Chapter 31

Deadman Walking

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Magic"

Flashback

Location / Date / Time Skip

Barely anyone could move as the blast moved closer to them. Those who could covered the girls in a failed effort to protect them.

"Iron Rock Wall!" Pillars of stone shot out of the ground and blocked the spell, creating a lot of dust. "Barely made it."

"Jura!" Sherry cheered.

"You're the best!" Eve shouted.

"I'll second that." Hibiki added.

"Yeah, thanks for that." Lucy nodded.

"Alright." Natsu pushed himself up to his hands. "Let's get them." Everyone looked forward and the clearing was empty.

"They left." Gray mumbled in anger.

"How could they get away!?" Natsu shouted as Carla looked at the empty space.

"We'll find her." Rose walked over and put her paw on the others shoulder.

"They wiped the floor with us." Ren said.

"They're a lot stronger than we are." Eve added. "We're lucky to be alive."

"The Oraciōn Seis..." Lyon mumbled. "What unbelievable power..."

"And there are only six of them." Hibiki reminded. "They're a lot stronger than the rumors said."

"Look at what they did to Christina..." Sherry mumbled in horror.

"According to Angel, who can somehow copy minds, they know everything about our mission." Jura reluctantly confessed. "We're lucky no one died today."

"Wait, what about all the people inside the ship?" Lucy asked.

"Calm down, pretty lady." Hibiki said.

"Christian is equipped with a remote control function." Eve explained. "So, there's no need for a pilot. The plan was to climb a board once we found their base, but that didn't really work."

"Well, I guess that's some good news." Lucy sighed.

"Good too see you're okay." Lyon clutched his shoulder as he walked over to Jura.

"Not quite." The Saint confessed. "In fact, I barely made it out alive."

"You're injured?" The maker asked.

"Their strength scares me." The bald man nodded. "Honestly, if it wasn't for Ichiya's painkiller, I'd be in totally agony right now."

"Vile Oraciōn Seis..." The short man said. "Instead of choosing to fight, you run like cowards. That means we win."

"This isn't a game, weirdo!" Gray shouted.

"Okay, we're battered, but not beaten yet." Ichiya pulled out a vile of perfume. "Take a whiff, and let my painkiller parfume ease you." He popped the cork off and a green mist left the glass.

"It works..." Lucy mumbled. "My pain is fading away. Just cut back on all the posing."

"Well, what do we do now?" Natsu asked. "Those creeps ran off with Wendy and Happy!" He pushed himself up and started running. "I gotta go find them."

"Wait up!" Lucy shouted. Carla and Rose grabbed the ends of Natsu's scarf and forced him to the ground.

"Believe me, we wanna go after them too." Rose said as the two floated on their wings. "But rushing in head first is what got us into this mess. We need a plan this time around."

"Those wings..." Gray mumbled.

"You two can fly?" Ren asked.

"You've never seen Aera magic before?" Carla asked turning around. "Well, then I guess that explains why you would find it surprising."

"You're trying to copy Happy, aren't you?" Natsu asked from the ground.

"As if!" Carla shouted.

"Calm down, we can have three flying cats." Lucy joked.

"I am concerned about Wendy and that tomcat, but this isn't something to be taken lightly." Carla said, ignoring the comment. "We cannot face them again until we come up with a plan."

"I agree, miss Carla." Jura spoke up. "The enemy is stronger than we thought."

"But, first..." Carla turned and everyone followed her to Erza and Laki, leaning against a pair of trees as purple venom spread on their arm and leg. Ichiya tried his parfume, but it did nothing.

"Lucy..." The red head reached out and grabbed for the blonde. "I need to borrow your belt."

"Wait, what?" The belt was ripped off, giving the Trimen a quick glance of her lower half. "Close your eyes, jerks!" She kicked them away as Erza tied the belt on her shoulder.

She threw her sword to the ground as she bit her other sleeve. "Someone cut it off." Her words shocked the whole group.

"Give us some time to find an antidote!" Gray shouted.

"There's no time..." Erza groaned.

"Fine. I'll do it." Lyon pulled the sword out of the ground.

"Put it down, Lyon." Gray warned.

"Do it!" Erza shouted.

"Don't!" He shouted back.

"Wait!" Laki shouted as she pulled a pink flower out of the ground. "Eat this..." Erza opened her mouth and ate the plant.

"I feel... better..." Erza looked at the arm and noticed the venom was spreading slower. "How did?"

"Its a thistle branch." Laki explained as she ate one herself. "Drusta taught me all about different kinds of plants. It'll slow the poison down, but it won't stop it."

"Way to go Laki!" Natsu cheered, making her blush.

"But sooner or later, that effect will run out." Lyon said. "So, unless you have a long term solution, get out of my way."

"I can't believe you're as shady as ever!" Gray shouted as he stood in his way. Lyon tried to push Gray to the side, but Rose floated in between them.

"Can't we just give her more of the plant?" She asked.

"That's not a good idea." Laki said. "Give her too much and she'll overdose on it. Once an hour until we can cure her."

"So what do we do!?" Lyon asked as Erza closed her eyes.

"No!" Lucy shouted.

"She's fine." Laki said, pushing herself towards Erza. "Its a rare side effect. She's just asleep." She looked over as Lyon approached her, holding the sword. "Don't even think about it."

"Well, we need to do something!" He shouted.

"We need to stop the venom from spreading!" Eve shouted. "If we don't, you'll both die."

"We need Wendy!" Carla declared, catching them all off guard. "She can save your friends. This isn't the time for us to be fighting ourselves. We need to think of a plan to save Wendy. And, maybe that tomcat."

"Wait, she has some kinda anti-venom magic?" Eve asked.

"Not just that." Rose said in the air. "She can cure fevers, remove pain, and fix wounds."

"Excuse me." Ichiya spoke up. "I feel like my usefulness to the group is being threatened and I find that unsettling."

"Well, deal with it!" Rose shouted.

"Don't be crazy." Sherry said. "Everyone knows healing spells are lost magic. There's no way she can use them."

"Wait, does this have anything to do with the 'maiden of the sky' thing?" Lucy asked.

"Yes it does." Carla answered. "You see, that little girl is the Sky Dragon Slayer. She's Wendy the Sky Maiden." The whole group was in shock of the deceleration, but none more so than Natsu and Laki.

"She's a Dragon Slayer too!?" They both asked.

"We can go over the details later." Rose said. "But, there's not much else you need to know. Wendy is the only one capable of saving your friends. We need her now."

"Unfortunately, the Oraciōn Seis need her too." Carla spoke up. "I don't know why."

"In that case, our goal is clear." Lyon said.

"We're gonna have to rescue her." Eve added.

"We'll do it for Erza and Laki." Gray agreed.

"And Happy too." Lucy added.

"Alright, who's with me!?" Natsu raised his fist and the group rallied behind him.

Oraciōn Seis Hideout

Wendy and Happy flew out of the staff and crashed into the wall of the cave, making Brain chuckle. "Don't be so rough!" Happy shouted. "She's just a kid, ya know!?"

Brain grabbed the cat and lifted him into the air. "Let him go!" Wendy shouted. Brain listened to the girl and threw the cat back down. "Happy, are you okay?"

"Don't worry..." The blue cat said as he pushed himself up. "I won't let them hurt you..."

"Why'd you bring her here, Brain?" Racer asked from the side. "I don't see how this girl is important."

"Does she have anything to do with Nirvana?" Cobra asked.

Angel stared at the little girl, unimpressed. "She doesn't seem that special."

"Is she worth something?" Hoteye asked. "That's it, isn't it? You plan to sell her to the highest bidder right? Oh yeah."

"You do know that jewel can't solve every problem right?" Cobra asked.

"I beg to differ. After all, money can buy anything." Hoteye said back.

"You really are delusional, aren't you?" The snake wizard asked annoyed.

"This girl uses something called sky magic." Brain spoke up, ending the squabble that was growing. "It gives her the power to heal others."

"I thought that was impossible?" Racer asked.

"That's a lost magic, isn't it?" Angel added.

"Just another practice, forgotten long ago." Cobra added as Midnight snored.

"I can smell the money we're gonna make..." Hoteye added.

Cobra walked forward and chuckled. "What good is a healer to us? Wait... Are you talking about?"

"She's the key!" Brian said, interrupting the other wizard. "With her power, we shall revive him!"

"Who are you talking about!?" Happy shouted back.

"I'm not gonna help you." Wendy said with determination. "I could never help bad people!"

"Oh, you will." Brain said with a sick grin. "There's not a doubt in my mind. Once you see who it is, you'll be more than happy to help. Racer..." Brain looked over his shoulder and the blonde stood up. "Bring him to me at once."

"Got it." The racer motifed man said. "But it'll take me an hour, even with my speed."

"I get it..." Cobra said with a grin. "Once he's back, well be able to find Nirvana in no time. You've done your name proud, sir."

"Cobra, Hoteye, Angel..." The leader spoke again. "Continue the search for Nirvana."

"Why?" Angel asked. "It's a waste of time. Shouldn't we just wait until he's been revived?"

"Who are trying to bring back!?" Happy shouted, annoyed that they were being ignored.

"It's best to err on the side of caution." Brian said, ignoring the question and Midnights snores. "Midnight and I will stay here."

"I don't think he'll be in the mood for conversation." Hoteye joked.

"Alright, let's go." Cobra said as he scratched Cubelious' chin.

"How about a little wager?" Angel asked. "Whoever finds Nirvana first wins a prize..."

"Totaling one million jewel!" Hoteye shouted, interrupting her. "Count me in!"

"Don't you think a millions a bit much?" Angel asked back.

"Hey, do you have any idea who these creeps are talking about?" Happy asked as the the three left the cave.

"No..." Wendy shook her head in response. "What does Nirvana do? At least tell us that."

Brain looked over his shoulder and glared at the child and cat. "It's incredibly powerful. It swaps light for darkness." His words confused the two, leaving them wondering what the dark leader meant.

With Lucy and Hibiki

Lucy and Plue stared at Erza as the venom in her arm slowly but surely spread. "Come on, guy's. You have to hurry."

"You do know that's not gonna help, right?" Hibiki asked, making Lucy turn to him. "We can't just sit here and worry. We need to do something to help them."

"How do we do that?" The blonde asked as a keyboard appeared in front of Hibiki's fingers.

"I know we're not much of a team since we were all just thrown together at the last minute, but we need to start think like that if we wanna beat the Oración Seis." Hibiki said as he typed onto the screen in front of him.

"Archive magic, that's what your magic is called right?" Lucy asked.

"Indeed it is." Hibiki nodded. "Not much use for fighting, but it's pretty handy when you need to share information. So, why didn't you go join the others?"

"No, someone needs to stay here and keep an eye on Erza and-" She looked over at the tree and found only air. "Wait? Where's Laki?"

"What?" Hibiki looked over and found that both the purplette and Rose were gone. "You don't think she left to fight, do you?"

"Oh, man. Natsu's gonna kill us." Lucy mumbled in fear. "The only thing he asked to do and we failed."

"He really does care for her, doesn't he?" Hibiki asked with a grin. "I might be a playboy, but I know true love when I see it."

"Yeah, still it's kinda funny." Lucy chuckled as she gave Erza another thistle. "Fire and wood don't usually mix that well."

With Laki and Rose

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Rose asked as she flew alongside Laki, who used her magic to support her leg. "You're injured and-"

"I can still fight." Laki said, interrupting the cat. "And I'm not just gonna sit on my butt and do nothing while others fight for me." The two past a large rock, unaware of the people in the trees watching them.

"She's injured..." One if the hooded people said. "This is gonna be easier than I thought."

"Hey, Rose?" Laki spoke up again. "Can I ask you a few questions about Wendy?"

With Natsu, Gray and Carla

The two wizards raced through the forest as Carla flew next to them. "So, if Wendy is a Sky Dragon Slayer, what does she eat for power?" Natsu asked the cat.

"Air." Carla answered back.

"Is it tasty?" He asked back.

"I don't know." She said.

"I don't see how that's any different from breathing." Gray mumbled from behind.

"The only reason she applied for this mission was for the chance to meet you and Laki." Carla explained.

"Why us?" Natsu asked asked.

"Becasue you're both fellow Dragon Slayer." Carla answered. "There's something she wanted to ask you about."

"Do you know what it is?" He asked.

"Actually, yes." Carla nodded. "It seems the dragon that taught her mysteriously disappeared seven years ago. She was hoping either of you might be able to tell her where to find it."

"What was the Dragons name?" Natsu asked.

"I think she called her the Sky Dragon, Grandeneey." Carla said.

"Sky Dragon Grandeeney." Natsu mumbled. "Seven years ago..." His mind focused on his task, he missed the branch in front of him and fell to the he ground before popping back up. "Wait, maybe Laxus knows!"

"He's a loser, remember?" Gray said, looking behind him. "Besides, Gramps said he's not a real dragon slayer, remember?"Carla gasped and both men looked forward. "What's happened here?" Instead of the normal brown and green combo, the whole forest was pitch black.

"The trees... are all black..." Gray mumbled.

"Whoa, that's creepy." Natsu said.

All turned around as footsteps drew their attention. "That's all caused by Nirvana." One of the men, with REALLY BIG round ears, said. "Ain't that right, big bro Zatou?"

"Oh, yeah." The second one, with an afro, nodded. "This magic is so strong, nature itself can't contain it. Everything around it just withers up and die. Ain't that right, big bro Gatou?"

Hundred of monkey like members appeared in the trees and surrounded them. "This isn't good." Carla mumbled. "We're completely surrounded.

"That's all caused by-" Gatou started to repeat himself.

"Stop saying the same thing." Zatou said.

"Huh, I didn't even notice it." Gatou said.

"Whoa, those two are the dumbest monkeys I've ever seen." Natsu said in joy.

"Hey, those punks are with the Fairy Tail guild!" A member shouted in between the brother. "They're friends with the blonde that stop us a Acalypha!"

"Oh, an angry monkey!" Natsu shouted, disgusting Carla.

"We're the guild Naked Mummy!" Gatou shouted back. "Were with the Oración Seis!"

"You got a death wish pal?" Zatou said as dark energy pooled of his fist.

"What's Naked Mummy?" Natsu asked.

"Are you seriously that stupid?" Gray asked. "They're the dark guild Lucy told us about."

"It was a trap." Carla mumbled. "They tricked us into thinking we only had to fight six wizards."

Gray summoned ice to his hand and smirked. "The more the merrier."

"No kidding!" Natsu cheered. "Bring on the monkeys!"

"What wrong with you two?" Carla asked. "We should run while we have the chance!"

"No way." Gray said back. "That's just bad manners, especially after they came to us. We're not leaving until they take us to their base."

"These guys are gonna tell us where Wendy and Happy are." Natsu said as flames rolled of his fist.

"You think we're gonna freak out over some flames?" Zatou asked.

"Don't mess with us!" Gatou shouted. "We're with the Oración-"

"You already said that!" Natsu shouted annoyed.

"This is the end of the line for you Fairies." Zatou said as the whole guild started shrieking like monkeys.

"Why do I get the feeling that all the Fairy Tail wizards are like this?" Carla asked. "How can two wizards stop an entire guild!?"

With Ren and Eve

The two playboys stood back to back as they were surrounded by a group of people, all with a long strand of hair brought to a point. "Look at their hair." Ren said. "These guys must be with the Black Unicorn guild."

"These creeps really wanna get in our way?" Eve asked.

"What, you gonna cry, pretty boy losers?" A member asked.

With Lamia Scale

The three stood in a circle as wizards in red cloaks surrounded them. "They're with the Red Hood dark guild." Jura observed.

"I can't believe we were being followed." Lyon mumbled.

"I don't think they know who we are." Sherry said with a chuckle.

"It's Jura, the wizard Saint." One member said. "If we beat him, it will make us famous."

With Ichiya

Ichiya crawled up against a rock and begged for mercy as dark wizards surrounded him.

With Laki and Rose

"Who are these guys?" Rose asked as hundreds of people surrounded them, all in red and black

"The Crimson Hand!" Laki shouted, pointing to a red handprint on a members black pants. "These guys are an assassin guild."

"If it isn't the Green Woman..." A woman chuckled before noticing Laki's leg. "Let's get her!"

Oración Seis Hideout

"Sorry I'm late." Racer said as he placed a coffin on the ground. "This thing is so heavy, I could barely build up any speed. I thought I was fast, but after this, I'm not so sure."

"Let me assure you, Racer." Brain said, walking forward. "There is no one faster than you."

"What is that?" Wendy asked from the ground.

"Its some kinda coffin..." Happy mumbled as Brian looked down at her.

"Its time, Wendy." He said. "Are you ready to use your healing magic to resurrect the man in here?"

"I said no!" Wendy shouted. "I won't do it and you can't make me!"

"Yeah, you heard the lady!" Happy added.

"Perhaps I forgot to mention, you don't have a choice!" Brian shouted as the magic chains unlocked and the lid melted away, revealing Jellal with blue marking on his body.

"What the?" Happy asked as Brain smirked. Wendy gasped at the face in the coffin.

"Let me introduce you to Jellal." Brain said. "A brilliant wizard who infiltrated the Magic Council."

"No, it's not possible..." Happy was in complete fear as he backed away. "It can't be..."

"Oh, but it is." Brain smiled at the cat. "Once he's revived, he will lead us to Nirvana."

"Revive him!?" Happy asked. "How? What are you gonna do!?"

"It's really him..." Wendy mumbled, catching Happy off guard.

"How do you know him!?" The cat asked.

"Overexposure to Ethernano caused him to go into catatonic state." Brain explained. "He might be unconscious, but he is still very much alive. You are the only one who can heal him. Isn't that the least you can do after everything he's done for you?"

With Natsu and Gray

"Hey bro, let's show these guys how scary Naked Mummy can be." Gatou said to his brother.

"Yeah, too bad it'll be over so quick they won't even know what hit them." Zatou said back.

"Yeah, but I'm thinking we show these guys just how scary Naked Mummy can be." Gatou repeated himself.

"You just said that! Charge!" Zatou shouted and the whole guild charged at the two wizards.

"These guy's need to stick to the comedy routine." Natsu chuckled.

"Plus, that 'Bro' act is getting annoying." Gray said. The dark wizards fired their guns and both dodged before Natsu slammed his fist into the ground, sending members of the dark guild into the air. One charged from behind and Gray froze his face before throwing him back into other members. The two took turns just destroying the dark wizards.

"Take this!" The member from Acalypha shouted as he cocked his gun. "It's my magic shotgun!" He pulled the trigger and fired, only to panic as Natsu simply tanked it. "I'm sorry!" Were his only words before getting sent sky high by Natsu's fist.

"Huh, they're tough than they look." Gatou said to his brother. "What should we do?"

"We already talked about this." Zatou said back.

"But they're a lot tougher than they look." Gatou repeated himself again.

Oraciōn Seis Hideout

"Jellal..." Wendy mumbled as she stared at the bluenette male. "I don't understand..."

"That guy is bad news." Happy said. "Why is he here?"

"Wait, you know him too?" Wendy asked the cat.

"It's not like I want to." Happy answered as he stood up and glared at the body. "He tried to kill me, Erza, and a whole bunch of other people! He got the council to fire the Etherion."

"I know..." Wendy let her long hair cover her eyes. "I heard about that..."

"I thought he was dead!" Happy shouted.

"Not quite." Brain said. "At the moment, he's just a shell of his former self. But he's also given you the greatest gift, haven't he?"

"Wait, he did?" Happy asked before turning to Wendy. "What does that mean?"

"This is your opportunity to return the favor and bring him back!" Brain shouted at the girl.

"Don't do it!" Happy shouted back. "No matter what he says, don't wake Jellal up." Wendy just stood there, listening to both sides. "Please, you can't."

Brian pulled out a dagger and pointed it at Jellal's neck. "So, I take that as a no?"

"Stop!" Wendy shouted back as Brain stabbed the coffin, right next to Jellal's neck. Wendy dropped to her knees and almost cried. "Please, don't do it." Brain waved his hand and blasted the ground next to her.

"Bring him back." He ordered. "You have the power to do so, so do it!"

"That's the last thing you wanna do!" Happy shouted. "They're planing to use him to find steal Nirvana!"

"But... I have to help him..." Wendy said back. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him." She gripped her hand into a fist as tears fell from her eyes. "He was so kind to me... I've heard about what he's done... but they can't be true." She stood back, her fists still clenched.

"They're all true!" Happy shouted. "I was there! I saw it!"

"He's not someone who could do that!" Wendy shouted at the cat.

"But, he did..." Happy said.

"Just... give me some time to think." She requested from Brain.

"Why!?" Happy asked the girl. "Just tell him no!"

Brain merely chuckled at the two. "Very well, you have five minutes."

'Someone, anyone.' Happy thought o himself in a panic. 'Please help us.'

With Natsu and Gray

The two wizards panted in exhaustion as the last of the dark guild members fell. "Man, what a workout." Natsu said as he wiped sweat off his chin. "I thought it be easier."

"For a bunch of monkeys, they put up a good fight." Gray added.

"Who would think taking on an entire guild would be a walk in the park?!" Carla asked from the side. "You were outnumbered twenty to one, at least!"

Natsu picked up one of the brothers by the collar. "Spill it! Where's your hideout?"

"I'm not gonna tell you anything." Zatou said back.

"Big mistake." Natsu pulled his head back and slammed it into the afro head, knocking him out before he picked up the second one in the same way. "How about you?"

"These boy's are crazy..." Carla mumbled.

"Okay, come and get them..." Gatou mumbled before passing out.

"What does that mean?" Gray asked.

"Well, well, well..." Both looked up into a tree and came face to face with Erigor. "Looks like you flys are still buzzing around. So I've been sent to swat you down once and for all."

"Seriously?/Him again?" Gray/Natsu asked at the same time.

"Yo, cool breeze!" Natsu shouted. "Long time no see! How ya been!?"

"Are you really that stupid?" Gray asked in disbelief. "He's the one behind the Eisenwald guilds plan to kill all the guild masters with Lullaby, remember!?"

"Oh, yeah..." A light went off in Natsu's head. "He's the wind bag I roasted on the bridge. What a jerk."

Erigor jumped off the branch and floated in the air. "After Eisenwald fell, I used my expertise as an enforcer to serve the Seis. This is like a dream come true. The day I would finally have my revenge! The day the Salamander would die by Erigor the Reapers hand!"

"So this is all about revenge, is that it?" Gray asked.

"Sounds like fun to me." Natsu cracked his knuckles in anticipation.

"They just finished a fight and now they want to fight again?" Carla mumbled to herself. "Reckless isn't even the right word."

With Ren and Eve

The pointed haired mob charged the pretty boy's with weapons and magic. "Air Magic: Aerial!" Ren held his hand out and a dome of air trapped a group of dark wizards. "There's less oxygen in that dome, meaning you can't breath as well as normal."

Another group charged Eve and threatened to turn him ugly. "You wanna see ugly?" The group jumped at him and he raised his hand. "Snow Magic: White Out!" A magic seal appeared and a blizzard of snow shot out of it, burying the enemies. "How's that for cute?"

With Lamia Scale

"Foolish wizards." One cloaked Wizard as they all drew on sketchpads. "Here's some real magic."

"Is that so?" Lyon asked.

"By drawing us a picture?" Sherry added.

"It's Picto magic." Jura explained. "It let's bring anything they draw into the real world."

"Unison Picto!" The dark wizards all chanted, summoning matching seals. "Goblin!" A puff of smoke appeared and when it died, a horde of pink, squirrel like creatures appeared.

"These are goblins?" Lyon asked.

"How adorable." Sherry said almost hugging one.

"Do not be fooled!" Jura shouted. "They are still viscous beasts!" The goblins rolled up into balls and started bouncing off the wizards.

"We have no choice!" Lyon blasted the creatures with ice.

"Wood Doll!" Sherry possessed a tree and it pounded the goblins.

All the goblins whined as bumps developed on their heads. "The poor widdle things..." Sherry said feeling sad for the drawings.

"I said stay focused." Jura said, holding one by the tail.

"Listen to him." One of the dark wizards said as the group drew again. "Keep your eyes on the goblins. Unison Picto!" A new seal appeared and from it, a massive green Wyvern emerged and roared.

"Seriously, a Wyvern?" Lyon asked.

"Not cute!" Sherry shouted.

"They are skilled artists." Jura said before the dark wizards ordered the beast to attack. The light wizards ran away and the goblins folllowed them.

"What do we do!?" The others asked the Saint, making him turn around.

"Iron Rock Spike!" Jagged rocks shot out of the ground and pinned the beast in place. "Finish him, now!"

"Ice-Make:" Lyon started.

"Marionette Attack:" Sherry copied him.

"Snow Tiger!" Lyon finished and an ice tiger tackled the drawing.

"Rock Doll!" Sherry summoned a golem and it punched the beast. The beast took to the air and dive bombed Jura.

"Iron Rock Powder Explosion!" Jura summoned five spikes that pierced the beast, turning it into a cloud of dust. The actions scared the goblins before they disappeared themselves.

The artists were in a panic at how quickly they beat the Wyvern. "Can we draw something scarier!?" One dark wizard asked.

"They may just be drawings, but I do not approve of your use of life as cannon fodder." Jura said with a dark glint in his eyes, scaring the dark wizards.

With Laki and Rose

"Wood Dragon Grain Blade!" Laki swung her arm and a branch grew out of her arm, letting her swat away about twenty members. "Wood Dragon Splinter Shot!" She spun around and summoned a seal, letting hundred of shards fly out at the group. "These guys just keep coming."

"Get the cat!" One member shouted as they chased Rose through the forest.

"Not gonna happen!" The cat flew around a tree and head butted the leader of the mob chasing her, making them topple over like pins. "Laki, catch!" Rose pulled off a large branch and tossed it at the purplette, who quickly ate it.

"Time for some fun." Laki said with a smile. A golden resin pooled out of the trees and trapped the dark wizards inside. "Dragon Slayer Secret Art. Dryaids Might: Amber Bomb!" Magic seals appeared beneath the amber before they exploded, knocking them all out. She turned around and adjusted her glasses as more hooded members appeared. "This is gonna be along day."

With Natsu, Gray and Carla

Erigor blasted Natsu back to the ground before sending another blast of wind at the trio. Gray created a shield that blocked the attack as Natsu stood up. "This guy has really stepped up his game since the last time."

"I can still take him." Natsu launched forward and ignited his fist. "Fire Dragon Iron Fist!" Erigor blocked with his hand, creating an explosion.

"Fire doesn't seem to be the best magic against wind." Carla mumbled to Gray.

"You might think so." Gray said back. "Natsu might have struggled with him the first time, but he's way stronger now than he was back then."

"No way..." Erigor mumbled, over hearing the conversation.

"Fire Dragon Talon!" Natsu swung his foot and caught Erigor.

'Damn it!' Erigor thought to himself. 'He's stronger than before. How is that possible!?' Natsu landed as Erigor floated above him. "I see you've stepped up your game little fly."

"Glad you noticed." Natsu said before igniting himself. "I'm not in the mood to chat. Im gonna kick you butt so I can go save my friends!"

"As big a mouth as ever..." Erigor mumbled as he waved his hands. "Let's shut you up! Emera Baram!" A blast of wind shot out of the seal, tearing up the ground and forcing Gray to shield Carla. "What do you think about that, pest? You're not the only whose gotten stronger. I've been training to increase my destructive power, all just to take you down for good."

"That's just sad." Natsu said as he stood undamaged from the attack. "If all you've been thinking about is revenge, you haven't changed one bit. But I guess I should be flattered. Didn't realized I was that important to you."

Erigor stared at him before snickering. "You're the one who doesn't understand. I don't give a damn about what's you did to Eisenwald, or the Seis. It's not about them or you, it's about me! I won't let you beat me again!"

"We'll see about that!" Natsu shouted as he erupted in flames. "You and me, right now!" Erigor launched forward with his arms costed in wind as Natsu pulled his fist back. "Take this!"

"Magic Wind Palm!" Erigor slammed his hands together and created a tornado that blasted the ground.

Natsu kept from the the dust with his hand ignited. "Crimson Lotus: Fire Dragon Fist!" The pinkette unleashed a torrent of punches before delivering one final haymaker, sending Erigor crashing to the ground.

'Not again...' Erigor thought as he fell to the ground.

Natsu landed and Gray shook his head. "Did you really need to drag that out for so long, pyro?"

'That was impressive.' Carla though to herself. 'I had no idea the Salamander was this powerful.'

Natsu grabbed Erigor by the collar and started shaking him. "Alright, blow hard. You better wake up and tell me where Wendy and Happy are right now!"

With Ren and Eve

"Where the Seis hiding!?" Ren demanded an answer from a downed wizard.

With Lamia Scale and Lisanna

"What does that mean?" Lyon asked as he threw down a cloaked wizard. "An ancient village in the west?"

"Am I the only one who finds it funny?" Sherry asked. "These creeps were sent by the Seis to slow us down, only to end up telling us where they are."

Jura turned and looked to the side. "I want you all to go west, now."

"What about you?" Lyon asked as the three turned to the Saint.

"There's a large amount of magical energy heading this way." He explained.

"One of the Oraciōn Seis?" Sherry asked.

"Most likely." The saint nodded. "I will deal with them."

With Laki and Rose

Laki collapsed against a tree as the last of the Crimson Hand was beaten. "You okay?" Rose asked as she offered a thistle branch.

"I'm fine." Laki took the plant and ate, checking on her bite mark. "All that fighting helped spread the venom. We got to hurry."

With Ichiya

Ichiya hung upside down as dark wizards carried him like a hunting trophy, yet he still bragged like he won the fight.

"Can't we just kill this troll?" One carrying the stick asked.

"Lady Angel said she forgot some to get some information with her copying magic." Another explained. "So were stuck with him."

With Natsu and Gray

"Think this is it?" Natsu asked before bringing his hands to his mouth. "Happy! Wendy!"

"Be quiet!" Carla said back. "The enemy might hear us."

Inside the cave, the group heard the muffle cries of Natsu. "Natsu!"

"Deal with them." Brain ordered Racer. "Take them out."

"Gladly." The blonde smirked as he rushed out of the cave.

"Pathetic fools." Brain mumbled about the Alliance.

A glimmer of light caught the trios attention as Racer zoomed past them, knocking them to the side. "Why is he here?" Natsu asked as he slid to a stop.

"You're time is up." Brain told the girl. Wendy panicked as sweat rolled down her face.

"Don't do this!" Happy shouted. Brain took offense to the cat and blasted him back.

"Your magic can bring him back, so will you help your friend or leave him like this?" Brain had grown tired of waiting. "You must!"

"Jellal..." Wendy mumbled as she clenched her fist again.

Racer stood on a branch overlooking the two Fairy Tail Wizards. "I can handle this." Gray said. "You go down there and help them."

"Right." Natsu nodded.

Racer chuckled as he dove at the two, only to slip on a wall of ice Gray created. "Carla, fly me down there." Natsu turned to the white cat, only to see her still dazed from the hit.

"Here, use this!" Gray summoned a slide of ice that swirled around until it reached the bottom.

"Let's go!" Natsu grabbed the cat and the two slid down with Carla screaming all the way.

"You've done it now..." Racer said as he stood up. "No one puts the brakes on me."

"Looks to me like traction is your problem..." Gray said, turning around. "I can do more than just put the brakes on you, pal. Ready!?"

Natsu reached the bottom and almost puked. "Are you sick?" Carla, having recovered and floating in the air asked. The two started calling fro the duo, earning a response from a cave. Natsu and the cat raced towards the entrance and stopped in horror.

"No..." Natsu growled as the two stared at a conscious Jellal. "How!?"

Brain looked over his shoulder and smiled as Wendy started crying. "I'm sorry... But I had to... I owe him..."

"You used your healing magic in him!?" Carla shouted. "What's wrong with you!? You know what that does to you!" Wendy wiped the tears from her eyes before she fell over unconsious. "Wendy!"

Jellal looked down at their girl. "I don't care how you're here, or how you're still alive..." Natsu growled before igniting his fist. "But I'm taking you down again!" Jellal glanced up at the slayer, held out his hand and blasted him with golden energy, sending Natsu crashing into a wall before rocks buried him.

"Good to see your still at your full power." Brain walked over and Jellal did the same to him.

Happy ran over to his partner as Jellal walked past them and out the cave. "Natsu, wake up!" Happy shouted, waking Natsu up.

"Let's go, you and me!" Natsu looked around for the bluenette.

"He left." Carla said as Natsu stood up.

"The coward!" Natsu roared

"Look, its clear that the two of you have some sort of history, but our first objective should be taking Wendy to your friend as soon as possible." Carla said, making Natsu growl. "You want to save Erza and Laki, don't you?"

"I hate him so much!" Natsu roared. "But you're right... let's go." The cats picked up the slayers and carried them out of the cave.

Midnight slept to the side as the ground exploded, showing Brain hidden from the blast. "Well, that was unexpected. Mayhaps I removed his shackles a bit to early. But that doesn't explain this anger he has. It's definitely something new. Did he somehow hear our plans for Nirvana?"

Brains eyes went wide when an idea entered his head. "No! Does he plan to horde the power of Nirvana all to himself!? I will not allow it! It belongs to the Oraciōn Seis, not to him! Cobra! Do you hear me!? Jellal has escaped and is looking for Nirvana! Find him and stop him!"

With Cobra

"Loud and clear, boss." Cobra said, buried in the brush. "I can hear his footsteps a mile away."

With Gray

Gray was tossed into a tree as Racer charged him. He raised his leg to kick the ice wizard and Gray barely had time to dodge the kick. Gray looked up as Racer bounced off the trees until he landed on a branch. "Man, this guy is fast."

"For your information, I'm the fastest man alive." Racer bragged. "You can't beat what you can't catch. I'm called Racer for a reason." He looked up and noticed the cats carrying the dragon slayers.

"Yes, he found them!" Gray cheered.

"How'd they get past Brain?" Racer mumbled. "There's no way they beat him."

"I wouldn't be to sure about that." Gray teased.

"Well, it's the end of the line." Racer zoomed upwards and kicked the group to the ground. Natsu barely had time to catch Wendy before she crashed to the ground.

"You guys okay?" Natsu asked the cats, only to find them out cold. He picked them up and started running as Racer charged him.

"Ain't no one getting away from me!" Racer shouted.

"Ice-Make: Rampart!" Gray summoned a giant wall of ice that Racer crashed into. "Get out of here, Natsu!" Gray shouted between heavy pants. "I said I can handle him by myself."

"You sure?" Natsu asked. "I can tell you've burned though a lot of magic power."

"Just go!" Gray shouted. "I've got this!"

"Thanks..." Natsu whispered.

"No matter what happens, I won't let him pass!" Gray shouted. "Go, Erza and Laki need you!"

Begrudgingly, Natsu turned and ran into the forest. "The second she's healed, we're coming back for ya!"

"I know you will." Gray softly said, as Racer placed his hand on the wall.

"That's twice you've managed to stop me." The blonde said.

"And don't think it's gonna be the last." Gray said back. "Ice can slow anything down, you know that right?" Racer growled as Gray looked over at him. "When I'm done with you, you're gonna be real slow, pal. Cause you'll be nothing more than a giant ice cube."

With Jellal

Jellal ripped the coat off of Erigor and stared at his hand as a single name escaped his lips. "Erza..."

Any fans of Skyrim or the Elder Scrolls series will recognize the terms 'Thistle Branch' and what the Crimson Hand aka the Dark Brotherhood. No way that Laki would just sit on her but and wait to die, that's why she and Rose left, and that was the one thing Natsu did NOT want. So, how do you think he's gonna react?

If you don't know what amber is, it's the stuff they used in Jurassic Park to clone the dinosaurs. It's basically tree sap that's been hardened for millions of years. Well, in real life. In this world, it does what Laki made it do.

Beta read by Natsu is Awesome.