Chapter 7
Showdown at
Cardia Cathedral
Alex ran through the streets of Magnolia, making his way to the Cathedral. The rain had gotten stronger, and the wind was making it impossible to see with all the water in his face. The streets we're empty, save a few brave souls. Alex knew it wouldn't do them good, and kept telling them to go inside. He didn't want anyone to die. He turned the corner into the main street, only to be stopped by an attack. He did a flip to dodge, landing in a crouch.
"Who are you?" he demanded. A few mages dropped down from the rooftops. Each of them had a weapon of some sort. Alex managed to catch the mark on one man's shoulder. It was a phoenix spreading its wings, surrounded by fire, with a claw mark slashed through it.
"We're mages of Phoenix Claw. We were hoping for a challenge. The master lied to us." the leader of the group said. Lightning tore the sky again. Alex grit his teeth.
"I don't have time for this. Let me through." Alex said, a magic seal forming from his fist.
"Hmm, nope. We're here to stop you. Get him."
Alex got into a fighting stance, and readied his magic. He blocked the hit from the first guy and counter struck him in the face. He lifted his leg, sweeping him off his feet. He threw an uppercut to the second guy, making him take a few steps back.
"Celestial Dragon's Shock Wave." He shouted, slamming his foot into the ground. Blue and gold energy shot up from the ground, making the area shake.
"Whoa, what's going on?"
"Kid's a Dragon Slayer." the first man shouted. Alex shot forward, wrists engulfed with magic.
"Celestial Dragon's Wing Attack." he shouted, slamming the large tendrils of magic at them, he quickly flipped mid air and sucked air into his mouth.
"Celestial Dragon's Roar."
The vortex of celestial energy slammed into the three mages, sending them flying into the nearby building. Alex landed roughly on the ground. He clenched his fist.
"Damn it, foot soldiers are running through the town. Maybe I made a bad call." he said, before sprinting towards the Cathedral. He arrived at the front doors, which we're wide open. He caught his breath before walking inside. He kept his senses as high as he could. Though the rain was making it hard to hear, he could hear another heart beat in the building. He looked up the aisle, towards the Organ. There, the hooded man from before was standing. His hood was down, showing his face. He had gray hair, with equally gray eyes. He seemed to be around the age of 23, give or take a few years. His cloak was still on his body, so Alex couldn't tell how strong he was physically. The man smirked.
"You have choices to make and yet you chose to come face me alone. That's not wise my friend." He said.
"Shut up. I don't care what it is you want with Angel, but you're not taking her from us. She has a long way to go, but she'll make it just fine." Alex admitted. Thunder boomed again, and lightning tore the sky. Famine smiled.
"Beautiful weather isn't it? This storm..its ferocity. Its almost like the one you were left in, when your mother died." He said. Alex clenched his fists in anger.
"Taunting me isn't going to work. I came here to settle this matter. I will fight you." Alex said.
"So be it." Famine said, discarding his cloak. Alex saw that his arms we're wrapped in bandages. He took a stance, ready to guard any attack the man may have thrown. In a split second, Famine closed the distance, delivering a fierce punch to Alex's face, sending him flying into the pews. They broke on contact, making Alex scream in pain.
"Pain, something that is caused so easily. Hunger drives us forth, Food sustains our energy, but when there is no food, there is no life." Famine said. He closed the distance, about to deliver a punch from above. Alex jumped away, the ground shattered from the hit he had avoided.
"You're quick. As I would expect of a Dragon Slayer." he said.
"You've got a weird way of speaking. Hunger drives us? To what exactly?" Alex said.
"Such questions have answers the likes of you will never understand. Famine of Love." He shouted. A black magic seal appeared from his hand, sending forth a dark wave of energy. Alex moved out of the way. He ran forward as fast as he could.
"Celestial Dragon's Star Punch." He shouted, delivering a fierce punch to Famine's chest. The man smirked.
"Famine of Power." he said, striking Alex in the back with his fists. He howled in pain as the ground shattered underneath him. Famine was about to stomp Alex's neck ending his life, but stopped when he felt him move.
"Stubborn much?" he asked. Alex smirked.
"Don't underestimate Fairy Tail." he said.
"Huh?"
"Sky Dragon's ROAR."
Famine looked up, only to be blasted back into the Organ. The beautiful instrument exploded, its pipes fell down onto the ground. Alex stood up, brushing himself off.
"You shouldn't be here."
"I'm not letting you get hurt Alex. Erza and Mira are preoccupied. It seems the hidden member was located." Wendy said. Alex sighed.
"Whatever, lets take him down."
"Right. By the Grace of the Wind may it move swiftly, strike fiercely and be free of all harm, Arms and Armor Vernier." She chanted. Alex felt his body begin to absorb a bit of the surrounding air. The magic that was shielding him was warm and heavenly. Almost like the sky itself. He smiled and clenched his fist.
"Lets do this."
-In the streets of Magnolia-
"You can't win. What are you planning?" Erza shouted. The rain was in her face, but that did little to stop her. The girl in front of her smirked.
"It wasn't my fault you didn't sense me when you had the chance. Pestilence shall be swift. The locusts will eat your flesh, bringing you sweet savory pain." She said lifting her arms and firing a stream of hornets at her. Erza blocked the spell with her swords.
"Requip, Heaven's Wheel Armor." She chanted. Her body begun glowing as it switched to her second strongest armor set.
"You think you stand a chance against the Horsemen of Pestilence?" the girl asked.
"Clearly you haven't heard about us. But let me remind you again who we are. Pentagram Slash." She shouted, flying at her at blinding speed. Pestilence screamed in pain as she took the attack.
"We are the Fairy Tail guild, and we do not hand out our family to the likes of you. Blumenblatt."
"You can't win Fairy Tail, you should have checked where your loyalties lie. I was a mere distraction. The real enemy already took the girl." Pestilence shouted. Erza looked up, seeing Luka on top of a building. Lightning flashed, illuminating her figure. Draped over her shoulder, was an unconscious Angel. Pestilence laughed and burst into Hornets.
"We have already won. So much for family, Fairy Tail."
"Luka, but why?..your Alex's sister." Erza said. The girl didn't say anything, rather she looked down.
"I'm sorry." She said.
"Grr, Blumenblatt, Dance my blades." Erza chanted. All of her swords flew forward at the young girl. She dodged them all as if it was nothing. Luka then tossed two things to the ground, a key ring, and a bag of coins. She disappeared through a portal after that. Erza grit her teeth.
"Damn. I should have known. Angel was right." she said, requipping her armor.
"You couldn't have possibly known. We all trusted her."
"Mira?!" Erza exclaimed. The She demon landed beside her, letting her Transformation end.
"She's a confused girl, most likely influenced by her Master. Its not her fault. We must figure out where their taking her, we can't let Angel get hurt." She said. An explosion rung through the area. Both looked to the Cathedral, seeing all of the windows explode.
"Alex." She cried.
"Wendy is with him. They'll be fine. We'll send support after we take care of the foot soldiers. There all over the city." Mira said. Erza nodded.
"Fine, lets see who can take out the most trash." She said. Mira smiled.
"Fine by me." she replied.
-Back at the Cathedral-
"I must say, you've lasted longer than I expected. I commend you two for trying." Famine said. Alex and Wendy were panting for breath, both had scratches all over their bodies. Alex's shirt and jeans we're ripped, and Wendy's leggings were littered with holes, half her shirt was gone, as well as its sleeves.
"We will never give up. So long as we have magic, we'll keep fighting Heavenly Body Magic." Alex chanted. A Golden Seal with a star in the center appeared under his feet, surprising Wendy.
"Oh, a new trick?" Famine said.
"Heavenly Blast." Alex shouted, forming a large ball of magic and launching it at Famine. He screamed in pain from the attack. Another explosion rang through the cathedral. Lightning tore the sky again, and the lights flickered out.
"Such Power. Master doesn't lie." Famine said.
"Metsuryu Ogi." Wendy chanted. Alex watched on as Wendy summoned the last of her magic for a final attack. He nodded and decided to follow her example.
"Metsuryu Ogi." he chanted.
"A double finisher? How cross can you guys get."
"Shoha Tenkusen."
"Sutera Taifu."
Both light based attacks exploded outward, melding into a single blast. Famine's eyes widened.
"Oh shit."
Bang. The loud explosion literally tore the back of the Cathedral apart. Wood and beams rained to the ground, the entire back of the building was gone, and through its gaping maw, the Cemetery could be seen. Alex smiled, however it turned into a look of fear when he heard Famine's laugh.
"Wow, I'll say, that would have been enough to take me out. Good thing my buddy Pestilence was here to help me." he said.
"Hello." a female voice said. Alex looked up, seeing a young girl sitting in the rafters of the church.
"Fairy Tail, Pestilence. Pestilence, meet Fairy Tail. Vile creatures aren't they?"
"Indeed. Oh well, I came to check in. the Angel has been caged."
"What?" Alex said. He was about to attack again, but his magic stores we're low. It was taking all of will to remain standing.
"Just as you heard it Mister. And who better than your own little sister. How adorable can she be?" Pestilence asked.
Alex looked behind him, lightning flashed. His sister was standing at the doors to the church. Angel was knocked out, and bound up with magic canceling ropes. She was looking down sadly.
"I'm sorry Onii-chan."
"I'm sorry? How can you say that? we trusted you." Wendy shouted. She suddenly screamed in pain when she took a blast of hornets from Pestilence.
"Wendy."
"How adorable. Keep your trap shut, or else I'll send Rats at you."
"Luka. How can you do this? How can you betray us? Does that mark mean nothing to you?" Alex asked, pointing to her Fairy Tail insignia. She shook her head and ripped her shirt sleeve off, flashing her Phoenix Claw insignia.
"I am Luka Macias, daughter of Master Thomas. I am your enemy Fairy Tail. My mission is complete. Pestilence, Famine, lets go." She said, teleporting out of the church.
"Hmm, how fun. Looks like the Pestilence will have to wait. Later losers." the cheery girl cried, disappearing in a swarm of bees. Famine chuckled and disappeared in a black wave.
"See ya later. Fairy Tail." he said. Alex fell to his knees. Tears falling from his face. He looked at Wendy who had passed out from the attack.
"No, she's made her choice." he said. He got up, picking his fallen friend off the ground. He made his way to the doors of the church. Erza and Mira ran inside.
"Alex, are you..oh my god." Mira cried.
"What happened here?" Erza said, looking around at all of the destruction.
"Betrayal. That's what happened here." He said. He stumbled forward, passing out from the strain. Erza managed to catch him before he fell. Mira took Wendy in her arms.
"Their magic stores are low. They must have used them all on Famine. Lets get back to the guild." She said.
Xxx
Luka made her way to the dungeons of her guild. All emotion had been wiped from her face. Pestilence and Famine had taken care of Angel, allowing her to leave. Now, she was heading down to the woman's cell, to proceed with the procedure. Why her father had picked her was beyond him. She stopped at the doors.
"Open them."
"Ma'am." the soldier. Luka scoffed as they opened the doors. Inside, tied to a wall with steel shackles, was Angel. The woman had just woken up and looked very pissed. The little light in the cell provided nothing but false comfort.
"What do you want with me?" She asked. Luka smirked.
"Nothing much. You wished to be an Angel for so long, we're just speeding up the process. Bring it in." She said.
"Right away." a voice called. Angel, for the first time in a while, grew a bit fearful. She didn't want to admit it, but she wished she hadn't been set free from jail.
"Why are you doing this? What about your brother? Does he mean nothing to you?"
"Shut up. You know nothing of what I'm doing." She said.
"And yet you keep the mark on you. Your not to far gone. You can break free from this."
"Right, this coming from the criminal?" the girl asked.
"Listen to me. Do you know what prison is like? Its terrible. I was forced to do things against my will, things I didn't want to bear. For years, all I dreamed of was freedom, so that I could find my sister. And just when I had it, everything turns to shit. I realize that now. But I have a family. And they will come get you. The Blood of the Covenant is is thicker than the water of the womb. You've made a terrible mistake."
A loud slap was heard. It took a second for Angel to register what had happened. Luka laughed.
"I've gone through hell and high water for me to receive a lecture from a criminal." She said. Two men came into the cell, pushing a cart. Upon it, sat a lacrima crystal, which was radiating a warm kind of light. Angel struggled against her restraints.
"No, a Lacrima. You can't be serious. Cobra said those implants hurt like hell." She said. Luka chuckled.
"Cobra was a wuss then. Come on, a little pain to atone for your sins is in store for you. Soon enough, the Sky will have another Angel flying through it." Luka said, as she slammed the lacrima into Angel's chest. Her screams of pain could be heard down the hallway. Though most wouldn't be able to hear it, one person did, and he was not happy about it.
Xxx
Everyone back in Fairy Tail was in similar state of shock and turmoil. The storm had passed on late in the night. Alex and Wendy had yet to awaken. Porlyusica, Fairy Tail's healer, had been keeping an eye on them. Carla had refused to leave her friend's side. The Master was standing by the windows, looking outside.
"My children have been hurt. One of them kidnapped, and another one betrayed us." he said.
"It isn't your fault Makarov. The council is already looking for the ones who wrote those fake requests. They'll trace the source and put an end to it." Porlyusica replied.
"That's not it. This was an act of war. They came to our guild, and attacked Angel, not only that, but Luka kidnapped her while she was defending our guild from their soldiers. I can't take this lying down." he said.
"Your not thinking of throwing Fairy Tail into war again are you? You can't do that. These two are out of it, the others are in varying degree's of injuries. Half of your guild is gone. Don't do anything rash."
"I..agree.."
Both wizards looked at Alex, who was struggling to sit up.
"Don't move boy, you'll hurt yourself more."
"I don't care. Sorano was taken from us. I can't let that happen. The Four Horsemen will pay for it." he said.
"While I agree with what your saying, you can't possibly think of fighting, not at your current state." Makarov said. Alex smirked and reached for his keys.
"You haven't seen what I can do yet Old Man. Open, Gate of the Ram, Aries." he chanted. The gate opened, and Aries stepped through. Her eyes went wide in shock.
"Alex, you idiot. You got hurt and used your magic to open a gate? Are you nuts?" She asked.
"Nice to see you too, I need Celestial Power, a lot of it. I need to heal so I can track these fucks down." he said. The Ram spirit sighed.
"You're putting me in a bind you know."
"You'll still do it, we're best friends." He said with a toothy grin. She shook her head.
"Fine, but you owe me a tan when I come back." She said, disappearing in a shower of sparkles.
"A..tan?" Makarov asked.
"She likes getting tan. Aries is weird like that." He said.
"While massive amounts of magic power will be enough to heal you. I would advise you to take it easy, at least for a bit. We can't have you running around and still be hurt." Porlyusica said. He nodded and leaned back in his bed. It was quiet for about another half hour. The gate opened again, and Aries stepped out. She handed Alex a large glowing ball. He looked at it with a small smile.
"Aw, you didn't have to get me a Dwarf Star." he said.
"It was the only thing I could think of at the time. I also had Ophiuchus make a potion for Wendy. The Serpent Bearer is also referred to as the Healer. She didn't want to be upset at the fact that her Contractor's older sister was in trouble. This potion will not only heal her injuries, but it will increase her magical output for its duration." Aries said. Porlyusica took the glowing bottle of green liquid.
"Amazing. I didn't know there was a Spirit capable of making such a tonic." She said. Aries smiled.
"We're always glad to help." Aries said. Alex sat up and took a bite out of his star.
"Mmm, haven't had one of these in a long time. Tastes like a Jawbreaker." he said, taking another bite of it.
"You're eating a Star?" Makarov cried. Aries giggled.
"The remains of a star. A white dwarf is what's left after a Star goes super nova." She said. Alex finished his star and got up.
"Hehe, I feel like a million bucks." he said.
"Ow, not so loud." Carla cried, waking up. She rubbed her eyes and sat up. "How are you standing?"
"He ate a star." Aries said. Porlyusica uncorked the bottle Aries had given her and poured its contents in a bowl. She brushed Wendy's hair out of her face.
"Wake up Wendy, you have to drink this."
the girl groaned in pain, but was still able to slurp up the liquid. Her whole body glowed a light blue, and she opened her eyes, sitting up.
"What happened? Where's Angel?" She cried. Carla pulled the girl into a hug.
"Oh Wendy. I'm glad your okay."
"Of course...but..what..happened?"
"We'll explain later. Right now, we need to counter attack. Angel is missing, and we have to get her back." Makarov said. Alex got up and grabbed his clothes.
"You don't have to tell me twice. That Famine guy is an idiot. We may not know where the Phoenix Claw guild is, but he took on to many Star Punches to the face." he said.
"What does that mean?" Carla asked.
"The Celestial Dragon uses the magic of the stars, as such, his attacks leave behind a residue, a residue that Celestial Spirits can track down. Star Dust." Aries said.
"Star Dust? What's that?" Wendy yawned out. Alex blushed at her cuteness.
"Star Dust is what stars are made of. All stars are made with dust and ice particles in space. In the Celestial Spirit world, its the basis for all Stellar Power. Both Alex and I have the ability to track down that Star Dust. If we can go back to the place Alex fought, we'll be able to get the trace, even if they teleported." Aries said.
"Genius. Alright then, Assemble in the main hall." Makarov said. Aries disappeared for a brief second before coming back with a set of Celestial Clothes, giving them to Alex and Wendy.
"Here, your clothes are all torn, and I'm sure you want to track those guys down asap."
"Thanks Aries. That tan is as good as yours." Alex said with a smile. She smiled and kissed his cheek.
"Don't do anything stupid now." She said, finally leaving. Alex took his clothes and looked at Wendy.
"I'm gonna get ready. Gear up, we're going to war." he said. She nodded and headed to the girls bath. Porlyusica sighed.
"These young people are too full of energy nowadays." She muttered.
Alex quickly finished his shower, getting dressed in the clothes Aries brought him. He was wearing a blue shirt, with its left sleeve ripped off, leaving only the right one. It had gold trim all around it, and had several stars on it. He was wearing slim fit black jeans, which we're tucked into his boots. He wrapped his scarf around his neck, leaving the excess to fall over his shoulder and down his back. He slipped on his blue and yellow boots, tying the laces up. He smiled and nodded to himself.
"Time to kick some ass." he muttered to himself. He grabbed his Keys and hooked the ring to his belt, as he made his way to the main hall. The first thing he got when he walked in, was a punch to the face.
"You bastard. You didn't defeat Famine." Natsu shouted. Alex smirked and punched him back, actually sending him flying.
"What's the point in defeating one when you can take out their whole guild?" he asked.
"Good point." Natsu said, wiping his mouth.
"Gihi, you got your ass handed to ya Salamander." Gajeel said, entering the guild. Alex sighed. Now with him back, they had an advantage.
"Oh yeah? Want me to kick your ass?" Natsu threatened.
"I would, if I wasn't more interested in the fact that Star Killer and Blue are a matching set." He said. Alex tilted his head in confusion, before looking at Wendy, who stood beside him. He saw that she was wearing a set of clothes, that matched his own. A blue shirt with gold trim, that hugged her figure nicely, as well as a matching frilly skirt, and matching boots. Both of them blushed.
"What the hell?"
"That's so cute."
"Aw, look at their blushes."
Alex grit his teeth and grabbed his only golden key.
"Aries? What the hell is the meaning of this?" He shouted in embarrassment. The Gate opened, but instead of the little lamb, the maiden, Virgo appeared.
"Virgo, what are you doing here?" Lucy cried in shock and surprise.
"I'm sorry Hime, but Aries requested she be left alone for a few hours. It seems she's getting a tan and a whole new look done, thanks to her approval from Alex-sama."
"That..doesn't explain exactly why your here. She could have ignored the call." Alex said.
"My apologies. I came to deliver this to you. It will allow you to feed on Celestial Energy in battle." She said, handing him a cylinder like object. It was about 19 centimeters in length and was solid black, with white markings on it. He looked into it, seeing some sort of reactor inside it. He pressed the button on the side, turning the weapon on. The blade extended out of it, stopping at 42 centimeters in length. It was blue and it sparkled with little stars in it. He swung it around, and it made a funny sound.
"A Light saber? That's no fair." Romeo cried.
"Its not a Light Saber. Its an Epee d'etoiles. It works on the same basic principle that Lucy's whip does." He said.
"Indeed, I hope this helps you out in the future. For the time being, I will be answering for Aries. I hope my service aids you well. You may punish me, if you wish." She said.
"Uh...that's alright Virgo. You can go back now." He said.
"Alright. Goodbye Master Alex. You and Wendy make an adorable pair." She said before leaving. Alex's face flushed again. He clipped his Photon Sword to his waist.
"Lets just go already. Christ." he shouted. Gajeel decided it was the best time to laugh, earning him a punch to the face from Alex as he walked by. He didn't need any more embarrassing moments.
Xxx
Angel stirred awake, after hours of excruciating pain. She was exhausted, her body hurt, and she felt a surge of power in the center of her chest. She noticed she was uncuffed. She sat up, sweeping her hair out of her face.
"Where am I?" She shouted. The lights all turned on at the same time. Before her, we're Four Teenagers. Three boys and one girl. The girl had light green hair and was wearing torn clothing. The boy on the far right had raven black hair and looked sickly pale. The second boy had fiery orange hair. The boy with gray hair smiled.
"Its good to see you awake Angel. Its been a while."
"You?! What the fuck do you want?" She asked.
"Nothing much. We plan to reform the Balam Alliance, for that, we plan to take the place of Oracion Seis. We decided to give you a spot with us."
"Well you can keep it. I'm not listening to you." She cried.
"Ah, but that's where you're wrong. You see, that lacrima we've implanted you with came with a little joy buzzer. Refuse to do what we tell you and..Pestilence, why don't you show her?"
"Why of course brother dearest." the girl said. She withdrew a remote from her hand and pressed the button. Angel suddenly screamed in pain, as Lightning burst from her chest, causing an immense pain.
"That will happen." Famine said.
"Fuck...You." Angel spat. Famine chuckled.
"Impressive little cunt. She can still speak after that. We'll have to change that. Stand up, we need to assess your power." He said.
"No." Angel said. Pestilence gave her another shock. Famine grabbed her by the hair and forced her to her feet.
"Use your magic."
"What magic? I'm a Holder Mage." She said.
"The Lacrima we gave you was filled with magic. Call it forth." He said. Angel closed her eyes. She felt her mind fill with an all new kind of magic. She tapped it with her mind and a magic seal appeared on her back. She felt something grow out of her back. Taking a glance back, she realized she had large wings.
"What..what is this?" She asked.
"Congratulations. You have been granted the gift of the Angels. Angel Slayer Magic."
"Angel Slayer Magic? Why would I want to slay an angel?" She asked, a bit shocked.
"You don't have too. It would be funny though." War replied.
"We want you to use this magic, to bring the Fairies to their knees." Famine said.
"You want me to take down..my guild?" She asked.
"You're not part of that guild. They all hate you, so why not return the favor?" Pestilence asked. Angel thought about it. Her eyes narrowed.
"Fine. I'll join your cause." She said.
"Excellent. We knew you would. Now its time to access your abilities." Famine said.
"Alright. What to I have to do?" Angel asked. It may be a stretch, but she wasn't going down so easily.
