Lucy was laughing at Natsu and Gray as they yelled at each other, when Loke burst into the guild hall. "I've got bad news!" He yelled, everyone turning towards him, "It's Erza and Aquila! Their on their way here!" The hall descended into panic.
"Wow, just mention Erza and everyone panics."
Mirajane smiled at Lucy and said sweetly, "Well they are the strongest female wizards in the guild, and more than a bit intimidating."
Shadow descended into the guild hall. Everyone began to examine their conduct and some began to fear for their lives. The clink of armor mixed with thundering steps as the two approached. "It's got to be her…" Laki whispered.
"Those sound like her footsteps." Wakaba added.
"Even the air has gone completely still", said Macao. Murmuring ensued across the hall. Lucy gulped and thought to herself, Geez, from these reactions you would think they were demons or something… Lucy trembled with fear though she was unsure why. A tall redheaded girl walked into the hall carrying a giant horn. She slammed the horn down with a crash. A blue haired girl with hair in a long braid walked out from behind her.
"Hey guys!" She called out cheerfully, "We're back!"
Erza said," We have returned. Where is Master Makarov?"
Lucy murmured," Wow, they're so pretty."
Mirajane called out, "Welcome back Aquila, Erza. The Master is at a conference."
Erza nodded. "I see" she replied introspectively.
"So what's with the horn guys?" Max asked quietly from the side. "It's the horn of the monster we defeated. The locals were grateful so they decorated it and gave it to us as a gift."
Aquila grinned, "Wasn't necessary, 2 S-class wizards was honestly way too much firepower for this mission. A little ice, a slash of a sword, and no more monster!" Her teeth showed pointy incisors, similar to Natsu's.
"Now listen up!" Erza called out. "While we were on the road, I heard some rumors. Word is that Fairy Tail is causing nothing but trouble as of late. Master may not care, but I most certainly do!" Erza finished and everyone straightened up.
"Erza's right. I heard some nasty things on the road. Shape. Up." In an instant, Aquila's demeanor changed. A chill filled the room, quite literally.
"W-Why is it s-so cold?" Lucy asked.
Mirajane, who appeared to be unaffected, smiled again. "Aquila is an Ice Dragon slayer, her mood when black, often lowers the temperature."
"Whoa." Lucy whispered.
"Cana, you need to start controlling your drinking. Vijeeter, please take the dancing outside. Wakaba, get rid of that filthy habit! Nab, I suspected I would find you dawdling in front of the request board, just pick a job! Macao… huh." Erza sighed.
Macao began to panic, "Please just say something!"
Erza sighed once, "I don't even know where to begin with you. You cause so much trouble, I've almost given up on you!"
"Wow she's really tearing into everyone. It's like she's taking over."
Happy piped up, "That's Erza for you!"
Lucy continued, "Even if she is bossy, she's still saner than everyone else in here. I don't understand why everyone's so afraid of her. Her, on the other hand, I understand." Lucy gestured to where Aquila leaned against a pillar, which was almost completely covered in ice. The other guild members began to edge away, and few unfortunate souls had become frozen to their seats.
Erza turned to look as she stated, "Are Natsu and Gray here?" Everyone's attention shifted to Natsu and Gray, who were surprisingly hugging while shaking hands.
"Hey Erza, Just hanging out like good friends do." Gray said.
"Aye" agreed Natsu. Aquila smile and shifted upright and began walking over to Natsu and Gray.
"Hello Ice princess, flames for brains, how's that budding friendship coming?" Aquila grinned at them and Lucy began to realize that it was better to be far more scared of her than of Erza.
"Better than ever! We're best friends, right buddy?!" Gray practically yelled in panic.
"Aye mam!" Natsu agreed. Aquila smiled and walked over to the bar and gracefully took a seat.
"Great, I'm pleased to see the two of you getting along. However," Erza paused and Lucy decided to be equally scared of both. "Even the best of friends can lock horns sometimes, it's only natural."
"Come on Erza, Aquila we're the best of friends." Gray stammered out.
"Aye." Natsu agreed.
"What's gotten into Natsu?" Lucy cried out.
"He's scared. He challenged Erza to a fight a few years ago and she beat him pretty bad. And a few years before that Aquila challenged him to fight and he was beaten even worse then.", Mirajane explained, with that sweet smile still present.
Lucy proclaimed, "That was a stupid thing to do."
"After their fight, Erza found Gray walking around naked and decided to beat him up too. Gray isn't scared of Aquila though, since they both have different varieties of ice magic, he thinks he could take her in a fight." Macao said.
"And let's not forget, Erza beat Loke up for flirting with her and Aquila froze him into a block of ice that she refused to unfreeze for a week after he caught her under some mistletoe." Cana added.
Erza continued talking, "Natsu, Gray I have a task for you. I heard something on the road that has me worried. Normally I would talk to the master but this matter is of utmost urgency. The two of you are the strongest wizards here. Aquila and I could really use your help." Whispers filled the guild hall. "We'll meet at the train station in the morning." Erza finished.
Mirajane whispered," Erza, Aquila, Natsu, and Gray working together. I never saw that one coming. This could be, the most powerful team Fairy Tail has ever seen!"
Aquila's POV
The next morning we met at the train station. Erza walked in and announced, "Sorry we're late, have you been waiting long?" I rode atop the mountain of baggage that was Erza's suitcases.
"Not really." The blonde girl said then performed a double take. I smirked. Erza always packed heavy. Natsu and Gray began to act overly friendly with one another and smirked again. Idiots, they had to get along, not be best friends. I slid down and landed beside Erza.
"I really love to see the two of you getting along." Erza said and I scoffed. I sidled over to the blonde girl and smile at her.
"So what's your name and magic?" I asked curiously. I didn't get a chance to talk to her at the guild, but she was new and I didn't know her.
"Oh, my name is Lucy. I'm a Celestial Wizard."
I smiled, "Very nice. And you get a natural Loke repellant. I wish I could be so lucky!" I sighed. Lucy giggled and I grinned at her. This new girl wasn't half bad.
Erza turned her attention towards us and smiled, "What's your name? I remember seeing you at the guild yesterday." I looped my arm through Lucy's and smiled at her.
"This is Lucy, she's a celestial mage." I spoke for her.
"I just joined the guild. Mira asked me to come along so I could learn a thing or two. I hope that's okay with both of you?" She asked.
"Of course girlie, the more the merrier!" I added enthusiastically. Erza smile and nodded, then frowned.
"Wait you're the girl I heard about, the one who defeated that mercenary gorilla with only her pinky finger." Lucy jolted as if she'd been shocked. I took my arm from around hers and turned to face her.
"Really?! You're that Lucy!? Cool!"
Erza continued, "It would be great having a wizard like you on board. We'll be grateful for your help." "Oh no, it's my pleasure." Lucy stammered out. I grinned at her reaction and at the quarreling boys in the background who would argue then behave when Erza turned around. I wasn't in the mood to call attention to them, merely to sit back and watch the show.
"Hey Erza!" Natsu called out. She turned and Natsu continued, "I'll come with you but on one condition."
"Oh?" Erza quirked an eyebrow at Natsu.
"I want a rematch when we get back to the guild, and then one with you Popsicle!" He called out. I grinned and the temperature lowered about ten degrees.
"Oh you're sure Natsu? Last time I challenged you, weren't you too, Afraid, to accept?" I grinned and Lucy backed up about 3 steps.
"You want to go now blueberry?" He called out and I dropped my arms as ice began to erupt on my skin.
"Whenever you're ready Pinkie!" I called out.
"Aquila, Enough! Very well Natsu, I can tell you've improved. I accept your challenge." Erza said with a smile.
"Let see if you can beat me when we get back flame brain." I grinned again and let my ice dissolve into the air and felt the temperature rise.
"Oh yeah! I'm fired up!" Natsu roared. Then the final call for boarding was given and we loaded onto the train.
3 hours later
Natsu was practically passed out on the bench. I wasn't much better. I hated trains and all forms of transportation, with a passion! I should've walked!
"I swear you're totally pathetic Natsu, one second you're picking a fight, the next you're like this." I looked over at Gray and glared at him.
"If he's pathetic then so am I. Are you calling me pathetic Gray? Because I still have enough strength to hang you out the window!" I snarled then doubled over with a moan. Erza patted my back, which I appreciated but it did nothing to settle my stomach.
"Now come here and sit with me Natsu." Erza commanded and I managed a nasty grin. I knew what was coming. I got up and moved with Lucy, sitting in between her and Gray. Erza then knocked Natsu out with a punch. Lucy looked horrified while Gray smirked.
"Erza maybe you should fill us in. What kind of mission are we going on here exactly?" Gray asked.
"Of course, I have reason to believe the Dark Guild Eisenwald is planning something big..." Erza's voice trailed off as I did my best to fall asleep. I was with her when we overheard these wizards talking. They mentioned Lullaby and a seal. They also mentioned Eregor, a man who only accepted assassination requests. We wanted to stop them hence asking the boys for help. I heard Lucy ask what type of magic Erza uses. I forced myself up for this display. Happy chimed in that Erza uses pretty magic and replied she thought that Gray's and I's magic was much prettier. I smiled as Gray used his magic to create an Ice sculpture of the Fairy Tail symbol.
"I use ice magic." Gray said quietly and I reached out and grabbed the statue, taking a bite out of it.
"Thanks for the snack Gray." I smiled at him as I began to munch. He glared at me and I giggled. I turned to Lucy and said slowly, trying to not throw up my ice, "I'm the Ice Dragon Slayer. Self-explanatory, yes?"
Lucy nodded then commented, "It makes sense that you two get along with each other but not Natsu, ice and fire?"
Erza hummed, "I never thought of it like that."
"Nah, I just hate his guts." Gray commented. I was too busy trying not to upchuck all over Erza, so I didn't reply. The train however began to slow and my stomach flopped. We all exited the train, Gray lending me a hand so I could walk out.
"You think the dark wizards might still be in Onibas?" Gray asked Erza as we walked through the station. I could finally stand up straight and I moved away from Gray, letting his arm drop.
"I don't know, but it's a good starting point." Erza replied.
"I'm still thinking I should go home now." Lucy whimpered.
"Aw don't worry Lucy, I won't let anything get you!" I said slinging an arm around her shoulders.
"Hang on where's Natsu?" Happy chimed in. Erza's eyes widened and we shared a stricken look.
"I was so busy talking, I forgot about him" Erza said.
"Oh well." I said with shrug. The train would come back later, we could get him then.
"This is all my fault. Natsu hates all forms of transportation! I need one of you to come and hit me for my penance." I shook my head at Erza's dramatics.
"Not necessary Erza." Lucy looked like she was going to pass out.
Erza marched over to the emergency lever and proceeded to pull it. One of the security officers attempted to argue with her over it but she wouldn't be swayed. I was laughing at the guy that thought he could stop her.
"I'm starting to realize that all the wizards in fairy tail are just a little bit insane."
I stopped laughing for a minute to stare at her, "Only just figuring out Lucy? I knew that within two minutes of stepping in. Suits us just fine."
"We're not all insane." Gray stated.
"Where are your clothes?" Lucy shrieked.
I looked Gray over in mock concentration then deliberately lay back with a bored look on my face. "Only a six, Gray I'm disappointed, with all the stripping you do, couldn't you at least give us a decent eight?"
"Quit it Ice Princess!" I made a face at Gray, "Ice Princess? Better than being a stripper." Erza walked over and I assumed an innocent expression.
"Erza I believe Gray is trying to pick a fight with me." Erza stopped and gave me a deliberate stare, "Do you deserve it, I wonder?" I giggled and spread my hands, "Guilty as charged."
Erza sighed. "Come now, we must rent a magic vehicle and catch up with Natsu." I sighed and stood, following Erza out the door. She rented a magic vehicle and I refused to get on it.
"No way, no more motion sickness." I turned to Gray and said, "Make me a sled please." He frowned at me, but did as I requested. I tied a rope from the back of the vehicle to my sled.
"I'll be fine on this thing."
Gray looked at me and asked, "Isn't the sled a vehicle?" I smirked at him.
"Not in my line of thinking." I stood on the back of the sled and made a pillar of ice on it. "I'm good now, let's get going." Erza nodded and strapped herself to the magic vehicle. She started driving like a madman. I pitied Gray, He was stuck on the roof.
"Care to join me on the sled?" I shouted up to him.
"No thanks! It looks worse than this."
I laughed, "Not really."
We finally caught up with Natsu, who came out of a window and smacked into Gray. Erza skidded to a stop.
"Natsu, are you alright?" Erza asked.
A croaked "Aye" came from his mouth. As they recovered their senses, Natsu and Gray began to argue.
"I'm thankful that you weren't badly injured. I apologize." said Erza, who grabbed Natsu and pulled him into a side-armed hug. I doubled over in silent laughter. Gray smirked too. Natsu started his story.
"I'm shaken up though. I got attacked by some weirdo on the train. Said he was with Eisenwald."
Erza's eyes narrowed and she slapped Natsu, hard. I winced at the impact. "That is exactly who we are chasing after, why did you let him get away?" Natsu protested claiming he didn't know that was what the mission was. "Fool! I explained everything on the train, pay attention when people are talking to you!"
I tapped Erza on the shoulder and whispered to her, "Erza, you knocked him out on the train remember, because he was whining about his motion sickness?" She blanched and began to insist Natsu hit her as punishment. I glared at him (He looked too excited about hitting her) then told her she was fine, just needed to apologize to him. I laughed when that resulted in her giving him another bone crushing hug.
We loaded back up, Natsu reluctantly sharing my sled. "So, he was on the same train as us then? Let's find him!" Erza declared. Gray asked Natsu what the guy looked like. He said he looked ordinary then began describing a flute topped with a three-eyed skull.
"Major creeps." I added into the conversation.
"What's wrong Lucy?" Happy asked her, she looked majorly creeped out.
"It's just, I've heard of that flute before. Lullaby…The Cursed Song! It's death magic." I blanched.
"What?" Erza said, stunned.
"Like an incantation?" Gray queried.
"I've only read about them, but there are some deadly spells out their forbidden to be used by wizards." Lucy answered.
"That's right, there are cursed black magic spells that will kill the person they're used on." Erza spoke up.
"If I'm right, Lullaby is even worse." Lucy began to explain how it was demon flute. Erza paled and then practically threw Lucy into the carriage, and us with her. "Gray get on." She plugged herself into the vehicle and if I thought her driving was bad before, it was even worse this time.
"Slow down Erza! You're using up too much of your magical power!" Gray yelled at her.
Erza yelled back, "I have no choice! We're running out of time! If Eregor gets his hands on this death magic, trust me, lives will be lost." Natsu and I sat in the car and he was holding his stomach while I had lost it and was vomiting out the window.