''You know, I really thought you would've fled.'' Jellal smirked at Erza as she took a battle stance. ''Instead you were quite the participant for my little game.''
She glowered back ''Is it fun for you to play with people's lives?''
''Most definitely.''He returned smoothly. ''Life and death are at the basis of everything, the game has been...invigorating. I have to say it's a shame Riku interfered, I wonder how you would've held up under the same conditions.'' He pretended to think about it. ''Probably no where near as well...''
''True...'' The idea of facing such torment scared Erza but she had no intention of showing it. ''...do you I'm unaware of my own failings? Riku is stronger than he knows, stronger than me and I don't doubt that for a second. That still doesn't change the fact that I will ensure you fall today!''
Jellal stood ''Feel free to try. This is where I obtain ultimate freedom!''
He fired waves of darkness but Erza avoided them all with relative ease, donning her Flight Armor just as he flew into the air. He dodged her oncoming slashes, only to be surprised when she directed her blades to fly towards him anyway with a wave of his hand. The blades followed him even as he tried to dodge, forcing him to send out a burst of golden light that sent them away, Erza grabbing them before they hit the ground.
Jellal cast multiple spheres of water to barrage her but Erza swiftly negated that with her Sea Empress trident, seeing him attempt to stop her with Telekinesis. She used her own expertise with said magic to break free of the trap, leaving him taken aback. She spun her weapon, manipulating the present water to send right back at him before using her Lightning Empress armor to combine the attacks. Jellal swiftly defended himself with a shield of wind, sneering.
''Did you think that would be enough?''
''Hardly.'' She remained unfazed. ''Don't underestimate my resolve. I won't lose to you!''
Gray looked around, their group had finally gotten together but they couldn't see any sign of Erza and the others. Had they gone to fight Jellal after all?
Lucy's statement proved that she was thinking along the same lines ''I was hoping we would've seen at least one of them by now.''
''They must have gone on to fight Jellal. Heavens know he's given us all more than enough reason to hunt him down...'' Wally muttered darkly.
Sho frowned, silently agreeing. What he couldn't understand was that he could've sworn he'd seen Jellal just before they reconvened with the others. He had just disappeared before the blond knew it. His clothes seemed a bit different but there was no denying it. He'd mentioned something about the sacred light, the last step needed to achieve the plan. But what on Earthland did that mean?
''Are they going to be all right?'' Juvia wondered.
Millianna pursed her lips, they had come this far. They managed to reconnect with their old friends-who forgave them even after they were so foolish. This couldn't all be for nothing. Jellal couldn't win-she refused to believe otherwise. ''They are...they have to be...''
The man Sho happened to spot was Siegrain, a member of the Council who was Jellal's twin brother.
At least, that was what he told everyone.
He was actually Jellal's thought projection, the way he could manipulate the Council as he pleased. It was how he ensured they wouldn't cotton on to his plans earlier, it was how he would use them for the final step of his plan.
Etherion, the sacred light.
It was the Council's strongest weapon and the last thing he needed to activate the R-System, finally resurrecting Zeref after all those years of work. All he had to do was initiate a vote to use the weapon for the sake of taking his 'brother' down and his partner Ultear had been all too willing to help. It took a little convincing but the old fools never even knew they were played-he had them all in the palm of his hand.
And now...he thought as he arrived to where his creator was...to see it all come to fruition...
Natsu encountered Simon, who was also heading off to catch up with Erza. ''Wait, what do you mean you saw Jellal? Erza said he's up ahead-they're probably fighting now.''
The latter frowned ''Then that must've been Siegrain...''
''Isn't that the Councilman you guys talked about before? What's he doing turning up here alone?''
''That is an excellent question.'' Simon returned. ''I doubt he has any loyalty to the Council. I think whatever Jellal has planned, it's far from over. He always keeps a plan up his sleeve-I actually think he might have started another scheme.'' Natsu gave him a puzzled look and he pointed out the window. ''Look.''
Natsu craned his neck out, squinting as he tried to see what Simon meant. His eyes widened at the sight of the huge spell circle forming above the tower. ''The heck-?!''
''I don't know what this means but it certainly can't be good. Let's hurry.''
''Yeah!'' The dragon slayer agreed.
Erza ground her teeth as Siegrain fused back with Jellal. Something had always rubbed her wrong about the Councilman. She'd even attacked him when they first met, thinking he was Jellal. She found his claim to being his twin odd since the boy never mentioned any family but she could never disprove his words. She could never have guessed the truth about him. Jellal really had been playing everyone all along, hadn't he...?
The recent revelations had shaken all her reservations about the battle. She despised the idea of coming here-really unable to face this place again. But fighting her old friends-the ones she had failed was almost too much.
If anyone had told her she and Jellal would become such bitter enemies years ago, she might have laughed in their face. She used to admire him, he'd remained strong and bright. He inspired others against their captors.
But before long she learned that there was much she didn't know about him...
Erza noticed Riku going down a hall, finally out of sight before she heard him speak. ''There you are.''
Confused, the girl hurried over, hearing another voice respond ''Riku? What're you doing here?'' It was Jellal.
''Funny, that's what I want to ask you.'' The former returned. Erza hid out of sight, slowly peeking to find the boys facing each other. ''So what's going on? And don't tell me it's nothing because we both know that's a big fat lie. You've been acting strange for a while now.''
Jellal remained silent, speaking up after almost a minute ''How do you know that? It's not like you know me...I'm not even sure I know me anymore...''
Riku looked baffled as the boy suddenly stood ''...I didn't want to show any weakness to those monsters so I tried to hang tough, I wouldn't let them get to me so I tried to be cheerful...but I'm not nearly as strong as I want to be. This is too much! People like Sho and Millianna are beginning to look up to me like some kind of leader but I don't deserve that, it's just an act. I think we may really die here, one way or the otherr-that it's just hopeless and I'm only pretending otherwise. I'm too scared to even do anything about it...''
Erza looked on, wide-eyed. Was that how he felt all along? She never could've imagined...
''...You're an idiot.'' Both looked up at Riku, who was staring at Jellal in distinct annoyance. ''I admit, you were actually an inspiring figure so I get how they feel but people aren't that simple. You're allowed to have dimensions, Jellal. You're as human as the rest of us.''
''That's not much coming from you-those scum hardly even get to you...''
''Says who?'' The boy countered at once. ''I'm just not so good at showing my emotions...I learned pretty fast that it was better if I try to stay strong-even if it's just to keep appearances...I know it was wrong now...Grandpa Rob's helping me realize a few things but...I didn't think I had much choice.''
Jellal looked baffled at this ''Why on earth would you...?''
''...Let's just say my situation before wasn't all that much of an improvement.'' Riku said darkly. ''I've dealt with a monster far worse than what any of those bastards could come up with.'' His friends were floored with the revelation, the idea of such a being unnerving them. ''He just left one day and I thought I was free...my family's long gone so I had no idea where to go. But yeah, I was depressed-I still hate this and I have my low points. Even now, I'm just figuring out how to handle them. Heck, so far as I'm concerned you guys are probably the silver lining in all this.''
Surprised, Jellal couldn't the laugh that escaped him ''That's kind of cheesy coming from you.''
Riku half-smiled ''Maybe, but I think it had to be said. We all have different sides to ourselves and I don't see anything wrong with that. No one can do everything alone. Didn't you we agree on that? You said it yourself, meeting our friends actually helped you hold on. This makes it seem like you don't trust them.''
Jellal made to argue, of course he did! It wasn't like that...
Riku didn't seem to be expecting an answer ''Just think about it, even if you don't tell them, you at least have one person you can talk to about this.''
The talk left both Erza and Jellal with much to think about, as well as a greater respect for their newest friend...
Erza pursed her lips at the memory, she didn't mind that Jellal hid this much. Who was she to talk? After all, she kept herself isolated so much that it was only because of her family's influence that she could be comfortable taking her armor. It had taken them time and a lot of patience but they held a place in her heart and that wasn't about to change.
She actually found that she could relate more to the boys after that talk. Her heart clenched for her friend, the one who tried his best despite his fears. Once again, she wondered how he could've changed into such a monster. As much as she didn't want to fight, she knew that she would be doing her friends and family a terrible disservice if she didn't. No, she had to put the past behind her for good.
Jellal tried to trap her in place with darkness magic but she used Telekinesis to propel herself forward before the spell could hit the mark. Donning her Heaven's Wheel Armor, she used Circle Sword but he flew away easily with Meteor. Erza quickly re-gathered her blades before firing them in a wide arc with Telekinesis. Jellal dodged easily, blasting her with a golden beam. Erza tanked the blow, swiftly throwing her Lightning Empress' trident down. Jellal sneered, thinking this to be a pointless move but then the weapon released a burst of lightning that sent him into a wall.
Grunting, he pulled himself with a scowl ''Not bad...'' He fired a fast laser that Erza dodged but he pressed forward, slicing through the rocks in the way to chase her.
Erza growled as she flew away, as much as she despised this place, seeing him treat it so carelessly after all her friends' work was aggravating. ''You're destroying it just like that?''
''Of course. What does it matter? This place will serve its purpose very soon.''
Erik suddenly stopped running, hearing something strange. Likewise, Cubelios was looking around in confusion. What was...?
''Hey!''
The two turned around in time to see Riku and Belle running on the opposite side of the area. The cat quickly helped her partner fly over to them before giving Erik a hug which he returned. Both watched in amusement as a relieved Cubelios nuzzled Riku, who laughed a bit to himself before patting her scales.
''Heh, good to see you back.'' Erik smirked, the two dragon slayers clasping each other's hands. There was plenty he wanted to say but this wasn't the time. The sooner they saw the back of this place the better everyone would be. ''I know the chances of Natsu staying were slim. Are he and Simon going to fight Jellal?''
Belle nodded ''So is Erza, it's been a while since...'' She blinked as Erik started. ''...what?''
''It's that weird sound again...we heard something just now and it's...actually sort of like a spell being charged...'' Erik looked around. ''...it's coming from...above?''
The others followed his line of sight, staring out the opening in the roof, surprised to see the big, complex magic circle formed above the tower.
A sphere of light was formed in the center of the circle. Before they could react, it coalesced into a laser that blasted the tower.
Belle barely heard herself scream, having closed her eyes moments ago. She blinked twice ''Wha...nothing happened?''
Riku nodded, equally baffled. That had come so suddenly that they hardly even processed it. Erik raised an eye ''It did hit...I think it just caused some damage but...how? What's going on?''
Riku touched the ground and tried to sense any chance. He almost jumped at the feeling of magic thrumming everywhere. The feeling was almost exactly like...it couldn't be...it was as if the tower was...
''...A lacrima?''
Erza looked in on shock, having also been caught off guard by that blast. Strange as it were, there was no confusing that crystal form. The tower was actually a huge lacrima in disguise.
Jellal's grin was nearly manic ''Finally...with Etherion's power, the R-system is finally ready!''
''Etherion?!'' The redhead was thrown for a loop. She'd heard tales of the destructive weapon's, being a last resort of the Council. It was said to destroy whole countries with a single blast. ''How...? Wait, don't tell me-you even manipulated the Council? This was Siegrain's role?''
''Essentially, yes.'' He admitted. ''The R-system requires massive amounts of magic to activate. I don't think a person can hope to gather the amount in one lifetime. Even I didn't expect the fools to take in everything I said just like that. They were very useful...''
Jellal paused at the sound of footsteps, heralding Natsu and Simon's arrival. Erza's eyes widened but he gave an easy grin ''I should've known you'd be foolish to come here, Salamander. But Simon-you think you can stop me? I thought you were smarter than that.''
The latter only glared ''I will do what it takes. You won't get away with this, you traitor.''
''You two shouldn't be here! This is my battle!'' Erza chided.
''Ah, don't worry about that stuff. I'm just here to watch your back.'' Natsu had actually thought about fighting him earlier but he eventually decided not to. He believed this was far more personal for the knight mage. He didn't want to interfere and he trusted her to win. ''This ain't like before, you know? Everyone's waiting for us to get back, you got all of us right behind you.''
The redhead almost smiled as she nodded. Right, their home and family awaited them. Those who taught her to value her life, the home it took her so long to find, the guild Grandpa Rob loved...she'd be damned if she disappointed them!
''Well, isn't that sweet...'' Jellal drawled mockingly. ''...even your precious friends can't stop me! Grand Chariot!''
Seven circles formed in the sky, releasing a myriad of blasts which the three endeavored to dodge. He charged right at the three, kicking Natsu back before dodging Simon's attack and blasting him with a beam. Erza barely got her shield up in time to stop the golden rays he fired at her, shocked. Why was he so fast and strong now...?
Of course-Siegrain! A thought projection required a good amount of magic, no doubt one like Siegrain needed quite the amount to work like he did. So he had been fighting her with a considerable amount of strength gone...
He aimed a wide fire spell at Simon, which Erza stopped with her Sea Empress Armor, summoning torrents of water which she thrust at him. When he tried to destroy them, she willed the water to trap him before charging right in to strike, nearly making him fall. He managed to regain his balance in time, looking aggravated. ''I intended for you to be the sacrifice Erza, but I simply don't see the point anymore. I can use anyone of you for Zeref's glorious resurrection!''
''What does he mean sacrifice?'' Natsu scowled.
''That's how the R-System works, he needs a sacrifice as well as enormous amount of mage to supposedly revive anyone.'' Simon remarked.
Jellal sneered ''Oh, you don't have to believe-you'll see it for yourself. Jiu Lieuxing!''
Riku's group had been hurrying to the scene when they happened to hear a loud bang coming from the top area. Erik's eyes narrowed ''...They're all up there. Let's hurry.''
The others nodded and took off, Riku praying for their friends' safety.
Erza donned her Lightning Empress armor in time to fend off the magic, keeping the blades away from her friends. She created a multitude of lightning spheres which she proceeded to scatter around the area. Jellal dodged the few that came near him, idly noting that she wasn't even targeting him. Erza charged and he fired golden rays at her, it seemed to hit the mark but Erza appeared behind him, to his shock. He barely dodged her stab but was forced to tank a wave of lightning right then. Bewildered, he attempted to trap her with a wave of darkness magic but Erza dodged again quite easily and retaliated.
''Cool!'' Natsu exclaimed while Simon looked on in awe.
How was she doing that?! Tanking another attack, Jellal flew up high with Meteor and she followed suit, spear at the ready. That was when he saw the answer, those spheres!
Erza knew that he recognized her ploy but it didn't matter. She had perfected this maneuver with Riku and Laxus' help, it wasn't quite teleportation like she hoped to achieve but it allowed her to go at very high speeds when she chose. Touching another sphere, she was able to get above Jellal in a flash. He swiftly flew back, using Paradise of Sins. Erza was trapped by the wide spread darkness magic but she pushed past the pain, willing the spheres to explode. Jellal was caught off guard, the resulting shockwaves throwing him down. Erza tossed her spear at once, striking his side.
Jellal looked aggravated at the sight of the damage her attacks caused. With the lacrima slowly accumulating damage, the magic it stored was leaking out ''Damn you...just when I finally had this ready-the last step to truly reach freedom...''
Erza was really getting sick of that word ''Freedom?! Wake up! You were never free-you wasted that chance all those years ago! You had the chance but you wasted it chasing after this demented illusion! How can you claim to be free when you're so shackled to the past that you can't see anything else?''
''Exactly! What kind of freedom is this? Can't you see that you turned out no better than our tormentors? As if reviving Zeref could ever bring about such a thing!'' Simon added.
''You turned your back on everyone who trusted you, you stole years from our friends's lives for such a delusion. You tried to break Riku and want to make me into this sacrifice-you said you hated our captors more than anyone else-you hated the mindset you acquired because of them. And yet look what you're doing now, you hypocrite!'' Erza hadn't even realized it but she was unloading things off her chest for years.
She had never been able to talk to her family about her past but they were the ones who managed to convince her to open her heart up more to everyone. And she couldn't thank them enough for it. They didn't know it but they helped her start healing from her nightmarish past.
For years she had kicked herself for lying to Riku and Erik, for her failure in saving all her friends, for giving in to her fears. She dreamed of saving all her friends for so long. But it seemed that was all it would be-she thought as she glanced at Jellal's expression-a fleeting dream. The friend she once knew was no more.
''Do you really think your words would make any sort of difference?'' He taunted. ''My path has been set a long time ago and this is the day where I finally reach my goal!''
Natsu growled, staring up at him in disgust. He dearly wanted to pummel the man for all the pain he was causing his friends. How was this heartless bastard Erza, Erik and Riku's friend?
Everything went to hell so fast.
Jellal used a part of the lacrima to trap Natsu before casting Jiu Lieuxing, proceeding to continue the offence with Dark Rondo, piercing blasts of darkness spread everywhere. Natsu was nearly knocked off the tower as a result but Erza hurried to catch him in time, with Simon stopping the oncoming darkness spell with his own magic of the same type. Erza couldn't find an opening to retaliate, Jellal was relentless, apparently willing to end the battle now.
Natsu frowned in confusion as he noticed something strange, their shadows seemed to be elongating ''The heck...?''
They could see light gathering around Jellal, Erza's eyes widened as she sensed the power he was gathering, taking out her Adamantine armor's shield. It had sustained some damage over the course of the battle but she hoped it would be enough, this spell's range was far too wide to dodge.
Natsu started as she leapt out ''Wha-don't!''
''Altairis!'' A large ball of darkness was thrown at them. Erza didn't even know when the blast's sheer force threw her back but it did. As a result, she missed the figure stepping in to protect her and Natsu.
Jellal stared at the sight of the two intact. But the reason became clear...in the midst of all all, Simon had stepped in to shield the two.
A shocked Natsu looked on, watching the young man fall as Erza froze ''Simon!''
She felt her heart hammer as she hurried to him ''You idiot-why?!''
He coughed a bit, smiling weakly ''I'm glad...I could help you...I always knew...you'd come back for us...''
''Don't speak! You shouldn't...'' The girl shook herself. ''...just hold on-we'll help you!''
But she could feel his pulse growing weaker by the second, it was almost as if...no, no, she couldn't finish the thought...
''I know you blamed yourself for all this but it was never your fault...'' Simon coughed, his expression pained but determined. ''...you carried our lives on your back all this time. There's still hope...even if it's...hard to see...you still want to save us all...'' He smiled serenely. ''...you're still so gentle...I love you, Erza.''
She stilled, watching as he closed his eyes before slumping in her hold. ''S-Simon...?''
Natsu watched with growing horror as her attempts to rouse her old friend failed. No, it couldn't be...
Erza cried out in anguish, why-?! Why did he...?
Both started at the sound of laughter, looking on as Jellal continued to cackle ''What a fool! As if any of you was going to live-he just died in vain.''
This was the limit for Natsu. How dare he...?
''Shut the hell up!'' The dragon slayer charged, landing a very forceful punch that sent their enemy careening into the ground. Any reservations he had were history
This bastard was going to be pay.
Erza watched as Natsu continued to fight, Jellal was faster and stronger but the teen's rage was fueling him. He landed a number of attacks which Jellal managed to shake off and the two clashed again...
She grit her teeth, not even paying attention to the tears in her eye. If only she'd been strong enough to defeat Jellal before-then Simon would've...
It felt like her heart was being squeezed. He gave up his life to protect them...he always had faith in her-he'd even said he loved her. Her friends were finally going to be free from this terrible place but Jellal just took the chance from poor Simon. This was so cruel.
''Erza, look out!''
The redhead looked up at this, her eyes widening at the sight of the numerous Dark Rondo spells coming her way. She tried to move but tumbled, just realizing how tired she was...
Everything seemed to move in slow motion as a familiar gate appeared before her, swallowing the spells whole. Before anyone could react, Erik charged into the fray, striking Jellal with fists empowered with poison.
Natsu perked up as the group of four arrived. Belle raised three staves, which glowed before he and Erza felt some energy returning to them. ''Erza, you okay?''
The knight mage didn't hear her, her sole attention being on one particular person. The one she had been wanting to see for hours...
Riku's worried look was what snapped her out of her reverie ''I...I'm sorry...''
His expression softened as he understood, remembering what Belle's earlier briefing. He shook his head before flicking her forehead with a half-smile 'Idiot. We can talk later. Let's get one thing straight though. You're still my friend, he can't change that.'
The stunned Erza's reply was cut off by Jellal ''Well, even more pigs to the slaughter!''
Erik snarled ''You're going to be eating those words real soon, traitor.''
''Hmph, Erza had that same defiant attitude and what good did it do? I already disposed of one of them.''
The new arrivals stilled at this. Erik frowned, noting one person missing ''Where's Simon...?'' Natsu flinched while Erza lowered her head, his eyes widening in realization. Cubelios let out a hiss with a tone she only used against enemies, one of utter fury.
Jellal smirked ''That's right! He just died-throwing his life away for those fools. I suppose birds of a feather and all that...''
''You killed him...'' Erik growled. Was there no depth he would sink to? To think they used to trust him!
Belle teared up, how dare he just laugh? ''You monster!''
A livid Riku ground his teeth, his fists shaking. That torture he was forced to endure was terrible but it was the tip of the iceberg. Jellal took years of their friends' lives for this twisted delusion. He tormented Erza with that threat all this time. He betrayed them in every way.
He wondered more than once what it'd be like to see their old friends again, what Belle told him about Simon was quite a pleasant surprise. He'd really wanted to see him again, if anything just to thank him for having faith. Just when their friends could finally be of Jellal's tyranny...
Enough of this.
He was going to make sure this miserable excuse of a human being would be defeated once and for all.
The next thing anyone knew, Jellal was surrounded by three gates, which fired Dark Dragon's Shadow Lancer. The blue haired mage defended himself with a shield but Riku went on to use Dark Dragon's Moonlight beam, which served to break the shield. Jellal was about to prepare another attack when he felt magic concentrating above him, looking up in time to see staves aligning above him to unleash a Wild Hurricane.
Caught off guard, the spell sent him towards a wall but he regained his balance in time, casting Jiu Lieuxing. A decision he quickly regretted when Riku returned fire with Counter Stance, sending the attack back two fold.
Natsu looked on in awe. He didn't think he'd ever seen Riku fight like this before. The teen was generally calm and reserved even if a real force in battle. Then again, no one had ever angered him so much...
Jellal tried to blast him with fire magic while using Meteor. The strike failed completely as not only did Riku defend himself with another gate, he simply sent the spell to Natsu, who was more than happy to eat it all. Erik leaped off a particularly large slab of lacrima to kick him in the face before unleashing Poison Dragon's Scales. He tried to trap Erik with spires of earth but he leapt away, anticipating the move. Cubelios leapt in to catch her partner, allowing him to fly to Jellal's level. He tried to cast Grand Chariot but Belle stopped this cold, surprising him with one stave that came forward out of the blue, it gave a slight glow and he felt something wrong with the magic he gathered. Then, it hit him, that was Nullification magic. Growling in anger, he sent a number of golden rays at the cat but she simply flew away. Riku, powered up with Dark Dragon's Ethereal Shroud, leapt in to destroy any stray blasts.
Jellal grew more and more aggravated upon seeing the damage to the tower ''Damn you-damn you all, stop it! The tower...!''
''Heh, so you need this in one piece, huh?'' Natsu grinned, his fists igniting. ''You know one of Fairy Tail's specialties? It's property destruction!''
He puncutated the statement with a Fire Dragon's Wing Attack to one of the nearby pieces. The other similarly followed suit, Cubelios using her corrosive poison to melt a big chunk in front of them, Belle unleashing bolts of blue lightning while Riku used Demolition Wave, directing the last attack at Jellal. Erik followed up with a Poison Dragon's Roar which the furious enemy fended off with another shield.
Riku requipped his great sword before looking at Erza 'Ready to show him a thing or two?'
The knight mage stood, donning her Flight Armor ''Whenever you are.''
The two charged in tandem, Jellal tried to blast them with Pleaides, both avoiding the six blasts and carrying on. Riku used Dark Dragon's Abyss Claw which he used Meteor to avoid, only to be surprised when Erza appeared behind him. Her consequnent strike came so fast that he could barely react, leaving him vulnerable to the spell. She leveled her weapons just as he prepared an attack. He was completely caught off guard when Riku cast Gravity Well a moment later, allowing Erza to send him flying to the ground.
Erza took out her Sea Empress Trident and fired spirals of water which Riku proceeded to freeze at once with Ice Storm. Jellal grit his teeth in anger, defending with another shield. Riku surrounded his sword in darkness magic before waving it in a half-circle, unleashing a wave of power that Erza followed up with an attack from her Lightning Empress armor, the combination taking him by surprise.
Natsu allowed himself a small grin of satisfaction. Jellal was clearly underesstimating them, too bad for him! Erza and Riku were among the guild's best teams for a reason, anyone underestimating them was asking to be thrashed.
Jellal indeed hadn't thought much of the duo's apparent team up but even he had to admit they made for a formidable combination. Not only did they seem able to follow the other's cues easily, they seemed to adapt without missing a beat without even a word.
He knew he was stronger than them, the Coucnil rated him as strong as a Wizard Saint and he knew he could best most of them if he wanted. Having Siegrain fool them was admittedly more amusing but it made things easier, he might not have gotten this far if they hadn't be so confident of their power, the fools. Well, that didn't matter now...he was so close...he couldn't lose!
Jellal tossed two shining spheres towards them, they quickly grew into human like figures of solid crystal. One looked like a man with long hair holding a staff, Erza and Erik recognized the likeness of the man who wanted to experiment on Riku. The other was unfamiliar...he had quite a mane of wild hair and a cloak it seemed, but nothing about him in particular stood out.
''This is the result of quite the interesting experiment I appened to discover. It recreates people from some of your worst times.'' Jellal sneered, flying up. ''Let's see how you fare!''
''He's getting desperate.'' Erik remarked.
''Good, so we've got him on the ropes...'' Natsu blinked, noticing something strange. ''...what's up with Cubelios though?''
The snake had reared up at the sight of the first crystal enemy, seeming more than alarmed. Erik was frowning in confusion before stiffening ''What do you mean he's the one who nearly killed you?!''
The others looked similarly surprised but the snake explained through Erik, that she didnt quite remember how she wound up there but the man was involved in her worst experiences in the tower. Erza's brow furrowed in confusion ''So if this is from Cubelios' memory...who else...?''
''I don't think that matters now, come on!'' Belle swiftly cast Gravity Well. The new enemies seemed to be resistant to magic as they were able to walk despite being slowed down to a point. ''Starlight Revolution!''
The second soldier leapt out of the spell's way, aiming a fist toward Riku. The teen's eyes narrowed as he trapped it in a gate before blasting it with Moonlight Beam. The soldier brushed past, aiming a sharp kick which he fended off with a Requiem Shield. This one seemed to be good at close up combat as the former was taking to launching projectiles at everywhere.
Belle trapped the first one with a Rock Trine, allowing Cubelios to unleash a gout of her poison right in the face. It stopped moving and they could see the signs of damage it was incurring. Riku punched the other one with a fist enhanced with darkness magic, allowing Erik and Erza to move in and attack, throwing it down. It wasn't long before the two were destroyed.
Once they won, they realized something-the soldiers were a mere distraction.
There was Jellal, high up in the air, gathering a lot of power as a spell circle formed above everyone. Erik's eyes widened ''Wait, that's...!''
''Abyss Break!'' Erza exclaimed. ''This will destroy the Tower and everything in the vicinity!''
''I thought he needed this thing for that stupid system!'' Natsu put in.
''It doesn't matter! I will start from scratch, I know I can rebuild the tower in far less time now. But I won't rest before you all die!'' Jellal snapped.
Erza requipped into her Clear Heart Clothing, wearing nothing but a chest wrap and pants. ''To think I would finally use this one...''
''We've been through this, you don't have to rely on the armor all the time.'' Erik reminded. It had taken them some time to convince her to ease up on the armor but the effort was worth it. He knew this clothing prioritized her offense without any special properties, which meant she was planning on one last strike now.
'No better way to really put the ghosts of the past behind you. You're the one who makes the armor strong, not the other way around.' Riku added.
Erza gave them a grateful look ''Right...well then, if he wants to end this now, let's beat him to it.''
''Heck yeah!'' Natsu smirked.
Erza and Riku attacked first, their blades shining with power. Jellal was about to move but he faltered, his wounds catching up with him. The two didn't miss a beat, striking in tandem, leaving a cross shaped mark in the air.
Natsu propelled himself with fire, fist at the ready ''There's no freedom for a guy shackled to the past! How can you ever be free when you're so blind?!"
He punched him with all the strength he could muster, Jellal went flying into one of the lacrima before he fell. The battle was finally over.
''We won!'' Belle's happy cry broke the silence, the others looking on in satisfaction as the fact sank in. Natsu nearly stumbled, exhausted but Erik steadied him. After all the pain they went through here, they had defeated Jellal.
Erza couldn't help the smile on her face, a myriad of emotions warring within her ''Thank you...I can finally look past these times...I know what I said about handling this alone before. I truly thought I would die if I came back...''
''Hey, it's just like Natsu told Gray, being prepared to die is one thing but we don't want you throwing your life away. Never.'' Belle reminded.
''You've got to treasure your life everyday, like Master taught us, remember?'' Erik aded.
''I know...thank you. You're all incredible.''
'Nothing to be thanked for.' Riku stated while Belle beamed at her.
''Heh, yeah-the guild's got your back, you know that.'' Natsu added.
''Yeah...'' Erza nearly jumped as the place began to shake, looking around in alarm. ''...what happened?''
Erik bristled ''It's all that magic Jellal stored here, the lacrima's overloaded. This power has to go somewhere. We've got to get out of here!''
''I can help!'' Belle requipped a long white staff with a bright jewel on top, willing all the magic she could focus on it. In a flash of light, they had all teleported away.
The four suddenly appeared in water, realizing that they were at the beach from earlier. Belle nearly slumped against Cubelios ''There we go...'' She gave a happy smile as Riku thanked her while Cubelios patted her head fondly.
''Way to go, Belle!'' Natsu looked back toward the tower, which was still visible in the distance. The magic shot up in the sky before vanishing into thin air. ''Whoa...''
He started as somone called his name, turning just as Happy flew into his arms. He laughed, noticing the others running over ''Hey!''
''We were so worried, glad you're back!'' He added, proceeding to hug Riku next.
''Riku!'' The two were nearly knocked down when an enthusiastic Millianna glomped her old friend. ''It's been way too long!''
Wally sighed as he pulled her back ''Tone it down, you goof. You must be confusing him.''
She huffed but Riku's expression served to confirm that. His blue eyes traveled from her to Wally and Sho, their scents had changed a little but they were still familiar. He looked at Happy 'Are they...?'
''Your friends? Yup!'' He affirmed, Wally tipped his hat at the dragon slayer with a smirk while Millianna gave a happy wave and Sho grinned.
''Not the way I would've wanted to meet up again but it really is good to see you.'' The blond put in, Riku smiling and nodding in return. ''I don't know how much they told you but...we're sorry-we were idiots to just trust Jellal when...'' He paused. ''...hey, wait-where's Simon? I thought he was with you guys.''
Riku looked down as Erik scowled and Erza bit her lip as she explained everything. Several gasps of shock and outrage came when they learned of their missing comrade's fate, leaving the former tower prisoners especially saddened.
Millianna was crying as she hugged Sho, who was clearly on the verge of tears himself. Wally grimaced ''...You know, he tried to tell us before about his doubts. We just never heard. We listened to Jellal like complete idiots...maybe if we didn't...''
Sho let out a choked sob, clearly trying not to cry ''Yeah, Jellal may be behind all this but we're responsible too...it's our fault he...''
''Hey, stop!'' Happy cut in, glancing at Riku a few times as he continued. ''Riku wants you guys to know that this won't do any good-you just said it, this all happened because Jellal played everyone. Simon wouldn't want you to all feel guilty.''
''Yeah, no way-he was way too good of a person for that. Everyone's finally free-it's what we all wanted. What he would've wanted for us.'' Erik put in.
Erza nodded ''I'll make sure that Simon's efforts...that his sacrifice wasn't in vain. We have to live in his stead. The past won't shackle us anymore, let's look towards the future.''
Well, that's that.
I hope it was good, sorting this part out was hard. I kept hesitating a bunch about how to handle this chapter and this was the idea I could settle on. The Tower of Heaven arc was pretty cool in canon but as much as I like it, I don't want to copy the same thing here if I can help it.
Now this is something I'm planning on touching upon soon but to clarify, Erza's...more comfortable in her own skin due to the change of dynamic here from canon. You know, Fairy Tail interacts a lot with each other and they have a pretty close bond. She's not exactly past all the issues from her days as a slave but she's more well-adjusted. Most of them never learned what happened to her and Riku exactly but they gradually got to convince her not to rely on the armor so much.
I know Natsu beat Jellal but this fight was pretty personal for her, Riku and Erik so of course they had to be involved. I wondered what it'd be like if Erza could push her feelings for Jellal aside and fight so I put that here. Jellal's said to be as strong as Wizard Saint so I wanted to show that here. The battle became one of attrition, they already had to fight plenty here and Riku wasn't exactly fully healed, but together, they stood much more of a chance than alone.
The crystal soldiers are inspired by the mannequins from Dissidia: Duodecim. The spell randomly targeted two people, Cubelios and Riku. I don't remember if they ever mentioned just how Cubelios wound up the way she is but since Brain was involved with the tower, I'll just headcanon this here. For Riku, it actually copied Acnologia's human form. Riku's only seen him in passing so he has no idea who the guy actually is. He doesn't know Acnologia's a Dragon Slayer, just a dragon that despises other dragons.
Well, next time follows up from this point on and everyone gets to begin healing and recuperate. Expect fun and fluffy stuff ahead. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Oh and I know it's a bit early but Merry Christmas!