Another chapter up and running!

First and foremost, I really much apologize for not uploading in a while. I've been sick, but now I'm back and up and running.

Enjoy the read!

Chapter 47

An Unexpected Reveal

A few moments earlier...

Gray and Lucy had finally managed to get through the opening before they separated from Natsu and managed to make it into the ruins of the city.

"So... do you have any idea what this place is?" Gray asked Lucy. "I was expecting Nirvana to be some kind of magic. Not a bunch of rubble and broken-down buildings.

"Well aside of the fact that we're in some ruins on top of a monster's back, I have no clue," said Lucy. "Although if I had to guess, I'm guessing it was some kind of city. But if it was, where are all the people and what happened to them?"

"That is an excellent question. Oh yeah!" said a voice coming from behind them just up above. "This is a city. A city that is known as Nirvana."

"And seeing the two of you here is not only reassuring," said another voice. "But it puts the odds in our favor."

Gray and Lucy immediately turned around to see that Jura and Hoteye stood above a building. Gray and Lucy were surprised to see the pair.

"Hold on! That's the guy from Lyon's guild!" said Gray.

"And one of the Oración Seis?!" exclaimed Lucy with surprise.

"What the heck is going on?!" the two of them exclaimed.

"There's no need to be concerned," assured Jura as he and Hoteye came up to them. "Hoteye here is now on our side. We were actually about to duke it out, but then he had a change of heart."

"Indeed!" said Hoteye brightly. "It was then that I realized that all you need is love! Oh yeah!"

Needless to say, that Gray and Lucy were now even more surprised to see Hoteye's newest behavior. They looked at each other a bit baffled.

"Gray, isn't this the guy who was screaming "money this" and money that" before?" Lucy asked.

"I guess so," said Gray shrugging. "For all we know, Baldy either used enlightenment magic or beat some sense into him. Also makes me remember what happened to Sherry, only in her case she changed for the worst."

"Wait... Sherry!? Is she OK?!" exclaimed Jura. "Where is she?!"

"Don't worry. She's fine," said Gray. "Before we ended up here, we left her with Lyon, so she's safe."

"Well that's good," sighed Jura with relief.

"In any case... Hoteye right? You were telling us about this city being called Nirvana," said Lucy turning to the man. "Could you tell us about it?"

"But of course," said Hoteye bowing. "This city was once a place where an ancient tribe called the Nirvits lived. Oh yeah."

"The Nirvits?" puzzled Gray. "I've never heard of them."

"I wouldn't be surprised if you did considering that there's no record of them," continued Hoteye. "They lived around four-hundred years ago during a time when the world was engulfed in war. The Nirvits being peaceful people tried to remain neutral, but sadly the bloodshed was so terrible they felt they had to intervene and, so created a type of magic that would help maintain balance to the world. Oh yeah!"

"Don't tell me," began Lucy. "That magic was-"

"Nirvana. That's right," finished Hoteye as he continued. "A powerful spell that's capable of switching light and darkness. That name was given to it to symbolize their desire for peace. Oh yeah!"

"Now I get it," said Lucy. "This city of ruins is Nirvana itself."

"Man. So, Nirvana was given its name because the Nirvits wanted peace," said Gray. "But now it's instead of being used for destruction by someone evil. How's that for irony?"

"It really sucks though," said Lucy. "I'm all for the balance and peace stuff, but now I wish that they could just make Nirvana change darkness into light only. That way we wouldn't even have to be in this mess."

"I doubt that the Nirvits expected that their creation would be used for evil, so it can't be helped," said Jura. "And besides, criminals can find the dark side to even the most constructive of magics."

"In any case, Nirvana's activation is serious trouble for the entire world," said Hoteye. "We must destroy it at any cost! Oh yeah!"

Then suddenly torches with flame lacrimas on them began lighting up all around the pillar in the middle of the city catching the four's attention.

"What's going on?" wondered Gray.

"They're lighting up," said Lucy.

"No doubt Brain's behind it. Oh yeah," said Hoteye. "He's most likely controlling this city from the royal throne in the center. However, Brain is not able to use his magic while he's in control, so it would be the perfect chance for us to strike! Oh yeah!"

"Controlling it? Does that mean that he's taking it somewhere in particular?" asked Gray.

"I would believe that he is," said Hoteye. "However, I do not know where for Brain didn't share that part of his plan with us. Probably because he forgotten mention it."

"Not true," said a cold and chilling voice. "It was because Father didn't trust the rest of you enough to tell you. Only I know of his plans."

Everyone snapped their heads toward the direction towards the voice. There standing on another building was Midnight. Upon seeing him, Hoteye's eyes narrowed.

"Hello Midnight," he greeted sounding solemn.

"It's that creepy guy who's always sleeping!" yelped Lucy.

"One of the Oración Seis," added Gray.

As he jumped down from the building landing in front of them, he kept a neutral expression, but his voice was soaked with venom. Not only that but as he spoke he appeared to jump from one place to another like some kind of phantom.

"Hoteye. I can't believe that you betrayed us," he said now behind the building. "I didn't think you'd have the guts."

"I haven't betrayed anyone," said Hoteye as Midnight now was beside the building. "I've merely came to realize the error of Brain's misguided ways."

"What was that? You're saying that Father is wrong?" demanded Midnight as he now appeared behind Lucy and Gray. "Why don't you come over here and say that to my face?"

"How is he doing that?" asked Gray uneasily. "And what do you mean about this "Father" stuff?"

"Maybe they're a related by blood family that's working together?" puzzled Lucy.

"I wouldn't say that. I'd say that he's misguided because he truly believes that people's hearts can be changed by magic," said Hoteye. "But only love has the power to make even the weakest hearts strong. Oh yeah!"

"Is that so?" asked Midnight.

Then what happened next caught everyone by surprise even Hoteye. Midnight eye's sharply hardened as he shot a terrifying glare while releasing a shock wave of his magic power. The magic waves of Midnight's attack seemed to slice the buildings like cheese as the rubble fell to the ground. Dust and pebbles flew everywhere. When the dust cleared out, Jura, Lucy, and Gray found themselves in a small pit with Hoteye standing in front of them.

"Anyone know what the heck just happened?" mumbled Gray.

"Hoteye saved us by using his magic to melt the ground beneath us, so we wouldn't be hit," said Jura. "But it happened, so fast that even I barely see it."

"There's no time to lose now!" called Hoteye. "Get to the Royal Throne as fast as you can and stop Brain. I'll stay here and hold off Midnight!"

"Are you sure?" asked Lucy worriedly.

"You needn't worry. Besides, all the Oración Seis are equal in power!" replied Hoteye.

"Is that what you think Hoteye?" scoffed Midnight. "Do you honestly think that you're a match for me?"

Hoteye glared at Midnight and then went of the attack. "EARTH MAGIC LIQUID GROUND!"

An amber magic circle appeared before him and in front of Hoteye, the ground melted and then turned into a giant tidal wave of earth. Midnight didn't move and with a wave of his hand blew the wave away like it was nothing. As Gray, Lucy, and Jura climbed out of the pit, they couldn't but be awed by this fight that was unfolding.

"This is crazy. Two of the Oración Seis duking it out with each other," said Gray.

"Definitely a crazy turn of events," said Lucy. "Then again they're not exactly all about peace and harmony."

"Hoteye! Are you sure?" asked Jura. "We can help you!"

"Yes, I am," said Hoteye. "Now quickly! Get going!" Then he turned around and smiled. "Also, I would prefer it that you didn't call me that anymore. My real name is Richard. Oh yeah!"

The three were hesitant, but they heeded Hoteye's request and took off towards the Royal Throne.

When he was sure that his friends were out of harm's way, Hoteye turned back to Midnight who was now scowling at him in disgust.

"Revealing your true name to the enemy... you really have fallen Hoteye," he said. "This is low even for you."

"I have no need for a codename now that I've opened myself to love!" Hoteye said defiantly as he prepared himself for battle. "Now prepare yourself Midnight! As I defeat you using the power of love! Oh yeah!"

Now...

Jura, Gray, and Lucy took off running towards the Royal Throne in the hopes to find Brain and stop his evil plans. They kept on running until the heard the sounds of battle close to the Royal Throne, then they saw one of the torch lacrima around the Royal Throne fall and cause a huge explosion spreading fire everywhere.

"What was that?!" exclaimed Jura as he ran. "Is one of our allies fighting?"

"Yeah. And I bet I know who caused that over-the-top explosion," said Gray smirking. "It's gotta be Natsu."

"I'll say this much," said Lucy. "He certainly makes it easier for us to find him."

The three then headed towards the direction of the flames. The flames had eventually died down and then suddenly they heard a loud inhuman bellow which made the three stop running.

"What the heck is all that screaming?" wondered Gray. "It almost sounds inhuman!"

"Please don't let it be some kind of monster!" squeaked Lucy fearfully.

"I don't know where it could be," said Jura.

Then suddenly, they heard something fall to the ground close to their location making them head straight from where the object fell. Soon enough, they came around a corner and then they saw them. There was Natsu who was being dragged by the scarf across the ground by Brain with Shark right by him.

"Look! There he is!" pointed Gray.

"Nastu! Are you alright?!" called out Lucy worriedly. "What happened to you!?"

Natsu responded with a sickly groan as he was still motion sick. "It's... still moving..." he whimpered trying to fight back the bile. "I... can't take it... it's... still a vehicle..."

Then Lucy saw Happy who was lying on the ground a few feet away looking very pale for a cat his color. "Oh man! Happy! Not you too!"

"Don't worry," said Jura. "It seems that Sir Cat is still alive."

"Guys... please help..." groaned Happy. "You gotta save Natsu... Brain and Shark are planning to... take him away..."

"There are now three of the six demons left. Our numbers have basically been cut in half," said Brain with a frown, but that frown quickly changed into an evil grin. "So, in order to stop the bleeding in our ranks, I will fortify and restore them starting with the one."

"You gotta be kidding," growled Gray. "I should have known that something like would happen, but I never imagined someone from a dark guild would actually try and force Natsu to their side."

"You must be out of your mind if you think a hard head like Natsu's gonna join you!" said Lucy scowling. "There's no way that will ever happen!"

"Oh, he will," said Brain. "Once Nirvana darkens his heart and changes him, he will gladly do my bidding and our goals and fates will become-"

Then Brain was rudely interrupted by Natsu. "In your dreams bub!" he snarled as he bit down hard on Brain's forearm.

Brain glared at Natsu in a mixture of anger and disgust. "You still have the strength to fight me?!" he growled. Using his strength alone, he lifted Natsu into the air and then slammed him to the ground forcing him to let go. Natsu once again felt his sickness overwhelm him making his willpower shrink immediately.

"It's... no good... I'm still... so sick..." he gulped.

Jura was a little worried. "That boy appears to not look well."

"He'll be fine," said Gray. "He's just not good at riding vehicles."

"I see," said Jura. "So, the spirit's strong, but the stomach is weak?"

"More or less," said Gray. "Really gets in the way of things."

"Guys... please... help me..." whimpered Natsu. "Please... beat these guys... and stop... this crazy thing..."

"Oh, don't worry. We're gonna beat em alright," said Gray turning his attention towards Brain and Shark. "But it's not just gonna be for your sake."

"You got that right," said Lucy nodding in agreement.

At this point, Brain began releasing a dark aura representing his magic powers.

"Oh, is that so? You'll stop us and Nirvana?" asked Brain coolly. "Go ahead and try your best, but you had better not waste any time. This city is fast approaching its first target- The Cait Shelter Guild Hall."

Everyone's eyes widened in shock upon hearing that name.

"That's the guild that Wendy and Carla belong to," spoke Happy. "But... why them?"

"I would like to know that as well," said Jura. "What could you possibly hope to gain from the loss of Wendy's and Carla's guild Brain? State your objective."

Brain chuckled darkly. "The world on its head," he answered. "In the blink of an eye, this magic will make that guild of light be consumed by the darkness. Oh, the things we shall see. What hellish horrors will await us?"

"You're insane and a monster!" said Lucy angrily. "There's no way we're gonna let that happen to them!"

"Yeah! You're not gonna get away with this, you worthless scumbag!" added Gray.

Then suddenly Lucy and Gray felt a powerful surge of magic power which made them both stiffen with fear. They both turned around to find that Jura was glaring daggers of anger straight at Brain glowing in a gold aura of his magic power.

"You still haven't answered me," he spoke in a demanding and threatening tone. "What do you hope to gain?"

Brain then began to laugh maniacally at Jura's repeated question ignoring his angry intent. "I don't have to answer to small fry like you! I hold the reigns of light and darkness in my own hands!" he cackled. "You should be kneeling before me and asking me for one thing- for mercy!"

As Brain continued to laugh, Jura then stepped forward.

"What a bothersome fool," he sighed in annoyance. "He's so delusional that he can't even hold a decent conversation."

"Pops? What are you gonna do?" asked Gray.

Then Brain prepared to attack pointing his staff at Jura about to unleash his Dark Rondo. "Did you not hear me? I asked you to kneel-"

Suddenly in a flash, Jura extended his hand with his index and middle fingers pointing and several chunks of rock rose from the surface on the ground. Then the rocks were launched with an extreme amount of force barreling right towards Brain. Once more, Shark jumped right in front of Brain and slammed his fists into the ground causing a massive blast of power to erupt from the ground shielding himself and Brain. However, Jura's attack went right through Shark's shield and slammed right into them causing dust and wind to whip about everywhere. Natsu, Gray, Lucy, and Happy were stupefied by what they had just witnessed. When the dust cleared even Brain who was now in a pile of rubble with Shark who was on the ground was shocked by the power Jura had just unleashed.

"Im... Impossible... " he murmured as he stared at Jura. "His magic power... it's incredible. He was even able to break through Shark's shield."

"Oh man... Looks like Baldy ain't messing around," murmured Gray.

"Yeah... I'd say he's pretty serious," said Lucy.

"Well... Jura is one of the Ten Wizard Saints," said Happy. "So, of course he's super strong."

"Stand up!" ordered Jura. "I will not let you rest until you explain why you're targeting Cait Shelter!"

Brain then got back up on his feet. "I must admit, you surprised me," he said. "But I guess your title as a Wizard Saint isn't just for show."

"I know for a fact that there are many other guilds that are closer than Cait Shelter," said Jura. "To go so far out of your way to simply target that one guild alone means that you have a specific purpose."

"What's the point of answering someone who will soon be dead?" asked Brain as he raised his staff preparing to unleash a spell. "By the time I reach there, you'll be nothing more, but a fading memory! DARK RONDO!"

Brain then unleashed his signature spell at right him threatening to obliterate him. Jura stood there calmly and then used a spell of his own.

"IRON ROCK WALL!"

With one gesture of his fingers, three cuboid pillars shot out from the ground making a wall protecting him from Brain's attack.

"Holy crap!" cried Gray.

"That was totally amazing, and a little scary," commented Lucy.

Jura then jumped onto the pillars that he created and looked down at Brain. "It is pointless to keep attacking me," he boomed. "And you also haven't answered my question Brain. What is the reason that you are targeting Cait Shelter?"

"And why do my reasons matter to you?" snapped Brain.

He then fired another Dark Rondo at Jura, but Jura once more blocked the attack by using his Iron Rock Wall to defend.

"I told you that it's pointless to attack me," he said.

Brain flashed a sly smile. "Are they now?" he said coolly.

Jura raised a brow and then someone appeared right behind him holding his sword ready to strike him down from behind.

"Oh no! Look out!" cried Lucy. "They're planning to gang up on him!"

"Hey, old man! Incoming!" yelled Gray.

Jura looked back to see that Shark was right on top of him with a black water sword at the ready. With a yell, Shark swung his blade aiming for Jura's chest, but Jura immediately used his magic to break a chunk off the surface of a pillar and fired at Shark. Shark was sent flying and began to plummet straight to the ground.

"Alright! He got him!" cheered Gray. "Nice shot!"

Then before he could hit the ground, Shark's oil colored water wings sprang forth from his back and with a mighty flap. He took off into the air saving himself from falling. Gray and Lucy eyes widened at this.

"What the heck?! He grew wings!" cried Lucy.

"Did he copy Happy or something?!" wondered Gray.

Shark then attacked again by releasing dark black streams of water from his hands and then hurled them towards Jura creating a shock wave of water. Jura retaliated by making another cuboid shaped pillar of rock appear to block the blow. Then Brain suddenly reappeared right behind Jura from below using an incredible speed.

"I have you now! DARK CAPRICCIO!"

He aimed his staff and fired another blast of magic power. This time instead of a stream of green, the blast was in a spiral of green and amber and appeared to be like a drill. Jura quickly defended by waving his arm swinging it forward and then one of the pillars of rock to bent and twisted in front of him and collided with the attack. It seemed that the two attacks were resulting in a stalemate, but Brain's attack began to make the rock crumble and crack. Sure enough, the Dark Capriccio drilled right through the rock making Jura forced to jump out of the way before the attack hit him. Shark then swooped in and attacked hoping to take advantage. He conjured another sword made of black water and dashed straight at Jura.

"Oh no! Jura watch out!" cried Lucy.

Luckily, someone saved Jura just in the nick of time. He jumped in front of him and blocked Shark's sword using a sword of his own made of ice. The two locked their swords together and then separated jumping a few feet away from each other.

"Oh man! This is nuts!" cried Lucy. "I don't which is even more impressive! The fact that Brain was able to pierce through Jura's rock or Gray being able to block that Shark guy!"

"Sir Gray. Thank you for the assist," said Jura.

"No problem Gramps," said Gray. "Besides, I don't find two against one to be very fair. Leave this Shark guy to me! You focus on Brain!"

"Very well," said Jura. "But be careful."

"Hold on Gray! I want to fight too!" said Lucy. "If you're gonna be fighting, then you're gonna need help!"

"No Lucy. Stay out of this," said Gray. "This guy's all mine. I can take him."

"But Gray! You can't take him on all by yourself!" protested Lucy. "Not when you're facing a member of the Oración Seis! Take it from me, I was lucky to even defeat that Angel girl if it wasn't for Hibiki's help!"

"Have a little faith Luce," said Gray. "Besides, you're not the only one who managed to beat a member. I beat one once before, and I'll do it again. Just leave it to me."

Lucy was still reluctant, but he nodded abiding by Gray's request.

"You must be kidding," chuckled Brain. "Do you honestly think that you have a chance of defeating Shark? There's a reason why he's my most trusted bodyguard. He's one of the most powerful members of the Oración Seis I've ever had the pleasure of having."

"Oh yeah? We'll just see about that," said Gray cracking his knuckles. "If you're trying to scare us, it ain't gonna work. We're still gonna take you down."

"Very well then," said Brain. "If you wish to die that badly, who am I to stop you? It would certainly save me the trouble of taking care of the rest of you after I'm done here." He then turned to his loyal bodyguard. "Shark. I want you to clean up the rest of this trash for me while I deal with the Wizard Saint. Is that understood?"

"Understood Master," said Shark bowing. "It shall be done."

Shark then looked at his two new opponents. He may have been wearing a face mask making his face hidden, but Gray could tell that he was looking at him with an intent to fight and obey his master's orders.

"I guess I'll be taking out two of these guys instead of one," he said to himself as he took his stance to use his Ice Make magic.

Shark held out his hands and then created two black water swords from his hands. He spun the around skillfully before bringing them down at his side as he walked towards Gray.

"Prepare yourself, lowly wizard," said Shark. "By the order of my master, you must be eliminated."

"Bring it on ninja boy," said Gray. "Because the one who's gonna get eliminated today is gonna be you! ICE MAKE: LANCE!"

Gray then made the first move by unleashing a wave of lances. Shark ran straight at them and using his swords slashed the lances away shattering them as he grew closer to Gray. When he swung his swords, Gray leaped back and gained some distance and then unleashed another spell.

"ICE MAKE: SAUCER!"

He created a giant disc of ice with blades giving it the appearance of a buzz saw. It rapidly spun around whirring and shot straight towards Shark. Shark seeing the attack coming immediately leaped up dodging the attack and the dashed straight towards Gray with his swords poised. Gray then made two swords of his own and met Shark half-way, the two engaged in an all-out sword battle. Their swords clashed and clanged as the two fought relentlessly.

As Gray and Shark fought, Brain and Jura turned their attention towards each other and prepared to resume their battle.

"I would suggest you give up Wizard Saint! Your defenses are pointless!" Brain smirked. "The Dark Capriccio pierces through everything in its path! It will render that rock as ineffective as paper!"

"You may want to rethink your claim," said Jura.

"That's true if running is your defensive," Brain shot back. "So, Wizard Saint what will you do now? Is that how you're planning to proceed? DARK CAPRICCIO!"

"IRON ROCK WALL!"

Brain fired another Dark Capriccio while Jura once more used his Iron Rock Wall to defend the attack. Brain laughed with triumph as his Dark Capriccio drilled through one pillar after another getting closer and closer to Jura.

"Doubling down again? It seems that you're running out of ideas," he cackled. "You're just delaying the inevitable! No matter how many walls you put up, my Dark Capriccio will eventually reach you!"

"Another foolish claim!" Jura shot back. "We'll just see about that!"

Jura placed two fingers on the ground and a gold magic circle appeared beneath him. Just as the Dark Capriccio pierced through one of the pillars, the rock bent around and sent the attack shooting upwards making the attack miss.

Brain was surprised and annoyed. "Another evasion?"

Gray and Shark still clashed with their swords clanging, both of them attempting to overpower one another. However, when it came to swordsmanship Shark was superior. When Gray swung his swords, Shark easily parried or blocked the blows, but Gray wouldn't give in. He swung, and he swung, but still, Shark avoided the attacks. Then when Gray swung again, Shark brought his swords down and sliced right through Gray's ice swords like they were butter causing Gray's eyes to widen in shock. Shark also smacked Gray in the jaw with the hilt and then kicked him square in his stomach sending him skidding on the ground. Gray managed to stand up, but he now had a small bruise on his cheek and felt the wind knocked out of him. He wiped his cheek and then noticed something wet on it. He looked at his hand and saw the black water on it.

"What is this stuff? Some kind of oil water?" he wondered.

Shark went on the attack again his swords poised and aimed for Gray. He jumped into the air and swung his swords downward right towards Gray. Gray immediately put his fist into his palm and cast another spell.

"ICE MAKE: HAMMER!"

Immediately, a large hammer of ice appeared right above Shark and swung down about to flatten him, but Shark crossed his swords with blocked the giant hammer. The impact caused a small crater underneath Shark's feet. Then with a mighty swing, Shark sliced the hammer in half causing the two halves to fall to the ground with a booming thud. Gray's eyes widened in shock.

"No way! He sliced right through it!" he cried.

"Gray! Look out!" cried Lucy.

Gray looked in time to see that Shark had now transformed his swords into large shurikens. He took aim and then flung them straight at him. They zipped and whizzed through the air so fast, that Gray barely had time to dodge them by bending back. The shurikens flew right past him and pierced deep in the wall behind him.

"Oh man! That was close," said Gray. "If I had gotten hit, I would have lost an arm or a leg." He then looked at Shark who stood there with a neutral expression on his face. "Damn it... this guy's even tougher than I expected. "

Brain looked back at Shark and then looked back at Jura. "Shark. Well done, but you could do better that," he said. "I want you to crush your enemy! Show no mercy and make sure you give them a swift death!"

"Understood Master," Shark replied.

Shark then began to release a powerful magic aura that was colored dark blue and black. Gray then put up his guard feeling the waves of Shark's magic power. Then Shark's hands were cloaked with the oil-colored black water and then he went on the attack dashing straight towards Gray in speed that was faster than before. Before Gray could react, Shark slammed him in the face with a powerful punch. Gray tumbled on the ground from the blow and tried to get back up, but Shark was already on him. He cloaked his leg with that same oil-colored water with his leg and kicked him right in his gut. Gray was sent flying once again until he hit the wall on one of the buildings.

"Oh no! Gray!" cried Lucy. "Are you alright?!"

"Never been... better..." groaned Gray. "I'm alright."

Then Shark suddenly appeared before Gray and threw another punch at him. Gray luckily managed to dodge the blow just in time and got out of the way.

"ICE MAKE: LANCE!"

He then unleashed another barrage of ice lances right at Shark, but Shark cloaked his hands in water and then slammed them into the ground and then a large wall-like geyser erupted from the ground and blocked the incoming attack.

"What the heck?! A geyser!?" exclaimed Gray. "Just what kind of magic does he use anyway?"

He then brought his fist to his palm and then used another spell.

"ICE MAKE: DEATH SCYTHE!"

He created a scythe made of ice and jumped into the air and dive-bombed straight towards Shark. Using his fall for increased momentum, Gray swung down at Shark using all of his strength. This time Shark raised his hand and then caught the scythe by raising his hand. Gray's eyes widened in shock.

"What the heck?! How did he..."

Shark then pulled Gray towards him while he was still holding his scythe and gave him a mighty punch again sending him flying into another building with a crash. Dust and rubble flew everywhere. Gray then stepped out from the newly made hole in the building coughing. He then looked up at Shark and saw something that made his eyes widen with surprise. Shark still holding onto the ice scythe started to do something unexpected. He took a bite from the scythe and started to eat it biting off chunks and chewing the ice in his mouth.

"What the hell is that guy doing?!" cried Gray.

"He's... he's eating the ice!" murmured Lucy. "But why the heck would he do something like that?!"

"Guys... be careful..." called out Happy. "That Shark guy's some kind of dragon slayer!"

"A dragon slayer?!" exclaimed Lucy and Gray. "You can't be serious!"

Sure enough, when Shark had his fill of eating Gray's scythe, he took a deep breath chuffing his cheeks. Then he unleashed a giant steam of oil colored water right at Gray. Gray immediately went on the defensive.

"ICE MAKE: SHIELD!"

He put his fist into his palm again and then made a large shield of ice that was shaped like a flower in front of him. The blast of water shot against the shield as the stream of water continued to shoot at it. Gray grunted and grit his teeth as he tried his best to keep his shield up. Shark continued his attack flaring up his magic power. Then Gray's shield started to crack. At the rate it was going, it would soon break.

"Oh no! His shield's breaking!" cried Lucy. "You gotta get out of there Gray!"

Having no other option, Gray quickly dove for cover as the blast of Shark's finally broke through his shield. The blast surged just above going right past Jura and Brain and towards Natsu. Natsu eyes widened as cried in fear and lied down on the ground as flat as possible as the blast surged past him and blasted right through the building behind him causing a massive explosion. Then Natsu began to have that feeling of Deja-vu once again. This time, he remembered where he had seen that attack before. Back when he was a kid, he was in the exact same position before when he was fighting a person he knew. A person that was a dragon slayer just like he was. Then his eyes widened. He remembered how he fought Shark when they scuffled and back when he fought that person when he was a kid. He also remembered the scent when he smelled them, the smell of fish. Both of their fighting styles were very familiar including the blast attacks and even their scent was familiar which only meant one thing.

"No way..." he murmured. "It can't be... it can't be him!"

Lucy who was still watching from the sidelines was now drenched.

"Oh man! Virgo just gave me these clothes!" she complained. "If I had known I was going to need an umbrella, I would have asked her from one!"

Then she rushed over to Gray who had straightened up and shook the water out from his head.

"Gray are you ok?" she asked.

"I'm fine, but that was close," Gray said. "Well, at least I know that Happy was right about him being a dragon slayer. He ate my ice to regain his power, so I'm assuming that he's a water dragon slayer."

"A water dragon slayer huh? Do you think you can take him?" wondered Lucy.

"Of course, I can," said Gray. "Even if he's a dragon slayer like Natsu, I don't plan on losing to this guy! He's going down!"

He took his stance and prepared to use a spell to attack. Shark seeing Gray about to attack dashed straight towards him with his fist raised and cloaked with black water. Then suddenly he heard Natsu.

"Gray! Don't attack him! You gotta stop!"

Gray looked back towards Natsu. "What?! Natsu, what are you talking about?"

"Trust me on this! You gotta stop fighting him! He's not who you think he is!" Natsu said.

"Natsu what's the matter with you?" asked Lucy. "You look freaked out."

Shark seeing that Gray distracted immediately shot straight towards him hoping to catch him off guard cloaking his fists with oil-colored water. Gray then turned his attention back towards Shark and immediately countered.

"ICE MAKE: ARROWS!"

He created a large bow of ice and unleashed a wave of ice arrows that shot towards Shark at a high speed. Shark having no time to use his shield, braced himself crossing his arms as he was hit by the barrage of arrows. The arrows sent him skidding back and made him tumble on the ground, but he quickly regained himself and landed on his feet.

"Ha! Finally nailed you!" smirked Gray. "How'd you like-"

Then Gray stopped in place seeming like he was frozen. His eyes were wide in a mixture of shock, horror, and utter disbelief.

"No way... it can't be... it's not possible..." he murmured.

"Gray! What's the matter?" asked Lucy worriedly. "Why do you look so freaked out?"

Then she turned towards Natsu and saw that he was just as shocked as he was. Now Lucy was puzzled, she then saw the reason why. Shark then stood up having to have some tears on his clothes. The face mask that was covering the upper half of his face was in tatters revealing parts of his face including an eye glowing green.

"It's... it's him," said Gray. "I can't believe this... what the hell is he doing here!? I thought that he died!"

"Gray what's wrong?" asked Lucy now more worried and confused than ever. "Do you know this guy or something?"

"Of course, I do," said Gray who now shaking. "But... I can't believe it's him..."

Then seeing that his mask was damaged then took it off revealing his face to everyone and Gray said the name of Shark's true identity.

"Willy Falconer."

Shark's true identity has been revealed to his friends after six years!

What will happen now that Gray knows who he is?

Stay tuned for the next chapter!

Dragoman out!