Chapter 97

Life Shield is the 97th chapter of Hiro Mashima's Fairy Tail.

With Natsu’s new plan in action, the battle resumes. Natsu’s aim is to destroy the tower, and Jellal, furious, attacks him. He charges his most deadly attack, aiming for Natsu, but Erza interferes. She thinks that by using herself as a shield, Jellal will cease his attack, but Jellal states that the body Zeref needs needn’t be hers. He unleashes his Altairis attack on the both of them, but it is Simon who is ultimately hit. He collapses and proclaims his love for Erza. As he dies, he remembers the image of the young Erza, and leaves the world with a smile. Meanwhile, Jellal belittles him in his sacrifice. Natsu is furious by this, and punches him down. Then, meaning to replenish his strength, he eats burning Etherion…

Summary
Natsu gets up with all these injuries and is determined to execute his plan which is to destroy the tower. Jellal who is uninjured threatens Natsu saying that he will make him regret to have stand up again. The battle resumes with both of them determined to achieve their goals.

Jellal attacks Natsu but Natsu taunts him saying is he holding back so as not to damage the tower any further and that his attacks has no effet on him with enrages Jellal even more. Erza who was lying unconcious, regains conciousness watching Natsu battling fiercely with Jellal. Natsu uses his Fire Dragon Slayer Magic which damages the tower which took Jellal eight years to build.

Just when Jellal is going to land his blow on Natsu Erza interverns thinking that Jellal will cease his attack. But Jellal says that he needs Erza no longer and shoots his Altairis on Erza. Just in time Simon arrives and protects Erza getting hit by Jellal's spell. Simon numb falls to the ground. In his final moments he reveals his love for Erza, remembering the young Erza smiling at him and passes away saddening Erza. Jellal is laughing at Simon's sacrifice and Natsu enraged punches him. Natsu begins to eat Etherion shocking everyone...

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * 1) Jellal Fernandes
 * 2) Natsu Dragneel
 * 3) Erza Scarlet
 * 4) Simon

Fights

 * Natsu Dragneel vs. Jellal Fernandes

Magic used

 * Heavenly Body Magic (天体魔法, Tentai Mahō)
 * Fire Dragon Slayer Magic (火の滅竜魔法, Ka no Metsuryū Mahō)

Spells used

 * Altairis (暗黒の楽園, Ankoku no Rakuen lit. Dark Paradise)
 * Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame (火竜の煌炎, Karyū no Kōen)

Abilities used

 * Hand to Hand Combat