Chapter 30

Heavy Rain

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Magic"

Flashback

Location / Date / Time Skip

Juvia crashed to the ground and cried out in pain as more magic blades hit her. "Juvia!" Erza shouted in concern as she turned to Meredy in anger and changed into her Heavens Wheel armor. "I can handle her."

"The wizard know as Erza Scarlet..." The young girl said. "You're ranked as number four."

"What does this ranking mean?" The redhead asked as she charged forward.

"Your priority." Meredy explained as she waved her hand, summoning even more blades. "It is the order of which you should be eliminated." She waved it again and sent them flying at Erza who sliced them in half.

The ones that missed crashed into Juvia and she screamed in pain. "Why are you going after Juvia?" Erza asked.

"Number thirteen is trash, so I want her dealt with as soon as possible." Meredy said as she sent more at the bluenette. "Number three is Gildarts, but it appears he's no longer on the island." She sent more at Erza who sliced them away. "Number two is Makarov, but master Hades has already defeated him."

"Master Makarov is Number two?" Erza asked in shock. "Someone in our guild is a higher priority than the master of our guild?"

"Number one is that man... Gray Fullbuster..." Meredy said filled with malice, shocking Erza. "He has her blood in his hands... Ultear's mother died because of him... that man could never be forgiven for the pain he caused Ultear!" Over a dozen blades appeared around him. "When I find him, I'll tear him limb from limb!"

The blades launched forward and surrounded Erza. A wave of water rose up and destroyed them as rain clouds appeared and started raining. "Now you've gone and done it." Juvia said as she stood up. "If you carry out that threat, I swear that you will never live to speak of it."

"What's wrong with her?" Meredy asked, unaware of the wrath she just unleashed. "She's only number thirteen."

"Wait, try to calm down Juvia..." Erza begged.

"How can I do that?" She asked as she walked forward. "She plans to kill my beloved over pure nonsense and you think I should remain calm?" She passed Erza who just stared at her. "I'm afraid there's no way that's going to happen, not now. You're going to pay for even thinking of hurting him!"

Water rose up and slammed into Meredy sending her crashing into a large tree. Juvia then launched forward and held up her hand. "Water Nebula!" Two spirals of water shot up and crashed into Meredy.

'Amazing...' Erza thought back to the trial match as she watched Juvia battle. 'She's a completely different woman from the one I fought before. She's able to channel her emotions into a massively flow of strength. That is her true power.'

"Erza, go ahead." Juvia said looking over her shoulder. "I can handle this battle on my own. Find the others and make sure they're safe. Especially my darling Gray."

Erza requipped into her black bikini and nodded. "I will. Best of luck to you." She said before taking off.

"Get back here number four." Meredy summoned more blades to chase her, but Juvia waved her hands and sent two waves of water crashing into her. "Maguilty=Ray!" Meredy jumped and swung her arms, sending yellow blades around Juvia.

"Water Slicer!" Juvia swung her own arms and water blades destroyed the attack as the two stared at each other.

With Rustyrose

The poetic warrior held his hand up and stared at the ran rolling of his glove. "The sky's tears wash away my own desires, it's eyes turn cloudy with the looming darkness."

"Are those the lyrics of a song, Rusty?" Azuma asked, sitting above him without a shirt.

"In a way, it's music to accompany my drum." Rustyrose replied. "Speaking of, it seems you've taken a beating yourself."

"Proof I've battled with a skilled warrior." Azuma replied.

"Did you now?" The poet chuckled. "I find that hard to believe. There doesn't seem to be a single warrior among them. My own drum beats strong and steady."

"You'd be wise not to underestimate them." Azuma warned.

"You can say that again." Both looked to see Chi walking out of the woods, clutching his massively bruised gut. "Damn, that stings."

"Chi? Where's Lucian?" Azuma asked.

"Hang on..." The blood mage turned around and dragged Lucian forward. He was currently in a large pulsing white cocoon, but his head was still exposed. "After that Dragon Slayer knocked me out, he tore a hole in Lucians chest. His symbiote is keeping him alive, but he's out of the fight. As am I."

He moved his hand and showed the two the gaping hole in his chest. "I need more blood to heal this, but if I take any from you guys you'll end up in a weakened state. And that jeopardizes the mission." Pain gripped him and he covered the hole again before dropping to a knee. "It's taking all my power just to stop me from bleeding out. Magic isn't their only strength. Their convictions are weapons enough for them."

"Their convictions are their weapons?" Rustyrose asked. "That's not unlike our own blossoming flower."

With Juvia

The two glared at each other as the rain poured down on them. "I find it strange..." Meredy spoke up. "We speak of the same Gray, and yet one is boiling with hate and the other with love. It's the same person, but you'd think we're talking about two different men."

"It's natural." Juvia replied. "Not everyone feels the same. That's part of being human."

"This is quite a stroke of luck." Meredy mumbled. "I've come here in a mission to kill Gray Fullbuster and I've run into someone's who harbors strong feelings for him." Juvia looked at the other girl in anger and confusion. "Your deep feelings of love will be what kills him. Now Juvia, enjoy your journey to heaven before you descend int hell. Picture your beloved."

Juvia's heart beated faster as Gray flashed through her head. "Just like that. Sensory Link!" Pink lightning shot at Juvia and hit her before it shot up and flew into the island. "This lost magic, Maguilty Sense."

"What have you done to me?" Juvia asked looking at the brand now on her arm.

"I've liked your sensations to those of Gray." The petite girl explained. "It can only be accomplished by those who have strong feelings."

Juvia turned beet red. "M-my darling Gray and I are finally one!?"

"Well, your senses are." Meredy said. "Doesn't it feel nice? Your senses are now completely intertwined." Juvia was so happy she forgot she was supposed to be fighting Meredy. "However, this means he also shares your pain!" Meredy swung her arm and hit Juvia with her magic. "He too will experience all the pain I will inflict on you."

"What!?" Juvia growled out. "You would use my love to cause Gray harm?!" She launched forward and hit Meredy again.

'How!?' Meredy asked in shock. 'Her magic power has increased? I underestimated her. She can't channel her feelings into strength. So I'll do the same and show her the full power of what I feel.' He placed her hand on her wrist and the bring appeared there's as well.

Juvia slammed a water infused fist into Meredy and launched her into a large rock. Seconds later, Juvia fell back in pain. "For Ultear's sake... I would gladly risk my life." Meredy panted as she stood up. "You've allowed me to connect to my target. We are one now, and if one us dies we all die. This is the end of all of us." Juvia looked up from her knees at Meredy in horror. "All of our senses are one. If one of us were to die then so would Gray."

"You can't be serious..." Juvia said standing up. "We all lose this way. No one lives."

"Precisely." Meredy replied. "That's how far I'm willing to go. This is it. Death is all that's left for us."

Juvia twitched as she felt something rough brush up against her back. 'What's this pressure in my back? Is this what my darling Gray is feeling?'

"I can sense Gray Fullbusters presences." Meredy said. "There's no need to fight you anymore. Because I'm going to end this here and now." Two swords appeared and placed themselves against her neck. "To that, I will die!"

"No, don't!" Juvia shouted as she started racing forward.

"Nothing you can do will stop me!" The younger girl declared.

'My love, forgive me!' Juvia slammed her water fist into her leg, making her buckle. Meredy did the same from the pain and the blades sliced, missing her hair.

"You hurt yourself for him?" Meredy asked, gripping her leg. "You're smart, I'll give you that. But causing me pain won't help. If you want to stop me, you're going to have to kill me. But doing so will only aid my vengeance. Give up, you can't keep hurting yourself forever. Your body will give out and fail, but that doesn't matter to you. You'll fight to your last breath to save him. Nothing you do will change our fate! All road converge on death for us, it's our only option!"

"You're wrong..." Juvia replied. "If you leave Gray alone, we all live!" Her deceleration shocked Meredy. "I used to be a lot like you, but joining Fairy Tail has taught me even my enemies deserve to live."

"It's all nonsense!" Meredy shouted as she stood up an d summoned another blade above her. "I will kill Gray Fullbuster and put Ultear's heart at ease!" The blade began falling towards her neck as Juvia stood up.

"Not if I can help it." She said hobbling forward. "Even if I have to knock you out to do so!" She ran as fast as she could as Meredy screamed.

Years Ago

A town was in flames around a young crying Meredy. The sound of footsteps caused her to stop as Ultear walked forward. She came to a stop and Meredy started crying again. "You don't need to cry anymore." The time wizard said as she crouched down to Meredy's level. "No one is going to hurt you anymore."

Zancrow, Lucian and Kain came into view just Meredy stopped crying. "What gives? Who's the little brat?" The blonde asked.

"She's a survivor." Ultear explained.

"So you want us to kill her?" Lucian asked as his shirt started to bubble.

Meredy heard the threat and began crying once more. "I'm going to take her with us." Ultear said.

"You've got to be out of your mind." The blonde said. "Master Hades said to find Zeref's key and then wipe out everyone in this city. That means her too."

"I hate to agree with the psycho, but he's right." Lucian said.

Meredy continued to cry as Ultear glanced back at the men. "She reminds me of when I was a little girl." They stared at each other in confusion as Ultear picked up the crying Meredy. "I'll take responsibility. Besides, I have a feeling she has a gift to share with us."

Years passed and Meredy was now standing next Ultear on the deck of the airship. "Ur, why do you look so sad all the time?" Meredy asked.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?" Ultear asked back. "Ur is my deceased mother. The name Ultear does with her."

"She's dead?" Meredy asked.

"I'll tell you about it, someday." She replied as she stared into the clouds.

Meredy grabbed her arm and hugged the older wizard tightly. "You're my mother, now and forever."

Ultear stared at her before smirking. "I'm far to young to have such a mature, intelligent daughter."

Meredy looked up and smiled at her mother figure.

Present

Juvia broke the blade with her magic as she wrapped Meredy in a hug. 'I don't understant... why is she crying?'

Juvia pushed her away and looked her in the eyes. "You feel love, I can see it." Juvia declared. "You love someone and I can feel it!"

'How does she know?' Meredy asked herself. 'Did I share my memories through the link?'

"Please live... live for her...' Juvia begged as tears fell down her face. "Like I live for the person I love! You don't have a choice! If you have love, you have to live!"

'Live... for Ultear...' Meredy thought as Juvia's emotions overwhelmed her. 'These feelings... they're overwhelming.' Her own eyes started crying as the brands on their wrists faded. Both dropped to their knees and started falling backwards. "I can't do it... forgive me."

"My beloved Gray... stay safe until I can find you..." Juvia said before they both crashed into the water.

With Gray

Gray stared at his wrist as the brand on it faded away. 'That thing on my wrist disappeared, and so did those horrible pains.' His face felt wet as he noticed the tears coming from his eyes. 'Tears? What the hell is going on?' He glanced around the tree only to find the woman missing.

Seconds later, he felt a magical presence behind him. Ultear stood over him before he jumped up. "Stand back!"

"Were you following me, little man?" Ultear asked.

"Who are you?" Gray demanded.

"Surely you must have seen the resemblance." She replied. "There's a perfectly good reason why I look so much like your master Ur. I'm her daughter."

Gray gasped in shock before clenching his fist. 'No way... that's impossible. This is the same woman who helped Jellal destroy the Magic Council. Now she's a member of Grimoire Heart.' "Well that's news. You here to kill me? I image you must hold a grudge."

"Actually, I've wanted to meet you for along time." Ultear replied. "After all I'm a friend. I want to make things right."

"You're on my side?" Gray asked.

"That's right." She nodded.

"About Ur..." Gray mumbled with a hung head.

"I know, you don't need to say anything." She said. "Her death wasn't your fault. I don't blame anyone. My mother was simply protecting me her pupils. I'm very proud of her."

"...What ever you say." He mumbled back. "Don't take this the wrong way, but I honestly don't care what you think of me. And if you're as proud of her as you say you are, you've got a funny way of showing it! If anyone's responsible for Ur's death it's that's bastard! She was killed by Deliora, a monster he created. But instead of getting rid of him, you're gonna use his power to kill Even more people."

"You have it all wrong Gray." She said, holding her arm. "Like I said I'm going to make things right. This is Ur's will."

With Natsu and Co.

The group had picked up and moved into a small cave as the rain started pouring down around them. Mest leaned against a wall as he stared at Makarov. "Whst do you think?" Lucy, now in a new dress, asked Wendy.

"You look really cute." The petite girl told her.

"Clothing from the celestial world suits you." Virgo, who used her own power to open her gate, added. "This is our latest fashion." She then held some more clothing out in front of Wendy. "Your turn."

"Oh, you didn't have to do this for me?" She replied.

"Think nothing of it." The spirit replied. "Now change before you catch a cold."

"Okay..." Wendy said before going behind a rock.

Natsu perked up when he saw Carla fly into view. "Carla, what happened to Lily?" He asked.

"We split up once we reached the base camp." She explained. "Gajeel and Mirajane aren't looking to good, so he's staying with them while they recover. Have any of you seen Slate?"

"No, he hasn't come back yet." Happy answered as Carla landed.

"We also managed to find the enemies ship on the eastern shore of the island." She added.

"Let's swim over and bust some heads." Natsu said.

"Hold on, I think we need to go back to base camp first." Lucy suggested. "If the others show up, we could really use their help."

"If it's up for a vote, then I'm with Lucy." Wendy said as she walked up from behind. "We should check the camp."

"Alright, let's go." Natsu agreed as he walked into the cave. "I'll carry gramps."

Mest stared down at the floor before finally speaking up. "What should I do?"

"Keep the council from blasting us into dust." Natsu explained as he stood up with Makarov on his back.

Mest stared at him before turning away. "Listen, we don't want their help." Lucy said. "We can handle Grimoire Heart and that Zeref creep by ourselves."

"Tell them that they don't need to fire an Etherion blast." Wendy added.

"You really think they'll listen to me?" The spy asked.

"Then just buy us as much time as you can." Natsu said as he walked towards the entrance. "We're counting on you." The group began walking out of the cave into the rain,

"Don't you get it!? You can't beat them!" Mest shouted as he finally stood up. "Every guild that has faded them has been wiped off the map. Do you even have a plan to beat them?"

"Don't hold back and give them hell." Natsu simply stated as they walked into the woods.

With Erza

The redhead walked through the forest as she looked around for her target. "Wendy! Can you hear me?"

"The famous Erza Scarlet." A voice said from all round her.

"Show yourself." She demanded.

The tree above her started growing before it turned into a head and body. "At last I've found a true warrior, Titania. Wendy is gone. I saw to that."

"Then you'll die." She growled back.

Grimorie Heart Airship

"To think Meredy would be bested in combat..." Hades mumbled. "I never imagined more than half of the deadly nine Kin would fall to such weak rabble. I've no choice no." He glanced over to the side only to find it empty. "It would appear he's already left. Forgive me, Makarov. He's the one wizard I'd hope to never send into the fray."

Fairy Tail Base Camp

"Natsu and the others are headed this way?" Lisanna asked Lily in joy.

"It'll be so good to see everyone again." Levy added.

"Well, they should be here soon." The cat said. "Carla is leading them to camp as we speak."

"Oh, thank goodness. With so many of our wizards injured, we're totally open for an attack." Lisanna mumbled while looking over the downed guild members.

"We'll be adding one more to the wounded when they bring master." Pantherlily stated.

"I still can't believe that they beat him like that." Levy mumbled. "Well they're gonna pay. We'll send Grimoire Heart running for the hills. If we work together we can pull this off. I know it."

The sloshing of water caught their attention as they turned to see Rustyrose walking towards them. "Here's an idea: Why don't you surrender? There's nothing wrong with that. Differences in power are abound in this unbalanced world. Feel your drums pound faster against your cages, and prepare yourselves for oblivion. Cause that's where you're headed."

"That's what you think scoundrel." Pantherlily said before shifting into battle mode.

With Natsu and Co.

"Do you think Doranbolt will be okay?" Wendy asked Carla as they raced through the island.

"We can't worry about that man right now." Carla replied.

"I'm worried about Cana too." Lucy said. "I hope she made it back to base camp."

"Maybe Erza will be there, along with Slate and the others." Happy said.

Natsu came to a stop when he noticed a person walking over to them. "Heads up." He warned as they all sensed his magic power as the rain seemed to focus on him.

"It's like there's a storm cloud over his head." Carla said.

"...Tell me, can any of you fly?" Bluenote asked, confusing the group. "It's a shame. Now you have to fall." The man held out his hands and the group crashed downwards before the ground started caving under them. "I don't honestly care about the Fairy Tail guild or our plans for Zeref. But there is one thing I want to know. Tell where Mavis Vermillions grave is!"

"The hell do you want that info for?" Natsu asked.

"Fairy Glitter..." The man said. "It's written about within Fairy Law. It's one of the three grand Magic's of your guild, isn't it?"

"What are you talking about?" Natsu shouted back before getting crushed by more gravity.

"I want the light that will rip apart any darkness in front of it." Bluenote said. 'I want that magic."

"You bastard!" Natsu roared before standing up and racing over to the dark wizard.

"That magic appeared to be sealed in Mavis' grave." The gravity wizard said as Natsu ignited his fist. "You will tell me where that is." He held out his hand and Natsu was sent flying back to the ground. "Are you listening to me?" The Dragon Slayer only groaned in pain as Bluenote looked over to the side. "Seems you've brought along Makarov. Maybe I should ask him myself."

"Go ahead and try laying a finger on the old man!" Natsu shouted back. "Just see what happens!"

With Cana

Cana panted as she nearly finished walking through the cave of Route E. 'I finally found it... Mavis' grave...' She pushed herself forward and kept walking. 'I can finally become S-class... I can finally see my father...' She walked out of the cave and stared at the grave. "What is this? Fire? Are my eyes playing tricks on me?"

She walked towards the grave and stared at the fire in amazement. "This light is intense... is it magic power?" She reached out to the flame before pain pushed her back. Runes soon appeared in front of the flames, confusing her even more. "'Here I seal Fairy Glitter, one of the three Grand Fairy Spells. May it forever shine in the darkness.' This isn't her grave at all..."

Cana gritted her teeth in anger as stared at the grave. "Is this some sort of sick joke? I'm looking for a grave not some stupid spell! How am I supposed to complete the trial? Master, I need answers! Am I just not good enough to become an S-Class wizard... after everything, I fall short at the finish line. Have the past 12 years of my life been a waste of time?"

12 Years Ago

A young Cana and her little white dog stood in front of a grave as the girl cried. Her mother had just passed away from a sickness. According to her will, Cana learned her father was still alive. So she set out to look for him, and found herself at Fairy Tail. All she knew was her father's name; Gildarts.

The ace of the guild looked down at her and smiled. "Hey, little lady. What are you doing in a place like this?"

Cana smiled at him and smiled back. 'It's my daddy...'

"You should head home." He said, confusing her. "You keep hanging around here, your clothes will end up smelling like booze in no time flat."

Cana reached to touch her father, but he was already gone. Days passed and Cana stayed around the guild for so long that she just ended up joining the guild. When ever he did come back, he would always end up leaving as soon as he could.

Years went by and Gildarts looked at Cana, now in her early teens. "Look at you, your growing like a beanstalk Cana." Gildarts said. Cana tried to tell him again, but Gildarts left on another job again. The secret began crushing her as her talent for card reading progressed into card magic.

She thought it would bring her closer to Gildarts, but it didn't. The her first S-Class trial came. She smiled when her father told her he was rooting for her. She vowed to tell him when she succeeded; but she failed. Four four years in a row she failed to become an S-Class wizard. Even newer members like Erza succeeded before her. She felt like a complete failure.

Her mind returned her time in Lucy's apartment. "Now do you get it? I have to be an S-Class wizard, or I'll never be able to look him in the eye. That's when this is my last one. If I fail, I'll leave for good."

"Cana, will you please let me be your partner!?" The blonde asked. "Fairy Tail just wouldn't be the same without you! I promise I can make you an S-Class wizard!"

Present

A cry for help snapped her back to reality as she pulled out a card. It said 'Help Lucy' and was flashing a picture of the blonde. It was a warning for Cana to let her know that Lucy was in trouble. Her mind replied the entire trial before the brunette dropped to her knees. 'What have I done... Lucy...' tears started falling to the ground as she cried to the sky.

"It wasn't supposed to be like this! I never meant to betray my friends... I can't do this anymore..." Her hands gripped the ground in anger before she turned to the grave. "It's okay if I don't become an S-Class wizard... it's okay if I never tell my father the truth..." She reached out to the flame and put her hand over it. "As much as I want that, I want to protect my friends even more!"

The ball erupted into pure magic power and almost blew Cana backwards. "Please, I have to save them! It doesn't matter if I stay in the guild or not! Because no matter where or who I am, my heart will always belong to Fairy Tail! Please, you're the only one who can help me! Give me the strength to protect the guild and family I love."

The glow died and Cana stared at the new red tattoo on her arm. With a smirk, she turned around and ran towards Lucy. 'I could be running straight to my death, but I don't care. I've got twelve years of kindness to repay!'

Cana ran through the forest as the card glowed brighter the closer she got to Lucy. 'I'll be there soon, and I'm bringing the big guns with me. The grand spell, Fairy Glitter. Whoever's attacking is about to get a face full of it.' She slid down some rocks and stood over the newly formed crater.

"Are you behind all of this?" She shouted, making them all look up at her.

"Cana!" Lucy cheered at the sight of her partner.

"Get away from them!" Cana shouted as she threw a dozen cards at Bluenote. He warped the gravity around them and they all missed. She jumped during this and pointed her arm at him. "Take this!"

The new tattoo started glowing to the shock of everyone. "Whats this light?" Carla asked.

"I was hoping you would know." Happy said.

"No, it's not possible." Bluenote mumbled before raising his arm and forcing Cana to the ground. "That magic... tell me what it is right now. And if I don't like your answer, then you'll be dead in an instant."

"Is it possible she found Fairy Glitter?" Carla asked in shock.

"Lucy... I'm sorry for leaving you in the forest." Cana said forcing herself back up. "I betrayed you and our friendship. It's unforgivable, but with this I can begin to atone. One shot from this spell and this creep won't bother anyone again."

"Does that mean you found the grave?" The blonde asked.

"Wait, that means that you..." Natsu mumbled before hanging his head in shame. "Dang it, I failed."

"The trial can wait, Natsu." Cana replied. "Right now, I need your help to beat this creep. Just keep him busy until I've built up enough magic power."

Bluenote had heard enough and blasted both sides with gravity magic. "I don't think you fully understand your situation here." He said before forcing them all to the ground. "After all these years, Fairy Glitter just come to me. Now, hand it over right now."

"If if I did, what good would it do you?" Cana asked back. "This spell only works for members of the Fairy Tail guild. So get lost."

"Don't you know that at their core, all magic I said fundamentally the same thing?" He asked as he used his power to life her off the ground. "All magic comes from one source and I have reached it. So I don't need to join Fairy Tail to use it." He flexed his hand and cana started crying out in pain. "Answer me this; did you really think someone like you could actually use Fairy Glitter?"

"Yeah, so what?" She replied.

"When a novice like you think so you're strong enough to use a spell that advanced, you better believe I do." He retorted. "It's a spell that lets the caster harness the power of the sun moon and stars to destroy the enemies of the caster." He clenched his hand shut and Cana cried out in pain. "Don't worry, I'll take it off your hands."

Natsu raised his head up before it crashed through the ground. "Fire Dragon Roar!" Flames rose out of the ground and hit the dark wizard, who merely stared at Natsu.

"Annoying fly." Bluenote mumbled before launching them all back.

"Thanks Natsu!" Cana said before holding her arm up. "Gather! Oh river of light by fairies!" A bright light tore through the clouds and blinded everyone. "May thy radiance shine and vanquish the fangs of evil! Fairy Glitter!" The light turned into a solid ring that wrapped around Bluenote.

He started screaming in pain before he reached down to the ground. "Fall!" Gravity blasted the Fairy Tail wizards apart and canceled out the spell. "That's What Fairy Glitter is? Just a joke. Guess even maximum power can be useles in the wrong hands." He started walking forward and stood over Cana. "I'll take that magic, even with you dead. Enjoy yourself in hell."

A second hand reached out and blasted Bluenote back. Everyone looked to see that Gildarts was in front of Cana, with a raging anger unseen by any of them. 'Dad...' Cana thought with tears in her eyes.

Well, Gildarts is back and he is PISSED OFF! Time to run if your Grimoire Heart. As for Chi, the more HUMAN blood he drinks the faster his wounds heal. But given that Rustyrose and Azuma can still fight, he said not going to jeopardize the mission. And the symbiote takes time to heal Lucians wounds, so they're both out of the fight. See you next chapter.

Beta read by JballinR12.