Business went on as usual inside the Fairy Tail guild, but underneath the smiles was an overwhelming sense of uneasiness. It had been two days since the Fiore alliance set off on their journey to Pergrande, and those left behind tried their best not to worry about their friends. But that deed was easier said than done.
Chief among the worried was the young Aura Dragneel. She sat at the bar, a saddened look in her eyes as she stared at the floor and swung her feet back and forth in the air.
What is the matter, child? Atlas asked. The fire dragon was still sealed safely inside Aura's body, although it had been some time since he had spoken to her directly. In this instance he just so happened to be reaching the tail end of one of his famous naps. Despite that, now that they shared a body, Atlas had a good grasp on his host's mental state.
"I miss Mama and Papa." Aura frowned. She made sure she spoke low enough so no one would hear her, but due to how loud everyone else in the guild was being, that was no real problem.
Where has the son of Igneel gone?
"To a really far place to fight bad people."
Bad People? Atlas questioned for clarity.
Aura nodded. Not that Atlas could see it. "They're going to beat up the bad people that hurt them, and bring Ms. Shizuka back."
Atlas had no idea what Aura was talking about, but he could tell from the tone in her voice that she was less than enthused about her parents chances. He huffed before giving his reply. I see that this matter is troubling you, but you should have faith in your parents. They are both very strong wizards. I have no doubt that they will defeat these…'bad people' and return safely.
Aura smiled softly. "Thanks, Atty."
I told you before my name is Atlas. The fire dragon closed his eyes, and within seconds he was once again returned to his slumber. That was usually how things were with the guardian deity. He would speak to Aura about whatever happened to be on her mind at the time, then go back to sleep. Aura thought he was rather lazy for a dragon.
"You look like you're in a better mood." A happy voice said to the child. "That's good."
Aura turned around to the voice's owner. "Hi, Kina."
"Hello." Kinana returned.
"Where's Mama Mira?" Aura asked, looking behind the bar for Mirajane.
"She's still with Lisanna." Kinana answered.
"Oh." Aura replied, once again looking down at the ground.
"Why do you ask? Are you worried about Lisanna too?"
Aura looked away and Kinana smiled again. "It's ok, she'll be better soon." The purple-haired barmaid's reassurance earned her a small smile from Aura.
"Aura!"
This time the person calling to her was Asuka. Aura looked to her friend's somewhat hesitant features. "Mommy is going to the store…do you want to go with us?" Asuka fidgeted as she asked. It was clear that her attempt was to cheer up Aura, she just had little idea on how to do it.
Aura wanted to say no, but after her conversations with Atlas and Kinana, she realized that the last thing her parents would want is for her to be sad while they were gone. Choosing to be a big girl, Aura smiled and nodded, graciously accepting Asuka's offer.
Asuka excitedly held out her hand, which Aura grabbed. "Come on!" the little cowgirl exclaimed. The two ran towards Bisca who was at the entrance of the guild hall.
"Bye bye, Kina!" Aura waved as she was recklessly pulled along by her eager best friend. Kinana returned the wave before resuming her barmaid duties. Unbeknownst to her or the others in the guild, Flare Corona was also lurking around. With Natsu and Erza gone, she took it upon herself to be Aura's silent guardian until they returned. Keeping a safe distance, Flare followed Aura, Asuka, and Bisca into the city. Her sights never leaving the pink haired dragon-slayer-to-be.
"Are they really going to be alright?" Levy worriedly inquired. She, along with Yukino and the recently discharged Alana, sat at a table near one of the windows.
"I hope so." Yukino answered, trying to mask her own doubts. Though her worried expression broke apart that fragile plan. "Lucy didn't seem fully healed to me."
"Come on, guys. Cheer up. They're going to be fine." Alana smiled, trying to convince herself as much as her companions. "Juju promised they would be back." She tried to pump her fist, but the action caused her ribs and arm to ache.
"Should you really be out of the hospital?" Yukino queried as she watched the still injured Alana clutch her side. "Juvia told us you were injured worse than Lisanna."
"Relax. I feel fine." Alana waved off. She tried to mask her pain with a smile. She then looked longingly out of the window. "I'm more worried about Aura. Poor girl. Her parents are gone and she's here all alone. She needs her big sister!" Alana shot up triumphantly, aiming to follow Aura, but the heiress slowly fell back to the bench when her knees gave out.
"Isn't Aura staying with Ms. Bisca and Mr. Alzack until her parents return?" Yukino reminded a now pouting Alana.
"She would have been better off with me…" Alana mumbled.
"You should rest." Levy implored.
"I'm fine, Levy. Really."
The solid script wizard skeptically looked into Alana's eyes before giving a long sigh. She knew no matter what anyone said, Alana would refuse to listen. If she learned anything about the heiress in their short conversations together, it was that she was as stubborn as a rich ox. "Just take it easy, ok?"
"Yes ma'am." Alana saluted but once again froze when the pain returned. Yukino gasped with worry, while Levy simply shook her head in disappointment.
While the members of Fairy Tail went about their usual business, their master stood on the balcony of the second floor. He looked down at them with apprehension in his eyes and worry in his heart.
"Careful. You'll give yourself wrinkles if you worry so much."
The teasing tone belonged to Mavis Vermillion, who appeared from the ether and floated to her impromptu seat on the balcony railing. "Are you still worried about the others?"
"It's hard not to be." Makarov answered, clenching the hand behind his back into a tight fist. "Who knows what sorts of dangers await them once they reach Pergrande?"
"Do you know anything of the country?"
Makarov shook his head. "Next to nothing. Macao told me that there was apparently a huge uprising within the country the third year after we were frozen on Tenrou Island. During the revolt the king was deposed and his son was named king."
"That certainly sounds worthy of note."
"I agree, but when I asked the council about it they said that all records of the coup were classified, even to wizard saints. Only senior members of the council are allowed to view them."
Mavis leaned back, kicking her feet out over the railing. "Sounds to me like they're hiding something."
"Sadly that wouldn't be new for the council." Makarov sighed. "But they and their red tape aren't what I'm worried about."
"Fenrir's Fang?" Mavis assumed.
Makarov nodded. "Yes. I feel there is more to this guild than meets the eye." He turned his gaze to the window, his eyes set just below the sun. "I can only hope that Erza and the others are prepared for whatever may come next."
"Are we there yet?!" Natsu groaned.
"Yeah…"Sting's cheeks bloated, but he managed to stave off vomiting…this time. Unlike Gajeel, who was already taking liberties with the side of the ship. "Seriously…I don't how long I can keep this up."
"I have to agree…" Rogue trailed off.
The four dragon slayers lurched over portside. The ride on the ship had been hell for them since they departed from Crocus, and from the looks of the shimmering waters ahead of them, they had yet to enter the ninth circle.
"You guys still whining? Pathetic." Laxus said in disappointment. He was sitting a small distance away from them, his arms crossed and his brow furrowed as his back lay against the wooden railing.
"Wow. Laxus doesn't seem to be affected at all." Wendy observed with wonder along with Lucy. Unlike her male counterparts, Wendy was unaffected by vehicle travel. Carla explained many times that it was due to her magic's ability to heal. That it cancelled out whatever it was that caused a dragon slayer's motion sickness. Others assumed it was because she simply wasn't old enough to go through the pain yet.
Lucy nodded in agreement. "I'm actually really surprised he's not puking his guts out. He's really disciplined."
Evergreen chuckled at her guildmate's praises. "Don't let the calm and cool demeanor fool you. Laxus is just as sick as the rest of them. He's just too embarrassed to show it. It's actually quite cute when you think about it."
Wendy and Lucy were nearly fell over at Evergreen's revelation. Laxus and cute?! The combination seemed to go against everything the pair knew about the world.
"If you ever feel sick, Gray, I'll take care of you." Juvia offered in a flowery tone as she scooted closer to him.
"Um…thanks." Gray replied once again stepping away to get some space. After all this time, he still had no idea how to respond to Juvia's advances. Outright refusing her seemed to only make her that much more determined, but giving in to them was something he just couldn't bring himself to do. He was stuck at a crossroads when it came to what he mentally dubbed "the Juvia dilemma", but he knew sooner or later he would have to make a decision.
"And if you fall ill, my darling, you always have my shoulder to lean on." Lyon interjected towards Juvia. Chelia was with him as well, her eyes staring daggers at her own "love rival".
Gray rolled his eyes as Juvia once again panicked at being stuck in the middle of the two ice wizards. Gray absentmindedly wondered if Juvia realized the irony of Lyon's situation, and just how similar it was to her own.
"How much longer do we have, Captain?" Erza asked, looking out at the rolling waves. A small smile appeared on her face at the thought of taking Aura on a boat ride in the ocean.
"If the sea stays calm then we should be reaching shore by nightfall." The Captain answered.
"That's good."
"Erza." A voice called out.
The redhead looked behind herself to see Kagura approaching from the bottom of the ship. She took her place next to the redhead.
"How is everyone below?" Erza asked.
"Well enough. Though the blue cat appears to be getting anxious. Every other word out his mouth is about fish. It's starting to grate on my nerves."
Erza softly giggled at the irritation in Kagura's voice.
"How much longer do we have?"
"According to the captain we should reach shore by nightfall."
"So do we know where the capital even is?!" Lucy shouted up to the pair, catching their attention. "I mean Pergrande is a pretty huge country right?"
"Hibiki was able to provide us a map with his Archive." Erza answered. "So we should be able to start our journey in earnest as soon as we touch land."
"Captain!"
Everyone looked up to one of the crewmates high above in the crow's nest. He held a portable telescope in his hand as he gave his report. "Squall coming starboard! It looks right fierce!"
"Aye!" the captain turned his attention to the rest of his crew. "Alright, ye scurvy dogs! Prepare to brave the waves of the sea god himself! Batten down the hatches!"
"Aye! Aye!" the crew, and Elfman, shouted as they began to prepare for the storm coming their way.
The captain turned to Erza and Kagura, his wide smile showing his kindness as well as his less than stellar dental work. "Ye lasses may want to head below."
"We will. Thank you, Captain." Erza lightly bowed.
"Anytime, lassie." He turned his attention back to his crew. "Handsomely reef those sails before I keelhaul the lot of ya!"
"Alright, everyone! We're heading below deck!" Erza called to her friends. The wind was starting to pick up. "Let's leave the captain and his crew to their work!"
Everyone began to move, except for the still passed out Dragon Slayers. They had to be "escorted" to the rooms below. Erza grabbed Natsu, Elfman took Sting and Rogue on his massive shoulders, Juvia helped Gajeel despite his protests, and Laxus – who could still walk on his own two feet, if only sluggishly – was helped below by Evergreen. The shoutings of the captain could be heard in the distance as the rain started to fall on the ship.
The rain pounded atop the roof of Asgardia, the guild hall of Fenrir's Fang. The sound of the battering drops annoyed some members of the guild…
"Bah!" Thor thundered. "Won't this blasted rain ever cease?"
"Not any time soon by the looks of it." One of his companions, Vili, answered. "It's your turn."
Thor grumbled intelligibly to himself as he grabbed a card from Vili's hand. When he looked at it his expression soured even more. Vili smirked in response, his twin brother Ve – who sat next to him - mimicking his behavior. He then looked out the window at the pouring rain. "I wonder how Heimdall is fairing in this."
Heimdall stood outside Asgardia, the rain flooding down his armor as he, ever the vigilant sentry, looked out into the horizon. Nothing escaped his gaze, and if he had his way nothing would ever reach the golden gates of Asgardia. As he conducted his watch, he couldn't help but let out a small sneeze. No doubt due to the wind chill. He sniffed the snot away. "Excuse me." He mumbled.
Back inside, Balder wandered the inner halls. He sought an audience with Odin, but he was brushed aside – much to his chagrin – by Lopti. The reason being that Odin was consulting the oracle on their plans moving forward. Seeing nothing else to do, he looked for the company of another person he had been skeptical of recently. He reached a door near the end of the hall, initially hesitant, he steeled himself and knocked on it.
"Come in." a shy voice answered.
Balder pushed open the heavy wooden door, seeing Yggdrasil sitting on her knees in front of the window in the back of the room. Her back to him, Balder could see that her golden brown hair was braided elegantly. Most likely Lofn's doing. The braid went well with her flowing green and white dress. "How are you today, Yggdrasil?"
"Balder?" Yggdrasil answered, not turning to face him. A small smile spread across her lips. "I am well. Thank you for asking. What of you?"
"No immediate complaints." He lied. Yggdrasil didn't seem to notice. "Why do you not face me?" he smirked. "Is my visage that unappealing to you."
Yggdrasil blushed. "N-no. Not at all. I am just watching the rain fall." She turned her head to him. "I apologize if I offended you."
"It's alright. It was merely a jest." Balder waved off as he walked closer to her. Soon they were both looking out the wide window. "You like the rain?"
Yggdrasil nodded. "From what I remember Pergrande does not get much in the way of rain. Something about the idea of water falling from the sky and nourishing the plants below is appealing to me. It's like the rain washes the fears away." She tittered. "Although as much as I may like it, the rain does prevent me from visiting the garden."
Balder grinned once again. "I could see how that would be a problem. You were always one to tend the gardens. Before we knew it Master Odin made it your own personal area. He even forbade himself from going there if you wouldn't allow it."
"Did he? Things are still hazy for me."
Balder immediately regretted his words. "Of course. I apologize. I'm sure it is no good feeling to have gone through what you have."
Yggdrasil shook her head. "It's alright. I know you meant no harm."
Things grew silent between the pair as they watched the rain fall. Balder looked over to his companion who was smiling peacefully, absentmindedly circling her hands around each other. Despite the warm feeling she exuded toward him, Balder's gaze was one of guilt and empathy. After a few minutes, Yggdrasil spoke again.
"May I ask you a question, Balder?"
"You may."
"This…Fairy Tail…why did they abduct me? Do they have some kind of grudge against Master Odin?"
"I'm…not sure." Balder hesitated, but once again Yggdrasil did not seem to notice it. "Perhaps they heard of your power and sought to use it for their ends."
It was a question Yggdrasil had asked before, but she still had yet to receive an answer that felt right to her. When she had awakened, Lopti – at the behest of Odin – was ordered to alter her memories even further. This led to Yggdrasil believing that her reason for leaving Pergrande was due to Fairy Tail and their allies kidnapping her, rather than she running away of her own accord. They also attempted to shoo away Lopti's mind wipe by stating it was due to the trauma she suffered while in Fiore. Balder objected to this farce. Finding it inhumane to damage her mind any further, especially at the hands of Lopti, but he soon swayed to the will of Master Odin. Just as he always did.
Yggdrasil looked down at the ground for the first time since Balder arrived. "I am deeply sorry. Because of me you were all hurt." She began to tear up, but a soft hand upon her shoulder stopped her tears before they could fully form.
"Save your words of apology, Yggdrasil. We in Fenrir's Fang are comrades in arms, as well as family. We protect each other no matter the cost."
Yggdrasil looked up at him and smiled. "Thank you, Balder. You have always been so kind to me."
He shook his head. "Think nothing of it."
The sound of thunder, and a loud roar or anger in the distance effectively ended the pair's quiet moment.
"What was that?" Yggdrasil gasped.
Balder sighed in exasperation. "It seems Thor has lost at cards again. I told him playing with Vili and Ve would only end tragically." He released his hold on Yggdrasil's shoulder and began to exit the room. "I'd best calm him before he unleashes his wrath upon another wall."
"Balder, please wait." Yggdrasil called.
Balder stopped just short of the door and turned to face her. "Yes, what is it?"
"If you see Freyja…could you please give her this?" Visibly uneasy, Yggdrasil, walked over and held out her hands, revealing to Balder what she was forming when they were by the window. It was a ball of blue roses. It was clear that they were created by her magic.
Balder took the ball carefully. "I will make sure she receives it."
"Thank you." Yggdrasil bowed. "Also please be careful. I was unable to create the roses without thorns." She still had yet to regain full control of her magic, but she was getting better as the days went on. This ball was proof. It took immense amounts of concentration to create something so intricate, and she did it while watching rainfall.
"I will treat it like a newborn babe. Goodbye, Yggdrasil." Balder bowed.
"Goodbye, Balder. Please visit again."
"I shall." He said as he stepped out into the hall, Yggdrasil waving as the door closed behind him. Balder looked down at the ball again. Blue roses. They were Freyja's favorite. Yggdrasil would always create a few when Freyja was upset, and they never failed to lift her spirits. Balder found himself lost at how to proceed. Yggdrasil and Freyja were as close as blood-related sisters before the former ran away. Balder knew Freyja was the one that assisted in her desertion, but ever since Yggdrasil returned the two have been distant. Barely saying two words to one another, and even then it was only pleasantries and nothing more.
Balder assumed this was due to Freyja being ashamed of her actions. That she avoided Yggdrasil because she wanted to atone for her sin against their Master by focusing more on guild operations. But as the days wore on Balder's trust in that belief faltered. There was something much more different in Freyja than just her attitude towards Yggdrasil. She used to be so warm and loving, but now she was nigh unapproachable. Her attitude much harsher and coarse than before. Lost in his mind, Balder felt something pinch him. Retracting his arm in reflex, he noticed a small amount of blood pooling on the tip of his right index finger. He sighed in annoyance. "She just warned me to not be careless." He then began to walk away from Yggdrasil's door, his mouth on his injured finger to suck away the blood.
Yggdrasil returned to watching the rain fall. Looking out at the cloudy skies, she felt a sharp pain in her skull. Clutching her head she saw flashes of images of two people she had never seen before. One was a blue haired girl, no older than twelve and the other, a white cat. The cat was frowning down on her, but the girl was smiling wide. Just as quickly as the vision came, it went. Just like the one before that where she sat next a smiling child with bright pink hair, or the one where she was in a spring with various other women she didn't, or where she was walking down a crowded street in a place she sworn she had been, following behind a girl – this one roughly her age – with beautiful white hair.
Yggdrasil opened her eyes and stared at the ground for a few seconds before looking at the sky again. This time the clouds were parting, revealing the golden sunshine. She could only utter one word after her ordeal. "Shizu…ka."
In a dark room, deep within the recesses of Asgardia, another conversation was taking place. "The time of battle is approaching. The wizards from Fiore will soon arrive in Pergrande." The oracle warned Odin, her eyes focused on the light that shined from the book in her hands. "Why do you still stall with preparations?"
Odin offered no immediate answer.
"Everything within the city has been set, and the final piece has returned. Now is the time to bring your ambitions to light, no?" She took notice of Odin's hesitation. "Could it be that you no longer wish to proceed?"
"No." Odin replied quickly and emphatically. "I have every intention of going forward."
"Then why do you hesitate?"
Odin briefly thought back to a little girl with golden hair, standing next to a woman with pure white hair. They both stood atop a hill, smiling lovingly at him. He then thought of Yggdrasil. "It's nothing. Just a moment of weakness. The last one."
"I am pleased to hear that."
"What of Yggdrasil?" Odin asked. "Is she ready?"
The Oracle smirked, not that Odin could see it. "Do not worry, the girl will fulfill her purpose. And you will be reunited with those you have lost."
"Good." Odin nodded. "If you will excuse me, I must ready my guild for battle."
"Of course. I wish you luck."
Odin exited the room, leaving the Oracle alone. Until Lopti stepped forth from the shadows.
"Is it finally time?" he asked, bouncing on his tiptoes.
"Almost. We just need to wait for our guests to arrive."
"Land!" Natsu, Sting, and Gajeel exclaimed happily. They gratefully knelt down and kissed the dirt repeatedly as the rest of their friends disembarked the pirate ship.
"Pathetic." Laxus scoffed.
"This is not how a guild master should behave." Rogue face-palmed, shaking his head in disapproval.
"That's enough, you three. We have to get moving." Erza ordered. She looked back at the captain and his crew. "Thank you for assisting us!"
"Anytime, lass!" The captain replied. "Safe travels!" The ship sailed back to parts unknown, leaving the Fiore wizards at their destination…the Kingdom of Pergrande.
"So this is Pergrande?" Elfman questioned as he followed behind the others. He was less than impressed at the scenery. "Doesn't look all that different from Fiore to me."
They were dropped off in a savannah, Erza thinking it best that they avoid suspicion by being as far away from people when they first arrived as possible.
"That's because we have yet to enter a town." Evergreen replied. "Once we meet the people here, we'll know what this place is really like."
"Where are we supposed to rendezvous with Jellal's group?" Kagura asked Erza. There was a hint of venom when she spoke the blue-haired wizard's name, but Erza chose to ignore it.
"Ultear said we were to meet them in the capital city, Jergrande." She answered.
"Is that it there?" Wendy asked, pointing to a town ahead of them.
"Looks too small to be a capital city." Gray commented.
"I agree." Pantherlily nodded.
"Well even it's not, I'm sure we could at least get directions from the people there." Lucy suggested.
"A splendid idea." Ichiya voiced.
"Then I guess that's our first stop!" Natsu shouted. "Let's go! There's no time to waste!" He sped off into the unknown town.
"Wait for me!" Happy shouted, flying after him.
"Yeah! I'm going to!" Sting said before he and Lecter also raced away. "Wait up, Natsu!"
"Sting!" Rogue shouted.
"Why'd you make that guy guild master again?" Gajeel asked.
"He's usually much more composed than this." Rogue replied.
"Fro thinks Sting's just happy to see Natsu." Frosch commented happily.
"We'd best follow them." Jura suggested.
"Yes, we should." Erza sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Who knows how much trouble they could cause?"
Natsu and Sting entered the small town, their eyes wide with wonder at all the buildings around them. They were intricately built. With pointed roofs and foundations made of brick or limestone. Some of the buildings had round roofs as if they had cut spheres in half and stuck them on top. Another striking difference were some of the bases of the buildings. It was clear that they had been rebuilt recently, but what could have caused the rebuilding escaped the pair. One thing was certain, Pergrande was clearly different from the sights they were used to in Fiore.
Spotting a young woman walking along the street, Natsu and Happy eagerly ran up to her.
"Excuse me!" Natsu shouted, startling the woman. "Can you help us out with something?"
The woman stared at him with confusion. "Jag ber om ursäkt."
Natsu and Happy returned her confused stare with two of their own. "Umm. Anyway, we need help….directions?" Natsu spoke slower, hoping to get his point across.
The woman continued to stare at him.
"Hey, you listening?!"
Natsu's shout caused the woman to shrink back in fear.
"Don't scare her away, Natsu." Happy said.
"I'm not trying to." He rubbed his head in his frustration. "I didn't know that every here spoke that weird language."
"It only makes sense since their guild is from here, right?" Happy assumed.
Natsu looked back to the woman. "Sorry for yelling." Once again she stared at him in confusion and once again Natsu sighed in irritation.
"You guys find out anything?" Sting asked.
"No." Natsu huffed. "I don't think this lady understands anything I'm saying."
Sting smirked. "Geez, you get married and you lose your touch. You just have to know what to say to women, Natsu."
The fire dragon slayer raised an eyebrow. He didn't fully understand what Sting meant, but for some reason he wanted to hit him in the face as hard as he could.
"Let the pro show you how it's done." Lecter boasted.
Sting pushed Natsu aside and stepped in front of the woman. He smiled at her. The young woman felt her heart flutter and her cheeks heat up as she looked into Sting's cool blue eyes. "Excuse my rude friend, he doesn't really understand how to deal with people."
"Hey!" Natsu shouted in offense.
"We were wondering if you could help us? We're looking for a way to Jergrande."
The woman's blush went away and her eyes widened in realization upon hearing Sting's last word. "Jergrande? Ni män måste vara turister. Förlåt min okunnighet. Här kommer jag visa dig välkommen centrum." The woman grabbed Sting's hand and walked further into town.
"See?" Sting asked with a cocky grin. "You just have to know what to say." He looked back at the woman. "Hey, where are we going anyway?"
"You're awesome, Sting!" Lecter praised, following behind his partner.
Natsu grumbled in annoyance.
"It's ok, Natsu." Happy comforted with a pat on his pant leg. "Some people just have it, and others don't. At lease you still have Erza."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Natsu." The dragon slayer turned at the sound of his name, seeing Erza and the others.
"Took you guys long enough." He said.
"You shouldn't just run off like that." Erza chided. "We have no idea what's awaiting us here."
"Where's Sting?" Lucy asked.
"He was taken away by this lady we met." Natsu replied matter-of-factly.
"Aye." Happy nodded. "He's already better liked here than Natsu is."
"Shut up."
"Taken where?" Rogue inquired.
"I don't know, but we should probably follow them." Natsu answered.
"You think?" Gray retorted.
The group followed behind Natsu, eventually happening upon Sting inside of large building with open archways along with the young woman Natsu saw earlier. She looked to Sting. "Är dessa dina vänner?"
"I don't understand what you're saying." Sting chuckled nervously.
"Perhaps I could help with that." Hibiki offered. He set up his archive and began typing away. "Would you all please hold still for a moment?" He pressed a button and soon holographic bars with the word DOWNLOAD appeared over his companion's heads. The bars turned from blue to yellow before fading, and everyone's eyes widened when they felt a surge of information enter their heads.
"What happened?" Chelia asked.
"I've been studying Pergrande's culture on the way here. Lots of interesting facts and such. I just downloaded the country's language into all of your minds using my archive. Now we should be able to understand anything we see and hear, as well as speak to anyone we come across." He looked to Sting. "Try it out on that lovely maiden in front of you."
"Um…ok." Sting turned to the woman.
She looked up at him, quizzically tilting her head to the side. "Is there something the matter?" She queried.
Sting's eyes widened. "Whoa! It works! I can understand her. This is archive stuff is pretty cool. So…" he returned his attentions to the woman. "Where did you bring me exactly?"
"This is the Vivendel train station." The woman explained. "The trains run morning, noon, and night. It is almost a day's walk from here to the capital city, but if you go by train you should arrive in a couple of hours. It's really convenient for travelling from place to place."
Natsu and Gajeel groaned at the word "train". Even Sting and Rogue began to feel uneasy, though they hid it better. Laxus pretended he didn't hear the word.
"Are you all here for the parade?" The woman asked.
"Parade?" Lyon repeated.
The woman nodded. "There is a celebration for the return of a member of Fenrir's Fang." The Fiore wizard's eyes all widened in shock. The woman failed to notice. "I wish I could attend, but sadly I have to work that day."
Natsu gritted his teeth. "Those jerks. They attack us, and now they want to throw a party?"
"They gotta a lotta guts if they think they can get away with that." Gajeel fumed, mirroring Natsu's anger.
"Is Fenrir's Fang a well-known guild in this country?" Erza asked, stepping towards the woman.
The woman nodded eagerly. "Oh my yes. They are beloved all throughout the kingdom of Pergrande."
"Why is that?" Kagura interjected.
"They are the heroes that won the Great War." The woman answered.
"Great War?" Wendy repeated in shock. Hibiki began to type away on his Archive.
The Pergrande native nodded. "Yes. You are tourists so it makes sense that you wouldn't know. Five years ago, a war between the King of our country and the magical guilds took place. The war lasted two years and there were many homes and lives destroyed during the fighting, but in the end the King was finally defeated by the Master of Fenrir's Fang, Master Odin."
"That sounds awful." Juvia commented sadly.
Carla nodded in agreement. "Yes, that must have been quite the ordeal."
"Aye." Happy agreed.
"Sounded really bad." Lecter commented.
"Fro thinks so too." Frosch said.
Pantherlily simply nodded.
"What became of the Monarchy?" Jura asked the young woman.
"The King was succeeded by his son, the Prince. There has been peace ever since. There also used to be rumors that the King had a daughter as well, but those died out as soon as the rebuilding started."
"Wow." Lucy said. "I had no idea that any of this happened."
"We were frozen on Tenrou Island during that time." Gray reminded.
"We briefly heard of this war while you were away." Lyon revealed about Lamia Scale. "We just never knew any of the details. We were only told that there were rumors of an uprising, not that one actually took place."
"I assume that was the council's doing." Erza accused.
The woman looked at the clock and her eyes perked open. "Oh my, it's getting late. I'd best hurry home."
"We understand. Thank you so much for assisting us." Erza bowed.
"Oh, it was no problem. Enjoy your time in Pergrande." The woman walked past the group towards one of the archways. When she reached it she turned around, her cheeks red as cherries as she waved to Sting.
Sting sheepishly waved back before the girl left his sight. When he looked back at the others, a few of them gave mischievous smirks.
"What?" he demanded.
"We haven't even been here a night and you already found yourself a girlfriend." Gajeel teased.
"What?!" Sting exclaimed. "That's not what happened. I don't even know her name."
"Then we will make sure you get it when we return." Rogue smirked.
"Not you too." Sting groaned.
"Hurry, everyone." Erza said. "We need to board the train before it leaves the station." Everyone followed behind Erza. Gajeel, Natsu, and Sting dragging their feet on purpose.
After a few hours, the Fiore wizard had finally arrived at their destination, the capital city of Jergrande. They all disembarked the train, the moon shining high in the sky above them. They all marveled at the architecture around them. It was similar to what they saw in Vivendel, but on a much larger scale.
"This place looks amazing." Chelia said in awe.
"It really is pretty." Wendy agreed.
"Do we know where Crime Sorciere is?" Ichiya asked.
"Ultear said they would be staying at an abandoned building near the eastern edge of town." Erza replied. "Let's go." The group made their way through town, unaware that they were being observed from afar by a floating lacrima.
Crime Sorciere sat inside their makeshift hideout, awaiting the arrival of their allies. Ever since their battle with Heimdall, and their subsequent conversation with the alliance, the rogue wizards had been lying low. Making sure not to attract anymore unwarranted attention to themselves. Rumors spread that Fenrir's Fang had been attacked, but thankfully no details were released about who was the culprit. Meldy was thankful for this, but Ultear and Jellal were not convinced about the altruism of the methods.
"Why would they not out us?" Ultear pondered aloud. She bit the tip of her thumbnail. "Just what is their goal?"
"Can we just be thankful that the whole town isn't looking for us?" Meldy proposed. "No need to look a gift horse in the mouth."
"I agree with Ultear." Jellal gingerly sat up. The wound Ultear unwittingly inflicted on him was still causing him pain, but he managed to muscle through it. "It was not like they didn't see our faces. So why let us leave with no consequences?"
"Maybe they're really nice people at heart?" Meldy hoped.
"Whatever they're planning, perhaps our intervention means nothing, or maybe they want us to try again." Ultear said.
"But why would they want that?" Meldy asked.
"I haven't the faintest clue, but I-"
There was a tapping on the door of their hideout, putting on the members on high alert. "Who is there?!" Ultear demanded.
"It's us, Ultear."
Ultear recognized Erza's voice and lowered her guard along with the others. She walked to the door, and opened it, seeing the redhead and the other members of the alliance. "Forgive me." Ultear apologized. "We can't be too careful."
"I understand." Erza nodded.
"Please, come in. It isn't much but hopefully it's too your liking." Ultear joked as she led the group into their temporary base. It was empty, with no furniture and one window. To complete the humble abode, the building was decorated with gray stone. It reminded one of more of a dungeon than a living space. No wonder it was abandoned.
The Fiore wizards each found a spot on the floor, placing their belongings next to themselves. Erza and Natsu sat next to one another.
"Are you feeling alright?" Erza asked, placing her hand on Natsu's. "I know taking a two day boat ride only to board a train less than an hour later must have taken a lot out of you."
Natsu flashed his wife his trademark smile. "I'm all good now." He flexed his bicep to illustrate his point, managing to hide his gurgling stomach from his wife. "You don't have worry."
"That won't stop me, but I'm glad you're alright. I'm relying on you."
"Yeah, I know." Natsu nodded. "But like I said you don't have to worry."
Erza smiled at Natsu before spotting the injured Jellal in the corner of her eye. Her eyes widened, she rose up and approached him. "What happened to you?"
Jellal looked up at Erza, then turned his head away in both shame and embarrassment. "I was careless. It's nothing to worry about."
Erza sighed. "Let me see." She knelt down and moved away his hand, seeing the small amount of blood on the bandages wrapped around his abdomen. She then looked back to Natsu, who had not too subtle pout on his face. "I swear. You and Natsu are so much alike it worries me. Wendy?"
The young dragon slayer walked over to the pair. "Yes?"
"Could you heal Jellal's wound please?"
Wendy nodded. "I can try."
"Thank you."
"It's not a problem. I'm just glad to help." Wendy sat on her knees in front of Jellal and held out her hands. They started to glow green.
"Thank you, Wendy. I am in your care."
Wendy looked up briefly at his warm smile before returning to work, a noticeable blush on her face. "I-it's nothing really."
"You should assist her, Chelia." Lyon said. "We need as much manpower as possible for this mission."
"Ok." Chelia accepted. She walked over to the trio near the back. "Excuse me." She politely said, as she kneeled next to Wendy.
"Chelia?" Wendy questioned.
Chelia held out her hands near Jellal's wound, hers glowing pink. "This will go faster if we work together right?" Chelia smiled.
Wendy nodded, returning her smile. "Yes. Thank you."
"Thank you both." Erza said. She began to take her leave and return to Natsu's side, but Jellal stopped her.
"Erza..." he called.
Erza turned around. "Yes, Jellal? What is it?"
"I just wanted to say...congratulations...on your marriage." Even though Jellal's words were genuine, the words hurt his heart when they spoke them aloud. But despite that pain, he knew they needed to be said. For both of their sakes.
Erza smiled warmly. "Thank you, Jellal. I wish you could have been there."
"We saw the ceremony from the lacrima Ultear placed on Gray. You looked beautiful in your dress."
Erza gave another word of thanks.
"Are you happy?"
Erza looked over to Natsu, who was chatting and laughing with Ichiya and Sting. She smiled at him. "Yes. Very much so."
Jellal let out a small smile of his own. "Then that is good enough for me."
"I will talk to you later, Jellal." Erza said with one last smile.
"Good bye, Erza." He watched her return to Natsu and he felt a weight begin to lift from his chest. It would take some time, but he was finally beginning to let go of her. She had found the light that he was unable to give her and that was all he wanted.
"Are you ok? Are your wounds still hurting?"
Jellal looked down to see the worried look on the faces of Wendy and Chelia face. He smiled at the pair and shook his. "No. I'm just fine."
Wendy and Chelia looked each other quizically at Jellal's actions. As soon as Chelia shrugged her shoulders as if she gave up trying to figure him out, the two resumed their healing.
On the other side of the hideout Ultear walked over to Gray with a sly grin on her lips. She sat next to him, the ice wizard looking away from her in irritation. "Don't tell me you're upset about me tampering with your necklace?" she said coyly.
"You could have at least told me you were spying on me." Gray retorted.
"Where would the fun be in that?"
"Either way it wasn't fun at all."
Juvia watched the pair's exchange on pins and needles, her body lightly shaking in fright. Is Ultear also interested in my beloved? How can I compete with her? She's the daughter of his master! They have a shared history! She began to take notice of Ultear's body. She was already beautiful, and the past seven years had been exceptionally kind to her. Her lips were fuller, her body's curvature had increased, and she was much more mature and ladylike than before. Juvia looked down at her own womanly frame. She was no slouch in the body department, but she thought that Ultear was ahead of her by leaps and bounds. Despite all these factors Juvia chose to persevere. "No, I won't give up. The underdog is always the one who pulls ahead in the end." Her eyes sparkled in determination, earning her questionable looks from her friends.
"What the hell is she mumbling about now?" Gajeel commented.
"Who knows?" Elfman said.
Ultear giggled at Gray, the pair completely unaware of Juvia's musings. "You don't have to worry, I could only activate the lacrima during a certain time frame. I haven't seen anything you wouldn't want me to. Besides, it's not like I haven't seen you half-naked already."
Gray blushed. "That's not the point. It's creepy."
"I'm sorry." Ultear apologized fully, her demeanor becoming serious. "I should have asked permission before I proceeded."
"Y-yeah. Apology accepted."
"Thank you."
"Why did you put that lacrima on me anyway?"
"I'm not at liberty to say." Ultear's devilish grin returned.
"Oh come on! You owe me-"Gray was quickly cut off when Ultear grabbed his hand. He looked up, finding himself embarrassed by the warm look in the time wizard's eyes. "What are you-"
"I am so glad that you're safe." Her words were soft, but they were heard very clearly by Gray. As well as gave Juvia a mild heart attack. Gray blushed even more as Ultear tightened her grip. He tried to salvage whatever composure he had left by looking away from her.
"Where did that come from?" he asked, trying his best to sound irritable.
"I just felt I needed to say those words." Ultear smiled. She let go of Gray's hand and stood up. It was as if the moment never happened. "I will talk to you later."
"Yeah, ok." Gray said as he watched Ultear walk back to Meldy. He looked down at his hand, it was still warm. "What was that about?"
"You really don't understand anything do you?" Lyon remarked. He was currently standing over his rival.
Gray looked up to him, his scowl returning. "What are you talking about?"
Lyon shook his head and walked away, leaving Gray even more confused. Before he could question it Juvia rushed to his side, looking up at him with a newfound sense of determination.
"Don't worry, my love. I'm not going to give up." She declared.
"Has everyone around here gone crazy?!" Gray shouted.
Ultear stood up in the middle of the circle everyone formed. "Are we all ready?" She looked around, everyone nodded in confirmation. "Good, let's begin. Hibiki? If you please." she stepped aside, allowing the Blue Pegasus playboy to take the floor.
"Thank you, Ultear. I'm honored to take the lead after someone as beautiful as you."
Ultear smirked at the compliment, but Meldy was less than amused.
"Watch it." She - along with Gray and Lyon - warned.
Hibiki smirked amusedly before reclaiming focus. "Ok, everybody." He announced. "Things may get a bit boring so please bear with me." He summoned his archive, typing a few things before getting rid of the keyboard and expanding the screens so they floated around his companions as the sun began to set. Some showed the battle with Fenrir's Fang at Sabertooth's gathering, others showed text describing other facts they learned about the country of Pergrande, and finally some of the screens showed new footage based on what Hibiki obtained from Crime Sorciere about their battle with Heimdall. "Here is what we know so far…"
Balder once again wandered the halls of Asgardia. While he was terribly exhausted from dealing with Thor for the better part of the day, he found himself unable to sleep. Making his way towards the guild entrance, he noticed a pair of familiar figures by the door. A man with black hair and wicked smile, standing in front of a girl with dark brown hair that flowed down her back.
"Lopti? Freyja?" he called out to them.
Lopti looked over Freyja's shoulder while she turned round to face him. "Balder!" Lopti exclaimed. "What manner of deadly influence keeps you awake at this hour?"
"Insomnia." He replied flat. "Though I could ask you two the same thing."
"I was merely making the last minute preparations for tomorrow's festivities with dear Freyja here."
"Is there something urgent you needed?" Freyja asked. She sounded more irritated than concerned. As if she was rushing Balder to leave her sight.
Balder was rightfully taken aback by her tone. "Not at the moment, I-"
"Then I shall see you in the morning. Our business is concluded, Lopti." Freyja said curtly. She began to walk away but Balder grabbed her wrist.
"Freyja, wait."
Lopti let loose a cheshire grin. "I see I am interrupting something important. I shall bid you two goodnight." He faded into the darkness, leaving Balder and Freyja alone.
Freyja looked down at Balder's grip on her wrist. "Unhand me." She commanded.
Balder instantly let go. "Of course. Forgive my impulse."
"You said there was nothing you needed."
"That mayhap been a yarn." He held out his hand, a yellow ball glowing in his palm. When it faded something fell into his hand.
"What is that?"
Balder held the object to the light, but Freyja's expression didn't change. "Your favorite, blue roses. Yggdrasil created them and asked me to give them to you."
Freyja grabbed the ball. "Why did she not bring them herself?"
"She believes that you are mad at her because of what happened to the two of you."
"There is nothing for her to be worried about. It was my mistake to assist her. She is not at fault."
"Then why do you not tell her that? She misses you a great deal."
"I haven't time to nurture her childish impulses. I have other duties that demand my attention."
"That is a bit harsh, Freyja."
"Be that as it may. Yggdrasil is not a child, and I am no longer going to treat her as such." Freyja dropped the ball of roses on the ground, much to Balder's shock.
"Freyja! How could you-"
"Listen well, Balder. If you wish to stay in Master Odin's favor, I suggest you cease catering to Yggdrasil's every whim and desire. It will only end badly for you." Despite Balder's outburst Freyja's answer was calm and cold. Once more it sounded as if she were speaking from experience. She walked away, stepping on the ball of roses as if they weren't there. "And tell Yggdrasil next you see her that if she wishes to give me gifts, she should present them herself. That is part of being an adult."
"Freyja…"
"Until tomorrow, Balder." As Freyja walked away she looked to the top of the stairs. She saw Yggdrasil peeking from the side of the wall, before she quickly hid herself. Freyja looked away, fading from view as she stepped into the hallway.
Once Freyja was gone Balder reached down and picked the crushed present that Yggdrasil had made. If he had any doubts about Freyja, they were now effectively dealt with. She was a completely different person, in both word and attitude. He looked down at the crushed roses, thinking back to a different time.
"You know this is wrong!" Freyja shouted. "You can't allow them to do this to her!"
"That is not up to us to decide, Freyja." Balder retorted calmly. "This is the will of Master Odin."
"That is all you ever talk about! Yggdrasil is only a child! Barely the age of 17! Do you truly feel nothing for the horror she is about to face?!"
The two stared at one another. Intense anger in their eyes. Balder, the loyal warrior. The ever steadfast soldier, and Freyja. The woman whose heart was as big as the entire kingdom. They were on opposite sides of this argument, and neither were willing to compromise.
Freyja's eyes softened as she made one last plea. "Please, Balder. If there is anything of the man I know within you, please free Yggdrasil. She did nothing to deserve a fate such as this, nor did the people of Jergrande."
"I cannot defy fate, Freyja. This is Master Odin's will, and it is my duty to follow."
Seeing no point in talking anymore, Freyja stormed out of Balder's room. "I thought you of all people would understand what it meant to be used as puppet for those in power, but it seems the wool is still covering your eyes. Always someone's sword, never the wielder. I thought this would have changed you, but I-"
"Good bye, Freyja."
Freyja hesitated before accepting the situation for what is was. "Farewell, Balder." She closed the door behind herself, leaving Balder alone in his room.
That was the night before Yggdrasil escaped. Freyja had pleaded with Balder one last time to assist her, hoping to appeal to the knight's inner nature, but she was rebuffed. After Yggdrasil escaped, Freyja was captured and placed in the dungeon beneath the guild hall.
"Are you here to gloat?" Freyja spat. Balder stood in front of her cell door, a look of shame in his eyes. This only angered her more. "If you would have words with me, speak them now."
"I have only one…why?"
Freyja couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Is that really all you have? Why? You know why. I was not going to allow Odin to sacrifice Yggdrasil along with thousands of others for his delusions of grandeur."
"You know we will find her."
"And I will free her as many times as I have to in order to let her live a full life."
Balder looked into Freyja's eyes. He could see that she wasn't bluffing. If there was even a shred of hope, she would force it open and move forward. Her determination was nearly as legendary as her empathy and kindness. "Freyja…"
"Don't patronize me!" Freyja shot up and walked to the cell bars, holding up her arms. Luckily the cuffs around her wrists prevented her from using her magic. "You have no right to feel sorrow for me. I asked, nay begged, you time and again to help me, and I was only answered with hollow speeches of honor and duty. I know in my heart that what I did was just, and despite your talk of 'following Odin's will' you know I was right as well. You were just too cowardly to have faith in that voice." The look in her eyes was not one of anger or sadness, but one of disappointment. The look of one who had lost all faith in the person before them. To Freyja, Balder was no longer a friend and valiant warrior. He was no longer the person she had given her heart to. He would now and forever be to her a coward. A spineless puppet who awaited his master's command before moving on his own.
He attempted to speak again. "Freyja, I-"
"Save your breath. I no longer wish to hear your excuses." She walked back to the wall and sat on the cold floor of her prison.
Her words were spoken with finality, and Balder complied. He bowed his head before taking his leave. "Farewell, Freyja."
Those were the last words he spoke to her before she was released from her imprisonment a month later. She was different. Her anger with Balder remained, but instead of lashing out at him for not helping Yggdrasil like before, she now criticized him for questioning Odin's orders. Their roles had been reversed, and they once again failed to find a middle ground.
Balder sullenly ascended the stairs and headed back to his room, Yggdrasil's gift in his hands, and Freyja's words in his heart.
Erza stirred awake at the light of the morning sun. She rolled over, finding the warmth of Natsu's embrace much more appealing than the rising sun. Realizing it was morning, she opened her eyes and rose up, waking her previously snoring husband.
Natsu rubbed his eyes. "Erza? What's wrong?"
"It's morning." She said. "We should start getting ready."
Natsu yawned, stretching his arms overhead. "Yeah…I guess you're right."
The pair stood up, watching as the others began to stir.
"Is everyone ready to begin?" Ultear asked.
Everyone nodded.
"Good. We start the operation today."
In a few hours, Elfman and Evergreen were in the middle of town. They, like the rest of the townspeople, awaited the beginning of the parade.
"Can you two hear me?" Ultear asked. She along with everyone else watched the pair from her crystal ball. It was a crowded view to say the least.
"This is getting boring." Natsu complained. "I want to hurry up and fight those guys again."
"Get your elbow out of my rib." Gray said to the dragon slayer.
"Be patient, Natsu." Erza said. "The parade should start any minute."
"Even though these guys are our enemies, I'm kind hopeful for this parade." Lucy admitted guiltily.
"Maybe it will be like the Fantasia parade." Wendy hoped with a bit of wonder.
"Focus, child."
"Sorry, Carla." Wendy sulked.
"So why are Evergreen and I the only ones out in the open?" Elfman asked.
"Because no one in Fenrir's Fang knows what you look like. We need a closer look at them." Ultear answered. "After they exit the city, we'll follow them back to their guild hall and mount our attack."
"I hope Shizuka is ok." Juvia fretted.
"We will return you friend to you." Jellal replied. "Don't worry."
"Kagura, you've been awfully quiet." Erza said. "Is something the matter?"
"It's nothing." Kagura replied quickly.
Erza knew Kagura was lying. She could still see that the swordswoman was less than enthused about working with Crime Sorciere. She would never say it herself, but she still felt a burning hatred for the group, especially Jellal. "Kagura…"
"They're here." Elfman said.
"Here we go, everyone." Ultear said. "Pay attention."
The carts and floats rolled through the pathway set by the town's guard. The citizens cheered and praised the wizards of Fenrir's Fang. For all intents and purposes it was very well done spectacle. Complete with dancers, fire spinners, and impressive feats of strength and magic.
"This parade isn't half bad." Gajeel surprisingly complimented.
"Focus." Hibiki said.
The parade entered the city square and Lucy's eyes widened at the sight she saw. She forced herself to the front of her friends, pointing to the middle float. "I think I see Shizuka!"
"You do?!" Natsu shouted.
Wendy looked where Lucy was pointing. "I see her too."
"That's your friend?" Chelia asked. She looked at the brown haired girl on the picture the crystal ball displayed. Shizuka was smiling warmly, waving at the townspeople in her stunning white dress. "She doesn't look like someone who was kidnapped." Chelia pointed out.
"Do you think they did something to her?" Lucy asked her fellow Fairy Tail wizards.
"It looks like that might be the case." Carla answered.
"It might have been that Lopti person Master Warrod spoke about." Pantherlily surmised. "He may have altered her mind again to suit their needs."
"That poor girl." Carla said sorrowfully. "Having her mind taken from her again and again."
Natsu clenched his fist. "That's why we have to rescue her and the others."
"Speaking of which I don't see them." Erza said.
"Maybe they're back at their guild hall." Happy suggested.
"That looks like the best bet." Laxus agreed.
"It looks like they're reaching the exit." Sting pointed out.
The parade soon made its way to its exit route, and in a matter of minutes the parade was gone from Jergrande.
"You two can return now." Ultear said to Elfman and Evergreen.
"Right." Elfman began to move, but stopped when his hand brushed across wall of the building he and Evergreen were standing in front of. Feeling an odd indentation, he turned around to see a strange marking on the building. "The hell is this? Some sort of carving?"
"Elfman what are you waiting on?!" Evergreen shouted from a good distance ahead.
"Right! Sorry!" He followed behind her, the strange marking in the back of his mind for the moment.
Fenrir's Fang returned to their guild hall. After they got rid of all of the parade decorations, they began to make preparations for battle.
"It was as you said, Master Odin." Freyja reported. "The Fiore wizards arrived in the city last night. However we do not know when they will make their move."
"What of the markings? Do they know of them?"
"The markings are still in the designated areas according to our lacrimas, but I cannot speak for their confidentiality."
"I doubt that motley crew knows of the significance of the markings." Lopti interjected with a sly smile. "Besides, I doubt they would be able to do much if they did."
"We can't be too careful." Odin walked to Yggdrasil, who was being lead up the stairs by Balder. "Are you ready to begin, Yggdrasil?"
She nodded. "Yes, Master Odin."
The master smiled. "Good. Freyja, make sure she is prepared."
"As you wish, Master Odin. Come along, Yggdrasil."
"Yes, Freyja." Yggdrasil hesitantly followed behind her former friend. She was still hurt from the woman's words and actions from last night, but she pushed those thoughts away. It was time to finally fulfill her purpose.
"Heimdall!" Odin called.
"Yes, Master?" the sentry answered.
"How far are our adversaries?"
Heimdall turned around, his eyes glowing yellow. He saw through the walls of Asgardia, watching closely as a group of silhouettes approached they guild hall. "They will be here within the next few minutes. Are you certain that you do not wish for me to intercept them?"
"Nay. We are finally ready. There is nothing that they or anyone can do now."
"As you say, Master." Heimdall bowed.
"Listen well, warriors!" Odin bellowed, garnering everyone's attention. "A war is on the horizon! And just as we did years prior we will prevail! My children! Join me in our cry! Let the god above hear our might!" Odin held his fist in the air. The entire guild chanted in unison:
"Deyr fé (Cattle Die), Deyja frændr (Kin Die),
Deyr sjalfr it sama (We Ourselves Die Also).
Ek veit einn at aldri deyr (I know one thing that never dies):
Dómr um dauðan hvern (the honors of all the dead)!"
"Now!" Odin cried out, raising his sword. "Bare your fangs at those who would oppose us! Show them the fury of the wolves of Ragnarok! Make them see the beginning of a golden age!"
Everyone howled in agreement and raised their weapons in triumph, save for Balder. His thoughts were still on Yggdrasil.
On the upper balcony, Lopti watched his guildmates below with a sadistic grin on his face, by his side was Hela, and from the shadows emerged the Oracle.
"Is it time now?" Lopti asked, barely containing his excitement. Hela gave no reaction.
The Oracle grinned. "Yes. It is finally time."
The Fiore wizards stood at the ready outside the doors of Fenrir's Fang. Behind those doors was the rematch they had all been waiting for. Natsu lead the group as he, Erza, Lucy, Gray, Juvia, Wendy, Evergreen, Elfman, Laxus, Kagura, Lyon, Chelia, Jura, Sting, Rogue, Ichiya, Jellal, and Ultear waited to mount their assault. Hibiki stayed in Jergrande along with Meldy and the Exceeds. Meldy desperately to be by Ultear and Jellal's side, but Ultear insisted she stay behind. Citing that she be ready in case anything happened within the city. Meldy didn't like the idea, but she begrudgingly followed the order.
"Their guild hall is about the size of ours." Evergreen observed, pushing up her glasses.
"Actually, I think it's bigger." Gray corrected.
Last chance to back out. Hibiki teased to his comrades via telepathy.
"You kidding?" Natsu smirked. He pounded his fists together. "There's no way we're backing down after coming this far."
"We still have to pay those bastards back for humiliating us." Gajeel added with his trademark smirk.
"We have to rescue Shizuka." Lucy proclaimed.
"And the rest of our friends." Wendy added.
"I promised Alana that I would come back safely." Juvia declared. Again she found herself at a loss for why she said those words aloud.
"And Lisanna." Elfman spoke up.
Remember, you're all still linked with my telepathy, but be careful. We don't know what's in store for us past those doors. Hibiki reminded. Stay in contact at all times.
"We hear you, Hibiki." Erza acknowledged.
"Then how about we quit talking about it and get started?" Sting asked eagerly.
The group began to move, just as the guild hall doors began to open.
"It seems they were expecting us." Kagura said.
"Then let's not keep them waiting." Ultear remarked.
"Onward! Man!" Ichiya shouted as everyone sped up their pace.
They all ran inside and were surprised at what they saw. The guild was empty, save for an older man in armor, and an eyepatch over his right eye, at the top of a set of stairs. His hands rested on the hilt of a rather large sword that stuck into the ground. He looked down at his "guests". "You lot actually saw it fit to travel here from Fiore. I must applaud such audacity. Truly you are all noble warriors."
"Cut the crap! Who the hell are you?! The Master?!" Natsu shouted.
Odin nodded. "I am the Master of Fenrir's Fang, yes. I go by the name Odin and I would implore you to show me respect, boy. You are no longer in Fiore."
"Sorry, I don't respect kidnappers."
"Where's Shizuka?!" Lucy demanded.
"Shizuka?" Odin raised an eyebrow. "Oh yes, I was told that was the name given to her under your care. Yggdrasil, our guests wish to speak with you."
The brown haired girl stepped from just past the wizard's field of vision. Her face stone, she stood next to Odin.
"She looks like she's safe." Juvia said relieved.
"Come on, Shizuka." Lucy offered her hand. "Let's go back to Magnolia."
"We came here to save you." Wendy added.
"You hear their cries, Yggdrasil." Odin said to the girl. "Your friends have come to return you home."
Yggdrasil looked up to Odin. "But, Master, I am home. I do not know these people."
Odin grinned. "Of course you are. Forgive me, my child."
"Shizuka it's us!" Natsu shouted. "It's Natsu from Fairy Tail. Remember?"
"Fairy Tail…" Yggdrasil's eyes widened in shock as he stepped back in fear. "You were the wizards that abducted me. Took me from my home."
"We what?" Lucy gasped.
"What the hell did you do to her?!" Gray demanded of Odin.
"Showed her the truth." Odin replied. "We returned her home and healed her after she was taken by you rogue foreign wizards."
"I've had enough of this!" Natsu charged Odin. Natsu leapt into the air, clearing the stairs. "I'm taking her back with us!"
"I would appreciate your effort." Odin challenged with a grin.
FIRE DRAGON IRON FI-
Yggdrasil hid behind Odin as Natsu was enveloped in purple light. In matter of seconds he vanished before everyone's eyes.
"Natsu!" Erza cried out. She summoned a sword. "What did you do to him?!"
"That was my doing." A man with two-tone yellow and black hair emerged from behind a pillar, his hand glowing the same shade of purple that Natsu was enveloped in. "Worry not, I didn't end his life. I merely transported him to a place more appropriate for his violent outbursts."
"Return him! Now!" Erza demanded.
"I'm afraid I cannot honor that request, but worry not. You all will share his fate." The man held out his arm, his hand glowing brighter. Soon Erza and the others were enveloped in the same light Natsu was, each of them vanishing one by one.
"What's happening?" Wendy asked frightfully before vanishing.
"Wendy!" Chelia called out before she too vanished.
"Dammit, Chelia!" Lyon yelled before he too was gone.
"Gray." Juvia reached out before she disappeared. He was gone soon after. Then Ultear. Next were Sting and Rogue who were followed by Laxus and Elfman.
"If you all survive your ordeals, I would be happy to accept your blades." Odin said before he and Yggdrasil walked away.
"Wait!" Lucy called, reaching out for the pair. "Shizu-"she blinked out of the room.
"Lucy!" Erza shouted. She was the last one to vanish.
Hibiki's eyes widened in shock as he furiously typed away on Archive.
"What happened?" Happy asked.
"I…I've lost contact with the others. They're gone!"
"What?!" Carla shouted. "How is that possible?!"
"I don't know! They must have used some sort of spell to cancel the telepathy."
"What do we do now?" Pantherlily interrogated.
Meldy looked out of the window. She mentally kicked herself for following Ultear's order. In her anger and regret she ran out of the hideout.
"Meldy, wait!" Hibiki shouted, but she was already gone.
"I'll follow her." Pantherlily volunteered, sprouting his wings. "Keep looking for a way to reconnect with the others."
"Ok." Hibiki accepted. "We're counting on you Lily."
Lily nodded in acknowledgment before taking off.
"I hope Natsu and the others are alright." Happy worried as he Carla watched Hibiki work.
"Oh, Wendy." Carla fretted. "Please be safe."
Natsu woke up what felt to him like seconds later. He shot up, frantically looking around his new surroundings. He was in a mostly dark room, with the only light being the candles floating around him in glass balls. He stood up, rubbing his the top of his sore head. "What happened? Where am I?" He slowly walked around the room. "Erza?! Lucy?! Gray?!" he received no answers. "Wendy?! Laxus?! Gajeel?!" Once again no responses. "Where the heck is everybody? More importantly where is that Odin bastard? I have to fix whatever he did to Shizuka."
"I'm afraid that both Master Odin and Yggdrasil are far above us now." A voice answered.
Natsu lit his fists on fire. "Who's there?! Come out!"
"No need to shout. I'm right here."
Natsu felt a presence next to him and jumped back. The shadow walked towards the candle, revealing itself to be Lopti. He smiled evilly at Natsu.
"That Mani. He really just does whatever he wishes." Lopti sighed dejectedly. "I was under the assumption we had a system. I wanted to play with that dark-haired ice wizard, or the blonde with the scar on his eye. But I guess you will do for now."
Natsu narrowed his eyes. He remembered how Lopti defeated him during their last encounter. "You got lucky before." Natsu proclaimed. "My back isn't turned this time around."
"I am well aware of that, but…" He held out his hands, black and green energy swirling in them. "As they say, 'He who strikes first'. Now…shall we begin, Natsu Dragneel?"
New chapter up! More FF backstory, more character exploration, more secret motives, some fluff for good measure, and finally a sprinkle of battle set up! Next chapter will finally begin the long awaited rematch with Fenrir's Fang! Hopefully you guys will like it. There's gonna be blood, sweat, tears, new magic, lives lost, and huge revelations so stay tuned!
Also, the battle cry FF uses is actually based off an old Norse war chant. I tried to make it as authentic as it could.
SN: If anyone is having trouble picturing what Pergrande (my version anywa) looks like, think of early Sweden and other Norse countries. That's the idea I was trying to create, but I suck at describing locations.
Drop a comment and thanks for reading! :)