Fairy Tail - Twilight Empire

Chapter 73 - Emergence of Evil

Two demons, Laxus pondered. Two demons that, more than likely, had skill enough to push even Mirajane.

His group approached the edge of an old decrepit forest, one that looked like it would fall apart with a good enough forest fire or tornado. Malba City was behind them; there hadn't been any rebel activity in the area. Carla and Bickslow's dolls were able to scout things out pretty easily, and all of the meat-headed guards were more than willing to answer all of Evergreen's questions.

Laxus and Freed led the group to the forest, one home to Carla's vision of impending battles for Wendy and Laxus and the Thunder Tribe: A demon to challenge her command of the wind and one built on pure strength.

Tactically, it would be better for Laxus to take on the windy demon by himself, and then let Wendy, Ever, Freed, and Bickslow fight the strong one. Wendy could imbue the other three with some sort of strength enhancement magic. She was built to be a support fighter. She couldn't actually take one of these demons in a direct fight.

"Ready to move?" Freed muttered.

"Thinking about what we need to do," Laxus said. He unfolded his arms.

The forest was dense and overgrown, making it difficult to see through the heavy foliage.

Thunder rumbled overhead. Winds whispered danger. Laxus didn't care. Tartaros could set whatever dreary scene they needed to. He'd fight them, regardless.

No matter how dark or twisted they were, these demons were nothing when compared to Dimaria. And he wouldn't fall until he fought her again. He was sent on a mission for the rebellion, and he'd see it through.

His sword, which he'd stolen from Dimaria and that he'd been practicing with on and off, hung at his side, waiting for its first chance at real action. Through his practice, Laxus had imbued it with more than enough Thunder Dragon Slayer magic, practically extending his reach and arsenal. Whatever demon he came across wouldn't last a moment against him.

"Should I have my babies scout ahead again?" Bickslow asked.

"Worth a shot, I think," Evergreen said.

Wendy and Carla stood quietly to the side.

"Sure," Laxus said. "After we split up."

"Split up?" Carla echoed.

"Yeah," Laxus said. "The forest is huge, and we've got two demons to find. Better if we split up and then regroup when one of us finds them. Bickslow can send a doll out to communicate with the other team if we run into a demon, right?"

"Sure can!"

"The fact that there are two Demons means we should stay together, it gives us a better chance against them," Carla said.

"She's right, we can press a numbers advantage on them," Evergreen said.

Freed considered. "However we do it, it's a numbers advantage for us. We can divide our teams evenly."

"Also no," Laxus said. Wendy needed all the help she could get. "You three go with Wendy and Carla. I'll head off on my own."

"That's ridiculous, Laxus!" Evergreen exclaimed.

It was Laxus's to consider. "Alright, fine. Bickslow, you're with me. Freed and Evergreen, you two help out Wendy and Carla. Nothing'll get by the four of you."

"What about the numbers advantage?" Wendy asked.

"You've got it," Laxus said. "And I don't need it. Come on, we're wasting time bickering about it. The decision has been made. Move out."