[[ AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hope everyone's enjoying so far! So far I'm having a blast writing it! Hasn't quite gone in the direction I was hoping but hey-ho what you gonna do. Remember if you've got time a review would be very much appreciated ;) ]]

The display that had taken place in the cells the previous night had been something that Swan had never had to bear witness to in her life before. It had been an act of pure malicious intent without regard. She knew the Fairy Tail wizards could be stubborn-they had proved that but on top of that they were reckless and fool hardy too? Was the entire guild like that? She could still hear the cries of the man known as Freed. What horrible sounds he had made and at the end of it all the Seith mage, Bickslow, still would not bend to Iridessa's threats. Was it bravery or stupidity? They would really rather suffer? Swan shook the thoughts from her head. What the hell was this? Ever since the first fairies came to Stella she had began to second guess everything. Why?! No. Stop it. This wasn't her. She did what she did to survive-plain and simple. She always had to. It wasn't like she believed in this ridiculous goal of the guild's. Releasing a demon? Yeah because that would always end up ending well. She was doing it again! Swan shook herself. Turning she crossed the room and looked at her reflection in one of the stain glass windows that stretched ceiling to floor of the throne room. She hated her appearance now. Iridessa had demanded she look more fitting with the guild's nature. Her silver hair now hung down fully, the playful bunny like ears she had fashioned were gone to be replaced by just her silver wavy locks. She ran a gloved hand through it. The playful tail had been stripped from her clothing also in a bid to make her look more 'her age'. This wasn't her. 'Childish' Iridessa had called it. Swan let out a frustrated growl, balling her fists at her side. Iridessa had summoned her to the main hall of the palace, Gapri and Doll too but they hadn't arrived as of yet. Just as she thought of them, the doors to the hall opened and her two brothers arrived. Doll strode forward with silent poise while Gapri strode forward, arms folded behind his head a bemused expression lacing his face.

"I don't get It, why are we even here?" Gapri whined.

"That will be for our master to know and us to discover," Doll responded. Noticing her Doll turned attention to her. "Swan? You were summoned also?"

"Yes," Swan nodded.

"Woah! What happened to your hair?!" Gapri gaped his arms swinging down eyes staring in astonishment. Swan had worn her hair the same for years ever since Gapri had been a child. When he was down that was how she would cheer him up by creating shapes from her hair. The bunny ears had proved the most effective and they had stayed ever since.

"You don't like It?" Swan reached out and brushed her hand through her hair once more. Shame filled. Doll studied her now and also had the same wash of confusion on his face before it softened again.

"You are still our Swan," Doll confirmed with a curt nod. She felt a smile cross her face.

"Yeah, straight hair or not!" Gapri grinned.

"Thanks you guys," Swan nodded feeling a wave of relief wash over her. The doors of the halls swooped open once more. Iridessa revealed herself alongside Yomazu and the other two members of the Valhalla guild. Swan wasn't familiar with them, they recently joined. They were two men, one with long purple hair that was twisted into a braid over one shoulder, he was dressed in a haori over dark breeches and high leather boots. The other was dressed in a cobalt suit with bright white hair that cascaded down the left hand side of his face, the right side cut close, his hands were pushed firmly into the pockets of his slacks. The most noticeable feature of his was the scar that ran horizontally beneath his eyes. A thick jarring thing that took away from his otherwise handsome features. Iridessa didn't so much as look at Swan and the others as she passed. Her crimson greatcoat swept behind her as she strode the length of the hall before ascending the steps and sitting elegantly into the throne crossing her legs. Animus had once sat there. That seemed like years ago now. Yomazu and his purple haired companion stood to the left while the man in cobalt stood to the right at the foot of the throne.

"I think it's time we affirm your loyalties," Iridessa spoke loudly in a condescending tone showing how inferior she believed the Three Stars to be. Swan nor the others made any response. "I would like to personally welcome you to the Guild. Welcome to Valhalla. I would like to be the first to offer congratulations in successfully being allowed permission to join. Second we would like to take this time to make your loyalties truly to Valhalla by obtaining your guild mark." Iridessa looked to Doll. "Doll, please step forward." There was a wicked gleam in the woman's eyes, her lips remained a thin line however. Doll stepped forward without hesitation. Iridessa didn't move but rather the man in blue stepped forward. The man rose his hand and directed his palm to Dolls left bicep. There was a sizzle and astounded gasp from Doll. Swan scowled. Guild emblems were like tattoos that could be bestowed and removed upon will but...the emblem on Doll's bicep was searing into his flesh, carving itself. So much so blood could be seen leaking down Doll's arm.

"What the hell?" Gapri gaped.

"That's out of order!" Swan stepped forward toward the base of the throne.

"Did you want yours first, little rabbit?" Iridessa cocked a brow. "Driscoll?"

Swan spun and saw the man in cobalt raise his hand with a wicked grin. She felt the tearing of the flesh on her exposed thigh. No. She didn't want to be branded! Flicking the edge of her skirt back she saw the thick red lines forming a 'V' surrounded by a pair of bull horns. Swan put a hand over the brand sizzling its way into her flesh attempting to stop it. The man, Driscoll, only grinned wider. Her skin felt as though it was being scalded by boiling water, the blood drops that appeared on her ripping flesh were cool in comparison. Swan shrieked in astonishment more so then pain. Though the pain itself brought tears to her eyes. She attempted feebly to stop the lines forming. Her shoulders were grasped by Doll who looked down to her, his face remained stoic but his eyes were apologetic and worried. His grip gave her a bit more strength, her eyes drifted to the brand seared into her older brother's flesh. How hideous. Swan felt tears in her eyes-this was all wrong. Doll was swift to wipe the single tear she allowed to slip out away.

"Don't allow her to see," He whispered silently in her ear. Swan closed her eyes firm before hearing Iridessa speak out again.

"You're next," Iridessa was looking to Gapri now.

She had a cold sweat, her eyes firmly closed. Wendy was leant over Evergreen's bed having returned her to her room in Fairy Hills. Wendy's palms were lowered over Evergreen's abdomen a faint aura emitting from her finger tips. Wendy had been summoned on Makarov's request back to the girls residence in order to use her magic to heal the magic that attempted to pull Evergreen apart from the inside. Porlyusica had mentioned that Sky Dragon Slayer magic would be able to heal the Virus. Upon Wendy's return she had rushed to Fairy Hills in order to heal Evergreen, despite Carla's warnings of her fatigue already. Evergreen remained in the room, along with Wendy, Carla, Porlyusica and Elfman. The man refused to be removed from Fairy Hills but judging by the fear in his eyes no one had attempted to stop him.

Makarov had been scarily quiet since Evergreen's return. The attack had been unprovoked and unnecessary. The thoughts in the Guild Hall now were where were Bickslow and Freed? Evergreen had managed to give them all one hint as to the cause of the strife before she fell into a state of unconsciousness. Iridessa. Makarov now sat at the bar of the guild hall an invisible sphere around him declared he was not to be spoken to nor bothered while he rolled everything around in his mind. The only one who could even get close to him was Mirajane. Erza sat at one of the benches her arms folded strictly across her armored chest.

"I don't like it," Erza hissed.

"Me neither," Levy admitted.

"Poor Evergreen," Juvia lamented, her hands held in a prayer like manner in front of her. "I hope my darling Grey fairs better on his mission."

Erza and Levy paid no atention to the water mage. "I have been doing some research into this Iridessa person that Evergreen mentioned." Levy looked to Erza.

"What were your findings?"

"Well...I know you're not going to like this. This Iridessa person...well if it's right then Iridessa is the long lost daughter of Hades."

Erza felt her stomach and jaw drop. "What?!"

"It might just be stories!" Levy waved her arms quickly. Everyone remembered Hades. Of all the people they had ever faced Hades was the one that remained with them all. It had taken insurmountable amounts of strength to even make a scratch on him! If it hadn't been for Laxus then none of them would still be here and that was a thought not worth thinking about. If this Iridessa woman was connected to him...then the Thunder Legion would find themselves in serious trouble. Erza brought a hand up and rubbed at her chin.

"This is bad," Erza muttered. Swiftly she rose from her seat at the bench, leaving Levy and Juvia behind, before crossing the hall to the bar. She stepped up next to Makarov, who was hunched over an ale. "Mira I need more information about this job that the Thunder Legion took."

"I'm sorry but I don't have the information-it was given to Freed before they left."

"You have to remember something about it!" Erza persisted.

"Well...I do remember the name 'Stella' being mentioned..."

"Stella? As in the kingdom?"

"I think so...Freed also happened to mention that it was to do with the kingdoms royalty."

"The kingdoms royalty? There was only one in the royal family and his name was Animus. Natsu defeated him in battle."

"You think someone has set them up?"

"It's a distinct possibility. The question is; why?" Erzas brow furrowed in confusion now. Fairy Tail had made a lasting impression in Stella. They had done what was right for the kingdom, they had proved that and the kingdom had thanked them before giving them a send off worthy of royalty. Who would have cause to set up the Thunder Legion? As it stands now even all of them had gone on the mission it was only three out of the four. Why did they not want Laxus? Did they want him out of the way? What would that accomplish?

"This is my fault..." Makarov spoke up. Mira and Erza both turned to him. He stared at the bar top his expression far away. "I should have read that contract more carefully."

"Even if you had, master, there was no way of knowing this would have happened. As it stands whoever had done all this didn't want anyone to know. It was all lies anyway. If anyone's to blame it should be me. If I hadn't been away then I would have realized the flaws straight away."

Erza felt a rough whack to the back of her head. Already she could feel a lump sprouting beneath her scarlet hair. Bringing a hand up she winced at the touch of the heating lump throbbing her glowering eyes looking down to see Makarov with a rolled up copy of Sorcerer's weekly in his hand, he himself stood on the bar top now. He was vengeful, had that look in his eye. The one he usually got whenever anyone ever messed with any of his children.

"There's no use debating who is at fault-we can always blame you later," Makarov growled.

"I find something oddly wrong with that..." Mira mused but her words went unheard by the Guild master.

"We have to get our family members back. As it is with the shape Evergreen has returned to us in I can only imagine that this Iridessa has done the same to Freed and Bickslow so we will have to be cautious. I need Warren! Find him."

"He's right over there," Erza pointed across the hall to where Warren sat with Jet and Droy. Makarov turned and studied the wizard before roaring his name drawing the attention of everyone in the hall. Warren leapt to his feet and rushed across the hall toward the bar now. Erza put her face in her hand. Sometimes she was amazed the Guild survived at all.

"Warren can you use your telepathy and reach Bickslow or Freed?" Erza asked.

"I can try!" Warren nodded bringing two fingers to his temple. There was a silence as they waited.

"Well?" Makarov asked after what felt like hours.

"I'm not getting anything! It's like there's some interference or something.."

"Like an enchantment?" Erza asked.

"Could be," Warren admitted, "That would explain not being able to find even a trace."

"Think you could try something else for me?" Erza asked again.

"We don't have any contacts in Stella-even if we did how do we know if we'd be able to talk to them?" Makarov sighed.

"I know someone who may be able to help us," Erza felt a small smile on her lips, "She was close to the Stella royalty before, worked for them. I fought against her and although she was led astray then she reassured me I could call on her whenever I needed her."

"Who?"

"You think this person can help us?" Warren admitted.

"At this point it's our only option left," Erza gave a reassuring nod of encouragement. "With Evergreen still unconscious and Warren unable to find Bickslow and Freed...this will be our last option. We can't send any more people in until we know more, that just risks the same situation."

"Who is this person?" Makarov growled.

Swan finally located her younger brother. She could hear his muffled sobs from somewhere within the castle walls. How could Iridessa! Swan and Doll had never been more outraged in their entire lives, but as Doll had pointed out they couldn't allow Iridessa to know that.

"Gapri?" Swan called silently. Night had fallen over Stella and the light from the moon was what illuminated her way. Doll followed silently. They had all been inducted into the guild now-they would have to survive-like they always had. There was no response from the youngest star. Just more sounds of sobbing. Swan rounded a corner, her hand brushing against the stone leaning past the edge to see Gapri sat among the tall trees of the palace gardens his legs crossed and shoulders slumped. He was sat in the open? If Iridessa discovered them then they would be in trouble...again. When Swan got her hands on that Driscoll she was going to ring his neck.

"Gapri!" She breathed again. The boy stirred but didn't turn to face her. He was ashamed now. Swan cast a quick look to her surrounds before stepping past the wall. She made it a step forward before a voice suddenly spoke to her. It wasn't Gapri. Nor Doll nor anyone in the kingdom. It was her. The Scarlet haired woman she had fought! Erza.

"Swan? Swan can you hear me? Please! I need your help."

Swan spun and scurried back behind the cover of the wall, eyes wide. How? Where? Her eyes darted around the palace but all she found was Doll looking down at her with alarm. Swan touched his arm and gestured toward Gapri.

"Go."

"Are you alright? What is it?"

"Nothing. Look after Gapri-please." She begged. Doll, still filled with alarm gave a slow nod before moving to attend the younger Star. Swan rested back against the wall and continued to search her surroundings.

"Erza?" She hissed. "Where are you?"

"Swan listen to me," Erza continued, "I need your help."

"How am I hearing you?"

"That doesn't matter, what does matter is the welfare of my guild mates."

"Your guild mates?"

"I don't know if you've seen them but they recently travelled to Stella on a mission-we believe they were set up and are now in danger."

"Bickslow and Freed."

"You've seen them?!"

"I..I have."

"Swan-where are they? We can't reach them."

"They..."

"Please Swan. You know you can trust me."

"I trust you Erza...it's her I don't trust."

"Who?"

"Iridessa. If she knows I've been speaking with you-"

"Swan listen to me. I know you're frightened. Whatever that woman has made you do I don't blame you-none of us do. All we want is out friends back-please. If it were Gapri or Doll what would you do..?"

Swan closed her eyes firmly. She cast her eyes to Doll and Gapri on the palace lawn. If it were them she had lost...

"I'm sorry-I can't seem to use my enchantments to their full degree," Freed sighed. Bickslow rolled his eyes, not that Freed could see, nor that he could either. Freed had begged him-begged him not to aid Iridessa and he had held true to that but boy did he feel like a bastard for letting Freed suffer like that. If the roles had been reversed however the same situation would have played out. Bickslow clenched his fists and pounded them against the wall of the cell.

"This sucks!"

"I feel the same, Bickslow." Freed agreed. The jade haired mage was breathing heavy, it didn't sound good.

"What are we going to do? We need to get out of here! We don't even know if Evergreen made it to safety."

"She did. I wouldn't doubt that."

"What about us? We have to get out of here so we can stop that psycho bitch before she can summon a demon and we're stuck behind enchantments in cells?"

"I must admit these enchantments are well executed-possibly because they had much time to prepare them. I've been trying to rewrite them but..."

"You're exhausted. Just take a break, man. I ain't going anywhere so you might as well sit back and relax for a bit."

"I am sat," Freed mumbled. Bickslow knew his intention had been for Bickslow not to hear that but he had anyway. Seems lack of sight did come in handy sometimes. Bickslow could do nothing now until Freed had recovered some strength. He sounded beat as it was without forcing himself to keep going. Even if he did manage to rewrite the enchantments how the hell would he manage to get them through the palace without even so much as having a break? Besides as soon as Bickslow got out he had other business anyway-starting with giving that woman a pounding. They sat in silence. Bickslow couldn't rest here-besides the fact he felt as though he was sleepwalking and this was one horrible dream that he had yet to wake from he didn't believe there was anywhere comfortable to sleep in the rock cell anyway.

"Freed?" He muttered after a long moment.

"Yes?"

"Sorry-just checking you weren't dying."

"I appreciate the sentiment."

Another long silence. After another eternity Bickslow could hear a strange snuffling noise. What the hell was that? He listened harder. Was that Freed...snoring? Why did he sound like a squeaking mouse trapped in a blanket? Bickslow wished he wasn't the only one in the room at that moment...unfortunately he was. There was no one to joke with-no one to talk with. At least Freed was getting some well deserved rest-there was no telling when that Iridessa would be back. And Yomazu. Bickslow was going to tear that guy a new one when he found him. That snivelling little goat made the wrong choice crossing him. Again. Bickslow wondered what had happened to his clucking partner. They had been thick as thieves during their last encounter-had Yomazu made chicken wings out of him? Probably. Bickslow wouldn't put it past them. He battled with his own thoughts and mind...boy was it a strange place to be. At least when his babies were there they took his mind away from...well his mind. What a strange and damaged place it was. So much so it was starting to even creep him out a little. Freed was too busy snuffling like a puppy in the corner and Bickslow didn't want to disturb him. The approaching sound of pattering feet on stone made Bickslow spin with relief. Even if it was Iridessa he'd take it. It didn't sound like Iridessa though...the footsteps were light and cautious, second guessing. It was the sound of bare feet over stone, not the heavy boots that Iridessa or Yomazu wore. It was familiar though.

"Pssst..." A voice hissed through the darkness.

"Who's there?" Bickslow growled spinning and reaching to the bars of the cell.

"Come here," The voice beckoned.

"I would but...well. Got a bit of a cell problem," Bickslow rapped his knuckles on the iron. Where was Gajeel when you needed him? He felt a hand touch his cheek-he was tempted to rip away until he realized something. The blackness in his eyes...it was beginning to fade. Light crept in from the corner of his eyes now. What? He began to see the shape of someone stood in front of him past the bars, their hand was pressed to his left cheek. The lighting was dim but welcomed. Stone and steel surrounded them. The shape before him began to materialize what he saw first was the silver hair that hung in waves down around her face, green eyes studied him from beneath the silver fringe that hung over her eyes. She had tanned skin and was well-endowed, the flesh of her thighs poking from between the slits of her dress. He recognized her. The girl from the bar. Bickslow eyed her carefully a long moment, her expression was soft. None the less. He reached out and grabbed hold of her throat, firmly. She gasped her hands moving to grab hold of his wrist but she didn't fight him.

"What the hell is this?" Bickslow hissed pulling her closer to the bars that separated them. She had granted him his sight-she would regret that. Babe or not.

"Please-let me explain," She spluttered.

"Gee I'd love to let you but I don't see any real reason to trust you." His grip tightened somewhat.

"You don't have to trust me-but please-trust Erza!"

"Nice try!"

"No-really. She's the only reason I'm-here. Without-me...you-won't-get out!"

"Now why would you do that?"

The girl found she wouldn't get released so instead she kicked, her left leg flew up to meet Bickslow's groin. He may be a mage but no magic could protect against a blow like that. He crumpled, his hand slipping off her throat. "Because-" The girl said breathlessly, attempting to such some air back into her body, "I don't have any love for this guild-or its intentions."

Bickslow looked up to the girl, her hips were cocked, her hands perched on them. Well if he was going to get beat up it might have been by a pretty girl. Bickslow straightened, slowly and cast a single look over her again...maybe it was true. She had mentioned Erza...that and she had even given him his sight back. She must have known the risks? What was to stop him possessing her now? Nothing and still she did it.

"Well..." Bickslow mused, "With a kick like that? I'm all ears."

She grinned proudly.