A/N: I had a little bit of conflict. On one hand I wanted to plunge the story immediately into action but then I would have to make introduction to the crew as story progresses or I could do that now, make the setting, introduce you to characters and then start with fun stuff. I know this is going to be a little boring but in my little crazy head I find it that when facing a story that could stretch out for long time... I need to make time for my characters. So, please endure this one more chapter and on next one... I promise fun stuff happening. I also know some of you can't wait for some of the pairing to meet, their interaction to happen and that will happen too, in fact I plan to make every character with their stories in later chapters, why they are who they are now, what were their pasts, how will that reflect on their decisions... I didn't lie when I said this is going to be marathon, I have big plans but as you probably know, if you have read my stories, with these kind of stories I prefer to be thorough, to immerse you into this magical world. There will be no lack of action and no lack of adventure and no lack of good heart-warming stuff in some chapters. That much I promise you.
Twenty four hours passed since orders have been issued and captain Erza has finally received report that ten men have been found to be added to her crew. Of course, she wasn't pleased with the fact that she had so many transfers from her ship, half were sent other ships but that was not for them to be blamed for it was beyond their or captain Erza's saying. Getting new crew up to speed is something she disliked and that was mostly due to the fact that her orders were always precise and every step of the way was to be executed with surgical precision. Nothing less than absolute best was expected from them.
Day was slowly reaching noon and she was sitting, rather comfortably on her chair in ship's cabin, legs crossed, leaned back and with several papers in her hand… the documents councilmen mentioned. If she is to hunt down former admiral she had to know everything about him, his records, crewmembers, likes, dislikes, strategies even his own logs that were kept as top secret were revealed to her. Lucy was right, this will not be an easy task.
Her eyes looked up as she heard knock on her door, followed by the same door being opened and blonde quartermaster entered, saluting captain.
"Captain, transfer papers have arrived, ready for your inspection." Lucy said and lowered her hand from salute before approaching and placing small stack of papers on her desk, right in front of Erza. Captain took the papers and looked through, and took three from the stack, placing aside. At first Lucy didn't understood reason for this separation, but then again it was not hers to question.
Erza stood up and took her hat before leaving cabin, having Lucy follow her closely behind. Two lines of men and women, formed one to face another, leaving room in the middle for captain to pass through.
Erza shouted "Following crewmen step forth! Elfman Strauss, Freed Justine, Alzack Connell!" and no more than second after all three of them stepped forth. Erza moved toward first one, towering above everyone else, uniform properly maintained and fingerless gloves on his hands.
"Lieutenant Elfman Strauss, His Majesty's Royal Navy, ma'am!" He saluted as she approached, despite him being way taller than Erza he dared not look down at her, instead his eyes were fixed forward.
She briefly looked at first of three papers in her left hand and spoke "What is Mirajane Strauss to you, lieutenant?"
"Sister, ma'am!"
"I know her, and your father. Why did you want to join H.M.S. Titania?" She asked, looking up but he still didn't look down.
"Family tradition, proud to serve!"
Stern and loyal, just the way she liked it. Those who take up arms and serve King and country were always considered as highly honorable men in her book and she never hid this fact, although by his size and combat specialty she still thought he would be much better option as land solider rather than crewman but she didn't object and instead she moved on, standing in front of second man.
"Reader Freed Justine, His Majesty's Royal Navy, ma'am!"
"I thought as much…" Erza said looking down at different paper, this one was Freed's records "Our previous reader was one of the best, you will have big shoes to fill Mister Justine."
"Proud to serve, ma'am!" he just said and kept looking forward until she reached third and final named crewman.
He saluted and spoke "Master of Arms Alzack Connell, His Majesty's Royal Navy, ma'am!"
"Your record is clean, our Master of Arms was transferred so you will be filling in her position, I expect you to perform to your best of abilities, no less."
"Proud to serve, ma'am!" He spoke in higher tone and she moved on to the very end of the line. Lucy was quick to follow but she couldn't understand why she picked three of them to step forward. Why not call up all the names of transferred crewmen? As they turned to face both lines, Erza gave Lucy papers and placed her hands behind her back. Quartermaster glanced down on the papers and it was clear to her why Erza called them forth… All three of them are served on H.M.S. Oathkeeper.
"Listen up, we have been issued a simple task! We are to find and capture defected admiral Jellal Fernandes!" As she finished she could see few heads turn, silent but she could read their thoughts by the very reaction they displayed at the mention of the name, and that name drawn attention.
"One year ago he abandoned his post along with two officers, Lieutenant Laxus Dreyar and Lieutenant Gray Fullbuster! I understand that there are those among you who served under him, he saved many lives and probably some of those are here and now. I will only say this once! If there is anyone among you who does not feel up for the task, step forth and leave the ship. Once we set sail you will do your duty, failure will result in immediate court martial!"
She looked to the left then to right line, there was no one who stepped forth, no one who made a sound… it was the silent obedience that could be heard on the deck. Of course some would object silently but military training was simple. Treason and desertion are never to be overlooked and their admiral did both. Whatever allegiance existed before had to be dropped… after all they have sworn an oath. Small grin formed on edges of Erza's lips as she looked from left to right, glancing to every crewmen. "We sail out immediately to find him and bring him back to capital city, he will be placed before High Court to be trialed and eventually executed. Am I clear?!"
"Yes, Captain!" everyone shouted in unison.
"Chain of command here is simple! You all answer to me while on the ship! In my absence you will answer to quartermaster Lucy Heartfilia! Any questions? No? Very well then, man your posts!"
Everyone saluted and quickly ran to their posts. Despite the crowd that formed no one had even the least bit difficulty doing his job… it really was a well-oiled machine and Titania is a place where legends are made. It is an honor to serve but it is also a great responsibility. Erza understood this well and left no room for error, everything must be as precise as a clock.
"Course, Captain?" Lucy asked as she followed Erza who climbed the wooden stairs to the helm.
"We will go to Cedar first. There is no chance in finding him straight away so I want to hear first reports from merchants that were robbed. What cargo he is after, what ships he targets, where does was he last seen. Free ports will not give me that information but Cedar is not a free port. Someone will know."
"Understood." Lucy nodded.
Seventy third hour after the skirmish passed… Jellal was still worried about his situation. Avoiding ships will be difficult and as it stands only six cannons are operating, barely enough to sink schooner, not to mention brig. He kept looking at the lacrima crystal over and over, as if trying to make the number disappear with only his gaze. He disliked what he was seeing, his own image… Picture of him old though, one he had to take when he first obtain his rank as captain, facial lines were there but he looked so much younger on this picture and without tattoo over his right side of face. As for hair… more tidy, combed to officer standard but color is same. He gazed at the picture and his right hand rose up, fingers brushed against his cheek, moving over the tattoo… A suitable mark for his betrayal.
He didn't sleep well again… most of the time he spent on deck looking into the endless seas and stars that reflected their light on the surface of water. Calm night is what he loved most, a rare moment when water was like a salt fields, extending for kilometers. Not a trace of wind, not a single small wave to upset this almost unnatural scene on the open sea. He took what little calmness of the night could offer to ponder on current situation… What did he expect? Sooner or later Navy would have turned its gaze to his direction, they wouldn't dare to allow him to just walk out, not to mention raid their waters.
Day was far less calm than night and ship was yet again cutting through waves. Wind filled the sails and the spirit was high among the crew for they have not seen any ship for two days. Normally this would be considered bad luck but in this case, it just meant they could reach safe haven and be back in full effect. It didn't take long after the daybreak for a shout to be heard.
"Land ahoy!" Natsu shouted from the nest making everyone on deck look forward and far mountains could be seen far into the horizon. Jellal moved to port side and jumped on wooden fence, holding himself on rope.
"That would be Haregon." He said, voice mix between anxiety and content. "Time to see how far Lady Luck will follow us… Mister Dreyar, you got the helm bring us in! Rest of you look like gents and ladies that they think you are!
He looked up toward the nest and shouted "Mister Dragneel, you know what to do! Let's hide our Fairy!"
"Aye aye Captain!" Natsu responded and jumped from the nest, grabbing onto the tackle, sliding down and as he did the black sail with Fairy emblem rose up and folded. Now a full white sail opened and it couldn't be recognized from another brig. A little bit of marvel that Gajeel did with some of his innovation in hope to quickly switch their attitude toward ship… White for navy, black for everyone else.
Within thirty minutes they were already at the docks and ready to disembark. Most were ecstatic to do so, first time they set their feet on solid ground in weeks. Plank was out and crew stood waiting for captain. There is a small unwritten rule they learned fast, and that rule is that unless there is an emergency, captain is first to set foot on the land. And speaking of devil… he walked down the plank and onto the wooden dock, followed closely by Laxus and Natsu. Instead of his navy blue uniform he was now in gray and dirty blue leather jacket, red folded cloth instead of belt and dark gray cloth pants with brown leather boots. An image completely unlike the one on the ship, tidy and immaculate captain has transformed into common scallywag.
"Mister Fullbuster, get us provisions, Mister Redfox, we'll be in for several days, see to it that she…" he pointed at Dark Fairy "is well and merry!" Gajeel nodded and pulled Levy along with himself. She didn't complain and instead just smiled, feeling content that they may have some time on land to rest and recover… and what not.
"Mister Dreyar…" he turned and looked at Laxus "You know whom we need, be discreet in recruiting, no more than 5."
"Aye, Captain!" Laxus nodded and moved along, it was about time to fill the hole in crew. "Mister Dragneel, you are coming with me. You have the bag?"
"Not leavin' it out of my sight." Natsu grinned wide and patted large leather bag that hanged over his shoulder.
"Good, let's go and visit friend of ours." Jellal said and as they started walking he pulled his hood over his head. He needed to remain incognito, now more than ever and his blue hair is not exactly something that is seen every day. Some blockhead might start getting ideas and… well… let's just say killing a man because of simple "misunderstanding" is not good for reputation, especially for man in his position.
At the center of port there was rather large building, several stories high and in its front yard it displayed several cannons, planks, sails… everything one ship would need. He knocked twice on door and entered along with Natsu. The shop seemed empty, no one behind counter but they still walked in and closed the door.
"Be with you in a moment!" voice soon came from the backroom and after that moment passed, large bald man came out and stood behind counter, showing wide grin on his face. "Well this is a sight, didn't expect you to come so soon."
"Had a little bit of complications." Jellal said as he approached the counter along with Natsu.
"Still trying to outrun the world eh?"
"Only when it starts barking at my heels."
"Right right, now what can I get you today?"
"The usual, planks, nails, sails, tackling…" Jellal said pulling his hood down, revealing his face. "And… cannons."
"Took some hits did you?" man nodded, his grin disappeared as he looked at Jellal… something that captain didn't miss to notice.
"More than I would want to…" Jellal hesitated for a moment but he still felt the urge to ask… and he did "I take it news reached here?"
"Aye, this morning in fact, made more than just few heads turn but yout ain't breaking any records soon. There are plenty of those with bigger bounty on their heads." He chuckled and Jellal merely smirked at this. "How many will it be this time?"
"Eighteen… and you can take six of mine for free." Jellal said, not missing a beat.
"Generous Captain Fernan-" man chuckled loud but was quickly interrupted.
"I told you not to use that name anymore…"
"My bad, my bad Captain 'Siegrain'…" man rose his hands up with another chuckle. "So what'll be? 18-pounder? 24-pounder?"
"42 but I'll take 48 if you have them."
"You are not thinking of mounting eighteen 48-pounders on that brig of yours? Come on you are not that desperate, are you?" Man was confused.
"With hundred thousand on my head and fifty for each of my crewmember? I am as desperate as I can be. Unless you got some 36-mediums…"
"That's a tall order you have Jellal." The mention of his name made Jellal frown but shopkeeper didn't bother to flinch.
"I know you have them."
"I don't…" Man replied frowning but Jellal kept pressing.
"Come on, Jura I know you do. No one in Haregon has connections like you do, there are always mediums in your stock. For an old friend?"
Jura frowned and threw his head back, eyes closed. He hated situations like this even more considering that Jellal could read him with such ease.
"There may be two sets of such… Fat, rich blockhead got himself a galleon, wants to 'explore the world' can you imagine? But I guess pirates raid ships nowadays" Jura chuckled and Jellal snorted. "I suppose the cargo could have been lost on the seas…"
"Yeah those bastards… No room for honest man to do his business." Jellal chuckled finally.
"But it's gonna cost you… cannons and this favor that I am doing for you. 300 000, no less." Jellal just nodded and signaled for Natsu to put his bag on counter which Jura opened and took a gold coin from it, biting it.
"You don't trust me, do you?"
"I trusted you well when you were sailing under Gentlemen. You walk in as pirate, you are gonna be treated as pirate."
"Fair enough. I'll have Mister Redfox collect them along with the usual, tell him that to bring you six cannons from the ship."
"Will do. And… " Jura said just before Jellal left "Be careful out there, alright?"
"No promises." Captain concluded and left the store. He placed his hood back over his head and looked around, trying to spot anyone from the royal military or navy and as soon as he made sure there weren't any they moved onto the next order of business.
Port towns such as this usually accepted pirates, bounty hunters and privateers along with regular Royal Navy ships. Despite great disproval of the Council but then again there was not much they could do. These towns had their own levels of independence and as long as they paid taxes, military had no authority to command. Of course, among many of such port towns in Fiore, some were more eager to cooperate with Council and for that they received benefits while others decided to provide haven for any ship and by default they were richer. These were commonly called 'free ports' and bounty hunters and pirates alike were their best customers. Commodities and goods passed from hand to hand in vast amounts, anything from common spices to exotic items. Pirates in particular were considered high valued customers, needing to repair and restock often and selling goods at lower prices… they never argued as the origin of the goods they had was… well… free. In return, everyone obey single law… No fighting allowed while in port and its waters or they will not be allowed to dock again. Haregon is one such town.
Dark Fairy was slowly reaching its full capacity. Hull armor was repaired, broken planks repaired, sails restocked and broken ram replaced with new one. With every hour, she was looking more and more beautiful in the eyes of her crew but what made them truly smile is the set of cannons. Their delivery has been completed, their supplies restocked and within two days crew was getting restless. Half hour later they were already on an open sea, away from port authorities, away from laws of gentlemen. Jellal emerged from his cabin in his navy blue uniform, buttoned up to the top, captain's hat on head and weaponry in full effect. He walked up to the helm where Laxus was standing, holding the wheel and making the Fairy cut through the waves.
Laxus looked toward Jellal, holding helm with one hand while other raised up for salute "Captain!"
"Mister Dreyar, how is the crew feeling today?" Jellal asked, saluting back to Laxus.
"Able and willing, Captain."
"Morale?"
"Itching for a trouble." Laxus grinned as he returned his other hand to helm. Jellal nodded, taking several seconds to gaze to the horizon before he smirked.
"Mister Dragneel!" He shouted and looked up at nest where Natsu was, yet again, stationed "Let the Fairy fly on the wind!"
"Aye aye Cap'n!" Natsu replied rather cheerfully and grabbed the tackle, sliding down from the nest. Now instead of the full white sail, black one rose with Fairy emblem spreading under the rush of the wind. Crew looked up and smiled as they saw it.
"Let's cause some mischief." Captain concluded as he took deep breath of salty air.
