A/N: Hello all of my fellow readers! I hope this chapter is satisfactory for you! It is a little dark in a few places…but eh, that's normal for this story right? I want to thank all of the readers again, and especially the reviewers! You guys make me smile! Thanks for getting this story over a hundred reviews…that's just amazing to me…
Anyways, here are the special thanks:
TheGreatDetecitive13-Thank you for your review! I will try to incorporate some more Natsu/Lucy lovin'!
Jessiemae12192008-Thanks for your review! I'm sorry for having the mistakes. I read over it several times, but some mistakes I just can't find. I will work harder to find them though
asdfghjklqwerty123-Thanks for your review. I wouldn't say it was nice, but thanks for reviewing anyway. Honestly, I didn't like the way you worded your views on my story…but thanks nonetheless
Master of the Hellish Yard- Thanks for another wonderful review! Ha, I love the way you think looking forward for another warm review! You're awesome!
Velgamidragon- Thanks bunches for your review! Your review made me grin and laugh…and thanks! I really appreciate what you said!
Anyways, that's all I wanted to say. I hope you enjoy! Read and Review! Sorry for the late update!
Ichiya stood by his desk, exhausted. The room of his office was neat, almost too neat. All papers were in place, desk over polished (smelling heavily of a pretty scent), windows clean and the carpet recently vacuumed. But he didn't care about how neat his office was. He could be worried about his students failing the school…but he wasn't.
He was worried sick about Gajeel. Maybe not of him, but all the darker guilds alliance with his.
Gajeel was coming. He knew that for a fact, he wasn't stupid. In order to win this war, Gajeel needed his help. He knew Fairy Tail needed him as well, but they were alone. They needed more alliances as well. The bright side, was that Erza was in Fairy Tail. Also, he was good enough friends/colleagues with her master as well. But…the other guild had power, dark power which he had thirsted for, actually for awhile now. Fairy Tail wasn't incompetent, but compared to all those other guilds, they almost seemed as they were.
Ichiya was a good guy, truly he was. But for the good of his guild, he needed to have security. Fairy Tail didn't offer that right now.
'But,' he thought, tapping his fingers on his desk. 'If I…no we were to join Fairy Tail, we could mold the security around us…'
Just as he was going to make his decision, a guy in his gild, Hibiki opened the door forcefully, Ichiya snapping his gaze up quickly. Hibiki's skin was flushed, sandy blonde hair tousled around his features. The most obvious thing about him was his eyes-they were urgent. Too urgent.
"He's here!" Hibiki yelled breathlessly, his Adam apple bobbing up and down frantically. He gestured towards the hallway, licking his chapped lips. "He's not the only one though. Eve and Ren and I tried to hold them back, but they could be here any minute after Eve and Ren come. Once they get here, we've got to get to the other sector of the school…or the hideout."
Ichiya nodded, understanding. "Ok. I've got my perfume and bombs. Go open the window now."
As Hibiki opened the window, Ren and Eve ran into the room, shutting the door behind them and locking it reverently. Ren began backing chairs, books and anything behind it that he could find. As a loud parade of footsteps began to near the door Ichiya yelled, "Come! We're leaving now!"
Just as Ichiya and the three other boys united, the door exploded and some of the wall as well. Thick smoke and debris wafted around everywhere, fire racing along the heavily decorated walls.
Walking through the entryway of the door was Gajeel, Leon, Ultear and Lluvia. They looked at each other, hoping to find their people of interest. They were all rewarded with nothing. Lluvia secretly smiled, thankful for this happening while the other's cursed.
The room smelled faintly of a sweet perfume, aggravating Gajeel. As he walked forward he saw something left perfectly in the middle of the room. As he motioned them over, Leon frowned at the sight.
It was a key.
Erza and Lucy were arriving to Magnolia, bored by the long ride. Master had ordered them on another mission, and frankly Lucy was a nervous wreck. Erza remained calm, her legs crossed elegantly and her face never leaving the view of outside. At the moment Lucy envied her sister. How could someone remain so calm and collected, even if the mission was minor?
"Stop worrying Lucy," Erza said, turning away from the window with a stoic expression upon her face. Erza enlaced her fingers on her legs and something flashed in her eyes. "You'll be fine. I only wish Gerard could have come." Erza thought, 'I know he's important in this too…'
Lucy laughed. "But he has to take care of…Wendy right? I think that's her name…"
Erza nodded, a warm smile adorning her face. "Yes, it's Wendy. Just Wendy."
Lucy bit her glossed lip, wincing a little at the cut still healing her mouth. "Anyway, concerning what Master said…is it true the second floor of the school got burnt? Levy told me at lunch that the office got flooded water."
Erza sighed. "Yes, it's true. But when we go there today…there's no doubt something big is going to occur. We are going there, in offer of an alliance. If they decline, so be it. The only reason they'd decline is if threats happened previously, or too much thought was contemplated on. For some reason, I think both things happened."
Lucy shook her head. "But why are so many guilds after them? They're just one guild…"
"So are we," Erza reminded roughly. "But that guild, Blue Pegasus, is important when dealing with strategic beginnings. Ichiya is known for his gift of knowing different scents, smells, poison's, identifying them, and them cataracting them. That's vital, when dealing with tricky situations. "
Lucy was speechless for a while before she muttered, "Oh."
"And," Erza continued. "The guild has three excellent prodigies. Their names are Hibiki, Ren and Eve. They all got in the private school on scholarship, for three different majors when they graduate. It means they made it into the most prestigious boy's private school in the country. It's quite impressive, concerning they're the only ones to do it in the past sixty years."
"Wow," Lucy replied, envisioning a castle-like school with handsome guys and crisp uniforms. "They sound brilliant."
Erza nodded. "They truly are. I've met them before, along with the headmaster. The headmaster is someone of great…scarcity if you perceive him that way."
Just as Lucy was about to respond Erza smiled in a way a rare way. Lucy smirked, chuckling to herself. Gerard must have texted her. As Erza opened her phone, her face lit up.
From: Gerard
Hey, what's up? R u there yet?
.
.
.
To: Gerard
Yes, we're almost there.
.
.
.
From: Gerard
Oh. Well Wendy wants to say hi! Call when you get back. Love you.
.
.
.
To: Gerard
Love you.
.
.
.
"We're here!" Lucy exclaimed happily, eyeing Natsu and Gray outside. Lucy and Erza unbuckled their seatbelts and got out, thanking their chauffeur. Today was actually warm, not as cold as the past few days. The sun was warm on their skin and inviting-making the previous event appear less tedious.
As Natsu and Gray waved them over, Lucy finally realized how big the school was behind them. The school was egg-shell white, three stories high and split in three sectors, connected by a bridge. The campus was relatively empty except for a few staff members walking around. On the far side of the left sector was a greenhouse, made entirely of glass and shining brightly. It was gorgeous. Lucy wondered why she had never come across this campus before.
"Hey," Gray greeted once they reached them. His deep black hair was tied back in a short ponytail which was super surprising, yet adorable. Lucy giggled and he gave her the stink eye.
"Hi," Lucy replied warmly, smiling at both of the males happily. She was shaking though, and they figured it was from her nervousness. Gajeel and the other members of Phantom were not to be easily tampered with.
"Are you OK?" Natsu asked the blonde girl concernedly. Erza and Gray gave her the same looks, pitiful it seemed.
Lucy nodded confidently. "I'm good. I'm just not used to this yet," she explained quietly. "But because Erza is remaining calm, I will try to do the best for you guys as well."
The three other's nodded acceptingly. "So," Erza said, bringing all eyes on her. She continued firmly, "We have to search the grounds and find Ichiya. Because there are only four of us, this task may take longer than expected. So, we're splitting this group in half. The first group will search the left sector and the bottom two stories of the main building. The second group with search the right sector and the top floor of the main building. When we're done searching those buildings-if we still can't find them-the first group will check the greenhouse and basement flooring while the second group will check the grounds and forest area."
Natsu, gray and Lucy nodded, understanding the plan. Erza went on, "If we are to have an encounter with Gajeel or anyone, try to leave the situation as soon as possible. If it proves that tactic won't work you'll have to consent in fighting. Sometimes, you just can't run from things."
"Ok," Gray responded, speaking for the rest of them.
Erza breathed out, smiling a little although it looked awkward. "Ok," she said, seeming to relax from her stiff posture. "The first group will be Gray and I. Natsu and Lucy, you're group two. Understand?"
Natsu and Lucy looked at each other quietly. Gray and Erza slapped hands, Erza fingering the hilt of her sword protectively. Just as they were about to separate Erza motioned Natsu over.
Erza looked deep into his eyes, making the salmon-haired boy shudder. "I trust you," Erza said to him. Her eyes hardened. "Do not betray that."
Before he could respond she walked off, catching up to Gray. Natsu clenched his fists, and then turned his back, walking towards Lucy.
Gray opened the door to the building, feeling uneasy at how dark it was inside. The ground was slick and wet, and the smell of burnt plastic wafted around heavily. He moved to the left, letting Erza come inside the building as well. All the doors were closed, the gold knobs glinting brightly in the darkness.
"The alarm system couldn't be on," Gray muttered to himself darkly, glancing back at Erza for reassurance of his words.
Erza agreed, "Yes, I don't believe they're on. The alarm system is dead, probably letting the janitor's and repair crew come in anytime so they can clean this mess. The walls look horrible."
Gray grimaced. "I'll take the left part of this hall. You take the right," he suggested, Erza agreeing with him.
Just as Gray touched his hands to a golden knob, he gasped loudly and drew his hand away, his hand blistering from the heat. His eyes widened and he looked over at Erza saying, "Don't touch the doorknobs. They'll burn your hand."
Erza clicked her tongue and replied, "Let's just go upstairs then. Ichiya probably isn't here."
As soon as they walked upstairs they both noticed water trailing down the stairs, heavier as they got up. Gray reached down and put his burnt hand in the water, hissing relief when his skin didn't feel as inflamed. When he got back up, they both paused, watching two figures come from the opposite side of the dimmed hall.
It was Lluvia and Leon, making the black-haired male's eyes widen with shock, surprise and hurt. Erza just narrowed her eyes, stiffening with posture. The tension in the room had gotten thick, making their skin prick with nerves.
As Erza saw them both, she felt remorse for Lluvia. Her pale skin was tear-streaked, a few bruises on her arms and legs as well-it was obviously some sort of torture. The hat she usually wore was gone and her deep blue hair lay limp on her face.
"What did you do to her?" Gray asked Leon with clenched teeth. The smirk on Leon's face aggravated him-it made him feel mocked. He detested that feeling.
"What do you mean?" Leon asked innocently. He turned to look at Lluvia and touched her shoulder, smiling when she hissed in pain, flinching. "Lluvia wanted to do this…right?"
"Y-Yes," she answered weakly, feeling the ache of pain surround her body.
Gray clenched his fists. "You touch her again and I sware I'll send you to the deepest pits of hell-"
"Stop," Erza interrupted. Gray complied, looking at Erza with anger in his eyes. Leona and Lluvia trained their gazes on her. "Both of you stop! It's obvious you forced Lluvia into this Leon; we aren't the least bit idiotic. She's pure, innocent. Don't taint her with this mess."
Leon laughed. "Lluvia…pure? Yeah right! You do know the initiation process of her guild right?"
"What?" Gray inquired.
Lluvia trembled and tears built in her eyes, threatening to fall out. "Please Leon…don't tell them. Not Gray…" she sobbed, reaching out a fragile hand towards the white haired male.
Leon shrugged, pushing her hand away easily. "That's the price you pay, idiot. Get over it." He turned towards Erza and Gray, bored. "She had to sleep with every willing guy in the guild until she was admitted. She's not pure at all. She's a slut. Whore. Stupid and ugly follower." He grinned. "It's best if you don't associate with her anymore."
Tears streamed down Lluvia's pale face as she hiccupped, looking at Gray. He didn't meet her gaze.
"Who cares? The past is the past," Erza frowned. "We came here for one sole purpose. It's to find Ichiya. Now, tell us where he is. Or I'll force it out of you."
Leon smirked, running his tongue over his teeth sardonically. "Truthfully Ms. Erza, are you that stupid? How would we know? We're just the pawns. You know who the real player's are. So, go find them. Gajeel might have found Ichiya by now."
Just as Erza was about to unsheathe her sword, Leon dragged Lluvia away chuckling maniacally in the darkness. "Idiots…" he whispered.
"He's definitely not in these rooms!" Lucy called to Natsu, shutting the door behind her irritated. They had already searched the basement, the left sector and had just searched the bottom of the main building. They hadn't found one clue.
"Luce come here!" Natsu called from inside the office. His voice sounded strained so Lucy walked quickly towards him, finding him kneeling on the floor with something shiny in his hand. As she touched his shoulder he looked up, dropping the object into her hand.
Lucy quirked a brow but said nothing, opening her palm and gasping. It was a key. The same type of key her mother gave her, the key Loke spoke about…and it had the Gemini mark on it. The twins.
"I know where Ichiya went," Natsu said, standing up and grabbing her hand excitedly. "As we passed the greenhouse, there was a door near the greenhouse that had the same sign, like on that key. I think that's the key to that door."
"Natsu…" Lucy smiled, squeezing his hand. "You're great, you know that?"
Natsu smirked, puffing up his chest. "Oh I know. Why don't you call Erza, so they can meet us at the greenhouse? Once they meet up with us, we can go together and find them…"
"OK," Lucy chirped, putting the key into her pocket and taking out her phone. As soon as Erza responded Lucy told Erza their plan, then hung up, turning to Natsu. "They're on their way right now. We better get going."
"OK," Natsu replied, walking towards her.
As they exited the building Lucy asked, "I don't get it Natsu. Why would Ichiya hide out like this?"
Natsu licked his lips, running a hand through his hair. "A war is coming Luce. Gajeel wants Ichiya on their side and he'll do anything to get his alliance. Gajeel's guild is dangerous. The steel-head has no limits. I mean they blew up the school basically…so now that Ultear and Leon are with them, they have a lot more leverage."
"That makes sense," Lucy said. "This is getting very dangerous. Honestly though Natsu, I'm terrified. What if…people die and things become way more difficult to control?"
"People will probably die," Natsu said grimly. "Laxus was an example of that. All I know is that…I'll protect you and the guild and the city with all my strength. You're safe with me Lucy. And the guild."
Lucy blushed, looking down shyly. "Thanks Natsu…I'll try my best too."
Finally they neared the greenhouse. Natsu suggested they stand outside so they waited outside, a cold breeze trailing over them. Lucy shivered, leaning towards Natsu subconsciously. For some reason, the boy was always insanely warm. Soon she felt an arm wrapping around her waist, pulling her back into his chest, her head in the comfortable crook of his neck.
"Are you still cold?" Natsu asked, glancing down at her.
"N-No," Lucy stuttered, willing herself not to over think his actions. "Thank you Natsu."
A few minutes later they saw Erza and Gray walking towards them with grim expressions. Natsu and Lucy pulled away, exchanging worried glances. When Gray and Erza got to them Erza said, "We had a few interactions."
"What?" Lucy asked.
"We ran into Leon and Lluvia," Gray explained, with a flinch during the blue-haired girl's name. "Apparently, Gajeel is here with Ultear. Also, did the doorknobs feel scalding to you? I have a burn on my hand from them," he said, showing his red, blistered skin to them. Lucy grimaced.
"Let's get this over with," Erza said her eyes on Lucy. "Unlock the door for us Lucy." Natsu pointed out the door and both of them unlocked it. "Now," Erza added. "I'll be the last one in. Natsu, you're first."
Natsu looked down the door then jumped in. There was no reply. Gray jumped next, then Lucy. Finally when Erza jumped in she fell a little but stood up steadily. Natsu and Gray were helping up Lucy. The cavern was obviously underground due to the dirt surrounding the cave-like entrance. The ground was squishy and moist beneath them. Mud. It had enough light, but barely.
All four of them looked at each other then started to run. Mud sloshed up their legs, dirt falling over them. Finally they got to a door and it read: HIDEOUT.
All of them groaned at how obvious the sign was. Then with an urging nod, Natsu opened the door…
Only to find Gajeel and Ultear holding a knife under Ichiya's neck. Blood dribbled hastily down his neck and a bruise marred his forehead. His double chin trembled and his hair was matted to his head by sweat. The sight was disturbing.
When Gajeel noticed their appearance he grinned, his teeth glinting dangerously. "So the Fairy Tail turds finally came. Look Ultear…ha, let's let them watch while we make the contract of alliance."
Ultear snorted and the two cracked up laughing. Behind her were three boys gagged, looking at the newcomer's hopefully. One boy had a baby face with blonde hair. The other boy had deep brown skin and black hair, a scar adorning his face. Finally the last guy had long deep blonde hair and soft features. They were all handsome.
"Ichiya," Erza said with an urgent voice. "You need to be in an alliance with us. Don't think for now, think for the future. Don't be intimidated."
Ultear frowned. "Gajeel…I just got a voicemail from Master. He said to give up. Apparently we're alliance with Raven Tail. And…Lluvia and Leon already left. So do you want to rough him up a bit before we go?" She smirked over at Gajeel.
Gajeel grinned. "Sure," he answered darkly.
"Stop!" Erza exclaimed, angry at this situation. "Leave him alone. This is madness."
Gajeel slid the knife over Ichiya's cheek, digging the knife in the flesh, smiling as Ichiya squirmed. Thick, red blood ran down his face, tears beginning to burn his gaze. Just as Gajeel was going to stab Ichiya again Natsu kicked Gajeel away from the man angrily. Erza and Gray immediately went to Ichiya, Lucy glaring at Ultear.
"Lets' go," Ultear said, grabbing Gajeel's arm and walking out. Once they all assured she was gone they breathed a sigh of relief.
"Lucy and Natsu, go untie those three boys. After that give find some water and make them drink it," Erza ordered.
"OK," they chorused, walking over to the boys.
As they started to take the gags off Erza took out a tissue and wiped the blood off Ichiya's face, grimacing at the long, deep wound just under his eye, It was still bleeding so Erza picked up one of the gags Natsu threw off, and wrapped it around his head, smothering the wound.
"Thank you Erza," Ichiya said, still feeling pain from the stab. The area was throbbing painfully. "And the rest of you as well."
"Let's just get straight to the point here," Lucy said, walking towards them with Natsu and the three other boys. "Do you want an alliance or not? Plain and simple."
Ichiya gulped but nodded, understanding why they wanted to rush things. From the time he had been here, eh finally knew who he wanted-no needed, to alliance with. Smiling at Erza he reached out his hand. 'I'll send the agreement papers over to Makarov shortly. You can get going now."
Erza shook his hand, grinning back at him. "Good. We'll be waiting for you then."
As Gray, Natsu and Lucy left Lucy whispered into her sister's ear. "You know that Ichiya guy was checking you out right?"
Erza grimaced, resisting the urge to puke. "Oh I know Lucy. I know."
"You know what frightens me?" Gray said to Natsu as they lounged in his apartment. "How could they have gotten an alliance with Raven Tail?"
"Yeah," Natsu agreed, surprising Erza and Gray by his thoughtfulness. "That's like, the darkest guild of all dark guilds. And, they're amazingly strong."
"True," Erza pointed out. "Well Lucy and I have to go. Gray I want you to contact Master and tell him everything that just occurred."
Lucy and Natsu hugged, resulting in a blushing face of Lucy. Gray and Erza groaned, looking at each other.
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