Shadow Iron Dragon

Crocus, the battlefield of Gajeel and Rogue

Rogue fell to his knees...

He did not possess the sudden surge of power Sting had gained after losing Lector.

His strength was the same as it had been during the battle of the Four Dragons.

Even together, he and Sting could not defeat Natsu. Likewise, alone, he could never defeat Gajeel, whose strength matched Natsu's.

"Heh heh, I think I'm starting to understand why you joined Fairy Tail..."

Rogue said between ragged breaths, "It doesn't matter if you don't remember. Back then, I was still just a kid.

I was just an ordinary kid who admired Phantom Lord, the guild you belonged to.

I wanted to grow up and join Phantom Lord too, but you lost to Fairy Tail, and the guild was disbanded...

Yet you joined that detestable Fairy Tail. It was unbelievable—you actually joined the guild that defeated Phantom Lord.

But there had to be meaning behind it, behind your joining Fairy Tail. Now, I understand.

It was because of your companions...

There was no such meaning in Sabertooth. We were all the master's army. Orders were absolute, and victory was absolute.

What exactly was a guild? And companions... What had I been fighting for?

Now I understand why you were so strong. No wonder we lost..."

Rogue spoke in utter dejection. Perhaps he would never truly experience it.

"Get up!"

Rogue raised his head and saw Gajeel's stern face.

"You haven't understood anything. That frog was your companion... right!"

Even when he was trying to reason with someone, Gajeel wore the expression of a villain trying to steal someone else's partner.

"A frog?"

Rogue froze for a moment, then thought of Frosch in his frog mascot suit...

"Frosch is a cat!"

Rogue instantly bristled, springing to his feet in