Hi everyone, thanks for your patience. Merry Christmas to all my loyal followers, here is your present, the next update to Fairy May Cry! With this chapter, we enter the final battle phase of the Order of the Sword arc! Let me tell you, this whole arc has been a wild ride, and I'm so glad that it received such a positive reception! Once this is over, we enter the insanely long arc of the Grand Magic Games, and I've got big plans for that. But first things first, the time to deliver some righteous justice has come. With all that being said, let's get started.

The Battle of Fortuna

Darkness. That was all that was around him. Just an infinite void. However, a familiar sound began to echo through the void, which stirred Nero from his slumber. He knew what had happened, he had been absorbed into the Savior, unable to stop it, even with the aid of his friends and newfound allies. He even watched as Sanctus impaled Credo, taking the Masayoshi sword from him as he was absorbed.

But as the song continued, a light shined down upon him, getting his attention. The source of this light was none other than Kyrie, as well as Lucy. Both young women appeared to be bound together by white, transparent, chains of magic. Both weakly opened their eyes, blinking simultaneously as they stared down at Nero, having the same sort of smile. The fact their expressions mirrored each other suggested that their forms were beginning to merge. Though he was greatly concerned for Lucy, he seemed more focused on his lover.

"Kyrie…" Nero's voice began to crack as the void around them turned into a bright white. "I… I failed to save you… both of you…" Despite that, both Kyrie and Lucy still smiled at him as they extended their bound hands together toward him. However, as Nero began to reach out for them with his demonic arm, both Kyrie and Lucy's forms began to vanish. "Kyrie…"

"Nero… Thank you…" They both said simultaneously as he could only watch helplessly as they dissipated in golden particles, the white void turning to black again.

"Kyrie! Kyrie!" He tried to reach out again, only to find his arms and legs being restrained by some invisible force. He tried to wrench himself free, but whatever was holding him was far too strong for even him. "I SWEAR IT! I SWEAR I'M GONNA GET US OUT OF HERE! TOGETHER! KYRIE!"

As he cried out, the void around him vanished he saw he was being restraint and absorbed into some sort of biological trap. He was being sucked into some sort of organ that began to beat around him, almost like a heart. He tried to free himself, but he only felt himself being absorbed in even deeper. For it was true. He was trapped inside the heart of the Savior itself.


Meanwhile, in the area just above Nero, Lucy and Kyrie both remained trapped in the transparent form of the second heart of the Savior as Sanctus stood in front of them, holding a familiar katana in his hands.

"Beautiful, is it not?" Sanctus spoke to them, holding the Masayoshi. "We had spent years trying to replicate the power of the Yamato, the sword that was used to separate our worlds. And all it took was the creation of an artificial Son of Sparda. And now, all our hard work is finally about to bear fruit."

The katana then disappeared from Sanctus' hands, via the Infinity Clock's power as Sanctus chuckled.

"What was that?!" Imitatia walked toward him with a disapproving look on her face. "This isn't how it was supposed to go! You were supposed to absorb Cousin Dante into the Savior, not that pathetic copy!"

"You should speak to him with far more respect, my dear." Klodoa said as he descended to their level. "After all, that boy was the final piece we need to get the Savior up and running!"

"But it was supposed to be Dante!" Imitatia exclaimed, glancing briefly toward Kyrie. "I understand the need to use this girl, her Arc of Seraph will keep Big Sister's form alive." She then turned back toward the pair. "But it was supposed to be me, her, and Cousin Dante all together!"

"And it will happen, my dear. I promise you." Sanctus said in assuring tone. "Now that the Savior is complete, once we wipe away the old world, you can build a new one where the three of you will live together in happiness."

Imitatia narrowed her eyes. "After everything I've sacrificed… You had better be right about that."


Back outside, the Savior had already began to fly, carrying several pieces of debris and platforms from the launch site with it, heading toward the city as it flew away.

"Oh great, it flies." Gajeel groaned in annoyance as he and the rest of his Fairy Tail comrades, and their newfound allies, saw it fly off.

"The design shows terrible taste." Trish commented. Dante glared at the Savior, before taking a brief moment to glance with a serious expression toward Byro, who looked at him with a stoic look of his own. The tension between those two was so thick, it could be cut with a knife. However, Dante and Byro turned away to look at two different individuals; Byro turned to look at the Archbishop as Morison set him down, while Dante glanced at the critically injured Credo as Wendy applied her healing magic with Modeus, Carla, Coco, Dan, Sugarboy, and Samuel all around them.

"Is that really the Archbishop?" Gray asked as Morison and Laki tended to him.

"Yes, it is." Laki confirmed. "And it would seem that Sanctus had him placed under a brainwashing spell."

"Which explains how the Order was able to move throughout Zentopia without much resistance." Morrison added.

"It also explains what could have happened to Cana earlier." Lisanna said. "It was done through Imitatia to get the rest of us to split up so that the Order could capture Natsu, Lucy, and Dante."

Natsu clenched his fists in anger as he moved closer to Credo as Wendy continued to try and heal him.

"C-Credo… it's okay… you're gonna be okay…" Coco tried to tell him as she held his hand.

"Just hang on man." Dan also said desperately.

"Don't you go out on us!" Sugarboy stated.

"Y-Your Sky Dragon Slayer magic has healing properties." Samuel looked towards Wendy with a pleading expression. "P-p-please… tell me you can save him!"

However, when Wendy didn't respond, Carla and Modeus looked toward her with concern. "Wendy…?" Happy asked with just as much concern.

"I… I don't understand it…" Wendy said, her healing magic didn't appear to be doing anything to close Credo's stab wound. "He's not healing!" That got everyone's attention. "I'm applying my magic but… nothing is coming together! It's as if… something inside his body is breaking down from the inside!"

"I was afraid of this." Modeus said, hanging his head down.

"What are you talking about?" Erza asked.

"His Angelo transformation, despite saying he was an angel, it is still demonic power." Modeus explained. "And not just any, it came from the Dark Knight, whom is one of the most powerful demons ever born in the Underworld. Whatever kind of process was used to transform him, it doesn't change the fact that his body is still physically human. He was pierced through the heart, a normally fatal wound for humans."

"Yes… that does make sense…" Carla happened to glance toward Natsu and Dante as they both came to the same conclusion as she did. All three remembered how Arkham attempted to absorb and harness Sparda's power, but his physical form as a human was unable to handle the transformation.

"W-What are you saying?!" Coco exclaimed.

"This is only a guess…" Modeus said with a somber expression. "But… as his body is still human, and it's suffered a fatal injury, his physical form can no longer handle the stress of the demonic power… and will break down."

"So… that's it…? He's gonna die!?" Sugarboy questioned.

"No… No! I can't accept that!" Samuel shouted, burning tears in his eyes. "There has to be some way…!"

"There isn't…" Credo grunted as he hacked some blood. "I knew… this was a possibility… but I… I still…. I just didn't think…."

"Hey!" Natsu made his way closer as he glanced down at Credo with an odd expression. On one end, he was sympathetic with him dying; but on the other, he was still angry over what had happened to Lucy. "Where the hell is that damn thing going!? And what does that boss of yours want with Lucy?!"

"Natsu!" Lisanna exclaimed.

"The guy is dying for crying out loud!" Gray scolded. "You can't just…!"

"No… listen, please." Credo reached out weakly, but as his hand fell, Coco was quick to grab it. "I had thought… his desire… to save the world from chaos. But… I was wrong. He intends to destroy the old world… and build a better one from the ashes. The Savior… is a conduit for which he can control the reality distorting powers of the Infinity Clock. As for… your friend… she is the last of the Heartfilia bloodline… and has a direct link to the Infinity Clock from her ancestor Anna Heartfilia."

"Just like all those Celestial Wizards the Neo Oracion Seis hunted down." Lily recalled, causing Happy and Carla to wince as they remembered Katja, whom they were unable to save.

"But why Kyrie? Why would they take her?" Dan questioned.

"Because… she wields ancient lost magic… the Arc of Seraph." Credo revealed.

That caused Modeus to gasp. "That's… not possible…"

"You know what he's talking about?" Romeo asked.

"The Arc of Seraph, even referred to as the magic of the angels, is one of the first magics utilized by humans." Modeus answered, which drew everyone's attention. "A sacred magic that can heal and restore, but it is so much more than that. It is divine magic in purest form, said to be even stronger than most demonic powers. Even my mentor was in awe of it. But I had thought it was lost to the ages."

"He believes… that through her Arc of Seraph…" Credo continued. "Sanctus can keep your friend Lucy, as well as Nero, alive. Their mortal bodies… wouldn't be able to handle the intense physical strain of the Infinity Clock."

"But this way he can keep that from happening." Erza said. "As if they were a power source that will never run out of fuel."

"So how do we stop it?" Lady questioned.

"He… He has a copy of the Yamato…" Credo continued. "The sword Sparda used to seal the Hellgate from the demon world…. The sword is the key to opening the Hellgate. The real Hellgate."

That got their attention. "Real Hellgate?" Trish questioned.

"But we destroyed all the Hellgates!" Gray stated.

"No… those were artificial, lesser Hellgates." Credo revealed. "They were used… to summon demons… for experimentation. The real Hellgate… the one where their design was based from… lies dormant beneath the city. Agnus may… use the copy Yamato to open it… if only to unleash more chaos… more fuel to the fire."

"Even if we destroy the 'real' Hellgate, that may not stop that overgrown statue." Gildarts pointed out. "So how do we take that down?"

"The Infinity Clock… is supposed to be indestructible but… I may know of a way." Credo continued as he hacked up more blood.

"Credo…. Please you must rest!" Samuel pleaded.

"No… listen to me." Credo weakly said. "When we retrieved the clock, my former comrades and I… as well as the Neo Oracion Seis… used body-link magic… to tie the clock to each of us, so that we may control its power. To sever that link, each of us must be defeated…. M-my time is up… and I sense… two of the Neo Oracion Seis being defeated. Other than Sanctus, four of them remain, as well as Agnus himself. Defeat them… and the Infinity Clock would then fall to it's original owners... or in this case… their descendants… like inheritance. You, Dante… and Lucy…"

Dante seemed to get where he was going. "And since Lucy is being used as a battery to power the Clock… she's practically a part of it. So, she'd be able to control its power, is that what you're saying?"

"In theory… yes." Credo answered.

"So… all we gotta do is beat up the bad guys?" Natsu questioned. "Yeah, I think I can get behind that." He said with a serious expression, pounding his fist into his palm. "After everything those bastards did, they're gonna pay!"

"I… I don't know where most of them are… but Agnus will likely be guarding over the copy Yamato at the Hellgate. Go to the cathedral, you'll find him there. Sanctus will most assuredly… be within the Savior itself." Credo said. "And… only those who have the body-link can enter, as well as the descendants of the original owner. You… Dante… may be the only one here who can. And they know it… they'll do everything in their power to stop you."

"That's where the rest of us come in." Trish stepped up. "We'll deal with the Neo Oracion Seis, while Dante goes inside that thing and takes the head honcho down."

"We should also do what we can to look after the people in the city." Lisanna added. "They're innocent in all this, and we gotta protect them. That's what Fairy Tail does, right?"

"Damn right." Gray nodded.

"We'll help too." Coco stood up alongside Dan, Samuel, and Sugarboy. "This is our home, and we're not going to let any of those monsters destroy it!"

"I will help as well." Byro stepped forward. "I too am directly responsible for all this madness… all because I was unable to question the orders I was given. I really am nothing more than just a blind old dog." He glanced towards Dante with that particular comment. "But this old dog still has a few teeth, and I know where to properly aim them now."

"Welcome aboard." Dante said with a small nod.

"Please…" Credo attempted to stand up, the energy in his body was all but depleted. He didn't have long. "Honor one last request… Save them… Kyrie… and Nero…"

He was about to fall over, but he was quickly caught by none other than Erza. They both looked into each other's eyes, not only as fellow warriors, but even kindred spirits who valued the lives of their loved ones above all else.

"We will." Erza vowed. "That is a promise of the Fairy Tail guild. And we always keep our word."

Credo smiled as he finally fell limp, the last of his life fading from his body as he glowed a golden light, his body fading and vanishing in the bright light, leaving only dust.

Samuel, Coco, Dan, and Sugarboy were already crying, watching the end of their childhood friend; even Wendy, Carla, Happy, and Lisanna had tears in their eyes. Dante, Natsu, Gray, Erza, Modeus, Trish, Lady, Romeo, Lily, Warren, Gildarts, Morrison, Laki, even Gajeel hung their heads down in respect, something even Byro himself did out of respect for the warrior that he knew only a short time, but ultimately redeemed himself.

Dante then glanced at the crying Order defectors. "Hey… listen, I'm sorry. I really am, but we're gonna have to mourn him later. Right now… we got a whole bunch more people to save."

"You're right…" Coco rubbed her eyes first, followed by her friends. "So, what's the plan?"

"We should see to the Archbishop first." Erza said as she turned toward the old man. "How is he?"

Laki felt his head. "Other than a high fever, he seems to be alright. But that is a nasty spell he's under."

"Is there a place he can rest?" Erza asked.

"I think you guys can find something inside there." Natsu gestured to the building he, Dante, Nero, and Coco came out from. "We didn't see much of anyone inside, other than that block head and the crazy girl with the wand, but I think they should be done by now."

"Mary…" Coco was certainly worried about her.

"We should also check to see if she's alright too." Dan said. "Maybe she can join the fight."

"Alright." Erza began to relay instructions. "Wendy, Carla, Morrison, Laki, and Warren; you'll take the Archbishop back inside and see to him. Also try to find Mary and see to her if you can. Everyone else, we're going to the city. We'll confront the remainder of our enemies and destroy the Hellgate. Dante, you'll enter the Savior to save Lucy, Nero, and Kyrie and work to stop Sanctus. Warren, be sure to keep all of us linked with your Telepathy, we'll better be able to coordinate."

"Got it." Warren replied.

"Sounds like a plan." Dante nodded, everyone else having the same expressions, voicing no objections. "Let's move. Time to clean up this mess."

In a bright flash of light, Dante, Trish, and Modeus had transformed into their respective Devil Triggers while Byro transformed into his Angelo form, just as Erza requipped into her Black Wing armor and Lisanna donned her Harpy Take Over. Happy brought out his wings to carry Natsu while Lily did the same for Gajeel and Samuel for Dan. Dante carried Lady and Coco, Trish carried Gray, Modeus picked up Romeo as well as Sugarboy, Erza picked up Gildarts by the cloak as they all flew up and made their way back to the city as quickly as they could. As they flew, Morrison picked up the Archbishop as he, Wendy, Carla, Laki, and Warren ran back inside.


Below the cathedral, Agnus carried the Masayoshi sword in his hands, having been given to him by Sanctus through the Infinity Clock's reality warping powers, now thoroughly under their control. The mad scientist carried the copy Devil Arm across a bridge lined with torches, and at the end was a circular platform that had a dark red demonic pattern on it.

"Lend me your ears…" Agnus said as he stepped onto the platform. "..And fangs. Destroy this world…" He lifted the sword, the blade pointing downward toward the center of the pattern, where a small pedestal was located. "…So that the true utopia can. Be. BORN!"

He plunged the katana into the pedestal. A bright white light shinned underneath the platform and the bridge before it turned red, as if a river of glowing blood had suddenly appeared all around him. Even the Masayoshi was glowing the same color.

"JUDGEMENT DAY HAS ARRIVED!"


The last of the Angelos had been destroyed by the Rune Knight forces and had already entered the city and had begun to see to the safety of the civilians. They had constructed multiple Rune Barriers at several different areas of the city to provide shelter for the civilians, one of which was being overseen by Lahar.

"I am Chief Marshal Lahar of the Magic Council's Custody Enforcement unit." He addressed the civilians inside, consisting of several men, women, and children. "We are here for your protection. This barrier will keep you safe from any outside malevolent force that would seek to harm you. Please remain calm."

Doranbolt had just teleported inside the barrier with a woman and her child. "You're safe now, don't you worry." He assured before using his Direct Line to move out again.

"Sir, based on the others' report, we already have half the city's population secure." One Rune Knight reported to Lahar.

"That's not enough, we need to see to everyone's safety! We have to…" Lahar was interrupted when the entire ground began to shake, causing the city to tremble and the people to become even more worried and fearful than previously.

"What is that?! An earthquake?!" One Rune Knight questioned.

"No… I feel it something worse." Lahar said.

The ground near the cathedral, at the very center of the city, suddenly exploded as a giant monolithic structure arose. It was the size of a skyscraper. It was the true Hellgate.

"What… in the world…?" Lahar stuttered as he, and all his soldiers, including Doranbolt, and the citizens of Fortuna, looked in awe and fear at the massive structure.

Just as suddenly as it emerged, the Hellgate itself began to shake. The front of it began to bulge out, almost as if it were being inflated form the inside before it finally burst open in a flash of light. What came out was a massive black shadow as countless shroud-like demons flew out, flying in all directions with streams of darkness behind them as they began to attack and lay siege to the city. They were also followed out by large lizard-like demons as well that too joined in the attack.

Already the citizens began to panic as they tried to make their way to the nearest shelters, or even inside the nearest buildings, as quickly as they could. The Rune Knights came to their defenses as they fired off whatever spells they had to keep the demons at bay. Already the city was in chaos as blasts of fire, lightning, ice, and other forms of long-ranged magic were used to attack the flying demons. Some demons were shot down, others avoided the attacks before going on the offensive as well, slicing at the Rune Knights with their claws and bladed arms, even attacking the fleeing civilians in the streets. Already the city was becoming soaked in blood of human and demon alike.

"Quickly! Everyone inside now!" Lahar ordered the civilians near his barrier as he and his Rune Knights provided covering fire against the swarming demons. However, he appeared to have failed to notice a lizard-demon perched on the ledge of a rooftop just above him. It was about to leap down and attack when suddenly, Doranbolt appeared via his Direct Line and broke its neck with a kick to send it crashing down in the street before landing next to Lahar.

"As if those Angelo things weren't enough! It's one damn disaster after another! What's next!?" Doranbolt questioned.

Almost in direct que to his response, a massive shadow began to stretch over the area as everyone looked up in an equal amount of awe and fear at the sight of none other than the Savior hovering over the entire city, almost as if it were a divine being straight from Heaven.

"Do not fear!" Sanctus proclaimed, standing at the top of the giant's head. "Our Savior has come for us! To deliver us salvation! We must repent and rejoice, for as this world comes to an end, so shall be the birth of true paradise!"

The halo on top of the Savior's head began to glow as a giant blue sphere began to surge with raw power. As the magic of the Infinity Clock continued to flow through the Savior, the reality distorting powers began to work as the sky was set ablaze with fire, which attempted to rain down on the city.

Everyone screamed and panicked; Lahar, Doranbolt, and several Rune Knights braced themselves. However, a giant golden magic seal appeared over the area as it took the raining fireballs, protecting all the people and soldiers' underneath.

The Rune Knights and civilians glanced up as they saw the magic seal vanish to reveal none other than the Christina Advanced hovering in the air, coming to face the Savior directly. Sanctus raised a small eyebrow in curious annoyance to see the flying vessel.

"This is how he treats his own people?! Despicable!" Ichiya spat as he was at the Christina's controls.

Meanwhile, at the very tip of the flying ship's bow was none other than Makarov, who's body began to glow a brilliant gold with his magic. He glared at the Savior. "Ichiya, help the Magic Council's forces in protecting the people. I will deal with this abomination!"

"As you wish. Do be careful, old friend." Ichiya nodded.

With that declaration, Makarov threw away his jacket to reveal a bare chest, with the red Fairy Tail emblem he wore with pride. He leapt off the bow of the flying ship and began to grow in size as he fell. By the time he landed, he was already in his giant form, which appeared to be equal in height to the Savior itself. Though the giant Makarov had to look up as the massive artificial demon continued to hover above him.

Sanctus looked down to see the giant man. "You must be Makarov Dreyar, one of the ten Wizard Saints and the former master of the Fairy Tail guild, thought lost for the past seven years."

"I know who you are." Makarov's giant voice boomed. "You've spilled so much innocent blood, even that of your own people! You've caused them and my own children so much suffering, but it ends now! Surrender or suffer my wrath!"

"Don't be so foolish, you could never touch the power of the Savior. It is fueled by the greatest weapon ever created!" Sanctus proclaimed. "And thanks to your Celestial Wizard, it is completely under my control." That caused Makarov's blood to boil as his enormous fists clenched. "Tell me, what would it take for you to alter your position?"

"Your death!" Makarov leapt in the air in his giant form, grabbing the Savior's feet and used his strength to pull it down to the ground. The entire city shook from the impact as Sanctus quickly re-entered the Savior just as Makarov dealt a powerful punch across its face. He followed with a strike to its side and a kick up its chest, sending the Savior reeling back before Makarov grabbed it by the shoulders and forced it down into an old building that had no people in it.

The giant Makarov pressed with as much strength as he could to keep it down. However, the Savior's halo began to glow once more as the ground underneath Makarov's feet turned into molten lava. He already sank ankle deep and groaned in pain, but Sanctus wasn't done yet. The sky lit up as acid rain and bolts of lightning all fell down on Makarov's back, all condensing down onto Makarov, causing him to holler in pain. This forced him to release the Savior before it struck with its own fist to his face, sending him tumbling backwards and landing on his hands and knees to stop himself before he could hurt any bystanders nearby.

"Now do you understand?" Sanctus' voice echoed from the Savior itself. "No matter how powerful you are, you cannot even hold a candle to what's at my disposal! Not even Sparda and his closest followers could destroy it! As the one who will create the new utopia, I will accept any repentance you may have."

Makarov's glare hardened as he pushed himself to his feet. "I have nothing to repent for. The only thing I intend to do now, is to send you to Hell where you belong!"

"So be it." The Savior's halo glowed again as it shot a powerful beam of raw energy at Makarov, who quickly protected himself with a giant golden magic circle to act as a shield. The raw surge of the colliding magics caused the sky to light up. Despite giving everything that he could to keep up his defenses, Makarov felt himself being pushed back as the Infinity Clock's raw power was well beyond even his own.


Meanwhile, Wendy's group had manage to relocate the Archbishop to the same room where Mary had fought Guttman. The green demon had appeared to have been defeated as he was bound in Laki's Wood-Make magic as she and Morrison, holding his shotgun, stood guard over him while Warren and Carla hung around Wendy, who had begun applying her healing magic to both Mary Hughes and the Archbishop.

"Y-You shouldn't… waste your time… on a looser like me…" The injured Mary muttered.

"Don't say that!" Wendy stated. "Helping people is never a waste of my time for me!"

"B-but… I… I attacked you… we hurt your friends…" Mary groaned as tears formed in her eyes. "I let myself get used all over again…!"

Carla looked in sympathy. "Samuel had told us you were a slave to a dark guild in your childhood, but the Order rescued you and took you in. So it's understandable why you trusted them."

"You shouldn't blame yourself." Warren added. "It wasn't just you; all your friends fell for Sanctus' act."

"But that tots doesn't change the fact that I more-or-less helped deliver Kyrie to that old bastard on a silver platter." Mary was already crying. "And… Credo… I…" She knew what had happened to him and couldn't even finish her sentence as she was already sobbing.

Wendy honestly wished she could hug her, but she had to continue applying her healing spell. "I'm really sorry… I know what it's like to lose someone you care for."

Mary tried to wipe the tears from her eyes as she cast a glance to the Archbishop. "How's the old fart?"

"The effects of the brainwashing spell he was under have done a number on his brain." Wendy explained. "I can use my magic to heal it as best as I can."

"Then focus on him, I'm still alive so I'm good." Mary told her.

"No, I can handle it." Wendy assured. "I'm a lot stronger than I look, I just need to focus more."

"Just don't push yourself, okay?" Warren told her.

Carla meanwhile looked towards Wendy. 'Her magic has grown significantly, not just with attacking, but being able to heal two people at once… she's come a long way under Modeus' tutelage.' She couldn't help but smile with pride.

Suddenly, there was a loud sob that drew everyone's attention, but it wasn't coming from Mary. Everyone looked nothing short of astonished as they saw Guttman crying, tears falling from your eyes.

"Is he… seriously crying?" Laki asked.

"First time I've ever seen a full-fledged demon crying." Morrison commented.

"Why wouldn't I be crying!? All this time I thought I was following the will of Sparda… but I was really just a plaything for Sanctus and the Neo Oracion Seis!" He sobbed.

"Really? You thought attacking innocent people was following Sparda's will?" Morrison questioned rhetorically.

"But aren't you a demon?" Laki asked. "I thought most demons hated Sparda for betraying Mundus."

"Not all of us. Some demons actually went over and defected along with the Dark Knight." Guttman revealed, catching everyone by surprise. "When it first happened, I didn't really care all that much. But I was constantly picked on in the Underworld, that place is full of bullies and meanies! They always called my power weak and stupid! They hurt my feelings! So, I ran away. I came to the human world through the Hellgate to let off some steam, which led to me getting caught by the Order of the Sword. After they locked me up, Sanctus came to me. He told me he thought my power was amazing… the first person to ever give me a complement. He told me I could repent and be like Sparda, so I joined him. But in the end… I became the exact opposite! I'm every bit as mean as those bullies who picked on me!" He continued to wail, tears flowing out his eyes like a fountain.

"His tears are like waterfalls…" Laki commented.

"I know even a devil may cry, but this is ridiculous." Morrison added.

"I… I think he's actually serious." Wendy said, looking at him with sympathy. "He might be a demon, but I don't really think he's bad."

"He was simply being manipulated like everyone else. Just another victim of Sanctus' ambitions and the Neo Oracion Seis." Carla said.

"Hey!" Mary called to Guttman, causing him to stop crying. "You feel bad for what you did? Well, it's time to step up and make it right! One asshole to another. So, what do you say? Ready to really redeem yourself?"

Guttman shook his head to wipe away his tears. "I'm in!"


The allied group of Fairy Tail and Order defectors had arrived at the edge of the Fortuna city, Dante and the others having ceased their respective transformations to conserve their energy as they saw the chaos unfolding. They saw demons flying through the air and being shot at by the long-distance spells of the Rune Knights while also defending the civilians against their onslaught. But what really drew their attention was the giant form of Makarov engaged in a brutal battle against the Savior.

"Gramps…" Natsu looked with worry.

"The old man isn't doing so well." Dante said as they saw Makarov's giant form get blasted back by the Savior's energy-beam attack again.

"The Savior is not our only concern. The Hellgate has been opened!" Modeus stated. "Demons are flooding through the city like a tidal wave! It'll only be a matter of time before its overrun."

"This… this is horrible!" Lisanna exclaimed, voicing everyone's thoughts as they looked in shock and concern, hearing the sounds of battle and screams of the people.

"Our home…" Coco was on the verge of tears once more, as were her friends.

"How did it all get so screwed up…?" Dan questioned.

"This is the last thing we wanted." Sugarboy said. "This is where we all grew up… we were supposed to defend Fortuna and it's folk."

"But instead, we helped to bring about this madness." Samuel hung his head.

"Now is not the time to pass blame on yourselves." Lily told them. "I've been exactly where you are, so trust me, I know. And I also know that there is a better alternative than wallowing in your own guilt: it's giving your blood and sweat to set things right again."

"Words to live by." Byro stepped forward. "I am just as responsible for this atrocity, and I will accept full responsibility for my mistakes. Though this island was not my home, I will do everything I can to defend it and its people." He reached into his pocket to pull out the tiny octopus that was his partner and pet. "Kanaloa, the time for battle has come once again!"

As soon as he said those words, Kanaloa began to grow as he leapt from Byro's hand and onto the ground. In a matter of seconds, the octopus was in its giant form once again. He offered a tentacle to Byro, gesturing for him to mount.

"Coco, Dan, Sugarboy, Samuel, we will do what we can to aid the Magic Council's forces in repelling the demonic invasion." Byro instructed.

"Sounds like a plan." Dan nodded as he and his friends mounted the giant octopus alongside Byro.

"Hang on, I'm coming too." Gildarts volunteered. "The sooner we get those tiny guys taking care of, the sooner we can focus on the big guy."

"I'll join the battle as well." Panther-Lily also said. "After all, I wouldn't want my brother running the risk of getting a big head." He said with a teasing smirk, which Samuel returned as well.

With that said, Kanaloa took all seven of them and leapt straight toward the city to join the battle. As soon as they were gone, Erza stepped forward to address the remainder of her comrades.

"While they deal with that, the rest of us will focus on finding and defeating the remainder of the Neo Oracion Seis." Erza said. "We'll start at the cathedral that Credo told us of, with the hope to remove the copy-Yamato and close the Hellgate. But Dante, your focus must be on getting to the Savior. If what Credo said is true, you are the only one here who can enter it. Find and rescue Lucy, Nero, and Kyrie, and stop Sanctus."

"Yeah, don't have to tell me." Dante said with a serious expression. Innocent lives were at stake, as well as that of his cousin. He was not about to let another member of his family die.

"I can get behind that plan, too." Gajeel stated.

"Natsu and I will help you get to the Savior, Dante." Happy told him. "If the bad guys know you can get inside the Savior, they'll try and stop you."

"Thanks, Happy." Dante nodded.

"Come on, let's do this!" Romeo stated. "We're gonna save Lucy and the rest of the world!"

"Time to show these guys it was a mistake messing with Fairy Tail." Gray added.

"Another stopped-apocalypse to add to the resume. Why not?" Lady said with an eager grin.

"These guys have been on our backs and laughing in our faces for too long." Trish said. "Now it's payback time."

"Aw yeah! I'm all fired up now!" Natsu was more than ready for a fight.

However, Modeus sensed something incoming. "Watch out!" He quickly drew Hunter's Moon and used it to block and deflect a conjoined attack of red poison magic and white lightning bolts. Everyone got ready for battle as they looked to their attackers. "It seems our enemies have come to us."

"End of the line kids." Cobra said as he stood alongside Gloria on one of the many rooftops of the buildings that surrounded the city.

"This is as far as you little fairies go." Gloria added.

"It's snake-dude and that lightning-chick!" Natsu exclaimed.

"Cobra!" Erza glared at them.

"And Gloria." Trish also glared.

"It's sweet that you want to help your friends, but you're doomed to failure." Gloria told them mockingly. "Nothing can stop the Savior, not even the Son of Sparda himself."

"I can hear it, in every single one of you." Cobra grinned. "All that anxiety, the sweet desperation, despair… I hear it all."

"Not if I char your ears of!" Natsu shouted.

"Aye! We kicked your butt last time; we'll do it again!" Happy added.

"I'm saving you and Salamander for last, furball." Cobra told them before turning to his two targets. "I have unfinished business with Titania and the Demon of the Moon first. Isn't that right?!" He threw a sonic attack towards the group, directed toward the pair. However, they quickly leapt away before the attack struck. At the same time, Gloria unleashed a large white lightning bolt that gunned for the rest of the group, but Trish leapt in front, drawing her scythe and spun it around like a helicopter blade while also channeling her own lightning into it to act as a shield and deflect Gloria's blast before landing to glare at the white-haired humanoid demon.

"Well, you guys certainly saved the trouble of hunting you down, so why don't we repay you." Trish smirked eagerly at Gloria. "You guys go on ahead, the three of us got these losers."

"You mean four." Lady stepped by Trish's side. "The sooner we get this done the better, right?" She smirked toward Trish.

"Right." Trish nodded.

"Correct." Erza said as she and Modeus faced Cobra. "Dante, you and the others go on ahead."

"We will catch up to you as soon as we defeat these two." Modeus added.

"You make it sound so easy." Cobra said. "Remember how our last fight played out?"

"Quite well." Modeus replied. "And I'm certain it won't be repeated."

Dante gave a small nod before taking the lead. "You heard them, they got this. The rest of us got a job to do, so let's go."

"Right." Gray nodded with everyone else as they followed Dante into the city's streets.

"Erza! Modeus! Trish! Lady!" Natsu called out to all of them. "If any of you die here, I'll chase you into the afterlife and kill you all over again!" He told them before catching up with the rest of his friends.

The six said nothing as they stared down their respective opponents. Erza and Modeus glared at the stoic Cobra, while Trish and Lady glared up at the smirking Gloria. None of them made a move, almost silently daring the other party to strike first. Eventually, they all made a move at the same time as they leapt from their respective spots to clash with one another.

Erza quipped into her Heaven's Wheel armor and let loose a series of swords in Cobra's direction, which he blasted away with a sonic attack. Once the attack subsided however, Modeus shot through the dust cloud as he swung Hunter's Moon at Cobra; who ducked and swerved under the slice before leaping backwards towards the buildings in the eastward direction. At the same time, Trish swung her scythe and channeled her lightning into it to bring it down toward Gloria, who caught the large blade in-between her two smaller ones, right before Lady fired appeared above and behind Trish and shot both her pistols at Gloria, who turned her body into white lightning to zap herself away, deeper into the city before Lady and Trish leapt in pursuit of her.

"Requip! Flame Empress Armor!" Erza had donned her fire armor, swinging her flaming sword to send a large arc of fire Cobra's direction as Modeus unleashed a similar attack.

"Demon Sword: Lunar Eclipse!" He thrusted Hunter's Moon forward to send a series of full-moon shaped projectiles at Cobra.

However, Cobra had an attack of his own planned. "Poison Dragon Roar!" He unleashed a breath attack of dark red poison, which not only intercepted both Erza and Modeus' attacks, but even overpowered them. Both warriors leapt away to avoid the devastating strike, landing on rooftops that surrounded him.

"I see... so this is the power of an artificial Dragon Slayer." Modeus commented. "I've heard he was similar to Laxus, but this is the first time seeing this particular magic."

"Indeed, and rather odd that he didn't show it in his previous fight." Erza said.

"You can put all those theories you got going on about strategy or emotional reasons in your heads away." Cobra told them. "I just didn't think you two were worth the effort back then. But then you made the mistake of pissing me off, so I'm going to make your end as painful as possible!"

"I see… it seems I've struck a nerve." Modeus said, wielding Hunter's Moon firmly and taking a swordsman stance. "Is it perhaps I was able to let go and make peace with my loss, something you have failed to do?"

"Shut your damn mouth! Poison Dragon Scales!" He swung his arm to throw a large number of scale-shaped mases of poison towards Modeus, who swung Hunter's Moon to slice and parry most of them before leaping back to avoid the rest.

"Flight Armor!" Erza donned her fastest armor and shot at Cobra from behind, thrusting both her swords forward, but he heard her attack coming and was prepared.

"Poison Dragon Fang Thrust!" He thrusted his right arm to launch a mass of poison in the shape of a large-fanged snake head to grab Erza's sword thrust and push her back as the two glared at each other.

At the same time; bolts of white and blue lightning danced across several rooftops as Trish and Gloria shot at each other, clashing their blades at one another as they zapped and attacked from nearly every direction. However, upon their next clash, Gloria's body was encompassed in her white lightning, which grew into a large sphere of the same substance to shield herself and overpower Trish as she tried to zap herself at Gloria. The force from the deflection knocked Trish down onto a rooftop just as Gloria's white lightning sphere vanished.

However, Lady had leapt up from behind with an attack of her own. "Steel Devil Bullet Barrage!" She fired her pistols, shooting a hail of her magic bullets at Gloria, who quickly turned around and used her own lightning to increase her speed and slice with her blades to deflect each of the bullets before Lady got up close and personal. "Steel Devil Void Blade!" Her right arm converted into a steel sword that she sliced toward Gloria, who parried it with her own curved blades before leaping toward a rooftop behind her.

"Steel Devil, huh? So, the fairy trash has some fangs after all." Gloria said in mocking fashion.

"Oh, we're trash, are we?" Lady smirked. "Guess it'll be all the more humiliating when we kick your ass! Steel Devil Rage!" She unleashed her own breath attack, to which Gloria countered with a large bolt of her white lightning. Both attacks collided and pressed against each other before they exploded, sending both combatants back.

However, as Gloria fell back, Trish appeared behind her in a bolt of lightning, her scythe at the ready to slice her to ribbons. But just as she sliced at her, Gloria's body had turned into white lightning before zapping away and appearing on another building, forcing Trish to flip and land on the rooftop across and stand alongside Lady.

"That damn bitch." Trish glared.

"Ya know Trish… her power feels a lot like yours." Lady told her. "And it's not the power… the way she moves… her techniques…"

"I know… they're just like mine." Trish's eyes narrowed at the smirking Gloria. "Who or what the hell are you?"

"You could say I'm you, Trish." Gloria revealed. "Or rather, the improved model."

"What?!" Trish questioned.

"You aren't a naturally born creature." Gloria began. "You were made by Mundus to get close to Dante, I am of a similar origin. Sanctus and his closest allies recruited the Oracion Seis to act as accomplices for their goals, but they left their former leader Brain behind so he wouldn't interfere with their own schemes. Aside from him, their other members Hoteye and Angel left their ranks and turned over a new leaf. With the old Six Demons cut in half, they had to refill their ranks somehow. That's where Gilver, Imitatia, and I came in. I was made from your blood left from a previous battle that Agnus recovered."

"So, you're my clone." Trish figured it out.

"Altered and improved upon." Gloria replied. "I'm far stronger than you can ever hope to be, and I'm going to prove it as I kill you and your precious friends."

"Well, that sure as hell sounds familiar." Lady said, thinking back to Nelo Angelo in Edolas. "You're not the first 'improved' cloned demon we've fought. You'll die just like him."

"Big words, little Devil Slayer." Gloria twirled her blades eagerly. "Let's see you put them into action."


A line of explosions erupted through the streets of Fortuna as Dante's group fought their way through the hordes of demons to get closer to the Hellgate and the cathedral. Dante cut the demons down with Rebellion and gunned them down with Ebony and Ivory; Natsu incinerated them with his flames as Happy lured those that flew toward Natsu to be burnt to ash; Gray froze them solid before shattering them; Gajeel pounded them with his iron-pillars; Lisanna slashed them to pieces in her she-cat form; even Romeo took a few down with his various colored flames.

Eventually the group made their way to their destination, standing near the entranceway to the cathedral with the massive and open Hellgate standing in front of them.

"That thing looks a lot bigger than the other ones we took down." Happy pointed out.

"It's the original Hellgate that those smaller ones were based off, so of course it's the strongest one." Gray pointed out. "It's not gonna be easy to take down."

"We gotta close it first." Dante said as he sensed the flowing demonic power from underground. He turned around to face the building. "That's the cathedral, pull that fake Yamato out from underneath, and thing will shut down."

Natsu took a few whiffs in the air. "There's definitely someone inside there. I can smell em."

"Yeah, and he's got that same odd smell Credo and that old man got." Gajeel added. "So he's probably an Angelo-freak too."

"Maybe it's that Agnus guy Credo told us about." Romeo assumed.

"Alright; Gray, you and Gajeel take care of the guy inside and pull the sword to stop the Hellgate." Lisanna told them. "The rest of us will help Dante get closer to the Savior."

"Got it." Gray nodded. "Leave it to us." He and the Iron Dragon Slayer ran toward the cathedral as Dante, Natsu, Happy, Romeo, and Lisanna made their way closer to the battle between the Savior and Makarov's titan form.


The door was kicked open as Gajeel and Gray entered the main hall of the cathedral. The entire chamber was almost completely dark, save for a single light that shined down from the chandelier above. There, they saw a man who sat on the stairs toward the central stage with a clipboard and a pen in hand as he appeared to be writing.

"Hey, you Agnus!" Gajeel called to him as he and Gray walked down the stairs of the isle, making their way toward him.

"I am." Agnus confirmed as he continued to write his notes. "And you are two of the troublesome Fairy Tail. You and your friends destroyed those Hellgates that I had spent quite a long time working on."

"Yeah, they were bit of an eyesore." Gray said as he and Gajeel had leapt down from the aisles of the seats and into the center of the cathedral, facing Agnus directly. "Not to mention those demons you had guarding them."

"It is most intriguing." Agnus slowly stood up. "In addition to being part of Fairy Tail, you are also part of the group of wizards that vanished off the face of the planet for seven years, only to reemerge as if no time had passed around you. So the thought that those demons would prove far inferior in the face of the tactics of time-displaced wizards is rather illogical. And yet… here you stand."

"You know what else is illogical?" Gajeel questioned as he and Gray slowly began to circle around Agnus. "Saying how much you guys worship Sparda but are pretty much doing the exact opposite of what he tried to do."

"And if you're the guy who made those Hellgates, that would also mean you're the sick bastard who dissected his corpse to make all those artificial demons." Gray said with a scowl. "If that doesn't count as hypocrisy, then I don't know what does."

Agnus gave a slight sigh in annoyance. "I hold a great deal of respect for the Dark Knight's power and accomplishments. However, he was a fool to protect humanity. They are a stubborn and foolish race, one unworthy of the utopia he strived for. So instead, we shall send them to Hell where they belong, and with the Infinity Clock's power, build a new humanity worthy of the utopia that we shall make this world into."

"One slight problem with your plan there, pal." Gajeel pointed out. "We're gonna kill you before you get the chance to see your precious 'utopia' and pluck that fancy sword out and use it to cut your boss to ribbons."

Agnus' body was engulfed in a brief golden flash as he donned his insect-like Angelo form. He reached out his hand to call forth a Gladius, which flew to his palm and transformed into a sword. "Our Yamato! That is what you seek. And that is why I wait in your path!" He swung his sword around dramatically and took a combative stance to face the two.

Gray threw his shirt and jacket away to reveal his bare chest as he took his Ice-Make stance. "Fine with us, we were hoping to find you here anyway."

Gajeel smirked. "Come on you delusional bug, let's dance!"


Back outside, the Rune Knights continued to battle the innumerable hordes of demons that poured out of the Hellgate. Spells were launched into the air, crossbows were fired, swords were drawn as demons were cut down left-and-right; but several Rune Knights themselves had fallen as well, swooped in and cut down by the flying shroud-like demons, or pounced and mauled by the demonic lizards.

Doranbolt used Direct Line to swoop in and deliver a punch to the face of a shroud demon and knock it out of the air before landing on the ground in front of a line of Rune Knights as they faced a pack of lizard demons with several shrouds in the air.

"Stand your ground!" Doranbolt told them. "Hold the line!"

However, right as the demons went on the attack, the giant octopus that was named Kanaloa had landed in between the opposing forces before he spat a stream of his corrosive ink at the demons, causing them to screech in pain as they melted away. Several shrouds try to fly away, but they were smacked down by Kanaloa's large tentacles.

To say Doranbolt and the Rune Knights were surprised was an understatement. "What in…?"

"Doranbolt!" He turned around in shock to see Panther-Lily hovering above him, Baskerville unsheathed. "Do what you can to get as many civilians as possible to safety. The rest of us will handle these demons."

A serious look formed on the former Rune Knight's face as he nodded. "Alright, good luck."

Lily then transformed into his muscular battle form and flew forward to where Samuel was, currently engaged in an aerial battle against several shroud demons. Samuel was already in his own battle mode as he had drawn his dual swords, using his left one to cut down a shroud while using the right to block a bladed attack from another and quickly deal a kick to its face and shatter it before spinning both his swords like helicopter blades to cut down four that attempted to get at him from all sides.

Before he had a chance to catch his breath, Samuel turned around to see six more shroud flying right at him. However, Lily quickly flew in with such speeds that when he swung Baskerville, he had cut down all six in one slice before looking towards Samuel with a smirk, who returned with one of his own. The two warrior Exceeds then turned to face an incoming horde of shrouds that took the form of a large black cloud.

"Let us see which one of us can destroy the most, eh brother?" Samuel challenged.

"There's plenty for the both of us, Sammy." Lily replied as they flew forward, going on the attack.

"Get along doggies!" Sugarboy exclaimed as he rode a mound of his slime down a street, pulling in multiple demons and trapping them inside, while also draining all their powers "Gather up all them nasty demons!"

Coco ran across the sides of several buildings with her enhanced speed before leaping through the air to deal several kicks and knock down several flying shroud demons before falling to the ground, driving both her feet into the skull of a lizard demon and crush it into the street. As two more tried to pounce at her, she quickly flipped and landed on her hands to deliver a split kick and knock them both back.

Dan gave a yell as he thrusted his lance forward, sending multiple magic projectiles at a trio of lizard demons to destroy them. Three more shroud demons tried to come at him from behind and slice at him with their claws, but Dan quickly turned around and lunged his staff forward to impale the shroud in the middle and spun around to send it flying into the one on the left before moving to impale the head off the last one.

Byro waved his staff to cast a nullification spell on a group of at least ten shrouds and seven lizards, nullifying their abilities before moving in to crush them all with his fists, feet, or his hook-staff. He didn't even break so much as a sweat as all seventeen demons were now a pile of mush on the ground. He then looked upward to see twenty shroud demons flying toward him.

"Divine Arrow!" Byro thrusted his staff forward to blast a large arrow of violet magic, which shot at the demons and exploded in glorious fashion to destroy them all in one blast.

Gildarts looked to the explosion with a smirk. "Showoff. Well, guess I can't let him have all the fun, can I?" He said to the pack of dozens of lizard demons and many more shrouds that had him surrounded on all sides. As they all went in for the kill, Gildarts expanded his own raw magic power that broke apart all the demons in one blast, destroying them in an instant.

However, Makarov didn't appear to be having as much success as he continued his battle against the Savior. But even covered in burns and bruises, he stood his ground as he tried to regain his breath before throwing a punch to the Savior's face. But as he came in for another, the Savior caught his fist in its right hand before throwing a punch of its own with its left fist into Makarov's jaw, knocking him back. The Savior then channeled its own power to create a large twister around Makarov, big enough to encompass him even in his giant form, as well as set the twister ablaze with fire and ice, causing Makarov a great deal of pain as he cried out in agony.

Dante, Natsu, Happy, Lisanna, and Romeo had made it to the top of one of the largest buildings in the city, getting quite close to the Savior as they saw it hover up in the air, floating above the twister as it dissipated, revealing Makarov, while still in his titan form, was now on his hands and knees, and appeared out of breath.

"Master's on his last legs! I don't know if he can keep this up!" Lisanna said with worry.

"Come on, we gotta get moving! We're almost there!" Romeo stated, but as he ran forward, Dante sensed something incoming.

"Heads up!" He quickly grabbed Romeo by the collar and pulled him back as he used Rebellion to slice and parry several dark green magic bolts, all shot at them by Midnight as he stood on a piece of hovering debris around the floating Savior.

"It's Midnight!" Natsu glared. "Or Brain the Third or whatever he's called!"

"Did you really think you could get so close to the Savior completely unopposed?" Midnight questioned rhetorically.

"Not really, but it was a nice thought." Dante replied.

"Credo told us how to stop that thing!" Happy told Midnight. "All we gotta do is get Dante inside and kick yours and Sanctus' butts and we'll save the world!"

"I'm aware of your intent." Midnight replied. "You believe if you defeat the remainder of my team, as well as Sanctus and Agnus, the Celestial Wizard will gain control of the Infinity Clock's power as she is being used to power it. And only the Son of Sparda is capable of entering due to being a direct descendant of one of the Clock's original owners. So, all I have to do to stop you, is to kill all of you." His eyes widened as he launched a devastating Reflector magic that tore the entire roof of the building that they were standing on apart.

Fortunately, Dante and Natsu were able to leap on several of the floating pieces of debris alongside the one Midnight was standing on. Happy hovered close to Natsu as Lisanna was in her Harpy Take Over and had flown Romeo onto one as well.

"Easier said than done. We're not easy to take down." Lisanna said, narrowing her eyes at the unsurprised Midnight.

"By all means, come and attack me." Midnight challenged. "We can all watch as your precious master breaths his last."

Everyone turned to see the Savior call forth a large meteorite from the sky and have it fly down to smash and explode into the giant Makarov, lighting up the entire area as his giant form was sent crashing into an empty building, which then collapsed from the impact.

"Master!" Lisanna, Happy, and Romeo all shouted.

"Gramps!" Natsu also exclaimed as Dante looked in shock as well, with Midnight merely smirking.

The dust from the collapsed building began to clear away, revealing Makarov had lost his titan form and resumed his normal stature as a short old man. He was all but completely out of stamina, coughing as he held his injured side, covered in bruises and blood as he glared at the hovering Savior.

"I commend you for your efforts." Sanctus voice echoed from the Savior. "You were the first to challenge the raw power of the Infinity Clock so directly. Unfortunately, you will be the last." The Savior's halo began to glow as it prepared a final attack. "Though I will not spare your life, I'll still accept any repentance you may have to offer at this time."

Makarov merely smirked in a taunting fashion in response. "There's nothing to repent for. I may have made mistakes in my life, but I have no regrets. The children I have raised have turned out better than I could have ever hoped for." He said as he coughed up some blood. "But even if my life ends here… I know they will stop you. Fairy Tail will stop you."

"Such faith, a pity its placed in the wrong cause" The Savior's halo glowed even brighter. "But do not worry, I'll send all your so-called children to join you soon enough."

"NOOOO!" Happy screamed with tears in his eyes.

"Gramps, get out of there!" Natsu also shouted.

"Move, old man!" Dante also called of him.

"Master!" Romeo exclaimed.

"Don't kill him! Please!" The teary-eyed Lisanna also cried out.

However, just before the attack could be shot, a large and brilliant bolt of lightning shot down from the sky, striking the Savior's face; creating an explosion that not only halted the Savior's attack, but even caused it to real backwards as another bolt of lightning shot down in front of the master.

Everyone, even Midnight, looked in surprise as they saw a group of people stepping forward as the residual electricity cleared out. Freed and Mira were on the left, Bickslow and Evergreen were on the right. But standing in the middle was somebody that nobody expected as even Makarov glanced up toward him in shock. As soon as he saw him, a smirk formed on Dante's face.

"You always so quick to throw your life away, old man?" Laxus said to his grandfather, as he glared up toward the Savior. "There are easier ways to kill yourself, ya know."

"It's Laxus!" Happy shouted in joyous surprise. "He came to help us!"

"He even brought Mira and the others with him!" Lisanna was just as happy to see them as well.

"Laxus… what are you doing here…?" Makarov asked.

"We ran into him after we defeated Racer." Freed explained. "He offered us a quick route to Fortuna and we took him up on it."

"Looks like the situation has went from bad to shitstorm in record time." Bickslow commented as he glanced up to the Savior. "What the hell is that thing? It's ugly as hell."

"Yeah! So ugly!" The dolls agreed.

"Whoever designed something that hideous has got to be insane." Evergreen added.

"There's an enormous surge of magic power emanating from it." Mira said. "I'm guessing it's being powered by the Infinity Clock, so it won't be easy to beat."

"You should take five, old man. Let us handle it." Laxus told his injured grandfather, staring up at the Savior. "And no, I'm not doing this to get back into the guild. I'm just a guy who's looking to help his grandpa and beat down some monsters. Got a problem with it?" He looked back slightly with a small smile.

Makarov couldn't help the chuckle and the grin that followed. "Not at all… go kick his ass, my boy."

Laxus then faced the Savior directly again as his entire body began to surge with his lightning magic. His raw power increased as bright dragon yellow scales formed along his arms and sides, fangs forming in his mouth as he had achieved his Dragon Force transformation. Mira and Freed both followed his lead, taking up their Satan Soul Halphas form and Dark Ecriture Darkness form respectively. They quickly shot up and flew at the Savior with Bickslow riding his dolls and Evergreen flying after them.

"Hell yeah! The Thunder Legion is back baby! Let's light em up!"

Multiple explosions erupted around the Savior as the Thunder Legion and Mira began their attack. Though surprised at first, Midnight didn't seem the least bit worried.

'How foolish, they can send as many reinforcements as they want. It won't stop…' Suddenly, a stream of fire shot past him and went directly at the Savior.

"Let's go Happy!" Natsu said as his Exceed companion flew him toward the giant artificial demon, Natsu propelling themselves further with streams of fire from his feet. "We're not gonna let Laxus hog all the fun!"

"Aye sir!" Happy shouted as they flew closer.

"Get me right at that blue stone thing on its chest! It's gotta be important, so we gotta smash it!" Natsu told him.

"Sounds like a plan to me!" Happy agreed.

The Savior didn't seem to notice the incoming Natsu and Happy as it tried to fend off Laxus, Mira, Freed, Bickslow, and Evergreen; all five moving up and around the Savior, blasting it with hit and run attacks to keep its attention focused on them. The Dragon Force Laxus noticed Natsu incoming and only smirked unsurprising, it wasn't unlike Natsu to charge in like that.

They were already at the large gem embedded in the Savior's chest as Natsu pulled back a flaming fist. "Knock, knock, you old geezer!"

But, something completely unexpected happen as Natsu threw his fist forward. It didn't hit the Savior's surface, but rather phased into it, along with his entire body. Happy ended up accidentally smacking onto the Savior's chest as Natsu had somehow managed to enter it.

"Natsu!" Happy cried out in surprise.

Everyone; Dante, Laxus, Lisanna, Mira, Romeo, Freed, Bickslow, Evergreen, even Midnight, were completely stunned at what just happened.

"What!?" Midnight questioned.

"Did he just phase inside that thing?!" Bickslow questioned.

"But how is that possible?!" Freed also questioned.

The Savior glanced down as it seemed to finally notice Happy trying to push himself in. "Give him back! You give me back Natsu! You hear me?!" However, the Savior moved down its hand in an attempt to swat the blue Exceed away.

"Happy! Move!" Mira flew in to grab and pull Happy away in time just as the Dragon Force Laxus shot himself across the Savior's face in a bolt of lightning, punching at it as the bolt continued to fly around the Savior at super speeds, attacking from all sides.

'This can't be possible!' Midnight thought to himself. 'He shouldn't be able to enter the Savior! Only my team and Sanctus' allies can enter it, or even the blood descendants of Anna Heartfilia and Sparda, the original owners! Just how can he…?!'

Midnight's train of thought was interrupted from a laugh by Dante as he leapt to land on the floating debris to face Midnight directly.

"I don't know what the hell just happened, but I'm not complaining." Dante said as Midnight glared at him. "Hey Lisanna, Romeo, you two head back into the city and help the others sweep the streets. I can handle this."

"Are you sure, Dante?" Lisanna asked.

"Yeah, I'm sure." He confirmed as he twirled Rebellion. "I'll take care of the emo here, then go in and help Natsu. So, you guys go on ahead."

"Alright, good luck." Lisanna nodded as she turned toward her young guildmate. "Let's go, Romeo."

"Right." Romeo nodded as the Harpy Lisanna grabbed Romeo and flew back down into the city, leaving Dante to face Midnight alone.

"You seem rather confident, Son of Sparda." Midnight said. "Did you have a plan that we were not aware of? Something that somehow allowed the Salamander to enter the Savior?"

"Nope, got no clue what happened there." Dante replied. "But knowing Natsu, he's gonna take full advantage of it and tear up that thing's insides."

"His fate is then sealed." Midnight stated. "Sanctus wields the Devil Sword Sparda, which has only increased his power. Not to mention Imitatia is guarding over the Celestial Wizard and that Kyrie girl, so the odds aren't in his favor."

"Think you're forgetting about one more guy." Dante told him.

"What, you mean that pathetic child, Nero?" Midnight scoffed. "Please. He can't even hold a candle to you, a true Son of Sparda. Even if the Salamander somehow frees him, they won't be able to stop us."

"Think you might be underestimating that kid." Dante replied. "He's a lot stronger than you give him credit for. But if Sanctus is as hyped as you say he is, then I'd better hurry and kick your ass so I can get in there and join in on the fun."

"Don't be overconfident!" Midnight's body began to glow with an aura of dark green magic. "I am the strongest of the Neo Oracion Seis! My own devastating Reflector magic, combined with the Darkness magic of my father, all further enhanced by my undergoing of the Ascension Ceremony, I have become something that not even a blood descendant of Sparda can stop!"

"Now who's overconfident?" Dante held Rebellion firmly as he pointed it at his opponent. "Think you can back up that talk? Then bring it on."

Done.

And just like that, things have quickly escalated in the final battle of the Order of the Sword arc. Credo may have died, but he was able to pass along a hidden secret that may be the key to victory. Here's hoping they can pull it off.

Makarov was able to hold his ground against the Savior, but he was no match for it. However… he was quickly saved by none other than Laxus, who brought with him his former teammates in the Thunder Legion as well as Mirajane. Now they've got the Savior's attention while the rest of their friends and allies battle it out across Fortuna…

Erza and Modeus are having their rematch against Cobra; Trish and Lady are fighting Gloria; Gray and Gajeel have confronted Agnus to retrieve the Masayoshi and close the Hellgate. While everyone else in Fairy Tail and the Order's defectors work to fend off the demons in the city and keep the Savior occupied, Dante is about to go one-on-one against Midnight.

But, more surprisingly, Natsu was able to somehow enter the Savior. As for how, think back to the story Sparda's message told in the 'Key of the Starry Heavens' about the founding of the Order of the Sword and who is two closest allies were at the time; and also think about what Credo said about how Dante had the ability to enter the Savior. Pretty sure you can piece it together.

With Natsu now inside the Savior, will he be able to get to Nero, and can the two of them work together to stop Sanctus' mad plan to destroy the world? Time will tell.

Thank you all for your support and patience. I hope you enjoy your holidays! Merry Christmas to each and every one of you (to those who celebrate the holiday anyway, LOL).