Chapter 12: The Door
Gray's fight against Rufus had been intense, but he had proven wrong to the First Master as he defeated the memory make mage. She found his magic to be beautiful. The way the ice would glow was breathtaking. Could easily be mistaken for diamonds for the way it looked. She made a mental note to talk to him to see it up close better.
She was anxious as some of the fights were played on the lacrima screens. Several mages could not withstand the competition when it came down to it and many were losing. The points kept going up for Fairy Tail, but also for Sabertooth. Her eyes had widened when Erza started to battle against Kagura, which when she had first heard the name she had internally freaked out, but Minerva had butt in and later on left.
So much fighting going on. She could feel everyone's anxiety whenever someone from their guild was shown on the screen, but they would cheer nonetheless.
Then she was wondering how their rescue mission was going. With Natsu there, she knew Lucy would be rescued. She just hoped no harm came to them. The likeliness of them having some sort of difficulties were pretty high. They were breaking into a castle after all.
When the lacrima screens showed Gajeel's fight with Rogue, Kagome noticed the way Levy stared at the screen. Her eyes were wide and shining with unshed tears. She could already tell the script mage held something for him, but seeing her reaction as he was fighting, it was evident that Levy loved him deeply. Specially when Gajeel used his dragon lungs to suction Rogue's shadow. Levy freaked out, wondering if he would be safe from eating that. Kagome couldn't find the words to reassure her as she didn't know herself. She wasn't sure what was stopping the two of them to be together since their feelings were mutual, but she wasn't about to go and press the matter onto her.
She really didn't feel time go as fast as it did until the sun started to set and Evergreen let out a loud cheer. The brunette grabbed her arm, "He's up!"
Kagome's eyes moved to the screen and her heart skipped a beat as Laxus was face to face against Orga from Sabertooth.
"There's nothing to worry about here!" she heard Bickslow say confidently from behind her. She was unsure if he was saying that to calm her nerves or because he was that confident in Laxus.
In all honesty, she wasn't worried that he would lose. She was that sure of that. It was just the matter of how easy that would be.
Laxus stood at his full height, face neutral as he tried his best from rolling his eyes at the other man. Laxus really didn't like him, and it wasn't just the fact that that the man's magic revolved around lightning. He just had a face that he called it the fuck face. A person's face that urges one's desire to shove on the ground multiple times. And stump on it. Repeatedly.
"You sure you can handle some real lightning boy?" Orga arrogantly said as he flexed his muscle, flickers of his black lightning dancing around.
I swear if you don't take him out—
"You do realize if you count the 7 years I was trapped, I'm older than you?"
Orga spat on the ground, "Sounds to me like a load of bullshit. You fairies disappeared because you damn know you are nothing."
Laxus raised his eyebrow, "You're really special aren't ya?"
Orga grunted, "Of course! I am one of the strongest in our guild! I will crush you!"
A deadpan look graced his features, "That wasn't supposed to be a compliment."
"You're pretty sassy for a fairy," Orga spat out, "Or are you showing off for that girl? I mean, I don't blame you. That rack of hers is—"
Whatever Orga was going to say, was interrupted the moment Laxus moved in a blink of an eye and punched him right on the groin, lightning pouring out of his fist. The impact had been too great as Orga crumbled to the floor in agony, unable to get up again.
Those in the guild balcony cheered, some gawked at the fact that Orga was knocked out with a single hit while Bickslow teased Kagome senselessly. The only thing that the woman could do was hide her face with her hand.
Laxus scoffed at Orga's form twitching on the ground.
Serves that bitch right.
However, he couldn't gloat for long as Jura, one of the ten wizard saints, made his appearance.
His eyes hardened as the older man approached, "So the monster finally appears."
She held onto Evergreen and Levy as happy screams and tears ran down their faces. The crowd screaming, the vibrations shaking the entire stadium as the fireworks went up in the air, all of it was for Fairy Tail's victory. Mavis' fear of failure faded away as the guild was declared the winner. She had been freaking out when her predictions had not gone correctly with Erza, but everything worked out for the best. The crowd chanted the guild's name over and over. Makarov was crying hysterically, primarily thinking of the money that would go into the guild now. Alzack and Bisca were hugging their daughter tightly as they laughed. Jet, Droy, and Max were crying in disbelief. Bickslow, Cana, and Freed were jumping up and down in joy.
"All those years of humiliation are over!" Macao chanted over and over.
As the illusion of the Capital faded away, leaving all five members of the team and Sting with his exceed, those in the guild's balcony rushed to the field to celebrate with them.
Laxus caught her as she came running to him, and although his ribs throbbed because of his fight with Jura, he held her tightly. He couldn't help it as he swept her off her feet and kissed her. He could feel her smiling through the kiss and he smirked. His injuries didn't matter in that moment. What did, was the happiness of his guild and the woman that was happily beaming at him. He was grateful for her smile, because at least for right now, she wasn't focusing in her world.
Her eyes moved to see the others from the team. To her surprise, Levy was smiling at Gajeel as she put his arm around her shoulder to help him walk. The man seemed to want to retract his arm, but he caught the look that Kagome gave him and he sighed, letting Levy support him. He was unsure if Levy was doing it because he was her guild mate and he was injured, or because she actually cared. He said screw it as part of him was going to enjoy having her pressed against him, even for just a little bit.
After the celebration in the middle of the field, Erza moaning in pain brought everyone back to reality just on how injured everyone from the team was. The woman had a broken leg while everyone else held various injuries and had dried blood stuck on them.
"Let's get you guys fixed up!" Lisanna said with a bright smile on her face.
"You can tighten the bandage on my leg more, I can take it."
"Gray, my darling! Let my soft hands massage your sore muscles!"
"Agh, get away from me!"
"Hey Ever, I think Elfman needs a kiss on his boo boo!"
"I didn't even fight today!"
"SHUT UP BICKSLOW!"
"Bunch of morons and cry babies I swear…"
"Gajeel, your eyes were red when Lisanna bandaged you…"
"No they weren't Shrimp!"
Kagome giggled as her hands softly glowed as she healed Laxus' ribs. He lifted an eyebrow at her, "Something funny?"
Her eyes swept through the infirmary as the rest of the team was being tended to, "Just a peculiar bunch is all."
He snorted and shook his head. However, his gaze became thoughtful, which she caught easily.
"What is it?"
"Natsu was supposed to have sent out a signal the moment they got Lucy," his voice was serious as he gazed out the window, "We never saw it. I doubt that it would take this long to rescue her."
It was indeed, true. Hours had gone by and no sign whatsoever of the others. If they were captured, she was sure they would have found out about it by now. Midnight was approaching soon and still no sign of them.
Makarov raised a bottle as he hopped on the bed where Erza laid, "For our greatest team that rejoiced through the bottom and defeated their opponents! TO FAIRY TAIL!"
They cheered loudly, but Kagome had a very confused look on her face.
"Where did he get the beer?"
Laxus shook his head with a sigh, "Probably Cana."
Just as those in the team started to get up to finally leave the infirmary, a soldier from the Royal Army came rushing in. Sweat was dripping down his face and relief spread through him as his eyes landed on Makarov.
"Sir! I am here to tell you that all participating guilds most meet at the gardens of Mercurius. It is with great urgency."
Murmurs spread through them, all of them wondering what could possibly be happening as they made their way out. Kagome felt a shiver going down her spine as an overwhelming feel of uneasiness rushed through her. They followed, but murmurs of what could possibly be going on hummed in her head.
She prayed hard that the others were okay.
As they finally made their way to the gardens, they could see the Royal Army lined up. Dozens and dozens of soldiers. In the distance, a gray metallic tall outline could be seen.
"Is that a door?" Lisanna asked. Elfman, who was the tallest nodded as he squinted, "That's one manly door."
A door… Carla mentioned a door…
Kagome didn't say anything, she just reached and gripped Laxus' hand tighter. He gave her a look, but by what he saw, he doubted she would say anything. She was deep in thought so he just brought her closer to him as the King spoke.
The King stood in front of the crowd as he explained why he needed everyone to be gathered. His voice was hoarse as the worry could be heard as he begged everyone to aid them with the hoard of dragons that was going to reach Crocus.
"The Eclipse Plan is our ultimate weapon and that will wipe them out," he loudly said, "But we must be realistic that it will not wipe all ten thousand dragons!"
Cana crossed her arms as she murmured, "If those dragons are as strong as Acnologia we won't stand a chance."
Levy swallowed, "I was hoping I would never come across one again."
Gajeel was right behind her, so he placed a hand on her head, "Relax Shrimp."
"I am not asking…" the King continued, "but I am begging to all of you wizards that came to participate in the games and that came to watch them… Lend this nation your strength in this time of tremor."
The cheers of agreement erupted as a new vigor was felt through all the wizards. Fiore was their home and they would do anything and everything to protect it. The King thanked them as he bowed to them, tears streaming down his face.
Erza turned to a soldier that was near them, "We are missing some of our friends, do you know anything?"
"They're up ahead with the Princess!"
Kagome sighed in relief, "Oh thank Kami."
Laxus nudged her, "See, there was nothing to worry about."
She smiled at him, however, she still wasn't fully convinced. She could hear some of the other guilds murmuring on where they should go once the dragons were to attack to save the city. Evacuation plan had undergone immediately after the games, so the city was almost fully evacuated of civilians.
They all stood together, anxious for the dragons to arrive.
And then they heard the clock tower ringing, signaling midnight, everyone's veins were pumping with adrenaline as they readied themselves for the upcoming attack. Everyone turned to the sky in different directions, expecting for them to appear.
But nothing.
Kagome was confused, as they had been so sure of the attack, but so far, nothing.
Then, a pulsing sensation made Kagome freeze. The hairs in her bare arms stood as a terrifying shiver went down her spine. Laxus took notice of this and turned to look at her, "Kagome?"
But the woman seemed to be in some sort of trance. She could feel her purifying energy wildly moving inside of her, alerting her of the danger up ahead as a horrifying aura was coming. Without a warning, she sprinted in the direction of the Eclipse gate.
"Get out of my way, move!"
"Woah lady!"
"Watch it!"
"What's with you?"
She ran as fast as she could. She kept shoving wizards and soldiers out of her way. She was panting, her blue eyes shining with worry as she kept telling people to get out of her way. She could feel someone following her, but she had no time to turn around. Finally, she could see the door opening clearly and her heart dropped.
"CLOSE IT!" She screamed as she ran to the front, "CLOSE THE GATE NOW!"
Princess Hisui whirled her head alongside Lucy and Wendy. The green haired princess giving a look at the woman that was near hysterics.
"Kagome?" Lucy asked her as the woman was pushing her way through the soldiers.
"You cannot go further ma'am!"
"Stop resisting!"
She struggled against their hands, "You don't understand! Close the gate now!"
And like a nightmare coming true, a herd of demons poured out of the gate. Centipede, arachnid, troll and goblin like demons. Their red eyes glowed with blood thirst, snarls ripping out of their bodies as their fangs were visible, some even salivating. They were snarling and growling, all of them yearning for human flesh. The princess had her eyes wide in shock and Arcadios could barely raise his arm for the soldiers to go ahead and fight as he pulled her behind him. Lucy, Wendy, and the exceeds quickly went to Kagome who seemed to be in some kind of shock after the demons came out.
"We need to get out of here," She whispered, "We have to go."
It didn't take long for the screams of soldiers perishing to reach their ears. Wendy was shaking and Carla immediately took a hold of her, Happy got Lucy, and Lily got Kagome. The demons were extremely cannibalistic and filled with bloodlust. They were ripping the soldiers apart. They could hear the sounds of broken bones and flesh being tore open. Wendy's nose burned at the scent of so much blood in a matter of seconds. But as they soared through the air to get back to the rest, a strong gush of wind seemed to appear out of nowhere, knocking them all down to the concrete. Just as Kagome tried to get up to check on the others, she felt something wrapping around her ankle and dragged her through the ground. She struggled against the tentacle, but a shot of lightning destroyed it, setting her free.
She felt his arms going around her and picking her up, "What the hell is going on?"
"We need to get everyone out of here!"
"Are those demons?" Gray asked with his eyes wide.
"The army is struggling, we have to help them."
Kagome looked at Erza who seemed ready to go and join the fight, but all of them were then attacked.
"Dance of Blades!"
Various blades made out of wind flew through the air directly at them. Laxus strongly had his arms around her as he moved, avoiding them. Erza, Gray, and Gajeel were quick with their reflexes and avoided them as well. Erza's leg was no longer broken but it was still weak, however she was a strong fighter, capable of moving quickly still. Happy did not waste any time as he grabbed Lucy again and Carla got Wendy.
As Laxus landed back on the ground, she removed his arms from her and shouted, "Where are you Kagura?!"
"Oh my," a silk like voice said from above them, "You're gone a year and suddenly grow some fighting spirit?"
Gray looked up to see a beautiful woman with short hair up in a ponytail and vivid red eyes wearing a kimono riding, from what it seemed like, a giant feather.
Kagome's heart was beating against her ears. Had she just said a year? She pushed it to the side as she replied, "How are you here?"
She reached behind her, but she realized she must have dropped her bow as only her arrows were on her back.
Kagura smirked as she jumped down from her feather, landing gracefully on the ground. Gajeel and Laxus crouched, ready to pounce if need be. Erza had a sword appear on her hand quickly and Gray was in a stance with his fist on his palm.
"Thank your soul for leading us here," she said as she eyed those around her, specially the blonde that was growling at her.
"Give me the jewel shards," Kagura demanded at Kagome as she pointed her fan to her, "You do and maybe we'll let some of them live. Maybe. I could always play with their corpses if need be."
Erza requipped to her black wing armor, her blade pointing at Kagura, "You're not going to get near her."
Laxus grabbed Kagome by the arm and put her behind him. His gray eyes were glowing in anger as lightning flickered around his frame.
"I want to see you try demon."
She cocked an eyebrow at him as she curiously smirked at Kagome, "Found another temperamental male didn't you?"
Suddenly, there was a gush of a purple like smoke pouring out of the gate. She immediately recognized it, and if that wasn't a given of what it was, the screams of more soldiers being killed by it confirmed it. Gajeel made a face while Wendy covered her nose. Even Laxus had a face of disgust.
Miasma.
Kagura's smirk widened, "He's here."
Oh Kami, no!
Kagome frantically looked at her friends, "GET BEHIND ME NOW!"
The authoritative and desperate tone of hers made them move without questioning her. They all rushed as her body started to glow pink as she brought out everything she had. Probably a horrible idea since her body was still getting used to having a full soul, but she was desperate. She felt horribly for the soldiers that were still battling the demons, but there was nothing she could do. She saw the knight rushing with the princess as he had heard her, and the moment she knew none of her friends were by there, she created the shield.
"What is that?" Carla asked in horror. She could hear the gurgling screams of the soldiers. Their attempts of gasping for breath as their lungs were filled with the toxic fog were haunting. Wendy turned around as Sabertooth, Mermaid Heel, Blue Pegasus, Quatro Cerberus, and the rest of Fairy Tail neared them.
"What the hell is going on?" Sting asked as he saw the purple smoke crashing onto Kagome's shield but then fading away.
"She's purifying it," Freed said with realization.
"It's miasma," Kagome said as her arms shook keeping a shield as big as she created, "Poisonous gas. You will be intoxicated if you breathe it in."
Her body suddenly trembled as she could feel his demonic aura approaching. It was so much stronger than the last time she saw him. How could that be? Lucy found herself staring into the dark purple mist.
"Something is approaching…"
Gray nodded, "Do you feel that power?"
Erza shook her head, "I have never felt something like this."
Wendy was pale and shaking. Gajeel was near her that he took her in his arms in hopes to maintain her shaken state in control. He had never seen her so terrified.
"It's not just power," Gajeel growled, "This just feels evil."
The miasma finally retracted and everyone could stare in shock and horror as the bodies of several soldiers were dead on the ground. Some had been ripped apart, blood and guts everywhere. Others had blood coming out of their ears, eyes, nose, and mouth as they had been intoxicated by the miasma. Kagome concentrated more as her body glowed brighter in defense as for what she was feeling.
"Why are you not dropping the shield?" Gajeel asked her as he got next to her.
Happy used his wings as he flew upwards to get a better view, "T-there's someone coming!"
Just then, a tentacle with a sharp edge shot out through the Eclipse Gate and directly hit Kagome's barrier. She gasped at the force of it, but she maintained the shield.
There was a chuckle as he stepped out, the demons opening a path for him.
"Kuh kuh kuh… I can see that Kikyo's soul came back to you. Why don't you drop the shield and come have a little chat with me my dear Kagome? For old time's sake."
The vile disgust she felt mixed with a well familiar fear was heavy in her heart. She hated him for everything he had done to Inuyasha, to Kikyo, to Sango, to Miroku, to herself.
She glared at him as she continued to have her hands in front of her, "Do you think I'm stupid enough to listen to you Naraku?"
Wendy gasped and both Gajeel and Laxus growled louder. Evergreen found herself stepping back and both Bickslow's and Freed's eyes hardened.
This was Kagome's enemy from her world.