Makarov Dreyar was never a person to show his uneasiness, yet the information Lucy and Amelia had shared with him, made him disregard his composure.
-Master?-Mira asked with concern. She had, as always, heard the shocking news and had been keeping an eye on the elder Dreyar.
-I need a word with the other Masters. They have to know about the possible danger. Mira, please, keep an eye on the rascals. I will be in my office.-
-Of course, Master!-the Take over mage answered. She watched as he made his way up the stairs and heaved a deep sight, as his cloaked back disappeared from her view.
-He seems worried.- Erza said while her gaze was still fixed on the stairs.
-Well, I was shocked too, when Amelia told me about this.- Lucy admitted, while sipping her smoothie.
-I'm more shocked that Lahar shared such sensitive information. He knew that she would tell the guild and Fairy Tail would most likely get involved.- the scarlet knight interjected, finally turning her gaze towards Mira and Lucy.
-Maybe he did it on purpose? Maybe he wanted us to get involved?-Mira asked.
It was a well known fact that Fairy Tail responded to every treat they came across. While they were the most destructive guild in the Kingdom, they were also the ones, who battled to protect it. It wasn't the first time that the Council dropped information "accidentally" to spare their own forces from battling.
The conversation was cut short by a frog messenger from said Council.
-I am looking for Amelia Redcliff. I have an urgent message from the Council.- the weird creature announced.
-She is not here at the moment, but I can take the message for her.-Mira answered. The white haired barmaid often took messages for other members and the Master, so it was a surprise for her, when, this time, the frog creature refused her.
-I have been given strict instructions to deliver it to Miss Amelia. Is it known when she will return or where I can find her?-
-There is no need to wait nor search for me.- the Soul mage said as she appeared in the doorway. A small smirk played on her lips, as the Council messenger jumped and looked a little rattled by the sudden appearance.
-Do you always have to do that?-the frog asked causing Amelia to bark a laugh.
-Absolutely! It's too much fun!-she replied, the smirk only widening.
The Fairy Tail members had learned quickly that, while Amelia was a positive person, she had also a, somewhat, dark side to her, which just asked to scare and tease people. Some were comparing this trait to the sweet Mirajane, but, after realizing that Erza could be terrifying too, they came to a conclusion that it was a trait all strong woman shared.
-What have you got for me? Is it a mission?-Amelia asked approaching the bar.
-Yes, it is, also the Council has asked to keep the details of it a secret.-the messenger replied and the Soul mage raised a brow.
-That so? Well, too bad for them, that I am in a guild right now and fully trust my comrades, because, if it is something that concerns us all, I am obligated to share it with them. O, and, in the future, if I am not here, do leave my letters with Mira.-Amelia responded as said white haired girl, placed a cup of ale in front of her. All members, who had heard the reply were grinning now and waiting at how the story is going to evolve.
-But...-
-There are no "but". It's either that or they can send their own man to battle. Now, it's your decision to hand me the letter or leave.-Amelia said with a icy tone. This side of hers was something new to the Fairy Tail members. While they had known that she is a woman of strong character, they did not expect this.
She watched the frog with a hard gaze, her head lifted and even the posture, she was sitting at, said that there was no room to argue. The tone she had used meant business and that her words were to be understood exactly as she had spoken them. The messenger was sweating bullets and, with a loud gulp, proceeded to retrieve a sealed scroll from it's robes. As the Soul mage took the scroll the frog decided to speak up.
-Shall I forward your words to the Council, Lady Amelia?-
-Please. And don't call me Lady! I've told you lot a million times!-Amelia responded, her eyes already roaming over the letter.
-You can tell them that I accept the mission. Lahar can contact me on the Lacrima if they change their mind about me doing it.-
Amelia knew that her words are going to anger the Council and there was a chance that they would transfer the mission to someone else.
-It is alright. Actually, some of the council members thought that you might react like that and it was decided that you will be doing this mission in any way, if you would accept it.- the frog answered still a little shaken. It winced as a grin crossed her features.
-Well than, tell them that I will report once I'm there.- she answered, waving that the conversation was over.
She waited until the messenger left, than released the breath she was holding. Mira watched as Amelia's expression turned serious. She could tell that the Soul mage was concerned about something.
-Looks, like you will not be joining the team.-Makarov said surprising the entire guild. No one had noticed the Master joining them. As a matter of fact, the man was already sitting on the bar , drinking the remains of his ale.
-What team?- Amelia asked surprised. Makarov finished the last drop of his mug and stood up. All eyes were on him eve before he shouted across the guildhall.
-Listen up, brats! I have something important to tell you!-he waited until all eyes were on him and the hall was filled with silence.
-I am pretty sure, that you already know about the information Lucy and Amelia brought back from Crocus.- some of the members looked around confused. They had been out and didn't have a clue about what the Master was talking.
-To cut it short for those, who don't know. The Dark Guild Oracion Seis has opened a path to the traffickers from Desierto. It is known that some of the Oracion Seis followers were caught exporting rare creatures and others have been under suspicion of human trafficking. As you know, Oracion Seis is part of the Balam Alliance, so, if their activity is not stopped as soon as possible, this may create a very powerful foe in the future. Too many innocent lives are at risk or have already perished. I held a lacrima meeting with the other guild Masters and we concluded that Oracion Seis has to be stopped now! Fairy Tail along with Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale and Cait Shelter will join to do this!-
-So each guild will send a team?-Erza asked stepping forward. It was pretty clear to everyone, that she would be the first the Master chose for this mission.
-Erza, Natsu, Gray and Lucy will represent Fairy Tail! You will depart tomorrow morning and meet at Masters Bob's mansion. Erza knows where it is.-
-I am assuming that the location of Oracion Seis is known?-Erza asked.
-Detailed information is going to be provided by Jura Neekis from Lamia Scale. That is all! Rest up tonight, because, if what I was told is correct, you will need all strength for this mission.-
-Ermm, Master, why me? I'm pretty sure there is someone else, who is more fit to go.- Lucy asked.
-Because you're part of Team Natsu, Luce!-Natsu dropped his arm around her shoulders with a huge grin. The Celestial mage blushed and looked at Erza, who nodded in approval and Gray, who gave her a grin of his own.
-That's not fair! The Master remembered about Lucy but forgot about me again!-Happy was crying rivers but no one really paid him any attention. Seeing this the blue cat decided to step the game up.
-Well, that's only because Lucy has big boobs.-
-Oi!- the blonde mage shouted as Happy emphasized what he meant, showing a large rack on his body. The cat laughed as Lucy chased him all over the guild hall.
-I'm gonna miss this.-Amelia said, watching the scene with a found smile. Makarov turned to her with a sweat drop. He had actually forgotten all about the Soul mage.
-Is it an extended mission?-
-I'm travelling to Minstrel.-she simply replied and the guildhall was filled with an intense silence.
-You're joining the ranks.- Makarov stated.
-Yes. The United armies are preparing to breach the border. Council's from all Kingdoms involved are trying to recruit as many as they can. It seems that Oracion Seis isn't the only one, who has business with Desierto. Minstrel, Bosco and several others have reported about their dark guilds being involved in the trades. Since the movement towards their borders has begun, the activity has only increased. The Council thinks that they are trying to move their trade location somewhere else, so measures have to taken as soon as it is possible. I will be honest, I don't know how long I will be gone.-
-When are you leaving?-Mira asked quietly. She didn't like it one bit.
-Tomorrow.-was Amelia's reply. The members of Fairy Tail stayed silent. Five of their comrades were leaving on dangerous missions on the next day and none of them knew the outcome. There was nothing they could do since this was part of the life of a mage, but they sure as hell could do something to support them.
-What's with the long faces? Let's give the kids a kick off to their journeys Fairy Tail style!-Macao shouted and the guild hall erupted with ear splitting cheers. Mira, already having an idea where this was going, had the bar counter covered in mugs with ale. Cana already had two large wine barrels prepared.
-Bring the booze!-someone shouted.
-Where's the music?-another one yelled.
-Are we having a party?-Amelia asked confused. One thing, she could never get used to was the fact that Fairy Tail threw parties on every occasion.
-Of course we have! We don't want our comrades to set off on dangerous mission with fear in their hearts!-Makarov said standing atop the bar counter.
-So a hangover is a better start for a journey?-Amelia asked with a grin and the Master barked a laugh.
-If it comes with found memories, than why not?-he asked gently and everyone around them cheered. The Soul mage only nodded with a gentle smile. Makarov was right, there was no doubt.
As the party went on, the drinks started to go around much faster and Natsu had started to butt heads with Gray. Erza was a tad bit drunk and crying about all the strawberry cakes, the two had destroyed. It ended up with her getting mad and attacking the two boys. Lucy was sitting with Team Shadowgear and the Iron Dragon Slayer. Wakaba and Macao were in a drinking competition, both ready to pass out any second. Amelia was having a few drinks with Cana. Most girls were evading the two, when they shared a few mugs, since the Soul and Card mages loved to talk about more adult rated topics. With most girls being young and virgins, the conversations often were too embarrassing to them. It was when the two woman were sharing some rather private stories, Bickslow approached the Soul mage.
-Oi, Amelia, can we have a word?- the Seith mage asked and Amelia noticed Evergreen and Freed looking their way. She slid off the bar stool and walked towards their table, dropping a small nod to Cana, who just waved her off.
-Is something the matter?-the Soul mage asked as she flopped down next to Evergreen.
-There is something we wish to ask of you.- Freed addressed in a rather formal way.
-Freed, I'm not in the mood for diplomacy, so if it is a favor you want than stop beating around the bush and spill the beans.-she answered somewhat irritated.
-Looks like your manners drop like flies with a few drinks under the belt, huh, Soul?-Bicklsow asked laughing loudly.
-Always, Seith.-she answered with a grin.
-Typical man, either their flirting, either not being straight forwarded. Amelia, we want to go with you to Minstrel.-Evergreen said and this got the Soul mages full attention. Her mind sobered up right away and her expression turned to an unreadable mask.
-Do you realize what you are asking? I am not going for a monster hunt, but to the front lines of a five Kingdom war.-she hissed.
-We know, however we would like to join you in the fight.-Freed insisted. He was the only, who wasn't taken back by her sudden shift.
-Freed, I am possibly going for my own death and I am not planning to bring my comrades to meet theirs. And, yes, I do realize that I should trust you guys, which I do, but I will not bring you in such danger.-she replied firmly.
-Well, than we won't have an option but to join the volunteer troops, that the Council is gathering.-Bickslow said, successfully catching Amelia off guard. This information was knew to her.
-As you see, we will meet on the battle field anyway. The only difference is that the volunteer troops will be dispatched at the very front lines.-the Seith mage continued with satisfaction as Amelia's eyes widened. The very front lines meant that they would be the first to breach and most likely the first to perish. What was the Council thinking?
-What are you thinking? Are you three insane?- she snapped. This time the Soul mage jumped to her feet and punched the table with enough force to turn the poor furniture to smitherins. The entire guild watched the scene with shock. What had the Thunder God tribe done to make her this pissed.
-Amelia.- Makarov called gently and one glance at the Master told her that he had known.
-Do you support of this?- she asked.
-As mush as I support you going there.-he replied. Amelia knew that Makarov was not happy with her going to the war. He understood how dangerous it was and that their newest member might not come home.
For a minute Makarov had a stare down with Amelia, but the Soul mage turned down her gaze first. She heaved a heavy sight and turned towards the Thunder Tribe, her gaze meeting each of theirs. They were determined and stubborn, there was nothing she could do to convince them that this was not a good decision.
-Meet me at the train station eight am sharp.-
-We will be there.- Freed replied with a small smile. He was surprised that the Soul mage returned it.
-Hey, there's nothing to see here! Get back to ya mugs, you bunch of drunks!- Amelia shouted, her drunken side returning. The guild erupted in laughter as the party of Fairy Tail continued.