A new morning came to pass over the horizon. Along the isolated isle of some unknown location on the very edge of Fiore, there was but a chilled wind that brisk through the short grass mixed with sand. The isle was on the very tip of the sea, the waves crashing against the rocky shoreline. In certain locations on certain days, it was sunny, and sometimes it was cloudy, but on this particular day along the desolate location, it was nothing but morning gray skies.
Crowhaw was watching the waves crash against the shores, the tattered cloak he had whisked up, revealing his sandals. If one was half-blind, they could've sworn he was like a ghost. The man had his conical straw hat still atop of his head, watching as the day came to pass.
'Another dawn approaches.' The streamers dangling on his straw hat made his eyes obscured. Even the winds didn't seem to move them, as though they were oblivious to the world. 'A ghost of one's past has soon to arise. Will humanity triumph, or shall the Underworld have its influence?' Once the winds picked up, the streamers finally moved, revealing that same monocle in the right eye, an eyepiece holding it in place. "The time draws near. It's hard to believe, but once the skies turn a blood red, the Hell left dormant will come."
Crowhaw turned around, facing away from the ocean. "This destiny, the Devil had foreseen it. God has but no influence when negative men come to purge. Where's God when the negative influence takes a loved one's life? He's a saving grace, but the unfortunate are but sought by the Devil's destiny, to be his puppets to play with, to use. He pulls the strings of our own hearts, making us cry in pain. He relishes in our own self-worth deteriorating. He forever adorns your pain and makes it a melody, continuing to hear so until the skeleton of the decease's bones rattling on in fright…that is what many call Hell."
His lips curved, turning into a smirk. "However, July 7th, X791, the definition changed…for the true definition of Hell was written."
On the other side of the isle, there was an incoming army. Said army was perhaps of 1,000 men. The men all had armor, and weapons arranging from spears, to battle axes, to guns. They all had shadows over their eyes, following their fearless leader into the isle.
The army leader had a blue helmet, his stern expression and dark skin showing he was no one to mess with. His years of experience were shown with the scar on the right side of his face, almost like a bleached spot near his nose, where he was shot years ago.
"Halt!" The general stopped in place, with the one-thousand men also stopping in their tracks, weapons over shoulders and awaiting instructions. No matter what, even in the far back, they didn't move nor step out of line, even when a nearby snake in the grass snared a rabbit, making its next meal evident.
The general took a few paces forward, looking from left to right, slowly observing with unquestionable faces of everyone.
"…men! We have voyaged here for one reason and one reason only! We have come to establish what shall be the frontier! Bosco did not raise spineless cowards for any reason!" He berated. "We shall make the start here, this shall be the fort that in which will mark the end of Fiore!"
"Sir, yes sir!" All of the men shouted.
"We may have lost 18,000 slaves, but that means nothing when Fiore is the price to be paid in compensation!"
"Sir, yes sir!"
The general turned around, unsheathing a sword. "Men! Advance!" He pressed on ahead, into isle, where the disclosed quarry and tunnels were. The air was nothing but sand and rock churning as all of the men pressed their feet on the ground, shaping a trail that went into one of the openings. They all ventured into the depths of the darkness of the caverns, a maze they were to study to learn of such routes and to navigate if to succeed in the ultimate defense.
From high above the quarry cliffs, Alpha's cape shifted in the winds, kicking up with fresh smell of blood that drew him in. He watched as the men ventured in without so much as looking up, where he was sitting on the very edge, one of his legs dangling freely.
"Well won't you look at that." He sounded so amused, and his bloodthirsty smirk was nothing short of fuel to the flame. "Looks like we have some uninvited visitors." Alpha was looking forward to something like this. The thrill of gouging out organs, the bloodthirst, the never-ending satisfaction of watching lives decay before his eyes. He could fight it all day and all night, but in the end it was too much to even turn down. Everything he looked at, he wanted to destroy, but at the same time, his conscience and sanity were in check. Unlike Master Zero of Oracion Seis long ago, Alpha could be a tamed version, but at the same time, someone who made Zero look like a pansy. He had a thick, corrosive vibe all around him, which gave him a pungent odor to sensitive noses. Only those with but a void could relate to this sensation. He was the spider, and the army of flies flew right into his net.
However, due to circumstances, he had to relent. He frowned, but knew it was best to conserve his energy. Besides, he knew there were others who wanted to stretch their legs. He began to get up, starting to stand straight. "Saboth, Vermilius. Do welcome our guests, with our…generous hospitality."
Behind him, two of his associates were present and ready to go. One was Saboth, and none could discern him from the likes of a samurai. His armor was all black, including pants, boots, and most of the helmet; even his shin guards were black. At the knees, red separated the thighs and shins, with a single spike protruding. The waist had armor that draped down as well, but was of gray and angular, with red filling the gaps and separated gray fragments. Red slits hung from the waist as well, an armor that hung from the actual armor. The stomach area had three huge red plates to shield from blows that rival cannonballs. The chest area was decorated with triangular red eyes and a red diamond with four fanged protrusions; beneath that had a red circumference, in a way, resembling a cruel face. His shoulders were of thin gray plates, but at the ends were a single spike. The forearms had red plates to shield all the way up to the gray gauntlets. His face, however, was completely white – ghost white. He had pointed canines and a sinister smirk that equaled his red eyes with yellow irises. His helmet's inside had red and curved out. Atop of the helmet was a red jewel with a small pair of red evil horns jutting from both sides. A larger pair was on the end of the helmet itself.
The other associate was Vermilius, and he for certain looked no different than a grim reaper. His cloak was also colored black, with a dark purple belt around the waist. While the cloak and the hood were no different from casual, there was a set of spikes shoulder pauldrons on each shoulder. His hands were also seemingly in silver gauntlets, but they were so engraved that it was like silver bone. His hood disclosed his face, but was could been seen was a small beard and razor-sharp teeth. He also had on a mask, which was carved with black and red. His eyes had feral slits, out for blood. He had in hand a long stave, and on one hand was an angular sickle, and on the other end was a demon skull with three horns, with the mouth open and all teeth evident.
Saboth held up his blade. "At last. It's been much too long since I've craved the thirst for blood. Fools have their wind until their heads get cut off." His tone had a vile venom to it. He sounded so thrilled, to have to spill blood. "No mercy for anyone by the hands of the underworld."
The reaper-like creature smirked. "As you wish." His teeth bared, but the creepiest part was his saliva, for it was a blood red. It went down his face, making it look like he bit someone's arm off. He adjusted the scythe in hand, the sickle shimmering in the cold winds. "Their ambitions will be nothing more than a path to the screams and the life that I will slowly grasp and reap from this earth."
"Good." Alpha turned around, beginning to walk away. Before he got too far, he stopped. "Oh, and by the way, do at least keep one alive." His dark smirk was met with the venomous gaze that could take a bear down. "I do want to relish in my share of reasons these scum have to offer."
Vermilius nodded. "At your wish." He and Saboth both jumped down to quarry edge, springing into the action against the unsuspecting general and the troops.
As the inside of the quarry caverns went silent, the outside had no winds blowing, stopping like the incarnation of Satan himself was muting any means of a sound morning. All while a fellow snake finally closed its mouth, successfully swallowing its rabbit whole.
Lucy moaned in glee as the bath water soaked her to the marrow. The hot water was like a wave of tranquility that she couldn't get enough of. She stretched overhead, her smooth skin revealing water sliding down her arms and chest.
"I feel ya girl. I ain't never working again." Cana chimed as she raised a small shot glass. Apparently nearby was a bottle of alcohol on a metal plate that floated atop of the bath water.
Lisanna was on a box, scrubbing herself, cleansing her pores. "Even after months of the Grand Magic Games, requests keep flooding in." She said as she scrubbed her arm.
"That's true. It's even enough to make you feel dizzy." Mirajane added, scrubbing her silky white hair, bubbles cleansing out any residue.
"I can barely feel my feet. I forgot how gifting a bathhouse can be." Sophie sighed, resting the back of her head against a smooth rock in the hot water.
Today was one of those days where everyone could just settle down, and by everyone, just the girls. They had more privileges to the new Fairy Tail communal bath than the guys, who don't stay in there nearly as long as the ladies do. In the bathhouse at the moment were Lucy, Cana, Levy, and Sophie. Lisanna and Mira were present as well, but they had yet to get in. Juvia was invited as well, but she was still too shy to be around other girls in the bath.
Levy stretched her arms out. "It's important to relax every once in a while, otherwise your body isn't gonna last long."
Lucy looked over, a curiosity washing over her. "Huh? Levy, didn't you have a job?" She questioned.
Levy sheepishly looked off to the side. "It wasn't my idea…but Jet and Droy insisted that they could do it by themselves."
"Somehow I don't think that was such smart thinking." Sophie noted.
"Speaking of jobs, I remembered Natsu and Gray saying they were going on a job as well after a long time…" Lucy added, sitting up.
Sophie sighed. "Again, not such smart thinking."
Lisanna sweat dropped. "Yeah, somehow I doubt things will go Fairy Tail's way."
"I'm sure the Master is gonna have another word. I swear, those two might have their ears bit off." Mirajane noted, running her hands through her follicles.
"Oh? And not a bill from the Council?" Levy questioned. Her eyes widened. "Speaking of, what's word of them?"
"From what I gathered from my last job, I'm afraid the Council is still temporarily shut down." Cana said, leaning back and kicking up her feet. "We really did a number of them, apparently more than half the policies Gran Doma's made are being rewritten. It won't be too long until their back in session I'm afraid."
Lisanna smiled as she looked back over her shoulder. "Well on the bright side, at least they'll be overlooking us from now on."
"That's another plus for us." Sophie nodded. She looked over, noticing something off as Cana was smirking at her, in which left the Memory-Make Mage a little uncomfortable. "What is it, Cana?"
"Say, Sophie…it looks like these months have been kind to you." Cana slyly said.
Sophie seemed perplexed until she got the notion. She looked down, seeing as how her chest area was rather large compared to when she joined Fairy Tail such a long time ago. They had to be no larger than Cana's own pair. Still, Sophie covered up, huffing as she disliked Cana's own physical notion.
Lucy puffed her cheeks, a slight blush enveloping in embarrassment. "Cana, is that really necessary?" However, Lucy found herself on the receiving end of Cana's smirk, which sent a shiver down her spine. "Eh, what?" The blonde asked.
The brunette slid on over behind Lucy. "Oh I don't know…but these!" She swung her arms underneath Lucy's, successfully cupping her breasts. She moved them up and down. "Now these are the big bizonkers!"
Lucy's cheeks flushed, her embarrassment skyrocketing. "Wha…C-Cana!" Lucy chided, but a moan squealed out of her, seemingly opposing her will. "S-stop! T-that tickles…!"
"Aw, see? This is what friends are for." Cana slurred, although her reasons as to why she went to the extent was unknown. It may be her casual personality, but Sophie and Levy voluntarily blamed the alcohol. It would appear they need a new restriction in the bathhouse.
Watching Cana cup Lucy's chest, and the blonde squirming to get free to no avail. Levy felt like a big third wheel. She looked down at her own chest, seeing how her top-heavy friends outclassed her. She sighed in despair. "Why me…" Her eyes widened yet again. "Wait, where's Wendy? She'd know what to do."
"Wendy and Carla went on a job with Erza." Mira answered, readying herself to get into the bath water as her feet already began sinking in.
"Oh really? Never thought those three. How so?"
Mirajane thus explained the job in brief details. From what she was aware of, the manager of Onibas Station required the help of those willing to be actors for a play. Apparently the prize were rare – but also very delicious – sweets that Erza couldn't refuse. She could still remember the sparkles in her eyes and the child-like smile on her face. The details were of a boy and a girl who were on a quest for some stones of great power. Levy was familiar with its origins, but was otherwise brought to a pointless dead end.
Sophie looked over, ignoring Lucy's squealing for fresh air. "So if Erza went on that job, what about Nic?"
Lisanna too had ventured into the bath water, relieving herself. She let out a sigh of pleasure before answering. "He and Vanessa went on a sibling job. I think they went to clear and reshape a mountain pass to make a shortcut through Devil's Valley."
"That makes it the second job in three days that those two have been on." Levy figured.
Mirajane was lathering her arms, scrubbing side to side. "Well with Nic having such a burden in the past with the Plates, he really couldn't focus on being a brother at the time. Now that he's free to do as he pleases, he's spending as much time as he can with his little sister."
Levy smiled softly. "Yeah, they're closer than ever now."
Sophie then brought up another valid point. She pointed an index finger to her chin as she quizzically looked up. "But if I recall, a great swell of our requests ask solemnly for Nic, am I right?"
Mirajane sighed. "That's true, and Nic hasn't taken a single break. His stamina is beyond our world." She giggled at the irony, but nevertheless got her point across when Nic's training could make him go on and on with very little time to recover, just like Pokémon Battling.
"Hold on." Lisanna said, putting the brakes on the conversation. She looked over her shoulder, towards one of the corners closer towards the window. "If Erza's on a job…then…"
"Then what, Lisanna?" Mira asked.
"Then who's that over there?" Lisanna pointed to the thick mop of red in the corner, farther away from the other girls, isolated. For some odd reason, a chill went up their spines. The mop of red was immobile, not responding.
Mirajane tilted her head. "Erza?" She asked. "That's odd, I thought for sure that you were…"
She never finished as the mop arose, the sound of water diverging as a body arose. The hair was almost three times as long as Erza's, reaching even through the bath water. When she finally turned around, the hair turned and opened slightly, like a Cloyster. It wasn't Erza, but Flare Corona.
"Blondie…" She mumbled with a mischievous and sinister smirk.
Lucy's eyes shot open, gaping her mouth. Cana was equally as shocked, ceasing her groping.
"Flare Corona?!" Mirajane exclaimed.
Sophie held her hands to her face, holding back her gasp. "Raven Tail?"
Cana immediately sprung into action. "You…! Get out of here!"
"Cana! Wait!" Lucy warned. She lunged out of the water as well, catching Cana and stopping her before she got too close to Flare. The wet stone beneath, however, tripped them up, and both women fell to the stone floor with hard thuds, their heads ringing like bells. Cana managed to get over the pain and looked back up at Lucy with heavy agitation.
"What the hell, Lucy?! She's an enemy!" Cana shouted to her face. She tried getting up, but Lucy proved that she was more on the heavy side than what the brunette had thought. "Let's just-!"
"Hold on!" Lucy cut her off. "Flare isn't who you think she is!"
Cana raised a brow. "Huh?"
It was true. Lucy knew this, but everybody else didn't, because this all transpired during the course of the Council War. It was Lucy and Yukino against Johaan, and when they were on the ropes until Flare somehow entered the fray, much to their own convenience. Despite the memory and event being a long while back, it was fresh as day in Lucy's eyes.
"Thanks again for helping us out in the war." Lucy thanked, much to Cana's curiosity and slight grudge.
Flare looked away, fingertips together and blushed. While she seemed nervous against the two mages, her hair wiggled towards Cana, snaking through the water and coiling tendrils around the brunette. Immediately Lucy lost leverage and Cana was being scrubbed, albeit creepishly, by the red-haired mage.
"I'll…help wash every inch of your body." Flare said, her tone equally as shy as it was creepy. Her hair continued its work, 'washing' Cana in a perverted perspective.
"A-amazing~!" Cana shouted as the sensation even tickled a bit. Her anger seemed to have long since been forgotten.
"A-anyways, Flare, what brings you here?" Lucy asked, walking up to the outsider, ignoring the pleasantries that Cana felt all over her body.
Flare looked away, her hair retreating into the water. She seemed sad, and all alone, like a lost child with no security, even around friends, as if they were going to sell her off. "After the games…Raven Tail disbanded." She explained. "I have…no home."
Silence fell among the girls. With the exception of Lucy, they have yet to see her as a good person. But even so, despite being former enemies of Fairy Tail, Flare didn't seem all that bad. Sadistic-looking? Yes. Creepy? Most definitely. But, when it all boils down to it, after hearing that she helped Lucy in the war, there really was no need to hold a grudge. They were all feeling sympathy for the redhead's situation, but didn't know what to say to alleviate her confession.
Lucy smiled at her. "If you have nowhere to go, we can try asking the Master?"
Flare turned around, looking at Lucy with her lips forming a grin. She also came to a blushing point.
"Ehhhhh?!" Levy shouted.
"Joining up with us?!" Lisanna exclaimed, showing equal, but not as great, enthusiasm. Clearly there were those who weren't seeing the light that Lucy was seeing.
And among them was Juvia. The Water Mage poked her head out from the laundry room, where she was wrapped in a towel and holding a Gray plush. As she watched the scene unfold, her body began to shudder, and if the Gray plush had any life in it, it would be squeezed out by Juvia's unstable imagination, choking it. She was staring with extreme nervousness. 'This awkward feeling…that pale skin…her reclusive nature…it's almost like another version of me! Has she come to steal my darling from my hands?!' She mentally panicked.
Flare had her hands pressed closer to her lips, looking away with a coy smile. "Thanks…but I don't wanna join."
"Then don't come here then!" Lucy, Cana, and surprisingly Juvia, exclaimed as they raised their fists. Their yelling reverberated through the entire bathhouse, for many to hear.
Having washed herself up and getting the feel she deserved from the bathhouse, Lucy's strolled along the Magnolia riverbank, putting one stop in front of the other. She balanced herself as she casually went down the side of Strawberry Street, making way towards her home. With her arms out for balance and a smile on her lips, Lucy passed by some men who were on a boat and went downstream; one warning her the dangers of falling on, and the other asking for an autograph for his son next time, but Lucy was too engrossed with Plue tagging behind, seemingly mimicking Lucy playfully.
"Ah~! That communal bath is the best. It's much better than my bath at home." Lucy thought out loud.
"Pu-un!" Plue commented.
Lucy then got an idea. "Maybe I can upgrade. I ask the lan…" She stopped, remembering something that made her look despondent. "Oh, wait, I should probably pay the rent before asking for anything." She sighed.
"Pupun!" Plue agreed.
Lucy opened the door to her apartment, walking up the stairs up to her room. Plue followed behind, climbing up each individual set of stairs. "Maybe I should get my own job too…" Opening the door to her room, she turned the handle and ventured inside.
"Welcome back!"
"We just had to intrude, sorry."
Lucy's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets, staring at the company of Wendy, Erza, and Carla – who offered no input, but instead drank tea – on the couch in the center of her room.
"Déjà vu!" Lucy despairingly sighed, with Plue turning his head.
"We're sorry for barging in unannounced." Wendy apologized.
"The place is nice though…" Carla commented, looking up from her small cup of tea.
Erza held up a medium-sized chest that sat right next to her, smiling proudly. "Our job paid in sweets as a reward, but there's so much of it that we felt obliged to share this exquisite event with you."
Lucy's eyes widened, her smile returning. "Oh. really? Thanks so much." She sat her large purse down on the nearby desk, and the blonde made way towards the opposite couch centered around the table. Plue plopped onto her lap, taking a sweet for himself before Lucy was offered the second wind. As she unwrapped the candy, she tried making a conversation. "So, the job went well, did it?"
Wendy laughed nervously. "Heh-heh…eh…"
"It went perfectly!" Erza smiled wide, beaming with absolute pride in her skills as an actress. Her eyes even sparkles. "It was but a masterpiece. They were applauding all the way."
Carla despondently looked off to the side. "They applaud alright, but not out of cheer." She side-noted, remembering how the audience was borderline rioting by the halfway point. The only saving grace was the perseverance they had and the tolerance, all for the sake of the sweets, even if a rotten tomato was close to hitting her.
"Yeah, I can see that." Lucy nervously laughed.
"Pu~n!" Plue said.
Erza then frowned. "Has Nic and Vanessa come back yet from their job?"
"No, I think they should be back anytime now. It's been almost two days. I know carving paths take time, but with Nic's Stone or Earth powers, they should've been back maybe a few hours ago." Lucy answered. She also recalled that Nic's Garchomp and Vanessa's Krookodile could also use Dig to speed up matters, but said nothing of the sorts.
"Well the job did say the entire range of Devil's Valley, so naturally it would take precision to make as many safe routes as possible for good measure." Carla pointed out. She sipped from her tea again. "But then again, expectations always waver."
Erza pondered, looking a little worried.
"Someone's looking like she misses a certain someone." Lucy cooed.
Erza looked down, her eyes narrowing. "It's just…weird without him." She huffed.
Wendy smiled at the sheepish attitude Erza was showing. "It's okay. I'm sure before you know it, those will be back."
Downstairs, there was a knock on the front door. The sound echoed all the way up to the room, where everyone heard it.
"Huh? Who's there?" Lucy asked.
"Someone's at the door." Wendy pointed out.
Carla looked towards Lucy as she just looked at the door. "Well don't just stand there, child. Go answer it." She chided. "It'd be rude if you dawdled like a bum."
"Oh! Uh, right." Lucy got up, with Plue jumping off so she can start her way down the steps. As she heard the knock, a smile crept onto her face, one full of satisfaction. 'At least there's some who know manners, unlike some people.'
Eventually making it to the front door, Lucy stopped and turned the knob. The door opened up, and on the other side was Vanessa.
"Hello, Lucy." Vanessa greeted.
"Vanessa! Good to see you!" Lucy chimed. "You're just in time. Erza and the others just got back."
Meeting up downstairs, Erza took notice of the sixteen-year-old. "Vanessa?"
"Erza."
The redhead was accompanied by Wendy and Carla, who both followed behind and allowed passage as Vanessa entered the home. The girls all seemed delighted, but what delighted some more than others was a certain someone following behind. Erza looked behind Vanessa, her smile widening once her eyes were casted onto Nic.
Nic smiled at Erza. "Hi, Erza." Nic greeted his girlfriend. "I'm sorry for being late."
Despite her impatience, Erza was still happy that Nic showed up when he did. "We're just glad that you got home when you did…" However, the attention drew to what he had underneath his armpits. Lucy, Wendy, and Carla all went wide-eyed as they saw the two figures immobile, pacified. The bodies looked grown and heavy, yet Nic was carrying them with his sheer strength.
In his arms, Natsu and Gray were all badly swollen, their faces with bumps and bruises, their eye white as they were unconscious, as though all of their senses were completely blank. Happy flew right next to Nic, looking tired, but otherwise unscathed.
"Natsu? Gray?" Lucy questioned. "What in the world happened to you two?!"
Both of them groaned, unable to speak properly out of their own unconsciousness.
Erza looked towards Nic for answers. "What happened to them? Will they be alright?"
Nic passed Erza, giving an exasperated look as he went on by. Normally he's so laid-back, but he seemed peeved. He entered the apartment, setting the two down on the hardwood flooring. Nic stood back up, both him and Vanessa despondently having eyes shut as they tried not to think of what happened.
"There was a little…scuffle along the way." Nic mentioned, trying to suppress his annoyance. His hands were to his hips, the right index finger tapping against the purple belt.
"Scuffle, you say?" Carla asked.
"What do you mean?" Wendy asked.
Nic and Vanessa remained subtle as they began their tale, which started back to when they were closing in on Magnolia after their job in Devil's Valley was complete.
As Vanessa walked through the forest with insecurity, she found the lush green life brimming with satisfaction. A radiant aura went through the wildlife. Up above, Nic was instead traveling through trees. He was like walking on air, only instead of air it was branches. He was light on his feet, and hopped over from one branch towards another.
"Say, Nic?" Vanessa called up.
Nic looked down as he passed on over to the next tree. "Yes?"
"It's gonna be around lunchtime when we get back, right?" Vanessa asked. "Should we stop by the guild and see if Kinana or Mirajane will make us something."
Nic landed on another branch in a crouch position, maintaining his course ahead. "We'll check in, but Garchomp and Krookodile both bite off more than what Mira and Kinana can bargain for. We'll just head to our homes and find some leftovers or meats to fry up."
Vanessa nodded in understanding. "You have a point. Your Garchomp has an appetite that's as big as your other Pokémon, given you all work so hard. I know Sophie has it bad enough with having to have 70% of our food funds go to my Pokémon."
A small silence passed between the siblings as they pressed on ahead, but eventually Vanessa spoke up again.
"Nic…how are those plans?"
Nic knew what Vanessa was talking about. They only spoke of it a couple of times, mainly on break on their latest sibling job. Nic only brought the subject up to her and her alone…other than Erza.
He smirked. "She said she's still thinking about it."
Vanessa looked up, seeing the small blush on her brother's cheeks. "So you only brought the question up once, but you still renovated those ideas?" She questioned. She looked back ahead, smiling. "I suppose you can't rush these things, but it's only a matter of time before Erza or someone finds out about those-!"
Nic stopped cold, landing on the next tree branch and staring ahead. He went silent, getting a pungent odor in the air. Vanessa stopped too, smelling something corrosive. Both dropped the subject, only to focus on what they knew would lie up ahead. The smell, it was that of decay. Vanessa could feel the aura up ahead turning stale, like it's been filled with a void.
"You smell that?" Vanessa asked.
Nic nodded. "I do. It's up ahead. Let's go."
Nic sprung ahead, zipping through the trees like a Grovyle. Vanessa followed on foot, tailing Nic as they closed in on a clearing up ahead. When they stopped, Nic came to cease on the last branch on the high trees that stretched forty feet high. Vanessa stopped just below, both staring with equal inquiry and shock at the culprit.
The culprit was a giant pig-like humanoid monster. It had large teeth and claws. It had pants on, and the arms and upper body had a various array of tattoos and black markings. Whatever it was, it was dead, given how its eyes were white, and had fallen over, depressing the ground beneath, even with trees cushioning its deathbed. It was burn marks all over, a sure sign of fire.
"What is this?" Vanessa questioned.
Nic looked down, inspecting the corrosive beast. "I'm not sure…" His eyes narrowed. "But it's long since expired."
Vanessa's eyes opened up again, a presence coming from behind. The bushes rustled, and out came Happy. The Exceed nearly fell over if not for the stick he used as a cane. The Exceed panted, his cheeks nearly pruned from lack of nutrition.
"Vanessa…Nic…I never thought you'd make it." The feline wheezed.
"Happy!" Vanessa exclaimed.
Nic jumped down from above, hurrying and landed with soft padding and rushed to grab Happy before the cat fell over. Nic caught him in time, having the Exceed fall onto his lap like a paper doll. He groaned, his eyes looking as though he hadn't slept in days. "Happy? Are you alright?" Nic asked.
"Aaaaye~."
"What happened?"
Happy turned over, looking up at the serious but worried Pularis siblings. "It's horrible…"
Happy, of course, told of the situation of Natsu and Gray, and told how the job request they took was slaying that giant monster, which explained a lot on the spot. Once recovered, Happy guided Nic and Vanessa to a small alcove, where on a bed of rocks, they saw them tussling it out for the umpteenth time.
"I'M NOT THROUGH YET, YA FALMING PANSY!"
"CAN IT, YA STRIPPING SNOWCONE!"
Natsu and Gray were at it, beating the snot out of the other like kids. They punched and kicked with great resent. Their faces were swollen and bruised to a critical point where they were almost unrecognizable. Natsu punched, only for Gray to deal a hard blow back, but it was a back and forth parry of blind rivalry. Nic and Vanessa both sweat dropped, understanding.
"That makes sense." Nic deadpanned.
"Guess we should've known this would transpire." Vanessa sighed.
Happy dropped in the female Pularis's arms. "They've been at it for three days, eating and sleeping in between rounds."
Natsu and Gray butted heads, growling as they were still tussling, despite how worn out the other was looking. They didn't seem like they were gonna stop anytime soon, so if there was a time to declare this fight a draw, only one person could do such a thing.
Both reeled back a fist, letting out cries as they went to punch again. However, in a swift flash, Nic appeared between them, crossing his arms and catching a fist in the opposite hand. He clutched both caught fists tightly so that Natsu and Gray couldn't escape. "You're at your own wit's end, guys. It's time for a ceasefire."
But the biggest blow had just been delivered. Natsu and Gray suddenly used their spare fists and punched forward, but they were so focused on each other that they were solemnly relying on their instincts. And their instincts and them blind to whom their punches directed to.
With a hard blow, Natsu and Gray's fists collided with the sides of Nic's head. Both punches were hard, but Nic stood there, a shadow over his eyes and lips parted as that two-sided blow went unprecedented.
Vanessa and Happy went wide-eyed. Both were on the verge of screaming as to what transpired, and what was to come.
Natsu and Gray blinked, the reality beginning to sink in. "…eh?"
The shadow over Nic's eyes thickened, but his eyes opened back up. His blue eyes were on the verge of red, his aggravation peaked. His eyes shifted towards Gray, freezing the Ice-Make Mage on the spot, paralyzed in fear. He then glanced over towards Natsu, who was unable to move even if his life depended on it.
"N-NIC?!" They both exclaimed. As Nic growled, both paled to a ghostly white, their fear surpassing that of an angered Erza.
Nic clutched his fists so hard that the grip finally snapped Natsu and Gray's fists. The cracking of bones pulsed through their bodies. Both gawked as their own two fists broke from Nic's crushing grip. He let go, only to glow and shift into his Fist Form.
"If this is how you intend it to be…then it's the hard way after all!" Nic raised his two fists in the air, glowing and signaling Hammer Arm.
As Natsu and Gray fell to their knees, begging for mercy with their broken hands. "Have mercy~!"
That afternoon, the entire forest shuddered as two pillars of dust arose.
Lucy sweat dropped, hearing the end of Nic's tale. Looking down at Natsu, now it made sense. "Oh…guess that makes sense. They had us worried there for a while."
"Boys will be boys." Carla huffed.
Wendy joined Lucy in the sweatdrop. "W-well, at least they made it back…kind of."
Erza reached up and pinched the bridge of her nose, releasing a sigh of annoyance. "I swear, those two never learn." She looked back at Nic, who still seemed to be taking the situation well, despite dealing with it with heavy violence, a tactic he didn't use in such a long time. Still, the hard way does have a more solid way of 'persuading' certain people at certain times, Ironic since Erza knows the hard way better than anyone else, considering she does it with Natsu and Gray all the time. It's admirable to see how Nic's become so mellow, and deal with situations either like a rebel following his own sense of justice, or a versatile tactician that thinks on the spot and does not waste a single breath in the heat of a problem. The more she looked at Nic, the greater her smile grew.
Erza decided to treat Nic and Vanessa out to lunch, on her treat. They didn't pick anything extravagant, but low-key, and rather filling. The two talked on about their job, but more to the point of Nic doing most of the work to reshape a route, and to have Garchomp use Dig to make routes that bored into the mountains. Again, nothing too big that Nic couldn't handle, but it did leave him and Vanessa with a split profit to stomach over for weeks.
Once the three caught up on their activities, they arrived at the guild hall, where many were laughing at Natsu and Gray's rivalry. Apparently a certain feline told many and Natsu and Gray were resenting the other for their 'help'.
"I swear, it's your fault." Natsu grumbled from one end of the table.
"That job was withdrawn. You should've told me." Gray muttered, again with no shirt and looking in the opposite direction.
Disregarding their bickering, Nic sat down at a table, easing himself with a small sigh. "This has been eventful, if I could find a lack of better wording." She said.
Erza smiled, comforting Nic. "I can't deny their antics can get a bit overbearing…" Erza raised her hands to rest her chin on the back of them. "But enough squander, what do you say you and I just take this time and just relax; I mean, we both have arrived from our respective jobs, right?"
Nic smiled, looking at Erza with sincerity. "If you believe so, but I'm fine. Honestly."
"Then why don't we just take a job? This time, together." Erza insisted.
Nic really didn't have any objections, but to Erza, it didn't matter if they were at home, or on a job. It's been two days, and this was much-needed for them. As long as they were together, it didn't matter where they went, and that's all that mattered to Nic. "I'd like that."
On the other end of the guild hall, the Master was sitting atop of the bar, overlooking his 'children'. He watched as Natsu and Gray were lowly snarking in retort of one another, and he looked towards how Nic and Erza were getting along, with Vanessa there as commentary. He seemed content until Mirajane came up to him with a stack of papers.
"Hi Master." She greeted. "Some emergency requests arrived again."
The Master looked over, his eyes flashing to stack of papers being handed to him. He sat up, looking at the request. "There's been a great increase of these jobs, haven't there?"
"Yup!" Mira chirped. "After winning the Grand Magic Games, we all became like celebrities." She glanced back to see Nic looking placid as he and Erza were talking about something. "But almost half of them have been for Nic."
Laxus smirked down at his mug. "Yeah, well, if I saved the universe, I'm sure I'd have so many jobs at my throat I wouldn't breathe. Poor guy got immense stamina to handle back to back jobs."
Makarov nodded as he scrolled at the mages specifically required. "Yes. These jobs for certain mages have increased, and almost all of them are for Nic given his history, speaking of…" The Master looked over at Nic. "Nic! You have another job asking for you!" He called.
Nic heard the call and arose with Erza. Without question, he went on over and stood in front of the Master.
"Yes, Master?" Nic asked. "What's the job ask of me?"
"Now hold on, Nic. Please allow myself to feel oblige to accompany you. I promised, and I intend to keep." Erza insisted.
"Well Nic, if you're up for another job, then let's see here…" As he looked through the contents of the job request, the longer he stared, and when he saw something, his eyes widened in shock, his stare to a dark intensity.
Immediately, the guild took notice of his demeanor changing.
"Master, is something wrong?" Mirajane asked.
"Nic…whatever happens…you must be extremely careful." The Master said shakily. "I fear you may have something to do with the client." His tone sounded like the paper had his life bet on it, a gamble that could leave any unsubtle member on the brink of flipping out.
"Is it really that important?" Lucy asked.
"Who's the client?" Erza asked.
A grim vibe fell over the guild as Makarov went on.
"He's one of the Four Gods of Ishgar, one of them that was involved in the war. Warrod Sequen." Everyone's jaws dropped. They remembered the power of a Wizard Saint, let alone a God of Ishgar, clearly Warrod was well-known.
"One of the Ten Wizard Saints?" Lucy gasped,
"Why would someone with so much power…?" Wendy trailed off, her shock overwhelming her.
Erza's eyes widened, the S-Class Mage was caught completely off guard and almost rendered unable to speak. "What is going on…?"
However, Nic didn't show as much surprise as everybody else, as his instincts were hung over on the Wizard Saint part. 'One of the Four Gods of Ishgar…needs my help?'
The wooden grasslands in the far reaches were hundreds of miles away from Magnolia. And along the way, Fairy Tail's 'strongest team', plus the Pularis siblings, were trekking through these lands. They were pleasantly passing through the cool breeze. Despite the time of year, the weather was pleasantly high.
"This air is so peaceful." Wendy chirped, having looked up from the job request and felt the air pass her long hair. Carla walked beside her, enjoying the air as well. Behind her followed Nic, who was holding hands with Erza as they walked down the trail.
Lucy stretched her arms overhead. "Yeah, this air is so fresh." She moaned.
"This breeze is quite." Erza commented.
Nic nodded, holding his hand and having it swing front and back with Erza's. "It hasn't been this nice for a couple weeks now. It's very enjoyable."
Taking up the rear was Vanessa, who was walking in front of Natsu and Gray, with a huge cart of luggage hauled in front of her face. She didn't seem bothered. "It's quite soothing…if not for…"
"You ate my meat, didn't you?!" Natsu barked into Gray's face.
"As if I'd eat your diseased food!" Gray sneered.
"You a shirt on, ya perv!"
"At least I have more brain than you could ever have!"
Lucy sighed, hearing their bickering to no end. "Honestly, I question why we all came along when it's just Nic that's been asked. Seems like overkill to me." The blonde nervously grinned.
Erza raised her chin. "Well for one thing, I promised Nic that I'd accompany him on his next job. Secondly, after what Natsu and Gray did, it's clear they cannot go unsupervised while we're gone."
"Then, why are we coming along again?" Wendy asked.
"Oh don't worry about it child. There hasn't been an adventure like this for us in forever." Carla reminded.
"While we're on the topic about the job, I'm still piqued about a Wizard Saint asking for our help." Vanessa said, changing the subject.
Erza began to ponder about the matter as well. "Yes, when you put it that was, it doesn't add up. After the Council War, the Council itself closed down, and with them the Ten Wizard Saints. They became Wizard Saints by the Council's judgment, but their status after the war hasn't been deciphered to considerably. Are they still technically Wizard Saints? Even I do not know the answer to that."
Lucy began to shiver. "Please don't remind me."
Gray stopped his growling at Natsu to take notice of the topic. "Say, speaking of Saints, heard that sea chick finally got hitched."
Natsu looked off, albeit quizzically. "Huh, I forgot how tough that army guy was to beat. Heh, nothing I couldn't handle though."
Wendy looked back from the map. "Well now that you mention it, the Four Gods of Ishgar were in the war as well. What happened to God Serena?"
"Apparently he's still rogue. I believe he's left the country." Erza said. She looked over towards Nic, who was frowning and saying nothing on the subject. Given the history that Nic's had with the Magic Council, and the Wizard Saints themselves, of course he wouldn't like to be in the conversation. He seemed resentful of even hearing the Four Gods of Ishgar themselves. She couldn't blame him, no one could.
"Vanessa?" Erza asked, looking back behind.
"Yes?" The Aura Mage asked.
"You said you met Warrod Sequen back in the war, yes?"
She nodded. "Of course. Though he was an enemy, he wasn't malevolent in any way. Unlike the others we had to battle, Warrod sided with us. He's a very understanding man once you get to know him."
Hearing this, Nic looked like he was easing up some. If Vanessa was speaking good of this God of Ishgar, then it had to be a good sign. But still, the war left Nic with a bad impression on the Wizard Saints as a whole. Though he will give Warrod the benefit of the doubt.
After a while of walking, Wendy pointed to something up ahead, catching everyone's attention. "Hey, look, I think that's it! Up there!" A trail snaked all the way up to the top of a hill, where at the top was a medium-sized home, looking a design similar to Natsu and Happy's. The materials to build it were almost alike, but this structure was far more stable, with moss and small vines growing along to wooded parts and the roof. The most distinctive parts of the house were the trees growing out from along the sides.
"So that's it, huh?" Gray wondered.
"That's the home of Warrod Sequen, is it?" Lucy added.
Nic didn't waste time walking up the trail, with Erza following behind. "If he lives this far in the open with this kind of atmosphere, then it makes an ideal retirement place." Everyone followed him towards the doorway, where he stood in front of the door, ready to knock. Vanessa suddenly remembered something.
"Oh, everyone." She said. "Just to warn you, he may be on the…dry humor side."
"Dry humor? What does that mean?" Happy asked.
Vanessa sweat dropped. "You'll have to see what I mean."
Nic tapped on the door's wooden frame. "Excuse me. Hello? I've come in regards to the job request asking for my assistance." He got no answer, so instead he tried for the door, which was unlocked for some odd reason. The door slowly creaked open, and Nic went side.
Once they were all in, they were immediately overwhelmed. Despite the shabby façade, the house was brimming with an abundance of plants inside. It could've been mistaken for a greenhouse. It was also very spacious for good measure.
Seeing no signs, Erza called out. "We've come from Fairy Tail, is anybody here? We've accompanied Nic so that we can…"
"Shhh…" A voice said quietly in the distance. "Quiet.
Nic looked deeper inside, seeing a literal tree man seemingly in the back. It was hard to tell from just hearing, but there was the sound of flowing water sprinkling onto plants. The cloak on his back was by no means anything different from the Wizard Saint title. Vanessa recognized the cloak all too well, even the aura was too lively.
"Plants like silence and tranquility. If you understand, then shut those mouths of ours!" He sniped, his tone harsh as his seeming demeanor. To silence themselves, Wendy and Lucy covered their mouths, while everybody else remained completely silent, as intense as iron walls. Although the only ones seemingly calm were Nic, who didn't take light of his wording due to having been in the Meadow Form dozens of times; and Vanessa, who was already well-aware of what was to come. A smile came across his face. "Just kidding!"
Suddenly the sunlight poured through the windows, brightening up the house. The plants all began to sprout instantaneously, blossoming into full bloom. The ones on the floor nearly overwhelmed Happy and Carla. Color filled the atmosphere as Warrod turned around, facing the mages with the can in hand still sprinkling fresh water on some leaves and other flowers. "It's a joke! The plant love to hear the sound of human voices!" He laughed uproariously, his hysterical sense of humor getting the best of him. Everyone else, however, was more confused than amused of his presentation.
"A…tree?" Lucy asked.
"This old man…" Natsu muttered.
"He's one of those saints?" Gray finished.
"I'm afraid so." Vanessa sighed.
Wendy was rendered speechless, with eyes as big as her mouth. Nic and Erza just stared with unamused looks, while still confused.
Warrod cleared his throat. He walked up and smiled. "Greetings to you, Fairy Tail Mages. I welcome you to my home. Thank you for coming all this way. Oh?" He looked towards Vanessa. "I see we have a familiar face amongst the presence of he who put God Serena in his place. Welcome, young one."
Vanessa nodded. "I'm pleased to meet your acquaintance again, sir."
Warrod tilted his head. "Eh, do I know your name?" He sounded like he completely forgot about her, much to Vanessa's indifference. Suddenly Warrod burst out laughing again. "Just kidding! I know it's you, Vanessa!" He laughed some more, nearly bobbing his head all around. Vanessa narrowed her eyes, sweat dropping.
"Okay, now I see what Vanessa meant." Lucy commented.
"Uh…yeah." Erza noted.
"Very lively, I'll give him to that much credit." Nic said.
Warrod sighed. "I'm parched!" He cleared his throat and opened his mouth, tilting the watering can so that water poured into his mouth. He even gulped as he laughed; the action again caught Wendy perplexed.
Nc stepped forward. "Pardon my interruption, but Warrod…"
After having his fill, the Wizard Saint turned towards Nic, grinning. "Ah, Nic Pularis. Welcome. Please, follow me." He grabbed a book on a nearby bookshelf and held it tight as he directed everybody outside. Once outside, Warrod led them to a wooden table near the edge of the hill. The Mages sat on tree stumps that were used as makeshift stools, while Happy and Carla sat on the table itself. The breeze again picked up, brushing through the girls of the group's hair as Warrod took his seat on one end, with Nic on the opposite end. Once the assembling was assessed, Warrod began. "Again, Nic and friends, I welcome you. However, before I begin, I do owe you an apology for what the Council has put you through."
Nodding, Nic accepted his apology. "It's not your doing. Even with your part, you still chose to go with your heart than your sense of duty. That's enough to leave me convinced."
Warrod nodded back with gratitude. "Well in spite of the Council War, my earlier plans are mainly comprised of what some could say a hobby." He reached his hand out, a small rose growing from the palm of his own hand. "You see, I use Green Magic, and I use it to turn deserts into lush forests." He chuckled briefly. "Although some would instead refer to it as a charitable action to the world." The rose vanished and he resumed the explanation. "For that reason, I've spent years traveling all over Ishgar, raising new forests and making yellow turn green."
Happy looked up towards Nic. "Say Nic, can't your nature, green, or whatever form have the same power as him?"
"No different, but I wouldn't exercise it to that extent." He answered neutrally. He wasn't so lenient on boasting about his power. Being a show off is a low concept that he'd partake in. Back in the training dimension, he used the Meadow Plate and turned everything into a lush forest with tall trees and vines to jump in, only to later slice or be incinerated by Charizard or Garchomp or Kecleon or anybody else, even himself. But despite his power being the same as Warrod, he'd rather not call it a hobby.
Warrod resumed. "So while I was traveling across these lands, I've stumbled across a village in the mountains." He pulled out the book he had, opening to a page with ancient text and a picture with stick figures as people and two other pictures with a sun and fire. "According to some research, I've learned that particular place goes by the name of 'Village of the Sun'. It's said to be a village where worshippers were aligned to an everlasting flame, also revered as the guardian of the village."
Natsu raised a brow. "An ever-burning flame?"
"I know Nic's Charizard has his own burning tail, but this sounds a bit weird." Lucy commented.
"Shhh!" Wendy hushed.
"However…the village was frozen over."
Gray narrowed his eyes, hearing ice around the concept.
Warrod lowered his head. "Man-made, or natural disaster. It's hard to tell. The people, plants, animals; everything, it was all frozen over. The everlasting flame itself, that too…had been frozen."
Nic's eyes widened. "The flame itself was frozen?"
"Yes…but…" A small chill crept around, the temperature of the wind dropping as the trees around the home rustled. "What I know…is that they're all still alive."
Happy's spine shivered. "But how's that possible?"
"To even be alive in ice, what does this mean?" Carla speculated.
The winds shifted through Warrod's bush-like hair as he frowned. "The village and all life was covered in ice, but, I can't leave it at that. That is why I asked for you, Nic."
Nic nodded. "I understand. You wish for me to lift the ice."
"Correct. I've heard how you have power of all elements and can use them to their fullest extent. Water, earth, land, fire, ice, I've heard much of your capabilities, and by no means are you ever walking on anything less than a tightrope it seems."
Warrod wasn't really wrong. Even with the Plates back with Arceus, Nic could still use the powers bestowed upon him. So if he wanted to melt something or use his ice powers to lift the ice, this would be a no-sweat job. But Nic was keeping an open mind. If ice froze an entire village, it'd be no ordinary ice. He had to be sharp at all times. "I'll do as you've requested, Warrod, but by no means am I offending you, but why not handle the ice task yourself? Have you attempted, but was…"
"Ho! Heavens no!" Warrod exclaimed with a smile returning. "My dear friend, my magic isn't the kind that you can use for battle. As you've learned full-well from the war, the Ten Wizard Saints aren't anywhere omnipotent. We were only ten people the Council had chosen. There are many people out there on this continent with power greater than my own, and those amongst the world that surpass even them. Comparing me to them is but wishful thinking." He stood up, with everybody else standing as well. He turned around and looked out at the hillside, seeing the river and lush forest overlooking mountains. "I have no offensive spells, so against people such as yourselves, I'd never stand a chance."
"Maybe so…" Erza wanted to say something, but Vanessa cut her off.
"Erza. As maroon-sounding as it may be, he's right. I've seen his power first-hand, but he wasn't offensive in the slightest."
"There you have it. You see, mages and humans alike have strengths and weaknesses of their own. That's why we rely on comrades and allies, to support and turn our weaknesses into strengths. A guild has that quality, wouldn't you agree?" Warrod smiled warmly at the young mages. They all turned towards one another, looking with their smiles coming to light. Their warm dispositions overshadowed their insecurity, and they all looked back with confidence.
Erza nodded at his words. "You're as wise as Vanessa interpreted."
Nic stood tall, smiling proudly. "We'll be sure to finish what you started, sir."
Gray smirked. "What the big guy said!"
"We'll get rid of that ice!" Lucy said.
Warrod smiled with understanding. The young and mighty group of mages before him was a group that left him with nothing short of confidence that they'll pull through.
"So, where is this village?" Vanessa asked.
"About 2,000 Kilometers south." Warrod answered.
"That's quite the length to tread." Nic commented. "If to shorten the time, maybe I should use Chari-"
Warrod cut him out. "Not to worry. Please, don't rely on your Pokémon just yet, my friend. I have a solution that may prove to be useful." He crafted an odd wooden cane with the help of his magic, and pointed the tip at the open space atop of the hill. "Please, everyone gather here. Make sure you don't leave anything important behind."
The mages did as he told, and they gathered in the spot.
"Turn right." He ordered, and everybody followed him like a Pokémon would to its faithful Trainer. Everyone turned right, but Happy turned left out of possibly incompetence. Warrod then smiled. "…kidding!"
"Hey!" Natsu, Gray, Lucy, Wendy, and Carla shouted. Nic and Erza exasperatedly sighed. Vanessa just remained silent.
"I leave this task to you all. Do take care, and be careful. Do what you must. Rely on one another, and nothing is impossible." The ground beneath him was glowing a strong light, and the energy in the atmosphere was intensifying. Nic looked down, seeing a small seed beneath him sprout. It continued to sprout higher and higher, and then it went into hyper drive, growing and lifting the entire party into the air above, resting on a bed of pink blossoms. They all ascended higher and higher, ascending into the sky, until the enormous sprouting tree shot off into the distance, scaling the land afar towards south.
"W-WHOA~!" Natsu screamed. The tree trunk twisted and spun as it literally grew, stretching its trunk all the way across mountains and rivers. It snaked through the sky, flying like a dragon. But Natsu wasn't the only one amazed, for everyone was shocked.
"We're flying!" Happy screamed.
"This is awesome!" Gray screamed through the skies.
Erza looked back. "It is." She saw the tree trunk twisting and turning, lengthening to what seemed like infinity. "It's like a beast."
"Weee!"
"Careful, don't fall off!"
"Look out Sun Village!"
Nic looked back at the tree, the same as Erza. He grinned. "Warrod Sequen…" he muttered the man's name as he disappeared from view. "Very modest…but his powers are amazing."
Erza nodded in agreement. She looked back ahead, smiling as they continued on their way.
Warrod watched as the tree's end faded from view. Like the plant, his smile grew larger. His eyes shut, taking in a fresh breath of air. "Time keeps on flowing, doesn't it…" As blossoms fluttered pass his face, he began to recollect his memories. He pictured back when times were simpler, when the world was still learning. As a young man, he had green hair with a green tank top, and a green waist guard and black pants. He remembered back to being with his friends, when they had a lot of adventures as a team long ago. He pictured his guild, the one he, Yuri, Precht, and Mavis banded together to find and cherish: Fairy Tail.
"Warrod! Hurry up!" Yuri shouted.
Warrod turned and ran towards the one who called for him. He had the same eyes as Makarov and Laxus, with blonde hair. "Geez, spacing out as usual."
Precht, when he was younger and had sanity. Looked up at the structure created. "We've finally did it."
Warrod looked up, seeing the building that they've worked so hard to build, the building they've poured blood, sweat, and tears into making. A warm smile passed his lips. "It's perfect. Our guild…"
The guild hall stood with proud pride, a small flag at the very top. Something about the guild hall was too familiar, that it looked so tall and mighty, like the symbol of everlasting friendship and prosperity.
Bare feet trekked through the grass, soon passing onto stone. "Then what are we waiting for! Group picture!" The girl shouted. She was none other than the cheerful First Master. Mavis Vermilion.
Everyone gathered, the three men standing with proud smirks on their faces as Mavis was in front, pouncing with a big smile as they took a commemorative photo.
"This is the birth of Fairy Tail!"
Warrod lowered his head, the remembrance feeling like yesterday. "To think, 105 years have passed."
To this day, that photo was still resting on a stand in his house, surrounded by flowers as fresh as this morning. Warrod looked onwards, watching the young generation soaring into the unknown. "Mavis…your heart and feelings…they live on."
The ever-growing tree finally reached its end, finally stopping and having its end reach ground. Everyone onboard safely got off, hopping onto their new location, which looked like a rock prairie.
"Looks like we're here." Gray said.
"That was surprisingly fast." Erza commented.
Nic nodded. "His magic sure is something."
Vanessa smiled. "That took no time at all."
Natsu lurched, his cheeks finally puffing. Lucy looked over him. "Seriously? Now you're getting sick?"
Happy and Carla walked closer ahead towards the boulders. They approached, but they noticed something off, and it was leaving them cold on the spot.
"Guys, look." Happy pointed at the frozen rocks, which started at his feet and went over the ways ahead.
Erza crossed her arms. "The Village of the Sun must be on the other side of this valley of stone. We haven't a moment to lose." And thus, Nic and Erza led the group onwards. They passed through the frozen trail of branches and rock, passing through a trench of shimmering ice that felt like solid casing.
After half and hour's trek, they made it to their destination: Sun Village.
It was just as Warrod said, everything about Sun Village was frozen over, from the tall buildings all the way down to the smallest blades of grass. Everything, even the dust, was in thick ice. The large bell, ribbons, and other festival-like decorum was reduced to cold ice.
Lucy looked off to the side, looking at the ice. "Wow, it's true, everything's frozen."
"What do you think happened?" Wendy speculated.
Once they stepped deeper into the village, Erza looked up and around. "According to Master Warrod, the people were frozen as well. But, I don't see any…"
Vanessa looked around, feeling the presence of aura signatures. "No, I sense people. There should be one right on top of us."
Natsu looked around, rubbing the back of his head. "Well I sure don't see any people."
Nic looked left and right, inspecting the circumstances. When he stopped in place, he had an odd feeling, like there was something missing. 'If what Vanessa says is true, then…' Nic noticed that there was a heel right beside him, a giant one. When the uneasy feeling escalated, he looked up, seeing something massive covered in ice like a statue beside him…and it wasn't a building. A statue as tall as one, sure, but it was realized that it wasn't as it seemed to be.
His eyes widened, shock flowing through him like a Surf. "My god…"
Everyone looked up to what he was so surprised about. They stared up at what he was looking at, and realized that it was not a giant statue itself; it was an actual frozen giant.
Here's the first chapter of the Sun Village Arc. How did you guys enjoy it? As usual, I added my casual changes as needed. For this arc, I thought there were so many people already, so I had Sophie take a break, despite being a good support character. Hope this sufficed; so if it did, review or throw in a comment!
Also, for those who care, there's a good chance One's Road to Remembrance will be updated tomorrow, so be on the lookout for that as well.