In the massive chamber of the castle, with the enormous green demonic fire in the center; Wendy, Mira, Elfman, Cana, Levy, Freed, Bickslow, and Evergreen all continued to hang in their chains. Most try to struggled, but the chains suppressed their ability to use magic, so all their struggles were futile.

Wendy: You think they're all going to be okay?

Mira: They'll be fine, I know it.

Elfman: Those guys are real men, they can handle whatever that creep Vergil throws at them.

They heard a door open at the far end of the chamber and they saw Vergil walk inside; however, all the wizards became shocked when they saw whom he was carrying with him. He was dragging the unconscious Erza, Lucy, Juvia, and Loke, all bound in the same kind of chains that the others were restrained in, restricting their magic as well.

Freed: No way... He took down Erza?

Levy: Lucy! Juvia!

Bickslow: Is that Loke? 

Vergil walked to the far side of the chamber to an empty cage and threw in the four unconscious wizards before closing the cage shut.

Cana: You bastard!

Wendy: Why are you doing all this? Why are you capturing everyone?

Vergil: (turned to his prisoners) I suppose you should now. There are two reasons why I've taken these actions. The first is that Dante is now a member of your guild, so you would have undoubtedly tried to aid him, and even if he wasn't, you most likely would have interfered in my plans, so the logical choice would be to remove all potential threats.

Evergreen: So you're just getting us out of the way?

Vergil: Yes. Now for the second reason; you are to serve as an audience.

Mira: Audience?

Cana: For what?

Vergil: You shall see soon enough. 

He heard a faint sound, which carried the noise of an incoming rocket. Out of the corner of his eye, a small rocket was soaring towards him; in the blink of an eye, Vergil flashed Yamato, and the rocket was sliced in half before both halves fell to the ground.

All eyes set on the entrance of the chamber where they saw three familiar Devil Hunters enter the room.

Wendy: Kat! Lady! Trish! 

Lady: You got some nerve pulling a stunt like this, Vergil.

Vergil: (gave them a lightly glance) Oh, it's only you three. I'd forgotten you were here.

That earned a glare from the three of them.

Trish: Oh you are about to notice us now, you freak.

They both quickly pulled out their pistols and Revenant as they opened fire. Trish's bullets were charged with electricity, so they exploded when ever they hit something.

Vergil vanished as soon as the bullets were shot. Both female Devil Hunters ran to where he last stood and saw him running up the wall of the massive chamber and opened fire once more. He seemed too fast as he ran and the bullets all hit the wall just a second behind him. 

He even ran ontop of the ceiling of the wall, surprising many of the captured wizards. As soon as Vergil was directly over them, he shot himself straight down. He landed in between them, the landing created a force that blew Trish to the far right; Kat to the far middle; and Lady to the far left.

Lady quickly recovered and flashed her rocket launcher. She pulled the trigger, but Vergil suddenly appeared in front of her and aimed the rocket launcher away, causing the rocket to veer in the wrong direction. In a sudden flash, Vergil used Yamato to slice the rocket launcher in half, he then gave a hard kick to Lady's abs and sent her flying to the wall.

Vergil saw an incoming light out of the corner of his eye and blocked Trish's strike with the Sparda sword that she charged with her blue lightning.

Vergil: You aren't worthy to wield that sword.

Trish: (sarcastic) You're one to talk, I'm sure Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you.

Vergil pushed her back before he pressed onward. She was able to block his relentless attacks with her sword, but she was defiantly on the defensive end as he didn't give her an opening to attack. 

She tried to slice horizontally, but he ducked out of the way and quickly swerved to her side, grabbing Trish by the hair he twirled her around and threw her straight at the recovering Lady. They both hit the wall hard.

Vergil then sent an energy wave with a slice of Yamato that cut into the wall, and large pieces of debris fell onto the two of them, pinning them to the ground. The sound was what woke Lucy, Loke, Erza, and Juvia; it didn't take them long to deduce what was happening.

The two struggled in the rubble, and saw Vergil standing over them.

Vergil: How pathetic, and you call yourselves Devil Hunters.

Kat pulled out a silver-colored longsword. The blade is long and double-edged, with the forward-facing edge curving outward to form the guard. The handguard is is designed to resemble a vortex that reverses at the center of the handguard. The pommel carries a round piece that almost resembles a face. This is Kat's main weapon, Defiance. 

Kat: The Vergil I know would never hurt a girl, even if one of them is a reformed demon. You're too cocky to know that. 

Vergil: (walks towards Kat) You should've let Dante kill me, and ran away to get more power to avenge me. Maybe then, you would've understand. 

Kat charges at Vali as they both lock blades with each other.  

Kat: You bastard!

Vali: Still mad at me for what happened? Don't blame me, it was your fault letting emotions get the better of you.

Kat: Shut up!

Kat pushed Vergil back as she tried to do a vertical slash, Vergil however blocked it with Yamato. Vergil then kick Kat in the gut, causing her to be sent flying into a wall. 

Vergil: (holds Kat with Yamato near her throat) To think I would have feelings for you. 

Kat: (crying) Vergil, please don't do this. I still love you, and I know you still love me. Just stop all of this, please. 

Vergil: This is the path I've chose, Kat. You could've left Dante alone, but now this is the end. 

Before Vergil could deliver the final blow to Kat; there was a massive firey blast on the other side of the chamber that blew a massive hole in the wall. Accompanying the blast was a familiar yell.

Trish, Loke, Erza, Elfman, and the Thunder Legion: (thoughts) That can only be one person.

Wendy, Lucy, and Mirajane: Natsu!

The fire cleared and the Fire Dragon Slayer stepped down into the chamber, glaring at Vergil.

Natsu: Vergil! I've been looking for you!

The blue-clad Devil turned to the Salamander.

Vergil: Natsu Dragneel. I was hopping you'd find your way here, your sense of smell is quite extraordinary.

Natsu: Thanks for the praise, now I'm gonna kick your ass so hard, you're gonna go flying straight to the moon!

Wendy: Natsu, be careful! He's a lot stronger than he looks!

Natsu: So I heard.

Vergil: You should head that warning; you are one of Fairy Tail's strongest, but you cannot hope to defeat me.

Natsu's hands both lit on fire. 

Natsu: Let's see if you can back up that talk, you prick.

Kat: Natsu, no! I'm telling you, there's no way you can beat him!

Natsu: (to Vergil) I hate the fact that you kidnapped my friends. I hate it, that you still have the nerve to call yourself Dante's brother after all you've done to him. And I really hate that cocky attitude of yours. (his flames got bigger) So I'm gonna have to take you down a few notches. Hear me Devil Boy?! LET'S DANCE!!!

Vergil: (releases Kat) Well then, Salamander, show me the true destructive potential of your power.

Natsu yelled as he flew forward. He charged with a firey fist and attempted to punch Vergil, but he only made contact with the ground (leaving a crater) as Vergil vanished. 

He reappeared behind him, but Natsu quickly gave a roundhouse fire kick; actually making contact with Vergil's face knocking him back.

 Natsu jumped forward and made several successful punches to Vergil's chest before reeling back with a series of fire punches that all hit Vergil like a machine gun.

Natsu: Fire Dragon Wing Attack! 

Natsu's arms were engulfed in flame as he sent them forward and they hit Vergil, exploding on contact. Natsu then appeared directly under Vergil.

Natsu:  Fire Dragon Talon! 

A hard kick to the jaw sent Vergil flying straight upward. Natsu blasted fire from his feet to propel himself into the air and above Vergil as soon as he stopped in the air. 

Natsu: Fire Dragon Roar! 

Natsu unleashed his breath attack, hitting Vergil and sending him plummeting straight back to the ground, causing a small explosion. Natsu landed back on the ground, on his feet soon after.

???: Do you take me for a joke, Natsu? 

The dust cleared and Vergil was standing, without so much as a scratch on him; surprising almost everyone watching. 

Vergil: I have heard of your destructive capabilities, but those flames that you just attacked me with, they couldn't even melt a marshmallow.

Natsu: What?!

Vergil: I know you are stronger than this however. It would appear though, if I am to get your full strength, perhaps I may need to beat it out of you.

Natsu: I'll show you! (ran towards Vergil)

Lady: No, you idiot, he's baiting you!

Lady tried to warn him, but her warning fell on deaf ear. Natsu was right above Vergil. 

Natsu: I'll burn you to a crisp! 

He lit both his hands on fire and prepared to smash Vergil from above, but he vanished just as both Natsu's fists hit the ground, leaving an impression. 

Vergil appeared behind Natsu again and he rolled out of the way to avoid Yamato's strike. Vergil sent two vertical waves towards Natsu with his sword's slashes, but Natsu was able to swerve out of the way.

Natsu: Fire Dragon Brilliant Flame! 

Natsu threw multiple large fireballs straight to Vergil.

Vergil: Summoned Swords!

Vergil created multiple energy swords and sent them forward. All of them intercepted the fireballs, causing them to explode, forcing Natsu to shield his eyes. A few soared out of the smoke and straight to Natsu, who was barley able to avoid them. 

Vergil then came forward with a sword thrust. The force of his attack sent Natsu flying back to the other side of the chamber. Natsu then came flying straight out of the dust, with fire propelling him from his feet.

Natsu: Fire Dragon Sword Horn!

Natsu head butted Vergil in the gut and two were flying for a couple seconds, only for Vergil to grab Natsu's head and flip him over and have him hit the ground. Natsu saw Vergil in the air just above him as he readied Yamato to impale Natsu as he fell, but he rolled out of the way. 

However, Vergil then appeared behind Natsu as he got up and gave an upward slice with Yamato right at Natsu's back, causing him to yell as the force sent him back. Natsu grunted as he slowly got up. All the captive wizards couldn't take their eyes off this battle.

Levy: Vergil is going on par with Natsu!

Freed: Of course, he was strong enough to defeat Erza.

Wendy: He can do it, Natsu can beat him!

Bickslow: Come on Natsu, take that creep down!

Elfman: Yeah, show him what makes a real man!

Lucy: Get him Natsu!

Loke: Take him down!

Kat, Trish, and Lady were both quite surprised to see Natsu last this long against Vergil; though they both knew he wasn't at his full strength yet. Vergil meanwhile looked at his katana, where he only saw little bits of blood on the blade.

Vergil: (thoughts) Interesting, normally a cut like that would have cut right through the bone, but I only barley penetrated the surface. (looked to Natsu) If I cannot cut through his defenses, then I will break them down. (speaking) Beowulf! 

Vergil quipped his demonic gauntlets and grieves and flew straight at Natsu. He was able to react quickly enough to avoid the first attack, but Vergil was able to get a good kick from behind, knocking Natsu back. 

As soon as Natsu got up, he saw Vergil soaring straight for him and couldn't dodge a kick to Natsu's face, followed by a punch to the jaw and another punch to the abs; causing Natsu to fly backwards and fall to his hands and knees.

Natsu: Damn. He's fast and hits like a freight train. (thoughts) I'm gonna have to rely on all my senses to fight him. 

Vergil continued to circle him with Beowulf's speed.

Natsu's mind: Come on! Sound, feeling, scent; I can do this! Focus! 

He closed his eyes and allowed his other senses to take over, after a few seconds...

Natsu: Gotcha! 

Natsu gave a punch, which Vergil was just barley able to avoid; he was somewhat surprised at how close Natsu came. As soon as Natsu's elbow was right behind Vergil's head, Natsu smiled.

Natsu: Fire Dragon Flame Elbow! 

A stream of fire shot out from Natsu's elbow and engulfed Vergil's head, forcing him to jump back.

Vergil charged forward, with his right gauntlet fist reeling back. Natsu prepared a similar attack with his fire fist.

Natsu: Fire Dragon Iron Fist! 

Both fists collided, creating an explosion that forced everyone around to close their eyes. Vergil jumped back and observed the right Beowulf gauntlet. 

It's metal was red hot and smoking; his hand could feel the impact through the gauntlet. He looked to Natsu who painfully held his right hand as it was pulsing red. 

Natsu: Aw geeze! That really hurt!

Vergil: Impressive. Your attacks are stronger now; I wouldn't expect anything less. Amongst the humans, Dragon Slayers are possibly the strongest. But you are still a human, and cannot hope to defeat a devil such as myself.

Lucy: (deadpans)There he goes again with the cocky attitude.

Loke: You surprised? He's clearly insane.

Erza/Juvia: Agreed. 

Natsu: Before I kick your ass, there's something I've gotta ask you.

Vergil: Yes I am aware I am half human. How many times must I explain this?

Natsu: That's not what I wanted to ask.

Vergil raised his eyebrow. 

Natsu: That bird demon, Griffon, said your dad knew the Dragons.

That comment earned a surprised look from every wizard present, especially Wendy.

Natsu: He even knew Igneel, is that really the truth?

Vergil: So he told you, did he? Yes, my father did indeed know the dragons and even mentioned Igneel frequently to me and Dante in our childhood.

Natsu was surprised at that. 

Vergil: The story often says that Sparda faced off against the demon hordes single-handedly, and that was true. When he was still in Mundus' army two thousand years ago, he arrived at Earthland on his first time. Igneel and the many other dragons fight against the demon army but all of them have been defeated by Sparda, including Igneel, Grandeeney, and Metallicana.

Natsu head a shock expression on his face. Dante's dad defeated Igneel, the Fire Dragon King? The wizards also had shock expressions as well, especially Wendy she heard Grandeeney. 

Vergil: But then Mundus uses his dark powers and mind controlled the dragons as his slaves. When Sparda decided to protect human world, Mundus send the dragons to fight him. But Sparda defeat them again and saved them from his mind control. People say Sparda won alone, but that is an exaggeration. Make no mistake; my father was indeed one of the most powerful demons of the Demon World, able to go on par with the Demon King, Mundus. However, for all his strength, he could not defeat thousands upon thousands of demons alone; so he sought aid in the Dragons, most notably Igneel. In the final battle Igneel and the other dragons fight against Mundus' generals so that Sparda can fight him one on one. It was a war between Dragons and Demons, in the end Sparda and the Dragons were victorious; he and many wizards, and even a few dragons sealed Mundus and locked the Demon World away from the Human World.

Natsu: (whispered) So Dante's dad did know Igneel. 

Wendy: (thoughts) If Sparda knew Igneel, did he know Grandeeney too?

Vergil: Before you ask, I do not know the current whereabouts of your 'father' Igneel. Nor do I know that of Grandeeney or Metallicana, for I never met a dragon face-to-face. But I don't understand why you would care so much for a being that abandoned you.

That struck a nerve in Natsu. 

Natsu: Shut the hell up!

He came forward with another firey punch, but Vergil grabbed his wrist and pulled him into a kick that sent Natsu back.

Erza: Natsu! He's only trying to get in your head, don't listen!

Trish: He likes to talk, just block it out!

Natsu: (got up) Oh don't worry, the only sound he needs to worry about is my fire turning him to ashes. Fire Dragon Roar! 

Natsu unleashed his breath attack.

Vergil: Darkslayer!

Vergil's sword glowed blood red, as did a light aura around him. He flashed his katana forward and sliced the large stream of flames in half, surprising everyone present. 

As soon as the flames stopped he zoomed in front of Natsu and gave a knee to the jaw before grabbing him by the hair and throwing him to the other side of the chamber.

Vergil: As a Dragon Slayer, the strongest of most humans, you should be able to understand the importance of power, as it's the only thing that matters in this world. Friends, family, emotion, these are all mere obstacles that block your path, and must be discarded.

Natsu slammed his fist onto the ground, silencing Vergil.

Natsu: Power's the only thing that matters huh? That's the biggest load of bull! Friends and family aren't things that you just toss aside like garbage, you should protect them! We fight for the lives of the people we care about! (got up) Our bonds are what drive us and make us stronger! THAT'S WHAT MAKES US HUMAN!!! 

Natsu's body was engulfed in flame as he jumped straight for Vergil.

Vergil: You fool. Igneel has never be able to defeat my father. So what's the change for you to defeat me?

Natsu: It's because I'll never give up until I stop fighting, and everyone is safe and happy! Fire Dragon Iron Fist! 

Natsu's fist made a beeline for Vergil's face, but he blocked it with Yamato and made a slice that gave Natsu multiple bleeding cuts up his arm; they weren't deep enough to be fatal or leave scars, but they still hurt. 

Vergil gave a solid kick to knock Natsu back and then sent a massive sword slice that barreled straight for him. Natsu couldn't react in time, so he closed his eyes and waited for it to hit; however, a large wall of ice suddenly appeared in front of Natsu. 

It shattered when the slice-wave hit it, but the wall caused it to stop. Vergil was somewhat surprised, but that left him open for a metal pillar to stretch forward and hit him, causing him to slide backwards.

All the wizards, as well as Lady and Trish, were surprised at what they saw. In front of the kneeling Natsu stood none other than the Iron Dragon Slayer, Gajeel; and the Ice-Make Wizard, Gray.

Levy/Wendy: Gajeel!

Juvia/Lucy: Gray!

Happy: (flew to Natsu) Natsu! You okay?

Gray: He's fine. Go help Juvia and the others.

Happy: Aye sir! 

Happy flew towards the cage that contained the bound Juvia, Lucy, Loke, and Erza.

Carla: (flew to Wendy) Wendy! Are you alright?

Wendy: Carla! I'm fine.

Carla: Hang on child, I'll have you and the others out shortly. 

The white cat then flew to the lock of Wendy's chains and began to pick at it with her claws. Vergil looked at the two wizards that were standing near the downed Natsu, glaring towards the blue-clad Son of Sparda. 

Vergil: So I have more challengers, very well then, if your entire guild wishes to wage war on me, then come at me.

Gray: Geeze, I turn my back on you for two seconds and you're getting your ass kicked.

Natsu: Oh drop dead. Let me handle Vergil, you two stay out of this.

Gajeel: No deal, I wanna piece of that punk too. He's not messing around; he's a real monster. You can definitely tell he's Sparda's kid cause he got his blood running through him.

Gray: Looks like we're gonna have to fight him together then.

Natsu had a comical look of anger on his face as he shot up. 

Natsu: No way! I don't need you guys help! I can take him down on my own!

Gajeel: Take a good look at him, Salamander. Look in his eyes. 

They saw the cold and darkness in Vergil's stare. 

Gajeel: That ain't the look of normal person; that's the look of a guy who will kill you without thinking twice about it.

Gray: That guy may be Dante's brother, but he couldn't be any more opposite from him. And if he's strong enough to take Dante down; then the only way to beat him is if all three of us gang up on him.

Gajeel: If we wanna save the guild, we gotta stop him here and now. Every stronger member of the guild has been easily taken down by him, he even defeated Erza and Mira. Don't you get it? We're the only ones left who can stop him. 

Natsu was forced to coincide to their point as he stood up. 

Natsu: Fine, but this is the only time I work with you two.

Gray: Fine.

Gajeel: Whatever.

The three wizards glared at Vergil as he glared at them to; all watched the stare-down that was taking place.

Lucy: You think they can beat him? I mean; Natsu, Gray, and Gajeel are each strong on their own, so maybe together they can pull it of?

Happy: They can do it! (he tried to remove their chains, with no results so far) They're three of Fairy Tail's strongest, there's no way Vergil can beat them.

Juvia: My beloved Gray cannot loose! There is no one stronger than him!

Kat, Trish, and Lady could only stare with great intensity; because they both knew that Vergil was not at his full strength yet.

Vergil: Well?

Natsu, Gajeel, and Gray: Let's kick his ass!

They all flew directly at Vergil.

All three began to lay on a furry of punches and kicks, Vergil was able to block each of them at an inhumanly fast pace. 

In less than a second, Vergil reared back Yamato and then thrusted forward a blue energy wave that forced all three back.

Natsu: Fire Dragon Roar!

Gajeel: Iron Dragon Club!

Gray: Ice Make: Lance!

All three attacks barreled straight for Vergil, but he avoided all three by jumping high into the air. It seemed this attack was anticipated as Gray was preparing an attack with a bow made of ice. 

Gray: Ice Make: Arrow! 

Gray fired three large ice arrows straight for the airbond Vergil, but he gave a fierce slice that cut all three arrows in half; however, he couldn't see Gajeel who had leaped onto the wall and was now parallel to him. Gajeel jumped forward, rearing back a punch.

Gajeel:  Iron Dragon Hard Fist! 

Gajeel gave a good solid punch to Vergil's face, sending him plummeting to the ground. 

As he recovered he saw Natsu charging at him from his right.

Natsu: Fire Dragon Wing Attack! 

With the thrust of his arms, Natsu sent multiple flaming waves at Vergil.

Vergil: Summoned Swords! 

Vergil sent more energy swords forward, which cut Natsu's attack in half, and hit the ground in front of Natsu, creating an explosion to force him back. Gray then suddenly appeared behind Vergil. 

Gray: Ice Make: Hammer! 

Gray created a large hammer and gave a swing from the right, hitting Vergil dead on and sending him flying straight for the wall. 

Vergil recovered to see Gray coming forward with a large Ice Gauntlet rearing a punch. Vergil swerved underneath Gray's punch as it hit the wall, creating a large impression in the wall; Vergil gabbed Gray by the back of the head and forced his face into the wall.

Gajeel: Iron Dragon Club! 

A large club outstretched from Gajeel's right arm and hit Vergil in the side; however, he quickly recovered and jumped onto the iron arm; he ran at incredible speeds and in no time was right at Gajeel preparing a slice.

Gajeel: Iron Dragon Scales! 

Just as Vergil's Yamato hit Gajeel it bounced off slightly as his body was now coated in iron scales. Gajeel grabbed Vergil's shoulder and threw him off.

Gajeel: Iron Dragon Roar!

Gajeel unleashed his breath attack straight for Vergil.

Vergil: Darkslayer!

Vergil repeated the same move he did with Natsu's breath attack and cut Gajeel's attack in half. But Natsu was now directly behind Vergil and he couldn't react quickly enough to stop what was coming.

Natsu: Fire Dragon Iron Fist! 

Natsu punched Vergil hard in the back, right in the spine. Which sent Vergil straight up in the air where Gray met him.

Gray: Ice Make: Prison!

Gray created a large cage made of ice, which fell down with Vergil and trapped him. 

As soon as Vergil recovered he flashed his sword and quickly cut his way out of the cage.

Gajeel: Iron Dragon Sword! 

Gajeel's right arm morphed into a sword with blades at the edge, which acted like a chainsaw and he flew straight for Vergil. 

They both swung their respective swords at each other in an epic sword fight; Vergil had the speed advantage, which he pressed on, putting Gajeel on the defensive end; but Gray quickly landed next to Gajeel.

Gray: Ice Make: Sword! 

Gray created his own sword made of ice and swung at Vergil, forcing him to quickly block the attack; Gajeel then followed along with Gray in attacking. 

Vergil's speed prevented him from getting cut, but as both Gray and Gajeel pressed forward with their own swords, Vergil found himself unable to get an opening. 

Vergil: (thoughts) Damn it! Taking three at once is a bit more trouble than I thought. I guess I have to use it after all.

Vergil unsheathed Yamato and stabbed it into the ground. 

Vergil: Doppelgänger!

Vergil powered up with a blue aura surrounding his body and his eyes glowing blue as two clones of himself have been ripping themselves from his being: two doppelgängers.

Gajeel: (shocked) The hell?!

Gray: (shocked) He can create clones of himself?!

Natsu: That form... It almost looks like Dante's.

Vergil: I see you saw Dante undergo that transformation too, this is what I called Pseudo Devil Trigger.

Vergil and the two doppelgängers charged at them. Vergil fights Natsu while the clones battle Gray and Gajeel. They began to overwhelm them with their demonic powers and Devil Arms.

Vergil: Such a shame. You had a three against one advantage but your friends couldn't be my doppelgängers. Don't worry, (raised Yamato) I'll put an end to your suffering.

Vergil was about to swing Yamato down on Natsu, however, he caught it with his fist engulfing his hand. 

Vergil: (gasped) 

Natsu: (smirk) Hate to break it to ya, we won't go down that easily. 

Vergil then noticed his clones when frozen solid by Gray's magic before Gajeel cuts them into pieces with his sword. When he locked blades with both of them, Natsu was just above him preparing a massive fireball.

Natsu: Fire Dragon Brilliant Flame! 

Natsu threw the fireball just as Gray and Gajeel jumped back. It made a direct hit, creating an explosion, which sent Vergil into the air.

Gray pressed the advantage they now had. He placed the right side of his fist into his left palm and a blade formed on his right hand and left elbow. He leaped straight for the airborne Vergil. 

Gray: Ice Blade: Seven Strike Dance!

With multiple twirls, Gray was able to land seven successful blade slashes at Vergil, sending him flying in the opposite direction, where Gajeel was waiting for him.

Gajeel: Iron Dragon Lance: Demon Logs! 

Gajeel's arm turned into an iron spear and he thrusted multiple green energy spears that flew to Vergil like bullets, all of them hit him dead on, and he fell to the floor on his back. 

Vergil got up to his knee, but Gray appeared behind him and placed a hand on his right shoulder.

Gray: Freeze! 

Vergil's body was then completely covered in ice. He jumped back.

Gray: Natsu! Gajeel! NOW!!!

Natsu: Fire Dragon...

Gajeel: Iron Dragon...

Natsu/Gajeel:  ...ROAR!!!

Both Dragon Slayers unleashed their respective breath attacks as they made direct contact with the frozen Vergil and exploded in a massive furry of Fire, Ice, and Iron. All three wizards stood together with defiant looks on their faces. Everyone looked at this with smiles.

Elfman: Alright! That's what I'm talking about!

Loke: They went a little overboard, but I'm not complaining.

Cana: You guys owned that bastard!

Wendy, Happy, Levy, Lucy, Bickslow, Evergreen, Freed, and Mira: They did it!

Juvia: Gray, my beloved, you were amazing!

Carla: My... such power. 

Erza had her own smile of relief as well. However, Kat, Trish, and Lady both looked to each other with looks of concern, knowing that it wasn't over yet.

???: I must admit, that was exhilarating. 

A voice spoke from the cloud of smoke; all the wizards looked shocked as they heard that voice. The smoke cleared to reveal Vergil, his blue robe was torn a bit, but other than that he was only covered in a few minor scratches and bruises, and still standing tall. 

Vergil: But as I said before, humans cannot defeat a Devil like me.

Natsu: (shocked) What the hell?! He's only a little hurt?!

Lucy: (scared) All that... and he... only has a few... scratches...?

Gray: (frustrated) Come on! We pored everything we had into that!

Levy: (frightened) If that... couldn't beat him... what will? 

Wendy: (shocked) Just how strong... is he?

Carla: (shaking) He is... the Son of Sparda... after all.

Gajeel: (surprised) But how? I don't get it... I know that he's crazy strong and all; but we whipped out a ton of Dragon Slayer Magic combined with Gray's Ice-Make Magic on him! How is he still standing?!

Vergil: "Power". That is what I have been saying all alone, power is the only thing that matters. So allow me to show you the power that I have, the power passed on from my father, the power that will allow me to take both worlds as my own.

His eyes closed as a dark blue aura formed around him and blue wind began to circle around him at intense speeds; forcing Natsu, Gajeel, and Gray to cover their faces a bit.

Happy: Woah! What's happening to him?!

Erza and Mira both saw this and were shaking with fear as they could feel the power. They both had felt this power before and they knew exactly what was coming next. The blue wind circled Vergil more and more as a blue glow began to cover his body.

Trish: GUYS!!! GET BACK NOW!!!

Lady: You're no match for him when he's like that!

Gray: What are you talking about?!

Kat: She's right! You have to get out of there! 

A large flash of blue light; forcing everyone to cover there eyes. When the light subsided; all could look in shock, and most trembled, at what stood in Vergil's place.

Natsu: (frighten) You've gotta be kidding me.

Gajeel: (shocked) No way.

Vergil's body no longer had its human appearance; he had now, once again, attained his demonic form for he had activated his Devil Trigger. One look from his glowing blue eyes made everyone tremble.

Vergil: Now, I shall show you my true destructive power. 

The demonic Vergil quickly zooming to all three wizards and blasting them all back to the far side of the chamber, all three smacked against the wall.

Gray was amongst the first to recover only for the demonic Vergil to appear in front of him and blast him further back. Gray quickly got back on his feet.

Gray: Ice Make: Shield! 

Gray created a shield that took the shape of rose pedals, but Vergil zoomed through it, shattering it like it was nothing. 

Gray looked in shock as his face was inches from Vergil's demon face. He gave the swipe of his black Yamato blade; creating a massive energy wave, that sent Gray soaring to the wall that was near the imprisoned wizards and he smashed into the wall, leaving an impression before falling to the ground face first.

Juvia, Loke, Lucy, Elfman, and Freed: GRAY!!! 

Gray laid on the ground.

Gajeel: Iron Dragon Club! 

Gajeel tried to hit Vergil from behind with his club but he vanished and quickly reappeared in front of Vergil and gave a slash in the back, resulting in him yelling pain as he rolled away. 

He got up on his knees but Vergil thrusted his black blade forward, creating multiple, dark blue energy slices that soared to Gajeel.

Gajeel: (thoughts) I don't believe it, he's cutting through my scales! 

Vergil finished by zooming forward with his outstretched blade and reappearing behind him. Two seconds later, a large slash cut away the last of Gajeel's scales as he yelled in agony.

Levy, Wendy, and Bickslow: GAJEEL!!!

Gajeel fell.

Gajeel: You piece of...! 

Vergil turned to see Natsu coming right at him with a flaming fist.

Natsu: Fire Dragon Iron Fist! 

However, his look became one of shock as Vergil caught the fist in his hand with minimal effort. He squeezed his hand, crushing Natsu's fist and causing him to scream in pain

Vergil: I've had enough of you, Natsu Dragneel. 

The Devil Trigger Vergil he flung Natsu to the other side of the chamber, leaving a large impression that he stuck into.

Happy: Natsu!

Everyone could only look in honest horror as Vergil just took down three of Fairy Tail's best like this; even those like Erza, Mira, Kat, Lady, and Trish, who had seen this power before, but still couldn't believe how strong it was.

Wendy saw all this and was scared out of her mind, but then, something sparked in her. She had just become a part of this family, and she was not about to loose it like this. Carla had finished picking the lock, unlocking Wendy's chains. She fell slightly before running a bit straight to Vergil.

Wendy: (thoughts) Even if he is Dante's brother, I won't let Vergil get away with this! 

Wendy ran towards Vergil.

Carla: Wendy! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!

Wendy: Sky Dragon Roar! 

Wendy unleashed her breath attack that went straight for Vergil, who turned his head slightly to the attack. There was a large explosion of Sky Magic where Vergil once stood. 

Wendy took a few deep breaths as she watched the smoke cleared, when it did, no one was there, much to Wendy's surprise.

Wendy: (whispered) Where is he?

Lucy: WENDY!!! BEHIND YOU!!!

Wendy turned around to see the Devil Trigger Vergil slap Wendy across the face and send her flying and crashing into the wall.

Carla, Lucy, Trish, Erza, Levy, Mira, and Cana: Wendy! 

Wendy recovered but fell to her knees as she held her cheek where Vergil slapped her. Tears already began to fell as it hurt badly.

Vergil: Foolish girl. Even after witnessing my power, you still defied me. Very well then, you've proven to me that you are a nuisance, now die.

Vergil flew forward with his black Yamato at the ready. Wendy screamed as he came close to her and she closed her eyes.

Most of the Wizards: WENDY!!!

Vergil came right to her.

*Slash*

Wendy knew she heard a sword slice, but she didn't feel anything. Everyone all looked in shock at what just happened. Gajeel and Gray had just recovered to see what just happened, even the Devil Trigger Vergil raised an eyebrow in minor surprise. Wendy slowly opened her eyes, once she saw it, her eyes widened in absolute shock.

Wendy: N-N-N-Natsu...

Natsu was standing in front of Wendy, expanding his arms like a cross-formation and exposing his chest. Vergil was in front of Natsu, his blade down. He had just taken the hit for her.

Natsu: (struggled) I won't... let you... hurt my... sister.  

Once he finished, a diagonal red line formed on his chest before blood all sprayed out of it.

Happy, Erza, Lucy, Levy, and Mira: NAAAATTTSSSUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Natsu slowly fell backwards.

Gray, Loke, Freed, Evergreen, Bickslow, Makarov, Elfman, Cana, Kat, and Trish: NATSU!!!  

Natsu slowly came closer to the ground.

Gajeel and Lady: SALAMANDER!!! 

Natsu fell right in front of Wendy, who had a look mixed with terror and surprise as tears streamed down her eyes.

Vergil: How foolish. I knew he wasn't the smartest, but to do something as stupid as that... I'll never understand these guild wizards.

Wendy then held Natsu's head as he coughed up blood. She looked in horror as she saw the older brother she never had in so much pain; covered in this much blood.

Wendy:  tears came down her cheeks) You... you... monster... How could you...?

Vergil: He stood in front of my attack, it was not intended for him.

Gray: YOU PIECE OF CRAP!!!

Happy: YOU MONSTER!!! 

Happy angrily flew straight to Vergil seeking revenge for Natsu, but the devil grabbed Happy and thrown him away.

Vergil: How pathetic, to think you can stand against me? 

Vergil then grabbed Wendy by her shirt before he raised the Yamato.

Vergil: Don't worry, Wendy, you'll be joining Natsu next.

Vergil was to delivery a final blow to Wendy, until...

???: BACK OFF!!!

Vergil's face than had a boot planted on it; forcing him to let go of Wendy. A hand then reached down to Vergil's side and snatched something. With a large blade's red slice, Vergil was forced back quite the distance.

All the wizards looked in surprise as they saw a familiar red jacket, on a man with white hair land gracefully on the ground, in front of the bleeding Natsu, Wendy, and Happy.

Wendy and Happy: Dante! 

They were both happy to see him.

Lucy: I never thought I'd be so happy to see him.

Lucy and everyone else all gained smiles at seeing him. However, the only one not smiling (other than Vergil) was Dante himself. He could see all of this, and especially seeing Natsu, saying he was full of anger would be an understatement. 

Dante: ...

Vergil: Hello brother.

Dante: Vergil. (held out his hand) You dropped something. 

His hand held his red amulet, earning a surprised look from the Devil Trigger Vergil.

Vergil: Give that to me.

Dante: No way, you've got your own.

Vergil: Well, I want yours too.

Dante turned to all the wizards present. 

Dante: You guys are probably wondering why this thing is so special? (held out the amulet) Vergil's also got one like this; our mother gave them to us on our eighth birthday. Oh and get this, they are both halves of the key that unlocks the door to the Demon World.

That earned a surprised look from everyone present (with the exceptions being Vergil, Kat, Trish, and Lady).

Erza: What?

Wendy: That's... the key... to the Demon World?

Dante: Yeah, my Dad wasn't exactly the best planner; probably should have hidden it in a volcano or something.

Vergil: Originally it was a key to the Demon World, but it was given to humans as a gift. I would agree that it wasn't the best plan our father had came up with.

Dante: (turned to Vergil) One question. Why? (gestures to the Fairy Tail wizards) Why involve them? This was between you and me. It had nothing to do with them!

Vergil: Since you joined their guild, it was evident that they would have interfered, whether you would ask or not. I only sought to remove them so they wouldn't interfere.

Dante clenched the fist that held the amulet. 

Dante: I'm sorry, guys. I'm sorry I brought this all on you. But I promise, that I'm gonna make it right starting now.

Everyone all watched as Dante slowly walked to his brother's Devil Trigger appearance.

Vergil: One last time, give me the amulet.

Dante: You want it? Come and take it. 

He closed his eyes and a red glow formed around him. Red wind began to circle him and engulf his body, it began to glow a brighter red until there was a bright red flash; forcing everyone to cover their eyes. Once the flash was done, all the Fairy Tail wizards could look in complete surprise at what was now standing in Dante's place.

His body was mostly red; save for a black chest, it looked like he still had a red jacket that was now a part of his skin, which now had scales on it. He also had black lines that were near his legs. His feet were red claws and his hands were black claws. He had two large black bat-like wings on his back. He had a black face with silver horns and glowing yellow eyes. His right hand held Rebellion which was a black sword now.

Dante: What do you think? Not too shabby?

Vergil: So you to have your Devil Trigger, now.

Dante: Of course, we are the Sons of Sparda. Within each of us, flows his blood. But more importantly, his Soul! And my soul, is saying that it wants to stop you!

Vergil gave a dark and ironic laugh. 

Vergil: Unfortunately, our souls are at odds brother. (clenched his fist) I need more power! 

Dante: And we're supposed to be twins.

Vergil: Twins... right...

Dante began to glow a dark red, while Vergil began to glow a dark blue as both Devil Trigger brothers stared each other then. Dante motioned his right claw to come forward. 

Dante: Come on, Bro. Let's go.

Chapter 18 ended.