Fairy May Cry - Devil's Retribution

by Iron117Prime

After seven years, Dante and the rest of Fairy Tail have returned from Tenrou Island. So much has changed since their absence; a guild called Sabertooth is now at the top spot, the forces of the Underworld are starting to become more active, and what's this new religious movement called the Order of the Sword? Times might have changed, but the insanity of Fairy Tail has not.

36. Thunder and Sky

Hi everyone, welcome back! I know this is one chapter you've been looking forward to for a while, and I've been wanting to write it really badly! You can expect some things to be a tad different here, with some very special surprises planned. I really hope you all enjoy it.

That said, let's get started.

Thunder and Sky

The air in the stadium was so tense, it felt like a giant pile of explosives that go off at the tiniest of sparks. Laxus stood representing Fairy Tail Team B against his opponent, the masked man known only as Alexi from Team Raven Tail. Everyone in the audience watched with either excitement or a tense expression. Both Fairy Tail teams had their eyes set on this match and would keep them peeled for anything out of the ordinary.

It wasn't just Fairy Tail of course. A few others had their eyes glued on Raven Tail as well, including Lamia Scale, as well as Bruni and Kurenai, both sitting in the same spot since the start of this day's match.

Vergil would also watch this match with great interest. This was the first time he'd seen Laxus, the grandson of the Wizard Saint Makarov, in the flesh. Of course he heard plenty about one of Fairy Tail's top tier fighters as well. But it wasn't just Laxus that caught his interest. He remembered Raven Tail's master one day approaching him with the offer to join Raven Tail, of course Vergil turned it down quickly enough. Though it came as a surprise that Ivan was willing to accept it, but Vergil had a sneaking suspicion that Ivan had something planned. He remembered how they cheated their victory against Lucy in Day One, now it was a match against Ivan's own son. Needless to say, Vergil was very curious to see how this would go.

"Last time we saw these two guilds go head-to-head, the outcome was pretty brutal for Fairy Tail." Chapati commentated. "Though Raven Tail did win, their teammate didn't exactly make it out unscathed either."

Yajima nodded before turning to the Rune Knight sitting next to him. "Excuse me, Lahar. Did you happen to bring any of your men here, with you?" He asked in a whisper.

"Yes, a few. As per regulations." Lahar replied, though he was surprised by that question from his former superior.

"I want you to keep a close eye on Raven Tail, okay?" Yajima requested. "If you see anything suspicious, let me know and I'll have them stop the match."

"Right." Lahar nodded in understanding.

Makarov looked down at the match about to start with a serious expression on his face. He remembered Gajeel telling him that he heard directly from Ivan of today being the day where Raven Tail makes their big move. So, he had taken the necessary precautions. He looked to Gildarts with a nod, who nodded back.

"Everything set up, Warren?" The current Guildmaster asked.

"I'll make sure…" The guild's resident telepath began to reach out. "This is HQ, do you read me, Bisca?"

"Yeah, but what's with the lame HQ stuff?" Bisca responded as she currently resided at the base of one of the giant statues surrounding the arena, giving her a clear view of her target. She looked through the scope of her sniper rifle, getting a clear view of Ivan as he stood just above the seats where the audience watched. "No activity from Ivan, yet. Over."

"Roger that." Warren replied. "Now let's hear from Elfman and the Thunder Legion. Do you guys see anything?"

"Nothing yet." Elfman reported back as he, while still partially bandaged, stood alongside Freed, Evergreen, and Bickslow at a lower part of the arena, one that gave them a good view of Team Raven Tail in their box via binoculars. "Those cowardly Ravens are just standing there."

"They might have slipped away last time, but this time we're ready." Bickslow stated. "Right babies?"

"Oh yeah! Ready and waiting!" The dolls sung.

Freed especially glared at Raven Tail. "Let it be known that if you dare dishonor Laxus, the Thunder Legion will pounce. You scoundrels will be lucky to make it out alive."

"Elfman, you really should be in bed. You still haven't fully healed yet." Evergreen told him.

"Kyrie's fancy magic healed me enough so I can walk again, and the old hag said I was good." Elfman replied. "I may not be in the games anymore, but I'm still manly enough to put up a decent fight!"

Evergreen looked away with an expression of frustration mixed with a blush. "Honestly… you're so unbelievable."

"Ivan, my children and I won't put up with any more of your trickery." Makarov said. Though he caught notice of a smile on Sparda's face. "Sir Sparda?"

"You refer to them as your children, even though they're not related by blood." Sparda said with a smile. "I know the feeling." He put a hand on Mavis' shoulder, who placed her own hand over his with a loving expression. "You've done an amazing job with this guild. The loyalty they have towards one another is truly commendable. Not only that, they see it as a home."

"This is the exactly the guild that we'd hoped to have created." Mavis said with a faraway smile. "You've done very well Third Master." She turned to Macao as well. "You too, Fourth Master. I know you've shouldered a great deal of responsibility, but you kept the guild alive. That alone means so much to me."

Macao was certainly surprised. Did he really just get a complement from Fairy Tail's first master? In that instant, he felt so humbled and yet so happy. He rubbed his arm over his eyes to wipe away some of the tears.

"Thanks First Master…"

Sparda then looked towards Gildarts. "And now, it's your turn, Fifth Master. Think you can handle it?"

Gildarts gave a grin of his own. "I'll try my best. After all, this guild's my family too." He said that as he glanced towards Team B's box, particularly towards Cana.

"Competitors step forward…!" Chapati announced as Laxus and Alexi stepped up. "Let the battle begin!"

The gong rang and it was time for the match to start!

"Nice mask." Laxus commented sarcastically. "Wanna tell me who you really are?"

Suddenly, Alexi shoot forward and slugged Laxus across the face with such force that he was sent flying all the way to the wall on the other side of the arena.

Everyone in Fairy Tail looked in shock. From everyone in Teams A and B, Natsu, Mira, Lucy, Juvia, Gray, Gajeel, Wendy, Cana, Erza, Nero, and even Dante was caught off guard. The Thunder Legion and Elfman were more than a little shocked too, and especially Makarov was surprised as the observing Fairy Tail all gasped.

Laxus removed himself from the wall, his overcoat discarded as Alexi went on the attack again, not even giving Laxus a chance to fight back, let alone recover. Alexi kicked him across the face and struck Laxus with a blast of dark energy.

"Oh no!" Mira gasped while Juvia covered her mouth in shock.

"You gotta be kidding me!" Gajeel exclaimed.

"I can't believe he's losing…!" Cana stuttered.

"Who the hell is that guy?!" Nero questioned.

Alexi struck Laxus again with a punch to the face and then brought both his hands down onto the back of Laxus' head, sending him straight to his incoming foot that sent him straight up, where Ivan grabbed Laxus by his ankle and slammed him face-first into the ground behind him.

"He makes beating Laxus look easy!" Lucy stated.

"Yeah… that Alexi guy is scary…" Wendy shuddered.

"That masked freak… Who in the hell is he…?!" Gray shook in place.

Natsu couldn't believe what he saw. "Is this for real…?! He's losing!?"

"Laxus is strong enough to really push me, and even managed to knock freaking Hades around for a bit!" Dante stated as he too was stunned.

"Something isn't right here…" Erza's eyes narrowed.

With his fist coated in dark energy, Alexi slugged Laxus up in the jaw before grabbing him by his shirt as he fell down to repeatedly punch him in the face.

"Incredible! Alexi has Laxus on the ropes! He's completely powerless!" Chapati commented while Yajima and Lahar kept their eyes glued on the match.

However, while it appeared that Laxus was on the receiving end of a severe thrashing, that wasn't actually the case. Somehow, this whole fight was being witnessed by Laxus himself as he and Alexi both remained exactly where they were when the match started, haven't even moved an inch. To the two of them, everything and everyone around them, including their mirror doubles, were all darkened, as if they were on the other side of veil of sorts. Laxus only looked in minor annoyance with a hint of confusion as he saw his own reflection getting its faced pounded in by that of his opponent.

"Care to explain what's going on, here?" He questioned Alexi.

"A type of illusory magic." The masked man explained. "It's the only way we can have a private conversation. Those around us cannot see or hear us, even though we're standing right in front of them." As he talked, the illusions of Laxus and Alexi continued to fight as the former still appeared to be losing. "They're watching an illusion of the two of us fighting. Incredibly convincing, isn't it? Even Dragon Slayers with their heightened senses of smell and hearing are completely fooled, it is the same for demons as well."

"What the hell is going on here?" Trish questioned as everyone else continued to watch the illusion. "He's not even fighting back!?"

"I never thought Laxus would be at such a disadvantage!" Makarov was beyond shocked.

"This has gotta be another one of Raven Tail's tricks, right?!" Romeo exclaimed. "There's no way Laxus can actually lose!"

"It's gotta be… but what…?!" Lisanna wondered with worry.

"Well, Bisca?" Warren checked in with his telepathy.

"There's been no movement from Ivan." She replied, not taking her scope over the aforementioned guildmaster.

"Elfman, you guys see anything?" Warren contacted his other team.

"No! They're just standing there!" Elfman growled, looking at Team Raven Tail through his binoculars before turning back to the fight. "What are you doing, Laxus?! Stand up and fight like a man!"

"Come on…! Fight back…!" Freed clenched his fist, trying to support his teammate and friend. "I know that you've still got some fight left in you!"

"Yeah! Listen to him!" Bickslow added.

"Don't give up!" Evergreen called out. "You can still take him, Laxus!"

"Come on Laxus! You can win this!" Mira tried to call out to him as well.

"Throw down some lightning!" Natsu shouted.

Alexi chuckled slightly. "It must be nice to know that your guildmates hold you in such high regard. I'm sure they're absolutely heartbroken, watching you fall to your enemy like this."

"I don't get it." Laxus said. "This plan of yours doesn't make any sense at all."

"No?" Alexi mused.

"What's the point in even beating me with an illusion?" Laxus asked. "I know you guys cheated in your match against Lucy, but this doesn't quite have the same vibe."

"Obviously, victory in this match is not our ultimate goal." Alexi revealed. "The purpose of the illusion is nothing more than a distraction. In fact, we were never interested in winning this whole tournament to begin with, nor did we enter solely to sabotage Fairy Tail."

That caught Laxus' attention.

"I can control the illusion; therefore, I can control the outcome of the match as well." Alexi said.

"What do you mean?" Laxus questioned.

"Hey! Laxus!" He heard Dante call out to him as it seemed that even he was fooled by the illusion. "You gonna stop playing with your food or what?! This isn't the same guy I went up against! Show everyone here what you can do!"

The illusion showed Laxus struggled in that of Alexi as he held him by the throat, only for 'Laxus' to wrench himself free and smack his arm at his opponent to send him crashing to the wall on the other side of the arena, just as his enemy had done to him when this match started.

"Whoa! It looks as though Laxus is back in the game, ladies and gentlemen!" Chapati commentated as 'Laxus' surged with lightning before going on the attack. With his fists coated in electric power, he rushed 'Alexi' and slugged him repeatedly across his armored frame.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Gildarts grinned as the observing members of Fairy Tail either cheered or smiled at this change in the supposed match.

'Laxus' threw his arm down to send a bolt of lightning plummeting down from the sky to strike 'Alexi' in and pin him to the ground.

"Yes! There you go!" Freed smiled with excitement and relief along with the rest of his teammates and Elfman.

"Finally back in action, huh?" Gajeel commented.

"The start must have been just a fluke or something." Nero assumed with a smile.

"I certainly hope so." Juvia said.

'Laxus' then let loose a breath attack that engulfed 'Alexi' in an electrical explosion.

"Yeah! That outta do it!" Makarov grinned before he looked in relief. "After that we had no reason to worry… right?"

"Yep. Thanks for the help, Bisca." Warren contacted.

"Sure thing." She replied, letting her guard down.

"Elfman, you and the Thunder Legion rocked too." Warren congratulated.

"Heh. What do you expect? Laxus is one of the manliest men out there." Elfman said with confidence.

"To think, I was honestly worried about him losing for a second there. Silly me." Freed commented, taking a huge breath of relief.

However, the smoke cleared, and it revealed that 'Alexi' was still standing and barely had a scratch on him. He then struck 'Laxus' with another blast of dark energy, one that sent him crashing to the wall once more.

"What the…?!" Makarov stuttered as everyone else in Fairy Tail looked in shock once more.

"No! Laxus!" Happy called out.

"And just like that, the tables have turned again!" Chapati announced as 'Alexi' loomed over his supposed opponent. "Laxus better step it up or he'll be dead meat!"

"Get up, man!" Natsu shouted.

"What just happened!? I thought Laxus was winning!" Lucy questioned.

"Hey Erza, did you notice something?" Dante asked his redhaired teammate.

"Yes… that fight seemed like it turned around rather quickly." Erza noted seriously. "There's something going on here."

"Natsu, Wendy, you two got your fancy noses, right? Can you smell anything fishy down there?" Gray asked the two Dragon Slayers.

"No, I'm not smelling anything out of the ordinary." Wendy shook her head.

"What about our man of mystery?" Dante asked, referring to Alexi. "Anything going on with him?"

"Got no clue. I don't recognize his scent at all." Natsu replied.

Laxus watched once more as his own illusion get knocked down once more and was not impressed at all.

"So that's your idea of controlling the match, huh? You think I care?"

"The point is, I can arrange for you to win this match, depending on how our negotiations fare." Alexi proposed. "As I said, we're not interested in winning this tournament, so we're willing to let you take the victory, if you are able to help us that is."

Laxus gave an annoyed tisk as he discarded his jacket. "Ain't no way I'm falling for that." His body began to surge with his signature lightning. "I don't give a crap about your illusion or what your goal is. But I can't wait to get my hands on the real you so I can defeat you here and now!"

"I'd advise you to rethink that."

A swirl of sand appeared behind Alexi to reveal the sudden appearance of the rest of Team Raven Tail. The one who spoke up was Sapphire, with Flare, Nullpudding, Kurohebi, and Obra right beside her. Just like Laxus and Alexi, the latter's illusion was able to keep their presence hidden from everyone else around them.

"Reality can be pretty harsh, sometimes." Nullpudding commented as Laxus glared with an unamused expression.

"Your power is impressive, but not even the strongest of Fairy Tail's elite can beat all of Raven Tail at once." Alexi said. "There's one more thing to consider…" He took off his mask to reveal the face of Ivan Dreyar. "I'm sure you're aware of just what I'm capable of, aren't you my boy?"

Laxus honestly didn't look all that surprised. "Ya know, I had a feeling it was you behind that mask. A deadbeat dad."

"Makarov would rather die than reveal his secret. The old bastard is as stubborn as a rock." Ivan said, he happened to glance at his elderly father who glared at the illusion of his own son, who was really Sid in disguise, but nobody else knew that, not even Bisca who had her rifle trained on him. Not even Elfman and the Thunder Legion knew that the Raven Tail team they were spying on was just an illusion as well

"On the other hand, you're a different story." Ivan went on. "I know we don't have the best of relationships, Laxus. But I'm sure I can at least count on you to answer one simple question. So, where is the Lumen Histoire?"

"Sorry, never heard of it." Laxus replied honestly, but Ivan didn't seem to buy it.

"Don't try to play dumb with me. Makarov always coddled you as a kid, showing favoritism towards you over everyone else, his precious grandson." Ivan happen to let a little hint of jealousy slip through his teeth, but he was quick to put it away. "After all, he let you back into the guild even after being expelled."

"First off, he didn't let me back in. Gildarts did." Laxus replied. "And second, I didn't ask for it."

"Oh?" Ivan raised an eyebrow, looking toward the stands to cast an ambitious glare towards the aforementioned wizard. "So, the runt finally retired? He actually picked that idiot as his successor?" However, an idea came to him. 'That means though, Gildarts knows about the Lumen Histoire. And if that's the case…' He glanced towards the box that had Fairy Tail Team B. 'His little girl must know about it too. That's probably how she's able to use Fairy Glitter too. If I can't get Laxus to tell me, then I'll just have Gajeel grab her when this is all over.'

"You really never heard of it, have you Laxus?" Ivan asked. "The term 'Lumen Histoire' doesn't ring any bells to you at all?"

"Nope. But even if he had, it's not like I'd ever tell you." Laxus glared.

"As I've said before, I know we don't have the best of relationships and it may be partly my fault, but don't you feel you at least owe it to your mother to help me out just this once?" Ivan asked.

"You really went there, huh?" Laxus questioned. "I never knew my mom; she died in childbirth. I don't hate her or anything, but I don't owe her a thing either. Don't bring the dead into this."

"Very well, I'll keep it simple then." Ivan said. "If you dare to refuse my terms… your illusory form won't be the only one getting a thrashing."

Laxus appeared to have had enough. He charged up his lightning once more. "You think you can scare me? Better think again, old man. It's no wonder the old geezer gave up on you." He motioned with his hand to bring it on. "Come at me! All of you! If you're an enemy of Fairy Tail, that makes you my enemy too!"

Ivan glared dangerously at his son while his subordinates looked eager for battle as many of them were chuckling evilly. "I think it's about time for your father to teach you an important lesson. The guild standing before you was created for the sole purpose of completely obliterating Fairy Tail once and for all! We're the Anti-Fairy Tail guild!"

"Quit screwing around and put em down, Laxus! Fight em for real!" Natsu shouted as 'Laxus' was on his hands and knees with 'Alexi' looming over him.

"He's down but not out!" Chapati commentated. "Laxus has barely scratched his opponent! This match could spell trouble for Fairy Tail B for putting one of their strongest out of commission!"

That particular comment didn't sit right with the Thunder Legion, especially Freed, as they kept their eyes focused on Team Raven Tail, or rather the illusion of them as they didn't realize, while Bisca still had her rifle trained on 'Ivan'.

"I can't say I'm surprised. Alexi's strength appears to be overwhelming." Yajima added.

"Yet I hardly sense any magic power coming from him at all. Could this mean that he's holding back?" Lahar wondered.

"He's getting a thrashing! Just who in the hell is that Alexi guy?!" Lady questioned as Makarov's eyes narrowed at the so-called match unfolding before them.

'I know you're trying to pull something here, Ivan.' The former guildmaster thought.

"I thought Laxus was supposed to be a big shot, but he looks like a pushover down there!" Patty exclaimed.

"Yes. He doesn't appear to be showing the same fighting spirit he did when he helped stave off the Savior back in Fortuna." Lily observed.

"Maybe he's feeling conflicted about fighting Alexi." Carla suggested somewhat accusatory. "I mean, he is a member of his father's guild."

"I don't believe that." Kyrie shook her head. "I may not know Laxus all that well, but after all the harm Raven Tail's done…?" The thought brought to mind when she went against her brother when the Order of the Sword's true intentions came to light and innocent people were being hurt.

"This isn't like you Laxus!" Happy called out. "You gotta fight back!"

"Can you sense anything?" Lisanna asked Mystogen. "Something we might be missing?"

"There is a faint trace of magic in the air, but it's rather elusive." The masked Jellal tried to explain as best as he could. "It's so widespread, over the whole arena even. Because of that, I can't pinpoint the source or discover what type of magic it is."

"But there is something going on down there." Trish stated.

"Yeah, something really stinks up in here." Gildarts commented.

"Okay, can one of you explain to me what in the actual hell is happening?" Nero questioned with the rest of his team. "Everyone's talked up about Laxus, so what's the deal?"

"Gotta be one of Raven Tail's dirty tricks." Cana practically spat.

"But if Laxus doesn't figure it out soon, he might not win this one." Juvia said.

"He'll find a way to pull through, I know he will." Mira put all her faith in him. And yet, at the same time, she couldn't help but worry for him.

Gajeel's eyes narrowed. 'I can't sense anything from that Alexi guy. Yet I'm picking up everyone else's scent.' He glanced at the box where Team Raven Tail was supposed to be as well as 'Ivan'. 'But I'm not picking up that creep, Sid. He might have been weak, but I could still smell him.' He looked down at the 'fight' between Laxus and Alexi with the latter still appearing to win. 'And there's no way that's him down there. Unless…' Gajeel's eyes widened as he came to a sudden realization.

"I gotta go." Gajeel turned around and prepared to leave the box.

"Gajeel?" Juvia looked in confusion.

"Where the hell are you going?" Nero questioned.

"Something I gotta take care of." The Iron Dragon Slayer replied as he left.

Meanwhile, within the darkened veil of illusion itself, Laxus looked unimpressed with his father's proclamation. "'Anti-Fairy Tail'? Rather on the nose, don't you think?"

"I've handpicked every member of our guild because they each specialize in a form of magic that Fairy Tail's members are woefully unequipped to deal with." Ivan explained. "You already know I have my own Dragon Slayer that can give even the Salamander some trouble. Kurohebi's copied the magical abilities of every one in Fairy Tail that wasn't on Tenrou Island for the past seven years, giving him a wide range of abilities that can easily match Titania's. Nullpudding's skin is as hard as steel, almost completely impenetrable, and the spikes on his body can shatter any solid object they come into contact with, rendering Maker Magic completely useless. Flare's own hair can take any shape as well as create flames that make one feel like they're walking barefoot into Hell. And Obra here… he's a demon that can drain any form of magic or demonic power from his foes and even use it to increase his own. I'd wager he'd give a Son of Sparda a run for his money. I'd even tried to reach out to Vergil with the offer to join us, but he had already joined Sabertooth and turned me down."

"Guess the guy's smarter than you think." Laxus commented.

"No matter. Once I have the Lumen Histoire, I'll have more power than even the late Sparda himself." Ivan stated. "I'll have little trouble forcing not only Vergil, but even the whole of Sabertooth to submit and join my guild. I'll be the most powerful force in this country, if not the world."

"Ambitious, aren't you?" Laxus noted. "Well I hate to break it to you, but the old geezer's been doing his homework too, ya know."

Ivan's cocky smile finally faded as he understood Laxus' implication. "The little troll's been spying on us?!"

"You got it, pops." Laxus confirmed. "Everything from Raven Tail's ranks and locations, to its operating funds and activities. We obviously hit a speed bump the seven years we were out gone, but we still got it. Guess you got a little complacent, huh?"

"What?!" Ivan questioned as the rest of Raven Tail looked in surprise.

"It must have been Gajeel!" Flare exclaimed. "There's no other way!"

"Yeah, I always had a feeling that iron-chomping creep couldn't be trusted." Nullpudding growled.

"He never struck me as being all that clever… but I guess I underestimated him." Kurohebi commented.

"He was with Phantom Lord… the very one who destroyed the old guildhall!" Ivan's armored fists clenched. "How could he be so quick to side with the same guild that humiliated him so badly!?"

"He got the warm and fuzzies. That's just how Fairy Tail works." Laxus said calmly. He honestly had no idea that Gajeel was his grandfather's informant until just now, but given his history with Phantom Lord, it did make sense.

'So… he was a spy, was he…?' Sapphire thought to herself.

"An Anti-Fairy Tail guild?" Sparda asked aloud as he and Mavis listened to Makarov.

"Ivan left with detrimental information that could endanger those in Fairy Tail, so I had to bend the law a little bit in order to keep an eye on him." The former guildmaster revealed.

"Smart move." Mavis complemented.

"However, there was something that left me a bit perplexed." Makarov went on. "I had information on many of the members of his despicable guild before he laid out his plans, but try as I might a handful of them managed to escape scrutiny. First that Obra-individual, then he somehow has his own Dragon Slayer, and now that Alexi-fellow… I didn't even know he existed before this tournament."

"Does this feel strange to anyone else?" Flare questioned.

"Yeah, if Makarov knew most of our juicy secrets, why didn't he act on it when he had the chance?" Nullpudding also asked.

Laxus looked in genuine annoyance as he already knew the answer. "Cause the stubborn old fool as a real knack for holding back when he shouldn't."

---

Flashback

"Give me a break." Laxus said as he sat on a tree stump outside the Fairy Tail guildhall with Makarov and Gildarts present as well. "You're really just gonna ignore the guy?" He spoke to his grandfather specifically. "Let's not forget that my pop's claimed to have dirt on Fairy Tail and he holds grudges longer than I do."

"Gotta go with Laxus on this one, Gramps." Gildarts agreed. "Since I'm the guildmaster now, I could go up to his doorstep and teach him a lesson."

"I don't think there's a need for that." Makarov replied. "It's been seven years since Ivan made that claim and I have no reason to believe that information was leaked while we were sealed away on Tenrou Island."

"You sure about that?" Gildarts asked. "We all know how sneaky he his."

"Trust me, I'm more than sure." Makarov said. "Ivan's ambitious and vengeful, but he's not stupid. He's fully aware that sharing what he knows with someone would be more dangerous than keeping it to himself."

"About that… what does he know anyway?" Laxus asked.

"Nothing you need to worry about. Every guild has a few skeletons that should remain in the closet." Makarov assured before glancing up to the sky with a complicated expression. "I've been told that he left our members alone, in peace. While we were gone, he never harmed them or tried to make trouble. And as long as things remain quiet, I don't intend to make any trouble for him either."

End Flashback

---

Ivan gritted his teeth as Laxus told him all that.

"Hurts, huh? After everything you've done, the old geezer still managed to have a little faith in you. Cause you're his son."

Ivan chipped a tooth.

"SILENCE!" He sent a multitude of streams of shikigami at Laxus, who braced himself as he took the barrage. "Every waking moment I lived in the shadows was to prepare for this day! All so that I could finally have the Lumen Histoire within my grasp!" The guildmaster of Raven Tail shouted as he kept the bombardment up on his son. "Did he think I was being passive out of the goodness of my heart?! Of course I wasn't! Because I knew your guild's pathetic leftovers wouldn't know anything about what I wanted! The guildhall, Magnolia, even Tenrou Island itself! I checked every nook and cranny remotely connected to Fairy Tail, but I still never found it! Tell me where the Lumen Histoire is, Laxus! Stop hiding it!" He directed thousands of his little Shinigami above Laxus as they began to form a large sphere where a dark symbol formed. "You're my son, aren't you!? Where's your loyalty to your family?!"

Those words caused Laxus to think back on something that the old man and Natsu told him at different times so long time ago…

"Flesh and blood or not, any member who would endanger the lives of his brethren must be banished without exception! That's how our predecessors have preserved our guild over the years! It's the way that Fairy Tail's always worked!"

"Don't you know that blood ties don't matter?! Cause everyone in the guild is supposed to be considered family!"

The sphere of Shikigami dropped on Laxus and exploded in a flurry of dark energy, appearing to engulf Laxus. However, Ivan looked in surprise to see Laxus still standing, even after taking a direct hit from his attack.

"Ah, I was wondering why you didn't dodge or attempt to defend yourself." Ivan said. "You were testing the limits of my magic power, wouldn't you? Good to know that some things will never change. Or is it something else?" He taunted. "Can't bring yourself to strike your father? I'm the one who gave you that power after all. Your mother died giving birth to a frail and weakling child, but I was the one who made you strong. And you are strong, aren't you my greatest masterpiece? My sweet little Laxus?"

"Laxus!"

Hearing his grandfather call to him, Laxus glanced in his direction and was surprised to see him stick up his hand, his index finger and thumb held out.

Laxus knew that signal. It was the thing he did as a kid when he first participated in the Fantasia Parade. No matter where you are, I'm looking your way. At the time, Laxus just thought it was a kid thing and nothing more. But then, after he was expelled, and rightly so, Makarov and everyone else in Fairy Tail held up that same sign during Fantasia seven years prior. That was a memory that was forever etched into his heart, just as it was when he and Makarov stood together on Tenrou Island with everyone else when Acnologia attacked. That was all the encouragement that Laxus needed as he smiled.

"Now Obra, drain his magic! Show…!"

*PUNCH!*

Everyone from Ivan, to Flare, to Nullpudding, to Kurohebi, and… for the first time since this match started… Laxus himself…. They all looked in clear and genuine shock…

As Sapphire had suddenly shot forward to slam her blazing blue fist right into Obra's chest to send him flying into the air.

But she wasn't done yet. While he was airborne, Sapphire had jumped in the air to meet him as she rapidly punched Obra across his body, even striking the tiny creature on his shoulder, her fists burning brightly with blue flame. She even gave a yell as she delivered one powerful punch to send him crashing to the ground.

"Azure Dragon Roar!"

A breath attack was unleashed directly on the downed Obra. The flames surged around him before vanishing, quickly revealing Obra and the tiny creature with him were both trapped in a cluster of bright blue ice.

"What?! Sapphire?!" Ivan exclaimed as she landed on the ground and flipped closer to the surprised Laxus, standing beside him.

"That outta hold him for a while." Sapphire said as she faced her shocked teammates.

"S-Sapphire…?" Flare's eyes shook, almost like she was hurt deep down.

"The hell was that?!" Nullpudding exclaimed. "What kind of stunt are you trying to pull!"

Kurohebi hissed. "Sapphire? You dare to betray us?!"

"Betray?" The female Dragon Slayer questioned with a grin. "For that to be true, I would have to been on your side to begin with."

Ivan growled. "You're another one of Makarov's little pets, aren't you?!"

"You know what your problem is, Ivan?" Sapphire began. "You're pretty smart, but when it comes to Fairy Tail, you get some major tunnel vision. You're so focused on them, it's like you can't even comprehend the idea that another guild would have been keeping a close eye on you."

She brandished her right shoulder, which had been blank for a time… until it began to glow and reveal a certain emblem. One that had a large M with a pair of mermaid tails around it, one that Ivan recognized instantly.

"Mermaid Heel?!"

"Mama Kurenai sends her regards." Sapphire revealed. She then turned toward the still-surprised Laxus. "I know this is a surprise, but I think we can both agree that this creep and his pals deserve a major beatdown. So, what do you say? Wanna team up?"

He didn't quite know how this happened, but Laxus wasn't complaining. A smirk fell on his face as he gave his response. "Sure, if you can keep up."

With that, he shot a bolt of lightning from his hands as Sapphire swung her feet to send a wave of blue flames, both attacks gunning straight for Raven Tail as they leapt and scattered to avoid the dual strike before going on the attack themselves.

"Flare, free Obra at once! Nullpudding, Kurohebi, show these ungrateful swine how we treat disrespect!" Ivan ordered.

Flare ran towards the frozen Obra and wrapped her hair around the ice before setting it on fire, hoping to melt it quickly, while Kurohebi and Nullpudding charged at Laxus and Sapphire, who charged at them in response.

"I'll take Nullpudding!" Sapphire told Laxus. "Kurohebi may have copied your guildmates' magics, but his body isn't all that strong! One good hit should take him down!"

"Got it." Laxus nodded as he transformed his body into lightning and shot at Kurohebi, who broke apart his own body apart in the form of pink smoke, curtsey of Wakaba's stolen magic, and then revealed a dozen copies all surrounding Laxus.

"Smoke Crush!" All the Kurohebi copies opened their mouths to let loose a volley of fists made entirely from pink smoke that appeared to pound Laxus from all sides. The copies vanished as the single true Kurohebi generated a purple flame in his hand. "Purple Net!" Multiple streams of purple flame shot from his hand to bind and ensnare Laxus. "Wood-Make: God Fist!" A massive fist made of wood was sent straight towards the supposedly bound Laxus, but with a surge of lightning around him, Laxus was able to break free before he caught the wooden fist attack, much to Kurohebi's shock.

And that shock left the snake-like wizard open for Laxus to go on the attack as he zapped himself straight at him and gave an electrical uppercut to the jaw to send him flying upwards. While airborne, Kurohebi noticed a surge of electrical power being generated above him as Laxus delivered an attack.

"Raging Bolt!" He brought down his fist and brought down a massive bolt of lightning that completely encompassed Kurohebi as he fell to the ground in an unconscious hump, covered in multiple electric burns.

"Needle Blast!" With his fists enlarged and the spikes protruding out, Nullpudding threw multiple punches towards Sapphire, who proved quick and nimble enough to avoid most of them before backflipping and fighting back.

"Azure Dragon Blaze Wing!" She rushed Nullpudding, blue flames generated from her arms to provide her with an extra boost of speed to shoot past Nullpudding and send him flying with a surge of blue fire exploding underneath. She then jumped up to meet him airborne as she grabbed him by his upper jaw and pulled upwards. "Just because your skin is hard as a rock doesn't mean you're immune to pain! "Azure Dragon Seething Talon!" Sapphire delivered a powerful cartwheel kick, her right foot set ablaze with blue flames as she struck him in-between his eyes and sent him plummeting to the ground, where she finished him off with another flaming kick straight to the back of his neck to further pummel him down.

Meanwhile, Flare looked as though she almost had Obra freed from his icy-prison, but a streak of blue flame shot forward to tear through most of Flare's outstretched hair, much to her horror as she saw Sapphire with Laxus standing behind her.

"Make sure Obra stays down! Don't let him recover! I'll handle Flare!" Sapphire instructed as she rushed her fellow female wizard.

Trusting her judgement, and not wanting to take any chances, Laxus unleashed one of his most destructive attacks. "Lightning Dragon Heavenward Halberd!" He generated a large spear made from his own lightning and threw it at the partially frozen Obra, resulting in a gargantuan explosion of lightning that seemed to take him out of commission.

Sapphire had thrown her arms out to create a ring of blue flames, the azure inferno encircling around both her and Flare as they faced each other.

"Sapphire… how could you…?" Flare was brought to tears. Out of everyone in Raven Tail, Sapphire was the only one who was genuinely nice to her and even helped her whenever she would suffer a beating from Ivan. She really liked her.

A look of regret formed in Sapphire's eyes even as she appeared before Flare, looking ready to attack, only to whisper into her ear and say…

"Take a dive." That caught Flare by surprise. "I can get you away from him, but you have to lose. I promise… if you do this… you'll never have to see Ivan again. Let me free you from him."

Free her from Ivan? The words almost went over her head as she couldn't believe it. Was Sapphire going to set her free? Did she actually still care even after revealing herself as a double agent? Flare glanced at her, where Sapphire gave her a serious look, one that Flare knew all too well. One look in her eyes and Flare could tell that Sapphire spoke the truth.

With that… she decided to trust her. "Do it."

The Azure Dragon Slayer set loose another breath attack, one that Flare allowed herself to take. Despite the icy-cold flames striking her, an expression of relief fell on her face. If this could allow her to be finally get out of Raven Tail, then she would allow herself to be freezer-burned a thousand times over. Flare fell to the ground, covered in some minor burns and patches of ice.

A look of guilt and regret formed on Sapphire's face, never wanting to hurt Flare. But she was certain Kurenai would be able to help her. But first things first…

"No… it can't be… my elite squad… taken out…?!" Ivan couldn't believe what he was seeing. He flinched upon seeing the death-glares shot at him by Sapphire and Laxus, blue flames and lightning surging around both of them.

"You have more of a history with him, so you should be the one to take him down." Sapphire said to her fellow Second Generation Dragon Slayer.

"I can tell that you've had to put up with this deadbeat's bullshit for a long time, so I'd say we've both earned this." Laxus said.

"Fine with me." A grin Sapphire's face.

"No wait…! I am still your father, don't you have any respect?!" Ivan pitifully begged as they approached him menacingly. "You would harm me?! Laxus! I'm your own flesh and blood!"

"Fairy Tail's my only family now!" Laxus declared

"Then you'll share in their doom, you pathetic ingrate! BEGONE!" Ivan tried desperately to launch a torrent of Shikigami at the pair, but a wave of blue flames incarnated and froze all of them as Sapphire was the first to attack.

"I've waited a long time for this! Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Frozen Lotus Flashburn Fist!" She threw a multitude of punches, her fists coated in her frozen blue fire, and punched Ivan repeatedly across his body with such incredible speed and force that it seemed like a blur of intense pain for Ivan, feeling the force from every single punch and icy blue flames that were so cold it burned, shattering away much of his armor. With a final and vindictive yell, Sapphire delivered a double-fist attack right into Ivan's exposed chest that may have broken all his ribs and caused him to hack a great deal of blood.

Now it was Laxus turn. Right after Sapphire laid that attack, Laxus had appeared behind her, his right hand held backwards as he generated a cluster of bright yellow lightning that took the shape of a giant hammer. "Anyone who threatens my family… GETS NO MERCY FROM ME! LIGHTNING DRAGON MJOLNIR!" He slammed the hammer right into his father.

With that final attack, the illusion round the whole arena shattered, revealing the brutalized Ivan being sent flying and crashing into the wall, Laxus and Sapphire standing together, both their fists held outward, while the brutally beaten members of all of Team Raven Tail laid around them.

"Whoa! What happened down there!?" Chapati stood up from his seat as everyone in the audience can now see what really happened. Lahar looked in genuine shock while Yajima glared.

"Are you guys seeing this?!" Nero was just as surprised as his teammates in Fairy Tail B.

"It was an illusion!" Mira exclaimed.

"So… it was him…!" Mavis saw the man behind Alexi's shattered armor, as did everyone else in the observing Fairy Tail.

"Ivan…!" Makarov growled.

"All of their members are down there!" Happy saw.

"But if that's the case… who are they…?!" Lily looked towards the box of Team Raven Tail, only to see everyone there vanish, revealing they were an illusion themselves.

"An illusion was cast over the arena." Mystogen said.

"Figures Ivan would hid behind smoke and mirrors." Gildarts shook his head, completely unsurprised.

'This is bad!' The fake Ivan thought to himself as he tried to sneak away to the nearest exit, finding a door that would lead away. 'I need to get out of here before…'

*SLASH!*

Gajeel had suddenly appeared out of the doorway, his right arm converted into a sword and slicing away at the Shikigami on his chest, causing the illusion to drop and reveal Sid's true form to everyone in the arena, whom Gajeel grabbed by his shirt as he looked down with a glare of red eyes.

"Next time you get any ideas about attacking kids… you'd better pray I don't hear about it." Gajeel threatened, causing Sid to look in fright.

"Dante! Do you see that?!" Lucy and the rest of Team Fairy Tail A saw who Gajeel had caught.

"It's Sid." The youngest Son of Sparda glared, along with Erza as she put her hands on Wendy's shoulders.

"He's the one!" Lisanna saw him as well.

"The one who attacked Wendy and the others….!" Modeus eyes narrowed.

"That scoundrel!" Carla glowered.

Romeo and Patty both shook with fear and anger, but Macao was able to put his hands on both of their heads to provide some kind of comfort as he too glared at the one who dared attack his kid.

"I'm at a complete loss here folks! This is crazy!" Chapati commented.

Mato was in the arena as well and had gotten a good look at who was in Alexi's armor, covered in bruises, burns, patches of ice. "I know that face… he's their guildmaster! Holy moly Alexi was actually Master Ivan the whole time!"

That reveal caught the entire audience by surprise as they looked in shock and confusion. Not only were they surprised at the reveal of Raven Tail's master being down there, as well as the whole team, the fact that Laxus and Sapphire stood together suggested they were on the same side. As questions began to circulate, one booming voice drew all their attention.

"That girl is with me!"

All eyes were drawn to Kurenai as she leapt into the arena and quickly made her way over to Sapphire, holding her arm out to reveal the guild emblem of Mermaid Heel so that everyone can see.

"Sapphire Caldwell is one of mine!" Kurenai revealed to everybody. "She had infiltrated Raven Tail under my orders because of their suspicious activity!" That reveal took everyone by surprise. She looked towards her subordinate. "I trust you have the information we need?"

"Yeah, mission accomplished… Mom." Sapphire said with a genuine smile.

"Wait… she's from Mermaid Heel?!" Natsu questioned, remembering when Sapphire attacked him the previous night.

"And it seems she was spying on Raven Tail for Lady Kurenai." Erza observed.

"I definitely didn't see that one coming…" Gray noted.

Gajeel then jumped down into the arena, still holding Sid. "I got one more 'upstanding citizen' right here." He threw Sid towards Kurenai's feet, where he looked up in genuine fear as the Mother of Oceans towered over him with a glare before looking towards Gajeel.

"I take it you were a spy as well, Gajeel?"

"Yep." He confirmed with a nod.

"I'm not surprised from Makarov. He's always the type to be careful and think of the long term." Kurenai paid him a glance as she gave a nod of approval, while he nodded back.

"…Well apparently the battle we were watching was just an illusion!" Chapati tried to make sense out of everything. "But Laxus persevered alongside Sapphire, who is in actuality a member of Mermaid Heel, and they defeated the rest of Team Raven Tail together! Because of this, Raven Tail is hereby disqualified from the match, therefore making Laxus the winner by default! Let's hear it for our victor!"

"Not only did their whole team illegally participate in an one-on-one match, but their guildmaster partook in the Games as well." Yajima spoke with a glare. "This is a brazen violation of the tournament rules!"

"Lady Kurenai…" Lahar spoke to her directly from the commentator's box. "I trust you understand that we'll need to be talking about the member of your guild that you had infiltrate Raven Tail."

Sapphire looked away with a nervous expression, knowing that something like this would happen. But Kurenai put an assuring hand on her shoulder before replying to Lahar. "I accept full responsibility, Chief Marshal Lahar. Once this day's match ends, I'll answer any questions you may have."

"Thank you." Lahar nodded in understanding.

"Mermaid Heel was spying on Raven Tail?"

"Given how dirty their reputation is, I can't say I blame them."

"Those two took out the whole Raven Tail team by themselves?!"

"Mermaid Heel's still going strong, but Fairy Tail…? First Erza, then Cana, now this guy?!"

"There ain't no messing with Fairy Tail this year! They're killing it!"

"Okay… complications aside, the winner of Day 3's third match is Fairy Tail B's Laxus Dreyar!" Mato announced, resulting in cheers from the entire audience as well as everyone in Fairy Tail, many of the observing members looking in relief now that Raven Tail's dirt was completely exposed for everyone to see. They couldn't worm their way out of this one.

Nero and Cana shared a fist-bump as Mira and Juvia shared a high-five, all celebrating their team's victory.

"Now that's a manly way to win!" Elfman pumped his fist in victory.

"I'm not surprised at all." Evergreen said with confidence and crossed arms.

"Way to go, Laxus!" Bickslow cheered.

"Way to go!" The dolls sung.

Freed had a content smile on his face. "Laxus… you never cease to amaze me."

Mixed feelings were comically felt by Fairy Tail Team A as Natsu and Gray grumbled. "I was all set to get revenge on those creeps but it already looks like Laxus took care of that."

"I'm still surprised that Mermaid Heel had a spy in their ranks." Wendy commented.

"Those jerks!" Natsu comically whined. "They couldn't save any for us?! I don't wanna owe those two any favors!"

"I'm glad they were caught, but I hope Flare isn't abused by her master again." Lucy said.

"Even though she tried to torture you and took Asuka hostage?" Dante questioned.

"I know what she did was wrong, but I know Ivan's probably put her through a lot and I can't condone torture of any kind." Lucy stated.

Dante shrugged. "Whatever you say."

Erza however smiled. "You truly are a kind and gentle soul Lucy."

Meanwhile, everyone in Team Mermaid Heel looked in relief. "Finally! I was really getting worried for good old Sapphy." Risley said.

"I'm glad that she doesn't have to work for those creeps anymore." Beth added.

"Does this mean she's gonna finally come back? We all really missed her." Milliana said.

"She probably has to answer to the Magic Council though." Kagura pointed out.

"I'm certain our mother will make sure she comes back soon, though." Lucia assured. "It'll be nice to have our third S-Class sister back."

Makarov looked down on the beaten form of his son, not the least bit surprised, but his eyes were full of disappointment. "This is what your dirty tricks have brought you. Disgrace."

Sparda too shook his head with disappointment at Ivan's actions, while Mavis casted a dark glare at him. Even from someone so small and cheerful, her darkened expression would send a chill down the spine of even the most hardened of warriors.

And it wasn't just them. Vergil had seen everything. He looked down at the defeated Raven Tail with crossed arms and an unsurprised expression and said only one word.

"Pathetic."

Laxus and Gajeel both walked toward the arena's exit and happened to pass by Ivan… who coughed to get their attention

"Gajeel… you… how did you… how were you able to deceive me so easily…?"

"Probably the same way that chick from Mermaid Heel got in." The Iron Dragon Slayer grinned. "Guess I'm just that good."

Ivan spat out some blood. "I admit… I lost. But Laxus… there's something you should know…" A sinister grin fell on his face as he spoke to his son. "The Lumen Histoire is Fairy Tail's darkest secret of all… someday you're going to learn that first hand… then you'll know what your 'family' really is…" He was picked up by a pair of guards and dragged away all while he was laughing.

Despite having no love or empathy for his birth father, Laxus couldn't shake this feeling. "Hey, you got any idea what he's talking about?" He asked Gajeel.

"Not a clue." The Iron Dragon Slayer as well felt a bit odd. This was the first time he ever heard the phrase 'Lumen Histoire'. Was it something the old man knew?

"After some deliberation, Raven Tail has been officially disqualified and are hereby banned from the Grand Magic Games for the next three years!" Chapati announced.

"Good riddance." Yajima stated.

Other royal soldiers entered into the arena to gather up the rest of team Raven Tail. Nullpudding remained unconscious, but Flare and Kurohebi had woken up.

"We have some questions for you." One soldier said to Flare.

Sapphire noticed a scared look in Flare's eyes as well as her shaking body. "Mom…" She spoke to Kurenai. "About Flare…?"

"Don't worry, I'll handle it." She assured, causing Sapphire to look in relief as she turned to Flare and gave her a smile and a wink, that gave Flare some relief as she could tell that Sapphire was keeping true to her word.

"Don't touch me!" Kurohebi tried to struggle in the soldiers' grip.

"You're only making this worse!"

However, when Sapphire turned to see the soldiers picking up Obra, she was shocked to see his body go limp.

"Hey, is this guy unconscious?"

"Straighten up, dead weight!"

"No…" Sapphire immediately ran towards Obra, much to the soldiers' confusion, even more so as she checked all over his body. "No… where is it? Where is it?!" She was starting to panic. "No, no, no! No!"

"Sapphire? What is wrong?" Kurenai asked as she approached her.

"This isn't Obra! Look!" Sapphire punched a hole in its chest, to reveal nothing more than stuffing, much to Kurenai's and the guards' shock. "It's just a puppet! That little thing on its shoulder was the real Obra!"

"Huh? You mean that tiny little imp?" One guard asked.

"That 'tiny little imp' is more terrifying than you can possibly imagine!" Sapphire exclaimed. "If it's still out there…!"

"I promise, we'll handle it." Kurenai assured, trying to calm Sapphire down while also taking her word very seriously. "For now, just stay with me. We have to clear some things up with the Magic Council, you can tell them all about Obra, and if he's as dangerous as you say, they'll help in hunting him down. We may even ask for Fairy Tail's assistance."

That seemed enough to calm her down, but only slightly. "Alright."

Sid made no effort to resist the guards that detained him with the rest of Raven Tail. 'Things didn't quite go as planned here, but at least Obra escaped. And with the Eclipse project about to rear its ugly head soon…' Sid chuckled. 'This is far from over.'

The tiny imp that was in actuality, the real Obra, had made it to the top of one of the giant statues surrounding the arena as it glared down at the members of one particular guild.

"See you again, soon. Fairy Tail." It said with a cackle before vanishing.

---

It took a few minutes or so for the officials to clear things up as well as for Team Raven Tail to be properly detained and escorted away from the arena before the tournament kicked back up again.

"Heh, sorry about all that, folks." Mato apologized to the audience. "What do you say we just put all that behind us and move on to Match Four? It's the last fight of the day and it's sure to be an exciting bout!" That got the audience excited again.

"You heard em, folks!" Chapati then began to announce the fighters for the next match. "Fairy Tail A's Wendy Marvell versus Lamia Scale's Sherria Blendy!"

"I finally get a turn!" Wendy declared with a fierce expression.

"Go tear em up, kid." Natsu and Gray both encouraged.

"Good luck Wendy." Lucy smiled.

"Trust your instincts and your training and I have no doubt you'll succeed." Erza said sincerely.

"You've more than pulled your weight those three months, kiddo. Let's show the world what you can do." Dante encouraged.

"Thanks guys. I promise to do my best!" Wendy vowed.

Doranbolt sat in the audience and would be paying very close to this match.

"This is Sherria's first time in the Games, right?" Sho recalled.

"That's right, and because of that… nobody here realizes just how strong Sherria's magic truly is." Lyon confirmed. "I can already imagine the look on Gray's face."

However, everyone else could tell otherwise when they saw Lyon's blushing smile. "Gray's not the one you were thinking of!" Yuka said in annoyance, knowing Lyon was thinking of Juvia.

"What joy…!" Toby cried in pure happiness. "My sock can rest in peace now that it's been avenged!"

"Yeah, I'm glad Raven Tail got what they deserved too." Sho patted Toby on his back in support.

"Go give it your all and make us proud." Jura encouraged Sherria.

"Show them lots of love, little cousin!" Sherry also encouraged.

"I will! For both!" Sherria beamed with excitement.

"Lose and I'll spin your head off!" Ooba warned. "Now quit standing around!"

"Alright competitors! Come on down to the arena! It's time to get this party started!" Mato announced.

Sherria was the first to run out into the arena, but no sooner did she step onto the field, she happened to trip on a rock and fall flat on her face in a manner that was nothing short of adorable, resulting in many people of the audience laughing.

"Hey, are you okay?" Wendy ran out onto the field as well and was willing to help her, only to trip up on a rock herself and fall flat just like her opponent, causing the audience to laugh even more.

Both girls pulled themselves up and smiled. "Hi, I'm Wendy." The Sky Dragon Slayer of Fairy Tail introduced. "It's nice to meet you."

Sherria nodded. "Yeah, same to you."

'Incredible…' Doranbolt thought as he watched from his spot. 'Even from up here, it's clear to see that Wendy's improved by leaps and bounds, but still…'

"I'm not so sure about this…" Carla didn't seem as amused the audience. "Is she ready?"

"Is that a rhetorical question, cat?" Lady questioned. "You've seen what she's been doing these past three months."

"With her magic power back and her spirit recovered, I'm certain she's more than ready." Lily said with a smile.

"She'll make little Sherry see stars!" Happy declared.

"Yeah, she's going to be great out there!" Patty said excitedly. "Go Wendy! You can do this, girl!"

"Knock em dead, Wendy! Show the world what you can do!" Romeo also cheered.

"Don't worry kid, your girlfriend's gonna be just fine." Trish teased.

"Yeah I…" Romeo's face quickly turned red as he just realized what Trish had said. "H-hey! She's not my girlfriend!"

"Hey, there's no shame in denying it." Gildarts teased as well, rubbing his hand over Romeo's head. "And if you want advice about how to win a girl's heart, just let me know."

"Gildarts, no offense, but you're the last person to talk about something like that." Lisanna pointed out in a teasing fashion of her own.

Wakaba laughed as he nudged Macao in the arm. "Your little boy's well on his way to becoming a man."

"I know…" Macao comically shed tears of joy. "I'm so proud!"

"Guys! I'm right here, ya know?!" Romeo exclaimed irritably while nearly everyone else laughed at his embarrassment.

Sparda glanced in the direction of Modeus and recognized the expression on his face. The one that carried both concern as well as pride and he knew instantly what that meant.

"You trained Wendy, didn't you?" Sparda assumed.

"I did." Modeus confirmed. "She asked me to train her a long time ago. And she has improved greatly, though she also still has a long way to go. That said, I'm both proud and concerned."

"Now you know how I felt when I trained you and your brother." Sparda said before he smiled with assurance. "As teachers, there's only so much we can do. But even then, the tiniest of things we do can leave a huge impact. And you've left quite the impact on Wendy. Just have faith."

"I know, and I do." Modeus assured as he smiled toward his former mentor. However, they both caught notice of a calculating expression on Mavis' face. "Master Mavis?"

"There's something odd I sense from Sherria… her magic power is… unusual." Mavis commented.

Right as she said that, Jellal gasped as his eyes widened behind his mask. "I sense it…" That got the attention of everyone else in the Fairy Tail box.

---

At the same time, the rest of Crime Sorciere sensed it as well.

"You all feel that?! We just struck gold!" Meredy stated.

"It's that same power again… Zeref's…" Sorano said.

"And of course…" Sheeree's expression was filled with fear and unease as she glanced at the crystal ball at the match that was about to take place within the colosseum. "It just had to pop up during Wendy's match!"

Ultear placed a hand on her shoulder, one that expressed comfort, but was also firm enough to keep her from acting recklessly. She then made contact with their guild's leader. "Jellal, did you sense it?"

---

"Yes, I have. And I'm not the only one." Mystogen replied as Makarov and everyone else looked with seriousness.

"Are you certain this is the power that's related to Zeref?" The former guildmaster asked.

"Without a doubt." Jellal confirmed.

"Why did it have to pop up now of all times?" Lisanna questioned.

"Is Wendy in any danger?" Carla also questioned, her nervousness easily noticed by Happy.

"I can't say for certain." Mystogen answered. "I'll need to get closer, see if I can pinpoint it."

"Hang on, we can come with you." Levy offered.

"No. If the source of this power is a person and they're watching the games, they may notice more than one person trying to find them, or even someone missing from this box." Mystogen said. "I can move in without getting any further attention, but I need to do it alone."

"At least keep us in contact." Gildarts said. "If Wendy does get in trouble, we will step in."

"Understood." Mystogen nodded as he proceeded to leave the box, while also keeping contact with his guild. "Ultear, Sorano, Meredy, Sheeree, I'm moving in. Stand by."

"Roger." Sorano and Ultear both relayed.

"Be careful." Meredy said.

"If anything happens, we'll jump right in." Sheeree added.

As their masked ally left and the match was about to start, the rest of Fairy Tail couldn't help but feel nervous. Sensing Zeref's power was one thing. But with Wendy potentially at the center of that? That really put them on edge. Particularly Romeo, Carla, Modeus, and Patty.

Wendy and Sherria both stood fully back up on their feet and faced one another. Wendy had a determined expression while Sherria just had a casual smile, her eyes beaming with excitement.

"Awe, this is gonna be the cutest battle in GMG history!" Chapati gushed. "You girls have fun and give it your very best out there, okay?" He said as he stood up from his chair with hearts in his eyes and waving his rear, much to the annoyance of his fellow commentators.

"Sit down." Lahar groaned.

"And stop waving your rump at me." Yajima groaned as well.

"We're all set for the final match of Day 3!" Chapati announced.

The gong rang. "Begin!" Mato announced.

"I can't wait to see Gray's reaction to Sherria. He'll freak." Lyon said, trying to stifle in his laughter as he already pictured it in his head.

"I wish I can see Lyon's face when Wendy wins the match." Gray stated at the same time.

"Hey isn't that girl a Dragon Slayer too?" Frosch asked.

"Yeah, but she's just a runt." Lector brushed off. "Sting's in a whole other league."

"Got that right." Sting said confidentially. And while he wasn't as cocky, Rogue simply had a neutral expression on his face. He would be curious to see how Wendy would do as a fellow Dragon Slayer, but he doubted it would be anything too significant compared to what he could do.

Vergil, on the other hand, found himself paying quite close attention. Even from this distance, he could see the fierce resolve in Wendy's eyes, the same kind of resolve he had seen in Dante, Natsu, Erza, Lucy, and everyone else he'd faced in Fairy Tail in the past. He wasn't quite sure how this match would go, but he would still be watching.

"These little wizards are just too adorable for words!" Chapati continued to gush as he continued to wave his rump. "You can just overdose on their cuteness! They're just…"

*BANG!*

A bullet shot past his face, scratching his cheek slightly and startling him from his creepy gushes. He looked with a frightened expression at the one who held out his smoking black gun.

Dante glared hard, despite the distance between their respective boxes. "Don't be a creep." He may have been a bit of a casanova, but even Dante had his limits. Wendy and Sherria were just kids after all.

"Okay… sorry. I just got carried away…." Chapati's body turned white. Yajima and even Lahar were willing to let that go as well as they focused back on the match.

"Is this young lady a newer member of the Fairy Tail guild?" Yajima asked, never seeing Wendy before.

"Yes." Lahar confirmed. "I've only met her a few times, but I will say this. She's an exceptionally brave wizard."

Wendy took a breath and tried to focus. 'This is it. Remember everything you've learned, Wendy. I don't know what kind of magic this girl uses, so let's start off with something small and find out, and I'll work my way from there."

"Ready?" Wendy asked, to which Sherria nodded. "Sky Dragon Wing Attack!" Waving her arms, Wendy sent a series of air-waves towards Sherria, who proved quick and agile enough to avoid them before leaping up into the air and going on the attack herself.

"Sky God Boreas!" Generating a storm of black wind in her hand, Sherria threw it down, the black wind quickly growing into a massive vortex that appeared to engulf Wendy and send her flying.

"No! Wendy!" Carla exclaimed.

"Wait… did she say Sky God?!" Lisanna questioned.

"Black wind…!" Natsu recognized that type of magic.

"It can't be…" Orga's full attention was drawn to the fight as even Vergil's eyes narrowed.

Despite being trapped in the tornado of black wind, Wendy remained calm. 'She uses wind magic? Good. I can use that. Expand your senses and feel the flow of the air around you. Use it to your advantage!' Wendy focused her senses, specifically her hearing, her sense of smell, and feeling on her skin as she tried to get the feel of the air flow around her.

"Got it!" She generated a cluster of wind around both her feet as she stuck them in the black tornado, allowing her to ride through the vortex and straight out of the opening at the very top, without the least bit of damage much to the surprise of Lamia Scale.

"How did she escape Sherria's attack?!" Sho questioned.

Even Sherria herself was surprised. "Did she… ride on the wind?"

While airborne, Wendy expanded the air around her feet and used it to propel herself downward and closer to the surprised Sherria where she attacked again. "Sky Dragon Whirlwind Fist!" Mirroring Natsu's Iron Fist attack, Wendy engulfed her right fist in a whirlwind of air and tried to punch Sherria, which she blocked by crossing her arms, though the blunt strike did push her back slightly, allowing Wendy some room to attack again. "Sky Dragon Claw!" She was able to kick her feet and send a whirlwind of air that knocked Sherria up high. "Sky Dragon Roar!" Wendy unleashed her breath attack, which appeared to strike a direct hit on Sherria.

"Ah yeah! That's what I'm talking about!" Gray stated.

"Way to go, Wendy!" Lucy cheered.

"The fight isn't over yet." Erza cautioned.

"But what's with the other girl's magic?" Dante asked. "It feels similar to Wendy's but different?" As he wondered that, Natsu couldn't help but look serious as he knew he felt that type of magic before.

Despite being hit successfully, Sherria looked quite impressed, as if she was having fun with it all. "Oh wow. She's way stronger than I thought. In that case…" Right as Sherria landed, she went on the attack again, moving with such speed that she quickly closed the distance between herself and Wendy.

"Sky God Dance!" She spun herself to create a spiraling current of black wind that sent Wendy flying in the air. Sherria leapt to meet her before she could try and counter, but Wendy was already prepared.

Waiting till she was close enough, Wendy countered. "Sky Dragon Talon!" Delivering an axe-kick, despite being upside down from the attack, Wendy had struck Sherria to push her to the ground. Both girls landed on their feet, though Sherria briefly lost her balance.

'I know this type of magic. Is she really…?' Wendy thought for a moment. 'Let's find out!' She prepared to unleash a breath attack, one bigger than before. "Sky Dragon Roar!"

Sherria decided to mimic her opponent's actions. "Sky God Bellow!"

"Wait… is that…?!" Doranbolt's face paled as he also recognized that form of magic.

"That's Lost Magic!" Mavis was especially surprised.

Sparda's own eyes widened as well. "That girl is a God Slayer!"

Wendy's breath attack of white air struck Sherria's mirror attack of black wind. Both attacks collided, resulting in an explosive whirlwind that mixed black and white air which blew through the entire arena as everyone found themselves either pushed back or played very close attention for various reasons.

"I knew it." Wendy stood her ground as she faced Sherria with a fierce expression. "You're a God Slayer, aren't you?"

"Yep." Sherria beamed.

Mystogen had managed to find a spot closer to the arena, keeping himself blended in with the audience, and he too was surprised by this revelation.

"God Slayer Magic… wielded by a child…?"

---

"You guys saw that, right?" Meredy questioned as she and the rest of Crime Sorciere continued to watch the fight.

"Another God Slayer besides Zancrow?" Ultear didn't see that one coming either.

"Hold on… Could she be connected to Zeref, then?" Sorano asked. "Considering Grimoire Heart worshiped Mundus, whom we know now is directly connected to Zeref."

"But this is the first time that girl's participated in the Games, and we've sensed it before in years past." Sheeree disagreed.

"We also know that big guy from Sabertooth has the same kind of power, but he wasn't the source." Meredy added.

"Yes, I doubt she's connected to Zeref." Ultear said. "Still though, this is quite the surprise."

---

"Wait… you guys know about this kind of magic?!" Romeo questioned Sparda and Mavis.

"God Slayer Magic?" Patty also asked. "Is that like Dragon Slayer or Devil Slayer Magic?"

"It's similar, but quite different." Mavis answered. "On one hand, it can be considered far more powerful."

"Yes… this is one form of Lost Magic that I'd preferred to have remained lost." Sparda added.

"Someone from Grimoire Heart had that same kind of magic, too." Lisanna said. "It took me, Natsu, and Wendy working together to beat him and even then, it was a really close call."

"Yes, I remember that monster as well." Carla said as she, Happy, and Lily vividly remembered Zancrow, primarily how he incinerated his own soldiers and laughed maniacally. "That said…" She looked with a terrified expression. "Wendy…"

"Will be fine." Modeus interrupted.

"You sure about that?" Trish asked.

"Quite." Modeus confirmed. "Wendy had told me about that fight, and that's one of the things we worked on during our time training. She knows now what she's up against, so I'm certain she'll find a way to succeed."

"You fought someone like that, too?" Gray looked towards Natsu in surprise as he told them about Zancrow as well.

"Yeah, only the guy I fought used black fire." Natsu explained. "That stuff was really nasty, I couldn't even eat it!"

That took most of them by surprise. "For real?! Even though you've eaten demon fire!?" Lucy questioned.

"Yeah… Not to mention that freak almost killed Wendy and Lisanna!" Natsu growled, clenching his fists. He remembered how Zancrow was going to force Natsu to watch as he would try to violate them in the worst possible way until they died. Fortunately that didn't happen, but the thought of it still made Natsu's blood boil.

"If that's the case, and this Sherria can use the same kind of magic as Wendy, she might be at a disadvantage." Erza said cautiously.

"Nothing we can do about it." Dante said. "Besides, I don't think we have to worry." He said with a smile. "Maybe that guy you fought gave you guys a hard time in the past… but Wendy's a whole lot stronger now than she was back then, and she knows it. Our girl's got this."

Back in the arena, Wendy had to pause for a second. She had instinctively thought back to Zancrow, but she clenched her fists and tried to steel herself.

"I fought a God Slayer before… but I didn't think there'd be any more. Where did you learn that magic?" Wendy questioned, looking serious.

"I kinda taught myself." Sherria answered. "It's a long story, but Lyon told me all about you. I was really excited when I learned you use magic that's similar to mine. Maybe a little too excited. Did I go a little overboard? Sorry if I did."

'Sorry?' Wendy thought for a moment and got a good look in Sherria's eyes. They were so pure and innocent, nothing like that savage and monstrous Zancrow. 'She might wield magic like his, but she's not the same person. She seems good.' That thought alone caused Wendy to relax before she tried to smirk in the same manner Natsu and Dante would.

"Nah, I'm good. In fact, let's keep going. I'll do my best for Fairy Tail!" Wendy said a little excitedly, all the while trying to formulate a strategy in her head. 'If her magic is like mine, that means I can't overpower her. I need to fight smarter.'

Sherria winked. "I like your attitude, Wendy. Then I'll fight harder for love and for Lamia Scale!"

"This fight just keeps getting better!" Chapati commentated. "These two are super powerful!"

"They both wield similar magics so this can go either way!" Lahar stated.

Sherria attacked once more, sending a torrent of black wind waves at Wendy, which she shielded herself against by blowing a whirlwind around herself. 'If I fight her at a distance, she'll overwhelm me. Alright then…' Using a boost of wind to propel herself, she found herself directly in front of her smiling opponent. 'Let's how she does in close quarters combat!'

With her fists coated in bright and swirling wind, Wendy engaged in close combat, throwing what punches she could, which Sherria attempted to dodge and retaliate as she spun to generate black wind in an effort to parry and block Wendy before thrusting her palm forward to send a concentrated gust of black wind her way. But Wendy limboed underneath Sherria's strike and delivered a spinning kick, further enhanced by wind, to strike Sherria's face. With her briefly disoriented, Wendy struck…

"Sky Dragon Storm Shred!" Wendy thrusted her own palm forward to send a series of razor-sharp wind blades Sherria's way, several ended up cutting her. However, Wendy noticed something odd.

She spotted a tiny trickle of blood from a cut along Sherria's face, but that cut quickly vanished.

"Wait… I know that attack!" Natsu remembered one of his old foes using that move.

"Isn't that one of Erigor's spells?" Trish remembered.

"Erigor? You mean from the Neo Oracion Seis?" Kyrie asked.

"Yeah." Trish confirmed. "Wendy, Bickslow, and I fought him. I knew they had similar types of magic, but I never thought she'd use it."

"Why would Wendy use one of the bad guy's spells?" Happy questioned while Carla continued to watch with concern and worry for Wendy.

"You shouldn't just limit yourself to the knowledge of your friends and allies." Modeus said. "Even if it's from an enemy, their knowledge can be used to improve yourself as well. After all, you taught me that." He said that last part toward Sparda.

"Yes, I did." Sparda confirmed with a smile, proud at what his former student learned as well as the lessons that he in turn passed on to Wendy.

Sherria threw out a kick to generate a series of waves of black wind, but Wendy was quick and agile to leap over one while ducking under the other, moving in-between them as she continued to engage Sherria, all while thinking about what she just saw.

'Did she heal herself?' Wendy wondered. 'Her magic is like mine, and I have the power to heal. But I can't heal myself, only others.' She leapt back slightly to avoid a downward slash from Sherria's black-wind coated hand. 'There's only one way to find out.'

Wendy took a stance, one that caught Vergil's attention. Her right leg forward and her left one back, both her hands toward her side as she appeared to grip to something that wasn't there. 'Focus. Condense the air around you.' As she concentrated, air and wind were being drawn towards her hands. 'Give it form. It doesn't have to be a perfect shape, just something I can use right now!' A whirlwind had formed at Wendy's hands, with one tip being at Wendy's hands, while a long line of it was outstretched and grown, almost like she was forming a weapon in her hand.

Sherria only looked more eager. "Oh, you're planning something big, aren't you Wendy?" She then rushed her opponent. "Well don't think I'm just gonna stand by and let you do it!" However, right when the distance was closed between them…

*SLASH!*

Wendy had skidded past Sherria, a crudely shaped sword made out of air outstretched in one hand as she held and stood her ground with her remaining hand and both feet.

"Sky Dragon Sword!"

Sherria not only felt a slash along her body where Wendy had struck, she also felt the aftershock of air blew her hard to the ground.

Porlyusica, who had been hanging back away from the audience, had been watching the whole fight and was surprised at what she saw.

"That… wasn't in one of the spells that Grandeeney left. Did she make a new technique all on her own?"

"Did she just make a sword out of air?" Gajeel questioned.

"That stance…" Juvia recognized it as did everyone else in Fairy Tail B, even Nero. Instinctively, he felt his hand glow as Masayoshi briefly materialized in his hand.

Rogue looked in surprise. 'Her technique…'

"That was one of Vergil's moves." Dante said aloud, surprising the rest of his team.

"She copied Vergil?!" Lady exclaimed.

"Not exactly." Modeus replied. "That may have been one of his techniques, but it was invented by his father." He glanced towards Sparda. "Who taught it to me, and I taught it to Wendy during our training. By concentrating and focusing the air around her, she can make razor-sharp whirlwinds. Using the air around her to generate enough speed, she can mimic that very same move with her own magic. She's no master swordsman, and I don't think she's interested in wielding a sword but…" A proud smile formed on his face. "I'd say she's made a move all her own."

"Yay! Go Wendy!" Patty cheered.

"Keep it up, Wendy!" Happy cheered as well.

"That was amazing! Way to go!" Romeo also cheered.

Carla couldn't help but find herself overflowing with pride. Wendy had utilized one of Sparda's own techniques! She never imagined the little girl that she first met would be able to do something so incredible! Wendy was truly growing up.

The wind-sword in Wendy's hands disappeared as she took a second to catch her breath, not letting her guard down as she turned around to see what her opponent was doing. She narrowed her eyes to see that Sherria was already standing up on her feet.

"Wow! That was really cool, Wendy! You almost got me there! This is so fun!" Sherria kept up her smile, but Wendy wasn't focusing on that. She was instead looking toward the wound, or rather how the wound that she knew she inflicted on her had vanished completely. There was also the aura of healing magic that was being exhumated around her.

'Looks like she can heal herself.'

"How is she still standing?" Natsu questioned.

"Oh no… her injuries have all healed!" Lucy stated.

"Whoa mama!" Chapati exclaimed. "Even after being dealt such a devastating blow, little Sherria is right back up on her feet!"

"Was the girl able to heal herself?" Yajima asked.

"It would seem so." Lahar commented.

Lyon smirked. "Sky God Slayer Magic allows the wearer to heal his or her own wound mid-battle, something Wendy can't do. In other words,… Sherria has no chance of losing."

"I had no idea she was this strong." Erza said as she and everyone else in Fairy Tail Team A looked more than a little serious.

"Damn it, Lyon." Gray growled. "I should have known you'd have a trump card."

'Yeah, I hate to say it… but that girl might be stronger than her. Still…' Dante thought. 'It's not about pure strength or raw power. Wendy can still win this… she just needs to figure it out.'

"I wonder what's causing Sherria to hold back, like that." Jura said.

"It's still hard to believe that she's still not fighting seriously." Yuka added. "Little Wendy down there's got some serious moves."

"I think she's actually having fun with all this." Sho commented.

"She's gotta back up her bark with some bite!" Toby exclaimed.

"Well, the little darling is my cousin, after all." Sherry said in a gushing manner.

"That's got nothing to do with it and you know it!" Ooba scolded.

"Come on, Wendy!" Doranbolt uttered. However, as he glanced down, he noticed something, or rather someone. Despite blending in with the crowd of the audience, Doranbolt could see the heavy-clothes of an individual that he never thought he'd see here. 'Mystogen?'

---

"Hey, was Grimoire Heart's God Slayer able to heal himself too?" Sorano asked Ultear.

"No, he couldn't. This is new." She answered. "Maybe something that's more unique to her as a Sky God Slayer, as opposed to Zancrow's element with fire."

"I hate to say it, but Wendy might be at a real disadvantage out there." Meredy commented.

Sheeree looked with incredibly nervous, but at the same time, she had complete and utter faith in her surrogate sister. 'You can do this, Wendy! I know it! Find a way!'

---

'When it comes to raw power… God Slayers do have the advantage over Dragon Slayers.' Vergil thought as he glanced down at Wendy. 'So, how will you respond to this?'

Even though she had confirmed her own theory that her opponent could heal herself, Wendy couldn't help but feel a bit nervous as this did bring back memories of when they faced Zancrow and what he was about to do to her and Lisanna. She knew that Sherria wasn't a bad person as she seemed to be having fun with this, but the bad memories were still there and hard for Wendy to push down.

'Stop! Don't think about what happened back then! Focus on the fight! Come on Wendy, take a deep breath and focus!' Wendy tried to calm herself down by steading her own breathing. 'Breathe… just breathe. Wait… breathing…' Wendy's eyes suddenly widened as she was struck with an epiphany. 'That's it!'

---

Flashback

During their time at the beach for their three months of training, Modeus had proposed an idea to Wendy that she honestly didn't really think about.

"My senses?" The young Dragon Slayer asked.

"Yes. Dragon Slayers have heightened senses compared to everyone else." Modeus replied. "Hearing, scent, smell, etc. You should already be aware of this… but as a Sky Dragon Slayer, I feel that maybe your senses can be a potential weapon."

"I'm... not sure I understand." Wendy confessed.

"Think about it for a moment." Modeus explained. "Soundwaves are carried by air, it's what allows us to hear everything around us. When you pick a scent, you're nose inhales the air. You can even feel the air on your skin. Your element as a Dragon Slayer is in fact, air. And unlike other elements such as fire or iron, air is everywhere around us, inside and out. Air is what sustains us and allows us to live. Because you're able to manipulate that, perhaps you may be able to hear, smell, or even feel the air around not just you, but perhaps your allies and even opponents. If you can focus your senses through the air, perhaps you may be able to hear or feel something that not even your fellow Dragon Slayers can."

Wendy took a moment to let all that process as she looked at her own hands. "I… never really thought of it like that. I remember Grandeeney telling me I can consume the air to replenish my magic if I'm spent too much…" her eyes slowly widened. "And since air is all around us… I have my own limitless supply of fuel!"

"That is correct, but let us try and take it even further." Modeus proposed. "This was an idea I had. Don't just focus on the air around yourself, perhaps do so for your enemy. Let's say… try to focus on how they breathe."

"How they breathe?" Wendy asked.

"There is a… pattern of sorts when people breathe." Modeus explained. "If it's a bit quicker than normal, then it means their body is a bit more… active. They're excited, they're blood is flowing more, their heart beats faster. While on the other hand… if they take more shallow breaths, or even longer ones… you can tell they're fatigued. If you can determine what state your enemy is in just through their breath, you can also determine how to beat them, how to find a weakness."

"How do I do that?" Wendy asked. "How would I know what to do once I find out if they're tired or not?"

"I can't answer that. You have to figure that out on your own. Think of it like this, Wendy…" Modeus began as he kneeled down to her level. "You don't just wield the air, think of yourself as the wind. It's fluid, it's ever-changing, it's adaptable. You need to think of yourself like that. Be a bit more… creative." He placed a hand on her shoulder as he smiled. "Wendy, you have more potential then you can possibly know. Don't limit yourself by thinking of what you can't do, aim for the sky because that is where your potential lies." He looked up at the clear blue sky, prompting her to do the same thing. "What makes the sky so beautiful and so powerful… is that it is limitless. Your potential… is as limitless as the sky itself."

End Flashback

---

'I have to focus on her breathing! Even if the sky is limitless, our human bodies aren't.' Wendy focused her senses, specifically her hearing on Sherria herself. 'Hear the flow of air that comes from her body. In and out. Listen.'

As Wendy listened, she began to hear Sherria breathe. The flow of air that went in and out from her mouth, down her throat and into her lungs. Her breath was slow, deep and shallow breaths. That was it.

'She's tired!' Wendy realized. 'She might be able to heal herself… but I'm willing to bet she can still get exhausted. I know what I have to do now. I hope you're watching Elfman, because I'm doing something similar to what you did.'

"Hey… why are you smiling?" Wendy asked.

"Well, this is fun." Sherria beamed. "Are you having fun?"

A smile formed on Wendy's own face. "Yeah… I guess so. But it kinda seems like you're holding back."

"Maybe a little bit." Sherria confessed. "But I don't wanna hurt you or anything."

"Oh please." Wendy smirked, purposely trying to taunt her. "I've worked side-by-side with Sparda's own son! Oh, and remember that other God Slayer I mentioned, well my friends and I beat him."

"Really?" Sherria asked in surprise. "You beat a God Slayer?"

"Yep. So, I know you're not invincible. In fact…" Wendy looked even more eager. "I know I can win this match!"

Sherria blinked a few times before she grinned. "Alright. Let's try and have fun!"

"Sure." Wendy smiled. "Now come and hit me with all you got! Cause I'm all fired up!"

Everyone in the audience, those that knew and cared for Wendy the most, notably in Fairy Tail, specifically her teammates in Team A as well as Gajeel, Romeo, Patty, Carla, Modeus, Trish, Lisanna, Jellal, and even those not in her guild such as Sheeree, Porlyusica, Doranbolt, all looked at her with surprised and proud expressions. Wendy wasn't about to give up, despite her opponent holding a clear advantage over her. Even Vergil eyed this seriously.

"Let's go!" Wendy exclaimed.

"Right!" Sherria attacked first, rushing Wendy and throwing a series of punches, her fists coated by black wind, but Wendy was able to dodge and evade them with ease.

'Feel the flow of air around her!' Wendy thought as she continued to dodge. 'Even if she is a God Slayer, she still uses my element! Which means…' When Sherria threw another punch, Wendy parried it, causing Sherria's strike to veer past her, much to her surprise. 'I can predict her!' From that point forward, Sherria threw out every attack she could, and Wendy did everything she could to dodge them. 'Don't attack yet! Don't even use Support! Let her tire herself! I can already hear her breath getting shallower!'

'I've never faced anyone like her before…!' Sherria thought as Wendy limboed underneath one strike before rolling her body around to dodge a vertical chop of black wind. 'She's reading every one of my attacks!' Her smile only grew. 'This is so much fun!'

"Look at these two go!" Chapati commentated excitedly. "They might be tiny and adorable, but their fists are as big as the sky! Who will make it out on top in this whirlwind of a battle!?"

Sherria threw a wave of black wind towards Wendy, but she slid on the ground and bent her body to avoid it, all while keeping herself as close to Sherria as possible, hoping to prevent her from using any large and devastating attacks. But with Wendy so close, it allowed Sherria to strike with attacks that may be smaller, but were also quicker, which made it difficult to dodge as Wendy did get hit on the shoulders and sides a couple times, but she persevered. As she continued to dodge and parry, Wendy paid close attention to Sherria's breathing pattern, waiting for her opponent to get tired enough before she could go on the attack herself.

Everyone in Fairy Tail, Lamia Scale, Crime Sorciere, Porlyusica, Doranbolt, and even Vergil and Rogue in Sabertooth, continued to watch.

'Come on Wendy…!' Romeo clenched his fists. 'I've seen you grow so much these past three months! You have to win! I know you can win!'

Patty placed her hands over her mouth, her eyes watering as she watched one of the first and best friends she ever made appear to be on the defensive and unable to fight back.

"Wendy…" Carla was looking especially worried.

"She's no longer a child, Carla." Modeus got her attention. "She may still be young, but we can't always treat her that way. If she is to grow stronger, we need to have faith in her."

The white Exceed saw the look in Modeus eyes, and while she could see there was some concern and nervousness, he could see an unwavering faith. That's when Carla had to remind herself that it was Wendy who sought out Modeus' aid in getting stronger. It was Wendy's choice to become stronger, and that's exactly what she's done. Carla knew that she can't always protect Wendy. So, the best thing she could do was support the girl she loved with everything she had.

"Come on Wendy! Fight with everything you got!" Carla cheered. This caused Modeus to smile, and it wasn't just him.

Sparda couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride in how much his former student has not only grown, but become a teacher in his own right. He could tell that he put so much faith and trust in Wendy, and it seems that his knowledge has indeed helped the young Dragon Slayer to grow in a way that Grandeeney would be proud.

'The student has become the master.' The Dark Knight nodded with approval.

Wendy threw out both her hands to knock away Sherria's and send an updraft of black wind, that would have been a conjoined attack, away from her before stepping back a bit. Wendy listened to Sherria's breath and could tell that it was much shallower than before, so much so that anyone with normal hearing could tell that she was tired. But she wasn't the only one. Despite dodging as best as she could, Wendy had taken some damage, evident by some of the bruises and torn clothes on her arms. One more big attack should do it, and she had already had a strategy in mind.

"You're right, Sherria." Wendy told her. "This is fun…"

"Yeah… you're really amazing, Wendy." Sherria kept her smile up, despite being tired.

"So, what do you say we end this fight with a bang?" The Sky Dragon Slayer proposed. "Hit me with your biggest attack, and If I'm still standing, I'll hit you with one of mine!"

"Are you sure?" Sherria looked a bit concerned. "I mean… you are a bit beat up."

"I'm sure." Wendy confirmed. "Trust me, I've had worse. Now come on! Try and take me down! Let's go all the way!"

Sherria smiled once more. "Well if that's what you really want… let's do it! Get ready, cause this is my biggest attack!" She extended her arms and generated two massive black whirlwinds from her hands. "Just remember… you asked for it. God Slayer Secret Art…!"

That got Lamia Scale scared. Was Sherria really about to unleash that spell?!

"Don't do it, Sherria!" Lyon shouted, his cocky smile fading into a look of genuine shock and even fear.

"Have you gone mad!?" Jura exclaimed.

"You dimwit! Are you trying to kill the poor girl?!" Ooba shouted.

"She wanted me to hit her with everything I got, so I gotta do it. Cause that's love!" Sherria continued to generate as much power as she could, with Wendy paying close attention and waiting for the right moment to strike. She saw Sherria twirl around as if she were dancing, combining the black whirlwinds as they swirled above her, taking the form of hundreds of black feathers. This spell was growing so large, that it could be seen from even outside the arena.

"You guys feel that… right?" Dante asked.

"Yeah… that's way more powerful than anything that Fire God Slayer bozo whipped up." Natsu said, looking a bit nervous.

---

"This magic power… I've never felt anything like it before…" Ultear and the other four female wizards of Crime Sorciere continued to watch.

"Wendy…" To say Sheeree was scared for her sister would be an understatement.

---

However, this is exactly what Wendy wanted. She sensed that Sherria was about to attack, and now was her chance. 'Let's do this.' Her hands began to glow as she discretely casted some support magic. "Arms!" But it wasn't herself she was casting that strength-enhancement spell on, but rather her opponent.

Sherria didn't even notice the pink-violet aura that had formed around her, nor that of her own strength being doubled even as the attack she was about to unleash grew to disproportionate size.

"…Heavenly Gathering of Clouds!" She unleashed a massive twister of black feathers, which seemed to have engulfed Wendy where she stood before a massive explosion of black wind and feathers shook much of the arena.

However, the dust faded… and Sherria saw that Wendy wasn't even there. But she was even further surprised to see Wendy herself, enveloped in a bright cyan aura, having cast Vernier on herself and zoomed right at Sherria, who was now wide open. "Sky Dragon Whirlwind Fist!" With her own speed enhanced, Wendy struck quickly with a whirlwind punch right into Sherria's throat, much to Lamia Scale's shock.

"Wait… what just happened…?!" Patty questioned.

"Did Wendy dodge it?" Romeo wondered.

"More like… it misfired…" Even Makarov was surprised.

"I think it was both." Gildarts spoke aloud. "Wendy used Support Magic, she increased that Sky God Slayer girl's power without her knowing… which she couldn't control."

"And she used Support Magic on herself to increase her own speed… used the overpowered attack as cover… to try and get in close!" Lisanna said in realization.

"That girl's magic might be able to heal herself… but it doesn't look like it recovers her own stamina. Look!" Mavis pointed down. "She's tired… and since Wendy struck her in the wind-pipe…!"

"It disrupted her air flow, so she can't inhale and consume air to replenish her own magic power!" Sparda realized. "Wendy was able to figure out Sherria's weakness and develop a counterstrategy all on her own. Most impressive."

Modeus looked towards Carla as they shared smiles with each other. "That's our girl."

The shocked and exhausted Sherria felt her own throat for a minute, having difficutly breathing as the bright cyan glow around Wendy only grew.

'Even if she can heal herself from that, she's too tired! Time to finish this with everything I've got!' Wendy channeled as much magic power as she could. "Arms! Maximum Power!" A massive whirlwind formed around the pair as Wendy prepared to unleash her attack point-blank, her power further increased by her Support Spell. "You tried your big attack, now get a load of mine! Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Shattering Light: Sky Drill!" Twirling her hands, Wendy unleashed blasted Sherria with a cross-stream of tornados, engulfing her in a bright white-cyan colored magic blast that shook up the entire arena.

That was it. It was done. Wendy had given everything she had in that attack as she fell on her knees and was more than a little exhausted. As she took a moment to catch her breath… she looked to the dust clearing and saw that Sherria was lying flat on the ground and appeared to be unconscious. Wendy could hear her breath still, but it was so shallow that she knew in that instant… Sherria's stamina had been spent. She wouldn't be getting back up again.

"Jackpot…" Wendy muttered.

"That was… incredible!" Chapati exclaimed. "Wendy Marvell has defeated Sherria Blendy of Lamia Scale!"

"Let's hear it folks!" Mato had stepped out onto the field. "The winner of Day Three's final match is Fairy Tail Team A's Wendy Marvell!"

With that announcement, the entire stadium was in an uproar as the audience cheered as loud as they could, but it wasn't nearly as loud as Fairy Tail as they shouted in support for one of their youngest and one of their strongest members.

"Ah yeah! Way to go little sis!" Natsu hollered as Lucy cried next to him.

"I was on my toes the whole time… that was awesome!" Gray stated with a wide grin.

Erza smiled proudly. "Wendy has really come a long way."

Dante had an honest and proud smile himself as he nodded Wendy's way. "Not bad, kid. Not bad at all."

"That kid is a real powerhouse…!" Nero stated. "I had no idea she was so strong!"

"She's truly amazing. She's going to grow up into someone even more amazing." Juvia said with a smile.

"Bet she'd give you a run for your money, huh Metalhead?" Cana teased Gajeel.

"Eh, kid was alright I guess." The Iron Dragon Slayer brushed off, but he still kept up his smile, being impressed and proud of his fellow Dragon Slayer.

"She was really amazing out there, wasn't she Laxus?" Mira beamed.

"Yeah, kid's got lots of potential." Laxus commented with a smile of his own.

As every one of their friends all cheered and shouted praises toward Wendy, Carla, Romeo, and Patty couldn't help but cry at her victory, truly happy for her. Even Modeus had to wipe a small tear from his eye as he and Sparda shared happy smiles with one another. Even Happy was crying.

While Fairy Tail celebrated, Lamia Scale appeared in a state of shock and surprise.

"I don't believe it… Sherria lost…?" Yuka said.

"She's never lost before! There's no way!" Toby howled.

"Even with her ability to self-heal… Wendy was still able to defeat her…" Lyon couldn't believe it.

"Hey, didn't you say that Sherria couldn't restore her stamina even though she still heals?" Sho asked Sherry.

"Yeah… it can't be helped. I just thought with her being so powerful it wouldn't be an issue…" She replied. "But it's okay, Sherria you put up a good fight! All in the name of love!" She tried to call out to her downed cousin.

"It's true." Ooba admitted, being surprisingly calm. "Even if she lost, she put up a good fight. So I won't spin her." That caused everyone else to smile towards the old hag. "I'll just spin the rest of you instead cause we still lost!" She waved her finger and spun Lyon, Toby, Sherry, Sho, and Yuka all together.

"WHYYYYYY!?" Toby howled once more.

Jura, while disappointed in Sherria's defeat, found himself drawn to Wendy's performance as well. 'Was she able to figure out Sherria's weakness? I remember when I first met young Wendy. She was so timid and unsure of herself… but now look at her. Such confidence and strength.' A proud smile formed on his face. 'To think that shy little girl has grown into such a strong young woman.'

Porlyusica looked with emotion as well. Even if Wendy was the adoptive child of her dragon counterpart, she'd be lying to say that she didn't feel some manner of pride and emotion for the young girl.

"No freaking way!" Orga exclaimed. "That little brat took down someone who uses the same kind of magic I do?!"

"This was truly something unexpected." Rufus commented.

"And she's only a first-generation Dragon Slayer." Minerva's eyes narrowed.

"Maybe we've underestimated her." Rogue said.

"Yeah… that was cool…" Frosch smiled.

"What?! You think that twerp is cool?!" Lector exclaimed. "Sting could easily one-shot her! Right, buddy?" However, Lector looked in shock to see a surprised expression on his friend's face. "Sting?"

'That kid… she's stronger than I thought…' The White Dragon Slayer thought. And it wasn't just her power. He had seen the fire in Wendy's eyes as well, and it was the same kind of fire that Dante had when he attacked their guild. And that thought made him a little nervous.

Vergil continued to observe. 'When I first saw her, that girl was weak, at least compared to her fellow Dragon Slayers. But I also saw that she had the potential to grow much stronger in the future.' An impressed smile had formed on his face. 'I'm glad to know I was right.'

Sherria's eyes slowly opened as she tried to push herself up, despite being exhausted. 'I… I lost…' She didn't expect a hand to be offered to her, and that hand was from the smiling Wendy. Even though she was more than exhausted herself, she was still able to stand and offer her opponent some assistance.

"Are you alright? You're not hurt are you?" Wendy asked.

Sherria accepted Wendy's hand before answering. "No, I'm fine. You… you beat me. You're…. you're awesome!" Sherria beamed, much to Wendy's surprise. "I can't believe you actually beat me! You're like mega-strong, Wendy!" Sherria exclaimed as she took both Wendy's hands.

"You're… not upset?" Wendy asked.

"Well, I am a little bummed out that I lost but… this was still super fun!" Sherria beamed. "Hey, did you figure out that I can't restore my stamina even though I heal? How'd you do that?"

Wendy couldn't help but laugh at the girl's bubbliness. "Well… something my teacher taught me." She looked down with a loving smile. "Actually, he's more like a father to me."

Sherria smiled too as she saw the love in Wendy's eyes as she spoke about her teacher. "Well, he sounds a great guy. I'd love to meet him sometime. Maybe he can teach me a thing or two." Sherria said. "Say, do you wanna be friends?"

"Really?" Wendy was a bit surprised by such a forward request.

"Yeah! You're a ton of fun, and I can tell that you're just full of love! So I don't see a reason why we can't be friends. What do you say?" Sherria kept up her smile.

"Yeah! I'd love to!" Now it was Wendy's turn to beam. But she didn't stop there. She lifted up her opponent's hand with hers and raised it high, a huge sign of respect for all to see.

This caused a greater applause and cheer from not only the audience, but even Fairy Tail and Lamia Scale as they all clapped at not just the battle, but the display of respect and maturity shared by the two young wizards.

"Is that not the sweetest thing you've ever seen?!" Chapati commented rather emotionally. "This has to be my favorite match of the day! The Grand Magic Games could end right now, and I would die a happy man!"

"Hold on, we still got a ways to go, it's only the end of Day Three." Yaijima said.

"Right, so let's tally up the scores folks!" Chapati announced as the scoreboard was broadcasted for everyone to see while he announced the scores themselves. "With Raven Tail disqualified, Mermaid Heel has claimed first place with thirty-six points! Coming in at second place is Fairy Tail Team B with thirty-five points! In third place, we have Sabertooth with thirty-four points! In fourth place, Fairy Tail A now has thirty-two points! Lamia Scale now resides at fifth place with twenty-one points! Remaining second-to-last in sixth place is Blue Pegasus with eighteen points, while Quatro Puppy is still stuck in dead last with a measly twelve points."

"The race to the top spot is a close one with both Fairy Tail teams, Mermaid Heel, and Sabertooth practically neck-and-neck." Lahar added.

"But it's still anyone's games folks! We'll see you tomorrow!" Chapati signed off, signaling the end of Day Three.

Mato found himself staring up at the scoreboard. 'I didn't expect the Fairy Tail guild would do so well. I'm gonna have to give this a little thought.'

Doranbolt too smiled, feeling just as proud of Wendy as everyone else, but that smile quickly faded as he saw Mystogen once more. After infiltrating Fairy Tail, he was made aware of the world known as Edolas, and learned that was Mystogen's original home. He also knew that Mystogen had returned to Edolas and hadn't come back since. So there was no way that was really Mystogen. But if it wasn't, then who was?

---

Sheeree felt great relief and absolute joy at Wendy's victory, so much so that tears of joy fell from her eyes as she sat down, emotionally exhausted.

"Oh man that was… I don't have the words." Sheeree said.

"Wendy was great out there; you must be proud." Meredy told her friend.

"You have no idea." Sheeree commented.

"Sheeree, listen. I'm happy things turned out so well for your sister, but we still have a job to do." Ultear reminded.

"You're right." Sheeree got serious. "You can still sense it, right?"

"That power is still there, and it's still at the coliseum." Sorano added. "Jellal…?"

---

"I hear you." Jellal contacted his guildmate's telepathically as he walked through the crowd. "I think I've narrowed it down. It's on the move and heading toward the exit. Stand by."

"Rodger." Ultear contacted back.

"Makarov, everyone else, do you read me?" Jellal contacted Fairy Tail the same way.

"We read you."

"I think I've found the source; it's heading toward the exit." Jellal told them. "I'll try and intercept it."

---

"Understood." Makarov shared a glance with Gildarts, both nodded in understanding.

"Lady, Trish, Lisanna, you three go and try and help Mystogen." Gildarts told them. "Warren, go with them and make sure to keep in contact."

"Right." Lisanna nodded.

"Let's go, ladies." Warren said as the four left the box.

---

As Mystogen moved through the crowd, he noticed he had a tail. Doranbolt was following him, but also keeping a distance and blending in with the crowd to avoid detection. Such a tactic could fool most people, but not Jellal. He couldn't risk attention from the Magic Council, especially being so close to his target.

Acting quickly, Mystogen vanished in a flash of light and zapped himself further away, much to Doranbolt's concern. 'Did he notice me? I better move fast.'

---

Lisanna, Lady, Trish, and Warren found themselves near the exit on the inside of the stadium, but it was so swamped with people they could barely make their way through.

"It's so crowded…" Lisanna grunted as someone passed by her.

"The Games just ended, so of course everyone is trying to get out." Lady commented in annoyance.

"We don't even know who we're looking for." Trish said. "Warren, contact Mystogen."

"On it." He reached out with his magic. "Mystogen, do you read me?"

"I read you." Mystogen communicated with his thoughts and not his words as he was on the other side of a crowd of people. "Got any sight of the target yet? If you spot what they look like, let us know."

The masked wizard looked around and spotted something in front of him. Within the crowd, making their way towards the exit, was a lone figure wearing a black hood. He didn't see their face as he could only see their back, but he could detect the magic power that was reminiscent of Zeref.

"I found them." Mystogen contacted. "It's a person in a hooded robe. I can't see their face, but they're getting close to the exit."

"Alright, we'll try and cut them off." Warren replied.

Despite that, Mystogen tried to rush and catch the culprit from behind himself. He couldn't afford to take any chances. However, just before he could get to them…

Doranbolt suddenly appeared in front of him using Direct Line. "Going somewhere?"

'No! Not now!' He saw the hooded figure making his way closer to the exit.

"Tell me who you are!" Doranbolt told him.

"Warren, I've been intercepted by a Rune Knight." Mystogen alerted.

"What?!"

"I can't get past him without causing a commotion! You need to try and find the culprit!" Mystogen instructed

"Yeah, we can see that!" He heard Lady's voice and happened to glance to the side to see the quartet from Fairy Tail sent to assist him on the far left side of the area.

"Don't worry about me! Just stop them!" He insisted.

Lisanna's expression hardened. "You guys try find the hooded guy, I'll help Mystogen." She said before trying to make her way closer to him, navigating through the crowd.

"Wait, Lisanna…" Warren tried to stop her.

"She's right. We need to go." Trish said as they tried to get closer to the exit and catch the mysterious individual.

"Doranbolt? What's all the commotion?" Approaching from behind was Lahar with a small group of Rune Knights behind him, much to the concern of Mystogen and Lisanna, the latter trying to get closer faster, but the crowd made it hard for her.

"You're not fooling me, I know you're not Mystogen. So who are you?" Doranbolt questioned. This not only got Lahar's attention, but all the people around them, much to Lisanna's distress. This could be really bad for them. All the more reason to hurry.

"Excuse me. Let me through. Sorry." She tried to push her way closer.

"I'll ask one more time. Just who are you?" Doranbolt demanded.

"I'm sorry, I don't have time for this." Mystogen tried to walk past him, but Doranbolt was quick to teleport to his side and grab him by the shoulder.

"Hold it right there! I know Mystogen is not in Earthland!"

"I assure you, that I am!" He tried to maintain his cover, but Doranbolt wasn't buying it. He tried to reach for his mask. "What are you…?"

"Let me see your face!" Doranbolt had removed Mystogen's mask and exposed his face for everyone to see.

"Oh no…!" Lisanna's eyes widened in dread, while everybody around them, especially the Rune Knights, were beyond shocked as they saw the face of one of the most wanted criminals in the country.

"Jellal?!" Lahar exclaimed.

"Oh, so it would appear that someone has finally removed your mask, eh Mystogen?"

Appearing out of the crowd was none other than the guildmaster of Mermaid Heel and the current top-ranked Wizard Saint herself, surprising everyone else further.

"L-Lady Kurenai?" Doranbolt didn't expect to see her here.

"Chief Marshall Lahar, this man is not Jellal Fernandes." Kurenai told him as she stepped up in front of the unmasked Mystogen.

"He's not?" Lahar was surprised to hear this

"No, he's not." Lisanna stepped forward, finally having made her way through the crowd. "Doranbolt, you worked with our guild in the past, right? So, you know about Edolas. I mean, the Magic Council has to know about it since I've lived there for two years."

"Yes, I know about Edolas." Doranbolt confirmed with a nod.

"Well, there you have it." Lisanna said. "Mystogen might have Jellal's face, but he's not the same man. Everyone here in Earthland has an identical twin in Edolas, I've lived with that world's version of Fairy Tail during my time there, so I can confirm it. Mystogen just so happens to be Edolas' version of Jellal."

"So… you look like him, but that's just a coincidence?" Lahar asked Mystogen.

"Yes, that's correct." Jellal lied.

At the same time, Team Mermaid Heel happened to pass by as well.

"I can't wait for Sapphy to come back!" Beth said.

"Yeah, once she's got all that stuff with the Council cleared up, and we got her on the team, I have no doubt we'll be taking the gold this year!" Risley stated.

"I'm looking forward to it all, myself." Lucia said.

However, Kagura glanced towards to the side and spotted Kurenai. 'Mother? What is…?' However, once she saw the man who was next to him, her heart stopped and her blood ran cold. 'Jellal…!'

Suddenly, she felt so sick that she covered her mouth and fell to her knees, much to her friends' concern. "Kagura!" Arana was the first to address her, followed by everyone else on her team.

"Oh no…!" Milliana was in shock.

"What's wrong?" Lucia questioned.

"Are you feeling alright?" Risley asked as well.

"Does your tummy hurt?" Beth asked.

Kagura not only felt sick, her anger and rage burned through her like a fire. Her hand shook as she clenched her sheathed sword, almost like she was ready to draw it at a moment's notice. However, Archenemy began to emit a faint glow of red underneath the sheathe and ribbon, as if it was being drawn on by the intense negativity she felt in that one moment.

Milliana looked upward and saw her guildmaster. "Mama Kurenai!" She tried to call out to her. "Kagura needs…!" However, she also happen to see the man that she was with, causing her face to morph into a look of pure hatred. "Jellal!"

She was about to rush and tear him apart, but Kagura reached out to grab her by the arm. "Don't… Mother is there… She'll… sort this out."

Kurenai had indeed noticed Kagura's presence as well as that of Milliana and everyone else. She had to suppress her flinch as she was still in front of the Magic Council. They had seen Jellal's face. But, she would talk to them about it later. Right now, she had to get the mess in front of her cleared up.

"But wait… I also know that Mystogen had left Fairy Tail and returned to Edolas seven years ago, and that the way was cut off. So how are you back?" Doranbolt questioned.

"Surely the Magic Council has been made aware of the notable increase in demonic activity over the past seven years." Kurenai said. "It's for that very reason that he returned."

Deciding to go along with their story, Jellal spoke up. "The forces of the Underworld had threatened Edolas seven years ago, but those from Fairy Tail, including myself were able to stop them. In order to ensure another threat like that would not arise again, we were able to develop away that would let us see what transpires in both the Underworld and Earthland, as the latter world is often a target for the former. Upon noticing how demonic activity had been increasing, I decided to return and lend my assistance. It took seven years for me to re-open the gateway between worlds, and even then I could only transport myself."

"He happened to show up just after that whole mess with the Infinity Clock." Lisanna added. "Since Mystogen was a part of Fairy Tail in the past, we decided to bring him back in."

"I was in Magnolia at the time on a personal matter." Kurenai said as well. "I saw Mystogen's arrival and had been informed on the situation too. And given how Jellal is a convict, we had to keep Mystogen's identity a secret in order to avoid any unnecessary confusion."

"We can call up our master and he can confirm it too if you want." Lisanna offered.

"N-no. That won't be necessary." Lahar said. "I apologize for my ignorance." He then ordered his men to retreat.

"Thank you for understanding my situation." Mystogen said as he put his mask back on. "Just so you know, I too consider Jellal a dangerous criminal. If I find him, I'll be sure to notify you."

Lahar nodded as he saw Lisanna and Mystogen walk away together.

"Gentlemen." Kurenai nodded to them as she walked toward the direction of her guild members. However, Kagura, upon being helped to her feet, looked in shock along with Milliana.

"Thank you, Lady Kurenai. I'm in your debt." Jellal communicated with her telepathically.

"I know that your guild is working with Fairy Tail and that you're searching for something that's potentially related to Zeref." Kurenai contacted back. "You have to be more careful. Even as a Wizard Saint, there is only so much I can do without risking the Council's wrath and endangering my own guild."

"I understand."

"That was really him." Lahar said to Doranbolt, much to his surprise. "I'll let Lady Kurenai save face for the time being, but just this once."

'Mother is… letting him go…?! Why is she protecting him!?' Kagura thought astonishingly as she saw Jellal walk away.

Kurenai had appeared before her guild and had an expression that mixed seriousness and sympathy, especially upon seeing her adoptive daughter's face, before speaking. "Milliana… I want you to call your friends, Sho and Wally. Tell them to meet with us at the inn where we are staying tonight. We need to talk."

---

Lisanna and Mystogen had made it outside where people had begun to disperse and were quick to spot Trish, Warren, and Lady.

"Guys!" Lisanna quickly made her way to them. "What happened?"

"We lost em." Trish said with reluctance.

"Did you get a good look at their face?" Lisanna asked.

"No." Lady shook her head. "What happened with you and the Council?" She asked Mystogen.

"We almost had a confrontation. Fortunately, Lady Kurenai was able to help us clear it up before things could escalate." The masked Jellal replied.

"Do you still sense that weird magic power?" Warren asked.

"I'm afraid not, the trail's gone cold." Mystogen shook his head. "And we were so close too."

"Nothing we can do about it now, though." Trish said. "You should meet back up with your friends, we'll talk to ours about what we know."

"And we know for certain now that the source is a person." Mystogen said. "And now that I've been close enough to them… I can say for certain that it's not Zeref."

"Well then… who is it?" Lady wondered.

"I do not know. But I intend to find out." Mystogen stated. "Thank you again for all your help, especially yours Lisanna."

"Don't worry about it." She smiled with assurance. "Besides, if anything happened to you, Erza would be really upset."

Smiling underneath his mask at that, Mystogen turned around to walk away, while Lisanna, Warren, Trish, and Lady walked in a separate direction.

---

Later that night

The moon had long since risen as Gajeel and Laxus hung by underneath a bridge in the middle of Crocus. There didn't seem to be any people around, so it seemed like a good spot to have a private conversation. The two looked with serious expressions as they saw Makarov approach them.

"You talked to the Council about me spying on Raven Tail, so we're gonna have a chat with them later, right?" Gajeel assumed.

"They're talking with Lady Kurenai and that Sapphire-girl at the moment, so we'll speak with them early tomorrow before the Games. It shouldn't take long." Makarov answered. "But that's not why you two wanted to talk to me, is it?"

Laxus thought back to what his birth father had said, as well as how determined and desperate he was to obtain a certain something. "Hey geezer, wanna tell us about the Lumen Histoire?"

Makarov didn't answer right away. "Let me guess, Ivan mentioned it?"

"Yep." Laxus confirmed. "Over and over again. It's the whole reason he even entered the Games in the first place. He thought I knew something about it."

"That kid… good for nothing." Makarov uttered with disdain.

"He never said anything about it to me." Gajeel said. "I've never even heard of it till he got busted, but he did say it was his main objective and that it was Fairy Tail's 'darkest secret'."

It all became silent and tense for a few seconds. As much as Gajeel and Laxus trusted Makarov, the fact that Ivan wanted the Lumen Histoire so badly suggested that it was something pretty big, and possibly dangerous even.

"It's not dark at all." The three of them turned to see Mavis approach them with Sparda right behind her.

"First master. Sir Sparda." Makarov acknowledged.

"The Lumen Histoire is certainly powerful, yes. But it's not in the least bit malevolent." Sparda said.

"So, you did help to create it." Makarov had a suspicion that might have been the case upon hearing that Sparda was a founder of Fairy Tail as well as its original candidate as the first guildmaster, and it seems that was correct.

"Yes, I did." Sparda confirmed. Though there was a very serious expression in his eyes when it came to this particular subject.

"The Lumen Histoire, it's actually what brings light into Fairy Tail." Mavis said.

"Remember, you mustn't tell them." Makarov said, referring to Gajeel and Laxus.

"Yeah, we know." Mavis assured. "It's top secret information that's only shared with those who serve as guildmaster. Sorry Laxus, Gajeel, I hope you two can understand."

"Hey, as long as it's not something weird, I got no reason to pry." Laxus accepted.

"Yeah, I'm cool with it too." Gajeel shrugged.

"Awe thanks, you two are great." Mavis smiled.

"I wonder… how was Ivan able to get hold of such classified information?" Makarov asked.

"I think we all know the likeliest answer to that." Sparda said with a look of regret.

In that one instant, they all thought about a single man. One who had arguably done more damage to Fairy Tail than any other enemy, as well as responsible for the deaths of countless innocent people. Once a good man but had fallen from grace to become a monster.

"Hades." Laxus voiced aloud for everyone.

"Hmm, yes. He was our guild's second master, so he is the most likely suspect." Makarov said.

"But was it just Ivan?" Gajeel wondered. "What if he talked about it with someone else?"

"That is a very good and very serious question." Sparda stated. "And since he's no longer among the living, we can't know for certain. If other parties knew of the Lumen Histoire… it could be disastrous."

"I never thought Precht would fall to the dark side…" Mavis said, making no effort to hide her regret. "Choosing him as my successor was such a terrible decision."

"Mavis…" Sparda tried to assure her.

"Now, now, you mustn't blame yourself, first master." Makarov said.

"B-But it's all my fault…" Tears were welling up in her eyes. "H-he… he hurt Fairy Tail so badly and… killed so many people… I chose him!" The second she started crying, Makarov, Gajeel, and Laxus looked in comic shock.

"Please don't cry!" Makarov exclaimed. Seeing the first master cry and break down like a child was such a surreal experience that they honestly had no idea how to handle it.

"Mavis, look at me." Sparda kneeled to her level, speaking firmly, which caused her to look at him with a teary-eyed expression. "Precht's' fall from grace was not your fault. You've known him a long time, we all did. He was a founder of Fairy Tail. He was a good man, who had done many good things. I would have named him guildmaster myself. If anyone is to blame for that, it's Mundus. He was the one who corrupted Precht and turned him into Hades. That's what he does, he destroys good people, takes something pure and noble and twists it to his own dark desires. But one incredible thing came from Precht becoming Fairy Tail's master." He lightly cupped Mavis' chin with a smile. "Do you want to know what that is?"

"What…?"

"He chose Makarov as his successor." Sparda answered. "And look how far Fairy Tail has come under him. All the children that he helped and gave a home, my son included." He looked towards Makarov with a smile. "You've done exceptionally well as the third master of Fairy Tail. Thank you, Makarov."

To say the old man was shocked would be an understatement. The Dark Knight, a founder of the guild he called home, had just praised him! A humble smile fell on his face as he bowed his head.

"I am humbled but your praise, Sir Sparda."

Sparda then turned back to Mavis with a smile. "So, dry your tears, my Mavis. There's no need for them here."

She sniffled a bit before smiling and wrapping her arms around him. "Thanks Daddy…!"

Though seeing such highly regarded figures in such a state was a bit surprising, Makarov, and even the likes of Gajeel and Laxus couldn't help but smile. Even with such tense and potentially dark times ahead of them, small things like this is what helps bring the light to all their hearts. That is what makes Fairy Tail so special.

Done.

Yeah, I had a feeling this chapter would be a long one, but so much has happened and I'm very pleased with how it turned out.

Let's tally up the scores with Day 3 now over (and Raven Tail disqualified)...

*First Place - Mermaid Heel - 36 points

*Second Place - Fairy Tail B - 35 points

*Third Place - Sabertooth - 34 points

*Fourth Place - Fairy Tail A - 32 points

*Fifth Place - Lamia Scale - 21 points

*Sixth Place - Blue Pegasus - 18 points

*Seventh Place - Quatro Puppy - 12 points

Raven Tail finally got what they deserved at the hands of not just Laxus, but also Sapphire Caldwell who, happens to be a double agent for Mermaid Heel! Surprise! Didn't see that one coming, did ya?

Yep, Mermaid Heel has their own Dragon Slayer, who is also an S-Class wizard! And once things get cleared up with the Magic Council, she'll rejoin their team for the rest of the tournament. You'll learn more about what the girl is really like in the new chapter as I'm very excited to write her character.

And while Raven Tail did righteously get the shit beaten out of them, with Gajeel even catching Sid, they're not out. Obra managed to escape, and Sapphire is quite clearly terrified of him. You can expect to see Raven Tail again in the future later on in this story, I've got special plans for all of them.

Of course, another big highlight was Wendy's fight against Sherria, where she demonstrated new spells and techniques that my friend, altajir95, and I worked together to create. She has come truly far under Modeus' tutelage, not only becoming physically stronger, but also learning to fight smarter. Her ability to feel the air with her senses was something I made up. As a Dragon Slayer, her senses are heightened beyond that of a normal person, but with her element being the air, which is essential for all of one's senses, she is able to use them in a way that only she can. With all that, she was able to pull off a victory for her team, making all of Fairy Tail beyond proud of her.

And just like in canon, Wendy and Sherria have befriended each other as their friendship is beyond cute.

We also had that moment with Jellal in the end, though Lisanna and Kurenai were able to cover for him, Kagura and Milliana know that he's there, but Kurenai intends to talk to them (as well as Sho, Wally, and her guild) about what's been going on, if only to avoid any unnecessary conflict. Yeah, things are really going to get complicated there.

The Grand Magic Games continue in the next chapter as we reach a certain… moment in the tournament that is particularly brutal and confrontational. You all know exactly what I'm talking about.

Until then, stay safe and stay healthy out there. I love you guys.