3 months of silence...I never knew how low one may get in disappointment in ones self and have no words hurtful enough to say. But they were months well spent with December being the holidays, January being the New year, and February being Valentines (an unimportant holiday for me but useful for it's chocolate sales and break). I had planned to finish by February but I have yet again proven to eloquent for my own good.
Yet it was not only the months that had gotten me but a rather "popular" that had drawn my attention as well. I shall not say but this game has influenced me greatly over the past months and I leave that for you to decipher here.
I also wish to announce that I have at least the next 12 chapters planned out for this story so more can be accomplished in regards to this story in amuch quicker pace... relatively speaking. Such was a result of the experiment that I had conducted on the previous chapters and I do say it was rather successful and I will use it henceforth.
Expect more stories that may come up regarding other fandoms in the future. After all I do require a break and perhaps writing different material should suffice.
WolfGaming chapter 9 . 14h ago
Quite the good chapter. Although I do have 2 questions 1. Wouldn't Natsu go into dragon force considering the situation? The the second question is isn't Natsu and Erza around the same power level? I apologize if I got the information wrong it has been a quick minute since you updated, and I tend to be forgetful at times.
Good to see you again. Hope you're doing well. Regarding your first question: Prior to Natsu leaning how to going into Dragon Force by will, he still had to ingest a catalyst to do that from things like Etherion. He's still at this stage considering this takes place directly after the Tenroujima Arc (last good arc of the show if you ask me XD). In short, I'm doing my best to keep their powers within that timeline…. for now.
Regarding your next question, technically Natsu was always more powerful because all Erza could do is summon weapons and maybe use telekinesis while he could summon fire making him the weapon. Erza, however, was always stronger because she was always more skilled in combat so it doesn't necessarily translate. I'll show how different it is in later chapters. Also, as they said in Dragon Ball Z , "Power levels don't mean much"
Oh and a critique/comment would always be helpful so please do not hesitate to leave one
But my ramblings aside, Please ready yourselves. Relax your mind, and do enjoy the next act of Fairy Tail: The Imperium Encounter
Oshibana. For many it was where we saw our heroes for the first time. The place where Natsu and his team took down Eichenwald, their first dark guild and by their heroism saved the town.
A town that, on this day, shall return that debt in kind.
Many were not expecting a giant , crackling, magical circle near their main train station but all were wary. The train was their central structure both economically and culturally. Not only that, it connected them to the nearest guild, Blue Pegasus, and was one of the major railway systems in the country.
The garrison poured out from their holds and quickly enveloped the area. The civilians were held back and the circle was secured on all flanks as it began to crackle with arcane energy. Slowly but surely it touched the ground and with a resounding boom of thunder brought our ragged heroes into Oshibana.
"Stop right there! Identify yourselves!" the captain of the garrison yelled. Their weapons held tightly in hand, they were ready to engage at a moment's notice.
The dust settled and revealed not a foe set out to do harm but a familiar face that needed aid.
"Wait…. Fairy Tail guild? Why are you here and why are there so many of you?"
Charles was the first to speak and her tone commanded both urgency and authority. In short, her usual voice.
"All questions to be answered in due time, but as of right now your fellow garrisoners need sufficient medical assistance"
"What do you mean, all my men are accounted for"
"I don't refer to the ones you command, but your fellow men in arms"
She directed their attention to the broken and wounded soldiers that came with them. Though they were no longer in critical condition, they were by no means combat ready and Exyle made sure of that. Immediately, the captain recognized one of them.
"Struv? Is that you? What the hell happened to you dude?"
"Heh…. Remember when I asked for excitement? Yeah, I got what I asked for ….. It cost me an arm and a leg though. Well technically only an arm before they grew it back"
"I don't understand. Where's the rest of you?"
"We ARE the rest of them. Everyone else is…..is…." the man chocked on his own words when he again realized that all his friends are dead.
"Their all…."He tried to speak again but he just couldn't.
"All our friends, all our classmates from training, their all…..all…"
"Well….. spit it out man!" the captain demanded, although he already had an idea as to what happened he was hoping that it wasn't true.
"Dead! All of them….gone. Marcus, Sevene, Javis, Lura EVERYBODY! We couldn't do anything, I couldn't save any of them. They were everywhere I tell you, everywhere! And the monsters… the monsters…by the gods we can't even bury them!"
"Struv…."
"They're all dead… They're all dead … They're all dead …"
On and on he repeated those words. Each time drilling it into all those who heard. The Oshibana garrison could do nothing to comfort their comrades and the civilians were starting to get rowdy. What could've done something to such men? Was it coming for them next?
"Human. Human. Human!" Charles demanding tone broke the captain out of his trance.
"This man is clearly too traumatized to be of any use. I suggest you take my advice from earlier as quickly as possible"
She was right. Though they was shaken from the bad news, he was still a trained garrisoner and a captain no less. He had a job to do and a city to protect.
"Oh…. Um… right. Guys come with me. That includes you too Fairy Tail"
Having no home to go back to, they all followed flanked on both sides by the worried comments and stares of the Oshinaban citizens.
It was high noon when they finally reached the main garrison building of the city. In contrast to the vibrant colors of the civilian buildings, it was both tall and imposing. It was by no means a fortress, but the reinforced fences, watchtowers, and active patrol around its grounds it was formidable for its intended task.
They were lead through the gates and the patrols and entered into the structure. It was deceptively bigger on the inside than it looked on the outside with its main hall and branching corridors, though this was more thanks to the architecture than any magic.
The "injured" were lead to the infirmary while Fairy Tail was lead down another hall. Upon reaching the end they entered a large room where they were greeted by a grizzled old man with an eye patch dealing with documents. The more observant of the bunch noticed, stashed away in the corner, his sword and shield that had rather strange skull related ornaments on them.
"Captain Struv, I trust this intrusion means that you've dealt with the magical circle near the station?"
"Yes sir, but it wasn't a threat"
"Was the enemy that easy to deal with?" he was still dealing with his papers and hadn't looked up.
"No sir, there was no enemy"
"So a prank then?"
"No sir, it's something…. Completely different"
"Define different captain"
"Better yet sir, I have them right here"
Upon hearing "them", he laid down his quill and finally looked up. He saw a sea of faces, all young but somewhat rugged while they saw his face old, weathered, and certainly something that says it's seen many battles.
A quick look through the bunch and the old man turned his attention back to the captain.
"These came through the magical circle?"
"Yes sir along with… what was left of the Magnolia garrison"
The old man saw that the young captain was bothered deeply and so decided to not question him any further.
"Thank you Captain Struv, that will be all. Return to your duties while I further investigate this matter"
Struv gave him the regiment salute and went on his way.
The door closed shut, its sturdy and hard nature reflected by the echoes that it left behind in all their ears.
"Now then, I am Sirob Regnirdbot. I am the quarter master of this garrison….. that is until the original quarter master wakes up and recovers. My job is to protect this city and its people so you I advise you to tell me who you are and why you are here"
"Wait….. you seriously don't know us?" asked Gray.
"Young man, I'm not even from here. I'm supposed to be on rest leave from my homeland after a decisive victory against the Wildmen that has plagued our lands. They won't be recovering anytime soon so I can take my time determining whether you are friend or foe"
Convinced by his story, they told him everything from who they each were to the enemy that drove them out. When they were finished, Sirob leaned back into his chair and gave a tired sigh.
"By his majesty, must war follow me everywhere? I do not distaste battle, such would be a shame to Cir Lu, but even the most hardened of men must rest"
"We should tell the people as soon as possible!" Lucy suggested
"Young lady , telling people out of nowhere that their country is being invaded would cause panic which will lead to a riot. That would make the city even more vulnerable than it already is , we might as well hand it over on a silver platter. And that's IF they all outright believe me"
"But the people might be in harm's way if we let them stay here!"
"More people would harm themselves if they leave the city in a panic. It's human nature after all"
"He's right Lucy. The exact same thing happened in Magnolia during the first few hours of the invasion. The only reason we saved as many as we did was because not many people were able to make it out. Even then, we couldn't save them all….." Fried was the only one at the time who had any strategic awareness and tasked himself with the survival to the town. Every life he couldn't save he took personally.
Sirob, having his point made, reached into his desk and pulled out a map of Magnolia.
"You, blue cat….thing. Be careful with those feathers on my helmet. They're from real gryphons and are VERY expensive. Now then…."
"If what you say is true, then they should at least have to past the Kunugi garrison. If that happened we should she smoke rising from the horizon but since there isn't any reports of that yet then that means they're either on their way or are fortifying their position in Magnolia. Either way, it would give us time to determine the threat , inform the capital and start preparing"
"So….. we just wait?" asked Elfman.
"For now. There are still protocols to follow in this land" he stood from his seat, donned his sword and shield and got his helmet.
"Follow me, you will tell the entire garrison exactly what you told me. That way, they're better informed in case I'm missing a few details. The memory is not what it used to be"
Night fell on Oshibana and after a few hours of answering questions and telling all they can to Sirob and the garrison they were finally able to leave.
"I've completed the report and sent our fastest lad to the capital. Can't risk them intercepting our Lacrima communications so we should hear from him by tomorrow. Until then, we will secretly prepare evacuation procedures just in case. Thank you Fairy Tail for all your help "
"Don't mention it" said Natsu as he gave him his big toothy smile.
"Aye sir!" said Happy.
"I would offer you quarters here but we have preparations to make"
"Oh it's alright sir. We'll find our way" said Mirajane.
"Still I must return my gratitude for bringing this up. Here go to the Midden Skave Tavern just down by that road and give them this. They will know what it means " he handed her a skull necklace with a scratch over one of its eye.
"Really? Thank you so much! You're one of the kindest men I've ever met!"
The young maiden's smile warmed his heart. The years of endless war and the loss of his eye made him bitter and cold. So you can imagine what a relief it was to have such a beauty like Mirajane genuinely praise him. Not many people, even in his homeland, that do that anymore.
"Anytime milady, I would be happy to help again. Now for the preparations!" he had a spring to his step as he set off to help the men with the preparations.
They followed the instructions and made their way through the streets of Oshibana, noting the slight differences and culture around them. Many of them had passed by the city before but since most of the time it was for the sake of missions they only came for the train.
Now, with no such responsibility of their shoulders they could better take in the essence of the city at night.
"I wonder how bad they'll wreck this place when they get here" said Gajeel out of the blue.
A passing thought it may have been, it had an immediate effect. The almost idyllic setting reminded them of Magnolia and how now it lay in enemy hands, it's streets filled with the dead, how homes and precious valuables now lay in ruin or made to serve whatever diabolic purpose Exyle and Gjorum had in mind.
Having been reminded of the fate of their home, the mood our heroes sunk deep but on they went.
It was quite some time before our heroes finally found the Tavern in question. Its sign appeared to be written in blood donned with a picture of a rat standing like a man and holding a skull out of all things.
A rather strange way to represent your business, but so long as it held drink and bed it mattered little to the hungry and tired.
Through its wooden doors they entered and were greeted by a lively sight. Friends that drank, small brawls scattered around, women gossiping at the counter and rafters, depressed folk opening themselves to the ear and the shots of the bartenders, and shady fellows left to their vices in the corners reminded them of their guild which was also now lost.
Standing strong, they made their way to one of the bartenders.
"Salutations strangers. Shall it be board or booze that you seek? "
"Oh….um… hello. We don't want a drink right now, we just need a place to stay" said Gray.
"Board it is then. Ramklov, this is for you" said the bartender as he turned his attention to another customer. A bald man with a weird mustache came to meet them. He too looked grizzled and weathered from battle.
"Good evening travelers. I am Ramklov. I hear that you seek rest?. "
"Um….. that's right sir. We need a place to stay" said Wendy.
The old man said nothing to the little girl as his old experienced eyes closely looked at her and then at all her friends.
"Hmmmm…"
"Um… what is it sir?"
"Wounds on specific areas on all of you that would say that it was targeted, bruises that have not yet fully healed, and this poor fellow whose throat is redder than normal. I would say that you were all in a difficult battle"
"Amazing, all that just from looking at us?" commented Fried.
"I have fought many a battle young man, be it with the living and the dead. I know my injuries and you're tells a tale of a battle not more than a day old. Not only that I would also say that you were-"
"Ramklov, what did I tell you about inspecting the guests. If you drive them away, that's coming out of your salary" said one of the bartenders.
He saw that the group was getting either tensed or creeped out. Maybe even both. More importantly, he didn't want a reduction to the salary he was getting. He may be a bigshot at his home, but even that barely helps the upkeep of his beloved golden chariot and he needed it even more now that he was abroad.
Any extra payment goes to maintaining his cape and spruce mustache and thus he kept the rest of his thoughts to himself.
"Forgive me, I do tend to ramble. So it was board you sought correct? "
"Umm…. yes. For all of us if you don't mind" said Fried.
"We have plenty of those at the moment. Let's see… about two or three at most for each room… with food and drink….. and that would make it-" before giving them the hefty price he was briefly interrupted by the ever loveable Wendy.
"Oh…um…. we… just lost our home so we don't have that many jewels" she meekly replied.
"Well by his majesty how do you propose to pay for it then little lady? And don't try any sad stories and whatnot, I don't break so easily"
"We don't have that many jewels, but we do have this" Mirajane handed him the necklace and the old man immediately recognized it. As if to confirm its existence, he caressed it a few times before finally letting out a chuckle.
"Huh…..Sirob you old fool. What made you give THIS to them?"
"So…. You'll let us stay?"
"Not so fast. I must still inspect you for that accursed rat plague. One can never be too sure about an infestation" he quickly waves his hand in the air and summons a rune in front of him. As quickly as he put it up, it then disappeared.
"Alright, you're clean. You may stay, everything is on the house. Your beds are on the third floor. Now if you excuse me"
He left to attend to another customer and without any further words the gang went to their own rooms .Some in pairs and others in threes but all but all finding some rest and serenity.
For a once proud guild now made into refugees, they all slept rather easy. No nightmares haunted their dreams nor did the troubles of the world weigh down of them for too long. All fell into slumbers sweet embrace as the world around them started to burn.
Dawn came rather quickly but the night was generous and gave our heroes all the rest they needed. Natsu was the last to awaken and felt and groggily made his way down to the first floor. However, he greeted his friends wide awake as gravity and a misstep make for a very effective wakener.
"It's about time you woke up. We were all waiting for you" said Gray without a care for the fire mage.
"Shut it stripper! I'm not in the mood yet! Wendy-chan, I need you! Wendy! Wendy?"
"She isn't here Natsu" said Happy.
"Eh, where did she go?"
"She and Charles went back to the garrison to help heal the soldiers faster. In fact, she was the first to get up" according to Panterlilly.
"Really? " it wasn't really that unbelievable for someone like Wendy to want to help, after all he knew her very well. Too well in fact.
He decides to let his injuries heal naturally as he joined his friends in the free morning breakfast at the tavern.
After their meal, Fried told them all to enjoy the city while he and Pantherlilly contemplated their next move.
Since most of them neither had the patience nor the level of with when it came to higher stratagems they decided to take Frieds advice and left the Raijinshu and the Exceed to their devices as they drowned themselves in the mundanity and bliss of the life that they had now lost .
The day passed without incident.
All were able to enjoy the delights and sights of Oshibana until they had to return to their inn. Even then, Oshibana culture and food was present at the inn. The Raijinshu and the Exceed were at a table that held maps and notes. Though a few empty drinking cans adorned the sides, it was clear that they were heavily invested in planning.
The rest of the guild continued to follow Frieds advice and joined the merriment.
Mirajane even got a chance to sing and seeing that she was a celebrity of sorts, she gathered quite the crowd.
Gray was gambling….surprisingly…. and in a tense faceoff with people who knew their pokerface well.
Elfman was engaged in a testosterone filled arm wrestling competition, sweat dripping down his brow and veins popping out as he fought his current opponent who was just as stubborn as he.
For our Wendy she was entertaining the children that were present (on that note who in their right mind brings children to a tavern?!) with her air magic.
Everyone else was either drinking, eating, or a combination of both.
It was a good night, but the night always holds surprises
*Door crashing open loudly*
It was not uncommon for the tavern doors to swing open. From "peaceful" bandits, travelers, bounty hunters, and even the occasional gunslinger the tavern door has opened itself to all. What was not common however was a man who looked like he had just outran death, carrying an orb and raving like a madman.
Though some deep in the bar were either too drunk or too busy with their own matters, the ones close to the door couldn't help but take notice.
After one of them gave him his drink, the man seemed to ironically calm down and form coherent speech.
"This just came in to a while ago! Look!" he put out the orb, which turned out to e a communication lacrima.
A glow emanated from the crystalline structure before an image of a burning city appeared on it. This confused the small audience as more images of burnt down or burning buildings until one of them recognized the images.
"Wait, that's Gallowstown! That's where I come from!"
"No way….. Is that Dawn City?!"
"Oi, Oi, Oi why is Sorien there?!"
As more and more cities appeared either ruined or in combat, more and more people from the bar dropped what they were doing and began to crowd.
It wasn't long before all that disappeared and two familiar faces appeared. The first was Draculos Hyberion, known only as a Wizard saint. The second wizard saint in all the land, in fact. He was rarely seen and rumors became truth as they all saw that he indeed looked like a classic Vampire. The truth of whether this book was exactly like the cover was for debate.
From his golden chalice he drank something before speaking starting to speak.
"As you can see, they've only taken the cities close to the coast. There are many more reports from multiple coasts that have yet to be verified and according to our scouts there is no evidence of them amassing their troops for a push deeper inland" though the thick accent complimented the stereotypical look well, the sheer seriousness and deep voice would only fail to command respect to those who had no ears.
"What of it then? You are aware that this could be a ruse?" a face was not necessary to show that the grizzled old voice belonged to no other than Sirob.
"I am indeed aware. However, the king is hesitant to commit to what could be a misunderstanding"
"Misunderstanding?! Only a peasant or even a servant of Discord would misunderstand that this enemy has proven itself beyond a shadow of a doubt a potent threat. You garrisons have fallen with ease and if this information proves true then two more coastal cites near Sorien have already fallen as we speak. Surely your king understands that?! "
"Though your criticism is valid and your experience valuable, you watch your tone Sirob " bloody red did his eyes grow for a second and whether or not this planted fear in Sirob, we may never know. What we do know is that the old veteran did calm down.
"My apologies, but people are dying and something must be done"
"A hasty act would lead to more deaths. As you can see with all the unconfirmed reports and confirmed ones, should we send all available forces at once we would be splitting them too thin and if even one of them falls"
"Then they would have a clear path to your capital. Bold but ingenious this enemy"
"Indeed. We need more time to gather our strength, mobilize our army, and conscript the mages. Until then the coastal cities shall have to endure"
"Well what of this city?"
"Since it has not yet fallen, we have decided to grant you emergency powers and evacuate to Clovertown. The governor is already informed"
"I guess that means I have to prepare a cursed communications lacrima. By Cir Lu these things are frustrating. I doubt even that golden masked freak would figure this out"
"I do apologize. This is not your home and yet you have been called to defend it. I can not ask you do any further as a guest and would understand if you wish to leave"
"Keep your apologies vampire, war follows those who live it. I will fight by you so long as Cir Lu wishes"
"On behalf of the king, I can not express our gratitude enough"
"Another matter, are you certain that this communication would not be compromised? I sent that lad to the capital for a reason"
"You need not worry. This is my own personal lacrima with my own enchantments. It will not be compromised"
"Let us hope so Hyberion. Let us hope so"
The orb died down, it's light fading as it left those who bore witness to it in confuse and shock. The moment was broken when Ramklov, who was also present for the message, finally spoke.
"The fool and his honor. This is why I worship Ra Magis "
They had no idea what he was talking about or who Ra-whatever his name was but it wasn't long before they all broke into an uproar that caught the attention of our other heroes and some other patrons.
Cries of "It this for real" and "This must be a joke" to "It's probably another one of those training drills" rang from the mob.
"Wait, for all we know this could be a trick? I mean, how did you get this anyway?"
"My brother is in the garrison. He said he took it off the desk to warn us" said the man.
"Isn't that like…..insubordination or something?" asked another
"I doesn't matter. I don't know about you people, but me and my family are getting out of here!" was all he said before dropping the lacrima and running off into the night.
This caused a stir in the inn as everyone began to panic. The calls of calm by the bartenders had no effect on the frantic mob that grew by the second.
Our heroes were rather quiet and even rtied to sneak back into their beds until one of the people noticed the emblem on Natsu's arm
"Hey you! Aren't you part of Fairy Tail? Aren't you like, supposed to be fighting out there or what? "
This call was enough to unite the mob and direct their attention to the members.
"Yeah! Exactly, why aren't you out there?!"
"You have magic don't you? Protect us!"
"I thought you were the strongest guild in this kingdom?!"
The questions and accusations were like arrows pining them down as they had no answer to the volley.
"Natsu, what do we do?" Lucy was starting to get scared. She felt like if she gave the wrong answer they mob would rip them apart.
Luckily for the Dragonslayer, he didn't need to.
"Natsu, what's with all the noise?" a tall wall of fur and meat descended from the stairs as a transformed Pantherlilly came down.
"Hoy are you part of Fairy Tail too?"
"Answer us, why aren't' you out there protecting us?!"
"We have children! Aren't you thinking about them?!"
Unlike our heroes, the Exceed didn't falter as the veteran had a knack for dealing with civilians under stressful situations.
"Everyone please, calm down. You have to understand that-"
"All we understand is that out kingdom is being attacked and you're doing nothing!"
"Yes!Yes! What are you running away?"
"No we aren't running….technically. Please you have to let me-" the Exceed tried to explain again
"If you're not running then what?"
"Yeah, if you weren't running then why are you here?! Magnolia is that way!"
"Maybe they're working for the enemy!"
"No, we aren't helping the enemy!" pleaded Mirajane.
"That would make sense, I mean they all look fine"
"Traitors! They might be traitors! Or worse, deserters!"
"Cowards !"
"We're not cowards!" shouted Natsu. If there was one thing he hated other than fear, it was being called a coward! Alas, it fell on deaf ears.
"Should we report them to the garrison?"
"I say we beat them up!"
"Yeah, lets teach deserters a lesson!"
The crowd began to get hostile and closed in on the group. They may have been mages but they were outnumbered and even so they would never use their magic on civilians let alone their own.
"SHUT UP!" the building shook and the wood creaked as Pantherlilly let out a loud roar that caught everyone's attention.
"You're all being hysterical! We're not traitors, were not cowards, and were not deserters! You people should know that!"
The bared fangs and the predator look tamed the crowd into silence. A minuet passed before somebody had the courage to speak up again.
"Then….why aren't you out there?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Ramklov had just been watching the scene play out but even he grew tired of the mass hysteria and the accusations so he decided to try and put things into order.
They all turned their gaze to the man who supposedly had the answer.
"If you people recall, earlier in the day they came in a magic circle in front of the Oshibana Railway with injured soldiers behind them. If any of you were paying close attention, they were all limping and their movements were consistent with injuries. Combined that with what the ramblings of that one soldier and well…I'm certain you get the rest "
A realization hit the crowd, their thoughts and their tongues held down by the weight of it. None could speak, none would want to speak but the curiosity of one could hold him no longer
"Wait…..does that mean. Answer us: Did they….Did they beat you?" he asked frankly
There was no point in prolonging the inevitable so Pantherlilly answered just as frankly "Yes"
That yes was the match that set the forest on fire. The screams of panic, fear, distress, and frustration mixed with a sprinkle of hopelessness spread like wildfire to most of the patrons.
The strongest guild in the kingdom, the ones who beat Phantom Lord and all its branches, the one who took down two of the dark guilds, the guild that was a constant thorn in the Magic Council's side, the guild that had Gildarts, the guild that had that monster of a mage Laxus, the Fairy Tail that has never faced true defeat stood beaten and broken before them.
Nobody knew who threw the first punch or leg or trip or kick but what was first was panic, then it was shoving, then it was chaos, then it became an all out brawl.
Bodies were flung left and right as our heroes tried to stop the fighting only to fail when their instincts came in and they just became part of the clobbering mass.
The epitome of this mosh pit was when Elfman flung a rather rowdy person into Gray who was surprisingly still playing cards with his opponents (Geez whatever they were betting must have been really worth it) and the table along with the other gamblers were thrown into disarray.
His hand now mixed with the others, Gray instinctively assumed it was the pink pineapple head of a salamander that got in his way again. Without question he launched and ice attack and instinctively Natsu retaliated.
It didn't bother most of the normies one bit that magic was used but the magical exchange was causing tremendous noise and outright ludicrous damage to the bar.
The ones who still had sense decided to either leave of go to a corner and let the mages and others have at it .
While the baristas were hiding under the table, Ramklov was calmly writing something on a paper unconcerned with the magical attacks and flying debris around.
It was a drawn out affair that was only halted by the arrival of the Rune Knights. Not the local constables or even the garissoners that we have seen so far but the priestly, mystic iron hand of the Magic council itself. Proficient in magic and competent in a melee all in Fiore knew that when they made their presence known it was serious.
Little by little the noise slowly died as the word spread of the Rune Knights arrival. They paid no heed to the commoners and went straight for the elemental mages who were yanking at each other.
What finally got their attention was a familiar face, division commander Lahar.
"Are you two done yet?" said the young and firm voice. The two mages looked up and saw the bespectacled man standing tall above them.
It took a while but the two finally came to their senses and stood up like the rest.
"Hey you're the glasses guy that helped us with Oración Seis! How's it going? Did you come to join into the fight too?" said Natsu.
"No, such a thing is technically against the rules. I did, however, come by order of the High council to bring your guild back to the Oshibana garrison"
"Why, what did we do?" asked Gray.
"That is not protocol for us to discuss in public though it would seem that someone already leaked information. That is a serious breach in the rules and something that will be dealt with accordingly" he took his job very seriously and did not appreciate gaps in the chain of command. Then again such information would cause panic regardless.
"Whatever the case we are on a tight schedule. Will you some with us peacefully Fairy Tail?"
"Of course. Just give us time to gather our belongings" Pantherlilly replied.
He let out a sigh of relief. Since they were willing to cooperate he let out a sigh and turned his attention to the crowd.
"Alright since this is a simple bar brawl I'll let all of you off with a warning. Those who are staying here are to immediately return to their rooms and those who are not to leave for their homes. Am I understood?"
As fast as the brawl began the crowd dispersed for their bunks or their homes leaving the wrecked hall to the knights and the mages.
"Now that they're gone I also have a message for you. All of you"
He sounded serious….well….more serious than usual so they decided to call all their friends. When they were all present Lahar brought out a vile. After he unplugged it a pink aroma filled the room.
The scent danced and twisted until it formed a man. Not just any man but the only man powerful and strange (mostly strange).
The glorious.
The fabulous.
The handsome.
The men in ikemen.
Ichiya.
"ICHIYA?!" they all asked in unison.
"Why helllloooo there Fairy Tail" with voice and with poise he greeted them, his trademark pose apparent in all it's fabulous glory.
"Ichiya? Is that really you? What's going on and why are you made of smoke?" the ever inquisitive Natus asked.
"Though I am happy to see you, especially you ladies *wink* this parfum you see before you is a new experimental message parfum. The old way was boring and needed more pizaz!"
Creepy and/or cringey as it may have been, they had to admit transmitting a message through scent and perfume was an impressive never before seen feat. It was a testament just how brilliant this strange little man was in terms of his magic.
"But we must not delay. If you are seeing this then the handsome division commander has opened this and has successfully reached you " Lahar was kinda creeped out by this too but he did his best to hold his composure.
"If you are there then I must let you know that your master Makarov is safe and sound. He is with the Magic council as we speak"
All the mages let out a sigh of relief. Good , their master was safe.
"I should also let you know the scent of blood and war has descended upon us. A scent that has come from the sea and to our coasts. A dreary but new scent it is my nose is confused as to what to feel. Men"
"I can not say anymore but when you receive this message then you must make your way to the Blue Pegasus guild immediately where me and my honey await you "
"I'M NOT YOUR HONEY!" screamed a familiar voice as Ichiya was tossed and make it look oh so fabulous.
The pink scent returned to the bottle leaving everyone in the room weirded out but better informed.
After some time packing all they had left and a quick talk with Ramklov the guild was off and accompanied by the iron hand of the Magic Council.
They wasted no timeand were immediately escorted to the station. Awaiting them was a special train used by the Rune Knights exclusively to conduce operations and to transport them across the kingdom.
Even then, they could already see people on the streets panicking on masse and crowding the station.
They saw Sirob and some garissoners trying to calm them down and looked worried for a bit but the old man saw them and gave them a reassuring nod. That was all they saw before they moved into the special train.
Unlike the regular transports the inside was better furnished and they could swear that it was bigger on the inside than it appeared to be on the outside.
It was a full display of Fioren taxes at work from Velvet seats to a mini-bar (actually scratch that it looks like a full on bar) extending as far as the cart itself.
"You will be staying here for the time being. We should arrive in clover Town in a few hours so pelase enjoy yourselves and please don't break anything. The infamous Fairy Tail brawls are not welcome here" said Lahar as he left the rowdy bunch with government assets.
The journey was surprisingly peaceful as the guild occupied themselves with government paid luxuries. If the king new one thing it was style.
Time flew past VERY quickly and they were already making headway into Clover Town. An island city that has quite the number of hills, it doesn't really stand out other than the fact that the Blue Pegausus guild is here…..somewhere.
After leaving the train our heroes meet a handsome messenger who gives them a vile. Thninking it was another of Ichiya's messages they opened it and were completely knocked out.
Upon opening their eyes, they were greeted by Ichiya's handsome devils, the Trimen: the playboy whose got so many sparkles he might as well be a constellation Hibiki, so sweet he'll give you diabetes Eve, and the cool and calm chocolate hunk Ren.
"Fairy Tail guild, we welcome you to the Blue Pegasus mansion. We hope you enjoy our services"
"Hey pretty boys mind telling us why you knocked us out" asked an annoyed Gray. Though they have proven their worth he was still annoyed by them.
"Our guild is not only strong but has a reputation"
"Only those who have both strength but most importantly charm may even see this guild"
"We keep our secrets hidden from any jealous would be saboteurs that would are damage such beauty and act as a haven for those who have it "
Not a satisfying answer but an answer nonetheless.
"Well then ladies, how shall you be hosted today?" ignoring the men the trio went directly for the ladies, escorting them ahead through the flower garden and through the perfume scented gilded doors of the "guild".
With handsome men on one side and gorgeous women at another, the Guild was greeted with the perfect mix of luxury and fabulousness. If it wasn't shiny or scented with aromas that would envy even a goddess then it was certainly a person who embodied such attributes or an ugly thing that was not meant to be seen.
They were lead into the "guest" room where Ichiya and Erza were waiting for them.
"Welcome my honies and guests to Blue Pegasus. It's good to meet feinds again in these dire times. MEN!"
"It's good to see you guys nice and alive. I was worried but I guess it was unfounded" said Erza.
Before anyone else could say anything, Natsu jumped at her fists ablaze.
"Erza, I just fought and survived a war! I feel like I'm sronger than you now! Fight me!"
The young dragonslayer, however, was easy to begin but quick to finish as the scarlet warrior simply flicked his fist and backfisted him into a mirror.
"AHHHHH, Natsu you broke a mirror and it looked expensive!" shouted Lucy.
"Don't worry Miss Lucy that mirror was starting to get ugly so we were going to replace it anyway" Ichiya reassured her.
"How ;loaded are these guys?!" Lucy knew expensive mirrors and that was an expensive mirror. If they could say that then they had a lot of money which means….
"It's really good to see you Erza, but where were you anyway and what happened to the Master?" asked Mirajane.
"Yes, your help could've been very useful during Magnolia's invasion" though Fried meant no disrespect he was rather curious as to why her out of all people and the master weren't' there during that time of need. He could've really used her help.
Reunions were nice and all but they still had a crisis on hand. War waits for no man.
"Okay, where do I even begin?"
Epilogue
The veteran slumps down into his comfy chair, slowly removing pieces of his armor until only his garment remained.
No matter who or where dealing with a panicking populace would tire even the greatest of warriors and with the added fatigue of making a communications lacrima Sirob just wanted to slumber in his chair peacefully for a few hours.
He would not have it as Struv barged into his room.
"Captain whatever concern you may have t can wait until I have fully rested"
He said no more and prepared to sleep as he let out a yawn.
"But sir this one was very persistent in finding you. I tried to stop him but-" the Captain was interrupted by another man entering.
"Sirob, a word"
The old veteran recognized the voice as belonging to Ramklov and begrudgingly sat straight.
"*sigh* Thank you Captain, you may return to your duties"
The young man left.
"So how is 'war never rest for those who live it' plan coming along in your little break?"
"I stand by that statement priest and I will have you know that I am having quite the relaxation I need"
"If relaxed has changed to so exhausted you can not even stand then you good sir are in Nirvana"
For a man of the cloth he sure knew how to be snarky. He would make an excellent drill sergeant.
"So Ramklov, why have you come here? I thought you were running that brothel down at the street?"
"It is not a brothel it is an inn. Something I think you could really use if you are to get any real rest"
"I promised to stand for the quarter master and by Cir Lu I shall"
"I bet even he would want you to rest. You have done enough for a people you do not owe "
"*sigh* So what did you wish to say? You could've easily sent a messenger if all you wished for was my good health"
Ramklov brought out a pendant, the same pendant that Sirob gave our heroes earlier.
"Ahh yes, that. I will send payment over immediately"
"Not so fast" Ramklov brings out a scroll and it was very very very VERY long.
"this is the list of damages from the inn" he handed it over to the veteran who looked at it as if it was nothing of concern.
"That's quite extensive, but nothing compared to a drunken dwarf brawl. Those things last for days at the very least and bring entire blocks with them"
He then casually opens a chest filled with gold, jewels, and other riches.
"Here, take this Wild Men gold. It should pay for everything. Though there are some things very expensive that were crossed out. Why is that?"
Ramklov reached into his pocket and gave Sirob a note. It was from Mirajane.
It read as so: "Dear Sir,
I am very sorry for the trouble casued by Natsu and his friends. Our guild is very rowdy and that sometimes brings problems for others. Though it is not much I hope this payment would be a start. XXOXX Mirajane
P.S I left a little something 'extra' that I know you will like "
Inside the already opened envelope were pictures of Mirajane in various "outfits" that were shot for the Sorcerer Magazine. Some of them even had an "exclusive" taste if you get what I'm saying.
"she gave things that to all the male employees and they agreed to remove some of the costs. Honestly that young lady shamefully using her body like that to acquire favors! I don't know if Ra Magis would be disgusted or disappointed!"
…
"You took some for yourself didn't you?"]
"How DARE you make such an accusation you filthy Cir Lu worshiper! I am not just a priest but the Supreme Priest and I do not think that such behavior would be befitting a man of my position!"
"Don't bring Cir Lu into this priests" he said before quickly grabbing his sword and cutting the old man's cloak revealing that he had indeed taken pictures of Mirajane as well.
"How …dare… you!"
…..
…..
"I'll trade you this dominatrix one for that summer outfit one "
"DEAL! I'll also take that demon look for two of these summer ones"
And so the two veterans traded pictures of the beautiful Mirajane for hours.
And so it ends yet again. I do thank you my fellow audience for listening to this continuing play. I can not express through words the joy and appreciation you bring to me for still being here. Picture would be more sufficient but my anime drawing skills require more refinement XD
Part of why this takes quite some time is because of all the research I must do regarding factions, magic, locations, and etc. If I have gotten something wrong (do mind that I will try to integrate the "new" cannons from the already current books into the story but as I said the timeline is just right after the Tenroujim arc and none of that timeskip hooey) and please feel free to correct me on your potential lore knowledge.
Again i am struly sorry and will try to upload with greater next next time.
The curtains close and I once again give you my gratitude. Thus, I bid you adieu and until our next tale. Farewell.