[[ AUTHORS NOTE: So this is a story that struck me after I watched Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry. I've always been obsessed with the Thunder Legion ever since they came into the Fairy Tail world. I adore the characters and my favorite, of course, is Bickslow so this story will centre around him. Please bare with me, new to writing Fairy Tail rather then watching and obsessing ;) It's all a learning curve! It might not be to everyone's taste! This will take place after the Grand Magic Games and the events of Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry. Anyway hope you guys enjoy this starter bit-let me know if you want to see more! ]]
Dust drifted down in thick heavy clumps, rubble clattered and skipped down, from what remained, of the caved in roof and collapsing walls. She coughed. The air was so thick with dust it felt as though her lungs had been near entirely filled with the musty air. It was choking her. She heaved a cough and attempted to suck air into her lungs. She didn't even dare to open her eyes as of yet. The blood was throbbing in her ears, drowning out the noise of the high pitched ringing. What had happened? Had they been attacked? Then it struck her. The others! Were they okay? Swan quickly assessed if her limbs were still working. Thankfully she could still wiggle her fingers and twitch her toes. Swan felt a wet sensation on her brow, dragging her hand up she gently pressed the tips of her fingers against her brow, wincing at the pressure. If her head was throbbing before it most certainly was now. Finally forcing her eyes to open the first sight she saw was the crimson staining on her dark flesh. The ringing continued in her ears. She ignored the blood on her hand and turned her attention to her surroundings.
"Hey-" Her voice was hoarse and strained, she couldn't bring herself to shout again before she was forced to heave a spluttering cough. It echoed in the desolate ruined castle corridors. Swan brought her arms beneath her now and attempting to rise from the heap she found herself on the floor. "Hey!" She called again-louder this time. "Is everyone okay?" She wanted a response-needed a response. Her heart was beginning to race, her hands tremble. Strands of silver hair were falling across her face, she noted that the silver was disrupted by the stain of red. Blood. Hers? Someone else's?
"Swan?" A voice finally responded to her. Thank goodness. Her heart slowed...only slightly. The last she remembered it had been the Three Stars and the Thunder Legion, Bickslow, Freed and Evergreen. The voice that had called to her had certainly not been Bickslow or Evergreen.
"Swan? Where are you?" It was Freed's voice.
"Freed?" Swan called in response. She coughed again. She searched the darkness for the form of the man seeking her. It was only then that Swan realized they must have fallen down a level, perhaps more. Her aching body declared it must have been more then just a single level she had fallen through. She didn't recognize the paintings on the walls. There was a sharp splitting sound from above. Swan looked up and noted a large fragment of stone hanging precariously above her. It was about to drop. Swan gathered herself ready to spring forward-she was swiftly halted. Pain flared through her body and she cried out. Spinning she looked around to see a heavy slab of rock had pinned one of her legs beneath it. She couldn't move. The stone split and fell away. She cast another look to the slab pinning her. She had to move. Looking back up to the stone hurtling down toward her she knew she had no time. No.
"Dark Écriture: Reflect!" The words were loud and clear. The stone that was plunging toward her was deflected away by an unseen force. Swan let out a shaky breath of relief and closed her eyes. She could hear scrabbling over the stone causing her eyes to open once again. Freed slid down a slab of rock landing next to her. His jade hair was jutting out at odd angles, hanging over his scratched face. His eyes looked to her. "Are you alright?" His voice was, as always, serene and comforting. Swan watched him a moment before nodding.
"My leg..." She hissed. Freed cast a glance before clambering over the stone and beginning to tug at the slab pinning her down. "Have you seen the others?" Swan aided her strength to Freed to try and free herself. The slab of stone lifted before crashing down away from them. Freed stood a moment. Silence. Swan's heart dropped. Doll? Gapri? Bickslow? Evergreen? Freed extended a hand down to her. Swan hesitantly took it-fighting the tears that threatened.
"I am unsure as to their current whereabouts. You're the first I've found.." Freed finally said. Swan nodded slowly. "The best we can do for now is to continue on."
"But-"
"We were drawn here by them intentionally...this was all a set up, it would seem."
"But why?" Swan cocked a brow applying some pressure to her leg that had been previously trapped. She could still stand-relief flowed over her. How would she fight if her legs proved useless? "What need would they have for drawing us here?"
"They are after something...though I can't quite figure it out as of yet. As it stands I didn't realize that we would be facing a dark guild. This could prove a lot more dangerous then we initially suspected..."
"We have to find the others," Swan looked around the ruins again. Gapri and Doll were like brothers to her, younger and older respectively. She had to find them, make sure they were alright-it was only because of her that they were all in this mess to begin with. Her eyes fell to Freed who didn't dare look to her-his eyes were elsewhere, deep in thought. He was very different to the rest of the Thunder Legion-Evergreen being a woman, flaunting herself where every she walked, Bickslow...well he was just Bickslow and Freed was just...so noble. How did they all find themselves friends? Much less partners?
"No. We have to fall back," Freed finally spoke. Swan's jaw dropped in astonishment.
"No we have to find them-"
"We're of no use here. If this is the power of the dark guild, Valhalla, then we must fall back and devise a strategy of some kind-"
"Like hell I'm falling back!" Swan growled, fists clenching now. "What's the use in running? Our friends are out there and I'm not leaving until we find them! How are we going to beat Valhalla and stop Ragnarok if we don't have them with us?"
There was a chilled silence. Swan glared at Freed. How could he of all people want to turn tail and run? His friends were out there too. It was only then she noted the faint smile on his lips.
"What the hell are you smiling about?" She snapped.
"Someone once told me, 'when people realize how lonely it is being on their own, they will become kind'. It seems to me that hard exterior you always bare has crumbled away, you're not fighting for everyone else now. You're fighting for yourself and your friends," Freed looked to Swan, she drew back. She had always taken orders-she was one of the Three Stars of Stella and she had always served faithfully, unwavering and without question. But now no one was giving her orders she was free to make her own decisions-in the past of course she would have run, would have said that the others could handle themselves but now...she wanted-no-needed to find them. Swan cast her eyes to the floor feeling the cursed water creeping to the corners of her eyes.
"You damned fairies, I knew you were trouble the moment you came to Stella," Swan hissed.
"At least we can agree on something," Freed reached down putting a hand on the hilt of the rapier on his hip and turning to fully face Swan. "Let's find the others."
...
Seven Days Earlier...
Narrator; Fairy Tail had won the Grand Magic Games and proved to the whole of Fiore who was the best. For the Guild it was a well accomplished feat. With no shortage of work and their old guild hall restored to them all seemed to have finally returned to normal. For Makarov it was one of the proudest moments...even if he spent all his time reveling in the prize money. However with their accomplishments of the games there was rumours of more trouble afoot. The wizards of the Guild were highly sought after and watches due to their prowess and that might just put a halt to the normality of the guild...
The guild hall was back, Fairy Tail was back and every guild out there knew. They were the greatest in Fiore and ever since the winning of the Grand Magic Games the demand for Fairy Tail and every wizard in it was insatiable. Makarov couldn't supply for the demand. Everyone who had competed in the games, Natsu, Erza, Gray, Lucy, Elfman, Laxus, Juvia, Mira and Gajeel were the ones everyone was calling for. Close behind them was the remainder of the Thunder Legion. The only one who really didn't seem to get far was as always Nab. Freed sat at one of the tables that lined the Guild Hall, arms folded, expression distant.
"If I didn't know better, it would seem you miss him," Freed noted, eyes drifting to a slumped Evergreen. The woman was collapsed on the table surface, her brunette locks sprawled across the boards...a stray curl had even landed in a pool of beer and she hadn't even noticed! At the mention of the middle Strauss sibling however the woman's eyes darkened and her fingers snapped to her glasses.
"Don't make me do it Freed! Why does everyone assume that?!"
Freed took no note of her threat. It was obvious-she could deny it all she liked.
"You miss him!" A chorus of little voices sounded. Voices that came from Pappa, Pippi, Puppu, Peppe and Poppo. Ever rose off the table and spun in her seat to see the seith mage approaching. Bickslow.
"Get those damned wooden cups away from me before I petrify them!"
"I know you wouldn't threaten my babies, Ever," Bickslow chuckled, "Just remember who beat who." He laughed again, tongue lolling from his mouth. Ever snorted and folded her arms beneath her ample breasts.
"I don't know what you're talking about!" She snubbed.
"Bickslow? Back already?" Freed glanced to the Thunder Legion mage who sucked his tongue back in and grinned.
"Ha! One man's big job is only a little one to me," Bickslow noted.
"I see you finally got rid of that ridiculous cloak," Ever sneared.
"Oh hell no!" Bickslow shook his head, "Just got a bit torn up is all. I just need to go find me another!"
Ever's snear dropped into a gaping gasp.
"I wouldn't recommend that!" She persisted.
"Never mind that now, Bickslow. Master Makarov has been awaiting your return, it's not a bad thing you're finished earlier then expected."
"Makarov, huh? What's the old man want with us? I ain't done nothing wrong!" Bickslow was quick to defend himself.
"It would be you to cause trouble wouldn't it! What have you done now?" Ever snapped.
"Jeez give us a break! How does Elfman put up with you?" Bickslow heaved a sigh.
"I told you-"
"Ah! I see you're all here," Makarov's voice stopped Evergreen from defending herself, Bickslow's reaction was to stick his tongue out at her and grin wide his babies bouncing off her happily. She swatted them away quickly.
"You wanted to speak with us, Master?" Freed cast his eyes to the short physique of Makarov, even seated Freed still had to look down. Bickslow fell onto one of the free spaces next to Freed propping his elbows on the table. Evergreen finally noticed her hair had been sitting in a pool of alcohol and snorted in distaste. Makarov stood, hands folded behind his back.
"Yeah spill it, Gramps. What's shaking?" Bickslow turned attention to Makarov.
"We've had a job request come to the Guild recently-"
"Why not give it to Team Natsu?" Ever snorted, "Seems to be the only thing on peoples minds these days. It's like they forget there are other wizards in the guild."
"Ever member of Fairy Tail is a valued member-you all have your strengths. As it stands the Thunder Legion has been specifically requested."
"Do you mean Laxus will be here too?" Freed's eyes lit up.
"Oh yeah! Would be nice to go on a mission with our old buddy."
"Laxus, Laxus," The babies chorused.
"Laxus is currently engaged elsewhere," Makarov shook his head.
"But the Legion won't be whole." Ever whined.
"It's funny you should mention that, Laxus was not specified for this contract. Just you. Freed, Evergreen and Bickslow. No others."
The Legion was silent. It seemed an odd request, just the three? Freed and Bickslow would have made S-Class if they hadn't allowed Lucy and Cana to win way back when...or so they maintained and Ever herself was a force to be reckoned with on a good day not just when you pissed her off.
"Alright!" Bickslow leapt up from his seat, "Out of one job and into another! I'll make more then anyone else in the Guild this week alone-then it'll be time for a real party!"
"Party."
"Sit yourself down," Ever growled.
"Well now that you mention it I could take a nap..." Bickslow pondered before plopping back into his seat.
"Just us, master?" Freed cocked a brow.
"Yes," Makarov nodded. "It pays well and shouldn't pose much of a problem for any of you, I know you can do it and make the guild proud. You're expected in the Kingdom of Stella tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Ever gaped.
"Least I'll have some time for a nap," Bickslow shrugged.
"A nap? Stella is miles from here!" Ever pointed out.
"Godspeed," Makarov grinned before spinning and strolling away. Bickslow was quick to summon a passing Kinana and a tray full of tankards, Ever had vanished to attend her packing leaving Freed at the table watching Bickslow drink himself into a slumber. He was thankful Cana was nowhere near to encourage the seith mage. However that wasn't what currently occupied Freed's mind. The Kingdom of Stella was the kingdom surrounded by stellanium crystals, the main seat of power was in the castle of Altair...so what possible job would the Thunder Legion be required for there? From what Freed recalled the kingdom itself was on an island completely landlocked away. Master Makarov hadn't even mentioned anything more other then it was just Freed, Bickslow and Everygreen to attend. Freed didn't like it. There was something more...something else. His eyes drifted to Bickslow.
"Slow down, Bickslow. You won't be able to travel tomorrow." Freed scolded.
"Lighten up, man. I'm celebrating," Bickslow grinned, tongue lolling.
"Join us!"
"So long as you don't embarrass us tomorrow-we have a reputation to keep-"
"Yeah, yeah. Kingdom of Stella won't know what hit 'em when the Thunder Legion arrives!" Bickslow chugged on another tankard, tongue wagging.