Pink and Black goes well Together

Disclaimer: Don't own Fairy Tail, HiroMashima does.

"Talking"

'Thoughts'

Chapter 10: Conflict

Shinji simply stared at Ultear, the woman a picture of desperation and hope. Then again, she did mention something about Natsu losing his magic and from what he'd heard from the years since the two became popular. They made a lot of enemies and not all of them took defeat lightly.

"She is." Shinji confirmed and saw the joy explode from the woman's face. "She's a member of Cait Shelter, just like me." He informed as Ultear finally let's go of him and had to suck in the pain from the woman's vice like hold on his arms earlier. He's going to feel that all day.

Ultear felt all the tension go away from that simple confirmation. Weeks of unease and frustration from using all her resources in finding any information on Noire and get the woman locked up, add to that the thought of Natsu sleeping at Mirajane's house, it simply frayed the woman's nerves. But she kept it all inside and focused on getting help for Natsu. It is her strongest suit after all.

Single minded determination to accomplish her goals.

"Sorry about that," Ultear apologized, smiling brightly. "You don't know how much that little confirmation helped." Shinji simply smiled in return and started on his way back once again while she followed leisurely beside him. "Tell me though, since when did you join a guild, Shinji, and what's up with the amount of people of coming in and out of your guild?" She's been curious ever since she arrived and with Shinji a member of the guild she could get some answers.

"Well, it was a week later after we parted ways seven years ago. I met Wendy and decided to stay with her until I could find her a place to stay," Shinji paused smiling fondly at the memory. "I found one but she begged me to stay with her, and I couldn't say no to a crying little girl." He turned at Ultear smiling.

Ultear returned his smile with one hers. "You just stopped trying to find a way to get back to that place?" she asked and regretted it as she saw the frown on the man's face. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

"It's ok." Shinji assured, "I'm still trying, but... after seven years and countless dead ends, I've started to accept my faith and hope that they're all safe. Besides, I have a few responsibilities here now that I can't just walk away from." He gave his best smile to show Ultear that everything is fine. "Oh, we're here."

Ultear shifted her attention forward to see the trees clear and the unmistakable sound of countless people chatting and noticed more people coming in and out of the clearing. It reminded her of Magnolia's busy shopping district, and as they left the cover of the trees, she was greeted with the sight of people buying goods from the countless stalls that sold everything from clothes, trinkets, and fabrics. There was no big guild house like the rest of the ones she saw and inspected, but a collection of huts lined along the road leading to a large hut shaped like a massive cat's head which she assumed as the main guild hall.

The place resembled a small town rather than a guild, but what caught her attention was the building beside the main guild hall, it reminded her of the different cafes she's been at. A long line formed outside the building that mostly comprised of males eager to enter the establishment. Those that left either looked like they died and went to heaven, while some sported an injury in one form or the other.

"Well... this is it." Shinji began gesturing with his head and from what he could see, Ultear was impressed at the sight. "Welcome to Cait Shelter. Come on, I'm sure they're wondering what's taking me too long." He started heading towards the building with the long line.

"Is this really a magic guild?" Ultear asked looking at the myriad of people that came for trade. "I mean, I've seen a lot of guilds, this is the first one I've seen like this. It resembles a trade guild if I didn't know better."

Shinji waved at the man that greeted him and turned back to Ultear. "I can't blame you. While everyone can use magic, not all of them can be used in combat and prefer to avoid conflict. There's only five of us that can use magic, four if I place an exception on Wendy." He explained guiding her to the back entrance and avoiding the crowd at the front.

Ultear could smell the delicious aroma coming from kitchen. Memories of their short time with Shinji and his ability to make delicious food out of what little ingredients he has. The closer she is in reaching the kitchen the harder it is to keep her mouth from watering, chiding herself for acting like Natsu. Mirajane is a good cook, something she wouldn't argue with, but Shinji was on a whole different league.

Just as they're about to reach the door, it opened and came out a tall woman carrying trash and placed it on the bin. Turning around, she saw Shinji and Ultear and couldn't help but smile at the man's return and walked towards the two.

"Welcome back, Mr. Shinji." The woman greeted, sporting a chefs uniform. An inch shorter than Shinji, the woman had her raven hair in a short pixie cut that framed her face. Rectangular frameless glasses rested neatly on her nose that didn't obscure her soft brown eyes, a thousand watt smile plastered on her full lips. She wore white pants that hugged her shapely legs that seemed to go on forever that simply made her taller, her double breasted jacket that seemed a few sizes too small strained against her massive bust. An apron tied neatly around her waist finished her look.

"Sorry, I met a friend along the way. I hope the costumers didn't mind the wait." Shinji apologized nodding towards Ultear. "This is Ultear Milkovich Dragneel, a magic inspector from the magic council. She's here to meet Wendy."

"Glad to meet you, I'm Mayo Tokiwa." Mayo introduced herself bowing in front of Ultear. "Wendy went out on a job with Charle earlier in the next town. She'll be back before the day ends. Is it important?" She asked with genuine curiosity.

"Wow, you're big." Ultear commented having to look up to meet the woman in the eye. Even she didn't know if she's referring to the woman's height or chest. It was strange to be staring at her imposing bust due to their height difference. Whether Mayo was offended about her comment, she didn't show it and simply smiled. "Same here, I wouldn't mind waiting. Were you the one behind that wonderful smell?" she asked kindly, while the woman was imposing, Mayo simply radiated kindness and couldn't help but return it.

"Oh, I wish I was. It's Mr. Shinji that prepares and cooks all of the food. I'm simply the one who looks after it when he's gone. I only cook when he's out on jobs." Mayo admitted bashfully, while she gets more than enough praise from Shinji himself when it comes to her cooking. She still feels inferior against the man regardless, add to the fact he was the one that taught her how to cook.

"She's just too humble." Shinji argued, "Come on, let's get inside." Mayo nodded and went in first followed by Shinji and then Ultear.

The moment Ultear entered the kitchen, her nose was treated with the various aromas that permeated the room. Even she had difficulty restraining herself from sampling the food. Mayo went back to her station and started finishing the rest of the dishes. The dishes are mostly comprised of omelets, cake and steaks with different hot and cold drinks ready to be served.

"Why don't you wait outside, Ultear?" Shinji asked as he started to unpack and prepare to help in the cooking. "I'll tell Bars to arrange a table for you. The food is on me." After unpacking, Shinji went to the door separating the kitchen from the diners and gestured for someone.

It didn't take long for another person to enter the room with long scarlet hair, a darker shade of red than Erza's that reached below the woman's knee and two thick strands over her shoulder ending halfway from her breasts, sharp purples eyes framed by long eyelashes and a beauty mark below her right eye and full red lips. She's wearing a form fitting black pants and red heels, black vest over a maroon colored dress shirt with black tie. Topped off with a necklace tied around her neck like a chocker with a tear shaped jewel hanging at the end.

"Who's this?" Bars asked hooking Shinji's neck under her arm and pulling him to her level. Her shrewd eyes landing on the man with complete distrust. "Another poor soul in need of your help? Hmm?" Her eyes then shifted to Ultear, a competitive glint in them. A look Ultear knew all too well.

Ultear chuckled at the possessive woman, approaching with her hands up in a peaceful gesture. In her peripherals, she saw Mayo with the same distrust if not a mixture of fear and disappointment. Smiling when the tall woman winced at being scolded by someone behind the window. "Don't worry, I'm just an old friend of Shinji's looking for Wendy. I'm not here to join you're crowded little group." By the time she stood in front of the two, she has her hand reach out in friendship.

Bars studied the offered hand before releasing Shinji's head and taking it. "Nice to meet you. Come with me then." She walked ahead of Ultear and opened the door towards the café. "Your seat's over there. Best seat in the house." She bowed and gestured towards the table near the window that gave a clear view of the street outside and every table in the café.

Ultear followed the woman while scanning the room filled with mostly men and a few women. The café itself gave off a very homey feel, with its cream colored walls blending well It easily became clear why a line of men was eagerly waiting to enter the establishment. The reason are the one she's following and the two other women serving the costumers. The blondes wearing maid uniforms, that while covered their shapely bodies, did nothing to hide their mythical proportions. She's proud of hers, being placed as no. 1 model in the weekly Sorc. Every once and awhile, the women here are simply, dare she say it, a league of their own.

Bars pulled the chair for her to take a seat in and saw that all the eyes of the men in the room landed on them. Most of them has a glimmer of realization in their eyes as to who the new comer is. So, she made use of the situation and have fun and find some answers.

"Excuse me." Ultear gestured to Bars to lean forward. "Tell me... how did 'The Red sands of Seven ended up waiting in a small cafe in Fiore?" She immediately realized who the woman was the moment she entered the kitchen. The mole below the right eye and the unmistakable auburn locks.

Bars smirked at Ultear's question and leaned in further, her head covering Ultear's as every male in the room gawked at the sight thinking that Ultear of the weekly sorcerer is making out with mysterious Bars. "What I do with my time is none of your concern, though rest assured that I've cut most of my ties with Seven." She gingerly placed her finger on Ultear's lips. "Please keep my existence here a secret as I've grown to enjoy this peaceful life." With that simple request Bars stood up and left towards the kitchen.

Ultear blinked once, twice before simply placing her elbow on the table and her head on her palm. Watching as the other two familiar women do their job, one's violent while the other with the patient of a saint. While the unsettling feeling about something bad happening in the guild lessened a little with meeting Shinji, another problem arose after meeting the same man.

Bars of the Red Sands is the general of the armies of Seven, the woman was ruthless when it comes to her enemies that whenever she goes to a battle the blood of her enemies would stain the sands red. Known for her bloodlust, she disappeared almost two years ago and rumoured to have been executed for attempting to steal the throne.

Ultear's eyes landed on one male costumer who found himself on the floor unconscious from a flick on the forehead. A victorious smile plastered on his face. The attacker was one of the blondes, shorter than her by an inch or two with flowing blond hair with a lighter shade that reached the small of her back in two pony tails, her hair parted in the middle showing her forehead with two long strands framing her face. Her golden brown eyes showed annoyance at the unconscious man, her red lips formed thin line.

The woman wore a white sleeveless dress shirth re with a few buttons undone exposing a sizable amount of her breasts under a black corset that's buttoned behind her back and two straps tied behind her neck. The corset did nothing but make her massive bust, the biggest out of the four, more pronounce. Paired with black pencil skirt with a slit half way along its length, exposing her shapely thigh and the garter belt that held her fishnet stockings in place. Black heels, white cuffs and a maid's head band finished the ensemble.

"Tilde, please stop injuring the costumers." The second blonde approached the injured man, wearing the same outfit but with the buttons of her top closed, white choker with frills that looked like a collar. Her hair is similar to the woman named Tilde albeit darker in colour and almost reaches the floor. Two long strands of hair framed her face that ended just below her breasts. Her green eyes framed by rounded eyes gave her a gentle look that blended well with her kind appearance.

Tilde Strad, a powerful mage of the Spriggan 12 that fled Alvarez for raising her hand against its emperor four years ago. While Alvarez and Fiore has a long standing feud, Fiore agreed to Alvarez' proposal of labelling the woman a dangerous dark mage with a high bounty and slotted as a Ten year quest for the shear difficulty of taking her down. Considered dead or missing after dropping out of the proverbial radar after a rumour of her getting into a fight with an unknown opponent that resulted in her defeat and the disappearance of an uninhabited island.

Tilde simply took a step back as she let the woman approach the downed man and kneeled beside him. Placing her palm a few inches above the man's head as it glowed as soft blue glow, the simply made Tilde cross her arms in annoyance. "Stop cuddling those perverts, Celestine! I'm starting to think they're all masochists." Tilde argued, the unconscious man 'accidentally decided to leave just as Tilde was about to pass'.

Celestine Lyonesse Gram, the missing queen of the dissolved kingdom of Gram. Three months after taking the position as a magic inspector, she receive a report regarding the annihilation of the neutral island nation of Gram after a tourney between Alakishta and Ishgar. The tourney was supposed to end the hundred year feud in who can annex the neutral country, while Ishgar is the victor with a representative from Fiore, who to this day is unknown and Serena refuses to name, Alakishta retaliated by erasing the Island nation from the map. While war was imminent, it ended just as abruptly as the fleet of Alvarez was sunk by an unknown attacker. With the disappearance of the island nation along with every citizen, the queen was supposed to have perished, but the woman is alive and well working as a waitress.

The unconscious man's head, despite being taller than the woman landed square on Tilde's exposed cleavage and decided to use bury his face for a few good seconds before straitening up and apologizing while sporting a lecherous smile. Tilde's natural response was to attack, punching the man would've made a gory mess on the cafe and decided to flick him in the forehead instead.

Ultear finally understood that Cait Shelter's anonymity was due to the members. Bars of the Red Sands, Tilde Strad of Alvarez and finally Celestine Lyonesse Gram. The three women are high profile individuals, two of which are 10 year quests in difficulty while the last one is in a 100 year quest with the stakes involve. It made her wonder who the tall woman is since she couldn't place a face or name despite her vast knowledge of the happenings between Fiore and the other nations.

Bars returned with a slice of blueberry cheesecake and a tall chocolate parfait. Ultear thanked the woman who bowed and left towards the reception to cater to the new costumers. While not as much as a fan of sweets like Erza she knows how to appreciate one and once the food graced her pallet, she moaned in delight at the flavour, the same happened with the parfait. She hadn't tasted something so good in all of her time eating in high class places. She'd have to introduce Erza to Shinji and see how long before the woman chain the man in her room in Fairy Hills and turned him into her personal chef.

She let the day wind down till the end of lunch having approached by the ex-queen asking if she wanted anything else in which she declined. As the day went on a few more costumer tried to cop a feel with Tilde which resulted in the woman retaliating with one thrown off a window and another through a wall. After lunch though, Shinji decided that they close early to deal with Ultear much to the dismay of the male populace.

After Bars' closed the cafe doors, Ultear once again entered the kitchen leaving the trio of women to clean the cafe, feeling the gaze of the two blondes follow her along the way. Entering the kitchen, she found Shinji washing the various pots and pans used during the day while Mayo was nowhere to be found.

"Aren't you a busy bee?" Ultear teased as she leaned on the kitchen counter beside Shinji who smiled.

"I asked Mayo to get the communication Lacrima to see if Wendy's done with her job." Shinji said while wiping his hands dry after making quick work of the dishes. Facing Ultear while taking off his apron and hanging it on the counter.

"Now that you mentioned it. Could I borrow it for a moment to contact my guild?" Ultear asked forgetting about that little problem since meeting Shinji and realizing who the members of Cait Shelter are. "The one I had got destroyed along the way. It's quite hard being popular." She joked as they both laughed.

"I'm back!" Wendy hollered as she burst through the door. Floating behind her is Charle who simply followed the little girl. "Hey, Shinji, my first job was a success!" She smiled brightly at the man who did the same.

"Congratulations, Wendy, I'm glad you're back safe." Shinji replied as he came forward and ruffled the young girls head. Wendy blushed madly at the praise unable to notice Ultear's presence behind the man. "Oh! A friend of mine is looking for you." He took a step back to reveal Ultear smiling at the little girl.

Wendy's heart stopped at seeing Ultear, she's an inspiration for the young mage and an avid collector of all of Ultear's appearance in the weekly Sorcerer. While she also followed Erza and Mirajane and wished to grow up as beautiful and awesome as them. It was Ultear that won the girl's heart with her beauty and grace and from the fact that they're both Dragonslayers and aspires to be as strong as the woman. She found that Mirajane always had an air of innocence about her while Erza had an air of a powerful woman while Ultear had unrivalled grace.

"Hi!" Ultear waved with a smile and approached the girl. "Do you know a dragon named Grandine? She helped me once and I'm hoping if you could do the same." She asked patiently leaning forward and placing her hands on the girl's shoulders. Her face grew a little serious as she did, this was the only remaining hope she has.

Wendy, while happy at meeting her idol suddenly felt the spotlight on her. She looked at Shinji for support who nodded with a smile. She knew what her magic does aside from being a powerful offensive type, but it was her ability to heal that drew eyes on her. Shinji told her from day one when he learned of her ability to heal that she keep it a secret or only use it under his supervision. At first, she wondered about the reason for his request as it sounded selfish especially coming from Shinji who's a walking charity. It wasn't long before she realized that he was simply protecting her from people that would abuse her magic and kindness.

Wendy took a deep breath and looked at Ultear in the eyes. "Yes, I know of Grandine. She's my parent and-" Before she could go on further, Ultear wrapped her arms around her and lifted the girl.

"Thank you, Cornelia!" Ultear shouted in joy. She owes that friend of hers a good night out and sky's the limit. She dropped the shocked girl in the floor and looked at Shinji who has an amused look while looking at the blushing and almost catatonic girl. She didn't care that Bars, Tilde and Celestine gave her a strange look. "Can I bring Wendy with me back to Fairy Tail?"

"Here's the Lacrima, Mr. Shinji." Mayo entered the kitchen to find Wendy back and standing in a joy filled daze, blind to the happenings around her. "Did I miss something?" She asked while handing the Lacrima to Shinji who gestured that she hand it to Ultear.

"Sure, I'll just tell the master. When do we leave?" Shinji asked while gesturing to the rest that everything's fine. Like Shinji, the group of women are quite protective of Wendy.

Ultear placed the Lacrima on the counter and channelled her magic on the sphere. "Can we leave now?" She asked too excited to get back and rub it in Mirajane's face that she helped Natsu get his magic back. Granted that she was part of the cause, just getting an upper hand on the woman and ending the reason for Natsu sleeping on their house.

"Sure." Shinji agreed seeing nothing wrong with the request. "Though, is it ok if I come along? I want to see Natsu and do some catching up." He really wanted to know what happened after the last seven years and catch up with the first friend he had since he woke up in the strange land.

"I'm sure he feels the same." Ultear replied and finished channelling her magic on the Lacrima and connected to the other side. "Hey, Cana, is everything alright?" she asked as she saw the haggard look the card mage has.

"Finally, I got through to you!" Cana said in relief. "Phantom Lord is attacking us and we need your help. They managed to incapacitate the master and brought their moving castle with them! The thing started casting Abyss Break and Natsu with the rest went to the castle to stop it." While she knew that it was a bad idea to tell Ultear that Natsu is going to fight dangerous mages without his magic, it was the only way to ensure that Ultear exhausts all resources to get back.

"That idiot! I'll kill him!" Ultear slammed her fist on the counter. "I'll find a way to get there as soon as possible." Ultear wouldn't involve the council in the personal affairs of their guild. She's a Fairy Tail mage first before a council member and Phantom Lord will know what it means to bring her wrath down upon them. She also knew that Mirajane might be with Natsu but she's worried if the woman could hold her Satan Soul long enough to protect Natsu throughout the battle.

"Is Natsu in trouble?" Shinji had to ask the obvious, but he wanted to know how serious it is first before he'd act. She did told him about Natsu losing his magic and having heard some rumours about Phantom he just hopes that he's alright.

"I don't know yet. I asked someone to lookout for him. But I'm worried that they'll get overwhelmed." Ultear answered almost in panic and looked at the man once again. He managed to help her once with Wendy, maybe he could do it again? "Do you happen to have a Magic Bomber laying around, teleportation magic will do just fine." She tried to make light of the situation despite her panic.

"Mayo, get Wendy to pack her clothes." Shinji ordered as the woman snapped the dazed girl who asked if she missed something before getting ushered to out and assured that everything's fine. "We have both actually," he pointed towards Celestine who walked forward. "Lady Celestine can use teleportation magic and we have a magic bomber hidden in the forest. If Natsu is in real danger, I think I should go ahead first and you accompany Wendy on the magic bomber." He suggested as the trio of women looked at the man in astonishment.

Ultear is once again surprised at the turn of events. She really need to start watching over Cait Shelter. "It's not of your concern, Shinji. It's between Phantom and us, dragging you into it isn't exactly right." She didn't want to sound rude but simply stating facts.

"It's ok. The two of you are the first friends I had since I arrived years ago and if any of you needs my help, I'm more than happy to go out of my way." Shinji answered and Ultear simply shook her head at how lucky Natsu is when it comes to meeting people.

Ultear sighed in defeat, "I can't argue with that logic, but can't she transfer all of us at the same time?" She asked and followed them as they went outside.

"I could send you and Wendy at the same time, Ms. Ultear. I can only send people that have an equal or lower magical power than what I have." Celestine answered as she stood in front of Shinji and placed her hands forward as Shinji took it. "Sending Sir Shinji to Magnolia would require all of my magic and I'll be too exhausted to transfer another person again." She explained.

"Don't worry, Ultear, I'll make sure Natsu's fine." Shinji assured as he nodded towards Celestine who closed her eyes as a magic circle appeared beneath them before Shinji is engulf in white light and vanished from their sight.

Ultear watched and felt something akin to fear when she felt the massive amount of magic the woman released before sending Shinji to Magnolia. She'd met Serena once and felt the vast magical powers he commands and Celestine could easily match the man's own. Tilde simply caught the woman with ease and carried her towards the main guild hall.

"Let's go." Bars ordered as she herded Ultear towards the magic bombers location. "Tilde would inform the master. I'll need you to guide me towards that guild of yours." She explained not even bothering to look behind if she's being followed.

XOXOXO

Mirajane could slowly feel the fatigue creep in faster than she imagined as she tried her Satan Soul. Having neglected training her body in the time since Lissana's death, despite her still vast magic, her body simply refused to work with her as with each attack she unleashes the more she's unable to maintain her take over.

"Are you okay, Mira?" Natsu asked looking at the woman. No matter how hard Mirajane tries to hide it. He could see the fatigue creep in her face and stance.

Mirajane dispelled her Satan Soul to try and ration the time she could use it. She doesn't want to end up helplessly watching the demise of a person she loves. Not again, not Natsu. "I'm a little winded but I'm fine. Thank you for worrying about me." She said cutely and took his arm in her embrace. Just feeling his warmth relaxes her nerves and makes her feel that everything's alright.

Natsu blushed as he felt his arms between Mirajane's cleavage and laughed. "What kind of man would I be if I neglected you?" He said proudly. His head told him that he's doing the right thing, but his heart simply told him that things are going to end badly. He loves Ultear and so does Mirajane, but he felt that he's simply a coward for not admitting that despite what he feels for Mirajane. He stays because he felt obligated. He tried to bury it deep inside but every once in awhile it would surface and guilt will gnaw at his insides until he just needs to run away.

He'd run towards Erza, the strongest person he knows ever since they were kids. She was the reliable one, the strict disciplinarian but gentle when needed. He told her all of his problems, she never chastised him nor told him what to, but simply lend an ear. It was comforting for him that sometimes he feels bad for bothering her of his problems, but she still listened and even threatened him with violence if he stopped going to her for advice or a listening ear.

"I hope Erza's alright." Natsu suddenly muttered. Looking at what he presumed to be the woman's location.

Mirajane's mood suddenly dipped for the worse at the mention of Erza's name. The traitorous bitch wanted to steal Natsu away from her, just like Ultear. "I'm sure she's fine, Natsu. She's Erza after all." She assured her man. It felt like the world was conspiring against her, trying to take her happiness.

"Aye! Nothing could beat Erza!" Natsu beamed which Mirajane returned with a smile of her own. "Come on! I still have a score to settle with tin head."

Mirajane nodded and ran alongside Natsu as they took out the weak ones along the way. They continued on their destructive path until they arrived at a large empty corridor. Both felt a presence watching them and were proven correct when the floor suddenly surged forward and transformed into a large spike ready to impale Natsu.

Mirajane acted before Natsu could and shattered the rock with swipe of her clawed hands. Back in full Satan soul, Mirajane is out for the blood of the person dumb enough to attack Natsu in her presence. She'll show them why she was called the demon before, and rightfully so.

"Very impressive." A dismembered voice said that seemed to come from everywhere. "Nothing less from a former S-class of Fairy Tail." The man decided to show himself as he hang from the ceiling, half of his body melding with the stone ceiling.

"Hey, come down from there and get your beating down here!" Natsu demanded glaring holes towards their opponent. Having no magic sucks.

"So, it seems we a bystander in our midst." Muttered Sol while swaying back and forth before swinging his arm diagonally and flurry of spikes erupted from the ground to impale the couple.

Mirajane was about to destroy the spikes with her tail, but Natsu got her first and lifted her of her feet. "I can easily handle them, Natsu." She chastised lightly unable to get mad at his valiant effort.

"I know! But I can't help it!" Natsu grinned and winked at the woman. He found it quite cute that even in her Satan Soul Mirajane can still blush when the only expression that form of hers has is neutrality and rage. Landing near the door where they came from he placed Mirajane down gently and looked at the woman cutely. "Give me a boost?"

Mirajane simply smiled at his silliness and simply grabbed him by his coat and threw the man she loves at their opponent. After Natsu took off, she did the same and vaulted after their opponent who's confident in his position.

Sol focused on the weaker of the two, a massive stone fist launched beside him towards Natsu who cocked his fist back and met it with his own. An explosion erupted once Natsu's fist made contact against the stone, his smile vanished as Sol's attack struck him. Sending him crashing to the floor hard causing it to crack from the force.

Mirajane noticed what happened to Natsu as raged filled her being, as she vaulted upwards after landing directly below Sol. Her hands glowing with dark magic and was more than happy to wipe the smug smile Sol has as she shot her arms forward blowing a massive hole in the ceiling and into several floors.

Mirajane's eyes landed once again on Natsu who stood up from the crater he made. It made her drop her guard long enough for Sol to blindside her with another stone fist. Mirajane managed to block with her wings but did little to reduce the damage and felt the brunt of the attack. It sent her flying back to the floor, but suddenly felt a pair of arms around her before she crashed.

Mirajane quickly got off Natsu who caught her before crashing to the floor. "Are you alright, Natsu?" She asked in panic at the unmoving man, fear creeping in her voice. "Natsu... Please..." she pleaded, ignoring the sand that started to form around them, her Satan Soul vanishing as tears started to pool at the corner of her eyes.

"You should stop eating Erza's cakes, Mira..." Natsu groaned as he smiled tiredly at the panicking woman. The coat Erza gave did reduced the damage he received but he's still in pain from earlier and now from catching Mirajane. He really should tone down the heroics when he's incapable of using magic. "You're getting heavy." He joked cracking a smile which made Mirajane laugh.

Mirajane helped Natsu stand as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "You should sit this one out, Natsu." She ordered and gave her man a stern look that meant no arguments. "His ability to attack from afar and move along the stone puts you in a disadvantage. I know you hate running away from a fight, but please leave him to me, just this once."

Natsu sighed and conceded. "Ok, Mira. I'll go ahead and wait for you on the other side." His approval brought a bright smile at her lips as she transformed once again into her Satan Soul and with a single flap of her wings cleared the sand. It gave Natsu the opportunity to run towards the exit and as much as he hates it, Mirajane is right so he swallowed his pride and did as he was told.

Sol simply let Salamander leave seeing him as not even a threat against their plans. While he's more than enough for their weaker members, he could simply finish him off after he's done with Mirajane. Appearing from the floor in front of Mirajane, Sol bowed and introduced himself. "I'm Monsieur Sol, my lady. It's a pleasure to meet you in combat, Ms. Mirajane." he greeted politely.

"I don't care!" Mirajane snapped as she flew towards Sol and delivered a savaged kick aimed at his arm-intent on crippling the arm of the man that hurt her Natsu.

Mirajane was stunned when Sol's body bent to the side, not expecting his abnormal flexibility, as her leg continued on its arc hoping she could catch him with her tail. She missed once again, leaving her open to attack from her wide arc as Sol wrapped his arm along her forearm and swung her overhead and smashed her into the floor.

Mirajane bounced off the floor hard and cursed herself for getting caught. A small fry like him couldn't have defeated her or even hurt her when she was still active. Mirajane sent a blast of dark magic against the rocks Sol sent her, destroying them in the process before she's once again buffeted by sand.

"I guess you're not as strong as the rumors suggest." Sol mocked, his voice coming from everywhere, taunting the woman. "To be protected by Salamander who lost his magic. No wonder you couldn't even stop your brother from killing your sister." His laughed filled with mocking and his words struck hard.

"Shut up!" Mirajane roared attacking the shadow she saw behind the whirling sand.

"Why... Big Sister...?"

"Lissana..." Mirajane whispered, instantly reverting into her human form. She watched with horror as the figure of Lissana flew into the far wall. Lissana's body slammed against the wall, the life draining from her eyes before she shattered into a thousand pieces.

"I imagined that's how it happened." Sol mocked thinking that it unnerved the woman enough to gain the advantage. He couldn't help but smile in triumph at his plans success, seeing the woman freeze at the horrific sight of ending her faux sister. Sol decided to continue with her mental assault, sinking into the stone and appearing in front of the woman to taunt her once more. "How does it feel to-"

He wasn't able to finish as a fist collided against his jaw as unimaginable pain shot from where Mirajane's fist connected and suddenly felt the temperature in the room rise. The pain in his jaw was put to the sidelines when he collided on the wall-hard. Unable to fathom how she managed to shrug off his mental assault.

"That may have worked on my younger brother Elfman, but not me." Mirajane whispered as a massive magic seal appeared above and beneath her. Her face obscured by her hair as she stared blankly at the floor. "He still holds responsibility for what happened to Lissana, but I don't blame him... I'm glad that I joined Natsu in this fight." Mirajane finally raised her head slowly, which only prolonged Sol's fear for the woman. "Because I've been very angry this past few weeks and I'm thankful that you gave me an outlet for my rage!" Her eyes held a crazed look as something inside her snapped.

Then she screamed, all the anger, all the rage and frustration that's been kept inside her ever since Erza's betrayal, Natsu's brush with death, and the gnawing feeling of losing Natsu to Ultear. The straw that broke the camel's back was Sol's mockery of their grief. She glared death at the man who had the gall to mock the sadness they went through as flames erupted from Mirajane as she was enveloped in bright light, the stone floor cracked and melted from the intensity of the flames.

Sol never truly knew what true fear is until this moment as he watched Mirajane emerged from the flames. She stood taller, her hair resembled a glorious mane crowned with two horns protruding upwards that's connected to a metal guard that framed her face. She wore a white and blue bodysuit, silver pauldrons adorned her shoulders that held a flowing blue cape, and silver clawed gauntlets replaced her once monstrous limbs as her calves to her feet seemed to be made of flames. Mirajane: Sitri decided to make an appearance, the Master banned her use of the form much like her Halphas for being too destructive, but just this once. She'll drive to this insect of a man what happens to those that would stoop so low as to use underhanded tricks to achieve victory.

Sol tried to speak to worm his way out of his predicament, but he suddenly lost this ability when Mirajane clamped her hand on his mouth. "You won't die... not in my hands. But I can't promise you that you'll be able to walk again." Mirajane charged her right fist with magic and drove it hard down at Sol's midsection. Somewhere deep down, she wished it was Ultear in front of her as her fist felt Sol's body buckle against the force of her attack.

This were the few times that she wanted to result into violence to solve her problems. To fight Ultear and beat the point of leaving Natsu and her alone into the woman's thick skull. Maybe she'll get the chance one of these days, to finally get her hands on the woman trying to steal her happiness.

Sol felt pain, then nothing as his consciousness shut down to save himself from the pain. It came from his stomach and spread all over his body as Mirajane's blow shattered the wall he's on. The attack sent him flying across the lake with such force that his unconscious body skipped on top of the water until him crashing unto the shore and into the forest -breaking a dozen trees along with the rest of his bones in the process.

Mirajane eyed the damaged she caused and realized how weak she's gotten in the time she stopped training. The thought was pushed to the sides as she braced herself on the crumbling wall, exhausted from using a form that took a lot of magic to change into. But it felt worth it as it let her blow out some steam, she could still return to her Satan Soul one more time and it should last her long enough to teach Gajeel a lesson for hurting Natsu.

"Mira!" Natsu called as he came running towards his fiancé. Panic and worry in his eyes as he made a bee line to catch the exhausted woman. "What happened? The whole place shook for a moment and it came from here. Are you ok?" Unable to hide his worry for the woman who look worse for wear.

Mirajane smiled as she steadied herself using Natsu's shoulder. "Just letting off some steam for trying to hurt my little Natsu." She teased pinching his cheeks like a child. She wouldn't tell him about how the man used Lissana's memory, it won't help anyone by mourning the dead now. She'll tell him later and they could grieve together as the need to focus at the task at hand -stopping Abyss Break.

"Hey, I'm not little!" Natsu countered as he sat in front of Mirajane and offered to carry her piggyback.

Mirajane smiled and took the offered ride. "Of course you're not," She pecked him on the cheek. "Not where it counts." She breathed huskily. It was the reason she loved being with Natsu, all she needed was his presence and it calms her down. Being with him gave her meaning, something to look forward to: Teasing him when they were kids, a person she could give her heart to when they were older, and an anchor when she lost her sister.

"Now onward my great stead!" Mirajane pointed towards the corridor where he came from.

Natsu simply smiled and went along with Mirajane. "Rawr!" Natsu roared as he turned to face Mirajane when she leaned forward in question. "Hey, if I'm gonna be a ride. I'm going to be a dragon." He put his foot down on what kind of animal transportation he is.

"Fine, Mr. Dragneel, off we go." Mirajane conceded and once again pointed forward.

"I'm all fired up!" Natsu declared as he ran towards their next destination. He's tired, and he's hurting all over but hearing Mirajane's laughter dulled the pain both physically and emotionally.

XOXOXO

A roar of victory emanated from every member of Fairy Tail as they watched the massive hand of the castle stop and the magic seal vanish. It was a sign that Natsu and the others successfully defeated every single member of Phantom Lord while they're successful in protecting the guild. Ul stood the edge of the cliff a felt a swell of pride for her new friends, but most importantly her former student Gray.

It was strange that she was worried when Gray volunteered to join the fight. Sure, he was still injured from his fight with Lyon and just came out from their siege of Phantom Lord, but it wasn't those that invoked her worry for the man. She saw the stubborn boy she took in seven years ago, as Gray jumped into the thick of the fray.

Watching him run towards the castle fighting the shades as he did, something inside her wanted to just jump in and help him. As memories of Gray sneaking out and testing his newfound abilities on the monsters that littered the frozen wasteland they used to live in filled her mind. But she discarded all those useless thoughts as Gray easily stood his own and defeated his opponents easily.

"Everyone alright?" Ul asked not even winded from defending the guild. While she could've erected an ice barrier to protect everyone, it was the thought of Phantom Lord aiming their sights at the town which Jose didn't fail to do as he used Abyss Break. "The rest of you that can't fight should seek shelter in the guild."

"We can still fight." Cana answered for everyone hooking her arm on the blonde's neck and pulling her close. "Aren't I right, Lucy?"

Lucy's eyes landed on Ul's knowing gaze and smiled in return. "Yeah, we can still fight!" A blush crept up her cheeks as her faced is mushed against Cana's sizeable breasts. "Stop that, Cana! It's embarrassing!" She did her best to pull her head out of the woman's hold as their guild mates started laughing at them.

Ul laughed at Lucy's embarrassment while keeping her defenses up and striking most of the shades that would attack them and leaving the rest that escapes her to the others. It was a strange feeling to be surrounded with people once again, people she could call friends.

Back then, she was a loner and had a few friends as she was focused on her craft, on perfecting her magic and learning all there is to learn about it. She never had the time to date, but she would be in the company of a lucky man for a night when she felt the itch. It's was how she got pregnant with Ultear. She didn't even know who got her pregnant, but she knew that Ultear's arrival would change her life.

And change it did…

"You sure had a full life without me." Ul mused keeping an eye on everyone in the guild in her daughter's place. "Everyone! Just hold on for a little longer and we'll win this!"

A rousing cheer erupted from everyone and while she's confident in the abilities of those that attacked the castle, she's worried if they could handle defeating the guild master and resolved to face Jose herself in Makarov's place. She was snapped out of her musing when she felt an overwhelming amount of magic suddenly fill the area. Looking at the others, she realized that no one felt it or they're too busy and exhausted to notice.

Ul created a pedestal made of ice high enough to help her pin point the location of the newcomer. The lingering presence of magic pointed her west to the lakeside warehouses and moments later something launched itself towards the direction of the castle. She knew that who or whatever the thing that launched itself into the fray might mean trouble for those fighting.

"Cana!" Ul called the brunette as she jumped down from her perch. "Ice Make: Overgrowth"

The moment Ul landed on the ground, countless rose vines erupted from the ground impaling every shade in the area to give the other's time to regroup.

"What is it?" Cana asked running towards their temporary leader and watching as the vines shatter into small crystals. Much to her dismay another wave of shades are heading towards their direction to replace the one's Ul defeated.

"I'll leave the guild's defense to you. I need to make sure that whoever that is won't cause trouble to Natsu and the others." Ul gestured towards the human missile that just crashed in the castles side. "Just keep an eye on Lucy, Ok? She's safer here than anywhere else."

Cana looked at the blonde fighting with all her might to defend her new found friends. "Alright." Nodded Cana as she watched explosions erupt from the castle. "I know you're strong from what Gray told me, but do be careful of Phantom Lord's guild master. He's not someone to be taken lightly."

Ul smiled at Cana's concern. "Don't worry about it. I'll just remind him of why the council once hounded me for a position as a wizard saint." She replied before jumping at the cliff and creating an ice eagle and flew towards the thick of the fray. "I'm counting on you!" She shouted back taking out any shade that was dumb enough to get in her path.

"Where is she going?" Lucy asked leaving the defense to her new spirit Sagittarius. Watching the woman's retreating form. "Is she going to fight?"

"She's just going to make sure Natsu and the others are alright." Cana answered before catching Lucy's head once again and placing her in a headlock. "Just stay by my side, ok? Big sis will keep you safe!" she teased smiling down at Lucy.

XOXOXO

"Erza!" Natsu ran towards the knight who stood before her defeated opponent. He placed a hand on her shoulder as he scanned at her downed opponent. "Wow. You sure went crazy on the guy." He commented looking at the badly beaten and cut man and while it looked gruesome. The man isn't going to die anytime soon.

"He'll live." Erza replied smiling as she turned to face him and her face faltered the moment she saw the distrust in Mirajane's eyes. "Did you have any problems getting here?" She managed to catch her slip and was glad Natsu didn't notice.

"It was pretty easy going until we met this strange guy. I think he's a part of the element four. We fought him for a while but Mirajane told me that she'd take him on since I was at a disadvantage." Natsu's voice deflated at the last part not only because he was left out of the fight but felt powerless to defend those important to her.

Erza saw the how much his lack of magic is affecting Natsu and decided to comfort him regardless of what Mirajane thinks. "Mirajane did the right thing, Natsu. We just need to accept that there are times we need to let others fight our battles." She placed a hand on his shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze and offering him one of her rare smiles.

Her words did its magic and lifted Natsu's spirits much to Mirajane's dismay. "You just want to hog all the fighting all to yourself." He countered with a grin causing Erza to laugh as well.

Mirajane simply watched the exchange silently with a smile. Her thoughts on the other hand painted a different image, of her jealousy at work, of how Erza is striving to pull Natsu away from her. Her and Ultear trying to rip her happiness away from her. But she kept it all inside, despite her jealousy, she didn't want Natsu to alienate their friends because of her. Her jealousy as a lover shouldn't ruin the bonds they made over the years. The very same thought Ultear had for her.

"No!"

Mirajane's thoughts were shattered by Erza's words as she finally noticed that the two are now arguing.

"I can handle Gajeel, Erza!" Natsu countered angrily as Titania all but told him to stand down and let her handle him. "I would've defeated him back then if you didn't stop me!" His words cut deep as Titania held a look of betrayal from his words.

He didn't meant to hurt her nor did he realized it until later when the battle ended, but he needed something to feel that he isn't useless. Not powerless to defend those important to him even without his magic and his already beaten and bruised ego told him that beating Gajeel would alleviate his worries.

Mirajane caught Erza's hand before it could move and stood between Erza and her man. "Calm down, Natsu. I'm sure Erza's just worried about you." She offered calmly and made sure not to waste the opportunity to get Natsu into her side and a little bit farther from Titania. "Don't worry, Erza, I'm pretty sure Natsu could back up his words. I doubt I'd even have to intervene during the fight. Right, Natsu?" She asked and only got an angry nod in return unable to look at Erza's general direction.

"You're not helping him, Mira!" Erza spat back realizing that Mirajane is placing both their lives in danger. She wouldn't worry if it was the Mirajane of old, but the one in front of her now is nowhere near capable as before. She felt the presence of Mirajane:Sitri earlier and knew that Mirajane wouldn't be able to hold her Take Over for the rest of the fight. "You're just placing Natsu's life in danger!"

"Let's just go, Mira." Natsu said, his voice laced with betrayal at Erza's lack of trust. "You don't understand what it feels like, Erza." He looked at her one more time before he started to leave not even looking back knowing Mirajane would follow him.

A small smile formed at Mirajane's lips despite herself as she watched the scene play before her. She left the silenced Titania and took hold of Natsu's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze, "I believe you can do it. I trust in you, Natsu."

"Thanks…" Natsu smiled at Mirajane's words even though at the back of his mind he knew Erza's words were true. "Come on! Let's hunt that tin head and give him the beating he deserves!" He declared as they ran off to the nearest entrance.

Erza clenched her fist in frustration. "I know, Natsu. I know what it means to be powerless." She whispered towards the direction they entered.

Memories of her past came rushing back from that simple exchange, memories that shaped her to who she is today. She was powerless back then, and strove to gain the power to save her friends and she wouldn't fail this time. She would never again fail the man that had wormed its way into her heart. She would protect him just as she promised Ultear.

"Erza!"

Titania looked behind her to see the familiar face of Gray approaching her. "Are you alright, Gray?" she asked the man who looked like he went through the ringer. Fighting even though he's still in the recovering stages from their last battle at Galuna Island. She had to admit that both Gray and Natsu have gotten stronger without her knowing it.

"Yeah." Gray answered panting a little. The pain his body is suffering just doubled after fighting Juvia. The weird woman was stronger than he imagine and had to strain himself just to inch out a win. If Ul saw that, she'd be disappointed in him. "A little tired but I can managed."

"I see." Erza nodded but knew the man was already on his last ropes and another battle might endanger him knowing the Gajeel and Jose are still out in the open. "I want you to restrain him and take some rest before you get back into fighting, understood?" she dropped Aria's unconscious body in front of Gray who subsequently froze him from the neck below.

"Sure." Gray wouldn't argue with the woman. While he doesn't mind going straight into another battle, he knew for a fact that with his current state he won't be any help against the stronger ones left. "I need to take a breather anyway."

"Stay here while I-" Erza froze as she felt the malicious intent that started to fill the room. A feeling of dread filled her being the moment she head the slow clapping behind them and the sickening amount of dark magic that enveloped them.

"My, my. I never imagined that I would ever have to fight myself, Fairy Tail mages." Jose began as he stood in front of Gray and Erza his rage leaking out of his being in the form of his malicious magic and intent. "Destroying Jupiter, taking down the Element Four, and bringing my magic giant to its knees. I wanted to say I'm impressed but honestly… I'm just livid!"

"This is for the Master!" Gray roared jumping towards Jose.

"Gray! Don't!" Erza screamed in panic watching as Jose took out the man with ease. She requipped her Flight armor and attacked the man despite knowing how little a chance of victory she has. She watched as the unconscious Ice mage went sailing back in the air and crash in to the far wall and hoped that he's still alright.

Erza parried the flurry of dark energy Jose shot at her direction as she closed the gap to strike the man down. Her senses and focus sharpened to its maximum to stand a chance against the man as she fought to protect not only her life but her friends. The speed boost she gained allowed her to close the gap with ease and tried to finish the battle in a single strike. But much to her shock, Jose disappeared from her sight and received a powerful kick in the back as she crashed in the steps in front of her.

"Quite an impressive armor you have there to increase your speed to such a degree." Jose commended as he enjoyed watching the woman struggle to stand. "To think a once no name guild would lay claim to the title of the strongest in the span of a decade."

Erza shakily stood up unable to believe how powerful his strikes are. "What we have achieved is due to everyone's combined effort!" Titania defended dodging the blast and Requipping her Giants armor as she lands on top of the steps. "We never used force or dirty tactics to reach the top!" She bellowed throwing her De-Malevo lance at the man, the spear flew with such force that Erza was knocked off her footing.

Jose was torn at being impressed and enraged at Titania's showing as he watched the lance move towards him. He found it a waste that a small guild like Fairy Tail could house such potent mages. He charged his right arm with magic and caught the lance and found himself getting dragged along its path. Grunting at the amount of strength and magic he needed just to stop her attack.

"Is this all the great Titania could do?!" Jose demanded and attacked Erza with his free hand.

"Impossible!" Erza hissed as she dodged Jose's attack and Requipped her Flight Armor once again to get behind Jose who's busy showing her his strength. "You're overconfidence will be your downfall, villain!" She appeared a few feet behind Jose who continues to grapple with the lance.

"Indeed!" Jose agreed as his magic flared up and with a show of brute force turned around and slammed the lance on Erza who crumpled unto the floor from the force. Jose threw the lance away and took a fistful of Titania's renowned locks amused at the fire in her eyes. "You suffer from the same fault you accuse me off. A lowly mage like you would challenge me, a wizard saint, to a fight while others cower from the mention of my name alone!" He threw Erza to the nearest pillar that crumbled from the impact.

Erza coughed up blood as she collided on the wall, eyes getting hazy from the attack she suffered, the blow on her shoulder, from her very own weapon no less, almost knocked her unconscious. She quickly jumped away from the blast and Requipped her Black Wing armor and launched her swords at the man. "I'm not fighting you because I'm certain that I can beat you!" Erza ran back towards Jose in a wide arc while dodging his attacks and sending swords at him.

Erza took a diagonal swipe at Jose who dodged with ease before it was followed by a flurry of slashes. "I'm fighting you because I need to protect my friends. That right now, I'm all that's standing between you and everyone-!" She was stunned when Jose caught her wrist and once again slammed her on the floor before throwing her to the far wall.

Jose shot the walkway on top of Erza, dropping the debris on the fallen woman and shot her again with an energy beam causing an explosion. "Friendship?" Jose asked his attention shifting towards the unconscious Ice mage. "Show me Titania how strong those bonds is." He extended his hand forward and aimed it at Gray.

Erza stood up despite the pain and Requipped her Adamantine Armor, with how beaten her body is, carrying Gray and Aria out of harm's way is out of the question and resolved to simply block the attack with her toughest armor. Hopefully, it's strong enough to withstand whatever attack Jose has planned.

Jose grinned that Titania fell in his simple trap as he focused all of his magic into one finger and fired it at the hapless knight. "Sentiments like that won't get you nowhere." He muttered as he watched his attack puncture through the imposing shield and through Erza's left thigh and shot her again in the right causing the woman to scream in anguish and collapsed into the floor.

Jose's laughter filled the destroyed hall as he walked towards the fallen knight who continued to glare death at him. Her defiance in the face of her death irritated and pleased him as he watched her Requip into her Heaven's Wheel armor and sent countless blades in his direction, all of which he deflected with ease as he watched the woman place her body between him and Gray, floating as she did.

"Do you know why I didn't just end Makarov's life back then?" Jose questioned as he created to skeletal figures that summoned tendrils to restrain the woman. He then applied pressure on the woman making her scream in pain. "Despair. I want him to suffer for even attempting to challenge us." He declared as he decided to apply pressure on the woman's injuries causing her to scream in agony. "I wonder if those insects outside will have any will to fight if they found the mangled bodies of their strongest thrown at their feet." He cackled as he continued to torture the proud knight.

Erza withstood the torture Jose inflicted on her, applying pressure to her injured legs, sucking the life out of her to coax as much pain as possible only to stop and repeat the process. 'I'm not going to break!' She thought resolutely, 'I'm not the same girl all those years ago! I won't let you see me break and I'll fight you till the end!' She continued to gaze defiantly at the man and used to telepathically control the sword she sensed behind her and aimed it at Jose using her body to block it from his sight.

"You're stubbornness is praiseworthy." Jose commented watching those hate filled eyes of hers and simply filled him with rage. "Let's see if you can keep it up with that façade if I play with you friend?" He turned his attention on the unconscious Ice mage and created a third skeletal figure.

'Now!' Erza saw her chance as she tilted her head to the side and launched the sword towards Jose, the blade gracing her neck and leaving a small cut, and prayed that Jose wouldn't notice the deadly blow. It took all of her magic and concentration just to control the sword and propel it to fell the man.

Erza lost all hope as Jose turned just in time to notice the sword and quickly stepped aside to dodge the lethal implement, injuring him as it managed cut him in the chest. Jose's magic wavered as he released Erza from his hold to examine his injury. He touched the thin line in his chest now visible from the tear on his clothes, it stung a little but nothing worth fussing over. But what tipped him over the edge was the sight of his own blood as the wound started to bleed.

Jose's eye gained a wild look as his body trembled in rage. Whatever was left of his composure disappeared when Titania managed to injure him, his pride couldn't take the thought of a mage lower than him injure him. He screamed in rage as his magic flooded the area suffocating the still conscious Titania and causing discomfort at the unconscious spectators.

"YOU BITCH!" Jose snarled summoning a massive shade on top of the recovering woman who once again managed to change into her Adamantium armor. "You'll pay for this insolence!" He began to float in the air to look down upon the woman as he ordered the massive shade to pummel the woman into the ground as it created multiple fist like appendages to rain down on her as he fired upon her at the same time.

The sound of explosions and the cracking of the thick stone floor mixed with Titania's screams permeated the area. Erza's strongest armor cracked and shattered from the relentless attacks before she's sent flying into the wall from a powerful beam attack that left her in the black skintight suit underneath the armor. She crumpled on the floor, the pain simply too much that even breathing has become a difficult, eyes slowly going dark as she fought to keep her consciousness. A moment later she heard two loud crash beside her, turning to her side she saw Gray's unconscious body on top of Aria's.

A large magic circle appeared behind Jose as another wave of nauseating dark magic slammed against Erza. "I'll show you what happens to those stupid enough to stand in my way!" He declared as he knew that behind the woman was the general direction of Fairy Tail's guild house. "I'll erase you and all of your stupid friends from the face of Earthland!" He then began casting a weaker but potent version of Abyss Break in front of the woman who crawled as fast as her beaten body would allow in a pathetic attempt to save her comrade.

Erza tried to make her body as large as it can to protect both Gray and Aria summoning all that's left of her magic to strengthened what's left of her armor and give the two a chance to survive. But despite all the selfless thoughts that ran through her mind, one thing screamed at her the most as the oppressive feeling of Jose's magic and imminent demise loomed over her.

Erza's arms tightened over the two as she heard Jose's words of torment and in a moment of weakness. 'Please somebody help us!' Her mind pleaded desperately as she's plagued with the thought of failing her friends she left at the tower.

"DIE, TITANIA!"

'HELP US!'

A massive explosion rocked the area as Jose's attack destroyed everything in its path as rocks, debris and smoke filled his vision as he blew a massive hole into his Magic Giant allowing him to see the sky and the rest of Magnolia along with members of Fairy Tail still fighting his shades. Another sin that Fairy Tail committed against him by forcing him to wreck his own property to such an extent as he blow a whole into several floors above and below to kill Titania, Gray and the useless member of the Four.

"Now to clean up the rest of the pests!" he aimed his hand towards the guild house and charged another attack, he doesn't care whether it'll kill everyone or just a few. He just wants to see the building crumble like the rest of their will. He was about to fire his attack when he was struck with a rock to his forehead that came from where Titania once were.

"I don't remember legal guilds condoning mass murder."

Jose touched his forehead to see if he was bleeding, stunned that a voice much less an attack came from what should be a gaping hole. He watched as the dust started to thin and he could vaguely see a figure standing behind it. A sense of dread filled him at what he could only assume as a demon from that came from the depths of hell.

It stood tall despite its hunched appearance as two tall horns seemed to be growing from its shoulders and a single horn adorned on top of its helm shaped head. The pair of white eyes that glowed ominously behind the cloud of dust stared at him as if he was a prey to be devoured, the more he focused on it, the more he found himself shrinking in fear.

He immediately flew back as he sensed movement from the figure, Jose's hands charge with dark magic as he watched the figure swipe the cloud of dust with a swing of its arms. He waited with baited breath to see what the figure truly looked like, but was greeted with the sight of a man with brown hair standing between Titania and him. The floor beneath him all but gone except for a cone shaped portion where he stood at the tip and widening behind him. His targets unharmed like the man himself while Titania looked at the man in awe.

"Who are you?!" Jose demanded but was rewarded with silence and the man's back. Too shocked at what he saw to even launch an attack. The attack he sent to Erza would even injure Makarov to tip the scale of battle to his side yet the man didn't even seem to be fazed by it.

Erza could only look on the man as he approached them and could only echo Jose's words. "Who are you?" She repeated, her face a mixture of relief and hope as she lay on top of Gray. Her armor replaced with her white blouse and blue skirt.

"I'm Shinji, Ultear sent me to help." Shinji answered kneeling and offering her a smile, and placing his hand on top of her head. "You did well, Erza. Everything's going to be ok now." He gently ruffled her hair just like he always does to calm Wendy.

All of Erza's fears and worry were dispelled by Shinji's words, she didn't care how he survived the attack or how he got here. She didn't even noticed his offered hand as she slid off Gray and unto her knees, that pain that shot up from her injured thighs went unnoticed. She simply leaned forward and clutched the man's shirt, leaning her head on his chest and sobbed quietly. Despite the fact that they're still in the presence of Jose, she felt safe as Shinji gently consoled her, it was as if nothing can harm her in this man's presence.

Jose finally managed to gather his wit after seeing the disgusting show of emotion in front of him. "Don't think that fluke will happen again!" He raged as he fired another attack at the two just as powerful as the one meant to obliterate Titania before.

"ICE MAKE: GUNGNIR!"

The attack collided with a lance made out of ice and caused another explosion of smoke and ice crystals as Jose and for the first time saw Ul in the flesh. The woman who's supposed to carry his title as a saint if not for her early demise. The floor beneath her boots frozen solid as her tremendous magical powers radiated from her body in the form of cool mists, even the scorching heat of the sun couldn't control the sudden drop in temperature.

Ul immediately scanned the situation and found Erza's horrible state, the young woman looked like she suffered a lot, and had to be impressed that despite her small moment of weakness kept herself together. Then her eyes landed on her precious student, Gray, unconscious and littered with injuries. She staggered a little at the sight as memories of Deliora's attack flashed before her eyes, the very same image of Gray unconscious at the mercy of the demon. Ul shook her head clear and reminded herself that all that happened a lifetime ago.

"Is he ok, Erza?" Ul asked as she steadied herself. She tried her best to keep herself composed as fighting Jose with less than a hundred percent would spell her defeat.

Erza wiped the tear in her eyes, thankful that Shinji decided to look away, and calmed herself. "He is. He was knocked unconscious by Jose when he fought him earlier." She didn't bother telling Ul that Gray was knocked out in a single strike, it wouldn't do well for Gray's image for Ul. The whole room suddenly froze and Jose found himself incased in ice when Ul got the confirmation. The only exceptions was where Shinji stood as the floor remained untouched by ice for some strange reason.

Erza was amazed at how easy Ul subdued the man, incasing him in a block of ice from such a distance and speed that Jose wasn't able to react. "You might kill Aria, Ul." Erza informed as she gestured at the unconscious man caked in Ice. Gray wouldn't be a problem with his Ice magic, but Aria was defenseless against it. Even if they were enemies and the man did something horrible to their master. She could not, in good conscience, let a defenseless man get hurt, or in his case, killed unwittingly by an angry woman.

"Well, aren't you a noble one." Ul teased the redhead as the giant eagle made of ice that she rode towards the castle landed behind them. "You should take a ride with Gray back to get yourself patched up." She ordered as the eagle gently took Gray in its beak while lifting Aria with its claw and hovered over the group. "Who are you again?" She turned to the newcomer which she could easily guess was the one she felt earlier.

"I'm Shinji. Are you Ultear's sister by any chance?" Shinji asked at the uncanny resemblance with Ultear not to mention the name the woman has. He scooped Erza in his arms who was shocked when she was carried suddenly.

Ul laughed at the man's question, not the first one she had ever since she started going out. Apparently her daughter has become quite famous in the magic world, both as a member of the council and a model. "Nice try, kid. But I already have someone in mind." She then backtracked in her mind on the very words she uttered. She wanted to tell him a crack about he's too young for him or his way of picking up women are outdated. "Did you fly to get here?"

"More of jump, actually." Shinji answered as he began to place Titania on the back of the eagle before she stopped him.

"Please help me search for Natsu!" Erza pleaded, desperate to keep her promise to Ultear and save him and Mirajane from Gajeel. If they won, then everything's fine, but her mind couldn't stop thinking dark thoughts knowing that Mirajane has been over using her Take Over after such a long break. "I need to make sure they're alright."

"That's what I came here for actually." Shinji informed as he continued to get Erza on the eagle. "I'll make sure they're alright."

"Let me come! I need to make sure." Erza vehemently said clutching at the man's shirt pleadingly. She wanted to make sure with her very own eyes, not wanting that their last conversation ending the way it did.

"But I think its best that you return to get healed. I mean, you're injuries should be taken care of first." He looked away when he hinted at the two holes on her thigh, fairly high on her thigh that they can be covered by her blue skirt.

"I've been through worse!" Erza countered unwittingly covering her eye as she bore down on the man. She would've shook the man to force him to comply, but her body was in so much pain that staying awake was a difficult task in itself.

Shinji released a sigh and relented, he just couldn't say no to women. "Just don't do anything crazy, ok?" He turned to Ul to ask for help in trying to make Titania stand down but the woman simply shrugged at him.

"She's your problem, not mine." Ul smirked at the man, arms crossed and sent the eagle back to the others so that Gray can be tended to. "I'll just wait here till he decides to stop chilling around." She elbowed the man trying to get a reaction from her lame pun.

A cool breeze suddenly passed between the three…

"We'll be going now!" Shinji said not knowing how to deal with the woman as even Titania seemed at a loss at Ul's words. "Hold on tight, Erza."

"That's cold!" Ul shouted at the man who kicked a hole in the wall like it was nothing. She watched as the low level ice magic she used to freeze Jose began to crack and subsequently explode as a powerful wave of magic slammed into her while she stood unfazed at Jose's unyielding rage.

"Took you long enough. I'll make sure you pay to what you did to Gray!"

XOXOXO

Roughly the same time when Jose found Erza.

Gajeel stood in the middle of the Magic Giant's machine room and waited patiently for his opponent. It is the largest room within the Magic Giant, housing all of the mechanical equipment that allowed for it to move. The cavernous room with its high ceiling with large open spaces left despite the various equipment that occupied it made for the perfect arena in his mind. Not only does he have enough room to go all out, but the amount of Iron surrounding him, some of it even containing small amounts of Ethernano would ensure him victory over the two.

While he's itching for a fight since his last encounter with Salamander, he couldn't go out nor leave the moving castle as per Jose's orders.

A Few Minutes Earlier…

"You called for me, Master?" Gajeel Redfox –the Iron Dragonslayer- asked as he entered Jose's chambers. He wanted to fight Salamander once again, but he was put on standby by his Master as he had a plan for him. He spent that time eating all the metal he could get to ensure his victory over Salamander who's accompanied by an S-class mage.

"You and I will clear the vermin that have infested my domain then we'll erase the rest of those Fairy Tail scum once we're done here." Jose ordered Requipping into his Wizard Saint garb. "I'll show Makarov what despair truly means!" A malevolent aura enveloped the man as the whole room trembled from his immense magical powers as he stalked outside to hunt some fairies.

Gajeel smirked as he watched Jose walk past him. "Time for round two, Salamander. This time I'll make sure that there'll be only one of us left standing." A maniacal laugh erupted from his lips at the thought of staking claim at the title of the strongest dragonslayer in existence. Once he managed to calm himself, he ran past the door and hunted for his prey.

Back at the Present.

Gajeel opened his eyes as the doors blew open, grinning knowingly. "Took you long enough, Sala-" He wasn't able to finish as a claw sealed his mouth shut and the murderous face of Mirajane in her Satan Soul filled his vision and felt his orientation shift. He immediately turned his skin into iron scales just in time as he crashed into the floor. He was subsequently dragged by his head along the floor before getting thrown into the ceiling.

"That's not fair, Mira." Natsu complained as he stood at the door. The moment they confirmed Gajeel's location, Mirajane suddenly transformed and burst into the room and attacked Gajeel. "This is supposed to be my fight."

"You just got sidelined, Natsu!" Happy snickered at Natsu's frown. While he found Natsu's predicament funny, Happy was actually glad that he didn't fight and risk his life. Loosing another parent isn't on his list of enjoyable things.

"Just letting off some steam, Natsu. I'll leave him to you once I'm done." Mirajane said trying to dissuade Natsu from fighting. Oh, she'll hand over Gajeel to Natsu, only when the man can't even lift a finger and beaten to within an inch of his life.

Mirajane dodged as an iron pole that shot at her direction as Gajeel used it to pull himself forward, turning his left arm to a sword to take a swipe at the woman. "I'm disappointed in you, Salamander, to have your woman fight your battles!" He taunted looking at the man's direction.

"I'm your opponent!" Mirajane roared as she swiped at Gajeel with her claws that the man blocked with some effort. "I'll make sure you suffer for what you did to Natsu!" She entered a contest of strength against the man and much to her shock, he managed to stalemate her. A bad omen on her part and realized that her time to maintain her form drastically reduced when she used Sitri on Sol earlier.

"Is this all you can do, Demon Mirajane?!" Gajeel taunted as he found himself winning their battle of strength as he pushed forward. "I'll-!" He wasn't able to finish his declaration when Mirajane head-butted him causing him to stagger. "Bitch!" he cursed ready to attack the woman only to find a sphere of dark magic exploding on his face and sent him flying backwards.

Mirajane flew after Gajeel and grabbed the man by his ankles as she skids to a stop and swung the man over her and slammed him hard on the floor before she spun him around and threw him in the air.

Mirajane aimed her hands at Gajeel and charged a sphere of dark magic as it grew to the size of beach ball and fired it at Gajeel who crossed his arms in defense. The resulting explosion lit up the room and the shockwave it created sent everything that isn't bolted down flying.

"Is that the best you can do?!" Gajeel demanded as metal knives came flying from the cloud of smoke forcing Mirajane to dodge due to its sheer numbers. Gajeel landed almost unscathed from the attack. "I didn't even feel anything!" he charged the demon once again his blood pumping with excitement.

Mirajane didn't even respond to Gajeel's taunts and simply prepared for the battle. 'This is bad…' She thought as she parried Gajeel's attack, his arms turning into and poles, extending and retracting at a very fast pace. 'My powers are dropping faster than I imagined!' She's starting to feel Gajeel's blows that would graze her that otherwise been annoyances if she's at full power.

Mirajane decided that she needed to finish it quickly before her time runs out. She jumps back to gain a little distance having learned of the timing of his attack and caught both of his arm before electrocuting the man who screamed in both pain and shock at the woman's sudden use of electricity.

"I felt that!" Gajeel sneered as he glared at the demon. "Iron Dragon's Roar!" He bellowed using his full power breath attack at close range. He felt the woman's grip loosened after the devastating attack and tried to retract his arms only her grip to return and found himself being pulled forward preparing for another blow on his head. He crossed his arms on his forehead only to be a recipient of a savage blow on his midsection that sent him flying and crashing into machinery.

Mirajane vanished from her current spot and appeared in behind Gajeel's trajectory and she kicked him in the back sending him flying towards the ceiling and slammed against it. Gajeel's body slowly peeled off the ceiling and before he could fall back to the ground Mirajane caught him by his ankle and scowled at the woman.

"You think this is enough to beat me!" Gajeel snarled at the stoic woman that looked down on him literally and figuratively. He turned his right arm into a sword and swung it at the woman aiming at her head.

Mirajane easily deflected the attack. "You talk too much." She deadpanned and electrocuted the man once again before she spun around before throwing Gajeel back down with a resounding crash. Mirajane then began to gather dark magic between her hands, forming a sphere of dark energy and aimed her sights at Gajeel.

"Soul Extinction!"

A beam of dark and purple energy erupted from the sphere and raced towards Gajeel who just managed to recover from his landing and saw the attack just in time to raise his hand in a vain attempt to block the attack. The attack devoured Gajeel as it struck the floor beneath him like a flood of water before Mirajane's attack relented and Gajeel is devoured by a dark sphere of magic that exploded outwards.

Natsu had to brace himself against the powerful gust of winds that struck him as he watched the spectacular show of power Mirajane displayed. Meanwhile Happy had to hold for dear life as the wind easily lifted him off the floor and tried it's best to shoot him into the corridor they came from.

When the explosion finally died down and a massive hole is what's remained from the attack his shoulder dropped. "I guess I won't be fighting tin head…" He sighed at his over enthusiastic fiancé who failed to keep her promise of leaving him something.

"Aye!" Happy agreed as he floated beside his partner. "Maybe, she'll celebrate with fish for her victory!" He started salivating at the thought of the banquet of fish from Mirajane, in his mind, would create.

"You over did it, Mira!" Natsu shouted at the woman who scanned for any signs of life. His worry about Mirajane overexerting herself was left unfounded after her impressive showing.

Mirajane turned towards Natsu, the fatigue already catching up to her. "Sorry!" She apologized as she flew towards Natsu. 'I hope it's enough to defeat him.' She thought looking back at the smoking hole, firing her strongest attack with even just 5 percent of her full power should've finished the job. Gajeel won't die, but he won't be walking away from that any time soon.

"I guess I had too much anger to vent?" Mirajane smiled as she reverted back to her normal form and almost fell forward if not for Natsu's support. "That's all the fighting I can dish out today. Thanks." She leaned in further in his arms and started to relax knowing that she got her revenge while keeping Natsu safe.

"Are you ok, Mira?" Happy floated near the woman worried about her wellbeing.

Natsu was shocked when Mirajane leaned further in, but simply smiled as he looked down at the tired woman. Even his desire to fight it out with Gajeel lost its meaning after his defeat in her hands. "You really haven't lost you're touch." He complimented and was rewarded with a tired hum from the woman.

"I'm fine, Happy, just a little tuckered out." Mirajane replied at the adorable Exceed as she wrapped her arms around Natsu's waist and let him carry most of her weight. "I'm a little rusty actually. I need to start training soon." She looked up with a familiar hunger in her eyes. "You'll help me train, right?"

Natsu had the decency to blush at her less than subtle double-entendre. "Sure. I'll help you train as much as you want." He nodded while Happy simply looked lost at the exchange and simply hovered around the couple.

The couple stood in the battlefield in silence while Mirajane recovered from exhaustion when they suddenly felt a massive spike of magic fill the room. A sickening sense of malice washed over them before they felt the whole room quaked and the muffled sound of a powerful explosion reached their ears.

"What was that?" Natsu asked in panic and worry realizing that he forgot that Jose was still out there and might've encountered Erza. His faith in Titania's strength is unwavering, but to face a man who's equal to their Master would place the knight in mortal danger.

Like Natsu though, Mirajane feared for her friend's safety. "It looks like it came from upstairs." Erza might be trying to steal Natsu away from her like Ultear, but she's still a dear friend, albeit a strained one now, but a friend nonetheless. "I can still fight, Natsu. Let's go help Erza!" She needed to stretch the truth to make him agree of her having to come along. She could transform one more time, but fighting would be impossible and all she could do is try to carry her friends to safety.

"Are you sure?" Natsu asked as Mirajane peeled herself away from her comfortable spot.

"Yeah." Mirajane nodded to alleviate his concern while smiling as she did.

"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU TWO ARE GOING?!"

It was all the warning the couple got when Gajeel exploded out of the smoldering hole wielding over his head a giant sword that he swung at full force towards the two. Mirajane acted quickly and transformed back to her demon form as she pushed Natsu away and took the full brunt of the attack. Natsu and Happy found themselves flung away from the impact and collided to the machineries that was still standing.

"Mira!" Natsu called as he scanned her location hoping against all odds that Mirajane managed to avoid the attack. He immediately pulled himself from the ground and ran towards her direction.

The cloud of dust cleared to reveal Gajeel holding an unconscious Mirajane by the neck, injured from taking such a powerful attack with little to defend herself with. "Bastard!" Natsu roared as he charged the man whose skin once again turned into iron. "Let Mira go!" he punched the man as hard as he can in the face, hurting himself rather than his target.

Gajeel turned to Natsu while his fist is still connected to his face. "Did you really think that would work?" He asked then grabbed a fistful of Natsu's hair and slammed his head against his before throwing Natsu away and dropping Mirajane on the floor.

'That hurts!' Natsu thought as he recovered his vision and dealt with the pain. His forehead cut open and bleeding profusely from the savage attack.

"Are you ok, Natsu?" Happy panicked as he watched his partner stagger to get up and enter a fighting stance. "We need to get Mirajane to safety." It was the best way he knew of getting Natsu to fall back without directly telling him to. He knows all too well of his never say die attitude that while admirable, it was dangerous while he's powerless.

"I'm fine, Happy." Natsu shook his head and focused on Gajeel. "I want you to take Mirajane to safety ok? I'll hold tin head off!" Giving his best smile to his partner as he once again attacked Gajeel.

Natsu aimed his fist at Gajeel's head once again. "You never learn do you?!" Gajeel mocked as he met Natsu head on with a fist of his own. He smiled widely at the desperate look Natsu has as he threw the attack thinking that the man is suicidal. Gajeel was stunned when Natsu suddenly dodged to the side and took hold of his outstretched arm and turned his back against him. Gajeel once again found himself flying across the room as Natsu used all of his strength to throw the man away.

"Go and take Mira away from here, Happy!" Natsu ordered as the Exceed immediately flew towards the unconscious woman and lifter her off the floor.

"Be careful, Natsu!" Happy shouted back as he flew into the path they came in. He knew that he needed to find Erza his way out fast and get to the others.

Natsu looked back at Happy's rapidly retreating form and smiled before turning back towards Gajeel's direction who crashed into a pile of machinery from earlier. He braced himself as he found Gajeel unharmed and biting through a piece of metal while looking down at him.

"You should've followed that cat, Salamander!" Gajeel noted as he finished his meal. He could feel his magic returning and while the damage he took from Mirajane's attack haven't completely healed, his magic is back to its previous strength.

"And what? So, I'd miss the chance to fight you?" Natsu countered while it's true, he knew that he'll just chase after them and he'd have the problem of Gajeel attacking Happy or Mirajane to get to him.

"Do you think it'll be a repeat from our fight earlier?" Gajeel asked charging forward moving faster than before and reaching his target in a short amount of time. He delivered another right at Salamander knowing he would try the same trick.

Natsu tried to catch Gajeel's arm once again, but found himself pushed back by a gust of wind from the strength of Gajeel's attack. 'His gotten stronger?' He thought in dismay and raised his arms in defense to block the iron club heading his way. The attack connected on his forearm and felt the bone shatter as he's sent crashing into the far wall.

"Where's that confidence now, Salamander?!" Gajeel roared as he ran after the man who managed to right himself up. He glared down at the man who stared defiantly back, supporting his broken arm, his leg turning into a sword in an attempt to cut salamander in two.

Natsu jumped back as fast as he could, Gajeel's leg-sword grazing him in the chest as it cut open his coat and made long gash in his torso. He landed on unstable legs as he picked up a stray pipe and threw it at Gajeel who didn't even flinched when it hit him in the head. "You hit like a girl!" He mocked hoping that Gajeel would lose focus if he gets him angry enough.

Natsu also knows that his plan could easily backfire and get himself into an early grave, but he's an optimist. So to hell with the outcome.

"Tough talk for a dead man!" Gajeel countered a little irked at Salamander's stubbornness. "Iron Dragon's Roar!" He shot his breath attack at Salamander who took the opportunity to hide behind the busted machines for cover. The attacked caused an explosion and felt something hit him again in the head.

"Your aim sucks!" Natsu jeered like a kid. He grinned despite the pain as he ran once again. A direct confrontation is already out of the question and all he could do now is buy some time for help to arrive. "You couldn't even hit the wide side of a barn!"

Gajeel growled as he gave chase to the man. What followed after was a deadly game of cat and mouse as Natsu continued to taunt and buy himself sometime as Gajeel continued to unleash his attacks at him. As the chase continues, Natsu continues to collect more injuries and becomes sluggish while Gajeel isn't even trying.

"I've got to hand it to you, Salamander. You sure don't know when to quit." Gajeel remarked as he squeezed down on Salamander's neck, the man a portrait of pain and suffering that he himself created. He didn't think that a man without magic and wounded can evade him as long as Natsu did, though the end result was still the same.

Natsu bled at the countless cuts he got from facing Gajeel, a metal knife sticking at his thigh, his torso a bloody mess from all the lacerations he got. His broken arm hang limply at his side with his right eye swollen shut. His body might be beaten, but his will is far from defeated.

Natsu laughed and coughed up some blood and used every ounce of his strength to punch Gajeel in the face. "You talk too much…" he wheezed before he released a blood curdling scream when Gajeel grabbed his arm and squeezed hard, breaking the limb. It took all of his will not to pass out from the pain.

"Any last words?" Gajeel asked aiming his hands at Natsu's chest having lost all patience in trying to break the man's will.

Like before, Natsu simply looked at him with one eye, smiling as he did. "What took you so long?"

"What-?" Gajeel wasn't able to finish his question when he felt a fist connect to his jaw that sent him flying to the other side of the large hole Mirajane created. "You should've ran when you had the chance, Demon…?" The words in his throat died as he saw his attacker. It was indeed a demon, but not the one he expected.

After the short exchange between the two, Natsu finally passed out with a visible smile on his face before he was given to a man beside Ultear accompanied by Titania and a blue haired girl. Ultear stood up as she aimed her sight at the man that caused Natsu so much suffering and glared death at his direction.

"I'LL HAVE YOUR FUCKING HEAD FOR WHAT YOU DID TO NATSU!" Ultear raged as she held Natsu's unconscious body in her arms. The whole room froze at the amount of magic she released before a wave a flame erupted outwards melting all the ice in the room.

XOXOXO

Back upstairs Ul and Jose's battle rage, the woman more than a match for the malevolent guild master. Ice pillars and vines have filled their battle ground as she fought off the man and found herself enjoying the battle.

"Dead Wave!" Jose fired another beam of dark magic at Ul after dodging a barrage of ice spikes.

Ul quickly slammed her fist into her palm once she saw the attack. "Ice Make: Dahlias!" Countless ice made dahlia's erupted from the ground and took on the brunt of the attack. They all shattered from taking the full brunt of the attack but did its job as by the last flower exploded the attack died down.

"Any chance you'd surrender?" Ul asked as she stood up unharmed from their short skirmish. Her body feeling the rush of battle once again and loving it. "You and you're guild might still get out of this unscathed."

Jose laughed at the woman's offer as he looked at her like she has lost her mind. "You expect the number one guild in the country to bow down to you?" He demanded unable to believe at the audacity of her words especially when she couldn't even harm him. "What made you think you could make such demands?"

Both combatants felt the ground shake and a large amount of magic power washed over them as a geyser of flames erupted from the floor between them. The moment it died down, Jose saw Gajeel inside it arms crossed in defense as another person appeared in front of Gajeel and attacked the man causing a fiery explosion. His dragonslayer flying past him and crashing through an ice pillar and into a wall, collapsing on top of him.

Jose finally saw Gajeel's attacker, Ultear Milkovich Dragneel glared bloody murder at Gajeel's location as she landed beside her mother. Flames violently swirled at the murderous woman who only turned to regard her mother.

"Ul…" Ultear's rage died down a little when she saw her mother beside her and fighting for her friends. Still conflicted on how to approach the woman ever since her return and the small talk they had telling her how she felt abandoned by the woman.

"Ultear…" Ul replied a sense of pride and grief filled her looking at how powerful she had become. But she placed that all aside as they have a fight in their hands and she's determined to show her daughter what her mother can do in a battle. Ul removed the leather jacket she wore, a gift Gray brought for her, and carefully placed it on a pedestal she created. Ul then slightly widened her stance and slowly placed her fist into her palm. 'Let's see if I can still do this properly…' Ul thought as she gathered all of her magic, her magic seal appearing of the floor beneath her. "Ice Make: Overdrive"

Ultear had to stand back at the amount of magic her mother is releasing that even her flames couldn't protect her from the cold she felt. Her mother's body started to gather ice and mist billowing out of her body and pooling around her feet expanding outwards. She felt as if she's standing in the middle of a deathly blizzard with no refuge in sight sucking the heat and life out her body.

Meanwhile Gajeel and Jose looked on at their opponents and knew at that moment that they messed with the wrong guild.

A/N: Another chapter out, I'm still trying to finish Natsu conquers as I've made two drafts:

One showing how Natsu tamed Dimaria before I go to the threesome with Ultear involve and some scene with Mirajane since she only had a passing mention at the first chapter. The other simply glossed over how Natsu tamed Dimaria back at Alvarez and starts at the guild then Ultear's subsequent addition with some cajoling from Irene.

I've been reading the last few chapters of FT and I have to say that Mashima just seems to enjoy trolling his readers. He literally hyped up Zeref and Acno just he could kill them both in such a terrible way. Zeref died with the power of Love while Acno gets punked by a useless plot device that can be fulfilled by anyone or anything (Anna). For all of Acno's power and centuries of experience, he couldn't even think of firing a breath attack in the direction of Christina, he face tanked a breath attack from Igneel, but he couldn't withstand a volley of attacks from a magic bomber and let's go of Jellal? What the hell?! Dragons are supposed to be unstoppable beings with Acno at the top, but to be affected by anything other than beings that should be on the same league as them just annoys me. The battle between Zeref and Natsu was far worse than the force Natsu and Gray one, a man with infinite magic gets defeated with the power of friendship. I just hope Lucy learned the language enough for her to give Natsu some super power up for the lame victory.

Sorry for the rant, I'll try to continue all of my stories while updating the new one. Thanks for reading.