Chapter 25

Who's the Strongest?

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Magic"

Flashback / Mindscape

Location / Date / Time Skip

Lucy's Apartment

Lucy stuck her head through the crack as she opened the door. She and Plue looked around the and found nothing out of the ordinary. "Looks like we're alone for once. Why do I have to search my own place for weirdos?"

"You know, I haven't been here in a long time. I think I deserve a bath..." She walked through the curtain to her bathroom and sat in the tub and Plue copied her. "Awww, you get all wrinkly in the tub like I do. Oh, your so cute..."

A few moments later, she was dressed in her pajamas. "Time for bed..." She climbed into her bed and pulled the covers over her, only to wake up as she felt something odd. "That better not be who I think it is..." She stood up and pulled on the fabric, ripping the covers off to show Natsu and Happy sleeping.

"Hey, morning Lucy..." Natsu mumbled.

"This is my house!" Lucy shouted. "Hell, this is my bed! Get out!" A knock on the door grabbed her attention and she walked over and opened it.

"Hey, Lucy." Laki said. "I was just wondering if..." She looked over the blondes shoulder and saw Natsu sleeping on the bed. "Yep, he's here."

"Great, maybe you can get him out!" Lucy cheered as she pulled the girl inside. "Gotta say, I was pretty surprised by your announcement today."

"You weren't the only one..." Laki chuckled. "A lot of people at the guild asked me some questions. I think I handled it well."

"Five more minutes, Laki..." Natsu mumbled in his sleep.

"He has to be dreaming." Lucy said.

"Hye, how'd you get his scarf?" Laki asked, looking at the blondes hand.

"Oh, I must have pulled it off when I went to the door." Lucy guessed.

"Might wanna give it back." Laki said. "It was something Igneel gave him, so it means a lot to him."

"Aye..." Happy nodded as Natsu groaned in his sleep.

"You sure he's gonna be okay, Laki?" Lucy asked.

"Yeah, he'll be fine." She nodded as she sat in a chair. "The same thing happened last time he fought Laxus and ate his lightning. Eating anything other than our specific element will give us a bad case of the stomach bug."

"Wait, why would he ever try to do that?" Lucy asked as she sat on the bed.

"Well, he didn't want to eat it." Happy explained. "They fought, and Natsu got his but kicked pretty bad."

"Wow, I had no idea he was that strong..." Lucy mumbled in fear.

"Well, he's not an S-Class wizard for nothing." Laki said. "But we all know Erza or Mystogan could take him."

"What about Mira?" Happy asked. "Don't forget they used to call her the She-Devil."

"She was?" Lucy asked. "But how, she's so sweet."

"We should have a big tournament to decide who's the strongest." Happy suggested. "It might be fun to find out where you stand, don't ya think?"

"Happy, that's a terrible idea." Laki said. "That's not what Fairy Tail is about and you know it."

"Besides, i don't like the idea of ranking my friends." Lucy added.

"Gray and Elfman are pretty tough..." He mumbled as Lucy picked him up. "Gajeel and Juvia are pretty awesome too."

"I get it." Lucy said as she opened the window. "Everyone is awesome but me. Now it's time for you to head home. Laki will be by later with Natsu, okay?"

Laki looked over and noticed something sticking out of the cats bag. "Hey, what's this?"

"Oh, I almost forgot. I was supposed to show that to you, Lucy." Happy said as he pulled out the paper. "You need he money for rent, right?" He hell out the flyer and Lucy took it. "Fairy Tail's gonna be part of the harvest festival."

"How does that help me?" Lucy asked.

"Look at the bottom of the page." Happy pointed.

"Happy, are suggesting what I think you are?" Laki asked as Lucy read the bottom.

"Miss Fairy Tail contest?" The blonde asked.

"Aye." Happy nodded. "And as you can see, the winner gets five hundred thousand jewel."

"Oh my gosh." Lucy mumbled. "If I win that prize money, I can pay rent for the next seven months."

"Good luck." Laki said. "Every year, Cana and Mira enter and one of them always wins."

"Great, how am I supposed to compete with Mirajane?" Lucy asked as she dropped her head. "I mean she's a freaking bikini model for Sorcerer Weekly. Wait, I'm younger than she is, that makes me the exciting new model! I can do it! Five hundred thousand jewel, here I come!"

"So, you're against ranking your friends unless there's money involved?" Laki asked as she shook her head. "Well, count me out. I can't stand all those pervs eyeballing me." She walked over to the bed and picked Natsu up. "Happy, I'll see at Natsu's place." The cat nodded and grabbed the scarf before flying out the window.

"See ya!" Lucy waved as the two left the room. "I need to think about what to wear."

Outside the door, Laki shook her head as she helped Natsu down the stairs. "Poor Lucy, so focused on what others think of her." She opened the main door and helped Natsu out to the street.

"Pretty... Laki..." Natsu mumbled, making the purplette blush.

A thought crossed her mind as a smile crossed her face. 'Maybe there's a way I do this tastefully.'

Northwest of Shirotsume

Ghoul Spirit Guildhall

Three people, two male and a female at the end, walked into the guildhall after taking out all the guards in their way, scaring the dark wizards. "You laughed at us, didn't you?" The middle man asked. "Big mistake."

"If you want a fight, you got one!" A dark Mage shouted as he and another charged the three.

"A pack of filthy rats think they can stand up to members of a guild?" The girl asked as she pulled her glasses down. "What is the world coming to?" Her eyes glowed and the dark wizards turned to stone.

"What the-" Someone in the mob shouted surprised. "They turned to stone... Get them!" The whole guild charged them in anger.

"Let's party, babies!" The man on the end said as five wooden dolls flew forward and shot green beams as he chuckled.

"That's enough, Bickslow." The green haired man said.

"Seriously?" He turned to the other man. "We're done already?"

"Let's not waste anymore of our time with these weaklings." The greenette said. "Why they decided to form a guild is beyond me."

"We can't leave just yet." Bickslow said back. "My babies need more fun than that."

"More fun! More fun!" The dolls repeated in chorus.

"Be patient, I assure you they'll se plenty of action soon enough." The rapier wielder said as he brushed his hair, showing his green Fairy Tail emblem on his hand.

"So we're going through Laxus' plan?" The woman asked as she moved her fan, showing her green Fairy Tail emblem over her right breast.

"What about the rumors about Laki?" Bickslow asked.

"Please, we stick to the plan. Once she tries to impress her beloved lizard, and when she does, she'll be mine." The girl chuckled.

"Well when you put it that way..." He chuckled and stuck out his tongue, showing the black emblem on it.

"Who are these guys? And how did the three of them beat our whole guild?" One dark member asked.

"Wait, that's the Thunder Legion!" Another member on the ground said. "Some of Fairy Tails strongest wizards, and Laxus' personal guards."

Magnolia Border

"The Thunder Legion will be back soon." Laxus chuckled as he sat outside the town. "Looks like it's my turn to rule. These little Fairys are gonna eat each other alive. Your reign is about to end, old man."

Morning

Magnolia Street

"The whole town is getting in on the Harvest festival spirit." Makarov said with joy as he and Mirajane walked down the street with supplies in hand.

"Not to mention everyone at the guild is getting ready for the Fantasia Parade." Mira added.

"Of course they are." He said back. "People come from all over the country to see our parade. We can't let our fans down. You know, we should give Laki her own float this year."

"It would be nice if Laxus would join us just once." Mira said hopeful.

"Bah. The less said about him, the better." Makarov said back.

"I heard from Levy that he's back in town." She said. "Even if he says no, it wouldn't hurt to ask him."

"What, he's here?" Makarov asked before stoping in place.

"Is something wrong, master?" Mira asked as she looked back.

"Of all times, why did he have to show up now?" He mumbled to himself.

Years ago

"Gramps!" A young Laxus shouted as he raced towards his grandfather. "Wait up!"

"Hi, Laxus." The old man said, turning around.

"You're not gonna be in the parade with anyone else?" The blonde asked.

"Why would I do that when I promised I'd watch it with you?" Makarov asked back.

"Alright!" Laxus cheered, before rushing towards the crowd. "You're gonna let me join the guild someday, aren't you?"

"Sure, when you're old enough." Makarov said back.

Laxus reached the back of the crowd and tried to watch, but couldn't see through the mass of humanity. "I can't see!"

"That is a problem..." Makarov picked the boy up and grew like a water ballon, letting Laxus see everything. "How about now? The Wizards from Fairy Tail are pretty cool, right?"

"Yeah, they're the coolest wizards in the world." The blonde nodded. "You're the best guild master ever, gramps."

Day of the Harvest Festival

"Must eat... Everything..." Natsu groaned as he stumbled around the food booths.

"Natsu still hasn't gotten better?" Lucy asked.

"He does seem ill, doesn't he?" Juvia asked.

"Hell be fine once he eats, trust me." Gray said unconcerned.

"You haven't changed one bit, have you Gray?" All three turned to a man walking up behind him.

"Warren, it's been a while." Gray said.

"Barely made it back in time for the festival." Warren chuckled.

"This guy goes on so many jobs, we hardly see him." Gray joked.

"Hello, I'm a new recruit." Juvia said stepping forward. "My name is Juvia."

"Meet Warren Rocko." Gray introduced the man. "Master of Telepathy magic."

"Nice to meet you." He said back.

"The pleasure is mine." Juvia bowed. "This festival is quite a sight."

"Yeah, check out this crowd." Lucy nodded looking around. "Who knew this town had this many people?"

"Well, people come from all over the place to see the Fantasia Parade." Warren explained.

"I can't wait to see it." Lucy cheered.

"See it?" Gray asked. "You're gonna be in it, remember?"

"Be in? Why does that phase..." Lucy mumbled before she went wide eyed. "The Miss Fairy Tail Contest! My rent money!" She turned around and ran towards the guild.

"A contest..." Juvia repeated with a murderous aura around her. "I refuse to be outdone by that bimbo."

"So I guess you'll be entering too, huh?" Gray asked. "Hey, anyone seen Laki today?"

"I think she's at the guild." Natsu said, now holding all kinds of food. "Must be time for her yearly protest."

"No, I think this year she'll sign up." Gray said back.

"Why would she do that?" Warren asked.

"Because she wants Natsu's attention, duh." Gray explained.

"So, why would she go through something she hates?" Natsu asked. "We're on the same team already."

"Jeeze your dumb." Gray shook his head. "You better figure out how you really feel about her before she moves on to someone better." He walked away with Juvia, leaving Natsu alone with his thoughts.

Fairy Tail Guildhall

"The long wait is over, everyone!" Max spoke through the microphone as a crowd gathered around the stage. "Welcome to the one, the only, Miss Fairy Tail contest! Where your favorite Fairies fight in a battle of beauty! I'm your host, Max Alors the sand wizard. So let's get started!"

"So, here to support Laki?" Gray asked Natsu sitting next to him.

"Like a real man!" Elfman added.

"Now let's meet entrant number one!" Max shouted as the crowd cheered. "The beauty who can drink you under table whenever she wants, Cana Alberona! Bust out some magic and show us your stuff!"

"With pleasure." She held up her deck of cards and they swirled around her.

"What is she doing behind those cards?" Max asked as her body glowed and the cards flew to the side. "She changed into a swimsuit!"

"The prize money can cover my tab." She smirked.

"A swimsuit!?" Lucy asked from the side. "Not fair!"

"That's a clever idea." Erza mumbled. "Maybe I should do the same."

"Erza!" The blonde asked. "You're in this too!"

"Whenever I hear the word contest, I can't help but get excited." Erza confessed.

"Good bye, rent money..." Lucy sobbed.

"On to entry number two!" Max shouted. "Just because she's new, doesn't mean her magic ain't S-Class. The radiant beauty rain or shine, Juvia Lockser!"

'May these feelings reach you my beloved.' She turned her body into water and reformed herself in a bikini.

"And that's two women all set for a day at the beach!" Max shouted as the crowed cheered more.

"Look at me Gray!" Juvia said. "Do you like what you see!?"

"What's with all the bikinis!?" Lucy shouted frustrated.

"Next up is entrance number three!" Max shouted. "Fairy Tails centerfold whose stole the he hearts of millions, Mirajane!" The crowd went crazy as she waved. "Show us your stuff."

"I'm skilled in Transformation magic." She said. "So get ready to see a new side of me." The crowd cheered as her face glowed. "This is my Happy face!" The cheers stopped as she stood on the stage with Happy's face. "Next is my Gajeel face."

Happy laughed as Elfman stared in shock. "Only you could enjoy this." Gray said to the cat.

"She's a man?" Elfman asked in shock.

"Prize money, here I come." Lucy cheered.

"Entry number four, the Fairy Queen herself, Erza Scarlet!" Erza jumped from the side and stood on the stage as the crowed cheered.

"Wow, she's popular..." Lucy mumbled with fear.

"Let me show you a Requip you don't see every day." She chuckled before wind kicked up around her and her body glowed. Both died down as she stood in a Gothic Lolita dress. "Looks like I win."

"Didn't think I'd see dress like that..." Macao mumbled.

"Entry number five, as cute as she is smart, Levy McGarden!" Jet and Droy shouted with joy as their leader summoned words with her Solid Script magic.

"So cool!" Both shouted.

"Entry number six, the sharpshooter with her sights on your heart, Bisca Mulan!" Max announced as Bisca walked out in a swimsuit.

She pulled out four coins in her hand and threw them into the air before summing her sniper rifle. "Bullseye..." She pulled the trigger and shot through all four coins before they landed in her hand.

"So hot..." Alzack mumbled.

"Entry number seven is... well a surprise for us all. The enchanting Laki Olietta!" Max announced as the crowd mumbled before she walked on to the stage.

"I thought she said she wasn't going to enter!" Lucy mumbled from the side.

"Alright, let's do this." She sank into the stage before raising back up, now in a lumberjill outfit, complete with a little wooden mallet and plaid patterned hat. "Tada!" The crowd went wild as Natsu just stared at her and clapped, making her blush.

"How am I supposed to top that?" Lucy asked from the side.

"Let's hear it for entry number eight!" Max shouted. "Fairy Tails rising star, Lucy heart-"

"No!" Lucy panicked and kicked Max in the face. "Don't say my name out loud!" She waved back at the crowd. 'There's no way they'd give me the prize if they knew who my dad was.'

"Ugh, show us what you've got." Max groaned as the blonde pulled out some pompoms.

"Uh, my spirits and I are gonna do a cheer for you guys." Lucy explained and the crowed went wild.

"Entry number nine!" A new voice said, confusing everyone.

"Hold it sister, I haven't even done my cheer yet!" Lucy complained.

"If you're talking about fairy, then it's me." The blonde turned to see Evergreen walking up behind her. "If you're talking about beauty, then it's me. I'm the only woman here who embodies everything men desire, therefore the winner is me, Evergreen. Now this idiotic contest can end."

"She's back?" Gray asked as everyone stared at the stage.

"Guess Laxus can't be far behind." Elfman added.

"Go mess up a different contest!" Lucy shouted. "I really need this money!"

"Lucy, don't look her in the eyes!" Gray shouted, confusing her.

"I'm sorry, who are you?" Evergreen raised her glasses and turned the blonde to stone, sending the crowd into a panic.

"Everyone, run now!" Max shouted and all non wizards left the room.

"What is the matter with you, Evergreen!?" Makarov shouted. "Are you trying to ruin the festival?"

"Ou contraire, I think things are just getting intresting." The curtain raised up behind her, showing the other girls in the same state as Lucy.

"No, Mira!" Elfman shouted.

"She got Erza, too?" Happy asked.

"Laki!" Natsu shouted.

"I order you to return them to normal at once!" Makarov shouted.

Lightning shot down from the ceiling and Laxus stood up. "So much for your loyal fans. The real party is just about to start!"

"I should have known..." The master mumbled as Gray looked up at the rafters.

"Freed and Bickslow?" He asked.

"The Thunder Legion.." Macao mumbled.

"Let's have some fun!" Laxus shouted.

"Enough of this nonsense." Makarov growled. "Turn them back to normal or face the consequences."

"If I were you, I'd play nice, old man." Laxus chuckled. "Unless you don't want these ladies in the parade." Lightning crackled above Laki as a magic seal appeared.

"No!" Natsu ran forward and jumped on to the stage, only to get hit by the lighting before he even touched the statue, knocking him out.

"What a moron..." The blonde chuckled. "As if I'd take out any of my own hostages. Brake any rules and I'll shatter these girls one by one. Or I could smash them all right now if you want."

"This isn't a joke, Laxus!" Makarov shouted. "Stop fooling around!"

"I'm serious old man." The blonde said back as Freed and Bickslow jumped down.

"I've always wondered whose the strongest in the guild..." He said. "Now it's time to find out."

"Yeah, let's have some fun!" Bickslow said as his dolls repeated the last word.

"There's only one rule, last one standing wins!" Laxus explained. "It's the Fairy Tail battle royale!"

"Naturally, if you want me to turn the girls back to normal, you're going to have to beat us first." Evergreen added.

"But those odds aren't bad." Bickslow chuckled. "There's four of us and about a hundred of you guys."

"You have three hours, no more no less." Evergreen held up three fingers. "After that, these statues will be reduced to dust."

"All of Magnolia will be our battlefield." Laxus added. "The fight will begin when and if you find one of us."

"Laxus how could you..." Makarov growled before he grew in size. "I won't stand for this!"

"Simmer down, old man!" Laxus shouted. "It's all part of the festival! It'll be fun!" He burst into light and blinded the others. "Let the battle of Fairy Tail begin!" The light died down and the quartette had vanished.

"High stakes hide and go seek..." Macao mumbled.

"Let's go!" Elfman shouted. "We gotta save our girls, so man up!" The whole guild rallied behind him and ran out to the streets.

Alzack stayed back and stared at Bisca. "I will save you, no matter what." He turned around and ran past the master who stared at his feet.

"You insolent brat!" He shouted before turning around. "I'll put him in place with my own to hands!" He reached the door and slammed into thin air.

Gray heard a noise and turned around. "What's wrong, gramps?"

"An invisible wall..." Makarov mumbled as he tried to break through.

"Don't be silly. There's nothing here!" Gray picked up the master but couldn't bring him past the guild entrance. "What the hell?" He dropped the old man when he noticed something floating in the air. "What is that thing?"

"Must be one of Freed's enchantments." Makarov surmised.

"Enchantment?" Gray asked.

"It's a barrier made from magic runes." Makarov explained. "Anyone who steps inside must obey the rules set if they wish to escape."

"So what does it say?" Gray asked.

"Stone objects and anyone over eighty years old shall not pass." The master translated.

"Whoever writes the rules wins the battle, huh?" Gray asked.

"Perhaps, but enchantments like these take time to write." Makarov nodded. "Meaning they'd be useless in a one on own battle. Still, they make pretty good traps."

"You seriously can't break through?" Gray asked.

"The rules are absolute." Makarov reluctantly said.

"So, I guess it's up to me." Gray said before turning around. "We're going into this fight without you gramps."

"I'm sorry." He apologized.

"Laxus might be you're grandson, but I'm not gonna hold back." Gray darkly said before running into the city.

'I don't know if Gray or anyone else in the guild is strong enough to beat Laxus.' Makarov thought. 'Erza maybe, but not in her current state.' He glanced over and saw Reedus hiding behind a pillar, poorly. "I can see you. What's wrong, Reedus?"

"I'm scared Laxus is gonna hurt me..." The painter confessed.

"That's okay. Why don't you visit Porlyusica in the East Forest?" The master suggested. "She might have a potion that can cure petrifaction."

Natsu's eyes flickered open before he sat up. "What's going on? What happened?" Quickly turning around, he found himself staring at Laki's statue form. "Laki..." Natsu mumbled.

"She's safe, Natsu." Makarov said as he walked over. "Listen carefully. Laxus has set up a twisted game. If you don't find him in the next three hours, everyone of these girls will be turned to stone. I'd do it myself, but Freed has but a barrier forbidding me from leaving."

"I didn't understand about half of that." Natsu confessed. "But I understand this. Laki just got over her biggest fear, and now this happens to her. I'm not gonna let him get away with this. Laxus! I'm gonna kick your ass for me and Laki!" He ran towards the guild entrance and slammed intot the same wall Makarov did.

"What!?" Makarov, Reedus, and Happy asked.

Magnolia

"You find anything, Alzack?" Jet asked as he and Droy ran over.

"Nothing here." The gun Mage said back. "What about you?"

"We got nothing." Droy answered.

"Damn it!" Alzack growled. "How dare they do that to Bisca..."

"Dude, calm down." Droy said.

"Calm down!?" He shouted back. "We only have three hours!"

"How do you think Natsu is holding up?" Jet asked. "His best friend almost got shattered because of them, and I don't see any fires raging around town."

"Thsi is different!" Alzack shouted as runes trapped both ends of the streets. "An enchantment?"

"So they put these things up all over town?" Jet asked.

"It has to be Freed's work." Droy added. Runes popped up behind them and they turned around. "It says 'only the wizard who proves themselves the strongest may leave'. What does that mean?"

"I think he wants us to fight each other..." Jet mumbled.

"That's a cheap trick, Freed!" Droy shouted.

"Alright..." Alzack mumbled from behind. "I have to save Bisca. I can't just hang around here doing nothing!"

Guildhall

"Why can't you get through!?" Makarov asked as Natsu struggled against the wall. "You're clearly not a statue, don't tell me you're over eighty?"

"I don't think so..." Natsu mumbled. Runes appeared above them, catching their attention.

"Battle of Fairy Tail, status report." Makarov read. "What? It says Jet vs Droy vs Alzack? Is this some kind of joke?!"

"Why the heck would those guys be fighting?" Natsu asked.

Magnolia

Alzack jumped back as Jet slammed his foot into the ground. Droy summoned his Knuckle plants and jumped off the vines. "Guns Magic: Tornado Shot!" He pulled the trigger and fired.

Guildhall

Runes appeared above the two in the air. "The winner is Alzack. Jet and Droy, ko'd." Makarov read.

"What?" Natsu asked in shock.

Kardia Cathedral

"Let's see how long you can stand this game of fairy eat fairy, old man." Laxus chuckled.

Magnolia Caffe

Patrons sat around the tables, talking about the guild of the town. No one knew what was going on, just that all the members were acting weird. An explosion blasted the wall behind them as Vijateer leapt onto the next building.

"Townspeople?" The dancer mumbled. "Why aren't they affected by all this? Maybe these 'rules' only apply to the wizards..."

"Vijateer!" Nab shouted as he landed on the roof and rushed the dancer. "Sorry about this, but rules are rules. I can't fight Laxus until I beat you!"

"I really didn't want to hurt any of my friends, but I don't have a choice!" He said before he jumped forward, avoiding an attack.

The crowd stared at the two as another explosion happened and Warren and Max burst out of the wall. "Just give up, I can read your attacks before they even happen. You can't surprise me."

"Just because you can do that doesn't mean you can dodge them." Max said back as he gathered a ball of sand. The sand shot at Warren, forcing him to cover his eyes. "Take this!" The MC threw a punch.

"Saw that coming a mile away!" Warren said as he dodged the fist.

Back Alley

"I'm gonna save Mira!" Wakaba shouted at Macao. "Even if I have to beat you!"

"So, does your wife know about your little crush?" Macao asked back.

"Not my fault your wife left you." The smoker said back.

"Now you've done it." Macao gritted through his teeth.

Street

"Laki's like a big sister to me!" Mikki shouted as she and her friends faced off. "If anyone's gonna save her, it's me!"

Guildhall

"Max vs Warren. Winner: Warren." Happy read as more runes popped up. "Vijateer vs Nab. Winner: Nab. Mikki defeats four others. Macao vs Wakaba. Ongoing."

"Foolish children!" Makarov shouted. "What do they think they're doing!?"

"They don't have a choice." Happy said back. "They have to fight each other because those enchantments are hidden all over town. It's like Laxus said. This is the battle of Fairy Tail."

"Let me out!" Natsu shouted as she slammed against the wall again and again. "I have... To save... Laki!"

"Natsu, calm down!" Makarov ordered. "Wasting your strength on something like this won't do any good."

"So then, what am I supposed to do?" The pinkette asked back.

"For now, all we can do is wait for Reedus." Makarov sighed out as he looked to the stage. "Laxus is playing them all like pawns, if this keeps up, there won't be anyone left to stop him."

"Look, I know he can be a jerk, but do you really think he would wipe them out?" Natsu asked. "I mean he's still part of our guild."

'You still think of Laxus as part of the guild... You actually believe he wouldn't harm his fellow members...' Makarov's thoughts were interrupted when a new rune appeared.

"Time remaining, two hours, eighteen minutes." Happy read. "Combatants remaining, forty-two."

"No, it can be!" Makarov said in shock. "That means over half the guild has taken each other out."

Back Alley

"Purple Rain!" A magic seal appeared and shot balls of fire at Wakaba, who faded into a pink cloud. "Not good..."

"That was my Smoke Fake." Wakaba said from behind. "You're losing your edge buddy."

With Reedus

"I gotta... get to the... East Forest." Reedus panted as he ran out of town. "The master... Is counting... On me... To get Porlyusica... For... The girls..." He reached the edge of town and slammed into a wall. "No, it can't be... Freed set up a barrier around the whole town!?"

His eyes went wide as Free materialized behind him. "Trying to break the rules, are you? Laxus made it quite clear. Magnolia is the battle ground, and your guild members are now your opponents. If you are a wizard, then you must fight. That's the rule."

With Gray

"Where's the Thunder Legion hiding?!" Gray shouted as he ran through the city.

"It's Gray, it's Gray!" Two of Bickslow's dolls cheered as they fired their lasers at him. He jumped out of the way and into a clothing store.

"Yo." He turned around and stared at the masked wizard. "What do you say we have some fun?"

With Elfman

Elfman stopped in the middle of the street and stared at Evergreen. "Turn my sister back to normal, right now!" With a mighty roar he charged the girl.

"I'm not a man, you know." She pushed glasses up and Elfman looked down, crashing into a flower stand. "Flowers for me, how sweet of you. They do suit me." A clawed hand pushed Elfman up as he stood in his Beast Soul with a blindfold. "Such a shame the only cute thing about you is your name."

"Turn my sister and the others back to normal or else." He threatened.

"Do you really think you can beat me blindfolded?" She asked mockingly. He slammed his fist into the ground and she jumped to the side. He sniffed the air and found her scent before turning around and repeating the attack. "Very clever, you could tell where I was just by my scent."

Golden dust floated off her and surrounded Elfman. "Unfortunately, you're already covered in my fairy dust. Fairy Bomb: Gremlin!" The dust glowed before it exploded and knocked Elfman out, blowing the blindfold off. "You know, I like statues. Even the most disgusting creature can be rendered beautiful when fashioned out of stone."

Elfman gasped for air as Evergreen pushed her glasses up. "Now, gaze into my eyes, and submit to the beauty of stone..."

Guild Hall

"Elfman vs Evergreen. Winner: Evergreen." Makarov read as the number dropped to forty one.

"I'd thought he'd have no problem, beating her." Happy said.

"Now it says Grays fighting against Bickslow?" Natsu growled. "He better not take down Laxus. I'm the one whose gonna kick his butt, not him!"

"It also says Freed is fighting against Reedus." Happy added. "Looks like the Thunder Leigon is making their move."

With Reedus

Reedus ran and found himself stuck in an ally as Freed appeared behind him. "This is the end of the line." He pulled out his rapier and swung at the painter, knocking him to the ground.

"Freed, stop." Reedus pushed himself up. "I'm begging you, please don't do this... To your friends..." He dropped to the ground and fell unconscious.

"Only forty wizards left." Freed mumbled as he stared back at the city. "Victory will soon be ours."

Guildhall

"Oh no! They took out Reedus!" Happy screamed.

"Damn it!" Natsu slammed his fist into the wall of runes. "If I wasn't trapped in here, I'd have beat him up myself! That was our only chance to call of this bluff he had!"

"Save your anger for when you face him." Makarov said back.

"I'm just bluffing, am I, Natsu?" All three turned around and looked at Laxus.

"How did you get here?" Natsu asked.

"It's a Thought Projection." Happy explained.

"Natsu, why are still in this dump?" Laxus asked as his image walked forward. "Don't tell me your scared?"

"I'm not scared! I'm stuck!" Natsu shouted back.

"What do you want?" Makarov growled at his grandson.

"You call these weakling your kids, right?" The blonde asked back. "So how does it feel watching your kiddies tear each other apart? To bad Natsu and Erza can't join the game, because without them you don't have anyone strong enough to take in the Thunder Legion. You ready to surrender, yet?"

"It's not over yet!" Happy shouted back. "Gray is still out there, and he's just as strong as Natsu!"

"The hell did you just say!?" Natsu asked insulted. "That guy is as strong as me?!"

"He is, isn't he?" The cat asked back.

"Gray?" Laxus chuckled. "You're seriousl gonna put all your hope on him!?"

"I wouldn't underestimate the boy's power if I were you." Makarov warned.

With Gray

The totems fired their lasers at Gray who jumped out of the way. He jumped over a shot from all five before Bickslow waved his hand. "Line Formation!" The totems stacked them on top of one another before they fired their lasers at one, creating a blade that destroyed a wall of the store.

"Not bad, kid." Bickslow said. "Give me a Victory Formation!" He ordered his dolls but nothing happened. "What's going on?" The dust settled and the dolls were shown to be frozen solid. "When did he-?"

Gray kneed him in the face and sent him flying before he slammed his hands together. "Ice-Make: Hammer!" A mallet of ice appeared above the masked wizard and started to fall.

"X-Formation!" Bickslow crossed his arms and five manikins blocked the object, making it shatter.

"The hell?" Gray asked as he landed.

"Guess you haven't heard about my Seith Magic..." Bickslow said as the manikins laughed around him. "I control my babies souls. Freeze them, and I'll jut move them to another doll. I'm controlling an immortal army over here."

"Over here..." The dolls repeated.

"Then I guess I'll just freeze you instead!" Gray sent a blast of ice forward, only to have the manikins block it and Bickslow run out the store. "Get back here, coward!" Gray shouted as he chased after the man. Bickslow turned into an allyway and Gray followed him, only to find it empty. "Where did that freak go!?"

"Getting warmer." Gray looked up and saw Bickslow doing a split between the buildings. "I see you..."

Gray was not amused. "Real funny, what are trying to pull?"

"I just wanna play, but my babies are getting bored." Bickslow mocked. "It's time we spiced things up a bit!" An enchantment was activated behind Gray, making him turn around. "No more luck for you. You can't use magic for as long as you're inside that barrier. Sucks to be you. It's a party out here and you're stuck in there."

Gray turned back around as the manikins fired more beams, kicking up dust. "Don't bother getting up." Bickslow taunted. "You can't win without your magic."

"Wanna bet!?" Gray jumped up off the sides of the building and prepared to throw a punch as the dolls floated up to his level. "You want some?" He looked forward and noticed a girl looking out the window. The distraction allowed the dolls to fire and hit him.

"That's it?" Bickslow laughed. Gray jumped out of the smoke and punched him in the face, sending both crashing to the ground.

"Listen, jerk." Bickslow said standing up. "When my babies hit you, just stay down!" He walked forward and noticed Gray was unconscious. "Damn, that was a good hit. Good thing I wore my helmet."

Guildhall

"Only twenty eight contenders remain." Laxus smugly read as runes popped up on the wall. "And that moron was gonna save you!?"

"You and your pals used some dirty trick to beat him!" Happy shouted. "I just know it."

"So, whose gonna beat the Thunder Legion now?" Laxus mocked.

"Gajeel!" Happy shouted.

"Him?" Laxus asked. "He's made it clear he doesn't want to play. It's not like he really cared about this place."

"What am I, invisible?" Natsu shouted.

"You might as well be." Laxus laughed as Makarov thought about the options.

"Enough." The master spoke. "This isn't worth it." He turned around and face Laxus. "I surrender, alright?"

"You're just gonna give up?" Natsu asked.

"If you were in my shoes, wouldn't you do the same to save Laki?" Makarov asked as Natsu dropped his head. "You've had your fun, now stop this." Makarov ordered.

Laxus smirked at his grandfather. "What's wrong, don't have the stomach anymore? I thought you were the master of the mighty Fairy Tail guild. You can't just give up like that. But, if you insist on quitting, then just hand the guild over to me and retire early."

"You're playing dirty, Laxus!" Natsu shouted. "Come here and face us!"

"I should have known." Makarov said, shaking with rage. "This is what you were after all along, wasn't it?"

"You've only got an hour and a half until the girls crumble to dust." Laxus said back. "If you really want to end this, than announce your retirement to the whole town. I wonder, what means more to you, your kids or your title. Choose carefully."

"You're asking for it!" Natsu sprinted forward and threw a punch that went right through the projection, sending him crashing into a beam. "If he wants to be master, he should have the guts to face me! How come he won't fight me!?"

"To be honest, I wouldn't mind giving up my master seat..." Makarov mumbled to himself.

"So your just gonna give it to him?" Natsu asked.

Makarov shook his head. "No, he may be strong, but he's not trustworthy. I'd never leave him in charge. He doesn't have enough conviction or heart to take this seat from me."

"We have to do something before he turns the girls to dust!" Happy shouted. "There has to be someone who can beat Laxus..." Crunching metal pulled the fours attention over to the bar as Gajeel popped up with a metal cup in his mouth.

"You've been here this whole time?" Natsu asked in shock.

"You can't eat the tableware!" Happy shouted.

"Gajeel, will you fight for us?" Makarov asked as the Iron Dragon Slayer jumped over the bar.

"Sure, why not?" He chuckled as he walked over. "I got a score to settle with that guy anyway. I'll take care of him." He reached the door and slammed into the rune wall.

"Don't tell me you're over eighty!?" Natsu shouted.

"Do I look eighty to you!?" Gajeel shouted back.

With Evergreen

Evergreen landed onto of a public stage after wiping out a mob of guild mates. "My, what a shame... You are weak."

With Bickslow

Nab and Wakaba ran down the street as Bickslow's dolls floated after them. "Bickslow, stop this!" Nab shouted. "We're friends, aren't we?"

Bickslow hung upside down and chuckled at the statement. "Friends? I don't have weakling for friends. Right, babies!?" The dolls launched their lasers and knocked the two out of the game."

With Alzack

Alzack leaned against a building, panting heavily as Freed walked out from the side. "Freed..."

"Greetings, Alzack." The greenette said.

"Thanks to those enchantments of yours, I've had to hurt my friends." Alzack growled as he looked at his pistol. "I kept telling myself it was for Bisca, but that doesn't make things right." The wind picked up around them as Freed gripped his sword. "Guns Magic: Tornado Shot!" Alzack fired his pistols, sending a tornado at Freed who sliced through it with ease. "He sliced through them... Like nothing..."

Alzack dropped his guns as he grabbed his throat. "What did you do?" He asked. "What kind a wierd magic is this? I can't... Breathe..." He fell to the ground unconscious as Freed sheathed his sword.

"Those who use magic in this barrier will be denied oxygen." Freed read as his runes appeared next to him. "If you had bothered to read the enchantment, you would have known that." The runes faded as he walked away. "How can anyone beat me when I'm the one who rights the rules? In the battle of Fairy Tail, only two remain."

Guildhall

"Only two left in guild!?" Makarov asked in disbelief.

"You sure you're not faking being stuck in here!?" Natsu shouted at Gajeel. "You trying to copy me!?"

"Not a chance!" Gajeel said back.

"No way..." Makarov mumbled as he turned to the two. "You're the only ones left!?"

"I wasn't even included!?" Happy asked disappointed.

'I can't believe it...' Makarov thought to himself. 'All of Fairy Tail has wiped itself out fighting each other. We have no wizards left to battle. It's all over...'

"I've got no choice." Natsu huffed. "Guess I'll bring Erza back."

"Wait what!?" Makarov asked as he stared in shock.

"I thought I'd have a chance to show her up..." He mumbled as he walked over to the stage.

"Wait, what are you about to do!?" Makarov shouted.

"I'm gonna use my fire to met the stone off her." The pinkette explained.

"Say what!?" Makarov shouted.

"She's not covered in stone, she is stone!" Happy shouted as Natsu laid the statue on its back. "Besides, if you think it's a good idea, why don't you save Laki!?"

"I'm not gonna risk Laki." Natsu said back as he ignited his hands. "Here we go. Toasty time."

"Watch where you put those fire hands, bro." Gajeel said.

"So you're gonna risk Erza instead!?" Makarov shouted. A crack appeared on Erza's head, scaring everyone.

"I didn't mean to, I swear!" Natsu shouted at the statue. "Someone get me some glue!"

"Forget the glue!" Gajeel said back. "We gotta use your fire and my iron to weld her back into one solid piece!"

The crack grew larger as Natsu dropped to his knees. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" The stone broke off and Erza pushed herself up on her hands.

"I feel hot..." She mumbled before glaring at Natsu. "It was you, wasn't it...?" She launched forwards and threw a punch that sent Natsu crashing into Gajeel. "Were you trying to cook me!?"

"Erza's back!" Happy cheered.

"Thank goodness, but how are you free?" Makarov asked.

"Well, if I had to guess, I'd say it had something to do with my right eye." Erza suggested.

'That's right.' Makarov thought. 'Since the magic was taken through her artificial eye, it must have weaken the spell.'

"Erza, do you know what's going on?" Happy asked as he floated over.

"I think I do." Erza nodded. "Even though I was stone, I could still hear everything being said."

"Yes, this is our chance to strike back!" Makarov cheered as the number of combatants changed from two to three.

"The runes have already added me to the game." Erza said slightly impressed. "Automatic updates. But these only three left..."

"No, it's just you." Happy said. "Natsu and Gajeel are stuck here because of the enchantment." The number went up to four.

"Laki?" Natsu turned around and looked at the statues.

"The others are still stone, so it can't be them..." Makarov mumbled.

"Aren't you guys forgetting about someone?" Erza asked with a smile. "A member whose frequently out of town?" Natsu, Makarov and Happy stared at her before they gasped.

"Wait, you mean him?" Natsu asked.

"And he's back just when we need him!" Makarov said.

"He always did have impeccable timing." Erza nodded. "Looks like the real fight is about to begin."

"Does someone wanna fill me in here?" Gajeel asked.

"We're talking about a man who may be the strongest wizard in Fairy Tail." Erza explained. "Mystogan..."

Well, what did you think of Laki's outfit? Do you think she deserves to win? Let me know in the reviews. Hopefully you'll enjoy the rest of the arc. See you next chapter.

Beta read by Natsu is Awesome.