All of Glacidia was in peril. Explosions of fire could be seen from the distance, men and women were running if they weren't fighting. Others who were fighting were finding themselves repulsed by armed soldiers who were commanding Fire-types to advance. When they reached out, the Fire-types opened their maws, expelling flames.

With a swipe of her arm, Cana use tarot cards to absorb the blow. When the soldiers were caught shocked by this, they found themselves shocked when Cana swiped down with the same card, sending a shockwave of fire across the snow to blow away the numbers.

"There's just no end to these jackasses." She grunted. "How're you holding up, Sophie?"

Men jumped onto Sophie with weapons poised to attack. With a strong cry, Sophie swiped her arm, sending a crescent of blue fire with shadowy outlines in a shockwave that blew them all away. She stepped back to Cana's back, looking beat. "They're not telling up. At this rate, our magic is going to be depleted before this area is finally decided on."

"Really? That ain't good."

"In that case-!" Piplup jumped, using Peck on a Salandit's head and backflipped. "We should pick up the slack for ya!" In midair, he opened his beak, firing blue bubbles down on Fire-types. They all curled up and whimpered as the Bubble attack immobilized them.

Abra conjured a purple hemisphere and made it expand. "Yes, we shall…because that is our role as partners! Psyshock!" Jutting forward, Abra fired purple beams from the orb, zipping at incredible speeds and attacking men and Fire-types alike.

Piplup landed, beaming with pride. "Now look, I'm not doing this because I have to. I'm saying it's because I want to, got it? So no special favors just because I decided to be nice for a change." He told Cana specifically, looking over his shoulder to glare at her.

Cana, however, looked nonchalantly happy as she dumbly waved at him. "Oh yeah, whatever you say~."

"Are you even taking me seriously?!" he flabbergasted.

A Houndour pounced from behind, readying Bite. "HA! GOTCHA NOW BIRD!"

Piplup gasped. He looked over his shoulder and realized he was too slow. Before he knew it, in a flash, Houndour fell on his back in a small smoke cloud. Piplup gawked in shock as he was barely processing what happened.

"Just because you're doing the lifting doesn't mean I haven't caught my second wind yet." Piplup turned around to find Cana in a swiping position, her card shining. "There's more incoming. Don't turn your back to them!"

"Uh, r-right!" Piplup refocused his efforts ahead. He and Cana both faced the enemies with renewed readiness. In return, the backpedaled foes and their Pokémon stepped forward to advance.

As she glared, the brunette's face scrunched up. 'Nic better hurry it up with that rescue. These soldiers actually know what they're doing with these Pokémon. Better than what we thought apparently. Better shape up fast!' She readied more tarot cards as she swiped."Alright, let's go! Purrloin! Piplup!"

"Right!" Together, they readied glowing claws and beaks glowing to attack.


Seismic waves of teal aura washed over the earth, instantly swallowing numerous soldiers. As they all screamed and fell on their sides, Vanessa and Goodra stood unhinged by the numbers they mowed down.

"There's fewer than there were before. You think that's because of us?" Goodra asked behind Vanessa.

"Partially. Their numbers must be thinning to more areas around the cities. They're trying to cover more ground and weed out the reinforcements." Vanessa surmised, her brow furrowing. 'Also…that dark aura from before, it's getting further away. All these numbers still spread out is starting to mask that particular aura. We need to hurry and weed out the reinforcements before it gets away.' She reached out to give a command. "Let's pick up the pace! Goodra, Dragon Pulse!"

Goodra craned her head around as she gathered multicolored energy in her mouth. Once ready, she blasted enemies with a massive draconic beam that erupted in front of them.


Another guard fell over in the snow, devoid of pupils in the eyes. He was amongst the many who were lying over the sidewalk leading up to Emmanuel as he had his back turned. "So sorry my friends, but…I have some strict business to attend to. And as much as I would love to be indulged, I have to tend to my own matters. Good day."

As he walked off, a weakened soldier lazily reached for him. "W-wait…hold…on…" Losing all his strength, he dropped once more, blacking out.

Emmanuel continued his path undeterred, his glare hardening. 'I will not be deterred any longer. You can run, Isaac, but under this moonlight…even you can't hide from me.'


Back where the ships were, on the head ship's observation room, Nic's fists balled. He couldn't believe what just happened. He was played for a fool, and he bought it.

"He gave us the slip from the start." He realized. "Should've known he'd try and double cross us."

"He must have launched himself along with those other pods when they were fired over the wall." Charizard surmised. "He must have known we were coming and knew this was going to happen, so he set up a decoy for us to bide time with."

"Yeah…" Nic trailed off. Something Emmanuel's clone said to him earlier threw him off.

"It's all…business."

'It's all business, huh?' Nic didn't know much about how business worked. He realized that. Of course he was right enough to know that there was a kernel of wisdom to what Emmanuel said about deals being kept up to co. He's never been in debt himself, so he wouldn't know. Real world business was something that wasn't his thing. That's where he fell short, and that's where karma hit him the hardest.

"I see…you can settle your business with Isaac for all I care…but the Moon Drip and the people not fighting stays out of this."

Karma really bit him hard this time around. His own words were used against him. If he didn't feel like a fool before, he most certainly did now. 'Emmanuel…'

"Nic." Charizard snapped him out of it.

Nic shook his head and focused. "Sorry, you're right. There's no time for mulling." He hopped onto Charizard's back, readying takeoff. "The Moon Drip's in trouble. We still have time…I can feel it."


A blue graze cut through a soldier, downing him on the ice. Erza adjusted and looked around, seeing the many soldiers keeping their distance. When she looked at them, all they could do was flinch.

"HRAH!" With a swing of her Purgatory mace, a shockwave blazed across the ice, hitting and sending men flying uncontrollably. 'Their numbers are beginning to diminish. We have to keep the pressure on!' she altered strategies. "Cloyster, Icicle Crash!"

Cloyster obeyed and took a very sharp breath. The icy exhale skywards materialized into long, sharp icicles that shot down on kneeling soldiers. When they looked up, they were blown away by piercing ice shards that prodded on the ice.

Erza stepped forward, bringing her Purgatory mace back one more time. With another horizontal swing, the shockwaves passed the icicles, eventually breaking them into smaller pieces that blew into more men. The hardened impact made them all fall over, leaving those in the back left standing.

"Are we perhaps almost done?" Cloyster asked.

Erza requipped, becoming her Armadura Pidgeot Armor. "No, but we're causing dents for certain. We just need to keep the pressure on them if we can."

"I understand."

All the men left raised their magical weapons and went charging. They all screamed and closed in on Erza and Cloyster. Suddenly an intense Heat Wave attack blew like a maelstrom, instantly repulsing them away like flies. They all screamed as the heat melted off parts of their armor as they sailed, along with waves of ice picked up from the tidal wave of heat gusts. Melted ice and water washed over them, leaving a layer of mist to swallow the area.

"Erza!"

Erza looked up. Overhead was Nic on Charizard's back. "Nic!"

Charizard landed besides Erza. Nic hopped off and reconvened with his wife. "Erza, listen. We need to get back to the Moon Drip right now. Emmanuel's inside the borders. He's probably on his way there as we speak."

Erza's eyes slowly widened with a gasp. Shock couldn't begin to describe what she was feeling right now. She looked back at the melted ice. "Then that means…"

"Yeah, he was using the brigade as decoys, and we feel for it…" He and Erza both grumbled in distaste. They got too carried away, but knew better than to scold themselves. They faced each other. "We need to head back, now."

Erza nodded. "Right. Let's move it!"

The two ended up on Charizard's back as he soared across the sky. He roared loudly as he twisted and sailed into the black sky, heading to where the moonlight was gleaming most. Nic and Erza had serious looks as they were on the move, hurrying and hoping they weren't too late.

Down below on the deck, Dereece looked up to see Charizard fly overhead. "Huh? Hey, look at that." Camilla, Duncan, and their Pokémon all looked up, seeing a dragon sail with a flame behind it. "Is that who I think it is?"

Heracross narrowed his vision. "Looks like a Charizard from here."

"That's because it is a Charizard." Dereece realized. "That's Nic's Charizard, the one that we saw when we first came here! Why is it flying off though?"

Camilla looked confused until she heard a groan in her arms. When she looked down, Joey was stirring awake. "Joey!" she gasped.

Joey winced as he slowly opened his eyes. "Gnnngh…where…?" His vision cleared, allowing him to see Camilla. "Camilla, is that you? Ugh, my head." He put a hand on his head, feeling a deep throbbing. "It feels like a Rhyhorn stomped on me like a dozen times over or something." He noticed Dereece staring up at the sky and not him. "Huh? Uh, hey, hello? Dereece? I'm still here. What are you staring at that's so…" He felt a tap from beside. "Yeah?" He looked at Quilladin pointing up at the sky. Joey followed, and just like the others, he showed gaping shock as well. "GAH! I-is that…Nic-senpai and Charizard up there?!" He instantly stood up, revitalized by the sight. "Woah, look at them go! They're like speeding fighter jets or something!"

"How are you able to stand?" Heracross sweat dropped.

Duncan stepped forward. "Well at least you're able to stand. Good. Now you can get that princess back to where she belongs."

Joey's eyes widened upon realization. "Hey yeah, that's right." He turned towards Camilla and smiled. "You hear that, Camilla? We're getting you back home and off this deathtrap, you with us?"

Camilla smiled softly and chuckled. "Yes, that is good news. Thank you, Joey."

Joey sheepishly turned away. "Yeah, well, getting here was one thing. So now how do we get to where Nic-senpai is hea…?"

THUD

Joey and everyone flinched when they heard a loud bang. When they looked over, they saw a launch pod that was embedded in the massive ice wall that had fallen onto the deck. It was still covered in ice, but it looked to be in good condition.

"Well, guess that's luck." Duncan meekly said.

"Yeah no kidding, where did that thing come from?" Dereece questioned. He looked up, seeing a few of the launch pods that were supposed to have sailed off embedded into the ice wall. "Did some of them misfire and were abandoned?"

"Well in any case, looks like we have our mode of transportation." Duncan sourly said. "So how about it?"

Dereece looked back at Joey. "Captain, what do you think?"

Joey was sanding still as everything zoomed in around him. His eyes turned to twinkling stars as he smirked. He eagerly stepped forward, raising a fist. "Everyone! All aboard! We're taking the express way this time!"

Dereece comically sighed. 'I was afraid of this.' He turned towards the pod. 'Oh well, how hard can it be?'

"WAAAAAHH!" Dereece was comically wailing as his eye sockets were almost out of place. He was in the back-pod, where he, Duncan, Camilla, and the Pokémon were in the passenger pods while Joey was in the main pod. Joey was laughing with a great big smile on his face. They were sailing at over 100mph, at least according to the metric scales on their pods. The jet engines were like a soaring blaze that shot them into the sky. Anyone watching would see a flaming comet heading far over the tidal wall for Glacidia.

"Captain! Captain! Slow down! We're going too fast!" Dereece pleaded, only for the pod to increase speeds.

"Sorry buddy, I ain't seeing airbrakes! Guess we're going in hot!"

"That isn't what airbrakes do! We're gonna burn up before we even get there!"

"Gngh! Heracross, move! Your arms are poking my side!" Quilladin complained.

"Me? Your spikes are in my back!" he retorted.

"Hey, I can't help it!"

"Oof! Golly, y'all better make some space for me." Seel insisted.

"Ow! Your horn's touching my booty!"

"Oops, sorry."

Joey eagerly smiled as he had eyes set on the prize. "Hang on Isaac…I'm gonna keep my word to the end. This I swear! Glacidia, here we come!" He added propulsion, making it zip across the sky faster. "YEAH~!"

"SOMEBODY GET ME OFF THIS THING!" Dereece cried out loud enough to be heard throughout Galcidia's night sky.


Bigge and the two other generals were squaring off against the Dragon Slayers when a communication lacrima went off in Bigge's ear. He pressed the button, starting the message. "What is it?"

People started talking inside, catching Ebna and Tangath's interests.

"Uh huh…I see…I understand. Good." Bigge started smirking. "That's good news. Keep me filled in, over." He got his finger away and looked at his associates. "Seems that the diversion plan was a success. Emmanuel is closing in on the Moon Drip as we speak."

Using his Dragon Slayer hearing, Natsu and the others went wide-eyed.

"That so?" Ebna inquired.

"Guess that's a good thing. I was beginning to wonder if they really would fall for it." Tangath admitted. "Looks like I had nothing to worry about."

"Say what? Guys are you hearing this?" Natsu growled.

"Oh I hear alright." Gajeel replied. "Sounds like these guys are saying they're playing us for patsies."

"Then that means this whole attack was a ruse itself." Wendy realized.

Tangath smirked. "Correct. You Fiorian Mages catch on rather fast. I'm impressed. Still, that won't save you any less trouble that you've gotten yourselves in. Once Emmanuel gets to the Moon Drip, it's game over."

"That so?" Flares picked up around Natsu. "Not if we can't do anything to stop ya."

"Your tongue is as bold as is your actions, young one." Ebna reached for something behind. When he pulled his arm ahead, he revealed a prolonged mace with spikes on it. The mace was heavily accented with neon blue markings on the spikes and along the handle. "Still, as head generals of the Durandel Fleet, it is our sworn duty to put down anyone who stands in our way."

Similarly, Bigge pulled out a bludgeon with gray accents on it. And Tangath pulled out a longsword with a narrow tip at the end. The silver edging had black flat ends with red accents lining up the midsection.

"If you have even the slightest hope of stopping Emmanuel, then all you have to do is get through to us."

"That's just the way we like it. Gajeel, Wendy."

"Right!" Both yelled in unison.

"Guess things are getting serious now. Time for us to break it to them just who we are." Natsu's body began igniting in enhanced flames with sparks in them. The tempest raged all around him, even more so with shadows whisking around Gajeel and poison swirling around Wendy.

In front of the three generals, three hemispheres were spiraling madly. The ice fragments around them were being blown away, causing them to backpedal. They grunted as they used their arms and weapons to shield from the excess debris.

"This power…where is it coming from?" Bigge questioned.

"It can't be from them, can it?" Ebna moved his mace to get a good look.

Tangath grunted as he snarled in anticipation.

The three veils started eroding ahead of them as they looked on. A wave of fire and lightning moved, revealing Natsu cloaked in the two elements with pumped fists. "Lightning Flame Dragon Mode!"

A wave of metallic shadow dissipated, revealing Gajeel with dark iron skin and spiked black hair. "Iron Shadow Dragon Mode!"

Toxic winds dissipated, revealing Wendy with her hair and eyes a vermilion shade as she stood proudly. "Poison Sky Dragon Mode!"

The three forces caused the air around them to shift. Tangath growled as he clutched his sword tighter. "Seems they've powered up somehow." He analyzed.

Natsu looked over to Wendy, modest shock showing. "Woah, Wendy! When did you learn to do that?!"

Wendy glared forward with literal venom in her gaze. "I got this power from ingesting Erik's poison a while back against that lamia." She smiled. "Now I'm able to use poison in my winds."

"For real?" Happy looked towards Carla, who nodded in confirmation.

"Yes. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself. She's become more bold than I ever expected. Honestly, now she has me more worried about her health than before."

Bigge scoffed. "So then, it looks like you mages have more tricks up your sleeves. But will they save you?" he held up his bludgeon to ready for battle.

"Only one way to find out." Natsu grinned, lightning flashing around him. "Time for the dragons to go hunting."


"Fire!" Men that have gotten passed the tidal wall were kneeling or standing as they used heated lacrima rifles, firing ahead.

"We got them on the ropes!"

"Keep the pressure on!"

Gray swiped an arm, summoning ice to shield heat projectiles, only for the ice to melt. "This isn't good." He pivoted, creating a wave of ice that melted quickly. "Their gaining up on us over here!"

Juvia was under fire as heat projectiles were firing at her. With a swipe of her arms she manifested a wall of water to block them. With cover she faced Gray. "Their attacks are revolving around fire and heat. Your ice won't be that effective against them."

Gray slammed his hands on the ground, making a massive slab of ice ahead. The precipice ice sleets were thick, making cover as the soldiers and their Fire-types commanded used flames and projectiles to hammer and melt the ice at a rapid acceleration. "I know that." He grunted. 'And it doesn't help that Snover's Snow Warning Ability already used itself up. They won't be taking damage as long as we stay on defense for this long.'

Snover scuttled away. "This looks bad. They have us surrounded!"

"Very bad, yes." Bergmite bluntly said. Snorunt was beside them, but he was on the ground chewing on ice from Gray's magic. "Snover. Please, refrain."

Perking up, Snover's mouth was loads of ice chunks in them. He hastily swallowed before answering. "I can't help it! I'm stressing out here! I didn't sign up for this!"

"Yeah, well none of us did." Gray said. "But a job's still a job. We gotta make sure that as many soldiers don't get pass us." He ducked in time when a singular hole was breached at eye-level. A red laser dissipated, leaving him kneeling. "Damnit."

Juvia swirled her arms with blades of water as she went on offense. "Water Slicer!" She sent crescents of pressurized water at the soldiers, cutting as many down as possible.

Beside her, Numel and Houndour were closing in on Marill. As they darted for her, she took in a deep breath and expelled Water Gun, hitting and blowing back one Fire-type at a adjusted beside Juvia as they prepared for the next wave.

"Gray, I'll supply as much cover as I can! I'll hold them off until you're back on your feet!"

"Juvia…" He watched her summon a wave forward, washing away as many people possible. Juvia swirled her arms around and sent icy water in streams around her, shooting back many around her.

As he watched her get to work, Gray was at a loss for words alone. Here he was at a disadvantage, and there was Juvia, the one supporting him until he found his worthwhile strength. The longer he stared at her, the more he started thinking. 'Juvia, you…'

"Gray…It's gonna be okay. I promise you, I won't do what I did before to make you walk down that path. Please…just let me be there this time."

Remembering her words from before, Gray had a shadow over his eyes as bangs covered him. 'Juvia…' Flashes of their times together began boiling inside. From their job on Mt. Hakobe, to their talk with Orion, to the battle against Invel, to the date they had the other night. With all that in mind, a soft smile crawled on his face. 'You've really turned into a good mage, haven't you. Guess that's because you've been stuck with me weighing you down.'

"Fire!" A soldier chopped forward, commanding three soldiers to fire steam beams from their nozzles and spread out towards Juvia. As the steam eroded across the ice and water, it touched the water, and in turn caused Juvia to wince in pain.

"Juvia!" Marill gasped.

Surrounded by mist, Juvia found herself incapable of moving without rashes and burning sensations crawling up and down her skin. 'My body reacts badly to steam when it's not produced from my magic. They're trying to immobilize me and my magic so I can't attack.'

"Heh, good luck with that!" a soldier mocked. "By taking in moisture from the air and water, we can mix it with our heat lacrima to create steam! Makes for a great cover! Now, attack!"

'It's no good. I can't see-!' Juvia went wide-eyed when men closed the gap on her. They all had magical weapons that were producing steam to strike her down. She could only stand in horror as they closed the gap.

Gray's glare returned as he started standing. "Sorry…" An icy aura ignited around his body. "But I'm done acting like a weight."

"Gray!" Juvia gasped.

As his ice wall finally came down, men and Fire-types advanced as well. Gray gave one cool look at them before a flash erupted from his body. Devil Slayer ice exploded in a second, flashing ice gleams before the guys processed it. Before long, everything – even his own ice – was layered in Devil Slayer ice and frost.

Juvia was at a loss for words. Time slowed down for her as she looked at Gray again, his stature tall and reaffirmed. He had a serious frown as he eyed every single frozen statue of a man within a mile radius. He slowly smirked. "Looks like that extra practice out by the glaciers paid off after all."

"Gray." Juvia gasped. "Are you…?"

Gray looked over to Juvia, giving her a confident grin. "Don't worry, I'm good now, thanks. Guess I just needed a breather. So…" He faced forward, Devil Slayer frost surging. "You good?"

Juvia focused and smiled. "With you, darling…I will be."


Under the moonlight, the running waters of the oasis were the only sounds comforting the weary souls that were guarding the Moon Drip pool. Cross-legged on grass in front of the pool, Isaac was retaining as much calm as possible, while Levy was scrolling through another textbook with her reading glasses. Both were doing their best to remain calm, although from the look on Isaac's face that he was doing poorly.

"…young man." He started. "I hope you understand what's about to happen."

"I know." He answered. "You know too, right?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so…you know, I still don't trust you."

"I know."

"But as much as I want to hate you right now, rescuing my daughter is more important. So I'm going to tell you this. I beg you…make sure you bring my daughter back in your arms. I want to see her once more."

A part of him at that moment wished he never said that to Joey. He wanted to abscond the blonde party boy for the mess that he's been constantly making in Glacidia, and how Camilla was constantly warped into his antics of trouble. He thought – knew – that was the life of a mage, to create trouble with their magic, to cause nothing more than harm to one another. He wanted to question why he would put faith in mages when he himself loathed them, and moreover, why he entrusted this importance to Joey. He never liked him to begin with, so why him specifically? Was it because of how he saw Camilla with him when they were talking before the battle? He didn't know for certain, but that yearning ache he felt when he saw that genuine smile on his daughter's face, and how it was for Joey and not her own father…it pained him, but at that moment he started seeing why he picked Joey. And to an extension, saw the only hope he had to see her again.

Levy looked over, seeing how tense Isaac was becoming. And yet…he was grinning, albeit weakly. "Is there something wrong?"

Isaac perked up, realizing he was silent too long. "No. Just…thinking is all."

"I know what you mean." She looked back to the pages with a grin. "It takes a lot to take your mind off of something so important to you. Especially when you can only do so much from afar."

Gajeel pulled back a roaring fist of iron shadows and roared with all his might. He plunged the fist where Bigge was, shattering the ice. Bigge grunted as he locked eyes with Gajeel for a moment in suspense. With a huff he swung his bludgeon down, only for Gajeel to morph into shadows. Startled, Bigge was unaware of Gajeel morphing behind. When he realized this and looked back, he was socked across the face with a dark metallic fist.

"But it also takes a lot for you hold onto faith. That's a powerful motivator next to trust." Levy turned the page in the book. "And trust me, I'm speaking from experience. Even if mages are potentially dangerous, that doesn't mean you can't rely on them when you can't do something yourself. It's the same with Pokémon. Believe me, I never would have thought the same thing if it wasn't for Nic." She flashed back to when she saw him and Nic-Greninja face off against God Serena back in the Council War. "It's amazing what you can learn just by watching others. You learn so much, right?" She looked towards him with a genuine smile.

That smile made him snicker.

"Was it something I said?" Levy asked.

"On the contrary. It's something that Nic himself said." He admitted. "You know, I just now realized this…you Fiorian Mages are sure strange…but I can respect that. Thank you."

Levy smiled in agreement. Suddenly ruptures from outside the vaulted walls made her gasp and turn.

Isaac shot up. "Someone's attacking the vault." Levy shot up beside him. "Curses, did they really make it this far in so soon?"

They could hear it loud and clear through the massive vault-like gates ahead of them. The sounds of explosions going off, and men screaming as it sounded like dozens were being pushed around. The unnerving racket outside made Levy take off her reading glasses and Isaac furrow a brow.

The banging got louder, and louder, and the many men squealing was increasing in volume. After a long pause, the vaulted doorway abruptly blew open with what looked like charges. Smoke and embers burst through the gates, leaving obscene views for Levy and Isaac.

The sound of a cane tapping against ground became clearer while what appeared to be a silhouette of a man with a massive coat walked with uproarious stature. As the smoke dissipated, his figure could be seen smirking.

"It's him. Emmanuel Durandel." Isaac mentally cursed.

"That's him in person?" Levy realized.

The smoke dissipated soon, leaving Emmanuel in full glory with the staff in hand. He basked under the moonlight, which oddly gave him a less than charismatic appeal. After a prolonged glare, he finally spoke. "Well, well, Isaac. Why am I not surprised to see you here of all places? It makes sense, considering that this is the one thing you care about most in the world."

"Emmanuel." Isaac growled. "How did you get passed all my guards?"

"Please, like it would be you to think that meager spears and pitchforks you call magic would be a match for me. After all, when it comes to winning, the best bet is to hold close to your best assets. Right?" He held up his staff with the black orb at the end, dark fog misting inside.

Levy and Isaac tensed up.

"Now, dear Isaac…" Emmanuel started walking. "I believe that you and I have some unfinished negotiations that we need to assert. I've held up my end for about six years now. Exactly how much longer do you intend to play coy with me?"

"As long as it takes to ensure this pool's safety." Isaac reached out. "Do it now!"

"You too, Klink! Go!" Levy signaled.

Emmanuel's eyes widened. He picked up on something as he turned his head. Behind his back, in midair, there was a furry white fist. Beartic unleashed a roar as he punched down. Emmanuel dodged in time to avoid the crushing blow. He slid to the side.

"So that was your game, wasn't it?"

Behind him, Klink was higher up as it spun its gears, crackling electricity. "Thunder Shock!" It released a weak bolt of lightning at Emmanuel when he turned around. He was shocked by the attack and gritted his teeth as a small electrical surge stunned him.

"Alright! Nice work!" Levy praised.

"Emmanuel, give up now. Our deal is off." Isaac confidently imposed.

Gritting hard through the attack, he reached for something inside his coat. It looked like a hand-size charge. "Gnnngh…that's what you think!" he sniped. He pivoted and threw the charge skywards at Klink. The charge got to a high enough point before it went off, releasing a powerful flash in front of Klink's face. The white blur caused it to squeal in shock, making it lose focus and unable to see Emmanuel.

On a knee, Emmanuel looked up at the stun flare he had going before Beartic swooped from the side. He dodged another punch to the ground by his furry fist, making him slide away again and face off against the polar bear-like monster. He smirked.

"Heh, so, Isaac's relying on Pokémon as well. That's certainly a surprise." He looked over at Isaac. "So, even you've sunk this far low as to include these creatures into your inner circle, Isaac. If it wasn't for these circumstances, I would be toasting to your little revelation, but unfortunately for you, my good mood isn't what it once was." He pulled up a Great Ball just as he picked up on Beartic's next attack.

"Stay still!" Beartic stomped, but Emmanuel dodged over towards the bridge.

The flare finally went off, making Klink shake its gears and look down.

With a sneer, Emmanuel held up the Great Ball. "Now, to show you what a grievous mistake you've made…come on out Ninetales!"

The capsule opened, revealing an elegant yellow fox Pokémon. Ninetales had a silky-smooth mane and bright yellow fur, with gorgeous red eyes with nine eloquent tales that lashed under the moonlight. He craned his head around and huffed, exerting embers.

"A Ninetales?" Levy pulled out her PokeDex, analyzing who was standing in their way.

"Ninetales, the Fox Pokémon. The flickering flames it spews from its mouth leave its opponents hypnotized. Then, this extremely intelligent Pokémon attacks."

"A Fire-type. This isn't good." Levy scorned.

Beartic and Klink stood beside each other as Ninetales looked calm and confident on all fours. "If your first attempt fails, you should always make sure you have a backup plan in case you fall short. I've learned this the hard way when you have been postponing our agreement and I had to take such drastic measure, Isaac."

Isaac growled angrily.

"Now, Ninetales. Would you be so kind as to preoccupy our friends' pets for a while? I have to go claim something that's rightfully mine."

"Yes, Master." Ninetales took a big leap and landed in front of Beartic and Klink. "So tell me, between the furry one of us, whose fur best suites them? Me, or you?"

Beartic got on all fours, roaring in hostility. "I'll freeze your mane right down to the bridled end."

Ninetales smirked. "Is that so? Well then, this should be good."

"Blizzard!" Beartic opened his maw, expelling a frosted white blast wave towards Ninetales. Ninetales stood there as he allowed the attack to engulf him in the frosted wake. His mane was whisking in the winds, but he retained a calm look as though it didn't affect him.

'That's not very effective.' Klink realized. 'Ice isn't that strong against Fire. Maybe using Thunder Shock and chance of paralysis will even it out.' "…it's worth a shot!" It started generated static. "Okay then!"

Ninetales scoffed. "Is this supposed to be your best?"

Beartic's eyes widened. Ninetales craned his head around as he generated a fireball.

"Flame Burst!" The fox opened his maw and shot the hemisphere of fire through the Blizzard. Much to Beartic's surprise, he was overwhelmed as the fireball dissipated the cold attack and struck him, engulfing him in flames.

"What?! No!" Klink looked over, but sprays of Flame Burst blindsided it. It winced as the sparks made it unable to finish charging up for Thunder Shock. With the momentary weakness, Ninetales smirked. He embedded himself in bright blue, via Quick Attack and lunged into Klink. The intense blow was enough to ground it, leaving dust and snow to erupt beside Beartic.

Ninetales landed as both strained to get up. They looked up, seeing the smirk on Ninetales' smug face. "This should be enlightening…"

As dust and embers flickered in the background, Emmanuel made his way across the bridged over towards Isaac and Levy. As he drew closer, the unpleasant vibe he was giving served to intensify. Levy and Isaac tensed more as he drew closer, and closer…until finally, they were standing on the same island, with the two standing before the pool with Emmanuel there to achieve.

Emmanuel's eyes narrowed. "Now…shall we try this one more time, Isaac Farlock…will you keep your word, and make our deal behind us?"

Isaac gritted his teeth and swiped his arm. "Never! I've already put that risk behind me! You've taken my daughter and hurt my people! I will have my revenge!"

Levy swept in front, ready to fight. "Stand back or you'll get hurt! Keep close to the pool at all times!"

Emmanuel's dark smirk widened. "That's right, keep it close…and that closure will be your downfall. You hold things so precious to you that you can't let go of them. That if you lose them that you'll be nothing. That's your weakness. And from the looks of it, you being here just proves my point…valuing everything over the smallest things is a virtue that you lack. A virtue you never had."

"Are you sure those are virtues, or are those you worked towards?" Isaac countered.

Emmanuel glanced away. "I suppose both actually. It's true humans don't always seek honesty over personal goals. Sometimes they have to do the unthinkable if it means getting what they want. But the one link to both those concepts is one thing: Desperation. Although I do consider my flaws, I am not driven by desperation, unlike you. Of the two of us, who do you think is more human?"

Isaac growled. He wanted to say himself, or perhaps emit a witty retort, but he had nothing. He was speechless.

Emmanuel smirked. "I didn't think so." He lifted his staff, readying his attack.

Gasping, Levy issued an attack. "Solid Script: Fire!" She created the word 'FIRE' out of actual fire and launched it at Emmanuel.

Emmanuel stood there as the words closed in, swallowing him in a blaze. The words burned into his body, creating a massive wake of flames that blocked everyone's view.

"Did that get him?" Levy hoped that was the case. Yet something in her gut was telling her otherwise.

As the flame wave dissipated, the body of Emmanuel looked incinerated. In fact, it looked to be melting into a laughing clump of grime that melted into the earth like slime. The flames flickered away, and the figment along with it.

"A substitution?" Levy realized.

"What? Magic?" Isaac gasped. He had no idea he could do this behind his back.

A laugh came from behind, making them both turn and see who it was. "What's with the face, Isaac? You look surprised." It was Emmanuel, and he smirked as he was without a scratch. "Then again, you've been surprising me, so who am I to complain?"

Levy's brow furrowed. "No damage. Of course, now I get it. He used Cloning Magic to distract us."

"I didn't realize he could do that." Isaac faulted.

"Of course you didn't, my friend." Emmanuel reached the staff out, making its dark tip shine. "You were too enclosed from accepting the world's problems that your views are narrow-minded. Now, open your eyes!" He fired a slim black ray from the tip, heading right for them both.

Isaac flinched as the ray drew closer. Once again Levy slipped in front. "Solid Script: Guard!" She created the word 'GUARD' in midair, making a shield out of the words that blocked the dark ray.

Emmanuel's halved his eyelids. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"Huh?" True to his warning, Levy could see the barrier she made with her words breaking apart, as if it was corroding away by the black beam. In a matter of seconds, her defense evaporated into thin air and continued its course, causing Levy and Isaac to duck as the ray continued its path. It blasted into the longwall of the vault far away, causing smoke to rise.

Levy groaned as she got up. "Are you okay?"

Isaac stirred up. "Yes, I believe so…" he faced Emmanuel. "But, that magic…did it just eat at yours?"

Emmanuel started his path towards them as they got to their feet. "I advise that you stand out of my way, less you want the extent of another shot. This time, I won't miss." As he walked towards them, the staff started glowing a dark light, as if resonating with his desires.

Levy grunted in frustration. 'This is bad. If his Black Magic eats away at regular magic, then we can only delay until the others get here. We'll just have to hold him off until they get here."

As Emmanuel drew closer, Levy stood her ground. He raised a brow in curiosity.

"Solid Script: Stone!"

Creating the word 'STONE' over Emmanuel's head, the word dropped down onto him. Everyone watched with anticipation as it drew closer, but Emmanuel simply stuck the staff up, corroding the magic into thin air.

"Next." He mocked.

Levy gritted her teeth. Once more she created words. "Solid Script: Storm!" She summoned a compressed storm of humidity, high pressure winds, and partial lightning that closed in on Emmanuel.

With a nonchalant expression, Emmanuel stuck the staff out. The black tip went first into the storm, eating away at it. The winds and elements were seen expanding and eating its way towards the words. Levy was left stunned as she could only watch the words and elements be eaten away. The black void swallowed it all up, exerting a shockwave that flung Levy onto her back with a thud.

Levy laid on the ground for a short while suffering recoil, but as she stirred back up, Emmanuel was nonchalantly walking towards them. 'He can eat at raw elements other than fire. That magic…just what is it?'

Emmanuel stopped when he was a few feet away from them. He raised his staff slowly and pointed it at Levy with a glare. The fierce look in his eyes made Levy grit her teeth as she found herself cornered.

"I'd rather not have to use this on other mages, mostly because those hit with this power don't always survive." He explained. "At the very least they suffer Magic Deficiency Disease, but only if they're fortunate enough to have a significant amount of power."

With him closer, Levy and Isaac's skin began crawling with goosebumps. Being closer to the staff and dark orb, they could feel a very negative flow of force from it.

"I'll only say this once to be fair, because I do not intend to get others caught in business affairs on my behalf…stand down, and give me the Moon Drip."

Levy and Isaac struggled to answer. They heard explosions in the distance and looked over.

From a recent smoke cloud, Beartic was seen falling onto his back hard, whereas Ninetales landed without harm. The Fox Pokémon watched as Beartic strained to get up, whereas Klink floated overhead and started grinding its gears at a rapid acceleration.

"Vice Grip!"

It shot down with churning gears, but Ninetales backpedaled to avoid the gears. With close range at hand, he swung his tails around and smacked Klink into Beartic's face. With the recoil stopping them, flames gathered in Ninetales maw. He reared his head back and let loose with a massive blast of Flamethrower across the atmosphere.

Beartic and Klink were too dazed to realize it before both were swallowed in a wake of flames. Flames and smoke billowed skywards in an eruption, soon to dissipate. When it did, it revealed Beartic and Klink both on the ground, fainted.

"Klink, no!" Levy gasped.

Isaac saw his defeated Beartic and grunted. "Damnit…"

With his adversaries defeated, Ninetales flipped overhead in an extraordinary jump, flipping and rolling under the moonlight right in front of Emmanuel. "Good work, Ninetales. I trust that you are all warmed up, are you not?"

Ninetales nodded. "Yes, quite so."

Taking opportunity, Levy swiped an arm, creating the word 'WATER'. With a battle cry, she shot the word at Ninetales. Emmanuel stuck his staff out, using the black hemisphere to dispel the water so it didn't affect Ninetales.

"Confuse Ray!" he commanded.

Ninetales craned his head around, generated golden orbs around the head. He swung his head around, sending the orbs at Levy. With her magic blocked and unable to do anything, Levy covered up as the Ghost-type attack made contact with her. The bright light enveloped her and faded, leaving her dizzy to where she lost the ability to stand.

"What's…happening…?" she started falling over. "I'm feeling…so dizzy…" She fell to her side with another thud.

Isaac looked up, seeing Ninetales and Emmanuel glaring him down.

"Isaac…" He lifted his staff to his face. "I've been extremely patient with your courtesy, expecting you to return the same thing I show others. I've given you money, wealth, and this is how you repay me?" he scoffed. "By all means, this argument could've been settled with court in the Magic Council, so you might be asking why we didn't do that before? It's simple: Because you'd ignore it either way." His eyes narrowed in disgust. "You'd ignore justice for your own personal gain. You'd squander another's trust and make shut them out when you don't find them useful…you're so selfish it makes me sick. I can't believe that I made a deal with a backstabbing coward."

Isaac balled his fists in anguish. He wanted to yell out and defy him, but all he could do was glare daggers with veins around his eyes.

Emmanuel sighed. "…reap what you sow. I'm sorry…but this is the real world. And it has no use for enclosure. Ninetales, finish him!"

"With pleasure." Ninetales nodded and started gathering flames into the maw.

Isaac stepped back out of fright. All he could do was look terrified at the incoming blaze.

"Goodbye, Isaac." Emmanuel swung his staff forward, commanding Ninetales to release Flamethrower. The blaze shot across the oasis grass, setting on fire as it closed in on Isaac.

Isaac stood in fear as an image of Camilla flashed in his head. 'Camilla…I'm sorry. Please forgive me!' He closed his eyes, waiting for the end as the attack swept on in.

Flames enveloped the area. Smoke and embers could be seen from afar as an eruption scattered dust and winds around Emmanuel as he watched a tower of flames envelop Isaac. He and Ninetales stood still as they did the unthinkable, but it's what had to be done.

Emmanuel lowered his head, sighing at the actions.

As smoke faded away, a turquoise shield could be seen.

"What?" Ninetales gasped. Even Emmanuel showed surprise.

Isaac found his body wasn't incinerated and meekly opened his eyes. He looked ahead, his own shock showing when the dust cleared to show a turquoise shield fading, revealing a Cloyster ahead of him. "What…?"

"Sorry." Cloyster apologized.

"A Pokémon?" Emmanuel gasped. He looked up, seeing a high-speed glint shoot down. His eyes widened in shock. "Ninetales, move-!"

Ninetales looked up, but it was too late when an orange blur smashed down at bone-crushing acceleration. The ground overturned as an eruption of earth and heated shockwaves rushed across the area. The pulsating pressure was so strong that it caused Isaac to slid back with his coat shifting in the winds.

"Gnnngh…! What…is going on?!"

From the dust cloud, two swords shot out like daggers. Emmanuel used his staff to deflect them, but he stepped back out of shock. From the cloud, a figure with long red hair glowed as it flipped in front. When it landed, it had on silver armor with bladed wings.

Emmanuel's eyes widened. "You…!"

"Nice work, Cloyster. You ensured his safety at the last second." It was Erza in her Heaven's Wheel Armor, and she had a serious glare fixed on Isaac. "And now, it's our turn."

Isaac gasped in shock. "You…" He looked over, processing the smoke clearing to reveal Nic as he hopped off Charizard's back, while the Fire/Flying-type roared as he had a foot over Ninetales' defeated form.

Nic rushed over, immediately getting to Levy's aid. "Levy! Speak to me, Levy! Are you okay?"

Levy stirred. Her eyes were hazy as she weakly turned towards Nic. "Gnnngh…who…who's there?" she moaned.

Nic furrowed his brow. 'She's out of it. I'll have to see what I can do.' From his back he pulled out a small, golden spray bottle. He looked at it discerningly like a foreign object. "I sure hope a Full Heal does the trick. Only one way to find out." He put the bottle to Levy's face and began spraying her. The long spray began to scrunch up her face, until she started opening her eyes.

"Gnnngh, wha…" Levy stirred back up, hand to her head. "Oh, my head…"

"Levy, are you hurt?" Nic asked concerningly.

Levy looked towards him. "Nic? When did you get here?"

Nic smiled. "It's a long story." He looked towards Isaac next. "Isaac, how are you holding up?"

Though shaken, Isaac was on a knee as he held his head down in shame. "I'm sorry…Emmanuel is too strong. I wasn't able to do anything…I'm a failure."

Nic closed his eyes and lifted himself. "…no, it's fine. You did what you could…" he glared forward, his Charizard stepping besides him. "Guess it's our turn now, Charizard."

Charizard nodded.

Emmanuel stepped back with a grunt. 'I wasn't expecting him to catch up so quick-!' He barely missed a sword that passed his right cheek. It pierced the ground behind him, causing him to look back at the shimmering blade. He moved to touch his cheek, seeing a small drip of blood on his fingers. He gasped when he looked back at Erza.

"Next one won't miss. Surrender if you know what's good for you." She demanded.

Emmanuel scoffed. "Erza Scarlet, or should I say Erza Pularis. I see that your husband had insisted on drawing you into his dilemma."

Erza poised all the swords she had out. "I wouldn't expect the likes of you to understand. Just as my problems are important to him, so is his to me. I'd be willing to risk everything if it means being beside him to the end."

Emmanuel grinned. "Dedication to the end. I respect that…" He pointed his staff at her. "Too bad I don't condone whose side you're taking!" He fired a slim dark ray at her, to which she readied a counter.

Erza used her armor's powers and telepathically made a multi-pointed sword wheel that spun to take the blow. Emmanuel smirked when he saw her counter. As expected, the black beam evaporated the telepathic links and the swords spun apart, allowing the beam to close in. Erza flew up to avoid the ray, shock on her face.

"That power is strong." She analyzed. "Just what kind of magic is it?"

"Erza, be careful! It'll eat at any magic you throw at it!" Levy warned from below.

Erza looked down at her opponent. "An anti-magic weapon?"

Nic stood for battle, but then he heard a faint cry that run in his ears. "" He flinched and looked towards the moon as it shined from high overhead. With widened eyes, the basking lunar radiance was making his skin crawl. 'It's the moon again. What is it saying?'

Emmanuel lifted the staff up towards Erza. "So then, how will you fight? Will you use magic knowing that I'll keep dispelling it?" He charged up another blast, shooting a ray at her once more. "Or will you stand your ground foolishly and accept a meaningless fate!"

Erza used her armor's mobility to dodge the black ray and jettisoned around the air gracefully. As the ray snaked and swerved through to get her, she spun and evaded at narrow angles. When she found herself almost surrounded, she shot up at the last second as it dissipated in a splatter beneath her.

'I can't let that magic touch me. I can feel a strong corrosion coming from it. There's no question about it, that's no ordinary Black Magic.'

Emmanuel smirked as he fired a beam again, this one dense and heading in a straight line.

"Cloyster, intercept! Hydro Pump!"

Down below, Cloyster expelled an intense blast of pressurized water that shot skywards. The massive wake of it met the black ray in the middle, creating a clouded mist that blocked everyone's view of Erza. From the cloud moments later, a blur zipped down, revealing Erza in her Black Wing Armor. She slammed her swords down on the ground in a harsh cross.

"Moon Flash!"

The slash wave traveled across the ground at Emmanuel. He stuck his staff out and took the blunt of the wave, dispelling it while the oasis lands beneath were being torn up by Erza's attack.

"You Fiorian Mages sure are messy, do you know that?" he mocked.

Erza gritted her teeth in a cold glare.

'That staff is the source of the magic. Maybe he's using that as a conducting point to channel his magic as well.' Nic glowed, shifting into his Dread Form, leaving his whole color scheme black and gray. 'Either way, disarming him is the first priority.' He swiped his arm. "Embargo!"

Ethereal dark chains expelled from Nic's body as they shot at Emmanuel. The businessman found himself looking around to find a funnel of chains surrounding him, blocking his vision. "What's this?" He suddenly felt a tight pressure around his wrists. When he looked down, he saw that his wrists had chains around them.

"Now, Erza!"

Erza nodded. "Right, then let's go! Cloyster, Hydro Pump!"

"Charizard, Flamethrower!"

Cloyster and Charizard had swells of water and fire in their maws. As they both roared, a torrential blast of water and blazing fire shot across the atmosphere with shockwaves splitting air particles apart. They were two rays that Emmanuel couldn't escape. He was wide-eyed when two explosive blasts of broiling fire and water expelled on the other side of the oasis, creating a cover of steam that made it hard to see the results.

Isaac had a hopeful gleam in his eyes. "Did that do it?"

Nic stared coldly into the steam. He watched as he saw a melting silhouette turn to grime. His eyes narrowed in disgust. "No." He caught whim of the real Emmanuel grabbing hold of his staff and racing towards the edge of the pool. With a swipe of his arm, Nic shot a Dark Pulse horizontally, creating a dark wall of eruptions that caused Emmanuel to slide backwards and cover up in pained grunts.

As the dust cleared, Erza and everyone were seen glaring at Emmanuel. They were all at a standstill and ready to close in.

Erza pointed a sword at him. "Don't move. Stay where you are!"

Emmanuel frowned angrily. "I believe that's my line." He slowly lifted his staff to aim it for the pool. Almost immediately everyone froze on the spot. "Nobody moves unless I tell them to, unless you want to be responsible for this pool's tainting."

Isaac grunted angrily. "Emmanuel, what are you thinking?! This pool is sacred, you can't just taint it!"

"And why shouldn't I?" Emmanuel scoffed. "In a world where it's give and take, do you give back when someone gives first? Stop to think about it, if I wasn't given this Moon Drip in the first place, then I wouldn't be taking it like I am now. It's all a matter of compensation."

"No, that's not it." Erza argued. "It's all a matter of preservation. You're willing to trade off your sense of pride as a business man over a personal grudge."

Emmanuel smirked. "Fitting words from a noble mage of your caliber. I've heard of the many guilds who were well against yours for various reasons. Are you implying that mine aren't as justified as your own?"

"We fight to protect one another. Not to abscond morals like you."

Emmanuel sighed gravely. "Typical denial. You mages work for money, do you not? You do the work and you get paid. But, if you've done nothing wrong and you don't get the promised reward, then who's the one at fault? To be cheated of what you were promised is a harsh enough punishment to define as immoral. To be dishonest with others when they did the work is being dishonest with yourself. And if I'm being honest with myself, I believe that no matter how personal a matter is…you should always stay true to your word, even if it means taking drastic measures. That's the meaning of compensation."

"Emmanuel…" Nic walked closer, making a few short strides before stopping. "Listen. I get it, and if I'm honest, I agree with you."

"Nic." Erza murmured.

"Your actions were entirely justified. If I was being honest too, I'd probably feel the same way. If I was promised something, and maybe if I needed it for Erza's sake, then I'd do everything I can to get it as well."

Emmanuel grinned. "My point exactly."

"But…" Emmanuel lost his satisfaction. "If I wanted something that bad, would it really be fundamental to bring others into your own mess? You said that you wouldn't like doing just that, yet here you are, destroying homes and lives. Wouldn't that make you as big as a hypocrite as us mages? How is that true to your word?"

Emmanuel grunted at Nic's counterpoint. To some degree he wasn't wrong, but he sure wasn't taking this lying down. "Perhaps because I said this to Isaac before, but I didn't expect him to go down fighting. Drastic times call for drastic measures, and speaking of which…" He showed everyone the black orb-like tip of the staff. "Do you know what this is?"

Erza gasped. She and everyone tensed up once again at the daring play he was making.

"I believe you must have figured it out by now. Why else would your magics be ineffective against it, when it clearly eats away at it. As the moon rises, so does the tide, and as the sun falls, so does warmth. These two factors are what defines the meaning of balance. When one rises, another must fall. When magic spawns, it must also end. As there is purity, over time…that too falls."

Levy gasped. "Then wait! Is that-?!"

"Yes, you've guessed it. This tiny bauble is what many of you overthought. It's experimented Black Magic initialized with aged Moon Drip we've held reserves to. It took my family a couple generations to get the formula mixed…but it's finally accomplished. The purification killer: Anthemusa."

Erza was completely speechless. "Then, that means…it wasn't just some spell like some of us thought." She mentally cursed herself. "I should've known."

"You intend to kill the Moon Drip? This has gone too far!" Nic argued. Beside him, Charizard braced.

Isaac's eyes narrowed. 'He's become completely irrational. Just what is he thinking?!'

"Emmanuel, whatever you do, don't tantalize such sacred magic!" Levy announced. "It's unthinkable."

Emmanuel darkly frowned. "Then it seems that you mages need a lesson in the world of business as well. I might listen and abide to your heeds…if you instead choose to abandon this country and Isaac's pleas."

Isaac paled. "You wouldn't…"

Emmanuel chuckled. He knew this would get them. This is what he wanted. To see even the most powerful people at his mercy, to see that what they hold dear used against them. To leave something they took for granted being turned into a benefit, and gives his image greater power…that is the business world that was Emmanuel's ideal.

A glint was seen in the sky, getting Charizard's attention. "Huh?"

"What is it?" Cloyster slowly turned, his shock showing.

Nic's contemplation when he heard the sound of thunder. He leered up, seeing something bewildering in the form of a blazing comet headed their way. Soon Erza, Levy, and then Isaac turned towards the sky to see the blazing comet heading their way…and it looked to be heading towards Emmanuel.

Emmanuel's brow furrowed. 'What are they doing? Are they trying to lure me away by faking me to heed to their direction?' His eyes widened when he heard the sound of flames nearby. When he looked up, he paled when he saw the incoming flaming comet. 'No! Not again!'

At the last second, he jumped out of the way with the staff just as the flames smashed into the oasis. The ground shuddered as dust and dirt exploded everywhere. Everyone covered up as the air littered in smoke and ash. Levy coughed, and Cloyster shut his shell. Charizard used his wings and flapped once, dispelling the massive dust storm.

When it all cleared, it revealed a dirty pod that was halfway buried into the earth. The end of it was still on fire but the flames were small and shot. The whole thing toppled over, thudding until it laid on its side.

There was a silence before everyone blinked in unison. The first pod latched began opening, immediately making everyone's guards heighten.

"Reinforcements?" Levy wondered.

"We'll see." Erza braced herself.

The first pod latch opened, and the first body thudding the ground was Joey. "Oof!" He hit the dirt hard, straining to get up. "Don't…worry." He groaned. "I'm…I'm ok-!" He was struck by a force from above, being Dereece when he fumbled out of his pod. He bounced of Joey and plopped on his side, whereas Joey rolled over, laying on his stomach for Seel's horn to strike, making him gag once, then Heracross' horn, then finally Quilladin's hard spikes. All three bounced off, finally leaving Joey with white eyes devoid of pupils.

Duncan jumped out of his pod without much to complain about. He looked unharmed. When the latch hatch opened, it showed Camilla. "Nnnngh…oof, my head." She clutched her head and groaned, but heard a bigger one below. "Joey!"

Joey gurgled.

"Joey, are you o-gah!" Trying to get out of her pod, Camilla slipped and fell atop of Joey, causing him to wheeze and almost lost all sense of oxygen. He slumped back down, a white ghost whisking from the corner of his mouth.

"Joey? Joey!" Camilla pleased. "Joey, are you hurt?! Oh no, I knew I should've given him more luck…" Just then, a shaky hand went up, turning into a thumbs up. Joey was seen meekly smiling below.

"I'm good…" he muttered. "I just need a breather, that's all."

"Camilla…"

The voice afar caught her and everybody else's attention. They looked over to see Isaac standing a few meters away, looking at his daughter like he's seen a ghost.

"Father…" Camilla gasped.

Isaac shakily stepped forward, hoping that this had to be real. "Camilla…is that you? Is that really my daughter?" He could see Camilla's smile. That purple lipstick belonged to one person, and that grin she had was all too clear. His eyes began misting as he reached for her. "Camilla…"

Father and daughter embraced one another. The father held Camilla tightly, as though she would float away if he were to let go. The daughter did no different.

"You came back…I'm so glad." Isaac whimpered. "Camilla…"

Camilla stayed silent. She humbly accepted her father's embrace – a genuine one. She never thought she'd be happy to see him.

Joey stirred up along with his teammates. They looked towards the scene with some warmth resonating…well, except Duncan. Joey stepped forward behind Camilla, standing tall and resolute.

Isaac opened his eyes, tears showing as he looked over Camilla's shoulder at Joey. "Young man…thank you. Thank you so much."

Joey grinned. "I told you. I lost somebody important to me once before…I wasn't going to let that happen again."

Isaac's grin softened. Joey returned the sentiment in silence. Camilla looked to the corner of her eye back at Joey, meeting his gaze as well with a soft smirk in her lips. Joey's smile widened more cheekily at her.

Stirring awake off to the side, Emmanuel sat up and looked ahead. When he saw the pod and Isaac hugging his daughter, he gasped. "Is that…?" He saw The Freaks, recalling what his son would do to them. 'Did they…no that can't be. Did these mages actually defeat Victor?' He gritted his teeth. 'Seems that I've overlooked this miscalculation. I have to get to that Moon Drip now!'

Before he could move, a multitude of swords shot in his direction. He remained still as the swords shot in the ground all around him, refraining much movement. Suddenly threads and webbing shot next, creating multiple spider webs between each sword to box him in.

"Don't think that we haven't forgotten about you, Emmanuel." Erza declared. She was in her Heaven's Wheel Armor again, with Nic in his Insect Form wiping his mouth from excess thread he spewed. "We won't let you set a foot further to that pool."

Emmanuel grunted.

"Emmanuel." All attention went towards Isaac. He stood with The Freaks backing him up. "Remember what you said before about desperation. How you said you never feel it? Well now, how does it feel?"

Emmanuel's teeth gritted in greater frustration. "Isaac…you coward!"

"Perhaps you're right, Emmanuel. I am a coward…but at least I'm not half as heartless as you."

Emmanuel growled as he looked forward at the pool. 'That Moon Drip…it's so close it's almost within my reach! I can almost touch it. And yet…' He noticed Nic and Erza off to the side with Cloyster and Charizard, both ready to finish him if he made the wrong move. The tables had completely turned. He was the one in control, but now the roles have reversed. With Isaac towering nearby – that courage of a bastard – Emmanuel's growing angst thrived. His anger spiked as veins were seen on the corners of his eyes. As he was thinking, flashes of the many guilds he shook hands with and the men he recruited filled is head. 'This man…he's just hiding behind walls his whole life. He doesn't realize that opening to the world, one can learn so much. I never would've made Anthemusa if not for all those guilds and scientists volunteering. And yet…he still intends to shut out the world.' His fists started shaking. 'This is what I get for helping a recluse. This is the price of my negligence.'

"It's over Emmanuel, give it up!" Isaac declared. "Leave the Moon Drip and my daughter alone!"

Despite his setback, Emmanuel smirked. "…you're right, it is over." He pointed his staff at the pool.

Everyone gasped. Nic reached out. "No! Wait-!"

"…for your precious virtues." Emmanuel snapped on a button that his staff had. The end's claws unhinged, and a force shotgun the Anthemusa orb outward.

All time slowed down as everyone's eyes widened when they followed the orb. Nic showed surprise, while Erza and reaching out with a gaping mouth. Levy had hands cupping her mouth. The Freaks all showed genuine surprise, while Isaac's eyes shuddered. Emmanuel's smirk widened with time still slow.

The glass orb dipped into the pool. Nic transformed to become the Mind Form and teleported to the pool's center, but the capsule made a 'PLOP' sound as it faded beneath the surface.

"No…" a horrified Camilla gasped.

Slowly, the crystal-clear pool beneath the moon reflecting over its center. Starting from the center, the moon's reflection started to fade, with Nic still over it with pupils shrunken. As pitch-black overtook the pool, Nic's heartrate escalated. 'Damnit…! No-!' Were the last thoughts before a black plume repulsed Nic, swallowing him in the blast wave.

"NIC!" Erza yelled, but covered while Cloyster got in front with Protect, becoming a shield as the black plume enveloped the entire oasis.

Levy and Isaac were both swallowed up by the plume, disappearing into the darkness. It quickly caught up to Camilla, but an arm grabbed her at the last second.

"Camilla!" Joey grabbed her and shielded her as he mustered up a barrier over them. The black fog ate into the barrier in a matter of second, swallowing them and The Freaks in the shockwave. The black wave swallowed everything inside the oasis, consuming everything.


The dark plume could bee seen spreading all over Glacidia's fresh moonlit sky. Overhead, everyone looked up to see the moonlight being blocked out by a horrendous dark sky.

"What's going on?!" Lucy gasped.

"I don't know, but I have a bad feeling about this." Loke grunted.

Cana looked at her surroundings. "This magic…did something happen?"

"I don't know." Sophie responded. "But my skin's crawling all over."

Gray finished freezing up a barricade made of Devil Slayer ice when he noticed the moonlight fading. "Huh?" He looked up with Juvia, both seeing a cloud-like blanket cross over the night sky like a nighttime storm. "Hang on, is that a storm?"

"I'm not sure, darling. I thought Cana predicted the weather before we began." Juvia figured.

Gray's brow furrowed, his skin beginning to crawl. His Devil Slayer Magic began to pick up on malefic levels of dark power. '…no, that's not it. Something's definitely messed up around here. I can feel it.'

The black daze moved across the sky, going over everyone's heads. Vanessa moved her hand across, summoning a wave of aura that swept across soldiers.

"Vanessa!" Goodra warned.

Looking up, Vanessa looked at the blackened sky to see the haze turning a night sky. Not a midnight blue, but a black one. Where the moon once was has since been replaced by pitch-black, casting everything in black and white. Her eyes were wide when she realized this.

Before she dwelled too much, three men charged at her. Just as she turned, Goodra's horn stretched out in a strong Power Whip, smashing the men all away.

"Goodra!" Vanessa gasped.

Goodra glared ahead, not distracted despite the circumstances. "Vanessa, there's something wrong. But the numbers are still incoming." She used her tail and swatted away a Numel advancing. "We need to stop these forces, and hurry if we want to get to the bottom of this."

Vanessa nodded. "Right." Although in her mind, her aura senses were spiking to immeasurable levels. 'What's this terrible feeling inside my stomach? Nic and everyone's auras are getting hazy. I'm getting worried, but I'm too preoccupied right now.' Her teal aura began flaring around her body. 'I have to end this now!'

Her teal flares billowed madly around her surroundings. The flares exploded into streams and forced soldiers to cover up. When the flash diminished, they uncovered, but were terrified by a massive ethereal teal beast standing a hundred-feet taller than them.

"Aura Guardian!"

The men all screamed as they recoiled from sheer terror.

'I'm sensing a lot of negativity, and not just from the soldiers. It's that dark energy I sensed before. It's stronger. If we're getting to the bottom of this, we need to pick up the pace.' Her arm balled into a fist, she drove the Aura Guardian's fist into the ground, sending shockwaves of teal aura through the ice and snow beneath soldiers from streets on end.


Wendy yelled as she swung her leg down in an axe kick, sending a shockwave of purple winds across the ice into Ebna. The winds surged at an alarming rate, but they faded when Ebna's chained mace spun rapidly, dispelling the winds and rendering him untouched. When Wendy ceased her attack, Ebna swung his chained mace at her. With speeds of the wind, she jumped and avoided an ice-breaking shot. She then jumped again, avoiding a second blow.

Ebna retracted the spiked mace, coordinating himself for his next attack.

"He's got a lot of power in his swings with that mace." Wendy evaluated. "It's gonna be hard if he keeps that thing swinging."

"Wendy, let us handle the support!" Carla insisted, with Swablu chirping in agreement.

"No, not yet." She insisted. "You get too close to my winds and you'll start decaying. Besides…there's something I wanna try out. Just hold off a little while longer, okay?"

Ebna roared as he swung his mace again, this time slinging it from the side and dragging it along the ice. When it drew close, Wendy expelled winds to the ground and shot up. The wrecking ball slung through the cold venomous winds and followed through the swing back around Ebna. With Wendy in the air, she twirled and was in a 4 o'clock position.

"Poison Sky Dragon's Roar!"

She unleashed a massive tornado of purple, decaying winds that shot at Ebna. The general swung his magical mace by its chain closely to make a spiral shield, taking the blunt of the winds. However, they were so strong that Ebna slid back every few feet. He was barely holding ground as he twirled until the winds dissipated, leaving him slightly weary.

"You're more skilled than what I gave you credit for." He breathed heavily. "Hard to believe that a mage as young as yourself has such potential."

Wendy ignored his praising tone in favor of the task. With a swift cry she rushed through the drafts expelling from her body and became a blur, reappearing behind Ebna. When he picked up on this, he turned around and kicked, but Wendy vanished and reappeared behind, kicking him in his back with venomous winds. He stammered forward, grunting in pain. Wendy appeared to the side, kicking him in the cheek. He backpedaled into a slip, causing him to realize his fall just as Wendy slid beneath.

"HRAH!" With a loud cry, she expelled poisonous winds skyward, sending him into the air with screams and anguish.

Gritting his teeth and looking pale, Ebna twirled his chain mace in midair with what strength he had and shot it down at Wendy. Wendy in turn swiped winds into the mace, deflecting it into the ice between them as both combatants landed on their feet.

'Just as I thought, the poison's wearing him down.' Wendy scanned Ebna's armor. His armor was rusting from the venomous winds, and his skin looked paler. And from the looks of it, his body's strength was being used up faster.

Ebna labored in breath before he flung his arm, making a wave down the chain into the mace to make it slam into the ice. The ice shattered, creating a shockwave that went at Wendy, but she dispelled it by using a wall of venomous winds to reveal no injuries.

"You little…!" Ebna angrily pulled back, but he found something wrong. His eyes widened when he picked up on the chain snapping instead of slicking back. He glanced at the chain, seeing aged rust on the thinned metal. 'Wait…rust?' His shock turned to an epiphany. 'No, it's corrosion!'

Wendy swiped both arms, sending one more wave of venomous winds at Ebna. With his weapon slowed, he used the chain but wasn't enough as he felt his armor rust up and break away. As the winds dialed down, the rust on the metal finally did it in, breaking apart the chain to the mace and the chest plating to Ebna's body.

"No! But how?! It was reinforced iron from magic blacksmiths!" he gasped.

"Carla, Swablu, now!"

"Right!" Carla swooped from the side to seize Ebna's one arm, leaving him shocked. With his strength and stamina wearing, he found it hard to move as Swablu popped overhead.

"Disarming Voice!" She shot out heartbeats from her mouth at close-range, shrilling Ebna's hearing to leave him vulnerable and unable to fight back.

"You got this Wendy, now finish it!" Carla instructed.

"Right!" Shooting across the ice again thanks to venomous winds, Wendy was like a fighter jet as she closed in on Ebna. And all he could do was open one paled eye as it reflected Wendy's incoming figure with a corroding wind compressed around the heel. She roared as she planted the heel into his chest with a thunderous bang.

"Poison Sky Dragon's Claw!"

The harsh heel to the chest sent a point-blank eruption of winds that repulsed Ebna. His mouth gagged blood as the corroding blast rotted away at the rest of his armor. His eyes were devoid of pupils as the winds carried him across the ice, spiraling into impact with a rogue ice slab that shattered.

With her opponent defeated, Wendy huffed her body with balled fists. "Sorry about this…but mess with my friends, and you breathe in a world of pain."


Bigge swung his bludgeon, only for Gajeel to vanish into a shadow before it touched him. He reappeared on his side, and he swung, only to rinse and repeat. When it happened a third time, Gajeel ducked from the blow and went for an uppercut across the face, causing Bigge to stammer back several paces. Gajeel appeared behind once more, grabbing the back of his armored plating and droved him into the ground.

Gajeel reappeared in physical form in front. "What's wrong? I thought were gonna prove us mages how superior you generals were." He sarcastically pointed out. "Because if that's all you got, you're wasting breath."

Bigge gritted his teeth as he stammered back up. 'This mage…just what kind of magic is this?' He staggered back to his feet. 'I've fought against mages for years, but this is a magic and skill level unlike anything I've felt before.'

Gajeel swiped his arm. "Aron, Mud-Slap!"

"Right!" Nodding, Aron took a quick breath through the nose and snorted out streams of mud. The mud streams closed in on Bigge, but at the last second used his bludgeon to shield from the mud streams, though the sprays did get to his face and caused him to wince.

Gajeel smirked. He closed the gap and elbowed the bludgeon into Bigge's face, causing him to stammer back once more. He withstood his ground and gritted his teeth as he pivoted and cried out with all his pride and glory, slamming the hammer down onto Gajeel. To his utter horror, Gajeel caught it with one hand.

'Impossible…'

Looking at the bludgeon he held, Gajeel snacked into it. He started munching on the iron inside with jaw strength that made Bigge pale. The general found himself at a loss for words as his adversary was scarfing down his weapon.

"Hey! That's not a snack! What the hell are you doing?!" he outraged.

"What's it look like?" Gajeel swallowed. "Even a guy like me's gotta have a snack once in a while, even it is on the rusty side. Now…" His right arm morphed into a dark iron club, aimed right for his abdomen.

Bigge watched in horror as Gajeel reeled his arm back and thrust forward into his gut.

"Iron Shadow Dragon's Club!"

The impact stretched Bigge far up into the air. He gagged as the blow fractured and shattered his armor in midair. He screamed in riling agony as the upwards shot made him arch into the ice. He gagged blood as he laid on the dented ice, devoid of pupils.

Gajeel retracted his iron column and turned around, his form fading. "You call yourselves generals. The Alvarez put up a better fuss than you."


Natsu swung his lightning flame leg into Tangath's sword, creating an intense explosion of flames and crackling lightning that shot him back several feet across the ice. Natsu backflipped onto his heels and erupted his feet, shooting himself into Tangath. His monstrous fist made impact with the flat end of his sword, creating a backwards array of flame and lightning erupting all around them. Tangath gritted his teeth while Natsu pushed with more effort, following through with his punch that shot Tangath even further back, engraving the ice in a deep trail until he stopped several yards away.

Natsu breathed out embers from one breath, growling low.

Tangath removed his sword from in front, which was steaming and a broiling red from taking Natsu's attack. 'Such power. He's even more formidable than what I thought. Even my sword can't absorb all of his impacts.'

Natsu kneeled and shot once more at him. Tangath raised his blade and slammed it on the ground, sending a shockwave of fire and electricity right back at Natsu. The blast wave slice across the ground, and Natsu glared hard as the wave reflected in his eyes. At the last second, Natsu fizzled into skies above using flaming lightning from his feet, dodging the full-scale blow.

In the air, he looked down at Tangath's sword to see it steaming and crackling. "So he's got a weapon that can take attacks and send them back, huh?"

Tangath looked up at Natsu, preparing another strike.

"In that case, let's see just how much that thing can take!" Flipping, Natsu shot himself down at Tangath with a battle cry.

"Pathetic." He scoffed. "You mages are so impulsive it makes me sick. To be a real warrior means to be ready to use whatever your enemy throws, and make it to your own strength. That is the wisdom of Emmanuel himself!"

"That so?" Natsu reached back as he fell. "Well then use this!"

Tangath's eyes widened when he saw the projectile in Natsu's hand.

"Alright…Headbutt!" He suddenly shot Darumaka at high speeds at Tangath. The little bauble-like creature was surrounded in flames and lingering static as he was tucked into a ball.

"YEEAAHH!" Darumaka cried out.

Tangath was caught off guard by this surprise attack. 'He's using his own Pokémon as a projectile?' He remembered his training and used his sword to bunt from Darumaka's fall. The impact caused him to grunt intensely at the strength the attack held.

"Surprise~!" Darumaka chimed as he pushed through the sword.

Gritting, Tangath swung his sword, finally repulsing Darumaka. Natsu shot down with his guard momentarily down, swinging his leg down in an axe kick of lightning flames that Tangath barely blocked at the last second. He grunted hard like a feral lion, barely holding ground.

"I think I figured it out." Natsu flipped backwards with Darumaka. "Your sword can take magic and send it back, right?"

Tangath was once again shocked.

Natsu looked up smirking. "In that case, let's see how much physical damage it can take instead!" He suddenly changed into lightning, reappearing in front of Tangath. Tangath recoiled, but Natsu's explosive punch shot fast enough for him to block. He punched again, and again, without using his flames and lightning. Tangath kept bunting relentlessly while Natsu kept up the barrage, forcing him to defend.

Each blow did little in compensation for Tangath, he could feel each blow cracking his sword, much to his horror. 'How is a mage this powerful? How is someone like this witted enough to know my sword's weakness? This mage…' Natsu reeled back his fist with a draconic gleam in his eyes. 'Is he even human?!'

With a straight punch, Natsu used all his might and punched the flat sword. The brute strength pulverized the reinforced anti-magic metal the weapon consisted of and smashed into Tangath's face. At the moment of impact, the flames ignited, and lightning crackled.

"Lightning Flame Dragon's Firing Hammer!"

Natsu followed through with his punch, erupting a spiraling flaming-lightning blast wave that swallowed Tangath. The blast wave shot across the ice, leaving it melted and the water crackling with electricity. The rushing wave shot into the haul of a ship, creaking right through it and into the base. When the dust and the waves all vanished, Tangath was seen inside the broken debris hole, his armor melted away entirely with him lying on his back.

Natsu held his pose before the lightning and flames receded. He stood tall, with Darumaka jumping in glee. "Man, that was fun!" he cheered.

Natsu looked down at his fist, slowly clutching it. 'That metal was tougher than what I thought. When I fought that big guy during Alvarez, I sent him flying with one punch.' He smirked. "Guess I'm getting shabby. Looks like I gotta train some more."

"Everything okay down there?!" Happy shouted above.

Natsu looked up. "Yeah, it's all good! How's it looking?!"

"Well we managed to beat up everything around here, but uh…" Happy trailed off as he gazed at the sky.

"Huh?" Natsu looked up, realizing just how pitch-black it's gotten. His surprise was shared by his fellow Dragon Slayers, as well as their Exceeds.

"What happened to the sky?!" Darumaka shrieked. "It's all…black!"

"Forget about the sky, where'd the moon go?!" Aron exasperated.

Swablu tilted her head. "I don't think this was part of the plan. Wendy?"

Wendy smelled the air. She could feel it, a smell and taste of something foul above. A rise in magical pressure made them glare daggers. They knew something went wrong, and they had a good feeling of where. Natsu was no exception.

'Nic, what's going on?'


Nic's ears were ringing immeasurably. He gritted his teeth as he barely felt the ground beneath him, stirring in the dirt.

"Nic…Nic…" a fainted voice called out. Nic opened his eyes, seeing Erza, Charizard, and Cloyster.

"Erza…" Nic got up from the ground. "Guys, are you alright?"

Charizard nodded. "Yeah, we're just fine. I managed to catch you when that plume blew you away."

Nic nodded. "I see. Thanks for that." He looked over towards Erza. "Erza, are you alright?"

Erza nodded. "Yes, I am for the time being." Her face soon fell. "But…"

Catching her notion, Nic looked over. His eyes slowly widened when he took notice of the pool being pitch-black. His blue eyes shrunk further when he couldn't even see the moon's reflection, let alone any light reflecting off it. Overhead, the skies were black, with the moon completely blocked out. "What…what did he just…?"

In actuality, it was a much larger scale than what others thought. All across Antarcia's skies, the moonlight that could've been seen was blocked out by darkness, making everyone black and white. Spheal and Snorunt huddled together looked up confusedly, while others cowered in their surroundings. Over all of the cold domain, there was what appeared to be a black lens. It was almost continental wide, and it was continuing to grow slowly across the horizon.

Camilla groaned as she felt a weight over her. When she found that it was Joey, she gasped. "Joey? Joey!"

Joey groaned as he slowly slumped down to his side. He had bags under his eyes, and pale like a sick man.

"Joey, speak to me!" Camilla looked around, seeing everyone else in the same boat. "Dereece? Duncan?" She even looked towards Levy, but she was unconscious and pale. Even without moonlight, it was clear that they seemed sick. When she looked down at Joey, she recalled that shockwave that hit him. 'You shield me with your magic, so that I wouldn't be sick. Joey…you saved me again.'

"Camill* cough cough* a!" Isaac limped to her side, coughing.

"Father!" Camilla shot up, looking shocked as her father was still awake and better, albeit heavily shaken up. She watched him get to a knee while she hurried towards him. "Father, don't push yourself. Your hurt."

"I'm fine…" he grunted. "That shockwave…just threw me on my back is all. More importantly, what happened?"

A laughter drew everyone in. Nic, Erza, Camilla, and even the barely conscious Freaks glanced over. Emmanuel was free from his confinement, standing proudly with his own attire slightly tattered from the blast. Unlike everyone else, he wasn't shaken up.

"Emmanuel." Nic growled.

"Just what did he do?" Erza growled.

Emmanuel ceased his laughter and smirked at them. "This has gone even better than expected. The Anthemusa is doing it's job faster than what the scientists and myself has predicted." He walked ahead, stopping at the edge. "In a matter of hours, this whole hemisphere's moonlight will be shut out."

Isaac gasped.

"This hemisphere's moonlight? Is that what he was after this whole time?" Dereece murmured weakly.

"He's turning a fraction of the world's magic into darkness." Levy grimaced. She was stirring awake, barely cohesive of her surroundings. "He could very well encompass sunlight, too, which is vital for warmth and plantlife. I didn't realize these repercussions were possible."

"Emmanuel…what have you done?!" Isaac yelled to his rival.

Emmanuel turned towards Isaac, seeing his seething expression. "Ah, Isaac. I see you aren't affected. It makes sense, considering you don't have magic."

"Wait, magic…?" Levy began coughing. She started lowering to the ground again, moaning as she laid sickly, along with The Freaks.

Camilla looked around, seeing everyone down before realizing it herself. "Magic Deficiency Disease."

Erza seethed his anger. "You bastard."

"Come now, everyone. Let's all behave." Emmanuel swayed. "You knew the risks when you chose to defy me and now you have to suffer them. It's all part of the business cycle. Think of it as collateral that I was owed." He eyes the shuddering Isaac. "If you hadn't been so stubborn, we could've had a much different conversation…but, that's all part of the past. It's time we look towards the future!" From his sleeve he pulled out a needle with medicine in it, stabbing his own neck with it.

Nic gasped with disgust, as did Charizard.

Slowly, veins started turning purple around Isaac's skin. His body started shaking uncontrollably as he started coughing. His eyes were cast into darkness as he injected himself with the serum. As his veins seethed in purple, his mind was flashing to what the doctor said.

"Now I should warn you that this is a one time use." The doctor consoled Emmanuel as they were in the lab. He was showing Emmanuel a small jar if the dark serum, making it hard to distinguish from grime. "Once the Anthemusa infects the Moon Drip pool, its density will drastically increase. Since you have magic, you will also suffer Magic Deficiency. That's why we of your head research department have been working on a vaccine for you. This is an altered component of the Anthemusa; use it only when you're ready, and step into the Anthemusa…it'll do the rest."

Fighting through the pain, Emmanuel tried his hardest to take another step forward. His leg stepped into the very cold water. Almost immediately he felt numb, but he stammered in anyways.

"What is he doing?" Erza questioned. Besides her, Nic balled his fists.

Emmanuel ignored everyone and worked his way into the dark water step by step. Very slowly until he was until his head was sticking up. 'I hope this works.' He took one last breath before he slowly dipped into the Anthemusa, disappearing under the dark, dense grime.

There was a deafening silence. For the moment with him submerged, Nic wasn't sure what to do, but he had to take his friends into consideration. Using his Mind Form and Teleport again, he got himself over towards The Freaks and everyone down. "You guys, are you all alright?" he asked.

"It's you." Camilla gasped. "Nic Pularis."

Nic looked at Isaac. "Isaac, what's wrong?"

Isaac looked down concerningly. "I don't know…but the air's magic. I'm not feeling it anymore."

Nic's eyes widened.

"He's right. I can't seem to draw in ethernano either." Camilla grimly said. "Also…" She looked down, seeing The Freaks and Levy barely able to move. "I think that they're out of magic. That blast must have sucked away their power somehow."

Nic looked down at his friends, seeing as how they were all still conscious. He especially looked towards Joey, seeing him barely having eyes open. "Nic…" he mumbled.

Nic felt his forehead. It was hot. His skin was pale as well. 'Magic Deficiency Disease. Wait, of course!' He recalled that cloudy plume that attacked them. 'Now it all makes sense. Anthemusa kills off magic. That means the ethernano in the air…that means none of them can refuel their magic tanks. And that also means…those inhaled were also depleted of what they had left.' He looked towards Erza, exchanging worried glares with her. 'But…how long can those who didn't inhale directly last?'

Erza held her guard up as she looked around. Cloyster opened his shell and looked as well. Both were barely aware as the pool rippled once, getting Erza's attention.

Suddenly catching wind of his senses flaring, Nic swiped forward. "Charizard, on your right!"

Charizard heed Nic's call and picked up on it. With precise timing, a black stream shot from the pool at Erza, but Charizard intercepted by crossing his arms with Dragon Claw. The dark water sprayed everywhere, but Erza and Cloyster remained unscathed.

"Charizard?" Erza gasped.

Finally ploughing through, Charizard grunted and slashed both claws, dissipating the water along with his energy claws. Erza and everyone steeled themselves as they felt a steady power rise.

"get ready! Something's coming up!"

Nic got in front of the injured. Charizard and Clyster also braced. Everyone prepared themselves as the water and landscape began to drastically shudder. Rocks began overturning and the magnitude reached far out, creating vibrations beneath everyone's feet.

Cana stopped her attack and felt something off. With the ground vibrating, she got a bad feeling as she looked to where the shrine was supposed to be. 'This Magic Power…I've got a bad feeling about this.'

All around Glacidia, everyone could feel a strong vibration beneath them. The air around them was so thin that they couldn't see their breaths anymore. Some were feeling queasy to where they fell over, and those further outside like Gray and Juvia were feeling slightly dazed, like the wind was knocked out of them. The Dragon Slayers felt slight headaches compared to the others, but their noses wrinkled with an unpleasant smell on the rise.

The pool began shuddering incredulously. The vibrations started making wakes in the water and waves rocked into one another. Isaac, Camilla, and everyone all had guards up when they felt something coming.

Suddenly a pillar of black shot out of the pool, protruding skywards. Everyone's gazes fell skywards as the magic energy felt before spiked. The sprays of jet-black receded, and a pair of demonic red eyes were showing.

"I see…so this is what they did in the lab…how interesting…" A pair of multi-scaled black appendages arose. "So they altered my body so I would adapt and control the Anthemusa…" A pair of black lips turned into a smirk. "How compensating."

Everyone's brow furrowed as they glared up at Emmanuel, seeing his changes.

Anthemusa dripped from Emmanuel's body like blood. His wet body's skin tone had turned pitch-black, with accented red marking running along the arms and the neck, running over the eyes which were now a dull white with no pupils. His upper body's coat was restored and became jagged and sharp-edged. Dark dreads ran along down the corners like diamonds. His pants were pitch-black, and he had no shirt beneath, revealing blood red marking all along the body. As he floated in the sky, his teeth showed, having canines for adding vicious flare.

"Emmanuel…" Nic was at a loss for words.

Emmanuel looked down at Nic to see his serious expression. "You looked surprised, Nic Pularis. I thought you'd be more calm in these instances. I believe this isn't the first time you've seen a case like this, right?"

Nic had a straight face. "I've seen worse than you, I can say that much." He glowed, altering into another dual form. Shooting up towards the sky in a glowing comet, the light faded, revealing Nic in a cross of his Fist and Sky Form. He had wings and edging, even belt of his Sky Form, but the primary shades of his Fist Form. He extended his wings and flapped, creating a tempest that blew Emmanuel's coat back. The man smirked maliciously.

"Nic!" Erza joined his side in the air, poising to strike with blades in hand.

Emmanuel smirked. "Erza Pularis. You're a strong mage for certain, perhaps the strongest I've ever encountered. I can see why my son was too arrogant to see why, it's because he couldn't see the potential in you." He lifted his hand out, creating a small energy sphere of black to show control of his new powers. "Unlike my son, I welcome the challenge that others exemplirate. You are no exception. With your reputations, I had high hopes you could've defeated me before this…but now, you too will understand what it means to not reach for an opportunity!"

Nic's eyes widened. "Erza, look out!"

Emmanuel crushed the orb with his bare hand. A hazy black wave eroded from the palm, expelling in all directions. It aimed specifically for Erza, but Nic swiped his arm towards her equally as fast.

"Tailwind!"

He launched a strong wind at Erza, instantly picking her up before the shockwave could reach her. As the wave dissipated, Erza was seen far higher out of range, looking unhinged.

"I see, so you've figured it out then." Emmanuel looked towards Nic. "So you know what happens when anything magic is in contact with Anthemusa. It breaks down ethernano particles inside the body and air, erasing the magic down to cellular levels. Anything composed of magic will only disintegrate around me."

Nic glared calmly. 'So he's trying to single me out, huh? He must know of my abilities, that I can't use magic.' He looked towards Erza. "Erza!"

"I know! I'll keep my distance!" She summoned swords above her, creating shimmering blades of 30 at least. She swung both arms, sending the blades at Emmanuel.

"Blumenblatt!"

The blades all shot at him at a monstrous rate, but when they drew closer, the enigmatic energy around Emmanuel fluctuated weakly. As the swords drew close, they started evaporating, leaving no damage.

'They evaporated?' Erza gasped mentally.

Emmanuel scoffed. He opened his maw and let out a loud shriek. He unleashed a pulsating dark beam of Anthemusa that could rival Natsu's roar. The massive volume of the attack reached skywards, almost reaching Erza. She quickly shot down to escape the attack's range, avoiding the skywards blast that swallowed everything. She got into a tailspin until she straightened out, plunging her swords into the ground and using it to ground herself until she safely scooted back.

"Your magic has no effect on me. I told you, anything with magic will dry up before getting too close to-!" A harsh white punch to the face caused his face to distort. He gagged as the fist followed through, causing him to spiral uncontrollably into the nearest glacier slab in the surroundings.

"You should stop running your damn mouth!" Nic retorted.

"Nic…" Levy murmured, barely getting up.

Joey sat up along with The Freaks. He gasped. "Nic-senpai…"

Everyone looked up at the person who had the best chance at a direct fight, their perpetual beacon of questionable character. The rebel who stood his ground and made a sense of justice that many supported. That was Nic, and he was ready to prove it.

As the ice fell towards the ground, Emmanuel was seen embedded into the glacier and glared. His eyes flashed red before he morphed into black ectoplasm and materialized into the air at Nic's elevation. Charizard reconvened with Nic at the same height for the battle.

The three had a long stare down with one another. Emmanuel exerted a hot breath as he gleamed at his worthy opponents.

"Looks like he's finally dead serious about this." Charizard said.

"Yeah, you're right about that." Nic reached for his Key Stone, which began gleaming on its own. 'We may not have saved the Moon Drip, but it's not too late to save Glacidia. We have to pull out the stops, whatever it takes!' "Charizard!"

Charizard roared in understanding. His quaking bellow shuddered the landscape around them in vicious rage. An incredible spike in power arose.

Nic tapped the Key Stone, and immediately an intense rainbow gleam roared. A lightspeed eruption travele dover the night sky, making it look like a star in the distance that shined brightly to get many attention. They all stared as they could also feel an equally stronger spike escalate.

As the air rumbled around him, Nic glared ferociously. "Charizard…Mega Evolve!"

Rainbow gleaming beams transformed to vibrant rays of light tendrils around the Key Stone, while Charizard's core emitted a powerful blue glow before expelling blue rays himself. The many tendrils from each side congregated, and light traveled down towards Charizard and reached his core, generating a radiant rainbow light that enveloped him. His features started altering, and his voice began to grow deeper. A blue flare expelled from what seemed to be his mouth as he saw transforming, and when the light finally exploded, the flashes blinded Emmanuel momentarily. He had to process what happened, and he looked back and saw Mega Charizard, and all of his draconic glory. Mega Charizard expelled a loud, shrilling roar, his blue flames fluctuating with him.

'Such power. This is the tenacity of Nic Pularis when he uses his Pokémon.' Emmanuel's mental staggering quelled as eagerness took over. 'Such exquisite potential.'

Nic braced himself for the fight alongside Mega Charizard, but then a small pulse ran through his head. 'Krreeahh…' A small but shrilling shriek rung in his head, causing him to strain. 'What…is this sound?'

"Nic, what's wrong?" Mega Charizard questioned.

Nic shook his head to try and drown out the throbbing. "It's nothing. Get ready. Here he comes!"

Emmanuel reached out with one arm, charging up before he unleashed an intense blast wave like he launched at Erza. Nic prompted to stay still and calm.

"Dragon Claw!"

Mega Charizard calmly raised a single claw and enveloped it in draconic energy. With one fell motion, he stuck the claw out and bisected the entire ray around them. Pitch-black became a 'Y' as Charizard remained unfazed.

With the distraction, Nic shot above with incredible speed. He shot down at the speed of sound, his knee glowing for a High Jump Kick. With the Tailwind added to his speed, Emmanuel was unable to tell when a bone-crushing shock ran through his entire body. Nic's continued his descent until he smashed Emmanuel into a trail along the oasis dirt. Grass and dirt severed into a trail as Nic dragged it out far. At the end of the trail, he spiraled out of the dust and back into the air.

From the dust cloud, a dark gleam flared before dozens of Anthemusa beams expelled in all directions, to which they were converged to attack Nic. Using his speed. Nic vanished and reappeared a multitude of times and spun around, making fluent movements around the rays so they all missed their mark.

The dust dissipated, and Emmanuel skyrocketed out and up towards Nic directly. When Nic reappeared, he stopped Emmanuel's assault by sticking his bare hand out, not budging in the air. With Emmanuel in his grasp, he swung around, using Vital Throw to send him spiraling into Mega Charizard. With the target closing in, blue flames swirled in his maw.

"Flamethrower!"

Mega Charizard unleashed a trademark disastrous blue beam that would incinerate anything they touched. As they drew towards Emmanuel, he rushed to straighten up and congregated dark energy into a multi-layer black shield. He smirked, but the first shield instantly shattered upon impact, startling him. Making breakneck efforts, he realized he couldn't hold up the shields and became ectoplasm that evaporated before the blue flames pulsed in a beam across the sky, vanishing out in the distance.

Emmanuel reassembled higher in the warmed atmosphere, apparel shock evident on his face. 'He smashed through all of those shields in a matter of seconds…and I barely got out of that unscathed.' The last factor was evident by the dreads on his coat being drastically charred. 'Their power and speed are incredi-!'

Nic reappeared above upside-down, catching Emmanuel off guard. He looked up, but then Mega Charizard appeared below. With an axe kick and tail swing at the ready, Emmanuel conjured black ectoplasmic barriers to take the blows. The two quickly pulled away from the defense before their strikes hit, reflexes and overzealous caution afoot.

With an opportunity, Emmanuel swiped out, expelling an omnidirectional dark shockwave at both his targets.

Nic reappeared in front of Mega Charizard, his eyes glowing green. "Detect!" Using himself as a shield, the shockwaves enveloped the whole skies, yet Nic remained unfazed as the attack touched him, but no apparent damage was taken.

'This is a shot!' Nic braced himself. "Mega Charizard, now!"

"Right!" Raising a heel, Mega Charizard kicked into Nic's feet, sending him shooting through the shockwaves unhinged. As he sailed, Nic became a Mach blur as he sored in with Aerial Ace. The streamline bisect of the shockwave threw Emmanuel off as Nic screamed and soared right into his gut, knocking the wind out of him.

With bright white in the background, Emmanuel was hazed before Nic flipped and got above.

"Flying Press!"

Nic shot all his body weight onto Emmanuel, becoming a whistling comet that ploughed into the ground with explosive force a split second later. The land shuddered, and everyone covered up as they could weakly move. When the dust cleared, Nic was seen atop of Emmanuel, on a knee as the enemy was on his stomach, his expression unseen as to where Nic showed no visible emotion.

"Did he…did he get him?" Dereece questioned

Duncan glared intensely. Joey was on pins and needles as he was on all fours with Camilla. They all hoped that was the case, but all didn't go their way.

Nic gleamed down, he knew something about this was wrong. Furrowing his brow, he stood up, seeing the fallen Emmanuel turn into ectoplasm and melt away. "Another evasion." He grunted.

'Kreeaahh!'

Nic suddenly clutched his head. The throbbing sensation from before returned, and it was stronger and more painful. 'It's that voice again…damnit!'

"Nic-senpai, above you!" Joey warned.

Nic snapped out of his headache when he heard Joey's warning. Looking above, the real Emmanuel readied an ectoplasmic blast at close-range. "Too late for you!" he readied the blast, but Mega Charizard swooped in with a Dragon Claw, slashing from afar with power and speeds to create a slicing shockwave that split Emmanuel from Nic.

Emmanuel elevated higher, grunting. 'He's still too fast!' From the corner of his eyes, he picked up on projectiles shooting up at him. At the last second he swiped his arm, creating an ectoplasmic barrier to stop massive icicles from piercing him. He looked down at the corner of his eyes, seeing Erza and Cloyster. "You…"

"Erza." Nic murmured in shock.

"Just because my magic is ineffective doesn't mean that I'm useless." Erza pointed a sword at the sky. "Now, Cloyster! Hydro Pump!" Cloyster once again shot a voluminous uproar of pressurized water that raged at Emmanuel. He shot his hand down and created a dark blast wave to counter, making both attacks meet in the center.

It was a short power struggle, but Emmanuel went wide-eyed when he realized a swirling mesh of flames and heat behind. Behind, Mega Charizard opened wide and shot another Flamethrower. The bolting fire stream of deep blue swallowed everything in the atmosphere, including Emmanuel as the airspace roared like an earthquake. As the flames died, Cloyster's attack penetrated through, making a steam eruption through the atmosphere.

Using the steam as cover, Erza swept over towards Nic. "Nic!"

Nic stammered back up and looked towards Erza. "Erza. Just in time, thanks."

Erza nodded, but her mood was completely soured. She gave her husband a serious look of displeasure and concern. "Something's wrong with you, isn't it?" she questioned. "Is it that voice you keep hearing?"

Nic frowned. "I don't know, but-!" Suddenly another pulse and cry rung in his head, causing even greater pain. He clutched his head, grunting hard at the aching sensation.

"Nic!" Erza panicked as she closed in on him.

Nic opened an eye as he was hearing the cry again. It was louder, and this time it sounded closer. His whole body was shuddering, and his senses were less cohesive than they were. He couldn't explain it, but it felt like something was holding him back.

Erza stammered back up, looking over Nic's condition. 'This is bad. Nic's condition is worsening faster than I thought.' She looked towards the sky, seeingMega Charizard continue the onslaught against Emmanuel as he unleashed blasts, but kept missing. 'At this rate, only Mega Charizard can stand to fight. I don't know what's happening here…but I can tell that this condition will worsen unless we do something.'

Nic grunted as he shook his head, clearing away his headache again. "I'm fine." Looking up, he glowed, shifting into another hybrid form. He suddenly teleported again, vanishing while Emmanuel attacked above.

Black ectoplasm shot in long arches all around Emmanuel. Mega Charizard swiftly maneuvered around every one without much trouble, flying in swiftly at breakneck speeds. When Emmanuel found him charging at full speed, he shot a dense black beam with uproarious volume once more.

The beam reflected in Mega Charizard's eyes, making him squint. "Is that all?!" He activated Dragon Claw again and spun them like a drill. The black beam closed in, but it was immediately reduced to thin air as Mega Charizard continued his path towards Emmanuel. Startled, Emmanuel grunted as he allowed him self to be hit, but Mega Charizard was no fool.

Ceasing his spinning but maintaining his attack still, he adjusted in the air. "Not this time! Heat Wave!" He flapped his wings once, expelling a tremendous blue hurricane of broiling flames in all directions.

The flames spread on a much larger scale than anticipated. Everyone below instantly started sweating as the entire sky was lit in blue. The maelstrom struck Emmanuel, instantly melting him away to reveal himself as a clone. Meanwhile, the actual Emmanuel was higher above, but was still struck down by the assault. He tried holding his own in the air, but the assault blew him away in an instant far away.

Mega Charizard's attack receded and he went jetting through the atmosphere towards his foe.

'He saw right through my clone! This creature's smarter than what I anticipated!' Emmanuel suddenly felt a grip on his shoulder holding him back.

"You're not thinking we're that dumb, are you?" Behind, Nic was keeping him in place. His serious glare was infused with his Mind and Spooky Form as one. The Mind Plate was the primary coloring, but the belt, edging, laces, and pants were all Spooky Form.

Emmanuel's eyes widened as he looked into Nic's eyes, a shrill feeling running down his spine. Nic's eyes glowed bright blue, using Psychic and shoved him back at Mega Charizard. Emmanuel had no means of escaping the telekinetic hold as he was bolted into Charizard's Dragon Claw that was still active. He swung skywards, creating a tremendous shockwave and explosion that sent his foe skywards. Nic turned around in the air and swiped his arm, sending a Psycho Cut at perfect timing at Emmanuel. The impact creating a glint star-like glint in the sky before a pink eruption enveloped the atmosphere. From it, Emmanuel shot in a smoke cloud into a nearby glacier, smashing so hard into it that ice chunks flew off it from each depression.

"Yeah, alright!" Dereece gleefully shouted before wincing. "That's gotta hurt!"

"Maybe, but it's not down yet." Duncan grunted. "There's still a lot of power looming around."

True to Duncan's insinuation, the mist and debris cleared away from the glacier to reveal Emmanuel. He smirked maliciously up at Nic, who still held his headstrong front.

'Krreaah!'

"Ganngh!" Nic clutched his forehead as the cry ached his brain again. "Damnit…what are you saying to me?!" he yelled out.

"Nic!" Erza warned.

Nic opened his eyes in time of his wife's warning. Emmanuel growled as his entire body morphed into black ectoplasm and spiraled around Nic, trapping him in a vortex of dark energy. Nic looked around, seeing the only exit being up. Emmanuel's cackling echoed throughout the vortex.

"My goodness, something seems quite off here. Shouldn't you have stopped me by now?" Emmanuel taunted. "After all, I heard tales of all your exploits and battles. I was certain you'd be more impressive in person, but looking at you now, I fail to see the potential in why people call you Luminous."

Nic morphed into shadows and faded out of the cyclone, reappearing in the atmosphere outside. From his swiping arms, he expelled an Ominous Wind that expelled like a maelstrom again, much like Charizard's Heat Wave from before. The attack dissipated the dark vortex, erasing it to oblivion to reveal Emmanuel absent.

Emmanuel materialized behind Nic as he glanced back. "You're a very worthy adversary to be certain, but something about you doesn't seem quite right. Is perhaps something troubling you? Could it be your lack of inability to surmount me?" he scoffed. "I doubt that would be the case, otherwise you'd seem more complex than before. Whatever your reason is, it's rather annoying to us both…" He reached his arm out, gathering dark energy. "Don't you think?"

Nic's glare intensified. "The feeling's mutual." Shadows began gathering around Nic's body as he readied his counter.

The two charged up whatever force they had in them. Everyone from around looked expectantly as the air was quaking around them. With them unable to help, they could only hope, but even Erza could see something was off as Nic let out a battle cry.

'Nic…it's hurting you. I can see that. Something's wrong with you…you just can't push yourself to let it out…but why?'

Nic started gathering shadows and he began using Psychic again to make them spiral into a void he conjured into his left hand. Roaring out, he readied for Emmanuel, but then the unexpected happened.

'KREAAAHHH!'

A horrendous pulse shocked Nic's entire body. His entire being fell completely numb as an intense pain caused him to scream out in agony.

Erza's eyes shrunk. "No, not now!"

"What's happening?" Camilla worried. "He's looking like he's in pain."

Nic gagged as he was numb in the air. The shadows and energy he had gathered were dissipating, and he was staring at the Anthemusa pool straight below. The cry echoed in his head, each syllable causing him extreme discomfort.

"Nic, what's wrong?!" Mega Charizard shouted, but he was sensing something off by Nic. 'This feeling, something isn't right. Nic's power is shifting on its own, but it's not his doing. So who's…!'

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Emmanuel roared as he escalated higher above, a vortex of dark energy shuddering the air.

Mega Charizard gasped. "NIC!"

Gasping, Nic's hazy eye glanced skywards, but it was too late.

"BEGONE!" Swinging his arm down, Emmanuel swung the void, unleashing a plasmatic dark ray that closed in on Nic. His eyes reflected the dark beam before it engulfed him, sending him in a downwards comet into the Anthemusa pool.

Through the sundering, gravity took its toll on Nic's body. The dark beam held a lot of pressure, and he found himself unable to fight back. His entire body had shut down. Nic screamed out in agony as the beam grounded him, plunging into the Anthemusa pool.

The shockwaves made the Anthemusa spread all over. As waves of the black grime closed in, Cloyster slid in front and used Protect. His shield protected everybody behind.

"Erza's Cloyster!" Joey shrieked.

The dark beam continued plunging the pool, along with Nic. The intense ray soon, diminished, leaving nothing but absent ripples left in the dark water. When the last drop of it faded, far away from the pool. Erza was seen with a void-like look in her eyes. Her lips were parted as she stared speechlessly at the Anthemusa. It was hard to tell if she was even conscious to begin with.

Emmanuel smirked. "Well…that takes care of one problem. How disappointing."

"NIC-SENPAI~!" Joey had tears in his eyes as he called out to his hero. Dereece and Duncan were left completely shocked and speechless. Isaac and Camilla were left horrified with what they saw as well.

A wave of aura brushed away soldiers. The Aura Guardian adjusted and Vanessa's eyes widened. She felt an intense drop in proficient aura, and it was churning in her stomach. She turned back towards the source. 'What's this feeling…?' She heard the roaring of a dark energy, negative aura overflowing the oasis shrine. 'Nic…'

Though weak, Gray picked up on the bad feeling. "What was that just now?"

"It sounded like it came from the shrine." Juvia evaluated. "I sure hope that wasn't the case…"

Lucy looked up in slight worry. She, Loke, Klefki, Cana, Sophie, the Dragon Slayers, and the Pokémon all showed some case of shock as the uproarious sounds settled, leaving the dark air hollow.

Bubbles fumed from the pool grime until they started receding. Standing over the edge, Erza had bangs over her eyes as they were shallow. As if an impulse took over she shot off her feet into the pool.

"Erza, wait!" Dereece shouted.

"Idiot. What is she thinking?" Duncan retorted.

Erza made a beeline for over the pool, until she was able to get to where Nic had plummeted. She went for a dive, but a force plucked her from midair, leaving her gasping. It was revealed to be Mega Charizard, and she used his bare claws to haul Erza away from the pool.

"Charizard, what are you doing?!" Erza hissed over her shoulder foully.

"If you touch that stuff in there you'll die, remember?" He struggled as Erza tried to break free. "Calm down! It's gonna take a lot more than that to keep Nic down. You know this."

Erza knew from the heart that Mega Charizard had a point. She could trust him, considering he was one of the first and reliable Pokémon Nic had, but it was also in the heart where it tugged the most with Nic. Gritting her teeth frustrated, she shot hate-filled glares at Emmanuel.

"Perhaps I was mistaken on my part. I didn't think that Nic would be this faulted in power." He mocked. "I suppose that Victor may have been onto something after all. Now then…" he faced Isaac and the others below. "Shall we finish business?"

Isaac gritted his teeth angrily. Joey was a shuddering mess still, but Dereece and Duncan. Erza growled, clenching her swords tighter than before.


Beneath the dark plunge pool, it was pitch-black, allowing no light to cast onto Nic as his numbed frame slowly sank into the abyss. His eyes weakly opened beneath the tides, instantly causing a stinging sensation. 'My body…why won't it move?' He tried to lift his arm, but it wasn't budging; like blood wasn't coursing through. 'I can't even lift a finger…it's like everything's shutting down at once. Why…?'

He sunk even deeper, his strength beginning fade as his own heartbeat was starting to slow down. He couldn't even breathe as the cold water pressure and Anthemusa was overtaking his vision. 'That voice…is it doing this? Is it that desperate to call out to me that it would go this far? Just…what is it trying to say…what…?'

His conscience began fading to complete black, his mind drowning in thoughts with him.

'KRREEAAAH!'

A loud, shrilling cry as clear as crystal was what made Nic's eyes snap open. When he realized it, he was suspended in the darkness, fully conscious but found it hard to move. An odd gravity slowly drifted him upright, making him feel black as though it was solid ground. "This place…is this my mind?" he gasped, realizing he was breathing. "Wait, did I talk just now? If that's the case, then am I…no, this isn't it. I'm somewhere else, but where…?"

From above, a radiating light began glowing.

Nic looked up, seeing the light descend in front of him. He carefully maintained a steady glare as the white hemisphere made everything around him a midnight blue hue, which he took notice of. 'Everything's a little brighter, but it's not my doing….' He looked up towards the descending light. 'Is it because of that?'

The white, circular radiance illuminated above Nic. As the light radiated down on him, he could feel a strong force coming from the light source. It was spiritual. It made him feel…relaxed. He couldn't explain it, but this sensational force made him slowly realize what it could be.

'Wait, is this…?'

The lunar light began fading a little, giving way to a circular pair of wings that flapped. One wing flapped, showing a gold border with purple membrane. Another wing flapped, showing the same. The light shimmered, allowing a pair of cosmic red eyes to slowly open wide. Nic and the beast were finally face to face, with a spiritual lunar light around it like an angel.

Nic composed, glaring calm daggers at the entity. "I get it." He started. "So then you're the moon spirit, right?"

The beast gave only a meek growl.

"I see…you were trying to reach out to me for something." He looked down, taking a long, solitary silence to reflect on everything. In his mind, he thought to the full moon he looked at the past few nights, and the cries that he heard. He gave a prolong sigh before looking at the beast again. "Okay…so what do you want?"

The beast gave a prolong stare of his own at Nic. He glared back, seeing the look of promise in the beast's eyes. Nic suddenly went wide-eyed, processing this feeling. 'Wait, this moon spirit! It's…!'

After what felt like an eternity, the beast closed its eyes and shrieked out, rattling the flexed its massive wings and gave off a luminescent shine at beamed onto Nic. He stood still as everything went white. The last thing heard in the white void, was the beast's fading cries.


Returning to reality, Nic's eyes flashed open in the sinking void. 'I see. I think I get it now…' As he descended, his body began glowing a bright light, slowly enveloping the darkness. 'Okay…let's go.' The light beamed everywhere in the dark abyss, making bubbles and ruptures that broiled over the Anthemusa.


Emmanuel faced Isaac with a dominant glare. He relished in his enemy's resentment, even in the face of defeat. Erza swept in front along with Cloyster and Mega Charizard, all three intercepting his way. "So then, you all intend to stand in the way of my retribution? So be it." He reached out, firing dark ectoplasm in a single ray. Once it reached the middle, it diverged into a multitude of smaller comets heading for each one.

At the same time, Mega Charizard and Cloyster took action. With one feel swing, Mega Charizard's Dragon Claw cleaved through the entire wake, and Cloyster's Razor Shell spun into the ectoplasm, turning it to goop that plopped in the pool.

Both got back in front of everyone, with Erza holding two swords in defense. "Stay close, he's bound to attack."

"You're only stalling the inevitable." Emmanuel said. "Face it, you know stalling goes so far, and when that limiter breaks, what then?"

Erza growled. With Nic still in trouble and The Freaks unable to fight back with their weakened states, there wasn't much else. Her anger began to show. It was only a matter of time before his power breaks through.

"Now then…" Emmanuel began conjuring up dark ectoplasmic rings around his body, channeling his force to spin them all uncontrollably. "I believe that justice has been held off long enough…it's time I use my collateral, and make you pay for your treachery!"

Comical tears spilled from Joey's eyes. "I'M TOO YOUNG AND PRETTY TO DIE~!"

Emmanuel smirked at his victory. It was a checkmate, until he felt an abrupt pulse through him. He gasped. "Huh?"

Another pulse went through Erza.

A third one was felt in everyone else. They all perked up in horror.

A fourth pulse rang through the oasis. A fifth one echoed through all of Glacidia. Sophie, Vanessa, and almost everyone completely ceased movement for that one second when they all felt a shiver run down their spines.

Emmanuel shakily looked down beneath him, his body feeling a little shaken. "What…what is this force?" He didn't recall feeling this way when Nic fought him. Something was massively wrong.

Duncan glanced at the pool. "Hm?"

As continual heartbeats came from the pool, each one caused a light shining brightly beneath the surface to come up. The Anthemusa was boiling profusely as the light was getting brighter. The entire oasis was shaking from this astounding magnitude. The lake water around them was shifting and crashing into each other uncontrollably.

"Wha…what is…!"

As this terrifying sensation unnerved the many others, the light in Erza's eyes showed once more. A grin crossed her mature lips, showing no worries. "That fool makes me worry too much."

The violent quaking finally stopped, albeit suddenly. The queasy silence was brutally interrupted when a bright, majestic beam shot into the sky, causing a shockwave that spiraled Emmanuel away. He adjusted, and he and everyone looked at the beam of light with awe.

The shockwaves from the light source was so strong that the lunar force it had breached the Anthemusa lens above. It was small, but it shattered like glass, enough to be seen from space by a small blue beam.

A cosmic and dense energy was in front of Emmanuel as he stared in horror. The lunar light source was one thing alone that was befuddling him, but the power itself was unfathomable. The pool water continuously rippled and bubbled as the moonlight beam created a violent creating, leaving it steaming and bubbling over.

Emmanuel slowly looked up from the pool at the light, his eyes burning with horror. "It can't be…"

The light beam soon evaporated, revealing a pair of eyes to widen and seethe to all the world. The light vanished around the rest of the body, revealing black hair left the way it is, but a gold curved headpiece was around the head, with white on the insides with cosmic purple along the top. The creature's face was left alone, save for striped white markings along the cheeks. The creature's toned body had a cosmic purple attire; pants, coat, even the massive curved wing pieces on his arms. There was gold trimming with several indignations along the pant legs, as well as the wings attached to the white arms. His upper body was white up to the neck, with gold trimming along the edges of the coat. The sash stayed gold. White was within the inner lining of the pant legs. The shoes were edged in gold, with white laces and cosmic purple accents.

Everyone was stunned by the figment that had resurfaced. Time slowed down as even Joey was completely speechless, his eyes actually shrinking.

The creature lifted his head, opening his eyes to reveal blue pupils as pure as Nic's, but the sclera around the eyes were a cleansing cosmic red, twinkling like stars. He unleashed a high-pitched shrilled cry that echoed all across Glacidia, sending chills down all the soldiers' spines.

"What in the…?"

"What the hell is that?!"

Many were scared by this insane creature, as well as the lunar glint that shined from its body, but as many were terrified, Joey found himself in awe. "So cool…" The fanboy's eyes were wide with shot pupils. He looked like he's seen a ghost. 'That can't be. No, but it is! That has to be-!'

Duncan stared up as well, he too showing visible astonishment – surprisingly. 'There's no way…'

Dereece and everybody else was completely speechless. Their mouths were gaping as their skins crawled with speechless wake. They were too scared to move. They never saw anything like this. Erza, however, looked expectantly, her doubts fading as she knew the culprit behind this.

Nic's eyes flashed wider, exerting an intense moonlight from his body. "Legendary Force – Lunala!" he announced, the moonlight fluctuating from his vocals.

The moonlight beaming across all of Glacidia was like a beacon, one that provided light for all to marvel in. Emmanuel was speechless the whole way through, his devoid eyes actually showing levels of fear and shock. 'This power…this can't possibly be…'

Nic finished his shrieking and glared at Emmanuel. Emmanuel braced himself as Nic opened his maw, charging up a Shadow Ball. Emmanuel was shocked but he readied a dark energy spire as Nic launched the sphere. It shot with a sound-barrier crushing force as it closed in, exploding in front of Emmanuel before he even had time to launch his attack. The explosion of purple shuddered the entire sky, creating an obscuring that Emmanuel shot out of, flying into the ground below with erupting force.

Isaac shuddered. 'Such power…what kind of monstrous strength does that? He just blasted Emmanuel out of the sky!'

Joey's eyes were bulging out of their sockets in disbelief. Dereece was no different. "You…you've gotta be joking…man."

Duncan fell quiet. He observed diligently as he continued seeing the battle.

From the dust below, the extensive crater Emmanuel was in was deep. Emmanuel was at the core, to which he melted away. Meanwhile, the real Emmanuel was actually higher, using his Cloning Magic at the last second to evade, though he looked severely shaken up as Nic glare dup at him. Beads of sweat pored down his face as his eyelids twitched with sheer surprise.

'That was too close. If that actually hit me, I would've…damnit! How did I not see this?!'

Nic screeched into the air, with Mega Charizard joining his side. The two looked at each other and bolted after Emmanuel at the blink of an eye.

'So fast!'

They both seized his face at the exact same time and pushed him higher into the air. Once up high enough, they thrust skywards, sending him hurdling uncontrollably. With their force creating a shockwave, Nic silently reached his arm out, and Mega Charizard expelled another monstrous Flamethrower. Emmanuel barely straightened out to realize the attack beaming his way. He reached his arm out to create a shield but Mega Charizard burned through it, hitting him hard with an explosive blue blaze that traveled across the sky. From the blaze, Emmanuel shot down in a smoke stream, gaping as lingering blue embers were around his torn coat.

'Just as I thought. It takes a certain amount of time for him to make clones after they're taken out.' Nic realized. He suddenly used Teleport, closing the gap in a rate so fast he was unseen as he was in front of the falling Emmanuel with a wing pulled back. 'That's where his magic needs to replenish. This is it!'

As time slowed down, Emmanuel's eyes widened when he saw Nic before him, channeling dark energy that became magenta and black.

"Night Daze!"

With one forceful clap of his claws and wings, a crimson and black shockwave roared throughout the skies, expanding above and around the oasis air, destroying the tiling over the vault. The metallic doors also were blown away, and everyone else below covered up – Joey's limbs were flailing like streamers as he had a dumbfounded look.

As the shockwave roared, Emmanuel was still in point-blank range, but gravity and pressure was so extreme that he couldn't see. A blue aura enveloped him, slightly decreasing his accuracy as he tried holding his air, but the waves finally picked him up and sent him sailing.

Ashe sailed, Nic appeared behind, swinging his wings down on the back of his head. The impact immediately grounded Emmanuel once more, creating another quake that ruptured dust everywhere.

From the dust, streams of ectoplasm spun in helix formation to get away. Nic screeched out with Mega Charizard, creating a boisterous shake around them. Like Mach-speed jets, they shot after the retreating Emmanuel, following him along the glacier falls. The ectoplasm streamed across the ice, whereas its foes were catching up at breakneck speeds. The ectoplasm made a sharp turn and materialized in the air, revealing Emmanuel with a hand out to congregate dark energy.

"Mega Charizard!" Nic ordered.

He nodded. "On it!" The dragon followed Emmanuel as the dark energy channeled. Nic continued his course, flying along the glacier walls.

Emanuel didn't take his eyes off Nic. 'What's he doing?' He noticed Mega Charizard bolting his way with draconic energy claws. Forced to take action, Emmanuel aimed the dark energy at him and fired. The dark beam coursed into the dragon, but Mega Charizard had no trouble tearing through it, dissipating the blast wave to oblivion to allow him to close in and bolt clean through. However, his attack slowed down with time, revealing grime and globs splattering as he raked clean through Emmanuel.

Mega Charizard held a straight face, as if expectant of the attack.

Above, the real Emmanuel was seen, barely composed of what happened. "How many times are we going through this?" He began channeling dark energy into his hands. "You can't hit me that way-!"

His momentum fell short when a ghastly sensation crawled up his spine. As he slowly looked back, he was a thin purple portal, one that aligned with him perfectly. 'Where did that come from?'

From the portal, a leg swung out, emitting a massive pulse as it struck Emmanuel's chest with intense pressure.

"Phantom Force!"

Emmanuel screamed in agony as Nic's leg followed through with the kick, sending him barreling at Mega Charizard. Unable to alter course, he fell right into the tail swing of Mega Charizard, bouncing him back with spine-shattering force. Emmanuel blacked out as he spiraled out of the air, sundering to the oasis ground with another shrilled shockwave.

Nic unleashed another monstrous cry into the atmosphere, emitting a strong lunar light from his body that radiated across the oasis and Glacidia.


Over the rest of Glacidia, all anyone could see was a shining beacon similar to a moon. It radiated across the capital, giving light to everything and everyone. Looking up, Cana and Sophie felt a strange and yet familiar sensation from this light.

"That light…is that who I think it is?" Cana murmured.

"I can think of only one person able to shine this brightly." Sophie said it in a half-sarcastic tone. She already knew the answer to that question. She smirked. 'Nic, you really do deserve the name 'Luminous'.'

The girls turned to look back at the soldiers. They were all distracted by this sheer power that's leaving them deterred. Seeing Emmanuel overwhelmed by this creature was doing a number on their morale.

Cana smirked. "Well then, guess we better shine some light of our own onto these guys!" she reached out. "Ya ready guys?!"

"Abra, you as well!"

Purrloin growled, and Piplup and Abra stayed ahead. "You got it!" all three announced.

The Fire-types ahead growled defensively. Piplup stood proudly as he glared, before he and Abra both emitted battle cries to the atmosphere. The two of them thus started channeling energy, emitted a strong radiant blue glow that overwhelmed their bodies.

Everyone's eyes widened when they saw the blue shine overtake the two Pokémon. Purrloin, Cana, and Sophie all were speechless as the light was morphing the two Pokémon.

"This light…is it…?" Sophie trailed off, recalling something from her studies of the pamphlet, and from her catered experience with Krokorok evolving a long time ago. 'Abra. Piplup. Both are-!'

The light made Abra's body grow in size. His tail began to thicken and slowly curve in. In the hands, energy created spoon-like material, and from the snout, what looked like a massive moustache started sprouting. In Piplup's case, he started getting taller as well, with his round head becoming slimmer. Both their bodies glowed and exploded energy at the same time, leaving all the soldiers to cover up from the bright rays.

Once they receded, they all uncovered, looking out as a yellow foot stepped forward. "You've done it now." A deeper voice declared. A blue eye slowly opened. "We warned you not to mess with us."

"Now, please allow us, by the authority bested in our human companions…" Another eye opened upon a sophisticated tone. "To erase you from point of view. Indefinitely."

The two Pokémon stood side-by-side, with Abra being replaced by a Pokémon that was now standing instead of levitating. The creature was primarily yellow with a bright red star on the forehead, with long, pointed ears and a yellow moustache. He had big brown shoulder and upper body plating, with three pink streaks along the belly plating. His tail was massive, and in one hand clutching it tight, a spoon was carried.

In the case of Piplup, he was replaced by a larger version of himself. He got an extra set of white dots on the blue belly, with the sea blue on his body now darker, navy blue. Two yellow horns curved over the head, meeting at the beak.

"What the?!" a soldier gasped. "What just happened?!"

"I don't know!" another exasperated.

"You idiots! They evolved, remember?!" another one explained. "It happened with Sir Victor's Chimchar two weeks ago, remember that?"

Cana's eyes shrunk. "Hold on, you're saying Piplup's evolved?" She took out her PokeDex, looking at the screen to see the penguin's new face. Sophie did the same.

"Prinplup, the Penguin Pokémon. It lives alone, away from others. Apparently, every one of them believes it is the most important."

"Kadabra, the Psi Pokémon. It possesses strong mental capabilities, but its psychic powers are halved when it's not holding a silver spoon."

"They evolved at the same time. I'm not sure if this is luck or not." Sophie remarked.

Cana smirked. "Well I'll take it. Heck yeah! This is gonna get good! Alright then guys, let 'em have it!"

Prinplup smirked. "You heard her."

"Yes, I do." Kadabra answered. "And although she isn't my Trainer, I do reciprocate the feelings." His eyes started glowing bright blue as he held his spoon out. "Let us make way with these invaders! Confusion!" Using telekinetic powers, he created a shockwave across the ground and made all the soldiers and Fire-types airborne. While in midair, Kadabra's eyes widened as his attack altered. The enemies all found themselves suspended, as though time froze.

He turned towards Prinplup. "You may have the honors, my acquaintance."

"Thanks." Prinplup took a leap into the air, bringing his flipper back. As he closed the gap, the end became a metallic shine that made a trail as he swung it down like a chop. The blow went straight down, making a burst of metallic energy that blew soldiers and Fire-types away.

The dust cleared, and Kadabra and Prinplup beside each other while the others were behind.

"Well~, this is a change in plans." Purrloin teased, swaying her tail around.

"Man, they're really kicking butt right now. Guess the evolution's got them pretty high up there." Cana chimed. "Well anyways…no sense in keeping me out of the action!" she grinned as she pulled out tarot cards. "Ya ready for another round Sophie?"

"O-to da-var (Same thing)." Sophie spread her legs, swiping her arm across to create a line of darkness, swallowing men.


Nic's cries and radiance reached as far out as pass the Dragon Slayers, who were advancing. Natsu expelled a pressurized eruption from his fist, Gajeel rammed his arm into the ice, shooting up iron columns that ran endlessly; Wendy created a cyclone that shred across the ice, and all three of their attacks mowed down numbers on end.

Farther back, those who were miles in the back of the frozen fleet were cautious, unsure whether to advance or not. "Uh, is it me, or is this a good time to run away?"

"What? Now? Our ships are frozen solid, we can't go anywhere. Besides, they're bound to run out of Magic Power eventually, right? So I say we hang back until they tire themselves out."

Another soldier held up a staff. "Yeah, that's right. There's still plenty of us left back here. When those guys are done, we'll swoop in and nail 'em when they least expect it."

"That's the point of reinforcements, jackwad." A soldier deadpanned.

"Yes…I most certainly agree." Behind the soldiers, a pair of boots stepped on the ice. The soldiers turned around, many of them getting on guard as a pair of red lipstick turned into a smirk. "Then if that's the case, perhaps you like to know what real reinforcements are supposed to look like."

Ships were lined up along the edge of the ice, where it finally turned to water. There, anchors were dropped, and Rune Knights and Pokémon were lined up in front, ready to unload men who were armed with magical weapons, and standing on the ice with her coat shifting was Charlotte with crossed arms. She stood proudly as she saw her foes grow defensive.

"Are you kidding me?! Where did they come from?!"

"I don't know, but the size of this fleet is extreme."

Another soldier stepped forward. "Quick, everyone to Plan Delta 2A! We're gonna cause a diversion!"

Charlotte's menacing eyes narrowed. "I don't think so." Her words had a tone of sheer venom that froze many in place. She calmly took out an Ultra Ball, where she tossed it skywards. Coming out in front was a large, yellow humanoid Pokémon with a yellow and black color coating. It had two chord-like tails with red tips, with thick arms and black fingers. The Pokémon stomped on the ice once, emitting a battle cry that shook the airspace.

"Electivire, get rid of these pests." She reached out. "Thunder!"

Electivire's body crackled with electricity before he exploded with electricity, shattering sleets of the ice beneath and frying soldiers ahead, making a pillar of lightning in the far distance of the mayhem.

Pantherlily's ears twitched, fear seen in his eyes. 'Was that lightning just now?'

"Hey Lily, step it up! We're doing heavy lifting here!" Gajeel yelled.

"Uh, right! Sorry!"


Emmanuel reverted to ectoplasm and slipped across the sky. He diverged into spreads to get away, but Nic teleported in front. Emmanuel materialized in front of him but found no means of escape, not while Nic could simply teleport. Gritting his teeth, the creature exerted a dark beam at Nic, closing in fast. Rather than use an attack, Nic's eyes flashed once before he flexed his wings. Emitting another cry, he expelled a bright moonlight. The radiant light was so bright, and yet the pitch-black heading its way evaporated from the moonlight. The light spread towards Emmanuel, immediately causing him intense, burning pain that shrilled cries across the atmosphere. He shot backwards into the lower glaciers, gagging when his back struck the ice.

As Nic and Mega Charizard towered and flew around, the hole that Nic made earlier in the Anthemusa lens had moonlight beaming down onto the Anthemusa pool. The cleansing rays was making the pool bubble, and the black grime was thinning some.

"Huh?" Levy took notice, perking up.

"Levy…what's wrong?" Dereece questioned.

"The Anthemusa…something's causing it to react violently." She looked up towards the moonlight through the opening high above. "Could it be because of the moonlight?"

Erza went wide-eyed when she picked up on the notion. "The moonlight?" She recalled when Nic became Lunala, and when Emmanuel's behavior began changing. 'Wait, could this mean…?' She turned towards Isaac. "Isaac!"

"Huh…?" Isaac turned towards Erza shakily. He was still in shock from this flow of power.

"You said before that the Moon Drip was created by lunar light, right? Which supercharges the ethernano in the water." She pointed a sword out. "Take a look. What does that look like?"

The pool began bubbling to extremes. The white light beaming down was shimmering clearly, causing the black to thin slightly more.

Isaac's eyes shrunk as he realized Erza's inquiry. "The Anthemusa…is the moonlight really affecting it?"

Joey had sparkles around his eyes as he wasn't listening. He was so warped on Nic's fight as he had glossy vision. He really wished he had brought a camera with him.

"But I thought Anthemusa kills ethernano." Dereece pointed out. "Would that even work?"

Duncan turned away. "Doesn't matter. If moonlight is pure as they say, that means even Black Magic can't withstand too much of it. And besides, light isn't magic until it touches ethernano, last I checked."

Levy gasped. Something about what Duncan said made her realize something. "Hey wait…" With what strength she had from her magic depleted, she crawled towards the pile of textbooks that were blown about from the ensuing chaos. She mulled over the right textbook that had the information. She flipped the pages until she got to the right one. "There, this bookmark I had sure helped. Let's see…"

"Levy, what are you reading exactly?" Erza inquired.

"It's something that I picked up from the library. I was hoping I'd find more history about Moon Drip, but these texts said something about…yes! Right here!" She placed her finger on the paragraph. "I was right. It was this one! Everyone, listen to this!" She began reading from the text.

"Year X653: The night where ruin was to be set. Dark Guilds who were abroad who held word of our tale treasures were upon us. We didn't know what could've gone from good or bad. All we know was that when they came to our doorstep, we weren't prepared. It was one-sided. We didn't have a plan; losing the treasure seemed eminent. But then, the moon saved us, Black Magic was cast, and yet the treasure was spared. The men were stunned, and they didn't know why. Every mage was wiped out that night, and under the moonlight, not even their purified bodies remained…"

Trailing off, she face the others. "It goes on a little more about that time period, but I think that was a Dark Guild attack that happened almost 150 years ago. They used Black Magic just like Emmanuel did, but I think that the moonlight saved it."

Isaac had an epiphany. "Are you saying…that the secret to bringing the Moon Drip back is in the moon?"

"I think so, but I think there's more to it than that. Look out there." She pointed towards the bubbling content. "The Anthemusa and the moonlight are reacting violently towards one another. The purifying atoms in the substance are drastically weakening."

"Which means that we can fix it, right?" Dereece asked hopefully. Heracross and Seel sure hoped so.

Levy's face fell. "Well…I'm not sure. You see Anthemusa is anti-Moon Drip, it's basically carbonized atoms and Black Magic. I'm not sure of this myself…but I think in its neutralizing state, we might be able to revert it to Moon Drip if we had some."

Slowly, Camilla's eyes widened.

"Wait, young lady!" Isaac said to Levy. "You're saying that Moon Drip can cure this?"

Levy nodded. "It has to be certain. With the way the pool is now, the spell's cellular structure has to be unbalanced. If we can get even a little Moon Drip and put it under the moonlight, it'll likely spread and wipe out the Anthemusa for good!"

"That's brilliant!" Dereece yelled, but his face fell. "But, we don't have Moon Drip, do we?" He looked towards Joey, but he was too awestruck to realize what's going on.

"Well if we don't, something's bound to happen." Duncan remarked. He looked over, noticing Camilla stand up. He watched her take slow steps towards the pool.

"Camilla? Sweetheart, what are you doing?" Isaac questioned. "It's dangerous, get back? Camilla?"

Joey stopped his fanboying and looked over. He noticed the contemplative look on her face. "Camilla? You okay…?"

Camilla looked back at Joey, meeting his confused gaze. In her eyes as they glossed, she stared longingly at the man who nearly got killed for her and still made her smile at the end of it all. Flashes of their first encounter on the bridge appeared in her mind, turning to their second night, and the laughter and talks they had. To the dancing they did in the club…where she actually felt alive for once. She remembered all the times Joey smiled at her, heading to the hug she gave him on the bridge. That warmth, it was fluttering her heart. Even now it was there, and as she smiled at Joey now, she knew what it had to be.

She looked towards the beaming pool, a resolute stare on her face. She paced a few feet ahead. "You're right. We may not have Moon Drip…but there is one thing we can try."

Dereece gasped.

"Wait, Camilla? What are you saying?" Joey asked, slight worry showing. "You're-!" His eyes shot wide when he realized something. 'Wait, what Camilla said before. Her condition! Don't tell me…!'

Modestly nodding, she turned back towards the pool. "Yes. If we can use the small amount of Moon Drip in my body, that may be enough to revert everything the way that it's supposed to be." She imagined herself as a baby, when her father dipped her in the Moon Drip, revitalizing her. "I was saved when Moon Drip cured my Cardiac Magia…now it's my turn to repay the favor."

Erza's eyes shocked horror. "Wait, hold on. If you're going to do that, then…!"

A strong silence filled the atmosphere as all the attention went around Camilla. She was the center of attention as she smiled somberly. "Yes…then my body will also be broken down. In other words, my life debt will be paid."

Joey's eyes shrunk as he stared at Camilla. His eyes became motionless voids as he processed what Camilla was saying; what she was doing. No words came to mind as his heartrate jumped two beats. Even for a deaf man, he knew what he heard.

"Wait, what?! H-hold on now, surely you're joking right?!" Dereece panicked. "You know, there can be other ways to-!"

"We don't have time. If we don't do something ow, then this pool and all magic across the hemisphere will be ruined for years. This whole hemisphere is relying on someone to bring light back to it…so I'll do it, even at the cost of my own life." She started her pacing, but Isaac immediately grabbed her shoulder.

"Camilla, stop this foolishness now!" he barked angrily.

"Father…"

"As your Father I'm telling you! Do not ever do this! I forbid you!"

Camilla turned her head away. "You said it yourself, didn't you? You would do anything to preserve this pool. I would as well. Without this pool, I wouldn't be where I am today…and I thought you of all people would know how to pay your debts by now."

"Not when the debt is my own flesh and blood!" He yanked so hard on her she almost fell over. "Listen to me, Camilla. We have mages! We have Pokémon too! We can use them somehow and save this pool! Don't you see? We have other answers, you won't have to do this! It's not worth risking the life of my daughter over! I won't have it!"

Camilla somberly smiled as she lowered her head. "It's always been about you…nothing else mattered but your own security. That's what you cared most about."

Having enough, Isaac flapped her across the face. "Stop talking that way right now!"

A metallic staff swung from behind, smashing into the back of Isaac's head. He gagged before he slowly fell onto his stomach, revealing Duncan with his poll he used to ground him.

"Duncan…" Dereece gasped.

Isaac clutched the back of his head as Duncan stamped on his back, weighing him down. "You…what do you think you're doing…?" he strained.

Duncan held his tongue, glaring down at the man's hate-filled gaze. The bloodshot eyes were almost sad if they weren't so disgusted.

"Father…" Camilla spoke as though nothing happened, even though her cheek was pink. "You remember when you've made that deal with Emmanuel long ago, did you? You thought for the sake of the Capital, and I admire that about you…but as a Father, I cannot condone the same way. You've nurtured me to stay safe, but you refused to accept the fact that no one can be safe their whole loves. I really do love this Capital, it's beautiful, and I too would do anything for it…but it only got this way because we allowed people in rather than shut them out. If we had been more accepting of the world…then maybe things could've been different. I may have had a chance to see more of the world…but now I see that it's because of you that will never happen. I just wanted to live once, my way…that's all I asked for."

"Camilla…" Isaac was speechless. He never heard her speak up to him like this before. In all their years, she never spoke up against him, most likely out of fear. Seeing her like this completely shut him down.

"Thank you, Father, for letting me live all these years…now it's time for me to pay a debt that I owe someone." She walked away, leaving Isaac beneath Duncan's mercy.

"Camilla…Camilla! Young lady! You get back here! I can't let this happen! Not like this! Do you hear me?!"

Camilla ignored his desperation and walked towards the pool. She stopped when she heard frantic steps. "Camilla!" A thud followed. Camilla turned around, seeing Joey flooring behind with Quilladin beside him. "Camilla…"

Camilla softly smiled as she turned and walked back towards Joey. "Joey…" She stood over him and kneeled, meeting him at eye level as he sat up.

Both eyes met as Camilla's were sincere, but Joey's were misting. He looked so sad as he wanted to say something, but didn't know what to say. He was shutting down. They stared for a while until Camilla finally spoke.

"I know what you're going to say Joey. I understand, the pain of losing someone you looked up to most. I get it…and in a way I feel the same. I've seen a lot of men who flaunted over me, some worse than others…but as it turns out, none of them ever cared about me. Not like you."

Joey and Quilladin didn't have anything to say. This allowed Camilla to continue.

"I…was lucky to have met you. It's thanks to you that I realized what I want to do with my life now, how I'm going to make my purpose come true. It's something about what you said about your master that truly inspired me…"

"I learned a lot of things from Bro. The only way I can honor him now…is to work hard every single day and make use of what life I have left."

"You were the first person in my life to ever truly care about me…" Her eyes started tearing up. "I can't be any happier than I am now. You've inspired me to make what I can of what life I have left, how you're making yours with the people around yours. I'm truly sorry for your Master…but I see why he left you his blessings. And I…envy that about you." She caressed Joey's cheeks as he was misting up. Her palms were so smooth that it was like soap. She wiped away a falling tear from Joey's face. "I'll always treasure the times we've spent together. Don't ever forget that." She stood up and finally started her way.

"Wait…" Quilladin waddled out of reach, but it was too late. He slowly looked back at Joey to see him staring out, blank shock plastered on his face.

Joey wanted to move. He was trying to. Yet, something was pulling him back. He couldn't explain it, but seeing Camilla stand up caused him to flash back to himself. It was in this particular instance that Broly was on the deck and Joey stood in front. That bittersweet moment of his turn to fight for someone made him feel more upset. He looked down, tearing up as he couldn't move.

Now quiet, Camilla stopped on the edge of the broiling Anthemusa. She looked down at her own reflection in the ripples, seeing a beautiful young woman, with a white hole where a moon should be. Hearing Nic's cry, she looked up, seeing him continue the fight. She softly smiled as she gazed up at the light, radiating down onto the pool. Taking a gander, she took a breath and jumped in.

"CAMILLA!" Isaac roared out. He started struggling beneath Duncan, angrily stirring. 'No! I can't lose her…I…can't lose…my only dau-!' He was slammed on the back of the head by Duncan, instantly knocking him out.

Beneath the tides of the pool, there were both bubbles. Seconds later, Camilla resurfaced, gasping for air. Already her face and body was numbing from the effects of the Anthemusa eating at the magic in her body. Her body ached, but she powered through. She started swimming.

"Sorry about that." Dereece apologized. "He can be a little…eccentric."

Camilla was swimming into the bubbling mess. It was as warm as a spa thanks to the chemical imbalance, but it felt anything but.

"Look, all I'm saying is that you gotta loosen up. No need to throw a panic before a party. You gotta panic in the party. That's the way I roll."

She felt nothing. No pain. Just resolution growing.

"C'mon, it's our song! Time to get your party on!"

Her spirit felt like it could black out, but she kept going. She couldn't explain it, but even though her skin was paling, she kept going, reaching the light.

"So maybe I don't have much luck…I don't need it. What I need is for you to trust me again. I trust you, I always have…You're one of the most beautiful woman I've ever met since coming to this world. I mean sure, maybe I wasn't lucky when you tricked me…but if you ask me, my greatest luck is meeting you. You really made my time her in Glacidia all the more worth it."

'My whole life…I had no meaning.' She was half-asleep, her body numbing to where she almost lost feeling in her legs. 'I…had no friends. No loved ones. No future. I thought I didn't have a purpose. Now I know. Now I can make it have meaning…' One more image of Joey flashed in her mind, his wide smile making her grin. 'I'll save him…just like how he saved me.'

She went fully numb, just as her body finally reached the moonlight. As she looked up, her entire vision was surrounded in white.

"Daddy, why do we always see the moon every night?" a little Camilla asked as she was looking out her open window with Isaac, gazing at the moon. "Does the moon like us for some reason?"

"Actually, Camilla, we believe the moon's actually watching over us. It's protecting us."

"Protect us from what?"

"Well, lots of things. From crooks, from monsters, and from a lot of bad people."

Camilla looked up to the moon again. Something about that didn't make much sense, but being the child she was she didn't question it. The moon radiated brightly on her as she gazed majestically at it.

"Who knows when darkness comes to take the moon from us one day. But Camilla, if it does, it's our job to protect it. To save the moon, so it can save us…that is our eternal debt."

The entire pool shined brightly, the gurgling exploding into a radiant white beam that shot into the sky. Everyone down below stared in shock as the ground shook beneath. Joey was on his knees, gazing up at the white pillar with shrunken eyes and tears running down his face.

"CAMILLA~!"

The bright light beam passed Nic and Emmanuel, both caught off guard as the wide stream shot skywards. It hit the ceiling of the lens, causing white ripples to expel all across the sky. As everyone continued fighting, they all looked up, seeing white waves wash away pitch-black. A wider white range spread at once slowly breaking apart the lens of the spell.

"What's happening now? Another Magic Power?" Gray questioned.

Nobody was certain, but a lot of people were seeing the darkness above disintegrating. Slowly, starting from the hole, pitch-black faded out. Shadows over everyone's head lifted to allow clear moonlight into view.

"Woah, look at that." A soldier said. "Is that the moon?"

"Man, it's even brighter than before. What happened?"

Emmanuel backed away as the beam receded. He looked around, seeing everything clearly. "What's happening? My power, it's…" He gazed downwards, his shock surmounting. "The Anthemusa! No!" Seeing nothing but a clear pool, Emmanuel looked up at the moon, seeing its glow bright glow. "The Anthemusa, and its effects. They're…fading…"

The moonlight cast upon Emmanuel, causing his body to sizzle. He clutched various parts of his body as they steamed. It felt like he was being burned alive.

Mega Charizard saw an opportunity. "Nic!"

"Right!" Getting into the air above, Nic gleamed over the moon, getting in front of the full moon above and spreading his wings to create the shape of a full moon. His entire shined moonlight as a blue circular forcefield shined in front.

Emmanuel strained through the burning moonlight, but he noticed a shine. He looked skywards, his eyes wide as he saw a light blue circular reminiscent of the moon. 'This power. Is this really…because of the moon?'

His eyes reflecting Nic's image, Nic roared out and swirling streams gathered in the center, creating an intense swell of energy that centered into a hemisphere. 'Lunala…with your strength…' "We will save you!"

"NOOOO!" Emmanuel panicked, but it was too late. Nic let the center expand into a shining glow.

"Maxus Legendary Arts – Moongeist Beam!"

Emmanuel's screams turned mute as a massive, compressed blue ray fired straight down onto his body. The ray of raw moonlight swallowed him and continued its path. The entire sky was ignited in a blinding light that rippled once before erupting in a pulsating shockwave across Glacidia. The atmosphere roared as a hemisphere of light erupted all across the oasis.

The light was so intense that it could've been seen from space. A massive dome of moonlight was seen on the corner of Earthland, so far in fact that thousands of light years away, the shimmering light could still be sought.

Inside pitch-black, a pair of monstrous red eyes opened. Something bright got its attention. "Hm? That light…!"

The bright rays shined with the sound of thunder. All across Glacidia, even to where Charlotte was, she looked ahead at the bright moonlight. Seeing all of Glacidia cast in tis intense beaming power, it left her smirking.

The light soon diminished, and as it reduced to glints twinkling in the sky, Emmanuel's limp body was seen spiraling into the cleansed Moon Drip. The plummet created an intense splash. Nic's lunar beam dissipated, but the shine from his body remained. He looked down at the pool, seeing a body float there. It was Emmanuel, and seeing it for himself, Nic calmly stared down at his defeated foe.

The Moon Drip he was in wasn't what he was feeling right now. No. But that was part of the reason why he was disintegrating into the water. As his body's dark magic was being eaten and painfully killed by the pool, Emmanuel remained wide-eyed as he stared up at the sky, specifically the moon.

As the sounds of liquid sloshed in his ears, soon leading to deaf, his shuddering gaze was clearing away, reveling his normal eyes again. Blinking slowly, they misted over as moonlight reflected on his face. 'I never would've thought…up until now, I always thought the sun shines the most…' He thought briefly to mornings when he would wake up in his domain. He could recall the clear shorelines that had calm winds when the sun shined over the seas. His body could feel warm almost instantly. 'And yet, even when I'm still so cold…why does this light give me such warmth.'

His body slowly sunk deeper, his eyes still gazing up at Nic and the lunar creature he resembled. The light he gave off shined even as he slowly submerged, turning into fog beneath. Down under, a soft smile crept onto his face.

'Heh…the moon…even if it's not as warm…its light, it's very…beautiful…' Those were his last thoughts before his eyes slowly shut, his body finally disintegrating to dark matter that faded away in the water.

A long silence fell, leaving the air to clear of any suspense. Nic gazed down at the pool and closed his eyes. "It's done." He murmured. Suddenly, his head rung with a low growl. It was feint, but a bloodthirsty shrill run through that shook his body awake. 'What was that just now…?'

"Woah…he actually did it." Dereece said, awestruck by Nic's display. "He did it…he actually did it."

"Yeah, he did." Duncan's face was dead serious. 'So that was Nic Pularis' full power.'

The Pokémon were all speechless. No one said a word. The explosive blast wave left them all unable to say anything as processing was still underway. Even so, Levy's shock expression adverted towards the water.

"Look!"

She pointed at something in the Moon Drip. Everyone looked down and saw a pale, limp body floating atop the liquid. It had wet purple hair and closed eyes. Instantly Joey's heart pulsed.

"Camilla!" Joey yelled.

"Oh! I got it!" Seel volunteered and dove into the Moon Drip. Being a Pokémon and having no ethernano nor magic, she was fine as she sped underwater, heading right for Camilla. She made it and pushed her over towards the edge, where Heracross and Dereece helped her ashore. Once she was carried out of the liquid, drenched and pale, Joey immediately slid beneath and held the unconscious woman in her arms.

"Camilla? Camilla, wake up! It's me, Joey. You remember?" Joey called out to her as Quilladin joined his side, but no answer. "Hey, stop messing around! I know I said to have fun but not scare people! Camilla!" Joey had tears as he feared for the worst.

After what felt like an eternity, Camilla's eyes weakly opened. "Gnnngh…" She moved her head, her blurry vision lifting to show Joey's shock. "Joey…"

"She's alive! Do you guys see? She's alive!" Joey smiled as everyone else smiled around him. The only one not smiling was Erza.

"Camilla, you had me worried sick. I thought I'd lost you too." Joey held her bridal style as he bolted up. "We won, isn't that awesome?"

Camilla softly smiled. She actually looked happy, despite what's happening to her.

Quilladin gasped as he looked at Camilla. "Joey!"

"What?" He looked down, his eyes slowly widening as horror started filling them. From the bottom of her dress, Camilla's figure began fading. The feet were barely there as they were turning to purple stardust. His hopes started dying as he realized what was happening.

"Her ethernano…" Levy said. "It's breaking down…"

Erza frowned mournfully. She had a feeling something would go wrong.

"Camilla…no. Stay with me!" Losing strength in the knees, Joey fell to his own lap, holding Camilla as she kept smiling. "No…you can't go! Please! Not like this!"

"Joey…" Quilladin approached, but was ignored.

"No, don't say it! She can't be gone! Not yet! I can't…" Gritting his teeth, Joey lowered his head, meekly whimpering as his pities were rising. "…I can't lose her too…I don't know what I'd do without…without…" More tears started seeping down his cheeks as he weakly cried. He wasn't able to finish because of the grief overtaking him.

No one said anything. What could they say? They weren't able to do anything to help, so they were in no place to speak. But seeing this was heartbreaking, especially towards Dereece and Quilladin.

As Joey softly cried, a hand touched his cheek. Gasping, he looked down at Camilla. "Joey…just look at me."

Joey did his best to stop his crying. He stared at her in silence as her soft smile calmed his heart.

"It's alright…you've already done everything for me, I can't imagine a better reason to save you than that." She wiped away the tears in his cheeks with her thumbs. She meekly chuckled., despite more of her body turning translucent. "I really did mean what I said, about how I envy you…such a wonderful man you are. A lucky one…luckier than me."

She lifted her other hand, gently moving it over Joey's. As the fingers intertwined, a strong, golden wave ran down the palm. Joey gasped as he saw the magic flow into him. "Hold on, isn't this…!"

"The last of her luck." Dereece gasped.

Joey looked back towards her as she continued.

"I know this may seem sad…but it's okay. You know why? Because I'm happy…happier than I've ever been in my life…because I got to see so many things in just a few days than I did my whole life…and it's all thanks to you."

The last of her golden glow faded into his hand. Joey adjusted as Camilla sat up on her own, using both hands to cup Joey's face. Her smile widened as she started tearing up again, but she looked so happy. Joey's eyes softened as he gazed at her somberly. She closed in.

"I was the luckiest girl ever…and now that luck will always be with you…as shall I." Their breaths almost touched as their foreheads made contact. She held his face for as long as she could, but she knew it couldn't last forever. With that time left as her body and spirit were dying, she relished in this one moment. "…thank you so much Joey…I'll always be with you…through our luck…"

Slowly, she moved to overlap her lips with his own. For the first time, Joey's heart fluttered as it did sank. His first ever kiss by someone who really liked him, and he didn't know what to do. Slowly, propelled by instincts, he wrapped his own rms around her head as their smooth lips stayed true.

The particles slowly faded as they kissed, and Camilla finally faded away. Joey's moment was cut short as he grasped thin air. When he opened his eyes, purple sparkles twinkled and faded around him, dancing into oblivion.

Quilladin's eyes teared up for what happened. Dereece looked away in shame, and Seel lowered her head about to cry. Heracross comforted her. Levy looked away sadly, and Duncan tipped his hat to hide his expression.

Erza gazed up at the sky, where Nic and Mega Charizard were. Even they were left quiet.

As the battle drew to a close, the moonlight shined well on those on the oasis on that night.


Night soon turned to morning as the battles came to a close. All of Emmanuel's forces has been wiped out, the last of the men who served him and his Pokémon were all defeated and being apprehended by the Rune Knight reinforcements that Charlotte brought with her. Much of Glacidia was left in ruins, with much of its structures partially if not all broken.

The remaining guards had a short-lived rejoicing as they went immediately towards repairs. They moved debris and made way for streets, and with the willing help of Pokémon, the process was quickening. But thanks to their cooperation, some faces were smiling after a very grizzly night.

As Rune Knights were taking Emmanuel's defeated generals into custody, not far behind them, Victor was handcuffed as two soldiers hoisted him from the sides. "Hey! Let me go you bastards! I'll kick your asses so hard you…!" he trailed off when he looked over to his side.

There, overlooking on the high balcony of the plateau they fought on, the sunrise beamed over Joey and Isaac as both faced the warming sun.

"You. I hope you're proud of what you did…if it wasn't for you, she'd still be here." Victor scoffed. "I hope I never see you again."

"Let's go. With where you're going that's more than likely." A Rune Knight directed the chained Victor away, taking him away for good.

Joey and Isaac continued staring at Glacidia's ruins, both having mournful looks as they stood side by side with one another. Both their hearts were broken, and the same person was on their minds. "…I had a dream before the night Camilla was born." Isaac started. "It was the spirit of the moon, and its cries made the oasis ripple. There, sprouting from the water…I saw the vision, of my would-be-daughter. I thought that it was just a vision. Nothing more…" he gravely sighed. "I knew deep down, my dream would come true."

"You must be proud." Joey softly said.

"Yes, so very proud…and sad." Isaac glanced at Joey, seeing him having stained tears as well. He can imagine he was weeping all night like he was. "Young man, I owe you an apology. It was wrong of me to call you a punkish outsider."

Joey's happiness didn't revive. "Maybe, but maybe Victor was right. Maybe if it wasn't for me, Camilla wouldn't have…"

Isaac looked back out. "I understand…but you know, I've learned a lot of things from last night that took me until recently to realize. Camilla and Emmanuel were right…I truly am a heartless coward."

"Isaac…"

He looked down at Joey softly. "You gave my daughter happiness…something I could never give her. I now see that what I was doing was keeping her from what you were willing to give. To that…" he folded his arms and bowed before Joey. "You have my deepest gratitude. I thank you from the bottom of my heart…for giving my daughter a will to pass on to."

Joey frowned heavily. He was about to cry again, a mixture of gratitude and extreme heartache. As he and Isaac were reconciling, all of Fairy Tail behind was dead silent. Cana and Sophie were frowning sadly. Dereece looked like he was about to cry again. Nic and Erza looked to one another embracingly.

Isaac turned towards the others. "And to you, Fairy Tail. Thank you, for all that you've done." He bowed again. "I am forever in your debt."

"Come on, don't get started on that again." Natsu dismissed. "There's been enough debt around here."

"He's right." Levy replied. "Please, don't push yourself. We understand what you've been through, we all helped because we want to, not just because we had to. This was important to you, so there's nothing to be ashamed of."

"You're too kind." Isaac lifted himself. "Still, I must start taking responsibilities for my actions. This is all my fault, that I can no longer deny. But…suppose better late than never." He turned around to face the reconstructing capital. "I must atone for what I have done. However, I fear that will be much harder than what I imagine."

Nic and Erza walked to his other side, overlooking Glacidia with him. "It's a beautiful city." Erza remarked. "Even in tough times it held through, I think you can manage just fine."

"Perhaps…but, Emmanuel was right. If perhaps I did change the policy of our customs, then we'd be having a much different story."

"Yeah, maybe." Nic said. "But no sense in mulling over what you did wrong rather than make up for it."

"You're right…" With a more sophisticated and calm stature around him, Isaac raised his chin. "I think that I'll be keeping the gates open for quite some time. It's not the most effective start…" a soft smile pursed his lips. "But it's a start I suppose. It's something Camilla might've wanted…" he snickered. "She was right, I really was a horrible father. Hiding away from the world. Making false promises. Risking war for our treasure. There's a lot I have yet to learn…and as much as I hate Emmanuel, he was right about a lot of them. I've learned a lot that I need to process, but until I've made a better example of what a promised land looks like, I'll work diligently, until my last drawn breath…that is the least that I can do for what everyone's done for me. And for the magic world."

Cana smirked. "That's a start I suppose." Vanessa nodded besides her.

"Still, I'm worried. Should we really leave things like this?" Lucy worried.

Natsu slapped her back, almost throwing her off balance. "Bah it'll be fine. Besides, we've got the Pokémon to work with everyone here, so it's okay. Right?"

"Aye, sir!" Happy cheered above.

"If the geezer can change enough to let these guys roam around freely and open trades for good, then I think everything will be just fine." Natsu gave his trademark toothy grin at Lucy.

The blonde cheerfully nodded. "Right."

"Guess this means our works done then. Time to head back to the guild." Pantherlily noted.

Gray grinned. "Been a while since we've been to the guild. You think they'll notice anything different?"

Juvia popped up beside him. "One can only say so much. Bet they'll be surprised to meet Marill."

"That right? Well then I guess Charmeleon's gonna have a blast." Natsu noted. "Well, no sense in waiting around. It's time to make tracks guys, what do you say?"

Everyone agreed. They all headed off inside Isaac's estate to assemble transportation and their goods. As they left, Nic turned his back to look at Isaac one more time, seeing him stare out at the sun with a bottomless face. 'It's not like he's doing a good job hiding it. He's hurt…can't blame him though.' He looked down at his own hand, his palm having an image of Lunala. 'You never know what you have until it's gone. And then what? After you lose everything…what do you do? What do I do?'

"Nic!" Erza shouted. "Coming?!"

"Yeah, hold on!" Nic turned his back to Isaac, staring at the stairway. "Guess this is goodbye for now, Isaac, Sure you wanna leave things this way?"

"It's for the best. You can tell the Cambire Foundation we'll be willing to supply anything we can…not that we have much already. But we'll work with what we have I suppose."

Nic softly grinned. "Just stay strong. Okay? That's all I can tell you…take care." Waving him dismissively, Nic nonchalantly walked up the stairway, leaving Isaac to look up as a wind shifted his head.

'Camilla…thank you.'


Waterfalls flourished as the morning rays illuminated the sparkling water. As the isles were flowing with clear water, on the island, Joey overlooked the Moon Drip pool with Quilladin. Both had sad expressions as they replayed last night over and over in their minds. Each one was more painful than the last. Not once, but twice now; Joey – the partygoing goofball – lost someone whom he couldn't save.

He thought he was making a difference from training with Nic, that it would make him stronger and help protect others. In a way it worked, but that didn't change the course of destiny. As another tear dripped onto the dewy grass, Joey balled his fists as he mournfully stood in the spot where he held Camilla before she died. Lord knows how long he stood there, but the sun being a little higher than before was any indication.

"I was the luckiest girl ever…and now that luck will always be with you…as shall I."

"Camilla…" Joey got to his knees, slowly sitting and bending over, ceremonially bowing towards the pool of Moon Drip. "There was so much more I wanted to tell you…like my adventures with Nic…and all these cool places I went to since coming here…" his eyes teared up as droplets touched the earth. "There was a lot I wanted to say, but I bet you know that, don't you…that's why you talked huh?" He lifted himself, softly smiling at the calm pool. "Camilla…"

In the reflection, Camilla's face was seen. She was smiling lovingly at Joey.

"Tell Bro hi for me…and promise you both will always be with me, okay?" Another tear dropped from his cheek, dropping into the Moon Drip. The ripples the tear made Camilla's illusion disappear, fading spiritually for good.

Joey lowered his head, meekly whimpering as Quilladin tried comforting him, also misty in the eyes.

"Joey…" Behind, Dereece walked up to him. Duncan wasn't too far behind. The former spoke. "It's time man."

Gathering his last thoughts, Joey sighed heavily before getting the message. Getting up, he stared at the pool one last time. "Goodbye, Camilla." He whispered before silently walking away with Quilladin, leaving the pool at rest, along with Camilla's spirit.


"Well this is a drag. We didn't get much pay out as I thought we would." Cana complained as she got her stuff together.

"Don't forget, the Cambire Foundation is paying us. Isaac wasn't part of the deal." Sophie recalled.

"Yeah, yeah. Just saying. Did a lot of hard work ya know."

Sophie hummed. "True. We would appreciate a bonus if that were possible. But I doubt it considering they had to send an entire fleet to help."

"Yeah and we all know how that turns out, geez,." Cana rummaged through her purse to make sure she had all the alcohol she needed for the trip back, but then something poked her backside. "Hm?" Turning around, she saw Prinplup standing there, looking stout. "Hm? Oh, it's you again. What's up big guy?"

Prinplup cleared his throat, trying to make coherent sentences. Ashe puffed out his chest he tried acting tough. "So…I take it that you're going take to wherever you came from then, is it?"

"Yeah, sums it up right." Cana turned around fully ready. "Been a nice trip and all, but we don't wanna cramp your style." She winked.

"Oh, uh *cough* I see." Cana started walking passed Prinplup, getting his attention. "Er, wait, hold on."

"Sorry hotshot, on a schedule." Cana waved back. "You can have your little rock back now. You won't catch me anywhere near there for a while. Later."

Borderline irritated, Prinplup fumed and rushed for her. "Wait-!"

Cana turned around, smirking. "What's this? Thought you wanted us out of here?" she teased. She had a feeling of where this was going.

Prinplup almost floored. He picked himself up and cleared. "Well, it's…it's just that…" He pointed a flipper at her. "Look, just to set the record straight, I still don't appreciate the way you thought that I was cute, okay? And what happened last night was totally out of my own free will! Got that? But if you think you can just walk out here without so much as a 'thank you' to me, well then you got a whole other-!" He was cut off when Cana stretched out a Poke Ball towards him. Prinplup stammered when he looked at the ball, then at her.

"You gonna stare all day or what?" the brunette shrugged. "Don't be shy, c'mon."

Prinplup was speechless. He looked at the Poke Ball then her. Poke Ball, then her. Poke Ball, then her. He repeated these five more times before he nervously turned away, cheeks blushing. "Er, don't bother! I've already made up my mind." He beamed.

Cana shrugged. "Oh well, your loss." She walked away. "Later, Prinplup."

He struggled mentally with Cana going. Every footstep she took made him flinch. His mind was tugging constantly until he was shuddering. Until finally, he couldn't take it anymore. "Wait!" He turned around after her. "You can't go without me!"

Cana smirked. 'Got him. He's way too easy.'

Prinplup adjusted. "Uh…w-what I meant to say, is that you should probably take me along so that I can keep an eye on you. That's right! To make sure you're not messing up anybody else's property, yeah!" Prinplup beamed with such exaggerated pride that it was almost too sad to look at.

Sophie sighed in the background. 'Who is he think he's fooling?'

Cana turned around, holding the Poke Ball. "Alright, if that's the way you want it." She threw the capsule at him. "Get in, big guy!"

The Poke Ball plopped on Prinplup's chest as he stood still. The ball instantly sucked him in, plopping towards the ground. It shook once, then twice, then three times. Finally clicking, it signaled the capture, and Cana's newest Pokémon.

Cana picked up the capsule and smirked down at it. "Well what do you know, guess this trip was worth it after all."

"Ma-zal tov (Congratulations). Seems you have a new friend." Sophie chimed. "So I take it we're set then?"

"Yup, got everything now." With a smirk, Cana walked along, with Sophie snickering behind.


Dereece blinked as he looked down. "What?!" He started looking uneasy at the Seel. "Now wait just a minute now, you want me to catch you? Uh, w-wouldn't it be better if you, you know, stayed here and such?"

"Oh come now, don't be like that." Seel chastised. "Look, I've seen a few good tiffs but that was something else. I knew you wanted to help your friend but after last night…well, just look at him."

Dereece looked over to what she referred to. Sitting on a clump of snow, Joey had shadows over his eyes as he sighed. It made Dereece frown.

"And besides…between you and me, I've come to like you. You're a good sport, and I think your friend needs as much support as he can. So whether or not you accept it is your choice, but I know where I stand." She slid along the snow up towards Dereece's leg, nudging him. "So, what do you say?"

Dereece didn't know what to say. He rubbed the back of his head nervously as he wasn't sure what to say, or do in this particular case. Heracross followed him, and Yanma was a special case. He never read up on a Pokémon practically forcing itself to be caught.

"Look, just catch it already, alright?" Duncan chastised against a wall. "If it wants it that badly then just get it. No point in wasting time on something so annoying."

Dereece looked at Seel one more time, seeing the expectant nod she gave. After careful thinking, he smiled. "Well, if you really want to…" he held up a Poke Ball. "Then welcome aboard!"

He reached his hand down, allowing Seel to use her horn and tap the Poke Ball. The capsule flung open, and she got sucked inside and shook. After several shakes, the ball clicked, signaling Dereece's newest capture and an initiative Water-type.

"I did it." He chuckled. "Thanks Duncan."

Duncan scoffed. "Don't bother. I only suggested it because it was annoying. And besides, we got a boat to catch."

Dereece gave a disapproving glare at Duncan. He knew Duncan had an attitude problem, but after last night, this was not what they needed. Joey only served to hold himself tighter out of dismay. "Duncan." He hissed.

The superior Trainer sighed. "Look I get it, alright?" He turned away. "Look, don't go telling Joey this…but I actually feel sorry for him."

"Duncan…"

"…but that doesn't change a thing. If he's gonna mope for a while then you can drag him. Better to pick yourself up and move ahead without lead weights holding you back. Just saying."

To a degree Duncan was right. Dereece grumbled as he went over towards Joey. "Hey, Captain, we gotta go. I caught that Seel." He smiled hopefully. "Oh! I know! We can go dancing when we get back! That'll be a fun to celebrate!" he started mock-boogying in place, humming a tune to get Joey in the mood. Joey frowned as he lowered his head, walking passed Dereece as he continued until he realized Joey wasn't in the mood.

"Uh, Captain? Captain Joey?" Joey waved back, issuing a weak 'ok', but Dereece shook his head. "This is gonna be harder than I thought." He followed behind, looking down as The Freaks' morale hd taken a big hit this time around.


Loading up on the ships, Rune Knights escorted prisoners to bunks. Meanwhile, others were talking to elite guards about possible supply runs and demand costs, to which they would pay in full. As they were all loading up on Charlotte's head ship, Nic and Erza walked across the deck, crossing paths with one of the three heads of Arthur's foundation.

"Ah, Nic Pularis. So good to have you on my ship." Charlotte grinned. "I trust that your mission was a success then, yes?"

Nic shrugged, looking nonchalant. "Yeah, just about. We're on good terms at least, I can say that much."

"Excellent work. I had a good feeling why the Cambire Foundation hired you. Your methods and power are…exemplary. You've displayed a good show, therefore, feel free to roam around as you see fit."

"Thanks, we'll take it." He nodded.

Charlotte nodded and walked passed them. "Alright you cadets, listen up! We're heading out immediately! I expect not a nanosecond wasted on your paces! Move it!"

Nic sweatdropped. 'Geez, high maintenance much?' He looked towards Erza. "You wanna head up towards the bow?"

Erza nodded. "Isn't that your second favorite spot on a ship? Next to the mast I presume?" she teased.

Nic chuckled. "Yeah, well, it'd get too cold if we stayed up there too long."

"But isn't the cold your thing?"

"Yeah…and plus it's metal, so it'd be a pain." He rubbed the back of his head groaning.

Erza smirked. "Point taken."

The two found themselves on the front of the iron deck as men were assembling supplies and readying for departure. The others were getting on, while the Dragon Slayers were slouching last, dreading for when it would be time to set rudders. Nic and Erza stared at the sunrise, taking solace of the artic waters ahead of them.

"We finally did it." Erza started. "It was a rough call, but we pulled it off." She turned towards Nic. "Right?"

Nic nodded. "Yeah, guess you're right." He lost his grin and looked out discerningly. 'Still, that moon spirit I saw…' He thought back to meeting Lunala, his brow furrowing with a serious glare. 'It was trying to warn me about something, something other than the moon being in danger. When I saw those eyes…they saw something, something out of reach…but it's gonna get closer unless I do something about it.'

He balled a clutched fist, looking down on it deeply. Erza took notice and looked worried. "Nic…Nic?"

"Hm?" he looked towards his wife. "Sorry, Erza. You were saying something?"

Erza shook her head. She looked at Nic with a soft smile, one that caught him speechless. "Erza…!" And with a harsh, elbowed him hard, almost making him fall over if not for the railing. "What the-?!"

"That's for scaring me like you did last night." She scolded. "Should've known you'd still keep me on my toes. You have any idea how sick I almost got?"

Nic nervously sweatdropped. He grumbled as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "I, uh…"

"But…" She placed her hand atop of his, grinning once more. "That only means there's more surprises out there. You told me that this 'Lunala' was the voice you heard that disrupt you, right?" She looked out steadily at the horizon. "Then I can only assume that means something's out there. If that's a Pokémon we've never seen, then we'll need to be more careful now, won't we?"

Nic grinned and nodded. "Yeah." With Erza and him hand in hand, they looked out towards the sunlight warming their front. 'She's right. I'm never in this alone. If that was a Pokémon, then I'm not doing this mystery alone.'

He and Erza shared one more glance at each other, smiling passively at one another. Their fingers interlocked, their doubts erasing as they were focused on moving forward together.

Isaac continued overlooking Glacidia, looking far out as he saw the ships all setting sail. Closing his eyes and mourning briefly, he felt a nudge by Beartic. Looking over, he and the bear on four legs overlooked their capital, seeing man and Pokémon working together. Even though it hurt, he smiled through the pain. He looked up at the sun, embracing the warmth of a new era.

Everyone was soon set. They all were in the same ship, readying to take off. Swablu and Snover had already taken liberties using their vocal attacks to make the Dragon Slayers asleep for the ride. Cana started chugging down the booze she got from the bar the first night she was there, even though soldiers were yelling at her in the background. Vanessa and Sophie were giggling at the scene.

The Freaks were in a separate bunk, with Joey looking out the manhole window as he took one final look at Glacidia. Though heartbroken, he was going to have to bear it. He stared at the scenery for as long as he could, recalling everything that's happened. 'So much has happened here, and in such a short time. I can't believe that we experienced so much in such a short time.' A mournful smile crossed his face. He didn't look happy, even if he tried. Once he got his fill, he got under the covers, turning in for a long ride home.

Once ready, Charlotte swiped her arm. "Everyone, to Fiore! It's time to return home!"

The ships all started for home. Pass the glaciers they went, and onwards towards the southern waters. The icy cold lands were finally left be, and everyone's new destinations had just unfolded, including Nic and Erza as they faced the horizon, ready to take on the challenges ahead of them.


A knock happened on the door.

"Come in." Arthur announced. The door slid open, allowing Marie to venture in with a stack of papers. "Marie, what brings you here?" She sat the stack of papers in front of him. "What's this?"

"It's a full-length report of Ms. Jet's excursion to the north in Glacidia. We just received it this morning." Marie announced, adjusting her glasses. "She made sure to not leave a single detail out. From battles, to the arrests…"

Arthur skimmed through the papers, seeing the results to his liking. When he realized what this means he smirked. "I see…how very interesting." He leaned back in his seat, letting out a chuckle.

"Is there something you find funny, sir?"

"It's nothing, just thinking is all." Arthur looked towards the ceiling, the thought of Nic on the boat heading off into the fading sunrise. 'How about that, even when we don't cause trouble, you always seem to bring it. Typical irony, yet matched with charismatic abilities…that Nic sure is something else.' "Well now, Marie, this is a problem."

Marie lifted her head. "Of what sir?"

"Just…which kind of wine glass should I use for this morning's celebration?"

"Are you serious?!" he yelled through the foundation. "President, we've been over this!"

"C'mon, it's an occasion. Lighten up."

"It's an excuse! Now get to filing that report!"

Arthur sighed in defeat. 'Can't she take a joke?'


Well…this was along, and a long wait at that. So sorry for the wait guys, but I'm feeling much better now, and after nearly 2 weeks I got this arc's finale wrapped up all tied up in a pretty bow. I was certain to give you guys a crazy amount of fighting and inner dialogue to follow up on. It's a lot of style changing, but I'm coping with it. I've actually been watching My Hero Academia a lot, and we all know how logical and inspirational that anime can be. I've been trying to combine that logic with Fairy Tail style and I think I did well for this chapter and last chapter. Let me know what you guys think.

So yes, I know many of you are feeling so very sorry for Joey, as am I. So to help our favorite party boy cope with what's happened, another 2 chapters planned before we get to a very deep idea I had for a while.

Now we also see that Cana caught Piplup/Prinplup, and Dereece caught Seel at last. Add that with Gray's Snorunt, and all these evolutions, I think I did good on Pokémon screentime all around for everyone. Thumbs up for me!

As you may have also seen, Nic's finally getting a small hint of what's to come. Now you see why I referred to the moon so much this arc, and why it played such an important role. With the power of Lunala now, just what will Nic do?

Well guys, it's almost 2 in the morning and I'm beat, so leave your final thoughts on the Glacidia Arc. Did you like the plot? Was the ending decent? What didn't you like that I could improve on, which Pokémon you liked most, etc. You get the idea. Anyways guys, be seeing ya around, and leave your thoughts/comments/reviews! Thanks!