~*****~

"Man, I can't believe we're missing out on the fight of the century right now!" Natsu complained after I finally-- and quite unwillingly-- released him.

"Sorry but making sure our friends are okay is more important!" Lucy shouts.

"Yeah, I guess," Happy sighs.

"Hopefully, the others have found their way back to base camp. We need to regroup and figure out our exit strategy." Carla hummed.

"Don't forget Mest... I mean, Doranbolt, promised that he'd do his best to help us get off the island." Wendy chirped.

"Talk about a leaky vessel," Carla huffed.

I yawned tiredly and stretched my arms overhead. "That transformation took a lot out of me," I mutter irritably.

Natsu's head immediately snapped towards me. "You think you could turn into a full dragon yet?!" Natsu asked excitedly. "I mean, that new tail of yours was as hard as steel!"

I snort as I stare at him. "You do realize you're capable of doing the same thing, right? Gajeel can turn his skin into steel scales. In fact, I think you and Wendy are the only ones right now you can't even do that." I shrug.

"Why do you gotta say it like that?" Natsu complained. "Igneel didn't say nothin' about cool scales!"

I giggled. "Neither did Everest, it was just something I figured out when I'd become a mercenary." I pat his arm. "You'll get it one day."

Natsu grunts and pouts. "I think it'd be cool to turn into an actual dragon."

I laugh. "I'll try next time, but I think I prefer staying on two legs." I chuckle when I think of Everest walking about on her hind legs. "Imagine Igneel walking around on his back legs with his front just dangling in front of him."

Natsu choked on a giggle. "That'd be hilarious," Natsu chuckles. "Oh, man. He'd be pissed to hear you make fun of 'em like that!"

I hum delicately for a moment. "I don't doubt it, knowing your temper. You must've got it from him."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Natsu retorted quickly. "I don't get angry that quick!"

Ballad held up her hand. "You're already mad!" She chirped.

"Yeah, it doesn't take much," Happy agreed.

"WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU ON!?" Natsu shouted.

I chuckle. "It just means you're cute is all." Natsu grumbled irritably at my compliment.

~*****~

The island began to rumble as we ran along the path towards base camp. "What the heck is going on?!" Natsu bellowed.

"Please hurry, Carla!" Happy cried.

"You're behind me!" Carla snapped.

"We all gotta hurry and get back to camp ASAP!" Natsu shouted as my legs suddenly gave out, sending me sprawling to the ground. "What the--" Natsu gasped, trying to stop and help, but his legs gave out too.

"What's happening?" Lucy whimpered. "I feel like I just ran outta juice!"

"My legs just quit working..." Wendy cried. "What's wrong with me?"

"It's like-- something is suckin' the magic right outta me," I grimace as I try to lift my head. My head starts to swim from the horrible feeling settling in my gut.

"What gives... what's happening to all of us?" Natsu complained. "I can barely move. It feels like all my strength got sucked out of me."

"Didn't I just say that?" I groan, my face remaining firmly on the ground. "God, my heads spinnin'."

"Yeah, same here," Lucy whimpers. "I'd roll outta the way if I were you, Cana." I don't hear a reply and force my head up to stare. Cana just lays on the ground, motionless. "You okay? Cana? Come on, this isn't funny! You have to get up!" Lucy tries, but she ends up collapsing besides her.

"I'm so tired... My vision's blurry." Wendy whines. "Is this some kind of spell?"

"Why is everything spinning?" Happy asks as he teeters on his feet. "I just ate some fish, so I know I'm not hungry but I'm still dizzy. I'm done for. I can't go any further."

"I think we're losing all magic power. There's no other way." Carla groans.

I try to pull myself up. My arms are shaking violently as I squint harshly in the rain, trying to see anywhere we can get out of this rain. "Natsu--" I chirp, tugging on his arm. He doesn't respond right away, and I'm left feeling dizzier than before when my hearing doesn't quite keep up. I groan loudly and start trying to get to my feet. I stumble backwards and regain my footing after a few seconds. I groan louder and lean down, grasping at Wendy and the cats before tugging them to the tree line. Wendy and Lucy give me feeble complaints about me pushing myself, but I ignore them. It feels like it takes hours just to move everyone under a tree, and when I do, I collapse against the tree, peering out through my blurry eyes before I allow myself to rest, and attempt to focus on the intense battle raging somewhere on the island. It's the only magic I can sense.

Then, like a flood, my magic returns, giving me the strength to open my eyes. "I can feel it again!" Natsu chirps.

"Did something happen just now?" Lucy asked.

"My magic power's coming back." Wendy hummed as I turn my gaze up to the sky.

I chuckle. "Whatever happened, I'm sure we just gained another victory." I mention softly.

"Let's get to work!" Natsu cheered.

~*****~

"COME ON, GET THE LEAD OUT!" Natsu shouted. My head snaps over my shoulder and I glare back at Natsu. His face contorts and goes pale. "Right-- sorry-- a bit faster everyone!" He says in a terrified tone.

"I can't believe we all felt so horrible and weak just a minute ago!" Wendy complained.

"Yeah, speaking of, are you guys sure that we're totally back to normal right now?" Lucy chirped nervously. "I mean, we don't wanna rush into anything we're not ready for, right?"

"All I really care about is gettin' Gramps somewhere safe." Natsu retorted. "Plus, we won't have any clue what's going on with the guys back at camp until we can see 'em for ourselves!"

Happy started whining. "I don't know if I can make it. I might die of starvation before we even get there!"

"Get over it, cat! It's not like the rest of us have been getting three square meals a day, you know." Lucy retorted angrily.

"Maybe I'll just die from a sympathy overdose instead." Happy sighed.

"Actually, I'm kinda hungry, too. I haven't eaten any kinda fire since I had to swallow that nasty stuff that God slayer bozo was servin' up." Natsu retorted.

"Honestly, a bite of something would really help me out." Lucy agreed. "Cana's heavier than she looks."

"Wow, you'd better be glad she can't hear you right now." Wendy hummed. "Because that's kinda rude."

I beam. "That's our Lucy! Cute as a button, yet ruder than an old lady at the market!" I chirp.

"No, this is horrible!" Carla exclaims.

We all glance up in surprise. "We decided to fly up to get a better look at the island--" Ballad whimpered. "The great tree in the middle is snapped in half like a twig!" She began bawling loudly.

"We need to hurry to base camp. You two, fly on ahead and have them make up a spot for Master!" I shout to Ballad and Carla. They both nod and fly off with Happy right behind them.

We get to camp shortly after and it's enough to dampen anyone's spirits. "Whoa, it's a whole lot worse than I thought it'd be," Natsu mentioned.

"Yeah, it's awful." Lucy whimpered. "Even Gajeel and Mira went down!"

"Don't worry, guys, I'll use my Sky Magic to heal them." Wendy hummed.

"I'll help!" Ballad chirped.

I sit down against one of the crates and huff. "Hey, Natsu." I hear Lisanna chirp.

"Oh, I'm glad you're okay Lisanna!" Natsu sighed.

"Me, too! I was so worried about you!" Lucy hummed.

"I appreciate what you're trying to do, you two, but I'm not sure you can right now." Lisanna warns.

"Your magic power has been seriously overtaxed today." Carla agreed. "You need to rest for a little while."

"You know Carla's right, you guys!" Happy exclaimed.

"What the hell happened here?" I ask lightly.

Lisanna glanced over her shoulder and grimaced. "That man over there attacked us. And then all of a sudden, we lost our magic power. Like we were all drained at the same time. It was strange. Freed and Bickslow fought as hard as they could. But with everyone injured, we were already at such a major disadvantage." Tears flooded her eyes. "This is bad. I don't know what we're gonna do."

"H-Hey, don't cry--" I mention lightly. "We'll figure it out. So please, the waterworks are making me anxious."

Lisanna smiles and wipes at her eyes. "I know. I'm sorry. Thank you. I know we'll figure it out."

"They're gonna pay," Natsu growls. "I'll make damn sure of that."

"We have to try at least," Wendy says.

"And now we can count Master and Cana among the injured." Freed sighs.

"How'd they get the upper hand like this?" Bickslow asked.

"Grimoire Heart's ship is stationed right off the shoreline, just east of here. I propose this strategy. That we split our group into two separate teams." Lily explains.

"One team will be offence," Levy stated. "And one defense."

~*****~

I sat out in the rain, staring off into space as the others spoke lowly to one another. "She beat up Aria and Natsu without breakin' a sweat." Happy commented. My head snapped over my shoulder and I began glaring. "Right, sorry, she caught them off guard." Happy said in a frightened voice.

"Let's get one thing straight," Natsu put in. "Even if Gray does run into that cross-dressin' geezer, there ain't no way I'm gonna help him. He'll have to handle it on his own."

"Don't be a jerk!" Lucy snapped.

"All I'm sayin' is I know the guy, and he'll wanna kick her butt by himself without a buncha people getting in the way." Natsu retorted.

"You guys have known each other for a long time and it's pretty obvious you two share special connection." Happy teased.

"Don't try to make it sound dirty!" Natsu barked at Happy.

I laughed. "So the little salamander does have a dirty mind! I was thinking you guys were buddies all along!" I commented.

"I do not!" Natsu roared at me.

"So, uh, what's this about a cross-dressing geezer?" Lucy asked as I leapt out of the way from Natsu trying to start a fight.

"Remember that creepy, old man we met back on Galuna Island?" Natsu asked as I pressed my palm against his face to stop him. "Well, he can disguise himself as a hot chick!"

"What if she really is a hot chick and the old man was the disguise?" Happy asked.

Natsu snorted. "Nah, I'm tellin' ya, he's definitely got a Master Bob-like vibe to him. That she is a he."

I swat at his head. "Don't bring Master Bob into this, I'll kick your ass." I snap at him. I hum delicately and press my finger against my chin. "I wonder if Gray'll hit on him."

"We've got more important things to worry about right now, you guys." Lucy retorted. She turned around and flinched. "What the heck are you doing, Virgo?"

"Well, what does it look like, Princess?" Virgo asked. "I'm making pitfalls in case the enemy gives chase."

"No, I get that. But why the swimsuit?" Lucy shot back.

"I thought it would be fun to spice things up a little." Virgo responded calmly.

"For who?!" Lucy shrieked.

"Excuse me, Lucy," I hum almost haughtily. "But don't we have more important things to worry about right now than Virgo's outfit."

"I'll kick your ass!" Lucy barked at me.

"That was my threat..." I whine.

"Offense or defense?" Natsu asked. "We gotta pick one. So, what's our strategy, guys? It'd be a lot easier to figure out if you'd stop goofing off and get serious, Lucy."

"Don't you dare try to blame me!" Lucy shouted.

"Would you like me to punish her?" Virgo asked.

"Butt out!" Lucy snapped.

"Virgo is still so kinky. I wonder if it's your influence that's making her act this way." I comment dryly. "Goodness, you should focus on the task at hand, rather than when you're getting punished next."

Lucy roared and pulled off her heel to attack.

~*****~

"You know, storms are kind of relaxing," Lucy murmured shakily.

"Ya think so?" Levy asked. "They put me on edge."

"Goodness, you're really shaking over there, Lily," Ballad commented.

"I think I know why," Carla muttered. "He's afraid of thunder and lightning."

"Well, isn't that just precious?" Happy teased.

"I am not precious!" Lily shouted.

"There's nothing wrong with it, Lily," Ballad hummed. "I'm afraid of a lot of things. Aria says fear is what makes someone normal. Like how she's super scared of ghosts."

"I ain't afraid, I just think the dead should stay dead!" I snap quickly.

Natsu huffed as he stood up. "All right, then. I say we pay old Hades a visit. You with me?" Natsu asked.

"Aye sir!" Happy cheered.

"Just... the five of us?" Lucy whimpered.

"Hey, we're a team, remember?" Happy exclaimed.

"Yeah, I know that. But wouldn't Freed be a better choice?" Lucy asked.

"Thanks, but I need to stay here and write an enchantment." Freed explained.

"We'll stick around and make sure that the others can heal up." Bickslow added.

"I've done what I can here, so I'll go." Wendy chirps.

"You'll do no such thing!" Carla shouted.

"There gonna need every bit of support they can get in this fight!" Wendy fought back.

"I'll come too," Lily said quickly. "I owe him a beating for Gajeel's sake."

"Okay. I'll stay behind and help Freed with his enchantment." Levy states.

"I wouldn't be much help against Hades, so I'll keep an eye on the wounded," Lisanna added.

"It would appear we have a plan of action," Freed hummed.

"We'll hold down the fort while you guys go kick some butt!" Bickslow declared.

"Be careful, Lu." Levy says. "Come back safe and sound. You better, too, Aria."

"Now that my power's back, I'm ready to rumble!" Lucy exclaimed.

"Hades is the last opponent. Teach him a lesson." Lisanna stated.

"Let's show him why you shouldn't mess with Fairy Tail." Wendy chimed.

"If we do our very best we always win!" Happy cries.

"Now don't be overconfident." Carla mentioned.

"Yeah, a big head always trips you up." Ballad agrees with a laugh.

"Exceed squad move out!" Lily exclaimed in a shaky tone.

"Lets-- GO!" Natsu bellowed before literally charging into the forest. I gave a huff of amusement before running after him.

"Aria, wait a second!" I hear Lisanna call out. I hum curiously as Lucy and the others run past me. She grasps my arm tightly and beams. "Stay by Natsu's side for me, okay? When he has friends close by he becomes even fiercer. Stick with him and he'll be unstoppable."

I gaze at her for a second before nodding. "You got it." I say softly and turning to run after the others.

~*****~

We ran into Erza somewhere along the way, and stumbled upon Gray just a few moments later, who looked a little worse for wear. "You know, getting rescued gets old really quick," Gray comments.

"Consider it returning the favor," Erza hums.

Gray snaps his gaze up. "You're all here!" He gasps, eyes wide.

"Hey guys!" Lucy chirped.

"I'm glad we found you!" Wendy exclaimed.

"Feel like gettin' some payback?" Natsu asked excitedly.

Gray snorted and began to smile. "First things first, we should totally take a look at that injury." I mention. "Can't have you bleedin' all over the place."

"Like you." Wendy drones as I discretely tug my overcoat over the wound I continue to freeze over. "Just let me heal it already!"

"Nope. I'm at full energy, I don't need any healin'. Gray needs it more than I do." I retort. "C'mon, Ice Princess, let's get you comfy before we take care of that." I comment.

"Don't call me ice princess, ya freaky ice lizard!" Gray snapped at me.