Chapter 17: Where to Draw the Line

Despair and vengeance go hand-in-hand. One cannot separate these two emotions since both are tied with one another. Revenge cannot exist without feeling grief, and if left insatiate, it will leave a hole in one's heart that can never be filled. It's like a parasite gnawing at your mind and your soul until the darkness it brings fully consumes you.

A dark shadow scurried across the battle-torn city of Crocus after failing miserably to conceal himself from the being known as Ichigo Kurosaki. After observing the skills demonstrated by the death god, it was crystal clear that a confrontation with the man was utter suicide. The specter has faced countless foes in the past and has always triumphed over them. However, something long forgotten was stirred inside him that he never thought to feel again.

Fear.

Whoever or whatever Ichigo Kurosaki was, he wasn't human. He was something else entirely, something incomprehensible that daring to find out would put him at death's door.

"That man," the blackness spoke. "Who is he? His power is something I've never seen before. I need to get away from him and go after my actual target. I won't let that little brat ruin my plans."

So, the shadow left, afraid of the black-clad being, as he left in search of his primary target. A child is his only obstacle to enact his plot for this world, and once that child perishes, the world will burn in his vengeance.

Erza was tired. Being tired would be an understatement. It's been hours since the beginning of the last event of this year's Grand Magic Games. Various mages have battled it out in the city of Crocus, and since then, the number of participants active has dwindled. Right now, only the strongest are left standing. Though the fatigue of fighting was slowly getting to her, it didn't stop the redheaded knight from doing all she could to win this tournament in the hopes of freeing her captured guildmates.

Just earlier, Erza encountered Sabretooth's Minerva Orland. The wizard from the rival guild had power over space via the magic known as Territory, which made fighting her a challenge than she'd like. Although it seemed like they were evenly matched, Erza was cautious around the woman because she might use underhanded methods to gain an advantage over her.

Now, Erza was running around the city searching for the Territory user. Minerva escaped their battle and hid among the city's wreckage, no doubt planning something that would lead her guild to victory. While sprinting across the city, Erza stumbled upon the remains of what was once the housing district and couldn't help but shudder at the destruction she was seeing. There was nothing left but a massive crater. She then recalled the bright flash of light that painted the city earlier. The power behind that attack reminded Fairy Tail's Titania of the beast she and her teammates fought in the forests of Aldebaran. It was a Cero, and there was only one person present who could perform something so devastating.

Following the trail destruction, she found herself turning around a corner and arriving at the park where they spread out. In the middle of it was none other than their leader, Ichigo. He was standing tall with tattered clothes but remained unscathed. Looking around, Erza saw the fallen bodies of Ichiya, Bacchus, Kagura, and to her shock, Jura. Even with all her strength, she can't win against all of the mages Ichigo just fought.

"Ichigo!" she called while approaching the swordsman.

"Erza. It's good to see you're well."

Erza stopped in her tracks. A shiver ran down her spine when Ichigo turned around and spoke to her. His voice sounded disembodied like there was another entity using his body. His eyes were no longer the calm and discerning light-brow orbs but golden-yellow wreathed on blackness. It was unnerving because only one creature would have those eyes. Those were the eyes of a hollow.

"What's the matter?"

Snapping out of her stupor, the knight hesitantly approached the reaper. "I see that you managed to beat all of them."

Ichigo could hear the hidden apprehension in the redhead's voice but quickly dismissed it. "Not all of them," he stated as his eyes darted towards Sting before landing back to Erza. "Any news about our teammates?"

"They did everything the first master instructed," Erza began. "Laxus defeated Orga while Gajeel took out Rogue. After beating Rufus, Grey searched for other mages and managed to take out a good number of them. As for myself, I'm currently searching for Minerva after she escaped from me."

"I see."

Taking everything Erza said, it seems that victory is assured for Fairy Tail. The only thing left for them is to subdue Sting and capture Minerva. Considering the Territory mage's behavior throughout the competition, Ichigo knew that the devious woman had something up her sleeve.

"Erza," the reaper called.

"Yeah?"

"Stay alert. We're far from finished."

Ichigo gripped his twin blades loosely as the torn garb he wore billowed in the wind. He approached the dragon slayer with a confident stride and relaxed posture. His eyes hardened into a determined yet confident glare. There was no doubt in his mind that victory was assured.

Sting, on the other hand, while ready to fight, was trembling. Never in his life as a mage did he encounter someone so powerful and ruthless. The mere presence of this being drawing closer upon him was overwhelming, and the skill in combat the man in black showed was unrivaled by even a Wizard Saint.

"Who is he?" Sting questioned. Slowly as his mind began filling with fear and doubt, he started asking if this person was even human. "Is he even human?"

"Sting."

The dragon slayer looked to the reaper.

"I'm going to give you one chance to end it all here," Ichigo stated as he stopped just a few feet away from the Sabretooth mage. "Surrender. You lost."

"Is that what you think, swordsman?"

The three fighters turned to see who it was. Sting bore a surprised yet relieved expression while Erza had a scornful look on her face. Ichigo, meanwhile, had no emotion directed at the newcomer.

"Lady Minerva," muttered Sting.

It was Minerva Orland. The raven-haired mage walked towards the three with an arrogant pace and condescending smirk. "You finally show your cowardly face," Erza spat with venom.

"That's what I like to see." Sabretooth's mistress spoke with a voice of enjoyment. The evident smirk gives away the fact that she's relishing the reaction she was getting. "Those hateful looks speak volumes."

"What are you planning right now, Minerva?"

"Me?" Minerva asked, feigning ignorance. "I'm simply here to ensure Sabretooth's victory. And for that, I need to address the biggest hindrance to my goals." After speaking those words, she focused her gaze on the silent Soul Reaper. "You've been quiet, freak."

If looks could kill, Minerva would've been dead ten times over from Erza's glare. How dare she insult her guildmate like that after what she did to Lucy? However, Ichigo just kept his impassive expression.

Minerva's gaze continued to linger on Ichigo, making her remember the first time she met him. The power. The deathly presence. The eyes hide something primordial and primal. He was a danger to Sabretooth's reign, so he must be eliminated.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, is it?" Minerva got a nod before continuing, "There is no doubt that you are the most powerful player within this tournament. The fact that you bested the likes of Jura Neeks, who is Wizard Saint, is proof. Fighting someone like you head-on would be utterly foolish."

"Your point?" The reaper finally spoke.

"What I'm saying is that behind that mask of ferocity and ruthlessness lies an individual willing to do anything for his loved ones." Finally, Ichigo gave a reaction. Minerva smirked at this. "The fact that you adopted that weakling of a Celestial mage and you followed Natsu Dragneel to our base to stop him from causing trouble, rescuing his flying cat, and finally threatening us if we ever lay a finger on Fairy Tail proves that. You're a kind man, Ichigo Kurosaki." Taking steps forward, the mistress continued to taunt the death god. "And it is exactly that kindness that will lead to your downfall."

Minerva raised her hand, and her Territory magic manifested itself. A ball of kaleidoscopic energy swirled around beside her. Slowly, a tear within its space revealed a figure that, although unfamiliar to the reaper, the redhead knight had a different reaction.

"Milliana!"

No matter how elaborate, a lie always has a layer of truth underneath. For Arcadios, there was indeed some truth in the child's words. The way she described the purpose of Eclipse was precise. However, some details didn't make sense. For one, the idea of Hell opening and releasing its prisoners into the world was incredible. Unlike most of his colleagues in the government of Fiore, he wasn't superstitious. Next was the fact that Madeline was without a solid plan in mind. Currently, the child was instructing her parents and the rest to meet up with Jellal Fernandez to devise a sound strategy to prevent the approaching calamity. If it was indeed true that she came from a decade or more in the future, then certainly, she had something that would stop what was coming.

"I don't get it," the knight thought to himself. "Her story doesn't match what the princess told me." It didn't. The princess herself has met someone from the future. Arcadios isn't sure of the identity of that mysterious person, but if this child was the one that warned the princess, then it was contradicting everything they knew. Doubt was beginning to seep into Arcadios as his eyes hardened while scrutinizing the young girl.

Suddenly, a pair of hands gripped the collar of his shirt and lifted him. He was still weak from the torture he had suffered from earlier, so he couldn't defend himself. Arcadios looked up to the owner of the hands and saw the raven-haired black-clad swordswoman glaring at him.

"I know that look," Karin snarled. "You don't trust her, do you?"

Arcadios' eyes widened, yet he kept to himself.

Unfortunately, the fuming Soul Reaper saw his reaction and shoved him into a nearby wall. "You don't get a say after what you jerks did to Yukino, Kazui, and Lucy."

That altercation caught the attention of the other Fairy Tail members.

"What's going?" Lisanna asked while still hugging Madeline.

"This guy thinks Madeline is lying to us," Karin revealed.

Hearing this, Natsu saw red. How dare he accuse Madeline of lying when this whole mess started because of them? Teeth gritting and fists clenched, the dragon slayer stomped towards the pinned knight until a hand caught his own. When he looked to see who stopped him, he saw Lisanna, whose eyes pleaded for him to stop.

"I know you want to give him a piece of your mind, Natsu," Lisanna began. "As much as I want to do the same thing you're planning, Maddie needs us. So please, stay here with your daughter and me. It's the least we could do after she sacrificed so much just to see us."

Natsu can't argue with Lisanna, especially when she makes a valid point. So, he relented, knowing that she was right. "I want to beat him up for thinking that way about Maddie, but you're right."

"Thank you," was all Lisanna could say.

Meanwhile, Yuzu was standing right behind her twin in case her sister did something she'd regret. Ever since they came of age, Karin was always the cynical one between them, which meant she was more likely to take the more drastic actions if necessary. Ichigo reminded them that they didn't have to do it, that they should stay true to who the sisters are and follow what they believe is right and never compromise their morals. Both of them – Karin more so – have been teetering close to the edge since the loss they suffered fifteen years ago. Although their interaction with the members of Fairy Tail gradually helped with their grief, even that and time cannot heal those scars.

"Listen to me and listen well," Karin growled as her hand tightened around Arcadios. "You don't know what it's like to lose a parent. My siblings and I lost our mother to a bloodthirsty hollow when I was five years old, and then I saw my father sacrifice himself to save us from that goddamn war that brought us here. I understand full well what that girl is going through since I've been through it myself in the past." The air gradually became thicker, and whisps of navy blue reishi began emanating from the seething Soul Reaper. Karin's eyes glowed as her spiritual energy slowly increased with her fury. "You don't get to judge a child whose only wish is to feel the warmth of her parents again when all you've done for the past seven years was stealing energy from hundreds of mages for something that might not happen."

Arcadios was now terrified. The power exuding from the woman pinning him was so unbearable. He could feel cold sweat drip while being helpless in the face of such an individual.

"That girl, Madeline, is proof that there is a future to fight for," the older twin stated. "So, if you and your cronies lay a finger on the kid, and I don't just speak for myself, but for the rest of Fairy Tail, we will make you pay. Make no mistake; you don't know how far I'm willing to draw the line if it means protecting my family and friends."

"Karin, that's enough," Yuzu said to calm down her furious sister. It got the desired effect as Karin's hardened scowl softened to a more neutral expression. The Quincy then turned to Wendy and requested, "Wendy, could you heal Arcadios just enough so he could walk?"

"Right." Wendy nodded and approached the weak commander to begin healing his injuries. Although calm in the delivery, the blue-haired dragon slayer believed that the youngest Kurosaki sibling didn't want her to heal Arcadios fully. That alone made her wonder just what her plan with the knight was.

A few minutes later, Arcadios was able to stand on his own. That said, he didn't get to rejoice when he heard the voice of Yuzu that was tinged with displeasure.

"Now that you're healed, you should leave us alone."

It was a command. Although Arcadios didn't like taking orders from anyone save from his direct superiors, the commander of the Cherry Blossom Knights didn't want to risk angering these two women further.

"You're lucky that it was not our brother but us," Yuzu added. "If it were Ichigo, then a warning wouldn't be the only thing you're getting."

His curiosity or stupidity getting the better of him, Arcadios managed to ask, "And what warning would that be?"

"Tell your minister, tell your princess, tell your king," the Quincy paused, trying to gauge the officer's reaction, "…that the gods of death have been angered. And by the end of this day, you and everyone else involved in this conspiracy will feel his wrath."

As if to drive the point home, a burst of pale blue reishi exploded from her body, covering the Quincy in a vortex of power. The floor she was standing on began to crack, and the air surrounding her became oppressive. Not long after, Karin did the same thing. Navy blue spiritual energy was flowing out of her like a fountain, and the power she emanated further increased the pressure of the entire room.

The knight got the message. It was clear as day, so he did the only thing any terrified person would do. He ran.

"I need to get out of here and warn the princess!" Arcadios thought to himself as he sped through the palace halls to escape the two otherworldly sisters. "This was a mistake. We shouldn't have approached Yukino Agria when the news of her adoption into that family reached us. I fear that the project is now in ruins, and it's all because of this one simple miscalculation." Unbeknownst to him, he wasn't the only one who reached the same conclusion.

As Arcadios' body disappeared farther into the hallways of the palace, Lucy, Wendy, Mirajane, Yukino, and the Exceeds gaped at the twins. After this encounter, every one of them decided to always stay on their good side.

Mira casually approached Yukino and whispered to her, "Remind us not to get on their bad side."

Yukino nodded. The girl was thanking the Soul King – if he still existed, she thinks, she was under their protection.

"Okay," now Karin said, a bit calmer. "We're still a bit lost since we don't know the layout of the palace. So, I think it's best we get a move on."

"Agreed." Yuzu then approached the two parents and their future daughter and stated, "As far as things go, Madeline is our best lead on how we could stop whatever's coming. Natsu, Lisanna, I expect the two of you to take care of her, right?"

The two teens didn't need any persuading. Madeline was their daughter, so with a determined look, they both nodded.

"I'll help too."

All eyes turned to Mira, who was now beside her sister.

"She's my niece, so it's only right that I do what it takes to keep her safe."

"Me too!"

"Happy?"

The blue cat flew and perched on Natsu's shoulder while looking at the girl in the arms of the woman he considered his mother. "Maddie's practically my little sister. It's my job as big brother to take care of my little sister."

Lisanna couldn't be any happier and prouder. "Thank you, Happy."

The cat simply beamed and yelled, "Aye, sir!"

"Not that I don't like all the family bonding, but…." Carla interrupted, "we're still not out of the woods yet."

"She's right," Panther Lily agreed. "The longer we stay here means the less time we have to prepare for the invasion."

"Although midnight is still long hours away, it'd be best if we regroup with the rest of the guild and tell them of this development," Yukino added.

Natsu suddenly came up with an idea. Slowly, he slid his arms under Madeline, an arm behind her knees and another supporting her back. Gently, the dragon slayer lifted her and carried her the same way he did since she collapsed early.

The affectionate gesture caused the time traveler to blush while looking bashfully at her father. "Ummm…Papa? I do have legs, you know?"

Natsu chuckled. That kind of witty remark can only come from Lisanna. "Hey, it's okay." His voice was mellow and soft, a far cry from his usual loud and boisterous demeanor. "You still need to rest," Natsu told the girl. "You've already been through so much just to come and warn us, so I think the least I could as your dad is to carry you back to the inn, so you don't have to exert yourself further."

Madeline wanted to argue, to say that she was alright and could walk but seeing her father's eyes looking at her with care and concern made her silent. This instance was the first time Madeline had had any kind of affection from her father. Natsu died before she was born, and she only saw him in pictures. The Time traveler saw that her father would do even the most minor things for her, making her heart warm and fuzzy. Instead, she closed her eyes, wrapped her arms around the fire wizard's neck, and reveled in the closeness she wanted.

Seeing Madeline comfortable, Natsu gestured everyone to continue finding a way to leave the palace and warn everyone else of the looming threat on the horizon.

"That bitch."

It was the shared expression between the members of Mermaid Heel. Seeing the ordeal between Minerva and the two Fairy Tail members made their blood boil. The idea of using someone as a hostage was despicable, but for the hostage to be someone they're close is downright sickening.

The same can be said to the members of Fairy Tail who were watching from within the stadium.

"To think that she would be willing to use someone as a bargaining chip against Ichigo and Erza," Makarov remarked as he glared at the screen, specifically at the image of Minerva.

"She's willing to do anything just to keep Sabretooth at the top," Mavis added. "Her methods are disgusting."

"But why take a hostage?" Cana asked the two powerful mages. "It's clear that even if Ichigo surrenders, it won't do much for points since we're way ahead of everyone else."

It was true that Fairy Tail was indeed in the lead by a large margin. With 63 points, even defeating Ichigo and Erza will only add 6 points to Sabretooth's 54-point score. Adding any more would be difficult since the other guilds have been defeated, and if Minerva were to beat the remaining wizards of Fairy Tail, it would only result in a tie. Either way one would look at it, Sabretooth wasn't going to win. So why resort to something so desperate?

"It's no longer about winning to her."

The three mages turned to Orihime, looking intently at the events transpiring.

"What do you mean?" the card mage asked.

"She feels threatened," the Fullbringer answered. "Minerva has been at the top of the proverbial magic hierarchy for years. She and her guild stood unchallenged for so long that they thought no one could beat them. That is until they came face to face with my husband."

"You must be referring to when Ichigo went after Natsu at their headquarters," Makarov guessed.

"I don't believe that's when Minerva feared my husband because she still had that air of arrogance the following days."

"I know when."

Everyone's eyes turned to Kazui, who looked at his father instead of the woman in their conversation.

"It was after she beat up Lucy and Aunt Karin almost releasing Suishigetsu," Kazui stated with certainty. "Dad told them to give up unless they want to get humiliated. That didn't sit well for that Minerva lady, so she lashed out, but Dad didn't flinch and instead warned them that by the end of the games, Sabretooth would be just an afterthought. At least, that's what I remembered."

"Huh," Cana expressed with slight fascination. "You're pretty observant for a twelve-year-old."

"Hehe," Kazui sheepishly rubbed the back of his head while smiling at the brunette card mage. "I have my moments."

"So," Mavis interrupted, gaining the attention of the spirit warriors, "what you're saying is that her ego got a big hit, and she's doing this right now to get back at Ichigo. Is that right?"

Orihime affirmed. "To put it simply, yeah." She then went on to further explain. "Minerva doesn't like to have anyone be more powerful than her, so she'll do anything to take back some form of control over Ichigo just to prove that she's superior. However, she made one crucial mistake."

"And what would that be?" Makarov asked with a raised eyebrow.

"She just exposed who she truly is," the Fullbringer answered with a sigh as if something terrible was going to happen. "And that will be the reason why she won't survive today."

The three mages who were talking with the Fullbringer and the other wizards who listened in to their conversation became wide-eyed at her statement. They all quickly looked towards the screen and hoped that what came into their minds didn't come to pass.

Minerva was enjoying this.

This is what Sabretooth's mistress wanted, to be in control. The mistress of Sabretooth desires nothing more than being in a superior position compared to her enemies. It doesn't matter if what she's doing is right or wrong as long as she's looking down at everyone. It doesn't even matter if she uses the lives of innocents or even her comrades. All that matters is that she's in power and that nothing would take that away from her.

The Territory mage's hand slowly closed into a fist. The action drew agonized screams from the captive mage that Erza almost charged without Ichigo stopping her.

"Do you hear that?" Minerva's voice sounded teasing. "Her cries of pain are like music to my ears."

"Damn you!" Erza growled with such intensity that her fists were turning white.

"Erza, calm down," Ichigo told the seething mage.

"Oh, please remain furious," Minerva mocked. "I like the way you're losing your composure. It would make defeating you later on much more satisfying. However, you aren't the one I'm interested in right now, although you're involved in it. This little exchange is meant for the black-clad swordsman beside you."

"What?" The redhead was now confused. How is taking a hostage going to get Minerva the victory, considering they're in the lead by a good margin?

"I understand you're somewhat of a protector, right Ichigo Kurosaki?" Sabretooth's mistress directed that question towards the Soul Reaper.

"Your point being?" said reaper asked, curious as to where this conversation is going.

"It means that you will do anything to protect an innocent life, especially if it concerns your family and friends," the raven-haired Territory user began. "With that said, you consider Fairy Tail as your family and would do anything for the guild's benefit." Minerva's hand finally closed to a fist, and Milliana's cries became louder. "This girl right here is a close friend of Erza Scarlet. As of right now, I'm currently draining her magic power to replenish my own, and the process is excruciating for the victim. I don't need the power since I'm confident in my own; I just think that I need to change the game a bit and give myself an advantage."

As observed by Erza, Ichigo was still quiet despite what Minerva had revealed. It was a cause for concern, to be honest, since the raven-haired Sabretooth mage was trying to exploit her teammate's innate desire to protect people. It was a smart, if not underhanded tactic. She just wondered what was inside the carrot-top's mind while they were in this situation.

Ichigo continued to intently look at the Sabretooth mage before letting out a tired sigh. Opening his eyes once more, he stared at Minerva again before asking a straightforward question.

"Why?"

Minerva didn't understand, so she answered with a question. "Why what?"

"Why do all this?" Ichigo clarified. "What is it that you get for doing this to other people?"

"What do I get?" Minerva said with a chuckle before finally answering. "Control." Her reply was short, as if that one word would explain everything. However, she explained further. "The only thing I answer to is power, and so far, Sabretooth has stood unchallenged in the magic world because of its power. We reigned supreme among the many guilds of Fiore and squashed any weaker guild that would even dare to think of trying to take our place." Her face slowly morphed into a scowl, and her eyes filled with spite. "That all changed when you showed yourself," she said with a low voice. "You, who came from nowhere, dare threaten Sabretooth with destruction? What's more, you have the power to do that. Well, I won't stand by and let you tear down the fame and prestige Sabretooth has built for years. We are the most powerful guild in all of Fiore! We are superior! We are in control! And I will do anything to make sure no one usurps our title as the kingdom's greatest." Minerva finally calmed down, her scowl reverting to its sadistic smirk. "So, here's what you're going to do: you will surrender. You will put your swords in front of you and bow down to me."

"WHAT!?" Erza's yell of surprise and disbelief was enough to rouse Kagura from unconsciousness.

When Kagura opened her eyes, the ace of Mermaid Heel was shocked to see her friend and teammate in the clutches of the Territory mage.

"Milliana…" Kagura weakly said while trying to stand up but failing miserably.

Minerva didn't mind the weakened mage. All that mattered to her was making sure this man garbed in black knew his place. It doesn't matter if she used a hostage as long as it leads to her desired outcome. The end justifies the means, and right now, taking advantage of Ichigo Kurosaki's morals will ensure that she and Sabretooth stay superior above every other guild.

"So that's it?" Ichigo breaks his prolonged silence. "All of this was just to get back at me for feeling threatened. Is that right? This whole farce is all because of your ego taking a big blow. I never thought you were that petty."

"Are you going to keep talking, or are you going to bow before me?" Minerva further drained Milliana's power and caused more pain to the cat-loving mage. "The more time you waste, the more this poor girl will suffer. You don't want to find out what happens to a severely drained wizard."

"You're right."

Erza turned to her teammate in surprise when he agreed with the enemy. "Is he giving up?"

"I am willing to do anything to protect the innocent. I am willing to do anything for my family and friends…." His image disappeared from view, baffling the three wizards.

Minerva suddenly lost her cool and began frantically looking around for the reaper until she heard that ominous disembodied voice from the swordsman behind her.

"…Which means I'm willing to get my hands dirty to protect them."

Something cold pierced Minerva's side. It felt metallic, and the glimmer shining near her abdomen caused her to look down in dread. There, impaling her, was the short trench knife sword of Ichigo Kurosaki as he stood behind her, wielding the weapon with an apathetic expression.

All those seated gasped at the sudden turn of events in the stadium. They knew how relentless the swordsman from Fairy Tail was given his expeditious thrashing of Raven Tail a few days ago, but for him to do something like this was just shocking.

"My…goodness," Chapati Lola muttered. It was the only thing he could say after seeing everything that transpired. He looked to his fellow commentators Mato and Yajima only to find them wide-eyed and terrified at how this might escalate.

As for the members of Fairy Tail, none of them could've expected this. Even Mavis and Makarov were now sweating bullets in fear of what might come next.

The only ones who weren't surprised were Orihime and Kazui. They've seen people like Minerva before, who only want power over others. To be precise, they – she and Ichigo – have fought such people in the past, and there was usually no way of turning them back. Greed and corruption constantly plagued these kinds of peoples' hearts, and they would do anything to keep their vaunted superiority, even if it meant endangering others. Orihime was a healer at heart, and she always averted from killing but sometimes, there was no other way.

A muffled gasp escaped Erza as she covered her mouth with her hands. She couldn't believe what had just happened. Ichigo, her leader, just stabbed someone in the abdomen and showed no emotion whatsoever. It's as if the act was regular for him like he was already desensitized of it. The same can be said for Kagura. The injured mage recalled her battle with the orange-haired man and his insistence they try to kill him in their bout earlier. She didn't understand it before, but now, it made sense. Ichigo had intended to kill them, or at least incapacitate them to the degree that they would never be a threat. The only way for them to even stand a chance was to carry the same instinct to kill.

As for Minerva, she was the most shocked out of everyone. She thought she had the upper hand. She felt that by exploiting his willingness to protect others, she could force him to submit. Instead, everything fell apart. Her shock from the blade protruding from her stomach caused her to lose focus and drop the unconscious Milliana. Her hands moved slowly, inching closer and closer to the shimmering edge to touch it, to see if it was real. Suddenly, the death god twisted the blade to the side and slashed through a good chunk of her abdomen. The motion caused her to feel an otherworldly amount of pain. Copious amounts of blood splattered all over as the injury kept on flowing like a river.

"AAAAARGH!"

"MILADY!" Sting had had enough. He was afraid, true, but seeing this man gut his teammate was the last straw. "DAMN YOU!" he roared at the top of his lungs at the man who harmed Minerva. "I'm going to make you fucking pay for doing that to Minerva!"

Erza and Ichigo stared at the Light Dragon Slayer. The mage was livid. They saw the bleach blonde breath in deeply, his magic power rising exponentially with each passing second. It was clear for the two members of Fairy Tail that Sting was mustering every bit of magical energy he had for one massive attack.

The energies in his body finally reaching their peak, the dragon slayer finally released all of the power in one powerful burst of light and magic.

"LIGHT DRAGON ROAR!"

The blast shot through, tearing down the path leading to where Sting's intended target stood. Being in the spell's direct line of fire, Erza quickly jumped out of the way. Ichigo still had the same blank expression, and instead, Flash Stepped in front of the incoming blast.

"Ichigo!" Erza called. "What are you doing!?"

The reaper didn't answer. Ichigo stood facing the impending breath attack, raised his left hand, and met the power head-on. His body disappeared in a bright flash of white light. It was blinding. The power generated by the dragon slayer was so great that it was enough to deal the same damage as a Gillian's Cero. Everyone near the breath attack's vicinity covered their eyes to shield them from its intensity.

Sting was pouring everything he had into this spell. The enemy was beyond anything he encountered, so he needed to put all he had to end this foe. Every bit of magic he could call upon, even the reserves for his Dragon Force, were being utilized in a bid to overpower Ichigo Kurosaki.

However, it wasn't enough.

The breath attack finally died down, leaving a trail of destruction in its path, but to his surprise, Ichigo Kurosaki was still standing. Blue lines were glowing in the palm of the reaper's hands as he held remnants of Sting's magic and casually dropped them, the flakes of the power dissipating in the air. The dragon slayer stood there, drained of all color and frozen in shock, unable to comprehend how the most potent breath attack he could muster had no effect.

"That's…not possible," the dragon slayer thought to himself. "It's just not possible! What the fuck is he!?"

"Sting." Ichigo's call shook the Sabretooth guildsman from his confusion. "I understand your willingness to protect your guildmates, and I admire that, but I'm not letting someone who threatens innocents go unpunished."

The emphasis on the last world made Sting realize what the sword wielder would do. Before he could act, though, Ichigo gathered a ridiculous amount of spiritual energy into the larger blade of Zangetsu. The reaper tossed it into the air, and like having a mind of its own, the weapon plummeted to the ground, creating a massive shockwave that sent its stored reishi in all directions, destroying what little remained of the area they fought in. Sting was caught in the blast and was thrown away. The overexertion from the breath attack finally took its toll when he hit his head on the stone pavement, thus rendering him unconscious.

With the last member of Sabretooth defeated, Fairy Tail's score went from 63 to 68. However, it didn't matter to Ichigo. He knew they could win. However, his main target was ridding the world of a power-hungry woman.

As the Soul Reaper approached the Minerva, the woman was clutching the massive wound inflicted on her by the reaper. Her eyes darted upward to see the cause of her injury. Fear washed over her as she desperately tried to move away from the death god. Gone was the calculating, arrogant, and sadistic mage that led Sabretooth and in its place was a frightened woman; powerless, weak, bleeding, and afraid.

"Stay back!" Minerva shouted while trying and failing to keep some distance between her and Ichigo. "Stay away from me, you monster!" It didn't matter how hard she tried to fend him off with words. Ichigo was already in front of her. His golden eyes still had that look of apathy, mocking her of her failure to make him submit.

"We all have monsters inside us," Ichigo said those words with a hint of experience. "The thing that makes me different is that the monster inside me…is who I truly am." The reaper put his hand over his face in one swift motion and dragged it downward. A trail of black and red spiritual energy appeared and solidified over his face, forming an artifact he had not called upon since long ago.

The air suddenly became heavy and unbearable. It was more oppressive than all the times Erza had been under the mercy of Ichigo's spiritual pressure. However, the sensation felt darker and menacing. It was like an eldritch entity filled with malice, and bloodlust came to the surface. Though usually the effects of powerful reiatsu can be physical, this time was different. The look of utter dread, despair, and hopelessness permeated the surroundings. It wasn't just overwhelming; it crushed the soul.

The moment Erza looked at Ichigo, she realized the source of this dread. On his face was a white skull-like mask with jagged teeth and two lines running down from the top, over the eye holes, and to the lower jaw. It was similar to what Wendy wore in her match with Chelia. However, this held more power, and the feel of its energy was more evil.

Pale, bleeding, and afraid, Minerva was trying with what little strength she had to keep the monster of a man away from her. Squirming and inching with one hand putting pressure on her massive wound, she froze when she caught sight of the evil-looking mask. Minerva couldn't do anything. She was at his mercy. Her eyes grew wide when she saw him raise his sword, its power gleaming a demonic red and black glow. And by the look in his eyes, the Sabretooth mage knew what this man's intentions were.

"He's…going…to kill…me…."

The voice in her head sounded defeated. It was over. This man will bring about her end. Minerva closed her eyes and braced for the blade to sink into her flesh and extinguish her life.

"Ichigo, stop!"

The reaper let his sword down and turned to look at Erza. The redhead looked shocked, horrified even, at what he was about to do. "What is it, Erza?"

Fairy Tail's Titania shivered from hearing his cold voice, yet she didn't let that get to her. Ichigo was going too far. This act needs to stop. "It's over, Ichigo," she declared. "We won."

Silence reigned free for a moment. The tension between the two members of Fairy Tail was palpable as Erza waited for a reply. She got one, but it was the one reply she feared he'd give.

"No," Ichigo answered as he pointed his sword towards Minerva. "Not until I finish her off."

"And what good would killing her do?" The redhead questioned.

"I've seen and fought people like her, Erza," Ichigo began. "She won't stop until she has all the power in the world and everyone bows down to her."

"Still!" cried Erza. "It's not right to kill people. It's not the way we do things in Fairy Tail!"

"Your way, not mine."

The answer shut the female knight from her reasoning.

"And it was never about doing what's right. It's about doing what's necessary."

"And this is necessary!?"

"You saw what she did to your friend. That alone proves that she'll use anyone, harm anyone just to get what she wants. And what she wants is for everybody else to suffer for her pleasure."

"Even so! She can still change given time! Maybe this defeat will make her realize her mistakes."

"You're too naïve, Erza. Not everyone can change, and I speak from experience. Some people are willing to die for their twisted desires. Throwing them into prison is just a half measure. It doesn't solve the problem; it simply delays it because once they're out, they'll keep doing the horrid things these people have done until they feel satisfied."

"You don't know that." Erza voiced out, her stance on the matter never wavering.

"And so do you," Ichigo answered. "I admire your convictions, Erza, but just because you're on some moral high ground doesn't make you any better than me. At the end of it all, we're just people trying to protect what we cherish. But protecting is all about sacrifice. I've sacrificed more than you could ever imagine, and I'm willing to sacrifice even more if it means keeping all of you safe."

"Even if it means becoming a monster?" Erza questioned somewhat hesitantly.

The hesitation was discernable in her voice, so he smiled, reassuring her that there was no harm in the question she posed. "Erza, I was born a monster. I'm a human born from Soul Reaper and Quincy heritage with hollow powers. I'm not human, Quincy, Soul Reaper, nor hollow. I'm all of them and none of them. I can't be classified into either of those four. So, what do you call something or someone that can't be understood?"

Erza didn't want to answer. She didn't want to say it. Ichigo was far from being what he described himself.

"A monster," Ichigo replies for himself. "And that makes me the only person capable of doing what needs to be done to make sure everyone lives happily. I won't hesitate. I will kill if need be. Sometimes, we need to get our hands dirty for the world to stay clean. Besides, somebody has to make the bad guys afraid of the dark."

"If you're willing to go that far, then where would you draw the line?"

"As far as I have to, Erza." Ichigo's answer was sure. "I'll draw the line where I have to."

The redhead simply stared at the man in front of her. What he said, what he reasoned, goes against everything that Fairy Tail stood for and yet embodies the heart and willingness to sacrifice oneself for the sake of others that the guild always strived to do. It was contradicting and complementing at the same time that she couldn't find a way to refute his statement. It even made her question her own beliefs. She understood then and there that, unlike Ichigo, she wasn't willing to go that far herself.

"Erza."

The contemplation Erza was in was disturbed by a call from the reaper.

"I'm going to consider your opinion and let her live."

The surprise was written all over Erza's face. "You will?"

"Make no mistake," Ichigo began to clarify, "I'm not doing this because I changed my mind. I still believe Minerva should be dealt with permanently."

"Then, what changed?"

Ichigo knelt and placed a hand on the wound of Minerva. A green glow of spiritual energy gathered as it slowly soothed the injured mage's injury. Little by little, the once-massive damage became smaller and smaller until finally it was healed. The only traces of its existence was the blood staining her clothes. Tired from all that has happened, Minerva eventually fell unconscious, coupled with the amount of blood she lost.

"It's because I trust you," Ichigo answered. "I trust that you can keep an eye over her; keep her from doing anything that could hurt anyone. If you can, and I doubt it's possible, you might be able to change her." The reaper stood up and made his way towards the redhead until he stood side by side while looking over her. "But remember, if she doesn't change and someone gets harmed because of her…." Ichigo leaned close into Erza's ear and whispered,

"…It's all on you."

A/N: ModernRogue11 here, and I'm still alive. Again, work got to me, so it took me longer to make a new chapter. Now, I want to address a few comments that caught my interest, specifically Zekiel Ash and his/her (I'm not sure if you're a male or female, so sorry) critique. I read the parts that you mentioned, and just like you said, there were some inconsistencies. I promise to correct them if I find the time to do so since the public school I'm working at is starting to get busier. Also, you can PM me for the other things that you noticed in the story that feels underdeveloped if the characters think stagnant somehow. I want to hear your opinion since you're one of the first readers who gave me a detailed analysis of where I should improve the story. Thank you for doing so and notifying me of these mistakes.

The next thing I want to bring forward is what kind of Fullbring I give Madeline. To be honest, I was planning on something akin to Take Over that's fire-based, but I don't know how it would look or how it would function. So, as readers, I'd like all of you to give me suggestions on the matter. Maybe we can develop something unique with all your collective effort that will make Madeline's powerset enjoyable.

As always, leave a comment to share your opinions, and if you like the story, show your appreciation by making it one of your favorites. If you do comment with some criticisms, please do it constructively.

Until next time!