In the massive chamber of the castle, with the enormous green demonic fire in the center; Wendy, Mirajane, Elfman, Lisanna, 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?

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

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

They heard a door open at the far end of the chamber and they saw Vali walk inside; however, all the wizards became shocked when they saw whom he was carrying with him. 

He was dragging the unconscious Erza, Lucy, Ur, 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?

Lisanna: And he took down Ur too!

Levy: Lucy! Juvia!

Bickslow: Is that Loke?

Vali 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?

Vali: (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?

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

Mirajane: Audience?

Cana: For what?

Vali: 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, Vali 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, Vali.

Vali: (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.

Kat: You're gonna pay for what you've done!

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

Vali 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 Vali 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 Vali 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, Vali 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.

Vali 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.

Vali 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.

Vali 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, Ur, Erza, and Juvia; it didn't take them long to deduce what was happening.

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

Vali: 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 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 Vali back as she tried to do a vertical slash, but the son of Sparda put his hand on her face and knock her back the hilt of Yamato, sending her onto the group.

Vali then holds Kat up with his hand as he had Yamato near her throat.

Vali: To think I would have feelings for you.

Kat: (heading tears) Vali, please don't do this. I know you're not an evil person, you were just confused. Just stop all of this, please.

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

Before Vali 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's minds: That can only be one person.

Wendy, Lucy, and Lisanna: Natsu!

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

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

The blue-clad Devil turned to the Salamander.

Vali: 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.

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

Vali: (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 Vali, but he only made contact with the ground (leaving a crater) as Vali vanished.

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

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

Natsu: Fire Dragon Wing Attack!

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

Natsu: Fire Dragon Talon! 

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

Natsu: Fire Dragon Roar!

Natsu unleashed his breath attack, hitting Vali 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 Vali was standing, without so much as a scratch on him; surprising almost everyone watching.

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

Natsu: (shocked) What?!

Vali: 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: (anger) I'll show you! (ran towards Vali)

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

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

Natsu: I'll burn you to a crisp!

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

Vali appeared behind Natsu again and he rolled out of the way to avoid Yamato's strike. Vali 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 Vali.

Vali: Summoned Swords!

Vali 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. Vali then came forward with a sword thrust. 

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

However, Vali 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: Vali is going on par with Natsu!

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

Lisanna: Yeah, he defeated big sis Mira too.

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 Vali; though they both knew he wasn't at his full strength yet. Vali meanwhile looked at his katana, where he only saw little bits of blood on the blade.

Vali: (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!

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

As soon as Natsu got up, he saw Vali 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.

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

Natsu: Fire Dragon Flame Elbow!

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

Vali: 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.

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

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

Vali raised his eyebrow.

Natsu: That bird demon, Griffon, he 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?

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

Natsu was surprised at that. 

Vali: 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, Metallicana, Weisslogia, and Skiadrum.

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

Vali: 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. In the final battle Igneel and the other dragons fight against Mundus' other generals so that Sparda can fight him one on one. It was a war between Dragons and Demons, in the end Sparda was victorious as he sealed away Mundus and separate Human World and Demon World.

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

Wendy's mind: If Sparda knew Igneel, did he know Grandeeney too?

Vali: When I heard that Igneel was slayed by Acnologia, the Dragon Butcher, a part of me felt sorry for him. Even though 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 Vali 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. Mode: Fire Dragon King!

Natsu went into his Fire Dragon King Mode as his flames became hotter than before.

Vali: Oh? So you were holding back this power?

Natsu: Fire Dragon King Roar!

Natsu unleashed his breath attack.

Vali: Darkslayer!

Vali'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.

Vali: 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 Vali.

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 Vali.

Vali: 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! Fire Dragon King Destruction Fist!

Natsu's fist made a beeline for Vali'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.

Vali 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. Vali 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!

Ur/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. Vali looked at the two wizards that were standing near the downed Natsu, glaring towards the blue-clad Son of Sparda. 

Vali: 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 Vali, okay? 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 Vali'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 Drake's brother, but he couldn't be any more opposite from him. And if he's strong enough to take Drake down; then the only way to beat him is if all three of us gang up on 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 Vali 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! (tried to remove their chains with no results so far) They're three of Fairy Tail's strongest, there's no way Vali can beat them.

Juvia: Let's hope so. 

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

Vali: Well?

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

They all flew directly at Vali. All three began to lay on a furry of punches and kicks, Vali was able to block each of them at an inhumanly fast pace. In less than a second, Vali reared back Yamato and then thrusted forward a blue energy wave that forced all three back.

Natsu: Fire Dragon King Roar!

Gajeel: Iron Dragon Club!

Gray: Ice Make: Lance!

All three attacks barreled straight for Vali, 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 Vali, 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 Vali's face, sending him plummeting to the ground. As he recovered he saw Natsu charging at him from his right.

Natsu: Fire Dragon King Wing Attack!

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

Vali: Summoned Swords!

Vali 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 Vali.  

Gray: Ice Make: Hammer! 

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

Vali recovered to see Grey coming forward with a large Ice Gauntlet rearing a punch. Vali swerved underneath Gray's punch as it hit the wall, creating a large impression in the wall; Vali 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 Vali 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 Vali'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 Vali.

Vergil: Darkslayer!

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

Natsu: Fire Dragon King Destruction Fist!

Natsu punched Vali hard in the back, right in the spine. Which sent Vali 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 Vali and trapped him. As soon as Vali 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 Vali.

They both swung their respective swords at each other in an epic sword fight; Vali 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 Vali, forcing him to quickly block the attack; Gajeel then followed along with Gray in attacking.

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

When he locked blades with both of them, Natsu was just above him preparing a massive fireball.

Natsu: Fire Dragon King Brilliant Flame!

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

Gray: Ice Blade: Seven Strike Dance!

With multiple twirls, Gray was able to land seven successful blade slashes at Vali, 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 Vali like bullets, all of them hit him dead on, and he was knocked back. 

Vali's mind: Damn it! taking three at once is a bit more trouble than I thought. I guess I have to use it after all. 

Vali unsheathed Yamato and stabbed it into the ground. 

Vali: Doppelgänger!

Vali 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 doppelgänger.

Gajeel: (shocked) The hell?! 

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

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

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

Vali and the two doppelgängers charged at them. Vali fights Natsu while the clones battle Gray and Gajeel. 

Vali: Arbiter!

Vali summons Arbiter as he focuses his demon energy and unleashes a formidable, triple damage, strike at Natsu that send him flying onto a wall. 

Gajeel: Salamander!

The first clone of Vali summons Osiris as. it spins the scythe like a propeller juggling Gajeel on its blade and dealing some damage to him. 

Gray: Gajeel! 

The second clone summons Aquila as snatched Gray with them and yank him into the air towards the clone who delivered kick that send him onto the ground. 

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

Vali was about to swing Arbiter down on Natsu, however someone suddenly appeared to block Vali's path. He shot his hand forward to not only stop his attack, but even sent Vali himself flying back. Nobody had expected that, not just Vali being sent flying back, but the person who stopped him.

Vali skidded to a halt on his feet and glared at his newfound enemy. Every wizard of Fairy Tail was surprised before Cana smiled. 

Gildarts: Yo. 

The person was none other than her father: Gildarts Clive. Next to him was Laxus Dreyar. 

Natsu: (smiled) It's Gildarts!

Freed: Laxus!

Evergreen: He's here! 

Bickslow: Oh yeah, now Vali's in big trouble. 

The wizards smiled as well, seeing Gildarts and Laxus in the fight while Vali continues his glare at them. This prove to a challenge for him after all.

Chapter 26 ended.