make power, he unleashed another barrage on Fukuro as the battle down at the base of the tower began in earnest.

/Upper Tower – Same Time/

"How damn high is this thing," Natsu muttered to himself as he continued to scale the side of the tower. "Can't be too much more to go before I hit the top, right?"

Seeing a pipe that jutted out of the side, Natsu leapt over to it and steadied his footing. Once he was sure he wouldn't slip and fall, he looked up and frowned. He'd barely even made it halfway.

"But there's a window just there," he idly mused, the light from within hinting that there must be at least someone present beyond it. "Screw it, the stairs should be faster now that I'm this high up!"

Crouching down, he looked up at the spot the window was located and began to charge magic in his legs. With a determined yell, fire exploded from his feet as he blasted himself up toward the window and smashed right through, a feminine shriek catching him off guard as he landed and rolled once before entering a defensive stance.

"Well … I can't say I expected this," was Natsu's immediate response as he locked eyes with a girl who looked more like a cat than human.

The room itself was covered entirely in cat themed items and he quickly deduced she had a rather unhealthy fetish for them. He was also quick to figure out that the situation was getting more awkward the longer neither of them spoke and so, he decided to open the conversation.

"Sorry for the mess …. I wasn't exactly expecting a random girl to be living in a tower full of Dark Mages," Natsu joked lightly as the girl seemed to take a step forward in hesitant curiosity.

"Y-you're Natsu, right?"

"I am, how'd you know that?"

"Erzy told us about you on the way back from Akane," the girl replied shakily as she looked at his clenched and blood coated fists. "She said we'd be sorry for kidnapping her and that you'd come for her."

"She's not wrong about that," Natsu replied more cautiously as he relaxed his fists for the moment as a peaceful gesture, one the girl seemed to appreciate. "I take it you were one of the ones who snatched her at Akane?

"Yeah … Though I do feel terrible about it, really," the girl exclaimed quickly as she noticed Natsu's eyes narrow dangerously at the admittance of guilt. "How'd you manage to find us, did Erza tell you about this place?"

"No," was the soft reply as Natsu seemed to relax completely. "I didn't know that this tower existed until today, I only knew that she was once a slave and a man named Jellal betrayed her."

"So, she kept her promise to Jellal then … Just like her to keep her word," the girl sighed before looking back up at Natsu with a much more serious gaze. "If you really are as kind and strong as Erza says you are, I need you to do me a massive favour!"

"To be more accurate, we need you to perform a massive favour," a much more masculine voice said as Natsu snapped around to see a rather bulky looking man standing in the doorway with a firm gaze.

"Simon I was handling it," the girl snapped which prompted the man to shake his head. "Weren't you meant to be guarding Erzy!?"

"Guarding Erza," Natsu growled as he let some of his power leak out, terrifying both mages present. "You'd better tell me where she is or I'll enjoy stripping you down to less than bone meal!"

"There is no need for threats Natsu, Erza is no longer imprisoned," the larger man named Simon replied quickly. "I freed Erza shortly before coming here however she chose to try and fight Jellal, despite my protests."

"You freed her," Natsu muttered as the man noticed Natsu calming down. "Ok, I can work with that. Alright, since we don't have much time, I need to know what the hell is going on here and who you people are?"

"Go on and tell him Milliana," Simon sighed as Natsu looked over toward the girl whose gaze showed great pain and sadness as she stared past him and into the wall.

"Alright, to start with, my name is Milliana and that's Simon and we're old friends of Erza from back when she was a slave of this place."

"Old friends? What kind of friends drag someone back to a crazy tower they spent their childhood enslaved in!?"

"There's more to it Natsu, let Milliana finish and we'll answer any questions you have," Simon cut in with a placating manner that had Natsu stiffly nodding in agreement.

"Alright then, continue."

"Thank you. So, to summarize the whole thing, Erza, Simon, Jellal and myself are just a few of the people who were kidnapped from our homes in Fiore and brought to this tower as children to build it. Erza was the one who instigated the mass escape that freed all of us from the Dark Mages here, but Jellal changed and ended up staying behind. He … changed, but still let her go."

"To get right to the heart of the matter," Simon continued as he jumped into the conversation. "Jellal plans on sacrificing Erza in order to create a power source for this tower by somehow using her strong Magical Core."

"Using her Core … but that's Black Magic, some of the darkest magic around!?"

"We know, which is why we want you to stop him before he kills our friend," Simon replied with the emotion clearly evident in his voice.

Natsu couldn't deny the truthfulness of the pair before him, their eyes and tone of voice didn't show any sign of deceit. Processing what he'd just heard, he sighed.

"Milliana said that your name was Simon, right?"

"Yes, that's my name."

"Erza won't leave this place willingly; she's always been stubborn like that. The only way we can get her to leave is the same way you brought her here, against her will. Most likely scenario is she'll try something reckless once she reaches Jellal so when we get there, I'm gonna knock her out and I want you to take her out of here," Natsu said grimly as both Milliana and Simon shared a look.

"And Jellal? You don't think he'll just let us take her, do you?"

"I'll fight Jellal myself, I'm the only one here who can," Natsu said as he looked upward toward the top of the tower. "I can sense his power, he's easily stronger than Jose Porla was, and he took a lot out of me."

"Alright then Natsu, I'll take Erza as you ask however there is one last problem we must deal with before we can make our escape."

"And that problem is?"

"Jellal has allies from the Bharam Alliance here, specifically the Guild Master of Death's Head Caucus and their strongest team, Trinity Raven."

"Ah, so that's who the owl guy works for," Natsu hummed as he put the pieces together. "Death's Head Caucus, that's a rather infamous Assassination Guild. And you said their Master is here?"

"Yes, Master Kidomaru who is a notorious Triple S Rank Dark Mage and advisor to the Guild Master of the Oracion Seis himself.

"I see … I know my friends who came here with me have already started tearing that weird owl-looking guy apart, but their Guild Master might be a problem if he decides to back up Jellal."

"I'm afraid there isn't much we can do to assist you Natsu, even the regular S Rank Mages of Trinity Raven are stronger than us," Simon sighed as he clenched his fists. "Perhaps you could simply stall for time against the pair?"

"Heh, sure," Natsu replied with a smirk though internally he knew that would probably end badly. "If Jellal and Kidomaru are up the top then we need to plan this shit out perfectly. One wrong move and people will die, you get that?"

"I understand Natsu, don't worry about that," Simon replied with a firm nod. "I won't allow Jellal to hurt Erza any longer! Milliana, about Wally and Sho-?"

"I'll talk to them Simon, you help Natsu with Erza," Milliana replied as she looked between the pair. "They both will agree, they hate what Jellal's doing just as much as we do. Besides, Natsu is gonna need your help if we want to get Erzy out of here alive!"

"Guess that's a plan then," Natsu sighed as he ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Laying a finger on Erza is gonna hurt me more than you could ever know Simon so you'd better not screw up your part in this."

"Believe me Natsu, I'm prepared to lay down my life for this," Simon replied sharply as the two locked eyes once again with Milliana awkwardly shifting her gaze between the pair. "I won't let her die!"

"I see," Natsu hummed as he broke the gaze and turned to face Milliana. "Go and warn your friends and if you see mine, tell them to start running as well."

"O-ok!"

"Thanks," Natsu smiled as Milliana bolted from the room. "Alright Simon, we'd better get moving. You know a shortcut to the top?"

"I do," the larger man replied as they too dashed from the room. "Follow me up these stairs and down this corridor!"

Natsu didn't bother responding, instead hardening his resolve for the battle to come as he felt the energy signatures of Erza and Jellal inching closer and closer.

/Tower Recreational Area – Elise's POV/

'Damn it! That sword of hers isn't normal,' Elise hissed as she took another slash to the side as blood sprayed out across the garden, painting it crimson as her God Slayer's Regeneration struggled to keep up with the damage she was receiving.

"I must say I find myself surprised," Ikaruga said as she vanished and put Elise back on the defensive, countless slashes coming from all sides that she was immediately forced to contend with. "In all my years I have never come across one who could last this long against my blade!"

Blocking an attack from her right, he grunted as a slash opened up near her right-side ribs at the exact same time. This momentary lapse was all Ikaruga needed as Elise's body was hacked apart, countless large gashes opening up across her body as she cried out in pain.

Ikaruga darted around the room with a smirk, her superior speed giving her all the time she needed to line up a killing blow. Dashing behind Elise's stumbling form, she suddenly vanished and appeared in front of the War God Slayer.

"Oh?"

Once she sheathed her blade, a clang sound rang throughout the area which signalled that Elise had managed to block the attack that was poised to end her. She then dropped to her knees as blood oozed from her countless wounds.

"You managed to block my final strike? Most impressive, especially after enduring all my other strikes beforehand."

"Damn it," Elise huffed as she stabbed her blade into the dirt and used it to shakily rise back to her feet. "That hurts so good!"

"What!?"

Ikaruga was shocked as Elise started cackling with laughter, the maniacal look back in her eyes as she licked the blood that had slid down toward her lips. Snapping her neck to relieve some tension, she ceased laughing and just kept her ear-to-ear grin.

"What could you possibly find so funny about being torn to shreds!?"

"You think this is the first time that's happened to me," Elise scoffed as she ripped her blade out of the ground and entered a defensive stance. "Everyone starts off weak Ikaruga, no matter who they are!"

"Even so, you shouldn't even have the strength to stand, let alone burst into laughter!?"

"Perhaps if I were some regular old Mage, yeah," Elise agreed as she felt a familiar presence settle in her mind. "Unfortunately for you however, I'm anything but ordinary!"

"The situations you find yourself in during my absence never cease to amaze me, Elise."

"In my defence, I never expected to fight an SS Rank Dark Mage today, but thanks for the praise anyway!"

"That most assuredly was NOT praise, but regardless you're in this now and so we must see it through."

"How long have you been paying attention to the fight?"

"Not long dear, although I must admit what I saw upon first focusing upon you certainly surprised me," Eliza replied calmly. "It has been quite some time since any foe has given you such a challenge."

"Well, it's kind of hard when you just come in and take control when I'm trying to face stronger foes …"

"Come now dear, no need to be so snappy! I know you must believe me to be disappointed in how you've done so far but that is far from the truth. This woman has mastered her particular sword style to the point that she can slice through an opponent down to their very cells. The fact that you've lasted this long against her definitely is a sign of progress, don't you agree?"

"I mean if you think I'm doing well then who am I to argue," Elise replied before narrowing her eyes at Ikaruga who had just entered a new stance. "Question is, how do I beat someone like her?"

"Honestly dear, how about I just take control and rip this pest to shreds for you? It would be much faster and no doubt the others would greatly appreciate your help against-?"

"But Mother, how am I supposed to get anywhere if you just thrash every strong opponent that comes my way," Elise snapped in response which surprised Eliza who was unused to such hostility from here Daughter. "I want to beat Ikaruga myself Mother, not with your power but my own! I want to be able to stand there next to Natsu, Erza and Gray and say that I did my part, fighting and shedding blood just as much as them!"

Eliza was silent as Elise immediately felt somewhat guilty at yelling at her Mother. Just as she was about to mumble an apology, Eliza burst into melodious laughter.

"I couldn't agree more Elise, very well done!"

"…What?"

"All these years I've been waiting to hear you grow a bit more backbone and actually challenge me," Eliza said proudly as Elise felt warmth radiate throughout her body. "The difference between a good leader and a great one is that the good one wields others as their instruments … a great leader IS the instrument that conducts the battle!"

"Mother …"

"I shall let you face Ikaruga Elise, I can see you are ready for a test such as this," Eliza continued as Elise felt her wounds begin to regenerate faster than before.

"What-!?"

"I deem you ready for the next stage of your training Elise and for that you'll still need me here for support."

"Are you serious!? Mother, I-I don't know if-!"

"Enough! Do not forget that you are still on the battlefield Elise," Eliza snapped as Elise refocused on Ikaruga who was slowly shifting into an offensive stance. "Control your emotions, clear your mind of all unnecessary thoughts! All that stands before you is War!"

"Control my emotions … Clear my mind …"

"What did you say," Ikaruga asked upon hearing Elise mumble something under her breath. "If you plan on insulting me, you'll need to speak a lot louder than that if you want it to hurt!"

"All that stands before me is war …"

"Huh? What do you mean by that," Ikaruga asked as Elise's head suddenly snapped back up and her gaze almost locked her into place. "What-!?"

"All that stands before me … is War!"

"Focus your power, channel it all into your core Elise. Find it, find your lineage that I have gifted you!"

"Enough of this nonsense," Ikaruga snapped as she suddenly vanished. "I'll kill you here and now, NO MORE GAMES!"

As Ikaruga's blade moved to stab Elise in the heart, the God Slayer merely sidestepped it with the Dark Mage speeding right past to crash into the far wall. Freeing herself almost as soon as she struck it, Ikaruga spun around and stared at Elise in shock.

"How did you do that!? How were you able to so easily sense my approach!?"

"Ever since I was young, I've trained tirelessly to achieve the power of a true War God and, although I'm still so far from it, I've at last crossed a crucial step," Elise said as she summoned a second copy of her sword and began to float slightly in the air as a faint Galaxy Blue Aura coated her form.

"What is this … what are you doing!?"

"I'm not going to let my friends down, I won't let you Dark Guild scum take Erza away from us," Elise roared as her eyes also shifted from their usual Crimson to having a faint tinge of Galaxy Blue over them.

"So, you've achieved some kind of new form," Ikaruga muttered before beginning to laugh. "So what!? The difference in skill between us is night and day! You talk a big game but I am the superior mage!

"Congratulations Elise, you've finally managed to tap into my gift to you. No longer can you claim yourself to be just human, but now you bear the title of a true Demigod," Eliza beamed as Elise felt that same warm feeling rush throughout her body. "A fair word of warning however, this power is in an infantile state, your control virtually non-existent. Do not waste a single moment in this fight against Ikaruga, even with it you shall still struggle to win as it is now."

"The power of a God at the tips of my fingers," Elise thought as she looked down at her right hand which gripped one of her swords, both coated in the faint Galaxy Blue Aura. "Even though my power is like that of a newborn's … I feel so much stronger!"

"This was always meant to be your power Elise, I only wanted you to face a foe strong enough to warrant its use and fight for someone other than yourself. Truly, I am glad we came to Fairy Tail Elise, they are wonderful people and I look forward to seeing how you all grow moving forward!"

Elise grinned as Ikaruga calmed herself, taking a deep breath as she slid into an offensive stance. Both combatants' eyes met, the tension in the air thick as the pink-haired Dark Mage spoke.

"It appears I've sorely underestimated you; I didn't think you possessed power like that," Ikaruga said as Elise slowly lowered herself back to the ground. "You are strong, but that power won't be enough to challenge the Bharam Alliance!"

"Who said anything about challenging the whole Alliance," Elise replied coldly as the pair both began to circle one another. "The only thing I seek to challenge right now, is you, Ikaruga, and that is a challenge I don't plan to lose."

Ikaruga narrowed her eyes at the almost monotonous way Elise spoke, it was like she was on autopilot. The madness that seemingly drove her before had almost completely reversed into a hollowness that exuded her confidence in her victory.

It made her angry. There was no other way to describe it as she grit her teeth, biting back a childish outburst. It wouldn't do to lose her head now, not as she was about to engage in a fight to the death.

Both combatants suddenly stilled in their pacing, a single falling between the pair that slowly fluttered its way down toward the ground.

The second the leaf touched the ground, the pair vanished and appeared right where the leaf had landed. An ear shattering screech echoed throughout the room as both Mages blades smashed into each other with the full strength of their wielders behind them.

Both leant back whilst their blades were locked and came forward sharply to deliver a headbutt to the face of the other, a loud crack sounding beneath them as they were sent skidding away from one another.

"You won't be walking out of here alive Fairy," Ikaruga snarled as she adjusted her stance, a Red Magic Circle appearing at the hilt of her blade and swiftly moving all the way up to the tip before promptly vanishing. "I'll kill you in a single strike!"

Elise said nothing as she readied her own blades, the Galaxy Blue Aura solidifying around their Ebony surface to create a bright shimmering effect. Meeting Ikaruga's gaze, something flashed in the War God Slayer's eyes that served as the signal for Ikaruga to attack.

"Mugetsu-Ryu Secret Technique – Yasha's Empty Flash!"

Vanishing from place, everything seemed to move in slow motion for the pair as they exceeded their limits. Elise watched as Ikaruga bounced between positions, already making slashing motions with her blade as she slowly moved into an offensive stance.

"God Slayer's Secret Art: Vermillion Catastrophe Cross!"

Bringing both her blades into an X formation, Elise prepared to strike Ikaruga who had already noticed the sharp increase in her magic output. Elise knew that Ikaruga's attack was strong, and could actually blow through her attack, and knew she had to time her moment to strike.

Her eyes tracked each individual movement of the swordswoman before her, the Dark Mage showing her skill as she effortlessly fired off more and more slashes faster than the regular mage could ever hope to track.

However, before she could take the opportune moment to strike, her eyes shot wide open.

All her power vanished in an instant, something that didn't go unnoticed by Ikaruga who was just as shocked, yet it did not prevent her advance. Elise's vision went white as she felt something stab her in the chest and she stumbled backward.

"This is it," Ikaruga cried as she got within an inch of Elise before she vanished. "WHAT-!?"

Appearing on the other side of Ikaruga, Elise's body had seemingly teleported and she had a single blade held fully extended out to her right as a voice she didn't recognize spoke.

"War God's Zantetsuken!"

The moment the voice spoke, Ikaruga's vision started to drift before she faded. The body of Elise turned around and the last thing she saw was a much taller version of Elise, a sizeable blade had been thrust through her back and out her stomach and yet it didn't even seem to faze her.

The woman narrowed her eyes at her, watching as Ikaruga's body was slashed vertically in half, blood and gore flooding the area the body fell.

"That was rather low," the voice of Eliza muttered as she looked down at the blade sticking out of her gut. "Elise will be devastated when she recovers consciousness that her first true fight in her ascended form was ruined by a cowardly attack such as this."

Reaching around, Eliza yanked the blade out of her body and looked at it, her eyes glowing Galaxy Blue for a moment before a deep frown came over her beautiful features. She could immediately tell who did it, and knew there was nothing she could do about it.

"Blast, a fixed point! To think I must allow a pathetic assassin to get away with harming my Daughter," Eliza hissed as she regenerated the wound with no effort. "It seems it falls to me however to see us out of this wretched place though."

Looking around the room, Eliza sniffed and shook her head. She knew full well how this was going to end and so, she decided the only course of action was to go and find the others. After all, it wasn't her place to interfere.

/Base Of The Tower – Same Time/

The battle at the base of the tower raged on as Gray and Juvia fought against Fukuro and Vidaldus, neither side currently able to one up the other as the entire area became covered in battle damage and the elements of two increasingly pissed off Fairy Tail Mages.

"HOO! The two of you look rather tired, perhaps you would like a break," Fukuro taunted from up on a nearby pipe. "I have the perfect place for you both to find rest!"

"Shut up you damn vore freak," Gray snapped back as he fired several ice shards at him, the bird-like man simply evading them by flying over to another pipe. "Damn it!"

"HAHAHAHAHA! You guys are a real riot, you know that," Vidaldus cackled as he fired more sonic blasts at them using his guitar. "Keep on dancing!"

"This is ridiculous," Gray snarled as he swung his right arm out to put up a sizeable ice barrier between them. "We don't have time for this!"

"What should we do Gray, Natsu or Elise might need our help!?"

"Let me think," Gray frowned as he looked around the room they were in, noticing the various cracks in the pipes that had been caused by the fight. "Hmm …"

"Gray, we need to do something," Juvia shouted as cracks started to form on the ice barrier.

"Alright I have a plan Juvia," Gray said with a slight frown. "I don't like it, but it's the best we've got."

"Really," Juvia gasped as Gray leant toward her, eliciting a fierce blush in response as he whispered the plan to her. "B-but-!"

"Don't worry," Gray grinned as he turned around to face the pair. "Just trust me."

Juvia nodded stiffly as the last sonic blast by Vidaldus smashed through the ice barrier and Fukuro came charging through the collapsing ice. Gray created a sword made of ice and charged toward the bird-like man who simply laughed in response.

"Coming at me head on," Fukuro asked as he picked up speed. "If you really don't value your life then I'll be more than happy to stash it … in my stomach, HOOOOOO!"

Fukuro's beak expanded right as Gray skidded to a stop, the Dark Mage practically swallowing him whole. As Fukuro swallowed Gray's legs, Juvia knew exactly what to do.

"Don't worry Gray, I'll prove to you that I'm good enough to stand by your side!"

"HOO! This kid had some serious power for a pathetic legal brat," Fukuro roared as power exploded from his form. "I feel so full!"

"Yeah yeah, good for you," Vidaldus snapped before looking over at Juvia and smirking. "Either way, we still have one left to go and I'm itching to make her one of my Love Slaves!"

"You two won't be doing anything," Juvia snapped back defiantly as she extended both her arms outward. "I'll wash you both right away!"

"HAH! You hear that Fukuro!? This bitch is mad crazy, I love it!"

"HOO! What a fool indeed, her partner is already less than bird seed within my stomach by now!"

Both Dark Mages grins were dashed as quickly as they'd came as the entire area began to shake violently. Almost immediately, both eyes went back to Juvia who narrowed her eyes, a sadistic smirk on her face that had both take an involuntary step back in fear.

"You think you can hurt my darling Gray in my presence and get away with it," Juvia hissed as the cracks in the pipes around them began increasing in size as the volume of water leaking through them worsened. "This is what you get for standing in the way of our love!"

"What the fu-!?"

"Water Mausoleum!"

Suddenly, all the pipes in the area shattered and dangerous levels of water began flooding the room, prompting both Fukuro and Vidaldus to immediately ditch the fight and start sprinting down the large pipe at the end of the room.

"Going somewhere?"

Both looked back to see Juvia's body size begin to increase as she fused with the water, her lower half vanishing entirely as she extended her right arm out toward them. As she did this, a massive torrent of the water was fired directly down the pipe in their direction.

The two Dark Mages had no hope of outrunning the attack and were engulfed by the water. Spinning around underwater, they both quickly recovered and were horrified to see a massive smirking form of Juvia's head at the end of the tunnel looking right at them.

"I am one with the element of Water, though I am loathe to wield in in such a manner. However, my beloved Gray knows that there is but one way to get rid of pests trying to get in the way of our love!"

Both Fukuro and Vidaldus blinked, unable to respond to what sounded like the insane rambling of the water mage when suddenly, everything around them started to feel really cold.

Just as they looked at one another, Fukuro's eyes shot open as dozens of spikes suddenly emerged from his body, blood quickly mixing into the water as Vidaldus' eyes widened in fear.

"You two were fools to challenge us down here where we are both at our strongest," Juvia's voice boomed down the pipe as Vidaldus watched Gray pry himself out of Fukuro's mouth. "This is it for the both of you!"

Vidaldus barely had the chance to contemplate any form of action as a powerful suction dragged all three of them back toward Juvia's position. Gray actively went with it and shot straight into one of Juvia's hands and up her arm before travelling through her shoulders and down the opposite arm.

Suddenly, Vidaldus was no longer underwater, the entire lot of it vanishing, yet he was still flying through the air at high speeds straight toward Juvia's outstretched arm that was absorbing the water.

It was then that he saw Gray who was in an offensive stance whilst travelling down Juvia's other arm, a Dark Blue Magic Circle appearing around his right wrist as he shot out of Juvia's palm and straight toward the now terrified Dark Mage.

"Time to say goodnight," Gray roared as he summoned a giant hammer made of ice. "Ice Make – Hammer!"

Before Vidaldus even had a chance to say anything he was smashed in the face by the attack, his nose crumpling inward almost instantly as he lost consciousness. The moment Gray's attack landed, he let go and crashed into the ground, landing on his back as he let out an audible groan.

Looking back, he watched as Juvia absorbed all the water in the area before rapidly shrinking back down to her regular size and running toward him, clearly looking both relieved at their victory, yet worried about him.

"Oh Gray, are you all right!?"

"Yeah, feeling a bit of a burn from the bird freak's stomach acid, but other than that I'm good," Gray replied as she slowly rose into a sitting position. "What about you?"

"I'm fine," Juvia replied before stifling a burp. "O-oh!"

"What was that?"

"Oh no," Juvia gasped as she spun around on the spot and blushed furiously. "Oh dear, I'm so embarrassed!"

"Hey, what's wrong Juvia? You sure you're ok?"

"Oh my, this is so embarrassing," Juvia cried as she stifled a burp once again. "Y-you see, when I absorb too much water, its like having eaten far more than I really should and so it takes time for it to settle down."

"Oh, so that's why you're burping is it? Makes sense," Gray shrugged as he slowly got to his feet. "Don't worry about it Juvia, I don't care if you're doing that, especially not after how badass you just were."

"Badass … Me?"

"Hell yeah! I wouldn't wanna mess with you if you had the home field advantage, that shit was awesome though!"

"O-oh," Juvia gasped as she blushed again and avoided his direct gaze. "W-well, if you really think I was that good …"

"Sure I did, we made a great team," Gray grinned as he looked over at Vidaldus and his smashed in face. "Honestly, our powers were basically made to compliment the other, I doubt anyone else could've pulled off what we did."

By this point, Juvia had gone beet red as Gray showered praise on her and spoke about their teamwork. As he spoke of it, the words started to twist and distort into other things as she suddenly found herself zoning out.

"Gray thinks … we're made for each other," Juvia muttered as she looked down at her hands before suddenly gasping and widening her eyes at a powerful revelation. "Oh my … I just realized something!"

"Huh? What'd you say Juvia," Gray asked as he looked back from examining the two downed Dark Mages.

"Gray was … inside me," Juvia squeaked as her skin basically turned a translucent red. "Oh my …"

"Juvia? Hey, Juvia," Gray said, noticing that water was beginning to leak from her body. "You good, you're … er … leaking?"

"Gray was … inside me," Juvia muttered again before beginning to drool at a comical rate as a lot of the water she absorbed started escaping from her mouth, much to the horror of Gray who was already ankle deep again.

"OI, JUVIA! SNAP OUT OF IT!"

She would eventually snap out of it and the pair would make a move to re-join the others, one being so thoroughly soaked and the other thoroughly embarrassed.

/Tower Summit – Same Time/

As the other members of Fairy Tail all fought to reach the top of the Tower Of Heaven, one member had already made the steep ascent to the top and now stood defiantly before Jellal. The man didn't even adjust his posture as they entered, simply smirking in response to their arrival.

"So, you've come for me then? Can't really say I'm too surprised about that, considering your nature, Erza," Jellal smirked as Erza summoned a blade from her Requip Space and pointed it in his direction.

"That's enough Jellal," Erza snapped back as she grit her teeth in a vain attempt to stifle the anger threatening to throw her into a blind rage. "After everything we endured here, all the pain and suffering the thousands of children here endured from the Cult running the place … I can't believe you'd actually side with them!"

"And why wouldn't I," Jellal replied with a raised eyebrow in response. "This Tower is our legacy Erza, all that remains of those who died under the Cult Of Zeref, don't we owe them? It is our duty to see the construction of this tower through and revive Zeref."

"What!? You're even more insane that I thought," Erza spat as she struggled to even comprehend what Jellal had just said. "We owe it to the fallen to destroy this Tower and everything it stood for, not see its completion and activation!"

"When I was younger, that's what I had assumed as well. The Tower was a prison and we were its occupants," Jellal muttered as she slowly got to his feet. "But you see Erza, on that day when you ignited the rebellion, I discovered the truth about this Tower and believe me … I will be lauded as a hero once it is activated!"

"What are you talking about!? You think anything made from Dark Magic is going to be something people would praise you for, are you so far gone you can't even distinguish fantasy from reality!?"

"THIS IS REALITY ERZA," Jellal roared as he extended his arms out to motion to the room they were in. "The Tower Of Heaven, our ticket to paradise!"

"Paradise? What are you on about!?"

Jellal chuckled as Erza swung her blade out in front of her and took several steps forward, the tip of the blade now mere metres from his chest.

"Paradise, Erza, is what is promised to those who are able to achieve the completion of this Tower. Upon the revival of Lord Zeref, a new golden age shall be ushered in with those who saw to his return being gifted all that they had ever sought upon the mortal realm!"

"Do you even hear yourself … you've lost it-!"

"DON'T SLANDER WHAT YOUR WEAK AND FEEBLE MIND CANNOT POSSIBLE COMPREHEND," Jellal roared as he reached out and grabbed onto Erza's blade, yanking her right toward him where he extended his free hand and gripped her by the throat.

"J-Jellal-!?"

"You know nothing of the truth Erza, nothing about what drives me forward," Jellal spat as he slowly lifted her up off the ground by the neck as she gripped his arm with all her strength. "Once Lord Zeref is reborn, all those who have died will return! Zeref was one of the greatest mages in history Erza, his knowledge infinite on Lost Magics that make the ones seen today mere parlour tricks!"

"You … fool! Zeref … won't … help you … only … destroy you!"

"I don't think so," Jellal grinned as he dragged her closer so that their foreheads were pressed together. "For you see, Zeref told me all these things himself!"

Erza's eyes slowly left Jellal's own as her focus was forced upon his right eye and the red marking etched into the flesh around it.

"Jellal …"

"Don't you see Erza, I've been chosen by Zeref himself to see to his resurrection," Jellal laughed as she roughly threw her across the room with such force, she smashed into one of the walls, her armor cracking from the sheer force of the blow. "He knew all those other bastards who enslaved us were mere pretenders, lackeys who hungered for power! But me, no … I was CHOSEN to carry out his will!"

Erza struggled to her knees, the ease at which Jellal had tossed her aside putting her on edge as she watched his maddened speech. It was clear now, though she already knew it, merely refusing to accept it.

The friend who had let her go all those years ago … was dead.

"So that's how it is then, you haven't changed at all since we last saw each other," Erza muttered, eliciting only a raised eyebrow from the Dark Mage in response. "I didn't want to think of you as beyond redemption, but after seeing what you've done here and the way you've manipulated Simon, Milliana, Wally and Sho …"

Slowly rising to her feet, Erza's body was enveloped in a bright light as she used her Requip Magic. Jellal merely laughed as she emerged clad in her Armor Of The Brilliant Flame, not even concerned in the slightest.

"So, you've finally built up the resolve to kill me?"

"You're beyond saving now Jellal, I must do what I can to stop this madness before it destroys the lives of anyone else!"

"Heh. Such determination behind those eyes of yours Erza, you even make a prosthetic eye glisten," Jellal grinned savagely as Erza unconsciously moved her armoured hand up to cover her right eye. "Such a shame Dragneel has sullied you, I may have considered keeping you for myself and sacrificing him instead once he got here."

"What did you just say," Erza hissed as Jellal chuckled to himself.

"You grew up to be a real beauty Erza, no one in Fiore can fault the beauty of the mighty Titania of Fairy Tail! Unfortunately, you've shacked up with a backward bumpkin like Dragneel so you've all but lose what appeal you once possessed-."

"That's not what I'm talking about you sick bastard," Erza snarled in response as she stomped the ground hard enough to crack the ground beneath her. "Did you just say Natsu is on his way up here!?"

"Oh yes, he's rather angry too," Jellal grinned as he motioned downward. "We don't have long before he reaches us so I'm afraid I don't have the time to play around with you."

"I won't let you do anything to him Jellal, your fight is with me," Erza cried as she shot toward Jellal who didn't even bother to react.

"As touching as your display of love for Dragneel is, I'm afraid we can't have you damaging the Tower any further than what your friends have done," a voice identical to Jellal's whispered in Erza's ear.

"What-!?"

An immense pressure struck Erza in the back, pinning her to the floor as she struggled to arch her neck to see what had hit her. Upon finally getting a visual, her face went pale as yet another familiar figure towered over her with that cursed smirk on his face.

"Siegrain!?"

"In a way I actually feel sorry for you Erza," Siegrain said mockingly as he dug his heel into her armoured back. "All this time you thought you had things figured out, thought you knew my agenda. A long-lost twin who just conveniently happened to look identical to Jellal, the boy from the Tower that ruined your childhood."

"Technically, I didn't lie," Jellal laughed as Seigrain released Erza and vanished and reappeared next to Jellal, allowing Erza to once again rise to her knees in complete shock. "I believe I merely spoke a half-truth."

The pair began to glow as they started speaking in unison, putting Erza on edge as she slowly got to her feet and took several cautious steps backward.

"We are Jellal. I am him; he is me," the pair said before vanishing into one solid humanoid shaped light. "We are one and the same, two halves of the same whole!"

The light died down to reveal a singular version of Jellal who was slightly taller with their clothing combined into one that reflected the outfits the pair had been wearing only moments prior.

"True Heavenly Body Magic – Dioscuri!"

"What," Erza muttered as Jellal's overwhelming power flooded the room. "How!?"

"Like I just said Erza," Jellal smirked as he extended his arms outward. "Seigrain was in fact merely half of myself the whole time, a product of a spell! Dioscuri halves the caster perfectly, dividing everything so that they are a perfect duplicate."

"But Seigrain was so powerful he was able to become a Wizard Saint," Erza gasped as she started to realize just how dire the situation had become. "You mean to say that this whole time you've only been at half strength!?"

"That look of fear in your eyes Erza, it's so utterly intoxicating," Jellal muttered as he vanished and appeared behind her, prompting her to leap back in the opposite direction. "Even at half strength, I possessed all the power necessary to do what needed to be done. It was of little consequence considering the long game I intended to play."

"I don't believe this …"

"Believe whatever you desire Erza for it won't matter soon," Jellal smirked as he looked up toward the ceiling. "Soon, my plan will be fulfilled now that my counterpart managed to carry out his part flawlessly!"

"What plan!? What have you done Jellal," Erza shouted back as the man analysed the memories his counterpart gave him.

"It was quite simple really and it went a little something like this …"

/Era – Magic Council Chambers (Flashback)/

"My fellow Council Members, I implore you all to consider my proposal," Seigrain cried pleadingly as they all gazed at an image of the Tower Of Heaven projected before them. "My Brother has almost finished the R System and we all know the consequences for Fiore should it reach full operation!"

"We are all well aware of the consequences Lord Seigrain, there is no need to preach about the catastrophic loss of life should the Council not act," Ultear chimed in as many of the other members shifted in their seats uncomfortably. "But are you certain this is wise?"

"What do you mean Ultear," Seigrain snapped back as Gran Doma cleared his throat.

"Seigrain, calm yourself. Ultear was merely wondering if you're alright with going ahead with this knowing that your own Brother will be wiped clean off the face of the planet," Gran Doma said as Seigrain clenched his fists and looked away.

"Don't you think I know that … I know what my Brother is, what he's become and I know now that there's no hope for him," Seigrain cried on the verge of tears. "He's my Brother … But I'm a member of this Council, a Wizard Saint of Fiore. For the good of our nation, Jellal and his monstrosity from a time long since passed must be destroyed."

Many of the Council also began to tear up at his statement save for one. Councilman Yajima watched the display with narrowed eyes, noticing how expertly he'd just played everyone else present into doing exactly as he wanted. Knowing what Natsu had told him, he could only see the Council approving Seigrain's request to come back to haunt them.

The question was, how?

"We all admire your resolve Seigrain," Doma said quietly as the chatter died down. "Very well, if you are certain that this is the course of action you desire then I shall put this matter to a vote one final time."

"Thank you, Chairman Doma," Seigrain bowed before resuming his seat.

"Those in favour of firing our weapon, the Etherion Cannon, a show of hands!"

Looking around the room, Doma noticed that only Councilman Yajima had refrained from raising his hand and was receiving glares from many of his colleagues in turn. Shaking his head at the strange feeling in his gut, he sighed.

"Well, it appears that by an overwhelming eight to one, Etherion will be fired at the R System," Doma said as many in the room began cheering openly.

"Thank you all for understanding the sheer threat we are faced with today. By using Etherion and eradicating the R System and my Dark Mage Brother, we can not only ensure that the people of Fiore can sleep soundly knowing that their Council is protecting them from evil but send a clear message to the Dark Guilds that we are serious about dealing with them."

"A fine speech Siegrain. I'll admit that in the beginning of your time on the Council, I had my doubts about you. But after today you've proven to be an excellent member and I'm glad my doubts were unfounded," Gran Doma said as the Councillors all rose from their seats. "Now come my friends, today we make history!"

The Council made their way toward the Etherion Control Room, unaware that both Ultear and Seigrain briefly shared sinister smirks at their backs.

/Tower Of Heaven – Present/

Erza was completely slack jawed once Jellal finished explaining what he'd done, how expertly he'd manipulated the Council into doing what he wanted and she could only curse their luck.

"Are you insane!? Why the hell would you want to fire the Etherion Cannon at this place, we'll all die!?

"Once again Erza, your inability to understand the inner workings of things proves to be your downfall," Jellal replied as he returned to his throne and sat down. "We will not perish with the blast; in fact, the blast will be the catalyst for priming the R System!

"I've heard enough of this complete lunacy! I'm not going to just stand here and let you have your way," Erza snapped as she summoned her Sword Of The Brilliant Flame to her side. "So long as I draw breath, you will not activate this Tower!"

"Though your passion is admirable, your strength is lacking to match," Jellal sighed as he once again rose from his throne. "You stand no chance against me Erza, my power is greater than that of even Jose Porla who bested your own Guild Master.

"Enough talk," Erza snarled as she vanished and appeared right in front of Jellal with her blade alight with searing red fire. "Draconian Knight's Scorching Strike!"

To Erza's shock and horror, Jellal didn't even bother to dodge and instead let the attack hit him. His body skidded backward slightly as it burst into flames and yet she could only take several cautious steps backward.

"What is this!?"

"Come now Erza, is this the best the fabled Titania can do?"

"My blade slashed you for sure, my flames are burning you as we speak and yet you aren't even fazed!?

"Why would I be," Jellal asked, cocking his head to the side before snapping his fingers to dispel the fire entirely to reveal he'd sustained no damage whatsoever. "Why would I be concerned about an attack that's so … weak?"

"Weak," Erza muttered as she felt herself beginning to get angrier. "I am NOT weak Jellal, not so long as I have a purpose to fight for!"

Charging Jellal again, Erza could only cry out in frustration as the man simply let her attacks hit him for no visible damage. More and more power was put behind her strikes as she felt her magic beginning to drain at a faster rate.

"Such a waste of power Erza," Jellal sighed sadly as he suddenly reached out and caught the sword between his index and middle finger. "If I had known you'd be so pitiful I'd have kept you locked up here instead of embarrassing yourself out in Fiore."

"How dare you," Erza hissed as fire exploded out of the armor which blasted Jellal away and through his throne, destroying it in the process. "HOW DARE YOU!"

The explosive fire transferred to her blade; Erza sliced the air in front of her to form a solid X shaped attack that sat stationary before her. Cocking back her blade, she stabbed the central point of the X and sent the attack hurdling toward Jellal's position.

"Draconian Knight's Crossfire!"

The attack smashed into Jellal's position and set off a large explosion that shook the entire area. Fire raged around the throne room as Erza lowered her guard for a moment.

"So, it appears that your forte is striking stationary targets who don't fight seriously," Jellal teased as he suddenly appeared before her. "A truly inspiring strategy, to be sure. However, I think now it is time that I got a few hits in."

Throwing a single punch, Erza lurched forward and coughed up blood. The force behind the punch was enough to extinguish all the fires across the throne room and send her from where she'd been standing, all the way into the far wall, faster than she could blink.

Falling out of the wall, she didn't even have the time to land before finding herself under assault from all sides as Jellal swatted her around. The only sign it was even him was the slight tinge of golden light left behind as he moved and even that was fleeting.

One final blow to the back smashed Erza into the floor as Jellal reappeared, looking no less out of breath than he had been when he'd been sitting on his throne mocking her. It was at this moment she knew that Jellal was an opponent she simply couldn't match with her current level of power.

Honestly, it reminded her of how Natsu so easily thrashed them. It was as if Jellal was simply just fighting on an entirely separate plane than everyone else.

"Do you see now Erza? Do you understand what you foolishly stand against," Jellal asked as he turned away and walked toward his destroyed throne and sat down upon a broken piece of it. "In order to see about the revival of the legendary Lord Zeref, it takes someone of remarkable strength and will. No ordinary mage could ever hope to achieve such a dream, that is why the foolish Zeref Cultists who enslaved us were slaughtered!"

"J-Jellal," Erza gasped as she struggled to a kneeling position.

"Power dictates fate Erza, the weak have no right to protest," Jellal continued. "Once, the idea of weaklings dictating the destiny of the strong was a laughable fantasy and yet today those fools on the Magic Council believe themselves to be creating history as they fire Etherion at us! Though, in a roundabout way, they are correct in such an assumption."

"What do you mean!?"

"Once Etherion strikes, history will be made Erza," Jellal grinned as they both felt the beginnings of Etherion charging above them. "Once Etherion's blast dissipates, we will live in a new age where only the strongest mage may rule! Zeref will set all things right and forge us a paradise!"

"N-not unless I stop you," Erza hissed as Jellal looked upon her with amusement.

"Oh really? Face it, you don't have what it takes to best me Erza," Jellal laughed mockingly as he rose to his feet once again. "You feared me at half my strength, you stand no chance against me now!"

'He's right," Erza thought as she felt her hope begin to wane. "This is the strongest armor I currently possess and yet it couldn't so much as scratch him! How can I win if I can't even match his-!?'

Erza's eyes widened as she thought back on something Natsu had told her before her nightmares had returned, before Jellal had ruined the brief bout of happiness in her otherwise tragic life. Slowly, Erza rose to her feet and met Jellal's gaze with a stern glare.

"A second wind? Admirable, but futile."

Erza held her right hand out and summoned a crystal from her Requip Space. Jellal's eyes immediately narrowed in response, his entire demeanour shifting from relaxed to on guard as he felt the power within said crystal.

"What are you doing," Jellal asked darkly as he got back up and started walking toward Erza. "Don't be a fool and try play hero now …"

'I'm sorry Natsu, I know I was supposed to train with this before using it,' Erza thought as she took the crystal and shoved it into the identical shaped hole in the heart of her armor. 'But this is bigger than either of us!'

Jellal immediately leapt back as Erza's entire form was engulfed in crimson fire, the heat being given off already enough to fully anger the once calm Dark Mage. He waited several moments until the flames died down before Erza emerged, her entire appearance altered.

The first and most obvious change was to her upper body. Her hair was now free flowing and wild, her eyes now Draconic in nature having become slitted. Her teeth had clearly become sharper with her canines more pronounced as she grit her teeth.

Her armor had likewise been altered; the entire thing seemingly melded to Erza's skin. It was like she wasn't even wearing armor any longer, instead it appeared more like scales now covered her form. Her hands and feet were now claw-like in nature, her blade having fused into them which in turn made them much sharper.

"What have you done," was all Jellal said as Erza growled before roaring in response.

"Fire Dragon Queen Mode!"

"A power similar to Natsu's Dragon Force," Jellal muttered as he analysed the threat before him. But there's no way that she can just gain Dragon Slaying Magic like that, something's clearly off?"

Before Jellal had any time to truly ponder what he was dealing with, Erza roared again and charged toward him. Her speed was leagues above what it was previously and Jellal knew he couldn't take her lightly.

"How interesting," Jellal grinned as he clasped his hands together. "True Heavenly Body Magic – Meteor!"

Vanishing from place in a golden stream of light, he was glad that he could see her movements once more. Dashing up into the air, he was surprised to see her simply leap from where she was and cock back her right hand.

"Fire Dragon Queen's Claw!"

"She can fly," Jellal said in genuine surprise as he read her movements. "Even so, it still won't be enough!"

Slashing at Jellal, she missed as he knocked her arm out of the way at the last moment. Spinning around on the spot, he delivered a brutal kick to Erza's side that sent her flying back down toward the ground however she halted her descent just before making impact.

"All right, time to restrain her before she damages the place beyond acceptable levels," Jellal muttered as he summoned a sphere of Dark Magic in his right hand. "Darkness Magic – Dark Cage!"

Cocking back, he fired the attack at the still recovering Erza who was almost immediately struck by it as she let out a roaring shriek in response. Clenching his right hand into a fist, the attack exploded into dozens of ghosts that all moved to pin Erza down.

Preparing to rush her, he paused and noticed she had coated her teeth in flame and was now tearing the Dark Ghosts off of her. As he watched, he could only lament at the savagery of the act. It did however reveal something, something he could no doubt use.

"She must be in a feral state, that is the only explanation for this behaviour," Jellal noted as she snapped away at the Dark Ghosts. "That's the only possibility, Erza would never act like this otherwise."

Tearing the last Dark Ghost off of herself, she looked up at Jellal and roared before bringing both her hands to her right side and forming a solid sphere of flame between her palms. Jellal immediately knew what this attack was, having seen Natsu perform it on numerous occasions.

"Fire Dragon Queen's Nova!"

"Surprising, but nothing I can't handle Erza! Darkness Magic - Dark Vanish!"

Erza screeched as the attack was seemingly snuffed out by Jellal, charging toward the Dark Mage's position once again as he prepared to defend himself. Just as Erza got in close, she suddenly flipped in mid-air, her left foot now coated in fire.

"Fire Dragon Queen's Talon!"

"You think you can overpower me," Jellal scoffed as he grabbed onto Erza's ankle. "Take this!"

The pair vanished and reappeared nearby with Jellal having smashed Erza into the ground using the speed of Meteor. Erza moved to get up but Jellal kicked her in the head and sent her flying through a wall, reappearing next to her to kick her in the ribs once again and smashing her back through it again.

Erza screeched as she rolled and came to a stop before Jellal's broken throne. The man himself appeared standing atop its crumbled surface with a deep frown on his face.

"It seems you can only wield that power for a short time," Jellal noted as the flames around her began to flicker and the scales slowly started shifting, receding back into pieces of armor. "This is it for you, no more games."

Erza could only screw her eyes shut, preparing herself for the brutal blow that would knock her out. She waited what felt like an eternity before slowly realizing that he hadn't struck her. It was then that she heard the sound of grunting and opened her eyes.

Looking up to where Jellal was, she was shocked to see Natsu had caught Jellal's fist and the pair were currently locked in an intense glare with one another. The feral instincts instilled into her by the armor flooded her with a myriad of emotions as she saw Natsu.

Her Natsu had come to save her.

"You fought well Erza, but you can revert back to your base form now," Natsu said softly despite still holding Jellal's punch back. "Let me take it from here."

Erza growled slightly but did as she was told, the Draconic state burning away as she slipped back into her regular form. Once she did, the Armor Of The Brilliant Flame cracked and it was swiftly replaced by some regular clothes she could summon from her Requip Space.

"Natsu …"

"So, you've finally made it," Jellal said with an amused grin as he ceased pushing against Natsu and took a step backward. "I suppose it is true what they say about you, how you'll go to any lengths for those you love."

"To survive her in that state proves you aren't a joke," Natsu replied as he entered a defensive stance. "That kind of magic when untrained can be dangerous. For her to have used it so effectively on her first try only proves her resolve to kill you."

"She may want me dead, but wielding volatile Lost Magic like that wasn't going to get the job done," Jellal replied neutrally. "You mustn't value her life much if you thought giving her that without training was a good idea."

"Though I told her not to use it, this was a life-or-death scenario, no two ways about it," Natsu countered sharply. "Had it been anyone else, I doubt she'd have resorted to using it at all."

"Doesn't change the fact that you handed her such a power, does it?"

"No. Either way, it doesn't matter now," Natsu murmured as he looked toward his right. "Simon!"

Erza's eyes widened as she suddenly felt the presence of the much larger man next to her. Jellal seemed just as surprised as he clenched his fists, a look of cold fury in his eyes as the larger man knelt down to Erza's side.

"Betrayal, Simon? After everything I've done, you'd turn your back on all we've worked for?"

"I'm sorry Jellal, but we can't agree with what you're doing any longer," Simon said as he picked up Erza bridal style. "Natsu, I'll make sure to get Erza out of here safely."

"Yeah," Natsu said as he turned back to look at the pair.

"Natsu," Erza muttered, quickly realizing what was happening as she tried to struggle in Simon's arms, finding herself too weak to do anything. "Natsu, what are you doing!?"

"I'm sorry Erza, but I can't let this guy get away with what he's done to you," Natsu said as he met her fearful gaze. "I'm going to kill him, even if it kills me."

It was then that she noticed a trickle of blood escape from the corner of his mouth. Initially, she was confused, but quickly put two and two together as she recalled what could have caused him such an injury.

"But Natsu, you can't!"

"I'm the only one here who can," was his soft reply as he turned back to face Jellal.

"But you're still injured from Kryden, Jellal will kill you!"

"Like I said Erza," Natsu said as scales started to form across his body. "I'll die to take this bastard out."

"NO," Erza cried as Simon started to slowly step away from the pair. "NATSU NO, I WON'T LET YOU DO THIS!"

"Simon," Natsu muttered without looking back. "Please …"

"Right," the larger man replied stoically as Erza's gaze snapped up to the man. "I'm sorry Erza, truly."

Erza didn't have the time to comprehend Simon's words as she was knocked unconscious by a blow to the side of the head. The larger man winced, noticing the tears falling from her eyes the moment she'd been knocked out.

"Good luck Natsu," the man said as he darted for the stairs, leaving Natsu and Jellal alone.

"You really are a fascinating individual Natsu," Jellal mused as the pair began to circle one another. "I knew that we'd end up fighting like this in the end, regardless of how much I schemed to avoid it."

"I always knew I'd end up fighting you someday too," Natsu replied as light began to engulf the Tower. "For what you've done to Erza, I'm gonna make it slow and painful."

"So, that's how it's going to be," Jellal chuckled as the light became near blinding outside. "Very well then, show me your resolve Natsu! It doesn't even matter if Erza gets away now that you're here! With you as my sacrifice, I have all the power I need to see my plans to fruition!"

"I beg to differ Jellal," Natsu snarled as the pair began releasing their power. "I'm gonna enjoy painting the floor with your face Jellal before folding this damn Tower in on itself!"

The pair vanished as the light fully engulfed the Tower. The last thing visible being both men raising their right fists in preparation to strike each other.

/Base Of The Tower – Several Minutes Earlier/

As Natsu was conversing with Jellal up at the top of the Tower, Simon had just arrived at the base where everyone else had wound up. Upon spotting him carrying an unconscious Erza, Gray charged toward him and immediately began looking her over.

"Oi, what the hell happened to Erza," he snarled as he looked up toward the man who firmly returned the gaze. "Did you do this!?"

"Erza suffered injuries facing Jellal. That, combined with some technique with one of her new armors, rendered her unable to move more than a sliver," Simon replied as they quickly moved to the boat and placed her down. "But enough about that, we need to leave right now!"

"Why the hell would we do that," Gray snapped in response only for Eliza to place a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Huh? What is it Eliza?"

"Gray, this man is correct in what he says," the War Goddess said softly as she looked up at the sky, directly into the blinding light. "The Magic Council plans to fire the Etherion Cannon upon this place and, should we remain, all of you shall certainly perish."

"Are you serious!? What the hell is wrong with those assholes," Gray snapped as they all piled into the boat and began rowing. "Hold on a sec, what about Natsu!?"

"Natsu opted to stay behind to hold back Jellal," Simon replied quietly as everyone looked between each other with varying emotions. "If he did not choose to do so, Jellal would have killed us all."

"B-but-!"

A loud bang interrupted Gray before he could speak as a blast of pure magic came down from the sky and enveloped the entire island and the Tower upon it. The blast sent the boat flying away from the island at high speeds, stabilized by Eliza as she summoned a lance and used it to expertly steer it through the rough waves generated as a result.

"No way," Gray muttered to himself as tears began to stream down his face. "Natsu …"

As everyone contemplated what had just happened, Eliza looked at the massive pillar of magic still striking the earth and narrowed her eyes.

'Something is off about all of this,' she thought before turning her attention back toward the various occupants of the boat.

To all of them, it appeared that Natsu and Jellal had been killed in the blast.

---

Edited (03/02/22)