A few days later after the afterparty, The Brotherhood stood on the stage in the Fairytail guild hall. Storm, Alain, and Jeremiah were smiling nervously while Ragnar looked annoyed. Alain cleared his throat as he looked at the entire guild " good morning. We here at The Brotherhood are here to issue public apologies to the following people." " This is stupid guys, why are we even doing this?" Ragnar snapped. " Because Master said if we don't we have to play the Punishment Game, that's why" Jeremiah said. Storm cleared his throat as he looked at a note card " to all the Fairytail women, for dropping slime on you and ruining your night we-" " Now see, that right there is stupid" Ragnar said " Yeah we slimed them but let's be honest, do any of you feel any remorse for that, I don't." Alain sighed and held up a notecard " for spray painting graffiti all over the capital city-" " Guys come on, all that did was make that place better. I mean let's be honest, all those middle fingers we spray painted was the best thing that ever happened to that place" Ragnar said. Alain rolled his eyes but said nothing. Jeremiah looked at his notecard " for kicking all the male Royal City guards in the dick and undermining their authority-" he stopped when he caught the look Ragnar gave him. He dropped the notecard and picked up a new one from the podium " you know Ragnar, we're on the last one and we really haven't apologized to anyone yet." " Yeah that's the point" Ragnar said. Jeremiah sighed " for Ragnar showing all of you ladies his ass, on behalf of him we deeply apologize." Ragnar said nothing but gave the women the suck it gesture.
Storm looked at Alain and Jeremiah with an evil look in his eyes " wait guys there's one more apology we have to issue. And it's to one Cana Albreona. " Ragnar frowned in confusion same as Cana " why to her?" Ragnar asked. Storm winked at him " for Ragnar attempting to kiss you we deeply apologize". It became so silent you could hear a pin drop although Ragnar was shaking in anger " you dick! You know damn well that's not what happened!" Gildarts raised an eyebrow " boy did what?" He asked standing up. Ragnar gulped " nothing! Nothing at all, Storm's just being stupid!" Alain raised an eyebrow " Mr. Gildarts, he's lying. We were all with him and Storm is telling the truth". " No he is not!" Ragnar bellowed. While this was going on, the entire guild was pointing and laughing at the red-faced Ragnar, Cana most of all. She was on her stomach and pounding the ground as she laughed. Ragnar snapped " that's it. Fuck this shit I'm out!" He said turning into a shadow and left.
A couple hours later he returned the guild and walked right to his friends " I hate you all!" Alain and Jeremiah chuckled " look man we would love to talk about that but me and Jeremiah gotta go. Our train leaves soon " Alain said before he and Jeremiah stood up and left. Ragnar rolled his eyes and walked to the job request board. After looking for a bit he picked a flyer and walked to the bar counter " hey mom, I'm taking this job." Mira looked at the flyer and turned pale " oh hell no" she said snatching it form him. " Hey, what the crap?!" Ragnar demanded. Mira glared at him " You are not accepting that job! It's located in the Badlands! I've heard that any wizard that goes there never comes back." Ragnar scoffed " maybe that's true for normal people but this is me we're talking about. I am no ordinary wizard, I am the Game Changer of the guild. I can handle whatever lies in wait for me there." He gritted his teeth when he heard his sister laugh " The Game Changer? What, is that supposed to be some kind of nickname or something?" Ragnar looked over his shoulder " just the truth. You should know that better than anyone, considering the fact you've never beaten me". Violet flipped her brother off " you just wait asshole". " Violet language!" Mira said sternly then looked at Ragnar " you're still not going Ragnar! Unless. . . you let Violet go with you". " You gotta be kidding me!" " Hey, where are we going?" Storm asked walking next to Ragnar. " you and I have work to do that Violet doesn't get to help with" Ragnar said. Violet folded her arms " I wasn't going to any way you jerk!" A moment later Cana draped an arm around her shoulders " ah come on Violet, let's get out of here" she said. Violet sighed " fine, whatever." Ragnar gritted his teeth as Mira smiled happily " alright you four. Good luck!" " Oh God damn it" Ragnar muttered.
Ragnar hardly said a word during the two-day journey on the way to the badlands " hey Phoenix Boy! You alright?" " Fine" Ragnar said wiping sweat from his brow. " Why do you keep calling him that Cana?" Storm asked." " Cause I feel like it, any more stupid questions?!" " Geez I was just asking God." Storm muttered. " Shut the hell up Storm, no one wants to hear you talk!" Violet said. " No one wants you around!" Storm snapped back. " Will all of you just shut the hell up?!" Ragnar yelled, his voice echoing all around them. The three wizards looked at Ragnar in slight surprise " hey what's up with you?" Violet asked frowning. " Nothing. I just. . . I feel sick" Ragnar muttered. " What?! Phoenix Slayers don't get sick!" Cana said surprised. " Tell that to my stomach" Ragnar said. " You are looking a little pale" Storm said thoughtfully as they came upon their destination. A whole town was in complete ruins. Ragnar sniffed the air " not getting anything. You sis?" " Not a thing" Violet said. Just then insane laughter was heard and a figure walked to them. Ragnar took a defensive stance " who the hell are you?" He called out. The figure had white hair and ashen gray skin with yellow eyes " Hysteria sees four little guild wizards who've lost their way. Hysteria is going to have to hurt them to teach them a lesson!" Ragnar narrowed his eyes " I call dibs". " Sure you're up for that?" Violet asked. " I need something to do" Ragnar responded. " Fine, he's all yours."
Ragnar flew towards the figure and landed the first punch, a clean hit across the jaw. Ragnar didn't give Hysteria a chance to respond as he kept landing lefts and rights. Instead of recoiling Hysteria laughed " does the little wizard wanna fight Hysteria? Hysteria accepts!" He said before blocking one of Ragnar's punches and grabbing Ragnar's arm. Before Ragnar could react Hysteria sank his teeth in Ragnar's arm. The Phoenix Slayer yelled in pain " son of a bitch!" He yelled as he punched Hysteria in the face once again. Hysteria backed up and covered up as Ragnar kept on his brutal assault. So far Ragnar had neglected to use magic. He had been feeling sick he had stepped foot in the badlands and since he had never felt sick before he wasn't moving with his usual speed. Not that it mattered as Hysteria was still getting his ass kicked. Cana raised an eyebrow as Ragnar sent Hysteria flying " either Ragnar has gotten better or this dude is a total pushover." She remarked as she watched Ragnar dodge an attempted counter strike from Hysteria. Violet frowned " still, I can't help but feel like I've heard the name Hysteria somewhere" "Hysteria sees why little wizard is feared. Hysteria wants to keep fighting little wizard!" Ragnar narrowed his eyes " you're not very strong but you can take a punch well, I'll give you that." He said " but as entertaining as a punching bag you make, I'm getting bored. So I'm going to finish you off real quick" he said as he began to power up his Nova Flare.
Hysteria gave his demented laugh " Hysteria can't have that no no no!" He said pointing towards Ragnar. The area Ragnar was in exploded in an instant". However, once the dust had settled Ragnar was standing there without a scratch " now I see. You use curses instead of magic don't you? Which means you are a demon. A weak demon at that" he said walking toward Hysteria who was backing up " little wizard should go away!" He said pointing at Ragnar again. Another explosion that Ragnar was unaffected by. Hysteria bared his teeth " little wizard is not human! Little wizard is a monster" " Oh hello kettle, it's me pot. Just wanted to remind you that you're black" Ragnar said dryly. He walked up to Hysteria until he was mere inches away " let's try this again" he said as he started to power up " Phoenix Slayer Secret Art! Shadow Phoenix Nova Flare!" Hysteria gave his demented laugh as he was engulfed in the attack. Ragnar spat and walked back to his guildmates " and that's how you do it ya stupid sumbatches" he said playfully. Cana marched right up to him and slapped him. Storm's and Violet's eyes widened at this. Ragnar looked at Cana in shock as he held his cheek " what's your problem? It was only a joke geez." " That's not why I slapped you reckless idiot! You could've been killed moron! Who in their right mind walks into an explosion?!" Ragnar looked at her " someone who is indestructible such as myself that's who!" Ragnar said, his tone implying he was joking around. Cana slapped him again " you just want to die don't ya?!" " Stop slapping me you drunk! I'm trying to have a good time!" Cana glared at him and slapped him for a third time " oh look at me! I'm Ragnar Dreyer! I'm an overrated pain in the ass who puts too much stock into his hype!" She said in an impression of Ragnar's voice. Ragnar's eye started to twitch " and I'm Cana Albreona! I have the blood of one of the greatest Fairytail wizards of all time running through my veins. Instead of training and putting my talent to good use all I do is drink because fuck my liver!" While they were going at it Storm sighed " they're like little children." Violet nodded " yeah but to quote my favorite cat. . . they loooovvvveeee each other" she said smirking. " WE DO NOT!" Both Cana and Ragnar yelled. Just then Ragnar stiffened " we've got company" he muttered.
A swarm of locusts was heading their way. Once it got close they merged into a woman wearing a black kimono with gray hair and red eyes " I was wondering what all the commotion was. It seems Hysteria has fallen. And if I am not mistaken you four are from the Fairytail Guild. Which one of you is the one who defeated my comrade?" She asked. Violet frowned " why does she look so familiar?" She muttered. Cana glared at Ragnar " what do you say oh mighty one? Wanna take her on too?" " No no you've got this one" Ragnar said crossly. " No I insist, maybe this time someone will actually kick your ass!" Ragnar gritted his teeth " bitch" he said before looking at the woman " you wanna know who beat up your friend. You're looking at him Jack, and I have to say, I didn't break a sweat." The woman chuckled " well if it isn't Ragnar the Phoenix Slayer. Fairytail's rising star. It would be an honor to cross fists for you". " Don't bullshit me lady. You're a demon too. No doubt about it. So don't try to fool me alright?" " How volatile. Very well then, let's go" Ragnar's body became engulfed in black magical energy this one's different. I can tell. I better not mess around. He flew towards her and delivered a fierce right hook she just stood there and took that?! Ragnar thought as he landed. His nose started to bleed " what the?" He asked. The woman laughed " surprised? It's simple really. You may call me Temperess, Maiden of the mirror and commander of the plague. " Ragnar whipped his nose " Maiden of the mirror huh? Let me take a wild guess and say that means that the more I dish out, the more I'll get hurt." " My, aren't we the clever one. It seems not only are you strong but you're smart as well" Temperess said. Ragnar frowned " don't think that means you're safe." He said as he flew at her again. Temperess laughed as she nimbly dodged Ragnar and countered with a roundhouse kick. Ragnar flew back from her again lucky hit. He extended a hand "Shadow Phoenix Lightning!".
Instead of hitting the target Temperess had already appeared behind Ragnar and hit him from behind. Ragnar was sent forward but managed to stop himself. He turned around to get another roundhouse. Ragnar turned into a shadow and put some distance between himself and Temperess what is going on?! We just got started and I'm sweating like crazy. Not to mention she is clearly reading me. I guess I can't afford to warm up. Ragnar gritted his teeth " enough! Let's see how you handle this!" He said powering up to his Holy-Shadow Phoenix mode. Temperess smirked " Now I've got the fool." Violet gasped" now I remember!" Both Cana and Storm looked at her confused " what do you mean?" Cana asked. Violet gulped " that woman, Temperess is the leader of a sick cult known as the Locusts from Hell. She and that Hysteria guy's hobby is killing Phoenix Slayers and using their bodies in their rituals. I encountered them once while out on a job." Storm paled " then we need to go help him!" Cana nodded in agreement but stopped when Hysteria appeared in front of them " Hysteria kill little wizard's friends now!" He said pointing at them.
Ragnar frowned when he heard the explosion and swore when he saw Hysteria " guys hold on I'm coming!" He called. However, he was thrown to the ground " you're not going anywhere!" Temperess called. " I've had just about enough of you! Holy-Shadow Phoenix Grand Shriek!" A mixture of light and darkness burst from Ragnar's mouth but it was unable to reach Temperess before it stalled out " is that all you can muster?" She called. Ragnar dropped to his hands and knees " damn it!" He muttered, sweating even more and breathing heavily as he listened to Hysteria's demented laugh and his guildmates screams." Feeling sick are we?" Temperess asked as she walked up to him. " Shut up you cow." Temperess laughed as she kicked him in the ribs " do you know why I am the commander of the plague? Because I can create all new viruses and diseases. And you've been exposed to quite a fatal one and you have been from the moment you've arrived. It's a virus that only affects Phoenix Slayers. It is transmitted through the air. Once it infects you, your antibodies begin to shut down. The more magic energy you use, the faster it travels. Eventually, it will devour your internal organs. You will suffer a slow and painful death" she said as she kicked him again and again. Ragnar spat up blood each time as he returned to normal. Temperess laughed and extended a hand " you were too easy" she called as an explosion fired out of her hand. Ragnar was sent flying but managed to catch himself in the air only to be hit with another explosion, this one sending him through a wall that had at one time belonged to a building. Ragnar grunted as he felt blood rush down his face.
Temperess caught up with him " well now Ragnar, it seems your time is up. It's been fun". " Damn you" Ragnar growled as more and more blood poured down his face. Temperess laugh and drew a dagger " enjoy the afterlife Phoenix Slayer!" She said. " Solar Dragon Roar!" Temperess's triumphant look changed to shock as she was shot forward by Violet's attack. Violet hurried to Ragnar's side but stopped when she saw the crimson mass his face had become " you alive?" She asked, a little banged up from her fight with Hysteria. " What do you think?!" Ragnar snapped as he forced himself on his knees " where's Cana and Storm? " " They're finishing Hysteria off. They're a little injured but they're fine." Violet said looking at her brother with a freaked out look on her face. As if on cue Storm and Cana both rushed to their guildmates and like Violet also stopped when they saw how bloodied Ragnar was. Just then Temperess made her presence felt again " young lady you ruined something special. I'm afraid you'll have to be punished." Storm and Violet stood between Temperess and Ragnar" Cana, take care of my brother!" Violet called as she and Storm rushed Temperess. Cana nodded and Ragnar's face in her hands" we need to stop this bleeding" she said. " it's nothing, I can still fight" Ragnar said. " No you can't. You're in no condition to" Cana said sharply. Ragnar's eyes widened " look out!" He said throwing her to the side and throwing his arms up. A dagger out of nowhere pierced his right arm deeply. As Ragnar yelled in pain Hysteria came out of a shadow " Little wizard could see Hysteria as he hid? Little wizard is full of surprises." Ragnar grabbed the handled of the dagger and pulled it out. He let a cry of pain and fury as he drove it in the chest of Hysteria who once again gave his demented laugh before slumping over.
Ragnar collapsed on his knees shaking from his fever and blood loss holding his arm " Cana, I only have a little bit of power left. Get Storm and Violet now and we'll get out of here." Cana nodded and hurried to find that Storm and Violet were getting nowhere with Temperess " guys we gotta go!" She called. Both Storm and Violet rushed back to Cana who led them to Ragnar " okay we're here!" Cana said. " Good grab on to me and pray I can get us all the way back!" Ragnar said. " Oh no you don't!" Temperess called hurrying over. Ragnar waited until he felt three hands before turning into a shadow and racing off I can hardly see. Come on body hang in there!
Ragnar was able to get his guildmates back to the Guildhall. He reappeared with them at the doorstep of the guildhall feeling like he might throw up. His face had stopped bleeding but his arm was still oozing blood. " We need to get you to the hospital now!" Cana said. Ragnar stumbled off " I'm fine. . . I'm totally fine. I just need. . . " he mumbled before falling over on his face and closing his eyes. The last thing he heard was Storm saying in a panicked voice " Quick get Mira!"