26

Eliza shook her head as she lazily swatted another member of Fairy Tail into unconsciousness, the poor Mage being no less than her twentieth opponent since the battle had started.

Looking around, the War Goddess pondered why she was even bothering to help at all? The majority of the Guild meant nothing to her in the slightest. Was it simply obligation that drove her desire to help, or was she merely pressing onward because she had to do it in Elise's stead?

It was a rather strange, foreign feeling that welled within her chest. One that hadn't been present since her youth. One that reminded her of a vicious struggle to where she stood presently.

"Not that it mattered," the War Goddess muttered bitterly, her eyes widening in surprise, as she looked around to see if anyone had heard her. "It appears my mind is wandering today, how lovely..."

Without even bothering to turn around, the War Goddess grabbed a blast of Fire Magic that had been shot at her from an alleyway, and tossed it back. Without even looking back, she continued on, as a massive explosion rocked the area.

"I may need to ask Natsu for compensation for this? Such droll entertainment need not warrant my hand..."

***POTD***

Gray skidded to a stop as he watched a sizeable explosion go off deeper in town, the entire area shaking, as many of the civilians looked around in confusion.

He couldn't help but scoff at their ignorance. There was the equivalent of a civil war going on in their town, and they acted as if it were nothing more than a mere scuffle, a minor thing that the cheeky rascals at Fairy Tail were up to.

"Maybe they'll change their tune when the flame brain and Laxus start fighting each other," Gray sighed with a shake of his head, as he sensed several above average magical signatures up ahead. "Wonder if any of those are the Thunder Legion?"

Taking off at a sprint, he could vaguely make out the figures of several members of the Guild, and one of his targets. With a scowl, he picked up the pace, and managed to reach them, right as his target cut down the last person before him.

"This ends right here," Gray shouted, as he brought his hands together in an offensive stance, a large dark blue Magic Circle appearing around them. "I don't know what you guys think helping Laxus is gonna get you, but it won't be S Class!"

"S Class," the man before Gray scoffed, as he turned fully to face him. "Such a small thinker Gray. We aren't following Laxus out of a desire to reach S Class, nor are we doing it because he's forcing us to."

"Then why the hell would you three turn on the Guild!?"

The man didn't respond, instead slashing the air before him, as runes manifested between himself and Gray. Gray shot several ice spikes at the man, only for them to shatter against the runic barrier.

"I don't have time to deal with you, my job is far from over," the man replied blankly, as he turned, and started to walk away.

"Don't turn your back on me," Gray snapped, as the temperature in the area began to plummet. "FREED!"

Member Of The Thunder Legion

The Emotionless Master Of Ecriture

Member Of Fairy Tail

Freed Justine

"Though I will admit that you possess far more skill than the common rabble amidst the Guild, it isn't enough to warrant my attention just yet," Freed replied dismissively, as he looked over his shoulder at the Ice Make Mage. "Compared to some of the others in the game, you might as well just be fodder-."

"Don't give me that crap Freed! This isn't about either of us, and you know it," Gray snapped back, as Freed raised an eyebrow curiously. "You know Laxus is finished now after what he's done, so why bother following him!?"

"I could ask you the very same question Gray?"

"Huh?"

"Why do you follow Master Makarov," Freed countered smoothly as he waved his free arm out toward the town, where multiple explosions went off. "It is because of his weakness that four people were able to cause such an incident to occur. Does that not frustrate you Gray, make you want to change the Guild Master to someone who can enforce the rules effectively?"

"First off, you know as well as I do that the only reason you guys are getting away with this for so long is because you've got most of the girls hostage," Gray snarled in response. "And second, even if I wanted the Guild Master to be different, Laxus is the LAST person anyone would want it to be!"

"Is that so? And why is that Gray? Why do you believe no one would want Laxus in charge, despite how accomplished he is?"

"Putting aside the fact that he's an arrogant jerk who picks on people weaker than him, has no honor, is willing to use hostages to get what he wants, is willing to let innocent people get caught in the crossfire, and has set the Guild against itself … he's not even the best."

"Not the best? Who could possibly claim that they are superior to Laxus," Freed replied with a slight frown. "None have put in more work than Laxus-!"

"Gildarts would crush Laxus easily," Gray cut in, which finally drew a genuine reaction out of the green-haired Mage. "Natsu's also beaten two Wizard Saints now, and he's probably as strong as the Master! And even Erza's got a shot against Laxus too!"

"That's enough," Freed hissed, as he swiped his blade through the air to silence Gray. "I won't stand here and let you besmirch Laxus and all he has achieved! Comparing him to Erza and … Natsu, of all people!"

"Oh yeah, I forgot that you lot were away with Laxus this whole time," Gray laughed as he entered a defensive stance. "Bet Laxus spewed out a lot of hot garbage about Natsu being weak still, huh?"

"Laxus informed us that Natsu had grown stronger, but was of no real threat to him," Freed replied, which only had Gray laughing harder.

"Man, you guys really are hopeless! If you think Natsu is weaker than Laxus, then I actually feel sorry for you three," Gray laughed, as Freed sneered in his direction. "I almost want to let you go and fight him for yourself, just to see the look on your face as he swats you away like an annoying pest!"

"You lie! There's no way Natsu has grown that powerful," Freed hissed, the grip on his rapier tightening.

"Hate to break it to you Freed, but Natsu's way beyond the rest of us now," Gray replied with a somewhat sombre grin. "I had to learn that the hard way. I used to think of myself as his rival, but now that he's back, and I've seen what he can do. I know he's so far beyond me, that I'll never catch up to his level."

"But that's-!?"

"Impossible? Only if you stay within that narrow-minded bubble Laxus crafted around you Freed," Gray replied quickly, as the man seemed somewhat conflicted. "I'm telling you Freed, Natsu could stomp all three of you without even trying. He's like Gildarts now, simply beyond what the rest of us can do."

Freed locked eyes with Gray, studying the younger man's every movement, as he silently tried to pick up the subtle hint of Gray merely spouting lies to throw him off. It was obvious though that he wasn't. The Ice Make Mage was calm and collected, simply waiting for Freed's next response.

"Even if that were true, Gray," Freed sighed, as the tip of his blade began to glow a purplish-black color. "It is too late to deviate from this course."

"It's not too late Freed, you just have to stop doing what Laxus wants," Gray replied sharply, only for Freed to shake his head.

"I can't do that Gray, just like you can't turn your back on Master Makarov," Freed replied as he vanished. "We are all just members in the game now!"

Gray ducked, as Freed sailed over him, blade poised to strike, as he summoned an ice one of his own. Freed vanished, and reappeared behind Gray once again. However, this time, he'd already spun around after having sensed the shift in the air, and the pair clashed.

Freed was shocked at Gray having sensed him multiple times, a feat that only more advanced Mages could hope to achieve, as it required one to be able to actively detect their opponents through alternate means.

"How-!?"

"I might not be a monster like Natsu, but I've also gotten a lot stronger since you were last here Freed!"

"Even if that is the case, it won't be enough," Freed shot back, as he vanished from view. "Let's see how you handle a fight against a real Mage, Gray! Dark Ecriture – Duplication!"

Gray was surprised as several versions of Freed kept appearing and disappearing all around him simultaneously. He knew, of course, that Freed's Dark Ecriture Magic was rather diverse, but he'd never heard of the man using this kind of technique before.

"What's wrong Gray, too much for you to handle," Freed shouted mockingly, as two of the Freed copies before him slashed their swords out in front of them. "Dark Ecriture – Arrows!"

"Ice Make – Icicle Barrage!"

Slamming his fists together, before making a punching motion out in front of him, a large, Dark Blue Magic Circle appeared and shot out a barrage of razor-sharp icicles that quickly clashed with Freed's arrows.

Before he even had a chance to contemplate that he was able to match Freed's attack, he felt something strike him in the side, as his entire body suddenly felt like daggers were clawing at his skin.

"Argh-!?"

"Dark Ecriture – Pain!"

"Damn it," Gray hissed as he got back up and fired another icicle barrage at the Freed that had managed to get in behind him. "So many in one spot!"

"Is this the best you can do Gray, after all that talk," Freed taunted, as the various duplicates of him continued to warp all around the area. "I have to say, I'm disappointed."

"You think landing a hit on me is gonna be enough," Gray snarled, as he extended both his arms out to his sides as the temperature in the area dropped drastically. "I'm not just gonna give up if it means my friends and family are in danger!"

"Manipulating the temperature …"

"Ice Make – Gale Stream!"

The various copies of Freed all reacted in shock, as a massive blast of icy wind shot toward their position. The wind by itself wasn't the issue, however, it was the blades of ice mixed within it that were the issue.

"So, it appears you do have some sort of skill," Freed replied, as all copies quickly started slashing the air before them. "Dark Ecriture – Reflect!"

To Gray's shock, the moment his attack struck the group of Freed and his duplicates, it immediately bounced off. The razor-sharp attacks shot out toward nearby buildings and even toward himself.

"Shit-!"

"I'll admit that you've certainly improved Gray, no regular Ice Mage could do that," Freed began, as all versions of him vanished on the spot. "But you have a long way to go if you want to reach the peak of what it means to be a true S Class Mage."

"But you aren't even S Class," Gray snapped back, as he narrowly dodged some of the reflected Gale Stream. "And who are you to call me weak when you can't even face me head on!?"

"All the more proof that you aren't on my level Gray."

"Wha-!"

Gray was suddenly face down; his face smashed into the ground, with Freed towering over him. The Gale Stream heading their way simply bounced off of Freed again and smashed into the nearby buildings, as the green-haired Mage met the semi-conscious gaze of Gray.

"Remember, we are Mages, and we are not obligated to 'face each other head on' as you so eloquently put it. We wield our abilities to achieve victory over our foes, irrespective of if it means we must 'fight fairly' or not."

"D-Damn it," Gray gasped, as he struggled to his knees. "You coward!"

"Using my abilities to their full potential is not cowardice, Gray," Freed muttered, as he raised his right leg. "Considering all you've seen recently; I'd have thought you'd understand that by now."

Kicking Gray in the head with his boot to knock him out, Freed was shocked as his boot kicked through solid ice. Gray's entire form shimmered and turned into chunks of ice, before he was suddenly struck in the head himself, and sent flying into one of the nearby damaged buildings.

Gray sighed, the sign of the cold evident by his visible breath, as ice began to form around the left side of his neck and face. Watching as Freed quickly recovered, and leapt out of the building, he couldn't hide the slight smirk at the trickle of blood running down the side of his face.

"If that's how you want it Freed, then fine. I'll stop fighting fairly."

"I see," Freed responded with a slight smile, before returning to his usual stoic demeanor. "It appears that I've sorely underestimated you Gray, my apologies. I can assure you though, it won't happen again."

"I thought you just said that you weren't gonna-?"

Gray paused, slowly looking down at the sword that was now sticking out of his stomach. A trickle of blood escaped from the right corner of his mouth, as he slowly looked over his shoulder to see another version of Freed standing there. This one, however, was different.

His right eye had turned black, with a purplish aura around the iris itself. The veins surrounding the eye socket being more pronounced as a result of whatever it was. Looking back to the Freed he was talking to, he was shocked to see it shimmer away, revealing it to have also been an illusion.

"What …?"

"The truth is Gray, you were never fighting the real me," Freed explained, as Gray felt the sword be gently removed from his body, dropping down to one knee as he clutched his stomach. "Truth be told, you are the first person I've even bothered dispatching personally, so take from that whatever you want."

"Heh. You really played me, huh," Gray chuckled softly, as he felt his body begin to shake. "No wonder Master Makarov kept wanting you to go for the S Class trials every year…"

"I will say this Gray, you have impressed me," Freed admitted, as Gray collapsed fully onto the ground. "But, be grateful that it was me that you faced out here. If it were Laxus, you would have died fighting for your beliefs."

"That might be true," Gray muttered, as he could vaguely see Freed preparing to knock him out with his foot. "But Laxus is still fucked, no matter how you look at it."

"I don't think he is Gray."

"Even if he somehow beats Natsu, then Eliza would beat him," Gray replied shakily, as Freed once again appeared somewhat conflicted. "And if she chooses not to do anything, Gildarts would have his ass out of this town faster than he could say his own name …"

"…"

"It's not too late for you to stop helping him Freed-."

Before Gray could plead his case, he was knocked out by a boot to the head, as the green-haired Mage turned around and looked out toward the looming figure of Kardia Cathedral in the distance.

"I've chosen my side Gray, much like you chose yours," Freed muttered, as he began walking back toward the city itself. "Should we lose though, I shall bear the punishment for my actions without complaint."

***POTD***

As the battle between his children waged ruthlessly within the town below, Makarov sat stock still at the bar, sipping on a mug of ale. His mind couldn't help but replay what Natsu had said the previous day regarding Laxus, and what may need to be done about the boy.

Though Laxus was indeed his Grandson, and a relative of one of the founders of Fairy Tail itself, that didn't mean he was to be given a free pass for his actions. Laxus would need to be punished severely for what he was trying to do. And currently, only one option appeared likely.

"How could I let it come to this," the old man sighed, as he took another small sip from his drink. "I should have seen his intentions years ago, and done more to stop this …"

But what could he have done? The relationship between the pair had soured years ago, and they could barely hold a conversation anymore. And any that did occur, usually devolved into pointless arguments.

The boy had fallen far, that much was certain. His once precious smile, now twisted into a sadistic grin of defiance against all he'd stood for. In Laxus' eyes, Fairy Tail needed to be number one in Fiore, and forcibly cement itself as something that would make the founders themselves weep.

"Oh Laxus, you truly have gotten yourself into a mess this time," Makarov sighed, as he looked back over at the petrified forms of the girls. "Not even I can save you from this one …"

As Makarov lamented the consequences his Grandson would certainly be facing, his ears twitched at the sound of something beginning to crack. For the briefest moment, he feared that Laxus had gone through with his threat, as Erza's statue started to show visible signs of damage.

Leaping from his place, he started to run toward the stage before stopping, as he felt a sharp pain in his chest. Cursing his weakness, he halted in place and clutched his chest, as the statue of Erza shattered, a bright light engulfing the room.

Once the light died down however, Makarov was both shocked, and relieved, to see Erza standing there with a look of confusion across her face. She was clearly somewhat disoriented, as she shook her head to regain her bearings.

"Erza!"

"Master … I-I don't understand-?"

"Evergreen," Makarov replied, as Erza seemed to pull herself together, the focus coming back to her gaze as she locked eyes with the Guild Master. "She petrified all the girls who were set to take part in the Miss Fairy Tail Contest."

"I take it this was under the orders of Laxus," Erza asked with a frown, as the aged Guild Master merely nodded once in response. "I see."

"I need your help Erza," Makarov continued, as Erza's eyes darted toward a visible explosion outside the open doors of the Guild Hall. "Laxus has set the entire Guild against itself in a sick game, all in order to weed out what he deems the 'weak,' and also as a condition to not destroying the girls' petrified forms."

"I knew Laxus held a dislike toward many in the Guild… But to openly cause a civil war among us, Master? Is this really the work of Laxus, or-?"

"I cannot say if Ivan is truly involved in all of this," Makarov replied instantly, as both he and Erza looked back to the petrified forms of the other girls. "But the sheer disregard for the lives of the others has me beginning to question the possibility."

"Ivan was rather desperate to gain control over Fairy Tail before you banished him. Perhaps he has actually managed to twist Laxus over to his side," Erza added, as she turned to look back out the doors again. "But something doesn't add up though?"

"What is it?"

"Laxus isn't the kind of person to just kneel before someone else," Erza began, as Makarov listened intently. "Even if he wanted to reconnect with Ivan, there's no way he would just start taking orders from him, would he?"

"Perhaps. The thing is though Erza, Ivan can be rather crafty when he needs to be," Makarov replied with a deep sigh. "That's what got him kicked out in the first place, as you very well know."

"I suppose we can just force Laxus to explain himself once he is brought back," Erza replied, as she turned back to face the Guild Master. "I assume Natsu has already gone after Laxus?"

"Natsu, Gajeel, Eliza, and Gray, all left a short time ago," Makarov replied, with Erza nodding swiftly.

"Then I'll head out as well and try to find Evergreen, and force her to free the others."

"I'm counting on you Erza," Makarov said, his voice slightly cracking up, which didn't go unnoticed by Erza, who shot the man a sympathetic smile.

"For what it's worth Master, I'm sorry about this."

"You have nothing to apologize for Erza," Makarov replied as he fought off his tears as best he could. "He's my Grandson …"

Erza said nothing, watching as the old man struggled not to break down on the spot. Moving to his side, she knelt down, and brought Makarov in for a gentle hug.

"We'll get through this, you'll see. Just as we've all leaned on you for support, trust us to be there for you this time," Erza whispered, as Makarov shed a few tears and wrapped an arm around Erza's neck to return the hug. "You aren't alone in this, Master."

"Thank you, Erza," Makarov replied shakily, as he finally managed to gain some semblance of control over himself again, and the pair separated. "Look at me, I'm a rather poor picture of a Guild Master right now, aren't I?"

"Not at all," Erza replied gently, as she rose to her feet. "You just prove that despite the powerful figure you project, you're still one of us at the end of the day. After all, only the most compassionate could ever hope to lead a Guild like Fairy Tail."

Makarov's eyes widened at Erza's words, and the similarity they held to those of another woman he knew during his early years. Looking over at Erza directly, the Requip Mage was already heading toward the doors, halting before the runes that communicated the ongoing battles, and number of combatants remaining.

"Freed's work?"

"Yes," Makarov replied as he ran a hand over his face, and shook himself back to some sense of normality. "Another way of Laxus trying to force me into handing him my position."

"It won't come to that Master; we'll make sure of it."

"I know you will, Erza," Makarov replied with a nod, as he motioned toward the door. "Now please, get out there and find Evergreen!"

"You can count on me Master," Erza replied firmly, as she sprinted out the door and down toward Magnolia itself, leaving Makarov alone once more.

Once he was sure Erza was gone, he let the brief mask he'd managed to craft slip, as he grit his teeth, tears beginning to escape him, as he covered his eyes with his right hand.

"Laxus, you foolish boy… Grandson of a foolish old man …"

***POTD***

As Erza began her search for Evergreen, Eliza had managed to arrive in the Commercial District. She again rolled her eyes at the sheer obliviousness the regular townsfolk had to what was going on as they went about their day, oblivious to the chaos around them.

She wasn't exactly young and naïve. Being an older God, she was knowledgeable on mortal habits to a small degree. She'd never actually set foot on the mortal realms personally, but even she knew that to ignore such madness going on all around them spoke volumes as to the lack of common sense these particular mortals had.

"You would think that they would at least ask one of them what was going on, instead of letting them blow up half the town," Eliza muttered dryly, as a Fairy Tail Mage was blasted out of second story window, and smashed through one on the opposite side, as several strange beings chased after him.

"Curious …"

The strange beings stopped, and immediately looked in her direction. The closest one looked between Eliza, and the Mage that had been blasted through the window, before surprisingly beginning to speak.

"Look! Look! One of the Fairies!"

"One of the Fairies!"

"We've found another one!"

"Indeed you have my babies! Indeed you have," a rather rough voice called out from the rooftop to her left, as Eliza glanced lazily upward to see who was speaking.

"Oh dear… It appears that I've encountered one of the members of Laxus' little circus?"

In response, the man leapt off of the roof, and down towards a series of flags that were protruding from the lower levels of the building. Displaying a rather impressive feat of dexterity, the man managed to casually latch onto the flagpoles with his feet, and spin around them, before leaping to the next, until he reached the ground.

Upon landing, the man spun around and grinned, a green glow behind the armored helmet he wore, indicating where his eyes resided. The man then stuck his tongue out to reveal that it was, in fact, the location of his Guild Mark.

Member Of The Thunder Legion

Self-Proclaimed Master Of Souls

Member Of Fairy Tail

Bickslow

"Well, aren't you a rather charming fellow," Eliza responded dryly to his rather strange appearance, as Bickslow seemingly shrugged off the rather icy response to his arrival. "I hope you realize that I'm going to have to beat you soundly for troubling Natsu and the old man?"

"Wow! I heard that there was a chick who sounded like an old bag sometimes … But it's kinda weird to actually see her in the flesh though," Bickslow responded in amusement. "Kinda a shame that you sound so old, you're actually pretty hot!"

Eliza was grateful that no one else was around at that moment, as her composure actually broke at Bickslow's words, a look of pure annoyance and loathing on her face, as she narrowed her eyes at the man.

"What is it with you mortals and using such vulgar language toward those you've never met before," Eliza huffed, as she shook her head in disgust. "Honestly, you mortals have no respect for the Gods these days!"

"God? you reckon you're a God," Bickslow asked in reply, with Eliza shooting him a look that more or less told him he was an idiot. "Hmm? Maybe that explains why your soul is such a weird color, and so damn dense compared to everyone else?"

"Excuse me, but did you just say that you can see my soul," Eliza asked in response, with Bickslow grinning in return.

"Oh yeah, you bet I can," Bickslow laughed, as he pointed to his eyes that were still hidden behind the helmet. "Thanks to my Magic, I can see and manipulate souls however I want!"

"Soul Manipulation is Black Magic," Eliza replied darkly, her glare actually having Bickslow unconsciously taking a step back. "I must say, I'm surprised to hear Makarov is willing to allow a practitioner of such an art into this Guild."

"Hey lady, it might be Black Magic, but it ain't like I'm going around killing people for their souls," Bickslow countered sharply, as all five of the strange soul constructs appeared behind him. "Ain't that right babies, nothing bad about you!?"

"You refer to them as your babies," Eliza muttered in disgust, as she narrowed her eyes at the constructs. "Simply revolting."

"You think you can just insult MY babies and get away with it!? Ain't no way," Bickslow snapped as he pointed toward her. "Soul Magic – Baryon Formation!"

The five constructs vanished, and appeared in front of Bickslow, forming a circle as they began to spin around fast enough to generate a powerful gust of wind. Eliza, however, remained totally unfazed, even as a bright green light began to form at the center of the circle.

"You're gonna regret talking shit about my babies like that, old bag," Bickslow shouted over the sound of piercing wind that had enveloped the entire area. "Get em!"

The constructs fired a massive blast of pure magical energy at Eliza, the blast being as large as the street itself, which actually surprised her. Despite this however, she didn't even so much as raise an eyebrow in response, even as the attack cleared considerable distance within moments.

"How interesting," was all Eliza responded calmly, not even shifting from her relaxed stance as she was struck full force by the attack.

The attack ripped up everything in its path, until it made impact at the end of the wide street, blasting a tall building directly off its foundations, as the rest collapsed moments later. The collapse of the building shook the entire area, as many who had moved out of the way gaped in shock at what had just occurred, some now realizing that perhaps this wasn't all fun and games after all.

Bickslow was laughing maniacally at the destruction, as his constructs returned to their former position behind him. The black smoke from the dozens of fires ignited in the wake of his attack, obscuring his view of Eliza's former position.

"Gahahahahaha! See! Now, that's what you get for talking shit about my babies-!"

Bickslow paused mid boast, his eyes glowing slightly brighter as he identified Eliza through the smoke. His surprise quickly turned to shock at the condition of her soul. The already abnormal presence seemed to be glowing far brighter than before, not dimmer, as it would if one were to be on the verge of death.

Suddenly, Bickslow was forced on all fours, as a monstrous blast of wind struck the entire street. Within moments, all the fire and smoke was dispelled, to reveal Eliza, completely unharmed. To Bickslow's shock, she was even still in the exact same relaxed stance as earlier, only her right arm having been moved to generate the wind.

"What …"

"What a pity. I had hoped that wielding Black Magic, you would have shown me something half decent," Eliza sighed, as she lazily batted away three energy blasts from the constructs. "Perhaps powerful Mages are a dime a dozen after all?"

"The fuck!? How did you endure an attack like that!?"

"It's quite simple really," Eliza replied, as her crimson eyes pierced through Bickslow's own, the man taking multiple steps back in fear at the menacing woman before him. Licking her lips, she summoned an Ebony colored short sword to her side. "I'm a God, dear, plain and simple."

"N-No way," Bickslow gasped, as his constructs started rapidly firing out dozens of attacks that simply were swatted aside lazily by Eliza, the War Goddess now slowly beginning to walk forward. "No way are you a real God!?"

"I suppose I can't exactly kill you, but I'll make sure you learn your lesson for partaking in this farce," Eliza muttered, as she vanished from view and reappeared behind Bickslow. "War God's Stymied Edge."

Bickslow lurched forward as blood poured from his mouth, all of his constructs trembling before hitting the floor. The man clutched his gut as he struggled to turn to face Eliza who was already walking away from him, headed into the direction of the Cathedral.

"Mortals such as yourself should know your place," Eliza sniffed in response to the obvious question on Bickslow's mind. "There aren't many in this Guild with the potential to fight me at any point in their lives. And you, are more than a thousand years out of your league…"

Turning back to face the man, Eliza shot him a haunting smirk, her tongue slightly protruding from her mouth as she licked some of the blood from the flat of her blade, before letting loose a hum of approval.

"Though I will admit that you do bleed rather well, dear," the woman continued mockingly, as Bickslow felt his consciousness beginning to fade away. "Let this blood be your only warning to never try such foolishness again…understood?"

Turning back as the man fell unconscious, the citizens of Magnolia gave the War Goddess a wide berth as she casually strolled off in the direction of Kardia Cathedral.

"Honestly, this Guild truly is a product of its time," Eliza muttered under her breath as she dismissed her blade, and continued on her way.

***POTD***

Rushing through the streets of Magnolia, Erza frantically searched for the whereabouts of Evergreen. She knew full well that time was running out, and if something wasn't done soon, then Laxus would likely try to use them as a last resort against Natsu.

Naturally, Erza was fully aware that Natsu would beat Laxus in a fair fight. He was trained by Gildarts, and the results spoke for themselves ever since he'd returned. There was just no logical way for Laxus to win in a fair fight, which left only one avenue of victory open for the man.

No, what Erza feared was the exact opposite of Laxus' victory.

Natsu would undoubtedly be furious at what Laxus had done, not just to her, but to all the girls. He knew Natsu had serious issues with Laxus, stemming back to their childhood, and he would undoubtedly go for blood.

"I won't let it come to Natsu killing Laxus," Erza muttered under her breath, as she cleared entire streets with several powerful steps. "Count on me to deal with saving the other girls, Natsu."

"How pitiful," a rather snide voice called out, which had Erza skidding to a stop, and looking straight up at one of the nearby rooftops. "The mighty Titania, Queen Of The Fairies, fawning over a boy in a time of crisis!"

"I was not fawning over Natsu," Erza replied sharply, as she summoned one of her swords into her right hand, and pointed it at Evergreen, who leapt down onto ground level. "I don't need to fawn over him, because he's perfectly capable of taking care of himself!"

"A man like Natsu doesn't need a barbaric woman such as yourself even thinking about him," Evergreen smirked in response. "Why would he want a barbaric man-thing like you thinking about him!? Honestly, running around the way you do, I'm surprised you didn't renounce the title as 'Queen Of The Fairies' years ago!? It's clear who is superior, both in looks AND skill!"

"Drone on about the title all you want, I couldn't care less," Erza snapped back, which startled Evergreen into a defensive stance. "The people of Fiore gave me gave me that title, it wasn't something I simply chose for myself, nor do I particular care for it! I am Erza Scarlett, S Class Mage of Fairy Tail, and that's all that really matters!"

"How cute, you trying to act like you never cared about being number one," Evergreen cooed in response, before narrowing her own eyes at the Requip Mage. "Don't pretend like we didn't have to watch you and Mirajane fight over who was superior for years on end Erza!? We all know what the both of you were after!"

"Look Evergreen, I'm not the same person I was when I was a child, and neither is Mira," Erza sighed in frustration. "Our past squabbles over who was stronger ultimately meant little, and aren't relevant to what's happening now!"

"On the contrary Erza, those past squabbles have everything to do with the current situation," Evergreen laughed mockingly. "What Laxus is going to do is rebuild the Guild with only the strong, and cut out those who are weak!"

"Laxus won't get the chance," Erza hissed back as she tightened her grip on her blade. "Natsu will destroy Laxus!"

"So you all say, yet I beg to differ. Laxus is unbeatable!"

"Enough of this Evergreen," Erza roared, as she summoned a second blade. "I order you, by my authority as an S Class Mage of the Guild, to release the other girls from their petrification!"

"Empty threats Titania," Evergreen countered with a smirk, one that had Erza gritting her teeth in annoyance. "You think mere words are going to be enough to stop a coup against the Guild? You're even dumber than I thought, Titania? Such a naïve way of thinking is exactly what got Fairy Tail into the mess it's in now!"

"The only thing that has happened, is that Laxus has lost his mind, be it through some outside influence, or of his own jealousy toward the Master! Regardless, it doesn't matter! What matters, is that both Laxus, and the Thunder Legion, are not only betraying everything the Guild stands for, but that they are putting the lives of the citizens of Magnolia at risk to do it," Erza countered strongly, as her body began to glow, and she Requiped into her Heaven's Wheel Armor. "Now for the last time Evergreen … Release the girls, or I WILL use force!"

"I won't lose," Evergreen muttered, as her body started to glow a faint golden color, as four thin, dragonfly-like wings, sprouted from her back. The Mage slowly began to hover off of the ground, as she continued to rant. "I am a member of the Thunder Legion, an elite! As a chosen of the future Fourth Master, I can't lose to the likes of you!"

Moving her head sharply to the right, Evergreen avoided a sword Erza had fired at her, as dozens more began to manifest behind the Requip Mage, until they formed a large circle. All the blades were poised to be fired at a moment's notice, yet Evergreen merely smirked.

"Twice the pride, double the fall … Evergreen," Erza replied darkly, as she too began to slowly hover off of the ground to match Evergreen's height. "This is a fight you won't win, Evergreen; I only hope that you can come to terms with that."

"What nonsense," Evergreen hissed back, as the golden light broke up into tiny particles that now surrounded the rebellious Fairy Tail Mage. "Let us see just how deserved the title of 'Titania' truly is, shall we!? Fairy Magic – Fairy Machine Gun: Leprechaun!"

Waving both arms out in front of her, Evergreen fired the orbs of golden light at Erza's position. Said orbs quickly morphed into razor sharp needles, as Erza swiftly began to dodge around the relentless barrage.

As she dodged the initial volley, Erza looked behind her to see that the attack had ripped through the buildings around them, and cursed at Evergreen's lack of care for the people whose homes she was striking.

Narrowing her eyes, Erza began firing many of her swords at Evergreen, who nimbly dodged through the barrage. Seeing that Evergreen had her beat in the dexterity department, Erza had an idea, as she dispelled the sword in her right hand.

"Requip – Adamantine Shield!"

Summoning half of the legendary shield into her left hand, Erza placed it firmly in front of her, and charged directly at the shocked Evergreen. Clearly, the woman hadn't assumed that Erza would go for something so direct, and she was already falling back.

"Further proof that you are little more than a barbaric woman," Evergreen huffed, as all the needles she was firing suddenly stopped in place. "Fortunately, unlike some, I actually have plans within plans!"

"What-!?"

"Let us see how you handle this, Titania," Evergreen grinned, as the needles began to pulse rapidly. "Fairy Magic – Fairy Bomb: Gremlin

All around Erza, the needles began to explode, as Evergreen watched on in glee. The explosions were each sizeable, the smoke cloud after only the first few being large enough to cover the Residential District.

"Do you see now Titania, you're outmatched! You might have been stronger once upon a time, but now you've stagnated, and given rise to my ascension to the throne of Queen!"

"Is that right?"

Evergreen didn't even have the time to think as she was struck in the back of the head, and sent flying down into the street, crashing hard into the stone pavement where she skidded along the road, until she hit a shopfront. Smashing into the gutter, she was tossed up and through the shop window, where she finally came to a stop.

To say Evergreen was in shock at what had just occurred was an understatement. Prying herself out of a destroyed display, the Fairy Tail Mage traced the visible path she'd taken to get here back to the giant smoke cloud … and Erza standing atop a lamppost in another Armor.

"Requip – Flight Armor."

"Curse you Titania," Evergreen hissed, as she adjusted her glasses, and jumped back out of the trashed store. "Do you seriously have an Armor for EVERYTHING!?"

"Don't be foolish Evergreen," Erza replied bluntly, as she adjusted the sword in her hand. "If I had one for everything, there wouldn't be any need for all of this pointless fighting, would there?"

Vanishing from her current position, Evergreen was shocked to see Erza popping from lamppost to lamppost. Her sheer speed was simply far beyond her ability to track.

"Impossible … HOW CAN YOU BE THIS FAST!?"

"This is the difference between us, Evergreen," Erza replied, as she appeared right in front of her, and landed a fierce kick to the side of the head. The kick sent Evergreen flying into the side of another building, as the rebellious Mage cried out in pain. "This is the kind of ability one needs to be S Class."

"So now … you mock my power," Evergreen snarled, as she dropped to one knee, blood escaping from various wounds she'd sustained being tossed around by Erza.

"There's a lot more to being S Class than power, Evergreen," Erza replied, as she reappeared in front of the wounded Mage, and Requiped back into her Heaven's Wheel Armor. "The mark of a true S Class Mage isn't just their strength, but a whole slew of things."

Summoning over twenty swords, all were poised to strike Evergreen, who clearly had no means of fighting back. With a sigh, the member of the Thunder Legion shakily got up and looked down her nose at Erza.

"You really think you've got me beaten on all fronts, don't you? Well, let's not forget that I hold the greatest trump card of all in this little game," Evergreen replied darkly, as her eyes began to glow a bright golden color behind her glasses. "One wrong move Titania, and I'll end this little game with our victory …"

"If you're willing to go that far over this, and kill our friends…I'll have no other choice," Erza sighed as she summoned even more weapons, until over fifty weapons of varying types now hovered all around Evergreen, poised to strike.

"Wh-What-!?"

"I will ensure that the deaths of my friends are avenged … That their murderer suffers the worst of fates, as I slowly tear them apart piece by piece with every weapon in my arsenal!"

"HOW IN THE WORLD CAN YOU EVEN SAY THAT WITH A STRAIGHT FACE," Evergreen squeaked, as the weapons inched closer, along with Erza herself, until they were merely inches apart. "Y-YOU'RE CRAZY!"

Erza paused a moment, making Evergreen think that this was the end, as she prepared herself for the hell that was about to follow, only for an armored fist to strike her directly in the face.

"Look, if you're going to lie about doing something, then at least make it somewhat believable," Erza said bluntly, as she pulled her fist back, and dispelled her weapons. "You're literally part of the Guild, everyone already knows what you're capable of."

"Fair enough," Evergreen mumbled, as she covered her face. "You win, I give up."

"That's better. Now, release the girls," Erza commanded, with Evergreen sighing, but doing as requested, her eyes momentarily flashing. "Good."

"You do realize that having me release them is only going to make things worse," Evergreen said after finally moving her hand away from her face. "Without them, Laxus is going to resort to his Plan B."

"Plan B," Erza muttered, before shaking her head. "Look, just tell me where Laxus is Evergreen?"

"Kardia Cathedral," Evergreen replied with a slight frown. "Not that any of you will be able to stop him, now that he's going to use Plan B."

"We'll stop Laxus, regardless of whatever this Plan B of his happens to be, Evergreen," Erza replied, only for Evergreen to shake her head.

"You don't get it Titania; his Plan B is foolproof. Not even Master Makarov would be able to stop it!"

That had Erza's full attention, as she once again rounded on Evergreen, who raised her hands in mock surrender.

"I'll tell you, alright."

Explain everything, now!"

***POTD***

Makarov could only grin as he watched the girls, one by one, turn back into themselves, each just as dazed as Erza was when she emerged. Without a moment's hesitation, the old man ran toward them.

"Master … I can't quite remember what happened," Mira muttered, as the old man gathered their attention.

"I'm afraid Laxus has finally decided to make his move," Makarov sighed, with Mira immediately knowing what the old man was talking about. "He's managed to pit most of the Guild against itself, though Natsu and the others are trying to stop him."

"Sounds like we've gotta get out there and help then," Cana cut in, as all eyes turned toward the Card Mage. "Sure, we might not be as strong as Laxus, but we can't just let the others do all the work, especially with the likes of Freed out there!"

"That's a fair point, Freed is rather crafty," Mira agreed, as she turned back toward Makarov. "We'll all head out and do what we can to help, Master."

"I'm counting on all of you," Makarov replied with a slight nod, only to wince as he felt another sharp pain rip through his chest.

"Master," Mira gasped, as the old man staggered forward. "I think someone should stay with the Master while the rest of us help out?"

"I'll stay," Levy offered, with the others nodding gratefully. "I'm not much for fighting, so I'll help the Master here."

"Thanks Levy, you're a lifesaver," Mira sighed, as she looked back toward Makarov. "I assume you haven't taken your medicine because of what's been happening?"

"I know I should have Mira, but the Guild-!"

"The Guild will sort its problems out, but not at the expense of your health," Mira replied firmly, as she looked back toward Levy. "You know where we keep the Master's medicine, right Levy?"

"Yeah, I'll make sure he takes it while you guys are gone."

Mira smiled back at the blue-haired Script Mage, before looking over toward Juvia and Cana, both girls nodding at the silent order she'd given them, as all three made for the door.

As they left, Makarov sighed and sat down on the floor. Even more of his children were now being thrust into this senseless mess, and for what gain?

"Perhaps it's time I truly do start looking for a successor …"

***POTD***

The girls had made their way out of town, shocked at the trail of destruction littered across Magnolia, as many of its residents seemed to cry out for an answer. Unfortunately, their cries went without a response, as the trio made their way toward a location Mira had believed Freed to be.

"Are you sure Freed is out here Mira," Cana asked, as the pair left the town behind. "Why would he come this far out!?"

"This is where the tracking spell believes he is Cana. Don't ask me why he's here, because I don't have an answer!"

"I think we should trust in Mirajane for now Cana, she seems to know what she's doing," Juvia added, somewhat shyly, with Cana audibly groaning in response.

"Two against one? Fine. I'll keep quiet then, but can we stop with the running already!?"

"You'd be able to keep up if you didn't drink as much Cana!"

"Don't try and start that crap now Mira, you're the one who serves em to me!"

"You can both save the argument about Cana's drinking problem for later," Juvia cut in, as she pointed up ahead. "Isn't that Freed?"

Both Mira and Cana looked ahead and were surprised to see Freed standing tall before a downed Elfman, the latter gritting his teeth as he struggled to stand.

"Elfman!"

"M-Mira," Elfman gasped out as he shot her a relieved smile. "Thank God you're alright!"

"Step away from Elfman, Freed," Cana growled as she summoned several cards from thin air.

"I'm afraid I cannot do that Cana, not after Elfman broke the rules of the game," Freed replied calmly, as he leveled his sword at Elfman's downed form. "Elfman was already eliminated by Evergreen, yet he chose to attack me anyway. He must face the consequences of his actions."

"None of us want any part of your sick games Freed!"

"What you all want isn't any of my concern, Cana, for it is Laxus' will that the game be played by all members of Fairy Tail."

"But Freed, how can you stand to hurt the others like this," Mira chimed in, as Freed spared a glance in her direction. "We're all family Freed, don't you remember?"

"Perhaps once, but no longer," Freed replied, his eyes avoiding Mira's own, as the white-haired S Class Mage forced herself back into his vision by standing in front of Elfman.

"Freed, you don't mean that…"

"It doesn't matter what I want anymore, Mirajane," Freed replied bitterly, as he managed to meet her gaze for a brief moment. "The sides have already been chosen; it is far too late to turn back from this."

"No Freed, it isn't too late. You have the power to stop this. Take down the runes placed across the city, and put an end to this senseless violence-."

"I can't," Freed snapped, with Mira recoiling in surprise at the stoic man's outburst. "I can't Mirajane, you don't understand …"

"Then tell me Freed," Mira replied gently, as she took several steps toward the man, only for Elfman to grab onto her arm and pull her back. "Elfman!"

"Stay away from him … Mira!"

"But-!"

"He's on Laxus' side," Elfman growled, as he managed to rise to his feet once again. "He's taken out more Fairy Tail members than anyone else in this damn game, haven't you!?"

"…"

"He's always been on Laxus' side, ever since he first joined the Guild," Elfman continued, as Freed's stoic demeanor slowly returned. "Him and the rest of the Thunder Legion barely give the rest of us the time of day, thinking they're better than us just because they follow Laxus around!"

"Elfman, stop talking like that-!"

"It's true Mira, don't deny it," Elfman snapped, with Mira gazing at her Brother in shock. "He's not really one of us Mira, none of them are! They're all just Laxus' little soldiers …"

"Very well put Elfman," Freed muttered, as Mira's head snapped back to the man to see his cold and calculating demeanor back in full effect. "We all swore we would follow Laxus into the pits of hell … And that is exactly what I plan on doing..."

"Freed, wait-!"

"Though it pains me to do this to someone so nice, I must eliminate you from this game as well, Mirajane," Freed continued, as he moved his blade in the direction of the S Class Mage. "For what it is worth, which I can only surmise is little, I hold you in high regard Mirajane … I'm sorry."

Moving to strike Mira, she was pulled out of the way by Elfman whose body was now glowing a bright golden light, prompting Freed to immediately disengage, and leap backward.

"Take Over – Beast Soul!"

"Elfman, NO-!"

"You fool! You've already been warned of the consequences of breaking the rules," Freed sighed, as he turned his attention back toward the now transformed Elfman, who now appeared more like a monster than a man. "Now you will suffer the consequences for your foolishness!"

"I've got a better idea Freed," Elfman growled, as he charged toward him. "How about you suffer the consequences … of turning Mira to STONE!"

Freed vanished, right as Elfman was about to strike him, reappearing directly behind him with his blade glowing an ominous purple color.

"Dark Ecriture – Pain!"

Elfman roared as the slash Freed had performed released a set of runes that fired at his exposed back, sticking instantly, and taking full effect. His body was rattled with pain, much as the spell suggests, and he collapsed to his knees.

"ELFMAN," Mira cried, as she began rushing toward her Brother, only for Cana to hold her back. "Let me go Cana, I have to help him!"

"You can't Mira, Freed would crush you as you are now!"

"I don't care, I'll take all the pain he can dish out," Mira cried in response, as Cana struggled to hold the girl back. "Let me GO!"

"See what your foolishness has wrought, Elfman," Freed continued coldly, as he moved closer toward Elfman's downed form. "Had you simply obeyed the rules, Mirajane would have simply been rendered unconscious by a sleep spell… Yet now, here we are, stuck having a terrible time of things…"

"I-I'm not gonna let you … get away … with this … FREED!"

"Roar all you want Elfman," Freed sighed, as he vanished, right as Elfman spun around and tried to strike him, reappearing again at his back as he landed another Pain Spell. "You simply aren't even close to my level."

"Stop this Freed, Elfman isn't as strong as he used to be," Mira cried out, still struggling to escape Cana's grip.

"He should have considered that before he broke the rules," Freed sniffed in response, as he slashed his blade again. "Dark Ecriture – Pain!"

Elfman roared again, as slash after slash struck him, an overlap of Pain Spells now having the large man convulsing on the floor.

"And now for a little of this," Freed muttered, as he summoned a new set of runes. "Dark Ecriture – Fear!"

Slashing his blade again, Elfman immediately began to scream, as the sensory overload tore through him. Freed, however, overlayed it with more Pain Spells, as the man screamed in agony.

"And now, for the final step," Freed whispered, as everyone else present froze. "The punishment for those who break the rules … is Death!"

The world seemed to slow down for Mira, the outraged cries of both Cana and Juvia being drowned out by an incessant buzzing sound that continued to grow louder and louder. She didn't even feel Cana letting her go, her entire sense of awareness slowly falling away, as something began to speak to her.

Hear it, Mirajane? First you lose Lisanna due to weakness … And now? Now you shall lose Elfman too…

"No, I-?"

Yours is such a bright and beautiful nature, but one that ultimately is wasted upon the Humans. Why hold back for their sake, Mirajane? Do you not desire the strength to protect those you love?

"I-I want to … protect …"

You have that power within you still … Remember it? The power to protect … All you need to do … is let me take control …?

"You?"

Choose quickly, Mirajane Strauss, lest Elfman die right before your very eyes?

"But I-?"

I can save him, but you simply have to let go …

Mira gasped, as flashes of the day Lisanna was killed ripped through her mind, dozens upon dozens of angles of her little Sister being brutally slaughtered by the monster Elfman had lost control of, had the once bright star of Fairy Tail screaming, crying in horror as her Magical Power began to skyrocket.

"What," Freed hissed, as he paused in his actions.

"My goodness," Juvia gasped, as she took a step back from Mira, right as her entire body became surrounded by a dark-purplish aura. "Such Dark Magical energy!?"

"No way," Cana muttered, as she snapped her attention back to Freed. "Do you have any idea what you've just done!?"

"This is impossible," Freed gasped as he took several steps back from Elfman's now unconscious form. "There's no way she's managed to regain access to all that power!?"

Mira's screams began to twist and distort into a much darker cadence, the pain and agony replaced by rage and hate as her form shifted. Her long flowing white hair now standing upright as the clothes on her body were replaced with a revealing one-piece suit that fully revealed her arms and legs.

Her fingers lengthened slightly, her nails becoming more claw-like, before being covered by form fitting metal gauntlets, as her legs were simultaneously covered by thigh-high boots that matched the design of her one-piece suit.

A stocky tail sprouted from her tailbone, seemingly made from the same kind of metal as those from her gauntlets, as it smashed the ground, creating a sizeable hole, whilst a pair of black colored wings sprouted from her back that looked Demonic in nature.

By this point, Freed had backed up considerably, sweating profusely, as the screams died down, along with the massive burst of Magical Power. The moment Mira stopped screaming, her head returned to center, before looking directly at Freed. Slanted eyes narrowed directly at his location, as she ran a clawed hand through her hair, to reveal pointed ears.

"It cannot be," Freed choked out as Mira grit her teeth at him, revealing her enlarged canines that were clearly those of a predator. "Her power has returned … the Demon Mirajane!"

"Wh-What is this power," Juvia stuttered, as she examined the results put out by the MPF attached to her ring, as Cana slowly backed away toward her position. "What happened to Miss Mirajane?"

"Freed's really done it now," Cana hissed, as she looked between Freed and Mira's respective positions. "Best thing we can do now is get as far away from here, and try to get help."

"W-With respect, this power indicates that Miss Mirajane should be far beyond Freed, doesn't it?"

"The help isn't for Mira …"

Mirajane Strauss – 122,472 MPI

Juvia swallowed hard, as Mirajane flapped her wings once, now hovering off of the ground, with Freed taking several more steps back in fear. The look the strange form of Mira was giving Freed, combined with what Cana had just said, and the results of the MPF, was all she really needed to put two and two together.

"I can't believe it," Freed muttered, as he finally managed to meet Mira's gaze. "To think you would go so far as reawakening the power lost to you so long ago … Satan Soul!"

In response, Mira simply vanished and reappeared, her face right up in Freed's own.. To his credit, he did not flinch at what would have given lesser men a heart attack, even as a cold dark voice spoke but one word.

"Die."

"Mira no-!"

Freed vanished, multiple explosions going off behind where he once stood, signalling that Mira had struck him so hard, it sent him flying from the outskirts, all the way into town. Every building Freed had struck collapsed, a smoke trail being left in the wake of his form, as Mira looked over her shoulder at the shaken form of Cana, and terrified Juvia.

"Stay out of this."

Vanishing from her previous location, Mira appeared high above Magnolia, as she tracked Freed's trajectory. From the smoke, a slight flash immediately caught her attention, as she snapped her attention toward the Commercial District.

"Dark Ecriture – Wings!"

Freed emerged from a collapsed building, slightly bloodied, yet still more than capable of fighting, as he shot high into the air. Mira didn't react, letting Freed reach her altitude, as the man grit his teeth.

"Even if you've reawakened your power, I won't lose," Freed cried, as he swiped his blade. "Dark Ecriture – Duplication!"

Five Freed's emerged from the one, totaling six in all, as they moved to surround Mira. The Demon, however, wasn't fazed in the slightest, even as all six slashed their blades out in front of them, using the exact same spell.

"Dark Ecriture – Destruction!"

All six Freed fired out massive blasts of purple Magic, the skies over Magnolia saturated in the purplish glow. Despite this, Mira didn't even attempt to do anything to stop him. This startled Freed, as all six attacks smashed into her form, setting off a massive explosion.

"Weak."

"No way," Freed muttered weakly, as Mira dispelled the smoke with a wave of her hand, before aiming said hand up above her head.

"Darkness Magic – Darkness Stream!"

Freed gasped, as hundreds of blackish-purple energy blasts erupted from Mira's palm, shooting high into the air, before spinning around and coming straight back toward the six Freed's, who all immediately began evasive maneuvers.

Three of the Freed were obliterated instantly, the fourth managing to dodge several blasts, before being struck by over a dozen at multiple angles. The fifth Freed attempted to counterattack shortly after, but was crushed like the others before even managing to generate so much as a spark from his blade.

Which left the real Freed, who, unlike the duplicates, had significantly more intelligence, and had flown as far away as he could, whilst the other five bought him time, as minuscule as it was.

 "There is no escape."

Mira's form vanished and reappeared several times across the skies, before appearing directly in front of Freed mid-kick, He had absolutely no time to react, and was sent flying directly into the town below. Smashing into the central road, he skidded all the way toward the fountain in Magnolia Square, where he managed to right himself, and flipped upward at the last moment, sparing the iconic structure.

"This power is intense," Freed gasped, as he wiped some blood from his vision. "To think she still held so much power, despite barely having access to a sliver of it!"

And then she appeared again, standing atop the statue at the fountain's center, the same cold and focused look present.

"It seems you really live up to the name," Freed sighed with a small smile. "But you aren't the only one who possesses forbidden spells!"

Tossing his sword aside, Freed's left eye turned a dark purple, as he swiped his hand out in front of himself to summon a set of runes. Mira didn't respond in the slightest, allowing Freed to go ahead with whatever it was he was planning.

"Dark Ecriture – Babel's Evil: Darkness!"

Freed roared as his body was quickly morphed into that of a monster. The only thing still recognizable of him left was his signature green hair, which was now longer and slicked back behind him.

"That's enough!"

Both the recently transformed Freed, and Mira, looked over to the right to see Natsu walking down the central road, Gajeel directly behind him. The latter looked utterly speechless at what he'd just seen, and the former retained a neutral expression on his face.

"Stay out of this Natsu," Freed roared, as he slammed his fists down onto the road, shaking the area, as many civilians ran for cover.

"I'll deal with you in a minute, Freed," Natsu replied dismissively, as he turned back to look at Gajeel, who nodded stiffly, and waited where he was. "I didn't come here for you."

This shocked Freed, despite his berserk state, keeping the transformed man quiet, as Natsu walked toward Mira's position. Halting before the fountain, he looked up at the Demon before him with a neutral expression.

"It's been … a long time."

"You've grown strong," Mira replied, which confused both Gajeel and Freed at the wording. "Last we met, you were but a hatchling, were you not? Yet now you stand tall before me, as mighty as a Dragon."

"Not even close to that, I'm afraid," Natsu replied gently as Mira finally managed to crack a ghost of a smile.

"Salamander, what the hell's goin on," Gajeel asked, as Natsu looked over his shoulder to face the man. "Isn't this Mirajane, the white haired one from the bar?"

"It is, but it isn't at the same time," Natsu replied, which only further confused Gajeel. "Mira's power is rather unique compared to other Take Overs, mainly due to what she specializes in."

"You've grown smarter as well," the woman, who clearly wasn't Mira, replied calmly, as she smiled in Natsu's direction again. "As expected of one with a legacy such as yours."

"You said that the last time we spoke," Natsu replied with a frown that actually drew a smirk from the woman. "What do you mean by my legacy exactly?"

"Not my place to say," the woman replied, before once more adopting a serious expression. "Besides, I'm rather busy at the moment. So, if you wouldn't mind going after that pest Laxus-?"

"Hecate," Natsu said sharply, cutting off the Demon, as she partially smirked at his sudden response. "I can't let you kill Freed, even if I'm pissed off at Laxus and the Thunder Legion."

One Of Mira's Demonic Allies

Demon From The Books Of Zeref

Volume III

The Maiden Of Darkness' Crescendo

Hecate

"Is that right," Hecate responded, as she vanished and reappeared in front of Natsu, much in the same way she had done to Freed earlier. "And I suppose that you shall stop me, should I dare continue?"

"You know I'll step in and fight you, if necessary," Natsu replied evenly, as neither he, nor Hecate, blinked. "Just look through Mira's memories, and you'll know…"

"I don't need to do that, Natsu," Hecate replied slowly as both tensed slightly. "You forget that, although dormant, I saw, smelt, heard and … felt, all that Mira did. Besides, your scent tells me all I need to know right now..."

No one present saw the pair move, yet now Natsu held back Hecate's fist with his right arm. Though Natsu was blocking her blow, neither appeared to be straining against the other, which indicated that it was a mere test between the pair.

Hecate grinned, and pulled back, with Natsu taking a step back in turn. The tense atmosphere dying down somewhat, as many believed Natsu had defused the situation. That was, at least, until Hecate vanished.

"I held no plans to kill Freed, merely show him his place," Hecate's voice whispered into his ear, as Natsu turned on his heel and began walking back toward Gajeel. "After being sealed away for so long, we have no desire to be restrained again..."

"As long as you don't kill him, do what you need to," Natsu muttered in reply, which only Gajeel picked up on, thanks to his enhanced senses. "For what it's worth, I'm glad to see you back, Hecate."

Hecate reappeared right in front of Freed, striking the currently off-guard, and still transformed man, in the chin, which sent him flying high into the air. The punch held enough force to shake the entire area, a fierce gust of wind blowing throughout the area, as Natsu returned to Gajeel.

"Damn Salamander, you're a cold son of a bitch."

"You should know better than most the burdens of a Guild," Natsu replied, as they began walking toward the Cathedral once again. "I trust you'll keep your mouth shut?"

No response was needed, as the pair left the area, leaving Hecate to deal with the transformed Freed, who was now furious at having been struck with his guard down.

"Damn you," Freed roared, as he held out his hands, summoning two large purple Magic Circles that began firing out dozens of small energy blasts. "You'll pay for deceiving me!"

"You can try."

Both Freed and Hecate blitzed toward one another, clashing high above Magnolia with a furious exchange of fists. Unfortunately for Freed, his attempt to match Hecate's strength proved futile, and he was quickly overpowered and smacked in the face, hard enough to send him fly across the skyline.

Hecate snarled as she held both arms out to her right, a blackish-purple colored spherical vortex beginning to form between her hands, as Freed struggled to right himself, having been dazed from the powerful blow to the head.

"This will finish it," Hecate muttered darkly, as every Mage in Magnolia looked up at her position. The sheer pressure from the attack held within her hands  was so great, that the buildings groaned under the strain. "Darkness Magic – Soul Extinctor!"

Making a forward thrust motion with her arms, a colossal blast of pure Dark Magic was fired in Freed's general direction, with the Runic Mage unable to even see it coming. Within moments, the sun itself vanished from view, as a gigantic tidal wave of power ripped through the skyline, engulfing Freed instantly, with the man screaming in a mixture of pain and fear.

Hecate released a somewhat heavy sigh, the strain of Mira's form wielding her after so long beginning to come to bear, as she felt the girl's core slowly beginning to shudder. Vanishing from her position in the sky, she reappeared on the ground, and watched as Freed rocketed into the dirt on the outskirts of town, no longer transformed into a hideous monster.

The man was bloodied, beaten and clearly down for the count. Even as Hecate flashed before him, he refused to surrender, struggling to even reach a sitting position, as he grit his teeth in a last act of defiance.

"Come to kill me then," Freed gasped, as he dropped onto his back, the last of his strength leaving him. "Get it over with!"

"Is that all you have to say?"

"Laxus was my superior … I've failed him," Freed replied bitterly as he clenched his fists. "There's nothing left for me now …"

Hecate moved to stand over Freed, dropping to her knees as she cocked back her right arm in preparation to land the killing blow against the green haired man. With a roar, Hecate brought her fist down, Freed's eyes closing slowly, as he waited for the end, only for a loud crack to sound next to his left ear.

"Is that really how you feel, after all the years you've been a part of Fairy Tail?"

Freed's eyes shot open in shock to see the Demon before him vanishing, peeling away in a golden light, as Mirajane returned to her usual self. There was no smile present on her face, however, only regret and pain, as she kept his focus solely on her.

"Mira … jane …"

"This battle … this war between the Guild … can't you see that it's all meaningless," Mira asked gently, as Freed felt that feeling he'd felt dozens of times earlier that day swell up once more. "Surely, deep down, you don't truly believe in what Laxus is doing, do you?"

"I must believe in Laxus," Freed hissed back, despite the clear sign of doubt written all over his face. "Without Laxus … I'm alone …"

"Oh Freed, you silly man," Mira replied with a shake of her head, smiling sadly down at the man, who cringed in response. "Don't you understand? We're all friends, fellow members of the same Guild … smiling together, laughing together, walking together. The burden of pain doesn't rest on the shoulders of one, but upon us all, just like a family should."

"No … I don't need the others," Freed barked in denial, despite tears clearly beginning to form at the corners of his eyes. "I've always been an outcast, alone, even within the Thunder Legion! I've always been alone; I don't need anyone else!"

"I think you do Freed," Mira replied sadly, as she began to shed tears, the downed Mage, who was now gaping in shock at the sight before him. "No one can fight the world alone, Freed. Not you, not Laxus, or anyone else. Eventually, people come to realize that there is something missing inside, a void of loneliness that they can't hide from …"

"No … you're wrong-!"

"It isn't too late for you Freed, nor is it too late for Laxus," Mira continued, shutting the man's feeble attempt to argue down swiftly. "Because, in the end, once a person realizes that they are isolated from the world and those around them … they become kind."

At Mira's words, Freed finally began to cry, as years of pent-up loneliness and frustration began to pour forth before Mira, who merely smiled, despite her own tears.

"You aren't alone Freed, you never were," Mira whispered, as she hopped off of him and sat down at his side. "You're family."

This was the sight that many people, civilian and Mage alike, witnessed, upon arriving at the conclusion of the largest battle so far during the coup against the Guild.

This left only one foe remaining in the game that would decide the fate of the entire Guild. Across Magnolia, several sets of eyes slowly moved toward the iconic Kardia Cathedral …

All eyes … were now upon Laxus