Fairy Tail - Twilight Empire

Chapter 98 - Erza vs Mirajane

Finally, the world managed to slow down. Erza had a chance just to catch her breath and assess the situation. A growing sense of dread mounted with each second that passed as she closed in on Magnolia, the sight of this incredible battle between her friends and the Twilight Empire's Tartaros Division. And yet, through all of that, she had one focus.

The strategy was brilliant on Tartaros's part. They must've known that, once Warren and Bisca were missing from the Empire, Fairy Tail would leave to have them un-Broken. Surely they couldn't have guessed who, but likely had Mirajane or another demon lurking to report back on who it was that moved. Then, when they thought the distance back to the battlefield insurmountable, they made their move.

A few beads of sweat dribbled down Erza's face. Mirajane's miscalculation was caused by Erza's decision to leave Warren and Bisca behind. Erza's heart still ached over that decision. She hoped they were safe...though they were more than likely back in the Empire's clutches.

Still, the gambit on Tartaros's part almost paid off. Had Erza been a mere millisecond too late, Hisui would've been dead, and the rebellion, perhaps, over. They had to keep Mirajane in reserve—her power was already known to be greater than one of the Nine Demon Gates, Torafuzar, before she received full Demonification.

Mirajane touched down on the ground several feet away from Erza, who stood guarding Hisui, Max, Laki, Lisanna, Romeo, and Sherria Blendy. Her sword was raised, a small blade. She was still in her Flight Armor, the one that granted her the best speed and maneuverability across a great distance. Its strength wouldn't be nearly enough to defeat Mirajane, but it would be enough to catch her.

Fighting her was still going to be another matter entirely.

She had a taste of Mira's new power before. She easily warded off Erza, Lisanna, and the power of Elfman. Now, Erza had to confront her all alone.

"Romeo, Lisanna," Erza said, sensing that they were the only ones with strength left to do much of anything, "move the others out of the way."

"I won't leave my sister," Lisanna said.

"I won't ask you to abandon this," Erza said. "But right now Mirajane is in an entirely unpredictable state. Usually, I'd be able to predict how she'll fight, what spells she can use. But now? There's no telling what she's capable of."

Mirajane flipped her white hair over her dark red form. "That's right, little sister. You just got a little demonstration before. I have a feeling I'll need to be a bit more verbose this time. After all, my job here isn't just with you."

"You didn't expect me to arrive just yet, did you?" Erza asked.

"No," Mira answered. "I was brought in to eliminate Hisui, but there were a few other Fairies I could wipe out, too. Then, it would be onto Makarov while Mard Geer and Kyoka cleaned up the rest." Mira's expression flattened. "It seems as if Kyoka has been dealt with, though. It throws a slight wrench in things, though I don't think there are many other Fairies left who can fight."

Erza didn't want to agree, but she was right. Master Makarov and Laxus were the only ones of the group with any power left to stand up to Mard Geer.

"Although," Mirajane said, tapping her chin, "there is something that's been bothering me."

"What's that?"

Mirajane lowered her hand into a fist. "Natsu and Juvia are entirely unaccounted for. Where are they, Erza?"

Erza sneered. "Luckily for us, I actually have no idea, but I'm sure they're making a fine mess of the rest of your plans."

"Then I suppose I'll have to find them and wipe them out when I'm done here."