Chapter 28
The Spark
"Speech"
'Thoughts' / 'Telepathy'
"Magic"
Flashback
Location / Date / Time Skip
"The Thunder Palace is strong enough to take out the whole town." Levy mumbled to herself. "Laxus is gonna activate it soon, in just ten minutes. But we can stop him. We still have Natsu, Laki and Erza. And Gajeels on our side too. Oh yes, we have Mystogan too. Not that I've ever seen him."
Footsteps caught her attention as she looked towards the door. "I wonder who that could be..." The shadow grew closer until Porlyusica walked through the door.
"Where can I find Makarov?" The healer asked, glaring at the bluenette.
"Miss Porlyusica?" Levy asked confused. "Why are you here?"
"Where is he?" She repeated herself.
"H-He's in the infirmary, ma'am." Levy said, pointing in the direction to go. Porlyusica huffed before walking in that direction. "Um, maybe he shouldn't be bothered. There's a bit of a situation right now."
"I'm aware of that." Porlyusica said back, not breaking her stride. "Why do you think I'm here?"
"Wait, you came all the way here just so you could treat the master?" Levy asked with hope and a smile making the healer stop. Porlyusica continued her walk, leaving Levy dejected.
The hermit reached the infirmary and stared over Makarov, laying in the bed. "Go bring Laxus."
"Huh?" Levy asked confused.
"Bring that idiot boy who's playing the fool to his grandfathers condition here at once." The healer elaborated.
"Wait, you mean...?" Levy stepped forward and Porlyusica turned to her with a rare sight, tears in her eyes.
"Just as I say child." Porlyusica begged. "It cannot wait. He doesn't have long left." Those last words left Levy staring wide eyed in fear.
Kardia Cathedral
Laxus sat on the steps in deep contemplation. His mind traveled back to when Makarov watched with him as a kid. "Why did I have to start thinking about all this crap now?" His mind then moved forward year as he stood in Makarov's office.
Three Years Ago
"So, why aren't you participating in the Fantasia parade with us?" Makarov asked.
"Why should I?" Laxus asked with his back turned. "No one'll care if I'm there or not." He turned around and looked at the master. "Everyone's been looking wt me with with rose-colored glasses since I was a kid, just because I'm 'Makarov's grandson.' Doesn't matter what I do! I never get the credit. It's just expected of me because my grandpas the guild master!"
"So, that's what this is?" Makarov asked back. "Feeling over looked? Do you honestly believe that you're the only person in the world who feels like that?"
"It's bad enough just living in your shadow, but why did you have to make things worse!?" Laxus shouted, making Makarov look down in shame. "Don't you have any goddamn feelings!? You didn't have to kick my dad out of Fairy Tail!"
With a heavy sigh, Makarov looked up. "Ivan- he was a danger to the guild. What he did caused us great harm."
"So he made a few mistakes!" Laxus shouted. "Haven't we all?! He's still your flesh and blood, right!? He's still your son!"
"Flesh and blood or not, any member who gleefully endangers the lives of his brethren must be banished." Makarov stated walking forward. "There is no exception to this rule. Like the generation before, I will protect this guild. This is how Fairy Tail has always worked!"
"Then why not just kick me out now and get it over with!?" Laxus shouted. "That way, I can just join my dad's guild and we can take you down."
"He's founded a guild?" Makarov asked surprised. "Wait, so you know where he is right now?"
"Like you give a crap." Laxus turned around and started walking away. "Go try and find him yourself."
"Please, you must tell me!" Makarov shouted. "Listen to me. Ivan left with information that could be detrimental to Fairy Tail! I have to find him, it's life or death! The safety of the guild is at stake!"
Laxus stopped walking but kept his back to Makarov. "Guess you should have thought of that before you banished him."
"Tell me where he is!"" Makarov begged.
"Some day I'm gonna surpass you." The blonde said. "But not for my dad, it'll be for me." He glared over his shoulder. "Then you'll just be known as Laxus' grandfather."
Present
"Only six minutes left until the Thunder Palace goes off." Laxus read the runes above him. "Guess that stubborn gezer is gonna hang on until the end. He would do that."
The church bells went off around him as Mystogan entered the church. "So, you finally showed up Mystogan." A chucked left his throats as he turned around. "I never actually though you'd show up. I didn't think you liked games."
"Deactivate the Thunder Palace right now, and you might be able to still pass this off as mere additions to the festival." The masked wizard ordered.
"That's why you came back?" Laxus asked laughing. "Give me a break. You wanna know who the strongest wizard in Fairy Tail is, you or me."
"I have little interest in such thing." Mystogan confessed. "But I would propose Gildarts."
"Ha, he's not coming back." Laxus laughed. "And it's not like anyone else could hold a candle against us."
"Don't be so quick to rule out Erza." Mystogan said back. "Laki might surprise you as well."
"Are you kidding me?" Laxus asked. "Sure, those two have some spunk, but there still weak."
"Weak?" He repeated with a chuckle. "You're either blind, or just plain stupid."
"Look, I think we can both agree that we're stronger." Laxus said. "It's clear one of us is Fairy Tails top wizard. The only question is who deserves the title."
"Seeing the world in such simple terms..." Mystogan shook his head in disgust. "Perhaps you are blind."
"Enough talking." Laxus said. "Let's settle this, here and now. Mystogan, or should I say..." The cloaked wizard went wide eyed before swinging his staff as Laxus summoned lightning to his hand. Both sent beams that matched the others, resulting in an explosion that broke the glass.
With Natsu
"It's the church!" Natsu said as he looked behind him.
With Erza
"Kardia Cathedral..." Erza said.
With Laki
"Finally showing yourself." Laki smiled as she raced to the building.
Kardia Cathedral
"Where did you learn about that?" Mystogan asked as the dust settled around them.
"Oops, did I strike a nerve?" Laxus mockingly asked. "It's a rare treat to see you lose your cool. How about a bet? If you beat me, I'll tell you everything I know."
"You'll regret that, Laxus." Mystogan said as he slammed his staff into the ground. "Your about to witness magic the likes of which you've never seen before!"
"Oh, I'm so scared!" Laxus mocked. "Come on and show me, freak. I'm dying to see just how strong I really am!"
Mystogan reached behind him and slammed his staffs into the ground one by one. "Skyscraper." A magic seal appeared and the floor of the church started to bend and morph before it shot up, taking Laxus with him.
"Impossible!" Laxus looked down as the whole church exploded. "The entire church!" He looked over her shoulder as a tear pulled the dark sky open before black tendrils wrapped around him. The hole opened up more and a demon reached out for him, making him scream. "What kinda magic is this!?"
Lightning covered his body before he busted out of the wrapping and found himself back in the church. "Now that's funny! Did you really think you could beat me using a stupid illusion!?"
"Not bad." Mystogan said impressed. "Too bad you're just an instant too late." A purple light bathed over Laxus as he looked up. Five magic seals appeared along the light as Mystogan pointed his main staff at him. "Sleep. Five Layered Magic Circle: Sacred Song!"
"I'm the slow one huh?" Laxus asked. Mystogan looked down to a seal under him before both spells activated, creating two explosions. Mystogan floated into the air before moving his hands, moving the floor to closing in on Laxus. The blonde turned into lightning and bounced out of the way before he flew at Mystogan.
Laxus landed on the ground as Mystogan reappeared in a cloud of mist. "Now this is a fight."
"Laxus!" Erza and Natsu shouted at the same time.
"Erza?" Natsu asked.
"So, you guys made it out of the runes." The knight surmised.
"So, who is that guy?" Natsu asked, looking at the masked wizard.
"Mystogan..." Erza answered. Mystogan covered his face as Erza looked at him.
"You're wide open." Laxus blasted his lightning into Mystogan's face, destroying the mask and letting his blue hair free.
"Jellal..." Erza mumbled in shock.
"What the!?" Natsu asked in shock before Mystogan turned away.
"Erza..." Mystogan/Jellal said. "Forgive me... I never wanted you to see this face..." His words confused Erza greatly. "I'm not Jellal. I do know him, but he is not me..." He looked over at Natsu before turning into mist. "I must leave now."
"Hey, wait!" Natsu shouted before clearing his head. "Can't think about that right now. Alright, let's go Laxus! It's you against me! I'll take care of this clown. That okay with you?" He turned to Erza who was still shaking. "Wake up!" As if on cue, lightning blasted her.
"Wipe that dumb look off your face already." Laxus said. He pulled his fist back and more lightning blasted Erza, sending her to the ground.
"That's enough!" Natsu shouted. "I told you, you're mine. Let's go."
"Hey, when did you get here, Natsu?" Laxus asked, making the pinkette drop his jaw.
"Oh, you're about to notice me!" Natsu ignited his fist as Laxus dropped his coat and pulled off his headphones. "Time for you to fry!" He jumped into the air and swung his fist, but the blonde dodged it.
"Natsu..." Erza groaned from the side.
Natsu turned on his heel and roared before charging Laxus again. "Didn't anyone ever tell you to think before you act, kid?" Laxus asked before summoning lightning to his hands. "Get lost, you runt!" He blasted at Natsu who jumped out of the way.
"Fire Dragon Talon!" Natsu ignited his foot and swung but Laxus bloked it before pushing him off. Laxus charged him and slammed his knee into the pinkettes chin before grabbing Natsu's wrist.
"You ain't getting away that easy!" The blonde charged his fist and punched Natsu in the face with lightning. Natsu grabbed onto Laxus' wrist and gripped it.
"Does it look like I'm running!?" Natsu asked before igniting his fist and slamming it the blondes face. "This spot is perfect for me!"
Laxus gripped tighter before punching again. The two traded punches until Laxus pulled Natsu down. He tried to sweep Laxus' legs out but the blonde jumped over it and slammed his boot into Natsu's face, shattering the ground. He pulled Natsu up and punched him, sending him flying across the room.
Erza jumped up and slammed down on top of him, forcing Natsu to the ground. 'I need to get Jellal, no, Mystogan out of my head.' She told herself as she stood up. 'Laxus is the target right now.' "Requip!" She summoned her Black Wing armor and swung at Laxus, who used his electricity to block.
"Careful, Erza!" Natsu shouted.
"Just what did you put in the sky, Laxus?" Erza asked as she held her sword in basic form.
"Wait, you haven't heard?" Laxus asked. "That's just my Thunder Palace."
"Just how despicable are you!?" Erza said in disgust. "Attacking your home town..."
Laxus laughed at her words. "Honestly, it breakers my heart. But that's how the game is played, dollface."
"Damn you!" Erza swung her foot in a straight kick and Laxus caught it.
"Only two minutes to go..." Laxus taunted.
Erza growled in anger before looking over at Natsu. "Natsu, you have to destroy them!"
"I can't!" Natsu shouted. "If I attack them, they're just going to zap me right back!"
"Seriously?" Erza turned back to Laxus. "Body Link Magic!?"
"Thats right!" Laxus smirked. "And they're gonna until I say so!"
"You coward!" Erza shouted back before Laxus zapped her.
"Too bad you won't be around to see it!" He bragged before she was sent flying back. Flipping over, her body glowed before she landed in a new outfit. "Lightning Empress armor? You think that can protect you from my attacks?" He sent another blast of lightning at her and she jumped out of the way.
"Now that were using the same magic, it's a fair fight!" Erza spun her lance and pointed at him, sending a blast of blue lightning at him. He blocked with his own electricity before turning into lightning and bouncing off a pillar. He flew at Erza who landed and placed her weapon in front of her, creating a barrier that blocked Laxus' attack.
"When two wizards battle with the same magic, many factors determine the victor." Erza said as she pulled her lance out of the ground.
"Their level of magic energy, experience, techique... blah, blah, blah." Laxus finished for her. "I've heard all this before."
"Then you know the last factor?" Erza asked. "Their heart. I know the master taught you that."
"He mentioned it..." The blonde said back. "But he also said power trumps everything."
"Erza, leave it alone already!" Natsu said from behind. "I'm the one who's gonna take him out!" The redhead turned and the two glared at each other.
"Then I'll just put my faith in you." Erza said with a smile before running out of the church.
"Where are you going!?" Natsu asked, making her stop. "Wait, you're not gonna try and take that thing down, are you?"
Laxus laughed at the idea. "Go ahead and try. Attacking even one of those lacrima would kill you. And can't even tell you how many are floating over town right now. Not to mention, you're out of time."
"Then I'll destroy them all at once." She declared.
"Good luck..." He chuckled back. "You must have a serious death wish."
"No, but if it will save the town." Erza said before continuing her sprint. "I'm leaving Laxus to you, so don't fail me."
"Come back!" Laxus shouted in a frenzy. "You can't just break the rules of the game!"
"I'm counting on you too!" Natsu shouted. Erza stopped for a second and smirked before resuming her run. "Whether you can or can't, you better make it back alive!"
'Don't worry...' Erza thought to herself. 'I have no intention of throwing this life away.'
"Damn it!" Laxus shouted before breaking into a sprint.
"Fire Dragon Roar!" Natsu breathed out a torrent of flames and blocked Laxus' path. "Alright, jerk. Get ready for a beating."
"You mouthy little brat..." Laxus growled in anger.
With Erza
Erza stood in the street in her Heaven's Wheel armor as hundreds of swords floated around her. "That I may protect the town of Magnolia, blades lend me you're strength. My comrades in Fairy Tail, lend me yours as well."
With Lucy
Lucy looked over her shoulder like someone called her. "Did you guys hear that?"
"Yeah, it sounded like Erza." Happy nodded.
"She asked us to lend her strength..." She added as they stared at each other.
With Gray
Gray pulled himself up and leaned against the wall in pain. "If Erza's asking for help, then it must be serious." He looked up and noticed the orbs. "Wait, if I can find a way for everyone to hear her, then we can hand together to lend her a hand." He clutched his gut, hugging a broken rib. "I'll need Warrens telepathy for this..."
Kardia Cathedral
"Fire Dragon Brilliant Flame!" Natsu launched a ball of fire as Laxus threw lightning at him. The two attacks hit, creating an explosion that blew him back.
"Don't you see what's happened to our guild, Natsu!?" Laxus asked. "Fairy Tail has become a joke because of the old geezer." He summoned a ball of lightning in his hands and sparks tried to hit Natsu. "All I'm trying to make things right, and to do that, I have to be master!" A bolt tore through the floor and sent Natsu flying into a pillar before he fell to the ground.
The blonde glanced over at the runes and noticed the time remaining. "Only a minute thirty left until the Thunder Palace goes off. What is the old man playing at? Are you just gonna stand back and watch all those people die."
Natsu laughed and Laxus turned to him as he stood up. "I wouldn't worry if I were you, Laxus. It's over. You know as well as I do that it ain't gonna happen!"
"What are you talking about?" The blonde asked confused.
"If you blow up the town, you still won't get Fairy Tail." Natsu shouted back. "You're just upset because you can't back out of it now." Laxus glared at him as Natsu ignited his fist. "The town will be fine. Erza is taking your spell down. Not so easy to keep up this act, is it!?" He asked as he charged the blonde.
"Shut up!" Laxus shouted at he charged lightning on his arm. "What the hell do you know!?"
With Erza
More swords appeared in the sky as Erza started panting in exhaustion. She was running out of magic power and she knew it. "One hundred ninety nine... Its still not enough." She dropped to her knees and almost fainted. "I'm almost out of time..."Another sword appeared and she stood back up. "I still need another hundred to destroy them all."
'Hey Fairy Tail members, can you hear me!?' Warren's shouted in her head. 'This is an emergency! Look up in the sky!'
"He's using... his telepathy." She mumbled in realization.
'Quit lying around and get up!' He shouted. 'If anyone is still fighting, stop!'
With Lucy
"Okay, now I hear a man's voice." Lucy complained.
"It must be Warren." Happy guessed. "It must be serious because he's never called all of us at once before."
'Listen carefully.' Warren started. 'Those lacrima up there are part of a spell called the Thunder Palace. Laxus is using it to threaten the entire town. We have to take it out before he can activate it and we don't have much time. So we have to work together.'
With Erza
"Wait, how did you find out about the Thunder Palace?" Erza asked.
'I've never been happier to hear your voice.' Grays voice said.
"Gray?" She asked. "So you're the one who told him."
'It would have happened sooner, but I had to track the guy down.' He explained.
'Wait, if that Erza, then what about the others?' Jet asked.
'No need to panic, boys.' Cana's voice said. 'All the ladies are fine.'
'Juvia's back on her feet too.' Elfman added.
'So is Bisca.' Mira said. 'Here that Alzack?' Her revolution brought a smile to his face.
'There's just one problem.' Warren interrupted. 'My telepathy doesn't reach the guildhall, so we'll have to make do with the people who can here me. If we work together, we can stop this.'
'Hold on a second, Warren!' Max growled into the head. 'Give me one reason to listen you after what you did.'
'Max, this is not the time!' Warren shouted back. 'I was trying to save the girls.' Soon enough, the entire guild was arguing with each other inside Warren's head.
With Warren and Gray
Gray gripped Warren's shoulder in anger before screaming into Warren's ear. "Will you morons quit yelling at each other!?"
'Like you can talk!' Everyone shouted back.
"There's no time for goofing off!" He shouted back. "We need to hurry and take down those lacrima!" His words did nothing as the infighting continued.
With Lucy
Lucy clenched her fist over her heart before she shouted. "Shut up!" The whole guild went silent at her voice. "We couldn't be fighting at a time like this! The people of Magnolia are in danger, and were the only ones who can help them. So we have to work together. I know things have been rough with all of us fighting each other, but we can do anything if we work together. You guys taught me that. This guild means everything to me, so let's work like a guild and save our town!"
'Well said...' Erza whispered as the whole rallied behind the speaker.
"Let's do this, Happy." Lucy said as she wiped some tears from her eyes.
"But they have that Body Link Magic." The cat reminded them. "If we attack them, than were just gonna get attacked right back."
"We're just gonna have to deal with it." Lucy said back.
With Erza
"I'll handle the two hundred in the north! Everyone else, focus on the southern side!" Erza said.
'Don't leave a single one left!' Gray shouted as all the Wizards unleashed various spells. Erza sent her blades into the crystals as the Lucy and Happy took out the last ones. The town's people stared at the sky and thought it was fireworks.
"We did it." Erza smiled as her armor returned to normal. Lightning covered her body before she screamed in pain from all the lacrimas she destroyed. The whole guild was the same way, in pain. The last one screamed and the town went silent.
'Is everyone okay?' Warren asked.
Kardia Cathedral
Laxus stared at the runes as they faded away in pure anger. "Told you it wouldn't work." Natsu bragged with a smile. "You really think this guild needs to change? I don't and neither does anyone else. How do you expect to become the master if you can't get along with everyone?"
Laxus roared in anger as lightning shot off his body. "I'll just take Fairy Tail by force if I have to! It's mine!"
"Just give up, its over!" Natsu shouted. "You're not taking over Fairy Tail!"
Laxus smirked at the statement. "You don't know who you're messing with. I could take over the guild by force any time I want! And no one is strong enough to stop me! So just get out of my way!"
"Sounds like you're begging to taken down a peg." Natsu said as he ignited his fist. "I can do that no problem!" He launched forward and punched the aura around the blonde, only to have his attack dissipate.
"Come on, that's all you've got!" Laxus slammed his palm into Natsu's gut and blasted him into the ceiling. "I'll take everything you throw at me, Fairy Tail!" He jumped off the ground and punched Natsu as he fell, before doing so again and sending Natsu to the ground.
Natsu stood up as a bolt of lightning crashed into him forcing him to the ground. "You really are... tough..." He groaned as he rolled to his back.
Laxus held up his hand and lightning shot off, building up in a ball. "Resounding through the air, the roar of thunder. Plunge from the heavens and reap destruction! Raging Bolt!" Laxus brought his hand down and ball flew towards Natsu. It hit the ground and exploded, making Laxus chuckle.
"So, whose the strongest in the guild now?" The smoke faded and Natsu was gone, only broken tiles were on the ground. "Can't really answer that question now that you're dust, can you!?"
"Aren't you guys supposed to be comrades?" Laxus looked up at the railings and saw Gajeel holding on to Natsu. "Only a total psycho would be happy about taking out a friend. Lucky me I was faster. If anyone is gonna take him, down it's me."
"Gajeel..." Natsu looked as the Iron Dragon Slayer jumped to the ground.
"Wood Dragon Tail Crush!" Laki jumped down after them as her leg turned into a trunk and she slammed it into the back of Laxus' head, forcing him to the ground. She landed and her leg returned to normal before she ran over to Natsu. "You okay?"
"I'm fine..." Natsu said as he hung from Gajeel's grasp.
Laxus chuckled as he stood back up. "Oh, look, two more challengers." He smirked as Gajeel tossed Natsu to the side. "You'll all end up dead soon. Anyone who stands in my way will be eliminated!"
"Let me take care of this guy..." Natsu growled as he stood on all fours. "You stay back."
"Not a chance." Gajeel said. "I've got a score to settle with this asshole. Still, he's not messing around. He's a serious monster. Definitely has Makarov's blood in his veins. This suck, but I think we're gonna have to fight as team, you two and me."
Natsu and Laki looked flabbergasted at the idea and stood back up. "Not a chance in hell! I'm the one whose gonna beat Laxus so stay out of this, ya goon!"
"Natsu, look at him..." Laki said, making Natsu turn to the blonde. "Is that the same guy you remember?"
"What's wrong, you sacred?" Laxus asked mockingly as lightning arched off him. "Well, you should be."
"As far as I can tell, that's an enemy." Gajeel said. "If we wanna save the guild, we have to stop him here and now."
"We don't really have a choice." Laki explained to Natsu. "With everyone else knocked out by the game or his Thunder Palace, we're the only ones left who can stop him."
"When have you been pro-Fairy Tail?" Natsu asked Gajeel's with doubt.
"Yeah, it's way too sudden a change of heart." Laki added.
"I can protect or destroy whatever the hell I want to!" Gajeel shouted back.
"What happened to the sky not being big enough for two dragons?" Natsu asked with a smirk.
"And that means there's no room for three?" Laki asked as she fixed her glasses.
"Ain't no dragons flying in the sky now." Gajeel smirked back. "Not with all this lightning."
"This is a one time thing, you got it?" Natsu asked back.
"Hey, this ain't fun for me either." Gajeel said. "We'll fight it out someday. And I wanna test myself against the Green Woman."
"If we survive this, it's a deal." Laki nodded in agreement.
"Let's do this!" All three shouted as they charged the blonde before unleashing a series of strikes that Laxus blocked.
"Wood Dragon Uprooter!" Laki slammed her foot down and a seal appeared beneath Laxus. A tree shot out of the seal and almost grabbed him before he shattered it with lightning. He shot balls of lightning at her and a magic seal appeared before her. "Wood Dragon Shield!" Her forearm grew into a giant piece of bark, protecting her from the lightning.
"Iron Dragon Sword!" Gajeel sliced through a falling log and hit Laxus, sending him into the air.
"Fire Dragon Talon!" Natsu jumped into the air and slammed his flaming foot into Laxus' head, sending him back down.
Laki placed her arm in her elbow ditch and a magic seal appeared before her fist. "Wood Dragon Splinter Shot!" Shards of wood shot out of the seal and tore Laxus' shirt off as Natsu landed.
"Fire Dragon-" Natsu chanted as he pulled his head back.
"Iron Dragon-" Gajeel copied the pinkettes actions.
"Wood Dragon-" Laki completed the trios spells.
"Roar!" All three shouted before unleashing their breath attacks. The spells hit the blonde at the same time, creating a huge explosion.
"Is that seriously all you can muster up?" Laxus asked, unphased as the smoke cleared. "Not one of you deserve the title of Dragon Slayer."
"How?" Natsu asked in shock. "There's not even a scratch on him."
"He's definitely Makarov's grandson..." Laki said.
"I don't get it." Gajeel mumbled. "I know he's strong and all, but we whipped out a ton of Dragon Slayer magic... How is he still standing?"
"Hey, I'll let you guys in on a little secret." Laxus said? "Four eyes here ain't the only one hiding something. But I guess I can trust you." His canines grew larger as scales appeared on his arm and his muscles exploded as his body was surrounded by lightning.
"Seriously?" Natsu asked in shock.
"No way..." Gajeel added as he stared in disbelief.
"This can't be real..." Laki said.
"Lightning Dragon-" A magic seal appeared in front of Laxus as lightning gathered around his mouth.
"Laxus is a Dragon Slayer too?!" Natsu shouted.
"Roar!" Laxus unleashed his spell and a giant beam of lightning shot out of the seal. The spell hit the three and resulted in a huge explosion of lightning. As the dust settled, Natsu, Laki and Gajeel laid on the ground, paralyzed by lightning. "You're still alive? What does it take to kill you idiots!?"
"I can't move..." Natsu groaned in pain.
"You losers..." Laxus walked forward seething in anger. "Erza and Mystogan... the old fart... those weak little Fairies... and the pathetic people of Magnolia... Your time is over now!" Magic energy shot off of Laxus as the other Slayers stared at him.
"Where's all this magic coming from?" Gajeel asked.
"This feels familiar..." Natsu groaned. "Like one of gramps spells..."
"He can't be doing what I think he's doing..." Laki said as she looked up.
"This guy's insane..." Gajeel mumbled in disbelief. "He's trying to cast Makarov's ultimate judgement spell! It will target anyone the caster sees as their enemy... Were as good as dead..."
Laxus held his hands apart as a ball of magic appeared between them. "That's right, metal head. I've mastered Fairy Law!"
"That's the spell that defeated Master Jose..." Gajeel whispered in fear.
"Laxus, stop this!" Natsu shouted.
"You'll kill everyone in the town!" Laki added. Their words fell on deaf ears as Laxus continued the spell.
"Laxus!" All eyes looked to the front door as Levy opened it.
"Levy?" Natsu asked.
"You idiot!" Gajeel shouted. "What are you doing here!?"
"Get out of here!" Laki added.
"You've got to see the master!" Levy shouted at the blonde. "He doesn't have much time. Master Makarov..." Tears wield up in her eyes as she struggled to say what she had to. "Your grandfather is close to death!" All eyes went wide at her statement. "Please, just stop this and go see him before its to late!"
"No... Gramps is gonna die?" Natsu asked in shock.
Laxus stared at his hands as Levy begged one more time. A sick chuckle escaped his mouth before he broke out in a maniacal laugh. "That suits me just fine. Once the old man dies, my chances at becoming Fairy Tail's new master look better than ever!"
The callous nature of his response disgusted them all. "This will be the dawn of a new era! I'll rebuild everything from the ground up! A guild so powerful, our very name will strike fear into the hearts of everyone!"
"Don't you care about gramps at all!?" Natsu shouted.
"You sick son of a bitch!" Laki added in disgust.
"Fairy Law." Laxus clasped his hands and all of Magnolia was enveloped by the light. The light soon faded and Laxus was alone, surrounded by dust and panting. "I did it... I surpassed-" His eyes went wide as the dust settled, showing the other slayers and levy unharmed. "What the? How the hell are you all still alive?"
"You okay, Levy?" Gajeel asked.
"I'm fine." She confessed.
"Natsu, are you okay?" Laki asked as he growled in response.
"He looks fine to me." Gajeel said with a chuckle.
"What's going on!?" Laxus asked as he stared at his hands. "I used so much magic energy, who can they be alive!?"
"The guild members... and the townspeople are safe." The blonde looked at the door and saw Freed leaning against it, clutching his arm. "Not a single person was harmed."
"That's impossible!" Laxus roared in anger. "I cast Fairy Law perfectly!"
"Maybe so, but your heart has betrayed you." Freed said back. "It seems that strength wasn't the only thing you inherited for Makarov. You also have the masters heart. Admit it or not, it's clear that you care for your comrades. Fairy Law only works on those the caster sees as their enemy. Do you understand what I'm saying to you, Laxus?"
"His magic could see into his heart..." Levy whispered. "That's why we're still here."
"You can't lie to your magic, Laxus." Freed said with a smirk. "It will always reveal the truth about you."
"That's just ridiculous..." Laxus said in a fury. "Anyone who would stand in my way is my enemy!"
"This has gone on long enough!" Freed shouted as Laxus' magic flared around him. "Please, go and see the master before it's too late!"
"Let him die for all I care!" Laxus growled in anger. "He means nothing to me! He might be my family, but I'm stronger!" Lightning shot around him, tearing up the ground around him.
"Who do you think you are!?" Natsu shouted as his vest was torn off. "You're not stronger than Gramps! You couldn't even cast Fairy Law! You might be his grandson, but you're no different than the rest of us! Blood ties don't matter, because everyone in the guild is family!"
"That's a crock and you know it!" Laxus shouted back. "Blood ties DO mater!"
"You've been a member long enough to know better than that!" Natsu shouted as flames wrapped around him, taking the shape of a dragon. "If you think that makes you above everyone else..." He ignited his fist and launched forward. "Then you're wrong!"
"And you're dead!" Laxus shouted as he copied his actions before both launched out of the chapel. Their elements clashed in the sky until Natsu was sent crashing into a tower. "Just die!" Laxus slammed his fist into Natsu and dragged him through the stone before kicking him away. "Face it, its over!"
"Natsu!" Levy, with Gajeel over her shoulder, called out in concern as the pinkette stood up.
"The guild doesn't belong to you..." Natsu panted "It never will!"
"Yes it will!" Laxus pulled his sparking fist back and a magic seal appeared. "Lightning Dragon Breakdown Fist!" The seal sent a giant electric fist flying at Natsu, who was too sore to move.
"Natsu!" Laki, having climbed up to the roof, pushed Natsu out of the way and the spell hit her, creating an explosion.
Natsu turned back and stared at Laki's body, laying on the roof. "How dare you..." He growled at the blonde.
"You'll join her soon enough." Laxus said before staring in shock as Laki started to move. "That's it! I'm through playing games!" He pumped his fist into the air, creating a magic seal.
"Laxus, stop!" Freed shouted. "That spell could kill them!"
Laxus just laughed at the statement as he chucked the ball of lightning at Natsu. "Lightning Dragon Heavenward Halberd!" The ball took the shape of the weapon mentioned and flew at Natsu and Laki behind him. Just before it hit him, it made a sharp right turn and blasted Gajeel, whose arm was in its club form.
"He used himself as a lightning rod!?" Freed asked in shock.
"Get him!" Gajeel shouted at Natsu as he fell to the ground.
Natsu growled in anger until he erupted into flames. "Fire Dragon-" Natsu shouted as he launched forward. "Iron Fist! Talon! Wing Attack! Sword Horn! Flame Elbow!" The barrage of attacks overpowered Laxus and forced him back.
"Amazing..." Levy mumbled beside Freed. "It's like his magic can break though a dragons scales and destroy its spirit."
"Dragon Slayer Secret Arts..." Freed added.
"Crimson Lotus: Fire Dragons Fist!" Natsu pulled his fists back before punching Laxus over and over until he threw one final haymaker that sent the blonde crashing into the tower, defeated.
"He did it..." Freed stared wide eyed in disbelief. "He actually beat Laxus..." With a mighty roar, Natsu turned around as Laki was rolling off the roof. Just as she fell off, Natsu grabbed her wrist.
"You okay, Laki?" He asked as he pulled her up, sending him to his back as Laki nuzzled into his chest.
"I am now..." She whispered.
"Take a break..." Natsu petted her hair as looked up at the clearing sky. "We won..."
Lucy's speech was so sweet, I feel like I gained 20 pounds just listening to it. So I shorted it so now it's about one pound.
Someone in the reviews called me feminist last chapter because I said I don't like seeing every female in every media as a weak helpless girl. If that makes me a feminist, than I wear that word with pride!
Next up is the Fantasia parade and Laki is gonna get her own float. See you then.
Beta read by Natsu is Awesome.