A/N: Please note that this is of course Fan Fiction, therefore the events described would be slightly deviated from the orginal telling.
And nope, I in fact do not own Fairy Tail, Game of Thrones or anything else I write about. I make no income from this work unfortunately, it's all for the purposes of entertainment, swear.
~ If you think this has a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention ~
9
Jude Heartfilia conversed with his top officers in his finely furnished tent. On the table before them sat all sorts of maps and correspondence letters. Several hushed conversations were taking place along the long wooden table. Their plans were laid out, final goodbyes were being said by Heartfilia officers. The first light of dawn entered his tent along with a rushing guard.
"Your grace!" he said with haste. "A group of northerners have arrived, it's urgent."
"Allow them," Jude said after a distasteful swallow.
Lyon rushed into the tent, wide eyed and splattered with blood. All eyes within the tent instantly turned to him. All talk ceased as well when the northern bastard trembled where he stood.
"My Lords," Lyon said with words that also trembled well. "We were set upon by assassins in the night...my brother..." he paused for a long moment. Jude understood the situation faster than anyone. Still, he allowed the bastard to continue.
"My brother has...been murdered," he said, falling to his knees weeping.
There were a few gasps from the knights and noblemen gathered. Many of them knew the Fullbuster prince personally.
"Dismissed everyone!" Jude called out. "Ready the men and prepare for my orders!"
All those in attendance except Lyon and The Bull quickly shuffled out of the tent. Jude walked around his table to stand over him. The Heartfilia Lord looked down harshly at him.
"What is your game bastard?" Jude asks, just as harshly.
"My lord, wh-" Lyon began.
"That's goat's blood, I can smell it," The Bull said at the entrance. "Don't bullshit a butcher."
"I speak the trut-" he defended.
Jude waved his hands quickly to silence him. "You say that your brother is dead. I believe that bastard, but I don't believe your story. So what is your game? Do you intend to take your countrymen back north?"
"My brother was killed, I didn't do it!" Lyon indignantly shouted.
"Careful bastard," Jude responded, The Bull moved closer as well.
"Leadership falls to me, I will be named heir," Lyon answered quickly.
"You are not a Fullbuster, you're a Snow."
"I am aware of what I am, your grace," Lyon spat, then rose up. "But the Ice Queen will have no other choice. She will name me a Fullbuster."
Jude smirked darkly at him. "That's not Ur's way. Besides, the agreement for the hand of my daughter was for your brother."
"Silver Fullbuster's blood runs through my veins, I am the last one!" said Lyon.
"You are acting commander of the northern army?" Jude asked demandingly. Already too much time is being wasted here.
"In my brother's stead I-" Lyon began.
"Good," Jude interrupted. "Gather your forces, we attack the city now."
"Now?!" he stammered.
"The longer we sit outside in seige," Jude said strongly, standing close in front of him. "The more Dreyar's allies will attack till we have not the strength to take this city."
"If I fight for you," Lyon said quickly. "I want the same agreement as Gray."
"Not yet, not while you are still a Snow," Jude dismissed, moving past him to leave.
"Your grace!" Lyon shouted out to try and stop him.
He turned back before exiting the tent, giving his final words. "I don't trust bastards."
XxXxX
Trebuchets fired from the Heartfilia camp early in the morning. More than a dozen long range catapults fired into Magnolia. Hewn stone and tree trunks wrecked havoc across the city streets. The population ran about in chaos and confusion. Most of the city was still sleeping in their beds when the first volley came. Great crashing sounds filled the city as structures showered debris below. The bell at Kardia rang ceaselessly along side it.
The Dreyar army is slow to gather their forces atop the ramparts. They returned fire with their catapults from behind the wall. Heavy shards of stone flung through the morning air into the Fullbuster and Heartfilia lines. It was lauched with enough force to splinter their shields. To those lucky enough to cover themselves, that is. Blood and cries of the wounded immediately resounded through the lines outside of Magnolia.
"Advance!" Lyon shouted, further down the line at his men.
A bulk of the northern forces went forward to assault Fairy gate. They finally crossed into the range of the archers on the wall. Atop the gate and all along the ramparts hundreds of arrows flew into their ranks. Part of the Fullbuster line, the lightly armored infantry on the left column broke away. They sprinted across the open terrain, taking more heavy losses on the way. The northern archers came into range then, firing back into the ramparts.
"Fill the gap!" Lyon commanded at the rear from on top his horse.
Reinforcements rushed in, forming a slow moving shield wall in the front. Men crouched low behind them, occasionally someone caught an arrow to the head or shoulder as they advanced. Bowmen continued to fire up behind them. Nearly a thousand northmen died before the first of them reached the gate.
The men gathered together, shields lifted overhead. Most of them are wooden shields, nearly all are painted to show the house they are pledged to. The majority of them respresent the ice cross of Fullbuster House. Seige ladders were thrown against the wall as they returned fire overhead. A large ram that eight men must hold slammed Fairy Gate for the first time.
Lyon sat with his mounted knights at the rear of the northern army. More than half of his forces are now devoted to the attack. The merciless arrow fire eased a bit now but did not stop. Heavy stone and burning pitch now rained down on the men pressed against the wall. The thud of the ram crashing into the gate grew louder.
Minutes went past and Fairy Gate has yet to open. The bodies began to stack high at the doors under the hail of arrows and scattered fires. Men forced to step onto of them to take hold of the ram. The men climbing the ladders on the wall fared no better. Those few who made it to top, having dodged close range arrows, still faced certain death. Swordsmen atop the wall cut them down easily, giving them no chance to defend themselves.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of Magnolia. When the bells at Kardia rang, the Ironclad began their attack. Flaming balls of pitch flew across Magnolia's sky from the east. The vile black substance holds fire and spreads itself on whatever it touches. The men fired the catapults at various points in the city. Fires began spreading out of control on the many thatched roofs.
Tunnels dug beneath the walls during the night opened up across the city. Ironclad axemen crawled up and began butchering their way through the streets. Small groups of Dreyar soldiers running to their positions fought sporadic battles against them. More and more crawled up like monstrous ants howling war cries. A majority of the soldiers rushed from the walls to meet them. Teams of men carried cauldrons of burning pitch to pour down and flood the tunnels. Untold numbers of Ironclad died in the darkness below. With their flesh burning off they trampled and stomped over each other to escape.
Gajeel Redfox enters the sunlight in a alleyway deep within Magnolia. The Panther and many more Ironclad elites emerge behind him. The city is less populated where they dug far beyond the walls. Black smoke rises high above the city. Fires consumed a quarter of Magnolia by now. Ironclad launched bales of soaked hay over the wall to spread the flames further. All of the Dreyar army is now in action further away from the city center. Gajeel and his men moved quietly, drawing as little attention as they could.
"There," the Panther pointed to the second greatest structure in Magnolia, the infamous guild hall.
The building is currently being filled with civilians cowering for shelter. Priests and few soldiers guard the doors to hurry people in. The structure looks to be at capacity with hundreds of people. More still are crowding to get inside.
Gajeel took hold of his infamous blunt iron lance and roared into the fray. A collective scream erupted from the townspeople upon seeing thirty Ironclad rushing towards them. The doors were frantically shut and barred from the inside. Many of those who couldn't get inside in time ran for their lives in the opposite direction. However a brave few drew their sword and met them.
His weapon swung through the air faster than anyone could expect. The attack coming upwards, striking a soldier at the side of his head. The man's neck broke instantly, his body sent spinning away from the force. Another soldier turned heel to run. Gajeel jumped and bashed in the man's head from behind, making him unrecognizable beneath his smashed helm.
"Those doors can be broken," said the Panther.
"Yea, but they're already here!" Gajeel said wildly, the thrill of battle taking hold. "Find some fire boys!"
"Gajeel, this is not some small action. It will look bad to the other houses," the Panther warned.
"When the fuck did you care 'bout what others thought?" the Ironclad prince shot back.
"Captives are inside, women and children are worth more-"
"Heartfilia won't let us sell em," Gajeel grunted to end the conversation. "Burn em!"
There are no more soldiers this far from the walls to aid those trapped inside. Barrels of pitch were taken from an abandoned cart found nearby. A few men walked around the guild, pouring the pitch as they went. Screams filled the city square as the people inside became aware of their intent. Spears were lodged in the doors from the outside now to stop any escape attempt.
XxXxX
Lord Dreyar watched the battle quietly from the west tower of Kardia. Laxus stood nearby as two of the Thunder Legion commanders argued which actions to take. Makarov is shocked that they have attacked the city in force so quickly. If the walls are breeched, the city could not stand against their numbers. Makarov felt regret in letting their forces grow so massive beneath his nose.
"Let's kill em!" Natsu stormed in. We wore new exquistely crafted light armor. A complete suit sculpted to resemble red dragon scales. Complete with sword and cape.
"Agreed!" Freed said. "Fairy Gate must not be breached-"
"Fairy Gate cannot be breached," interjected Bixlow.
"Fairy Gate will not be breached!" Lord Dreyar said aloud. "Send the rest of our forces to the gate!"
Everyone turned to rush out, all but the two Makarov held onto. Both Natsu and Gildarts looked down questionably at the imp.
"It is too dangerous for you two out there," said Makarov. "Too dangerous in Magnolia altogether."
"My men are down there Makarov! I have to join them," Gildarts protested.
"Your place is now at Natsu's side," Makarov said seriously. "I can think of no better Hand."
"I want to fight!" Natsu nearly shouted after exchanging looks with Gildarts.
"There will be more fights to come, that much is understood," answered Makarov.
"The port is too heavily blocked, we can't risk running-" Gildarts began.
"There is a secret way, the path has already been prepared. The fastest ship in the Six Kingdoms awaits at the end of the tunnel. You two must leave at once," continued the imp.
"Where's Lucy!" Natsu demanded.
"I've already spoken to Lady Heartfilia. There are supplies and two of our best men waiting alongside her," Makarov said calmly. "You're sailing for Tenrou Island."
"Tenrou? That's the furthest from the battle!" Natsu said angrily.
"That is where you must go!" Makarov returned. "There will not be peace for many years. And not while you and the Princess Lucy remain here."
"You'll send ravens of our victory!?" Natsu demanded.
"When the swords still, my child," promised Makarov.
XxXxX
Beyond Magnolia to the northwest gathered the mightly Strauss calvary. Twenty five hundred of the finest horseriders in the Six Kingdoms. Their numbers are bolstered by four hundred mounted soldiers sworn to House Clive. They ride to the aid of Magnolia, their presence coming as a surprise to all. Horns blew in the distance to signal their rallying point.
Jude Heartfilia spurred his horse down the seige lines to the northern commanders.
"Get that damned gate open!" Jude shouted before his horse came to a halt in front of them.
"The gate won't budge!" Lyon said desperately. "Too many men have died!"
"We're all going to fucking die if that gate does not open!" Jude shouted.
He leaned over on his horse to take hold of Lyon by his armor. "The entire Strauss cavalry is preparing to storm the rear of our armies. If the rest of our men don't get in that city before that happens-" Jude did not feel the need to continue.
"Strauss horsemen?!" Lyon gasped. "Why have they come, you said they would not fight!"
"They wouldn't have fought if those fucking butchers burning the city down over there!" Jude angrily continued, pointing off to the Ironclad. "Did not butcher everything on their way here!"
"My lord..." Lyon stammered lowly. "The men can't-"
"Bastard!" Jude shouted as he shook him by his armor. "Listen to me!"
He violently shook Lyon several more times before pulling him close.
"You will lead the rest of your footmen and open that gate!" Jude shouted. "Your horsemen will join mine to charge against Strauss before they are upon us! Half my men are joining beside yours to sack this city."
Lyon found control over himself and nodded. Thoughts of his brother have flooded over everything in his mind. He could not force them away at this point.
"Go!" Jude commanded, pushing Lyon forward roughly. "Bull, lead the men!" he shouted to the group behind him.
"Onward!" Lyon shouted, finding his voice.
Lyon and the rest of his officers rushed towards the gate. They stayed on their horses with the rest of the unmounted northerners following behind. A knight to Lyon's left is the first to take an arrow to the chest. The grounds before the gate are stacked high with bodies, causing their horses to stumble. A hail of arrows were launched at them. Lyon and a few others crawled beneath the horses for some measure of cover.
"Forward!" Lyon shouted, he pulled his weapons and charged towards the gate.
He no longer felt fear, he felt nothing. The thought of death did not paralyze him when death appears so certain. A sea of the dead and dying laid before him as he ran to where the bodies piled higher. The cries echoed to overshadow the silence that was his brother's last few moments. That silence is all Lyon could hear now.
Lyon and his Lamia Guard reached the rear of his forces alive. He shoved his way through to the gate itself. There now stands a hill of bodies at the doors of Fairy Gate. Many of the men wept as they waited for death to take them. Lyon turned to see the massive steel hinges are bent and nearly broken. Feverishly he stormed up the tide of bodies to take hold of the ram, his men joining him.
An arrow struck Lyon for the first time, piercing his pauldron and sinking into his shoulder. He gasped out in shock before carrying on. He reached the ram and took hold. Hardly more than four men could hold it at a time before one took an arrow or stone. With fresh reinforcements however, eight men swung together once again.
The ram jarred the door strongly, the metal locks on the verge of busting. Over and over they hit the gate. A second arrow flew into Lyon side, lower than the first. His body jerked back, but he kept his grip on the ram.
"Get the prince out!" one of his Lamia Guard shouted.
"Break it!" Lyon shouted out, refusing to get out of the fray. "Break the gate!"
Three more times the ram hit, the last one breaking the gate wide open. A hill of northern bodies crashed in as a broken dam. Lyon and those holding the ram were the first into the breech. The scattered Dreyar soldiers wore shocked expressions as they watched the doors come crashing in.
Lyon recovered to see a line of men holding their arrows a short distance before from him. He stared ahead at them, his eyes looked worn and defeated as he stared death in the face once again. The volley is let loose, two of his Lamia guard rush forward with their shields out in front of their prince. Several arrows strike their shields, leaving the three of them unharmed. Their countrymen swept past them now, into the breech.
XxXxX
Gajeel watched the guild hall burn a short distance away. The brutal screams from the inside intensified as the flames climbed to the roof. Which ignited quickly, burning and falling upon those inside. The Ironclad silently watched, making sure none escaped. Then Gajeel's red eyes saw something above the guild hall. A few moments that would alter his life forever.
XxXxX
Mirajane Strauss rode her white horse down the front of her forming cavalry line. The young Lord of House Strauss is dressed for battle. The Demon wore only leather armor, she made her very fast and flexible on the battlefield. Her long curved sword fixed to her side as she galloped fiercely along the line.
Elfman Strauss rode behind his older sister. His bulk sits upon a much larger horse. He wore heavy metal over his form, long pike raised in his hand. Blue war paint covers their faces and armor in various patterns. They slowed to a halt at the center of their formation.
"They mean to meet us," Elfman Strauss pointed out to the straighting line of riders in the distance. "I didn't think they would be man enough."
Leo Heartfilia sat upon his horse on the opposite end of the field. He breathed heavily in anticipation, awaiting the charge.
"You'll lead them! You're last chance to redeem yourself boy!" the words of his uncle ran through his head again and again.
"They're moving!" a Heartfilia knight shouted out.
Leo looked up to see the mass of horsemen coming nearer, picking up speed. He thoughtlessly pulled his sword, losing his fear. The Heartveil Lord-Commander spurred his horse forward ahead of his men.
The two groups met near the center of the field. Leo Heartfilia died almost instantly in the clash. His body and horse smashed between untold numbers of fighters.
XxXxX
The Heartfilia army moved in once the northmen broke the gate. Hundreds of men poured into the burning city before any defensive lines were set up. The Ironclad soon joined in, pushing the bulk of their forces in. It was not long before the surging waves of men began to overwhelm every post.
'The Bull' cleaved his way through another man, kicking his body off his axe blade. The giant brute of a man moved near the front of his army on the tightly compacted Magnolia market streets. He wore a heavy set of iron armor, complete with his infamous horned metal helm. His squire, the young Sting Heartfilia stayed near him. He moved nervously in the chaotic melee unfolding all around him. The young man's trembling hands held onto the warrior's spare equipment.
Everyone around him stilled as the last of the Dreyar men in the vicinity were cut down. Ahead of gathered the vanguard of the Thunder Legion. They are lead by the Thunder Prince himself, flanked by two of his commanders. Behind them marched nine hundred men.
"Form a line!" the Bull shouted to his men.
Heartfilia men spread out, shields in front, spearmen standing behind. The narrow street compacted a dozen men into a line. The Dreyar forces did the same as they advanced.
"Fight me! Prince of Fairies!" the Bull mocked as he strode forward.
Laxus wordlessly accepted his challenge. He lifted his hand up to signal his men to halt. Sting moved forward past the shield wall to do his duty. Freed Justine moved past the line as well, holding onto a beautifully crafted crossbow. The Thunder Prince never slowed his step towards his opponent. His giant two-handed great sword swinged down at the Bull.
His axe responded, parrying the giant blade. The two titan men dueled, circling each other on the narrow stone street. They both landed glancing blows, neither striking a mortal wound. Their armor being stronger than their weapon's ability to cut through it. The Bull pushed forward, knocking the weapon out of Laxus's grip. The axe swung across, aiming for his neck. Despite Laxus's massive size, he ducks down and charges forward.
Laxus rises up wrapping his arms around his, locking his hands together behind his back. The man's axe is forced to drop from his hands as he backpeddles back to hit a wall. The Bull struggled to free himself but remained locked in place.
"What now? Thunder Prince?" he smirked, despite a grimace.
Laxus reared his head back and bashed forward. Contact is made metal to metal, forehead to forehead. The Bull's head crashes back on impact, creating cracks on the stone wall he is pressed against. Laxus rears his neck back again, bashing his head against his five more times. He released his hold on the man then, letting him fall to the street in a daze. Blood dripped steadily from each of their brows. The Thunder Prince lifts his foot up and stomps down on the man's neck, ending his life.
Sting Heartfilia and the rest of the men watched in horror. Laxus straightened up and turned towards them. He showed no expression as blood streaked down his face, only advanced. The squire's hands shook more than ever when he pulled his sword. His legs would not let him turn back now. So he moved forward shakily to face the man who killed the man he was sworn to.
Freed's crossbow rose and he fired. The bolt shot into Sting's abdomen, under his breastplate. He fell forward harshly, still several steps away from Laxus. The barbed tip crossbow bolt jutting a few inches out of his back.
Forward Laxus continued after picking up his sword. He strode past Sting as the squire despartely tried to drag his body to the street's edge. The Thunder Prince paid little attention to him, allowing him to reach a doorway. A trail of blood followed behind Sting as he did his best not to cry out. The Thunder Legion sprinted forward to join their prince in battle.
Heartfilia men were unable to reach Sting during the fierce fighting. Thus the young man died, cold, frightened and alone. Clutching his knees, huddled on a bloodsoaked doorway.
XxXxX
Mirajane Strauss cut the neck of another northern knight. She weaved gracefully across the battlefield slicing her way through. Fatigue now began to slow her and her horse. The once beautiful open field is littered with bodies of men and beasts alike.
She swung her arm to the right, directing her forces to arc with her. They fought through the flank of the Heartfilia forces. She chanced a glance behind her to see her brother fight two charging horsemen with his pike. He swung wide, cutting off one man's head. He spun his horse around, parrying the other's spear and striking his chest. Mira called out to her brother when another came towards him from behind, but it was too late. A spear peirced Elfman's back, flinging him off his horse.
Mira screamed out, breaking away from her attack to rush towards him. Her horse took an arrow to the side, flinging her off before reaching him. She landed harshly on half a horse on the battlefield grounds. She darted forward to her brother's side.
"Elfman! ELFMAN!" she shouted, cradling his body in her arms.
"I'm here...Mira," Elfman coughed, his voice weak.
She could feel the blood pour of his wound, warm blood soaking her legs. Tears welled up and fell from her eyes before she spoke.
"Stay with me Elfman!" she screamed. "Don't leave me alone!"
"I'm cold..." Elfman said as he shook lightly. "It's so...cold..."
The last son of the mighty House Strauss died in his sister's arms.
"Nooooo!" Mirajane Strauss cried out at the top of her lungs.
XxXxX
Laxus and those few left near him fell back to the safety of Kardia Cathedral. After a few paces inside Laxus collapsed onto his hands and knees, blood steadily leaking through his armor plates. Freed and Bickslow shut and barred the door. The fires outside burned wildly through the streets. Kardia itself wouldn't burn since wood was never used in its construction, save the door. But the heat within the structure grew hot enough to nearly cook them alive. Several began to pace about in a panic, unable to breathe in the escalating heat.
Laxus felt genuine pain for the first time in years. His wounds are great and numerous, it is a wonder he is still alive. He breathed heavily now, like the death throes of a giant beast. Seven arrows were lodged in his armor, he had taken many spears and sword slashes as well. His right side scorched from the fires, his armor blood denched and ashen.
"Someone find a Maester!" Freed shouted as he dashed over to Laxus.
The effeminate knight knelt down to try and remove his armor. The Thunder Prince used the last of his strength to shove him away.
"Laxus please!" Freed cried. "You're going to die if your wounds aren't treated!"
BOOOM!
The resounding crash on the door filled the hall. A few soldiers dropped their weapons and ran to search for another escape.
"Come back you cowards!" Freed shouted at the deserters.
Freed turned and fully accepted that this is the end. Another crash of the ram outside caused a long split in the door. Fear and worry filled him now, for Laxus, for everyone. They had lost, now they will die. He feared for the future of the people here and the future of the faith.
"The Maesters are gone," said Makarov as he entered the hall. He was dressed in his battle armor, which now burdened the old man more than ever.
"Your grace!" Freed and the others bowed. Another crash opened a hole in the door. They could hear the terrifying shouts and war cries of the Ironclad waiting to burst in. "The prince is in danger! He needs aid!" he shouted to his lord.
Makarov did not respond as he came to a stop in front of his grandson. He looked mournfully down upon him. Laxus's breathing eased slightly, he craned his neck upwards to look back at him.
"You've done well my child," Makarov stammered with tears beginning to run down his face. He placed a hand on his pauldron, "Now rest."
A final crash burst the temple door open. The Lord of Magnolia moved past his grandson and drew his sword. "To arms!" he shouted.
Laxus wanted to stand and fight, but he couldn't. He felt so cold, so weak as he bled the last bit of blood left in his body onto the temple floor. He was nearly at his last breath, nearly ready to collapse under his weight when a sudden light appeared before him. Laxus's eyes were shut and strained from the brilliant golden light.
All sound within the hall grew silent to his ears. The sounds of swords clashing and screams disappeared. His pain vanished but he is still barely able to move. Slowly he opened his eyes to see the Lady of Light before him. Laxus is awestruck, his mouth dropped and quivered. His eyes remained wide despite the harsh light, which still brought strain.
The melting murals that his great-grandfather painted in the distance did not do her justice in Laxus's eyes. She was divine beyond all senses, magnificence given form. Never before did he tremble so much. Never before were all his senses vaulted towards ecstasy so suddenly. Laxus is unsure if he was still alive or not at his point.
The Lady of Light reached down and gently removed Laxus's helmet, setting it down before her. He looked down to notice that her bare feet hovered slightly above the floor. Just as Fairy Tail always said. The Lady of Light took hold of the sides of his head above his ears. She leaned down to softly kiss the top of Laxus's forehead.
"Rest"
In that moment an Ironclad plundged the tip of his spear through Laxus's heart. The Thunder Prince dropped to the stone, a smile finally upon his face.
XxXxX
A/N: So how'd you like that? R&R