Thank you for those who liked my fiction ^^
Demon Kitteh, AngiAN and FoxyOwlOfDoom
Now time for second chapter
Chapter 2: Tensions
The train to the city of Fiore advanced briskly under the midday sun. There was an absolutely stifling heat. Yet Lucy and Happy have shivered as in winter when their new acquaintance revealed what he was: an assassin. This word brought back memories of their battles against Eligoal and the black guild Eisenwald, who made killing their specialty.
Seeing the reactions of the four mages, Nox roared with laughter. Not a black or crazy laughter, as they expected, but a joyfull and radiant laugh. And he didn't stop guffawing as he said to them, while arranging his daggers: "Do not worry. I've never killed anyone." This remark calmed Lucy and the Exceed, who, however, remained tight as piano strings. Grey was not at all reassured by these words. But, strangely, and after several seconds of observation, the smiling Nox seemed to have removed any form of anxiety in Erza. The fairy queen relaxed and said:
- You reassure me.
- BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE HIM? - Grey cried, startled.
- Absolutely. - She confirmed.
- And why is that ?
- If it was really a killer with bad intentions, do you really think he would have revealed his nature, like that, to all of us?
This remark shut the ice mage up. Erza was right, but Grey still could not relax. Since their first meeting in the main square of Bélèneim, the disciple of Ul had distrusted him. If Erza's intuition made her holds out her hand to Nox, that of Grey told him to stay as far as possible from Nox.
Lucy and Happy calmed down but they were unable to turn their eyes to the assassin. They were afraid of him. Grey, from the corner of his eye, stared him a long moment. Erza begun to look at the landscape and sometimes wander her eyes on her companions, including the new one. Natsu, the surprising revelation being passed, returned to mumble with a sickly voice in his corner. A good part of the journey passed with an heavy atmosphere. Not a single word was exchanged.
At the time when the sun hit the strongest, Lucy finally forced her to watch him. But what she saw had not frightened, neither remember the dark Eligoal. She was rather ... Intrigued. She expected to see something like a madman watching his reflection in the blade of a dagger. Or even licking one of it with bulging eyes. But what she saw was the complete opposite. Instead of a psychopath, Lucy saw a young man whose eyes, poetically melancholic, wera watching the landscape scrolling listening to music through magical headphones. The rectangular silver glasses that suited his small brown eyes, and short brown hair, with a small wick pointing up, gave him the air of an ordinary student. The kind that you imagine isolate, away from others in a library; but incapable of any form of violence. The constellationist could not believe he was the same kind of man as Eligoal. But she knew they could not judge a book by its cover. She were now really frustrated, not knowing what to think of the man in black:
- Oh Blimey ! I'm tired! - She exploded.
All his companions, except Nox, turned their eyes to her.
- What is it Lucy? - Asked the red-haired warrior.
- Erza! You can not ask the Master to accept an Assassin in the guild! A professional killer!
- Nox said he didn't killed anyone.
- And I still don't believe it, explained Grey. I think we should keep an eye on him.
- And you, Lucy? You think he's lying? - Erza asked.
Lucy hesitated. If she knew she should not be fooled by appearances, she did not want to risk being unfair with Nox. This story reminded her a bit of Gajeel, while being radically different. The dragon slayer of steel was openly cruel before becoming an important member of Fairy Tail. About Nox, on the other hand, Lucy did not know what to expect. She lowered her head and replied in a calm voice:
- I ... I do not think he's lying. He does not look like a bad person. But I have trouble understanding how someone can claim to be assassin without killing.
- And you Happy? - Erza asked.- What do you think?
- I fthink he's scary.
- On this point, we agree, - said Lucy.
- But it's Natsu who insisted, completed the Exceed with a slight smile. If Natsu trust him, then me too.
This ultimate palaver had disconcerted the group. In two sentences, Happy changed the discussion from "Can we trust Nox? " to " Do we trust Natsu? ". But nobody wanted to debate on that. Everyone knew the answer. Erza was more confident than ever while the two others were more confused. Lucy turned to the subject of the discussion. He had not moved an inch.
- Hey! You could say something anyway! Shouted Lucy.
Nox withdrew a headset and made him a perfectly natural and casual air:
- Hm? You say?
Lucy fell to the ground because of this sentences that was like a ton stone falling on her head. She felt as if she was talking to a wall higher than a mountain .
- Are you kidding me? - She replied angrily.
- No, I'm sorry. But I'm no more used to talk to anybody or to have someone talking to me. So when it happens now I do not pay attention.
The constellationniste calmed down with a sigh when she felt he was sincere; although Nox didn't really seemed sorry with this smile. The scene made Happy and Erza laugh a little. Grey remained quiet. But finally this little incident helped to launch a real discution between the man in black and others. They talked cheerfully as during any other travel. During this one, the Mages explained to Nox that their mission in Bélèneim was intended to earn some money to bail out their empty chests. This led the group to tell everything that happened on the Tenro island. Nox struggled to believe what they told him, but was forced to do it. They then talked about the guild and its members, their powers and some fun facts. Nox listened to every words. And in the end, it was almost as if he did not say who he was. As if his nature did not matter.
It however came back to his memory when Grey asked about the bandage he had on his right wrist. He asked him what it was.
- This? - Nox said. - It's nothing. Just an old injury that does not want to heal.
The group finally arrived at the train station of Fiore. When he touched the land, Natsu came back to life. This sudden change surprised Nox.
- At last! - Said the dragon-slayer. - I thought it would never end.
- There we are, we just landed and he already must become annoying, - Grey said wearily. - Everyone is watching.
- What did you said the iceberg!
- Nothing but the truth sparky!
- Calm down, - Erza asked in a stern voice that, to the surprise of Nox, managed to calm them. - Now that we arrived, we must say to the master that the mission is a success.
- Aye! Confirmed the blue cat.
- Yeah right, 'said Natsu. And submit Nox to officially enter in the guild.
- Whoa! Calm Down pink wig, - interrupted Nox. - I never said that I would join you. Only that I will accompany you for a moment.
This response intrigued everyone. Natsu even seemed disappointed because of what he exclaimed:
- Huh? But why? It's not cool to make us such a blow. It is imperative that you join us! With your talents we will be able to know all the shamefull little secrets of the guild. We'll will be stronger than Mirajane!
- Finally Natsu has not forgot his primary motivation. - Lucy noted.
- Aye!
Nox was still not determined to enter a guild. He did not want to join them, he wanted to protect them. But no one had ever asked as much his presence. It was the first time someone really wanted him around. It seemed to him that he would regret and shows ingratitude, and maybe even hypocrisy, refusing directly Natsu's proposal. Then he had an idea that would require Pinky obligate him to leave him alone without violently rejecting him.
- All right Natsu. - He said it in a tone between amusement and curiosity. - I suggest you something.
Nox guided the four mages outside the station. Arriving at the square, teeming with peoples. He took a few steps toward the crowd. The assassin put his hood and looked at the group. He waited for the station clock shows fourteen hours on the dot.
- If you can find me in less than five minutes ... Well ... I will reconsider your offer. But I warn you, I have very good friends to help me.
Only just he pronounced these last words that peoples passed in front of him and Nox disappeared.
Natsu and the others were completely dumbfounded with that. And while Natsu and Happy had begun to look in all directions, Lucy and Grey attended this game of hide-and-seek without knowing if he should be surprised that Natsu can not find it, or whether they must had pity. Erza seemed fascinated. It seemed that all that were interesting and entertaining her. As if she attended a children's game but seriously studying the actions of its participants. Nox was really interesting. Escaping Natsu's flair was a feat, she wondered how he did it.
Natsu had sought wherever he could, even in shops and restaurants. He had used all his dragon's senses but nothing worked, he could not find Nox. This annoyed him to the highest degree.
- Natsu, called Happy. I do not see him anywhere.
- Me neither. This is weird. The last time was easy.
- Aye! You followed the smell.
Natsu finally understood.
- Of course! The last time I found him with his smell!
- But you said that you did not smell anything this time.
- Yes exactly. I bet that Nox is one to learn from those mistakes. He knows that I could find him with my nose so he went where his smell is masked.
The Dragon Slayer observed everything around him carefully and ends up noticing a dumpster in a small alley. He rushed in that direction and jumped above. Smiling triumphantly, he shouted : "I've Found you! " when he discovered Nox, sat behind the waste container. This one was appalled. For the first time in three years, someone found him. Natsu jumped joyfully before him saying:
- I won! I won! So now you join us isn't it?
- Well Done Natsu! - Congratulated Happy.
- I am impressed Pynky - confessed Nox, removing his cap. - No one has ever managed to find me. However ...
- What?
Nox showed him a pocket watch he kept in his right sleeve.
- You are thirty seconds late.
It was a real shock to the two friends. Nox brought them back, both depressed, to their friends. Lucy tried to console them while Erza confessed his admiration. "You impress me. " She said. Nox replied that Natsu was also full of surprise. Finally, Nox accompanied them to the guild. Along the way, Grey asked:
- But Nox, Who was those "friends" that you were talking about earlier?
- My friends? Come on Grey. My friends are the peoples, shadows, sounds and smells.
Grey did not know what to say to that. Nox had spoken to him with a smile and a face wich could have frighten Lucy and Happy again. When the group finally arrived at the tavern, Natsu and Happy shouted:
- Welcome to Fairy Tail!
- That is a ruin.- Corrected Nox.
- Do you need to be so abrupt ? - Said a depressed Lucy .
- So, you come in ? - Grey asked with a hint of suspicion.
- No thank you. But do not worry, I will not be far.
- Really? - Asked Lucy. - But where?
Nox replied with amusement:
- Never far. But always in your blind spot.
This sentence shivered the constellationiste. The mages finally enter and finished the day as usual with drink, strawberry for Erza and a huge general Brawler. Strangely, Natsu did not mention Nox to anyone. Grey explained this by the fact that he wanted to keep his secret talent for his diabolical plan. But Happy had told everything to Charuru and Lily and Rumours spread in a flash. When night began to fall, Lucy asked Erza if she know if Nox had something to eat. The fairy queen replied that she had probably not have to worry but if it intrigued her, she could always go ask him.
- Moreover, added Titania, it surprise me that you're worried about him.
This remark surprised Lucy that did not know what to replie. She did not even know if she really wanted to talk to him. But her natural compassion pushed her to the door without another word. She get out of the guild and looked all around her. The Assassin was nowhere. She called at the top of the voice. He appeared behind her in the second, but she never knew how. Surprised, or rather scared, she finished on the groung with difficulty pronouncing: "I nearly had a heart attack." That made him laugh a lot. Once reset, the constellationist asked him the question. Nox replied:
- Do not worry, I stole some of your jewels a long time ago.
- Are you kidding me ?! - She screamed.
Nox laughed again while Lucy returned in the guild, furious. When she turned to take a last look, he had again disappeared. "It gets boring." She confessed.
The first to leave the guild were Wendy and Charuru, and the last ones, Macao and Kana who decided to make a drinking contest. The evening went with noises and breakages. The Routine. That night, Lucy went home talking with Plue about Nox. She told him she did not know what to think of him. He does not look bad but he was so strange and sometimes terrifying. The beautiful blonde explained that he gave the impression of always trying to be "cool" while ignoring if he did consciously or not. She finally returned home and was surprised to see nobody this time. She was definitely not disappointed, far from it. She was finally able to take a shower and sleep peacefully.
This afternoon, Nox watched Fairy Tail from every angles. Each entrances, each members, each significant detail ... Nox was also intrigued by the number of strange specimens which were in this guild. Between the one who undressed permanently, the one who drank more alcohol than an entire city, the other one telling all the time to act "like a man" or the girl observing the exhibitionist with tracking techniques equivalent to his own, although inferior... the assassin wondered how such a guild could have been the Number One before. Even their Master was a real pervert grandpa. The only beings around her eyes who seems normal were Lucy and Erza. And yet, she get off the rails when Droy spilled her strawberry cake.
As for the evening, he had a good laugh scaring Lucy and eaten a sandwich purchased honestly, with the money of the blonde in the trees. While he ate, he wondered if he had not gone too far with the constellationist. He was supposed to avoid them as much as possible. But scaring the constellationist was too funny. He finally concluded that unless she found what he was hiding, there was no problem with what he has fun with. He caught himself looking for how to continue to stay with someone else without remorse. He supposed it was becasue of the years of solitude he lived, and concluded he would have done the same with anyone else.
Once night has well and truly fallen, Nox realized that nothing interesting would happen tonight. It was too early. So he settled comfortably under the stars and tried to sleep. His sleep was however disturbed by dark memories: The house, the ruined castle, the park. So many places that pursued him and refused to let him in peace. When he reminded of the infamous laugh, the euphoria of the devil itself, he heard the call again. A Dark and scary voice coming from the darkness. It tried again to tempt him.
While Lucy was slowly going into the world of dreams, she felt suddenly an icy, dark and horrible feeling. She opened her eyes, they were marked by fear. She felt like if a cold hand, as death itself, had seized his muscles and her skin. Every part of Lucy trembled. She curled up under her blanket but nothing seemed to make it a little warmer. The ignoble feeling was freezing her completely. Freezing and terrifying. She seemed to have been taken in the gargantuan hand of a black and hideous deity who watched her from above, high as a mountain.
This evening the appeal was stronger. In these moments, Nox knew that fighting was useless. He could only wait it gets tired. This could go on for hours but he always ended up bored. After an hour, he stopped. Nox could sleep peacefully.
After an hour of terror, which seemed to last until a century, the monstrous sensation vanished like smoke. The constellationist could breathe properly. The cold did not disappear as quickly alas. So much that she got up to get another blanket. What she had lived was one of the most trying moments of her life. She had no idea what it could be, or where or who it came from. She tried to sleep anyway but it was a nightmare in the middle of the night who woke her. She saw herself surrounded by shadows and dominated by a huge black shapes watching with murderous eyes, like some predator laughing of a frail prey. She rose up with the sun, tired and anxious.
The blonde arrived first at the Guild, which surprised Mirajane. Nox noticed his arrival, but unaware of the habits of the members of Fairy Tail, he thought it was normal. Not wanting to worry anyone, Lucy showed her most charming smile and said that get up early every once in a while was an interesting thing to do. Mirajane accepted it and served her a hot coffee. They welcomed all other members. About ten o'clock, everyone was present. This caused a new fight that almost scared thepostman who gave a red letter to Grey, a sealed envelope to Kana and a small parcel to Reedus. Everyone was motivated with the approach of the great magic games, Erza had even offered to accompany Lucy with others at sea to train. She was very happy. But Erza felt there was something different today, Lucy forced a little smile. The fairy queen tried to broach the subject but Lucy pretended to ignore what she meant.
While Nox enjoyed watching the clouds listening to the sounds of nature, he felt the call again. "He is stubborn these days. " he said. The dark voice echoed in his head.
Suddenly, as she tried to reassure Erza, Lucy was again assailed by the ignoble sensation who had froze her overnight. She could not hide it to anyone because, at that moment, she dropped her cup that exploded on the ground. What she felt was too strong, too oppressive. Everyone, Erza first, saw her eyes wide open, her body trembling and the tears flowing. While the constellationnist huddled on herself, Erza had caught her by the shoulders and asked her what's happening. Everybody in the guild was worried, including the master Makarov who joined the two girls, face filled with concern. Whatever her friends told, she could not say anything other than: " Cold ... So cold ... I'm afraid ... Something ..."
Nox heard a ruckus in the guild, but looking at the fights he had seen earlier, this does little surprise. When he thought that the call was beginning to annoy him, he resisted with all his Will to eject it from his head. He succeeded but needed an exceptional effort. The voice hung that day.
Finally the terrible feeling disappeared. Lucy breathed as if she had tried to beat the record of apnea. Her eyes were wet with tears and she found all the guild around he . She asked them what happened. She remembered the horrible feeling but all that happened around her seemed blurred. She was still in shock. Natsu and Erza consoled her the best they could. Then she wiped her tears, the master asked her to explain, in the tone of a concerned father to his daughter. Lucy hesitated to tell them everything but, seeing the anxiety in the eyes of the whole guild, she decided to do so. When she finished her short story, Makarov was in deep thought. He felt nothing, it was a great master, and he had never heard of such a phenomenon. All he could deduce was obvious: the appearance of the sensation coincided with their encounter with the one they called Nox.
This conclusion pushed Grey to hit his fist on the table, shouting:
- I'm sure this is it! I told you he was not clear!
- Calm down, Grey,- Erza asked. - There is no evidence that he is responsible. It might be a coincidence.
- What coincidences ?! You can not trust an assassin!
This information shocked some of the assembly, which was not yet aware of Nox's profession. The master was not one of them. Grey ran out of the guild. He was followed by his usual companions: Erza, Natsu and Lucy. Then the rest of the guild. Grey stopped in front of the building and yelled the name of the assassin. Despite his headphones, Nox could hear it. He watched the ice mage from his perch. "He looks really nervy, - he thought - Would be rude to make him wait. "He took off his magical earphones, got down and approached the speaker.
- Well, well. What happens Grey? He asked, smiling. You lost your pants and can't undress anymore?
- SHUT UP! - Yelled the disciple of Ul. - Tell me what you did to Lucy!
- What I did to her? What do you mean? - He looked towards her. - There's a problem Lucy?
The girl did not know what to say. She does also not had the opportunity because Grey shouted Nox not speak to her. The ice mage started a fighting stance and he swung a powerful "Ice Make - Hammer! "
Nox dodged the huge weight of ice from the sky by doing a quick acrobatic behind. He realized now that the battle was inevitable. The assassin pulled his hood and looked at his opponent. "I see what kind of magic he uses and he is blinded by rage, - he thought.- I see at least ten ways to defeat it. "His gaze fell on Lucy. She watched the two friends with great concern. She was afraid that it degenerates and misfortune happens to one of them. Nox therefore decided to try the most risky method, but that can stop this useless fight as soon as possible.
The assassin brought out a dagger from his sleeve and rushed at the ice mage. The latter waited standing firm by launching a "sword of ice." "Not very subtle for an assassin. "- Grey thought -. He tried to slice Nox but he avoided the blow by making a backward roll during which he leaned on his hands to propel themselves as far as possible. Grey ran to him, throwing fists of ice, but after three steps, he heard an explosion behind him and found himself surrounded by chains. "What ..." Were his words before realizing that in reality, when Nox had put his hands on the ground, it was to place a kind of "mine Chain" that was intended to activate when he was barreling down at him.
- So - said Nox - now that you're locked you'll maybe calm down?
- Listen to him Grey - Screamed Lucy.
- It's true -said Erza - this fight does not make sense.
- Do not underestimate me! Yelled the disciple Ul.
He was not listening. Not even his friends. Bestial rage pushed him to fight against the one he accused of made to suffer Lucy. The ice mage grabbed the chains that held him, frozed them and broke them as easily as bad glass. Nox realized he had truly underestimated him. Grey gave him a "Ice-Make Spear." Nox fails to avoid all white shots with his new acrobatics. He was touched on the right arm and ankle. Nox knew he must get serious if he would not to be hurt more seriously. The assassin made then appear under the bemused eyes of the crowd, a light crossbow in his right hand, a chain with a sickle in the left and a black leather armor under his coat.
- Hey Erza! It looks like your magic what he does!
- Indeed, said Nox, my magic works exactly like Erza. But her equipment is that of a knight. Mine is one of the Assassin. It's been years since I have not used it in a battle but now I do not really have a choice. I'll be forced to stop Grey.
This last sentence frightened Lucy because she did not know what he meant by "stop" Grey. Some members of the guide wanted to intervene but the master forbade them: Grey was guided by irrational anger that not like him. He could very well hurt them. The meeting deduced that they would have to trust Nox to stop this madness.
