[LUCY sighs]
Aw. Don't let it get you down, Lucy.
I'm sure you can find out what it means.
Mmm. Well it won't be easy.
We've taken a new job request.
[GRAY] There are some bad guys stealing gold
that we need to catch.
I hope it's not the Butt Jiggle Gang again.
[GRAY] Whoever it is, we gotta put a stop to 'em.
Sorry, but I'm gonna pass on this one.
We're having a hard time getting very far
on figuring out what this inscription says.
Where's Natsu?
[LUCY] No clue, I think he took off a while ago.
Well, if that's the case, then we'll be leaving.
Cool.
Wait. Hang on a sec.
When you say "we" are you talking about
just the two of us going?
Do you have a problem with that?
[GRAY] A-A problem?
Of course not.
If we hurry, we may be back before nightfall.
So let's move.
[JUVIA] This is a major problem, Gray!
You should have insisted that I come along with you!
How could my darling be so cruel?
This is so boring.
Come on, it's a matter of 'lunch or death' here Natsu.
How can anyone be bored by that?
Okay, I'll snap out of it, I promise.
Are you kidding me?
What do you want?
[GORIAN chuckles]
I was just thinking about how much I wanna
settle the score with those Fairy Tail losers.
And all of a sudden one of 'em walks on my turf.
Monkey's got a bone to pick?
Yeah, I gotta pick which one I wanna break first.
I think I'll start with your face.
You're in for the shock of your life.
[GORIAN screams]
No way.
I know what that means.
Huh? What're ya talkin' about?
Laxus is here.
What?
I'm positive it's him.
I was wondering where he had run off to,
I guess he picked the wrong neighborhood.
But master didn't let him get back into the guild, did he?
I wonder what he's doing around here.
I'm gonna find out!
[HAPPY] Hey, Natsu!
Wait for me!
[HAPPY] Turbulent Showdown! Natsu vs. Laxus!
[NATSU] What's up, metal head?
[GAJEEL] None of your business, flame brain!
Are you going somewhere?
Why? Are you?
I asked you first, didn't I?
Yeah? Who cares?
You ain't following me!
I don't wanna, so get lost!
Would you two cut it out already?
We need to go see what that
random lightning strike was about!
What?
I already told you it was Laxus, didn't I?
I'm gonna go put the smack down on him!
Please.
You don't have a snowball's chance in hell against him.
Remember last time?
Even with me giving you a major helping hand,
he still beat the ever-lovin' snot outta ya.
[GAJEEL chuckles]
Chuckle all you want, but I didn't need your help then,
and I don't need it this time!
I'll beat him with my own two hands!
Not if I get to him first!
[LAXUS] Who's beatin' who, again?
[NATSU and GAJEEL] Laxus?
Whoa!
That lightning really was him, after all.
[BIXLOW, EVERGREEN, and FRIED] Laxus!
It would seem that he's not alone, either.
What's going on?
There's nothing goin' on here, is there?
Have you been living out in the woods this entire time?
[LAXUS] Heh.
I traveled around quite a bit,
but I've been here for a little while.
If you're this close, you should just
come back to the guild already.
Why's that, have you been missing me?
[NATSU] I don't give a crap if you come back or not.
But since we're here, I think we should
throw down and see who comes out on top.
Sounds good to me.
Heh. You guys really want me to take the bait, don't ya?
You wanna go and get me all riled up and ready to fight.
Well I got better things to do.
Like run away?
What?
You've never been the type of guy
who backed down from a challenge.
So what're you scared of?
You'd be wise to mind your tongue, Natsu.
[GAJEEL] Heh, heh.
[LAXUS sighs]
Okay, fine.
Now that's more like it!
Sorry, but you ain't layin' a finger on him.
You'll have to go through the Thunder Legion.
Laxus' fate and our own shall never again be torn asunder!
No, I'd actually love to teach these two clowns
a lesson all by myself.
Sounds like fun to me!
All right, Natsu.
Guess you're first in line.
[WENDY] Wait! Hold on!
Huh? What for?
If you guys are really gonna go through with this,
you gotta make sure that it's a special occasion!
I don't follow you.
What are you talkin' about?
The match will take place tomorrow!
Okay, if you insist, have it your way.
I can wait one more day to kick his butt!
Meet me tomorrow under the big Sola tree in South Gate Park!
And when he's done, it'll be my turn.
Sounds like a plan to me.
[WENDY sighs]
[WAKABA] You guys hear about the big showdown?
Add that one to the list of Natsu's bad decisions.
Did you know Laxus was around?
He's been living in the woods around Magnolia for a while.
Big time fights are so manly.
This is gonna be the best one ever!
Should we be worried about Natsu and Gajeel getting hurt?
Oh, they're gonna get hurt, alright.
Yeah. Laxus is not someone I'd ever want to go up against.
Those two don't stand a chance against him.
Is he really that much stronger than them?
He's a tough customer for sure.
Back when he was still a member, I'd say that probably
the only one more powerful than him was Gildarts.
Okay!
As the master of the guild, I'd better get this party started!
Yeah! It'll be a fight party!
The manliest kind there is!
That's a great idea.
Turn this into something fun for everyone!
[GROUP] Alright!
[NATSU] This is crazy.
What's going on here?
Is there some kinda festival happening or somethin'?
[HAPPY] Everyone's gettin' their party on!
You do realize that this is all because of you?
How so?
I'm having so much fun, and all of the food is wonderful!
Geez, does she have a hollow leg or something?
[HAPPY] Seriously, what's the festival for?
[LUCY] I'm being serious.
It's because people heard about the big fight.
[MICHELLE] And they decided to put together
a festival the night before.
Huh...
Magnolia sure does love to party!
Well, I know you probably don't care, but we weren't
getting anywhere figuring out that ancient language.
So this seemed like a good way to unwind for a bit.
I'm getting hungry again!
Heh, heh, heh. I can hardly believe it.
Oh so cool!
Ladies and gentlemen, it has been too long!
But your favorite reporter, Jason, is back!
It's a reunion seven years in the making!
And what a cool way to celebrate!
Because this is gonna be the most insane,
awesome fight in the history of fighting!
Get off the stage!
It's time for you to bring out the real talent already!
Without further ado, I'm honored to announce a woman
that is the very definition of beauty!
The lovely and super talented Miss Mirajane!
[MIRAJANE] Woo!
[AUDIENCE cheers]
Are you boys and girls ready to rock?
Bring it on, Big Sis!
Light up the stage, Mira!
Well, I hate to break it to you,
but my poor throat has been feeling awfully sore all day.
[AUDIENCE] Aww...
[HAPPY] Hey Natsu, don't you think it'd be a good idea
to at least do a little training before the big fight?
That won't be necessary.
I was just planning on hitting him hard
with everything I've already got.
Of course. Why would I ever think
that you would have any real strategy in mind?
I wonder how Gajeel's gearing up for the showdown.
[NATSU] You know he's gotta be really afraid he'll get beaten.
So he's probably somewhere doing some kind of
super crazy training.
Instead, let me introduce a singer who's got soul and style.
A true, one-of-a-kind performer like you've never seen.
Put your hands together!
[guitar feedback]
What the heck is he doin' up there?
Doesn't look like training!
[strums guitar]
Thanks folks.
I appreciate you comin' out to see me tonight.
I didn't come to see this crap.
By special request,
I'd like to start with a little ditty I wrote myself.
You tryin' to tell me someone actually asked for this?
I call it "Best Friend." Here we go.
Doesn't he know any other songs?
♪ You're sparkling, and colorful shoo-bee-doo-ba! ♪
♪ You caught my eye. Like a shiny piece of metal. ♪
Um, I don't know if I like this side of Gajeel all that much.
His singing is pretty bad.
He's super bad!
Oh my gosh, Levy! You're back in town!
Yeah.
Team Shadow Gear and I took on our first gig in like, forever.
You're just in time; I need your beautiful brain
to translate an ancient inscription.
[GAJEEL howls]
[GAJEEL] Thank you, Magnolia!
[GRAY] Looks like we're camping out tonight.
There goes making it home before nightfall.
At least we were able to locate their hideout.
Now all we need to do is wait for them to return
with the stolen gold in hand.
Yeah, you're right.
[GRAY] Man, so now what?
Being stuck alone with Erza is so awkward.
I never know what to do or talk about.
What's wrong?
[GRAY] Hm?
You're not stripping.
What?
I would assume you'd feel more comfortable sleeping naked.
[JUVIA] Ahh! I knew all she wanted was to steal him away!
Well, uh, kinda depends on my mood.
I mean, you're still just hanging out in full armor.
You make a valid point, I suppose.
Gray...
Sleep?
[GRAY] Yeah, sure.
[JUVIA] I can't believe she's so forward and demanding like that!
I thought she was more of a lady, not some boy-crazed hussy!
Gray is complex and sensitive.
He needs a more tender and loving approach.
Bed time. My darling.
Juvie!
[JUVIA] Focus! Focus!
I can't let my imagination run wild at a time like this!
[GRAY] Wow, she fell asleep right away.
How can she even get comfortable?
[ERZA grunts]
[GRAY] Seeing her all peaceful and quiet like this,
makes me realize how pretty she is.
They've returned.
Looks like it.
[ERZA] Let's go.
[GRAY] Yeah.
[JUVIA] He was tested, but I knew my darling Gray
was saving himself for me!
[ERZA] Stop right there!
[BANDIT 129A] Yeah? Says who?
I'm Erza Scarlet, a wizard from Fairy Tail.
You didn't really have to take the question
so literally, ya know?
We've been sent here to recover
what you've stolen from our client.
Resistance is futile.
Now hand over the gold immediately!
[BANDIT 129A] Ha, ha, ha! We thought they might send someone.
So we hired ourselves some bodyguards.
Alright guys. We're giving you a pretty big chunk of the loot,
so you'd better deal with these Fairy pests.
Nice night for a battle.
Too bad you're up against the Vanish Brothers.
Let's make this quick.
[ERZA] So you're the Vanish Brothers.
I've heard about you before.
[GRAY] Yeah, me too.
These are the same guys that Natsu beat the crap out of
at Duke Everlue's place.
You're talkin' about ancient history, pal.
We've been training non-stop since that day.
At the level we're at now, taking on the mighty
Erza Scarlet sounds like a walk in the park.
[ERZA] I've often wondered about mercenary guilds.
How much power could one have with no loyalty whatsoever?
[GRAY] Let me handle these guys by myself.
Oh yeah?
Natsu didn't have a problem with it.
So I'm sure it'll be just as easy for me.
Big bro, I think this guy's mocking us.
You shouldn't let it get to you.
Remember this is just business,
so there's no need to take things personally.
And our job is to cave in his skull, right?
Yes, so let's get to work.
I'll put you on ice.
It seems this one is an ice wizard.
Although my frying pan is perfectly suited
to absorb fire attacks,
I'm sure ice will prove to be even easier.
[GRAY] Ice Make Lance!
It will trap it, double its strength
and send it right back to you!
You think you can hit me with that?
Impressive.
Let's give him double trouble!
[BALD BROTHER] Heaven and Earth Annihilation Technique!
Look toward heaven, and we strike from the earth!
[GRAY grunts]
[HAIR BROTHER] Look towards earth,
and we strike down from Heaven!
[GRAY yells]
Very few have survived.
Our ultimate combination attack.
[GRAY yells]
[ERZA] Natsu may have defeated them once,
but that was over seven years ago.
Perhaps they truly have improved.
[JUVIA] Don't worry, my dear. I will save you.
I got this, okay!
[GRAY] You talk a big game.
But I feel just fine!
[BROTHERS] Nonsense!
Prepare to die!
You got heaven and earth but let me show ya what I got!
Ice Bringer!
Not a chance!
[BALD BROTHER yells]
[JUVIA] He's just so amazing!
[GRAY sighs]
[ERZA] Gray has improved over the years as well.
I'm surprised you took that long to beat them.
I wanted to have a little fun, too.
You will return every ounce of gold you stole from our client!
Do I make myself clear?
[BANDITS] Yes ma'am. Crystal clear!
[JUVIA] I can go home knowing my love is safe!
[LAXUS] What's the big occasion?
When word got out that you were havin' a fight,
the whole town decided to throw a big party.
You seeing this, Laxus?
You're still quite the celebrity around here.
Yeah, I see they're all still a bunch of idiots.
You're a true legend of the Fairy Tail guild.
So why don't you realize how much
we all desperately need you...
Get a hold of yourself, man.
[BOY 129A laughs]
Thanks a lot, grandpa!
[OLD MAN 129A] Sure, but don't tell your mom, okay?
[WENDY] This is horrible.
The only reason I told them to wait a day is so they could
calm down a little bit and call off the fight.
[CARLA] It seems your plan may have backfired, child.
I never thought it'd turn into such a big deal.
[MAKAROV] Something troubling you, Wendy?
[WENDY] Actually, there is.
Where have you been hiding yourself,
we've been looking everywhere for you!
Why, has something happened?
Natsu and Gajeel are in trouble.
They're about to have fight against Laxus!
They're doing what?
[JASON] Cool!
Laxus is so calm and collected, it's terrifying!
Sweet!
Black Steel Gajeel is ready to throw down!
The two heroes stare down their opponent.
The tension is so thick you can cut it with a knife!
[GAJEEL chuckles]
[JASON] Natsu has arrived!
All three warriors are in their places!
Now check this out, Happy.
Aye, sir!
[JASON] Laxus stands up!
Looks like Natsu is getting first crack at him!
Let's do this thing.
[NATSU] Bring it!
But I gotta warn you, that I'm not gonna hold back!
I don't blame ya.
You understand?
If you don't survive this, it ain't my fault.
I could say the same for you, big guy!
You'd better get back, Happy.
Good luck, Natsu, I'm rooting for ya!
[NATSU] Thanks, pal.
[AUDIENCE gasps]
[JASON] Yes, it's on now!
[NATSU yells]
[MACAO] This is gonna be intense!
[PANTHERLILY] Whoever strikes first will lose.
[NATSU yells]
[CROWD] Whoa!
[gasps]
T-K-O!
[bell rings]
[MACAO and WAKABA laugh]
The poor kid didn't land a single hit!
I don't know about that,
he hit the ground pretty dang hard.
Are you okay?
Great job as usual, Laxus!
The little guy's still got nothin' on ya, buddy.
So are you ready for round two?
He's gone.
Whoa! Gajeel just ghosted!
Ya' mean that lousy coward ran away?
[PANTHERLILY] What?
Alright you guys, let's track him down!
It's a manhunt! That sounds so manly!
I always thought you had the heart of a warrior, Gajeel!
Are you even able to stand up, Natsu?
[LEVY] Oh sweet!
This is written in ancient Potamelian!
[MICHELLE] I've never heard of that.
So, now that you've figured that out,
do you know what it says?
"Time ticks forward on toward inevitable chaos."
"Time ticks forward."
"On toward inevitable chaos?"
Sounds familiar.
I know I've heard it somewhere before.
You have?
Hm... yeah.
But where?
You're just gonna take off again?
[EVERGREEN] Please! Come back to Fairy Tail!
Master!
Hasn't his expulsion from the guild lasted long enough?
Take him back!
It's not this one or this.
Here it is! I found it!
It's in here. That spooky phrase.
I was sure that I had read it somewhere before
and it's in this book.
[LEVY] What's the book about?
Well, lemme see.
Basically, it's about an old clock that passes from
one owner to the next over a long period of time,
and a lot of mysterious things happen around it
throughout its history.
Whoa, I think I get it, guys.
What do you mean?
Check out this picture.
[MICHELLE gasps]
[LUCY] This isn't just some random object.
It's the hand of a clock.
[HAPPY] He rattled your brains, huh?
[NATSU groans]
Nah, I've had much worse headaches.
I wonder where that scaredy-cat Gajeel is hiding himself.
Macao and the others went out looking for him.
But no one knows where he is.
Hm?
I think I can hear Gajeel outside.
[PANTHERLILY] Where have you been?
[CARLA and HAPPY gasp]
I don't believe it.
[NATSU] What the heck?
Who could be dumb enough to pick a fight with Fairy Tail?
Wait, do these guys seem familiar to you?
[HAPPY] Geez, you must need glasses Natsu.
These are the same jokers that we went up against in Edolas.
[NATSU] No way!
Did they always look like this?
[HAPPY] Um. Now that you mention it,
they do look pretty different.
[NATSU] Guess I'm not the only one who needs glasses.
[NATSU and HAPPY] Next Time: Target: Lucy!
[HAPPY] Hold on, are they going after Lucy? Why?
[NATSU] Well, that's really nothing new,
someone's always out to get her.
[HAPPY] I bet she probably forgot to pay her rent again.