The start of Arc 2: "Stella Storms" (featuring characters and locations from Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry)

Sonya stood in her tower of Stellanium and felt that recurring throbbing in her core, a strange, pulsating sensation. She clenched her fists and concentration, and the feeling spread throughout her entire body. She knew what this was, she knew exactly what this was. She'd felt it when she first developed her Life Magic and had it flourish under that madman, Zash.

She gripped the railings of her balcony and stared out at the rest of her country. The port was off in the horizon, glistening in a golden sunset, while the Stellanium mountains shone rainbows back into the sky, creating a beautiful array of random reds, purples, greens, blues. She'd lived in Stella for so many years, so many centuries, and a Stella sunset never ceased to take her breath away.

Sonya let her hair flow freely in the wind while her regal robes skirted against her the back of her legs. She sensed her handmaids behind her, feeling their concern. Down below, in the citadel proper, were all of the other Stellanites milling about, chatting about what was new in their lives. Things in Stella had certainly become interesting once they learned their King was not only an illusion, but a Dragon created through Sonya herself.

Still, though, the country flourished. They held festivals in commemoration of Animu's ultimate overthrowing, there was a nation-wide celebration once Acnologia was dead—although most of Ishgar was celebrating that day—and the markets and people were in an overall positive place. Sonya wasn't entirely sure how it happened, which, strangely, made her question her abilities as a leader.

Did they truly need her, or was she more of a diplomat for the leaders of other countries to come in and speak with? Fiore was their closest ally, so thankfully Queen Hisue was around to help serve as counsel for Sonya during stressful times of negotiations, like when she was just getting started. The people were rather impressed when they saw how many foreigners were coming into Stella just to see her, to see how they were doing in Stella and how they could broker deals to benefit all parties.

She learned a great deal about politics, though she knew much of the world already thanks to Zash. Some…most…of it had been hyperbole on his part, since he wanted the complete overthrow of the Fiore government and saw conquest over Stella with the now-broken Dragon Cry, but still, he allowed her to travel around and see the world.

Sonya reached and touched her chest, where the scars from Animus slashing at her still were. She clutched the tiny necklace around her neck of one of the jewels from the Dragon Cry. She didn't wear it memory of Animus, but in memory of how she was to keep her feelings outside, not inside. She would never let something like Animus manipulate her again.

She felt a pulse, this time coming from her fingers. She braced against the railing and heard her handmaids scrambling to her side. She held her hand up and they stopped, but another, calmer set of footsteps approached.

"My liege," Rickard Rose said, kneeling. Sonya turned to look at the man. His gray hair was short, but he kept his traditional blue jacket on over the proper Stella guard. His glasses shone a glint from the sunlight. Sonya still felt a bit sick to see him, but in the four years since his arrival at the kingdom, she learned to trust him just a bit more, and got used to a criminal working alongside her again. Former, criminal.

"What is it, Rose?" Sonya asked.

"We've routed the brigands from the west, the ones from Fiore," Rose said. He got up. Sonya read his face, and Rose noticed. "It was Acnologius. They were hunting for me."
Sonya nodded and almost turned, but, her distrust of the man kept her attention facing him. "I've heard of them. Worshippers of that devil, right?"

"Using Dark Magic," Rose said. "As if to avenge him. They're nothing more than a cult that must have now caught wind of Animus's defeat here years ago."

"It's not an easy journey by land to get here," Sonya said. "By boat is much faster from Fiore, especially leaving from Hargeon."

"Indeed," Rose said. "And they're gone, thank the Crystal."

Sonya nodded. The Crystal earned a deific status, growing from the alter that was used to almost sacrifice Sonya to Animus. Its power was magnificent, if not dangerous. Sonya saw it as a strange omen, that people would worship such a thing that was almost used to kill her, but she was able to draw forth a great power from within her because of it's purpose. Sonya felt another pulse and hid it. Perhaps it was doing it again."

"Where were they?" Sonya asked.

"About two days away from the city," Rose said.

"Good," Sonya said. "Then with that out of the way, we should send some more scouts to ensure that was the majority of the party and begin pulling our forces back in."

"Of course, Queen Sonya," Rose said with a bow.

Sonya gripped her hand. "Oh, and one more thing." She wasn't sure of this. She'd been thinking about it since the pulses grew stronger, but, if there were any group of people who could help her in a desperate situation…

"Yes?" Rose asked.

"Get a message into Fiore, to the Fairy Tail guild," Sonya said. "Tell them Queen Sonya wishes to learn to become a proper wizard."

Rose raised an eyebrow and nodded. Not the smile of a schemer or some evildoer, but rather, a smile of pride in his queen.

"Indeed," Rose said. His mouth twitched. It was unlikely he'd put his own name down for fear of Fairy Tail recognizing it. Sonya would understand.

He departed the balcony and Sonya turned back to face her lands. The sun was warm upon her face, and she thought of her sister. There was a chance, a small one, that she would come on this request. How nice would that be?

Erza stared at the letter, sealed with the monarch's stamp from Stella. Queen Sonya. She smiled to think of that young woman becoming a queen, how feeble she'd seemed but how strong she had become after witnessing the tragedy with Animus and the Dragon Cry. Erza leaned against the counter, her legs crossed, focused only on the letter.

It requested a small group of Fairy Tail members, perhaps a good assortment, come across the country to visit her and teach her to become a wizard. A good assortment? Did she not know what sort of magic she was capable of? Erza quickly scanned the room. There were so many variations of magic within the guild hall alone. With everyone back from quests due to Master's death, or finally back from the mission out by Raven Tail's abandoned guild, who could Erza pick as proper choices?

Mira and Laxus were out of the question, they had an incredibly young baby to look out for. The child was little over a week old, now. Erza herself couldn't go, either, for reasons she and Jellal spoke about at length earlier. The older guild members were a possibility, but, they weren't the sagest of all the guild members. Gildarts? Perhaps, but, if they were truly up against a threat even Jellal worried about they would need muscle. Gajeel, Levy, and Lily all were going to be claimed by Jellal to continue the Council's investigation and…

Damn! This decision couldn't be this hard. Erza's eyes settled on the popular blonde of Fairy Tail. Lucy was going. She knew that for a certainty. Strange, bubbling magic with no direct output was an easy indicator or a Celestial mage; Lucy could go out to Stella, perhaps even purchasing some more Keys along the way, and give them to Queen Sonya as a means of training.

But who else? She wanted five; five solid members of Fairy Tail before making her declaration. She would obviously discuss it with them, of course.

Her brain naturally came to a decision: Natsu, Happy, Wendy, Carla.

She shook her head. Not only was that a risky move that left Fairy Tail without several weapons to hunt down more members of Titanfall, Harmonia, and Acnologius, but it wasn't a broad enough array of magic. Erza cupped her chin with her hand. Although, Sonya did carry Animus as the five Dragon Slayers once carried theirs, so, Wendy going could discern if she were a Dragon Slayer, and Carla was an incredibly insightful wizard, perhaps she would notice any other magics acting up around Sonya?

Two more. Erza patted the note in her hands and nodded. Three down, two to go. She leaned back and slacked her arms a bit, feeling slightly more relieved.

"Trying to read your face these last few minutes has been impossible," Jellal said, rolling down his sleeves.

Erza snapped out of her trance and looked to Jellal. His hands were glowing a bit. Erza raised her eyebrows and looked beyond Jellal to the mess of people cluttered around three dazed bodies at the east door of the guild hall. Natsu, Gray, and Elfman lay in a clump.

"Did you just…"

"That letter is from Stella, correct?" Jellal asked.

Erza peeled her confusion from the boys and settled on Jellal and oh, goodness. Erza tried to stop blushing but hardly could. He was so casual. He wore long-sleeves and shorts, and his face was so softened. He took a swig of some ale and leaned back against the counter. All he needed was a guild marking slapped on him like Mystogan and he'd fit right in. Plus he just looked so damn handsome and…

"Yes," Erza said, nodding. "Queen Sonya's asked for our help."

"She's a wizard, Erza," Jellal said.

"How'd you know? Erza asked.

"It's my job to know things," Jellal said.

"But not tell anyone about them," Erza said.

"Only the people I'm supposed to," Jellal said. "And now I'm supposed to tell you. Accept the request. Stella's a powerful ally to have, especially now."

"Stella?"

Erza saw Lucy approach from her peripheral. A look of concern stemming from a near-unconscious Natsu washed away from her face.

"Yes," Erza said. "In fact I wanted to speak with you on this, Lucy. I'd like you to lead a team into Stella to help Sonya. You remember her, right?"

"Of course," Lucy said. "But, to do what? Is she being invaded?"

"Quite the contrary," Erza said. "It's a simple mission. She's developing some sort of magic and has reached out to Fairy Tail for guidance. I figure she may be a Celestial mage and there's only one woman I know for the job."
Lucy blushed. "I'm honored Erza, but, I don't know if I can lead such a mission on my own."
Lucy, dear, you've been able to lead missions on your own since before Tenrou, Erza thought. Jellal all but said it: "The Magic Council considers you the most powerful Celestial Wizard in Ishgar, there's nobody more qualified than you, Lucy."

Lucy almost fainted. "Me? The…the most powerful?"

"It doesn't surprise me," Erza said.

A gleam of pride shot across Lucy's face before acceptance settled in. Lucy clenched a fist. "I'm in, Erza. Who's on my team?"

"Wendy and Carla," Erza said.

"And?" Jellal and Lucy asked.

Erza paused, pursing her lips. "That's the more difficult part." She did another sweep of the guild hall, focusing on the women. Cana was too much of a wildcard, Juvia would have to go with Gray, Levy…

"I'm taking Gajeel, Levy, and Lily back with me to Crocus," Jellal said. "If the Masters are in danger then I need to inform Hisue and we can get the royal army involved to really route them out. We can't be everywhere at once, but Hisue and Arkadios's forces can be."

"Damn you, Jellal," Erza muttered. Levy would be a perfect fit. Kind, friendly, and the smartest woman in the room.

"What about Alli?" Lucy asked.

Erza almost asked "Who?" but realized how embarrassing that would be as the Fairy Tail Master. She looked around. Alli…Alli…

Her eyes settled on the young God-Slayer. Curly bleach blonde hair with sharp eyes and a skinny figure. She was a bit taller and a bit paler but she resembled a mix of both Wendy and Lucy, with Wendy's skinny body but Lucy's soft facial features. Her magic rivalled the two in terms of rarity as well. Alli was the first God-Slayer in history to join Fairy Tail. But she already had a Slayer on the team.

Erza's eyes fell to the young woman right next to Alli, the other new member, Tyla. Brown hair and a natural smile; it didn't look like the girl could frown. She chatted with Laki and Lisanna as if they'd known each other for years. Tyla was a plant-mage, but one in tuned incredibly well with nature.

What if Sonya was reacting to something in Stella's environment? Perhaps Carla or Wendy would notice, but only someone that had direct contact with the earth itself would notice. Erza bounced between Alli and Tyla. Two younger, less experienced guild members going on a smiple quest with some of the best in the guild?

"Alli and Tyla," Erza said. "I'll send them as well." She stood up, feeling the curiosity on Jellal's face.

Lucy looked around the room, spotting Tyla next to Alli. "You sure about Tyla?"

"I am," Erza said. "And Alli needs the experience as well. Perhaps she can get good training in alongside Wendy and you and Carla can help teach Tyla the ways of Fairy Tail. Share some stories and get to know each other and all that."

"But what if it's a trap?" Lucy asked.

"That's a good point, Erza," Jellal said. "Sonya may be influenced by something malevolent force. It isn't unprecedented."
"Well that's why we're sending you three," Erza said. "And I'm sure that, if it is a trap, the people of Stella won't be likely to go with another corrupt ruler."

"You should send someone else," Jellal said, but bit his lip when he said it.

"Like who?" Erza said. "If you're taking another three of my best and I'm sending away three of mine, who is left to hunt down three Dark Guilds and find Master's real killer?"

Jellal nodded, no doubt thinking the same exact thing Erza was saying. Master's killer was still on the loose; Zero had been a distraction, a way of drawing out Fairy Tail to see what they would do in such a situation. Now their leads were all dried up and had to start from scratch. Jellal's journey to Crocus was a start, but…

"Besides," Erza said. "I want to send people behind you to Crocus. I'm sure you have other matters you need to attend to, I can send a party after you to greet Hisue and get discussions underway."
"Like who?" Jellal asked.

"Natsu!" Erza said, raising her voice. "Gray! Juvia, and Cana!"

Erza surveyed the crowd. Most of the guild fell silent and the four she called upon stood at attention, Natsu and Gray in particular.

"Oh boy," Lucy muttered.

"You four come see me right away," Erza said. Erza nudged Lucy. "Alli, Tyla, Wendy, Carla will go see Lucy in the den right now as well. Everyone else carry on like normal."

Jellal chuckled as Erza's words died down and the guild erupted into speculation. Natsu and Gray marched a confused Cana and Juvia over to Erza, who stepped aside the bar. Jellal just watched, taking some more sips of his ale. Erza crossed her arms and turned to Natsu and Gray, standing stoic in front of her, but behind Cana and Juvia.

"What is it?" Cana asked, holding her flagon at her hip. "I was just about to go in for a refill before dragon-man over here drags me to you."
"I'd like you four to carry out a special mission for me," Erza said. "Off the books." Natsu and Gray perked up. "And to Crocus, to visit with Queen Hisue."

Cana and Juvia perked up at that. Natsu and Gray exchanged a confused look. Gray spoke up, "What's going on, Erza? Is this about Master?"

"Indeed," Erza said. "We've just received word from Sonya in Stella that we need to send her some help, so I've decided to send out two teams: one to Stella, and one to Crocus to seek help from Hisue."

"No offense, but couldn't we go to the other guilds like we were doing before to do that?" Natsu asked.

"We could and be in their debt," Erza said. "Or we could convince Hisue that this is a threat on a national level."

"Because it is," Cana said.

"Exactly," Erza said. She somewhat regretted her decision to send these four there. They weren't the most elogquent, but they'd have Levy nearby in Crocus to help explain things. Plus, sending Natsu and Gray would show Hisue that this was a dire situation even the two strongest in Fairy Tail needed help with. "You'll set out tomorrow."

"Wait, just the four of us?" Natsu asked, glancing over Erza's shoulder quickly to Lucy.

"And Happy," Erza said. "But yes, just the four of you. I need to keep this…" Nope, not quiet, not with these four. "Subdued." Much better.

Natsu peeled his look away from Erza and nodded. "Tomorrow it is, then. How long should we stay in Crocus?"

"Until some sort of force is mobilized to deal with Titanfall, Acnologius, and Harmonia," Erza said. "As of this moment, those three are enemies of Fairy Tail, and likely, of all Fiore."

"Sting was almost killed by Acnologius, I heard," Juvia said.

"He was," Natsu said. "Which means I should go to Sabertooth and get their attention."

"No," Erza said. "Convince Hisue to make those three guilds enemies of the state. Doing so will put them all on a Wanted list that Sabertooth will get without our need to split up further. We'll have eyes and ears out faster than if I were to send you and Happy, Natsu."

"So what will the folks over in Stella be doing?" Cana asked. "Better be important."

"Sonya's developing an unknown form of magic," Erza said. "I'm sending those five over there to mentor her. This will bolster our relationship with Stella and give us allies from an entirely different country. Would've helped against Alvarrez, so we can't let that opportunity slip by us again."

Everyone in the group fell silent. Cana was probably considering how best to sober up near Hisue, or at least find a way to make her a good drinking buddy. Gray would be the only one to take this seriously and come up with a reasonable diplomatic solution, and Juvia was no doubt thinking about what Gray was thinking about. Natsu…Natsu?

His face was of longing. Erza tried to stop herself from blushing. Did he miss Lucy already? She tried to think back, and, she couldn't recall a time they'd been split up on a mission. Even against Alvarrez, Natsu and Lucy were practically tied at the hip to stop some of the Spriggan Twelve, like Jacob Lessio. Before that he went off for training but came back to her immediately.

"It won't be for long," Erza said. "I have faith we'll all be back at the guild hall ready to strike soon enough."

She saw some relief wash over Natsu's face, but not a whole lot. She excused herself and crossed the guild hall, feeling all the prying eyes wanting to know more about her vague declarations of names. She felt Jellal's the most; she always did.

Lucy had gathered the other four together at a table and left an open seat for Erza. She stood by it but didn't take a seat, needing the authority here. This was still the early days of her as the Master and needed to assert herself as such to the youth like Alli and Tyla right away.

"Queen Sonya in Stella needs our help." Good start. Strong, assertive, to the point. "She's gaining new magical abilities and we aren't entirely sure what they are. I've selected you five to go help her out."

"I can't," Alli said, almost immediately.

"What?" everyone, but Erza, asked.

"Why not?" Erza asked. "This is important, Alli, so I need a more important reason."

"I have a bad history with Stella," Alli said. "If I go back there, I'm afraid of what might happen."

"She's right," Tyla said and pursed her lips. "But she should go anyway."

Alli swung in her seat to face Tyla. "Tyla! What the hell!"

"You need to face these demons one way or another, Alli," Tyla said. "Seeing your sister again may help mend things."

"You have family in Stella?" Lucy asked.

"Yes," Alli said. "And I'm not all that eager to see them."

Erza nodded. "Just visit them once, for my sake. If things don't go well, then, stay in the castle for most of the time."

"I'll do what I can," Alli said. "But why's Tyla need to go? Isn't this all a bit dangerous?"

"There's no danger in the mission, I can assure you," Erza said. "And Tyla is a crucial asset to discovering the Queen's abilities. We know of her abilities because she's assessed them herself, and not taken much other counsel. She may be mistaking this for something else and we need someone like Tyla to see if perhaps it's Stella's environment acting up. If this is the case, Tyla can inform us and perhaps we can send someone else with a bit more expertise in to evaluate the situation."

Tyla nodded in understanding, baffling Alli some more. Erza hesitated, and when she saw Alli's face admit defeat, pressed on.

"You'll leave tomorrow," Erza said. "And I intend for you to stay make a week or two there. Pack appropriately, I believe the weather in Stella is quite nice for this time of year."

"Just us five, though?" Carla asked.

"You five are a diverse group of wizards, and you're all quite intelligent," Erza said. Carla's extreme intelligence compensated, in Erza's mind, for the lack of knowledge she had on Alli and Tyla. "You're enough; and we need to keep this a bit quiet. I can work with the port-master a quiet means of transportation to Stella, probably by boat."
"Boat?" Wendy asked, and her face started to blanch. Alli's face did the same.

Tyla smiled and reached out, clutching Wendy's arm reassuringly. "Don't worry, I've got some herbs that'll make sure you're just fine. I've had to do the same with Alli when we took a boat to Fiore."

"Worked well enough," Alli said. "When you actually found them."

Tyla blushed. "Yeah, it may be a few minutes, hope you can last for a few."

"I'll be fine," Wendy said, smiling.

Erza sighed. "That's it, then. See me in the morning and I'll send you all on your way." Erza nodded, and caught sight of Lucy, who looked longingly over to Natsu.

Something struck a chord within her. She wasn't just sending her guildmates on their way. She didn't dare check over her shoulder, but could feel Jellal's presence upon her. He'd be gone, too, for who knows how long. And she would be refined to the Guild Hall. When would they see each other next? It'd been years between their last meeting and the one from a few days ago, when he and Gray brawled briefly.

She felt a knot in her throat and stepped away. She excused herself, gave a courteous bow, and backed away. She stepped past the group of Natsu, Gray, Cana, and Juvia and went toward the spare rooms.

Erza entered one of the rooms and shut the door behind her. Erza washed her hands over her face and tried to compose herself. Her hands were shaking and her heart pounded. She clenched her fists but it did nothing to stop the shaking. Damn it all.

When would they finally talk and lay it all out? Jellal was always on the move, and always with someone else, be it Meldy or Crime Sorciere. She could never just speak with him. And now that she was Guild Master? She'd never be alone! She wanted to scream and rip her hair out.

Someone knocked at the door. Erza breathed in, and exhaled silently through her mouth. She lowered her hands and felt her body tension wash away. She stepped toward the door, and heard it open and shut. She turned and there was Jellal, standing in front of her.

His hands and the door flashed. "Erza, I came to talk."

"No, you didn't," Erza said, and took one large step across the room, grasped his torso, and yanked her toward him, crashing her lips against his. Jellal locked as Erza took command of the situation, leaning him back and kissing him as fierce as her passion would let her.

Jellal regained control of his body and kissed her back just as passionately, leaning back up. Erza slammed Jellal against the wall, then saw the bed in her peripheral. A flame ignited in her core. Yes.

Erza stepped away and flung Jellal onto the bed, almost breaking the thing. It squeaked hard, forcing Erza to stop.

A devilish grin spread over Jellal's face. "I soundproofed the walls."

That flame inside Erza spread and she fell onto the bed, straddling him and pinning his arms back. She felt that fire move through her entire body, as she finally—finally—had Jellal exactly how she wanted him.

"You bastard," she said, and leaned into him.

Natsu leaned against the pillar while Lucy and Happy next to him cautiously waited for Erza. Juvia, Gray, Cana, Wendy, Carla, and two other new girls Alli and Tyla, all waited for Erza as well, mingling with one another. It was just past dawn, and the guild hall was surprisingly a little empty. Only Lisanna, Laki, and Asuka were around cleaning things up and getting the guild hall ready for the day.

"Man, where is she?" Natsu asked.

"And where's Levy?" Lucy asked. "I heard Erza saying she was going to send you guys on after Jellal'd left?"

"No idea," Happy said. "Maybe Erza went with Jellal?"

"She is head over heels for the guy," Natsu said. He shrugged. "Well, we know what to do. Let's just head on out of here, I guess."

"Without even saying goodbye?" Lucy asked, and Natsu stopped. No, Natsu got stunned. Why wasn't his body moving?

He felt his body almost convulse at the question. Yeah, something was wrong. He turned back to Lucy and her concerned face spread something weird throughout him. Was it guilt? Natsu smiled reassuringly, and when Lucy smiled back, everything in him felt right.

"Just messing with you," Natsu said, and clapped Lucy on the shoulder. "Wouldn't leave without saying goodbye, you crazy?" Especially not you, Lucy.

Wait, what?

A door in the back slammed open, then slammed shut. Natsu snapped to. He recognized that magic presence approaching them from anywhere. Gray was the same way. Natsu clenched his fists out of sheer instinct.

Erza the Scarlet Wizard walked out from the spare rooms looking oddly…content? Natsu sniffed. There was more than one scent about her, and it smelled like Jellal. The heck did she smell like Jellal fo—?

Natsu bit his tongue, but a quick observation of some of the slight horror on Wendy's face told her that she sniffed it out as well. Way to go, Erza!

"The time has come for us to move out," Erza said. She had her hair tied back and she was practically glowing. Natsu hadn't seen Erza this confident in her words in a long time. She must have really had a heck of a night.

"Damn right it is," Gray said. "This is for Gramps."

"Be careful on your journeys," Erza said. "And believe in each other." Erza held out her hand and lofted a sword above her head. "Go make Fairy Tail proud!"

Natsu raised his fist, but was buffeted when Lucy wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. Natsu gently lowered his hand and patted Lucy's soft back.

"Get back safe, got it?" she asked.

"You too, Lucy," Natsu said, and the two broke their embrace. Natsu stepped back, in line with Cana, and out into Magnolia alongside his travelling companions.

Just a few steps in and he already felt wrong. He already wanted Lucy back at his side. Natsu smiled as he realized he hadn't felt this feeling in a long time.

Not since that little boy in the forest realized that the one thing in life that loved him as much as he loved it was gone. Natsu clenched his fists. He'd be back this time, though. He'd fill that hole in his heart, and nothing was going to stop him.