Fairy May Cry - Devil's Retribution

by Iron117Prime

After seven years, Dante and the rest of Fairy Tail have returned from Tenrou Island. So much has changed since their absence; a guild called Sabertooth is now at the top spot, the forces of the Underworld are starting to become more active, and what's this new religious movement called the Order of the Sword? Times might have changed, but the insanity of Fairy Tail has not.

40. The Eclipse Project

Hi everyone! Before we begin, let me just say that I was beyond amazed at how well-received my previous chapter was. I poured my heart, blood, and sweat into that battle, years in the making, and to have it receive so much praise truly made me feel special inside.

So, thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Now, before we begin, there is one small detail to point out about Future Lucy. When I first saw that portion of the arc, as well as began writing this, I had no idea that Lucy had lost her arm in that future. It wasn't really stated, and since her whole body was covered with a hooded robe, it was hard to tell if she was missing any kind of appendage. I just assumed since that her hand didn't bare the Fairy Tail guild emblem that the emblem itself was either erased when the rest of Fairy Tail died in that alternate future, or that she might have erased it herself out of a sense of guilt and loss, which makes it feel all the more tragic in my opinion. So, in this fic, Future Lucy has both her arms. But the state of her body… that'll be explained much later on in this arc and trust me when I say that the future that she comes from is very bleak.

We now enter the latter half of the Grand Magic Games arc that deals with the conspiracy surrounding the Eclipse Project and you can expect some changes from canon to occur, as well as expansion on much of the lore. Things are going to get juicy here.

With all that being said, let's get started.

The Eclipse Project

"T-this…. This has to be some kind of joke… right?" Sheeree questioned as she, Ultear, Meredy, and Sorano all looked in clear shock towards what appeared to be Lucy, laying on a bed within the small building that served as the hideout for Crime Sorciere within Crocus. The doppelganger herself had yet to regain consciousness ever since Jellal found her.

"Lucy…?! B-But how is this even possible…?!" Sorano questioned as well.

"I don't know." Jellal confessed. "The minute I found her, she collapsed without saying a word."

"Could she be from Edolas?" Meredy wondered.

"Even if that were the case, it doesn't explain why we can currently sense traces of Zeref's power coming from her." Ultear said.

"But it doesn't make sense!" Sheeree stated. "We've been sensing that power coming from Crocus these past seven years! If this… this girl who looks like Lucy… if she's the source of it… I don't understand any of this…"

"Perhaps it's not her specifically, but rather what's been done to her." Jellal said as he had pulled up on the blanket that was covering her. The robe had already been removed, thus revealing that any clothes she might have been wearing before had been worn out and torn, but it was her skin that drew all their attention.

Almost the entirety of her skin was pale and covered in cracks that appeared to have completely ravaged most of her body. They stretched over her arms, legs, front, and back, and even all the way up towards her cheeks. The sight of her caused Sheeree and Meredy to both gasp, the latter covering her mouth with her hand while Sorano and Ultear looked in shock.

"What… What happened to her…?" Meredy said, sympathy and shock clear in her voice.

Ultear pressed her hand on the doppelganger's head. "She's as cold as ice. Her skin is so dry that I think all the moisture has been completely sucked out." She reached over for her right hand. "No guild emblem…" Ultear placed her fingers over the wrist. "I am getting a pulse though."

"She also had this on her." Jellal revealed half of the Perfect Amulet to them.

"That's gotta be the same one that Dante gave her!" Sorano recognized.

"But… doesn't Lucy… I mean the real Lucy… isn't she still with Fairy Tail?" Sheeree wondered. "There's no way she could have stolen it without getting their attention. And… Jellal, you and a few of them saw her back on Day 3, right? Why did she try to avoid all of them?"

"I do not know." Jellal said once more. "It seems we have more questions than we do answers. But I have a sinking feeling, that the situation we have involved ourselves in has become far more complicated and possibly more dire."

A few light groans drew their attention as they all looked towards the Lucy that continued to lay in the bed. Though she shook somewhat, her eyes still remained closed even if her eyelids twitched, her mouth muttering something they could not understand.

"What's going on?" Meredy wondered.

"I think… she's having some kind of nightmare…" Sheeree guessed.

Sorano walked forward a bit as she reached for the blanket and put it over the body of the Lucy doppelgänger. She ended up gently putting her hand over her head in a manner to calm her down. She remembered doing this with Yukino back when they were kids. It honestly felt kinda surreal to be doing this with Lucy, or someone who looks like her, of all people given their history, but she couldn't quite help herself from giving what comfort she could.

"Whatever happened to you… You're safe now." Sorano spoke to her calmly and gently. "You're in good hands. I promise."

---

Fire and ruins, that was all she saw as Lucy pulled herself up from the rubble. She looked around in sheer terror at what could only be described as the apocalypse erupted around her. She was on her knees in whatever was left of Crocus as the sky was blackened by not only smoke, but hundreds of dragons that continued to rain fire, blasting explosions everywhere. There roars of fury would echo for miles across the sky, the only sound that came close to drowning that out was the collapse of Mercurius less than a mile from her spot.

"Lucy!"

She turned around to see Lisanna limping her way toward her. Her left ankle was twisted as she held her bleeding right arm, with blood flowing down the right side of her face, completely covering her eye and even staining her hair. And she wasn't alone, Levy helped to support her, even though she was in a similar state, with her left hand being gone, blood dripping from the hastily-made bandage

"Lisanna! Levy!" Lucy pushed herself up as she quickly ran towards them, right before Lisanna collapsed and took Levy with her, both girls falling into Lucy's arms. "You're okay… but what about the others? Where are they?"

Levy pulled back slightly to look at Lucy with tears in her eyes, while Lisanna only looked away, completely grief-stricken. "They're gone… All of them…" Levy revealed.

Lucy couldn't believe it. "No… they can't be…" She clung her half of the Perfect Amulet that continued to hang from her neck "This… this can't be real… It's not…!"

A loud roar caught all of their attention as a dragon descended from the sky and unleashed an inferno toward them, but a loud gunshot came from behind them to intercept the fire blast and blow it up. The resulting fire was then quickly sucked in as a certain someone appeared before the three girls to gobble it all up.

"Sorry we're late." Natsu said in a low growl.

"You three should find some cover." Dante added as he walked past them to stand by the Salamander's side with Coyote-A in one hand, and Rebellion in the other.

The dragon that had attacked them landed to face the pair with an angry growl.

"Hey ugly, the name's Dante! I'm the Son of Sparda and a member of Fairy Tail!"

"And I'm Natsu Dragneel, I'm also from Fairy Tail and a Dragon Slayer!" He pounded his fist into his palm. "And we're here to do just that!"

That very same dragon roared at the pair as it prepared to unleash another inferno on them, but Natsu had shot himself forward like a missile, with his body covered in flames, he delivered a powerful headbutt to the dragon's face to push it back. Dante then appeared directly under it and aimed Coyote-A upwards to fire a powerful shotgun blast at its throat, which he followed through by leaping forward and slicing Rebellion at that very same spot to slice up the throat. He then drew Ebony and Ivory and unloaded both his pistols into the injury until blood gushed out like a waterfall.

The dragon then fell dead before the pair, which then drew the attention of several more dragons in the air as they closed in on them.

"That was probably a weaker one." Dante said. "These guys look tougher."

"Let's find out how tough!" Natsu launched himself upward with fire from his feet propelling him while Dante leapt and used Trickster several times, both quickly closing the distance between the approaching dragons as they engaged in battle.

"Fire Dragon Roar!" Natsu unleashed his breath attack at the face of one dragon, the force pushing it down as he saw another dragon incoming. "Fire Dragon Talon!" He delivered a flaming kick to the jaw of that dragon.

Dante pierced the eye of a dragon with Rebellion and fired Coyote-A into the other, effectively blinding it. He then pulled his sword down to guide the blind dragon right into the flight path of another, both crashing and falling from the sky, but Dante had leapt onto the back of the dragon he was on and drove Rebellion into its spine. "Quicksilver!" He ran as fast as he could, dragging Rebellion along the dragon's back to cut it open before reaching the tail just as time resumed its flow before jumping forward to reach another dragon.

Lucy, Lisanna, and Levy held one another as they continued to see fire and flashes of red dance across the countless dragons in the sky.

"Natsu… Dante… It's no use…" Lucy cried. "Please stop…"

"I ain't giving up that easily!" Natsu stated as he stood on the back of one dragon and unleashed his fire breath in every direction, striking whatever dragon he could. But another dragon flew in and slammed its body into the one Natsu was riding on before unleashing a breath attack of green energy to blast Natsu off.

"Come on, you damned lizards! Show me what you got!" Dante challenged as he grabbed the joint of a wing of one dragon and sliced Rebellion with enough force to dislodge it, the dragon roaring in pain as it fell from the sky. However, as Dante leapt from the falling dragon, he found four more flying towards him from all sides and each one unleashed their own breath attacks of various elements on him, which he was unable to avoid.

Both the Crimson Knight and the Salamander fell and landed hard on the ground.

"Natsu! Dante!" Levy called to them.

"Don't count us out yet!" Dante stood up from the ground, still willing to fight as he held his sword tightly.

"We ain't quitting… not after everything…" Natsu vowed as he stood up as well. Both were still willing to face the horde of monsters as all those in the area seemed to be focused on them.

"You three need to get out of here. Find some cover." Dante told the girls, his and Natsu's back to them.

"What…? No…. No! We can all escape together! Just run away!" Levy pleaded.

"Please don't do this! Natsu! I… I can't lose you too!" Lisanna cried.

"Dante…. Natsu… you can't win this… just please… don't… don't go…" Lucy tearfully begged, clutching her half of the Perfect Amulet with the hand that just so happened to bare her guild emblem.

Dante only turned around and gave a smile. It wasn't anything cocky like he would usually do, just a genuine smile and nothing more. Seeing that smile only made Lucy dread as she had a good idea what that meant.

"I love you, Lucy. Lisanna, Levy, you two take care of my favorite cousin, alright? Oh, and I love you guys too." Dante requested, as tears flowed in all three of their eyes. He then turned to face the dragons once more with a serious expression, Natsu standing by his side.

A bright red flash erupted around Dante's body as he transformed into his Devil Trigger. "Ready, Natsu?"

Natsu's form was engulfed in fire and lightning as he entered his dual element mode. "Hell yeah!"

With the roars of a dragon and a devil, the Son of Igneel and the Son of Sparda both flew up towards their countless enemies.

"NATSU! DANTE!" Lucy, Lisanna, and Levy all cried out.

---

"Say that to my face! Turn around, you coward!" Natsu demanded as he stood up on Gray's table, the shirtless wizard keeping his back turned to the Fire Dragon Slayer. The two were currently in the Bar Sun with the rest of their guild as they celebrated their victory over Day Four of the Grand Magic Games.

"Alright, fine." Gray turned around. "I said I'm sick and tired of you screeching like a banshee! It's seriously harshing my mellow!"

"Well, you're sore on the eyes, ya stripper!" Nero pointed out as he leaned against a pillar. "Seriously, there are kids here! You a pedophile or something?"

"Oh you did not just go there!" Gray stood up from his chair, glaring at Nero, causing him to headbutt into Natsu and knock him down.

"Ya wanna fight, ice-lips?!" Natsu challenged as he got back up with an angry expression.

"Anytime, any place! I'll take on both of you idiots!" Gray said to Natsu and Nero.

"Ah geeze, there they go again." Trish put her hand on her face as she sat at a table alongside Lady, Kyrie, and Lisanna.

"Bad enough with fire and ice going at it, now Nero's thrown in the mix, too?" Lady questioned. "Seriously Kyrie, your boyfriend there is about as dense and hardheaded as they are."

"Trust me, I know." Kyrie sighed almost reminiscently. "He's gotten into scuffles just like this with all our friends back at the Order."

"I kinda like to think it's their own way of bonding." Lisanna said with a smile. "They can scrap at it for hours, but I'm sure they'd never actually hurt each other."

"Ah, my beloved Gray!" Juvia looked at the struggling trio of Natsu, Gray, and Nero with a blushing expression. "Even when acting like a savage you're the epitome of hot!"

"Go Natsu! You can do it!" Happy cheered at another table he shared with Carla, Panther-Lily, Wendy, Romeo, and Patty.

"Those three butt heads more than a couple of goats in heat." Carla complained.

"Oh no, Carla don't say it like that!" Patty cringed. "Now I've got a really gross image in my head that I'll never get out!"

"I understand Natsu and Gray fighting because of fire and ice, but why is Nero fighting them?" Wendy wondered.

"Well, he's about as punch-happy as Natsu and got a chill attitude like Gray, that's probably got something to do with it." Romeo said.

"Yes, now that I think about it, Nero and Gajeel do clash with each other in a similar regard, as does Gajeel with Natsu." Lily reminded.

"Ah let em have at it." Dante sat back against his chair with his feet propped up on a table, a mug of beer in his hand. "With what we pulled off today, flame-for-brain deserves a chance to cut loose, and I'd say I deserve this too!" He chugged the bear down all in one sitting. "Hit me up with another!" He called out.

"I think you've had enough, Dante." Modeus eased. "Even with your own unique constitution, you're not immune to being intoxicated."

"Come on Modeus, ya stiff! Live a little!" Dante encouraged. "I just kicked my bro's ass. I'd say I'm entitled to pleasure myself!"

"Don't even bother trying to stop him." Morrison said as he approached Modeus from behind. "When he decides he's drinking, he's drinking."

"Hey, you three! Cut it out!" Lucy, was now fully recovered, pointed towards Natsu, Gray, and Nero getting their attention. "You guys destroyed the place once already, isn't that enough for one week?!"

"Killjoy." All three said simultaneously.

"We have a day off, so if they get hurt, they'll have time to heal." Mira put in. "And just as Dante pointed out, we did get a win in today. So I'd say let them have their fun."

"Yeah, you heard the lady, Cous!" Dante put his arm around Lucy's shoulder. "So have a drink and get the load off."

"Ugh, Dante, Mira! You're not helping!" Lucy tried to push her cousin off before turning to Gildarts, who sat and drank alongside Cana and Makarov. "Master, are you just going to ignore them?!"

"I told ya kiddo, just call me Gildarts." He said as he put his mug down. "I may be master, but I'd prefer to handle it casually."

"That's my old man." Cana grinned drunkenly.

"I don't care what you call yourself! Are you really gonna let those three go at it like a bunch of little kids?!" Lucy questioned.

"Oh hell no!" Gildarts stood up, slamming his hand down on the table. "Hey, Natsu!" His call got the attention of the Salamander and his two guildmates as they pulled at each other's faces. "Quit fighting like a little kid! Fight like a man! Show the same kind of guts you did against those wannabe Dragon Slayers!"

"Seriously!?" Lucy questioned.

"Damn straight!" Elfman agreed. "Be a man!"

"Elfman!" Lucy scolded as she smacked her hand on his shoulder.

"You heard the old man." Natsu grinned as he lit his fist on fire. "Gray, Nero, get ready to cry!"

Nero's demonic fist glowed brightly. "I'm gonna pound you both so deep in the ground you'll think you're a bunch of fossils!"

"Oh yeah?" Gray put his hand to his palm and readied an ice-spell. "Let's see if you can make good on that little threat!"

"Down the hatch…" Just as Happy was about to chow down on a fish, he somehow got caught in the middle of the three-way clash. Happy himself was frozen in a block of ice, while his fish got burnt up, and both were sent flying by a powerful force of demonic energy, the frozen Happy ended up crashing into the table that Lady and Trish were at, splattering their drinks and food all over them while Kyrie and Lisanna both stood up in fright.

"My bad!" All three boys said simultaneously.

"What I'd do to deserve this?!" Happy cried out.

"Okay, that's it!" Lady stood up as she cracked her knuckles. "I'm putting those three in their place!"

"Damn straight! I'm right behind you!" Trish's hands surged with electricity as they approached the three.

"Ooh boy." Lisanna winced.

"This might get a bit out of hand." Kyrie winced as well.

"Are you okay, Happy?" Wendy asked as she applied her healing magic to the poor Exceed. "I'll fix you up."

"Think you can use some of that to decharcoal my fish?" Happy cried.

"That's not even a word!" Carla pointed out.

Romeo couldn't help but look towards Wendy with a smile. "Ya know, Wendy's amazing. She's one of the nicest people I've ever met but she's got the same kind of magic that Natsu does."

"Please don't compare sweet Wendy to that moron over there." Patty sighed.

"Now, now, that's quite enough from all five of you." Modeus approached the scuffle that Natsu, Trish, Gray, Lady, and Nero were all in. "We need to ease the tension a bit."

"You wanna get in this too, Modeus?!" Natsu challenged.

"No thank you." He shook his head, though he looked in surprise to see a series of armored fists strike all five of them on the head.

"That's enough!" Erza scolded as they all sat on the ground, rubbing the bumps on their heads.

"Hey, what did we do to deserve this?!" Trish complained.

"They're the ones who started it!" Lady added.

"True, but you joined in on it!" Erza said before turning to the boys in question. "Now listen up you three. We're here to prove that Fairy Tail is the best guild in all of Fiore, that's why we're competing in the Grand Magic Games, and the final match is just around the corner. It took all of our combined strength just to snag the first place spot, now all of the other guilds are going to be gunning for us."

Dante happened to see the smug look on Lucy's face as she nodded in agreement. "Nobody likes a kiss-up, Lucy."

"Who are you calling a kiss-up?!" She complained.

"…We should be focused and level-headed." Erza continued. "So, what exactly was the point of ruining my cake?!"

"Huh?" The three boys questioned.

Erza held up the burnt up fish. "This happened to land right into my sweet and delicious strawberry cake, so I am entitled to some form of retribution! Now on your feet!" She drew her sword. "Die with dignity!"

Nero groaned. "All this for a slice of cake? Man, you really are a gorilla, aren't you?" He gave a startled gasp as Erza's blade was pointed directly at his neck.

"I'm sorry Nero, can you repeat that? What exactly did you call me?" Erza narrowed her eyes dangerously, which only caused his face to turn purple with fright.

"He said you were a gorilla." Dante said as he stood up straight. "And you got the strength of one for sure. So how about instead of wasting that freaky strength of yours going at the minnows, you take on the shark." He pulled out Rebellion with a grin. "Unless you're a chicken instead."

Nearly everyone in the guild turned pale, not just at Dante's comment, but the fact that Erza turned to him with a diabolical grin that equaled his own.

"Oh? Well, I don't blame your boldness from your victory today Dante, I'm believe I'm more than capable of putting up a greater fight than Vergil could. That said, are you really willing to see for yourself?" Titania chuckled sinisterly.

"And are you forgetting that you never once beat me in a fight?" The Crimson Knight said in the same tone.

It looked like the two were about to clash hard, prompting everyone to back away and not get caught up in what would be a deadly duel, with Lucy backing towards the wall where the spirit of her uncle and the first master of Fairy Tail were residing with casual smiles.

"Um… Uncle Sparda… First Master… can you two please do something to settle this…?" Lucy asked meekly.

"I don't see how we can help since we're ghosts and all." Sparda shrugged.

"And I would actually love to see this myself." Mavis smiled aloofly. "A chance to see who's the best swordsman in all of Fairy Tail."

"We're done for…" Lucy sulked in defeat.

"I do think that is quite enough."

All eyes turned towards the entrance as Kurenai entered the tavern.

"Lady Kurenai." Makarov stood up straight before turning to all the guild members with a stern glare. "Everyone stop your squabbling at once! Don't embarrass your guild in front of the number one Wizard Saint!"

"Thought you were retired, old man." Dante commented as he lowered his guard to put Rebellion away, Erza doing the same.

"Hello, Kurenai." Sparda greeted with a smile.

"Hi Auntie!" Mavis waved.

"Hello there, Mavis." Kurenai nodded with a smile.

"Wait… you can see Master Mavis?" Lisanna asked in surprise. "I thought only those in Fairy Tail can see her."

"There are a select few individuals who are sensitive enough to the natural flow of magic in the world to pick up on the presence of her spirit, and I am one of those select few." Kurenai explained. "Congratulations on your victory today. You've all earned it."

"Thanks." Natsu smiled. "Now where's Sapphire? I am all pumped and I feel like going a few rounds with her!"

"As entertaining as that sounds, there's another Dragon Slayer that has some business with you." Kurenai stepped aside to reveal Gajeel behind her.

"If I ever see another mine car, it'll be too soon." The Iron Dragon Slayer grumbled.

"Gajeel." Panther-Lily approached him along with Nero.

"Welcome back Metalhead. You still in one piece?" The half-demon asked.

"No thanks to this idiot." Gajeel pointed to Natsu.

"Me? What I'd do?" He questioned.

"For real?!" Gajeel went right up to his face. "The only reason I got out of that hole was because of the old mermaid here, and that was only after the lava-brained tool in front of me put me down there!"

"Yeah, you did push him into that mine cart, Natsu." Dante remined.

"Oh yeah…." Natsu remembered before laughing out loud. "That was hilarious!"

Gajeel groaned. "Just forget it. Anyway, you'd better come with me." He said with a serious expression to not only Natsu, but Wendy as well. "You too kiddo, I got something to show you."

"Dante, Modeus, and Nero… you come as well." Kurenai with an equally serious expression, causing the Dragon Slayers and demons in question to look in confusion right before Kurenai glanced towards Sparda with a knowing look in her eyes…

…One that the Dark Knight's spirit recognized as his own eyes widened in shock and he stood up straight. "Don't tell me…"

"Yes. It's time they know." Kurenai confirmed.

---

Meanwhile, a large crowd had gathered in one of the many spots across Crocus that projected the scoreboard of the current standings of the Grand Magic Games, with Fairy Tail in first place reigning above all other guilds currently.

"Fairy Tail is kicking tail!"

"They just might win this thing!"

"Well, Mermaid Heel's not far behind either and they're doing great!"

"What about Sabertooth? I mean, they kinda sucked today. Even their top guy lost."

"Not just that… Minerva tortured that blonde from Fairy Tail? I even think she tried to kill her!"

"Didn't Rufus put that guy from Blue Pegasus in the hospital?"

"Yeah, that was really overkill."

"Sabertooth's getting kinda… scary."

"I'm not sure I'm gonna root for them anymore either."

---

Speaking of Sabertooth, all those in the guild had gathered in Crocus Gardens as Sting, Rogue, and Vergil faced Jiemma, who sat at a chair at the back of the large room, a table with a bottle of wine in front of him. Most of the members looked incredibly nervous with the tense silence, especially Lector and Frosch, while Minerva, Rufus, and Orga had condescending grins on their faces. The Twin Dragons were covered in bandages from their fight; though Vergil wasn't, he was somewhat exhausted himself. Sting and Rogue looked down in shame at their defeat while Vergil just stared their guildmaster dead in the eye.

"Well Vergil, Sting, Rogue, what should I do with you three?" Jiemma began. "The Twin Dragons and the Devil Prince, so-called true Dragon Slayers and the eldest Son of Sparda… Vergil may not be much of a bragger, but you two used to love reminding us how you are the epitome of strength. Isn't that right? So imagine my surprise when you shamelessly got your assess handed to you by another Dragon Slayer! Not only that… but you Vergil lost to your own kid brother! So what do you have to say for yourselves?!"

"Nothing, other than the fact that you yourself have underestimated those in Fairy Tail." Vergil commented, earning a glare from Jiemma.

"Care to repeat that?"

"Should you honestly be surprised?" Vergil continued. "You had a taste of my brother's power yourself. As for the reason I lost specifically, Dante gained new abilities that I was unaware of, that combined with his own creative tactics allowed him to bridge the gap between us." A smile crossed Vergil's face. "He is our father's son after all."

Jiemma stood up and threw the table in front of him to the wall. "Wipe that damned smirk off your face! Are you praising the enemy?!"

"Credit where it is due." Vergil said as he glared back at Jiemma. "Of course, you don't really care for anyone's opinion but your own."

"It wasn't just Dante, though." Rogue spoke up as well. "We underestimated Natsu as well. His ability to use two elements came out of nowhere, and he was even able to overpower Sting and myself without using the full extent of his power. Perhaps he was right, and we've used our own as a crutch."

The guildmaster of Sabertooth stomped his way towards the three, creating an impression on the ground where he stomped. "That all sounds like the whining of a bunch of weaklings to me!"

"If you intend to expel us as you did with Yukino, let me save you the trouble, at least with myself." Rogue told him. "I quit."

Nobody expected that. Nearly everyone in Sabertooth gasped and looked in clear shock, with Rufus and Orga being especially surprised.

"Did I hear that correctly…?" Rufus muttered.

"Did the guy just say that he's quitting Sabertooth?" Orga questioned.

Lector and Frosch both had worried but knowing looks on their faces, they both knew Rogue was planning on doing this, but that didn't make them any less concerned. Minerva, on the other hand, narrowed her eyes.

"Wait… what…?" Sting looked towards Rogue in surprise, while Vergil didn't appear to show any kind of reaction.

"I'm sorry Rogue. I didn't quite hear you." Jiemma directed his glare down to the Shadow Dragon Slayer. "Please. Tell me what you just said."

"I said that I quit." Rogue repeated. "I was originally planning on leaving Sabertooth at the end of this tournament, but I can tell that you mean to expel us because of our defeat, just as you did Yukino. So let me at least save you the trouble." He then turned toward his partner. "Sting, you are welcome to join me if you wish."

"Rogue… I…" Sting did not expect Rogue to do this at all. Quitting Sabertooth?! He never imagined anyone doing something like that, mostly because nobody's ever quit Sabertooth! The only time anyone's left the guild is when their master kicked them out, so this was quite a shock to them as well.

"Vergil, you as well." Rogue offered. "I know you don't care for this guild, you even admitted that it was a means to an end for you. Perhaps it's time that we leave."

Before Vergil could offer a response however, Rogue was blasted back against the wall by an attack from Jiemma.

"Rogue!" Frosch quickly ran to his side.

"Nobody quits my guild!" Jiemma exclaimed. "You only leave when I say you can leave!"

"Hey, you can't just…!" Sting tried to speak out, only to get blasted back by Jiemma to the wall on the other side, prompting Lector to rush to him.

"That's quite enough." Vergil told him. "I'd advise you to rethink your approach."

"Is that some sort of threat, boy?" Jiemma warned as a dark purple aura enveloped him, a showcase that he was preparing to unleash his full wrath upon him.

"Is it?" Vergil responded as his own demonic power surged around his own body, indicating that he was more than willing to fight back.

As the two glared at one another, nearly everyone cautiously backed away. They all knew this was coming. It was clear since the beginning that Jiemma and Vergil never liked each other, and the way the two argued often with each other were practically warning signs that they would come to blows eventually, and it would seem that it was about to happen right now.

"H-hey come on Master… they tried their best… Sting, Rogue, and Vergil… isn't that what matters the most…?" Lector spoke up albeit somewhat shakily. "I know they lost, but that's okay. It was still an amazing fight! I'm proud of Sting!"

"Lector…" Sting had no idea what to say as his Exceed companion continued to defend him. He failed to keep his promise to him. Natsu defeated him even though he vowed he'd win. Sting failed… so why was Lector still defending him?

"Maybe Natsu and Dante are stronger than him now, but he can grow stronger too, right?" Lector continued. "I still think he has what it takes, even if he did lose. So, if he and Rogue want to leave, maybe they should. They can train and get stronger, and maybe come back so that Sabertooth can grow as a guild even more."

"Who the hell are you?" Jiemma questioned, not even looking in Lector's direction, much to the red Exceed's surprise.

"W-what do you mean, Master?" Lector lifted his shirt to reveal the Sabertooth emblem on his back. "I-I'm a bonafied member! I even got the Saber crest to prove it! D-don't you see…?"

However, Lector shrunk in fear as Jiemma directed all his magic power and ire directly at him. "This is a total abomination! Who defiled our guild's sacred crest by placing it on this mangey little creature!"

Vergil knew what was coming and was about to reach for the Yamato, only for it to vanish from his person curtsey of the smirking Minerva, right as Jiemma unleashed his devastating power onto the terrified Lector, much to the horror of Sting, Rogue, and Frosch, their pupils shrinking.

"…Help me Sting…!" Lector cried out right before he vanished in the blast of magic.

"NO! LECTOR!" Sting cried out.

Even Rufus and Orga were caught off guard by that while Vergil's glare hardened on Minerva.

Sting only looked wordlessly at the smoking spot on the floor where Lector once was, but now he was gone. His best friend, his very first friend since losing Weisslogia, the one who's always supported him and been at his side… and now he was gone. And he couldn't stop it. As tears of sorrow and fury were already pouring out of his eyes, he couldn't help but recall what Dante said to him during their match…

"What about your little Exceed friend? He's pretty weak, right? And if being weak means you deserve to get beaten up, I'm surprised you didn't just straight up kill him. I know a hypocrite when I see one."

As Dante's words replayed in his mind, Sting found himself screaming in anguish.

"Frosch…!" Rogue held his Exceed close afraid that he'd be next while Frosch shook in fear and grief over what he just saw.

"Lector's gone… Master killed him…! Why did he do that…?"

"It got what it deserved." Jiemma said without a care. "If you're smart, you'll remove your own emblem before you join the fleabag."

Sting then cried out. "What have you done?! What the hell have you done?!" He sobbed as he held his hands to his face.

"Stop your damn blubbering. It was just a cat." Jiemma ordered.

That was it! In a flash of white light, Sting shot himself at Jiemma, blasting him with a white-light coated fist in the gut, taking everyone by surprise, including Minerva and especially Rogue and Frosch, while Vergil just stared.

Jiemma was smashed into the wall where he looked to see Sting already going straight to his Dragon Force and was on Jiemma in a matter of seconds, pounding him across his face and body with all his fury and rage.

"I'LL KILL YOU!" Sting shouted as he continued to pound. "KILL YOU! KILL YOU! KILL YOU! KILL YOU! KILL YOU!"

"ENOUGH!" A blast of raw magic power erupted from Jiemma, blasting Sting off of him before the master of Sabertooth seized him by the throat and pulled his fist back which surged with his destructive power. "You dare to strike me?! In that case, I'll send you to join your pet…!"

*SLASH!*

Vergil appeared past Jiemma, Mirage Edge held outward…

Right before Jiemma's head was severed from the rest of his body.

All fell silent as the entire shocked guild looked towards Jiemma's headless form as it fell to the ground, blood coming out from his neck hole and the severed head and all over the floor.

Nobody could believe what they just saw. Vergil had killed Jiemma in the blink of an eye, before they had even realized it. Mouths hung open, jaws dropped, and eyes widened. Rufus and Orga were more shocked than ever before, Rogue continued to hold Frosch close as they looked in just as shock as ever.

Sting ended up staring at Vergil as Mirage Edge vanished from his hand and he turned towards the downed White Dragon Slayer.

"V-Vergil…. You… I…" Sting had no idea what to say.

"Lector's alive." Vergil revealed, much to Sting's surprise, as well as Rogue and Frosch.

"What…?"

"Minerva used her magic to teleport him right as Jiemma attacked, making it look as though he had perished." Vergil explained.

"It's true." Minerva herself confirmed as she stepped forward. "Your dear Lector is currently residing in my own personal pocket dimension. Do not fret, Sting. He may be a bit shaken up, but he's most assuredly alive."

"Y-you mean it, Milady?! He's still alive?!" Sting fell to his knees in relief as his Dragon Force mode vanished.

"Lector didn't really go bye-bye?" Frosch asked his own beloved Dragon Slayer with an emotional smile.

"That's right…" Rogue held Frosch close in relief.

"Thank you! Thank you so much, Milady!" Sting sobbed. "You can bring him back now! Thank you!"

"I wouldn't thank her, Sting." Vergil told him. "She didn't save Lector. She's abducted him."

"What…?!" Sting questioned.

"I had intended to intervene, but Minerva stole the Yamato from me in the confusion. And that split-second moment was what she needed to make her move." Vergil said. "For what reason, I can only guess."

"Why it's simple, isn't it? To give him proper motivation." Minerva explained. "You were defeated Sting, there's no doubt about that, but I think it's because you didn't have any real reason to win, but now you do."

"What are you saying, Milady?! Why are you doing this to me?!" Sting was crying all over again. "Please stop! Bring Lector back now!"

"I will, only after we've won the Grand Magic Games." Minerva began. "Before, your only motivation was fighting Natsu, believing you had long-since surpassed him. But now you've seen that is no longer the case, and your fighting spirit has vanished. That is until Lector's life was threatened. So consider this your motivation, if you win the Games I promise to give you Lector back safe and sound. But if you lose, then his life will come to an end. That I swear. Oh, and if you get any funny ideas about attacking me, then Lector's fate is all but sealed."

Sting felt his rage return, but he tried his hardest to restrain himself for Lector's sake. He quickly turned to the half-demon. "Vergil… Can't you do something…?!"

"Unfortunately, no." Vergil replied. "Even with the Yamato, without knowing exactly where Minerva's pocket-dimension is, I have no location to reach and no means to free Lector." He glared at the woman.

"You can lecture me all you want about being dirty or dishonorable, but I'd say it's a matter of being smarter." Minerva argued.

"Hey… quick question." Orga spoke up. "What exactly are we going to do about… that?" He pointed towards Jiemma's decapitated body.

"Yes, that may present a problem to the outside world, one that could lead to our disqualification if word were to get out." Minerva admitted. "However, this also serves as quite the opportunity. My father's oppressive reign is over. He proved to be a failure as the master of Sabertooth with the poor performance our guild has done in the tournament so far, so new leadership is in order. And I believe Vergil to be our best candidate."

"Oh? And I thought you would take the position yourself." Vergil said.

"Tempting as it is, you were the one who killed him. Only the strongest are meant to lead and it is clear that your strength has far surpassed my father's." Minerva responded. "We can make up some excuse that he suffered a heart attack or a stroke, the stress of the Games and Sabertooth's failures didn't mix well with his aging health. So you decided to step in in his stead."

"You do realize that my position as the guild's master prevents me from participating in the final round of the Games." Vergil reminded.

"It is true that you are indeed are strongest member, but even you were defeated." Minerva explained. "But it was Dante's performance that showed me the truth of battle, something that my father has refused to see. It's about fighting smarter, not harder. Using your power appropriately. During our day of rest, we can come up with a new strategy that'll guarantee us victory. In regards of our team's numbers… Dobengal?"

"Y-yes, Milady?" The ninja-clad wizard stepped forward somewhat nervously.

"Your strength and power is equal to that of those participating in our team, aside from me of course, so now you will fill in the spot." Minerva ordered.

Though surprised by this turn of events, Dobengal was more than willing to show the world what he was capable of. "If that is what you wish, then I will gladly participate." He bowed.

"We can work out the details after the Games, Vergil." Minerva told him. "Whether you chose to remain as Sabertooth's new master permanently or pass it on to someone else."

Vergil read her smirk and knew what she was implying. 'She intends to use me as a figurehead for the remainder of the tournament, and once it's over she'll reveal that I killed Jiemma. which she suspects will lead to my arrest and she'll take the position as Sabertooth's master. There is some cleverness to her plan, I'll admit. Although, she isn't aware that I have other options… my position within the Magic Council… as well as that towards Fiore's royal family… That said…'

"Very well." Vergil accepted. "I will play your game, Minerva. However, do not expect to win."

"We'll see." Minerva grinned challengingly as she brought the Yamato back via her own spatial magic and tossed it back to its true owner. She then turned towards Sting as he stood up. "Well, Sting? Don't forget about your dear Lector. And the same goes for you Rogue, just in case you get any funny ideas about leaving."

Rogue narrowed his eyes as he held Frosch close. 'She must have overheard my conversation with Lector earlier. Damn her.'

"If I win, you'll return him, correct?" Sting clarified as shadows from his hair covered his eyes.

"You have my word. Just win the Games, I don't care how you do it." Minerva confirmed.

"Fine. But if you go back on your word… and something happens to Lector after we win…" He gave her the darkest and most murderous look he could possibly muster. "I will kill you."

Minerva stared at him for a few seconds before her grin returned.

---

Meanwhile Kurenai and Gajeel led the group consisting of Natsu, Dante, Happy, Wendy, Modeus, Carla, Nero, and Panther-Lily back underground through the mine tunnels and they weren't alone. Gray, Lisanna, Lucy, Kyrie, Lady, and Trish had all decided to join them.

"So… um… what did you find down here?" Wendy asked.

"After this idiot dumped me in that cart…" Gajeel pointed towards Natsu. "I got stuck down here until she pulled me out."

"So, where are we going exactly?" Natsu questioned.

"You'll see soon enough." Kurenai confirmed.

"I wonder if they found something that has to do with Dragon Slayer magic." Happy said aloud.

"Perhaps, or it could something of demonic origin." Lily theorized.

"So then, why did the gawkers tag along?" Carla questioned, referring to Trish and those who weren't demons or Dragon Slayers.

"Excuse us for being gawkers." Gray grumbled.

"We can't help but be curious." Lucy smiled innocently.

"It's fine." Kurenai assured. "They can tag along."

Nero happened to notice an uncomfortable look on Modeus' face. "Hey, what's up with you?"

"I'd hoped I would never come back here again, much less with all of you." He replied.

"Again?" Lisanna questioned.

As the group soon came to the end of the tunnel, they saw Sparda's spirit waiting for them, the look on his face was one that mixed seriousness as well as grief.

"Old man… what's up? Where are we?" Dante asked his father.

"A place that I'd hoped none of you would ever set foot in." Sparda stepped aside, allowing everyone to enter the massive and cave and see what occupied them.

"Wait… what…?!" Trish questioned as she and everyone else gasped in shock and surprise at the sight of hundreds and hundreds of massive bones that were scattered all over the enormous cavern.

"Oh my…." Kyrie covered her mouth in shock.

"Are these… bones…?" Lady questioned.

"Not just any bones… these are dragon remains…" Natsu said in a shocked expression as Wendy herself looked with shaky eyes, even as Modeus put a hand on her head, though the look on his face had suggested that he had been here before.

"Welcome to the dragon's graveyard." Sparda said grimly as the group proceeded deeper inside, and as they did, they all couldn't help but look in shock and awe over the remains of the mighty beasts that once flew across the skies.

"These were dragons…?" Nero questioned. "They're huge!"

"Dragons were among the most physically imposing beings in all of Earthland, of course their remains would be just as big." Kurenai confirmed.

"I've heard stories about dragons but… I've never seen any for myself…" Kyrie looked in clear shock.

"If you'd ever wanted proof that they existed, here is it." Lily commented.

"Given how many of these skeletons there are, you might not be all that far off." Lady pointed out.

"What in the world happened to all of them…?" Lisanna felt incredibly nervous.

"Something horrible I bet…" Lucy felt just as nervous.

"And I got a bad feeling we won't like the answer." Trish said.

"We had known many of these dragons, several of which were our friends." Modeus looked down in remorse. "It's still hard to see them all like this."

"How exactly do you know about this place, Modeus?" Gray asked.

"Because I helped to bury these dragons." He revealed, much to the group's surprise.

"We all did." Kurenai added, referring to herself and Sparda. "As Modeus had said, many of these dragons were our comrades and friends, and some even our enemies. But after what they went through, a proper burial seemed what they all deserved."

"So… does that mean we'll find Igneel down here too?" Happy wondered, causing Lisanna and Carla to especially look in shock.

"Happy!" Carla scolded.

The blue Exceed gasped, realizing what he had just said aloud. "My bad." He covered his mouth in regret.

"No, he ain't here." Natsu said seriously.

"Yes, I can confirm that Igneel is not among those resting down here." Sparda said. "Because he, Grandeeney, and Metalicana helped to bury these dragons."

Dante gave a sigh before speaking. "Look, I get that this is probably a sensitive subject for you guys, but I think we're due for some answers. You know what happened and I'd like to know what it is."

"Yeah, me too." Natsu also spoke up.

"Same here." Gajeel stated with Wendy nodding in agreement.

Sparda, Kurenai, and Modeus each exchanged glances with one another before they addressed the group in front of them.

"For the longest time on Earthland, dragons were considered the dominant species of this world." Sparda began. "So much so that they were considered the main adversary to the forces of the Underworld. And as you know, I defected from Mundus' ranks, along with Kurenai and others. We worked together with the dragons to sever our two worlds from each other and seal away Mundus."

"Yeah, already know that part of the story." Gray said.

"But do you know what happened after?" Kurenai responded. "Just as Sparda said, dragons were considered the dominant species of Earthland. They flew through the skies, raced across the ground, and swam in the oceans. But because of that power, many of these dragons felt that Earthland belonged solely to them."

"So, what about humans?" Lisanna asked.

"Let me guess, they decided to wipe us all out because we were inferior, right?" Lady questioned skeptically.

"Not quite." Sparda answered. "They viewed humanity as inferior, yes. But they didn't desire to wipe them out… mostly because humans were a food source for them."

That caused many of the humans present near them to shiver at the thought.

"But not all dragons were like that." Sparda continued. "There were many who saw the value of human life, the same thing I saw that led to my defection from Mundus. The most prominent one of all was Igneel." That got Natsu's attention. "He had quite the influence among his own kind, being known as the Fire Dragon King, the strongest of the Fire Dragons, many dragons respected him, including Grandeeney and Metalicana."

"Sparda and I worked with Igneel and the others to try and find a way to foster co-existence between humans and dragons." Kurenai added.

"My brother and I were also involved." Modeus put in. "Even though at that time, four hundred years ago to be precise, we were no longer his students, we still followed Sparda." He looked towards the spirit of his mentor.

"At first, we only attempted negotiations with the other dragons…" Sparda continued.

"But I'm guessing not everyone was on board with that." Nero assumed.

"Unfortunately, no." Kurenai shook her head. "Most dragons hated the idea outright. The one at the head of that party was the Thunder Dragon King, Elexion."

"Thunder Dragon King?" Gajeel questioned.

"I thought Igneel was the king." Natsu pointed out.

"For a dragon, the term 'king' or 'queen' is a title that's given to the dragon that's considered the strongest and not necessarily a form of royalty like with humans." Sparda explained. "Igneel was the strongest of the dragons who wielded fire, while Elexion was that of those who wielded lightning."

"Were there any other kings?" Wendy asked.

"There was a queen, Cryolas of the Ice Dragons." Kurenai remembered. "But she was neither against nor supported co-existence, and a handful of other dragons chose to be alongside her and avoid taking sides in the growing debate between our own factions."

"But it wasn't long before war broke out." Sparda went out. "Igneel and I led those who supported dragons and humans co-existing with Kurenai, Grandeeney, Metalicana, and a few other demon defectors being among them, while Elexion led those who rejected the idea."

"So, you killed dragons too, old man?" Dante asked his father.

"I did, but just as many of you know that not all demons are bad and not all humans are good, the same applies to dragons as well." Sparda replied.

"You were part of the war too, Modeus?" Lucy asked.

"Not directly." The former demon apprentice answered. "At the time, I abandoned my sword and swore never to fight again. So instead, I chose to lend my aid by protecting and saving what humans I could, be they those that were directly threatened by the opposing dragons or those that would be caught in the crossfire. Though Baul didn't hesitate to take up his own blade and fight alongside Sparda, Igneel, and the others."

"But this fight wasn't just among dragons." Kurenai added. "This war had spread across the entire world, and the massive clashes of magic led to the creation of rifts between our world and the Underworld. Even if Mundus was sealed, many high-ranking demons, including the three Demon Kings, used this as their chance to invade…. Which essentially turned the conflict into a three-way war."

"The chaos and destruction that resulted was beyond horrible." Sparda looked in grief. "All sides seemed evenly matched with no end in sight. Entire continents were reduced to rubble, countries wiped off the map, and the casualties among the human populace were enormous. If the war continued, it could have led to the destruction of all of Earthland."

That thought caused everyone to look in seriousness and surprise. Just imaging a war like that and the end of the world would be enough to give anyone nightmares. Kyrie even reached out to grab Nero's hand for a form of assurance.

"However, it seemed like things would work out." Kurenai continued. "Within the human kingdom of Dragnof, the queen and her dragon friend came up with an ingenious idea: for the dragons to pass their power down to humans… and thus Dragon Slayer Magic was born."

If they didn't have their attention before, they did now. Natsu, Gajeel, and Wendy paid the closest attention.

"And we had no shortage of volunteers." Sparda said. "Between humans who wanted to fight alongside the dragons they befriended, or those who wanted revenge for lost loved ones."

"But with the addition of Dragon Slayers, the tide of the war quickly changed." Modeus said. "Not just with the opposing dragons, but even forces of the Underworld found themselves cowering before the first generation of Dragon Slayers."

"At the sight of humans fighting alongside dragons and even showcasing power that put them on par with them, a few opposing dragons even defected to our side out of respect for their strength." Kurenai said. "The enemies' numbers quickly fell, even Elexion fled away like the coward he was."

"It would seem that the war would come to an end. Even Cryolas who remained neutral in the conflict came to respect humans who wielded Dragon Slayer Magic." Sparda said. "We had brokered peace… or so we thought."

Dante narrowed his eyes, having a bad feeling where this was going. "What happened?"

Sparda's fists clenched as he tried to push back a flood of negative emotions. "There was one Dragon Slayer in particular… that was not in favor of peace. He kept fighting, he kept killing… but nobody could have predicted that he would make such a horrific discovery."

"Natsu, you remember what I said to you earlier about you gaining the ability to use lightning?" Modeus recalled.

"Yeah, you said it was cause Laxus was a Dragon Slayer." Natsu recalled.

"The same principle that allowed dragons to pass their power onto humans which led to the creation of Dragon Slayer Magic." Modeus confirmed. "But Natsu… you were not the first Dragon Slayer to use more than one element."

That revelation took them by surprise.

"While fighting a dragon who used a power not his own, this Dragon Slayer tried to consume his opponent's power and somehow… gained the ability to wield both." Kurenai confirmed as an uncomfortable look formed on her face. "He saw what could be given, could also be taken. And after that, there was no stopping him."

"He did not just limit himself to one additional element, he stole the power of every dragon he faced and killed them as he did." Sparda revealed, earning gasps from the audience. "With each victim, a new power was added to his arsenal, and it wasn't just dragons on the opposing side, he even attacked his dragon allies and his fellow Dragon Slayers! He bathed an entire nation in their blood!"

"What…?!" Kyrie gasped.

"He turned on his own guys?" Nero wondered in anger, the idea of a betrayal like that brought up bad memories for him.

"Why would he do that?!" Wendy questioned emotionally.

"Who knows?" Modeus shrugged. "We never discovered the answer ourselves. Perhaps he hated all of dragon-kind and sought revenge, or he become intoxicated by his power."

"He left scores of dragons and Dragon Slayers dead in his wake." Kurenai continued, she gestured to the many skeletons surrounding them. "All of the dragons around us are his victims."

"It was not just dragons either." Modeus added. "Many demons went after him too. Either to use his power for their own ends, or to seek a challenge… but any demon that battled him didn't live to tell the tale. He became a being that even the Three Demon Kings would be intimidated by."

"Eventually all that power he consumed melded together into a single substance: Ethernano." Sparda revealed. "You could say he was the Ether Dragon Slayer."

"Ethernano…?" Happy questioned in fear.

"As in the very substance that sustains all magic in Earthland?" Carla was just as fearful as Happy.

"Isn't that also the same kind of power as the Etherion?" Lily asked. "The weapon the Magic Council has at its disposal."

"It is, but that's not all." Kurenai confirmed. "With all that power and overuse of it… this Slayer's human form began to change. His skin became scales, his teeth turned into fangs, wings sprouted from his back… and he ceased being human all together."

"Are you saying this guy became a dragon?!" Lisanna exclaimed.

"Yes." Sparda confirmed. "I had followed his path of destruction and bloodshed right to him as he transformed, seeing it with my own eyes. I'll never forget it, nor will I forget the battle that ensued. I fought that monster with everything I had, but his accumulated power was equal to that of my own, even Igneel's. When we clashed, the two of us were even."

"This guy was strong as you?" Dante looked towards his dad in surprise.

"Up to the point that Igneel, myself and others all had to jump in and lend a hand." Kurenai added. "But even then… the battle was horrific. We leveled a whole countryside…! A mountain range was completely gone by the time it was all finished!"

"B-But… you won… right?" Even Trish was looking more than a little nervous.

"Define, 'win'." Sparda said grimly. "If you mean 'kill', then no, we did not. The monster had retreated… but the damage was done. By the time it was finished… most of the dragons and even Dragon Slayers… were all but extinct."

Gasps of shock were heard from the entire audience.

"The war had ended. But not in the way that we had hoped. A once mighty and proud species… reduced to a mere handful…. Many of our friends…" Sparda's form shook with anger. "That damned monster…!"

"But that was over four hundred years ago, right? What happened to him?" Gray asked.

"He vanished… we tried to track him down, but we couldn't find him." Kurenai answered. "After a certain point, we decided to focus on rebuilding the world and eventually… the conflict would become known as the Dragon King Festival… a rather festive name for such a grim time in Earthland's history."

"Although… he would reappear two more times in recent history." Modeus revealed. "In fact, one of those times… was when he attacked Tenrou Island seven years ago."

It had become deathly silent in the cave.

"No… don't tell me…" Natsu's pupils shrunk.

"Yes." Sparda confirmed as he looked them all dead in the eye. "Acnologia."

Dante, Natsu, Lucy, Happy, Gray, Lisanna, Trish, Wendy, Carla, Gajeel, Panther-Lily, and Lady all remembered that day very clearly. None of them could ever forget that. The dreaded black dragon that descended upon their sacred ground, one that even Gildarts and Makarov feared. They can even remember the deathly roar; it would haunt them all to their graves.

"Hold on… are you saying… that… that thing used to be human?!" Lady questioned.

"Used to be, yes." Kurenai answered. "Any trace of humanity in him is long since gone."

"Acnologia…?" Kyrie recalled the name. "I… I've read a few things in Fortuna's library… the Black Dragon of the Apocalypse… but I thought he was just a myth… and… you're saying he was human…?"

"How strong exactly is that thing?" Nero questioned.

"Our guild's top players went against that monster!" Lucy exclaimed. "We threw everything we had at it, with three Dragon Slayers, Dante, Trish, and Modeus giving it their all… but we couldn't even faze it!"

"It almost destroyed the entire island!" Lisanna added. "If it weren't for Fairy Sphere, we'd all be dead!"

"In a sense, that beast is directly responsible for us missing out on seven years." Carla put in.

"But given what Sparda and the others have just told us, we are lucky to be alive." Lily said.

"Aye…" Happy nodded in agreement.

However, that revelation also caused Dante to remember something about that encounter. Specifically when the Black Dragon spoke to him.

"You are a spawn of Sparda."

"Do you miss your father? Allow me to reunite you with him."

He didn't really think much about it, but the way that monster spoke… what was he implying? But with what was just said only a few seconds ago, it then dawned on him.

"You said he appeared twice recently." Dante spoke up. "That was only one time. I'm guessing he showed up before, right?" He looked towards his father's spirit, who turned around and couldn't even face his son. "Hey, look at me! Dad turn around and look at me! Was it him? Give it to me straight! I have a right to now! Was Acnologia the one that killed you?!"

Everyone around him looked in shock as they gasped. Did they hear that right?! No! No that couldn't be true! There was no way that was true, right?! Right?!

Natsu, Gajeel, Wendy, Gray, Lisanna, Happy, Carla, Lily, Nero, Kyrie, Lady, Trish, and especially Lucy, they all looked towards Sparda, who still kept their back turned, with their own looks of denial and concern. As for Modeus and Kurenai, they couldn't help but look down in sorrow.

As Dante kept his eyes hardened on his silent father, Sparda slowly turned towards him and gave his response.

"Yes. He was."

It was as if all time had stopped in that one moment.

He confirmed it. There was no deception or trick in that revelation. No denying it.

Acnologia, the Black Dragon of the Apocalypse, the Dragon Butcher… was the one who killed the Dark Knight, Sparda.

"No way…" Gajeel muttered.

"I don't believe it…" Gray muttered as well.

Lisanna, Happy, Carla, Wendy, and even the hardened warriors of Natsu, Lady, Trish all shook in silent shock.

Nero and Kyrie found the idea to be rather surreal themselves. They all grew up in a church that praised and worshiped Sparda, almost like a god. But to know the exact details of a legend that was revered with such divinity die… and at the hands of such a terrible monster… was something that they had trouble even processing.

Lucy felt her own tears flow down her face. While Sparda was a legendary warrior to most of the world and she highly regarded him as such… he was also her uncle. A part of her family. The same monster that almost destroyed her family in Fairy Tail had already taken a piece of her family beforehand.

As for Dante… He felt his anger boil. He was face-to-face with the one who killed his father and he didn't even realize that! And it wasn't just that! When his father died, that's when the demons came to his own home and attacked! It's what led to him and Vergil being separated and his mother dying! Even if it wasn't by his direct hand… to Dante… Acnologia was the one that stole his childhood and destroyed his family!

"I had sensed Acnologia's return around the time of yours and Vergil's eight birthday." Sparda revealed. "I sought him out with the desire to destroy him, so that he would not come after my family. But somehow, he had gotten stronger than when I last saw him. We fought for days on end… leveling a mountain range in the process… but… I was unable to end him. I had every intent of returning home to you, your brother, and your mother… but I failed." He looked towards his son with sympathy and grief. "I am so sorry."

"You knew…" He looked towards Modeus in anger. "You knew the whole time, didn't you?"

"Forgive me, Dante." Modeus confessed. "I feared if I had told you, you would seek Acnologia for the sake of revenge… and that would be suicide. Even as you are now… you don't stand a chance."

"He's right Dante." Kurenai added. "All of you, listen closely… none of you stand a chance against Acnologia as you are now! He is currently the most powerful being in all of Earthland! He brought about the dragons' near extinction! You cannot defeat him… so please… do not seek him out. Natsu… don't." She looked towards the Salamander who had a serious look in his eyes. "I know what you're thinking and please… don't."

He wanted to argue. He wanted to shout and scream why he shouldn't look for the monster that destroyed so many innocent lives and put him in the ground! The one who hurt two of his closest friends in Fairy Tail and tried to destroy the very guild he called home! But with the revelation that Acnologia was the one who killed Sparda… even Natsu knew when something was above his league. But that didn't mean he'd have to like it.

But just then, his nose picked up an unfamiliar scent, which put him on alert. "Somebody else is here!"

The group looked towards the shadows where they saw two figures approaching them. "Lower your guard, I promise we mean you no harm." The first figure to step out was a certain armored man. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Colonel Arcadios, leader of the Sakura Knight Squadron, the Crocus garrison force of the royal Fiore army."

"The military…?" Lisanna looked in surprise.

However, Lucy gasped when she saw the young woman by Arcadios' side. "Yukino?"

"Hello Lucy, it's a pleasure to see you and everyone else again." She greeted with a smile.

While everyone else looked in surprise, Happy walked closer to Sparda's spirit and spoke in a hushed whisper. "Hey, they can't see you, can they?"

"No they cannot, nor can they hear me, and I'd prefer you'd keep my presence hidden for the time being." Sparda said to all of them, which they all understood. He happened to glance at Yukino, as well as Lisanna, and couldn't help but dwell on their similar appearances and how they both looked so much like that young priestess he sacrificed to seal away Temen-ni-gru many eons ago. And now, her descendants were together alongside his sons and even Anna's descendant, not to mention Natsu himself…

'Fate must have a twisted sense of humor.' The Dark Knight thought.

Carla's eyes widened the second she saw Arcadios, like she recognized him from somewhere. 'In my vision… I saw a white knight… and this man…'

"I hope you forgive that I was eavesdropping on the latter part of your conversation." Arcadios said. "It seems our own research has left out a few key details. Namely, how we initially theorized that Zeref was the one who turned Acnologia into a dragon, though it appears we were mistaken."

"Zeref and Acnologia have absolutely no connection to each other whatsoever!" Kurenai stated. "The man's own cursed immortality has nothing to do with that monster's creation!"

"I can see that…" Arcadios admitted. "My apologies, perhaps I should have sought your advice on the matter, Lady Kurenai. Although, we may still be able to accomplish our goal as intended."

"What goal?" Nero questioned irritably. "What the hell are you guys even doing down here anyway?"

"Our goal is to subdue Acnologia and Zeref." Yukino revealed.

"Wait, you're part of the army now?" Lisanna questioned Yukino.

"I see… just before Day 3 started, the royal family requested Yukino's presence… it seems that intent was to recruit her." Modeus deduced.

"You could say that, yes." Yukino herself confirmed.

"Please allow me to clarify…" Arcadios began. "For the past several years, I have been working on a highly classified project, but its success required the power of a Celestial Wizard. Luckily, sergeant Yukino is able to lend her assistance in this undertaking."

"A secret project these past few years involving Celestial Wizards, huh?" Gray's eyes narrowed, glancing towards his friends, specifically Lucy, Natsu, and Dante as they seemed to have come to the same conclusion.

'Is this what Sheeree, Jellal, and the rest of Crime Sorciere are worried about?' Wendy wondered.

"Get to the point, would ya?!" Natsu stomped forward. "I'm really low on patience! So skip the formal crap and tell us what you're doing down here!"

"The one and only Natsu Dragneel, as well as Dante Redgrave, the Son of Sparda." Arcadios looked to the both of them. "It's a pleasure to finally meet the two of you face-to-face. I applaud your recent victory."

However, the sentiment was not shared as Dante walked forward and stared Arcadios dead in the eye, their faces inches away from each other.

"Maybe you didn't hear my friend: get to the point. Cause I'm sick of all this conspiracy bullshit." Dante demanded. "Fair warning, I just learned something that put me in a really bad mood. So, you are going give me a straight answer right now. I won't ask again."

"Dante…" Lucy tried to step forward and calm her cousin, but Lady put a hand on her shoulder before gently pulling her back. She turned to see many of her friends had similar serious expressions. Considering this could be connected to what Crime Sorciere was looking for, and it directly involved Celestial Wizards, it only made sense that everyone was on the defensive.

"This should probably go without saying, but he's kinda an important dude." Happy pointed out.

"I don't really think calling him 'dude' is a very good idea either." Lily added.

"Regardless of his current position, we are entitled to some answers and I would highly appreciate that the colonel would be honest with us." Kurenai said in a tone that seemed calm yet there was also an equally serious look on her face as she stated at the Colonel directly.

"Please… Dante, Lady Kurenai…" Yukino stepped in-between them. "I understand why you feel this way… but please, Colonel Arcadios means nobody any harm. To the contrary, his goal is to save the world."

"Save it?" Kyrie questioned.

"I promise to tell you everything, just not here." Arcadios said. "So please, follow me."

The group shared concerning glances with one another before coming to a decision. "Fine." Dante accepted. They followed Arcadios and Yukino out of the graveyard, leaving only Sparda's spirit behind as he turned around to glance at the dragon skeletons one last time with a sorrowful expression.

---

"Holy shit...!" Nero exclaimed as they all stood just before the royal palace of Mercurius.

"That's… enormous…!" Kyrie was in just as much awe.

"Welcome to Mercurius, his majesty's home." Arcadios presented to the group.

"It's certainly fit for a king." Lily commented, having seen similar structures with the Extalia palace and that of the Edolas kingdom's capital.

"Meh, you've seen one palace and/or fortress, you've seen em all." Dante shrugged.

"Is it really okay for us to go inside?" Happy asked.

"Yes, just as long as you stay close to me." Arcadios said as he and Yukino led the group into the palace. Once inside, it didn't take long for the group to enter a tunnel that led to the basement of the palace, and into a series of underground tunnels.

"Colonel, where are you taking us? Why are we here?" Kurenai questioned as they continued to walk.

"Before I answer, I'd like to give my most humble apologies to Lucy Heartfelia." Arcadios responded. "My misguided actions put her directly in harm's way."

"What do you mean by that?" Natsu questioned.

Gajeel was the one to figure it out. "So, you hired those chumps to try and kidnap her back then."

"Why would a decorated knight of the Fiore army resort to kidnapping?" Modeus questioned with a glare, sticking particularly close to Wendy and Carla.

"You didn't just put Lucy in danger, those goons almost made off with two of our own!" Trish glared as well.

"I had no intention of harming Lucy, I promise." Arcadios explained. "I had to keep this project confidential and I couldn't run the risk of outside parties becoming involved. Though I will admit I was too rough in my approach, for which I apologize. I have no excuse, and I hope for your forgiveness."

Dante, Natsu, Lisanna, and Lucy herself, they all glared in response as Arcadios continued to lead them. However, when Lisanna found herself looking towards Yukino, she appeared to be thinking about something, but chose to say nothing at the moment.

"In truth, the Grand Magic Games is a ruse, or rather a mechanism for syphoning magic power from the participants." Arcadios continued.

"You've been stealing power from wizards for years now?!" Gray questioned.

"The whole thing is a damn cover up?!" Lady questioned as well.

"How deplorable!" Carla said in disgust.

"That's messed up!" Gajeel was in agreement.

"You can say that again." Panther-Lily glared.

"I assure you, the wizards who participate are unharmed." Arcadios said.

"What about demonic power?" Dante questioned. "That stuff and magic don't always mix well, and you've got your fair share of demons in these games."

"That was something we were concerned with, yes." Arcadios answered. "However, it seems that absorbing demonic power has had no effect on our project whatsoever." He could practically feel the glares of everyone behind him. It was no secret that they disapproved of the method. "You are each entitled to your opinion on the matter, but the ends do justify the means here."

"We've heard that before." Nero glared. "Quit all this 'greater good' and mystery bullshit and just tell us what the hell is going on here!"

"I would advise the same thing, Colonel." Kurenai said in a seemingly calm, yet warning, tone of voice. "Last time: why are we here?"

"For this." Arcadios stopped walking as he and Yukino revealed the massive door-like structure at the end of the hallway. The minute they all saw it, they looked in expressions of surprise on shock.

All except for Kurenai… who could only look in genuine horror, she almost lost grip of the trident she carried. "No… It… It can't be…"

"What can't be?" Happy asked.

"Lady Kurenai… what is this…?" Modeus asked.

"The Eclipse Gate…" She didn't take her shaky eyes off the enormous structure. "A powerful device constructed by Zeref long ago… one that Sparda, myself, and others all worked together to dismantle…"

"And I commissioned it to be rebuilt." Arcadios revealed.

"You… You WHAT…?!" Kurenai practically screamed.

"Is this why you've been stealing everyone's magic power?" Lisanna assumed to Arcadios. "It's all fuel for this thing?"

"Yes. It requires an enormous amount of magic power, as well as all twelve Zodiac Keys, and even then, the final piece needed to open it is an eclipse be it a lunar or solar." He explained. "When the sun and moon intersect, the gate will open to the past. We will travel four hundred years and stop Zeref from becoming immortal. Our initial belief was that by doing so, we would also stop Acnologia from turning into the monster that we all know today. But even if their origins aren't connected, our research does show them both within the same timeframe, so we can also use this to slay Acnologia before his transformation. With their destruction… we will have saved the world."

Everyone couldn't help but look in shock at the Eclipse Gate and the intended purpose for it. Dante, Natsu, Lucy, Gray, Lisanna, Gajeel, Nero, Trish, Lady, Wendy, Kyrie, Modeus, Happy, Carla, and Panther-Lily… they all had their eyes waver with Kurenai herself continuing to look in genuine fear. Go back in time?! Stop Acnologia and Zeref before they became the Black Dragon and Black Wizard respectively?! Such a thing sounded impossible, but Arcadios seemed to firmly believe that it could work.

"H-How… how is this even possible…?" Kyrie stuttered.

"We've seen portals to other worlds, doomsday devices, and even a weapon that can break reality itself…. But traveling through time… is that even really possible…?" Trish questioned.

"With this Gate, it is." Kurenai confirmed seriously. "Zeref had this constructed a long time ago with the intent of going back in time to save his family. But the risk was too far great, something Sparda convinced him of, particularly how those with malevolent intentions could use the same power for their own ends."

"Let me guess. Mundus?" Dante assumed.

"Imagine going back to the time when Sparda and the dragons fought against him…" Kurenai warned. "And changing those events to the point where Mundus was the victor. The world itself would come to an end if that was the case."

"But… I still don't understand how that's possible. How can you even travel to the past?" Lucy wondered.

"I'm sure you are already aware of this Lucy, but the Celestial World exists in its own space that's apart from our own." Yukino told her.

"Yeah, I know that." Lucy confirmed.

"It's even theorized that time flows differently there as well." Yukino confirmed. "The Eclipse Gate is capable of utilizing the unique dimensional properties to open rifts in time and allow one to travel back."

"So that's why you needed a Celestial Wizard." Modeus deduced. "This Gate can't function without one."

"Specifically, all twelve Zodiac Keys." Yukino responded. "It won't function properly if even one is missing, nor can you substitute with a silver key."

"What about that thirteenth key that you have?" Wendy asked.

"Honestly… I don't know." Yukino confessed. "But given the sophistication of the Eclipse Gate, I'd rather not take the chance and use Ophiuchus for this project."

"And yet, you're willing to take the enormous chance of changing the course of our history by even thinking about using this Gate!" Kurenai said in a tone that showed she was clearly against this. "There is a reason Sparda and I had it taken apart, because even he knew it was too dangerous!"

"Any more dangerous than allowing Acnologia and Zeref to roam free?" Arcadios responded. "Ever since they both reappeared seven years ago, demonic activity has been on the rise. Many even fear that the forces of the Underworld are planning an enormous invasion. If we can stop Acnologia and Zeref from becoming the threats that they are today…"

"Do you got any proof that they're even connected?" Nero questioned.

"Sounds kinda like you're jumping the gun." Gray added.

"Paranoid is more like it." Lady pointed out.

"I understand that there are risks involved, but the greater risk is to sit by and do nothing." Arcadios continued. "I would ask for Miss Lucy Heartfilia's aid in this endeavor." He began to walk towards her, and she found herself stepping backwards as he did. "Please… we need your help. The world needs your help."

However, Natsu and Dante both appeared in front of him to block his path, while Lisanna stepped right next to Lucy on her right, and Trish appearing on her left, all four glaring at the colonel and not letting him get any closer.

"What if she says no?" Lisanna asked. "What if she doesn't want to be a part of this?"

"Are you going to force her against her will to use her power for you?" Trish speculated. "Because that would not be wise."

"You try anything to hurt Lucy… and you're in for a world of pain!" Natsu threatened.

"You don't seem like the self-righteous type, more misguided than anything, so let me give you one friendly piece of advice." Dante began. "You do not want to get on Fairy Tail's bad side. If you mess with even one of us, you mess with all of us."

"Please… the time for action is almost upon us." Arcadios pleaded. "When the sun and moon intersect. This will occur three days from now, on July seventh."

"Wait… the seventh of July?" Happy asked as this caught the attention of the Dragon Slayers present.

"That's the same day that all of our dragons disappeared." Wendy remembered.

"Pretty major coincidence." Gajeel got a bad feeling where this was going.

None of them notice a knowing expression in Kurenai's eyes at the mention of those particular dragons on that specific date.

"So, the door can only open when the sun and moon intersect?" Kyrie wondered aloud. "It doesn't matter if it's a solar or lunar eclipse?"

Suddenly, at least a hundred royal soldiers all appeared and quickly surrounded the entire group, including Arcadios and Yukino, and pointed their spears at all of them.

"You there! Stay right where you are!"

"Who the hell are these guys?!" Nero questioned in surprise.

"Royal soldiers!" Modeus exclaimed.

"We're doing nothing wrong!" Carla stated.

"You guys got a problem with us or something?" Dante glared, his hands close to his pistols.

"What's going on?" Lucy looked incredibly worried.

"You looking for a fight?!" Natsu warned.

"It would be wise of you to surrender quietly before things get messy, Colonel Arcadios!" A certain voice spoke up from behind most of the soldiers.

Arcadios gasped as the short man stepped forward, the soldiers clearing the way for him. "Defense Minister Darton, what is the meaning of this?!"

"It's you who should be answering that question." Darton responded. "Why are you here? You are aware that revealing state secrets to outsiders is treason!"

"You're making a mistake!" Arcadios stepped forward. "These people are not outsiders; they are an essential component to the Eclipse Project!"

"You do not have the authority to make such reckless decisions on your own, colonel!" Darton argued.

"I won't allow your opposition to jeopardize the safety of the kingdom!" Arcadios stated, stepping forward, only for a pair of soldiers to cross their spears and block his path. "Call off your men and end this ridiculous farce immediately!"

"You are way out of line, here!" Darton exclaimed. "This plan of yours will alter history! Lady Kurenai is correct; you are putting our entire civilization at risk! Now stand down!"

"What in the hell are they talking about?" Natsu questioned.

"It's as Lady Kurenai said, this Eclipse Project carries too many risks." Modeus said.

"And not everyone is on board with it." Dante figured out.

"So, wouldn't that mean these soldiers are on our side then?" Wendy asked hopefully.

"I've got a bad feeling that's not the case." Trish was ready to draw her sword at a moment's notice, with Lady doing the same with her pistols.

"If what they said is true… Going back and changing the past…" Happy connected the dots.

"Will change our present as well." Carla finished.

"That's a disturbing concept." Lily commented.

"Colonel Arcadios, you are under arrest for treason against the Kingdom of Fiore!" Darton ordered. "Take the Celestial Wizards into custody as well, they are accessories to this crime. Remove the others at once!"

"Yes sir!" The soldiers all replied.

"Say what?!" Gray questioned.

"But I haven't committed any crimes!" Lucy exclaimed.

"I'm warning you! If you want her, you gotta go through me!" Natsu's fist was already set ablaze.

"I'll form a shield around us!" Kyrie raised her hands, which were already glowing white as she channeled her own magic power.

"Kyrie! Natsu! No! You can't use your power around the Gate!" Kurenai shouted.

But it was already too late. The Eclipse Gate began to hum as the component at the center of the doorway, which resembled a sun, shined brightly. Natsu and Kyrie both began to glow white as the magical essence from both of them was literally sucked out and directly into the gate.

"W-what's happening…?!" Kyrie couldn't move a muscle, and the same went for Natsu.

"Kyrie!" Nero exclaimed.

"Natsu!" Lisanna screamed at the same time.

Lucy tried to run and help them, but when a pair of soldiers tried to seize her, Dante decked them both in the face as he grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her closer towards the center of their group with Modeus acting quickly to do the same for Yukino, to her surprise.

"It seems the colonel didn't inform you." Darton said. "The Games are just a means to steal magic power to feed the Eclipse Gate. It is an extremely effective tool. In fact, if a wizard were to activate a spell this close to the device, the Eclipse would completely drain them of all their magic power, and I'd wader the same would apply to powerful demons as well."

The process was finished, the Gate stopped glowing, and as it seemed that Darton's words had held true, Natsu and Kyrie both fell towards the ground, completely unconscious and drained of all their power. Though Lisanna and Nero were quick to move in and catch them.

"You bastards…!" Nero bared his fangs at the soldiers.

"I hope you won't cause any more trouble." Darton said as Dante, Gray, Trish, Modeus, Lady, and Wendy all surrounded Lucy and Yukino from all sides, with Lisanna and Nero caring for their respective unconscious lovers in the middle as the Exceeds watched over them. "After all, wizards and demons who can't use their power are hardly a threat to a hundred royal soldiers."

"I don't need power to use a gun." Dante had Ebony and Ivory drawn. "Lucy's my cousin, and I made a promise to a certain someone that I'd watch over Yukino. So if you want them, you'd better be prepared to fight for them!"

"Damn straight." Gray stood firm.

"Your fancy spears are barely a snack." Gajeel cracked his knuckles.

"Magic or not, many of us are proficient in close combat." Modeus held Hunter's Moon.

"And we've got experience killing guys way bigger than you." Lady had her pistols loaded.

"So go ahead and try to take them!" Trish wielded the Devil Sword Sparda, even Nero held Blue Rose in one hand while carrying Kyrie in the other.

Darton narrowed his eyes at their defiance. "I hoped I wouldn't have to resort to violence. Take them all!"

"Yes sir!" The soldiers were ready to move in when suddenly…

*SLASH!*

Before anyone could blink, nearly all the soldiers had their spears shatter before a powerful force propelled all one hundred of them, sending them flying and crashing into the surrounding walls, a few skidding on the ground past the surprised Darton, and even several crashed against the Eclipse Gate before they all fell to the ground.

Standing in front of the group of Fairy Tail members, including Yukino, was Kurenai. Her trident held outward with her hood and hair covering her eyes.

Everyone in Fairy Tail, as well as Yukino, Arcadios, and even Darton, they all looked with an equal amount of shock.

'I didn't even see her move…' Dante thought in surprise.

"Lady Kurenai! You cannot just attack royal sold…!"

Darton's rant was cut off as the bottom end of the trident was slammed on the ground, creating a loud ping that echoed throughout the underground chamber and rendered everyone silent.

"Defense Minister Darton… do you know why my name is Kurenai? Do you even know what the word 'Kurenai' means?" She began, speaking in a seemingly calm tone as her eyes remained cover by the shadows of her hood and hair. "It means 'crimson', a shade of red. Odd, considering I don't usually wear red, the color is not my style. But that is the same color of blood." She slowly began to walk towards him, everyone behind her not taking their eyes off her even as they felt the temperature in the room drop as she continued to speak. "My name is Kurenai because that is the color of the aftermath when I face an army of enemies single-handedly, be they human, demon, or even dragon… and leave an ocean of blood in my wake." Darton began to look incredibly nervous as she made her way ever closer, her eyes still obscure. "While it is true that the Eclipse Gate does siphon off magic and demonic power as you say, it does not do the same for my own physical strength." She reached down to pick up a blade of a broken spear. "Strength that can shatter every bone of the human body without the slightest effort." She crushed the spear in her hand like wet paper. "Or my proficiency with my trident, Poseidon, which with the appropriate amount of strength behind it, can shatter mountaintops." She spun her trident in her hand only once to make a large mark in the ground, making her way even closer. "I don't speak for Arcadios as he is one of your own, if you believe he should be taken into custody then do so. I agree that the Eclipse Gate is too dangerous to use. The same could be said of Yukino as I do not know the extent of her own involvement. However,… Lucy has no intention of participating and has not committed any crimes. From a certain standpoint, one could you say you are trying to kidnap her. As the number one Wizard Saint, I cannot allow that. But as the sworn sister of her late uncle, I consider her a part of my family. And no one threatens my family."

Kurenai stood over Darton as she finally revealed her eyes to him, a look so intense and terrifying that it made Erza's glare look like puppy dog eyes by comparison. The look of someone who can and will kill a person if they need to.

"Foolish little man."

It became deathly silent as everyone looked towards Kurenai with his or her own expressions of fear. All the soldiers who had begun to recover already looked more than a little terrified. Lucy, Yukino, Lisanna, Happy, Carla, and Wendy were more than a little scared themselves. Even hardened warriors like Dante, Gray, Nero, Gajeel, Panther-Lily, Trish, Lady, and even Arcadios were rather nervous. Modeus was one of the few who had seen what Kurenai was capable of and knew she was not a woman of idle threats, but that didn't make him any less nervous.

Darton tried to keep himself from gulping, sweat running down his face as he slightly trembled at the imposing woman who stood over him. He could tell from the look in her eyes that she was not bluffing and wouldn't hesitate to kill to protect what she wanted to protect.

"L-Lady K-Kurenai…" Darton tried to steel himself as he spoke. "I-I assure you… I have no intention of harming Miss Heartfilia, nor do I intend to imprison her indefinitely. I only intend to keep her in my custody until the time the eclipse passes, and the Gate is no longer a threat. Once that is done, I give you my word she will be released."

"Or she could simply come with us and stay away from the Eclipse Gate." Kurenai stated, keeping her glare on him.

"I'm sorry, but I cannot take that chance." Darton replied. "I'm well aware of what you are capable of, but my soldiers and I are sworn to do whatever it takes to protect this kingdom, even at the cost of our own lives." As he said that, all the soldiers slowly began to stand up, and while most of them continued to look scared, they were still ready to fight back if they needed to, something the rest of Fairy Tail picked up on as they readied themselves.

"Then, it seems we have reached an impasse." Kurenai commented.

Lucy then thought for a moment before an idea came to her. "Dante… tell the others and Crime Sorciere what we found." She whispered to her cousin before handing him not only her whips but her half of the Perfect Amulet she carried. "I'm leaving it to you."

"Wait… Lucy…" Before Dante could protest, Lucy made her way out from the circle of her friends and into the open.

"Hold on! What if I come with you willingly? Would you be willing to let the others go?" She requested, much to her friends' shock.

"What?!" Gray questioned.

"Lucy, what are you doing?!" Trish exclaimed.

"Guys, it's alright." She said to her friends before speaking directly to Darton. "If I go with you, will you let my friends leave here? And you promise to let me go once the eclipse passes?"

"You have my word." Darton assured.

"Fine, I'll surrender, but on one condition." Lucy stated. "When it's over, Yukino comes with me!" That took the aforementioned girl by surprise.

"That might be an issue." Darton replied. "She's a member of the military and may be more involved with Eclipse than you."

"What if she were to quit?" Lucy questioned. "What then?"

Darton narrowed his eyes. "I may consider it, but for now, both of you have to be taken into custody."

Lucy sighed in acceptance. "Alright." She then felt a hand on her shoulder and turned towards Kurenai.

"I hope you know what you're doing."

"Yeah, so do I." Lucy nodded as the royal soldiers quickly surrounded not only Lucy, but even Yukino and Arcadios.

"Please step aside." One soldier requested as Fairy Tail kept the white-haired Celestial Wizard surrounded and it didn't seem like they were keen on doing so.

"Do it." Dante stated, his back turned to everyone.

"Dante…" Lady looked towards him with concern.

"Are you really okay with this?!" Nero questioned.

"Don't argue, just do it." Dante ordered, speaking in a tone that left no room for arguments. Though they couldn't see his face, the others could pick up on his body language that he really wasn't okay with this at all, not in the slightest.

With great reluctance, the members of Fairy Tail cleared the way for the soldiers to arrest Yukino, much to her shock.

"Just hang tight, okay?" Dante told her. "We'll be back for you." He looked towards her with a serious and assuring expression. Though she herself was still in shock over this turn of events, one look from him seemed enough to put her at ease, at least enough that she wouldn't resist the soldiers.

"Damn you, Darton!" Arcadios protested as the soldiers arrested him as well. "You're putting our entire world in danger!"

"I will not allow the Eclipse Project to proceed any further." The defense minister said firmly.

"Lucy, please don't do this!" Happy pleaded.

"It's alright. Trust me." Lucy turned to her friends with a smile before winking, something that Lisanna, Trish, and Dante seemed to understood as she was led away.

"Please escort Lady Kurenai and the others out." Darton ordered his soldiers.

"Thank you, Defense Minister, but we can find our own way out." Kurenai told him in the same tone as before, indicating that she was still rather angry with him, which caused his nervousness to return.

Though none of them liked this, the number one Wizard Saint led those within Fairy Tail away from the Eclipse Gate and out of the palace, with Nero carrying the unconscious Kyrie bridal style while Lisanna carried the unresponsive Natsu on her back.

The minute they stepped outside, Dante received a telepathic message. "Dante, are you there?"

"What is it, Warren?"

"Jellal just showed up and… he's got something pretty crazy tell you." Warren said.

"Funny…." Dante glanced back towards the palace with a serious expression. "We've got some pretty juicy info ourselves."

---

Bar Sun

Dante and the others, including Kurenai, all regrouped at the tavern where Jellal and the rest of Fairy Tail was in order to compare notes and discuss their next move, and it seems they had a lot to talk about.

"What the hell?!" Gildarts exclaimed.

"Lucy's been taken into custody?!" Erza questioned.

"To think that she'd be involved in some top-secret plot is utterly ridiculous." Makarov grunted in disapproval.

"The Eclipse Gate…." Jellal looked with seriousness. "A device constructed by Zeref that allows one to travel through time."

"And they've been using it these past seven years to take away magic from those competing in the Grand Magic Games." Dante confirmed.

"That explains why we've sensed Zeref's power all this time." Jellal said.

"I'm a little more concerned about how Lucy was arrested and somehow, you and your friends have her with you!" Trish said.

"How do we know it's not the one from Edolas?" Lady asked.

"Because she had this with her." Jellal revealed the Perfect Amulet that was found on the Lucy double, much to everyone's surprise. Dante even took out the one that Lucy gave him, the one that he had given her beforehand, and compared the two.

"It's the same one."

"But how is that even possible?" Juvia questioned.

"She came through the Eclipse Gate. It's the only explanation." Modeus deduced.

"But I thought the Eclipse Gate lets people travel to the past." Gray recalled.

"More than likely, the Lucy that I met came from the future. She used the Eclipse Gate of her time to travel to her past, or rather our present." Jellal assumed.

"Where is she now?" Erza asked.

"Ultear and the others are presently watching over her." Jellal answered. "But she remains unresponsive, and her condition is… concerning. All her magic power was completely drained. Likely an effect of using the Eclipse Gate given its function."

"That's impossible." Kurenai contradicted. "The Eclipse Gate can drain a wizard and/or demon of their power, yes. But that does not apply to Celestial Wizards since it's their power that operates the Gate. And even then, it does not drain a wizard's power as they pass through. It doesn't function that way."

"Which would mean that either the Gate malfunctioned… or something happened to the Lucy that presumably came from the future." Erza assumed.

"We'll figure that part out later." Gildarts said. "Right now, we need to come up with a plan."

"I got a plan!" Natsu shot up from the table that he had been resting on. "Let's go back there and bring her back!" He then suddenly fell to his hands and knees on the ground, prompting Lisanna, Wendy, Happy, and Carla to come and help him.

"Natsu… you are no condition to do anything right now." Lisanna told him.

"Your magic still hasn't recovered." Wendy said as well.

"And even if it was, it be us against the whole royal army, ya know?" Happy reminded.

"No violence." Carla added.

"The guy said he'd let Lucy go after the eclipse passes, which is when the Games end." Nero put in as he sat close to the awake, yet weakened, Kyrie. "But honestly, I doubt anything that old guy says. He seems pretty paranoid."

"…But they still let us go." Kyrie said, sounding exhausted.

"Old Lady Kurenai here did more-or-less threaten to kill them all if they didn't." Gray pointed out, referring to Kurenai herself, who made no attempt to deny it.

"After Lucy surrendered to them on her own terms." Trish put in.

"She did that so we could tell Crime Sorciere about what we found." Dante said. "And so we can come up with a plan together."

"Given the situation, that did seem like the wisest option." Jellal seemed to approve.

"It's still surprising that they let us go." Gajeel said. "They're trying to keep this project theirs a secret, right? So wouldn't it be easier if they just locked us all up right then and there?"

"Yes there does seem the greater risk on their side by letting us roam free." Modeus agreed.

"But wasn't most of the group all competing in the final match?" Lady recalled.

"Yes, four out of the team of six. All high profile" Mira confirmed. "It would be pretty suspicious if you all just didn't show up for the final match."

"That is true, not to mention Mermaid Heel would become concerned with their own guildmaster going missing around the same time." Juvia said.

"I did tell my guild about Crime Sorciere's presence and the connection to Zeref." Kurenai put in. "Not to mention a few of my members have connections to some of the other competing guilds, same goes for you all as well."

"So what you're saying is, if we went missing, pretty much all the other guilds would get suspicious and be looking at the royal army." Gray translated.

"It's a slippery slope for all parties involved." Gildarts said. "On one end, we can't exactly declare war on the kingdom's army. But on the other, they can't afford to get on the bad side of every guild in this tournament. That's grounds for an open civil war."

"There's also the threat of the Eclipse Gate itself." Makarov added. "Being able to alter events of the past doesn't quite sit well with me."

"So, what's the worst-case scenario with this thing?" Laxus asked.

"You have no idea." Kurenai spoke aloud. "Time is not meant to be tampered with. Even if your intentions are good, like trying to stop Zeref from being cursed, or even Acnologia's transformation into the Black Dragon, they could backfire in the most horrific of ways. Changing even the tiniest of details in the past, even if its just plucking a flower or killing a butterfly could change everything in our present! It could change the direction a person would take their life, and if it's the right person, a whole civilization could be affected. Peaceful kingdoms could become tyrannical empires, memories would be destroyed, babies would not be born… our whole world as we know it could disappear from even the slightest change."

It became silent as they all let gravity of their situation sink in, understanding now just how serious it was.

"So, we got another potential doomsday weapon and an end-of-the-world scenario on our hands." Gray commented.

"It's the damned Infinity Clock all over again." Nero grunted.

"But Arcadios was arrested, right?" Kyrie wondered. "Wouldn't that mean the plot was stopped? That Darton-individual seemed pretty serious about not letting the Gate be used."

"What makes you think he's the only one involved?" Lisanna questioned, getting everyone's attention. "Remember what happened with Yukino just before the third day? How she even ended up with the army in the first place?" She looked towards Erza specifically.

"We received an order directly from the royal family." Erza recalled. "Specifically, the princess."

"Exactly. I don't know what Arcadios is capable of, but I don't think an order like that is something you can just forge." Lisanna said.

"So, you suspect the royal family to be involved in this conspiracy?" Lily asked.

"It would be rather risky just to do it all yourself." Carla followed along. "Even if it were to be top secret, it would be almost impossible for one man to arrange a project of this scale."

"Let us assume then that there is another person involved, someone the defense minister isn't aware of." Jellal said. "Lucy and Yukino are both being held prisoner together, meaning all twelve Zodiac Keys are together now in one place."

"Which means they can be used on the Eclipse Gate right now if they wanted." Modeus followed along.

"Even if that were the case, the Gate still needs an eclipse in order to be activated." Kurenai put in.

"And there just so happens to be one in the next few days." Dante commented before they all came to the same realization. "Yeah… shit's about to hit the fan real bad."

Natsu slammed his fist into the ground and pushed himself back up. "Then why are we standing around here?! We all need to quit flapping our gums and do something!"

Gildarts brought his own fist down on Natsu's head to keep him from acting rashly. "Keep a cool head, Natsu. One of our own is put in the middle of a conspiracy that could end the world in the worst-case scenario. Believe me, we all want to put a stop to this."

Everyone present looked with his or her expressions of determination. Dante, Lady, Gray, Trish, Erza, Gajeel, Laxus, Lisanna, Mira, Happy, Carla, Lily, Juvia, Modeus, Nero, Kyrie, and even Jellal and Kurenai. Natsu had picked himself back up and gave the same expression as the rest of his friends. They all knew the stakes and it was indeed time to take action. At this point, the tournament was no longer of importance to them.

"That being said, we can't just charge head-long into battle like we usually do, there are too many risks." Makarov said. "Lucy surrendered herself so that we can come up with a plan to put a stop to this, so let us come up with one to take our own back and save this world! We are Fairy Tail!"

---

Meanwhile, after having their keys taken from them, Lucy and Yukino were placed together in a single cell. While the former tried testing the barred gate, the latter sat against the wall, hugging her own legs.

"Yeah, pretty sturdy." Lucy muttered before glancing toward Yukino. "First time being kidnapped?" A humorous smile formed on her face. "Fifth time for me." That caused Yukino to look in surprise. "Yeah, pretty crazy huh?"

"Technically, I wouldn't consider it kidnapping more of an arrest…" Yukino said.

"Well, I say it still counts." Lucy smiled, trying to inject some humor into this seemingly grim situation. "At least we're not tied up like I was those last four times."

"I'm sorry. I never meant for this to happen." Yukino said. "But that's not surprising, I've always been a bad luck charm."

"Don't beat yourself up about it. Besides, I surrendered on purpose, remember?" Lucy reminded.

"Why did you do that?" Yukino asked. "I saw what you were capable of when you participated in the Games, even without the use of magic, I'm certain you and everyone else would have had little trouble escaping. After all, Lady Kurenai was able to defeat a hundred soldiers in the blink of an eye without the use of her own power."

"Yeah… I didn't think it possible, but I think I found someone scarier than Erza." Lucy commented, and while that was intended to be as a joke, she did feel somewhat intimidated with Kurenai's display back there. "But back to your question… I thought it would be best for Dante and everyone to leave so they could tell Crime Sorciere about the Eclipse Gate. Since it was built by Zeref and the whole tournament is just a cover up to steal everyone's magic power these last few years, that's probably what they've been sensing all this time. You…. Didn't tell those guys about Crime Sorciere, did you? Or our involvement with them?"

"No, I didn't say a word about my sister or her guild." Yukino replied. "I didn't want to cause her any more harm than I had in the past."

"Well, I'm sure they're already working together on a plan to stop all this." Lucy made her way over and sat on the bed across from Yukino. "It wouldn't be the first doomsday device we destroyed. Let's see, there was Nirvana… Edolas… Temen-ni-gru… Tenrou Island with Grimoire Heart… then the whole mess with the Order of the Sword… this would make potential apocalypse number six, if you can believe it. Sorry if I'm rambling, just trying to lighten the mood a bit." A serious look formed on her face. "Dante, Natsu, and the others are going to do everything they can to stop the Eclipse Gate. In the meantime, maybe we can figure our own way out of here and get our keys back."

Yukino looked away. "They shouldn't be trying to stop the project." That caused Lucy to look in surprise. "I know that in the wrong hands, the Eclipse Gate can cause a lot of damage. But if were able to stop Acnologia and Zeref, isn't that worth the risk?"

"Even if we did stop them in the past, how do you know things would change for the better here?" Lucy asked.

The white-haired Celestial Wizard didn't answer right away. "How much of my sister's story do you know?"

"Not much." Lucy confessed. "The first time I met her, she was part of the Oracion Seis and she was not a good person back then. Aside from trying to kill me, she used her own spirits like tools and even shields to protect herself. She outright abused them. I don't regret taking her down back then. But… not long after that, when fighting another dark guild called Devil Hand, Erza told me how she was a slave in the Tower of Heaven as a kid, much like her. In fact, most of the Oracion Seis were all slaves back then."

"Yes." Yukino replied. "I know she's committed many crimes… but growing up, Sorano was the best older sister I could ask for. Whenever I'd get into trouble with our parents, she always defended me. But then… cultists who worshiped Zeref attacked our home town. They killed our parents and took Sorano away, while I just ran… I never saw her again after that, until a few days ago." She shook as tears were already forming in her eyes. "If we could stop Zeref in the past… that cult wouldn't exist… Sorano wouldn't have been taken… and she might not have become a criminal… we could have a happy life together. Isn't something like that worth taking risks over?"

As she stifled a sob, Lucy looked with sympathy as she sat down next to Yukino and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Honestly… the idea of going back and stopping something like that does sound good. I got more than my fair share of things I'd like to change to… such as what happened to Dante and Vergil but… from what Lady Kurenai said, even Sparda thought it was too dangerous and tried to take it apart. Trust me, I've seen enough of what the Dark Knight usually tries to bury to know that its bad news." She then sighed. "Look, we can probably argue on about whether or not to use the Eclipse Gate the whole time were here… or I can probably tell you a story, like how Zeref became the Black Wizard."

That got Yukino's attention.

"And maybe… you could tell me a thing or two about what Vergil's been doing these past seven years." Lucy continued as she smiled. "I'd like to know about some of the adventures my oldest cousin has been on."

"I… I'm afraid there isn't much to tell." Yukino confessed. "I said I was a newcomer in Sabertooth, and I haven't worked with Vergil very often."

"Well, I'd still like to hear it anyway. And I'll tell you not only about Zeref's story, but some of the adventures I've been on with Dante, and even before with the rest of Fairy Tail." Lucy said with a friendly smile. "I got a feeling we're gonna be here for a while so, might as well try and pass the time."

Yukino felt herself smile a bit. Even if they were being detained, the idea of sharing stories with a fellow Celestial Wizard who also loves her spirits does sound like it would be nice. Beats sitting in the dark and doing nothing.

"I'd like that. Very much."

---

July 6 – The Final Day of the Grand Magic Games

This was it, the day where this incredible tournament would come to a close, and the excitement couldn't be described with words. Fireworks went off above the Domus Flau colosseum while the audience cheered as loudly as they could.

"This is what we have all been waiting for, folks!" Chapati announced. "It has been an exciting week, filled with incredible magic and emotional moments we will never forget! But today… one guild will be crowned number one in Fiore and winner of the Grand Magic Games! Ladies and gentlemen, it has been an honor to spend this time with you, and with my fellow commentator, the esteemed Mr. Yajima."

"My pleasure." Yajima agreed with a smile.

"We have a very special guest with us today. You all know and love him as the official mascot of the Grand Magic Games, the always entertaining Mato!" Chapati revealed as the pumpkin-clad mascot sat alongside Chapati and Yajima.

"Heya!" Mato greeted the audience with a wave.

"Usually, you're in the arena acting as referee, but not today." Chapati said.

"No, sir. That won't be necessary, because today is extra special, the final match!" Mato announced, getting the audience even more excited. "Now let's get things started and bring out all the competitors!"

A series of explosions erupted from one entrance of the arena before the flaming emblem of Quatro Cerberus appeared above the team that stepped forward, consisting of Bacchus, Wally, Rocker, Nobarly, Jager, and Warcry.

"Currently in sixth place and hoping for an upset are the hunting dogs turned tail chasers, Quatro Puppy!" Chaptati announced.

"It's true that the drunken palm Bacchus has been on the losing side this year, but he's still a force to be reckoned with." Yajima added. "And we shouldn't overlook Wally Buchanan's creative sharpshooting either."

The emblem of Lamia Scale shined a bright green over another entrance as the team that consisted of Lyon, Jura, Sherria, Yuka, Sho, and Toby all stepped out.

"Here comes out fifth place team, Lamia Scale!" Chapati announced once more. "Can Lyon Vastia, the ice wizard who rivals Fairy Tail's Gray Fullbuster, bring the heat in today's battle? Or will his team just get frozen in their tracks?"

"He doesn't have to do it alone!" Mato said. "Don't forget about the creative card magic user Sho who could even catch S-Class wizards off guard. Not to mention the cute little God Slayer Sherria Blendy, and the Wizard Saint Jura Neekis are extremely powerful."

"I agree. That team does have the potential to claim the title, today." Yajima added.

Glittery smoke appeared around a third entrance as the team representing Blue Pegasus stepped forward, their own guild emblem appearing in the form of bright blue clouds. The team consisted of Ichiya, Nichiya, Jenny, Hibiki, Ren, and Eve, all of whom took fancy poses with a spotlight being shined upon them.

"Next up, the guild that exudes class and an intoxicating parfum, with Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki at the helm, it's the fourth-place team of Blue Pegasus!" Chapati announced.

"They too have the chance to breathe in the sweet scent of victory!" Mato put in. "Good luck!"

"And now, let's hear it for our third-place team!" A flash of darkness appeared above yet another entrance of the arena, that darkness quickly took the appearance of the Sabertooth emblem. "What a shocker to see this guild, who's usually in the top spot, playing catch up. Is this the end of the era? Their Twin Dragons Sting and Rogue, have a major bone to pick with Fairy Tail's Natsu and Gajeel after that crushing defeat on Day Four, and I for one and pumped for another brotherly showdown between the Sons of Sparda! Let's give it up for returning Grand Magic Games champion… Team Sabertooth!"

However, unlike the thunderous cheers they got from their appearance on Day One, there were only about half as many this time around, with many people in the audience looking with concern and even fear. However, that all turned into surprise when they saw who the team consisted of.

Minerva was at the lead with Sting, Rogue, Orga, and Rufus right behind her. But right beside them was the ninja-clad wizard named Dogengal.

"Wait… hold on! Where is Vergil?" Chapati questioned. "The Devil Prince is absent?"

"That's certainly a surprise." Yajima commented.

"Hold on a second…" Mato was handed a note by an official and was quick to read it over. "Oh my… it seems that recently, Sabertooth's guildmaster Jiemma had to undergo an emergency hospitalization! He appeared to have suffered a stroke and has stepped down as guildmaster!"

"Oh no!" Chapati gasped.

"In order to avoid their guild's forfeit, Vergil has stepped in as temporary master for the duration of the Grand Magic Games. Dobengal will be taking the open spot on their team." Mato announced as Vergil himself stood in the box where the rest of the Sabertooth guild was, with Frosch present as well.

"This is quite a shock." Chapati said. "Would this mean that Vergil is no longer able to compete in the Games?"

"Unfortunately, so." Yajima confirmed. "The rules forbid the guildmaster from partaking in the tournament. Although, while it is up to the guild itself as to who they select as their master, with their strongest player no longer able to compete, the chances of Sabertooth achieving victory have lowered significantly."

"Well then, let us hope that Dobengal and the rest of Team Sabertooth can pick up the slack." Chapati commented.

Minerva smirked condescendingly as she glanced at their temporary new master. 'Enjoy your position of power Vergil, as brief as it'll be. You'll soon be rotting in a cell and I will be the one to lead Sabertooth to glory!'

Vergil could tell she was looking at him and knew exactly what she was thinking, earning a glare from him in response. He also happened to glance at Sting to see the serious look on his face, the kind of look he'd never seen before. The once cocky White Dragon Slayer now carried the aura of a determined fighter willing to do whatever it took to achieve victory. Though Vergil didn't agree with the idea of using Lector as a hostage, perhaps Sting now has proper motivation, but motivation alone can only carry one so far.

"With that out of the way… let us welcome the second-place team!" Chapati went back to the action as a whirlpool of water exploded outward, revealing the guild emblem of Mermaid Heel, the team that was led by Lucia with Kagura, Sapphire, Milliana, Arana, and Risley right behind her. "Being led by the white-clad Devil Hunter Lucia, is Mermaid Heel!"

"Beautiful ladies, but don't be fooled by their sweet looks." Yajima commentated. "They're definitely not delicate little flowers."

"Between Lucia's mighty strength, Kagura's master swordsmanship, and the icy-hot passion of their Dragon Slayer Sapphire… it is possible that Mermaid Heel can claim the gold after many years of silver!" Mato announced.

"And now… in first place!" Chapati began dramatically. "The guild that made a historic comeback after literally falling off the map seven years ago!" The audience cheered the loudest for this one as the flags that bore their sacred guild emblem hung over the entrance that their team would emerge from. "Let's hear it for Team Fairy Tail!"

As this announcement was made, Darton watched from a higher spot in the arena with a serious expression.

"Well, this is it. Are you ready?" Rogue asked Sting.

"Yeah." The White Dragon Slayer confirmed seriously.

"Here they come." Sapphire was all kinds of pumped.

"Rein it in, the match hasn't started yet." Lucia told her, but she herself looked rather eager.

"They're definitely getting a different welcome from all that booing from the Games' opening ceremonies." Lyon commented.

However, everyone in the participating guilds and the audience looked in shock as the team stepped out onto the field. Erza was leading this group alongside Gray, Gajeel, and Laxus. But Dante and Natsu were not present… and instead it seemed that their positions were filled by none other than Nero and Juvia respectively.

"Wait a minute… it seems that Sabertooth isn't the only team undergoing a roster change, folks!" Chapati announced as he, Yajima, and Mato were not expecting this either. "Fairy Tail is keeping us on our toes! The man who singlehandedly defeated Sabertooth's Twin Dragons, and the one who bested even the Devil Prince… have both been replaced!"

"By Juvia?!" Lyon exclaimed in surprise.

"And Nero is here as well." Jura observed.

"What?! Where's Natsu?!" Sapphire was more than a little shocked.

"I could ask the same of Dante." Lucia commented.

"Natsu and Dante are out of the competition?" Rogue was rather surprised himself.

"That's fine with me." Sting smiled in relief. "In fact, it's the best news I've heard all day."

"I suppose you're right." Rogue admitted.

'Disappointing.' Minerva thought. 'I had hoped I'd have the chance to humiliate Dante with my own hands. But on the other hand, with him gone, our chances of winning have only increased.'

"After such a strong showing in the last round, this decision is a real headscratcher." Chapati commented. "What could be the reason?"

"Hmm, hopefully nothing bad has happened." Yajima hoped.

"Ah man! This means we won't get a rematch between Dante and Vergil!" Mato whined.

Everyone in the audience looked with either concern or disappointment as they seemed to be in agreement with the tournament's mascot.

"But that doesn't make any sense."

"First Vergil's out, now Dante and Natsu?"

"But I wanted to see them fight again!"

"Interesting…" Darton observed. "I can at least understand the Dragon Slayer, he might still be recovering. But what of the Devil Hunter?"

Vergil also found himself intrigued as he looked at this turn of events. He happened to glance in the direction of the box where the rest of Fairy Tail would watch and noticed how Dante and Natsu weren't there either. He narrowed his eyes with curiosity and suspicion.

"Very clever, Fifth Master." Mavis complemented to Gildarts as they, Makarov, and Sparda stood together in the observatory box.

"I wouldn't brag about it, there's a lot of risks here." Gildarts said. "Worst case scenario, we could be potentially starting a war against the kingdom."

"Given the circumstances though, it is a risk we must take." Makarov responded.

"I know, but I still don't have to like it." Gildarts replied.

"We have no choice." Sparda said seriously. "While everyone is focused on this final match in the Games, a secondary team will rescue Lucy and Yukino, and destroy the Eclipse Gate so it can cause no further harm."

"And they won't be doing it alone either." Mavis reminded. "For we have powerful allies who have chosen to fight beside us."

---

Within the empty streets of Crocus, Dante led the group that consisted of Natsu, Lisanna, Wendy, Happy, Carla, Panther-Lily, Mirajane, Lady, Trish, Cana, Modeus, and even Kyrie. All twelve of them were soon met by three additional members of their party in said street, the members of Crime Sorciere that included Jellal, Sheeree, and Sorano.

Dante stepped forward to meet Jellal before offering his hand, which the leader of Crime Sorciere accepted with a firm grasp. Nods were exchanged between the two groups as they all joined together and gazed in the direction of Mercurius, the Crimson Knight placing his half of the Perfect Amulet around his neck while keeping the piece that the Lucy-double had in his coat pocket for safe-keeping.

"Let's get this party started."

Done.

So this chapter turned out to be longer than I thought, but that's to be expected given all that happened here. So let me explain a few things that some of you may be confused by.

One of the biggest plot holes I feel about the canon GMG arc is that it was said that Jellal had met Future Lucy and she told him everything about the Eclipse Gate and the future she came from, but then why didn't he tell the rest of Fairy Tail right away? Yes, Crime Sorciere had to be careful due to their status as criminals, but Jellal could have found a way to get in contact with Erza and relay the information to her, and he had two whole days to do it! But that didn't happen.

So, I decided to change things up a bit. Fairy Tail is aware there is another Lucy now and assume that she's from the future (given they saw the Eclipse Gate and know how it functions, it's natural that their smarter members could make the connections), but they don't know the whole story yet, but they will soon when she wakes up.

We also saw a glimpse of the future she came from, and it is not pretty. I had Dante and Natsu kill off a few dragons in their last stand because not all dragons in this story are equally powerful as they managed to take down some of the weaker ones… I wanted to give them their epic 'last stand' moment. Though it's not seen, I'm sure we can all guess what happened after.

And of course, what happened with Sabertooth. As opposed to Sting one-shooting Jiemma because of "the power of feelings", he was killed by Vergil. Minerva took advantage of all that by not only using Lector as a hostage like canon, and keeping Rogue from quitting, she's also planning on using him as a fallguy in order to become the next master of Sabertooth after the games. It's pretty clever, though Vergil sees right through it. And knowing him, it's reasonable to assume he has a plan of his own (given his connections with the Fiore kingdom and the Magic Council, he certainly has a lot of options).

But with his new position as Sabertooth's master, he can't participate in the Games. I know this may seem disappointing to many of you, with Sabertooth shooting itself in the foot and diminishing their chances of winning, but please bare with me, I have a plan in mind that I'm sure you'll enjoy. The rest of Sabertooth shouldn't be underestimated either as they got plenty of tricks up their sleeves.

Of course, the biggest takeaway of this chapter was the story of the Dragon Civil War, which Sparda and Kurenai participated in. I decided to add Elexion (who is from the 100 Year Quest sequel to Fairy Tail) as the main leader of the opposing dragons just to give the story more substance. And Cryolas, the Ice Dragon Queen, is an original character that a friend of mine and I came up with, and you'll learn more about her later on in this story.

There was also need for Wendy to use her magic and bring back Zirconis' spirit because Kurenai and Sparda were capable of telling the story themselves. Plus, the guy was a piece of work anyway.

Though they left out the details of Dragon Slayers becoming dragons due to overuse of their power (with similar scenarios being explained with God Slayers and Devil Slayers in this story) because they felt it was unnecessary. Just like canon, Igneel and the others saw to it that Natsu and the other Dragon Slayers they raised would not turn into dragons. No need to worry them.

And Acnologia's origins. Like how Natsu consumed Laxus' lightning to get his dual-element mode, Acnologia did the same a hundred times over. So much so that all the elements he ate mixed together into a single power of Ethernano. You could say he's the Ether Dragon (like how Igneel is the Fire Dragon. I hope that makes sense.

But the biggest take way of all…

Acnologia was the one who killed Sparda!

The Black Dragon slewed the Dark Knight!

Didn't see that one coming, did ya?

So yeah, Dante definitely has a bone to pick with Acnologia after this.

And now were getting right to the final match of the Grand Magic Games, where some things will be different regarding the many battles, and I plan to do them all and the fighters the justice they deserve.
But while Nero and Juvia have joined Team Fairy Tail to compete in the final match, Dante and Natsu lead a group of their friends alongside Jellal and his team to rescue Lucy and Yukino and destroy the Eclipse Gate.

To quote Anakin Skywalker…

"This is where the fun begins!"