A/N: So it's been years it seems, since I last updated this story. I'm so sorry to all those readers who have been waiting so patiently for this chapter to finally be posted. I've been so busy lately, and haven't had any chances to write. Life seems to get in the way more often these days.

I have to admit, this was possibly the hardest chapter to write. It's been so long since I last wrote a chapter of this story, and that's possibly the reason it was hard to write this one. I'm not used to the plot, the storyline, and the way I wrote these characters, so it was actually kind of awkward to try and get back into the mindset. For that reason, I am sorry this chapter is so horribly written. I hope the next one will be better.

I refuse to speak of the FT ending. At this point, I'm not sure there's even words to describe my feelings on the last chapter. You're welcome to tell me your reactions (with as little spoilers as possible for those who have not read it) if you'd like.

This chapter is dedicated to all of you who've followed, favorited, reviewed, etc on this story. Thank you for being so patient.

Chapter 7: Revelations

"I think our world will forever be a dangerous place to live. There will always be a battle between good and evil in the world, yet the danger does not come from those who choose evil. The danger comes from those who won't do anything about it. I won't be one of those people."

~0~

It all happened so fast. One moment, Titania Erza was opening the door to Zancrow's brimstone prison, and the next moment, she was flying through the air, her blood on fire. Wind whistled past her ears, and somewhere in the distance, she thought she heard Grandine scream in anguish.

She twisted around midair, eyes searching the skies desperately for her companions. Somewhere off in the distance, she was able to make out spouts of fire flying out from a wriggling body. Natsu. Beyond him, she could make out the giant form of Weisslogia as he struggled to flap his wings in a desperate attempt to gain control. Gray, Sting, and Grandine were nowhere to be found, however she could still hear Grandine's roars of pain echoing somewhere from above.

She screamed in pain as her body hit a piece of debris, the jagged edge of brimstone smashing into her side. Pain was something she was used to, however the impact felt like a dagger to the ribs, burning her like fire. She closed her eyes, and prayed to hit the ground soon. Only then could she assess the damage, and figure out what exactly happened.

Her body screamed in pain the moment it came in contact with the ground, the impact crushing the earth beneath her. For a moment, Titania felt herself lose consciousness as her magic worked to heal any injuries she received. Then she came to, groaning in pain and sitting up, blood leaking from her mouth. Chest heaving, she hoisted herself up, resting her weight against her trusty blade.

She heard a tiny gasp from in front of her and jerked her head up, ready to blast whatever enemy was present with magic, only to meet the shocked gaze of a very human, very mortal, youth.

Time seemed to pause for a moment. With the dust settling around them and the smell of smoke and brimstone lingering in the air, Erza allowed herself a moment to stare at the human boy who was crouched over Lucy's prone form, as if protecting her from harm. Erza frowned. The boy in front of her puzzled her, since she knew humans to be very callous, very selfish creatures. But this young man was hovering over Lucy's body, a fierce and determined glare burning in green eyes to protect her from harm. There was a curious maroon mark on his face, surrounding his right eye, a stark contrast to the blue of his hair.

Erza narrowed her eyes when she sensed the vast amount of magic power within that frail human body. She could not determine what type of magic he possessed, only that it was ancient, as if it came from a time before.

She stumbled to her feet, legs unsteady and unsure beneath her, and watched the youth wince as another wave of magic pressure emanated from her body. "Human," she gasped. "Who are you?"

Before the boy had a chance to speak, however, there was a huge explosion no more than seventy-five feet away from where the two of them stood, sending rubble flying towards them. Erza narrowed her eyes and threw herself forward, jumping between the boy, Lucy, and the rubble. She threw her arm up, a feeble attempt to protect them from the oncoming rain of brimstone, and braced herself for the pain.

A blast rocked her off her feet and she tumbled, taking the boy down with her. She heard his yelp of surprise before the two of them collapsed to the ground, his body hard under hers. There was a faint ringing in her ears and she shook her head, pushing herself to a sitting position and looking behind.

Natsu stood, chest heaving and blood pouring down his face from a cut on his temple. Smoke billowed up from his hands, and further beyond him, Erza was able to see a giant pile of smoking brimstone. Natsu must have blasted the rubble away just in time.

Chest heaving, Natsu turned back to where Erza crouched, seeing Lucy's limp form lying just beyond. "Luce!" Natsu shouted, scrambling towards the comatose goddess. The boy sat up and jumped to his feet.

"Who the hell are you people?" He shouted, fists clenched at his sides. "What the hell is going on here?"

"Get the hell out of my way, mortal, before I kill you," Natsu seethed, red flames bursting out from his palms. The boy flinched, but did not back down and instead, put himself in between the dragonslayer and the goddess.

"I don't know who the hell you are, and what you want, but I'm not going to let you touch her," the boy said. Natsu snarled, and if it weren't for the blade that suddenly barred his way, Natsu would have torn the human boy to shreds.

However, there was a blade in his way, and behind it its master, Titania Erza. "Enough," she said in a commanding voice, and Natsu immediately put out his flames, though rather reluctantly. Erza turned her gaze towards the human boy, who stared back with mistrustful eyes.

"What is your name, brave one?" she asked, gently lowering her sword. "We mean you no harm."

The boy frowned. "Why should I tell you? You could be savages, or-"

"Well, well, well, Titania Erza, back so soon?" A low voice suddenly drawled, making Erza's blood run cold. Behind her, Natsu snarled, and she could feel the heat from his flames bursting back to life. She whirled around, and spied Zancrow standing atop the pile of brimstone. He smirked, twirling a set of keys around his index finger.

Lucy's keys.

"You monster," Natsu growled. "What the hell have you done?"

Zancrow ignored him and locked eyes with Erza. "Celeste and I were just talking about you, Titania," he continued, baring his teeth in a fierce smile. "Your beauty, and how it's wasting away."

"I really do not see how my appearance has anything to do with how you attacked us, and held your former friend captive," Erza retorted, clenching her grip on Benizakura. "You're a god, not a demon, Zancrow, God of Fire. Or did you forget?"

She heard the boy behind her gasp, but paid him no mind. She pointed her blade at the god standing before her. "What do you have to say for yourself, Zancrow?"

Zancrow laughed, cold and soulless. "Friends?" he sneered. "I'm not your friend, Queen of the Heavens. I should be the King of the Gods. I should be the one with the crown on my head, worshipped as the ruler of the Gods of Earthland. You are nothing but filth that should crawl at my feet!"

Natsu snarled in anger. "You dare to insult Titania?!"

Zancrow turned to stare at the dragonslayer. "Ah," he mused. "So you're the one I've heard all about. The only mortal to ever wriggle inside the heart of a Goddess. You have my respect for that, young one."

Erza could see Lucy's limp form behind the boy, and felt her heart tug for Natsu. She'd always known the boy had a special place in the goddess' heart, however she hadn't know how much she'd treasured the young dragonslayer. Now, things were much clearer.

Zancrow's eyes narrowed. "But," he snarled, extending a hand towards Natsu. "You're just another example of why the gods are weak and pitiful, if one of them allows a mortal to reside within their heart! And a dragonslayer, of all people. You dragonslayers are all brawn, but no brains. It's time you knew your place, human scum!"

Before Erza had the chance to react, Zancrow released a giant stream of black fire towards Natsu. It was so fast and so loud, Erza was unable to do anything as she watched the flames engulf the boy. A scream tore its way out of her throat.

"Natsu!"

Suddenly, a golden flash appeared out of the corner of Erza's eye, and she watched as what appeared to be a star engulf the flames. Eyes wide with shock, Erza watched as the star-like figure appeared back into view, a limp form in it's arms, and come to a stop in front of her. Then, the golden glow faded, and the boy with the blue hair and the maroon mark came to a gentle stop before her, holding Natsu in his arms. Behind him, the black flames that had scorched the earth fizzled out.

"I do not know if I am dreaming or not," he murmured, gently laying the dragonslayer on the ground. "But wherever there is greed, evil is not far behind. He who harms those who are close to them for the sake of power is not someone I'd ever associated with."

Erza gave him a sharp nod. There was not enough time to go over the technicalities of the situation, for now, the boy would have to adapt until they could find time to discuss what was happening, and the strange power he held.

Erza and the boy look back to Zancrow, who was staring at the boy with a narrowed gaze. "So," he drawled, jumping down from the brimstone, making Erza brandish Benizakura with a hiss. "You're that mage I keep hearing about, the one that commands the stars."

The boy stood firm. "I command nothing," he said. "The magic that runs through my veins is something I wield, possess, yes, but you are wrong. I do not command magic. I do not control it."

Zancrow laughed. "Whatever, boy. You mean nothing to me. I could kill you with one hand behind my back and it wouldn't even make me think twice. But," he stopped, and smirked. "I've been told that you are instrumental in helping Zeref rise back to power. I was told that if the others were unable to succeed in capturing you, I could do it myself."

"Don't you dare touch him," Erza seethed, taking a step forward so she stood protectively in front of the boy. "Your fight is with me, Zancrow, not the human. Or have you forgotten?"

Zancrow sighed. "No, beautiful goddess, I have not forgotten you. As much as it pains me so, it looks like I must kill you if it means I can get the boy for Zeref. Such a shame."

Zancrow held his hand out, and a pillar of black flames extended from his hand, taking the shape of a sword. The god laughed and brandished the blade of fire, pointing it at Erza's direction. "Come, Titania," he drawled. "Let's see which of us is fit to rule the world."

Erza clenched Benizakura. "You will rue this day, Zancrow," she snarled, and then shot forward, her katana poised to slice the fire god in half. There was a loud clang! as the two blades clashed, Erza's Benizakura screeching against the fire blade. She gritted her teeth as Zancrow laughed before her as he pushed, sending her flying backwards.

"Is that all you've got, Queen of the Gods?!" Zancrow yelled, laughing maniacally as he brandished his sword. He glared at her as she rolled to her feet, hair flying out behind her and a wild look in her eyes. He pointed his hand at her and sent black fireballs her way. She gritted her teeth and put her hand out, ready to block with her magic.

A blue blur jumped in front of her, and she heard the voice of the young man call out, and she watched in awe as nine swords seemingly made of starlight appeared before him, crackling with energy. They flew towards the fireballs, causing a rocking explosion that had Erza digging Benizakura into the earth to stay put. Smoke billowed upwards, and the boy turned back to her, an anxious look in his eyes.

"Are you alright?" he shouted in concern.

She nodded shakily and rose to her feet.

A startling laugh had the two of them turn back to where Zancrow had been, watching a shadow make its way towards them. Erza jumped forward in time, pushing the boy out of the way just as a stream of fire exploded from the smoke, smoting her on the breast and sending her flying back. She yelled in pain, clutching her chest and coughing as pain wracked her body. Gritting her teeth, she looked up as Zancrow clenched his fist in the air, and watched as the boy's wriggling body rose, his face contorted in as his air supply was suddenly cut off. The look on Zancrow's face was livid.

"How dare you," he snarled, clenching his fist and causing the boy to cry out. "I must admit, I am impressed that a measly human like you managed to even touch me. I took your magic for granted, human scum, but rest assured, I shall no any longer."

"Leave him alone, Zancrow!" Erza yelled, struggling to her feet as golden blood sheeted out from the gash on her chest. "Your fight is with me! Leave the human out of it!"

Zancrow turned a burning gaze onto her. "While I appreciate your stamina, Titania, I am no longer concerned with you. Do not make me destroy you."

"You won't lay a finger on her," a chilling voice echoed around the clearing, and Erza felt her shoulders drop in relief as Gray limped into the clearing, shoulder bleeding, but otherwise intact. Sting followed closely behind, and Erza saw the quick but efficient bandage wrapped around his thigh, blood quickly staining the white fabric. A shadow passed overhead, and Erza heard, before she saw, Grandine as the white dragon roared and dropped into the clearing, teeth bared at Zancrow. The god flinched, and dropped the boy, making him collapse to the ground and cough repeatedly, massaging his throat and sending glares up at the fire god. Grandine crawled over to the fire god, teeth bared and flames licking at the corners of her maw, before sweeping her wing over to the boy and covering him.

Mistress! Grandine's voice echoed in everyone's head. Are you injured, mistress?

"Just superficial wounds, Grandine. Nothing to fret about," Erza replied. By this time, the boy had recovered enough to crawl out from under Grandine's protection and scrabble his way so he stood behind Erza, chest still heaving from lack of oxygen in his lungs.

Thank Mavis! Weisslogia has found Igneel; he's in a clearing not far from here with a human boy. I've told Weisslogia to stay there unless needed.

"Good thinking, Grandine. Thank you for everything." Erza heard the human boy mutter behind her, something about dragons and a boy named "Loke", but paid him not mind, focusing on Zancrow shifting uncomfortably at the appearing of her allies.

Gray and Sting loped to her side, barely casting the human boy a look as they joined Erza.

"So, Zancrow," Gray drawled, summoning an icy spear in his right hand. "You hurt Lucy, injured Natsu, attacked our Queen, and threatened a mortal? You toy with things that do not belong to you, Zancrow. You abuse your power too much. I think it is time you learned how little your power weighs against ours."

Zancrow's eyes narrowed. "You little-"

"Now, now, Zancrow, no need for dramatics," a new voice whispered, and suddenly, a cold breeze tore through the clearing. Erza raised her sword as a menacing black form suddenly appeared next to the Fire god, gaining sustenance and form until a clawed foot stepped forth from the shadows, followed by bare legs and a curvaceous figure. Then Erza's eyes widened as the rest of the creature's body came into view.

"Kyouka," she hissed. The demon was one she'd never thought she'd ever have to see, only hear about in stories from ages ago. But there it was, masked face, claws and tail that Erza had only ever dreamed about. The demon who was said to have dealt Mavis that fatal blow that weakened her before her battle with Zeref.

The demon's eyes glanced over her before landing on the boy behind her. "So, you are the one we need," the demon mused. "Such a shame to waste such a handsome face."

"You won't touch him," Sting snarled, stepping forward. "Whatever you are, demon or wraith, you will not lay a finger on him."

"No, not today," the demon said. "That you are correct in. I am only here to collect Zancrow. My master insists." It smiled and looked past Sting back at the boy. "Patient, beautiful one," it crooned, making the boy shudder in repulsion. "I will come back for you soon."

The demon turned to Zancrow. "Come, Fiery One. The master waits." With a final, sneering gaze directed at Erza, the god and the demon disappeared back into smoke.

Erza let out the breath she was holding, and immediately sagged to the ground, exhaustion finally taking her over. Instead of hitting the hard ground, she felt the warm, yet firm arms gently catch her as she fell, lowering her to the ground and resting her head against a warm chest. She looked up and met the curious gaze of the human boy.

"Titania, are you alright?" Sting said, coming into her line of sight, hovering over the boy.

"I am fine," she murmured. "Just tired. That fall expended much of my energy."

Gray crouched into view. "You gave me a scare there, my friend," he said gravely. "I saw the explosion when you hit the ground."

Erza smiled and slowly pulled herself to a sitting position, the boy's hands a firm but light touch on her shoulders. She turned to the boy and smiled. "Thank you," she murmured.

The boy nodded. Gray paused, and turned to the boy, confusion dancing in his dark blue eyes. "You are a human," he said, and the boy looked up at him, nodding slowly. "Do you know who we are, human?"

The boy paused, and turned to look at Erza. "I have always wondered if the gods I heard about in the stories truly did exist. Am I dreaming, or is what that Zancrow say was true? Are you truly Titania, Queen of the Gods of Earthland?" His eyes bored into hers, as if searching for the lie within her golden brown depths.

She inclined her head slightly. "You've earned the right to call me Erza, if you so choose," she said. "But yes, I am Titania, Goddess of War. That is Boreas Gray, God of Winter, and the girl you saved earlier is Goddess of the Stars, Celeste, however she does prefer her human alias, Lucy."

The boy's eyes widened, and he quickly dropped his upper body into a crouch, lowering himself to a bow in front of them. "By the gods," he whispered. "I cannot believe you are real."

"There's no need for that," Gray said, reaching forward and pulling the boy up to a sitting position. "You did, after all, try and protect two goddesses from another. There's no need for bowing. You've earned your place."

"Thank you, Lord Boreas," the boy said, and Gray shook him off.

"Just call me Gray. Boreas makes me sound old."

The young boy smiled. "It's nice to meet you all," he said, chucking. "I can't believe I just said that to my gods. But all the same, it is an honor to meet you. I am Jellal."

The reunion between Natsu and Igneel was a happy one. When the group of gods, humans and dragonslayers returned to the clearing where Jellal had left the dragon with his friend, the pink haired dragonslayer has let out a triumphant howl of happiness and threw himself forward, when the fire dragon was lying down in a patch of sunlight. Igneel had raised his head, flames pouring out of his nostrils and eyes slitted in joy as his apprentice tackled his neck, hanging on for dear life as the dragon rose to full height. Next to him was Weisslogia, who growled happily as Sting made his way to his dragon's side.

Erza watched as the other boy, the one called "Loke", run forward and tackle Jellal in a hug that sent the two to the ground in a flurry of limbs. "You idiot!" the golden haired boy yelled, punching Jellal with no real heat. "I had no idea what was going on, and these dragons just come out of nowhere, and something about gods and-"

They boy broke off when he caught a glimpse of Erza, standing slightly behind, hair a mess, but still a scarlet halo around her head. He stared, unblinking, and turned to look at Gray, who was gently depositing a sleeping Lucy by Igneel's side.

"You-" he began, then let go of Jellal and dropped to the ground in very similar position to Jellal's. "It's Titania!"

She bent down and reached out, taking the boy's chin in her hand and lifting his head so she met his hazel eyes. "Rise, young one," she advised. "There is no need to bow in our presence."

Loke's jaw worked furiously for a few seconds, eyes flitting towards Jellal, but Erza smiled and released his chin, standing back up. "There is much to talk about and little time to waste on formalities. Come, and let us talk."

She turned and walked over to where Igneel lay, curled around Lucy and Natsu, who held his goddess in his arms. Natsu nodded sharply at Erza as she approached, but made no move to get up. Igneel's slitted eyes opened as Erza neared, and she smiled, placing a hand on the dragon's snout.

"Igneel," she began. "How are you doing?"

The dragon blinked. I've dealt with worse, he said, eyes flicking towards the bandage on his front leg. The human boy did a good job in taking care of my wound, despite my existence.

"What do you think of him?" she asked.

The dragon stared up at her with unflinching eyes. There is something strange about that boy, Igneel mused. I sense the vast stores of magic his frail human body holds within. It is not like other mages I've encountered. His magic is a part of him, a very part of his soul.

Natsu frowned. "That sounds very similar to you," he said, looking straight at Erza. "He sounds more like a god and less like a human mage."

Igneel snorted. He is no god, that is certain. I can sense the human vitality running through his veins as we speak. He is very much human, but the magic that flows through his body is integrated much in him as the gods are.

Erza turned her stare back to Jellal, where he stood next to Gray and Sting, who were beginning to make camp. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the intricate mark on his face.

"You're right, Igneel," she said. "He's been touched by magic."

There is a story behind that one, Igneel said. Whatever it is, there is a reason he carries magic as potent as ours.

It was dark by the time the gods, dragonslayers, dragons and humans settled down in the clearing where Jellal had left Igneel and Loke. Lucy had finally come to, but was mourning the loss of her keys. While she still had magic, she was unable to summon her celestial spirits from their world into ours, and yearned for their company. Erza watched as the young man, the golden haired youth called "Loke", hesitantly walk up to her with a bowl of soup and a blanket draped over one arm. Lucy smiled up and the boy and accepted the bowl, and Loke draped the blanket over her shoulders while Natsu looked on.

She turned her gaze back to the fire Sting was tending to. Behind him lay Weisslogia, and next to him was Grandine. Surprisingly, standing in front of the gentle white dragon was Jellal, staring at her with wide green eyes. Erza watched as Grandine slowly blinked at the boy, and Jellal followed shortly with a laugh, placing his hand on her snout and scratching lightly at her scales.

As if he could sense someone's gaze on him, Jellal turned and met Erza's eyes. She nodded politely at him and made his way towards the fire.

"It's time I give you some answers," Erza said, coming to sit down next to the flames. Sting paused for a moment, looking at Erza, before quietly making his way over to Weisslogia and leaning against his mentor's side. The silver dragon rumbled, one golden slitted eye opening for a moment, before closing once more.

Jellal made his way over and hesitantly sad down close to Erza, his dark eyes never once leaving her face. Gray loped over, standing firm behind Erza like a guard watching over the night.

"You were incredibly brave today, Jellal," Erza began, and paused for a moment to let Lucy wander over, Loke and Natsu following close behind like shadows. "You protected Lucy despite not knowing her, and then proceeded to protect me when Zancrow threatened me. I don't know of any other human that possesses the courage you do."

Jellal shook his head. "I hadn't known you were gods at the time. I thought you were two people in need of help. That is all."

"It must be a shock to know that the gods exist," Lucy interjected gently, meeting Jellal's gaze. She gestured at Natsu. "When he and I first met, I was sure I was going to have to pick his jaw up from the ground." She giggled at Natsu's grumbling.

Jellal blinked. "I admit, it certainly was surprisingly. The only existence I knew of you were the stories I heard growing up."

Erza nodded in understanding.

Jellal frowned. "For some reason though, I can't help but feel at ease. Sure, it was surprisingly to know you were real, but somewhere deep down, I think a part of me always knew that you were real. If magic can exist in this land, then certainly the gods who control it exist as well."

Lucy smiled. "While that is true, you are incorrect about one thing. We do not control magic."

Loke frowned. "What do you mean by that? The stories I was told was that the gods gave us mages the ability to wield the magic they controlled. Is that not how it goes?"

This time, it was Gray who spoke up. "We do not control magic. Magic is the essence of the world itself, and we the gods came into existence as vessels for magic. Over time, our abilities were passed down to a select few humans that magic chose, not us. The stories depict us as the one who give magic, yet it is magic that chooses us."

"It is magic that created us," Erza spoke. "But it is you humans that immortalized us into Gods."

Jellal turned a shocked gaze to Lucy. "So the magic of the stars chose me, not you?"

She leaned forward and clasped his hands in her own. "I am simply a vessel for the magic to use," she said. "Through me, it chose you to wield."

He closed his eyes, and clenched his jaw as a wave of sadness washed over him. So his entire village was destroyed because he was chosen to wield a power far too great for a human to possess.

"You're sad," Lucy noticed, making Jellal look back up at her. Despite the bruises and marks marrying her body, she still looked radiant with her starlight hair and shimmering dress. "What troubles you, young one?"

"I've never truly understood why my magic chose me and not someone else," Jellal said. "When I think of my magic, I think of how it took away my family, my friends, my village."

There's was a reassuring hand on his shoulder, and Jellal smiled as Loke rubbed his arm in encouragement. He looked up and met Erza's stare, and felt comfort in her presence.

"I am sorry for your pain, Jellal Fernandes," Lucy said. "The burden of carrying your loved ones deaths must be a hard weight to carry."

Jellal pushed his sorrow back into the recesses of his mind. "It's too late to feel sadness," he said. "I want to know why Zancrow, and the demons want me."

Erza could tell he was trying hard to hold back the pain of his loss. She did not know much about human sorrow, however the pained look in his eyes when he spoke of his magic would not leave her mind. She opened her mouth, unsure of what she was about to say, but before she could do so, Lucy spoke up.

"I will tell you what we know so far. As Igneel already spoke of, there is a war brewing between gods and demons. You know of the legend of Zeref, I assume. Am I correct?"

" Yes," said Jellal. " I know of him."

"Then you must know of his vain attempts against Mavis when he tried to take the world from her?" At this Jellal nodded in affirmation.

"The gods defeated him in the last war," Lucy continued. " but once again Zeref has risen, and has sworn vengeance against the gods that wronged him."

"What does that have to do with Jellal?" Loke piped up, questioning eyes locked onto Lucy.

Lucy shook her head. "I do not know too much of that," she said. "But we do know that the Etherious are working hard. The recent attacks on the villages of Fiore is their handiwork. They are trying to summon Zeref into this world by raising him from the Underworld with the souls of thousands of innocent lives."

Loke frowned, and reached into his bag. "Is that what this means?" he questioned, and pulled out the map of Fiore that he and Jellal had so meticulously figured out. Erza's eyes widened when she saw the pentagram drawn over the map, an exact replica of the one Levy had pointed out at Extalia.

Erza reached forward and ran her fingers over the map. "How did you come to figure this out?" she whispered.

Jellal sighed. "There is a band of dark mages wreaking havoc on Fiore," he began. "One of them is a man known as Racer. I've been hunting him down for a while now. We've clashed several times over the years, so I know of his dark ways. However, I do not know what they have to do with a demon summoning."

"They might have been paid off," Gray muttered. "Like most humans, greed drives them forward."

Loke jerks his head up in retaliation, but Jellal restrains him.

"From what I know of summonings," Jellal began, "Is that they need a vast amount of magic power to summon a demon of that size and strength. They need someone to sacrifice, specifically on the night of the new moon."

"They have my keys," Lucy realized, suddenly sitting up straight. "The power of all twelve zodiac spirits is a vast amount of magic energy. More than enough to summon a demon."

Erza's blood ran cold, and from the way Natsu snarled, she knew the two of them were on the same page. "They would sacrifice you to release the zodiac spirits," she whispered.

The fire dimmed.

"No!" Natsu roared, leaping to his feet in outrage. "I'll die before I see the day Zeref lays a finger on her!"

Lucy sighed, and reached for Natsu's hand. The effect of her gentle touch was immediate; he dropped back down and buried his face in her neck. "They can't take you."

"We won't let them," Erza decided. "The only way to prevent Zeref from rising is if we find Zancrow, take back Lucy's Keys, and destroy the pentagram before the Etherious find us. That's the only way."

Jellal stood. "Let us help you," he said, and Loke nodded. "I know the land of Fiore better than anyone. I know the way to the heart of the pentagram. That's where Zancrow and the Etherious will be."

"You do not have to fight this war," Gray warned. "This is a battle of gods and demons, good versus evil."

"We do," Loke said. "You heard Jellal. We're already a part of it, whether we like it or not."

"There is always a choice," Erza murmured, flicking her eyes up to meet Jellal's burning gaze. "This is a dangerous time to live in. You can choose to stay safe, rather than be in harm's way."

"I think our world will forever be a dangerous place to live," Jellal began slowly. He clenched and unclenched his palm, and Erza saw little golden sparks fly away from his hand. "There will always be a battle between good and evil in the world, yet the danger does not come from those who choose evil. The danger comes from those who won't do anything about it. I won't be one of those people."

"Neither will I," Loke spoke up. He turned to look at Lucy, and Erza was not sure if the sudden pink that blossomed on her cheeks was due to the flames of the fire or the intensity of Loke's gaze. "This isn't just a battle between gods and demons. It's a war between all the creatures of Earthland, gods, men, and demons."

Erza turned to look back at Jellal and felt the intensity of his gaze. "We'll stand with you," he said, offering his hand. "I grew up listening to the stories of the gods, learning about all that you have done. When I was young, I dreamed of being like you. Now,

I'll stand with you, if you'll have us."

"This won't be easy," she warned. "Zeref is the most powerful demon the world has ever known. He is the wickedest of souls, one that no good can ever come from again. There will be much pain and suffering in the times ahead. You'll be hurt. You may even die. Are you really willing to risk your life?"

"Evil is going to triumph if people like me do nothing. Magic chose me. It took my parents away, destroyed my village, and marked me forever. I can't spend my life thinking that I was given this power for no reason. This is what I need to do."

She stared into his solemn eyes and felt a spark of respect in her chest for this mortal. She hardly dabbled in the affairs of man, believing they were too shallow for her attention, but this one was changing her perspective. He was willing to go above and beyond for the good of the world.

Titania Erza reached out and took the hand of Jellal Fernandes, the first human to ever gain her respect. She looked him straight in the eye and felt the little flutter of her heart beating, and couldn't help but wonder if it was Fate that led him to her. Under the eyes of three dragons, two gods, two dragonslayers, and a human, an alliance, forged from trust and respect, was born under the light of the half-moon.

In the heart of Extalia, the only light coming from the castle shone from a tiny window in the library. Inside, the goddess Levy sat at a marble desk, poring over an ancient text found in the back stores of her library, a place where she thought she'd never have to return to. Beside her lay Pantherlily, sleeping at her feet, but his ears were perked and alert.

"Summonings may only occur on the night of the new moon, when the powers of the dark are at their most powerful," Levy read, eyes narrowed in concentration. "In order to summon a demon, the purest of all magic must be sacrificed so it's light can be consumed by the demon to gain strength."

Levy frowned. "The magic of the stars, the lightest forms ever created, must be sacrificed on the night of the new moon, and the pureblood of the user of such magic must spill across the pedestal for the demon to consume. Only the blood of the one with the noble heart of the stars can be used to summon a creature of darkness."

Levy jumped from her seat. "No," she whispered, eyes wide. "Lucy is in danger!" She turned to Pantherlily, who jumped up with a snarl in his chest. "Lily, we need to-"

Whatever the goddess was about to say was cut off as an explosion ripped through the heart of the castle, and Levy knew no more.

A/N: I just love cliffhangers, don't you?

On the other hand, please be patient with my very slow updates. I think I will update Sparks Fly next, since that chapter is already laid out, and then I will begin work on the next Rose of Winter chapter. If you guys haven't read it yet (chapter 13), it's up and posted, so read it and tell me what you think.

Let me know what you thought of this poorly written chapter in the reviews! (And I'm sorry for not responding to those who have reviewed on my stories, just know I read and appreciate everything you guys say to me!)

Until next time, see ya soon!

-Wolf