Chapter 27-Impending Chaos

Dear Riku,

Lucy has convinced me to write to you. She says the act of writing a letter, even if unsent, is a great exercise in reflection and perception. Further, she has declared that you would enjoy a letter from me, given that we don't know how long we will be apart. I told her that even with an address the chances of you getting this in a timely manner wasn't likely, but she insisted that made it all the more romantic. I like the idea of it being romantic, so I will try my best. Lucy said I shouldn't try to get fancy, but instead just relay what I have been up to since you left.

We have just arrived back from a great adventure and feast in the celestial world. Back in Crocus, Lucy and Yukino used the twelve spirits to close the Eclipse gates, preventing any other dragons from entering our world. However, it seems that the use of the keys to open and close Eclipse had a negative effect and the spirits decided to rebel, saying they wanted total freedom even though that would result in their deaths. They even went so far as to attack Lucy when she tried to call on them for help!

The Liberum, or ritual for freedom, was upsetting the balance of our worlds causing natural disasters across the continent. We were able to stop the ritual using keys that Princess Hisui made. However, being out numbered, the spirits scattered and challenged us to fight. You know, Riku, that a Fairy Tail mage can't resist such a challenge, especially if it will help a friend!

I'm not sure about all of the challenges (especially Gray's because he refuses to share without spluttering and looking awkward), but I was against Sagittarius, a worthy warrior! Behind his door was a paper mâché recreation of a war like setting. The object was to shoot down targets on boats, which seemed straight forward enough at the start, but then the competition changed. The first competition was archery (a win for me). The second was a horseback riding contest which Sagittarius won. I admit I was not prepared to race a centaur. The third was a combat match over a minefield.

I know what you are thinking: minefield? Am I trying to get killed? Obviously not. I struggled at first, but ultimately won by jumping and riding on Sagittarius, having him step on the mines. I can practically see you chuckling to yourself now at this tactic, but it was the best choice, no matter how ridiculous it might sound. I was able to close his gate because of my victory! Ultimately Natsu was able to free the Celestial King, the spirits were free and apologized, and we had a fest in the celestial world!

I do feel a bit more comfortable now that I've told you what has occurred, but I would much rather have told you in person. Your reactions are always much more enjoyable, especially when I tell you I have done something heroic, but perhaps more reckless than you'd like. Of course, no one really seems that reckless next to Natsu, so it is all about perspective there.

That reminds me: I stopped by my favorite bakery and received your gift! I was so surprised that I nearly fainted when they began bringing out each dish! I was able to take some to go and they are stashed in my refrigerator! Next time we meet, I will most certainly treat you to something equally as pleasing because I doubt any of these desserts will be left. Thinking of it now, I will definitely be having another dessert when I finish this letter.

Lucy said it is best to end a letter with questions, so that you might respond just in case you do receive this letter. Tell me about your adventures away from Fairy Tail and any funny moments that have occurred. How are you? How is training and the Kingdom of Seven?

Write back if you can!

Sincerely Yours,

Erza Scarlet

Dear Riku,

We recently went on a mission that has brought troubling news to Fairy Tail. We were asked to go to sun village and unfreeze it from the strange pink ice it was encased in. We ran into some treasure hunters, but they were easily handled. What has me troubled are the other events.

First, I fought Minerva (from Sabertooth) in the village. She has joined a Dark guild and wanted vengeance for the Magical Games, even attempting to outdo me when I was less than my usual strength. However, she did not win and ran off. Second, Gray informed us that he fought a demon who claimed to be from the Books of Zeref, a complete surprise for our original mission/

These two pieces alone would be concerning, but we also found out about a second book of Zeref, E.N.D., that Igneel (Natsu's father) originally failed to destroy. According to Warrod (the client for our mission & one of the original founders of Fairy Tail), its all connected to Tartaros, a Dark Guild made up of devil & Zeref worshipers. Warrod warned that the Dark Guild might have the Books of Zeref in their possession.

Who is Tartaros and what is their goal? What is to become of Minerva? What sort of demon could defeat a dragon, especially the king of fire dragons?

These questions still concern me, as well as a bad feeling in my gut that we have only scratched the surface of the troubles here. Though you probably don't have answer, write back when you can.

Sincerely Yours,

Erza Scarlet

...

Riku folded the letters and tucked them safely into a pocket inside his coat, watching Emperor Spriggan carefully. Riku's gut was also giving him warning signs which were only heightened with Erza's second letter. Emperor Spriggan put down his cup nonchalantly and looked at Riku.

"You have some questions I imagine and I may have some answers," Emperor Spriggan said. "But first let me be clear: I have come here to see the power of Acnologia's son and the chance that he may be of use to destroy Acnologia once and for all. That has always been my purpose here. You have shown yourself to be a valuable player and so I have provided these letters as a sign of friendship, not animosity."

"How'd you get these," Riku said more coldly than he'd intended.

Emperor Spriggan smiled, though his eyes remained serious as he replied,"I came upon them during my travels and thought that I would deliver them to save the messenger time."

"And you don't know what they're about? You didn't read them?"

"I have no need to read your personal letters," Emperor Spriggan said with a shrug. "I have my own network for news."

"Has that network mentioned a dark guild called Tartaros at all?"

"Tartaros, the library guild, yes" Emperor Spriggan replied, taking another sip of tea. "It is a formidable group of nine demons all from the books of Zeref. They have a desire inscribed in their bones and will destroy anything they need to in order to satisfy it. My network tells me that they have attacked the Magic Council, was that in your letter?"

"They attacked the magic council?"

"Less than a day ago. No one seems to have survived."

Riku was standing before he realized it, his mind moving a mile a minute with this new information.

"You're putting the pieces together," Emperor Spriggan observed. "A dark guild who is powerful enough to destroy and kill the magic council, its workers, and wizards is a terrifying dark guild. What's more, you know how your guild will likely react to this news. There is no way that your friends and family will avoid a fight. But then, what will you do? Do you intend to join them and fight?"

Riku clenched his fist. "Why are you telling me all this," he asked through gritted teeth. "What's in it for you?"

"Tartaros' headquarters is no ordinary place. It sits upon and inside a Plutogrim that moves it across the continent. It can only be found by those who have a path or knowledge of it, a key that makes it especially hard to find. Currently it is over Bosco, headed in a western path."

Riku's eyes widened in realization. "Towards Fiore," he breathed.

Emperor Spriggan said, standing and moving towards the door. He paused in the frame before looking back at Riku. "I do not know when you will make it back to Magnolia or in what state the city or your guild will be in, but I do know one most important fact: Tartaros intends to create chaos and destruction at a level unseen before. Acnologia will come, like a shark to blood filled water. You will need to be ready to fight him when he does or he will destroy anything Tartaros has left behind."

Then, Emperor Spriggan exited the room into the glare of the dying sunlight. Riku's thoughts fell into place and he rushed after him, out of the tea house and into the empty courtyard. The Emperor was gone, as if he'd disappeared with the breeze blowing across the koi pond.

Riku knew what he needed to do: he had to get his sword and supplies and go back to Magnolia.

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