Hey Everybody! I'm back with another chapter for our heroine's insane journey! Although, this will probably be a shorter one/ rest stop universe to be honest. Nothing too crazy is really planned.
Aside from that, not much else to say except I hope you all enjoy.
I still don't own any media!
Chapter 19: Neko!
Universe: 65922021-C Magnolia, Fiore Year 784
The darkness of night cast its shadow over the city as a cloudless sky spun with twinkling stars above. Magical streetlights burned, bathing the deserted roadways in a warm glow. A few passed out drunks were spread out among alleyways, mostly harmless as a few guards patrolled.
The infamous Fairy Tail guild hall stood silent, closed hours before as even the guild lush, Cana Alberona had found her way to the dorms behind the magical guild.
Inside the deserted structure, yellow particles began to form in the main hall, growing thicker before disgorging a group of five in a flash of light. They were flung fast, almost flying horizontally across the room with cries of distraught screams.
"Augh!" Mira cried out, her body slamming into the bar before skidding off and slamming into a line of alcohol bottles with a crash of spilling booze. She hit her head, getting knocked out in single blow as her body lay still among flowing alcohol.
Levy and Erza didn't fare much better, both crying in anguish as their bodies were flung toward a main supporting beam. The two women cracked into it, sharp cries of sharp agony adding to their horrid fatigue. Erza landed against a table, breaking it in half as Strawberry skidded across the wooden floor. Struggling to claw her way to the bat, dread and small cuts decorated her sweat drenched face among rampant fear. "No…I…I…" the redhead collapsed, barely five feet from her bat as Levy lay nearby face up with a large slash across the back of her armor. The mage was lucky it hadn't been pierced as her LMG clattered a dozen feet away.
Kagura landed against the bar stools, crying out as they broke against her side. Smacking her head against the bar itself, the woman saw a fading fog of unconsciousness. Trying to reach for her Boltok, the raven haired mage gasped as she spotted her friends already fallen. "I…I can't let…those mon…st.." she managed to stand on shaking feet…then pitched forward, her firearm landing with a clatter as days of horror took its toll.
Normal face had splattered against the floor, slowly reforming as his eyes scanned the four. Looking around the room, his interior data recognized the structure. "Fairy Tail…" Looking up at the rafters, the strange melon climbed upwards to take a protective station from above. "It is futile to move them. They're injuries are superficial. All they need is rest" the creation concluded before setting its gaze on the door for the coming morning…
Morning. 7:38 a.m.
Mira whistled warmly to herself, the singing of birds in the trees above twitching her ears as she arrived at guild hall. The female found herself surprised by the sight of Lucy, Evergreen, Erza, and Laki waiting by the door expectantly.
"What are you five doing here so early? The guild won't be open for another twenty minutes"
"Blame Natsu! I have rent to pay and that fire breathing idiot cost me the whole reward three days ago! I…I NEED MONEY!" the blonde wailed, her financial troubles well known among their friends. Laki patted her shoulder, making soothing sounds.
"Don't worry Lucy. We'll help you on a job" the wood mage stated as Evergreen sighed. The earth mage still didn't know why she agreed to this.
"I just want a delicious slice of Strawberry Cheescake…I mean…help Lucy with her financial woes" Erza added with arms crossed over her Heart Kreuz armor. Scarlet hair flowing on the warm summer breeze, she stood aside as Mira moved to unlock the door.
"I'll whip you up some breakfast while you five look over the job board. Plenty left over from yesterday" the silver haired woman smiled warmly. Pushing the door open, she had barely taken a few steps inside with her friends when she saw the damage…and the bodies splayed across the floor.
"INTRUDERS IN OUR GUILD! WHO WOULD BE SO FOOLISH!?" Erza shouted, re-equiping a sword and hastily moving forward to the first body.
"ERZA! WAIT! They're…not moving…" Mira stated with a worried tone as she followed the scarlet haired woman with the others. Approaching the three bodies, Evergreen stood over one with blue hair.
"What the hell? What's wrong with her head?"
"She looks like…Levy…but wrong" Laki added, confusion mixing with her feminine voice. Looking to the left, the purple haired female saw some strange object with a long knife on it. "A weapon? But not a sword?"
Erza moved cautiously toward the next body, her suspicions rising as she readied her sword…just in case. "Lucy…flip her over"
The blonde huffed, knowing better than to argue with the S-class mage. Rolling the body over with a heave, the duo stepped back in shock. "Erza…it's…you…"
"Step away from Miss Levy and the other's"
The five looked up, confusion of this morning getting worse as…a talking watermelon looked down at them with a glare. Jumping down, the creature put himself between the five and his creator. White boots and gloves gleaming with his green hide bouncing off rays of sunlight, it stood straight.
"WHAT THE HELL! FRUIT ISN'T SUPPOSED TO TALK!" Evergreen pointed.
"I am fully capable of talking" he stared at the ceiling, calculations running in his head.
"AAAAHHH! IT TALKED AGAIN!" Lucy screamed as she hid behind Erza, the woman pointing a sword at the strange creature.
"What manner of demon are you? And how do you explain…that deformed imposter!? Is this doing of dark mages!?" Erza demanded, cocking back her sword arm as the others prepared for a fight.
"You're the deformed one" N.F. replied simply before walking toward the bar.
"I will slay you for your tone, demon!" Swinging down, Erza bisected the fruit into two halves, spraying watermelon guts across the floor in a spatter…just as Levy stirred. Opening her eyes, she groaned as her back ached…her whole body ached. Then she jumped to her feet, screaming toward the ceiling while shaking her fists.
"Seriously…FUCK THAT LAST UNIVERSE! FUCKING FACEHUGGERS! AND THEIR SHITTY ACID SPITTING QUEENS! AND HAVING TO JUMP OFF A CLIFF OF SOME SHITHOLE PLANET! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!" the woman raged, venting with an expulsion of emotions. Looking at the still passed out Erza on the floor, Levy grunted…then walked over and promptly kicked her in the side.
"Get the hell up! We landed in some new universe!" the short woman scolded with ire as Scarlet coughed and blinked from the waking blow. Looking over, she saw Evergreen, Laki, Erza, Lucy, and Mira…but they looked wrong. Pointed ears were sticking out of the top of their heads…with the normal pair along the sides of their heads. And behind them…Levy swore she just saw a yellow tail swish behind Lucy. And then a brown one behind Evergreen flowed with seemingly a mind of their own.
Snatching the pistol from her hip, McGarden glared at the five. "Why the hell do you look like fucking cats? Spell gone wrong? Cosplay convention? …murderbots?"
"I could ask the same thing…imposter Levy. Where are your tails? Are they under your armor?" Erza asked with bits of anger. "What type of weapon is—" Her double got up, annoyed groans escaping her lips…then promptly punched Levy in the face.
"I WAS HAVING A GREAT NATSU DREAM YOU MIDGET! FILLED WITH LOTS OF LOVEMAKING!" Scarlet yelled in womanly fury as her friend staggered and turned with her own anger. "So what!? We could've been surrounded by…I dunno! Vampire squirrels again! Or get hunted by anti-criminals!"
"Those are called police, you sociopath! And do you really think those five alone pose any threat to us!?" Scarlet pointed to the group with an extended finger and yell.
"Miss Erza is correct. While they were cautious, they didn't make any threatening moves considered life threatening. Plus, I found a box of chocolate milk"
'Sllurrp'
Lucy turned…eyes widening as the strange melon stood there…completely unharmed, drinking from a small carton. "This day…is too weird…"
"Fine! Whatever! I'm raiding their kitchen for booze and bacon. We have…" Levy studied her dimensional reader, scowling. "Six hours. Why don't you wake up Kagura" Walking with a wave, Levy vaulted over the bar, landing on Mira who gasped in the midst of waking up.
"GAH! Watch it fat tits!"
"Make me breakfast"
"Make it yourself" Strauss growled out as she stood up. Plucking some glass from her hair, she groaned. "Great…I smell like a drunk"
"This…is really really weird. Even for Fairy Tail" Laki whispered as she watched the four…just what are they? They look like humans, but they don't have the second pair of ears…or tails? Can they even purr?"
Strauss groaned, stretching out behind the bar, the sunlight highlighting the eyebrow scar as the five cat-like mages watched in stupefaction.
"Ummm…your…"
"You? Or me? I get the confusion…might want to get your whole guild because I'm sure as hell not explaining all this crap" Glancing at Evergreen, the brunette woman lightly flinched as this…non-Mira smirked. "Cute ears"
"Evergreen? Lucy? Do you think you could get everybody…" Mira gulped with wariness, watching her non-human double approach…with that heavy armor and weapons.
"Uh…sure…" Lucy stated in shock as she practically fled the hall with Evergreen to fetch the guild master and their friends.
Strauss circled around, never leaving the eye sight of her twin in a marron dress. Studying the silver haired tail swishing around from a hole in the back, the shifter couldn't help herself. Grabbing the garment, the Gear yanked it up to reveal the lacy white panties…and the base of the cat tail sticking out of her back right above the covered buttocks.
"AAHHH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Mira shrieked in embarrassment before jumping away, a strange frightened purr erupting from her throat…along with exposed fangs of caution. Staying near her own Erza and Laki, she was distinctly aware of grilling coming from the kitchen. And strange humming. "is that Levy in MY KITCHEN!"
"So…your like…a cat/human hybrid…"
"I'm human! You're the weird ones!"
"Can you two stop yelling and shut the hell up?" Kagura groused while pinching her nose. Sitting down at the bar, the mermaid mage was content to just sit and gather her thoughts. Plus, her head still ached from the hard landing yesterday. "At least we aren't being hunted by those…chest bursting things here…yuck"
"Here. Bacon. But these people have waaaayyyy too much milk in the back fridge" Levy complained, treating herself to some freshly cooked slices and orange juice…with a little extra kick.
"Milk is an important staple of a healthy diet! Well…with strawberries of course" Erza informed, the feline female keeping her sword brandished as the other approached the bar. Her tail twitched, swishing in constant awareness as her pointed ears rotated. Pushing Laki behind her, the knight was watching every movement her…imposter made.
Sitting down with a groan, Scarlet helped herself to the pile of freshly cooked bacon…then glanced at the remaining three. "We won't hurt you. You can put the sword away"
"And what if I do and you attack myself or my friends"
Scarlet snorted in derision, chewing the cooked meat slowly before washing it down with juice. "Oh please. You're not rapists, cannibals, space monsters…" she paused putting a finger on bottom lip. "Or a flesh eating spider-clown owned by a space pig. Just because your cats or something…ahhh…I really wish Milianna could see this" the red head groused, setting her chin on the bar as the locals slowly eased their stances…but stayed away for now, waiting on their friends and family.
"I'll say this again…This day is really weird…" Laki mentioned as the strangers ate at the bar without a seemingly care in the world…
One hour later…
Makarov studied the five, his balding head sheening under the sunlight pouring in through multiple windows. His mane was gray, but trimmed along with his tail as he slowly stroked his chin. The watermelon was the strangest he supposed, but it was just sitting there…staring with barely a blink.
The strange…unhuman doubles of Erza, Kagura, Mira, and Levy had changed from their armors, sporting more regular clothes. Makarov grinned, eyeing the large mounds of flesh hidden beneath tight shirts that each woman sported…with hints of cleavage.
"What do you think, Gramps? Are they bad guys?" Natsu asked hopefully, wanting the chance to fight some other Erza that could be some strange monster. His salmon haired mane almost twitched in anticipation, Happy standing behind him as the fire user clenched a fist.
"Only one way to find out" Clearing his throat, the short old master approached as his precious children watched in worry and anticipation.
Sensing the old man as the four cleaned their weapons, Strauss was the first to look his way. "Questions?"
"Just one…Can I take pictures of you in your lingerie? Or with no clothes? Your breasts are all so big and bou-"
"PERVERT! JUST LIKE OUR OWN!" Strauss yelled, kicking the elder across the room as he cried in distress. Huffing as the male slid down the wall, Strauss 'hmphed" crossing her arms beneath her bust.
"I think we should let that one slide…" Evergreen whispered to Lucy, both glaring at the pervert twitching in the corner, foam drooling from his mouth. She still remembered him trying to take pictures of them in the Fairy Hills sauna. The dirty old man.
"I'll ask the questions" Levy huffed as she walked over, annoyance at the master. "Really? This is serious and he asks that? He deserved to get Mira kicked" Still…she was a little intimidated by…herself. Especially her larger…assets. Blue tail twitching in nervousness, the short woman could see the scar…and the bountiful bosom of this…strange version of herself. Feeling the presence of Juvia, Cana and Erza, the four approached the table.
"So…um…are you…just what are you?" she asked her scarred double.
"Human's. Counter-question. Has your species been altered in some way by some cat loving mage?"
"No…humans evolved with tails, pointed ears, and the ability to purr" Levy replied in mild confusion.
"Where are you from!?" Cana blurted out, pointing at the four with an extended finger.
Scarlet looked up with a bored expression, digging bits of flesh from the teeth of her Lancer. "Earthland. Well…a parallel version of it"
"How did you get here? Or…why are you here? Do you plan on invading or enslaving us?" the knight asked her strange double who just scoffed and laughed with bits of amusement. "Hardly. We're stranded in the multiverse, shifting from world to world…never finding home…" the woman finished despondently before going back to her work.
The guild was uneasy, trying to figure out if these four were lying.
"The multiverse?" Juvia asked, curiosity piqued.
"Yup. Basically anything can and will happen. In your reality, it looks like humanity evolved with feline aspects while in ours, human's evolved from apes" Mcgarden explained. "Some are beautiful worlds with healthy environments, friendly people and all around great to visit"
"That doesn't sound so bad" Cana butted in, taking a sip of irish rum cream.
"Sure…until you land in worlds overrun by walking corpses. Find versions of your friends being raped by dark mages…fighting undead space monsters…Being attacked by booze drinking infants with flesh tearing teeth! Or how about forests that rain blood!? Or global wars that leave thousands of men dead in a single day…having to kill…to steal…" Kagura explained as she slowly rose, pointing toward the lush with annoyed anger. "It's been over two years since we saw our home! Our friends and family! All we do is fight! Survive! So yes, it's just fucking great!"
Cana reeled back from the outburst, ears twitching from the yelling.
"You haven't been home in over two years? Is there anyth—" Juvia tried to say as McGarden held up a hand. "No, there isn't anything you can do. I mean, your world doesn't even have firearms technology. I highly doubt you have particle scanners…or nuclear fusion…or tachyon colliders for research" The woman stood up, holstering her side arm with a grin.
"Frankly, you're just a safe harbor until we shift. But…" Mcgarden's grin grew wider, the female approaching her own, less busty double before setting a hand on the slender shoulder. "We should totally hang out! Fight dark mages and kill them! Ice cream! Or…or…A BACON/ CHICKEN RANCH SUB! That would be fucking amazing!" Mcgarden laughed as she imagined eating her favorite sub among piles of corpses.
"Wait…What was that first one?"
"Ice cream?"
"You do realize Fairy Tail doesn't kill her enemies, McGarden?" Gajeel stated, crossing his arms as Pantherlily, Jet and Droy nodded in agreement.
"Ugh…so lame… Fine! Sub sandwich time!" Walking toward the double doors, the short woman slowed as she strode past Natsu.
"Looking good, stud. I'm sure you'll make some of these cat-girls happy once you start laying some pipe" Smirking, the armed mage strode out of the hall with a whistle.
"Follow her! She seems crazier than Cana!" Makarov yelled from his pervert corner. Gajeel grunted, pulling along team shadow gear as they gave chase.
"Hey! I resent that!"
"Uhh…what did she mean by laying pipe? Am I going to be a plumber?" Natsu asked Lucy, who simply face palmed.
"She was implying you'll have sex with your future girlfriend, Natsu" Strauss explained simply.
Cana looked at Juvia and Erza, shrugging in renewed confusion before looking at this other Mira. "A what?"
Strauss stared deadpanned at the lush, planting her hands on her hips. "You can't be serious. I expect the average Natsu not to understand, but you three should understand at least the simple concept of dating"
"Dating?" Juvia asked, earning an annoyed groan from the scarred mage…who threw up her hands in frustration. "You know!? When a man and woman form a romantic relationship! Dating, Kissing, eventually having sex and children with the bond of marriage!?"
"Are you talking about cubs?" Erza asked simply.
"YES!"
"I see…and this…marriage. What does it entail?"
Scarlet groaned, her ears unbelieving of this situation. "It's a bond between a male and female. To live their lives together and start a family. Built on the love and respect they have for each other"
"That sounds dumb" Grey stated, earning a withering glare from this…non-cat Erza. He gulped, her voice taking a very low tone. "I plan on marrying my own Natsu…are you saying I'm dumb?"
"A…of course not! I'm sure….uh…there's many reasons for…mirage"
"I think she said marriage, not mirage, Grey"
Laxus corrected as the ice-mage slowly sat down, his eyes feeling the glare of death from Scarlet. Staying silent, he could feel her eyes leave him.
"Okay…so how do you meet anybody? Decide on having…cubs?" Kagura inquired, her interest piqued by this strange conversation.
"That's easy! When a female is ready, she goes into heat, attracting the male for intercourse and hopefully having a litter!" Cana cheered out before placing a slender finger on her lower lip…which caused her large breasts to be squished. "Of course, we don't know who it will be until the actual mating time. Your way sounds really tiresome…actively going out to seek a male"
"So basically…you have no idea who will be screwing you until you actually find said man" Scarlet asked simply.
"Pretty much! Ah…I do hope he can rock me hard though…" Cana replied with a whisper and blush.
"Whatever. As long as some asshole doesn't try anything with me" Standing up, Scarlet headed toward the door with a wave. "I'm going to get some food…maybe enjoy some peace and quiet. Try to control your base instincts around Natsu, Kagura. We can't have you getting knocked up with cat kids"
"I WASN'T GOING TO, YOU CRIMSON IDIOT!"
But Scarlet was already out the door, laughing to herself.
"I'll stay with her…" Erza groused, turning on her heel and following the non-cat double through the guild doors with a swish of her red furred tail.
Laki turned toward Strauss, eyeing the visitor with suspicion. "Are you planning on leaving too. Causing panic in the streets?"
"Nope! I'm…" She moved toward her double and Lisanna, wrapping her arms around the two felines with an impish grin. "I'm going to explain why these two should start mating with Natsu"
"Wait…WHAT!?" the two sisters yelled out.
"Shhhh…it's time for some girl talk" Glaring lightly at Elfman, the brother stopped in mid-step…then turned away with a whistle as Strauss dragged the two into the kitchen.
"So…Kagura? Is it okay they all left you?" Lucy asked.
"Yes. I'll finish my weapon maintenance and relax" she looked wistfully at the ceiling. "Nothing is trying to kill us for the first time in weeks…it's…wonderful" Re-taking a sip of her tea, the woman took a small pleasure in the heated drink before returning to her weapon maintenance.
Raising an eyebrow as Laki, Lucy and Natsu sat down at her table, the traveler barely looked upward as the busty cat blonde picked up the ejected bullets from Kagura's longshot spread across the table.
"What is this?"
"7.62mm bullet. I use them for long range sniping"
"They don't look that tough! I bet I could beat them!" Natsu bragged, his demeanor full of life.
"Your head would explode before you even made it halfway" Kagura glared before taking the single munition from Lucy's fingers, the blonde growing a bit uneased at such a small thing causing death. Cleaning out the inner barrel, the lone human found herself still being stared at by most of the guild. Sighing, her annoyance grew a bit. "What? Still trying to understand how human's can not have cat features?"
"Just hard to believe there's a version of me with no tail" Evergreen pointed out simply. "What am I like back in your home universe?"
"You're a Gear. Fought the grubs at the siege of Crocus, helped kill the riftworm with Natsu, Grey, Bisca and Sorano. But frankly, that was north of where I was stationed at the time" she began reassembling her longshot, practiced familiarity making it easy.
"Grubs? Like insects?" Laki asked simply.
"I don't want to talk about it"
"It might help?"
"No. None of you could possibly understand. Back then before we were stranded on this journey of shit, the locust were vile. Now…they're just one in a long list of fucking nightmares we've encountered" She pointed toward the purple haired wood mage. "Don't bring it up again. I just want peace and relaxation for a few hours"
Laki's tail twitched fearfully, her ears flattening a bit from the woman's tone. Feeling Lucy's hand on her own, the wood mage calmed down.
"AAHHH! All this stuff is dumb! What am I like in your universe!?" Natsu asked with a loud yell.
"YEAH! I WANNA KNOW TOO!" Happy cheered out.
"Your probably still an idiot! Running around coughing up hairballs and getting arrested!" Grey told Natsu loudly, his face cocky with his stance.
"Better than being arrested for stripping near that group of cubs! What, ice freeze you milk laden brain!?"
"Idiots…" Evergreen muttered as the two maned males slammed their heads together, shouting insults.
"Um…can't we just let Miss Kagura talk?" Wendy asked softly, the twelve year old trying to reason with the two.
"Ugh…those two…in every damn Earthland universe…KNOCK IT OFF! YOUR UPSETTING WENDY!" Kagura roared with annoyance as her eye twitched. The two male cats froze, ears flattening…then both shot to the rafters, hissing at Kagura as their tails puffed out in fear.
Looking up, the gravity mage had to admit. "Yeah…that's different…" Going back to assembling her rifle, the woman ignored the random hissing coming from the two rafters. "To answer Natsu's earlier question, he's the king of Fiore and a war hero. Not to mention highly intelligent" "At least the others are gone. They'd spout all about their sisterhood and …ugh, don't need to listen to that"
"Seriously?"
"Indeed. Married to queen Hisui too" Finishing her task, Kagura glanced at the pile of weapons…then at Normal Face staring stoically at a spider crawling across the floor. "Normal face. Watch these weapons. I'm going to enjoy some lounge in the back…maybe read a book. Yes. That sounds lovely" Rising, her black haired flowed as the female started to head toward the library to select a novel.
"Wait! We still have lots of questions still!" Lucy shouted, standing up with a bounce of her breasts.
"Then ask the watermelon. He won't get tired of it" Striding into the library, the blonde looked at the short melon…who grinned.
"HYYAHH! BACKFLIP SOUND!" Climbing onto the table, the creature did no such acrobatic before taking guard by the weapons.
"You can answer all our questions?" Cana asked with a hint of disbelief at this very…very odd creature.
"Yes. The more I interact with humans, the more I learn. My primary cpu is a learning computer storing all data"
"Why did your voice just change?"
"Because I want to sound like Arnold"
Cana didn't know who Arnold was, and she really didn't care as she ignored the name. "Just data? Awe…I wanted to see what my um…non-cat self looked like?"
"I have detailed visual files" the melon stated in a monotone Austrian accent while his eyes narrowed. Seconds later, they began to glow a strange yellow/orange, spilling forth beams of light. Forms began to take shape ten feet away from the melon, showing a very different Fairy Tail.
"Woah…I look damn good for a non-cat woman" Cana grinned with a slight escaping purr, eyeing her holographic double with an arm wrapped around…a very different Natsu. No mane…no pointed ears or salmon haired tail. But a long facial scar dragging down his face…a heavy burden behind his eyes…and thick muscles easily seen beneath a tight shirt. The lush took a long pull of her Crocus Cream Rum, then leaned over to Lucy in a whisper. "I don't get this dating stuff…but you have to admit…that is one scrumptious looking dragon-slayer"
Lucy's eyes dilated, a soft mewl coming from her own throat before shaking her head to dispel impure thought. "Scarlet did mention wanting to marry her own Natsu…but didn't Kagura just say he's married to Hisui? This relationship stuff is confusing"
"WHERE'S HIS MANE! HOW CAN HE BE A MAN WITHOUT A MANE!" Natsu roared out, killing any lewd thoughts from the females.
"AND MINE! THAT IS NOT MANLY!" Elfman shouted, flexing his muscles…then received a slap upside the head courteous of Evergreen. "Did you forget!? That other Levy mentioned a different evolutionary path for her world!" she turned away with a scoff, pointed ears extra stiff as her tail wrapped around her waist. "I bet that other Elfman would consider you unmanly for having a mane"
"No…that is…UNMANLY!"
"Fascinating…" Makarov muttered, eyeing the frozen form of his own twin. Studying the holo photo still being projected from…watermelon eyes. "Don't think about how strange that is, Makarov" He began to notice several missing members. "Excuse me. But where are Bisclow or Laki?"
"Hey yeah! I'm not in this…photo?" Alzack pointed out, studying the image of Bisca standing between two Erza's.
"Those three members were killed by the locust along with Droy, Jet, Romeo, Nab, Vejeeter, and Macao"
"I'm…dead in your world?" Laki asked hollowly, her ears flattening while her tail drooped. The mentioned others had similar reactions, the realizations displaying across their faces.
"Yeah" Strauss stated, emerging from the back kitchen with a very red faced twin and younger sister.
"How? How did I die!?" Laki screamed out, distraught at the fact she… "No…Everything always goes our way…"
"Fast…Very fast. You were dead before you even knew it…which is a blessing. Trust me on that" Strauss finished darkly, her mood killed by the old memory. Walking toward the double doors, her body language was screaming…don't follow.
"Was it just your guild that lost family?" Natsu asked, his tail a drooping muscle of depression.
Strauss paused, her hand resting on the wooden doors. Looking back at the cat-like version of the man she loved, her eyes spoke of a deep seated horror. "No Natsu…not even close" turning away, the silver haired mage left.
Normal face ended the holographic display from his eyes, remaining stoic as Lucy looked his way.
"How many have died? From these…locust things?" The blondes voice was a harsh hollow tone, barely a scratch as the artificial creature looked her way.
"Approximately nine billion. The creators homeworld only has an estimated twelve to thirteen million survivors. Sera, an allied world…fared even worse"
It was like a kick in the gut for the members assembled. No…more like a beatdown by a gang of thugs. Lucy tried to open her mouth, but tears were forming at the corners of her eyes…sniffles. "That…no…that can't be true…"
"There is nothing you can do. This is a scenario that has played out dozens of times from their perspective. Your world is too primitive. Weapons powerless against massed armies of the locust. If you were to attract their attention, all it would accomplish is a coming genocide of your people. Your only course of action is to do nothing and see them on their way when the quantum particles in their bodies reach critical"
"But…" Cana tried to say, watching the creature hop down from the table and approach. "You will need more alcohol. I will make you a Red Bull Bomber"
"That's it!? You just drop a bombshell of how my non-cat human double is from a world with billion's dead and you going to give Cana a drink!? Mira roared out, almost pulling at her feline ears as the white tail twitched erratically.
"Correct. It is standard protocol when miss Levy is upset with some situation…or being chased by authorities for their false accusations after she commits several robberies"
"Isn't that just stealing?" Lisanna asked herself as she watched the creature walk behind the bar…and start drinking water from the magical faucet.
"Now what are you doing?"
"I must change the chemical composition of this water to Red Bull in order to make the drinks. I can do that internally then eject it from my mouth"
It took a few seconds…the Cana threw up her hands. "NOPE! I am not drinking something you're vomiting up! This day has been horrifying, weird, and too strange!"
"The drink will have forty percent alcohol and taste delicious"
Cana stopped, then turned, her breasts almost flying out of her bikini top. "Did you say forty percent?" In a blink she was at the bar, leaning over as her tail twitched and flowed with excitement. Much to the enjoyment of a few men eyeing the woman's rear.
"You're not really…"
"Shhh…Evergreen. It would be rude not to try"
The strange melon began to swish the liquid, gathering several bottles of booze from the lower shelves as Cana waited eagerly…and began to purr in excitement.
"I'm not watching this"
"Same"
The Strauss sisters then turned toward the guild doors, thankfully missing the creature vomiting up Red Bull into a pitcher as their lush friend cheered…and some of the others cringed in horror.
Scarlet sat on the bench of the park, watching a few ducks swim in a pond nearby. The sun…felt great. Warming her skin as she spread her arms across the back of the bench. Continuing to watch the water ripple, the woman was absent minded of a few cubs pointing, their mothers scurrying away from the obvious freak.
"Nothing…nothing to do but sit…" she shifted lightly, her large bosom vibrating with movement under the crimson tank top.
"She must've been in a horrible accident…who could even think of removing a woman's tail or ears?"
"Isn't that Erza? What happened to her?"
"Monster. Somebody should get the guards"
Mutterings flowed around her, barely heard over the rustle of nearby trees…but Scarlet heard enough as she kept watching the pond. The water turned red…a thick soup of blood as ashes began to fall from the sky. The trees…the people…became nothing but charred corpses. Animals mutated…growing flesh tearing teeth as they howled and hooted.
The ducks…they grew. Necks stretching to seven feet in length as the bills opened to show rows of moving teeth dripping with acid saliva. Wings…became sharped knives of bone…then they screamed a warbling hell as a body landed on the bench beside her…reaching with skeletal hands.
The stranded human gasped, eyes wide as her double stared at her, cat ears flickering with movement and concern. "You didn't respond. Were you thinking of home?"
"Just…another daymare. I have them a lot ever since the Ishimura"
"Oh…I see"
"Not really. Frankly, you would lock yourself in a mental hospital if you saw even a quarter of the things I have"
There was a pregnant pause, Erza looking at this…stranger before opening her mouth. "Do you mind if—"
"You ask me questions?" Scarlet waved one hand in a barely caring manner. "If you want. Not like I haven't done this a hundred damn times already…or is it more? Frankly, I've stopped really caring. Most Earthland's we come across are similar. Natsu is a happy go lucky idiot. Your on a team with him, Lucy, Gray and Happy. Sometimes with Juvia or Cana…maybe Lisanna. You were enslaved as a child by Zeref cultists" Scarlet groaned, laying her head back as she looked up at the sky. "Wendy's already in your guild. Probably fought and beat Jellal…Laxus doesn't seem to be a power hungry dick though, so that's good"
"Just how many universes have you been too?"
"Uh…maybe a thousand now? I don't really know. I'm sure McGarden has them all inventoried in her damn watermelon"
Erza looked at the ducks, then back. "Do the majority of humans look like you…or us?"
"Like me. Frankly, you're the first full on hybrid cat race we've found. Well, except for Levy when she hung out with Rick and got swallowed by a Thresher Maw. There was some alien cat woman…" Scarlet blinked. "Oh yeah…my boyfriend slept with her, Cana, and some green skinned alien elf chick"
"I thought your dating was just between a man and a woman?"
"What the heck is a Thresher Maw?" Erza asked herself…then concluded she didn't want to know.
"Normally…but Natsu, well, my Natsu is quite desirable among women. Has a harem of some awesome females, myself included" Scarlet sighed. "I miss him and my sisters. You kno—" Scarlet turned, seeing Erza crouched on all fours…creeping through the grass as her tail swished. Her back was arched, red ears almost ringing as a bird chirped nearby.
"At least she properly covered herself. Last thing she needs is some pervert peering up her skirt"
Erza pounced, the huntress achieving her kill as she bit into the bird, killing it. Stepping up with a smile, the woman strode back to the bench and sat down. Taking another bite of the deceased avian, she smiled with pride and low purrs.
"That was…not the oddest thing I've seen this past month"
"My apologies. I saw the bird and my instincts took over. Would you like some?" holding up the partially eaten robin, she shoved it near Scarlet's face. Scarlet blocked with a hand, a small smile trying to be pleasant.
"I'm good. I prefer my birds cooked…and de-feathered"
"Very well, suit yourself" Taking another bite, Erza looked sideways at the woman. "Do you enjoy strawberry cheesecake and milk?"
"It's a very special treat…Oh…" Scarlet gasped, slowly shaking her head in memory.
"What?"
"Just…remembered the Heavenly Cheesecake World. Any desert or treat you could want…sinfully delicious and so healthy. Nobody knows how they do it but…my goodness" Scarlet's breasts heaved, her body tingling as she rested a hand on her bosom. "A choice between Natsu and a slice of that heavenly strawberry dessert…that would be a tough one…"
Erza finished the bird, a feather still on her lips before she grabbed Scarlet and stared into her eyes. "TELL ME EVERYTHING OF THIS HEAVENLY DESSERT!" The tail twitched, flowing above the two in a rapid flow as purring grew louder with excitement.
Scarlet tried to remain calm…but her lips quivered…then burst out into a rich laugh. "I'm..ah…I'm sorry. Just…so ser…serious hahaha. And the fact you're a cat…hahaha"
Erza huffed, crossing arms over her Heart Kruez armor. "This is a very serious matter. Cheesecake cannot be taken lightly"
"Great. Now I need a cake…er…slice"
"Me too"
"I suppose we could go half on a full one? I'll try to keep the conversation away from any topics of…well, nevermind" Scarlet finished with a slight, strained smile as she stood up from the bench. "I won't go into details. Last thing she needs is hearing about…well, any more of that horror. Plus, the day is nice"
"Agreed. Two full cheesecakes for each of us" Leaving the park, the two had barely reached the sidewalk before a small explosion burst across the city…and dark smoke spilled into the sky.
"What happened!? We should go and h—"
Scarlet set a strong hand on her shoulder, the full human shaking her head. "That's probably McGarden. Trust me, you don't want to get involved with whatever shitstorm she just brought down on herself"
"Isn't she your friend and part of your family?"
"Sure…and also mentally unstable with access to mad scientist levels of intellect, weapons, and S-class levels of magic. Seriously, something like sixty percent of my problems are because of her madness…or drinking" Turning, Scarlet headed the opposite direction with a non-caring wave "Either track her down and get roped into madness…or enjoy a calm day with cheesecake and the opportunity to hear about possible future events facing your guild. Hell, I could even give you some tips about men"
Cheesecake and gossip won. The feline woman jogged to catch up…just as another explosion burst across the city, spilling more acrid smoke into the blue sky…
"HeheheHAHAHA! THE SANDWICH IS MINE!"
Standing in the deli with her food, McGarden cackled before biting into the sub with a furious gusto of hunger. Shifting her footing, glass crunched beneath her boots as smoke billowed from the back of the small restaurant. Tables were turned over…chairs broken into kindling as the woman took a long sip of her drink.
"WHY! Why did you blow up this shop!? Levy yelled at her busty double. Ashes had stuck to her face, decorating the skin as her blue ears flattened in anger.
"Yeah! Your not very Levy at all!" Droy input, arms flapping at a small fire in the corner.
"I'm the most Levy. Mhhmm…so good"
"Stop eating! The guards will be here soon!" Grabbing the scarred…non-cat woman, Gajeel barely made it two steps before she wrenched her arm away.
"Don't you fucking touch me, DAD! I'm going to that concert!" Running toward the back kitchen with her half eaten sub, McGarden took another prominent bite before disappearing into a cloud of smoke.
"Follow her. We can't let her cause any more damage" Jet stated, his tail puffed up in understandable fear from this…mentally unstable Levy. Running through the kitchen, Team Shadow Gear gave chase, running past the crying shop owner.
"I'm sorry! It's a…a spell that went horribly wrong!" Levy apologized…then ran out into the back alleyway with Gajeel. The large man sniffed, his nose twitching before pointing left. "That way"
Sprinting down the channel between buildings, the group of five were hot on the trail of this…destructive doppleganger.
"I don't understand…she ordered food…then when the owner offered her a slice of mousse cake, she flipped out!"
"Maybe because she doesn't have a woman's tail?" Droy suggested with a huff of exertion.
Levy shook her head at the idea. She loved her team but… "sometimes they say dumb things. It's obvious this other 'me' has gone through her whole life looking that way. I doubt lack of tail is causing that kind of thinking. Probably some of the stuff they talked about earlier. Or being away from their home for years…fighting all those…I don't really want to imagine it"
"Hey. Her scent trail leads to that warehouse…" Gajeel said, interrupting her thoughts as the five stopped before the small structure. It looked abandoned, devoid of workers. Slowly approaching the door, Gajeel peeked in, his ears flattened and tail curled around his waist.
"Ahhh…sandwich. I'll make sure to eat you…"
"Pantherlily"
"I see her" The cat pushed his magic out, growing large, his muscles and size on par with Elfman. Stepping through the door, he crept carefully toward the distracted woman as the others did the same…with silent footfalls of stalking. After all, moving silently came naturally to cats.
Gajeel was torn. Should he tackle her…make this woman go back to the guild…unconscious? Or try to talk with her? Pantherlily flanked left, approaching the female sitting on a pile of old crates as she ate the meal. Going right, he waved for the rest of the team to stay back. "I'll try to reason with her first"
McGarden drank some of her soft drink, then slowly looked over her shoulder with a harsh glare. "Fair warning. If you try to attack me, I might accidentally kill you. Let me eat my sub in peace"
Gajeel and Pantherlily froze, a small gulp of dread heard from both as the woman turned away to continue eating.
"You wouldn't do that. I'm sure your own Droy would be able to he—" McGarden turned toward the five, slowly chewing her meal like a psychopath. A beam of light hit her, highlight the ragged scar on her left cheek before she took a sip of drink.
"My Droy is dead. Same with Jet. In my universe, Team ShadowGear has been dead for years. Hell, Gajeel was never part of my team. Rolls with Millianna and Lily. But sure, try to reason with me about Droy's kindness or some shit. Doesn't change the fact a grub stomped his fucking skull in"
It was like a blow to Levy's gut…a gasp as her eyes widened in realization. The conversation earlier at the guild…they had mentioned monsters, but… "Did she lose her original team?" Levy's voice trembled, but she had to push it down. "I'm sorry…is that why…the restaurant?"
McGarden laughed…she actually laughed, the rich warble disturbing to the other female. "Hahah...no. He offered me moose and we all know how horrifyingly deadly a moose can be"
"What?" Gajeel asked in confusion.
"You know…"McGarden moved her hand in explanation. "With the tentacles…and the crunching? Not to mention that damn pig singing his pizza song…" the busty babe finished eating, then laid back on her crate. "Ahh…doesn't even matter, I'm talking to air anyway" Taking out her flask, the woman took a small pull then giggled.
Levy approached…slowly, then set her hand on the doubles forearm. "Your life hasn't been easy, has it?"
"Huh…so you are real…I'm not dead, am I? Because last time I killed some commies with Santa in some limbo fueled…" the woman groaned…then took another drink. "You should just go. I'm such a fucking basket case"
"No way. Your…in pain. I can feel it"
"Unnng…it doesn't matter. Stay if you want. All I know is in a few hours…I'll probably be shifted to some hellhole…or fighting slavers that are targeting women…or…brain sucking space spiders…my luck…the luck of my fellow sisters…it's a shit show. And every time, I hope it's home…but it's not" She rested her arm against her forehead, looking upward through a hole in the ceiling. Her voice became wistful…almost hollow as she ignored the group. "Would Natsu…even recognize me anymore…? After all the…killing I've done? The…monster I became to survive?"
"I'm sure you've done your best" Droy supported, earning a small smile from the traveler. "You always say that…" Glancing at her cat double, McGarden reached up to scratch behind the pointed ears.
"Um…what are you doing?"
"I'm going to pet you? Wait…if I pet your tail is that some…sex thing? Like…gets your engine running?"
"WHY WOULD YOU ASK THAT!? ESPECIALLY IN FRONT OF MY TEAM!?" Levy yelled as she turned a beet red and ran her hands through her hair. "This is sooo embarrassing! Of course women's tails are sensitive! What's wrong with you!?"
"Lots! Lots of mind numbing genocidal mental problems…maybe some narcissism. Definitely genius level intelligence. Hey. I should build you a water/alcohol converter so you can take up drinking as a hobby"
"That's being an alcoholic! Hobby's are usually fun!" Levy scolded, stomping her foot as her tail puffed out. McGarden approached, reaching out with a grin.
"Awe…who's a good kitty…"
"Hey! Don't touch my tail! It's…" the script mage went red, breathing hard as her double clasped it and stroked. "Um…could one of you…get her off my…uh…tail…?"
"That's kinda hot…"
"HELP…ah…ME!" Levy breathed heavily as the scarred traveler continued to stroke her tail. Much to the enjoyment of Gajeel, Jet and Droy…
Strauss felt the odd stares coming her way from passing pedestrians, but frankly…she didn't care so long as they minded their own business. Plus, she had a sheathed machete on her hip in case somebody decided to give her problems. Which they didn't. She looked scary enough with the scar over her eyebrow and the bitch aura sending males scattering away…along with some cubs and their mothers.
"Maybe it's my 'property of Natsu' shirt? Or my super sexy tight pants?" Looking down at her outfit, the female smiled. "Oh yeah…looking hot" Continuing her stroll, a small explosion rattled nearby windows.
Eyeing the smoke drifting into the sky several blocks away, the take-over mage went another direction. "Like hell I'm getting roped into McGarden's antics…probably drinking somewhere…and blowing crap up"
"Wait!"
Strauss turned, a raised eyebrow in question watching her twin and Lisanna run toward her. Stopping a few feet away with a heaving of chests, both felines took a breath as Strauss crossed her arms beneath her bust with smugness.
"Let me guess…You want more tips on Natsu?"
"No…you were…quite thorough on that…" Lisanna blushed heavily. "Although…when my mating season starts…he could be a viable…" The younger woman shook her head, cheeks a healthy red before her mind wandered.
"The watermelon was going to vomit Red Bull for Cana…we really didn't want to see that. Plus…we need to keep an eye on you in case somebody tries to attack you"
Strauss looked at her twin, a small chuckle forming from the words. "You do remember what we said earlier, right? Any one of us could wipe out this city. Well…" the woman shrugged. "Scarlet would have the most issues what with the nature of her magic. But I'm sure she has a few pocket nukes" Placing her hands behind her head, the woman began to walk down the road, no real destination in mind as the sisters followed.
"You do realize we would fight to protect our home, right. We would do our best to stop you"
"Ugh…Lisanna. Seriously. I get you think using your animal magic would help, but frankly, if the three of us fought for life and death, I'd win. Plus, while your world is odd with your cat evolution, it's nice and calm. So…relax. The last thing I want is having to fight a version of my sister"
"But why would you even consider wiping out Magnolia? Don't you live here too? Or your own un—"
"I get it. But trust me, sometimes wiping out a city is for the greater good"
"How? All those innocent people…"
Strauss massaged her temple. "I really…really don't want to talk or think about all the shit that warrants leveling a city. Trust me, your better off not knowing"
"But! Wh-"
"Seriously…any other topic! Food recipes! Jobs! What you would name your future children…er…cubs" Strauss spun on her ankle, pointing at the younger sister. "I have a million memories from years of carnage and death! Just…I dunno! Ask me about my own future children!" she said in barely controlled annoyance and anger.
"Okay! Strauss! Calm down!" Mira urged, her tail fluttering as Lisanna's puffed out and let out a low hiss.
"Gah! I'm going to keep walking" Walking away with annoyed footfalls, a few older women turned their noses away from the traveler, a few whispered insults on their lips.
"Lisanna…let's try to tread lightly. They were talking about some monsters earlier and we shouldn't poke the metaphorical tiger. They're obviously traumatized and anything could set this…other me into a rage" Mira whispered to her sis.
"But what should we ask her? All she talked about earlier was…um…" she went a bit red, remembering the very lewd and informative conversation from the kitchen.
"Well…we could ask her about her marriage plans…"
"That does sound fascinating…I mean…could you imagine dating?"
Mira…even as a half cat/human hybrid…loved gossip. And this strange notion of romance was fascinating. She ran to catch up with her twin, bosom heaving as she smiled warmly to her less happy double.
"Soo…uh…Lisanna and I were wondering about your marriage plans to your own Natsu? Did I say that right? Unless tha—"
She was grabbed, an almost feverish smile sketching across the shifter's face. "I can draw you my wedding dress! It's going to be a pure silver/white and…and so simple and elegant. No frills! But…I'll look sooo good in it! And my future children! My first born will be…Ignus if it's a boy. Alinta if it's a girl! Or maybe…Mirri!" Grabbing both feline's by the wrist, Strass began to pull them along the road toward a dress design shop.
"And the wedding night! So much passion! I'll make damn sure he won't leave my bed for days!"
"WHAT HAVE WE DONE!?" Both sisters thought in horror as this traveler went rabid with marriage talk…
Fairy Tail. Five minutes to shift
Levy kept her tail wrapped around her waist, holding herself in the corner as she avoided any eye contact with her team. The rest of the guild…just kept a wide berth of the depressed and embarrassed female, talking among themselves.
"What happened to Levy?" Natsu asked simply. "Was it fish or dragon related?"
"IT WAS NOTHING! Ahhh…I'm so traumatized…"
"Oh relax! Here! Have some gold" Dropping a few solid bars at the muttering woman's feet, McGarden walked away from the victim.
"THAT DOESN'T HELP! Waaahhhh…."
"McGarden…" Scarlet asked, her own double holding the same stance of crossed arms and no nonsense. Aside from the differences in armor and weapons.
"Yeah?"
"Where did you get gold bars?"
"From that guy three…no, fifteen universes ago? You know, the slaver that hunted women and had that yacht near Hargeon? Uh…Boman?"
"Bora of Prominence? The guy that tried to sell me into slavery!?" Lucy shouted, causing the blunette to grin and snap her fingers.
"Yeah! That's the guy! Man…he really didn't like getting his kneecaps shot…but he totally gave me all his gold after I killed him"
"MMPGHHPH!" Makarov cleared his throat, not wanting to hear any more of the horrible things these four have done to survive. He already was having issues with the whole genocide of worlds. "Anyway…we packed you some food. A few days worth of water and sandwiches with fish. I also included some dead birds. Those are a gift" Makarov smiled, his tail waving warmly at how well he had hunted those flying rats at his age.
"Thanks. It's appreciated" Scarlet stated simply before scanning the items into digital storage. Much to the continued shock of the guild. Giving a subtle nod to her friends, each hit the button on their armored forearms to bring out the fully vacuum sealed space suits now built in. They hissed…a movement of plates and seals as helmets coalesced around their heads to fully engulf them.
Kagura grasped her lancer, double checking the mag before slapping it back in. Revving up the chainsaw, it spun with a hiss of teeth, causing a few nervous glances from Laxus and Macao. "Well ladies…at least we got a small break"
"It was nice. And Wendy is seriously cute as a cat…way better than our own with her teenage attitude"
The girl cocked her head, oddly at Strauss. "Huh?"
"I destroyed a business! Now N.F! Come with me if you want to live!" McGarden said loudly behind the helmet, her LMG bayonet almost glistening with deadliness.
"Affirmative. Skynet base are belong to us"
"What? That isn't even a proper sentence. I swear I'm going to develop a fear of watermelons…" Lucy thought to herself as the fruit climbed onto the strange Levy and started making beeping sounds.
"Heh…that's not the next universe…nope…probably gonna be…I dunno? The Purge? Yeah…that seems right"
The words were ignored by the team, not paying them any mind. "I really have to tell Milianna about this place. She'll have kittens" Scarlet stated, her voice muffled behind the red lenses. She held the large rifle, heavy armor covered in old scratches and gouges before turning to her feline twin…just as the first blooms of yellow light began to flow off of her.
"Thanks for the nice day…it helped"
"Good lu—"
The group snapped out of existence with a blink, leaving nothing but floating particles that drifted to the floor.
"Finally! She was insane…I'm…I'm going to my room…"
"Juvia…feels badly for them. She just hopes that they find a way home…"
"Can't do anything about it now" Natsu shrugged before glancing at Mira. "Hey Mira? Wanna go hunt some birds? It's great exercise…and fun!" He clenched his fist, the salmon mane flowing as his tail twitched in anticipation. "Yeah…those birds won't know what hit them! COME ON HAPPY!" Running out the door, Mira huffed before following.
"You could at least wait five seconds, Natsu! Natsu!? Wait up!" Running after the hyperactive feline, the guild slowly returned to normal as the city of cats went about their day…aside from the million jewel bill for damages coming to Makarov in the next hour….
Well, that's it. Wanted to do some cat/human universe thing. Probably not that exciting since it was just a resting chapter for the five. Anyway, I'll probably hit up Rising from Sera next because that story is fun to write!
As always, positive reviews are welcome!
Evergreen: That made no sense….women without tails.
Laki: At least you didn't learn your double died because of monsters…
Levy: I had my tail petted…BY MYSELF!
Lucy: Ahhh…you poor thing! And *Sees Watermelon* …AHHHHHH!
Mira: So this is what a wedding dress looks like *Eyes sparkle*
This is thehappy signing off!
