Natsu teams up with Saber Tooth to rescue his friends. Gray, Wendy, and Rogue Cheney meet Duke Barbaroa, master of Gold Owl and creator of Athena. He explains that he needs Dragon Slayer magic to perfect Athena, and steals Wendy's and Rogue's. Minerva saves Erza and Jellal, avoiding the powerful Signario Sisters (Luso and Ennie). Athena steals Natsu's and Sting's magic when they rescue Lucy and Happy with Yukino, revealing her desire to experience human emotions through Dragon Slayer magic. Lucy helps Athena realize that she can already feel, convincing her to return the stolen magic and negotiate a truce with Duke. But Duke judges Athena as defective and deletes her.