I said if I didn't have this chapter completely edited before Friday was over, I wasn't posting it today.

Well... where I'm at, it's still Friday!

Enjoy!

Also, I realize I made several mistakes in chapter 28 that I will be going back and fixing. The biggest one is there were supposed to be four other mages in the Magic Council Headquarters with God Serena and Irene, not three. My bad guys :D

Chapter title taken from the song of the same name by Bleeding Through.


KEEPING SECRETS CHAPTER 29: DIVIDE THE ARMIES

Makarov stared intently at the blimps on the screen that represented his children scattered across the battlefield. Each dot pulsed faintly, signifying his guildmates- his family- now engaged in the most dangerous battle of their lives. He and Mavis had carefully divided the guild into three teams in order to hold the line against Alvarez's relentless invasion of Fiore's main port cities.

To Hargeon, he'd sent Wendy, Carla, Laxus, Bickslow, Azlack, and Bisca.

To Morgate town, he'd sent Erza, Elfman, Lisanna, Gajeel, Lily, Levy, and Evergreen.

And to Cedar, he'd sent Max, Laki, Cana, Jet, Droy, and Kianna. Cana was certain she could contact Gildarts in time to meet them there.

He fully suspected Alvarez to begin pushing towards the capital and to Magnolia, since Zeref's ultimate goal was taking Fairy Heart. For that purpose, he'd kept Mirajane, Lucy, Mest, Juvia, and Gray at the guildhall. Freed too, since he was maintaining the barrier around the city. They also had Crime Sorciere in the guildhall with them, ready to enforce any of the teams at a moment's notice.

Even if Alvarez tried to send someone into Magnolia discreetly, there would be no way for them to pass Freed's barrier unless they had the Fairy Tail guild mark. Civilians had been evacuated from the city as well, so there was nothing to fear about leaving one of them trapped outside with no protection.

But Alvarez's strategy was baffling. Despite having cemented their positions in the port cities, the empire's forces were making no moves to advance further into the mainland. Their massive fleets were looming over Fiore's coastlines like ominous shadows, unmoving but ever threatening. What are they waiting for?

Makarov's thoughts were interrupted by the sharp ringing of his communication lacrima. Glancing at the id, his stomach sank. It was Wolfheim, the second highest ranked Wizard Saint.

This can't be good. He answered the call. "Makarov here."

"Makarov! One of your brats has turned traitor and is helping Alvarez invade the Magic Council Headquarters!"

Makarov's blood ran cold. "What? No! That's not possible! My entire guild is accounted for-" He froze mid-sentence. All but Natsu. A horrifying thought surfaced in his mind. Did Zeref brainwash the boy into fighting for him? The idea made his fists tremble.

"I'd recognize Titania anywhere!" Wolfheim shouted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Makarov felt his heart skip a beat. He certainly didn't expect that. "E-Erza? That's not possible! She's in Morgate Town battling one of the Twelve!"

"Well I'm telling you she's here! She claimed you all had captured God Serena, and was helping escort him to the holding block when she suddenly turned on the rune knights escorting them!"

"What?!" Makarov's voice rose in disbelief. "We've not even seen God Serena!" Panic and confusion churned within him. "Warren!" He shouted across the hall. "See if you can get a hold of Erza!"

"On it, master!" Warren shouted back, already activating his own lacrima.

"You need to get down here, Makarov!" Wolfheim shouted. "We're mobilizing all the wizard saints to come defend the Council Headquarters! There's more of the Twelve than just Serena here and we're being overrun!"

Makarov's breath hitched. Era? Now? But I can't leave! I have to defend Fairy Heart... But that wasn't something he could explain to Wolfheim.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Cobra... er, Erik, from the Oracion Seis, a calm expression on his face. "Go, we've got you covered here."

Makarov blinked in surprise before he remembered how enhanced Erik's hearing truly was. The poison dragon slayer must have heard his thoughts.

Mavis stepped forward, her face serious. "Go ahead, Makarov. We'll keep Magnolia and the capital safe."

"Master!" Warren yelled. "I've got Erza! She's locked in combat with one of the Twelve- Wall, the one you mentioned before!"

Relief washed over Makarov, but it did little to ease his growing frustration. He knew Erza was innocent, but he needed the Magic Council to know too. "Tell her to shake him and meet me in Era, that it's urgent. See if you can get a hold of Gajeel, Lily, and Levy too. We could use their assistance."

"Got it!" Warren shouted back.

"Lucy, Happy, Mest, you're with me."

The three nodded in unison, determination etched into their features. They followed Makarov to the guildhall doors with urgency in their steps.

"Master!" Warren called after them. "I filled them in. Erza, Gajeel, Lily, and Levy will rendezvous with you in Era!" And it looks like Blue Pegasus and Quatro Cerberus have arrived in Morgate Town, so they should be able to help hold Alvarez back!"

"That's the best we could hope for." Mavis said, her voice calm but resolute. Turning to look at Makarov, she said, "Go. We won't let Zeref's forces get to the guildhall." She turned to the members of Crime Sorciere, who were gathered nearby. "Could some of you help reinforce our allies in Morgate town?"

Sawyer nodded without hesitation. "I'll go."

"I'll go as well." Macbeth added, stepping forward.

Makarov nodded. "Alright, let's move."

Mavis pushed down an uncomfortable feeling as Makarov and their allies left the guildhall. I hate splitting our forces up so much like this, but we don't have a choice. Alvarez forces are too overwhelming- and Zeref's not even made his move for Magnolia or Crocus yet.

Her gaze lingered on the radar screen, watching the countless blimps that represented Alvarez's forces. What are they planning?


Unbeknownst to Mavis, four sets of eyes, undetected by any of the Fairy Tail mages, took note of Makarov and the others making their way from the guildhall.

Across the street from the guildhall, Natsu's eyes followed his guildmates as they disappeared down Magnolia's streets. He sighed, the weight of what he had to do bearing down on him.

Less than an hour ago Irene had telepathically contacted August, telling him they'd made their move against the Council. Their strategy was working perfectly, drawing most of Fairy Tail to the frontlines of the fighting. If the battlefield reports were to be believed, it would seem nearly every one of the guild's heavy hitters were away from the guildhall, other than a skeleton crew that included Gray, Juvia, and Mirajane. Most of Crime Sorciere was there too, and while their power definitely wasn't to be underestimated, in the end, hopefully, it would make no difference.

If things went as planned, there wouldn't even be a confrontation. No bloodshed, not even one offensive spell would need to be cast. Jacob had cast a wider version of the stealth magic he usually applied to just himself, which erased all traces of their presences. Nobody would know they were in the guildhall until it was too late to retaliate.

In the unlikely case they were discovered, Natsu and his team- August, Jacob, and Rustyrose- were confident they could complete their mission and escape before things escalated.

August stood just behind Natsu, observing things as well, his calm demeanor thinly masking the fiery determination in his gaze. "Natsu." He spoke to his uncle via telepathy. "Are you ready?"

Natsu gave August a brief, resolute nod. "Yeah." Turning to the rest of his team, Natsu projected, "Alright everyone, grab onto me. We're going in."

One by one, August, Rusty, and Jacob had all placed their hands on Natsu. The moment the last hand made contact, Natsu activated the teleportation spell. The four of them vanished, and seconds later, silently reappeared in one of the guildhall's basement storage rooms.

Erza slashed another missile from Wall in half, but the resulting explosion threw her off her feet. Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself up and wiped the blood from her lip. She needed to lose this guy and get to Era and meet up with Master Makarov and the others.

"I must say, I'm disappointed." Wall said with a smirk, his voice dripping with mockery. "The efficiency of your strikes has gone down 47% since our battle started. I expected more from Fairy Tail's great Titania."

Erza's grip on her sword tightened. She couldn't see a way out of this!

"ERZA MY HONEY!"

A glass vial shattered against the back of Wall's head, its contents splashing harmlessly onto the machias. Wall's smirk vanished and he turned around, finding himself face to face with Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki.

"Ichiya?" Erza exclaimed, clearly surprised.

"Fear not, my honey! Allow me to handle this for you." Then, with uncharacteristic seriousness, he added, "I know your friends need your help."

Erza hesitated, her expression shifting from shock to determination. She gave Ichiya a curt nod. "Thank you for this Ichiya."

"Of course, my dear Erza!" Ichiya exclaimed as he flashed another pose. "And perhaps once I've dealt with this hooligan, we can share a delightful evening together!"

Erza wisely chose not to respond, simply pushing herself to her feet and sprinted away, hoping to put as much distance as she could between herself and Wall.

Wall's disbelief was evident as he looked at Ichiya. This guy doesn't seem that strong... Let's see what weaknesses he has... Wall's weakness scanners activated, only for his doll's sensors to overload, bombarding his mind with an impossibly long list of the man's weaknesses. The splitting headache it gave him forced him to cancel the scan.

"Poison PAFUME!" Ichiya cried, throwing another vial at Wall. It shattered against him, toxic fumes engulfing the machias.

Ichiya smirked, confident in his victory. But as the fumes dispersed, he found Wall was completely unscathed.

"IMPOSSIBLE! HOW COULD YOU RESIST THE PARALYZING EFFECTS OF MY POISON PAFUME?!" Ichiya exclaimed dramatically.

Wall chuckled. "I am a machias, and this isn't even my real body. It's a mechanical construct of my design- and being completely mechanical, it lacks a nose."

"WHAT?!"

"Alchemical railgun!" Wall declared. A cannon extended from his arm, and fired, thoroughly frying Ichiya and leaving him sprawled out on the ground.

"I don't think he'll be getting up very soon." Wall said to himself, turning to walk away.

But before he could take more than a few steps, a barrage of rocks slammed into him.

"Aerial shot!"

Wall was blown back as three young men in suits rushed to Ichiya's side.

The one who fired the attack- a dark-skinned young man in a navy-blue suit- glared at Wall. "Your reign of terror ends here, cyber-freak."

"Man... my comrades... thank you..." Ichiya wheezed before losing consciousness.

"Master!" Hibiki, Ren, and Eve cried out in unison.

Ren turned his fiery gaze on Wall. "You'll pay for this, I swear-"

"Hey boys," a feminine voice interrupted. "Why don't you get the old man outta here? Let me deal with ugly over there."

Hibiki turned to the newcomer. "Jenny, this is one of the Spriggan Twe-"

"I'm aware. You really don't have that much faith in me, do you?" Jenny Realight, otherwise known as Miss Fiore, replied coolly, as she stepped in front of the Trimen. "I'm pretty good at dealing with faulty machinery."

"That's not what- look, I-" Hibiki stammered.

"Could you two please work out your relationship problems on your own time?" Eve snapped, frowning as he slung Ichiya over his shoulder.

Ren sighed, ignoring his face heating up, and nodded. "We'll get Master Ichiya to safety. Then, we'll be back to give you some backup."

Jenny smirked. "Works for me. Now go!"

As the Trimen retreated with their unconscious leader, Wall scoffed at the absurdity of the situation. Are these Fiorian mages so out of touch they think this one bimbo can take me down? Ridiculous! He threw his head back in laughter. "This is too much. You really think that I, Wall Eehto, elite of the machias race, will fall to you? You look like you couldn't handle breaking a nail!"

Jenny chuckled; her confidence unwavering despite the power she could feel radiating off Wall. "Man, you're even uglier than I thought." Her expression darkened. "You'd do well to not judge me by how I look. I'll make scrap metal outta you without breaking a nail, I promise you that!"

It was Wall's turn to chuckle. "Perhaps you should take your own advice and not judge me based on appearances. This is just one of my dolls- my real body is miles away, safe from harm while I pilot this vessel. And sure, I might not be winning any beauty contests with it, but I didn't build this doll for aesthetics. It's designed for one thing- packing as many toys as I could fit inside!

At that, Wall's doll's body transformed, its torso and arms being covered in shiny metal armor, and a giant, glowing, lacrima conduit in its center.

Jenny's eyes widened momentarily, but her smirk returned- albeit a little less cocky looking than before. "Well, well. Looks like you were right. A machias huh? I thought you all were just a myth. I used to be fascinated by machias when I was a kid. Sucks I finally meet one and he's an enemy." She cracked her neck. "Still, it'll give me a chance to test my power against the real deal."

Her expression hardened, and her magic spiked as she declared, "Take over- machina soul!" She was engulfed by a brilliant glow.

Wall furrowed his brow. "Machina soul?" He muttered to himself, intrigue growing. As the glow surrounding Jenny faded, Wall's eyes widened.

Jenny was now clad in sleek, metallic red armor, that radiated a distinctly mechanical aesthetic. Wall could tell the exposed wiring and bolts adorning the armor weren't mere decoration- they pulsed with energy, and he felt a drastic surge in the woman's magic power.

Wall's shocked face was replaced by a wide grin. "Well, Miss Realight, you certainly have my attention now."


Ajeel stepped forward, Dimaria and Larcade close behind him. "I see Fairy Tail is here now. Hope you guys got a little more fight in you than you did back in Vistarion."

At that a bolt of lightning tore through the air, narrowly missing Ajeel's head. The Spriggans turned, eyes wise, toward the mage responsible.

"Is that enough fight for you, you sandy prick?" Laxus growled, striding towards them.

Ajeel's look of bewilderment shifted into a wide smile. "Sweet! It's lightening boy! I was hoping for a rematch- you were the only one I actually found impressive back home!"

"Gee, compliments from the Spriggan 12, I'm honored." Laxus sneered, his voice dripping with malice. The other allied mages regrouped behind him, their resolve sharpening.

"Now," Ajeel drawled, "surely, you're not gonna be a coward and let your friends interrupt our fight?" The desert king chuckled.

Wendy stepped forward, fists glowing with magic power. "Our magic is stronger when we fight together!" she declared, ready to strike. But before she could act, her magic fizzled out, replaced by a sudden, overwhelming hunger.

"Wha-" she gasped out, collapsing to her knees.

Around her, the rest of the allied forces, save Laxus, dropped one by one, groaning and clutching their stomachs in agony.

Laxus and Ajeel froze in surprise, though Ajeel's smirk quickly reformed. "Gee, you really did me a solid there, Larcade. Thanks!"

The etherious stepped forward, tranquil expression on his face. "Of course. After all, we've learned a lot about bonds and fighting together this past year, haven't we? I couldn't let the enemy gang up on my comrade."

Through the crushing hunger, Wendy's eyes widened. His scent... he smells almost identical to Natsu!

"Hell yeah we have! The prince would be proud if he could see us right now!" Ajeel exclaimed, pounding his fist into his palm.

Dimaria chuckled darkly. "I'll help Larcade make sure your fight goes uninterrupted, honey. Just don't take too long. I wanna have my fun too."

"Of course, sweetheart." Ajeel replied with a wink before turning back to Laxus. "Well, you heard my woman. Let's have some fun and make it snappy."

Electricity surged around Laxus, lighting up the battlefield. "Oh, I'll make it snappy, alright." He threw his head back, power building. "Lightning dragon roar!"

A torrent of lightning exploded from Laxus's mouth, roaring towards Ajeel.

Ajeel's smile only grew. "Sweet! Sand form!" He shouted, his body dissolving into a whirlwind of sand that surged forward, colliding with Laxus's lightning at breakneck speed.


Gildarts sized up the man- if you could even call him that- standing before him. He looked so young that Gildarts could have been mistaken for his father. His guildmates had described Zeref after they had encountered him on Tenrou Island, but coming face to face with the infamous black wizard himself was different.

"So, you're Zeref? To be honest, I thought you'd be taller." Gildarts quipped, a grin spreading across his face.

Zeref returned a faint, somewhat sinister smile of his own. "Oh really? That's fair. I thought you'd be more intimidating."

Gildarts let out a hearty laugh, his grin widening. "That so? Well damn, no one told me the black wizard had a sense of humor."

Zeref's expression softened slightly. "Forgive me, it seems my brother's influence on me is showing."

The humor drained from Gildarts' face, replaced with an inquisitive look. "Brother? You have a brother?"

Zeref chuckled. "Indeed, I do. I know it's easier to imagine I simply crawled out of Hell one day, but I am, in fact, quite human. A cursed one at that, but I had a mother and father, and a younger brother. It's ultimately for their sake I'm doing all of this. As someone with family of their own on the battlefield, surely you can understand."

Gildarts frowned, his brow furrowing. "You really expect me to believe you're invading Ishgar for your family?"

Zeref chuckled again, this time with an edge of melancholy. "I'm sure it will make more sense to you in time. But for now," His tone shifted, and his smile darkened. "I must admit, I'm curious to see what Fairy Tail's strongest mage has to offer. Why don't we pass the time with a little sparring?"

Gildarts scoffed, and his magic surged faintly. "You make it sound so friendly. 'Pass the time'? 'Spar'? Don't you have a war to fight?"

Zeref let out a hollow laugh. "As an immortal, time holds little meaning for me. As for the war, we all have our roles to play. Fighting you counts as participating in the war, wouldn't you agree?"

"Well if you need someone to knock you down a peg, I'm your guy." Gildarts said, magic flaring again as he cracked his knuckles. "But don't blame me if it gets in the way of your grand plans."

Zeref smirked, magic power swirling around him. "My plans are beyond your understanding." With that he lunged at Gildarts, unleashing a wave of dark energy.

Nearby, Max, Laki, and Cana watched the clash unfold with wide eyes.

"We've got to help him!" Cana shouted, gripping her deck of cards.

Laki and Max nodded, summoning their wood and sand magic. "We're right behind you!" Max declared.

"No, you're not." A cold, commanding voice cut in. "Ice lock."

The air around the three Fairy Tail mages froze. Chains of ice formed, binding Laki and Max together at their necks.

Invel stepped forward, his icy gaze matching his magic. "You will not be disturbing His Majesty."

Cana glared at him, defiant. "As if we're gonna listen to you, ice man! Right, Laki, Ma-" Her voice faltered as she turned to see her comrades blankly staring ahead, still as statues.

"What did you do to them!?" She yelled at Invel, voice full of fury.

The Winter General adjusted his glasses with unnerving composure. "I have made them my puppets. Their minds are frozen, and their bodies are bent entirely to my will."

Cana's eyes burned with rage. "Let. Them. Go." She hissed.

"No, I don't think I will." Invel replied coldly. "As I said, none of you will interfere with His Majesty's battle. Those two lovebirds seem perfectly occupied with each other. And I think I can more than handle you." Invel's emotionless expression curled into a cocky smirk.

One Cana matched as she pulled a card from her deck. "We'll see about that."


Makarov, Lucy, Happy, and Mest made their way from a train station to the looming Magic Councils headquarters. Smoke rose ominously from the building, darkening the sky.

"This isn't good." Makarov muttered as they ran, his face grim.

"Makarov!" A familiar voice called out. They turned to see Jura, another wizard saint and a member of Lamia Scale, running towards them.

"Jura!"

"I'm glad you all made it." Jura said, falling in line next to them as they hurried toward the entrance to the building. "We're going to need all the help we can get from the looks of it."

"Indeed. I don't know what's going on, but I know Erza would never betray the guild." Makarov said firmly.

Jura nodded. "I believe you. This has to be a trick from one of the Spriggan 12."

As they reached the massive entrance doors, Mest pushed against them, but the doors didn't budge.

"What?" Lucy said, voice tinged with shock.

"It's enchanted." Jura said, examining the faint glow of runes now visible on the door. "A powerful barrier spell."

Mest stepped closer, scrutinizing the runes. "The enchantment keeps us from using the doors, but it shouldn't stop us from teleporting inside!"

Hope reignited for the team; they placed their hands on Mest's shoulders. Moments later, Mest had them inside the building.

The grandeur of the Magic Council Headquarters had been shattered. The lobby was in ruins, light lacrimas hanging askew from the ceiling, flickering weakly. Rubble was scattered across the floor and the air was thick with smoke. The group covered their mouths and noses, while Lucy summoned Horologium and promptly slipped inside the protective glass case of the grandfather clock spirit.

"Be on your guard." Makarov said, his tone low and cautious as they slowly began to navigate through the ruined corridors of the building.

Lucy glanced at Mest, noticing the haunted look in his eyes. She knew this had to be bringing back painful memories for him. After all, last time the Council had been attacked, he'd still been part of it as 'Doranbolt'... and fake identity or not, he'd lost his closest friend that day.

Lucy sighed. At least Jackal is ancient history now. She thought, relieved that the demon was long gone.

As if reality itself had decided to laugh at her thoughts, the building's intercom crackled to life with a burst of static- followed by a cackle that made the Fairy Tail mages' blood run cold.

"Well, well, well! Looks like we've got some intruders!" A voice they thought they'd never hear again boomed across the building.

"That's not possible!" Makarov said, eyes wide in shock.

"Lady Irene says she's not to be disturbed... but don't worry! We can play a game! Let's see how fast you can escape my fiery inferno!"

Before anyone had time to react, glowing explosion curse circles began to appear on the walls around them.

"Quickly, grab on!" Mest shouted. The group grasped his shoulders again, and seconds later they were back outside, in front of the building.

"Run!" Makarov commanded. The group bolted away from the building, running only for a few seconds before the Magic Council headquarters erupted into a fiery inferno. The explosion knocked them off their feet and they scrambled to stand amidst the blazing debris, but their group was safe.

"Master!" A friendly voice called out.

They looked up to see Erza, Gajeel, Levy, and Pantherlily running toward them. The newcomers froze in shock as they took in the sight of the blazing inferno where the Magic Council Headquarters used to be.

"They destroyed the Magic Council Headquarters?!" Levy exclaimed, horrified. She had spent so much time in the building during Fairy Tail's disbandment.

"That's it, I'm finding whoever did this and giving them the beating of a lifetime!" Gajeel growled, slamming his fist into his palm. "And then, I'll arrest them!"

As the smoke began to clear, they spotted a figure standing triumphantly on one of the larger chunks of rubble, cackling at his handiwork.

"Oh man, what a sight!" He exclaimed, his tail swishing around him in delight. "It's even better the second time!"

The Fairy Tail mages froze, disbelief and dread washing over them.

"You have got to be kidding me." Pantherlily ground out, as he transformed into his larger form. "How the Hell is this bastard still alive?"

"I… don't know…" Lucy whispered, her heart sinking.

"Jackal." Erza spat, her face radiating pure rage.

"Hey, you big jerk!" Happy shouted. "You're supposed to be dead!"

That caught Jackal's attention. His grin widened. "Well, if it isn't Fairy Tail!"

He hopped off the pile of rubble, and strode over to them, his movements causal, and almost taunting. He stopped as the group instinctively took up battle stances. Jackal paused, his smile slipping slightly. "Oh yeah… guess we're fighting a war."

"You... you guess?" Mest exploded, voice laced with fury. "You seemed to be having a great time massacring innocent people just a second ago!"

Jackal laughed, a sound sharp as nails on a chalkboard to Jura and the Fairy Tail mages. "Oh relax! Your tree friend saved everyone inside. Stop being such a worrywart." His gaze shifted directly to Makarov, his grin turning sly. "Oh, by the way… if you're the wizard saint, ya might want to hurry over there and give your pals a hand. They're having a real hard time with God Serena."

Makarov's eyes widened in alarm. "And I suppose we'll have to fight our way through you first?"

Jackal waved him off, almost bored. "Nah. Too much trouble. "Go on. Less of you here means less work for me."

Makarov looked at Jura, in disbelief at Jackal's words. Jura's expression hardened, and he gave Makarov a solemn nod. "Let's not waste this opportunity."

Without another word, Makarov and Jura dashed towards where they could sense several massive energy sources battling. Jackal waved at them lazily as they ran off.

"What's your deal?" Gajeel growled, stepping forward with a scowl. "I'm pretty sure we killed your sorry ass last time."

Jackal shrugged, a sheepish look forming on his face. "Well, yeah, ya did. But ask your blue cat friend over there, not like death's stopped me before. You know what they say, can't keep a good dog down. Or in my case, a great one!" His expression turned sly. "Besides... His Majesty had an important job for me, so I got to come back off the bookshelf!"

Levy's eyes widened in horror. "Are you saying... Tartaros isn't actually gone?"

Jackal titled his head with an exaggerated shrug. "Nah, not really. A couple of us kicked the bucket, sure, but most of us? His Majesty can bring us back whenever he feels like it."

Lucy furrowed her brow. "Wants to? Are you saying Zeref didn't revive the rest of Tartaros?"

Jackal's gaze snapped to her, and his grin stretched wider. "Bingo! Just lil' ol' me. Nice to see you again, by the way."

"'Nice to see you'?" Happy said in disbelief. "You tried to kill us and now you're acting like we're best buds! Did your brain get scrambled when you got resurrected?"

For the first time in their conversation, Jackal's smile faltered. "Alright, I get it, I was kind of a dick back in Tartaros. But hey! I've had a year to grow, reflect, and realize everything we did in Tartaros was total bull. I've turned over a new leaf, and I'm working for the Empire now! See!" He lifted his shirt, showing the Alvarez Empire's crest where his guild mark used to be.

"Congratulations," Mest spat, his voice dripping with venom. "You went from working for an evil guild to an evil empire. Some 'new leaf'. All I see is the same murderer from a year ago, back again to gloat and cause more suffering."

Jackal furrowed his brow, scratching the back of his head. "Wait… did I like, hurt you? Sorry, I really don't remember."

"Hurt me?" Mest's voice cracked with raw emotion. "You killed my best friend! Right here, during your first little attack here!"

"Oh." Jackal blinked, looking genuinely awkward for the moment. "Uh... sorry? I didn't know Fairy Tail actually had any friends in the Magic Council..."

"They don't." A cold, sharp voice interjected. "This man is just a liar and a filthy traitor."

Mest froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. "That voice... it couldn't be!"

Out of the ruins of the Magic Council Headquarters stepped a figure clouded in smoke and dust. As the haze cleared, the unmistakable figure of Lahar emerged.

"Hello Doranbolt." Lahar said, his tone icy. "Or is it Mest now? Do you even know who you are anymore?"

Mest's mouth fell open in shock, his voice trembling with disbelief. "But how... I watched you die!"

"Damn, this is brutal, Neinhart!" Jackal exclaimed, his grin splitting his face as he observed the unfolding tension. "I wouldn't even go this far!"

But the etherious's amusement was short-lived. Suddenly, a shimmering box of glowing letters surrounded Jackal, trapping him in place. He banged on the enchantment as he cried, "Hey! Get me outta here! You're supposed to be on my side!"

Lahar turned to Jackal, sighing heavily, as though he was burdened by the interruption. "I suppose I am. Here, allow me to amend the enchantment so you can escape."

Jackal's expression lit up. "Haha, thanks pal!" He watched eagerly as the letters began to shift and change. Then his face fell, his wide eyes snapping to Lahar in disbelief. "What?! You said you'd get me out!"

"I said I'd allow you to escape." Lahar cooly corrected him. "Consider this payback for killing me."

Ignoring Jackal's indignant sputtering, Lahar turned to Mest, his expression dark. "And now, Doranbolt- or whatever you're calling yourself these days- allow me to take out my frustrations on you for years of lies and deception."

Mest grit his teeth, struggling to keep his composure. "I get you being upset. But going so far you'd work with them? Alvarez? The empire whose leader is Zeref?"

Lahar's eyes widened slightly at that revelation, but the flicker of surprise quickly vanished. "In hindsight, that does explain quite a bit. But there's nothing to be done about it now." He gestured to himself with a bitter smile. "After all, as you pointed out, I am very much dead."

He stepped closer, the weight of his words sinking in. "However, one of the Spriggan 12, Neinhart, possesses an ability called 'Historia of The Dead'. This spell allows its caster to delve into the hearts of their opponents and summon living embodiments of people who have had a profound impact on them- whether it be feelings of hatred, respect, or even love." Lahar's voice dropped to a cold monotone. "In your case, I cannot determine which emotion I currently feel for you."

Mest's fists clenched, his voice trembling but resolute. "I have always been a mage of Fairy Tail. I was willing to do anything to protect my guild, even infiltrate the Magic Council under a false identity. But the friendship I had with you, Lahar… was genuine. That I know."

Lahar's frown deepened, his brows knitting together in disdain. "Not genuine enough, it would seem. Consider this your punishment for years of deceit and betrayal."

"I'm not going to fight you, Lahar!" Mest shouted, his voice echoing off the ruins of the Council building.

"Then you doom Ishgar to Alvarez's victory." Lahar spat, his eyes blazing with fury. "Because I will certainly be fighting you!"

Without hesitation Lahar charged, his form unnervingly swift as he closed the distance between them. Mest's reflexes kicked in, and he teleported 20 yards back narrowly avoiding his former friend's attack.

The other Fairy Tail mages stood frozen, horrified by the confrontation between Mest and the resurrected Lahar. Their shock was broken by the sound of a sudden explosion.

Their heads whipped around toward the source, revealing Jackal now free of the barrier, albeit burnt and blackened. He coughed, patting at his singed fur and skin. "I can't believe that bastard made me hit myself with an explosion curse to escape that damn barrier." The etherious muttered, his voice a mixture of anger and humiliation.

"Forgive us if we can't drum up any sympathy for you." Erza spat, her tone dripping with disgust. "That magic is despicable."

"Damn right it is!" Gajeel yelled, stepping forward. "And now I'm gonna take you down! After that, I'm placing you and all your buddies under arrest!" He lunged at Jackal, his iron hardened hands outstretched.

As Gajeel made for Jackal, Levy muttered to herself, "You can't arrest anyone anymore, Gajeel…" Lily sighed, exasperated at his friend's antics.

However, before Gajeel could close the gap, a deep raspy voice rumbled through the ruins.

"Tenchi Kaimei."

At that, dark, blackened waters erupted from the rubble, and the tidal wave of cursed liquid swept Gajeel, Lily, and Levy, their shouts fading as the mysterious waters dragged them far from the others.

Lucy's breath hitched as she saw a towering figure emerge from the now soaked ruins, its presence unmistakable. Her heart dropped to her stomach, cold dread filling her veins as unwanted memories surged back.

It was him.

The very opponent that had forced her to make the soul crushing choice to sacrifice Aquarius's key.

Torafuzar.

One of the nine demon gates of Tartaros- and now, without question, one of this Neinhart person's historias.

"That takes care of that." Torafuzar's voice rumbled like roaring rapids. His black eyes tracked the waters, ensuring its victims were swept away and out of the fight.

But then, something- or rather someone- caught his attention from the corner of his eye.

"Jackal?"

"Torafuzar!" Jackal said, spreading his arms and grinning widely. "Welcome back to the land of the living!"

Torafuzar's eyes narrowed as he regarded Jackal. "You're not giving off the same energy signature as a historia." He remarked.

Jackal smirked. "Nope, I'm the real deal, big guy! Here in the flesh! His Majesty- or I guess you'd know him as Lord Zeref- revived me! Outta all the other demons of Tartaros, I'm the one he personally brought back. How do you like that?"

For a moment, Torafuzar's expression was unreadable. Then with a faint growl, he muttered, "At least it wasn't Franmalth." With that, he took off in the direction his waters had carried Gajeel, Levy, and Lily away.

"I'll ensure those three remain occupied." He said simply, his massive form moving with surprising speed.

He sped past Erza, Happy, and Lucy, the three of them paralyzed with fear. Lucy's eyes followed the demon as he ran, her disbelief and despair growing.

Once Lucy finally snapped out of her shock, she clenched her fists as tears threatened to spill from the corners of her eyes. "Do you people just enjoy using trauma to belittle your opponents?" She demanded, her voice shaking with both fury and grief.

Jackal raised his hands in mock surrender. "It ain't my idea, sweetheart! Blame Neinhart for this little unwanted reunion tour!" He paused for a moment, his eyes drifting to Erza. "Huh. You really do look like Lady Irene."

Erza's glare darkened, her voice dripping with venom. "Oh? Is that your ally who stole my face?"

"Steal? It was my face first." A new voice interjected.

From the ruins stepped a woman who not only wore a copy of Erza's armor but looked almost identical to Erza herself. Her crimson hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her piercing eyes carried an unsettling blend of familiarity and authority.

"It's been a while, Erza." The woman said, her tone laced with a twisted sort of warmth. "It's nice to see you've grown up so well."

Erza's scowl deepened. "Been awhile? I don't believe we've ever met. You must be Irene."

"Wait, Erza, is she your evil twin?" Happy blurted, his eyes wide with disbelief. Even Lucy was shocked at this woman's similarities to Erza.

Irene's amused smirk faltered into a narrowed-eye glare. "Brandish," she said curtly, "please deal with these other two. I'd like to speak to Erza privately."

From behind Irene stepped Brandish, her usual apathetic demeanor replaced with a focused intensity. "Gladly." She turned to Lucy and Happy, a hint of malice in her eyes. "You and I have unfinished business, Lucy Heartfilia."

Lucy's heart skipped a beat as recognition dawned. "It's you... from Caracole Island!"

"Let's give Irene her privacy." Brandish said simply. She flicked her magic at some of the rubble of the Magic Council headquarters, which shifted and groaned as the formerly small shreds of debris suddenly grew into massive walls separating herself, Lucy, and Happy from Irene, Jackal, and Erza.

Jackal looked bewildered at the sudden change in the battlefield. "Wait, what am I supposed to do now?"

"Go help Neinhart and Marin in the archives." Irene ordered, not breaking her gaze with Erza. "You know what to look for, right?"

Jackal perked up, nodding. "I'm on it, Lady Irene!"

Erza lunged after Jackal, hoping to stop his escape, but it was blocked by Irene, who was wielding a sword of her own.

"Requip magic?" Irene mused, her tone light but cutting. "Interesting choice. And seems like you've got some actual skill with that sword as well. It almost makes me proud."

Erza snarled, twisting her blade free and putting some distance between them. "You Say we've met before," she said, her voice taut with restrained fury. "Care to enlighten me when?"

Irene smiled, her expression simultaneously threatening and nostalgic. "Oh of course, how rude of me. It's been so long- you were only a newborn at the time."

She straightened, her voice dripping with pride. "My name is Irene Belserion, and I am your mother."


...so if everything goes according to plan, the war will last three more chapters.

To be honest, I'm excited for everyone to read what happens directly following the war!

That said, baby will be here almost any day, so my posting will most likely slow down. That said, my wife and I appreciate everyone's support, understanding, and patience! I am determined to see this story through to the end.

Which is nowhere in sight right now! I keep coming up with more things I want the characters to do, interactions to be had, etc. Hopefully y'all enjoy what I have in store!

See you next time!