Natsu cracked his knuckles as he waited for the signal to tap the teleportation lacrima. Heat skimmed the fringes of his hand, always present. He trained his focus on the arena ahead of him, where Axel, and the path to Gajeel, waited. The crowd was simmering, like a pot ready to boil over. From his vantage point, Natsu only got a small view of his friends. Everyone was in the stands, except for Frosch. Happy and the Exceeds stood along the stands. Somehow, Happy and Lily were able to fashion flags that bore a poor resemblance of the Fairy Tail guild mark, and waved them around. The Empire probably wasn't going to like that.

Oh well.

Axel was already in the arena. He was being given a grand entrance, a grand round of hype. This was the first time in centuries that two Dragon Slayers were set to fight one another in the tournament, let alone in the era of the Empire. As such, Axel, a proud member of the Twilight Empire, was being given his due respect by the announcer.

Up in the suites, Natsu sniffed out two other Dragon Slayers. One was like Axel, a Second Generation, while the other was different. A bit like a First Generation, a bit like a Second. Weird.

The lacrima lit up. Natsu hesitated, balling his fist.

To that point, Fairy Tail was meant to be neutral, to not join the fight against the Empire, just try and get through the Grand Magic Games. They'd fought some Imperials, sure but none with Axel's pedigree. They let the Empire be, and allowed them to think Fairy Tail would placate because they were weak, because they missed seven years of time and could never possibly catch up to what the Empire had become.

Fire burst from Natsu's closed fist. The lacrima quivered next to Natsu as his power continued to surge, even though he stood still.

Did the Empire think Fairy Tail forgot? Did the Empire think Fairy Tail would let the deaths of those left behind, those who stood stalwart, go unpunished? Everyone else around Fiore, not in the Games, had to be doing their damnedest to fight the Empire.

Natsu shattered the teleportation lacrima next to him with a swift fist, letting the crystals scatter into dust around him. Fire flared around him.

He didn't forget. He would never forget. And it was time the Empire finally learned that.

With a boost beneath his feet, and with the fire in his heart at last unleashed, Natsu leaped across the great distance from the tunnel to land in the arena. Heat radiated away from him with such intensity even those in the front stands could feel it. He stood straight.

Axel unfolded his arms but didn't lose his sneer.

Natsu had his information announced to great fanfare, too, with a particularly vocal, yet small, portion of the crowd cheering him on. He turned and gave the rest of Fairy Tail a thumbs-up.

The announcer ran over the rules of the fight: to submission or death. Natsu lowered his hand as he focused on Axel.

The whistle blew. The crowd roared and then silenced.

Axel swung his arms out, aura flaring, power buffeting Natsu, who didn't care. He shot forward anyway. Axel accepted this, not bothering to move so much as brace his feet.

"Fire Dragon Iron Fist!"

Natsu's attack slammed down on Axel, cratering part of the recently fixed arena, but when the dust cleared, Axel remained completely unharmed. A diamond coating spread all down his arm, snuffing out Natsu's flames at the source.

Natsu wheeled around with a flaming leg to kick Axel in the head and he blocked it with the same arm. Axel punched Natsu with his open fist, sending Natsu back a step.

"Diamond Dragon Roar!"

A perfectly white, almost glowing, beam of magic slammed into Natsu, sending him back. Natsu slid on the ground, wiping away some dust, while Axel remained stoic.

"I see you didn't even come prepared with a strategy, Natsu," Axel said. "Your flames aren't breaking through my diamonds. You can't melt them, either. So. How are you gonna win?"

"Same way I beat Gajeel, I guess," Natsu said, rising with a shrug.

"How'd you manage that? To crack steel? You don't have the strength to crack diamond."

"No," Natsu said. "But I don't have to. Your coating is just an extra layer of protection. If I hit you hard enough, you'll still feel it."

Axel held out his arms again. "Sure thing. Try it again. Test that theory out, as if that wasn't a known weakness even with God Serena."

Well, Natsu thought, wasn't much of a theory so much as his way to win.

The good news was Axel's hit wasn't that powerful, yet Natsu doubted that Axel was going all out from the start. Defensively, yes, he had to put up a strong front against Natsu. But maybe for as much defense as he used, he could not use as much offensive power. So, if he wanted to hit Natsu with a really strong attack, he'd have to sacrifice some defensive magic to do so.

Natsu approached again, flames spurting out of both of his arms.

"Fire Dragon Brilliant Flame!" Natsu roared.

He slammed one, then two, fists down on Axel, who blocked and parried the other pretty effectively. He looked for a counterattack, but Natsu didn't let up.

"Fire Dragon Claw!"

Axel threw up both elbows to block. Natsu hit the ground.

"Diamond Dragon's Fortress Crusher!"

He launched his punch, but, Natsu slammed his arm aside with incredible speed, leaving Axel's gut wide open for a powerful punch. Breath burst from Axel's gut. He took a single step back, only just able to put up a diamond coating when Natsu tried to punch him in the face. His head cocked back but there wasn't a hint of pain there, unlike on Natsu, whose knuckles bled.

"Damn," Natsu said. "But, looks I've figured you out."

"Not if I can keep my entire body like this," Axel said and glowered down at Natsu. "But go ahead and try!"

He swung his arm down and glimmering magic arced down with it, scooting Natsu back. Axel pursued Natsu, his arms still diamonds, and each time Natsu was able to dodge and try to get a quick hit in, he was able to block it with his diamond coating.

Axel was finding his balance as if figuring it out or getting back into the groove of it during the fight. Still, he had to be worn down from the constant exertion of power, which Natsu bided his time for. He hated being hesitant and took advantage of an opening he thought he had, slamming his head into Axel's. It turned to diamond, of course, and blood dribbled down Natsu's head, but with Axel's vision completely full of nothing but Natsu, he had a great opening.

Natsu slammed two flaming fists into Axel's chest and sent him flying. Natsu straightened up, wiping the blood away from his forehead. Axel bounced and rolled, but picked himself up nonchalantly.

"Alright, this is getting pretty fun," Natsu said. He slammed his fists together. "I'm really getting fired up, now!"

He tried to take a step but couldn't. He couldn't move.

Both of his legs were locked into the ground by a heavy diamond casing, one sneakily rising up his ankles to stop at his calves. Natsu growled and tried to break free but couldn't.

"It has been fun," Axel said, wiping away some sweat. "I just want to have a bit more fun on my own, mind if I take the lead?"

He flicked his wrist up and the diamond broke free of the ground and flung Natsu into the air, upside down, before he crashed to the ground.

Axel flung him every which way, even coming to coat Natsu's hands in diamond when he tried to take a swipe at Axel as he flew by before crashing into the wall. Axel held him overhead, keeping him in place, and unleashed a Diamond Dragon Roar to slam right into Natsu, almost sending him flying out of the arena but catching him just in time to ram him into the ground.

The Diamond Dragon Slayer slammed his foot onto Natsu's back. Natsu glowered up. Axel formed a blade with his arm.

"You know how easy it would be to kill you right now?" Axel asked. "I could trip and rip you open, Natsu."

"Give it a shot," Natsu said, spitting out some blood.

"Nah," Axel said. "Where's the spectacle in that?"

He kicked Natsu back and stepped away. Natsu snarled and finally had the freedom to pick himself back up.

"Tell you what," Axel said. "I'll be generous. I'll give you a good chance to free yourself from the diamonds. If you can? I won't kill you here. But I will beat you."

Axel closed his fists and Natsu was locked to the ground again, the diamonds latching into the dirt.

"But if I start to think that you can't? Well. You already know."

His blade arms sliced together, flashing sparks. Natsu sighed. He was still able to move his arms, but his legs were completely locked in.

He had no way of breaking them, even if he tried smashing his hands together.

No. There was only one way to get out of them. The way that Natsu got through everything. The way Natsu had been taught.

He was the Fire Dragon Slayer. Son of Igneel, Fire Dragon King.

Steam rose off Natsu, burning away his sweat, before his fiery aura exploded around him. The diamonds didn't change. But more heat poured out. And more.

And more.

The ground at his feet began to melt.

"You said diamonds can't burn? Do you know who I am? There's nothing in this world that a dragon's fire won't burn!"

"These are no mere diamonds," Axel said. "They are born of Motherglare's, a dragon superior even to your pathetic lizard father!"

The flames surged, such that Axel, unconsciously, took a step back.

"Say that about Igneel one more time!" Natsu roared.

He moved his legs, free from the ground as the diamonds had nothing firm to grab onto. He couldn't feel the burn coming off of him at all…but could sense it coming out of him. More, more, more! Even his scarf seemed to catch fire, but held it there, containing the flames steadily for Natsu, a burning sigil that could only be worn by Igneel's son.

"This is impressive, but it doesn't amount to anything!" Axel shouted. "You can't melt through diamond, Natsu! Nobody can! Give it up!"

But Natsu didn't stop, finally managing to break into a run, having to catch himself as his feet and ankles were completely coated in diamonds. He couldn't move his hands, as they were trapped in their own diamond casing, but it was flimsy.

It was…

"Fire Dragon Diamond Fist!"

He launched at Axel, who threw up a defense, but was rocked by the shattering of his diamond on Natsu's fist, and the fire, completely contained by the diamond in there, exploded against Axel, destroying the diamond coating he tried to put up and sending him flying away.

"Go, Natsu!" Lucy shouted from far off in the stands, catching Axel's attention.

Natsu was on him again.

"Fire Diamond Dragon's Crushing Fang!"

Axel tried to dodge but even the attack, as it missed, caused another explosion. Axel took to the sky, flailing his arms to find anywhere to grab onto. Natsu swung his arms down, launching up.

"Lightning Fire Dragon Hammer!"

Natsu reached Axel and swung his forearm down with such speed, and force, that Axel didn't have any time to block or put up a defense. Axel blasted into the ground. Natsu, suspended in the air, used the fire flying free from his arms to propel himself down.

In a brilliant arc of fire and crackling lightning, Natsu maneuvered to have his head down, his legs up, and his body twisted. Even from that high up, and getting closer and closer, the arena floor began to melt.

"Diamond Dragon Roar!" Axel blasted at Natsu.

"Lightning Fire Diamond Dragon Heavy Strike!"

Natsu's attack sent Axel away with ease, and with the force of three Dragons, Natsu broke through Axel's defenses, shattering the last of the diamond on both of his feet with both of his legs kicking right down at Axel who cratered down, down into the arena floors below.

Natsu landed just outside the massive hole, letting his power at last fade, as bits of diamond twinkled around him. The crowd was on its feet in its totality, all cheering him on.

He raised his fist, that which held the Fairy Tail guild mark, and shouted out along with them.

The Empire would never snuff out his flames.

Sting bit the inside of his lip, anticipation teeming in him. If he were to jump into the arena to get his shot at Natsu, who would be able to stop him? He balled his fists as they quivered.

No. He—he had to fight Natsu not because he wanted to, but because he had to. Because he'd just embarrassed one of the Dragon Division's Generals. Jiemma put up a better fight than that!

Was Axel even still alive?

Sting punched the illusory glass, confused as emotions swirled, in complete flux, in his gut. Why couldn't he settle down, and think rationally? This wasn't the old days, where he could go out and do whatever he wanted.

There were rules. Laws. Even he, a Captain, couldn't do as he pleased. Natsu hadn't done anything wrong by definition. Axel joined the tournament and, though he was supposed to win against the standard of a common wizard, could lose.

There would be no representative of the Imperial Army in the tournament, in Crocus! The people would have to watch and cheer for…

Fairy Tail.

Regardless of how it all shook out, there would indeed be a Dragon Slayer in Crocus fighting for the title of the year's strongest and greatest wizard among the people. Normally, a Dragon Slayer snuffed that out.

What was Sting to do? The Dragon Division would be scolded. He couldn't show his face in Crocus. How could he? Natsu had been gone for seven years. Axel had proper training, and incredible training, and was meant to stand toe-to-toe with anyone else in the Empire.

Yet, it was Natsu. Natsu who, when Sting was young, so desperately wanted to meet and see just if the stories about his wild temper were true. Natsu, the boy who put Dragon Slayers on the map as something to look out for, not a strength to be belittled as Jiemma would've kept it.

Natsu would move to Crocus. Sting knew it. No matter what happened, he'd find a way to do it.

He'd be put in front of August, Invel, Mard Geer, and all the others. And he'd show them the strength Fairy Tail still had.

How was Sting supposed to let that just happen? He set his jaw.

"What is it?"

Yukino's voice broke through like a bullet, completely capturing his attention. Sting didn't realize how focused, tense, and stern he'd been. He eased slightly, moving his fist off the glass.

"I was thinking about what this all means," Sting said. "That there isn't anything I can do until Natsu wins."

Yukino nodded. Then, after a long moment. "I'm sorry you feel that way."

"That way?"

Yukino unfolded her arms. She didn't stop to look at him, but she rested her hand softly on his sleeve.

"You're Captain of the Dragon Division."

"So?"

She said no more, and let her arm fall. As the stadium began to clear out below, so too did Yukino leave Sting alone in the room.

Captain of the Dragon Division, the ultimate authority of the Grand Magic Games.

And one of the six most authoritative people in the Empire. Invel told them not to interfere. But he was General, a rank below Sting.

He turned to one of the aides lurking in the room.

"Dig out Axel and send Kiyl to me."

Erza, Wendy, and Gajeel found Natsu in the winner's lobby where he was being seen by a magical physician, inspecting any wounds. There weren't many beyond the expected cuts and bruises, nothing that'd keep him out of the fight for some time. Wendy could heal him up in no time.

"Congratulations on the win, Natsu," Wendy said.

"It was a valiant showing," Erza said.

"And the prick deserved it," Gajeel said. "I'm a bit sad I won't get to knock his head in tomorrow, but you'll do."

Erza kept her mouth shut, holding back a remark that she was sure they'd all get their chance to fight the Second Generation Dragon Slayers sooner or later.

The three in the stands had been found by an assistant of the announcer, telling them to meet with Natsu where they'd learn about how the next round of the tournament would play out. She felt bad to leave the others beyond, but the day was already growing long and they'd be able to catch some rest.

"Yeah," Natsu said, stretching. "It was a fun fight. Not sure how you'd beat him, Gajeel, unless you have a way to cut diamond."

"They break under pressure," Gajeel said.

"It's a lot of pressure," Wendy said.

Erza leaned against the wall while the Dragon Slayers bickered about how they'd all have to beat Axel, with Natsu even throwing his hat in the ring even though he'd just done it. She smiled at them, excited at the opportunity to test her skills against any of them.

They were soon joined by a stuffy man in a coat a size too large with a haircut that did not properly fit the shape of his face. Fluffy though he was, he appeared quite frail as well.

"Congratulations on your victories thus far, wizards," he said as if reading from a script. "You have reached the semi-final round of the illustrious Grand Magic Games, a feat few before you have accomplished." He sucked in a breath then sighed for way too long. "Get your rest for tomorrow is a test like never before. You four shall compete in a four-wizard Battle Royale in the abandoned Merchants district. Whomever the final two combatants are shall fight for the title of this year's Ultimate Wizard before our great Empire in Crocus.

"For the time being, you four will be staying in a shared suite for optimal rest and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city. All your needs shall be met to ensure you are in top form for tomorrow."

Erza folded her arms. An isolated place all their own?

"Is this customary?" Erza asked, trying to catch this one off-guard.

He nodded, still bored out of his skull. "Yes."

"Sounds good," Natsu said, stretching. "I'd like to get some good grub if you've got any."

"Whatever you ask," the old man said. He had to be an Imperial official of some kind, given the way he was dressed and some of the insignias and badges he wore.

"None of our friends can come with us?" Erza asked.

"There can be no distractions," the official said.

Gajeel leered at that, thinking, like Erza, of Frosch. Erza's mind then flashed to Lucy and Axel, though the likelihood he'd be back on his feet to do anything overnight was low unless the Empire was hiding an incredible healer.

"Let us at least see them off," Erza said.

The official was far too bored to be intimidated by her, even as she approached and loomed over him. If he cut her down, it was all trouble for her, not him. He lived his life for the Empire, he existed only for them. He was a tool, and tools could be replaced with ease and without emotion.

"The apartments are ready for you," he said, his breath rotten. "Follow me."

"Hey!" Natsu exclaimed. "Let us see our friends!"

"It's not worth it, Natsu," Erza said. "We'll do as they say for now. The others can take care of themselves just fine."

Lucy woke up the next morning, for the first time since arriving in Clover Town, having gotten a reasonable night's sleep. She didn't have to spend some time analyzing her dates with Axel, she didn't have to come up with farfetched plans with the others, contingencies in case things went wrong, and most of all, didn't have Natsu somewhere snoring in her room nor Happy stuck somewhere in bed with her.

Happy was indeed in the room with her, for some time, but as she started to get ready, he and the other Exceeds took off, taking Frosch on their morning walk before a lot of work.

She stepped downstairs with the others, keys jangling at her side. The others were downstairs eating whatever was around, it seemed, and it was awfully lonely without Erza and the Dragon Slayers around. Lucy pursed her lips.

But they weren't the only ones missing. Even the staff was gone.

"Morning, Lucy," Elfman said.

"Where is everyone?" Lucy asked.

Gray set down his cup of coffee. Juvia was sitting right next to him, of course.

"No idea," Elfman said. "Nobody was here when we all got down here."

"Any word from the others?" Lucy asked.

"None," Juvia said. "Though, I suppose that's to be expected."

Lucy nodded and grabbed some bread, bagels, and apples from the shelf. She dug in while the others idly chatted about who they thought would come in second place behind Erza, as it was a foregone conclusion that, even in a Battle Royale, she would come out on top. Lucy felt a bit bad that Wendy was pretty much discounted right away, so it was a good thing Carla wasn't in the room.

They stood up to head out, as it'd probably be a long line into the stadium to get a good seat of the viewing lacrima hanging around the stadium when the house began to shake. Lucy had to catch her feet and then slammed her hands down on a table to steady herself. Juvia locked herself onto Gray and Elfman stood stout as the house continued to quiver until, at once, with a great and thunderous roar and ripping sound, everything destabilized.

Furniture toppled over, and nothing was balanced in the slightest. Lucy toppled forward, spilling onto the floor.

"What's that?" Elfman gasped.

"Is that water?" Juvia asked.

Lucy reached for her keys, scrambling to find Aquarius among the others. Outside, indeed, was a wall of water, holding steady with a fast-moving current. Gray stumbled to the edge, glancing outside.

"It's a sphere of water!" Gray exclaimed. "We're being kidnapped!"

"A real man doesn't get kidnapped!" Elfman roared.

Lucy scrambled and stuffed her Aquarius key down her shirt while she couldn't get any of the others loose while they lurched forward.

Gray tried to jump through the water but slammed into it like a brick wall and was spat back out, soaking wet and, somehow, shirtless.

"Let me try, my love!" Juvia exclaimed and leaped at the water. She vanished into it.

She was just in time, as the water slowly crystallized before hardening, completely, in a shimmering shell of…

Diamonds.

"Axel," Lucy muttered, balling her fist.

It didn't take long for the hotel to crash to the ground, the diamonds vanishing without any sign of water.

The door blew open, revealing the entrance to another facility just on the opposite side of them. The orb of water then reappeared as two figures entered the room: Axel and another man, blonde, muscular, and quite smug.

"What the hell are you guys doing?" Gray asked and moved his hands into his Ice-Make position. Axel sneered. He hardly had a scratch on him. He winked at Lucy, who shuddered in response.

"I don't care what anyone else in the Empire thinks to do you with all," the blonde man said. "Fairy Tail represents something I can't stand for. You've escaped the Empire once, we know. It won't happen again. You're all under arrest, and coming with me."

"Allow me, Captain Sting," Axel said, approaching Lucy.

Gray stepped forward, but Sting was faster, moving and slapping Gray's hands aside. Axel crossed the room and held Lucy's hand which had the keys. He snagged them away.

"Glad to have all of them?" Lucy asked. Axel blew her a kiss.

"I believe we'll be getting to spend a lot more time together soon, lovely," Axel said. "Sit tight. The fighting is going to start soon, and I don't think you'll want to miss it."