[I Do Not Own Fairy Tail]

This is a fic I created out of love for rogue Natsu stories.

Now I want to point out that I will take the liberty of shaping the story to my design. Therefore, I will use these characters/events to fit the story I have created.

Comments are appreciated.

Thank you. And Enjoy.


(Chapter 1) - I Feel the Earth Move


An opaque fog rolled in, clouding the senses, the sheer density not easily traversable. And through the gloom of this mass, a dark figure trod with nearly buoyant steps like a mountain cat prowling after a young fawn. His austere appearance makes him seem intimidating far beyond his physical stature. And his masked countenance only added to such a grim and foreboding approach. His limber form was covered head to toe by a black symphony of cloth, his cloak whipping in the light breeze. He was enthralled in a black veil over a traditional shinobi's shozoku.

His arrival went unnoticed as he passed large wooden structures on either side of the narrow street. Their construction seemed adequate. But they were old and with paint that used to sparkle brightly in the sun; it appeared that the same source had faded their resounding luster. However, the cobbled roads were newly emplaced, and carriages were creeping through the fog in an attempt to avoid charging into civilians. So somber and quiet was the atmosphere as he rounded the corner and passed a building, its structure built of stone.

A bell tower lay atop its precipice with a golden instrument cast from bronze, under which a clump of conifers polluted his vision with long draperies of shadow when he rounded the last corner to his destination. There lay a small structure made of stone. Its roof is made of dark wood, rising from one side and sloping to the opposite. And hanging from the pillar was a wooden sign with the image of a skull; 'The Last Drink.' The man mused, raising an eyebrow. But at a second glance of the establishment, its dull air was only preceded by a boisterous roar of voices and the stench of stale liquor. He rode up the steps with confident strides, and like a rabbit darting from its hole, he slipped inside without anyone regarding his entrance.

The drab lighting from the lacrimas cast daunting shadows from the men gathered around the bar as if they were a herd of animals at a reservoir. But this water source was foul with the loathsome creatures that prowled it. And the cloaked man sat in a gloomy corner keeping his ear alert to anything that could be advantageous to him. The haughty laughter concealed many hushed conversations scattered on small round tables in the cramped hall. But his eyes caught what his ears could not perceive, a trade-off. He gazed over like a falcon, plummeting from the sky to capture prey. The apprehensive men cast rushed glances as one hand to the other a slip of paper. The one who had received the folded document hastily stood as a bead of sweat ran off his brow. And without another movement of the mouth, made a noticeably unfacile escape of the gathering hall.

The cloaked man stood, his step thudding noiselessly on the wood-planked floor, and he landed at the distressed man's table with such haste the man jumped from fright. The petrified man's eyes gave a dreadful reflection as the veiled man sat at the table, and with a sonorous voice, he spoke.

"I don't mean to alarm you, but I want to know what you gave that man just now."

The man's mask gave a faint indication of the words spoken. But the nervous man gulped as if in a stupor and eyed the dark form before him with instinctive horror. An air of disquietude settled into the folds around their table as they sat in agonizing silence. Terrified as he already was, the craven man soon recalled he was asked a question. His interrogator was waiting with perfectly composed mannerisms, but the eyes; were alight with the most determinate and sinister flame. Perhaps his already fatigued mind was giving credence to unjust thoughts.

"It was—a drop location. I swear," The frightened man spurted out after giving a stare like prey conceding they were caught.

"A drop for what?" Asked the cloaked man, his eyes able to convey all the emotion another could with the whole of their face. The scrutinizing stare only further subdued the cowardly man to his will.

Hurried glances were cast by the nervous man, with a tension in his frame that grew tighter until the veiled man thought he might burst like a coiled spring. 'Probably trying to see a way out of this situation,' Mused the concealed figure.

" Uhm. Illegal magic items?" The man said, virtually in question.

"But who are you?" The restless man squirmed in his seat as sweat dripped from his blanched countenance.

However, the concealed man did not deign to make another answer. 'This coward doesn't have anything useful to me,' The cloaked man thought as he held his suffocating gaze a moment longer. He sighed then and motioned for the man to leave with his hand. And upon this indication, the craven's eyes brimmed with felicity. He rose and all but dashed out the double swinging doors.

'Those amateurs. Some people are just not meant to deal with stressful situations.'

The veiled figure stood from his seat and regarded the bar crowded with drunken men and dubious dealings. Then, he paced over and sat on a wooden stool positioned between two bralic figures. At this new arrangement, the two brutish men looked to the more diminutive stature of the man occupying the space. Despite this, the dark figure seemed to pay them no concern. Subsequently, the attention forwarded to the cloaked man from this spotlight brought the establishment's owner to his forefront.

The bizarre barkeep had one eye covered by a black and gold eyepatch, his one remaining of green color. He had a large black mustache that curled upwards and was bald. He was slightly overweight, with a stained white shirt that emphasized his large arms. And his incriminating eye scoured the young man, trying to foretell a weakness. But the venture produced nothing but more questions.

"Your young boy, what are you doing here?" The barkeep noted the age of the figure, even without seeing his full face. His eyes gave away his years.

The older man's tone was asperous, replete with age and wear. It seemed to the concealed man that every leer was conducted to himself. Monotonous towns such as this one always ogle at the appearance of strange fresh sights. Therefore, the most crucial element is always to be discreet. In this measure, his ingress and egress from town to town were kept primarily undisclosed.

"I'm here on business," The young man answered with vague premeditation. His questioner presented a whimsical smirk and touched the curl of his mustache.

"We've got a mysterious one here, lads!" He said with spurious delight. An uproarious wave of laughter sounded over the bar, and eyes gleaned at the figure. One of the bulky men adjacent to the young man aggressively jarred the youth with his arm.

"Hey kid, you think your hot shit, huh?! The burly man said with an arrogant disposition. But he immediately regretted his action. The cursory glare the man gave in return for his misstep caused him to rethink his very train of thought. But the young man returned his gaze with quick redirection and pointed his attention back to the barkeep.

"I'm looking for something." The young man spoke, gauging his words carefully before uttering anything more.

"Something dark." He gave with an ominous implication. The inferno of his eyes caused the barkeep to give a grin in response. 'This kid. I've not seen a look like that in a decade.'

The mustached man closed his eyes and crossed his arms. His grin quivered with excitement. And he thought of his predilection for the mysterious and dangerous. The young man stared with quiet patience. He was never one to give anyone a look into the inner workings of his mind.

"I think I understand what you mean," The barkeep laughed. An uneasy tension rose around the bar. Between the young man and the barkeep, it was obvious. But to the other fools, it seemed a recipe for a fight. And they were keying in, ready for an altercation to get underway. The barkeep raised his hand with a sigh, and the others seemed to have taken this for a signal. They immediately returned to their debauchery and sinning, leaving the two to their business.

"So, are you looking for merchandise? Or something else?" The barkeep asked as he leaned down and pressed his weight onto one arm. The veiled man paused a moment and then gave his retort.

"The latter."

The barkeep eyed him and stroked his mustache with his free hand thoughtfully. This kid's vague answer piqued his intrigue and caused him irritation.

"How about we start with introductions." The man from behind the bar outreached his large hand in an offering to the youth. "I'm Boris."

The youth kept a sharp gaze and sharper still attention on the man revealed as Boris. He then extended his own hand to shake that of his acquaintance.

"Salamander," The veiled man spoke softly with a cool and tempered voice.

Boris pondered the obvious moniker.

'I've never heard that name.'

He then recollected the last time he ever saw someone so young with such a calculating stare. And he recalled never seeing anything quite like this.

"A pleasure, my young acquaintance. Now, down to business. What exactly are you looking for?"

Natsu glanced to the side and took a moment to inspect his gloved hand as he opened and closed his fist. He then met the barkeep's gaze. "Black magic." That was all he said.

The older man narrowed his eyes and took a brief pause. 'What could this boy possibly be looking for? To ask for such a thing.'

"I think I can help you, kid," Boris said as he lifted his hand to plain view and made a gesture that indicated he wanted compensation first. Natsu reached under his cloak and dove his hand into a small satchel. Pulling out a large golden coin. He deftly flicked it with his thumb into Boris's hand, who stared at it with curious fascination.

'This boy is full of surprises, eh.'

Boris then leaned down closer to Natsu. The stench of his breath pervaded the youth's senses. "There's a guild in a town to the south of here. A town called Janina. You may find what you're looking for there." Boris gave the young man a stern look, but Natsu could tell it was laced with anticipation. "Now, lad, keep this between us. I never told you anything. And if you're ever around again. Maybe you can return the favor."

Natsu considered the man with a discerning look. Clearly, this man was up to something; he wondered what, though.

"Thank you, Boris," Natsu spoke, inciting a grin from the man. The youth, without another word, stood abruptly and headed to the exit. His cloak whipped behind him as the doors swung till gravity slowed them to a halt.

'That kid. He might even give Uther trouble.'


Two hours later. Janina...


Natsu trekked between trees and brush. Listening to the whispers of the wind and the rustling of possible foes. He always kept alert, his life had been littered with too much carnage to rest soundly anyways. His thoughts were invariably on the next objective. His next target. The pursuit was neverending, and his determination to find what he had been looking for was insatiable.

He had raised himself for as long as he had remembered. And it suited him sufficiently. He was alone, though. And continually looking over his own shoulder. The anticipation of an imminent threat was forever looming over him. It seemed his very existence attracted every category of danger imaginable. But he had always retained the ability to defend his self-interest. His flames always found a way to purge his enemies of their lives while also spearheading his own initiative.

Up ahead, he saw an incline in the terrain. And upon reaching the top of this impediment, he saw the town. This small hamlet protruded from in between vast hills that formed a valley, a river running clear through the middle. He knew this was the place that barkeep Boris must have referred to. He could feel it.

There was some sort of magic at play here. His senses never led him astray in that department. However, he could not pinpoint the exact location. So he made an executive decision to sit and meditate. If he focused on the source of the magic, he could uncover the origin.

And so with the setting sun casting russet shadows upon the whole of the valley. He sat atop the hill, crossing his legs. He pulled his mask back to let himself breathe. Unveiling his pink mop of hair and handsome face. He closed his eyes and was attuned to the magic that flowed around him. Connecting his life force to that of everything that encompassed him. He could then see it clearly. A cloud of foul magic stained the opposite far-reaching side of the valley. Delving further into his mind, he saw an outcropping. And a building concealed behind thick clumps of forestation became visible in his mind.

His eyes fluttered open, and he stood hastily. He took off in a sprint and covered his face once more. He ran swiftly through the forest on a route that avoided the village entirely. The air, as he got closer, only got heavier with that foulness he sensed from afar. There was no doubt in his mind now that he was in the vicinity of his target objective.

He approached closer and heard voices drawing near. Immediately he bounded up into a towering tree and found himself a perch to observe from. The darkness was setting in, and one of the two men held a torch that flickered in the breeze, their haughty laughter giving away their position effortlessly. Natsu watched as they neared until they were right below him. And he expelled himself down.

He landed soundlessly behind and brought his hands up around the left one's head. He broke the man's neck before the other fugitive could even register the offense against his mate. The second wizard turned bewildered, and his mouth was opening when a hand grabbed his face. His eyes looked on in terror at the burning orbs greeting him in the darkness. He had dropped the torch in the process. Natsu brought his other hand to the man's throat and crushed his windpipe. The man was then flung to the forest floor and squirmed on the ground to his death.

The veiled mage put out the torch and proceeded onward. Tall ferns and bushes cover his approach as he creeps up to a small clearing. The outcropping was there, as he glimpsed in his head. But this time, he could see the gathering of men that sat before the doorway. A long table sat outreached with stools. Three men sat playing a card game by lantern light.

Natsu sat in the shadows, and his eyes glowed as he influenced the flame inside the glass lantern to expand exponentially and burn red. The men were jarred from their game and stared fearfully at the flame as it grew. "What the hell is going on here?!" One said as he drew a magic weapon into his hand.

Then before anyone could blink. The fire went out, leaving them in the dark. "Hey, Harold. Get out your light lacrima... Harold?" The man shifted uneasily, and he bumped into his fellow wizard.

"Hey, watch it!" The dark wizard griped. The second one shuddered. "Don't blame me; I can't see anything. Do you see..." The second wizard stopped midsentence as the two both heard the barely audible crunching of grass.

"I swear, Harold if you're playing a trick on us again." The two dark wizards then saw the faintest silhouette. All was quiet. But the two men trembled as they saw those infernal red orbs through the darkness. Natsu quickly clobbered one in the temple and gave a roundhouse kick to the other immediately following. He eyed them pitifully. Never one to take chances, he pressed a finger to both of their heads, and a small burst of fire pierced their skulls as if it were a bullet.

Opening the door quickly, he slipped inside the guild and through the hallway. Like a shadow, he floats down the hall and is greeted by a large banquet room. There he witnessed tables littered with mages and booze. And a door on the opposing side of the room that radiated a certain allure of grimness about it.

'That must be the boss's room.'

Natsu watched and analyzed a moment longer before walking into the direct center of the room. At first, no one paid him any mind. But soon, more and more eyes were caught by him until it seemed everyone was gawking at the mysterious figure like a whale in the desert, and the air inside that room froze.

"Who the fuck are you?!" One wizard scrutinized. His body had the same likeness as the side of a cliff. His shoulders were incredibly broad, and his arms were like tree trunks. Natsu merely turned his gaze to the man. The huge man felt a chill down his spine when he saw those eyes.

"What is it, Karuno?" Another mage asked at his guildmate's unusually quiet bearing.

But before an answer could be made. A loud and powerful voice reached out.

"Who are you, boy? Why do you disturb my guild at this hour?" The man had a broad chest with a long black beard. Accompanied by long black hair and a heavy green robe. He also carried in his hand a silver staff.

Natsu regarded the man cooly. "I'm looking for black magic. Have I come to the right place?"

A deep rumbling laugh echoed through the hall, followed by the mindless laughter of his peons. The boss produced a sinister grin and wild eyes as he lifted his staff into the air. "You have, but you've assumed too much. And now you'll die."

Without another moment's thought, every able-bodied wizard lept forth to sunder this new foe. Natsu eyed them with disdain.

'This is why I hate dark wizards, always so quick to fight.'

The veiled man waited until the mass of magic spells and bodies swarmed around his person. The boss from afar saw the glint in the boy's eye, and he realized. In the blink of an eye, a red inferno engulfed the whole mass of flesh beside the main man himself. He stared in horror.

First, the smell invaded his nostrils, and then the grotesque image greeted his vision. The sight of his men's blackened bones fused together from the immense heat caused his stomach to churn. He fell to one knee, defeated.

"That information, if you will," Natsu smoothly spoke as he strode up to the man.

The boss shivered under the intense gaze. 'Who is this boy, and what was that magic?'

The bested man lifted his head and looked deep into those glowing eyes. Orange and yellow and red. Like a living flame that danced around his pupil. But the light faded, and his eyes soon turned the color of ash like an onyx fire pit.

"Who are you?" The boss spoke with rigidity.

Natsu thought for a moment if this man was worth telling. But he supposed he would kill him anyways. He never liked to leave meat on the table.

"Salamander."

He spoke only one word. The man threw him a perplexed look. He'd never heard of such a name. But from its utterance, he felt the weight behind it. As if that name would soon grow to garner recognition throughout the underworld.

"Forgive my petulance, Salamander; I meant no disrespect. What is it you came here to find?" The quick change in his tone pleased Natsu.

'Maybe I won't have to kill him after all.'

Natsu mused and kneeled down to face this ruined guild's boss. "Black magic."

A semblance of understanding crossed the man's features, recalling the man had mentioned that earlier. They were indeed dabbling in that here. He himself was studying the dark arts. But questions swirled in the guild leader's head.

"What sort of black magic?" The boss inquired as he stood to his feet. He studied the smaller stature of the boy. Wondering how one so young could have such frightful dominion over magic.

"I'm looking for someone."

The boss gave an incredulous look. Was this boy referencing what he thought he was? Black magic in the form of a person. There was no doubt in his mind.

"You should not ask of that...that man," The boss said as sweat gathered on his brow. Piquing Natsu's interest, he hardened his gaze.

"You will tell me what you know."

The boss swallowed hard and considered his options. He realized he had none. There seemed to be no advantage he could pull over the boy. And from his display, he knew he would be bested in combat.

"I don't know much, but let me show you my office," The dark wizard turned and pushed open the large oaken door. The occult theme of the room was apparent from the gothic decor and dim lighting. Natsu followed the man to a large central table with books and notes strewn about the stone slab's surface.

"I've studied for many years about black magic and its origins. I even created a guild to help me carry out menial tasks," The boss spoke, suddenly riled. He had worked many years to gather that crew together. And finally, after the initial shock. The feelings of vengeance filled his soul. Sensing this change in the man's demeanor, Natsu walked to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't become overwhelmed and do anything... rash."

The threat was clear enough, and the boss leveled his temper. Knowing his position was perilous.

"These notes contain everything I've learned. Use them as you will," The boss spoke as he walked over to a wooden chair and slumped down into its form.

Natsu studiously examined documents and pages from various journals. This man was certainly thorough. He could give him that. But it was leading him nowhere. It was full of formulas and hypotheses on the manner of black magic. But nothing ascertaining what he searched for. The boss watched him with grim curiosity as Natsu continued pouring over the pages.

"Are you looking for the 'Black Wizard'?"

Natsu paused his actions and looked at the man. He merely nodded his head. The puzzled look that was cast on the boss's face revealed his fear and uncertainty.

"Even amongst dark wizards, his very name is taboo. Why do you search for him?"

Natsu considered his next words very carefully. He scanned the man's face. Reading into his soul as his eyes lit up like wildfire. The reaction he received from the man was expected. He had no real reason for his search other than pure curiosity. But he had been on this quest so long that it seemed his life's very purpose.

"I don't know. I don't even know who he is. But I know his face vaguely. I've had visions of him. My earliest recollection when I woke up was of him. So I search."

The boss had no idea what to make of this discovery.

'Visions? Memories? What connection did this boy have to the infamous wizard? '

The man subdued his inner dialogue and peered at the boy. He then stood and fell to one knee as he bowed his head.

"Please, Salamander, I promise that if you spare my life, I will serve you in finding what you're looking for. I may not be as powerful in the respect of magic. But my knowledge stretches back two decades."

Natsu was surprised by this action. Nobody had ever pledged themselves to him like this before. And he immediately grew cynical of the dark wizard as he weighed whether this man was truly cognizant of what he was declaring. He might try and escape as soon as he turned his attention elsewhere. Then Natsu would have the displeasure of hunting down this man to silence him.

"Why would you pledge me your service?" Natsu questioned.

"I know when I am beaten, so I would give you my services so my life would be spared. But also..." The boss paused.

"I am greatly intrigued by you."

Natsu thought for a moment. Then outreached his hand to the man. "Your name then."

The man looked as if in a stupor. He had not expected to be spared, even having pledged his service. He thought this Salamander might be some monster. But it seemed he bore a more astute mind than he had presumed.

"I am Uther." Uther grabbed Natsu's hand and was pulled to his feet.

"Apologies. I've never been too fond of dark mages," Natsu spoke sonorously.

Uther reflected on the words of the boy and remarked. "I won't hold a grudge, those men were more of a means to an end."

Natsu turned to face Uther and unveiled his face. And the shock present on the older man's face was prevalent. "You're quite young; how did you come to this position in life?"

"A story for another time, let's go. And gather your journals." Natsu turned to leave as Uther hastily rushed to gather his belongings into a large travel bag.

The pink-haired youth considered this sequence of events and mused. 'It certainly won't hurt to have help; I just hope he won't try to kill me in my sleep.'

Natsu would be wary of placing any real trust in this man. He assumed this man only surrendered his service to him so he could live. Not for any actual desire to help.

"Where are we headed then, Salamander?" Uther asked.

"Back to Keiper," was all Natsu said as he turned. The swirl of his cloak in the night breeze gave off a mystifying air. Uther eyed the boy questionably with a certain measure of indecision and glanced back to his ruined guild one last time before following Natsu into the night.


Later that same night. Keiper...


Recognition laced Uther's face at the town they now strode through. He had ventured here often on "work." When they turned the corner, he ascertained where they were heading with the belfry looming overhead. The inn was familiar to him. He had had dealings within its sinful walls before.

With the tenacity of a lion, Natsu entered the establishment for the second time that night. And Boris, the barkeep, was taken aback, not expecting to see the boy again. But what he saw next baffled him. He saw Uther trudge in, looking dismally uncertain of himself.

'What was he doing here with that boy!?'

Natsu sat at the bar, his mysterious presence making a mark on the surrounding thugs once more as it had the last time he sauntered in. Many were irate to see him back again. And it seemed unanimous that the mood in the hall shifted in response to his arrival. Natsu could feel the glares that drilled holes into his head and the aura of malicious thoughts surrounding him.

"You're back," Boris, the barkeep, spoke gratingly. Making it clear his attitude had shifted entirely since last they spoke. No longer was he mirthful, no. It seemed he was irked. Natsu could see it quite obviously.

An exchange of glances passed over the Salamander's head. As if it could escape his keen intuition. Uther narrowed his eyes and ever so slightly gave a signal with his head. Boris smirked then. He tensed as he gazed back at the boy to see his eyes alight with fire. The threat behind them was implicit.

"You've been up to no good, boy. You weren't supposed to come back."

From that statement, Natsu pieced together what was happening.

'They must have a deal of some sort. Perhaps one sends unknowing victims in return for something. But What?'

Abruptly, everyone in the hall stood and drew weapons. The room's air was stagnating with tension that could be practically seen. Natsu stood at the epicenter of the room. All focus on him. He glanced over to Uther, whose staff was raised with ghoulish green magic seeping out from the crest.

'Why do I even bother trying with these lowlives?'

"You'll pay for what you did to my men, you fool!" Uther laughed maniacally as he launched his assault. A tsunami of magic attacks washed over Natsu. Engulfing him to the point that you couldn't make out his form. A bevy of laughter erupted from all the wicked twisted mouths. But each of them was deceived.

Boris looked on astonished as the boy stood there unharmed with red flames surrounding his body. His eyes had turned crimson, and everyone endured the waves of heat lapping at their faces. Uther grimaced at the sight.

"You're all fools," Natsu spoke with a deep tremor in his voice.

And the flames that surrounded Natsu started expanding. So rapidly no one had time to run before they were eaten by the flames and withered away from its embrace. The whole of the building caught fire, and the ceiling collapsed. Even the stone gave way and began melting from the hellish flames. But the flames suddenly died, and the only thing left was a pile of burned bones.

Natsu calmly left the premises hiding within the folds of the night and sighed.

'I'm right back where I started.'


The next morning. Keiper...


The morning sun climbed through the sky just like any other day. The beams of light crawled through the windows to wake all the dreaming sleepers. But something had stirred the usually quiet town in the night. And a unit of rune knights was surrounding a burned-down building. They crept through the wreckage of burned bodies and scorched beams of wood. Taking photos with lacrima-powered cameras.

"Captain Arcalis, we have come to the conclusion that this was done by a wizard. But can't seem to pinpoint any motive for why this would happen. However, we have found a staff." The rune knight held up a silver staff that was tarnished from the blaze.

"We are certain this is the weapon used by the wanted guild leader Uther of the local dark guild Green Eyes."

The Captain took the staff into his hands and examined it thoroughly. "Indeed, this seems like the stave I saw the last time I laid eyes on that pathetic man."

Captain Arcalis was a prudent man of the law. And he had been searching for the Green Eyes guild for a month. But he was not pleased to see this happen. He had wanted to catch that man alive. And now it seemed he had to figure out the connection to this establishment too.

"Find whatever else you can; we must know what happened here to report back to Sir Duranbolt."

The rune knight saluted sharply and dismissed himself to continue the search.

'This event only brings in more questions for us. We've been tracking this organization for months now. And just when I felt close to finding out a part of the puzzle, this smaller branch was destroyed by unknown causes. This is troubling. Sir Duranbolt won't be happy with this news.'

Arcalis decided to take a look for himself. He glanced over the rubble with a discerning gaze. There had been reports lately that travelers had been going missing on the way to Janina. Arcalis had always held suspicion of this establishment, but he had never had any proof of wrongdoing. But now, with the place leveled. He was certain of its involvement while looking over the collection of skeletons that were laid out in rows. All black and brittle. A normal fire would not be hot enough to do this to human bone. He thought of anyone he knew in the dark mage registry that used fire magic like this. But no suitable candidates fit the bill.

'This is something else entirely, I think. Whoever did this might have had business. Or perhaps whoever oversaw this branch decided they needed to be dealt with. What could possibly possess someone to use such barbaric methods, though.'

The captain inspected the scorched stone, noticing how the very rock itself was melted. 'This was no ordinary fire, hot enough to melt even stone.'

Captain Arcalis was brought out of his sub-conscience rumination by a rune knight that called out to him with haste.

"Sir, our magic detection squad can't figure out what kind of magic was used here." The rune knight said, bewildered.

"It must be some type of lost magic," Arcalis said in deep contemplation.

'This mystery just keeps getting more complex.'


That night. Twenty miles to the west...


Natsu had been on the move all night. Strenuously making a getaway before anyone could track him down. He had to chastise himself for destroying that place. Knowing full well that the rune knights would initiate some sort of investigation now. He figured he was far away enough by now for those folly rune knights not to catch a whiff of him.

He slowed his pace and resumed at a normal canter. The night sky was littered with stars tonight. Soliciting their beauty to him freely. But his edge would not go away. Even with those moronic dark wizards dead, he still felt uneasy. Natsu felt himself above those petty men, though. He liked to think he had a better moral compass. However, he could see from a certain perspective how he could be viewed as a dark mage. But he didn't consider himself one.

The pink-haired boy was brought out of his mind by a rustling of leaves. Natsu stopped his advance through the assembly of trees to let his senses guide his next movement. He closed his eyes, and the world around him became visible in an alternate manner of analyzing it.

There were multiple men surrounding him. Encroaching him like a tiger, a gazelle. The veiled man stood motionless, awaiting the skirmish and its ploy. Soon the assailants were upon him. These thugs seemed stronger than the ones that attempted to attack him before, if only marginally.

Natsu lifted his left arm to block a kick as he crouched down low. His right arm shot out to grab the chest of one of the men. And he unleashed a torrent of red flame from his hand, engulfing the man. The attacker screamed out and fell dead to the forest floor.

Another brute thrust a steel-tipped spear near inches from his face. He grabbed the spearhead and snapped it off with his knee. But he received a kick to the back from another man behind him. He jumped into the air from the force and landed away from the rest of the muggers.

Natsu threw the spearhead into the chest of the closest man, and the bandit was thrust back by the force and lay bleeding out. Natsu then, with both hands, gathered red flames and shot out two separate fireballs. Each hits a man and eats away at their flesh. The last man froze, though. It seemed he finally got a sense of his impending doom and could no longer move. The veiled boy swiftly kicked him in the neck, breaking it in the process.

Scattered around him lay the dead and dying men, and he heard clapping. He witnessed a man walking toward him slowly with a devilish grin. The man had blond hair and green eyes that insulted everyone whom they gazed at. He wore tight-fitting black pants with boots and wore a black cloak.

"Very well done," The man's voice was laced with sarcasm and was thickly accented.

Natsu just stared at the man, having not recognized him. He figured he would let the man do all the talking and listen and wait.

"Those were my men you just killed, you know. But that's of little consequence. My name is Tyrion. I work for an organization called Death's Head Caucus. Heard of them?" The man smirked.

Natsu had indeed heard that name. But he never bothered to know anything about it. As it didn't seem like pertinent information for him to delve into. He nodded to the man Tyrion.

"Not much of a talker, eh? It's alright. But I've heard of you... Salamander."

The pinkete tensed as the sound of his moniker brushed over his ears.

'How was he able to track me down? Was he connected to that guild I destroyed? Or is this just coincidence?'

"Now, I don't care about those men you killed. Or that guild you destroyed," Tyrion said as he chucked at the reaction given by the boy's eyes.

"Yes, I've been watching since yesterday. You're a hard man to find. But my job is finding people." The blonde man said.

"So you're here to kill me?" Natsu inquired, lifting an eyebrow.

'What's this guy after?'

Tyrion smiled and merely shook his head. He surveyed the form of the boy in front of him.

'His stature is deceiving; he's much stronger than I gave him credit for. Looks like the boss will be pleased.'

"No, I have a proposition for you from my organization."

Tyrion walked closer and then crossed his arms. His smile never receded. "You see, you've made some waves in certain sects of the underworld. Your name has reached only a select few. But it's been enough to attract our attention. Our leader wishes to make use of your... talents."

Natsu shifted uncomfortably at the manner of phrasing. The man talked about him as if he were a commodity to be bought and sold. But he remained silent and kept his eyes fixed on the blond man.

Reaching a decision, Natsu then turned and started walking away, causing Tyrion to gain a flabbergasted look. 'This kid's got balls.'

"Hey, Salamander! Where do you think you're going?"

Natsu stopped and aimed his focus back at the man Tyrion. "I'm not a mercenary for hire," The boy spoke as he started his departure again. Tyrion seemed irked by the boy's petulance.

"I think you misunderstand me, my boss is not looking for mercenaries. I think you should reconsider," Tyrion spoke with the air of a desperate man. For all his bravado, he was ordered to fetch this kid. And he didn't intend to upset the boss.

"Why's that," Natsu said, again facing the man with his scrutinizing stare. His eyes started to transform as he analyzed further. Tyrion seemed disgruntled by the fire he saw in this kid's eyes. But he pressed further.

"You may find what you're looking for."

Natsu rushed the man in a flash and lifted him up by the throat. His hand was hot and threatening to burn the man's neck. "What the hell do you know?" Natsu's ominous voice seethed. The inferno of his orbs burned a hole in the assassin.

Tyrion laughed only to end up coughing from his neck being squeezed so tight. 'I wasn't able to dodge. This kid is dangerous.'

"Not much is known about the Salamander..." Tyrion rasped out. "But the few stories I could find conclude that he's searching for something; you may find your opportunity with us."

Natsu reflected on the man's words a moment before releasing his grasp. The assassin dropped to the ground, coughing as he clasped his throat gingerly. 'He's calm and collected.' Tyrion mused. 'Until you strike a nerve.'

"You've got a vicious grip; remind me not to get on your bad side," The blonde-haired man laughed as he rose to Natsu's level.

"I don't think you'll regret our offer, our organization could afford you with answers."

Natsu paused. 'What kind of offer is he talking about? But perhaps it could be a way of gathering information I might not have otherwise come across.'

He decided that looking into this may be worth his time. Dark guilds would be the best places to learn more about black magic anyways. He never intended to join any organization contract or not. But he also figured that his search thus far had turned up very few leads. Natsu needed another angle to tackle his impossible task.

The masked boy stared the assassin straight in the face. And then he sighed as he capitulated to the man's offer.

"I'll only accept the offer after talking to your boss. Lead the way."

Tyrion chuckled at the tenacious boy. He was not one to take lightly.


Three days later. Deep in the woods...


Natsu had been following the man Tyrion for a few days now. Traveling by foot because the trails they had taken were not on any official map. The arduous journey through this latest route threatened to test Natsu's patience. They had been roaming these fog-ridden woods for an entire day now. And he was feeling predisposed to killing this man and turning back.

They had spoken more at their first encounter than the entirety of the tedious trek here. Not that Natsu would protest. He was averse to copious amounts of talking. Natsu had a preference for staying silent and watching events unfold.

"We're close," Tyrion broke through his thoughts as a building came into their view. It was built of grayish stone and could barely hide its bulk even amongst the gargantuan trees, making Natsu wonder how long it took to haul the necessary materials to construct this behemoth guildhall.

Tyrion went first to open the large door. It creaked slightly on questionably rusty hinges. The main hall was eerily lit with a vast cascade of beams and trusses overhead that were swallowed in darkness. Large iron chandeliers hung from the beams with hundreds of candles on each.

"Quaint," Natsu smoothly remarked, earning him a smirk from Tyrion.

"It may not be glamorous, but it's home," Tyrion said, his voice bleeding with sarcasm.

Natsu could count on one hand the number of people that populated the vastly empty hall. There was a multitude of long tables with benches that were scattered about, and on the other end of the spacious room was a large set of stairs leading to an upper balcony overlooking the hall. A set of doors at the top of the stairs then opened.

What walked out of those doors did not live up to Natsu's expectations. Rather, he was surprised to see the guild master was a woman. Natsu took in the appearance of the so-called boss.

She had long raven hair that went to the small of her back. Encasing her body was a conservative black dress that covered her arms and reached around her ankles, along with simple sandals. Her face exuded maturity, and she was undoubtedly beautiful. Her lips were full and black, along with dark eyeliner that adorned her face. She seemed to have a certain regal demeanor as her eyes floated over Natsu's form. She took a lap around him and examined him from every angle.

She then turned to Tyrion with a cordial expression. "You've done well. Now leave us."

Without question, Tyrion gave her a low bow and swiftly left to converse with some of the others that lingered in the hall.

"Follow me." She said as she turned and walked up the grand staircase to the overhanging balcony. She then walked back through the immense door at the top of the stairway and waited for Natsu inside.

The veiled man closed the door behind him and looked about the large circular space. An ornate circular pattern was in the center, with a beam of moonlight coming from the center of the domed room. Upon further inspection, you could see that the opening could be closed with a hatch. Looking back to the woman, she stood in the center of the room under the light of the moon. A strange feeling encased the pinkete as he then strode up to her and gazed into her eyes. He hadn't taken a good look at them before. But they were a deep cerulean blue.

The woman raised a brow at the boy's unfaltering gaze. "Take off that cloak, I wish to look upon you."

Natsu hesitated but felt inclined to listen to the beautiful woman. He removed his cloak and face mask entirely. Leaving his chest slightly exposed at the 'V' that formed the upper part of his shozoku.

'He has a good stature and demeanor. He's calm and collected. Calculating even. There is no question he has a well-developed physique.' The woman mused.

"So you're the Salamander I've heard about. I was eager to make your acquaintance. But down to formalities."

She looked him in the eyes and saw the cool stare he gave back. 'He's not nervous. Good.'

"My name is Bellarose Madin; what is your name? I assume Salamander is a moniker?" Bellarose purred softly, her voice rich and velvety.

"Natsu; I don't have a surname," Natsu spoke with his sonorous tone.

"Natsu, hmm. That name suits you. Are you familiar with my guild, Death's Head Caucus?"

The young man nodded and continued giving Bellarose his unbridled attention. Noticing this, she smirked.

'I think he'll do nicely.'

"Now for that proposition. I wanted to invite you to join my little group. I've been following up on you for a while now. I've been having Tyrion track you down and relay anything he has found out. You fascinate me because I don't understand you. I make it my habit to understand how people work. Why they do what they do and the dirty little secrets for why they do it. But you..." She paused with a slight smirk as she put her index finger to her lip as if to feign confusion.

"I don't understand why you do it. There seems to be no pattern or motive for that matter. And that piqued my interest. Because not only do you not leave behind enough to follow up on. You can't be predicted either," Bellarose raised a brow in a threateningly seductive fashion as she bit her lip.

"Perfect aspects for an assassin," Her smooth voice spoke as she traced a black fingernail down the exposed part of his chest. Natsu felt his bearing waver ever so slightly. He admittedly had little to no experience with women. But he fought her assault on his faculties and remained firm with his expression, not betraying his composure.

Bellarose seemed pleased by his reaction, or lack thereof, as she continued. "You wouldn't believe the strain of resources I used to finally locate you. You're hard to find... Salamander..." Bellarose whispered that last part into his ear, and Natsu frowned ever so slightly.

The woman then walked off to a large stone table with a lavish wooden chair with red velvet padding. She sat and crossed one leg over the other and gave him a decerning look. Bellarose waited a moment and saw clearly that the boy was wrought with...tension.

"So. If we could get down to brass tacks. You will either accept my invitation while getting to reap the benefits of my offer. Or... You'll have to fight for your life. This is, after all... A very lucrative business."

Natsu's eyes lit up, and Bellarose smirked.

"I don't like being dictated to," Natsu said in a chilled and precise tone.

The master of Death's Head Caucus laughed lightly as a black aura veiled her face. "You'll forgive me for saying, but I expect to hold a certain measure of... dictation... within my guild. Not just anyone walks in here. I choose who has the pleasure of gracing my guild hall."

Her countenance returned to normal, and Natsu felt a wave of relief. That magic she released ever so slightly was like the mark of death. He stared at her for a while, contemplating his next move. He thought of fighting.

'I'm not certain I'll enjoy the lack of freedom being in a guild would entail. But now it seems I've cornered myself. I might die trying to escape, and all I've worked towards would be in vain.'

Bellarose observed studiously, his face may not have shown his inner workings. But his eyes. They told a different story. She could read the conflicting thoughts.

Natsu then turned his eyes back to the raven-haired beauty and spoke softly.

"I accept your offer, my lady," Natsu said as he took a knee and bowed his head. He understood what he was dealing with here. This was no regular dark guild. And these weren't your average dark mages. These people were hand-picked killers. Deadly to a fault. He may yet learn something.

Bellarose laughed again. "My Lady. How quaint. You may become my favorite yet."

The master then stood and stationed herself directly in front of Natsu and offered her downturned hand. The young man looked up to see a ridiculously sized sapphire gemstone attached to a band of silver. Understanding the implication, he proceeded to place a chaste kiss on it. He then stood and met her gaze.

"I have some questions," Natsu said, trailing off with the last word.

Bellarose expected this and obliged him. "Of course. Ask what you will," She spoke as she turned to stand back in the moonlight.

"I understand this is an assassin's guild with a considerable reputation to uphold. Am I to assume you wanted to assign me a...task?

The master smirked. "Yes, but for your first few assignments, I will have one of my senior members show you the ropes."

'I'm not too keen on having a partner; I've always worked alone.' Natsu thought.

But he would get over it for the sake of his new position. He wouldn't lie. He was excited to see what he could learn from this... occupation.

"How many members are there? Seems to me to be more quality over quantity."

Bellarose nodded in confirmation of his observation. "Your right on the nose. There are only nine members, including myself. Well... ten now," The guild master spoke.

"You'll meet them all in time, but go find your quarters now. You'll be in room A2."

"Thank you, that's all," Natsu said as he grabbed his cloak and wrapped himself once more while leaving his face exposed.

Natsu saw the pleasant smile on her face, nodded his head, and bowed again.

"Have a good night, Natsu... and welcome to Death's Head Caucus."

He left out the room, feeling her eyes on him till he closed the door. He meandered down the steps until he came to a table where he saw Tyrion. He closed in on the three sitting at the table and stood silently.

The others glanced at the newcomer with suspicion. But Tyrion broke the silence. "This is the Salamander I was sent to find, he's not an easy find, I'll tell you," Tyrion laughed, and the others seemed to lighten up at this.

"So you're the Salamander; you're young. How old are you?" Said a man with a bald head and a thick gray beard that was neatly trimmed. He had weathered black eyes with deeply ingrained crow's feet. He wore a black tunic and pants.

Natsu regarded him. 'This might be one of the senior members I'm to team up with.' He assessed.

"I'm sixteen."

A look of astoundment crossed the older man's features. "For one so young to join our ranks, a marvel to behold, really," The old man said with a gruff voice that had seen many winters. "Do forgive my manners; my name is Lorenzo Vas," Lorenzo said with all the pleasantries of a proper gentleman.

Natsu nodded his head in acknowledgment and looked to the other man sitting across from Lorenzo and Tyrion. "Come now, Lennox, do introduce yourself to our new comrade," The old man Lorenzo declared.

The man looked at him with suspicious eyes. 'He seems like a droll one.' Natsu analyzed.

The man had neatly trimmed black hair that was slicked back. His eyes were black, and he had no facial hair. He wore a black suit and tie with shined black shoes. "I am Lennox, a pleasure." That man's sarcasm was only beaten by his dull way of speaking. Natsu decided he would be tough to get to know.

"Well then, Lennox, Lorenzo, Tyrion. I think I'll head to my room," Natsu said as he aimed his attention at the hallway that lay adjacent to the cluster of tables.

"You're not going to stay, bummer. Well, welcome," Tyrion conveyed.

"Yes, welcome, mister Salamander," Lorenzo said as Natsu entered the hall.


Room A2...


Natsu found his way down the torch-lit corridor until he found a door with a metal plate that had inscribed A2. He crossed the threshold to find a room with no light whatsoever save for a waning glow from the moon. Feeling a presence, he stepped further and the door shut behind him.

Suddenly, a candle flickered on, and he saw a beautiful woman with pink hair wearing a white kimono with what he assumed was the guild's logo. Her pink locks cascaded down her back with two strands put up in loops. Her eyes were a cold and yet endearing blue-green, and she had beauty marks underneath each one. Finally, she wore traditional sandals with a tall platform on her feet.

The woman smirked. 'He's pretty cute. Maybe I'll have a little fun with him.'

"You're a stoic one, aren't you? My name is Ikaruga," She said, walking closer to him.

"I'm the senior member that's supposed to mentor you." Ikaruga walked closer and put her face close to Natsu's. "Maybe I should give you your first lesson, hmm?" She whispered in a sultry voice and caressed Natsu's crotch with her hand.

Natsu couldn't help but blush furiously at the blatant advance from the beautiful woman. 'My god, She's certainly...forward.'

Ikaruga pushed Natsu onto the bed and set the candle on the wooden nightstand. She smirked as she saw that bewildered look cross his youthful features.

"You put on a tough act. But in the face of a real woman, you're really quite shy," Ikaruga said as she straddled Natsu. For all his abilities and experience. Natsu was completely at a loss for words from this present altercation. He felt at her mercy against his better judgment.

Ikaruga brought her full red lips to his as she snaked her hands into his shozoku's top and started pulling it off along with the cloak. Her soft hands caressed his chest as she did so. She gently pulled the fabric away. The kiss deepened when Ikaruga pressed her tongue to the juncture of his mouth.

He shyly let her in, and he moaned ever so slightly against his will at her forceful exploration of his mouth. She then released him from the transcendent kiss and laughed. "That was cute," The beauty purred into his ear as she then gyrated her hips on his pelvis. Causing Natsu's arousal to become quite apparent to her.

She kissed him again, and he was caught again by the trance-inducing beauty on top of him. He was so engrossed at the moment that he barely registered the small knife pressed to his throat. But when she pulled away from the kiss, his eyes flung open, and Ikaruga sat with a mocking smile on her face. Her luscious red lips were a reminder that he had been enraptured by her.

"Lesson one, never trust a woman," The beauty said as she released the pressure of the knife on his neck and dismounted him. She looked back to see his scowl, and suddenly she felt bad for playing the cruel joke.

'I'll have to give him a real reward if he does well on his first mission.' Ikaruga mused.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Natsu."

She then left the room and left Natsu to his mood. 'I should have realized; how could I be so stupid!'

But he supposed that he probably would have done the same in almost any other situation as well. She was truly a beauty to behold. He then realized what she mentioned about her being his mentor. If she was one of the senior members, she must be formidable. Come to think of it. He couldn't sense any malice from her even when a knife was placed to his neck. She had given absolutely no sign of being false. She was skilled.

'Although.' Natsu thought.

'She may have been into it," The pink-haired boy contemplated with intrigue at the prospect. He blew out the candle on the side table, lied down under the sheets, and closed his eyes. He was a member of an assassin's guild now. This should prove to be interesting. But then, alarm crossed Natsu's mind.

'How did she know my name!?'


Natsu's dream...


Eyelids fluttered open only to be greeted by a black abyss. Natsu raised his head and found himself clothed in only his white boxers. He stood abruptly, causing his head to swoon from the blood rush. Instantly he felt a sickness creep into his bowls at a peculiar thought.

'Which way is up?'

The effects of his self-conscious state of being brought growing discomfort as he felt his body was spinning in suspended space. Waving his arms, he tried to grasp onto anything tangible. But to no avail.

'Where am I?'

He could not discern how he was enveloped by darkness while also seeing himself with perfect clarity. Squinting his eyes in every viable direction, he attempted to ascertain the source of the light. Upon further inspection, Natsu found himself staring intently at something through the abyss. There in the distance, a light was shrouded in a cloud of black smoke. Willing himself forward, he saw an image through the dark tendrils of gas.

"You've been made whole again," A voice cried out with a timbre that Natsu could only describe as soothing.

Natsu saw a man with jet-black hair. His face was partially covered with shadow obstructing a full view. But even the slivers he could observe filled him with a bizarre sense of recognition.

'Who are you?' Natsu thought.

Studying the scene further, he analyzed the way the man seemed captivated by a large egg-shaped pod. The vessel glowed with a dim radiance that spewed from whatever it was suspended in the center. Natsu locked his eyes on the pod with fascination; its very sight evoked something from deep within the depths of his psyche.

"When your grown, I can help you realize your full importance," The man spoke softly. Conveying in his tone a loving air.

"Who are you?" Natsu spoke aloud. But the sound that escaped his lips was warped as if he was submerged underwater. Natsu swore the man, robed in black, turned his gaze ever so slightly in his direction.

"You know I'll always have your back little brother. And once you've awoken, we'll do such wonderous things," The black-haired man expressed with a jovial demeanor passing over his features.

The scene began to dim, and Natsu ran toward it. He didn't want it to end. And he didn't want to be left alone. A sense of turmoil filled his chest as the abyss seemed to swallow the vision completely. Leaving to him only his introspections.

'Who was he talking to? Should I recognize him?'

The darkness then began to reveal another image. But this one disturbed Natsu in such a fashion that he couldn't put it into words. The bright warmth of the last vision was replaced with a cold and dour display. The vessel from before was smashed, and fluid spilled onto the ground. Ash covered the floor and surrounding walls, and scorched timbers lay strewn about. And huddled in a fog of black smoke was a creature.

Natsu was jarred back when the head of... whatever it was... suddenly turned, and he was greeted with eyes that shimmered a sinister red. The creature's body was shrouded by smoke and black markings. It bared its teeth and thrust its small body forward in a rage.

Shielding his head with his arms, Natsu closed his eyes. Only to crack them open when he found himself untouched.

'What was that... thing?'

Natsu shivered as the image faded again. His eyes were frantic to spot another vision. But he saw none. Only... the smoke was still prevalent. The volume of the black gas grew and threatened to choke him. His already wavering vision was further marred by the tendrils that wafted around his figure.

A faint sound rang out then. His acute ears twitched at the rasping sound. He turned to look behind him and saw an empty void.

A hand touched his shoulder.

Natsu could not conceal his utter dismay as he was spun about.

"Wha...!?"

Those red eyes looked through him. The now-grown creature pressed a hand to Natsu's throat and squeezed hard as Natsu gritted his teeth and clawed at the hand. But the monster was unflinching. Defeat washing over him, the pink-haired man stopped his futile thrashing and stared into those eyes.

'What are you?' Natsu thought. His vision grew blurred as his supply of oxygen was smothered by the clawed fist.

'I am you...'


Outskirts of Janina...


After the intensive search of the burned-down bar in Keiper, a log book was found underneath the floorboards in a back room. The log gave evidence of business transactions with the Green Eye's guild that clearly pointed their location to be around the town of Janina.

Captain Arcalis called for his company to comb the forest for any sign of a hideout, but for days they found little evidence.

"Captain!" A rune knight yelled from in the distance. His voice seemed dampened by the myriad of trees in between himself and the man.

"What have you found, soldier?" Arcalis replied eagerly for a report.

The rune knight gave a hasty salute before he spoke. An air of distress seemed to emit from the soldier Arcalis observed.

"We found some bodies in the forest along with a building. We wanted to give you notice before investigating inside."

Arcalis nodded and patted the soldier on the shoulder.

"Good work, now lead the way."

A few minutes walk took them to the front of the guildhall. Arcalis analyzed the scene played out before him.

'These men have been dead a while,' The Captain thought as he turned to one of his investigative team.

"Date when these men were killed. It might give us a better assessment of the situation. I'm going to head inside for a look. You two, come with me," Arcalis gestured over to two soldiers carrying spears to cover his back.

The doors creaked open as if they themselves were hesitant to see what lie inside the building. A long shadow ridden hallway greeted them. And with quiet hesitation, Arcalis advanced into the dank hall.

First was the smell that hit him. One that he was now rather familiar with, unfortunately. The smell of burned flesh. He scrunched his nose in disgust as he crept forward. When they entered the main room, Arcalis merely closed his eyes and sighed.

'Another tragedy,' He assessed.

Burnt corpses littered the room, just like in Keiper. And the stone walls show signs of melting.

"Get the crew to clean this up," Arcalis commanded as he strode to the large door that lay open across the room.

Shuffling feet were heard behind him from the scrambling rune knights as he crossed the hall to the aperture in the wall. Further opening the threshold. The Captain peered into the dreary room. Covering a large stone table was countless journals and scrolls. He could only guess at their contents.

Picking up a random journal, he nosed through it. Glancing at diagrams and paragraphs of scribblings.

'Looks like dark magic to me.'

Arcalis closed the book and threw it back to the table in frustration. He shut his eyes and massaged his temples at the cacophony of clues he would have to piece together in his report. Sometimes he regretted joining the investigative force. But this case before him, albeit difficult, was eating at him. Whoever this was, he wanted to see him brought to justice.

'Even dark wizards don't deserve this.' Arcalis determined as he took a moment to collect himself.

Exiting the room, Arcalis was approached by his forensic expert.

"Captain, we have concluded that with the stage of decay present on the bodies outside. These men were killed before the men in Keiper."

Arcalis closed his eyes in thought.

'So the culprit came here first or was possibly led here. And then killed these men. But the leader's staff was found in Keiper? So perhaps he apprehended the leader and brought him to Keiper. But for what purpose? And in the end, he killed the leader of Green Eyes and everyone in that bar. So I can only assume the bar in Keiper was associated with the Green Eyes guild. Or perhaps a branch.'

The rune knights inside paused their duties to see their captain deep in his own mind. Their speculative glances showed they wanted to hear his conclusion.

"I need a count on all the bodies found. Hurry. I need to report to Sir Duranbolt soon," The Captain boomed out, his voice leaving no room for argument.

With quiet disappointment, the knights set off to their task.

Arcalis found himself outside the guildhall and staring off into the woods. There was another angle he just couldn't perceive. The scraps of evidence strewn through the two crime scenes told a fractured story. And Arcalis wanted that last piece of the puzzle.

"Captain Arcalis," Another rune knight said, interjecting the Captain from his pondering.

The Captain turned to address the man. "Yes, soldier?" He inquired.

"We've just received a report from the local rune knights of Keiper. Apparently, some travelers were coming in from the west and stumbled upon some bodies. The report mentions that a few looked to have sustained burns."

"Dammit!" Arcalis fumed. "We're stumbling around in the dark here!"

The rune knight took a startled step back. The Captain was not prone to outbursts, furthering the jolt of trepidation he felt swell inside him.

"Give me the report, soldier," Arcalis all but sneered as the rune knight exchanged the documents in question.

"Leave me."

Without a moment of indecision, the soldier left the Captain to the findings. Thumbing through the brief report gave him some insight, however.

'Perhaps the culprit was escaping the scene and was followed by a few survivors of the dark guild? Or maybe a third party?'

Arcalis put a hand to his chin as he continued to knit together the threads of evidence in his brain.

'I need answers... fast.'


On a train...


A train was steaming along a track on a sunny afternoon. Through one of the multitudes of windows, you could spot a red-headed woman staring sullenly out the glass. Her lips were downturned into a slight frown that blemished her usually pristine face.

'It's been too long since I've been back. Seems lately I've been gone longer and longer."

She politely held her hands together and twiddled her thumbs as she lost herself in her mindscape.

'I wonder what everyone has been up to. I wonder if they worried about me,' The woman shook her head at the notion.

This was no time to be having such a sour attitude. She was coming home after two weeks, she should revel in the knowledge that she would see her friends. Her family. But something seemed off. Her mind felt scattered to the wind, and her heart seemed to sink lower than the deepest ocean trench.

'What's wrong with you, Erza? Why do you always do this to yourself?'

She considered that staying away so long from everyone seemed to dampen her spirits. Perhaps she would stay a while before her next quest. God knows she could use a break. As of late, she had buried herself in her work. Leaving very little room for self-indulgent pleasures.

'I can't wait to take a proper bath," She thought as she closed her eyes and imagined herself submerged in that warm water. With all her impurities washing away.

'If I can't even bring myself to enjoy a bath, I'll know something is really wrong.'

The scarlet mage turned her gaze out the window once more and studied the passing scenery. The blue sky was illuminated with golden hues, the green hills were scattered with trees of every variety, and the fauna flew and ran and swam.

She admired the serenity of it all. Even in her crestfallen mood, she could appreciate the beauty of the world around her. Erza figured, however, that part of her 'mood' was brought on by what usually put her mind in turmoil. Reminiscing on the past.

'Though I suppose reminiscing is usually used in a positive context.'

Her memories drew her back to the tower. The short-term friends that helped her through her most dire hour, and the blue-haired boy who betrayed her burgeoning emotions for him. Those were the darkest days of her recollection. And she told herself she would move past it. But her old ghosts never left.

'Maybe I'm not meant to find peace.'

Her ruminations were broken by the sound of grinding metal and the slowing pace of the passenger train. Once at a full stop, she lifted herself from the bench seat and proceeded to grab her luggage from the storage compartment above her head.

Exiting the Magnolia train terminal, she walked the streets of the familiar town. Passing citizens who recognized the requip mage on her way to fairy hills to rid herself of her luggage. Afterward, she slowly meandered to the guildhall. Still lost in her own thoughts.

Upon opening the door, she was greeted by a rowdy brawl between a few members. However, she felt she didn't have the energy to berate them. So rather, she just strode to the bar and sat at one of the stools, staring down at the wooden surface. Her presence was immediately acknowledged by Mira, who flashed her a smile.

But the smile faded into a distressed frown. The barmaid walked over and spoke in a warm voice.

"Are you okay, Erza?

However, the redhead stayed engrossed in her head, much to Mira's dismay. The platinum-blonde waved a hand in front of the scarlet-haired woman's face and said again.

"Erza? You okay?" Erza lifted her head to her blue-eyed friend and sighed with a shake of her head.

"That bad?" Mira spoke as she outreached her hand to hold Erza's.

"Come on, talk to me." The take-over mage's eyes pleaded with regard to her most dear friend.

'I'm not sure I've ever seen her this down,' Mira observed.

Erza obliged her friend and gave a faint smile. "I think I've just been gone too often. Had too much time to myself. My own thoughts," The redhead stated.

Mira gave an endearing smile as she continued to hold her friend's hand.

"Then all the more reason we talk. I've missed you, you know," Mira said, releasing Erza from her grasp and turning around to open a half-sized fridge. She grabbed a chilled tankard and held up the metal container for Erza to see.

"Yes, please," Erza smirked, putting emphasis on the last word. The platinum-blonde always found a way to bring a smile to her face with her devious antics.

"There's that smile I was looking for," Mira said as she poured cold beer from a keg into the mug.

Handing it over, Erza grabbed the mug and took a large gulp before letting it rest on the counter. With an alleviated sigh, Erza looked to Mira with a content expression plastered on her features.

"I needed that, thank you."

"Nothing like a little booze to kill the edge," Mira said as she put her elbows on the bar and planted her head atop her clasped hands. "So, tell me about your mission."

Erza considered the mission in question thoughtfully.

"Believe it or not, for an A-class quest. There was not a lot of combat. The task at hand was fairly simple. Help the town organize a defense against the sea." Erza told, causing a bewildered look to contort Mira's face.

"The sea? As in the ocean?"

"Yes," Erza said, understanding her friend's confused state.

"You see, the land around the town was either at or below sea level. And they needed help with the construction of a levee and the organization of the labor. Granted, they also want protection from the sea creatures that occasionally attacked."

"Why would they need help to build and organize? Don't they already have people for that?" Mira's puzzled tone reflected her curiosity at the strange request.

"That's what I thought too. I took the job more out of curiosity than anything. But after seeing the state of things, I understood the dilemma completely. Apparently, the master builder and architect of the project had recently died. And his two sons both seemed adamant about wanting to be in charge going forward. To add to things, they didn't even have the necessary funds to build the levee. So I helped organize support for the construction and had to reach out to the suppliers on request from the sons of the architect. They eventually agreed to share ownership of the company, and all that was left was for me to make sure everyone was safe during the tenure of the project. And I'm not going to even get into all the little details and menial tasks I ended up doing," Erza explained, taking another swig of her beverage.

"Sounds like a lot. Was it at least good pay?" Mira inquired.

"I'd say it was adequate."

Taking another sip of beer, Erza looked over at the elderly man sitting on the edge of the bar several feet away. Feeling her eyes on him, Makarov turned and smiled. Having been listening in on Her and Mira's conversation.

"It's good to see you back, Erza; you should take a load off for a few days."

Erza nodded in agreement. "I'm on the same page myself."

The elder mage sat a moment in silence before he turned an eye back to the scarlet-haired woman.

"Have you heard the news concerning the magic council Erza?" Makarov said promptly, changing the subject.

Erza drew back to recollect if she had heard anything and shook her head in response. Her countenance grew uneasy at the foreshadowing tone of the master.

"It's nothing bad particularly, just a change in leadership," Makarov spoke, piquing Erza's interest.

The elder man then continued. "Crawford Seam stepped down for unknown reasons and was replaced by a much harsher man, in my opinion. His name is Gran Doma. And I don't believe he favors us."

Erza now understood her master's apparent distress. It was never beneficial to hold the council's animosity.

'We'll have to keep our noses clean not to draw unnecessary attention,' Erza mused.

"That spells trouble," Mira interjected with a knowing smile.

Makarov nodded with a defeated sigh. "You kids are going to be the death of me one day."

Erza smiled and shook her head. "Don't talk like that, master. We need you."

The elder felt a wave of elation rise up in his small body at the words. The affectionate emotion was exhibited clearly to him.

"No need to worry, my child. I've got plenty of life left in me," Makarov grinned wide with what could nearly be described as a youthful spirit.

Mira and Erza beamed at this. The three sitting at the bar fell into a harmonious silence until Erza stood from her stool. She eyed the barmaid before giving her a tender smile.

"Thanks for the talk; it made me feel better. The beer didn't hurt either," The redhead laughed.

Mira then remarked. "Anytime, perhaps soon we should get together to have some girl time."

Erza gave a consenting nod. It had been too long since she and Mira had spent time together properly outside the premises of the guild.

"I'd like that very much," The scarlet mage replied before turning to retire from the guildhall.

Makarov looked to the platinum-blonde and spoke. "You should keep an eye on her, she's been in a lull for a while."

Mira knew this much already. Her friend had been distant for a couple of months. And it was obvious to anyone that knew the requip mage well that she was going through... something. What that was, she could not put her finger on. But the gloomy shroud of pandemonium seemed to hang over Erza.

"Don't worry, Master. I will," Mira asserted with a tinge of doubtful resolve.


Morning. Room A2...


The paned glass window refracted the light of the sun directly over the periphery of Natsu's exposed back. His slumber had been rather recuperative even after experiencing... whatever that dream was. The images that flickered through his head were not uncommon. But lately, the frequency of these dreams was increasing while the previously obscured pictures evolved to be incredibly vivid. He'd seen that dark-haired man before, but the creature... was new.

'I don't like these visions.' Natsu determined in quiet distress.

Having fully alert eyes, he scanned one of the journals to distract himself. He managed to salvage the tome from the remnants of the inn he torched. Its contents intrigued him. There were relics of indiscernible origin called keys documented within. It became apparent to him that the exact whereabouts were unattainable through direct means.

He shut the journal and allotted a spot in his mind to remember the information about the keys before setting the leather-bound notebook onto the nightstand. His mind was brought back to last night's conversation with Bellarose.

'I wonder if I should have attempted an escape.'

The thought had been tempting. But considering his options at that juncture in time. His choice has been the most pragmatic.

'Everything from this point on will be different.'

The implications were not lost on him. Before he excepted the offer to join, he was just a rogue wizard. Which is not in itself considered punishable by the law. Even if he had kept his presence hidden from authorities. But now... now he could be tried for mere association with the dark guild.

Natsu found himself within a sort of paradigm for failure. If he abandoned Death's Head Cause, he would surely invoke their wrath and find himself an enemy of their group. And if the government ever caught a whiff of him as part of this group. He would be labeled a dark mage. Either path sets him at odds with somebody. Both were undesirable circumstances that he now saw himself faced with.

'I could have just killed Tyrion. But I suppose that would have also incurred their anger.'

The images of what occurred last night in his room flashed through his mind, and a slight grimace presented itself on his face.

'Ikaruga.' Natsu thought bitterly.

She was going to be troublesome. He could feel it. Natsu reprimanded himself for allowing her to hold sway on him.

'I won't allow myself to be influenced by her... charm.'

Natsu was brought from his inquiries by a rapping on the door. "Are you still sleeping?" He heard the sultry voice question.

'Speak of the devil.' The pink-haired youth groaned.

Suddenly the door flung open to Natsu's chagrin at his undressed state. He flashed a look at the pink-haired woman. Giving her a well-deserved contemptuous stare.

"What?" Ikaruga says, feigning innocence. She then cast Natsu a devilish smile.

The salamander merely gave her an accusatory stare before he continued in a terse manner. "Do we have an assignment?" Natsu questioned.

The beauty stepped closer, and Natsu admired the remarkably ornate odachi she carried at her hip.

' That weapon looks formidable.'

Ikaruga followed his line of sight and spoke.

"Admiring this," she said, jostling the hilt of her sword.

"It's been an invaluable asset to me."

Natsu considered her tone of voice. For the first time, it lacked any form of seductive entrance and only held a sincere quality to it.

"Anyways," Ikaruga stated, shifting to the subject at hand.

"We do have an assignment. Come. I'll brief you on the way there."

The pink-haired woman turned concisely on her heel and opened the door before trailing her eye back on Natsu, who was getting out of bed. Her lingering gaze felt suffocating.

The salamander gathered his clothes and then, with a critical glance, spoke. "Do you mind?"

Ikaruga smirked as she vacated the space while forgoing another word.

Natsu dressed, pulled his cloak on while concealing his face, then opened the threshold to the hallway and conducted himself to where his 'mentor' stood stationed near the entrance to the behemoth hall.

He felt her eyes travel over his body and stopped his advance a few feet adjacent to the woman.

"Ready?" Ikaruga asked.

Natsu nodded briefly. His eyes were attentive. And his stature firm.

Ikaruga seemed pleased by his composure. Albeit mildly curious about his covered face.

"Then let's begin."


Arcalis's Report...


The frigid night air chilled Arcalis as he gazed out the window of his temporary office overlooking Janina. After collecting the data from both scenes. He finally assembled his report. And so, with great reluctance, he found himself removing a large communication lacrima from its case. His hesitance was due to his standing puzzlement on the case at present.

'Everything about this case seems clouded,' Arcalis conceded as he stared into the large crystal; its opaque translucency only served as a reminder.

Setting the lacrima on its pedestal, he briefly stole another glance out the window while inhaling deeply. The Captain then activated the spherical lacrima.

"Captain, I trust your search for the Green Eyes guild has commenced successfully?" The voice of Durnabolt questioned with practiced formality.

"Well, Sir, there's been a development," Arcalis said, his darting eyes filled with demure.

Duranbolt's face flashed disappointment, but Arcalis figured the discontent was directed at the hindrance rather than at himself.

"The Green Eyes guild was eradicated, Sir, both branches."

The Division Commander sprouted a confounded expression. "Eradicated!? And what do you mean two branches?"

Arcalis expected this reaction. 'Perhaps I should have relayed information in chunks instead of all at once.'

"The Green Eyes guild had their main hall in Janina while operating a branch out of a bar in Keiper to the north."

"I see, so what exactly happened to the guild?" Duranbolt inquired.

'It's not every day you get a report like this,' The Division Commander thought. Even if it's a dark guild, uncovering a decimated guild never heralded good tidings. It only suggested there was more nefarious activity working to undermine the authority of the council.

"We are still working on discovering the cause. But let me tell you what we've found," Arcalis explained, receiving a sharp nod from his superior.

"We first found the bar in Keiper burned to the ground. There were no survivors as far as our investigation has afforded. And after finding a connection to Janina. We combed the woods and found their main hall in a similar state of disrepair. No survivors in Janina either," Arcalis spoke as he paused to take a breath.

"A report we received while investigating Janina turned up more bodies as well. But that's not the worst of it."

Duranbolt's thoughtful expression shifted as he gave the captain a suffocating stare. "I don't see how this could get any worse, Captain."

"Well, sir, we believe this was not a guild war. We have come to the conclusion this was all done by only one man. But to further add to all this was the gruesome manner of the deaths of all those who resided inside the bar and the main guildhall," Arcalis revealed to his boss's dismay.

"Go on, Captain, what is it?"

"The bodies we found indoors at both locations were all blackened skeletons. They were burned alive, Sir. Though we have gathered that the intense heat killed them nearly instantaneously. The heat of the fire was even hot enough to melt the stone."

Duranbolt was engrossed in his own ruminations. This was indeed worse, as his Captain said. He was not aware of any dark mages in the registry that used magic like that.

'This new threat needs to be found before we find ourselves with more cases like this one. The council won't be happy to hear this.' Duranbolt turned back to look at his patiently awaiting Captain as he spoke.

"What else do you know?"

"The total body count was 71 deceased individuals. And we have no witnesses either. Whoever this was made sure of that. But aside from the basic facts, we have nothing. To be honest, Sir. I've never dealt with a case quite like this one. And I'm not confident we have the resources a case like this requires to uncover anything useful," Arcalis admitted awaiting the Division Commander's retort.

Duranbolt clasped his gloved hands together and shut his eyes as he sighed, setting his linked fists against his forehead, indicative of frustration.

"I understand your position completely, Arcalis. I'll do my best to gather more support for this operation from up top. But you know as well as I that it won't provide everything you need. You'll have my full support, though. Whoever this is, it's obvious he's a great danger to the realm. And he needs to be detained before we find ourselves with another massacre on our hands."

Arcalis released a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Sir. We'll need everything you can give us to solve this mystery."

"Of course, Captain. I'll be sure to contact you immediately once I talk with my superiors," Duranbolt assured as a glint of insight struck him.

"Oh, and Captain," The Division Commander called out.

"Yes, Sir?" Arcalis asked.

"Keep in mind that this need's to stay quiet. An unfortunate event such as this tends to inspire panic in citizens," Duranbolt reminded.

The Captain seemed quizzical, but he yielded. "Understood, Sir."


The Mission...


Natsu and Ikaruga traversed the wooded expanse on an earthen path. For the last two days, they've been on the road. The predominantly silent expedition was interspersed with conversion rarely as they traveled in each other's company.

Ikaruga glanced over to her 'pupil' with curious fascination. She had endeavored unsuccessfully to spark a conversation several times throughout their so-far monotonous journey. But all she ever obtained in return were spare answers.

'He's really not much of a talker,' The pink-haired beauty mused.

They had only held a few brief conversations, none of which wandered far from the realms of polite formality.

'I wonder what's going on in that head of his?'

Ikaruga desired to get more out of Natsu. With him assigned to her as a student of sorts, she needed to understand what she was working with. Lord knows she won't let this boy drag her down if worse comes to worst. But she also comprehended that the Master wouldn't let anyone she judged was inadequate join either. So she was left with few options on how to push forward effectively.

'I need him to open up a little. If for nothing else but my own well-being,' She considered while stealing another look as if it would bear insight she previously could not coax out of the mysterious youth.

'I was hoping he would be more receptive to my... charm.'

But the veiled man seemed unaffected by anything she tried. 'Guess I pushed a little too far with my first attempt,' Ikaruga ceded as she internally chastised herself.

'He probably thinks I was trying to manipulate him. Well... I suppose I was. In a roundabout way.'

A thought then fired through Ikaruga's brain. 'I hope he doesn't resent me. That would make working operations more challenging.'

Ikaruga's traveling companion then grabbed her attention as he sounded out in a low rumbling rasp. Natsu raised his closed fist to his masked mouth as another cough left him. The boy's eyes diverted their gaze to herself as if to assess her reaction.

"You alright," The beauty said in jest. That cough sounded rather abrasive.

Natsu nodded, and they fell back into an uncomfortable silence.

'So much for that,' Ikaruga mildly laughed.

In the distance, atop a gently sloping hill, sat a large manor with a huge gnarled oak tree that grew nearby. The shadow it cast swayed in the soft wind as the rustling of leaves graced their ears. The construction of the building was in an architectural style that indicated the age of the manor.

The two made their way past the rod-iron fence that surrounded the perimeter of the mansion. The atmosphere that encompassed the place was gloomy, with dark clouds looming overhead. "This is the place," Ikaruga spoke as they marched up to the door.

The salamander could feel an irregular swirl of energy that ominously encircled the manor as soon as he had stepped foot past the iron gates.

'Does she feel this too?' Natsu speculated, turning his gaze to her.

But the pink-haired woman grabbed the rusted door knocker and slammed it a few times. They lingered on the stoop patiently until it seemed nobody would answer. But the door unlocked and was thrust open forcefully by the lackluster sight of an old man dressed in a grey suit.

"This way, please," The butler gestured toward a hallway to the right that led past a grand staircase made of wood. Natsu observed the decor of the spacious hallway. There were invaluable paintings with ornate golden frames and lifeless guardians of steel that stood wielding halberds and spears.

They stopped at a set of large carven doors that envisioned a battle between knights and demons. Ikaruga struck the door with her right fist, and they waited for admittance.

"Enter." The leaden voice rasped out as they entered. A scrupulous man dressed in a fitted black suit stood gazing into a hearth surrounded by bookshelves laden with artifacts of a bygone era. The man swiftly turned his attention to the two mages and raised an eyebrow.

"There are two of you?"

Ikaruga nodded with a brief glance at Natsu. "We value our esteemed clients, and with the exceptionally generous amount of compensation, our organization has resolved to make sure the request does not go unfulfilled," The beauty answered expertly.

Natsu glanced at his partner, noticing how she decisively avoided mentioning his position as a new member.

The client seemed to accept this answer and gave a vague smile. "Please, take a seat," The man said cordially, motioning for them to sit on a sofa across from the leather seat he now occupied.

Natsu and Ikaruga obliged him and sat. With a weathered and sunken stare, the pale blue eyes of the client studied the two. His stare pierced through them with adept precision before turning his attention to a decanter that sat on a small table beside his seat. He poured a generous glass of liquor into a crystal cup and took a sip while returning his gaze to the fire that lived in the hearth.

"I must thank you for coming on such short notice, I appreciate that your 'establishment' takes such great strides to offer every convenience," The pale-blue-eyed man complimented. His tone was nearly on the verge of stately if not for the rasp that congealed in the back of his throat.

"Of course, we aim to please," Ikaruga proclaimed. Something about this man's gaunt features unnerved her.

'The secluded manor on a hill with storm clouds overhead, the rustic decor, the expensive furnishings, and this eccentric man.'

It all accumulated together to form a cohesive picture that this was not an orthodox request. Glancing at Natsu, she wondered if he was piecing this together as well.

The client swallowed another sip of the amber liquid and spoke. "Let us get the pleasantries out of the way," The man paused, and his gaze turned severe.

"I am Cain Baeloie the Second," The client introduced himself. But when he was greeted by silence, his eyes flashed a stifling look.

Ikaruga had initially found herself confused that the man had asked their names. In this line of work, it was not customary to exchange 'formalities.' But she relented when she felt the client's heavy stare.

"My name is Ikaruga; this is Natsu," The sword-maiden replied, making a gesture toward her quiet companion.

Natsu nodded as he analyzed the situation. He had sensed the faint tension that stirred in his mentor when the question was announced, but it had been banished as soon as it arrived.

'Even she gets caught off guard,' Natsu thought.

The client gave a slight bow of his head in acknowledgment before his mouth opened. "I apologize if I put you in an uncomfortable position. Knowing your 'business,' you more than likely don't offer such information lightly."

Cain took another sip from his glass. "But I prefer to know the names of those I employ."

Ikaruga brought a practiced smirk to her face. "We are not usually inclined to offer it, but this is a special case; I'm gathering."

The client seemed pleased with that answer. "Yes, a special case indeed," Cain spoke, implanting a casual refinement in his tone. Making it evident he was well-versed in the upper echelons of society.

"Usually, I would hire a 'legal' guild, but... with the contract I have in mind. I'm willing to forgo morals to execute my ambition."

Cain then stood sharply, his fitted suit brightening from the light of the fireplace. He stared into the flames a moment, ostensibly in contemplation.

The unknown brought by silence was intimidating, and Natsu decided this man was using this methodically rather than because of anxious uncertainty.

"I knew this job would require a certain caliber of mage. So I searched my network until I found your... group," said Cain, and he took another drink.

"There is information I need," The pale-blue-eyed man stated, finally unveiling the mission.

"There's a document in the hands of an old enemy. Something he's been holding against me for too long. I need the document retrieved and the man... disposed of," Cain then turned his gaze to meet that of the two mages who waited with interest.

"I need you to kill a member of the council."


To be continued...


Please comment if you are interested in me continuing this story.

'Thoughts.'

"Speech."

Thanks for reading.