A/N: Been a while since last update... almost two months. Not gonna lie, I am a bit lazy, trying to achieve everything but I didn't forgot about the story. Quicker pace in this chapter, bound to be a bit more interesting but what it really does is promise a better one on the next chapter. What is it? Well.. wait and see.
Jellal rubbed his chin with right hand as he looked down at the map, lost in his thought with eyes glancing from one point to another. Laxus stood on other side of the desk, arms crossed occasionally looking up at captain as if trying to read his thoughts but no luck would ever be sufficient for that miracle to happen. Still, this silence of his was slowly getting to him, despite immense patience Laxus had, even he had his limits, especially when captain is silent for almost fifteen minutes.
"Your thoughts, captain?" Laxus finally asked, making him glance up from map to quartermaster and then down at the map.
"It is almost end of June… sugarcanes are being harvested. Most will come from here." Jellal lowered his right hand and tapped on large island south of Fiore "Traders won't risk going to Haregon, too close to Black Orchid… They will go for either Cedar or Red Iris, find a ship or two as escort and then continue."
"Is that why we were sailing for six days to get here?" Laxus asked and Jellal simply nodded.
"Navy passes by here often so most traders feel safer around these waters which means… they will not expect us."
Laxus chuckled slightly, looking down at the map again. It amused him at how much thought Jellal gave for these kinds of things. Often he wondered if Jellal could ever be called a pirate as his behavior was that of an admiral. It would bug him at nights if captain is doing this for the sake of obtaining riches or for the sake of some other obscured purpose, maybe revenge… that dirty word. If it was then it was pointed at wrong people. Laxus knew well that captain is often open with him with any matter but there was this feeling that lately he kept more and more secrets. He also knew that he is only one on this ship who could dare to poke into these things, without suffering cold glare from him.
He decided to poke "Still thinking about it?"
Jellal looked up at his quartermaster who straightened his face, looking down at his captain with calm expression and he didn't need to say anything more, everything was understood. Despite closeness between two of them, closeness that was shown in odd way, Jellal disliked discussing certain topics but every once in a while, he would 'give in' and utter few cryptic words.
"Not a day passes without me thinking about it, mister Dreyar."
"It wasn't your fault, captain."
"I am aware, mister Dreyar." Jellal responded in formal, strict tone "But that doesn't make it any less of a mistake. Ask me no more about it, we have concluded that topic the moment we acquired black sail. Understood?"
"Aye, captain." Laxus responded in quieter tone, not wanting to further agitate him. Height difference between them was evident but there was never question on recognizing who is the captain and who is quartermaster… every free man in port would need but a single glance at Jellal and point 'he is the captain'. Authority was never a question and it was that very authority that made Laxus hold great respect for him.
"How will weather serve us?" Jellal asked, this time with less strict voice. He was back into his pondering state but the question was left mute as Laxus shrugged. It wasn't his job to predict it, in fact, there was a person who was to read the weather… and she was not in the cabin. Jellal took deep breath and exhaled through his nose, walking outside of his cabin, followed by Laxus.
Since the beginning of its sailing days, Dark Fairy never saw a single day when it wasn't busy on the deck. Sailors were always dedicated, hardworking and very well paid for their work. Naturally, captain always maintained strict discipline, regardless of the fact that it was a pirate ship and not Royal Navy. There were always few of those who would argue the fact that they joined to be free but those rumors and small protests were quickly silenced by the sight of reward. No one questioned captain's methods, but everyone had questions they never dared to ask.
Four hours passed since the noon and the rather cheerful chatter filled the deck of the Dark Fairy. Raise sails, scrub the deck, retie all the knots… repeat same thing over and over to ensure that nothing went unexpected when time was dire. Everyone needed to be elsewhere, everyone moved across the deck with ease barely missing each other with each pass… everyone but these two.
Sitting on a crate on port side of the ship was a short blue-haired reader who held book in her hands, reading the content out loud to a large messy black-haired carpenter who was sitting on the deck, leaned against the wooden fence. Even in such position he was almost as high as her… a compliment to his height and her shortness.
"… but the soldier lost no faith, for in his heart he felt that beyond that mountain was his beloved. And he moved on, with heavy sword and heavier heart, he moved toward the sea…" Levy read one line after another, capturing Gajeel's attention fully who, at first, wanted to deny the interest but as she moved on he became more and more enthralled with her words.
"And then?" He asked but voice quickly interrupted, cutting off Levy before she could continue.
"And then he sailed for seven years. When he got home she was dead and he cried on her grave." Jellal said as he stood before them. In that instant Gajeel's eyes widened and he quickly looked toward Levy who simply sighed and closed the book, confirming the fears that carpenter had.
"Come on cap'n!" Gajeel protested as he stood up "I just started to like the story."
"So did I." Captain looked at him "But then I reached the end and it ruined it for me." His head turned toward blue-haired reader „Miss McGarden, I wish to marvel upon the miracles of your reading abilities and with some luck and no distractions" Jellal glanced back at Gajeel who grunted at word distractions "you will tell me if we will sun or if I have to wear different coat."
"Yes, captain!" Levy quickly stood up and saluted, walking with fast pace toward the cabin. Jellal simply sighed and looked back at Gajeel.
"I believe you and mister Lily were to test the cannons, were you not?"
"Against what?" Gajeel asked with raised voice. "What are we to shoot at?"
"Ship sighted!" Natsu's voice was heard from the nest "To starboard! About 500 meters!"
"Your question has just been answered. Man your station, mister Redfox." Captain ordered and this time without any delay Gajeel went below the deck. Jellal moved to the wooden fence, standing beside Laxus who just observed the ship with arms crossed and coat covering his shoulders. He extended his hand, offering captain spyglass and without any word, Jellal took it.
"Trader?" Laxus asked, glancing down at captain.
"Sailing under King's blue and gold. Take us closer." Jellal added, returning spyglass to Laxus who immediately returned to helm and took over, turning it toward the ship and with another order from captain, half of the sails were spread and stretched by the wind. Crew was already prepared, some came to the bow of ship where Jellal already stood at, watching carefully as they drew closer. Once they reached 200 meters of distance, trading ship turned and with the wave of Jellal's hand, so did the Dark Fairy.
"Mister Fullbuster!" he shouted and officer quickly responded, standing beside and saluting "You have light-lacrima?" Gray nodded to his question and Jellal's eyes now were again fixed on the ship.
"You know Morse code more than the rest, relay this message." He took few seconds to allow Gray to pull out crystal from his pocket, roughly the size of his own finger and with few taps on it he raised it up above his head. With every press of index finger against the tip of it, lacrima would glow. "This is the captain of Dark Fairy, you are to fold sails and halt your ship. If you do not resist, no harm will come to your crew. Lower King's flag as a sign of compliance."
Jellal nodded toward Gray and he finished sending message over lacrima. For couple of minutes nothing happened and unusual silence filled the ship. Only few crewmen were occupied with their duties, everyone else were waiting for the reply from the ship and even Natsu came down from the nest.
"Maybe they didn't see the message." Natsu said and seconds after he finished sentence they saw several flashes followed by the thundering sound and finally the cannonballs splashed in the water, about forty meters from the ship.
"No, they saw the message and they just want to make it more fun for us." Jellal said and moved away from the crowd, going toward the main mast "Mister Dreyar, sound the bell, mister Lily man the cannons!"
Laxus moved up near the helm and rang the big brass bell. Sound of it was the signal for everyone to be on their posts and without any delay, they did. With wide smile and loud cries, ship turned and moved toward their prey but as they turned to chase them so did other ship turn but in opposite direction, preparing to flee. Captain tapped Natsu on shoulder twice, saying no word but it was immediately understood and pinkette quickly climbed the ropes toward the nest, crouching as he reached his destination. Chatter went silent and eyes looked toward captain and Laxus. Large quartermaster slowly moved his arms and slid then into sleeves, buttoning up to his throat, now resembling Jellal in fashion. To see Laxus buttoned up and tidy was a true rarity but it was beyond a doubt a sign that things will be serious, that he will be serious. Jellal merely glanced toward his direction and edges of his lips curved into a barely visible smile.
"Mister Dragneel!" Captain looked up and nodded at Natsu "Let the Fairy fly in the wind!" Pinkette saluted and stood up, grabbing onto the rope and jumped down from the nest, spreading the black sail with Fairy emblem wide. The gust of wind made sure that entire ship jerked under the sudden acceleration. Loud cheers were heard as they gazed up at the Fairy, raising their swords in salute to her. There were very few ships that she couldn't catch and no ship that could catch her.
The difference in speed was evident, even with full sails, trading ship could not match her speed and within minutes Dark Fairy was almost astern.
"Take us to their starboard, fifty meters!" Jellal ordered and sailor that manned the helm turned the heavy wheel. Crew aboard the trader was more than nervous and they didn't hide showing it but they didn't intended to surrender either. Several shots were again fired toward them; most fell in water just beside the Fairy while one of the cannonballs flew over the deck, barely missing forward mast. This, of course, alerted captain but he didn't change his stance, he was calm, composed but not a fool enough to be generous and forgive for this.
"Mister Lily, fire the cannons, aim for the hull!" Jellal ordered and cannons barked. Medium-cannons made very little sound unlike their gunpowder counterparts. There was only the mild sound of cannonball scratching the inside of the barrel and bright blue light that followed cannonball as it flew out. It wasn't something crew was used to. Captain and his officers were familiar with them but the rest of crew watched cannons with both confusion and amusement. Jellal, on the other hand, was everything but amused as every single cannonball flew over the deck of trader, making no damage to it.
"Mister Lily!" Captain shouted at black sailor.
"We're adjusting them Cap'n!" Lily said as he lowered the barrel of cannon and rest of the crew followed his example. Another volley of cannonballs flew at their direction and this time one of them managed to pierce Dark Fairy's hull, sending few crewman into panic as it hit right below them.
"Today, mister Lily! Before we question if there is tomorrow!" Jellal shouted again, angrily this time and within seconds, cannons lit again, sending volley toward trading ship, finally hitting their mark. Cannonballs easily broke through the wooden hull, creating large holes and after another volley holes became even larger. Captain looked toward Laxus and nodded and blonde officer pulled out his pistol. Closing his left eye and looking carefully with right he aimed and shot once then once more. Each bullet crackled and created a small thunder upon impact, breaking upper side of the main mast apart, making it bend and fall under weight along with sails.
"Take us in!" Captain ordered and this was the signal for crew to change their posts and they all gathered to the side, drawing their swords and pistols, sending taunting cries. Once they reached twenty meters of distance, crew started tossing grappling hooks, grabbing onto the deck of ship and pulling it closer. Every time someone would try to cut the ropes, he would meet the swift end as bullets reached him. Ships almost collided; standing side by side as if they were brothers and three long planks rose up and fell heavily on the wooden fence, creating bridges between ships. First one to board the ship was Natsu who never allowed to be left out of the fun. He drew Igneel and in that instant flames engulfed the blade. Those closest to him were first to feel the searing sting of the cutlass. Right behind him were Lily and Gajeel with their artifacts that grew almost twice their own size and cut through the lines of armed crew with ease. After them, rest of the crew from Dark Fairy boarded, rushing in to overpower the defenders. Swift and brutal fashion often gave best results against crew that was not as trained as they were.
Last one to board, after every other crew member, was Captain Jellal who appeared as if this was something as natural to him as breathing… walking, not even running. The very moment he stepped on the deck of ship he drew his sword, measuring his opponents with quick glance. First one who attacked him met swift end as captain evaded his attempt with ease, drawing blade across his chest and creating deep gush, sending him immediately over board. He stood no chance. One by one, men fell by either sword or pistol, leaving only a dozen alive who retreated toward the other side of the ship, followed by Fairies. They would've met same end but Jellal moved through the crowd and raised his left hand, clenching fist. His crew immediately stopped but didn't avert their weapons.
"You were given an ultimatum. Their lives were in your hands." Jellal spoke as he pointed to numerous bodies that were on deck "I am giving you two choices now. Surrender and you will be spared, your ship left as it is and your cargo taken. Resist and mister Dragneel might misplace his sword." Jellal pointed at Natsu who smiled wide, showing rows of white teeth as he placed tip of his sword against the wooden surface. Immediately, blade was once again engulfed in flames, ready to consume ship as if it was a dry tinderbox.
"Who is the captain of this ship?" Jellal asked and one man stood in front. Black hair with short beard, no more than fifty years old, still holding sword but it was pointed down now. His clothes were not of the regular sailor or even rich ship-owner, but rather, he wore clothes more appropriate to naval officer. Jellal nodded in acceptance of his rank and asked "What say you?"
"Well, you give us little choice, lad. We surrender." captain replied dropping down his sword and rest of the crew did the same. "Ship is yours…"
"Wise choice." Jellal replied and looked around toward his men, nodding at them. Even without a single word said, they understood what was to be done and they dispersed, going down below the deck in search of cargo, leaving only Natsu, Gray, Gajeel and Lily to stand beside Jellal who turned back to look at man he spoke with moments ago. "I have more questions for you, captain. First, do you know who I am?"
Man simply waved his head but instead of saying his name, Jellal simply said "Good." Notoriety was everything to a pirate and even though he fit perfectly into that cathegory, public image was something he did not want to spread so eagerly for reasons known only to him and his closest officers. He continued "This is not your ship, that much is evident. Who owns it?"
"Landowner. Goes by the name of Everlue." Man responded "He hired us to sail it to Cedar where he is to take ship and cargo, and pay us."
"You can tell him that you were intercepted by pirates, he will believe you once he sees damage done to the ship." Jellal said, voice still strict and sharp as he looked toward Natsu who took his sword and placed it back into its sheath. "You have half a day of sailing till Red Iris king's port with good wind… Or can continue to Cedar which is two days, three in your case. You will be left with sufficient provisions for one day, I suggest you go use it wisely. We'll be taking your cargo and leave, if you fire upon us, we will sink you." He turned and moved pass those who remained with him to observe as cargo was being carried to their ship. There were mostly crates but also few barrels among them, he could guess what is inside but for the moment he preoccupied himself with bodies that were on the deck. Small relief took him as he didn't recognize anyone from his crew, a good sign for a start.
Titania glided slowly, moving toward the pier to dock reaching its destination plank was extended from the deck and fell down the stone platform. Scarlet-haired captain was first to disembark, followed by her blonde quartermaster.
"Lieutenant Strauss!" Erza said with loud, strict voice and within seconds, bulky officer appeared before her, saluting "Keep the crew ready, we will not stay here long. I want Titania ready to sail upon our return."
"Understood, ma'am!" Elfman lowered his hand and returned to the ship, leaving captain and her quartermaster down at the pier. Erza looked once at Lucy and made her way toward the town.
"Any reason why you decided to land here instead of going straight to Cedar, captain?" Lucy asked, following Erza's one step behind and captain answered her question with a nod.
"Former officer that served on Oathkeeper was born here. He was honorably discharged one month before Jellal defected. Reports do not say anything about his tactics. He was meticulous but never described details of the battle outside of key points. Out of four officers that served with Jellal, two defected along with him, one died three months ago and one should be here."
"But why do you want to find him, captain? He probably will not know where admiral is." Lucy pressed with questions. Erza was not known as patient captain or one to be questioned to such extent as to explain every step of her action. Officers and crewmen who asked too many questions often managed to only anger her. This rule had only one exception and that exception came in form of Lucy who enjoyed Erza's limitless trust. She was also only one who never left her side, even to meetings reserved strictly for captains and admirals. Erza Scarlet always placed such ultimatum before them, where one goes other follows.
She stopped walking and smiled softly at Lucy "I have no intention of spending months of searching followed by numerous skirmishes with Jellal. My confidence in Titania and its crew is vast but even I have to admit that Jellal will not be easy opponent, especially with extensive record behind him on achieving almost impossible. To rush blindly is to suffer damage and I find it unforgivable to sacrifice a single man for that traitor."
Lucy smiled at her words, despite the cold front and harsh nature it was evident that Erza cared greatly for her crew. It was something that only she could see, how much Erza cared. For everyone else she was the cold, calculated captain who executed her actions with swiftness, precision and often brutality if it would to come to it. Maximum amount of damage with minimal amount of casualties. To serve under Erza Scarlet means to be pushed beyond limits but also it meant higher chance to survive on the sea. All that produced vast amount of respect that Erza enjoyed coming from her crewmates as they placed their trust in her guidance.
"If there is anyone who would be there to witness Jellal's plans and how they were made, it would be his lieutenants and one should be here." Erza concluded and casually looked around, spotting a docked ship but it was not a ship that caught her attention, it was the damage it suffered. Large breach on hull with front mast broken in two. That was not doing of any storm she thought and walked toward the ship, followed closely by Lucy. One man was standing down at the pier while his crewmates climbed up the embarked and disembarked, carrying broken pieces of wood and crates.
"Your ship has seen better days. What happened to it?" Erza asked, moving straight to the point and avoiding pointless chat.
"And just who are you, lass?" Man, clearly annoyed, asked as he turned to face her.
Erza's eye twitched couple of times at his tone but obliged "Captain Erza Scarlet of His Majesty's Navy."
"Aye? Where were you today when we met pirates?" Man continued with questions, taking off his hat and wiped sweat from his face. Erza's forehead vein was about to pop out but a slight nudge from Lucy kept her composed.
"We just arrived. Do you know who attacked you?"
"No, bastard didn't exactly said his name. Although he did asked if we knew him."
"Then you should report this to Admiralty, and next time watch where you sail." Erza responded, taking another glance at the ship.
"Aye, we did… they said they've been chasing Dark Fairy for months now…"
Erza quickly turned her head as she heard the name of the ship and with few steps she was close to man, making him take a step back to avoid any collision with scarlet captain.
"What did you say was the name?" She asked. It wasn't that she didn't hear the name but she wanted to confirm.
"Dark Fairy." Man swallowed, feeling chill climb up his spine just from her cold gaze "They've sent message through code before they embarked."
"Where are where they heading?"
"I don't know, honestly… we saw them sailing to west."
"What were you carrying as cargo?" Erza pressed on with questions.
"Two tons of sugar, twelve barrels of rum, eight crates of tobacco and three crates of luxury commodities." He answered nervously.
To Erza this was all the information she needed. She quickly turned on her heels and with quick steps made way back to Titania, followed by Lucy. She cursed silently at the missed chance to intercept them but then again, she couldn't have known they would venture this close to king's port.
"Are we not going to find officer?" Lucy asked.
"He can wait. Jellal will most likely sell the goods and largest market on the west coast is Cedar."
"Which is also a free port." Lucy added and Erza nodded.
"They will accept goods regardless of who brings them which makes it perfect place for pirates and privateers who venture this far from the east. He will be slower with cargo so we just might catch him at port." Erza continued as they embarked on the ship. She stood beside the helm and watched as her crew pulled Titania out of the docks and headed toward the open sea. There was hope… hope that she could end all of this quickly.
"Jellal… I am coming for you." Erza uttered as she looked far to the horizon.