One may think that with the progress made against the enemy, Fairy Tail's battle would be somewhat easier now.
But no, in fact, far from it.
The destruction of Jupiter made Jose decide to activate his secret weapon, the Super Giant Mage Phantom Mark 2. Consequently, the number of shades increased and the battle continued at an even harder pace. Unlike before, however, Fairy Tail would not back down. They were determined to fight back as hard as it took and win.
Makarov led the group of Erza, Gray and Elfman, who proceeded to use the opening Riku gave them to infiltrate the base.
Cana threw three cards, they conjured a bolt of lightning that destroyed a number of shades before. Riku used Dark Dragon Slayer's Roar to take out a good amount that was in the air. Lucy had Sagittarius shoot others down with help from Bisca, everyone was continuing the fight with all they had. Riku noticed a couple of shades attempting to ambush Lucy and Cana so he quickly dispatched them with ease.
''Don't fall back now, we've made a lot of progress here!'' Cana called out.
'The others are taking it to Phantom right at their base. We've got to do our part too.' Riku stated.
''Right!''
''You got it!''
''Count on us!''
Belle began to smile at the positive response, knowing there was absolutely no need to worry about here. ''All right then...'' She requipped four staves. ''...Four-layered Magic Circle: Wild Hurricane!''
The staves glowed, created magic circles which conjured a powerful hurricane that swept many enemies up in the air.
''Nice going, Belle!'' Lucy exclaimed, making the cat beam in return. She was just getting used to working on the more advanced forms of Staff magic so it was really good to see it all panning out.
''Hey, what's that thing doing?'' They heard Laki ask, looking back at the Giant Mage then.
Surprised, they realized it was writing something in mid-air. Something big that looked awfully like a...
''Is that a magic seal?'' Macao stared.
Mira looked alarmed ''I've seen that form before. They're going to cast Abyss Break!''
Cana blinked ''Abyss Break?''
Saggitarius frowned ''I've heard of that before, moshi-moshi. It's a forbidden spell that uses four elements to destroy. Are they out of their minds? Casting something of this caliber could easily level the city.''
Alzack scowled ''Those creeps don't give a damn about that, how do we stop it?''
It was Mira who answered ''We can't. The thing about that spell is that it uses anchors that have to be close to the origin of the area, it's usually large sources of power.''
''Wait, is that why one of those lights we just saw flickered and got so weak? Those anchors are on the base?'' Belle wondered.
''They'd have to be...wait a minute...'' Mira's eyes widened as a thought occured to her. Natsu had defeated one of the Element 4. The light had been from the general location they believed the fight had taken place. ''...the Element 4.''
''What about them?'' Alzack wondered.
But Loke caught on ''The anchors...you might be on to something, Mira. It's very possible.''
'Yeah, I wondered why none of them showed up. Jose just keeps using the Shades but given how badly he wants to win...' Riku trailed off.
Cana agreed that it was all making sense ''I guess it's all the more reason for us to hold down the fort. We'll have to leave the rest up to Master and the others.''
Loke was about to speak but then the Giant Mage took a step forward, which was when he noticed something heading their way ''Brace yourselves!''
Makarov's groups not only encountered more Shades but a good number of Phantom Lord mages too. They had little trouble dealing with the first group that came their way, which gave them time to decide their next step. Makarov had also picked up on the danger of Abyss Break and warned the others. Like Mira, he quickly concluded that the Element 4 must indeed be the spell anchors, knowing that it used four elements of magic.
Thus, the guild master headed off to face Jose while Erza, Gray and Elfman headed off to both see about finding Natsu and Happy and take down the rest of the Element 4.
Eventually the three split up and it wasn't long before Elfman ran into Sol of the Element 4. It wasn't long before the battle began.
Elfman used his magic on his right arm to use the Black Bull form and lunged at the Phantom mage, who spun around, dodging with ease. It didn't faze Elfman though, who kept up the offense. Sol was nimble, able to make sure that none of the moves hit.
''Hm, you only use your right arm to fight. So it's just like I heard...'' Sol mused.
''Quit messing around and fight me! This isn't manly at all!'' Elfman snapped.
''Manly? That attitude is priceless coming from someone like you.''
He bristled ''What's that supposed to mean?''
''I was well hidden so you didn't notice but I could see your memories after you stepped on me.'' Sol stated. ''There's a few rumors about you and now I knew they're all true...''
''Enough blabbing!'' Elfman tried to attack again, only for the man to dodge.
''Hmph, such a brute. You think this makes you seem like a man? You're just a doddering oaf.'' Sol huffed. ''Worse than that, look what you did to your little sister.''
Elfman stilled at this and Sol cast Roche Concerto, summoning a number of rocks to attack his opponent.
''Well, it's true isn't it?'' Sol continued, waving a hand. The sand around Elfman rose and attacked him. ''I've heard the whole story but seeing it was something else. You tried to take-over a beast years ago, but in the end, you lost control and killed her. Not only did you never achieve the full Take-over, your older sister lost the ability to use her own magic thanks to you.''
Elfman grimaced, but there was nothing he could say to that. It was indeed true.
The three of them had decided to learn all they could about Take-over magic together. At first it was a choice they made to support Mira, who wound up discovering her power after taking on a demon that terrorized their old home. The people had been terribly cruel to her but Elfman and Lisanna wouldn't have it and they wanted to do all they could for their big sister. While Lisanna chose to specialize in animal forms, Elfman had chosen beast forms.
As Sol mentioned, he was never able to use a full-take over. Lisanna on the other hand, had taken to the magic remarkably well and she could use her transformations with ease. He would never resent his sisters for their prowess but it had always made him feel like he was slowing them down. It didn't help that there were many who mocked him for his inability to control his magic over time.
That was actually how he came to be friends with Riku. The brunet had been among the first of the Fairy Tail members they came to know to simply be supportive. It was a surprise as Riku used to keep to himself a lot these days but Elfman really appreciated the effort. It showed everyone that there was a lot more to him than meets the eye.
Riku not only understood but sympathized with Elfman's plight, calmly assuring him time and again that there was nothing to be ashamed of so long as he was trying. Plenty of the people who mocked him only did it to feel about better themselves, they hardly did much better to improve after all. The fact that Elfman was working to get past this inability and learn what he could should be good enough for anybody.
It wasn't until Elfman saw the curse take hold of Riku the first time that he saw just why Riku knew how he felt. But he wouldn't think any less of him for it. If anything, the sight had elevated his respect of the dragon slayer, knowing how he struggled to keep that power back. The situation had also earned Riku his fair share of taunting but the brunet was undaunted. Hell, Riku chose to use a seal that restricted his magical core to help. At least Elfman had a choice in learning Take-over magic, Acnologia didn't even give Riku that much.
Riku's enduring determination about all this had been one of the reasons they started training together, he had always admired the brunet's strong spirit. Such support had truly helped him, but Elfman knew within himself that he was not nearly so stalwart. For the reminders of that horrible day still shook him to the core, and Sol clearly realized that.
''And someone like you pretends to be a man? Frankly, it's insulting for men everywhere. I pity your sisters, they must've had to do most of the work for years. What a shame for a mage of the famed Demon's caliber to lose all her prowess because of 're just an oaf who gets by blustering his way through life.'' Sol stated.
Elfman ground his teeth ''Oh, yeah? How's this for bluster?'' He tried to punch the man again but Sol jumped up and wrapped himself around Elfman's arm, forcing him to stop. He tried to pry Sol off with his other arm but to no avail.
The teen tried to attack again when Sol jumped back, barely noticing him casting a spell then. However, he found himself freezing in his tracks moments later, for Sol was forming a figure of someone very familiar to him out of sand.
It was of a teenage girl who looked a lot like Mira but with shorter hair. This was in fact...
''L-Lisanna...'' He stuttered, shocked.
''I did mention looking at your memories earlier.'' Sol reminded. ''This is your precious little sister, yes? I'd love to understand how you dare boast of being so manly when you're the one who killed her.''
''Elf-niichan.'' The statue called. Elfman held back a wince at the familiar voice. Even if it sounded monotone, it still reminded him of his little sister.
Sol had been correct once again. The day he tried to take over the beast and failed was undoubtedly the worst in his and Mira's lives. Lisanna had tried to stop him, hoping to talk sense into him but the berserk Elfman had struck her down. It was something he deeply regretted and hated himself for.
Before he quite knew it, Sol had conjured multiple duplicates of the statue, leaving him to fall to his knees. He knew it was a fake but still...she looked and sounded just like she had the day they took that fateful job. How could he face this after what he had done?
Sol stared him down ''This is why I refuse to accept your claims of being a man. You're nothing but lowlife trash that killed his own little sister.''
Elfman lowered his head, feeling the old guilt and shame well up again. But that made him miss what his opponent was doing.
''Platre Sonata!''
Sol formed a fist of plaster that punched Elfman through a wall. It was moments later than he saw something that threw him for a loop.
''Nee-chan? Riku?!''
The two in question appeared just as surprised to see him there. Earlier, as they continued defending the guild, a number of shades and stone statues appeared before Mira with Riku intervening to save her. But then the sand suddenly spun out of control and blinded them. Before either knew it, they found themselves at the base. Just as they were going about, a number of plaster statues attacked them, leaving Riku to fend them off.
Sol walked over at a sedate pace ''Master Jose helped me bring them here. Well, my original target was your sister but I suppose he decided to get in the way.''
Elfman scowled ''What're you playing at?''
''Well, we are going to take your guild down. Our master decreed as much-you apparently care for your sisters so much that I wondered what you would do if she were here.'' Sol stated.
''Where the hell do you get off, trying to be a man when all you do is some dirty tricks?'' The take-over mage demanded.
''I wouldn't expect a brute like you to understand the concept of strategy.'' Sol gave a haugty sniff.
Elfman's eyes narrowed as he stared back in disgust. In his opinion, there was a big difference between strategy and what Sol was pulling off but he wouldn't waste time arguing with the man. He hadn't missed the scattered pieces of rocks surrounding his friend and sister, so he knew Sol must have gone after them too.
''Now...you'll see your older sister and even your friend die just like your sister had.'' Sol snapped his fingers. The area around Riku and Mira suddenly shifted and it quickly formed a pair of hands that grabbed the two and lifted them into the air.
''Let them go!'' Elfman snapped.
But he had no reason to worry as Riku quickly opened a gate that took him out of the trap's grasp. In seconds, he destroyed the hand holding Mira before lowering her down safely, to Elfman's relief.
Riku looked at him and smiled 'We'll be okay, just focus on him. I'll protect Mira.'
Elfman nodded back, feeling gratitude well up towards his old friend. Neither were surprised when Sol conjured more constructs of sand and plaster to attack the two but Riku was ready and stood firmly in front of Mira, making sure none could get at her.
He conjured a wave of darkness through his sword and waved it in a semi-circle, unleashing a crescent shaped blast that destroyed a number of statues. He destroyed the pile of rubble some statues threw his way with a Dark Dragon's Roar.
Both combatants reacted in opposing means to his successful attacks. Sol scowled and grit his teeth while Elfman was relieved. He knew he could count on Riku.
Mira spared Riku a grateful smile, he was as reliable as always. She still remembered how badly things went between them when they first met. She had known he was Erza's friend and given their terrible relationship, she had been less than kind to him.
Things began to change when she learned how he helped Elfman. Learning that he also had trouble with his magic control and still strove to improve had made an impact with her brother. Riku had made such a positive influence on Elfman that she decided it encourage it and they along with Belle and Lisanna, became good friends.
''This means nothing!'' Sol spat. ''You have no time to worry about others, Platre Sonata!''
Elfman transformed his arm once again and tried to keep pushing forward but the barrage of rocks soon forced him back.
Sol gave a smug look ''As a gentleman, I consider your interpretation of manliness unforgivable. I will grant eternal suffering and you shall become one with the land, now. Merci La Vie!''
Elfman was surrounded by a spell circle which glowed, the next thing they knew, he was being turned to stone!
''No!'' Mira gasped while Riku's eyes widened.
Riku tried to think of a way to help but he had nothing. He had never encountered such magic. Mira ran over with him in tow, wondering how to stop this.
''Don't waste your time. This is the end.'' Sol smirked. ''It serves such a worthless weakling right.''
Riku glared back, determined to prove him wrong. The one way he could see through this was forcing Sol to release the magic.
''Oh, you think you can take me on, Bahamut?'' The earth mage sneered, Riku raised his sword in response.
Mira glanced at her brother worriedly, what she couldn't understand was why was Elfman simply frozen like this.
Little did the two realize that Merci La Vie had another effect. It was making Elfman watch a few old memories, ones he shared with Lisanna.
The first had been of his parakeet's death, he was crying at its grave when Lisanna came to comfort him. She reminded him that things die but if he remembers them, they would live in his heart forever. Looking back, he knew she was right but at the time, he simply rejected her attempt to comfort and pushed her away, making her cry.
The second memory had been when they went to help Mira in the S-class request that lead to Lisanna's death. They were just saying goodbye to Natsu and Happy. The two actually wanted to come along but he and Mira turned them down out of some meaningless pride. How he wished this had gone differently...
The third was undoubtedly the worst. It was just after he lost control and the beast took him over. Lisanna had tried, despite Mira's warnings to talk some sense into him. She absolutely refused to believe that he had forgotten about them. But her attempts failed and Elfman struck her with so much force.
The fourth memory was almost as bad. He and Mira were at Lisanna's grave. He had been blaming himself but Mira wouldn't hear it. Reminding him of Lisanna's words, she pointed out that they have to live for her.
Caught up as he was in those memories, Elfman could hear a far away familiar voice calling out to him. It was Mira.
Now almost halfway turned to stone, Elfman almost came back to his sense, noticing his sister on her knees nearby watching him tearfully.
That was what did it.
''I swore I'd never see Nee-chan's tears again.'' He uttered. ''Who made her cry?!''
Elfman took a step forward, breaking free of the spell, to Sol's shock. ''Lisanna died because of my weakness, I don't want to feel that way ever again. I'm going to be a man who can protect my sister!''
Just then, he was surrounded by light. Riku started while Mira's eyes widened, recognizing the feel of that power. It showed her exactly what her brother was up to ''Elfman, don't!''
Before Riku could ask, the light shone, forcing them to look away. When they turned back, it was to find that Elfman had done it. He was now clad in a Full Body Take Over. This was his Beast Soul.
Sol recoiled, panic clear in his expression as Elfman roared. He had no time to react for the teen had immediately punched him hard, sending him into a wall.
''N-now, hold on...'' He managed. ''...I was trying to help, see. You've done it, you've overcome the trial I gave to face your past head on. You are indeed a true man!''
Naturally, no one bought that for a second and Elfman proceeded to pummel him into the ground. Sol tried to cast a spell but he simply had no time as Elfman continued his attacks until he was out cold.
Mira and Riku watched as he turned around to face them, slowly walking over. ''Elfman...'' The first started, had he really done it? Was he in control?
Riku watched in concern, hoping that he had indeed pulled it off.
''...I'm sorry, Nee-chan.'' The two started at the familiar voice and Elfman continued. ''You probably never wanted to see this form again. I wanted to protect you and Fairy Tail but I messed it up bad the first time and because of that...Lisanna...''
Mira smiled as she walked over, wrapping her arms around him as he canceled the spell. ''I told you before, it wasn't your fault. Lisanna's still with us, we're living on for her sake too, remember?''
Elfman's eyes watered ''...Yeah...''
Riku watched with a growing smile, happy for his friend. He knew how much Elfman wanted this and it had happened at last. Mira was right. The last thing Lisanna would want is for him to keep blaming himself.
''Riku...thanks, I really owe you.'' Elfman said after a few moments.
'What're friends for? But while we're at it, I really feel the need to point out one thing. I told you you could do it. More times than I care to count.' The brunet smirked.
That got a laugh from both Strauss siblings, both feeling much better now. Elfman grinned ''Yeah, fair enough. Now like I said before, if I pull this off it won't be too long for you to do the same.''
Mira was about to voice her agreement but then Riku stiffened and stumbled, leaning against a wall. Elfman looked alarmed ''What happened?!''
''The seal, remember?'' His sister pointed out, making his eyes widen in understanding.
That was a side effect of the only way they had to deal with Riku's magic if it went out of control. There was a seal on his magical core that helped him regulate his power, it had two levels. The second level was activated in emergencies as it restricted his magical core's functions but they all knew that it was immensely painful. He could imagine just how drained Riku must be after all he did since the seal's activation.
Elfman steadied the brunet ''Can you make a portal to get you and Nee-chan of you out there?''
Riku shook his head tiredly 'At this point, I can only use it at a limited range. With the way things are down there, I don't know where we'd land. I'm not even sure if I can make it that far now.'
That made sense, they were talking about landing straight in a battlefield. Besides, there was the big issue of all those shades still remaining...
'It's okay, I can handle it. Just give me a few...' Riku was distracted by a flash of light that made him look up, noticing the Giant Mage was slowing down with Abyss Break's seal. '...does that mean...?'
''Yeah, two of the Element 4 were defeated so it must have really slowed down the spell.'' Mira concluded.
Elfman perked up ''Music to my ears! Let's keep going, make sure you both stay close. I won't let Phantom hurt you.''
Mira nodded back, taking Riku's arm, she led him along and followed her brother. Things may have been bad but they were certainly looking up, the tide was turning in their favor.
Gray wound up in a different area and the first odd thing he noted was that it was raining. He had been rather puzzled to note that it was only raining around a certain area. However, this quickly brought the source of the phenomenon to his attention.
It was the third member of the Element 4, Juvia of the Rain.
He had no idea how she was causing this rain but it proved she was powerful. If she could easily affect the weather without even breaking a sweat than she was certainly not to be underestimated.
But then, just as he was bracing himself for a fight...
''Huh?! What do you mean?!'' Gray spluttered a moment later, for Juvia had suddenly turned around to leave, merely stating that she couldn't fight. Was she seriously conceding like that? This had to be some kind of trick, right?
But apparently, it wasn't. For some reason, she really seemed to have lost the will to fight. What was even stranger was that Gray could have sworn that even Juvia seemed to be puzzled by her own actions.
And she really was. She had no idea why seeing the Fairy Tail mage shook her up like that but her first instinct had been to walk away. Even now, her heart was thumping wildly. What was going on?
''Hey, I don't know what your deal is but if you don't want to fight, fine. Just stop the Giant Mage!'' Gray cried.
But Juvia was barely listening, lost in her thoughts as she was. After thinking it over, Juvia knew what the feeling that almost rooted her to the spot was. It was why she could hardly take her eyes off him.
Love. Love at first sight.
He was so handsome...just looking at him now took her breath away. She doubted that she could fight him now.
After thinking it over, she decided to make Gray hers and so trapped him with her Water Lock, with the big sphere of water suspending him in mid-air. However, this wound up being a choice she regretted as it opened up his old wounds from Galuna Island. Just as she was about to release him, Gray froze the spell, easily breaking out of it.
This was a shock to Juvia, who believed that her Water Lock could not be broken. 'Amazing!' She thought. 'This must be fate, Juvia has finally found her prince!'
Gray remained focused on the fight, having believed that Juvia had simply decided to battle after all. He took off his shirt, leaving his opponent stunned.
''Ice Make: Lance!''
Then came the second surprise of the battle, his projectiles appeared to hit Juvia but it was as if they went through her.
''What...?!''
''It's not use, Juvia's body is made of water.'' She stated, her body reforming at once. ''But if you insist on battling...Water Slicer!''
With a wave of her hand, she sent out numerous sharp blasts of water. Gray quickly dodged and quickly continued to fight back. They had soon reached a stalemate. Gray was able to dodge or fend off the worst of Juvia's moves with the help of his magic but at the same time, Juvia's water body repelled his attacks with ease.
Realizing this, Juvia came to a decision ''...Maybe don't have to keep doing this.''
Gray arched an eye ''What do you mean?''
''If you'd just hand over Lucy Heartfilia, Juvia promises to speak to Master Jose and stop all this.'' She offered. ''You want to protect your guild, right? It would all work out.''
Gray couldn't help but note that she seemed sincere, which was odd. Why would she care? After all they had seen from Phantom Lord, this was rather disconcerting.
Anyway, he already knew his answer.
''Not happening.'' The ice mage stated firmly. ''Lucy's one of us, a member of our family. None of us would agree to just hand her over. We've decided to fight till the end and that's what we'll do. There's no way I'll turn my back on Lucy, I won't hand her over even I die..''
Juvia froze at this statement, feeling her heart clench. Her thoughts were spiraling at a mad pace as those words sank in. He was speaking as if he was in love with Lucy Heartfilia. It couldn't be...was her prince taken from her by the Celestial Mage?
Juvia's temper rose to incredible heights ''No, no-it can't be! Juvia won't forgive this! Lucy Heartfilia cannot be allowed to live!''
Gray's eyes widened at her sudden shift in attitude but he didn't bother questioning it, seeing her already attacking.
Juvia unleashed a torrent of water which Gray tried to dodge but was forced to take on, only to yelp in pain when he realized it was boiling water. Thinking fast, he used Ice Make: Shield only for the water to melt it in seconds, to Gray's surprise. The Phantom Mage sure was fighting very differently now, it was as if her magic was reacting to her emotions.
Why was she so mad at Lucy, though?
''Juvia cannot be defeated in the rain!'' She declared confidently, watching as he attempted to escape another torrent of water. But Juvia was soon able to overwhelm him, engulfing him in the hot water.
Her eyes narrowed as he was suspended in mid-air ''This is the end!'' She shot boiling water towards him.
Gray grit his teeth, knowing there was only one thing he could do now.
He jumped into the boiling water and froze it, which also wound up freezing Juvia. Letting out a breath, Gray realized he could feel something soft under his hand, which didn't make sense. He was holding some ice and...
His thoughts came to a screeching halt as he realized that was wrong, somehow he wound up holding Juvia's breast!
The ice mage yelped, jumping back in surprise after he released her from the ice ''S-sorry about that!''
Juvia was also embarrassed ''You are...kind. Juvia thought so...Juvia was forcing herself but she really cannot fight you, Juvia's heart just isn't it.''
''Oh yeah?'' Gray clearly had no idea what to make of this. ''So you're throwing in the towel? Why?''
This was it. Juvia's heart thumped, she would confess that she had fallen in love with him. ''The truth is...''
Gray's brow furrowed as he looked at the rainy sky, mumbling ''...Man, it sure is gloomy. Wish the rain would stop...''
Juvia's eyes widened at this, the words bringing back some rather painful memories. She had been alone for so long-her prowess and potential with magic had earned her few friends. If anything, people had always looked at her as if she was a freak. Even as a child.
It had always been that way. She couldn't even have a relationship, the whole issue surrounding her magic had even drove her ex-boyfriend away.
Now, this coming from the one she had fallen for hurt. A lot.
''You...you're just like them!'' Juvia cried. ''Just like those people who had been horrible to Juvia. Juvia sees that she was wrong now, Juvia is a Phantom Mage. Phantom Lord accepted Juvia for who she was, so Juvia will fight for her guild! Sierra!''
She transformed herself into boiling water and dove at Gray, who braced himself.
''Yeah? Well, I won't lose.'' He released a great burst of power which froze the attack and even the rain. ''Ice Make: Geyser!''
The spell caught Juvia off guard, trapping her within seconds. This almost lead to her falling off the guild, believing that she would die. Just as she had resigned herself to death, she felt a hand grab hers.
Juvia's eyes widened as she saw that Gray was pulling her up. Why would he...?
''Looks like you cooled off.'' Gray remarked as she lay down. She may be an enemy but it didn't mean he would let her die if he could help it.
Juvia's attention was centered above them, for it was the first time she saw a clear sky. ''So...beautiful...Juvia has never seen a clear sky or the sun before.''
''For real?'' Gray blinked, thinking she had to be kidding. But seeing how she was sobbing now proved how much it meant to her. ''...Well, it's really something, huh?''
''Yes...thank you...'' Juvia whispered, meaning it with all her heart.
The ice mage's lips twitched as he began walking away, he wasn't sure what was going on but she sure seemed happy. It was strange to find something that he had taken for granted like this being such a marvel for others. The more he looked at it, the more different Juvia seemed from the rest of Phantom Lord.
Well if Master was right...his eyes narrowed a bit as he noted how Abyss Break was slowed down even more. He allowed himself a smirk; good, there was only one of the Element 4 left.
Around the same time...
Natsu and Happy arrived at a hall where they encountered Aria and a fight quickly ensued. With the latter's abilities, he was quickly able to turn the battle in his favor as Natsu just couldn't nail a hit on him with that teleportation ability.
Aria had been about to ambush the dragon slayer, only for him to be saved by Erza's timely arrival. Her kick sent Aria crashing down hard.
Happy perked up ''Erza!''
She spared him a small smile before glaring at Aria as he got up ''You two go on ahead. Master's planning on dealing with Jose. And while I pity any opposition in his path, it wouldn't hurt to have someone keeping an eye out for him.''
''Gotcha!'' Natsu returned. While he didn't like running from a fight, he knew she was right to concerned. Riku's presence had been the only reason Makarov hadn't fallen for Jose and Aria's trap in their last battle. It was to imagine that the man would try something else. He knew that Erza could more than handle this fool anyway.
Aria had been about to strike the two when he found a sword flung in his path, making him turn to Erza.
''Where exactly are you looking? Your battle is with me now.''
''Hmph, very well. It's sad that you're going to be defeated her.'' He remarked. ''I can't afford to hold back for an opponent of your caliber, Titania so...'' Aria removed his blindfold, revealing his eyes. ''...you will feel the might of my trump card. Zero, the air space of death that has claimed many lives over the years.''
Erza scowled ''How could you take lives so casually, you scoundrel? I will make sure you pay.'' She donned her Heaven's Wheel Armor.
In moments, Aria had his spell ready, making him feel confident ''Can you survive, Titania Erza? Take this!''
But Erza was able to move within the air space easily, slicing through it in seconds. Aria recoiled in shock, his pink eyes meeting Erza's brown ones as she glared up at him ''My turn, Blumenblatt!''
Aria cried out as the powerful attack sent him flying before he hit the ground, leaving him down and out. Erza looked at him with clear disdain ''I would never lose to someone like you.''
Makarov began to grin as he realized that the Giant Mage had stopped casting Abyss Break. His brats had done it. He knew they could all along.
Now he had to be sure to do his part. Phantom assault had infuriated him but he held back for the sake of keeping peace, to avoid bringing any trouble to Fairy Tail. But no more.
Jose Porla would not get away with this, he would make sure of that.
Well, let's stop here.
The next chapter starts right after this point. I thought I could use Elfman's fight to show his bond with his sisters and Riku so I think it all pans out. I should be able to wrap up the fights next chapter, I think, I just didn't want to make the chapter too long.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!