"Are we getting closer?" Lucy asked.
"Yes, the conference building should be just over the hill." Erza said.
The group went over the hill towards where the conference building should be, but paused when seeing their very own master in front of Kageyama.
"There he is." Gray said.
"Master!" Erza and Vivi said in worry.
Suddenly Bob the Guild Master of the Blue Pegasus appeared in front of them to shush them. They all jumped back in fright while grabbing onto each other.
"We're just about to get to the good part." Bob said.
Natsu and Gray then grabbed onto each other when Bob smiled creepily at them.
"Well, aren't you two boys yummy?" He hummed. "So adorable."
They practically cried wishing Bob would leave them alone. They were really getting freaked out.
"Who is that guy?" Lucy asked as she hid partially behind Erza.
"Master Bob." Erza replied as the boys hid behind Vivi.
Vivi sighed patting them both on the heads to give them some comfort, but it wasn't helping them much.
"Oh, Vivi sweetie, you're more beautiful every time I see you." Bob said then looked to Erza. "And you, Erza honey, have really filled out."
"Thank-you, Master Bob." Vivi said. "You're looking well."
She said this sincerely as she smiled, which had Bob smiling at the bluenette in return.
"Oh, stop it." Bob said making a weird giggling sound.
Lucy frowned feeling even more disturbed than before as Bob held his blushing cheek.
"You're telling me this weirdo is the master of the Blue Pegasus guild?" Lucy grumbled.
Vivi then looked back to where Makarov was with Kageyama, and her eyes widened when seeing he was about to play. Seeing that she was distracted, Bob grabbed onto Natsu and Gray who cried out.
"Oh, no!" Erza said.
"Can you guys keep it down over there?" Goldmine asked as he leaned against a tree. "We're just about to get to the good part."
"He's with the Quatro Cerberus guild!" Lucy said.
"Master Goldmine." Vivi said. "Haven't seen you in a while."
Goldmine glanced back at Vivi with a smile on his face. The last time he saw Vivi she was still a little girl. Well, just entering her teenage years at least.
"You've really changed, Vivi." Goldmine said. "It's good to see you. We'll have to talk later though. Just listen for now."
Vivi frowned in confusion before walking forward to look down where Makarov was still standing in front of Kageyama who was showing hesitance.
"Nothing will change." Makarov said suddenly. "You can't change the fact that those who are weak will forever remain weak. Now maybe it's just me, but I don't think that's a bad thing. I mean, we humans are weak creatures by nature. Our insecurities are the reason guilds even exist, and they're why we have friends. When we're surrounded by allies it easier to stay positive about the future. Think of it this way, if we're clumsy we might stumble and fall into things, but as long as we have faith in our future we continue marching forward. Our inner strength emerges on its own. But we have to choose that path, and pledge to live our lives to the fullest. Don't let that silly flute get in the way."
It was silent for a moment before the flute clattered to the ground. Kageyama then fell to his knees to bow his head.
"I surrender." He said.
The young Fairy Tail wizards's eyes widened in shock, but then they smiled at their guild master's accomplishment.
"Woo-hoo!" Vivi cheered then started running down the hill towards Makarov.
The others laughed before running after her as Makarov turned around in surprise.
"Master!" Erza called out.
"You did it!" Natsu shouted.
"Good job, Gramps." Gray said.
They all reached him, and Vivi knelt down to give Makarov a large smile as he continued to look at them in shock.
"How did you kids end up in Clover?" Makarov asked.
He then cried out in pain when Erza hugged him, which meant his head was slammed against her armor.
"Master Makarov." Erza said. "You're words touched me so deeply that I was almost moved to tears."
Vivi jerked Makarov away from Erza to give him a hug herself, and he sighed happily as his head was rested again her soft bosom. This was much better.
"You're amazing, Gramps!" Vivi said then set him down.
"Yeah." Natsu said while patting him on the head much to his chagrin.
As they were congratulation him, Lucy was checking on Kageyama who still had his head bowed.
"Looks like we got ourselves here in time to see Gramps talk his way out of another one." Gray said grinning.
Erza nodded her head in agreement with a small smile on her face as she watched Vivi and Natsu talking excitedly to Makarov to tell them everything they did to get here. While Makarov was sure he'd get an earful from the council, he nodded along and smiled as his children filled him in. Suddenly dark laughter filled the air as a blackish-purple smoke came out of the Lullaby.
"I've grown tired of you cowardly wizards and your antics!" It said.
Everyone froze in surprise as they looked down at the flute wondering if it really just spoke. A large dark magic circle covered the sky as more of the smokey substance left the flute.
"Something came out." Happy said.
Soon sparks of electricity followed the smoke into the sky towards the magic circle.
"I can no longer hold back!" The voice continued. "I shall come forward to devour your souls!"
A large wood like demon with three eyes appeared, and it stood five times taller than the conference building.
"I shall feast upon your pitiful souls!" It growled.
"It's huge!" Lucy shrieked.
"Thanks for stating the obvious." Happy said sarcastically.
Vivi just stood there silently as she looked up at the large demon. Was this the evil her grandfather told her lay within the flute? He always told her that the flute wasn't just any magical instrument, which is why their ancestor Diva had wanted to destroy the flute, so no one could unleash such an evil power onto the world. Looks like that plan she started forming on the train might come in handy after all.
"What is that thing?!" Kageyama asked. "Erigor never said anything about a monster!"
Vivi doubted that Erigor himself knew about this demon. Even if he did, Vivi didn't think it would have stopped him.
"We're in a pickle." Bob said.
"It must be a demon from the book of Zeref." Goldmine said.
As they stood there, many of the guild masters fled from the conference building to get away from the demon.
"Why did the flute turn into a monster?" Lucy asked.
"That's what Lullaby's true form looks like in the flesh." Goldmine said. "It's forbidden black magic, living magic. Zeref's specialty."
Vivi stared up at the creature with her hands clenched into fists as it continued to loom over them.
"Living magic?" Erza asked.
"Who's Zeref?" Gray asked. "Wasn't he some ancient wizard?"
"He's the most evil wizard the world has ever known." Bob said. "He was very powerful in his day, but never in my wildest dreams did I think his evil dark legacy would pop back up again."
The demon grinned menacingly as it leaned forward towards the wizards on the ground.
"Now then which of these delectable souls shall I dine on first?" It inquired.
Vivi and the others glared up at the demon as they stood ready to use magic if needed.
"Delectable, huh?" Natsu asked then smiled. "Do you really think souls are that tasty?"
"How should I know what they taste like?" Gray asked looking annoyed.
"Always thinking about eating!" Lucy said in exasperation.
Vivi snorted in amusement as a small smile appeared on her face. They're facing a demon, and Natsu still has time to think of his stomach.
"Natsu, Gray, Vivi, get everyone to a safe place." Erza said.
"Quit barking orders." Natsu said surprisingly brave.
"Yeah, you're not the boss of us." Gray added.
Vivi just glared at Erza not about to leave her to fight this thing head on. She'd get herself killed.
"Just do it!" Erza ordered.
"Aye!" The two said in unison as they ran off.
Vivi still didn't move as she crossed her arms over her chest. Those guild masters didn't need a bunch of young wizards like them for protection. They would be fine on their own.
"Vivi." Erza began.
"Just shut-up already." Vivi said. "The guild masters don't need us holding their hands. Do you really doubt them that much?"
Erza frowned not liking that Vivi wasn't listening to her, but Vivi had a point. Suddenly the demon let out an attack towards the mountain. Vivi could hear shouting over in that direction, and she wondered who was over there. She then heard retreating. Oh, it had been the Fiore Army… and they ran off.
"I have no need for those pathetic humans." The demon said. "I prefer the taste of the wizard's soul, and I am going to consume all of you."
Vivi glared up at the demon as she, Erza, Gray, and Natsu stood there ready to face it. The guild masters and Lucy had all backed up.
"Oh yeah? I'd like to see you try." Natsu said. "Bring it on, big guy!"
"Good luck." The guild masters called out from a safe distance away.
Vivi shook her head wondering why the guild masters were backing up. She then shrugged because the four of them didn't need their help.
"Can those four defeat Lullaby on their own?" Lucy asked worriedly.
"You should help them." Happy said.
"Normally, I would, but none of my celestial spirits are available at the moment." Lucy said. "And I'd probably get in the way."
"Good excuse." Happy said.
"Don't judge me, Cat!" Lucy snapped.
Happy just shook his head at Lucy who was frowning at him in return as the other four prepared to fight. The demon let out a loud noise as the large magic circle appeared above it. Vivi narrowed her eyes it looks as if it's getting ready to attack.
"Listen, I have a plan." Vivi said. "If we can't defeat Lullaby before its ready to play, there is still something we can do to make sure it can't play its song."
Her three companions looked at her curiously as she placed her hands on her hips.
"Alright, let's hear it." Erza said.
Vivi was the expert on music magic, and even if this thing was a demon it was flute first. Which means Vivi's plan could be the very key they need to destroy this thing.
"We have to make as many holes as possible inside the demon." Vivi said. "With too many holes inside of it, it won't be able to hit the right notes, which means it won't be able to play the death song."
"Hmm, I see." Erza said. "Fine, then that's our plan."
Gray and Natsu nodded their heads in unison before they turned to face the demon once more along with Vivi.
"Ready?" Erza asked.
Vivi grinned in excitement despite the situation since this all seemed as if it'd be fun.
"Oh yeah." The other three said.
They all rushed forward to attack the demon in front of them. Erza brought out her Heaven's Wheel Armor before attacking the demon. Vivi wasn't about to be left out, so she snapped her fingers with a magic circle appearing in front of her. A clarinet appeared in front of Vivi with the bluenette snatching it out of the air.
"Melody of the Cascading Notes." She said then started playing.
Literal musical notes came out of the bottom of the clarinet before they started raining down like hail onto the demon that roared in pain when the notes cut into its wooden form. Gray then took his turn as he put his closed fist in the palm of his other hand.
"Ice Make: Lance!" He said.
Ice like spears shot out to stab the demon that continued to snarl at the wizards attacking it. It tried to hit them, but the wizards made sure to stay clear of its large claws.
"Now, it's my turn." Natsu said as he bumped his fists together before jumping forward. "Fire Dragon: Iron Fist!"
He punched the demon in the face as the guild masters watched in awe at their magic. For young wizards, these children of Fairy Tail were amazingly strong and so fearless.
"You're making me angry!" The demon shouted as it swung at them.
They all jumped out of the way in time, so the demon didn't hit any of them. Erza attacked once more to leave more holes into the demon as Vivi continued playing her clarinet though with a different tune, which had roots shooting out of the ground to stab the demon from below. Gray shot icy arrows at the demon as Natsu prepared for another attack.
"I'm not done with you yet." Natsu said as he threw his arms back. "Fire Dragon: Wing Attack!"
He moved his arms forward with the fire rushing forward to strike the demon. The demon let out a loud roar as it started to get ready for its attack. The plants started dying around them, which had Vivi's teeth grinding together. She really hoped all those holes that they made in the demon would prevent the song from playing. If not then she failed not only as a wizard of Fairy Tail, but also as a musical wizard of the d'Autriche family.
"Just one note, and your souls will be mine!" The demon growled.
The let out a roar as he tried to play his song, but only odd whistling noises came out of the demon. Everyone blinked as the realized nothing was happening, and they were all still alive.
"What happened?" Lucy asked.
"Nothing happened!" Happy exclaimed.
Vivi smiled seeing that her idea was a success, which means no one was dying. Lullaby's song was now useless.
"I don't understand!" Lullaby shouted. "Why can't I play my melody of death?"
"It must have been because of all those attacks!" Kageyama said.
"They punched so many holes in that thing it totally messed up its sound!" Lucy said. "All that build up for this? Talk about going out with a whimper."
"Yeah, flutes are pretty lame to begin with." Happy said.
Lullaby growled obviously being angered by all their mocking words. Did they not realize they were all still in danger?
"You dare mock me?!" It demanded then kicked a mountain.
Gray hurried to get in front of the guild masters and the others to form a shield of ice to block the fiery explosion.
"That boy's maker magic is spectacular." One of the guild masters said.
"What's maker magic?" Lucy asked.
"Its users can give magic a tangible form." Happy said. "However, there's another type of magic that can destroy it."
Lucy looked at Happy wondering what the cat was talking about. What kind of magic?
"I will kill you all!" The demon shouted.
The fire it had created was then sucked away due to Natsu sucking it up into his mouth.
"Oh yeah?" Natsu mocked as he finished eating all that fire. "Now I've got a fire in my belly."
"You're not human!" The demon shouted. "You're a monster!"
It swung at Natsu, but the pinkette jumped onto its arm to run up it. He then jumped into the air above it as Erza changed her armor.
"Her armor is lovely." One guild master said.
"It's called Black Winged armor, and it amplifies the power of her attacks." Another said.
Many of the masters whistled in appreciation. Vivi snorted with a roll of her eyes while tired of listening to those old fogies drool over Erza like a bunch of perverts.
"I'm not about to be left out of this." Vivi said from beside Gray. "What about you, Gray?"
Gray grinned at Vivi as she swapped out her clarinet for her guitar and larger speakers that she used at Onibana station.
"I'm game if you are." Gray said as he started forming ice in his hands.
Vivi grinned as she hooked up her guitar to the large speakers. Lucy automatically covered her ears.
"Sound magic: Sonic Wave!" Vivi said slamming on the chords as Gray shouted, "Ice Make: Saucer!"
A sonic blast shot out of the speakers with a large saucer shaped piece of ice with razor edges following after. The sonic blast hit the demon causing it to teeter off balance before the ice attack ripped into it as Erza sliced its face.
"Natsu, now!" Erza, Gray, and Vivi shouted.
Natsu grinned while slamming his fists together as he got ready for his final attack.
"I've got this." Natsu said. "The flames of my right hand, and the flames of my left. Put the two together."
Both of his hands were engulfed in hot red flames before bringing them together to form a large ball of fire.
"And this is what you get!" He said as the fireball got bigger. "Fire Dragon: Brilliant Flame!"
He threw the fireball down onto the demon ultimately defeating the Lullaby. It disappeared with a bright light shooting up into the dark clouds above. Magical sparks then fell down from the sky once the light disappeared as the flute laid harmlessly on the ground.
"Well done." Makarov said.
"You're amazing~" Bob cooed.
"You kids, made defeating Zeref's demon look easy." Goldmine added.
Vivi smiled just glad that it was all over. She then let her guitar and speakers return to her pocket dimension out of the way.
"I can't believe how strong they are." Kageyama said as the dust cleared to reveal Gray, Vivi, Erza, and Natsu. "Are all the Fairy Tail wizards as powerful as these four?"
"There's no doubt about it." Lucy said. "This is the strongest team."
"Aye!" Happy agreed.
"We're an awesome guild, aren't we?!" Makarov bragged.
Vivi chuckled in amusement as Lucy congratulated them on their job well done.
"Thanks, but it wasn't a big deal." Natsu said.
"Yeah, piece of cake." Gray said.
The others laughed, and even Erza cracked a smile as she watched her guildmates smile and laugh.
"We did good work." Vivi said. "And we only destroyed one building this time!"
The others all froze before turning to look to see that Vivi was right. Where the conference building had been was gone, and it was replaced with a large gaping whole.
"The conference building has been destroyed!" Lucy said gasping.
"Aye, and there's even a couple of mountain tops missing." Happy.
"Oh, you're right." Vivi said then laughed. "I didn't notice those! I also forgot about the train station!"
Lucy looked at Vivi as if she was insane because none of this was a laughing manner. Makarov stood there for a moment before his soul went leaving his body.
"Master!" Lucy screamed.
"Something came out!" Happy said pointing at Makarov's soul.
Natsu just laughed as he threw his arm over Vivi's shoulder, which had her grinning at him.
"We really made a mess of the place, huh?" He asked looking proud of that fact.
Behind them Erza was begging for forgiveness as she went running after Makarov's soul. Natsu and Vivi then turned towards the angry Guild Masters who were glaring at the young Fairy Tailers.
"You guys trying to catch somebody?" Natsu asked when he saw all the angry faces. "We'll do it for ya."
He gestured to himself and Vivi as the two grinned widely at the angered guild masters.
"You're the ones we're after!" One of them shouted.
"Oh yeah, that's right!" Natsu said.
"Run!" Vivi said while laughing.
The others were already ahead of them, and Erza had to even carry Makarov as they ran. Natsu and Vivi laughed as they ran at the back of the group. All in all, not a bad way to end a job.