Team Shadowgear had been out on a mission when Levy returned to the guild alone. She had tears in her eyes and looked exhausted. Gray and Natsu paused in their fight in surprise. Lucy stepped forward in concern and said, "Are you all right? You look terrible." Erza approached as well. Placing a gentle hand on Levy's shoulder, she asked, "Where are Jet and Droy?" Levy clenched her eyes and her friends led her inside. A storm rolled in as she told her story. The trio was returning from a job well done. The trains were down, so they agreed to take the ferry. When Levy had awoken at the harbor the following morning, her partners were missing. It was the midway exchange and she searched the entire town thrice over before finally coming home a few days later. No trace of the boys had been found. No one seemed to know anything about it. No one that had seen them remained for the next part of the trip. She only had a vague clue about a strangely dressed woman that had been flirting with Jet.
The next morning, everyone got an early start. Lucy, Natsu, Gray, Happy, and Erza hit the docks. Someone had to know something. After several hours of turning up nothing, their luck suddenly turned. A woman stepped off a ship toward town in clothing that matched the description Levy had been given. She had long, dusty blonde hair braided down her back all of the way to her calves. Her outfit consisted of a combination of minimal armor and decorational silk with streaks of red paint upon her cheeks. Lucy and Natsu followed her to a shop, observing for any hint of where she was from. Finally Happy had caught up and went up to the stranger. The woman seemed unshaken by the sight of a talking feline. She kneeled down and pat his head gently. Her smile was warm, but her body language showed she remained on guard. "Natsu! Lucy! Come on! She's nice!", called Happy as he gladly accepted a fresh fish from his new friend. Rising, the woman smiled toward Lucy as she approached. once she locked eyes with Natsu, her demeanor shifted drastically.
Lucy offered a bashful hand, ashamed they had been caught. The woman met her gesture. "Nice to meet you", she began. Glancing at the guild mark on Lucy's hand, she added, "You must be one of local mages here." Lucy smiled with a nod. "We're part of Fairy Tail", she said. "My name is Lucy. You've met Happy and this is Natsu", she introduced. Natsu offered a hand with a wide grin, but was glared at intently in response. "You must be new around here. What's your name?", he ventured. Ignoring him coldly, the woman turned back toward Lucy. Natsu finally retrieved his hand from midair and grumbled. Happy was too busy munching his fish to pay his friend any heed. The woman took a stance and made some foreign salute. "Call me Hinode. I hail from the isle of Aeaea", she stated. "We have very few wizards there apart from the great sorceress. Perhaps you should visit sometime. It's a wonderful place where women lead and men stay out of the way", she continued. "Like Amazons or something?", asked Natsu. Again, she neglected his existence and chatted with Lucy.
When everyone met back at the guild that evening, Lucy shared what she had learned. "Sounds interesting", said Erza. Gray stared at Natsu. "How long are you going to pout?", he chided. Natsu turned with a nasty look. "I'm not pouting! What do you know anyway, you stupid ice maker?!", he challenged. The two took up arms once more while the girls spoke with Makarov. After a few minutes, Erza knocked them both out, so she could concentrate. As they all spoke, Gajeel and Lily returned. He smirked at the fallen Natsu and Gray, but before he could make a comment, Levy met his gaze with a sullen expression. Dropping the bravado, he sat beside her silently and listened. Lily joined Happy by the boys on the floor to see who would get up first. Eventually, it came down to deciding who was going to investigate. Natsu's team stepped up to the plate. Levy wanted to go with them, but was talked into waiting for news before running off to meet them. "It may end up being a wild goose chase", said the master. Mira served up drinks while details were hashed. Once awake, Natsu was gung ho to find his comrades until he realized they had to take a boat, but Gray's teasing got him to consent without argument.
As the sun rose higher from the sea, Erza, Gray, Happy, and Natsu stood ready at the docks. Lucy and Laki remained at the guild with Levy, Gajeel ever keeping an eye close by. Wendy and Charle were elsewhere on a job with Laxus and the Raijinshuu of all people, but it worked out well for what they needed. Juvia watched Gray tearfully behind a stack of crates. She wanted to go, too...
Once asea, Natsu hung his head over the railing of the vessel. Erza stared ahead with a steely gaze, contemplating their next move. Gray made fun of his friend, while Happy fished. Back at the guild, Levy sat with her head on the table. She worried for her partners, though she knew good friends were on the job. Lucy and Laki tried to cheer her up to the best of their ability, but it seemed like it was no use. In the shadows, Gajeel leaned against the wall, listening. Lily approached with a drink in each paw. Offering one to his partner, he smirked. He knew this was Gajeel's way of 'being there'.
A few days later, Natsu's group arrived at Aeaea. Erza watched the townsfolk carefully as the ship's crew struggled to unload her pallet of luggage. Natsu was just glad to be back on solid ground. Happy watched over his friend in the background. Gray stepped close to Erza. He was getting a lot of strange looks as was Natsu. "Finally noticed it?", asked Erza. "It's weird, isn't it?", he replied. They looked over the docks. No men were present apart from the few that worked the ferry. Every stall was run by women and children. A few women dressed the same as Hinode stood by the edge of the streets, sizing up the new arrivals. A young girl ran up to Gray and offered him a flower. He grinned as he accepted it. The girl smiled, showing her missing baby teeth, before returning to her mother. Erza grinned softly. "Already making friends?", she teased. Once Natsu recovered, the group headed for the local tavern. Again, only women were present. Stares and whispers met them everywhere they went in town, but they needed information. Reedus had sent along one of his paintings, so they had a picture to show of their missing comrades. Everyone shook their heads, remaining tight-lipped. Only the owner offered to serve them.
Eventually, one of the women in the armor and silk approached. She stood stolid and glared over the group at the table. Erza took a swig before asking, "Is something wrong?" The woman smirked. "I am of the isle's guards. You need to report to the great sorceress at once", she stated. "Why's that?", asked Gray. The guard sneered at him. Returning her attention to Erza, she said, "If you wish to be forgiven your crimes, I suggest you go at once." With that, she turned and stalked away. The entire bar was silent. Slowly, conversation picked up once more. "What was that about?", asked Natsu. "I don't know", replied Erza. "It seems this sorceress of theirs is our best chance at information", offered Gray. "Did we do something wrong?", asked Happy. When they had finished their drinks and paid the tab, they departed. Everyone gave a wide berth as they walked the streets. Small groups of guards watched from every corner, it seemed. They headed for the largest structure they could see, assuming that was their destination.
Upon approaching the gate, two women stood waiting. They wore more armor than their counterparts and held their spears sharply at the men present. "State your business", said the first. "We're wizards from Fairy Tail. We're looking for friends of ours", said Erza. The second soldier looked over the boys keenly, without malice. She seemed more intrigued than threatened. Natsu held up Reedus' painting. "Have you seen these two?", he asked. The first soldier pointed her spear at his larynx. "Who gave you permission to speak, man?", she said. Gray put his hand on the shaft of the weapon in a calm manor. "We don't want any trouble", he stated. The second soldier lowered her guard. "You're new here, huh? You must pretty smart to bring offerings", she grinned. Erza held her eyes carefully. The first woman slowly lowered her weapon. "Proceed to the grand hall", she said as she opened the gate behind her. As the group passed, Happy looked back in question. The gate latched once more. "Too bad", said the second soldier. "That one with the dark hair was kind of cute", she added. Inside the gate, Gray smirked to himself. "What did she mean 'offerings'?", inquired Gray. "What did she mean 'cute'?", replied Natsu flatly. Gray twitched an eye, but let it drop. They had more important business to attend to.
The group entered a large garden that spanned miles. Several animals could be spotted, but none came near. At an ornate door, another set of soldiers allowed entry. Inside, maids could be seen bustling about. One was dressed nicer than the others. It was she who came to greet them. Bowing, she said, "Welcome to Aeaea. Please follow me to the mistress." The building was huge. Arches reached far overhead. Plants decorated the sparse stands. Several cats watched from high crevices as they passed. They followed the maid to a glass door, beset with several kinds of riches. She reached for Happy and picked him up. "Who's your friend? You're new here", she grinned. "I'm Happy", he replied. She seemed slightly unsettled that he spoke, but let it pass, as she was in the presence of mages. "Would you like some fish, little kitty?", she offered. Erza grinned faintly and said, "Go ahead, Happy. We won't be long."
The interior of the next chamber was breathtaking. The trio crossed a small marble bridge into the room. The entire room was circular with a domed ceiling. Water circulated the alabaster chamber in a stream of sorts, coming from several waterfalls along the walls. Ivy hung to trellises above the fluid, hiding the openings' exact dimensions. Thin walkways made concentric hoops around the room, connected by small marble bridges. Lily pads and sacred flowers dotted the water. Koi, frogs, and dragonflies were at ease in this artificial home. The center of the room was draped in sunlight from tall, thin windows that followed the walls at regular intervals. A woman stood with her back turned beside a pedestal holding a vast tome. "Welcome", she said calmly. She turned with a warm smile. She had olive skin, green eyes, and dark hair that draped her shoulders in intricate golden bands and various jewels. Deep blue paint ran from her eyes to the corners of her mouth. Gray and Natsu were slightly caught off guard at how beautiful she was. She stepped forward, dragging her sleek robes along the floor. "Please, come in", she invited. The trio crossed another small bridge toward their hostess. She watched them fondly as they neared her. She bowed politely and ushered them to some ornate benches upon the center isle of the room. "I am Emem. You have traveled far. We see few mages here", she said. Natsu looked over the chamber in wonder. This place was gorgeous. Gray watched Emem critically as Erza began the conversation.
"Are you the great sorceress we've heard of?", asked Erza. "I am", said the woman pleasantly. Looking toward the boys, she continued, "Please, be at ease here. I do not harbor the same ill will as my subjects." Gray relaxed slightly while Natsu watched the koi swim around them. "Fancy place you have", ventured Gray. He was waiting to measure her response, but she smiled like an angel and he ended up trying to hide his red cheeks by turning away. Emem sat beside Erza and uttered, "Tell me, what brings the great Fairy Tail so far from home?" Natsu looked up in question. They had not said where they were from. Emem smiled pleasantly. "I recognize your mark", she explained. "We're looking for two friends of ours that disappeared here several days ago", said Erza. "That's terrible", said Emem. "I imagine you're very worried", she added. Natsu produced the painting once more. The sorceress looked it over in interest before shaking her head. "I'm afraid I cannot help you on your quest, but please feel free to rest here as long as you like", she offered. Erza glared as Natsu's stomach made an audible gurgle. Emem giggled. "Allow me to serve you a feast for your travels", she said.
She lead them across another set of bridges to a large dining hall. A long table was set with several sets of empty plates and trays. They took their seats and Emem stood at the head of the table. She clasped her hands as if in prayer and chanted. Delectable dishes from the world over suddenly filled the table. Entrees, sides, desserts, soups, and more covered the table in a veritable spread. Natsu drooled over the piles of meat and was already eying Gray to see who could grab the most first. Erza was impressed. "You have interesting magic, Emem-sama", she ventured. Emem blushed faintly with a subtle smile. "Please, feast to your heart's content", she said. The maid from before entered the room with an ornate pitcher. She poured each guest and her mistress a glass of wine, then another glass of water from the same pitcher. Gray squinted into his glass curiously. Natsu paid no attention to the trick as he heaped his plate with food. His cheeks full, he asked, "Where's Happy?" The maid turned and Happy could be seen hanging from her back in some sort of infant caddy. "Here I am", he said meekly. Emem chuckled from her seat. "Found another favorite, have you?", she chided. The maid blushed and released the snaps. Happy took his place beside his partner. The maid quickly set a large tray of smoked fish before him.
The group ate until they couldn't force down another bite. Emem looked over her guests with a smile, content she had treated them properly. "May I ask you something, Mage?", she ventured. Erza met her gaze. "Why do you feel your friends are here on Aeaea?", asked the sorceress. Erza set down her goblet and replied, "This was the last place they were seen." Their hostess crossed her hands on the table and said, "I see. I'm sorry for your loss. I humbly offer my guards to your service in assistance." Gray sat back in his chair, stuffed to the brim. "I doubt they'd like that", he said. Emem looked to him for explanation. "May we ask you a question now, Emem-sama?", ventured Erza. "Of course", she nodded. "We weren't well received in town. Everyone looked at my partners like criminals", began Erza. "Where are all of the men?", asked Gray as Natsu and Happy argued over a lobster. Emem took on a sad expression. "You are correct; There are no males here. They were all taken to war several years ago and no one has yet returned", she explained. Natsu leaned onto the table in interest. "War? With who?", he inquired. She shook her head. "I know not. Foreigners came and took every man we had, the young and the old alike. They demanded soldiers or else they would destroy us", she replied. Gray and Erza exchanged glances. "They didn't even tell you where they were taking them?", asked Erza. "I'm afraid not. I have tried to scry their location many times with no result. It is my burden as ruler here that I cannot aid my people", she said, a tear rolling down her face. "Maybe we can help each other", ventured Natsu with a grin. Emem could not help but respond to the kind faces before her. "I would like that very much", she replied with a smile.
To be continued...