Opening the last cell of the prison, Seryu released a new group of prisoners, who were not asked to leave.

" We are free, finally. "

" We will be able to leave this hell. "

However, seeing several people pretending to run towards the exit, Seryu stopped them.

" Wait! Since Natsu is already gone, the alert must have been raised! Suddenly, guards should already have gathered around the palace! We have to run away from somewhere else! Follow me, I know a passage! "

Getting ready to run, however, Seryu finally stopped, seeing that no one was following him.

" Hey, what are you doing? "

" W ... Why should we trust you? " Wanted to know someone.

" How ? "

" Even if you just released us, nothing tells us that you plan to help us! If it is, you just want to take us somewhere, to kill us and give our corpses at your dog. "

" What? " Wondered Seryu. " Do you really think that Natsu and I fought and infiltrated here to kill you? "

" You are known for that. " Retorted a man. " You want the death of all the prisoners of this empire! You kill anyone you see. "

" It is true ! We can't trust you! "

Listening to them, Seryu ends up shrugging his shoulders, before leaving with Koro.

" Very well ! Get by in this case! But don't come to cry if you get caught. "

Seeing her go, several people seemed undecided. Okay, they knew Seryu was right about being greeted by guards once outside the palace. However, they did not want to trust him, while they knew his past.

" What do we do ? "

" Uh ... Well ...! "

" Quick. " Suddenly cried a voice coming from the stairs leading down to the torture room. " Everyone comes down! We must stop this riot! "

Hearing guards rushing to capture them, the prisoners immediately ran to join Seryu.

The old Jaeger, running to the back of the room, ends up before a huge metal door. Esdeath had already told him about this door. It was a door supposed to allow a flight if ever the palace was besieged. However, Seryu had no idea where it was going to lead her.

But it wasn't like she had a choice.

" KORO! ARM MODE ! "

Immediately, growing in size, his teigu then began to lengthen his arms, before they resemble those of a gorilla. Then he ran to the huge door and knocked on it. After a few blows, he ends up destroying it, allowing his mistress to be able to leave the prison.

" Good, now, I hope we are not going to fall anywhere. "

However, hearing footsteps behind her, she finally saw the prisoners running towards her, while they fled from the guards who already entered the room.

Noting this, Seryu snapped his fingers. Immediately, regaining his small size, Koro ends up spitting an object out of his mouth: a homemade bomb. Placing it not far from the emergency door, she finally left the room, followed by the group of prisoners.

Then, when they left, the guards arrived at their turns, weapons in hand.

" Stop there! Stop, it's an order. "

However, the bomb exploded at that moment, expelling them back. Weakened, the wall immediately collapsed and the hole in the door ended up being buried by blocks of stone.

Continuing to run, Seryu had now equipped his equipment acting as a flashlight. Next, the group of prisoners were behind her, without daring to say a word. To tell the truth, Seryu in itself did not really scare them. No, what they were afraid of was the little cuddly toy that walked by his side and that could turn into a killing machine at any time. However, in the end, a woman wanted to know.

" Uh, where does this tunnel lead? "

" No idea. " Admitted Seryu. " If I knew the location of the exit, you can imagine that I would have taken it rather than taking the risk of facing Wild Hunt to get me arrested! All I know is that this tunnel is an emergency exit! So be sure it will end up somewhere! "

However, it ends up stopping once it finds itself blocked by a dead end. Indeed, while the secret exit constituted a huge corridor, it ends up leading to a huge slab.

" But that … ? " Wondered a prisoner behind her.

" Hey, you told us that you would take us outside. " Feared a man.

" Koro. " Simply mumbled Seryu.

Simply advancing forward, its teigu resumed its previous form then jumped towards the slab. In a second, an overpowering blow completely destroys the slab, letting the light enter the corridor. Then advancing cautiously, Seryu was surprised to find himself among the remains of an old warehouse that had recently burned down.

Then being able to see the surroundings, she noticed that she was in a completely destroyed neighborhood: one of the poor neighborhoods that Wild Hunt had attacked.

" What happened here? " Wanted to know someone, looking around. " Before I landed in jail, this neighborhood was still up! "

" Forget and go! Leave before the guards come here! "

Nodding, the prisoners eventually ran and took various directions while fleeing. Seeing them do so, Seryu contented himself with letting them pass, without saying anything. For her, the mission Natsu entrusted to her was now over. As a result, she could now return to base.

" Thank you so much. "

Surprised, Seryu saw some prisoners bow before her, while thanking her.

" We really believed that we were going to die in this hell! Thank you so much for saving us! We will never forget your gesture! "

Then they left, prompting Seryu to do the same.

However, instead of running, Seryu simply walked through the destroyed parts of the city, while seeming thoughtful. As she had announced to Natsu, she had not wanted to return with him to the base of Night Raid. Too many bad things had happened in her life for her to really get a taste for life.

Yet, strangely, saving this group of people had made him happy inside. However, of course, she couldn't forgive herself for not doing the same to save Father Moury and Caruma. Thinking of them, she ends up hugging his dick.

" Koro, I beg you! Never leave me! "

Unable to answer him, Koro simply cuddled. However, he suddenly began to groan, while gesturing his limbs.

" Hein? " Wondered Seryu.

" A rebel is there. " Said a voice.

Turning around, Seryu was surprised to see several guards running in his direction.

" It's Seryu, from the Jaegers! Stop it, whatever the cost. "

Grunting immediately, Seryu fled and started to head out of town. Once in the forest, she could take her time to stop her pursuers. But in the meantime, she much preferred not to fight here and attract the attention of other more powerful enemies.

But as she passed near a building, she was surprised to feel a hand grabbing her arm, before pulling it into a small alley, to hide it behind a wall.

" That … ? " Could only say Seryu, before a hand was pressed before his mouth.

" Shut up. " Ordered a voice.

Wanting to struggle, Seryu nevertheless came to a halt while the guards passed in front of the alley.

" Where did it go? "

" Hurry up to find it! If we catch it, it's guaranteed promotion! "

It was not until the guards had left that the stranger released Seryu.

" Never do that again. " Roared the girl.

" Nice , Seryu! Me too, it's nice to see you again, after all this time! "

Suddenly freezing, Seryu turned slowly, to look at the person behind his back. Then she felt like paralyzed. Then her hands went to her mouth, as she felt her eyes tingle. Finally, she could only stutter.

" It's… it's… it's impossible. "

" And yet, it is. " Caruma assured him, while displaying a smile. "That's really me, Seryu! "

Indeed, Seryu's friend was right in front of her. However, compared to the last time she had seen her, the young woman presented an arm covered with burns. In addition, a huge scar crossed his entire face, passing through his left eye, forcing him to wear an eye patch. Unable to find a hairdresser, part of his head had hair cut to pieces, when it had been burned, while parts of his clothes had been charred here and there.

" Ho… How? I thought ... I thought ... that ... you ...! "

" What was I dead? It almost was! In fact, to get out of it, I had to sneak into a cart full of corpses and let myself be driven until I could have an opportunity to run away! "

" That … ? " Explain to me what happened in detail. " What happened to you ? How did you end up with these burns? How have you been able to survive for all this time? Why did you come back to town? "

" We don't have the time. "Retorted Caruma. " Now many guards are patrolling the area to kill all the poor who have survived so far! "

" But why are you hanging out here, then ? " Wanted to know Seryu.

" I was going somewhere. " Caruma taught him. " I was going to a meeting of members of the army of Fairy Tail! "

" What? "

" Go, we must go. " Caruma assisted, pretending to leave.

Nevertheless, she was suddenly immobilized. Indeed, in an instant, she got caught in the arms of Seryu, who rested her head against his back.

" That … ? "

" Caruma… Caruma… CARUMA! " Sobbed Seryu.

Hugging her, to the point of destroying her sides, Seryu refused to let go. She was crying against her, rubbing her face against his back. She wanted Caruma to stay close to her.

" Se ... Seryu ... you're hurting me. "

" I hear it. " Assured Seryu. " I hear the beating of your heart! And I feel the warmth of your heart! Yes, you are alive! "

" But, Seryu…! Of course … ! "

" Don't die ! " Cried Seryu. " Don't die ! Don't leave me alone! I want you to stay with me forever! "

At first astonished, Caruma ends up displaying a smile, before trying to lay his head on hers.

" I promise you, Seryu. "

Running meanwhile, through the destroyed neighborhoods a group of prisoners tried to find a way out of the city, since staying there would be too suicidal. However, they suddenly stopped, while another group of people faced them.

" That ? " They wondered, stopping. " Soldiers ? "

Suddenly walking towards them, a young girl began to examine them. Then, understanding who they were, she wanted to know.

" How did you manage to escape ? "

" Uh ? Why would we answer you first? Who are you ? "

" I am called Air. " Affirmed the girl. " You have nothing to fear from us! I am part of the army of Fairy Tail! And I'm looking for Natsu-sama! "

" Nat… Natsu? " The prisoners wondered, remembering the man who had killed Syura before their eyes.

Running through the city, Natsu suddenly stopped, as he put a hand on his heart.

" I can't stand it anymore. "

" Natsu! " Cried Happy. " Let me carry you. "

" No, by flying we will be spotted and we must stay here to find Seryu and Chelsea! If the guards spot us and attack us while we are with them, I ... I feel unable to protect them. "

" Natsu! We absolutely must go back to the base! Hopefully, the others may have found a doctor for you! "

" No question that I leave here without our friends. " Retorted Natsu, pretending to take a step forward.

However, it was at this moment that a trio appeared before him.

" That … ? " Wondered the mage, noting that they wore capes and hoods. " Who are you ? Do you want to fight? "

Preparing to attack them, he was surprised, seeing the smallest silhouette of the trio exclaimed.

" No, we don't want to hurt you, Natsu-sama! Far from there ! "

" Hein? " Happy wondered.

" Natsu-sama? " Repeated Natsu. " We know each other ? "

In response, the trio then removed their capes and the like. So they were able to introduce themselves.

" I'm Mimi. " Affirmed a little girl with big ears. "Nice to see you again, Natsu-sama! "

" I am Me. " Adds a colossus with big eyes. " We will do whatever you want, Natsu-sama! "

" And I am Hana. " Hana finished, with a huge nose. " Know that each of your desires will be an order for us, Natsu-sama! "

Beginning to perform various poses, they said.

" We are the spies of the Fairy Tail army! "

" The what? " Natsu wondered. " And who are you already? "

" You forgot us? " Wondered Me. " We crossed paths during the Stylish attack on Night Raid! "

Thinking then, Natsu ends up shouting.

" Ah yes, you are the guys he tried to eat. "

" Indeed. " Approved Hana. " And as you saved us, we have sworn to pledge our allegiance to you! "

" Allegiance? Wait! I don't understand ! What is this army you are telling us about? "

In response, the trio motioned for him to follow them as they ran towards a small lane. Looking at each other Natsu and Happy seemed undecided. However, curious to know what this mysterious army was, they ended up following them.

So they saw the trio open the hatch of a basement before going down a staircase. Continuing to follow them, the duo were amazed by the grandeur of the staircase which did not stop going down again and again. Finally, after three minutes, the group of five tumbled into a room deprived of all light. It was impossible to see from two meters.

" Where are we ? " Wanted to know Happy.

Suddenly clapping her hands, Mimi cried out.

" Members of the Fairy Tail army! Me, Mimi is delighted to announce that Natsu-sama is right now with us! "

Immediately lights came on and lit up the enormous room in which they found themselves. At first a little dazzled, Natsu eventually widened his eyes, while he could see thousands of people facing him, including a large number of soldiers.

" That ? " Happy wondered, stepping back immediately.

However, Mimi and the others walked over to the crowd and motioned for them to let them pass. Finally following them, Natsu was surprised by the looks of the people around them. Indeed, they kept looking at Natsu with admiration. It's simple, you would have thought they saw a real god.

" Uh ... where are we and who are these people? " He wanted to know.

But before someone can answer him, a voice from a platform ends up announcing.

" Everyone, listen! I have important news to tell you about Natsu-sama! "

Immediately, everyone turned to Air, while she said.

" Today even, the empire was delighted because it had planned to execute a member of Night Raid, for the example! Clearly, the Prime Minister wanted to strike a blow to the morale of the rebels! But you know what ? Wanting to prevent this, Natsu-sama managed to enter the palace grounds where he managed to kill Syura, the leader of Wild Hunt, before releasing a hundred prisoners! "

Hearing this, cries of joy were uttered. Still, beckoning them to shut up, Air added.

" But it is not the most important because, you see, after that, Natsu-sama fought against General Budo! And I can tell you, without being afraid of it…! "

Taking a deep breath, she cried out.

" What Natsu-sama won! He beat Budo! "

Immediately, the cries of each member of the crowd fused together to form a howl of joy that could have been heard by a blind man at the other end of the empire.

" Yeah! Another victory for Natsu-sama! "

"Down with Honest! Long live Natsu-sama! "

" That … ? That … ? " Natsu wondered.

Suddenly, pushing him, Me and Hana made him fall on the platform, while Air immediately moved away to make room for him.

" What does that mean ? " Happy was surprised. " Who are all these people? "

" It's the army of Fairy Tail. " Hana assured him. " It brings together all Natsu-sama fans! "

" My… My fans? " Natsu wondered.

At that moment, each member of the army began to roll up their sleeves and it was thus that each presented him the red tattoo of Fairy Tail, on their shoulder, similar to his own.

" What? "

" Natsu-sama! Since you saved us, we have made sure to bring together all the people who want to change the empire living in the capital. " Taught him Mimi. " We wanted to thank you for what you had done for us! "

" Natsu-sama! I am Air. " Presented the girl. " The girl you have is preventing suicide! I too decided to thank your gesture by making escape a good number of slaves so that they join us! "

" Natsu-sama. " Cried the voice of a man, while he and five people presented themselves to the mage. " I'm Kame, a former mercenary! We are the people you fought when we were about to commit the irreparable: reveal the location of Night Raid! ( Chapter 5 ) "

" You? " Natsu wondered, finally recognizing them. " I thought you were sent to another base in the revolutionary army! Also, weren't you working for the Prime Minister? "

" Not anymore ! Since you spared us, we have learned what was going on in the empire and the fight of Night Raid! Natsu-sama, wanting to thank you for giving us the chance to open our eyes, we escaped and came back here to join this group! We want to fight under your name! And for that, we contacted a good number of mercenaries ready to fight for our cause! "

Amazed by what he had just heard, Natsu finally turned around, while once again affirmed.

" What do you think of this army, kid? I am the founder. "

Approaching the platform, the new acquaintance was quickly recognized by Natsu.

" Tero ? "

" Herself. " Assured the vice-captain, while he was followed by his saddened bodyguard. " And the big guy behind is Furrick! "

" Enchanted, Fairy Tail mage. " Assured the lieutenant. " Although I wish I could have another opportunity to fight against Wendy! "

" But ... you are not soldiers of the army? " Wanted to know Happy.

" I told you, right? " Asked them Tero. " I want Honest's death as much as you do! "

Then, turning to the rest of the army, he said.

" Just like these people! In all, the army of Fairy Tail brings together 5,000 citizens, 2,500 soldiers, 1,500 former slaves or prisoners, and 1,000 mercenaries or warriors from other countries to lend us a hand! Do you understand then? "

Introducing the army, he said.

" We others, the 10,000 men that we are, we want to work under your orders, kid! Let us become your army. "

" My ... army? "

" Yes ! We will be ready for anything! Even become your feet and your hands during the fights! What we want to do is help you save the empire from having to fight Easdeath in person! "

Then turning to Natsu, he asked her.

" Do you want it then? Do you want to become our commander? "

Looking at him before staring at the rest of the army, Natsu ends up shaking his head.

" No. "

Immediately dumbfounded mines could be seen on everyone's faces, while a man wanted to know.

" Why ? You are the great Natsu-sama! During your battles, you will now have to rely on other people: an army! We are ready to become the latter. "

Natsu immediately turned to the crowd and eventually puffed out his cheeks. Then, in an instant, he threw a roar over their heads. Many of them immediately bent down to prevent their hair from getting burned.

Then, once the attack stopped, everyone looked at Natsu while the latter cried out.

" That's the reason! If you decide to fight, you will have to face enemies as powerful as me! See even more! Do you understand ? If you decide to fight, you will just die! "

Pointing at someone, he said.

" It could be you! You! You! You! Or all of you! That you want to help Night Raod is a good thing! In fact, it makes me rather happy to know that there are brave people in this city! However, I refuse to let you die! "

" We know perfectly well what we are risking. " Retorted a soldier.

" Yes ! The strength of Esdeath is known to all but we are not afraid! If I have to die, I prefer that it be by fighting the evil of this empire rather than against rebels who are trying to save my family! "

" Me too ! Natsu-sama, help us, I beg you! Tell us the way to go for us to achieve victory! "

" Yes, Natsu-sama! Now it's our turn to protect our country! "

" We want to support Night Raid, not to play the heroes, but to save our homeland. "

" That … ? " Natsu wondered, then seeing them raise their weapons in the air.

" NATSU-SAMA! NATSU-SAMA! NATSU-SAMA! NATSU-SAMA! NATSU-SAMA! "

This time, Natsu didn't know what to say faced with the courage of these people who wanted to fight at all costs, even if it meant dying.

" Each of us had our share of horror because of the empire. "Tero taught him. " And that's why we are ready to fight! Kid, Night Raid's chances of winning are close to zero percent, right? "

Closing his fist, the man cried out.

" In this case, let us help you so that our chances of triumph go up to one percent. "

" Are you ready to die for a mere percent? " Happy wondered.

" No, we are ready to die to save the lives of our families and friends! " Retorted Furrick.

" As you do every day. " Assured Air.

" We no longer want to work for the forces of evil. " Adds Me.

" We want to prove to Night Raid that we want to make up for our mistakes. " Swore Kame.

" As well as thanking you for saving us. " Hana continued.

" Because you are all of our saviors. " Mimi told him.

" Night Raid has awakened the hope that once disappeared in us! By fighting alongside you, we are sure we will never lose it again! finished Tero, closing his fist! We are not suicidal! We are brave fighters who want future generations to have a future! "

Hearing that made Natsu's eyes widen, while he didn't know what to say.

" That's what we're going to do…! "