Chapter 53...
"...so, how does a demon go about enjoying their time?" Natsa asked while leaning against the wall in the training room, of Mermaid Heel. She decided to check up on Nevan, but she was having little luck getting her to talk.
"..." Nevan remained silent, and just kept meditating.
"You don't look like someone who has friends. Or goes to demonic parties." Natsa just continued speaking while crossing her arms. She was bored and struck up some conversation. "What do you guys do? Raze a village or two, then throw a party? String up a goat and use it as a pinata? Which begs another question, how do you guys even socialize? I mean, you're born to despise everything from the moment you first draw breath, so I would imagine you give the stink eye to everyone around you, right?
"Devils are incarnates of the negative forces of magic. What we become, is based on the nature that forged us into existence." Nevan sighed in frustration, and answered reluctantly.
"So, does that make you angry and sad all the time? I mean, if you are rage and sorrow, manifested, does that not give you the personality of a angry, sad person?"
"I was...the Meggido, was awakened by Zeref. He managed to resurrect it, but found it reluctant to obey him. Contrary, to popular belief, he did not create devils. So he sealed it away from civilization, until it was found by a order of knights and magicians. Among these pitiful bunch, was a girl, who sought out it's power to bring down a demon named Deliora, one of Zeref's creations, that rampaged throughout the world, killing thousands in it's wake. Eventually, the girl was able to locate the soul of the Meggido. However, in order to use the power of the Fire Devil, it required the merging of it's soul, and the girl's. The price, seemed alright at the time...but as the girl continued to wield it's power, the more she began to realize. The urge to fight, boiled in her heart. The sight of a helpless foe in battle, seemed amusing. The thirst for conflict, could not be quenched. She began delving deep into death magic, and black arts, forbidden by the order. She sacrificed innocent lives to prolong her life. The flame...the flame steadily burned more, and more, and more, lusting after power. Bringing out rage, and sadness the longer the two souls stayed as one." Nevan told the story as she remembered things from her previous life. Natsa sported a blank look, while listening.
"In terms of simplicity, the Meggido's soul brings out the worst in one's self. If that makes sense to a dullard like you." Nevan opened her devilish eyes.
"Wait, so you're...a hybrid of human and devil?" Natsa narrowed her eyes.
"...I am the Fire Devil, Meggido. Scourge of the land, and ruler among demons. I am not whole human, nor am I whole devil. I despise all, and all despises me. I simply am, now...Nevan." She answered firmly while looking back at Natsa with a annoyed look. Natsa scoffed and looked away.
"Right..." Natsa said simply and then turned to the open door that led upstairs. "Oh crap...this is gonna be interesting." Natsa sweated slightly. She knew Treya's magic signature when she sensed it. It was like a faint presence that kept her on edge. "Head's up, partner's silent, but deadly, love-stricken, lady friend has arrived." She forewarned Nevan.
"Who-? Oh, Damnation..." Nevan sighed in frustration. She stood up and crossed her arms under her large bust. She maintained a narrowed look as the sounds of two people came down the stairs.
"Now, do not freak out, because this is going to be a shocker." Ultear's voice sounded. Ultear appeared in her usual blue kimono, with a cloak on her back. Then right behind her, was non-other than Treya. As the the two stepped onto the floor, Treya gasped at the sight of Nevan. She immediately drew her dagger, and dashed towards Nevan, intending on killing her quickly.
"WAIT!" Natsa got in between the two and was holding her wrist. Treya was surprised yet again. For a second, she thought it was Natsu, but she saw longer pink hair, and an eye patch on the opposite eye.
"Out of my way, woman! You do not understand-!" Treya argued while trying to force Natsa aside, but, she was a lot stronger than she looked.
"Nevan!? I know! She's a Fire Devil, she almost killed you guys when you went to fetch the book from Zancrow!" Natsa said, which prompted her to be confused at her words. "But just listen for a second, Treya! Natsu's life might be endangered, if you kill her!" She said which made Treya gasp in surprise. She looked past Natsa and Nevan who scoffed with a brief smile.
"I just said don't freak out!" Ultear managed to get over to them finally. She panted slightly from running.
"...explain." Treya demanded and lowered her dagger, not taking her eyes off Nevan.
"First, let me just say, I have her magic suppressed with a anti-magic cuff." Ultear pointed out. "Secondly, she's being cooperative, and I'd rather you not go wild in my guild!" Ultear ordered her.
"It's no use. I can taste the animosity radiating from her. She wants to kill me." Nevan said as a unseen, red aura was slowly being absorbed from Treya to Nevan.
"Okay, time out." Natsa pushed Treya and Nevan away from each other. "Let me just say this really quick. Your mate is the one who's been keeping us in his body for the last few months. He knows about us two, and doesn't have a problem with Nevan being here." She tried to save the day while calming the killer instinct that burst forth from Treya.
"...who...or rather, what are you?" Treya asked with a narrowed look.
"I'm Natsa. I've been with Natsu, ever since...Venigon." Natsa cleared her throat. "I help him unlock his power, until he is able to do it himself." Natsa calmly explained.
"You look almost like him." Treya pointed out, after twirling her dagger and sheathing it. "Are you his relative or something?" She asked curiously.
"Uh...partner is more accurate." Natsa looked away for a second to think.
"Oh, this is annoying." Nevan stepped forth and pushed Natsa aside. "Look, dragon slayer. At the moment, I do not see it necessary to scatter your ashes among the wind. A rather unusual circumstance has provided me with a temporary vessel. This...body." She put her hand over her chest while making a clueless look.
"I fail to see how your demise would endanger my mate. After what you did, I should slit your throat here and now." Treya rested her hand on her dagger.
"We're connected by the dragon lacrima in Natsu's eye. But the lacrima split into two pieces, and gave the two of us, a body." Natsa pulled the vest down slightly, and showed Treya the gem-like object, lodged into her chest.
"How did this this happen? You don't expect me to merely go along with this story. You just magically appear out of thin air?" Treya shook her head as she tried to make sense of the story.
"Ah, he was testing out a machine I recently got, and we were curious about if we could clone him through use of it. So when he stepped in, it made these two appear." Ultear explained while she placed a hand on her hip.
"...so in other words, this is your fault." Treya deadpanned at Ultear.
"More or less." Natsa bobbed her head slightly.
"Completely." Nevan swiftly answered.
"Wha-? It was done with the good intentions of innocent curiosity. Besides, I wasn't expecting Nevan to be here, let alone Natsa." Ultear corrected as all three of them looked at her.
"You wanted to clone a harem." Natsa blandly said.
"I-it was just a joke! I wasn't ACTUALLY, going to do it!...I was just curious if it would work...and in the off chance that it did...I wouldn't have worry about certain people getting closer to him." Ultear uttered the last part while looking away. " I mean, c'mon, do I look like some type of woman to take advantage of-"
"Yes."
"Without a doubt."
"In a heartbeat." Natsa, Nevan and Treya were in synch, stating the blatantly obvious.
"WHY ARE YOU IN SYNCH, DAMMIT?! YOU TWO ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ON MY SIDE!" Ultear shouted with spiked teeth as a tick mark pulsated on her forehead. Mostly she was annoyed that Treya was finding common ground with their most hated enemy. Especially when it came down to Natsu. "Anyway, as I was saying, we're keeping these two here, until we can figure out what to do with them, so I would appreciate it, if you would not try to escalate things any further." Ultear concluded.
"If my mate said not to touch them, I will comply. But the second the demon is running loose in the streets, I'll kill her myself." Treya glared at Nevan who just maintained a cold gaze, at the green haired dragon slayer.
"As I said. I do not feel like burning you to ashes at the moment. So you can rest assured I will allow you to live." Nevan huffed and turned away, losing interest.
"Allow? You seem to forget that I nearly had you last time, before you used the Mermaid Heel mages as a shield." Treya pointed out.
"You could have had a chance to end it. Oddly enough, I do not hold it against you. You were poised to strike, but they stayed your hand. That's weakness that will cost in the future."
"There is no one to get in the way this time. Don't count yourself as lucky." Treya turned away in disgust. She looked at Ultear and shook her head. "I don't really get it."
"Yeah, I can't believe it myself." Ultear sighed.
"So now what?" Treya asked.
"We wait for Natsu to come back. And we'll solve it together." Ultear smiled partially. "We always do."
"..." Treya just blinked and silently agreed with her.
Trojan village...
"And that more or less explains how that whole two weeks went by." Natsu shrugged while telling Ikaruga the story. They sat on the bed, opposite ends to each other. It was late, and the two had lit candles to see.
"Goodness. So much peril and adventure, no wonder master was enthusiastic when she got back." Ikaruga nodded with a interested expression.
"Y'know, I always hear that from everyone from Mermaid Heel. Is it really that surprising she acts this way?" Natsu realized, and was curious why Ultear's behavior was surprising to her guild mates. Wasn't she always like this?
"...yes. You see, before you came along, she engrossed herself in work, and devoted most of her time with the upkeep, and management of the guild building. She's also on the council, so she is always busy sorting out how the guild effects the places we receive quests." Ikaruga smile faltered for a moment. "But, being a guild leader is very taxing, and she sometimes suffers from insomnia. I suggest to her to take it easy every now and then, let things sort themselves. But she is devoted to keeping the guild together, that she sometimes forgets that we are there for her." She sighed.
"...Huh." Natsu plainly said. "Heh, I just have a hard time seeing her as anything, other than a diabolical mastermind." He chuckled.
"Mhmhmhm, truly humorous, no?" Ikaruga smiled and giggled.
"Eh, it is what it is." Natsu shrugged. "...hard to believe she was just a little girl looking to revive her mother." He looked up at the ceiling.
"Indee-wait..you know about that?" Ikaruga was suddenly raising a curious brow. "She never likes to talk about that." Ikaruga leaned closer to him. "She must really trust you if she let that dark chapter slip."
"Huh? You mean she didn't tell any of you..?" Natsu was slightly surprised that she left out that tiny detail in her becoming of guild master.
"Tell me what?" She tilted her head with a blank stare.
"..." Natsu turned away and blinked. "I met her a long time ago, when she was a kid. I ran into her in a forest when I was training with Venigon..." Natsu went to proceed to tell her about the events that unfolded that led to his encounter. After finishing his story, Ikaruga was wide eyed for a moment, before regaining composure.
"I-I see.." She stuttered for a second. "...this actually explains a lot. Incredible. The foundation of a woman's guild...suggested by a young man. Quite a twist of fate." She giggled in amusement.
"Is that...strange?" Natsu asked, unsure of her reaction.
"I'd be lying if I said so. But at the same time, it really seems something out of a fairy tale. Hmhmhmhm~!" She giggled louder.
"I guess it is kinda unexpected. But, she was the one who found all of ya'. This is all Ultear's doing. Don't misunderstand, I just sat around at a campfire with her." Natsu scratched his hair with a smile.
"Even so, I feel I owe you much for keeping her warm for a few hours, had I known your noble actions would have led to this day." She smiled warmly at him. "Mm. Yes, I think I see you in a new light, Natsu Dranigon." She nodded.
"I'm just crazy Ikaruga. Noble people don't take on Fire Devils, they don't attempt to take on an entire army, and they most certainly don't involve themselves with a scheming guild master." He joked.
"If that's what crazy is, I wish there were more people like you." She slowly rubbed his cheek with a smile. "You do make things interesting, Natsu Dranigon." She said happily, which prompted Natsu to gasp silently.
"..."
"Is something wrong?" She asked.
"No it's just...I never thought I'd hear someone say that." He looked away.
"You've been fighting on your own for a long time, Natsu Dranigon." Ikaruga closed her eyes and put her hand on his. "But, know that you have many allies within Mermaid Heel. I can promise you that." She looked deep in his onyx, and grey eye, and he was a bit pink around the cheeks with how they were.
"Um, good to know." He responded with a nod.
"...oh, how the urge is indeed difficult to restrain." She sighed with a saddened smile. "However, for master, I guess I will let you off with just this." She then hugged him, which surprised him even more.
"This pattern again..." Natsu thought.
"Thank you." She said as she gently pulled him in tighter. "Master is lucky to have someone as you, in her life." She said and then pushed off. "Right then. I'm going to go check on mister Eugene." She happily sat up, and grabbed her blade. She proceeded to leave, leaving Natsu alone in the room.
"..Ikaruga Ryu." Natsu thought out loud. He fell back and let out a deep sigh. "...she gives a good hug." Natsu flatly admitted, while blushing. "Ah, what the hell am I thinking!? This is a life or death situation I got myself into!" Natsu shook his head, and slapped his face.
Lyner's guild hall...
"Man, I cannot take the lack of customers." Lyner sighed depressingly, as he hung over the counter. Darla was sitting on one of the bar stools, looking at a magazine.
"Oh come on, Lyner. After that whole notice, about that unknown element that is in Fiore, I'm surprised that even the regulars showed up." Darla took it as nothing more than an excuse to relax for once.
"This place used to be hopping, now it's just empty. And with winter around the corner, the train stations are gonna be in constant delay. Maybe I should stock up on some more flour...do you know when Mindy is coming back?" Lyner suddenly brought up.
"She's visiting that Mermaid Heel guild, something about Natsu not feeling well." She shrugged, but suddnely shook her head at the pictures of the women of Mermaid Heel. "Goodness, I haven't seen loose clothing like this in a while. These young girls are a total knock out, just look at this Mirajane Strauss! I've never seen a figure like this in years! And this...Jenny...displaying herself like a piece of meat! Has the standard for "cherishing your body", lowered?" She shook her head at the bikini shots.
"Why are you looking at that magazine?" Lyner asked, curiously.
"I found it while cleaning around Mindy's room. I think she might have an interest in it. It was also a surprise to see Ikaruga show up. I hadn't seen the young lady in years! To think she was in the same guild...worlds moving on without us, Lyner." She smiled and closed the magazine.
"Well, we'll move at our own pace." He placed his hand on his wife's. The two smiled brightly at each other. The door suddenly opened to his guild, and he immediatly composed himself and cleared his thought. "Ah, welcome!" He greeted the person. "Huh? A kid?" He was surprised to see a peach white, young girl reveal herself. She was wearing a school-like outfit. She wore black strapped shoes and stockings up to her thighs, a short black skirt, a white dress shirt with red ribbon tied neatly over her chest. Her black hair in twin tails, which were tied together in red ribbon. She also sported a black hoodie with a dragon-like magic rune on the back. She looked all over the place with her azure blue eyes. She also had a long black staff on her back. It had a white, rounded jewel on one end, and a small silver dragon figurine on the other. She hopped over to the counter with a innocent expression.
"Um, is this Thatchwood Blue Bells?" She asked politely.
"Sure is, young lady! Take a seat, and I'll fetch you up something to eat!" He kindly offered.
"Mm! Sure! I'm starving!" She happily accepted and got up on the seat next to Darla.
"Well aren't you just the cutest little thing. What's your name, youngin'?" Darla decided to strike up a friendly conversation with the unknown girl.
"My name is Mero! Mero Serene!" She smiled with a toothy grin. "I'mma wizard! And I've traveled a long way to get here!" She proudly introduced herself.
"Well isn't that nice. This little girl came all the way here to get to this guild! Lyner, lets give her the meal for free. I'll pay for it." Darla suggested.
"Oh, no need! Mero has plenty of money! Here!" She pulled out jewels from the pocket in her hoody.
"Oh put those away, it's no issue at all. What example would we set for youngsters like yourself, if we didn't help out every now and then?" Darla kindly refused.
"Mm! I guess you're right." Mero complied and put the jewels back in her pocket. "In that case, just make me something, on your recommendation. You look like you know how to cook a fine meal." She complimented.
"Omigosh', you're such an angel!~" Darla fell in love with the little girl.
"Heheh! In that case, I'll make you something divine, Mero!" Lyner got behind the grill area, and began cooking up a steak. While he cooked it, they continued to converse with their new guest.
"So Mero, what brings you out this far?" Darla asked.
"I'm looking for someone by the name, One-Eyed Dragon. A lot of people pointed me in this direction." She quickly said.
"One-Eyed Dragon? Dear, is there someone around here with that name?" Darla didn't have a clue, and asked her husband.
"One-Eyed...AH! You wouldn't happen to mean Natsu?" Lyner caught that name, and knew immediately who she was referring to.
"Ohhh, so I am in the right place!" She excitedly exclaimed. "His name is Natsu?! Does he have a last name?" She needed to know.
"Natsu Dranigon. He often takes requests here, and helps pay for our building." Lyner explained. "He's always out and about, and rarely stays." He pointed out.
"Why are you looking for him?" Darla asked with a curious tone.
"It's kinda complicated, but I needed to ask him something, that only he would know!" She explained with kid-like, firm, look.
"You don't say. That kid is shrouded in mystery, not too hard to imagine him having a secret or two." Lyner yawned and flipped the steak.
"What's he like? Everyone I talk to, just tells me the same thing, everywhere I go." Mero said as she rested her chin on the bar.
"What do they say about Natsu?" Darla asked, interested.
"That he's a monster, he eats raw meat, he destroyed a guild with just a flick of his wrist, his black clothing, said to be dyed from the blood of all his victims." She said simply, while her head rested on the bar, with a deflated look." Pretty much just over the top things."
"We are still talking about a young boy, right?" Lyner had a bead of sweat roll down the back of his head. "I wouldn't know anything about his endeavors, but he is a good kid, and treats us, and our daughter very nicely. Been hoping they get together, so I can leave this building in capable hands." Lyner laughed.
"Hm! I see. So he's nice person then!" Mero nodded with a hum. "That's good to hear! I hope he comes back soon!" She wished while playfully kicking her feet back in forth.
"Well you're welcome to stick around! He's bound to pop up, at some point this week." Darla assured. "My, he sure is the popular one."
"Okay! I'll stick around until he comes back then." She happily smiled. "So, how long has Natsu been coming here?" She inquired.
The next day...
Natsu was sitting at a bench in the center of the village. He was eating a carrot, and awaiting the inevitable exchange. It was a misty morning, and he was keeping his ears open. He was listening intently, for anything that could indicate that something unexpected was going to be part of the meeting. Given the crafty, unusual, tactician, Orchid was this was going to be a blind exchange.
"Man, I hope this works." Natsu hoped.
Flashback...
"It's done!" Eugene finally said, with relief. Natsu and Ikaruga were standing by the window and turned to him.
"Fast work." Natsu commended as he approached the desk Eugene was at.
"While it could be fleshed out, this is probably my fastest blueprint ever made, heh." He adjusted his glasses.
"Well, that's one less thing to worry about." Natsu said.
"Indeed. With this complete, hopefully that woman will go off peacefully. While it does leave a result much to be desired, at least we won't be left with no leverage." Ikaruga pointed out. "One hour till day break. I wonder when that lady will show herself." She wondered.
"Who knows what this lady will do." Natsu shrugged. "...this feels kinda weird." Natsu frowned and looked back out the window. "Fog is coming in. Gonna be low visibility." He noted.
"Is that natural up here?" Ikaruga asked Eugene.
"Once a week. It's normal." He said. "Ah yes, I have a request." He asked politely.
"What is it?" Natsu asked.
"This blueprint is all set. It just needs to be handed off." He explained, as he handed it to Natsu. "And this, is the detonator, for the bomb." He said, and reached over the desk, and pulled out a strange looking remote. "It can be activated within the town square. Just press this button, and then boom."
"Okay...why are you telling me this now?" Natsu asked, in a confused tone.
"I want to get out of here. And have you hand it off in my stead." He explained with a serious look.
"...care to explain your reasoning?" Ikaruga made a blank look and propped her sword up like a cane.
"If things take a turn for the worst, I won't be able to outrun them. If you try to cover for me, I'll just slow you down." He explained. "And you got me thinking, that you could get out of here, before the bomb buries the village." He pointed out.
"Well I guess that makes sense. But what if there are guys around the village, making sure we don't leave?" Natsu had to express concern about all the factors into this plan.
"Which is why Ikaruga can leave with me, to escort me to the camp."
"That would leave only Natsu here. Alone." Ikaruga turned to Natsu in a concerned manner. "If something goes wrong, and Orchid attacks, I can't help you." She said to Natsu.
"..." Natsu was silent, while thinking on it.
"I know I'm asking something unreasonable, after all you've done. But...I just want to get out of this alive, and see my wife again." He bowed.
"...it's your decision." Ikaruga told Natsu. After a few moments of silence, Natsu came to a conclusion.
"...well, we did come here to help them. Alright, Eugene. We'll get you back to your family. You did your part." Natsu smiled, with a sigh.
"Thank you. I don't know how I'll ever repay this." He graciously said.
"Lets hope I'm still alive to repay." Natsu sarcastically said. "Alright. Bomb? Check. Leverage? Check. Guy crazy enough to do this? Check." Natsu said humorously, as he held the items, and referred to himself.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Ikaruga asked one last time.
"Hell no. This is crazy. I'm gonna contact the others, let em' know what's going on." Natsu scoffed and walked out the door. Ikaruga frowned slightly, but decided to just focus on getting Eugene out of Trojan village.
Flashback end...
"Hooo'boy." Natsu took a deep breath. "If I get out of here, it's gonna be the first time something in my life went smoothly. But, as long as I got the bomb, I got all the cards." Natsu said to himself out loud. "Hope Ikaruga, Erza, and Kagura are doing okay. It's been two hours since she left with Eugene." Natsu thought, as the atmosphere of the village was thick with cloud. "Hmm...?" Natsu hummed, and then re-quipped the communication lacrima. Suddenly, Ultear popped up on it. "Why hello there." He blandly said.
"Ikaruga just informed me that you're doing the exchange, ALONE." Ultear sported a disapproving expression, her hand on her hip.
"More or less. Eugene's idea. But, I think it will be fine." Natsu bobbed his head. "I'm certain I can get out of here, if things get hairy."
"That wasn't the poi-errgh, never mind." She sighed in frustration, with a face palm. "Why do you always gotta be the one who shoulders all the risk?"
"Cause I'm completely insane, and agreed to help you guys again." He reminded.
"I'm sorry if I put you in harms way. That's why Ikaruga was there, to back you up." she said with a frown.
"I came to back up YOUR mages, Ultear. Besides, This is a better outcome than everyone could hope for." Natsu reasoned.
"Not everyone." Ultear said depressingly.
"I thought you enjoyed my suffering." Natsu raised an eyebrow.
"WHEN 'I', AM THE ONE MAKING YOU SUFFER~! Not something life threatening!" She pouted like child.
"Okay, I get it, I'm exclusive to your torture, and yours alone." Natsu sarcastically said, throwing his hand up in a mocking fashion.
"Damn straight! So you better come back in one piece." She demanded, with a concerned face.
"Relax. Your swordswomen are gonna head back this way, as soon as they get everyone evacuated to the harbor." Natsu reminded. "We'll be fine."
"I'll be seeing you at my guild within the next day or so. Be careful. If it looks dangerous, head back into the forest. Oh yeah, Ikaruga can make transportation rifts with her sword magic. You'll be miles away from harm by just a step and a hop." She wanted to point out.
"Really? Well that would have been nice to know. She could have gotten all those people out of here." Natsu put a hand on his chin.
"It's very taxing for her to open rifts. She uses up a ton of magic, and it leaves her fatigued. I've only seen her open two rifts, in one day. And only a handful of people can go through." Ultear explained. "...what?"
"...I think you've amassed the deadliest women on the planet." Natsu deadpanned.
"Hmph! Mermaid Heel is the best!" Ultear pridefully nodded.
"Right..hm?" Natsu stopped smiling and sported a serious frown. He looked up, and he heard armored foot steps approaching. "Times up Ultear. Got company." He said quickly.
"Be careful Natsu-" She said, right before he placed it in his pocket. Out of the mist, was three figures. Two were bodyguards, obviously, and between them, was Orchid. Surprisingly, Knightwalker was also among them. She emerged after Orchid and her guards.
"Show time." Natsu said under his breath. He stood up and faced the three, with a blank look.
"No people this time. It's as if you almost evacuated the whole village." Orchid said as she approached Natsu, and remained a fair distance from him. Knightwalker was holding her magic spear over her shoulder, sporting a spiteful look in his direction. "Scratch that, you're the only one here, aren't you, Natsu Dranigon?" She crossed her arms, and her pistol was revealed in a holster, to her side.
"It would certainly appear that way, wouldn't it?" Natsu said, crossing his arms and playing along. "I see you brought Evil Erza with you." Natsu noted.
"Enough nonsense, your time is up. Where is Eugene?" Knightwalker demanded.
"Easy, evil Erza-wait, that's a tongue twister. Evil, easy, Erza, easy, Erza, evil-damn, I messed up twice." Natsu scoffed sarcastically.
"Mhmhmhmhm." Orchid giggled, but Erza was getting annoyed.
"Quit stalling, Dranigon! So help me, I will blow this pathetic village to smithereens if I must!" She hissed coldly, pointing her spear at him.
"While my comrade is a little prone to rash behavior, I don't really get annoyed that easily. So, why are you here, and mr. Red Head, isn't?" Orchid asked.
"Relax, I have what you want." Natsu held up the blueprint, wrapped up. Knightwalker walked towards him to retrieve it, but Natsu held it back, and held up his arm toward her. "Hold it, Knightwalker. The deal was, you guys clear out. So how do I know you won't go back on your word?" Natsu cautiously asked, while Erza stopped and was further infuriated.
"If you really thought that, would you have evacuated everyone? I think not." Orchid rested her hand on her pistol. "You see, here is what I think, Natsu Dranigon. No one is going to return here, period, regardless of how this deal goes. Taking my word is the worst thing you could have done. But you choose to put up a front. Perhaps you're just taking a gander at our intentions. But, it doesn't matter, because you see, we weren't after the village to begin with. At least, not until after we got here." She shrugged. "You see, I just found it by accident. And it was a bigger bonus, to find out that one of it's inhabitants were capable of completing something for us." She slowly walked toward a flower pot that was on the ground, and set it back up.
"Enough of this. Lets just kill him, and go!" Erza suggested, holding her spear at the ready.
"Knightwalker, I already beat you once. Don't make the same mistake of thinking you'll get off easy, this time." Natsu sported a blank look at her.
"Easy, kids, mommy is not done talking." Orchid said, after standing up and raking her fingers through her long, black, hair. "Why do you think we're here, Natsu Dranigon?" Orchid asked suddenly, and she faced him. The plated mask hid her features well, but the tone in her voice could paint an expression.
"Magic, from what hot head over here told me." Natsu referred to Knightwalker, and she looked away with a scoff.
"Ah yes, a noble goal. You see, we come from a world, where magic is limited to lacrima. There are no people that can wield magic with their bodies, like you..mages can." She worded by bobbing her head. "People tried to integrate magic into our society, but there wasn't enough for everyone to have. Over time, people that used magic infused equipment, were targeted by criminals. Magic became scarce, and so we had to establish order, and restrict its use."
"We don't have enough magic in Edolas. But if we were to take this world's, there would be magic for all. It would be a thriving society of everyone capable of solving problems, that ordinary methods couldn't. No illness too great. No more famine. No more need to kill over it. Maybe even learn to use it as you do. That is what we aim to do here. We've had to live in a world where criminals, outlaws, even peasants try to hoard it to themselves." Knightwalker went on to explain. "Shouldn't magic be available to all those around? A simple runt on the street, could become a powerful wizard. Shouldn't that opportunity be present to all who seek it?" Knightwalker reasoned.
"At the expense of killing innocent people? Yeah, you can kiss my ass on that one. Also, why would your men kill themselves? It's not necessary. I would have let them live." Natsu asked Knightwalker.
"They knew the risks. And they are loyal to our king, and would gladly give their lives to his cause." Knightwalker pointed out with a frown. "In a war, there will always be casualties."
"Right. Well I hope you prepared a grave yard the size of a small country, because you just picked a fight with the worst enemy in this wretched world." Natsu suddenly had an angry look.
"And that is?" Orchid asked, amused.
"Me." Natsu said as he held up the detonator.
Elsewhere...
"We're almost there. I can hear voices in the distance." Ikaruga said as they walked through the forest.
"Mm..." Eugene nodded. He hobbled along with a crutch they fashioned beforehand.
"I must say though, Eugene." Ikaruga began to say. "I did not expect you to have thought this up. Also, a bomb? How long has it been there?" Ikaruga asked suddenly. "You could have at least informed us about it. We wouldn't have breathed a word to the village." Ikaruga assure. She felt like there was a small rift of distrust in his actions.
"Ah yes...I didn't want to raise any unnecessary concern." He answered.
"Was it your intent to use it at some point?" She asked with a raised brow.
"Only under dire circumstances. This, being one of them." He responded.
"So...you predicted this scenario would be one of many to play out. You sure think ahead." She acknowledged.
"Yes-ah! I can see where they set up camp!" Eugene enthusiastically said, before he pointed at a large camp site at the top of a flat hill. Sure enough, there was the inhabitants of Trojan village.
"Wait a moment." Ikaruga blocked his way with her sword.
"W-why are we stopping? The camp is within view." He asked in confusion.
"Quiet...I feel a...presence." She stopped smiling, and looked around them carefully.
"It's nothing, I'm sure. We've all been on edge. I even thought I was seeing things, when we crossed the ravine an hour ago." He recalled.
"No. I can feel eyes on us. Stay close, Eugene." She said while slowly grabbing the hilt of her blade. Her senses were focused, and was awaiting the hidden presence to reveal it's self. Eugene however, protested.
"...l-look, miss Ikaruga. I think it would be best to proceed to the safety of the camp."
"It is alright, why don't you go...?" She suddenly was getting a strange vibe from him. She looked at him with a blank look. "Eugene, are you in pain?" She noticed that he was sweating a bit more than usual, and his tone was a little shaky.
"Y-yes. My leg is starting to act up." He said while gripping it suddenly.
"If you needed to stop, you should have said something. I don't want you to be in-"
"I-I'll feel better when we're back with my fellow villagers." He began walking awkwardly away.
"Eugene." Ikaruga suddenly said. "What is really wrong?" Her eyes were fixated on him. "You're are getting anxious."
"Nothing!" He shouted back.
"...hm?" Ikaruga was surprised at his sudden outburst, but she located the presence she was referring too.
"Huh?! WAIT!" He could tell she was about to attack, but stopped her with another shout of desperation. She turned again to him in confusion. "I...I..." He began to stutter. "...I'm sorry..." He bowed his head in shame.
"What for? What reason do you have to be apologetic?" She asked. Now concerned, she had her attention toward him.
"I'm supposed to meet someone here. Kes...she was poisoned. She was injected with a type of drug from that Orchid woman, long before you all came. I'm supposed to meet with the person here to retrieve the antidote." He confessed with a saddened frown. He was shaking with guilt.
"...reveal yourself, lest I cut you in two." Ikaruga called out around them. And, as if on cue. A clear blur was moving in the trees, and then landed on the ground near them. Suddenly, it was revealed to be a Edolas ninja that was holding onto a green vial.
"You earth-land wizards are frightening. Able to detect how well we conceal ourselves." He had a gruff voice as he placed the vial on the ground. "Orchid says great job if you got this far. Here's our end of the deal." He said, and then threw a flash bomb on the ground, and disappeared. Eugene went over and quickly retrieved the vial.
"I have to get this to my wife-" He began to leave. But suddenly, Ikaruga's blade was at the back of his neck.
"What have you done, Eugene? What were you supposed to do to get the antidote?" She demanded with a hostile look.
"...I was supposed to have that pink haired guy stay behind." He finally revealed, leaving Ikaruga gasping with shock. "I was supposed to make the blueprint, and leave one of you behind. But she suddenly wanted Natsu Dranigon to remain behind, when you arrived. They were following you, and were looking for the opportunity to kill him."
"You mean to tell me...this was planned from the start?!" Ikaruga couldn't believe it. They were duped!
"You have to understand! The poison was going to kill our child! If left unattended-"
"You could have told us this sooner! If that was the case, we could come up with a pla-"
"This woman is cunning, Ikaruga! She knew where you all were, she shot me in the leg just to purposely to make sure we took our time and were far away! She made sure Dranigon, and miss Kagura witness what happened! I was helpless from revealing her dark plot!" He tried to reason.
"So the bomb was all a lie?! If it's not, then heavens, what is it?!" She demanded an answer. Her face was losing composure.
"Its...an anti magic pulse emitter. Enough to cover a mile." He said, hesitantly.
"...we need to get to the camp, now!" She ordered, and rushed ahead of him to go inform her friends. "I was a fool, master! Forgive me!" She thought with a guilty conscience. If anything happened to Natsu...she hoped he would be fine until they rushed back to help him.
Back at the camp...
Natsu stood with the detonator in hand.
"..."
"..." Orchid and Erza stood side by side at the sight.
"Turns out a nifty little explosive device, was left under this village. I press this button, and it's going to vanish from the face of the earth." He threatened.
"You're bluffing." Knightwalker scoffed.
"..." Orchid kept silent, as the wind, whipped up slightly.
"I'll give you this when we're clear of the village." Natsu promised.
"So what? You can conjure up a way to counter attack? Don't bet on it. We leave with that blueprint, or else." Knightwalker held her spear upward from the ground.
"Guess it's time to roll the dice then." Orchid crossed her arms. "Your move, Natsu Dranigon." Orchid nodded with a confident.
"I will do it." Natsu warned.
"You wouldn't kill yourself now."
"Who says I'm gonna die?" Natsu scoffed.
"You're human like us. Killing yourself for no reason, just doesn't seem in your character." Orchid giggled.
"...last warning..." Natsu narrowed his eye. "Does she seriously think I won't do it? It's almost like she's asking me to do it." He thought. After a few tense moments, he slowly placed his finger on the button. They didn't react.
...
...
...
...
(Click).
The button was pressed.
(BUZZING SOUNDS)
"...what the hel-?!" Natsu was shocked that the explosion he was waiting for didn't happen, but instead, a wirring was heard behind him at the fountain, and a shallow electrical current zapped him continuously.
"GYYAAAAAAHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Natsu bellowed in pain, due to the surge that ran up his spine and down. Blue lightning was enveloping him. Orchid grinned behind her mask. Natsu fell to one knee, and was smoking. Small lighting bolts crackled around him.
"What's wrong, Natsu Dranigon? Were you going to blow us to smithereens? If that's all it took to kill you, you would have died when you fought with Erza. And when my men tried to take you out." She grimly put as her armored foot steps approached him. "But, anti-magic devices seems to be effective." She bent down and crouched in front of him. "Nice to know you got the guts, even if you are immune to heat and explosions." She pointed out. As she said that, invisible troops slowly appeared out of thin air, behind him.
"(Cough). Well played..errghh.." Natsu groaned. "Tell me something. Was Eugene part of your little act?"
"An act? I think of this as a game. Once you know the rules, you can win. You see, we realized, that your magic was not something like the others around you. It could destroy magic, so there for, our weapons would be useless. But then we figured, lets take magic out of the equation, and see where that gets us. And looks like I got you good." She smirked while she brought up his face to hers. The red in his eye showed, and he glared angrily at her.
"In the end, people are all the same. Sometimes, what they're skilled at, can prove to be a fatal weakness. But you aren't like the others. I can tell from the way you fought off my men, that you aren't hesitant about killing them." She slowly grabbed her mask. "I can respect that." She removed the mask, and Natsu was wide eyed for a moment.
"Oh shit. The evil one." Natsu was shocked of the face that was behind the mask.
"So my face is the last thing you can see, before I kill you." It was the face that belonged to, none other, than the one who sent him here in the first place. Although, he could tell she was older, but there was no mistake. The resemblance was uncanny.
"...Ultear." Natsu thought, while Orchid grabbed her gun and cocked the hammer back. She stood up and held it up to his head with a evil smile, as her black eyes stared deep into his.
"See ya in Oblivion, Natsu."
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