Looking out over the city of Crocus Nahaliel was taken back to that first mission. His squad had been wiped and even though Brother Dariah manages to survive it, still left a bitter taste in his mouth to this day. His failure to bring down Kane weight heavy on his shoulders and swore one day he would bring that man to justice. However, right now he needed to focus on the task at hand.
Hiding in a three store building that was overlooking the streets of crocus. His team was waiting, for nightfall to begin the search in the palace. There were three of them in the room with him at the moment. In the corner checking his equipment for the fifth time this hour was Brother Lysixis Tilux. His armor was black with painting of silver over the joints and hands. His helmet currently sported an advance optical overlay system making him look like he was always leaning. He was currently checking his cog toothed axe speaking to it so low that even Nahaliel could barely hear him. On his shoulder sat an image of a silver hand on a black field marking him out as an Iron Hand.
Across from him sat Brother Gagiel who was getting some half-sleep. His white armor a stark contrast to Tilux black armor and on his shoulder sat an image of a red lightning bolt marking him as a White Scar. His twin war axes sat on his waist the silver glittering off the sunlight. He had on his broad shoulders a pelt made from the skin of a giant wolf he hunted some time ago. Next to him sat a blue armored warrior.
The warrior was encased in a runic looking blue armor. The warrior had a chain bolted to his armor and at the other end was a massive book. He had a hood that crackled with electric energy ever once in a while. From the figures back could be seen two burning torch holders. They were currently low but could be sent a blaze with nothing more than a thought. The warriors name was Rai his olive skin face was set with a pair of red eye. His pauldrons were currently green and blue on the right was an image of a drake and his right an opened book marking him as a Salamander and the squads Librarian. His trusted force spear sat across his lap.
Currently the last member of team B was not there at the moment. He was charged with scouting out a route to the palace. Brother-sergeant Xelaro Alvon a Raven Guard and current leader of Team B and Squad Meta. His white and black retrofitted Mark 6 armor was currently laying in the corner along with his power whip "Deadly Rose" and Power fist "Corax's Wraith" He had be gone for some time now with no communication with the squad.
This was to be expected given their current mission of infiltration. The squad was on standby in an old abandon building off to the side of the main road leading to the castle. The sun was beginning to set and the mission would start soon. Nahaliel peered out once again to the streets of crocus having one thought. 'Hope we find something soon, because I don't like this sinking feeling. Like were on a clock and were running out of time.' Pulling out his Bolter from its mag-locked hold place Nahaliel checked his Bolter for the second time willing his sergeant to return sooner. Hoping that his feeling of unease was just his imagination but doubting it all the same.
It had taken them the better part of an hour to find the bar from the Honey Bone's Inns Keeper's direction. When they had arrived they had discovered that the Guild was hanging out at a bar close by. Having made the trip the group decided to go to the bar. Emma was holding Anna in her arms playing a game of peek-a-boo, with Anna doing the hand part. Abioye and Rion were walking behind them talking over their private vox.
"So Brother, how long has it been since you've seen them?" Abioye asked Rion already knowing the answer. "Not since my incarceration," Rion answered. "Nobody visited you, Rion?"
"No, after all I was convicted of killing two of our guild mates. They probably wanted nothing to do with me after that." Abioye and Rion walked in silence for a little while. "Brother, were here." The four had walked up to the bar that the Inn Keeper had told them about. Rion walked up to the door to open it. "Brother before you open that door," Abioye spoke making Rion turn to him. "Remember what the great wizard-philosopher Heraclitus once said "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man", Just as you aren't the same as when you left Brother and this isn't the same guild you had come from."
Nodding his head to Abioye, Rion opened the door to the bar. Walking inside Rion instantly knew something was wrong. Abioye walked right next to him and was on guard the moment he entered the bar. What had them on guard was entire Fairy Tail Guild standing and waiting with a woman that Rion didn't recognize, staring at them with anger in their eyes.
1 Hour Ago
Moments before Rion and the rest had entered the bar a woman had visited Fairy Tail with information on the Exiles. She had short red hair and had a muscular build to her. She was a fairly decent height and was wearing a pair of jean coveralls with a white t-shirt on. She had entered the bar shortly after Fairy Tail had arrived.
Upon see them she went right up to the Guild Master. Several of Fairy Tail's wizards had to get out of her way because she was in such a rush. In front of Makorva she stopped and spoke directly to him. "Are you the Guild Master?" Makarov was about to take a sip of his beer when she walked. Putting it down his drink answered her, "Yes, I am and may I ask who you are, Miss?"
"Miss Rosewood will do finely, Thank you." Makarov eyeing the woman, looked her up and down. "Miss Rosewood what can I do for you?" Several members walked up wondering about the woman. This included all of Team A, Laxus, Mira and Elfman. "You can help me destroy The Exiles."
The bar got quite as what the woman just said shocked the Guild. Makarov was quite, was about to ask the question everyone had on their mind. When Erza however was the first to speak, "Why do you want the Exiles destroyed? What have they done to you?" The woman turned away from Makarov and looked at the rest of Fairy Tail. Gripping her chest in anger and frustration she answered, "The one called Grex Ortytys murdered my sister and niece." The guild let out a collective gasp. A few had angry looks in their eyes. While other looked confused about the story and waited for more information.
"He was convicted and sentence for her murder. Her body or her child's was never found but I know he did it. Grex was never good enough for my sister and he knew it. If only she hadn't if she hadn't…" Miss Rosewood fell to the ground crying. Mira walked right next to her and put a comforting hand on her back. Rosewood looked up at her and nodded to her that she was alright. Mira helping her back up wiping her tears and she proceeded to tell the rest of her story.
"That's not all the entire guild is comprised of ex-convicts, and each of them having committed a crime so serious that they earned themselves a trip to Hell's Labyrinth or A-113." At this Makarov perked up remembering having heard that name long ago. "They are a guild of thieves, anarchist and murders. They try and look noble and pure but deep down their monsters." Natsu and the rest were processing this rather hard not being able to believe that a guild like this could exists. "What's worse is that there still going around killing people and no one is doing anything about it." Gray chipped it in, "What do you mean still killing people?"
Miss Rosewood went into detail on an operation that the Exiles took just four weeks ago in a small village called Tinder Wood. There the village was completely destroyed and nothing but burned out building still stood. 1,000 villagers were wiped out with no explanation. "They destroyed that whole village no one was left alive."
Natsu having heard this pounded his fist together, "Man I'm fired up now." Lucy asked Miss Rosewood a question, "If no one survived how did you find out?"
"I've been following the Exiles for a while now and I followed them to the village. I hid out in the brush as they did their evil deed. I heard the screams of the villagers as they were slaughter. I was so powerless, so I decided that I needed to inform the council but. When I reported it to the magic counsel they told me that no such village has ever existed. They covered it up."
This shocked Fairy Tail at hearing that the magic council would do such a thing. This made few in Fairy Tail suspicious of the young woman. However, she implored them to listen to hear further. "I know it's hard to believe but it's the truth. But I understand if you don't." Natsu, Lucy and the rest of Fairy Tail were unsure about what to make of her story but her final pieces of information seal it. "You should also know who else is in the guild." This perked everyone's interest but Makarov already suspected what it was. Erza asked, "Who is in the guild that you think we should know."
Turning towards Erza she uttered one name that sent everyone in shock. "Rion Dragneel."
Present
Everyone was looking at the two Exiles unsure what they should do. When Natsu acting on impulse charged at Dragon, "Flame Dragon: Fire Claw." Natsu swiped at Dragon with a flamed fist open. Dragon ducked the flame attack by dropping down below the attack. He shot up with an upper cut catching the flame wizard in the stomach. Natsu crashed into the ceiling and stayed there for a little bit. "That's enough why are you attacking us?" Natsu pushed off from his spot charging his fist with flames attacked Dragon again. Dragon put up his arms in a block taking the attack head on.
Natsu smashed into Dragon's guard yelling at the top of his lungs. "Where is he!?" Happy was scared watching Natsu attack. Dragon didn't move a muscle absorbing Natsu's attack waiting for an opening. "Where is he!?" Natsu asked again just as furious as the last time smashing into him again. Dragon knew he had to end this soon before someone got hurt. Natsu roared "TELL ME WHERE HE IS, NOW!" Tilting his head back Natsu yelled out Flame Dragon. Everyone in the bar jumped back preparing for what was to come. Natsu was about to release his attack when Dragon sprang forward grabbing his chin and forcing it upward. ROAR! Natsu's flame shot upward from Dragon holding his chin up. It busted through the ceiling and safety into the night sky.
Everyone was shocked no one had done that to Natsu before. Before Natsu could recover Rion grip tighten around Natsu's chin. Bring him forward Dragon punched Natsu straight in the throat. Coughing Natsu fell to his knees clinching his throat. Looking up at Dragon, Natsu got kicked fully in the face sending Natsu flying through the bars counter, smashing into the booze behind it. Standing where he had kicked Natsu, Dragon said, "That's enough!" The rest of Fairy Tail watched with shocked expressions. Natsu was unconscious lying on the floor covered in broken bottles.
Several Fairy Tail Wizards were getting ready to fight Dragon. The Lion stood by him Traitor's Bane drawn and ready. That's when Makarov stepped in and put a stop to it. "Ok Children that's enough." Gray spoke up, "But Gramps you heard what Rosewood said." Makarov turned towards Miss Rosewood, "Yes, I heard a story that we have yet to prove and attacked a man who has done nothing but help our Guild." Miss Rosewood was about to say something but Makarov put up a hand stopping her.
"I know what you went through must have been terrible child but we still need proof before we can act so harshly towards another guild." Makarov walked towards Dragon speaking very gently and said, "Forgive Natsu the boy acted hastily."
Dragon's helmet nodded towards Makarov, "No harm no problem, but I would like to know why you attacked us." Makarov looked at Dragon and asked him, "Can we talk outside for a bit?" Dragon was about to walk outside when he noticed the Lion barring his way. "Brother, did you not just get in trouble for this kind of shit already. You know I will have to report this to the Chaplain." Dragon placed his gauntlet on the Lion's shoulder.
"I know brother and I expected nothing less but what harm can there be in hearing him out." Lion sighted in defeat. "Ok Dragon, just be careful." That's when Emma walked up with Anna in her arms. Dragon rubbed the back of his helmet, "Right, I forgot why we were here in the first place." Anna looked at the scene before her and let out a disapproving hum. "I know I know. Ok, oh look there's Bisca with Asuka why don't you go play." Bisca had just walked in with her husband Alzack carrying Asuka.
"Hey what we miss?" Bisca asked the group in the bar. That's when she noticed Happy and Lucy brushing off, very careful, broken glass offs a very unconscious Natsu. She then turned to Erza and asked, "Wow, who knocked out Natsu?" Erza turned to Dragon, "He did". Bisca and Alzack looked over at Dragon both worried and angry that someone had attacked their guild mate. Dragon turned to them, "Hey don't blame me he attacked me the second I came in here." Bisca and Alzack looked at each other wondering what they should do.
Not waiting for her parents Asuka jumped out of Alzack arms. She then ran over to where Emma and Anna were at. Emma set Anna down. Asuka and Anna were just staring out each other for the longest time. 'Ok do they not like each other,' Dragon thought watching the two little girls. That when Asuka grabbed Anna's hand and lifting it up and yelled to everyone in the bar happily, "BEST FRIENDS FOREVER!" Anna mirrored Asuka's pose and they both ran off to play. Emma and Alzack followed them to keep an eye on the giggling girls.
Turning to Lion, Dragon said "That worked out nicely." The Lion nodded his head and moved to a pillar to lean against it with "Traitor's Bane" back in its sheath on his hip. He merely waved Dragon off. Dragon taking the que left to go talk to Makarov, leaving Lion with the rest of Fairy Tail.
Outside the Dragon met up with Makarov who was standing in the middle of the street waiting for Dragon. Walking up to Makarov Dragon was taken back to their last meeting.
11 years ago
Makarov office was a large room in the back of Fairy Tail's second floor. He rarely used it instead preferring to be out amongst his Guild. Drinking and laughing with the younger generation always made the Guild Master happy. But now was not the time for thinking about happier times. He had important work to do today work that would haunt him for many years to come, he guessed.
Standing before him was the source of that serious business. In chains they had brought him to Master Makarov waiting the final judgement from the Guild Master. Two humanoid Frogs were currently holding the chains that held the guilty. His short black hair was covered in sweat and his usually bright happy eyes were casted down to the floor. Makarov was looking at the young man he had known for years completely speechless.
'I can't believe this has happen. Rion, I just can't understand why you would do this? All my years as Guild Master and I thought banishing Ivan was my most difficult decision but this, this is something else completely.' The young man Makorva had come to respect looked up. Staring eye to eye with Makarov and he then knew this moment would haunt him to the end of his days.
'He was a pillar of the Guild. I could always count on him to do his jobs with as little collateral damage as possible. I can't remember ever having to do an apology letter on his behalf. He was Laxus best friend the two had hit it off the moment Rion walked in.' Makarov looked at an old picture on his desk. It had Laxus, Mira and Rion in it. They were poising in front of the Fairy Tail Guild Laxus and Rion each having their arms around Mira who had hers wrapped around each of them. They had the brightest smiles back then. That day they had become S class wizards and the first S class team.
Makarov remembered it fondly. It was the first time he had promoted 3 wizards to the S class. After that they had forged a strong team completing high class jobs left and right. Rion was the discipline, Laxus the strength and Mira was the center that kept them together. Makarov back then was worried about the day when Laxus and Rion both realized their feeling towards Mira back then. Now Makarov realized that just seemed silly, with him now having to banish Rion from the Guild and burn off his brand.
"Lad I never believed a day like today would ever come." Rion looked up at Makarov while he was talking. "That I would have to banish another one of my children from the Guild, again. Son why did you do it? No matter how I try and process it, it just doesn't make any sense." Makarov waited for a response. Nothing passed for a while. Sighing in resignation he continued, "Lad as Guild Master of Fairy Tail I hereby banish you from the Guild." Rion did nothing but look at Makarov with a blank stare. Makarov was walking towards Rion, "You will never call yourself a wizard in this Guild again. You will never be welcomed as a friend or family but an enemy if you ever cross this guilds path again."
Makarov was in front of Rion now. Looking up at him he lifted Rion's right sleeve. On his bicep sat the Fairy Tail symbol. It was purple. Makarov hands began to glow with magic power. He pressed his hands up against the symbol and released it. The symbol began to glow bright red and steam could be seen coming off of it. The symbol was slowly grumbling of and leaving burned scar tissue behind. Rion final let out a scream as his arm burned.
Present
Remembering the pain of the day was easy enough all he had to do was look at his arm. Seeing how he had hurt Makarov, Dragon needed no reminder he would always remember that. However, back then that day seemed like everything. Now there were new pains to replace it and new scars that hurt so much more.
Makarov was waiting for Dragon realizing that he had just been standing in the middle of the street not moving Dragon rushed over to Makarov. Dragon's loud footstep could be heard when pounding across the street to meet up with Makarov. Makarov was waiting by a small store with its lights still on. It had sale signs plastered all over its front window.
Makarov turned towards Dragon and spoke, "Where is he?" Dragon knew this was coming but he had no desire to answer the question. "Where's who?" Dragon knowing exactly who he was talking about decided to play dumb. "Listen let's not play these games I'm far too old for that. I want to know where Rion Dragneel is." Dragon stood there weighing his options.
Coming to a decision he pressed Makarov, "And what are you going to do with this information, huh? I don't believe that you're here to forgive him or bring him back, so what are you going to do?" Makarov folded his arms and gave Dragon a dangerous look. "Look this man was a part of Fairy Tail a long time ago and we still have business with him. One way or another we will find him so I'm asking you now politely, where is he. Because we will find him whether that means going through your Guild remains to be seen. You don't want to face Fairy Tail's wraith upon you, lad."
Dragon smiled under his helmet, "No Makarov you don't want to face the Exiles wraith." Makarov was trying to stare him down but Dragon merely stood there. "Look Makarov we can be here all night staring at each other but that won't get us anywhere. Right?" Makarov nodded at this. "So here is what I'm purposing if you win the tournament we will give you Rion Dragneel." Makarov said, "Fine" and turned away heading for the bar.
Dragon tilted his head and asked, "Don't you want to know what we want when we win." Makarov stopped, "When you win? No, Fairy Tail will win the 30…I mean the tournament so there no point in hearing what you want." Dragon got a little heated at hearing Makarov declaration but pushed passed it. "Oh I think you want to know?"
Makarov stop and listened to Dragon. "We want Mavis Vermillion and the reason she back." A chill ran down Makarov spine. Dragon just stood there watching Makarov's reaction. "What do you know about the First Master?" Dragon walked up to Makarov and bent low, "Everything, Old Man." With that Dragon walked away heading for the bar. Makarov merely stood there speechless, turning around and watching Dragons back move away Makarov was reminded of someone. Someone that he hasn't seen in 11 years.