Elfman punched a couple of Phantom grunts away, making sure to shield Mira and Riku. He had thought of finding a safe place to hide the two but that wasn't likely to work here. Just after Jose revealed the Mark 2 golem, they had seen something change with the shade soilders flying nearby. Riku, who was a good sensor, had warned them that they were stronger than ever. Since Jose was the one creating the beings, they knew it meant he had powered them up. Forget capturing Lucy like he proclaimed, Jose seemed hell bent on taking Fairy Tail down.
Elfman kept a sharp eye out on their surroundings, determined to protect his sister and friend. Mira couldn't fight now and despite how he was trying to hide it, Riku was in bad shape. That was thanks in a good part to the curse and the consequent activation of the seal. He remembered how the curse used to leave the brunet sick years ago and he doubted it was any less unpleasant now. The less that was said about the seal, the better. Just applying it on Riku to begin with knocked the dragon slayer out for days. Elfman really thought it said something about their friend's will power that he was still going on even now.
Unbeknownst to him, Mira was thinking along similar lines. Once again, she wished she hadn't lost the ability to use her magic. She felt so powerless, Elfman and Riku had been defending her all this time. More than anything, she wanted to do something to help her guild. Even if the Element 4 were beaten, the battle was clearly far from over and their biggest threats at the moment were Gajeel and of course, Jose himself.
As they would soon learn, the two Phantom mages had been busy...
While the group who stormed the Giant Mage were forced to deal with the present enemies, Gajeel had ambushed the Fairy Tail mages fighting the Shade Soilders. Since the beings were commanded to attack Fairy Tail, he was safe from their debilitating effects, allowing him the chance to go freely.
He had been almost to grab Lucy then, only to be impeded by Erik and Belle's timely intervention. The two had combined their magic to force him back, allowing Cubelios the chance to slam the surprised dragon slayer to the ground.
''Che...'' Gajeel grunted, pulling himself up. He quickly noted how Taurus stood protectively in front of Lucy while Cubelios joined him, Erik and Belle heading up the group. ''...not bad, Cobra.'' To Belle, he added. ''Come to think of it, you were with Bahamut when you lot attacked us before. So where's he at? He might actually give you a bit of a chance against me. This bunch here ain't promising.''
Belle merely glared back, bracing herself for battle. Erik tensed, as much as he hated to admit it, Gajeel was on to something. His poison element wouldn't do much against Gajeel, who could easily defend himself with his magic. Belle was getting tired, even if she wasn't showing it who knew how long the cat could hold on. He wasn't sure Taurus could help them here...
Still, they couldn't-they wouldn't back down now.
''Let's get this over with then.'' Gajeel transformed his arm into a sword and struck then.
Belle reacted fast, leveling two of her staves ''Two layered magic circle: Gravity Drive!''
Gajeel had no time to react, he was almost slammed down by an intense field of force that made splutter in surprise. A second later, he was blasted by Erik's Poison Dragon's Roar, which pushed him a little back. Taurus followed up on the assault, jumping to thrust his axe then.
The attack landed, but something seemed strange. Gajeel wasn't fazed at all, even pushing Taurus back. Lucy frowned, Taurus was practically her strongest physical oriented spirit and yet the latter tossed him aside with ease. ''How is he doing that?''
Erik scowled ''Look closer.''
She did so, noticing that Gajeel's arms were covered in silver scales. ''He's an iron dragon slayer, that power lets him use the element for attack and defense.''
''Got that right!'' The latter smirked, rearing his fist back to strike. He was forced to change targets as Cubelios flew in to attack then and it quickly became clear that he could easily defend against her poison too when the scales covered all his body. He kicked the snake away ''See? All this poison crap's useless against me! Might as well do yourselves and hand over the Heartfilia chick right now.''
''No way!'' Belle said at once, leveling one of her paws towards him. ''Glorious Burst!''
Small spheres appeared around Gajeel, they soon imploded, surrounding him in rapid burst of light. He tried to defend himself, closing his eyes until he felt the spell end.
''...Not bad, little puffball. This might actually be a little fun.'' He smirked.
Gray, who had overheard some Phantom mages talking about Gajeel's plans, had hurried to find his friends and warn them. The news spurred Natsu to move and in no time, he and Happy had flew off to find the iron dragon slayer. This left Gray, Makarov and Erza to deal with the enemy mages and make sure they don't get in the duo's way.
Mira watched as Riku used his sword to restore some of his power. Since the blade was imbued with a lacrima that generated darkness magic, he found that this was a very handy function over the time he had the blade.
''Better now?'' Elfman inquired, receiving a nod. ''Good, come on, let's move.''
The battle between Gajeel, Belle, Erik, Cubelios and Taurus was going down fast. It quickly became clear that Belle was the only one able to use attacks that actually fazed the dragon slayer. He had been able to injure Taurus enough to force him back to the spirit world. Lucy quickly summoned Sagittarius to help but the archer had little luck making a difference.
The blonde wished she could do anything to help. Belle was strong but she was obviously tiring, they couldn't expect her to deal with this on her own. Many of their friends were too far off and they had their hands full with the Shades.
She couldn't take this anymore. As much as she didn't want to do it, the celestial mage figured that maybe if she handed herself over, Gajeel would leave and her friends wouldn't have to fight anymore.
She wasn't worth this...
''Don't even think about it.'' A voice cut in her thoughts, making her start and look at Erik. ''I thought we made this clear-no one's going to consent to that outcome. Jose's been a right jackass for years-you just happened to be the excuse he needed to kick start this war.''
If the situation had been any less dire, Lucy might have taken a moment to wonder how he seemed to read her mind. Belle had no way of knowing what Lucy had been thinking before but Erik's words clued her in ''Lucy, you can't give up to those jerks! Look what Jose's doing now, there's no way he's going to back out. He obviously wants to destroy the guild. You're one of us, neither they or your dad can change that. In case you didn't get the message, Fairy Tail never turns its back on one of their own.''
''You guys...'' Lucy breathed, there was no words to describe how much their enduring support meant to her.
''Ain't that sweet?'' Gajeel drawled, making the three look at him as he pushed another of Sagittarius' attacks away. ''It's all meaningless if you don't have the power to do something about this though. Puffball over there is probably right though. Master's not gonna be satisfied til Fairy Tail's history. He's never liked your guild to begin with.''
Belle prepared another spell, she knew her reserves were running low but there had to be something she could do here...
In her weakened state, it took longer than she would've liked to gather the power, leaving Gajeel the room to strike the five of them with Iron Dragon's Roar.
Smirking, Gajeel stepped closer ''Now then...''
Suddenly, something flashed in the distance-the next thing anyone knew, he was struck by a powerful blast of lightning.
Gajeel growled as he tried to pull himself, cringing ''The hell...?!''
The source of the blast made himself known in moments, standing before the group. Belle smiled widely ''Laxus!''
The blond cracked a smirk as he looked back ''Yo, looks like we've got good timing.''
Lucy blinked ''So then...''
She saw a couple of shadows pass above them, prompting her to look up. It was Freed and Evergreen, flying up above a big group of shades.
''Fairy Bomb: Leprechaun!''
''Dark Ecriture: Umbral Laser!''
Evergreen's multitude of blasts rained down on the enemies, taking them out with ease. Similarly, Freed created runes which conjured a purple laser that took out all the shades it struck.
Three familiar puppets rose in the air, circling around each other as they released beams that decimated all the enemies they struck. They landed just above the newly arrived Bickslow, who was defending more of their comrades.
''Now that's some really good timing...'' Erik trailed off, relieved.
Gajeel began to grin ''And here I thought you'd never show up, Laxus Dreyar...''
The blond glared back ''Your master just happens to know the most underhanded tricks since my deadbeat old man. And that's really saying something.'' His gaze sharpened as lightning gathered around his fist. ''Wipe that stupid look off your face, we're about to finish what our family started and make sure you bastards pay for this.''
''Big words-bring it!'' Gajeel taunted.
Just like when Riku opening up a path to Phantom's base, Laxus and the Raijinshuu's arrival made for another turning point in the battle. The tide had definitely turned in Fairy Tail's favor. The four more that proved their prowess. Freed created a rune that served to shield some of their weary comrades while Evergreen and Bickslow shielded, keeping any Shades away. Evergreen's magic had quite a wide range, keeping a good number of the Shades at bay. Bickslow had his puppets attack in various formations to assist her. When enemies came in from the Giant Mage again, they wound up landing in some of Freed's traps.
The trio worked together seamlessly, proving why they were among Fairy Tail's best teams.
Similarly, Laxus proved that he was more than a match for Gajeel. While the latter's magic had been a big boon to him in the first battle, facing Laxus made having iron dragon slayer magic into a quite a detriment.
He created spires of iron that surged at Laxus, but they were all destroyed by the blond's lightning magic. Laxus proceeded to use Lightning Dragon's Breakdown Fist then, Gajeel's eyes widened somewhat as he sensed the power in the move. He did the only thing he could think of, creating shields of iron to at least mitigate the strike, hoping he could get away. His plan partially worked as the shields took in some of the lightning but in the end, Laxus was able to slam him down hard.
He pulled himself, eyes narrowing in anger as Laxus stared him down. ''That all you got?''
''Not even close!'' Gajeel snarled. As if he would lose like this!
Just as it looked like their battle would continue, Natsu descended before the two with Happy. The two seemed similarly surprised at the sight of the lightning mage but Natsu took it in stride ''He's mine! This has been a long time coming!''
''...Fair enough.'' Laxus returned, knowing the teen referred to their first battle days ago. ''Got it covered then?''
''You bet-we're finishing this today.'' Natsu returned.
''Laxus, Master and the others are up on the base. It looks like they're going to face Jose soon.'' Happy informed, making him arch an eye in surprise.
''...In that case, I'll be heading over.'' Laxus decided after a moment. In a flash, he disappeared, they could see him move in a bolt of lightning towards the Giant Mage.
''You just want to get beat, don't ya, Salamander?'' Gajeel taunted.
''I just don't like leaving stuff unfinished. We've got a score to settle.''
His eyes narrowed ''...Yeah, it's about time we see which one of us comes out on top.''
Gray's group managed to get together with Riku and the others. It wasn't long before they headed towards Jose's whereabouts, determined to take him down. They were met with the remnant Phantom mages who had stuck around the area and a battle quickly got underway.
Makarov easily blasted who tried to attack him with light magic. Elfman surprised many enemies and friends by using his newly mastered Take-Over, defeating them in an instant. Riku stopped some elemental spells heading their way via a portal, blasting the attackers with Dark Dragon's Roar afterwards. Erza decimated her attackers with Circle Sword, making sure none of them would get anywhere near Mira.
The battle went on with such a pace and it became evident that the Phantom Lord group had no chance against this opposition. The few enemies who were left standing opted to run away to save their own skins.
''Hmph, I'd expect no less from scumbags like them.'' Erza stated.
''Damn, you've been busy.''
Surprised, the knight mage turned around to see Laxus making his way over. ''When did you...?''
Mira and Riku smiled to see him, making his lips twitch as he nodded back at them.
''Oh hey, so you made it outta the trap? That's great!'' Elfman exclaimed.
''It took longer than any of us expected but we're making up for it. The Raijinshuu are dealing with things well enough down there so I figured I'd see how you're doing.'' Laxus stated.
'Well, you've made it in time...All that's left here is...' Riku's brow furrowed as he glanced at the room up ahead.
Laxus crossed his arms as he caught on ''The big boss, huh?''
''Yeah...'' Makarov's eyes narrowed, he could sense the malevolent power gathering there. No doubt Jose knew they were here. ''...you ready, brats?''
Everyone replied affirmatively and Gray stepped up ''We're seeing this through to the end.''
''All right. Let's go.'' Makarov returned.
The battle between Natsu and Gajeel was going strong. Neither side was giving an inch and it was looking like both were evenly matched. The ferocity of their attacks caused shockwaves that spread far, showing their power.
Natsu's ire rose as he remembered his friends' state, also seeing how the guild hall was heavily damaged in the course of the battle. All because of Phantom...
They would not get away with this.
Gajeel transformed his arm into a sword, the blade start to spin as he jumped ''Eat this!''
He tried to strike his opponent, who jumped back. The former kept up the offense but Natsu kept dodging all his attacks with ease. Gajeel's eyes narrowed as he reactivated his iron scale ''Try this on for size, Iron Dragon's Hard Fist!''
Natsu tried to block the attack, only to be forced back. Still, he shakes it off and uses Fire Dragon's Wing Attack, which Gajeel dodges. The two's fists collide moments later and its evident that Gajeel has the advantage again. The latter keeps up the attacks but Natsu dodges the worst of it, striking with a flaming kick then.
''Fire Dragon's...
''Iron Dragon's..''
''Roar!'' The two called as they unleashed a blistering inferno surging forwards while a storm of iron shards that blew them away.
Gajeel smirked, seeing how battered Natsu was ''Dragon fire is said to burn everything to ash but it ain't enough to leave a mark on my iron body.''
Lucy bit her lip, realizing he may have a point. Natsu was fighting so hard but she wondered if that was making any difference...
The fire dragon slayer appeared unfazed, much to their confusion ''You sure about that?''
Just then, a cut appeared on Gajeel's face, making him stiffen. Natsu's eyes narrowed ''I'm just gettin' warmed up.''
Something strange happened the second they walked into Jose's room.
An intense light went off, blinding most of the group. Then a fast moving shadowy figure almost surrounded them, but it was gone in an instant.
Elfman blinked ''What was that?''
Makarov's eyes immediately centered on Jose, who was observing them with clear interest.
That was when Erza noticed the problem ''Where are Riku, Gray and Laxus?''
Makarov's eyes narrowed as Jose smirked ''What did you do?!''
The three in question seemed to have just vanished. Jose stood ''Your comrades were just the most unlucky so as to stumble into my little surprise...''
Gray blinked twice ''What...?''
It looked like they were in the same area but he couldn't see any of their friends here. Not counting Mira-who they had insisted stay away from the oncoming battle-it was as if the others had simply disappeared.
''...Where'd everyone go?''
It was so strange. The area looked exactly the same-but there was no sign of their friends, or even Jose.
What was going on here?
Before the three quite knew it, they felt a presence behind them. They looked back to see a Shade forming before their eyes...
The rest of their group was thrown for a loop when they saw their missing friends-facing what looked to be none other than Jose.
The Phantom Lord guildmaster seized the general confusion to trap Erza and Elfman with Shade Entangle, suspending them in mid-air. Makarov made to try and free them, only to be blasted by Dead Wave. The man swifty sends his two captives into a wall with Dark Pulse.
''You have much more important things to worry about than a pair of brats, Makarov.'' Jose purred.
The latter scowled ''I wouldn't expect you to understand.'' His fists shone with light magic...''You're gone to answer for all you've done today!''
Riku, Laxus and Gray found themselves face to face with a strange Shade that somehow transformed into an exact likeness of Jose. To say this threw them for a loop would be an understatement. Especially since they could see Jose and their comrades on the far left side of the area. It looked like they were close but also far away, as if an invisible wall seperated them from each other.
They didn't have much time to think on this development for the shade quickly attacked them. Since they could see Jose battling Makarov on the other side, they quickly realized that this doppelganger had similar abilities to Phantom Lord's guildmaster.
Riku tried to immobilize the being with runes but they found that for some reason, the shade seemed able to alter the area around it and so it made the runes useless. Gray created an ice shield to defend as the doppelganger made shades who merged to form a jelly-fish like ghost with multiple arms. It used many, massive fists to attack the three of them. Laxus destroyed a number of the arms with a blast of lightning and Riku used Abyss Claw to take down more. The wide ranged attack also struck the doppelganger. Using the chance this provided, Laxus threw a big spear of lightning to destroy the jellyfish shade.
That was when Gray noticed something ''...Guys, is it just me or does it look like Gramps is holding back?''
This brought the two dragon slayers' attention to Makarov. They couldn't hear what was going on but they could see everything just fine. Their guildmaster had freed Elfman and Erza from Jose's binds but it was looking as if Gray was right. Makarov was mostly on the defensive-they could see Jose was saying something and it seemed to shake the three of them up. Jose on the other hand was highly amused, he seemed to decide to keep up the attacks then.
Laxus' brow furrowed ''Yeah, he is. I've got a bad feeling about this...''
Around the same time...
''All right, talk! Just what is that about?'' Makarov demanded, gesturing at the area where the three Fairy Tail mages.
''I'm glad you asked.'' Jose purred. ''That one there is what I like to call a Phantasmal Shade. It's all a little set up I was able to come up with over time. I've set up an illusion of sorts maintained by the Shade, it was given abilities not too different from my own. Your brats are going to be trapped there unless I let them out or if they beat the Phantasmal Shade, which isn't likely.''
Elfman scowled ''You're wrong! Those three are Manly, they can definitely come out on top!''
Jose sneered ''We'll see about that. Oh and better be careful, who knows what would happen to them if you go wild now...''
The implication was clear as day to them. Erza scowled ''You coward!''
Makarov's fists tightened in anger, realizing the other guildmaster had the upper hand. He had never heard of these kind of spells before so he couldn't take any chances, not when it comes to the lives of his brats.
Natsu stiffened as one of Gajeel's stray attacks hit the guild hall. The building was already plenty damaged as it were during the course of the battle between the two guilds. Thus, the stray iron lances that ripped through a side of it were what marked the beginning of its collapse.
The Phantom Lord members cheered at the sight while the members of Fairy Tail could only watch, pained and greatly saddened to see the place many of them considered a second home fall apart.
Happy was in tears ''The guild hall...''
''No...'' Lucy started as Natsu let out a loud battle cry and jumped right back into battle against his adversary. Before anyone knew it, the two dragon slayers were engaged in a fist-fight in mid-air. Once they break off, the two pause to catch their breaths, clearly feeling the pressure.
Gajeel picked up a piece of metal from the remnants of the Giant Mage and ate it. With his strength somewhat replenished, he sent Natsu flying with Iron Dragon's Club, following it with an enhanced series of Iron Dragon's Hard Fists.
Lucy vaguely remembered her friends talking something about this before ''What he just did is like how Erik eats Cubelios' poison to restore his strength, right?'' Happy confirmed and she continued.
Belle frowned ''Can't we get him some fire...?''
Natsu kept up the fight but with this turnaround, Gajeel was currently stronger. They knew part of the problem was that Natsu was wornout, he had not only destroyed Jupiter but fought two of the Element 4. Lucy tried to think fast, there had to be a way to help him!
Her eyes fell on the Giant Mage, which was when a radical struck her. ''That thing was powered by some machines-Sagittarius, can you destroy it?''
The spirit inclined his head ''With pleasure, Lucy-san.''
Natsu didn't care if his opponent had gotten a boost in power. He would not lose here-he would not let the bastard get away with he had done. The guild hall was a precious place to them all, he would not forgive Gajeel for destroying it. He would definitely win today.
He paused in surprise as he felt something very warm nearby, quickly recognizing the feeling of fire. Natsu turned to the source, jumping over to devour the flames originating from the Giant Mage before Gajeel could stop him.
He let out a breath a moment later, smirking ''Thanks for the meal, Luce.'' The girl smiled. ''I'm all fired up.''
Gajeel scoffed ''Don't get cocky, Salamander. It just means you've gotten a boost just like me. Iron Dragon's Roar!''
Natsu blocked the technique with his bare hands, leaving the latter dumbfounded. ''You're going to regret laying your hands on Fairy Tail. You're going to pay for hurting my friends!'' A red spell circle appeared around him. ''Dragon Slayer Secret Technique...'' His fists were ignited with flames and he proceeded to unleash a barrage of punches on Gajeel. ''Crimson Lotus: Fire Dragon's Fist!''
Natsu let his fury motivate him into keeping the offense, each hit created an explosion which broke through Gajeel's iron scales. He stopped to charge one last punch before striking again, sending Gajeel flying until he crashed on the ground, down and out.
Happy smiled widely as he and Lucy hurried over, followed by a few of their friends ''You did it!''
''Heh, you had any doubts?'' Natsu grinned back. ''Ah, man...I actually wanted to wreck those bastards' base too but I can't really move.''
''I think Master and the others had that pretty well covered...'' Happy returned, thinking back to how damaged the building had been when they had left.
Lucy began to smile ''You really overdid it there...'' Her smile widened as Natsu grinned in return. ''...but you were pretty cool.''
The doppelganger blasted Gray, Laxus and Riku down with rapid burst of shade magic. It then created two ethereal tornadoes that surged towards the three Fairy Tail mages. It cast Shade Entangle then but since they knew what was coming, they managed to evade the spell. Not letting up, it unleashed Dead Wave then but Riku took his friends out of the way via a portal. He was also able to take advantage of the consequent Dark Pulse attack, eating it quickly.
Riku had to hold back a grimace as a wave of nausea spread over him. Sure, this may have restored some of his power but he was almost regretting the action. He had come across varieties of darkness magic but this one was disgusting. It sure fit with a twisted man like Jose.
The doppelganger kept up the offense, unleashing dark pillars which it tried to use to trap them but they destroyed those with ease.
Once the three were behind some pillars, Riku noted how the rest of their comrades were also held on the defensive 'We have to do something...'
''Yeah...'' Laxus didn't doubt for a second that Makarov could trounce Jose with ease. He was beginning to wonder if their predicament was related to whatever was holding his grandfather back.
Well, speculation wouldn't do them any good. It wasn't like they could get an answer out of the enemy.
The blond's eyes narrowed a bit ''...you notice something about that Shade?''
Gray blinked ''What?''
But Riku had a guess, it was something he'd realized just a few minutes ago '...Those attacks-they're following a pattern, right?'
Laxus smirked ''Exactly. It's predictable if you pay close attention-I think we can use that.''
Gray's lips twitched ''I see what you're getting at...''
The Phantasmal Shade seemed to have trouble locating them. This gave the three the chance to decide their next step.
In a minute, Gray charged out, quickly freezing the floor before. He slid down with expert ease towards their enemy, easily avoiding the oncoming Dark Pulse it used then.
Gray grinned, as expected...
''Ice Make: Lance!''
The Phantasmal Shade leaps back to avoid the oncoming assault but then it was forced down to the ground as Riku used the moment cast Gravity Drive. The enemy retaliated by attempting a Shade Entangle but Riku cloaked himself with a dark aura that negated the spell at once. This was Dark Dragon's Ethereal Shroud. Not only did it offer Riku protection from some spells but it also amplified his offensive power.
The shade used Dead Wave then. This was according to their expectations once again. Riku created a scythe-like weapon of pure darkness which he used to slice the attack in half. This was his Rending Strike. He struck with the scythe again, the resulting force blew their enemy back. Gray struck with Ice Make: Cold Excalibur afterwards, making sure to freeze the area around it to impede its movements.
The shade began to get up after a minute, magic already surging...
But they were ready.
Cloaked in lightning, Laxus raised his clenched fist and chanted ''Resounding through the air, the roar of thunder, plunge from the heavens and reap destruction! Raging Bolt!''
With that, he unleashed a huge bolt of lightning that struck the enemy in seconds. That served to wipe it out, then...the area around them seemed to crack...
Jose was about to unleash another attack when he felt something strange. It made him look to the left where the solid illusion was, only to freeze in shock when he could see the cracks forming all over. ''It can't be...''
The area shone, blinding them for a few moments. When they could see again, they found the three trapped mages safe and sound before their eyes.
Erza looked relieved ''You're all right!''
''Yeah, I knew they could do it!'' Elfman exclaimed.
''We're all done here.'' Laxus stated.
'Nothing to worry about, Master.' Riku added.
The man chuckled ''Right...good job, brats. Just leave this to me.''
Jose scowled ''Fine-don't think this make a difference. I will never lose to you! Fairy Tail grew so much since we've last faced off but it's just a pile of rubble now. You're through!''
''A guild isn't a physical being but the union of its members.'' Makarov countered. ''...My children, thank you for your hard work. You should all be proud to be members of Fairy Tail.''
Finally, the two Wizard Saints squared off. The sky rumbled and the land quaked as Makarov's Light Magic and Jose's Darkness Magic clash. The two created blasts of their respective elements to strike the other. Both hit but Jose casted Dead Wave and Makarov shielded himself efficiently.
Elfman looked shaken at the sheer power before their eyes. He was sure glad Erza made sure they could all get to a safe place ''W-whoa...so this is what it's like when Wizard Saints fight?''
''Your power is impressive. You've earned your title.'' Makarov remarked. ''So much potential...if only you'd used your abilities for good. You could have become a role model for the younger generation.''
''Are you preaching me?'' Jose demanded.
''It's the custom of Fairy Tail's justice system. I'll give you to the count of three to kneel.'' He declared, using his Giant magic to grow in size.
This left Jose to laugh ''Please, you really are pathetic!'' He ignored Makarov counting to two and a small light gathering in his hands ''We're of equal power-no, I'm stronger! I will never bow down to you and accept that you are my superior! You should be kneeling to me!''
Laxus scoffed, he had a very good idea of what Makarov was about to do ''As if. What an idiot.''
Riku's eyes widened as he noticed the light around Makarov. The sight bringing back a memory from a few months ago 'Laxus, is that...?'
''Yeah, this battle's already over.'' The blond declared with confidence.
''Fairy Tail should vanish from the face of the earth!'' Jose howled.
''...Three.'' Makarov clasped his hands together and a gigantic spell circle appeared in the sky.
A bright light scattered around the area, eliminating all the Shade Troopers at once. The Fairy Tail members on the other hand, remained untouched.
This was Fairy Law, one of Fairy Tail's three grand spells. It is a righteous light that slays all who the caster sees as enemies.
In moments, they saw Jose, kneeling on the ground. His expression was one of terror and he appeared emaciated, his hair even turned white. Makarov approached him ''Your brashness got the better of you-the Council will make sure you're punished. It's over.''
The guildmaster's defeat marked the end of the war between the two guilds-and Fairy Tail had triumphed.
Well, let's stop here.
For a while, I really wasn't sure how to handle this chapter. In the end, I figured I changed stuff already before so why not try again? So I had Laxus and the Raijinshuu participate as well, given how much closer to everyone in the they are here in comparison to canon, I thought it was fitting.
Oh and to clarify, Riku saw Laxus use Fairy Law a while back. The illusion and the Phantasmal Shade was something set up in advance. It had abilities like Jose but not as much as power as he does. The next chapter will have the aftermath and all that comes with it before I can keep going on and prepare for the next arc.
Anywho, thanks for reading and I hope you keep it up. Till next time!