Era, Magic Council Chamber
Back to the magic council, voices overlapped and arguments continued as they cut across one another.
"We cannot fire Etherion on pure speculation!"
"And we cannot ignore the possibility of the R-System reaching completion at the Tower of Heaven!"
"It is a forbidden ritual," Another councilor snapped, slamming his staff against the floor. "We end this in a single strike and be done with it."
"And annihilate an island in the process?" Another shot back, rising halfway from his seat. "You would burn civilians along with criminals?"
Robes flared as council members turned on one another with papers scattered across the central table where they continued to discuss the firing of Etherion.. Four votes had already been cast in favor of activating Etherion, while five stood against. Each side spoke over the other, voices rising, reason bending under urgency.
At the center of it all stood Siegrain. His hands were braced against the table. Irritation burned behind his composed expression. Desperation flickered beneath it. He could feel control slipping.
Ultear watched from her seat, fingers resting lightly on her armrest. Her posture was calm while her eyes were not.
Elder Yajima leaned forward, knuckles white against the carved wood of his chair. "Enough!" Yajima's voice thundered through the chamber, silencing several members at once. "This bickering serves no one. We have already voted against the use of Etherion. Now we must find another solution based on the current facts."
A few councilors nodded but Siegrain's jaw tightened. "Wait!" He pushed back from the table and rose fully to his feet. "You people don't understand the true situation!"
Several eyes rolled. "Do not embarrass yourself further, Siegrain," Org said sharply. "You have lectured us quite enough. There is a path to peaceful resolution that does not call for needless bloodshed."
"A peaceful resolution?" Siegrain's composure cracked. His voice sharpened. "Talking about peace is a waste of time when I know what Jellal's true plan is."
The chamber stilled and every head turned.
Michello leaned forward, gaze cutting. "You claim to possess more information about the man. Then speak clearly. What is Jellal attempting?"
Silence settled across the marble floor.
Siegrain exhaled slowly. He could feel their doubt pressing against him. If he revealed this, there would be no turning back. "From the information I have acquired," He began, lowering his voice deliberately, "Jellal is attempting to use the R-System… to resurrect a calamity."
A murmur rippled outward.
"The resurrection of whom?" Org demanded.
Siegrain did not blink. "He plans to resurrect the Dark Wizard Zeref."
The reaction was immediate as several councilors shot to their feet.
"Impossible."
"What madman would attempt such madness?"
"You dare speak his name here?"
The chamber's air grew heavy. Even the rotating lacrima above seemed to hum louder. Siegrain continued, steady and controlled. "Jellal's true plan is to revive the Black Mage Zeref. History's most powerful and destructive mage."
Yajima's gaze hardened. "And your source?"
Siegrain met his eyes. "I have been observing and have known of Jellal for some time. His movements. His associates. The pattern is undeniable."
Accusation flickered across the table.
"You withheld this until now," One councilor said bitterly. "Until you were cornered."
"I waited until certainty," Siegrain replied without hesitation.
Another councilor struck the table with his palm. "If there is even a fraction of truth in this, we cannot hesitate."
"The resurrection of Zeref cannot be risked," Someone else said quietly.
"Even if the island is lost," Another finished.
Yajima rose to his full height. "You speak of annihilating lives as though they are numbers!" His voice shook with anger. "There are people on that island!"
"And you would gamble the fate of the world if this is true?" Siegrain fired back. "If Zeref returns, what then? What number do you assign to that catastrophe?"
The words cut through the chamber.
Ultear's voice entered smoothly, precisely and controlled. "Time is not our ally. The magical concentration at the Tower continues to rise. We must vote again on the necessity of Etherion."
No one argued as one by one, hands lifted and the count shifted. Eight were in favor and one opposed. The result hung in the air like a final sentence.
Org straightened in his seat. "The Council authorizes Etherion. The firing sequence will commence in one hour."
The lacrima arrays overhead flared in acknowledgment. Light intensified. Deep within the Council's foundation, massive conduits began redirecting power toward the upper alignment chamber.
Chairs scraped against marble. Robes swirled. Councilors moved with urgent purpose.
"Activate the outer focusing array!"
"Stabilize the convergence channels!"
"Begin charge calibration!"
Within moments, the chamber emptied and only three remained.
Siegrain, Ultear and Elder Yajima. The silence that followed felt heavier than the argument had.
Yajima descended from his seat slowly. His small boots echoed sharply across the marble floor as he approached Siegrain. "You forced their hand," Yajima said, voice low but tight with fury. "You waited until fear would do your work."
Siegrain did not step back. "I presented them with the truth."
"Truth does not absolve you."
Ultear watched from a short distance, gaze shifting between them but she did not intervene.
Yajima turned and stayed silent until he found his words. "If Etherion fires, that island will cease to exist. Everyone there. Criminal or innocent will die." His voice rose. "Are you prepared to take responsibility?"
Siegrain finally turned fully to face him. "Yes."
There was no pause.
Yajima's anger flared hotter. "Responsibility for the paperwork? For the procedure? Or responsibility for the lives that will be erased?"
The question struck the chamber harder than any shout before it.
Siegrain's expression did not change. "I will have my answer soon enough."
Yajima searched his face for doubt. For guilt. For hesitation but he found none.
Above them, the chamber lights dimmed as Etherion's core began its charge cycle. A deep hum rolled through the structure, steady and growing.
—------------------------------------
Tower of Heaven, Lower Floors
Wind tore through the massive breach in the tower wall, rain slashing sideways as thunder rolled across the darkened sea. Broken stone framed the opening where Tamamo stood alone, five tails swaying slowly behind her.
Below, the ocean churned violently and Tamamo narrowed her eyes. "So," She murmured softly, watching the water twist inward. "You are not finished."
The Kraken's massive form shifted beneath the surface. The glowing cyan patterns across its body pulsed erratically, brighter than before. The pressure in the air thickened. Even the rain seemed to become more erratic.
Tamamo felt it through her divine senses as the beast's magic began to expand then shrink with the pattern repeating almost as if it was being refined. 'Is it about to show its true power?' She thought, golden eyes sharpening.
Then the sea in front of the Tower of Heaven split by pure force as water parted in a straight line from the Kraken's position, walls of ocean rising unnaturally high on both sides. Then something black rose from that divide. A humanoid body emerged from the water, standing upright on the now waterless ground.
Tamamo's eyes widened slightly. "Oh?"
The creature that stepped forward was no longer the colossal sea-beast that wrapped around the tower. Its upper body was muscular and defined, built like a warrior. Its skin was slick and textured, faintly squishy in movement, glowing with faint blue bioluminescent patterns that traced along its chest, arms, and shoulders. Its face was monstrous with turquoise eyes that burned with focused intelligence. A mouth of jagged teeth parted slowly with thick tentacles hung from its jaw, swaying and twitching. More tentacles coiled from its back and lower body, some dragging through the ground, others curling through the air with restless motion. Each one moved independently.
Tamamo tilted her head, rain sliding down her cheek. "You shed your bulk," she said lightly. "How thoughtful. It will be much easier to burn you." She jested with a smile.
'This feels different.' She thought as this became more of a hassle. The oppressive pressure had changed. It was no longer wide and overwhelming. It was now sharp and directed. But before she could analyze further, the humanoid Kraken vanished.
Tamamo's pupils tightened. 'It's Fast.' Without hesitation she raised both hands. "Layered Flaming Wards." Magic circles flared around her body in stacked formation. Pale pink barriers snapped into place, one over the other with Cursed flames spiraled outward in a defensive halo.
But the air cracked as the Kraken reappeared directly in front of her and its fist was already moving as the first barrier shattered instantly. The second followed before the sound of the first fully faded. The third cracked in half under raw physical force. The fourth splintered like brittle glass and Tamamo's eyes widened slightly as the final layer broke.
'It's physical body became much stronger.' She thought as the fist continued forward and drove directly into her stomach. The impact detonated through her body as air left her lungs in a sharp burst as her vision snapped white for half a second.
Her feet left the floor and Tamamo was launched upward through the broken ceiling, stone exploding around her. She tore through one floor, then another, debris raining down behind her.
Her mind snapped back into focus mid-flight. 'It's transformation gave it a physical enhancement beyond the previous form.' She then twisted her body midair, attempting to stabilize.
But the Kraken blurred again and reappeared above her as a tentacle lashed out from its back and wrapped around her ankle.
Tamamo's eyes flashed. "Release me, Takoyaki." She said as cursed flames erupted from her body, burning the tentacle clean through.
But the Kraken was already moving as it drove downward with both fists.
Tamamo crossed her arms just in time as the strike slammed into her guard and drove her up through another floor as stone collapsed around them, pillars snapped and dust filled the air.
They then crashed into a higher chamber in a storm of debris as Tamamo skidded across broken tiles, claws digging into stone to stop herself. Her breathing steadied instantly as she lifted her head slowly.
The humanoid Kraken landed lightly a few meters away, tentacles curling behind it, eyes locked onto her with cold focus. No mindless rage, only pure killing intent.
Tamamo's lips curved upward. "…I see." One of her tails flicked. 'It learned.'
The monster vanished again but this time Tamamo did not wait as she snapped her fingers. "Curse Step." Her body dissolved into violet flame a split second before the Kraken reappeared where she had been standing, its fist crushing the floor into a crater.
Tamamo rematerialized behind it midair.
Five tails flared wide. "You wish to fight as a warrior?" She asked softly, eyes gleaming. "Very well." She thrust both palms forward, cursed fire compressed into a focused beam and fired directly at its back.
The Kraken twisted unnaturally fast.
A tentacle rose and intercepted the blast, burning away instantly, but the main body was untouched.
'It sacrifices its limbs to protect the core.' But then the severed tentacle regrew in seconds, bioluminescent veins pulsing brighter shing that nothing was actually lost.
The Kraken then lunged as it drove forward with calculated precision, combining fist and tentacles in coordinated assault.
Tamamo quickly erected a barrier. But that shattered instantly. Luckily she conjured chains that wrapped around the monster's body. Only for it to snap under tension as the Kraken's knee drove into her side. Pain lanced through her ribs as she countered with a magic blast to its jaw.
The impact sent the creature skidding backward across the fractured floor. For a brief moment they stood apart again. Rain poured through the shattered walls. The tower groaned under continued strain.
Tamamo straightened slowly. Her smile faded slightly. 'It has condensed its magic into pure combat efficiency.' She wiped a trace of blood from the corner of her lips.
The Kraken's turquoise eyes glowed brighter and it lowered into a fighting stance as Tentacles coiled tightly behind it, ready.
Tamamo let out a soft breath. "…How exciting." Her sixth tail began to stir. The pressure in the chamber dropped. The storm outside intensified. And above them, the Tower of Heaven continued to tremble.
—-------------------------------------------------
Tower of Heaven, Highest Floor
On the top floor as Jellal sat upon his throne in silence. Below him, the engraved ritual circle glowed faintly. Energy coursed through the structure. He could feel it building. Aligning and nearing completion as only two things were missing. But Jellal wasn't worried as they were coming here without him having to do anything.
He closed his eyes briefly. 'It's almost time.' Then he stood and his cloak fell into place behind him as he stepped down from the throne. "It is about time," He said calmly, voice echoing through the vast chamber. "For this game to end."
A familiar voice answered from the entrance. "Was it truly fun playing such games with people's lives?"
Jellal did not turn immediately as he knew that voice and a faint smile curved his lips. "Of course it is," He replied lightly. "Life on its own is empty. Boring. Without conflict, without tension, without despair… there is no meaning." He then turned slowly. "It has been a while, Erza."
She stood at the entrance of the chamber, armor gleaming by the light. Her eyes were steady. "…Jellal."
For a moment, neither moved as memories flickered unspoken between them.
Jellal's gaze traced over her. "You could have escaped whenever you wished. You were never truly restrained."
Erza did not look away. "I didn't come here to run." Her voice then hardened. "I came to free my friends."
Jellal's smile widened. "You may take them if you wish," he said casually. "They are no longer necessary. The Tower of Heaven is complete."
Erza's brows knit slightly.
"Complete?" she repeated. "Won't Etherion come and destroy this place soon. Was all you said a trick?"
For a fraction of a second, something flickered in Jellal's eyes. Then he laughed softly. He reached up and lowered his hood, revealing his face fully in the ritual light. "Oh don't worry, Etherion will fall," he said.
'Why isn't he worried?' Erza's grip tightened on her swords. "Why are you so calm?" She demanded. "Didn't you spend all your life on the construction of this tower?"
Jellal's eyes gleamed with quiet confidence. "You assume I would build this tower without considering interference?" he asked. "Etherion is merely another piece on the board."
Erza's jaw set. 'It doesn't matter. Whatever madness he had planned, I will end it here.' She then summoned two blades into her hands in a flash of light.
Jellal laughed openly this time. "You truly believe you can stop me?" His magic flared outward, pressing against the chamber walls. "You will be the sacrifice, Erza," he declared. "The vessel that opens the path to Zeref. It is your destiny."
But Erza's eyes sharpened. "I decide my own destiny."
Magic erupted between them.
Jellal extended one hand. "Five Elemental Magic." The air around him shifted violently. Flames ignited behind him. Water spiraled at his side. The floor cracked as stone rose in jagged ridges. Wind whipped around his body. Darkness pooled beneath his feet like a living shadow. "You have thirty minutes," he said calmly. "Before Etherion descends." His eyes narrowed. "So let us make the most of them."
Erza's lips curved into a faint smile. "Thirty minutes is more than enough." Her confidence caused Jellal to pause. "Even if Etherion falls," She continued, blades rising into guard position, "my friends will be safe."
That made him frown slightly as she knew something that he didn't. 'Where does that certainty come from?'
But she offered no explanation as she moved first. Erza lunged forward in a burst of speed, blades cutting for his midsection.
But Jellal raised his hand. "Dark Grab." Two massive shadow arms burst from the floor beneath her, lunging upward.
Erza twisted mid-air, slicing one arm cleanly apart. The other wrapped around her waist and tightened as Jellal clenched his fist and the arm constricted.
Erza's eyes hardened as she swapped armor instantly. The binding cracked as she shifted into her Giant Armor, brute strength tearing through the dark limb before she flipped forward and drove both swords down toward him.
Jellal stepped back. "Dark Vanish." A pulse of darkness exploded outward and Erza felt the magic wrap around her. For a split second, her body felt pulled inward but she reacted immediately as Heaven's Wheel Armor replaced her previous set, dozens of blades forming around her in a defensive ring.
The implosion shattered against her rotating swords as she landed lightly.
Jellal extended his arm again. "Dark Rondo." A wave of ghostly specters burst from his palm, shrieking as they rushed her.
Erza crossed her blades. "Scatter." Her swords launched outward, cutting through the ghosts in rapid succession. Explosions of dark energy rocked the chamber causing the floor to crack under the impact.
But Jellal did not pause. "Bind Snake." A glowing serpent-shaped mark formed along his arm before slithering across the air itself. The snake wrapped around Erza's torso instantly, tightening around her arms and legs. Her muscles strained as the dark construct constricted.
Jellal's eyes gleamed. "Submit."
Erza's breathing steadied. She closed her eyes for a brief second. Then her armor dissolved as the Clear Heart Clothing formed in its place.
The snake tightenedA and snapped. But her sword magic surged outward in a clean wave that shattered the dark construct completely.
Jellal's expression sharpened. 'She's gotten stronger.' He thrust both hands forward. "Paradise of Sins." A dark sphere formed between them. It expanded rapidly, swelling outward before rupturing into dozens of writhing, tentacle-like shadows that rushed toward Erza from every direction.
But Erza did not retreat as she leapt forward into the attack. Switching armor mid-motion, she appeared in Adamantine Armor as the tentacles crashed into her and the chamber shook violently as explosions erupted on contact and smoke filled the air.
When it cleared Erza stood within the crater, armor cracked but intact and later dismissed it instantly with Two blades reappearing in her hands. She then charged while Jellal created a spear of darkness,and ended with both their weapons colliding as steel rang against condensed magic.
Wind tore through the chamber as Jellal followed up with a burst of fire and water simultaneously, forcing her to dodge and counter in rapid succession. Earth pillars erupted beneath her feet as she later had to vault from one to the next, cutting through a wave of darkness mid-air.
Jellal's mind raced. 'Her movements are much sharper than I thought with no hesitation. Guess I should have expected this with how she able to defeat Ikaruga so easily.''
Erza pressed him relentlessly, switching armors between exchanges. Each transformation adapted to his element shifts. Fire-resistant plating. Wind-enhanced speed. Earth-breaking strikes. Their magic clashed in violent bursts, cracking pillars and splintering the ritual floor beneath them.
"Is this all?" Erza demanded, blades crossing against a wave of dark energy.
Jellal's expression hardened. "You have grown," He admitted quietly. But then his magic deepened as darkness pooled heavier around his feet. "But I have as well."
The chamber trembled.
—-----------------------------------
Tower of Heaven, Middle Floors
The corridor was no longer recognizable as stone walls had collapsed. Pillars lay shattered. The air burned with heat and drifting black sand. Cracks ran across the floor where earlier clashes had torn the structure apart.
At the center of it stood Natsu and across from him, the Black Sand Knight with its red jewel embedded in its chest pulsed steadily, faint streams of black sand spiraling around its armor and the greatsword rested in one hand, angled downward.
Neither moved but then the Knight raised its free hand as Black sand erupted outward and condensed instantly into dozens of razor-edged weapons—spears, scythes, blades—all suspended midair.
Natsu grinned, flames flaring hotter around his body. "Still got tricks, huh?"
The weapons were then launched at once.
But Natsu inhaled deeply. "Fire Dragon King's Roar!" He then unleashed a torrent of red flames forward. The incoming sand weapons vaporized on contact, turning to glass and then to nothing as the dragon king fire consumed them and the heat further scorched the remaining walls.
But the Knight was already moving as it stepped through the fading flames, greatsword raised with the blade coming down in a heavy arc.
Natsu quickly crossed his arms, flames reinforcing his guard as the impact blasted him backward several meters, sandals carving trenches in the cracked floor. He then sprang forward immediately as the Knight swung again in a horizontal cut as Natsu ducked under it and drove a flaming punch into its armored ribs which caused the black sand to scatter.
But the Knight did not stagger as it reversed its grip and thrust the greatsword forward, only for Natsu to twist his body, the blade grazing past his shoulder, heat clashing against hardened sand.
He then retaliated with a rising knee coated in red fire that slammed into the Knight's chest causing the jewel to flicker and the Knight countered instantly as its armored elbow drove into Natsu's jaw.
Natsu grunted, skidding back before launching himself forward again without hesitation. They entered pure close-quarters combat as the Knight swung its greatsword one-handed, each strike precise and efficient. Natsu met every blow head-on as he blocked with his forearm wrapped in dragon king fire. He slipped past cuts and drove punches into joints. He headbutted the helm and kicked into the torso causing black sand to be sprayed outward from every impact.
The floor beneath them cracked deeper with each exchange. "Stay down already!" Natsu shouted.
But the Knight answered with action as it released its sword for a split second and drove its fist forward, a vortex of sand spiraling around the strike, Natsu quickly answered with his own punch with a vortex of fire surrounding it.
The moment their fists collided, a shockwave exploded outward. The surrounding walls collapsed entirely under the pressure. Debris blasted away from the epicenter as both combatants were launched in opposite directions.
Natsu crashed through a broken pillar and rolled before slamming his hand into the ground to stop himself. Across the chamber, the Knight stood up immediately, sand reassembling where its armor had fractured.
Natsu pushed himself to his feet. His breathing was heavier now and sweat ran down his face. "That thing just won't quit…"
The jewel in the Knight's chest glowed brighter as it stepped forward again.
Natsu's eyes hardened. "Fine." He then planted his feet firmly. "This ends now." He brought both arms together in front of his body, flames roaring louder as they gathered around his forearms. Red dragon king fire wrapped around him, spiraling upward.
Igneel's voice echoed in his mind. (Do not hesitate. Finish this.)
Natsu grinned fiercely. "I wasn't planning to!" He swung his arms outward in opposite directions. "Fire Dragon King's Secret Art!" The air distorted under the sudden spike in temperature. "Crimson Lotus: Exploding Flame Blade!" Natsu swept his arms in a circular motion.
A massive torrent of condensed red dragon king fire erupted outward in a sweeping arc, expanding into a violent barrage of flames that engulfed the entire chamber.
The Black Sand Knight raised its greatsword to block but it was too late as the flames consumed it completely. Black sand disintegrated instantly under the intensity. Armor melted. The vortex around its body collapsed. The jewel flickered wildly as the fire tore through it.
The interior of the tower ignited and everything within the blast radius was scorched. When the flames finally dissipated, the chamber was hollowed out, walls blackened, floor cracked open to the core beneath and the knight was gone.
Only heat and drifting ash. Natsu stood there for a few seconds, breathing hard. Then the tension left his body all at once as he dropped to a seated position on the cracked floor. "…Man," He muttered, wiping sweat from his forehead. "That thing was something else."
Inside his mind, Igneel's voice responded calmly. (This battle could have become a much more dangerous battle if the environment was in a desert. Sand-based entities draw greater advantage there.)
Natsu snorted. "Doesn't matter. Desert or not, I wouldn't lose." He leaned back on his hands, chest rising and falling heavily. But then Natsu frowned. "…Huh?" He then noticed something strange. The scorched wall where his flames had burned deepest no longer looked like stone and metal.
The outer layer had cracked away entirely as behind it were blue crystals. Smooth, solid and glowing faintly.
Natsu stood slowly and walked closer. He then knocked on it with his knuckles which caused it to ring with a sharp crystalline tone. "The heck is this?"
Igneel's voice shifted slightly. (Looks like Lacrima to me.)
Natsu blinked. "Lacrima?"
He looked around. Where the stone and metal shell had burned away, more of the structure beneath was exposed. The entire interior core of the tower was a massive pillar of blue lacrima, extending upward beyond sight. The walls they had been fighting inside were only a covering.
Natsu scratched his head. "So… the whole tower's made outta this stuff?" Natsu crossed his arms, staring up along the towering crystal core. "…What's the point of building it like this?"
Igneel did not answer immediately but the faint hum of magic running through the lacrima became more noticeable now that the outer shell was gone.
Power pulsed upward toward the highest floor.
Natsu narrowed his eyes. "…Whatever they're doing up there," he muttered, pushing himself back to his feet, "it can't be good."
—---------------------------------
Tower of Heaven, Base Level
Far below the scorched middle floors. Far beneath the shattered corridors and collapsing chambers. At the very foundation of the tower, where the outer stone shell had long since fallen away, the true structure stood exposed.
A colossal pillar of blue lacrima stretched upward through the core of the Tower of Heaven, humming with stored magical energy. Veins of light pulsed through it rhythmically, feeding the ritual above.
For a moment, everything was still. Then a faint red glimmer flickered against the crystal surface revealing the shattered remains of black sand that trickled downward through cracks in the structure, settling at the base. Amidst the drifting debris, something small rolled across the fractured floor.
It stopped when it touched the exposed lacrima, a red jewel. The monster core of the Black Sand Chimera, cracked and flickering as its glow was now dimmer from its battle with Natsu. But not extinguished as the jewel pulsed weakly once. A thin strand of red light stretched outward from its surface, touching the blue crystal beneath it.
The lacrima reacted immediately as the hum shifted in tone and the place where the jewel made contact darkened slightly, the blue light dimming as if something were drawing from it.
The jewel pulsed again, this time stronger as the red light seeped into the crystal surface like spreading veins. Thin crimson lines crawled upward along the lacrima's interior, barely visible at first. Then more appeared as the deep blue glow of the tower's core began to distort as a patch of crystal turned violet. Then darker until it turned red with the corruption spread outward in branching paths, crawling through the pillar's structure.
Meanwhile the jewel brightened in response as its cracked surface mended itself slowly, thin fractures sealing as it absorbed energy from the lacrima.
The tower trembled faintly. Above, the ritual circle flickered for a split second before stabilizing again. At the base, the jewel lifted slightly from the ground, suspended by its own power.
Red Crystals began to reform around it, not in large quantities, but enough to swirl in tight spirals, feeding back into the gem with more of the blue lacrima continuing to shift in color. Patches of deep red appeared within the crystal mass, spreading upward through the core like a silent infection.
The tower's internal magic flow began to change. Where once it pulsed evenly toward the ritual chamber, now something else flowed within it.
The jewel's glow intensified, alive and aware. Not to its previous strength. But stronger, even surpassing its previous power. The red light climbed higher into the structure, threading itself through the heart of the Tower of Heaven.
—---------------------------------
Tower of Heaven, Lower Middle Floors
The corridor shuddered again as loose stone slid from fractured walls and broke apart on the floor. Dust floated in the air, carried by cold wind rushing through gaps in the tower's shell. Beneath the broken stone and metal plating, the tower's true core showed through as blue lacrima pulsing with steady light, humming as power surged upward.
Lucy moved with the group, shoulders tight, keys rattling softly at her waist every time the floor trembled. Happy hovered close to her head, ears flattened, eyes scanning the dark openings ahead.
Gray was supported by Simon with one arm over his shoulder. Simon's steps were uneven, his breathing controlled but strained.
"I can walk by myself, you know," Gray muttered, annoyance cutting through the exhaustion.
Juvia immediately closed the distance, her hands hovering near Gray's arm and side as if she was already measuring where to lift him. "You are injured. Gray-sama should conserve his strength. Juvia can carry you if necessary."
"I said I'm fine."
"But you are bleeding."
"This is nothing." Gray tightened his grip and took another step, proving it through stubborn motion rather than words.
Simon let out a tired chuckle, voice hoarse. "Are you two always like this?"
Gray shot him a look. "Focus on walking."
Juvia leaned closer to Simon, eyes sharp. "Simon should not distract Gray-sama."
Lucy breathed out quietly, relieved despite herself. Hearing them bicker meant Gray was still awake.
Yuuka stayed a few paces ahead, revolvers down but ready, eyes scanning every crack in the corridor. She kept her pace steady, never letting the group bunch up as her focus didn't waver. "Too bad Tamamo stayed behind to fight the Kraken." Yuuka said, voice flat but honest. "She could've healed our injuries in an instant."
Lucy halted mid-step, head snapping up. "The what?"
Yashima answered without turning her head, calm as always. "The Kraken. It appeared outside the tower and began attacking us from the ocean."
Lucy stared at her. "There is a giant sea monster outside and you're telling me this now?!"
Uzume waved a hand dismissively, veil trailing behind her. "Relax. Tamamo's got it."
Ruby, perched on Akitsu's shoulders, nodded with complete confidence. "If she's serious, it's over."
Simon blinked, trying to understand the way they said it. "You aren't worried at all?" he asked.
Yashima shook her head once, hammer resting against her shoulder. "Not unless she decides to play around."
Simon exhaled slowly, frustration mixing with disbelief. He looked down the corridor, then up toward the floors above. The tower's hum felt louder now, constant, pressing against the back of his skull. "Another monster…" he muttered. "Where did Jellal even find these things? And how does he control them?"
Lucy glanced upward too, remembering the destroyed corridor, the hole blasted open to the ocean, the pressure of that monster of black sand. Her stomach tightened again. "Natsu is fighting one, as well." She said, voice firm even as she fought down the lingering fear. "A black armored knight with a red jewel in its chest. It was really strong…" She swallowed. "But Im sure Natsu can handle it."
Happy puffed his chest up, forcing bravado into his voice. "Aye! Natsu always wins!"
Simon nodded slowly, but his expression shifted. He focused inward for a moment, brows knitting. His lips parted as if he was listening to something no one else could hear. Then his face brightened. "…I can finally reach them."
Gray's eyes narrowed. "Who?"
"Wally and Millianna," Simon said, voice steadier now. "I finally managed to get through. I explained everything. About Jellal. About this tower. About what he's doing."
Lucy felt a weight loosen in her chest. "You finally got in contact with them."
"Yes and they aren't going to be attacking you anymore," Simon confirmed. "They understand and they apologized."
Happy grinned. "That's good!"
Simon's mouth twitched in a faint smile, then faded quickly. "They asked me to thank Natsu, for saving them though they said he was… terrifying."
Happy looked even prouder. "That's Natsu!"
Lucy let out a shaky laugh, then caught herself. She was glad there were no longer any misunderstandings. Glad that Wally and Millianna, Erza's friends, weren't enemies anymore.
Simon's voice lowered again. "They also found Sho. He's badly injured but they're bringing him here."
Lucy's expression softened. "Thank goodness…"
"But Erza…" Simon's gaze drifted upward, tension returning to his shoulders. "She's probably already alone at the top." His voice held real worry. Not for the fight but for the person she was fighting.
Yuuka answered without hesitation. "I wouldn't worry. Issei went up ahead."
Uzume shrugged. "Yeah, he said he would handle Jellal personally."
Lucy exhaled slowly, letting the air leave her lungs on purpose. "…Then she'll probably be fine."
Gray nodded once. "If that guy's up there, Jellal's in trouble."
Juvia nodded too, eyes narrowing as she remembered earlier battles. "Juvia remembers. Issei matched Master Jose."
Simon looked between them, trying to place that name in his mind. Trying to understand how a stranger could be spoken of with that kind of certainty. The tension quickly eased. Not fully, but enough that shoulders lowered.
Then the tower trembled as a violent crack split the floor as it exploded upward as stone and metal shattered in a burst of debris as a figure shot through from below and slammed into the wall beside them. The impact cracked the structure and sent fragments raining down.
Everyone jumped back instinctively.
Lucy's heart lurched. "What was that?!"
Dust rolled through the corridor in thick waves. The lacrima glow flickered beneath them as the debris settled and a familiar figure slid down the fractured wall and hit the floor with a heavy thud.
Pink hair, blonde fox ears and multiple tails, twitching from pain revealing it to be Tamamo.
Yuuka's eyes widened. "Tamamo!"
They quickly rushed to her as everyone was full of worry. Lucy dropped to her knees beside her first, hands hovering, unsure where to touch without causing more pain. "Are you okay?!"
Tamamo sat upright, holding the side of her head with one hand. Her clothes were torn in several places. Scratches marked her arms. One sleeve was ripped away. Her breathing stayed steady, but her expression had real irritation in it. "Ow… ow ow…" Tamamo blinked once, then once more, as if confirming she was still awake. "…That was rude."
Akitsu crouched beside her, eyes scanning for serious injury. Yashima stayed standing, hammer ready, watching the broken hole beneath them.
Tamamo waved a hand dismissively. "I am fine. Only a headache." She stood up carefully and brushed debris from her shoulders, then rolled her neck once. Her tails flared in annoyance. "That thing isn't playing fairly," she muttered. "It keeps rushing me. I am not fond of close combat."
Gray blinked, then frowned. "Are you actually weak physically?"
Tamamo turned her head slowly, her eyes narrowed. Gray's body stiffened immediately.
Lucy slapped Gray's arm without looking. "Not the time."
Gray clicked his tongue. "It was a question."
Yashima's frown deepened. "What happened to the giant Kraken?"
Tamamo exhaled sharply. "I was burning with ease until it suddenly transformed into something else."
Before anyone could ask further the floor shattered again as a heavier impact hit the level beneath, then the floor cracked as something launched upward. A figure landed on their floor with enough force to crater the stone. Lacrima fragments scattered outward.
The dust then cleared and they saw it. The humanoid Kraken stood in the broken chamber. Its upper body was muscular and built for violence. Dark, slick skin glistened under the lacrima's glow, etched with faint blue bioluminescent patterns. Turquoise eyes locked onto them without emotion. Its mouth parted slightly, jagged teeth visible, tentacles hanging from its jaw. More tentacles coiled from its back and lower body, some dragging along the fractured floor, others rising and curling in slow, deliberate motion.
The corridor went quiet as a pressure suddenly crushed their bodies as Lucy felt her chest tighten, Happy froze midair, wings still, Gray stepped forward instinctively despite his injuries, his hand already forming ice, Juvia's expression hardened, anger and protectiveness flashing across her face and Simon swallowed, his fingers twitching as if he wanted a weapon he didn't have.
"That's… the Kraken?" Yuuka asked, voice low.
Tamamo rolled one shoulder, still calm despite being thrown through floors. "Yes. It discarded its size for efficiency."
The Kraken then took one slow step forward and the floor cracked beneath its foot. Its killing intent was direct and focused.
Lucy felt sweat run down her neck. 'This thing is dangerous.'
Gray's mind sharpened as his irritation vanished. "Injured or not," He said, stance lowering, "we have to fight."
Yuuka drew both revolvers, barrels leveled.
Uzume's veil ignited, fire crawling along the fabric as she tightened her grip.
Akitsu's breath frosted slightly as cold gathered around her hands.
Yashima brought her hammer forward, planting her feet.
Ruby lifted her hands, magic building as she prepared to enhance her allies.
Juvia stepped directly in front of Gray without hesitation. "Gray-sama will not be harmed."
Gray clicked his tongue again, but he didn't argue. His eyes stayed on the Kraken.
Tamamo exhaled slowly, tails lifting behind her with renewed focus. "…It appears I will need assistance."
The Kraken's tentacles tightened as its body lowered slightly.