Chapter 4: Preparation

Erza and Jellal soon arrived to Fairy Tail Guild. Of course most were surprise to see Jellal, he just gave small greetings before insisting to meet the Master which Erza immediately complied knowing its urgent. Erza led Jellal to the Master's office to see Macarov in serious thought, they immediately knew Macarov have finally heard the news about his old friend's death.

"Master" Erza called his attention which thankfully worked. Macarov greeted, "Erza welcome back." Noticing her companion, he asked. "Jellal good to see you but what made you come here?"

"Master Macarov we have an emergency… regarding the Infinite Tower and a dark guild name Sinister Guild." Jellal answered. The name was enough to shadow his eyes from anger, "Sinister Guild… the ones who killed Yajima… what do they want?"

"The power of the Infinite Tower Master Macarov. According to one of my comrades, they're making their move regarding that tower. You know very well we can't let them have their way after knowing what it can do."

Macarov slam his fist to his table, he knew very well what the Infinite Tower can do and as one of the Wizard Saints they have a duty to protect such powerful weapon against anyone who wish its power for their own gain.

"Erza call all the brats, Fairy Tail will enter battle against them now." Macarov ordered. Erza nodded, "Yes Master."

Erza went out the room to gather the members. Jellal spoke, "We Crime Sorciere will lend you our strength, this can't be ignored."

Macarov nodded, "Thanks, I will warn the Magic Council." Macarov went out to take his lacrima to contact Mest or known as Doranbolt within the Magic Council.

Jellal could only stay silent, trying to figure out the enemies next move.

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Somewhere within the dark room, the whole members of Sinister Guild gathered. They were total of seven including the Guild Master. Einward smirked that everyone come to his gathering.

"Someone successfully sneak in and learned our plan, even so there's nothing they could do other than prepare and protect each seal that been establish to protect the Infinite Tower." Einward glanced each one of them before smirking, "Your mission is to destroy each one of the pillars that protects the Infinite Tower."

"Destroy huh…" Fenrir began to laugh, "They better make sure they will give us the fun! I hate weaklings and you know it."

Raigu glared his comrade, "You do know we don't have time for fun. We will finish the assignment as clean as possible."

"Oh hush, I'm not someone like you who's only mind is clearing mission you idiot." Fenrir said that made Raigu glared even more. Before things could gone to worst, Rookus halt them. "Enough you two, we don't have time for your argument."

Both decide to stay silence.

Laura was cleaning her nails when she decided to ask, "So, where are the location of those pillars?"

"That will be reported by William." As Rookus said his name, he appeared out of nowhere. No one was surprised knowing how well he could blend within the shadows and his title as Silent Doom had its reason after all.

Revious the only person who knew he's there all along could only close his eyes to stay silence, 'William… I met him late due to his mission. Code name Sloth and his magic was Sword Pack, an ability to wield any weapon according to his will. He's the best combat assassin I had ever met.'

"The pillars are divided into seven. Each location are ten kilometers away from the Infinite Tower." William showed them a hologram to each location. They were in either open field, near river, forest or town.

Everyone stared the location of each, they knew well one of them will be their task to destroy.

Rookus stepped forward to take everyone's attention, "Now, let's discuss about our battle strategy in this mission."

Everyone listened, as they do Einward could hardly smirk. 'Everything goes according to plan.' In his lab was a certain book titled Infinite Tower.

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Fairy Tail Guild, everyone had gathered just as their master's order including Mest. Macarov explained them the coming battle.

"Protecting each pillar is our top priority, do not ever let any of the Sinister destroy them or else the worst scenario shall come upon us."

"Like what Master?" Cana asked. Jellal decided to explain, "The Infinite Tower. This tower was protected by seven pillars of seal to avoid being used. Destroying them could destroy the seals around that tower which had a power to control over time and space."

That shocked them.

"Time and space? Something like that exist?" Levy can't help but question.

"Yes. According to what we have discovered, it was built two hundred years ago. Some says it was Zeref who had made the tower to control both time and space but unfortunately failed and decided to seal it to avoid being used ones again." Macarov answered. Mest added, "Ever since it was found, the Magic Council will do whatever it takes to keep it from being used and if found absolutely necessary it will be used."

"Used?" Gray questioned. Mest could only shrug, "Depending on the situation that involves the world I guess."

"Now here's the plan. There are total of seven pillars. Each group will head to their designated team and protect it no matter what." Macarov gave them his hard glare, "This group, the Sinister Guild killed Yajima and possibly the ones who had taken Natsu from us. Don't let them get away."

His word was enough to make everyone's blood boil. Oh how much they wanted to seek the ones who killed their Salamander and show them they should never mess around Fairy Tail. They took their Salamander's life, it's time to give them the consequences for their action.

Jellal took a deep breath before speaking, "I'll gather my comrades and meet up with you." Macarov nodded, "Thank you for your assistance Jellal."

"It's nothing, beside they need to be stopped and captured." Jellal would never admit but he really wanted to torture those who had killed Natsu whom he seen as his own little brother. The wrath of the Crime Sorciere won't be pleasant.

Jellal walked away to begin his preparation. Ones he's gone, Mavis the first generation master of Fairy Tail appeared before them.

"Hearing all the information I need, I will now divide you and begin the operation." Mavis declared. No one protest for they know she's the best strategist they had ever known.

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Soon they were all divided to eight groups. Seven groups will separate ways to protect their designated pillars while the last group protects the base they had established near the Infinite Tower. Fairy Tail with the Magic Council's Rune Knights had the town near the pillar evacuated for safety purpose.

At the base, Macarov and Mavis were discussing the plan when Mest appeared with the Rune Knights.

"Evacuation is proceeding smoothly, no enemy detected." Mest reported. Macarov nodded before turning to the First Master, "Within the seven pillars, there are three towns, two open areas and one each in forest and near river. We divided the team according to the location to give them advantage."

Mavis nodded, "Although I'm not sure if it will work because for one we don't have any information about the enemy's magic and weaknesses. This will be a hard battle." Macarov agreed to that.

"Since we have no idea about our enemy… do you have a plan First Master?" Since Mest was originally a member of Fairy Tail, he could see the First Master like the rest of the members.

Mavis nodded which means yes, "For that reason I had asked them for their assistance."

They saw a small group approaching them, turns up to be the Blue Pegasus Magicians containing Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki, Jenny Ralight, Hibiki Lates, Eve Tearm and Ren Akatsuki.

"Meeen~ we're here at your service." Ichiya said with his antics. Macarov nodded, "Thanks for coming Blue Pegasus."

"No problem." Eve said with a wink. Hibiki continued, "If we're dealing with those killers like them, it's better to be cautious more than ever."

"So, what do we do?" Ren asked, wanting to go to the point.

Macarov straight himself, "Here's the plan…"

First pillar within town, the citizen was officially evacuated except for the team who will guard the pillar with some numbers of rune knights. This group were Gajeel Redfox, Panther Lily and Cana Alberona.

Gajeel was surveying the place when he saw a woman approaching, from appearance he could almost mistake her as Yukino of Sabertooth if weren't for his sense of smell.

"Who're you?" Gajeel questioned. The woman smiled as she showed her mark, "Crime Sorciere, Sorano. I'll be here to give assistance."

Gajeel observed for a moment before nodding knowing the fact Jellal and his independent guild will come to their aid. He led her to where Lily and Cana were located. Reaching there they saw Ichiya had joined them.

Second pillar in near river, Juvia Lockser were surveying the area with Laxus Dreyar and few number of Rune Knights when they felt someone coming. Juvia felt happy to see Meredy again with her companion Macbeth.

"Juvia I miss you!" Meredy hugged her which she happy return it back, "Me too Meredy."

Laxus could only huff before turning to the remaining which was Macbeth.

"We're assign here." Macbeth's only word for the Lighting Dragon Slayer. Laxus nodded in acceptance, "I'm looking forward working with you."

Macbeth nodded, accepting it.

Third pillar in an open area, Mirajane Strauss was patiently waiting with Bickslow and Freed Justine while the few number of Rune Knights were surveying the area when they felt a presence coming. It was Sawyer with his fast magic who just run to reach his designated pillar.

Mirajane smiled warmly, "Welcome Sawyer, I'm looking forward working with you."

Sawyer nodded, not saying a word which they didn't mind at all. The another one coming, a woman from Blue Pegasus Jenny Realight.

"So I'm assign here with you." Jenny can't help but pout when she saw Mirajane. She just smiled to it.

Fourth pillar outside town, Macao Conbolt, Wakaba Mine and Jet were looking around while the Rune Knights were still evacuating the people in town when they saw someone unexpected. It was Cobra from Crime Sorciere in real name Erik.

Cobra can't help but whistle, "So this are the people I'm working with? You got to be kidding me."

"The same goes for me." Macao resort back.

"Hmm, so we're all here." Turning to the new arrive it was Ren Akatsuki of Blue Pegasus.

Jet observed the whole member before huffing, "So we're all here huh."

Cobra smirked, hoping the enemy will come will entertain him.

Fifth pillar in the middle of the forest, Lisanna Strauss, Max Alors and Droy were looking around with the Rune Knights with them when they saw two people coming. They were Jellal Fernandez and Richard Buchaman of Crime Sorciere.

Lissanna smiled, "You came."

"It's the small thing we could do if we're dealing with the Sinister Guild." Jellal said. Richard smiled as he nodded, "As he said."

Max smirked while Droy felt confident, they could do this.

Sixth pillar in rear town, the Rune knights were checking the whole place if ever everyone had successfully evacuated. Alzack Connel and Bisca Connel were eyeing the people who would act suspiciously while Elfman Strauss and Evergreen were guarding the pillar when they saw someone arrived, it was Eve Tearn from Blue Pegasus.

"Good I'm not late." Eve said with a smile. Evergreen greeted him, "Well hope you can help us guard this."

Eve smiled brightly with confidence, "Of course."

Seventh pillar in an open area, the Rune Knights were scattered to observe the area while Lucy Heartfilia, Happy, Wendy and Carla were waiting in the pillar. Gray Fullbuster and Erza Scarlet approached them.

"No enemy on sight, I guess it's good that we got here first." Gray said. Erza nodded in agreement, "But we can't let our guard down. Be ready."

They all respond, "Aye."

In the base, Macarov was observing each people station in each pillars from Hibiki Lates's magic. Mavis was with him and so was Mest. The rest of the member in the base were Romeo Conbolt, Warren Rocko, Laki Olietta, Nab Lasaro and Reedus Jonah.

"Any sign of enemies?" Mest asked. Hibiki shook his head, "Whenever they are its either they're waiting for night fall or haven't arrived yet."

That's for sure, the only enemy they knew was a man named Fenrir and a masculine guy that they failed to learn his name and so was a woman that Happy saw before they killed their Fire Dragon Slayer.

"We better stay alert, who knew what they're up on their sleeves." Mavis told them.

Everyone respond, "Aye!"

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Nightfall within the shadows were the group of seven hidden within the shadows, wearing cloak to avoid being recognized or seen. The Sinister Members: Rookus, Fenrir, Laura, Yumino, Raigu, William and Revious.

"Fairy Tail, Crime Sorciere and Blue Pegasus had join forces to protect the pillars." Rookus faced them, "The mission is to destroy the pillars, no one must fail."

Everyone nodded.

Fenrir chuckle in excitement, "Finally… the day had come for me to enjoy the kill."

Raigu could only sigh, "The main focus is to destroy the pillar, succeed then do whatever you want."

"Heh of course I will idiot!" Fenrir shouted.

Yumino began to shiver in nervousness, "I-I hate this…" Laura giggled, "Come on girl, show them your venom!"

"E-Ehhh! I-I don't have ve-venom." Her words made Laura laugh.

Having no interest, William walked away. "I'm heading out." Rookus chuckled, "Have fun."

William disappeared within the darkness. Revious who's only watching sigh before walking away, wanting nothing but finish the job. The rest only watch as their Wrath left, Laura found this laughable.

"How I wonder how those Fairy Tail will react ones they found their precious Dragon Slayer no longer with them, instead their own enemy." Laura said in amusement. Rookus smirked, "Master's plan is proceeding well. Make sure none of you slack."

"Heh, this will totally be fun!" With that Fenrir jumped away, heading to his destination.

Laura disappeared on sight, Yumino walked away, Rookus used his magic to teleport him, leaving only Raigu who's eyes focused on the path Revious had taken.

For unknown reason, flashbacks came to mind. Revious enjoyment when learning his magic, his struggles then how everything around him became upside down when he first killed. Raigu shook his head, he should never pity or feel bad. The mission was given and must be fulfilled no matter what.

'I will destroy the pillar… for the master.' Raigu walked away in the different path.

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In the third pillar, everyone was cautious when they felt a presence that immediately put them on guard. As if on cue, someone appeared before them. A blond, silver eyes and tall male.

He observed the people present and chuckle, "How wonderful. I actually choose a perfect pillar."

Freed brought out his sword and point it to the intruder, "Who are you?"

"Hehe… My name is Rookus, Pride of our glorious Sinister Guild." He bowed before smirking, "I'm here to destroy the pillar."

His word was enough to make everyone prepare for battle.

Fifth pillar, Jellal immediate sense his coming.

"Everyone prepare!" Jellal shouted as immediately everyone got ready.

Everyone were cautious, trying to find the enemy until they finally noticed him who's approaching. Coming to light it was a long haired man in ponytail, eyes shows nothingness but reflects as a swordsman.

"Sinister of Sloth, William." He introduced as a sword appeared before him and took it, "Get out or die."

Second pillar, thanks to Laxus's sharp hearing that he picked up someone jumping on the trees heading their way. His motion was enough for everyone to understand and prepared themselves.

Finally the intruder appeared which Laxus and Juvia immediately recognized, Fenrir.

"Huh? You got to be kidding me, I got a wrong choice!" Fenrir looks disappointed because only two Fairy Tail Magician were present. He twitched before glaring, "I'll destroy the pillar then kill you all here."

"Don't think you could get away so easily this time." Laxus said as sparks of lightning were appearing around his body. Juvia immediately control the water from the river, glaring him. "Juvia this time will eliminate you for taking Natsu-san away from us!"

Fenrir throw the cloak away to prepare taking them down.

Sixth pillar, the whole town suddenly felt chilly until slowly began to freeze. Everyone found it shocking, not knowing who had done this.

Bisca shouted, "Everyone ahead!"

All saw someone approaching, a teen girl who had silver hair and sapphire eyes. She took off her cloak to reveal her winter clothing, not sexy type but comfortable enough to move around. Each step she took the advance of ice continue. They immediately concluded she's an ice mage.

"I don't want to hurt anyone." She whispered, "But if you're in my way, I will freeze you to death."

Eyes shows nothing but coldness, shyness disappeared. All that left was seriousness and bloodlust.

Evergreen took position, "Who are you?"

"Yumino" She answered, "Sinister of Envy."

First Pillar, Gajeel immediately took his battle position and so were the rest when a woman appeared before them.

She giggled, "How laughable, to think most mages are females… must be my unlucky day."

Cana narrowed her eyes, "Who're you?"

"Sinister of Lust, Laura." Her voice became so sweet like a venom of the snake, "You'll let me destroy that pillar… right?"

Fourth pillar, Raigu arrived to see he was greeted by a punch which he easily blocked with his arms. He recognized him as Cobra from the dead organization Oracion Seis.

"So they decide to interfere." Raigu pushed the Dragon Slayer away to avoid the coming attack from Macao and Ren. He observed the whole occupants, he got the group of weaklings.

Cobra's ability to hear the person's mind twitch, "Weaklings… huh…" His word irritated him.

Raigu ignored it.

"That person, no mistake one of the group who killed Natsu." Wakaba said. Macao twitched to that, "Unforgivable."

Raigu took a sigh and introduced himself, "Sinister of Gluttony, Raigu." Sparks of electricity appeared to his hand, "I shall fulfill the master's order. Destroy the pillar."

Seventh pillar, Lucy and the others heard Warren's warning about the enemy appearing in each pillar that had engage battle. They knew someone will appear before them and indeed he appeared.

The man in cloak, hood that cover his face within the shadow except his mouth. He stopped walking as he noticed the audience preparing to attack even the Fairy Tail mages near the pillar.

Within the shadow, eyes show nothing but coldness and emptiness. It's only focus was on the mission, destruction of the pillar.

"Hoy, are you the one who killed Yajima-san?" Gray questioned, jacket disappeared leaving him shirtless but no one bothered. Revious saw no interest of the mages but knew they will not leave him be. Resigning he answered, "Part of the mission, shall be fulfilled."

They don't know but for some reason his voice looks familiar but very foreign. Like something big disappeared and that's the result of it.

Revious draw out his dagger and flared it with his flame. Dagger was never his thing but very useful for assassination or quick death than burning them where could evidence to his action.

Erza re-equip and turned to her armor that had resistance in fire. She took her battle position and so the rest, "Who are you?"

"Sinister of Wrath, Revious," He answered before pointing the dagger on them. "Burn."

Next Chapter: The Dead Nakama