Act II – Interception

A slight breeze wafted lazily above them, oblivious to the strangling tension and palpable fear that emitted off the sea of marching bodies as they flowed thickly down the dirty streets to the train station. The usual light-hearted air that breathed through the kingdom as children ran amuck, adults conversed with one another, and shop owners marketed their goods was blaringly absent. Stripped and horded away like precious stones from a fine piece of jewelry tucked into a safe. All that remained was the faded wallpaper of shadows that clung desperately to the buildings and sidewalks, they too afraid of their outcome after this war was done. Thick waves of moonlight infiltrated even the tightest of spaces, its cold grip leaving nothing untouched by its seeking talons.

While it was happening the evacuation was hardly noticed by those who were preparing for battle. It was just an order that had not applied to themselves personally and therefor had no emotion impact or weight. However as the two groups traveled it hit each individual with overwhelming force the severity of what was about to happen. To those who had already felt the agony of explaining and saying goodbye to their children and loved ones, the goodbye that was most likely their last, the sensation hadn't ever left.

An eerie silence lead them, it's presence a seemingly mutual agreement amongst those marching that now was the only time for mourning and grieving. Once they boarded that train and headed to the town closest to the Shadow Gate fear and sorrow would not be tolerated. As far as Makarov knew the little town didn't actually have a name, at least not officially, so he had lovingly deemed it The End of The Line. A name that had earned a ripple of chuckles five blocks back when he had first announced it, but now perched heavily on each person's shoulders as each mind thought Is it me? Is this my end of the line? Macao shrugged it off.

He had been assigned to trail the back of group B, Gajeel's group, in order to make sure those who were either struggling or falling behind kept up with the pack. Cana walked quietly to his right, her back bare and hands empty with her deck stashed tightly in her pocket. Back in the guild when he had overheard Mira asking her why she wasn't bringing anything extra Macao was surprised by her serious, sober answer.

"The reaper doesn't want your stuff. He's there for you and you alone, so why bother with it? Besides. I want it to be here waiting for me when I get back."

"But Cana what if you don't come back?"

"Then I want it to be here for them to remember me by."

Then she had gotten off her stool and helped a flustered young man who clearly wasn't familiar with how to store throwing knives.

It was at that time Macao had finished watching Romeo disappear with the last group of children to be evacuated. Their goodbye had been short and simple, but it was the world to both at them. When Macao first told Romeo he was staying back with the sheltered families Romeo was instantly furious. He launched into a heated reply saying he had to go. That he had every right to go. If everyone else was going to die to protect the world then he was going to be right there with them. The old man, already on the verge of tears, nearly collapsed then and there begging for his beloved son to understand that him staying back, staying alive, was the only thing that was going to allow the gray haired man to fight this nasty war. As his jaw unclenched to speak he was surprised to hear an old, gruff voice reply behind him. Whipping his head around his eyes widened as he saw the Master walking up to them grimly.

"Romeo, you need to stay behind with the others."

Romeo stared at the old wizard in shock, his previous temper forgotten momentarily. However after a few moments of confused silence the young boy folded his arms harshly, clearly irritated, cocking is up and fixating his gaze on some point of the ceiling.

"Come on gramps, you know that's not fair! I deserve to be out there with all of you as much as my dad does!" He complained finally, his eyes snapping down so that he was facing Makarov head on. Macao just stared in unmasked surprise as he watched his son, his baby boy, grow into a young man on the spot. His lips twitched into a small, conserved smile as pride flooded his body in joyful, excited waves. Who would have known his own son would already be so strong without him realizing it?

"My my, you've grown again haven't you?" Makarov chuckled lightly to himself seeming to be lost in his own thought. "Exactly how Natsu was when he was your age." He smiled, no doubt watching the many memories stored in his mind of the simpler times when one of Fairy Tail's strongest mages hadn't even reached five feet yet. The nostalgic moment warmly filled the air but quickly faded into the tension as time moved on to the present, pressing matters.

"You need to stay here in case Fairy Tail doesn't come back." Makarov stated. His short body stood firmly with his head level to the flood and arms held proudly behind his back. This wasn't a statement, it was a command.

Romeo's eyes widened and Macao too found his jaw limp as it fell open in surprise.

"What do you mean in case Fairy Tail doesn't come back!? Of course we're coming back!" The young boy cried. Macao couldn't help but wonder the same thing. Didn't the master have any faith in them?

"I mean that if we all die in the worst war this world has even seen, and most likely will ever see, I need you to be here to start the next generation of the guild." Makarov explained, his mouth set in a firm line and eyes closed firmly.

It was Macao's turn to speak now. Clearing his voice uneasily he knelt down so he was eye level with his son, who had returned to looking at the ceiling, and placed his hands on his shoulders.

"Romeo."

No reply.

"Romeo look at me. "

Tentatively Romeo lowered his head so he was looking into his father's sad, worn eyes. He noticed how they rested tiredly in his dad's skull, their once vibrant color having dulled to a graphite gray as time beat away at their livelihood. He saw what they saw, the deaths of friends through time, the hard battles fought, the painful struggles to survive. He saw the fear he himself hadn't felt till now reflected back at him in his own glossy reflection.

"He's right. I need you here because your safety is the only thing that's going to get me through this. But the guild needs you here too. You are our future." Macao spoke quietly and seriously. No time in his life could Romeo recall so much love and pride filled in any words ever spoken to him.

Nodding numbly Romeo found himself encased in his father's warmth, and he felt the hot sting of his tears burn his cheeks as they fell freely from his eyes. He felt safety and protection nothing could ever hope to replace. The safety and protection that was now being ripped away from him. His entire body shook at the realization that he was going to be alone. That his dad was going to go away.

That he wasn't going to come home.

Uncrossing his arms he threw them around his father's neck, returning the hug. He could feel his dad was also quivering uncontrollably and after a few moments a quiet sniffle announced his salty despair. He didn't know when but Makarov had walked away, his eyes still firmly shut and arms held stiffly behind his back. They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, yet when they finally parted Romeo knew it wasn't enough. That he was being robbed by the world as it took his father away from him. One look at his dad and he could tell he felt the same way.

"I love you so much Romeo. No matter what happens never forget that." Macao stated as tears pricked the back of his eyes. He wasn't going to cry in front of his boy now despite how obvious it already was. Romeo whimpered slightly as he was trying to do the same thing.

"I won't dad. I love you too." He spoke. "Promise me you'll come back!"

The words had rushed off his lips before his mind could process their presence, his eyes wide with panic and fear. He knew it was a pathetic demand. There was nothing his father could do to actually fulfil the promise if he agreed to it, yet Romeo couldn't stop the words from racing from his heart off his tongue. Giving a small, sad smile Macao nodded.

"I promise."

Satisfied Romeo nodded his head and resumed his job of ushering the kids to the safe houses. Only this time when he went through the back doors of the guild he didn't come back.

Macao watched the memory play out in front of his eyes for the rest of the trip to the station. Another story to add to their collection. When they finally had arrived they found, as expected, the conductor was absent, the ticked booth was closed, and all the loading platforms were void of passengers. Ahead of him he saw the group swell to a stillness as Laxus and Gajeel, with Levy by his side, were discussing the next point of action with the master. After a brief exchange of words they seemed to reach an agreement and once again split off back to their respective groups. However instead of taking her place at Gajeel's left side Levy followed the master as they made their way to the front of the train.

Macao had a funny feeling all of a sudden. Laxus's voice forced his attention out of his mind though and onto the new task at hand. Apparently group A was going to follow Laxus to the front half of the train where they would be split into smaller groups of four, loaded systematically, and take their seats while group B followed Gajeel to the lower half of the metal giant and split accordingly. Sighing tiredly Macao began shuffling along with his group, the funny feeling still lingering in his chest. But in times like these everything lingered, so he decided not to pay any significant attention to it.

Once they made it to their designated portion of the train the mass of people waited in a thinning silence for Gajeel to come and divide them. Glancing over to his right Macao saw Cana watching the other group intensely, her eyes sharp, glistening with concentration. No detail would be missed. Deciding to finally do something other than sulk in his own memories Macao cleared his throat and lifted his head a little.

"What'cha looking at over there?" He asked, skipping any and all formalities and getting strait to his questing. No point in bothering with opening a conversation now with death waiting for them at The End of the Line.

"Nothing much really. Just looking at our numbers and calculating our chances of winning if certain people were to die in the first or second wave of battle." She replied easily, unfazed by the sudden question. The same couldn't be said for Macao though. As her reply hung in the air he couldn't do anything but stare at her as her surreal response sunk in. She didn't seem to mind though as the young woman continued on.

"With both groups combined and assuming the enemy underestimates our abilities we have a seventy-eight percent chance of success. Assuming the enemy doesn't underestimate us that percent drops to seventy-three. Then if the enemy is prepared for us the percent is sixty-five. Assuming they are able to divide our groups the chance of success for each group alone is forty percent. The overall success of the guild at that point is twenty percent. That is all assuming we only lose those who are unfamiliar with fighting."

Realizing he was holding his breath Macao made a deep sigh and inhaled stiffly, his lungs suddenly burning in his rib cage, the rapid beating of his heart thundering loudly in his ears, mingling with the racing thoughts that were flooding his mind in an uncontrollable chaos. Realizing the anxiety building up uncomfortably in his chest he tried to release some of the pressure by letting out a strained wheeze of a laugh.

"Oh really? I had no idea you could calculate things like that." He replied. As he spoke he aimed for his tone to come out lighthearted and unconcerned, however each word was cracked by fear and stained with insecurity. Finally tearing her eyes away from the mostly boarded group A, Cana looked at him for the first time since their trek had begun.

Her eyes were now dull and her shoulders seemed to sag defiantly, unhappy with the situation.

"It's part of using Card Magic. The cards can tell you a lot, but it's up to you to make the most out of what they give you. So in order to be stronger I have learned and trained myself to calculate my, or in this case our, chances of success. I do it before every battle now." She spoke tiredly, her arms folding across her chest and weight shifting so she stood mostly supported on her left side.

"I guess that makes sense then." Macao replied unevenly, the sudden rush of thoughts making it hard to gather a decent reply. "So you did a reading huh?" He finally managed to choke out.

Cana nodded.

"Sure did. Since I wasn't packing I decided to get a head start on this war. The outcome is decent assuming the situation will be slightly favorable when we get there."

"That's good to hear." Macao replied, the unease in his chest lifting slightly.

"I suppose. That is assuming for optimal conditions though. I don't need to do a calculation to know that's most lightly not going to happen." She replied in the same monotone, unamused voice.

The unease fell back in his chest, it's vice grip tighter than before.

"I guess that makes sense too." Macao agreed again. A brief silence fell over them as Macao's mind formed one question that sent chills down his spine. He tried to shoo it away, grasping for anything else to ask about, but coming up empty handed. As he did this Cana watched his eyes, taking in their behavior knowingly. They made small, sharp movements as they darted around the open space, their pupils dilating rapidly.

"Look, Macao. I know what you wanna ask. Do you really want the answer?" She finally sighed.

Another moment of silence.

"Yes."

"Thirty-four percent"

Macao stood as the number hung fleetingly in the air before evaporating into the darkness. Even the moonlight didn't want that number.

A looming shadow broke their locked gaze as someone approached.

"Macao you're going to be with me and Lilly. Cana, master wants you at the engine with him and Levy." Gajeel's rough voice cut through the silence that had fallen around them. Both Cana and Macao turned their attention to Gajeel. Macao nodded while Cana let out something that she would describe as a giggle.

Macao described it as a sarcastic snarl.

"I knew the Master was gonna ask me do a reading." She hissed bitterly. Macao hadn't ever seen this side of her before. Usually before tough battles she was giggling and taking bets on how long the enemy would last before Fairy Tail crushed them. Now instead she was standing sober on her feet with a sadistic grin and poisoned attitude.

So this is how she deals with kind of crap Macao thought to himself, taking his time to observe the brunettes off-putting slouch and hard eyes.

Gajeel just shrugged. Macao took note of the unusual behavior as well. Usually the Iron Dragon Slayer simply wouldn't have replied. Macao guessed he was feeling the pressure too. Without another word the giant man turned around so all Cana and Macao could see where bulging muscles and a thick, untamed mane of inky hair. Sighing Cana didn't say goodbye as she began walking towards the conductor's cart of the train. Being the only one left who had yet to move Macao made quick, long strides in order to catch up with Gajeel. Once he did he maintained the brooding man's quick pace. Soon they were both loaded onto the train.

"We're the last booth on the right side. Go sit down." Gajeel instructed gruffly without looking at Macao. He was facing the open train door with his hands firmly planted on either end of the opening, his head outside the metal cart and looking forward towards the front of the train. Knowing better than to remark at the rude nature of the command Macao just nodded and made his way to the appropriate booth. Once inside he sat, absentmindedly finding himself staring with a glazed expression out the window at the dead city.

No, not dead. Sleeping.

It wasn't dead. At least not yet. There was an air of unfinished business that wouldn't allow the reaper access to the rough cobble stone streets until every last one of Fairy Tail's mages were long gone from this world. Immediately Macao's thought's found Romeo's face in his mind, and he smiled.

That's not gonna happen for a long time.

Suddenly the train jolted forward causing Macao to slide forward slightly. It wasn't a feeling he wasn't used to, however that odd feeling from before returned once again and he suddenly became aware of quickly they were speeding up. Looking out the window again he watched the ticket booth pass by at least twice as fast as it usually would at this point. Then, almost as if his thoughts were the cue, the train suddenly jerked to a slower pace causing his body to be thrown forward. Quickly flexing his legs against the ground to brace himself and prevent a face first collision with the dirty floor Macao let out an irritated growl.

"Just who the hell is driving this thing!?" He muttered to himself. However things seemed to be flowing smoothly now as the train began to pick up more speed at a reasonable, safe pace. Letting himself ease back into the seat Macao went back to staring out of the window until his attention was caught by the opening and closing of the booth's doors. Looking over he saw Gajeel sit down rigidly on the cushioned bench opposite him, near the door.

Macao waited a few minutes, then looked at Gajeel curiously. Too tired to care about the guy's rough nature he decided to strike up a conversation.

"Where's Lilly?"

"Up with Laxus."

Macao nodded, pleased he got a response.

"Why's he up there?"

"He's making his way down from the top checking on everyone."

"Huh. Aright."

Gajeel didn't give a reply, but Macao didn't think he would. The sounds of the train humming along the rails filled the small booth making Macao much more relaxed. He wasn't much or silence. It always bothered him because when there was silence there was usually something very wrong. As he thought about it a small chuckle fell from his lips. A real one.

"What's so funny?" Gajeel grumbled.

"Nothing. Just thinking about how most Fairy Tail members don't like silence since we're so used to the guild hall being so rough all the time." Macao replied with his old, lively grin. Gajeel just made a sort of huffing sound. Again the white noise filled the room. Sensing the lingering awkwardness Macao decided one final question would be fine. Looking over again he noticed Gajeel had folded his arms across his chest and was sitting stiffly with his eyes closed. Macao assumed it was a technique for his motion sickness.

"Hey Gajeel, where's your girlfriend?"

Opening one eye Macao found an intense red iris fixed on him.

"Who the hell you think's driving this damn thing?"

Erza shoved through the loose, wooden door with a frantic kick. Flying past the empty check-in counter she headed into the small sitting room. The faded crimson couches that lounged invitingly were empty with the lacrima crystals that usually portrayed the day's news, or the most recent theatrical play, were either dead on their shelves or in a broken pile on the carpeted floors. Outside the sounds of people rushing around chaotically were almost nonexistent. It was dangerously deceptive. As the scarlet haired mage quickly climbed the stairs with practiced endurance she found herself momentarily lulled into a sense of security. However as she felt her right foot falter due to Gray's extra, unconscious weight, she was forcefully slapped back into the hell that was their reality. Regaining her footing she continued to climb, her breaths coming out in rasping gasps as her lungs beat savagely against her ribs. Throwing a brief look over her shoulder she silently nodded to herself as she saw Natsu a few stairs below her with Lucy and Carla cradled in his tired arms.

Whipping her head back around her eyes took in the last couple of stairs before she was faced with a right or left turn.

Banking sharply to the right she suddenly felt the exhaustion in her legs as they quivered inside their thick armor plating.

Don't you dare give up on me body! She threatened herself in her mind, anger swelling inside her chest. Having reached the window at end of the hall she drunkenly stumbled to a stop. Turning to face the left side door her eyes scanned the handle, analyzing the lock. It was just a simple key lock that was undoubtedly no longer being sold due to security issues, so once again Erza braced her body in preparation to kick the ancient slab open. As she lifted her leg a sharp jolt of pain shot through her calve as her muscles suddenly tensed into an excruciating knot. Unable to contain the agonizing sensation she let out a sharp cry. Natsu didn't look at her as he raced past, his eyes locking on the door. Instead of stopping and kicking it though he ran at it. Pulling Lucy tightly into his chest he turned at the last moment, throwing all his momentum into the ancient structure as his shoulder slammed loudly against the worn wood.

The door gave instantly and Natsu found himself standing inside the small room, his shoulder throbbing and breathe coming in heavy pleas, begging for the intense burning in his chest to stop. Slipping in swiftly Erza managed to kick the defeated door closed with her 'good' leg, then limped up to Natsu. Her hair fell around her in a heavy, blinding sheet and she suddenly had the desire to chop it all off. That would be for another time though.

That is if she survived to see that other time.

Pushing the sudden, intrusive thought away her logical, strategizing mind took control of her tired body as she began to scan the room. Unlike most hotels the team had stayed at on missions there was only one bed, a fact that showed the inns age, and no couch or chair to provide additional sleeping space. Instead she found in the small, constrictive room a bedside table with a small lacrima crystal and room service menu resting on its surface. Then turning her head slightly she saw another door that she immediately assumed lead to the bathroom which was undoubtedly painfully old fashioned as well. Continuing drinking in the details she felt a small smile on her lips. Thanking God for their first blessing that day her mind relaxed.

There were no windows.

Giving herself a small nod she ended her search and rested her gaze intensely on Natsu. He was staring back her, his usually burning onyx eyes clouded with the dull smoke of exhaustion. Tangled pink locks were plastered to his forehead while they wildly protruded at impossible angles at his crown. His shoulders rose and fell sharply with each strained breath, his torn vest moving with the dramatic movements as it limply clung to his body. He was still clutching Lucy protectively against him, one arm under her legs with his hand resting under her knee while the other supported her at the shoulder blades, his hand holding her head gently. Carla was tucked in the blonds curled stomach, her white fur dirty from the ashes that had begun to fall around them.

The gate to the Shadow Realm was open. Jason Darkbright was coming with his army of demented monstrosities to take Lucy and use her magic to destroy this world.

And here they were, Fairy Tail's chosen team that was supposed to have prevented this entire situation, holed up in a barely standing shack at the edge of a small town Erza didn't even know the name of.

"Natsu, get some rest. There's nothing we can do now except regain our strength and pray that somehow the world doesn't end while we're asleep." Erza ordered tiredly.

Natsu just gave a small smile and nodded. In the next second he had fallen onto the single bed, Lucy still in his arms, asleep immediately. Erza felt a small chuckle bubble out of her raw throat at her teammate's actions. It made her feel like things were finally returning to normal after months of pain, confusion, and betrayal. And ll it took was Lucy's insane biological father wanting to destroy the world. This time a full laugh swung happily off the armored mages lips as she held the thought in her mind, the moment created into a memory she would cherish for the rest of her life. Even if that was only for the next couple of hours.

Still smiling she barely managed to hoist Gray onto the bottom of the bed, his feet inches away from Natsu's as the ice mage curled into himself, moving for the first time in what felt like ages. Walking around to the open space on the other side of the boy Erza felt her body go limp as she collapsed into the remaining space. Fatigue took over the instant her eyes fluttered closed, and she soon found herself lost in a cool place of quiet and peace.

Wakaba sat silently as the train smoothly launched down the tracks leading to the worst fight he would ever be in. He had been assigned a booth with strangers, and when they all had sat down when first being loaded everyone immediately began sizing one another. Now when Wakaba thought back on the scenario he had to suppress a giggle. It was almost like they themselves were planning on duking it out later when they stepped of the giant machine. In his observations the old Fairy Tail mage had discovered that he was sitting with men from all different guilds. It struck him as odd then and it still did now as he recounted the memory. He had been assigned to group A, and as they began marching bands of people instantaneously formed. Members from other guilds found one another and shuffled along in the comfort of their teammate's presence. Those who were obviously weak found one another and walked in small, feeble groups of slumped shoulders and quivering knees.

No one had, or wanted to, say anything about it but one-third of the mages brought from the other guilds should not be here. They were weak, lacking experience and training, and frankly too afraid to keep themselves safe. So even with the extra numbers to boost Fairy Tail's ranks their army was far from what they needed. It was going to be a hard war, and in the end Wakaba doubted that even if they did succeed they could call it a 'win'.

The first man Wakaba studied on the train had a stocky build with hard, black eyes and a bored expression on his face. In the middle of his right forearm before his sleeve was a green band of interlocking symbols tattooed into his tan skin. Wakaba didn't know what guild that represented, but based off the man's stern mood and apparent training he assumed it was one of the stronger guilds that had joined the fight.

Next to that man was almost a complete opposite. The boy couldn't have been more than nineteen and was built like a breeze of wind that rushed down the streets on a cold night. His eyes were wide and sharp, their piercing orange iris's alert and prepared. He was definitely the tallest person in the booth with awkwardly long arms and spindly legs he struggled to keep to himself in floor space. He was crowned with a mess of purple hair that matched his simplistic purple button up shirt and denim jeans. He wore standard running shoes, or at least that's all they appeared to be, and he had no visible weapons. Wakaba had to scan the young man repeatedly before he was able to find a guild mark. It wasn't until the boy turned his head to the left so he could stare out the window that Wakaba found it. A small, red symbol that looked like a pair of red wings tucked behind his right ear, barely visible under the boys hair. As Wakaba looked at the boy now he still couldn't decide if the lad was one of those poor souls that had no chance at surviving this nightmare, or if he had a trick up his sleeve that would help secure their victory.

The last man Wakaba analyzed was the one sitting beside him to his right. His gaze was unconditionally glued to the floor, his head slightly down cast and shoulders slumped over. Wakaba didn't need to study the poor man long to know he wasn't going to make it out of this.

His body was stiff and compressed, arm where average sized for a man who was in his mid-thirty's possibly early forties, and his legs looked decent enough to run but not muscular enough to fight. Bland brown hair spilled into his panicked eyes and his body was noticeably shaking. None of the other men said anything about it though. Deciding not to linger on the poor guy Wakaba quickly glanced over the man until he found his guild mark. It was a shape unlike anything Wakaba had ever seen before. A pale blue circle-like figure on the man's calve that blead into an entanglement of black wires that wrapped down his leg, disappearing into his shoe. Only the circle wasn't a circle. It was a ring of something connected to itself that Wakaba couldn't identify. However the longer he stared at it the more hopeless he began to feel.

Tearing his gaze away with a harsh flick Wakaba found the thick man sitting across from him entranced by the same mark. Taking a deep, cleansing breath, Wakaba shut out his surroundings and lost himself in his cigar for the rest of the ride.

It had been an hour before Wakaba began to feel the train slowly, but steadily, begin to ease. Bringing his sensed back to the reality that was the small booth he noticed all the men were staring out the window, their faces pale and eyes each showing different emotions. Directing his gaze to the small glass portal leading to the outside world Wakaba's cigar fell to the floor as his eyes widened and moth fell open in horror.

Suddenly the train stopped, its wheels screeching painfully as sparks shot high to the sides of its metal body in a rain of fiery protest. All the men in the booth flung forward at the bucking, their bodies colliding into a disgruntled heap on the floor. Fully alert Wakaba threw his panic and anxiety out of his chest as his hand shot out behind him. Swiftly brushing the ground with the pads of his fingers his body let out a mental cry of joy as his hands enclosed around his fallen cigar. Shoving the thing into his mouth he shot to his feet, disregarding the bodies that still struggled on the floor. Looking around and found that the young boy was already standing and panting heavily, both hands clutching small vials of discolored liquids like throwing knives between his fingers, his button up shirt open revealing a mesmerizing array of encased vials and tubes strapped to his chest. The two men made brief eye contact while the stocky man quickly stood up. The fourth man stayed on the ground, terrified, his arms locking above his head to protect his face as he curled around himself.

He was already lost.

Without hesitation Wakaba forgot about the withering man as he pivoted so he was standing square with the door. Grasping the handle he threw it open in one fluid motion. Before the train had stopped he could see the town approaching them, signifying that they were close to their target. Stepping out into the hall Wabaka saw other doors begin to open in confusion, terror, or deployment as people struggled to understand what was going on.

"Everyone to your feet!" Makarov's voice boomed over the intercom, the urgency clear in his tone. "Jason knows we're here and he has sent a portion of his army to stop us before we can get to Lucy! Get off the train now!" He ordered. Then there was a sound of something large crashing into something metallic before the sound cut off in a pop of static.

Suddenly chaos erupted in the now cramped hall as bodies flooded the limited space. Turning around Wakaba flew back into his booth, both men staring at him. As he locked the door and drew the curtains closed he heard a gruff voice shout behind him.

"What the hell are you doing!? Our orders are to get off the train!"

Turning Wakaba saw the stocky man glaring at him, his eyes glistening threateningly and his body rigid. Wakaba wasn't intimidated. He had lived his whole life in a guild where several people could obliterate a person with their magic pressure alone. He lived in a guild where these very same people sparred every day in the great hall. He lived in a guild where children could kick a dark guild's ass. He was part of Fairy Tail, and a dude with big muscles and a mean face was a far stretch from terrifying.

"Exactly! It's chaos out there so I suggest you get your ass in gear and figure out a way to blow a hole in this wall!" Wakaba growled back as he threw his thumb over his shoulder, gesturing to the flooded hallway.

The man stared at him for a moment, his face slowly turning a vibrant shade of red, no doubt not used to being addressed in the manner Wakaba had just had.

"Listen. Forget whatever fancy title you held back at your own guild. Right now you're only as good as what you can do right here, right now. These monsters aren't going to give a damn if you were the guilds strongest member. They'll be too busy ripping into you because you were depending on your title to save you!" Wabaka shouted. He was going to get this out of the way now in case he got stuck fighting alongside these men once they were on the ground.

"Get used to this right now because hell is waiting for us out there! You signed up for this so get moving and do the job we all signed up for!" He finished, his voice cutting through the noises of scurrying feet and shouting voiced on the other side of the door. Before him both men we're staring at him. The large man with wide, unbelieving eyes, and the thin one frozen with a look of fear. Brushing past the two Wakaba stepped over the man on the floor and over to the wall of the train. He stuck his arm forward so his hand was pressed against the wall and he began searching for a weak spot. He wasn't particularly good at this kind of thing but he didn't have time to waste waiting for someone else to do it. As his hand slid up and down the cold metal he felt a firm grip on his shoulder. Turning around to see who it was he wasn't surprised to see the heavy man he had yelled at seconds ago glaring at him. His eyes were dangerous, narrow slits that stared into Wakaba's with blazing fury.

"Fine. You're right." The man snarled bitterly, his mouth a thin line and body tense. Retracting his hand from Wakaba's shoulder he stood to his full height and nodded.

"But after this war you and me. Got it?"

Wakaba smirked.

"You're on."

The man nodded again, his body relaxing faintly into a comfortable stance.

"My name is Kaleb Fredkrit, Dullahan Head." He introduced himself. Wakaba nodded.

"Wakaba Mine, Fairy Tail." He replied, smirk still on his face. Turning so he was face ing the young boy he shot him an expecting look. The boy stared back at him, clearly not catching the hint, before he nodded quickly and spoke.

"Oh yeah! Um, Zachary Johansson, Phoenix Grave. Most people just call me Z though." He quickly introduced, eyes still wide. However now there was an undeniable spark of excitement and anticipation in them that made Wakaba's smirk grow into a full smile.

"Alright than Kaleb, Z." He began, addressing the two. Turning to face the wall he prepared himself for what was to come next, his hands in front of him and legs set in in his fighting stance. "When we get out there you swing with everything you got!"

Hey guys, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I proofread it this time which is why it's a little late, but I figured I would be forgiven. Things have been kind of rough over here with me. Everything is fine, I've just been feeling down I guess. Honestly though I think I'm just a 'down' kind of person. My natural state of being is just a tad sad I think. Anyway, I hope you're lives are going fantastic! You all are wonderful human beings. Thank you so much for reading! If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to leave them in the reviews or P.M. me. Again thank you so much! Love ya!

~VampireFluteChick~