"Erza!" Wendy yelled nervously.
"What's wrong?" She ran over to the petite Mage.
"Look." Wendy pointed to the guild hall.
"We're already here?!"
"Whose magic is doing this?" Gray demanded.
"I don't know." Erza frowned.
"ERZA!" Lucy shouted from the other side of the boat.
Erza sighed. "What now?" She looked at what Lucy was pointing at. "NO!"
"She's gonna kill us!" Happy squealed. Mirajane was hovering in front of Fairy Tail, about to attack the ship.
"SOUL EXTINCTOR!"
The Fairies screamed as they were directly hit.
Carla and Happy flew above the explosion. "MIRAJANE!"
She made a face. "Oh no!" She flew towards them.
"Are you okay?" Happy asked.
Erza looked up. She had protected the others with her Adamantine armor. "That really packed a punch."
"Ice-Make: Floor." Gray fell on the ground as soon as it formed.
"That...hurt..." Lucy's head spun as she fell down on top of Gray.
"My head..." Wendy fell on top of Lucy.
Erza sighed at her comrades. "Get up!"
"Erza! I'm so sorry! I didn't know it was you." Mirajane landed on the ice and transformed back into her human form. "Are you okay?"
Erza chuckled. "I'm just glad you didn't use one of your more powerful Satan Souls." Mirajane giggled. "I'm not so sure about the others, though."
"My goodness! Did they really get hurt?"
"No they're just weak." Erza smirked.
"You looking for a fight?!" Gray snapped as he jumped up. Lucy and Wendy yelped as they flew in the air.
"Did you just challenge me?" Erza's eyes darkened.
"Um, no ma'am!"
"Gray!" Lucy scolded. "That hurt!"
"Mira, why don't you tell us what's going on?" Erza requipped and crossed her arms.
"Right. Master decided that me, Sting, Rogue, Lyon, and Gajeel should find Zeref and prevent him from reaching Fairy Tail. We're also supposed to prevent attacks to inland Ishgar."
"Lyon?" Gray gagged. "Where is he?"
"With the others by the guild hall." Mirajane frowned. "I thought there were supposed to be naval and air ships coming. What happened?"
"We took them down." Wendy said. "Well, some of them."
"Where's Brandish?!" Lucy cried suddenly.
"Right here." Gray gestured to the coffin. "I protected her."
Lucy smiled happily. "Thank you!"
"What happened to her?" Mirajane frowned.
"She was killed." Lucy said sadly as she glanced at the Mage's body. "I want to bring her back to Alakitasia so I can bury her with her mother." She saw Mirajane's questioning look. "It's a long story."
"Let's go to the guild hall." Mirajane suggested. "I'm sure everyone will be happy to see you."
"Ice-Make: Stairs!" Gray shouted. They all walked up the stairs and into the guild hall.
Erza approached Makarov and got on one knee. "Master, I'm sorry about our dishonesty. We accept any punishment you see fit." The others nodded at her words.
His eyebrows raised. "Let's wait until after the war for that. I'm just glad my children are alive." Lucy and Gray high-fived. Happy spun in the air.
"We're very sorry." Erza, Carla, and Wendy bowed their heads.
"You kids." Makarov grumbled. "Now what did you learn?" Mavis appeared next to him.
"Thank God, no punishment!" Gray sighed.
"For now." Lucy muttered.
Erza shot them a withering look. "We know information on four of the 12. Ajeel Raml, who's known as the 'Desert King', is a skilled sand wizard. We fought him already, but I don't know if he's been defeated. Brandish, the feared 'Nation Destroyer', can manipulate mass. She unfortunately was killed during our battle. We infiltrated her squad to get information. God Serena, who you already know can use 8 types of dragon slaying magic. And finally, August. He looks like an old man, but holds the title 'Wizard King'. He can use all types of magic apparently."
"There's one more." Lucy piped up. "Dimaria. I learned some stuff when she tortured me."
"She what?" Mirajane's eyes widened.
"I'm fine now. Dimaria is the 'Warrior Queen'. She was friends with Brandish. She has this power called Age Seal. She can freeze time and move around within it while everyone else is frozen. She's also a skilled swordsman."
Mavis nodded soberly. "What about Zeref?"
"He had Natsu's key, until Happy stole it back. Now Lucy has it." Erza crossed her arms. "We don't know much else."
"Alright, well you kids go. I need to think for a moment." Makarov dismissed them with a wave of his hand.
"The old geezer went easy on us." Gray smirked.
"Gray, stop walking around in your underwear!" Lucy elbowed him.
"Gray!"
Gray turned to see a crying Juvia running at him. "Juvia, I-"
She slammed her lips against his. "Do you know how worried I was?!"
He held her. "I'm sorry."
"You're such an idiot."
He kissed her. "I know."
"Awww GRAY LOVES JUVIA!" Lucy and Happy cackled.
"I'm gonna freeze your lips shut!" Gray snarled.
"Are you hurt?" Juvia asked as she glanced at him. "You look like you were in a fight."
"I'm fine now. Especially since you're here." He played with her hair.
"No, Juvia..." Lyon wept sadly behind Gray.
"Sorry..." She said sheepishly.
"When did you get here?" Gray jumped away from his crying friend.
"LuLu!" Levy ran up to Lucy and hugged her.
"Levy! How are you?"
"How am I? How are you? You look like you're about to die!" She observed a Lucy's multiple injuries.
Lucy giggled. "I had to fight some people."
"Also how dare you leave me! What if you had died?!" Levy punched Lucy in the shoulder.
"Yeah, sorry about that..." Lucy rubbed her arm. "How's Gajeel?"
"All fired up." She grinned. "He's about to kick some Alvarez butt!"
Lucy stifled a laugh. "Well, I'm happy he's back to normal."
"Lucy!" Cana ran up to her. "Girl, you ditched us!"
"I know, I know. I'm sorry. Next time I'll bring you both with me." The trio laughed.
"Hey Lucy." Sting greeted. "Where's Natsu?"
She giggled. "He's in the spirit world."
"Can you let him out? We'd like to say hi." Rogue said.
"I think so too!" Frosch smiled.
"No, Frosch..." Lector sighed. "Come on, let's go find Happy."
"Well, if you wanna say hi to a deadly demon created by Zeref, then have at it." Lucy pulled out the key.
"Nope! Never mind." Sting's eyes widened.
"We're good!" Rogue added. The girls laughed at their reactions.
"Oh Erza!" Mirajane said in a sing-song voice. "Someone else is here to see you."
"Huh?" Erza's face blanched. Mirajane shoved Erza into a cloaked man. "Mira!" She yelled as the both fell down.
"Oh, hi, Erza." Jellal looked over at her in surprise.
"Um, hello. Uh, when did you get here?"
"A little while ago."
"Oh that's nice."
They stood awkwardly, staring at each other.
"Just kiss already!" Mirajane shouted. "Don't make me make you!"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Cana raised her eyebrows.
"In front of everyone?" Jellal whispered.
"I'm gonna kill her." Erza growled.
"LOOK OUT!" Lucy shouted as she crashed into Erza, who fell onto Jellal.
"Lucy! What did you do?!" She gasped as more weight fell on her.
"Get off of me Juvia! I wasn't trying to steal Gray from you!" Lucy cried as the water Mage attacked her.
"Juvia!" Gray pulled her away.
"LOVE RIVAL MUST DIE!" Juvia screamed.
"Well, things are back to normal." Carla commented.
"Mostly normal." Happy frowned. "I wish Natsu was here but he said he's not leaving the spirit world anymore."
"Why?"
"He killed Brandish and doesn't trust himself anymore."
Her eyes widened. "He killed her? I thought she just died in battle."
He shook his head. "In his defense, she was trying to kill Lucy. He just wanted to protect his girlfriend."
Her eyebrow lifted. "Girlfriend? How much did I miss out on?"
He giggled. "A lot."
"KISS!" Mirajane shrieked as she shoved Erza and Jellal together. They reluctantly kissed.
"Mira! Calm down!" Lisanna shouted. "Why are you acting so strange?"
"Big sis is so manly!" Elfman cheered.
"What does that even mean?" Cana demanded.
"Hey Wendy, look." Gray pointed to Romeo.
"He's your age, isn't he?" Lucy smirked.
"What are you suggesting?" Wendy asked with a frown.
"Go talk to him!" Lucy shoved her towards him.
"He could be your new boyfriend!" Gray grinned.
"You act like I've never met him." Wendy mumbled as she stomped towards him. "Um, hi, Romeo." She said nervously.
He smiled brightly at her. "Hi Wendy. How was your trip?"
It was a nightmare. "Um, it was interesting. And scary. And sad."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"Wendy, you have a boyfriend too?!" Carla asked in shock. "I don't recall this ever happening."
"We're not dating!" They shouted simultaneously.
"I hate to break up your reunion, but more of Zeref's army is heading this way. Mirajane and the rest of your group protect the guildhall. The rest of you protect Magnolia. Our town will not fall!" Makarov shouted determinedly.
"Master, shall we protect Magnolia?" Erza asked.
"I need you kids in here with me. I'm worried you're more damaged than you seem." Makarov sighed.
"Do I still need to lead aerial forces?" Carla put her hands on her hips. "Because it looks like they" she pointed to Team Natsu "destroyed them."
"If you see anymore airships, then yes. If not, help the others." He decided. She nodded and ran outside.
"Goodbye, my darling." Juvia pecked Gray on the lips. "Lucy, HANDS OFF!"
"Trust me, I don't want your perv boyfriend." Lucy rolled her eyes.
"What'd you say?!" Juvia and Gray yelled.
"Silence!" Erza commanded.
"How many of the 12 are left?" Makarov sighed.
"11. We took down one of them on our way here."
"Have you seen Zeref?" Mavis asked worriedly.
"No. They have someone with strange magic, though. Because we got here in a matter of hours, and it should've taken days." Erza frowned.
"Maybe it was Dimaria..." Lucy muttered.
Makarov's eyebrows furrowed. "Interesting. It appears Acnologia will not be getting involved in the war, so that's one good thing." Mavis nodded. He sighed. "Lucy, where's Natsu?"
Lucy lowered her head. "After he killed one of the 12 he said he wasn't coming back. I'm guessing he no longer trusts himself."
"Master!" Gajeel shouted. "Naval ships are heading our way!"
"As are airships!" Carla added.
Mavis stiffened. "This is it."
"We can help fight!" Wendy said determinedly.
"Yeah, this is our guild too." Gray crossed his arms.
"You kids need to rest." Makarov insisted. "You've been through enough over the past month."
"We'll have to wait until after we win to rest." Erza smiled slightly. "Let's go."
"Aye sir!" Happy cried as he grabbed Lucy and Carla grabbed Wendy.
"Why me?!" Lucy yelled in surprise. "I fight on the ground!"
"Yeah, you'll fight on the ground of the airships!" He smirked.
"I'll kill you cat!"
"Wendy! Ready?" Gajeel shouted as he flew up to the duo.
"As ready as I'll ever be." She sighed.
He made a face. "Why's the cheerleader here?"
"Hello to you too." Lucy narrowed her eyes. "And it's Happy's fault!"
"We need to take out the airships." He said. "Bisca is gonna help us with the Jupiter Cannon." They nodded.
"Gray, can you freeze the ships in their tracks?" Erza shouted as they ran towards the water.
"Ice-Make: Ocean! Blow up the ships, Erza!"
"Right. Requip! Giant armor!"
Gray's face froze in horror. "You're not gonna use that lance on them?!"
"Why shouldn't I?"
"Well, last time you used it, we thought you were gonna destroy the moon." He scratched his head.
"I'm certain I've used it since then. It's a shame Natsu's not here to boost it, though." She sighed.
"I'm here." Natsu said softly. "I'll help."
"You okay, man?" Gray asked. "I thought you weren't coming back."
"Um..."
Erza laid a hand on his shoulder. "It's alright, you don't have to say anything. Just hit it with your magic when I say so, okay?" He nodded. She aimed and drew her arm back. "NOW!"
"CRIMSON LOTUS: PHOENIX BLADE!"
Gray shielded his eyes from the flames. "Whoa." He watched as it hurtled through the air and destroyed all of the ships. "Overkill! You wiped them all out!"
"Wasn't that the point?" Erza arched an eyebrow.
"Guys, where's Lucy?" Natsu asked worriedly.
"She's up there." Gray pointed to Lucy who was being carried by Happy.
"Is she trying to steal Happy?!"
"She's helping Gajeel and Wendy take out the airships." Erza explained.
"Oh...well, see ya." He vanished.
"He's being weird." Gray noted.
"I think he's just upset." Erza crossed her arms.
"Guys! We have a problem!" Juvia shouted. "There are troops invading Magnolia!"
"Where did they come from?!" Gray demanded.
"I don't know, but they're led by one of the 12."
Mirajane transformed into her Seilah Satan Soul. "I can take care of them."
"Another one of the 12 is very slowly heading this way!" Wendy shouted down. "I can see their ships. It's the largest fleet I've seen so far."
"It's probably more than one shield." Carla mused.
"Maybe Zeref is on it." Laxus suggested.
"Gajeel! Look out!" Lucy yelled as he got hit with a blast of sand.
"AHHH!" Lily cried as he tried to stabilize Gajeel.
"Erza and Gray, go help Mira and Juvia. Sting, Rogue, and I will take care of the naval ships." Laxus said.
"Where's Lyon?" Gray inquired. "He could help with the naval ships."
"Last time I saw him he was with Elfman and Cana. Now go!"
"Come on." Erza dragged Gray after her. "I'm sure Mira can take care of the troops, but I'm not so sure about one of the 12. We have no idea what their magic is."
"But what about Lucy, Wendy, and Gajeel?" Gray asked worriedly.
"I'm sure they'll be okay." She said uncertainly.
When they reached Mirajane, they gasped. Nearly all of the soldiers were unconscious on the ground.
"Mira! Are you okay?" Erza yelled.
She transformed to a human and grabbed her side. "Yeah...I'm okay. Be careful, that guy is a machine."
Gray followed her finger to see a young man with a weird smile. "Why does he remind me of Gajeel?"
Wall frowned. "More pests?" He shrugged. "Oh well, more people to play with!" He smirked and three mechanical soldiers slowly walked towards the trio.
"This is bad..." Erza mumbled.
"His magic is called 'Weakness'." Mirajane explained. "The machines fight you with your weakness."
"What?" Gray narrowed his eyes as the soldier's fists erupted in fire and approached him. "I don't like fire wizards."
Mirajane transformed into her Sitri Satan Soul before startling. "Elfman?" She shook her head. "No, it's not him. Evil Shower!"
"Manly, manly, manly." The robot chanted as it dodged her attack and counter attacked. "Take-Over! Beast Soul!"
Mirajane grunted as she was sent flying back. "EVIL EXPLOSIONS!"
"Mira, you missed!" Erza's eyes widened before getting punched in the face.
"No I didn't." She said as her mouth became tight. Erza smirked as she came to realization.
"What?" Gray asked before he was thrown back by the explosion.
"Ugh!" Erza groaned as she hit the wall. She unsteadily stood and surveyed the damage. "Oh no, Master's not gonna be happy about all the damage..."
"Did I get him?" Mirajane asked as her eyes moved back and forth. The Weakness machines disappeared.
"Assessment complete. Target locked." Wall said from behind Mirajane.
She whirled around. "No!"
"You didn't miss," Erza frowned, "he just flew out of the way."
"ANTI-MATERIAL LASER!" Wall cackled as he fired at Mirajane.
"MIRA!" Erza and Gray shouted as they dove towards her.
Mirajane screamed in pain as she was hit by the laser in the stomach. She flew a block away, completely out of commission.
"Is she dead?!" Gray exclaimed as he and Erza raced towards her.
"Hang on!" Erza cried as she lifted the battered Mage. "Oh no, she's barely breathing." Mirajane's clothes were burnt and her face was covered in blood. She didn't move.
"AHAHAHA!" Wall screeched as he exited Assault Mode.
"You're gonna pay!" Erza shouted as she sliced her swords at him. "Requip!"
Wall grunted as he got slashed with multiple swords. "Locked onto target. Fire."
Erza turned as he launched missles. She looked in surprise when they passed by her before her eyes widened in horror. "Wait! Gray! Look out!"
"Huh?" Gray faced her only to be slammed with the missles. "AHHH!" A huge cloud of dust covered the area.
"Gray!" Erza ran over to him. "Are you alright?"
He was on one knee. "Yeah, but damn missles broke my shield." He gestured to the broken ice.
"This guy is making me mad. Requip! Nakagami Starlight!" Erza let out a battle cry.
"I thought you didn't want anymore damage to the town?!" Gray sighed as he looked at the crumbling brick.
"Well..." She started before flying backwards in a fiery storm.
"Erza!"
"I'm fine." She wiped blood from her lip as she stood up.
"Guess I'll have to turn things up a notch." Wall frowned.
"What is he doing?" Gray muttered.
"Full on Assault Mode!" Wall's grin turned into a deadly frown.
"Ice Devil's Zeroth Long Sword!"
Wall froze in a block of ice before melting it. "Analyzing..."
"Creepy." Gray frowned. "Ice-Make-"
"Wait!" Erza held up a hand. "He's doing something." They watched the Machias as he pointed his cannon at them.
"Do you feel that?"
"Yes, that sudden surge in magic power..." Her eyes widened.
"ETHERION!" Wall shouted.
"ICE-MAKE SILVER!" Gray yelled a split second later before grabbing Erza. "Ice-Make: Shield!" He shielded them both as best as he could as the explosion obliterated the town. He gasped when he realized Erza was no longer with him. He grunted as the immense heat burned him both before a final explosion threw him in the air. A cloud of dust enveloped the town.
"Gray, are you alright?" Erza asked. She shakily raised her head before dropping it. She was wearing her flight armor, which was heavily damaged. She had shielded Mirajane with her body and the damage showed. Part of the building had fallen on her legs and torso and she had a giant gash on her head.
"I think so..." He grabbed his bleeding head as he tried to push the debris off of him. "On second thought..." He coughed up blood as he collapsed onto the ground. A large piece of metal had stabbed him in the stomach.
"What happened?!" Lucy and Wendy shouted as they swooped down.
"You're hurt!" Wendy's eyes widened in fear as she saw how much damage they had taken.
"Mirajane first." Gray and Erza said simultaneously.
"But you got hit with the Etherion!" Lucy exclaimed.
"We're conscious, though. Mira still hasn't woken up." Erza coughed painfully. "But please hurry. I can't feel my legs or lower body."
"Please don't be paralyzed." Wendy's eyes filled with tears.
"The town..." Lucy whispered with shock as she looked around them. "It's destroyed."
"The guild is still standing, though." Carla crossed her arms.
"I saw Freed put up an enchantment to protect it." Wendy said as she healed Erza.
"Did you guys win?" Gray asked.
"Yeah, Gajeel finished him off with his Dragon Slayer's Secret Art." Lucy grinned. "Looks like you won too!"
"What? No we didn't." Gray turned to see Wall broken into pieces. "Wait, what?"
"You must've destroyed him with that last spell." Erza said. "And I'm sure he got hit with some Etherion."
"BIG SIS!" Elfman cried as he sped towards them.
"Mira!" Lisanna flew down to the group. "Is she...dead?"
"No." Wendy said hurriedly. "But she's gravely injured."
"This is the power of the 12." Elfman's eyes widened. "Manly!"
"Not manly," Carla corrected. "Deadly."
"Wait, so let's think." Lucy mused. "Brandish and Wall have all been defeated."
"So who was the aerial team you were fighting?" Gray asked.
"Ajeel and the rest of his troops. Apparently, they came in two separate groups, so he just went with them after Erza blew up the others."
"Oh."
"Woohoo! 1/4 of the 12 is down!" Happy cheered.
"Yes, that's quite amazing." Carla smiled.
"It's only gonna get more difficult." Erza said with a grim frown. "And more dangerous. We haven't even encountered their more powerful wizards."
"True..." Lucy sighed dejectedly. "We're never gonna win this."
"Don't lose hope. We must win, so we can bring Natsu back." Gray put his hand on her shoulder. She nodded.
"You guys okay"?" Gajeel shouted as he and Lily approached them.
"Yeah, I just need to heal them." Wendy said.
He nodded. "I'm gonna tell Master." He and Lily flew off.
Lucy gasped as someone suddenly grabbed her. Gray watched in horror as she disappeared. "Lucy!"
"Well, well, we meet again, don't we?" Jacob smirked as he appeared before them. He was holding Lucy by her neck, slowly choking her. "I recommend you surrender, before things really get ugly."
"Leave Lucy alone!" Happy shouted.
"We'll fight him." Lisanna said firmly as she and Elfman stood protectively in front of the group. "You guys are too injured."
"Let's see if he's a real man." Elfman smirked as he cracked his knuckles.
"Go! Get them to the guild hall." Lisanna shouted. "We'll rescue Lucy."
"We owe you!" Wendy shouted as she carried Mirajane back to the guild. Carla grabbed Erza and Happy grabbed Gray.
"No, Carla!" Erza groaned. "Go back. I can still fight."
"Erza, you are clearly injured, just let them do this. I have faith in them." The white Exceed said.
"But Lucy-" Gray started.
"Lucy's gonna be okay." Happy smirked. "She's pretty strong. But don't tell her I said that."
"Exactly. And Elfman and Lisanna are more than capable. We need to focus on healing you guys. I heard Master say Porylusica is here." Wendy said as she carried Mirajane into the guild hall. "Master!"
"Wendy. How bad is it?" Makarov asked worriedly.
"I'm fine!" Erza exclaimed defensively.
"No you're not! Now stop and just let me heal you!" Wendy shouted in annoyance.
"Child! Control your emotions!" Carla scolded.
"I'm sorry..."
"No," Erza shook her head, "you're right."
"Give me Erza." Porylusica said. "I'll see if I can do something about her paralysis." She grabbed one of her many medicines.
"I'll continue to heal Mira." Wendy decided as she tended to her.
"What about me?" Gray grunted in annoyance.
"I'll heal you with the power of my love!" Juvia smiled as she hugged him tightly. He groaned as she put pressure on his stomach. She immediately jumped back.
"I don't think that's gonna work..." Carla made a face.
"Drink up!" Porylusica demanded as she shoved the medicine at Erza.
She gagged. "It smells so bad."
"You humans are such babies!" She poured it down her throat. Erza choked on the pungent medicine.
"H-Hey guys." Mirajane groaned as finally woke up. "What happened?"
"Well, you got hit by Wall's laser." Gray explained. "And then you got hit with the Etherion, but Erza did her best to shield you."
"Thank you, both of you." Her eyes watered slightly. "I would've been finished if you guys hadn't come." They smiled at her. "And thanks, Wendy, for helping me." The petite Mage giggled.
"Now I can help you, Gray." Wendy said.
"About damn time." He grumbled. "I'm so sick of getting stabbed."
Wendy tugged out the piece of metal and started healing. "You're gonna be okay. I probably should've done this earlier, though."
"I'm starting to regain feeling." Erza stated as she slightly raised her leg.
Porylusica sighed in relief. "It'll take a while, but hopefully you'll be back to normal soon."
Mest teleported in. "Zeref's troops are inching closer. Laxus, Sting, Rogue, and the Thunder Legion are prepared to deal with them." Makarov nodded.
"Guys! We got Lucy!" Elfman shouted as he ran into the guild hall, carrying Lisanna. His eyes widened as he saw his sister. "MIRA!"
"I'm okay." Mirajane smiled lightly. "What's wrong with Lisanna?"
"That stupid guy knocked her out. She's okay, though." He set her on the table.
"I'm glad you both are okay." She sighed in relief.
"Manly hug!" He tackled his sister in a bear hug.
Lucy shuffled behind them slowly with a soft smile. "Aw, that's sweet."
"Are you okay?" Happy asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Her eyes shifted to the ground.
"Why do you all look burnt?" Erza's eyes narrowed.
"Natsu paid us a visit..."
"What did that hothead do this time?!" Carla rolled her eyes.
"He beat up Jacob pretty bad before I forced him back. Elfman dealt the final blow, though."
Gray snorted. "Idiot."
Natsu popped up. "I heard that you pervy Popsicle!"
"Wanna go, Dragon Breath?"
"Be quiet!" Erza commanded. "We have no time for foolishness! Natsu, go back, and Gray, calm down."
"Yes ma'am." They said meekly.
"Another one of the 12 down." Happy cheered.
"Hopefully we'll continue with our winning streak." Wendy smiled.
"Hopefully." Erza muttered as her eyes widened.