You guys sure are supportive of this being the actual sequel, huh? I don't know, I'll see what I can do. No promises.

Enjoy!

Ever since Rina had joined them, Quinn had been thrown left and right as Vajra was unable to defend him. He was still going , but it was becoming clear to Steph he wouldn't be for much longer.

Which was good, seeing as they only had ten more minutes.

Steph watched as another strike of black lightning threw Quinn back, and he barely recovered before Bella punched him in the back, sending him flying once more. He turned and sliced at her, and Steph felt her stomach twist as it connected with her stomach.

"Bella!" Winter shouted as the girl recoiled from the strike. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine..." Bella hissed, gripping the bleeding slash wound from Dyrnwyn. "Focus up, eight more minutes!"

"Thick headed moron..." Steph heard Terra mutter. She watched as Terra and Winter went in after Quinn Steph was about to join them, but Rina grabbed her.

"Don't," she said. "I have a better idea." Steph made a face at this.

"Which is?" Rina grinned at this.

"Just follow me," she replied. "Girls! Keep this guy busy. Steph and I got an idea."

"Better go quick!" Winter replied, whipping up a whirlwind. "We don't have a lot of time left!" Rina nodded and turned back to Steph.

"Come on, let's go." With this Rina turned and took off away from the fight. Steph, despite being confused, took after her as fast as she could.

"Where are we going?" She asked as they ran. Rina spared a moment to raise a hand and point towards an elevated hill that overlooked the fight from roughly a hundred feet away.

"Right there!" She shouted. "Don't worry, asshole won't know what hit him if this works out!"

"Why do you need me, exactly?" Rina laughed at this question.

"Battery," she replied simply. "Trust me, you and I are about to tear this guy I new one!"

Steph really didn't have anything she could do other that trust Rina, so she followed behind the girl silently as they ran towards the hill. Once they made it and got to the top, Steph doubled over to catch her breath as Rina surveyed the battlefield.

"This is good," she said. "Alright Steph, here's the plan. I'm about to fire a concentrated blast at Quinn, and I want you to supercharge me. Understand?" Steph nodded as she caught her breath.

"Yeah," she said. "You think this'll work?"

"I know it will," Rina replied confidently. "This attack knocked Drake flat on his ass during the Games, and Quinn isn't looking any better than he did back then. And with you charging me, it'll be quite the spectacle. Just get ready and transfer as much power to me as you can once the timer hits around twenty seconds left. Okay?" Steph nodded, taking a deep breath.

"Got it," she said. Rina nodded and looked back at Quinn, aiming with her right arm.

"Also I'd center your weight as much as possible," Rina warned. "THe kickback from this blast is gonna knock us flat on our asses." Steph gulped at this.

"Got it," she said.

Eight minutes left.

Eight minutes remained on the timer, and Juno grinned as she worked on Divine Territory. She had it for the most part, just a little more tuning and she'd have it-

"Gah!" Juno turned to watch Simon hit the ground hard and lay still, struggling to move. Juno's stomach dropped. Would he make it six more minutes?

"Juno!" Nami warned. "Do you have it?"

"Gimme a couple more seconds..." She said weakly, concentrated as hard as she could.

"Not so fast, ladies!" Tristan shouted. Juno didn't look, but she knew that Tristan had fired on them. "Take Divine Territory once, shame on you. Take it twice, I'm an idiot!" Juno knew the attack wouldn't miss, and she started to sweat as her neck tingled.

"Juno!" Nami shouted again. "Come on!"

"Hold on, please!" She shouted back.

"I can't, we don't have time!" Nami replied. Juno heard Nami run towards the blast, but from what had happened before it'd just avoid her. Juno almost had it...

"Juno, you have to move!" She heard Simon shout. "Nami can't catch it!" Juno heard this, but she ignored it.

"Juno!" Nami shouted. "Please move!" Again, ignored it.

She could feel the blast bearing down on her, but she was so close...

She got it.

"Tristan's attacks always miss their target!" She shouted as the dome changed colors from white to multicolored. She breathed a sigh of relief as the blast rerouted at the last possible second and hit the ground, dispersing.

"Ah so you managed to take Divine Territory again, hm?" Tristan asked. "No matter. I'll just have to take it again, which will be easy considering you're so we-"

"Tristan cannot take Divine Territory back during it's current cast duration!" Juno shouted. Just as Tristan attempted to take control, nothing happened. His eyes widened.

"What the..." he started weakly. Juno grinned as she stood up and turned to face him with a smirk on her face.

"What was it you said, Tristan?" She asked. "Divine Territory controls the laws of magic? Last I checked, you need magic to take it back from me." Tristan's face paled, which only fed Juno's satisfaction. "Undo all negative effects of Simon and Nami's magic! Tristan's magic is twenty times weaker than it was before!"

"That's more like it," Nami said as her hair began to float upwards from lack of gravity around her. "Nice job, Juju!"

"Don't make me take yours away again," Juno threatened.

"Now we have some time to kill," Simon muttered, getting to his feet. "What do you girls say? Wanna get some payback on this asshole?" Nami crackled with power.

"I've never wanted anything more," she said, voice low and threatening. Juno laughed weakly.

"Easy there," she said. "We've got six more minutes to kill." Simon cracked his knuckled and requipped into his Purgatory armor.

"Oh don't worry," he replied. "I can take my time with him." Juno smiled weakly at this as both Nami and Simon launched towards Tristan, who while not defenseless was very much in trouble. They were doing well.

Six minutes to go before he had to be down.

Six minutes remained, and Ultear was still very much concerned about their situation. Even with Kyoko joining them, Gabriel was a huge problem. And they needed to get past him quick, or else.

"Alright so on the topic of the huge guardian," Kyoko said. "How're we going to take him out?"

"That's very good question," Elise replied. "But so I haven't come up with anything."

"Well we'd better come up with something soon," Reyna joined in. "Or else we're going to screw up our last chance at this." Ultear knew she was right. they didn't have a whole load of time at the moment. So what were they to do? They just needed a way past Gabriel, they could deal with Abigail when they found a way to her.

And then, Ultear got an idea. She grinned.

"Kyoko," she said, turning to he blonde. "I have an idea."

"Alright, shoot." The girl replied.

"Remember what I did to beat you during the Game?" Kyoko made a face, but soon she too smiled.

"Sure do," she said. Ultear nodded.

"That's how we'll get past Gabriel," she replied. "Elise, Reyna. Can you two keep Gabriel and Abigail distracted?"

"How long?" Elise asked. "The whole six minutes?" Ultear nodded.

"Around that. Kyoko and I are going to use everything we have to take out Gabriel, so you guys can get a clean shot on Abigail. Got it?"

"You guys make sure you take out her friend," Reyna said simply, cracking her knuckles. "We'll handle Abby." Ultear nodded, and watched as the two ran off towards Gabriel. Once they were a fair distance away, Ultear brought her hands together and formed a dome of ice over here and Kyoko, to protect them from any attacks directed their way.

"We don't have long," she told Kyoko. "Launch every Memory Make spell you can at me, and I'll redirect it into a different, more powerful timeline. Then, I'll unleash it all in one go at Gabriel."

"Got it," Kyoko said, bringing her hand up to her face. Multiple different Memory Make circles appeared around her, and Ultear brought up an ice shield and enchanted it with Arc of Time. Kyoko began to attack, Dragon Roars , God Slayer bolts, Territory blasts, anything she could come up with. Ultear winced as the blasts tore at her shield, but she did her best to keep it up and to absorb the attack. If this didn't sent Gabriel out of the way, she didn't know what would. Because quite frankly, this was all they had it regards to him.

"What exactly are you're two friends up too?" Abigail shouted over the sounds of battle. Elise gritted her teeth as her sword resounded uselessly off Gabriel.

"Never you mind!" She retorted. "They're just catching a break!"

"Wow, is that blonde that weak?" Abigail asked. "She just got here." Abigail was cut off as cards exploded all around Gabriel, blinding him. Elise used this as her opportunity to swing again, and this time she could tell she'd struck hard enough, as Gabriel grunted. As the smoke faded, Elise watched the giant guardian regain his footing and turn towards her.

"You're being a nuisance," he stated flatly. "Please stop."

"I appreciate the well-mannered attempt," Elise replied weakly. "But I'll pass." Gabriel sighed.

"Than I am forced to eradicate you." He stated simply. Elise forced out a chuckle.

She doubted he'd manage that in four minutes time.

Drake blasted poison at Elizabeth, knowing full well only four minutes remained on the timer. They just needed to give Kumi an opening. Which, with three of them going at her, you'd think would be easier.

"You're not going to get me again!" Elizabeth shouted as Michael recoiled from her. She turned and blasted at Kumi to keep her away, which worked as the girl was forced to dodge the blast. Drake and Keita went after her together, forcing her back as much as they could. Every strike waned on Drake's already drained energy, and he felt his own powerful blows being dealt back at any chance they got. Thank God only four minutes were left, he couldn't do this much longer.

"Just give up already!" Keita shouted. "We're going to defeat you!"

"Not a chance!" Elizabeth shouted in response. "I can't allow that to happen!"

"What a coincidence!" Drake retorted as she slid away. "Neither can we!" Getting a little fed up, Drake turned his poison green and blasted it at Elizabeth. The unknowing woman got hit in the leg, and made a face.

"Paralysis." She said. "Interesting. You showed this off before but kept it to yourself."

"Get her!" Michael shouted, running past Drake. Drake attempted to follow suit, but this left leg wouldn't move.

Fuck, of course...

Drake had paralyzed Elizabeth's left leg. And as such, thanks to her enchants, so was his. He watched as Michael and Keita went after her, but she didn't give up any ground to them.

And then, Drake saw Kumi creeping up from behind. She was low to the ground and making as little noise as possible, but she was getting pretty close. Both Michael and Keita seemed to notice this as well and, as soon as the girl got as close as possible, they both backed off.

And Kumi pounced.

Much like a mouse, Elizabeth had been caught off guard by the silent attack and was quickly tackled to the ground and wrapped up by Kumi. Drake watched her tie up Elizabeth tightly and, instead of holding it she tied it tightly, so tightly Elizabeth began to gasp for air.

"Jeez Kumi, don't strangle her!" Michael said. Kumi sighed and released her tight grip. Still tied up but now able to breath, Elizabeth sighed.

"Thanks," She managed weakly. Drake felt his left leg loosen up, so he walked closer to the now trapped woman.

"Well, we got her." Keita said. "And with two minute to spare."

"Now what do we do to take her out?" Michael asked. Drake watched the woman closely, before he smirked.

"I have an idea." He said. "Kumi, stand her up. If this does work, we're really going to make sure she doesn't get up again."

Natsu collapsed to one knee, panting heavily. He was so angry he could barely think straight, which was probably part of the reason Neptu had gotten him like this once more.

Speaking of the Devil Slayer, Natsu had done a number on him. The mans clothes were tattered and bruises and scorch marks lined his form. He too was panting, but at least he had the energy to stand.

"I gotta say old man," Neptu said. "You continue to impress me." Natsu didn't bother replying to this, he simply tried to catch is breath. He needed to stand up, he had to.

But he couldn't find the strength.

"I must say, that surge of strength after your daughter went down was incredible." he said, walking closer to Natsu. "But now, I'll finish you just like I finished her."

Nashi.

Natsu felt anger surge through him again, but despite this he still had no energy left to stand. He'd given it everything he could, but in the end it seemed he'd been correct. He couldn't beat Devil Slaying flames.

"Once I'm done with you, The Cross will finish up with those allies of yours." He said. "And we'll take Gin back, as we should have initially. It's over, old man."

"Is it now?" Natsu asked weakly, looking up at his enemy. "For which one of us, exactly?"

"Hm?" Neptu asked. Natsu laughed through the pain.

"You're so stupid," he said. "To actually think that you could win this against those kids. You never stood a chance."

"What are you talking about?" Neptu demanded. Natsu smirked.

"It's simple, really."

The timer was counting down, and Rina raised her arm to the sky. Twenty seconds to go.

"God Slayer Secret Art!" She shouted. Steph watched as clouds formed overhead, and a giant black lightning bolt came down and struck Rina's arm. "Steph now!"

"Got it!" Steph shouted. Grabbing Rina, Steph unleashed the electrical charge she'd built up as the timer ticked down, and the current went right into Rina. The magic power was crazy intense, and Rina lowered her arm and aimed it at the battle where Quinn was.

"JUPITER'S FURY!"

Steph flew backwards as a round of God Slaying magic thirty feet wide erupted from Rina's arm, and she rolled down the other side of the mountain from the force.

Terra's neck tingled, and she turned, eyes widening.

"Winter, Bella, Get down!" She shouted.

"Those kids out there," Natsu continued. "Are so much stronger than you could possibly imagine."

"They're kids." Neptu replied. "They're weak, they are naive." Natsu laughed again.

"Naive, maybe. But weak? No. Cause they have one thing you and your buddies don't."

"Alright Scarlet, let's end this!"

"Gladly!" Simon shouted as the timer ticked down. Raising his hands, the seven circles he's drawn on the ground during the countdown timer glowed. At the same time, the ground beneath Tristan glowed white.

"Ah shit..." he hissed.

"GRAND CHARIOT!"

"GRAVITON STRIKE!"

"Explain, if you would." Neptu said.

"It's quite simple." Natsu said. "Those kids out there fighting you're men were raised with a certain ideal. To protect those that they care about. And right now, they're out there fighting for someone that they care about."

Ultear collapsed the dome of ice, and as she did so raised her hands.

Countless white magic circles encased Gabriel, and he looked around in confusion.

"What is this?" He demanded.

"Arc of Time!" Ultear shouted, panting from the exertion this was having on her. "Redirected Offensive!" At this, the circles glowed.

Gabriel was blasted with every type of magic Kyoko could remember, and he howled from the pain. He became clouded in smoke, and fell silent.

"Gabriel!" Abigail shouted. "Are you okay?! Gabriel!" As Ultear collapsed to her knees, she watched Elise and Reyna close in.

"Get going Elise!" Reyna shouted. Elise jumped, and Reyna slammed her palm into her feet sending Elise flying right at Abigail.

"Dragon Slayer Secret Art!" Elise shouted. "Iron God Sword!"

"The boy?" Neptu asked. "Really?"

"Of course," Natsu replied. "You not only came here after him, but now you've endangered more friends. They won't take kindly to that." Neptu scoffed.

"I highly doubt their pitiful bonds will help them here," he said. "The Cross cannot fall."

"You so sure?" Natsu asked. "Cause I hear a lot of Explosions right about now."

"You guys ready?!" Drake shouted. Michael and Keita nodded, their attack done charging.

"You better catch this, you retard!" Keita shouted.

"I got it!" Drake shouted, turning back to Elizabeth, who looked terrified. Smirking at her, Drake extended a hand behind him. "I'm ready!"

"HOLY SHADOW DRAGON'S FANG FLASH!" Drake felt explosive magic power come from behind him as Michael and Keita' Unison Raid came towards him. Building up his own power, Drake opened up his hand.

"Dragon Slayer Secret Art!" He shouted. "Poison Dragon Viper Strike!" His hand became encased in poison and Drake launched himself forwards as he caught the Unison Raid. Kumi threw herself out of the way, and Drake swung the attack down on Elizabeth.

Natsu watched as shock crossed Neptu's face at the explosions in the distance. he looked up at the battlefield.

"...No," He stated simply, raising two fingers to his temple. "Elizabeth? Are you there? Elizabeth? Tristan...Abigail?! Quinn?! FUCK!" Natsu smirked as the man cursed.

"Now you see." he told him. "It's over, The Cross has fallen." Neptu remained silent at this. "So what now, pretty boy? it's over. Your Generals have fallen, and most of your grunts have as well. I think it's time you-!"

Neptu turned and kicked Natsu in the stomach, sending him onto his back in pain.

"You bastard," Neptu hissed. "Acting so cocky in a situation like this. You think it's over? Not yet. One more person has to fall." Planting a foot on Natsu's stomach, Neptu aimed a hand at him, purple flames starting to circle there. "How about it, Natsu? Want to see your daughter again?"

Natsu didn't have any strength to fight back, he expended it all already. All he could do was stare down the flames poised to hit him.

"Perhaps now you will understand," Neptu said. "Well, not you. How will your wife and son react to this, I wonder. Perhaps they will seek out who did it and exact revenge, eh Natsu?" Natsu just glared at Neptu. "Aha, there it is. You understand now. I have no doubt that your wife and son will hunt around the world and back for the man who took half their family away from them. And what do you think will happen when they find me? Will they try to exact revenge? Because I think so."

"Go to hell," Natsu spat. Neptu grimaced.

"I'll see you there." He shot back, flames glowing brighter. Natsu closed his eyes and waited, knowing this was going to hurt. Would he survive it? He didn't know. He waited, but not only did the flames not strike him, but he also felt them dying away.

What the hell is he doing?

"What the hell...?" Neptu asked weakly. Opening his eyes, Natsu saw that Neptu was watching something in the distance. Turning his head slowly, Natsu looked over.

His world froze.

Nashi was headed towards them, her head hung low. Natsu watched as she approached them and stopped, still staring at her feet.

"Nashi..." he said weakly. He was relieved she was okay, but instead of finding Gray she'd come after them. Why was she so stubborn? "Get out of here! Go Find Gray, okay?! Nashi!" She didn't say anything back to him.

"So the daughter was alive?" Neptu asked. "Huh, as tough as her old man. Shall I take you out too, girl?" Nashi didn't rely to this either, she just stood there.

"Nashi please!" Natsu pleaded. "Go and find Gray! Just get away from-!" Natsu was cut off as the ground beneath him began to shake. Nashi had still not moved, but Neptu lost his balance and his foot got off of Natsu's stomach.

"What the hell is this?!" Neptu demanded. Natsu looked back at Nashi, and he felt incredibly dizzy.

The ground began to shake even more, and Nashi slowly looked up.

Her eyes were dark red pools of rage.

"Kill." She stated, voice deep and angry. "Kill to protect." Natsu felt himself beginning to pass out as flames began to swirl around Nashi.

"No..." He said weakly, feeling himself starting to panic. "No...No no no...

"Fucking right we did it!" Michael shouted happily. He high fived Keita and Kumi, and turned to do so to Drake as well, but saw the man looking off into the distance, a hand on his neck. Michael watched him curiously, but he didn't look at him.

"Nashi..." Drake muttered weakly.

"Hey Lucy, are you okay?" Levy asked as she approached Lucy, who was staring down at the ground. "Lucy? Lu-chan? Hey!"

"...Can't you feel it, Levy?" Lucy asked weakly. Levy made a face, and Lucy looked up at her. She looked downright terrified. "Can't you feel that?" Levy focused, looking for this feeling.

And soon, her eyes widened.

"No..." She whispered weakly, looking in the direction of the battlefield. "Oh God no..."

"Natsu ran out of time," Erza said from behind the two. "He was too late."

Zeus looked up as Athena entered the room, looking quite pleased.

"Sir," She said. "I have excellent news to report. It seems she's having another go." Zeus smirked at this.

"Is she now?"

Natsu couldn't moved his eyes away from his daughter.

Her hand had had turned into dark red fiery claws, and at the very core her hands were as black as midnight. Lining her arms were volcanic craters, and atop her head were horns made of fire, which were pointed backwards. The empty eyes stared right into Natsu's soul, burning all hope he had of never seeing this side of his daughter come to the surface.

"Nashi..." he managed weakly.

"What is this?" Neptu demanded. "What's happening?!" At this, Nashi took a deep breath.

"I'll kill everything," she said. "Anything that threatens her, I'll kill. I kill to protect. I will protect her."

Despite the fear he felt, Natsu knew that whoever that was, it wasn't his daughter. But even then, he knew who this was.

"Etherious...Nashi Dragneel." He whispered.

Wow, lot's of POV switches today. I hope you guys enjoyed, leave a review! Let's try to get five!

Chapter 264: Kill To Protect