Chapter 20: Reunite and Forgive

At the flying fortress.

"So, Hordy and his crew were defeated..." Maria said as a creepy chuckle was shown on her face. "No matter, they're useless anyway and since they lost they'll lose what they got."

At School District 22

Hordy Jones and his crew were defeated once again. Lily and her crew looked at the unconscious Fishmen.

Suddenly their green heat began to emit from their bodies. "What is going on?" Vanessa asked.

Fisher Lily observed the New Fishman pirates and before they all realized it, their old companions were in their elderly state once more. "I see...their bodies were given the power of youth which gave them their young bodies again." He crouched down. "How they lost their youth, I guess whoever gave them their youth decided if they lost they would lose it again."

Vanessa felt somewhat sympathy toward Hordy and his crew. "A shame that they were blinded by hatred and that drove them to this."

Holly looked at her old brother. "Hordy Jones...take a rest, you'll need it once we get you and your pals back in a jail cell."

Isaribi looked at her brother with pity. "You're so wrinkled, perhaps if you didn't yourself involved with this hatred, you'd still be young."

Morgan drank her sake. "Too bad, perhaps you didn't waste your time on hatred we could've had a drink together."

"Anyway, how do we get these old farts in our RV?" Sanosuke asked.

"We'll just use the shrink ray to reduce them to a small size for now," Arista answered.

"Good idea,' Lily said in approval.

Yuna went inside the RV. "Yeah, I can't wait to see Touma again!"

Nasagi ran after her rival. "Not if I see him first!"

Vanessa sighed but then smiled softly. "Those girls..." Lily just giggled with a smile.

Aquapad grinned as he thought of Lisanna. "Lisanna...we're returning to you and the others."

At School District 21, Nature Park

Irene's clone was sitting on a bench. She was admiring the scene despite how quiet it was. "Erza...I wonder how this fight will turn out." She had a pretty good idea. "Well, I'm not expecting a friendly welcome. I did cause a lot of trouble for her and her friends on Earthland." She smiled sadly. "If she wants to kill me then that's what I deserve." She looked at the boats. "Such interesting boats, the city's people must go on rides for fun."

She heard faint footsteps and stood up as she turned her head and saw a familiar face. "Erza...you have come." Her daughter gave her a stern look. "Hello...Irene." Irene was expecting that reaction as she stood from the bench she was sitting on. "I have to admit the scenery is nice here."

Erza wasn't expecting to hear that as Irene looked at the pond. "Such a nice pond." She pointed at some ducks that were swimming nearby. One of them had baby ducks with them. "See those ducks, the big one is their mother." She had her body turned so Erza couldn't see what face she was making. "To think the city has such scenery, I believe there are a lot of things to discover in this world. In all my years, I never did take in scenery even when I was still in Earthland hiding from others."

Erza had to admit she never thought she'd hear that kind of words from the woman that is her mother, a woman who gave in despair because of the tragedy she endured, though, a part of her was still angry about what she did to her home and Wendy. "I don't understand, how can you still be alive, you killed yourself." Irene had a feeling she would be asked that. "Do you know of clones, I believe that you have encountered those kinds of creatures." Erza's eyes widened with shock as she gasped which Irene heard. "Yes, I believe you met clones in the world of pirates."

Erza narrowed her eyes. "So, someone cloned you from this world, right?" Irene put her hands behind her back still not facing her. "Yes, though, I do have the memories of the original. Her pain, despair, and the love she had within her heart." She felt like crying which was unlike her character.

Erza had another question. "So, I presume that you didn't want to take part in this war? Depending on your answer, I might not forgive you for what you had done even in Earthland." Irene was expecting to hear that. "Honestly, I was surprised to be alive though I was told by that Maria girl that I was reborn as a clone. So, you're seeing an artificial body, yet I can feel my body is real, unlike the appearance Zeref gave me." Erza remembered that Irene told her that even though she was giving a human appearance, she wasn't able to taste, sleep, or anything in her form. "To give you a clear answer, I became part of this war to see you again, Erza Scarlet."

Erza clenched her hands tightly. "I see..." She lowered her head. "Well, if you think I'm going to forget what you did so easily then I'm afraid that you're mistaken. However..." Her body began to glow as she equipped into her Heart Kreuz Armor. "If you want to prove to me that you're sorry, then how we brawl after all I have to let out some steam."

Irene saw no problem with that as she took out a black magic sword. "Fair enough, I was expecting that you wanted to fight." She pointed her blade at her daughter. "So, let's start." The two rushed at each other with her blades.

At the Certain High School

Nikka and Anna stared at each other.

"I will make you suffer," Nikka had an enraged look as she pulled back her hand.

Anna took out a golden key. "Open Gate of the Lion: Leo!" A golden bright shined and out came Loki. "My dearest Anna, you have called!"

"Star Dress: Leo Form!" Anna's attire changed into Leo's outfit the same one that Lucy wore. "Before we start, I have some things I would like to say." Nikka glared at the older Celestial wizard. "Very well."

Loki was unsure. "Are you sure about this?" He asked.

Anna glanced at the suited celestial spirit and nodded her head then looked back at the demon-human hybrid. "I see that this was the school I was going to teach at." Loki and Nikka were puzzled to hear her say that. "Ms. Komoe the homeroom school teacher works here." She walked toward the school and stared at how the size of the building was. "I admit the school is nothing compared to the school I'm teaching back at Earthland." She put her hands behind her back. "Ms. Komoe has a few teachers she's friends with. I heard they had a festival a while back before World War 3."

Loki had a smile on his face. "Yes, I believe Lucy mentioned that it was called the Diahasei Festival." He had a big smile. "It all kinds of events with athletics competitions and the students got to see their parents."

Anna giggled. "Sounds like something that Fairy Tail would've had fun in." Nikka didn't say a word but just stayed quiet. "Anyway, it was the festival. So fun and laughter excited the crowd during contests. I heard there were food booths with good things to eat." She had pictured Natsu and Happy would be pigging out at the food places. "If Natsu competed in those contests, he would say "I'm all fired up"."

Loki had to admit that was true. "Yeah, the guy can get pouty when he loses a fight." Anna laughed about that too. "Yes, I remember when he and Gajeel would compete in a fight. Whenever Natsu got beaten, he would get all pouty like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum. Regardless, he knew how to have fun."

Nikka had a memory of the Diahasei Festival. Her mother took to one.

F

Child Nikka, her father, and her mother Nezuko were at the festival checking out the food places. "Look mommy, daddy, so yummy food!" She glowed with excitement. "Can we eat?"

Nezuko giggled. "Alright, dear, can you get her something while I get us a table?"

"Alright dear," Her father said.

They ate like a family having fun and watching the festival including the race with students, each using their abilities to compete and the roar of the crowd was ecstatic. Everyone had smiles on their faces. To this day, the festival is continuing as a tradition.

"However...since the church turned on my mother. the festival didn't allow for us to come let alone I couldn't participate in those races." She remembered how she had to watch from afar and how jealous she became. "It wasn't fair. Those humans were having all the fun and the food what do I get...nothing! Those humans didn't care anything about themselves and did what they wanted even if it met if they had to play dirty."

F

Nikka felt herself getting angry, no she felt herself getting furious the world was unfair to her and she endured so much pain, tragedy, and suffering. "I can't...hold...in my..." Loki and Anna noticed Nikka's strange behavior. "Nikka?"

Nikka's body began to emit a strong dark aura which started as small and the power within was growing stronger. "The pressure from her power is growing fast!" Loki started on guard upon feeling the intense pressure.

Anna figured this would happen. "Regardless, I will help you Nikka, though, if I have to fight you, then so be it!" Nikka screeched as she rushed at Anna, who did the same.

Back at School District 23

Fisher Lily and her crew got back in their vehicles and rode back out of the city. However, Jasmine contacted the Heaven Canceller and had him call for any emergency vehicles to go to School District 23 to assist the wounded along with Isarbi and Aquapad who decided to assist the injured. Understanding the situation, Fisher Lily and the rest of her crew decided to go on and meet up with their friends later.

Gajeel's team was hitching a ride with Mugino, who met with them a little later.

"So, you're a cyborg?" Levy asked interested.

Mugino sighed. "Yes, I'm the kind that can use magic."

"Yeah, she's quite the badass," Accelerator commented.

Mugino felt utterly weirded out but kept her cool.

"C'mon, be nice to the lady "Scolds Misaka Misaka at Accelerator's choice of words"." Last Order chanted.

"She speaks weird," Gajeel thought a little weirded out.

"Where are the rest of your friends?" Lily asked.

"They went with Motoharu to help at School District 7 against the giant robot and the android army," Mugino answered.

"Shockingly, Kouta is the same boy from the article about Zeref working in the city," Levy commented with a finger to her chin. "However, what I can't understand is who leaked out the project that Zeref was working on with the scientists."

Usagi had his thoughts to share. "It is possible that someone from Zeref's project might've leaked out the information to the magicians." Everyone looked expect for Mugino(who was driving) was looking at Usagi. "Think about it, the person that called them remained anonymous. Sur that doesn't confirm much if the person who leaked the information was one of the scientists or someone else."

"According to what Index found out, she thinks that someone used a spell called: Dambella to transfer Kouta and Maria's souls into cyborg prototype bodies," Levy informed. "Honestly, I knew a spell like that existed."

Accelerator gave a "hmph". "After what I've seen so far, I suppose anything is possible."

"That's for sure," Lily said looking down at the floor.

"Either way, we must defeat those bastards and find a way to the flying fortress," Gajeel had a sheer determination on his face.

B

Nikka swung her arm like a cat. "Dark Creation: Feline Claw Swipe!" Her claw-like nails were enveloped in darkness.

Anna caught Nikka's attack grabbing her wrist with her left hand. "Regulus Impact!" She engulfed her right first within light and punched the demon in the stomach sending her crash into a window.

"Guess I went a little too hard," Anna said rubbing her head. "Anyway, let's go inside." Loki followed on.

Inside the school, Anna and Loki were walking through a hallway. They came to the room where Nikka crashed in but when they looked inside, she was nowhere in sight. "She must be hiding somewhere."

"Yeah, be on your guard while I stand guard outside the room," Loki went outside the door.

Out of nowhere Nikka crawled on the ceiling like a spider and pounced on Loki pinning him to the ground. Loki did a circle throw and sent her rolling across the hallway but she flipped over and skidded against the floor.

Anna came running out. "Are you okay, Loki?" The celestial spirit Romeo nodded with a smirk. "You bet, lady Anna."

Nikka came crawling at them again only she was doing more faster than. "That's unusual," Loki muttered a little freaked out.

Anna prepared herself for a counter but she would have to make it count if Nikka tried to pounce. Then she had an idea. "Regulus Flash!" She raised her left hand emitting a golden bright light that blinded Nikka's vision thus stopping her on the wall she was crawling. "Regulus Beast Light Fist!" She extended her arm forward releasing a stream of golden light that that sent Nikka through the roof. "Let's go!" Anna was lifted off the floor by Loki in a bride style.

B

Irene and Erza were clashing their swords. "She's even stronger than I remember." Erza thought. "Are clones stronger than the original?" Irene saw her chance pulled back her right arm and delivered an uppercut punch under Erza's chin sending her backwards.

"Requip!" Erza's armor changed quickly. "Black Wing Armor!" She was in her Black Wing Armor.

"I remember that armor," Irene swung her black sword but Erza used her flight ability to get out of the way.

"Moon Flash!" Erza rushed past Irene slashing her in a cross pattern.

Irene felt the damage, only by a bit. "You've gotten a bit stronger," Erza didn't know she would be able to strike so easily, her mother was strong the last time, she didn't even break a sweat at the start of the fight. "Not only that, she hasn't used any of her enchantment spells." She was able to use one on Wendy when she was there which helped her switch bodies. Regardless, she knew she couldn't get distracted.

"I think I'll use my other sword." A White magic sword appeared. "I refuse to use my Personality Enchantment."

Erza was surprised. "I was told that you used the personality Enchantment only because those swords were around." Irene smiled with a soft chuckle. "Yes, though, I was able to replace new ones. Though, I have no intention of using my Personality Enchantment this time." Erza was once again surprised to hear that. "I'd prefer to have us fight and only us."

Erza didn't understand what Irene was trying to accomplish by holding back her spells. "Fine, then I'll use a different armor." She required once more. "Red-Black Twin Blades Armor!"

Irene giggled with a smile. "To think I would see that armor again when we first fought." Erza couldn't believe she was seeing her mother smiling and it wasn't like when she and she fought to the death. "Erza, you have grown so much."

Erza felt seemingly touched. "I never thought I'd hear that from her." She had a smile on her face now. "If you want to continue this fight, then let's go all out." Irene's smile didn't leave her face. "Bring it!"

B

Anna and Loki got on the high school rooftop. They looked around for a bit and saw the hole where Nikka was sent flying up from. "She must be around on the top somewhere." Anna guessed.

"Stand on your guard," Loki advised being cautious. "She has superhuman speed and strength. Quite the combination."

Anna had to agree. "Yes, but, I will try to help her out and come to her senses." Suddenly she felt a danger coming at her from behind as Nikka rushed at her running on two feet this time and Nikka tried to shove her. Anna was able to catch her hands using her own.

"You got powerful strength." Anna praised with a smile.

Nikka got a little pissed. "Still trying to be nice even though I hate your guts!" She barked baring her teeth.

"No matter how long it takes to get through to you, I won't give up!" Anna declared with a serious expression on her face. "I never give up on my friends! You can shout or hurt me all you want, but, I won't give up on my friends!"

Nikka growled in frustration. "You're so stubborn!" Her strength was increased due to her anger and began to push back Anna who kept her composure in check. Little did they know that she was heading toward the edge of the roof. "Anna, behind you!" Loki called out as he started to run toward the demon.

"Stay back!" Anna ordered as her serious expression didn't leave her face. The Celestial spirit stopped in his tracks. "Please, let me handle it from here, stand down for a while!"

Nikka continued to push her enemy toward the edge. "If you don't move then you'll fall and die!" Anna didn't even try to use magic power and kept her balance no matter how hard Nikka tried. "I'm aware of that, but, like I said, I won't give up on you!" Her serious expression was replaced with a warm smile. "Nikka, I can tell that you went through a horrible time. Your mother is being rejected and betrayed by her former comrades. Your father changed into a different person and became an abusive parent to you and a mean husband to your mom. I can't imagine how much pain and suffering you and your mother have endured." There were a bit of tears forming in her eyes which Nikka noticed. "I'm sorry I couldn't make it here in time especially not to save your mother. I regret that happening and I know being sorry isn't going to bring her back."

Nikka was silent as she stared at Anna's emotional expression and the tears in her eyes. "I know what happened in the past can't be changed, but, your future can. That is, to move forward and find a path that you can believe in. I also know that'll lead to one that helps you find happiness and friends." Nikka felt her anger and sadness leave her heart which began to melt in a good way as she remembered one last memory.

F

Nikka had a question for her mother. "Mother, what will happen if something were to happen to you and if a Heartfilla is here by that time? What should I do?" Nezuok giggled with a beautiful smile. "Greet them with open arms and know that if I'm not around I was grateful to their family for what they did for us. So, whatever happens, believe in the Heartfilla family, rather than whoever will meet you."

F

Nikka's eyes were dripping with tears that went down her cheeks. "Mother...why...did I give into despair like this?" She fell on her knees and sobbed. "Mother! How could I give into that so easily?!" She wailed emotionally as she covered her eyes continuing to cry. "Mother, I failed you, I gave into hatred and hurt so many people. Could I earn forgiveness to those I hurt?" She suddenly felt a pair of arms embrace her in a hug which belonged to Anna. "There, there, it's alright, I'm sure you can be forgiven and you can start by helping my friends save this city from Maria and her followers." She embraced the demon-human hybrid tightly as tears fell on her cheeks. "Nikka, help us for your mother's sake so that you can find happiness."

B

Erza and Irene collided their two swords together as their blades made metallic sounds. "It seems we're not giving an inch."

"Heheheheh...yeah, I agree, it's time we end this fight."

The two scarlet women jumped a few feet away. "Armament Hardening..." Erza chanted as her blades began entirely metal black. "This power is what I learned from the world of pirates."

Irene remembered that. "Yes, you used that defeat me in my dragon form. However, I learned something else too." A greenish light began to glow beneath Irene. "II Arms!" Erza was stunned. "Wow, you learned Wendy's support magic."

"Yes, I would like to thank her for her spells if I'm still alive," Irene said with a smile. "Let's end this!"

Erza had to agree for once. "Two Sword Style: Red Twin Blade Double Warrior Slash!" She declared as she and her mother rushed at each other delivering a two-slash attack as they passed each other ending on the opposite side.

The two stood still for a minute before they glanced at each other. Irene began to think how she was defeated the last time, she took her own life to spare Erza's. Only this time, she wasn't going to die, but only be defeated. "Erza...you've grown so much since the last time I saw you. I'm proud of you, my daughter." She fell forward unconscious as her face had a proud smile.

Erza ran over to her mother. "Mother..." She placed her fingers on the back of Irene's neck and felt a faint pulse. "Good, you're still alive." She felt happy that her mother didn't die even though she wanted to put her mother out of her misery despite what she had done, but deep down, she didn't think she could kill someone even with a good reason. She wondered if her mother knew that. "Mother...I can see that you have changed." Tears fell in her left eye. "Mother...I forgive...you." She never thought she would say those words.

Just then a car pulled over and out came Aiho. "Are you Erza scarlet?" She asked.

Erza nodded her head. "Yes, and this person is my mother." Aiho looked at the unconscious woman. "I see, let's give her a ride and I can take you to School District 7, that's where I'm going to assist in the fight against the giant robot and the android army."

Nikka was surrounded by her emotions and forgave Anna while Irene was defeated in a sword fight and Erza saw that her mother had changed a lot more than she could imagined and had chosen to forgive her and call her "mother". What fight will be next, find out next time.

End of chapter.