Chapter 17 - Dimensional Travel
Fairy Tail Guild
Gildarts Clive, the strongest member of the Fairy Tail. Much to anger of Laxus who boasts that he is the strongest. Despite his ample power and speed, there was a chance Laxus Dreyar could overcome Gildarts… in the future as for now. Gildarts is the superior mage according to everyone else. It's funny really, if Laxus is all about strength, then someone like Gildarts wouldn't let him become Guild Master.
Regardless, it also appeared that Gildarts is much more popular. So there was a no doubt as to who would earn the title of Guild Master if there was a decision of vote and strength. That aside, Lucy appeared to be the one lacking knowledge of the man despite being a fan of Fairy Tail in recent years. So she decided to ask a friend about him.
"Um Levy, I know I sound like an idiot for asking this, but who is Gildarts." Lucy said earning a giggle.
"Wow, I never expected you be stumped by that Lu-chan. Anyways, I think to say the least. Gildarts is our strongest member of the guild. So we call him the Ace of Fairy Tail." Levy explained.
Lucy rubbed her chin in thought, "I think I heard of that title. I guess I'm still an airhead in some places." she said before remembering Laxus. "I'm guessing there is no honesty in the guild." she said.
"What makes you say that?" Levy asked.
"I mean first, Mirajane said that Team Natsu could be the strongest team in the guild. Only for Gray to mention Laxus. Now Gildarts is the strongest?" Lucy asked.
Levy laughed at the memory, "To be fair, Gildarts is always taking 100 year quests. The super difficult S Class quests. I think Master Makarov let you try the low tier quests since you earned a reputation in the past." she answered.
"I guess that makes sense." Lucy said understanding why she hasn't seen or heard about Gildarts.
Just as Gildarts was greeting everyone. He walked up to Makarov to make his report on the mission. Which Makarov himself had full confidence that Gildarts had succeeded without incident.
"I'm guessing the mission went well?" Makarov asked.
"Yup, I'm alive and here aren't I?" Gildarts asked with a hearty laugh.
Makarov laughed as well, "That's another success for Fairy Tail then." he said continuing to laugh.
Only for Gildarts to interrupt him, "Nope, I definitely failed, but I lived. So that's all that matters right?" he asked.
Makarov stopped and gave him a serious look, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU FAILED!?" he asked shocking everyone.
The face on Gildarts had quickly turned serious, "I'll explain later, you might want to hear the details." he whispered into his ear.
Makarov sighed, "Fine, I expect to hear a good reason." he said before Gildarts joined the crowd.
When he was stopped by Natsu, "Hey old man, you're finally back!" he yelled. Then he punched his fist into his palm, "Fight me!" he demanded.
"Well if it isn't Natsu. You get shorter every year." Gildarts said patting his head too roughly.
"Don't you mean taller? That's what an adult is supposed to say." Natsu said with a glare.
"Now why would I lie? That would make me a bad role model." Gildarts said laughing at Natsu's expense.
Natsu growled as he tried to pry Gildart's arm away, "I'm not short anymore! I'm super strong now and I can totally kick your butt now, coward!" he yells.
Gildarts snorts, "Calm down Natsu, I'm just having fun here." he said patting him again.
"Stop treating me like a kid!" Natsu yells only for Gildarts to stop and look serious again.
The red haired man gazed upon the entire guild. As if he were examining every detail, especially because of how much the guild had literally grown. Not just because of that, but because it's been a whole 2 years since he's been in the guild. With all the major changes, including the roster of the guild. Gildarts noticed something big that was missing and it made him feel concerned.
"Something wrong old man?" Natsu asked.
"Yeah, there's someone missing. An important member of the guild who we can't live without." Gildarts said sounding intense.
With Natsu balling his fists as he had an idea as to who he meant, "Gildarts, Lisanna is…"
"Where's Mirajane?" Gildarts interrupted.
Natsu face faulted at the stupid question. Only to quickly remember that two years ago, Mirajane was still a punk in gothic style clothing. Not only that, she had a bad attitude where she constantly picked fights with Erza. Almost as if she rotated shifts with Natsu and Gray so she would fight Erza. Despite the fact that Mira, for some reason, keeps denying that her personality had changed and that she's the same individual from two years ago before her incident.
"She's right there." Natsu said pointing at Mira who waved at them.
Gildarts sweat dropped, "Either this is some joke or Mira must have hit her head really hard. Because there is no way she would wear a girly dress." He said.
"I know, I was so confused too." Natsu said.
"Oh well, I'm going to crash at my place. See me later, if you want to talk or something." Gildarts said as he started to leave again.
"Hey wait! I want you to fight me!" Natsu shouts as Gildarts shatters a wall.
Makarov sighed, "Lucy please, if you would." He pleads.
Lucy groaned, "Does every S Class wizard have to be so destructive and reckless?" she asked as she fixed the wall. "I mean, I know my Heroic Spirits are a mess. But even I put in a lot of energy to keep them in line, literally." she said.
Most of the guild did think about that. Laxus was S Class and he almost destroyed the entire city with the guild. Before that, Erza repeatedly slapped a bunch of police officers who didn't answer her quickly enough. The only one everyone was sure was a sane and patient S Class wizard is Mystogan. Who no one ever sees for more than a few seconds other than Lucy who resisted his sleep magic and Erza having seen his real face very briefly.
Gray snorted, "You know if that's the case. The old man might as well give all of S Class." he said.
"Was that a compliment Gray? I never expected you to warm up to Natsu." Erza said.
Gray scoffed, "Hell no! I'm just stating that his recklessness is good for something." he replied angrily.
Then Wendy realized something, "Isn't Mira-san also an S Class mage?" she asked.
"Yes I am Wendy." Mirajane answered happily.
"So how much stuff did you destroy until you became S Class?" Wendy asked innocently.
In return, Mirajane gave her a bright smile. Not the type meant to scare people to remain quiet. Rather it looked like true happiness until Mirajane covered her face with her hands and began to cry. Prompting Wendy to try and comfort her.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it as a bad thing." Wendy said trying to calm the barmaid down.
"Well, she used to pick fights with Erza like I do with Gray. So maybe the guild counts." Natsu said.
Lucy sighed, "To be fair, I've travelled for what? 6? 7 years? I can't remember, maybe it was less than that." she said feeling old.
"It was less. Also you had trouble controlling the servants and Celestial Spirits." Shirou said.
"That I did Shirou." Lucy said, possibly admitting her issues when she was a child.
So perhaps every S Class mage is responsible for some form of destruction or another at some point in their lives.
"Then everyone in the guild should be S Class!" Shirou jokes.
Makarov then got angry, "There is no way I'm accepting everyone! Do you know how much damage they can cause on a real S Class mission?" he asked.
"Waah! Scary old man!" Shirou said hiding behind Lucy.
"Master!" Lucy yelled as she glared at Shirou.
"Well excuse me! Do you know what would happen if I put some of these brats into a dangerous mission?" Makarov asked as he pointed at the rowdy Fairy Tail wizards.
Lucy then noticed something, "Hey, where did all of the servants go?" she asked.
Arthur finally spoke up, "I think you recalled them. I noticed them all disappearing at a restaurant." He said.
"Oh? I guess all that shaking made me collect everyone again." Lucy said realizing her mistake.
What Lucy meant to say is that by assuming there was a great danger or a threat. She would forcefully recall all of her servants back inside of her. Kind of a strange reflex meant for her to better organize a team to prepare for a fight.
"At least Virgo is still here." Arthur said as the pink haired spirit grasped his arm.
Lucy sighed, "I still can't wrap my head around this." she said pointing at their relationship.
"Just let it go Luce. Sometimes, kids have to grow up at some point. Right Shirou?" Natsu asked.
Shirou hid his head behind Lucy and remained silent. Just as Lucy was taking in the irony of what Natsu said.
Some time later, Gildarts' House
Just after settling down at his home after so long. Gildarts found Natsu visiting him, no doubt having guessed a few reasons why Natsu came over. Seeing as the boy was always a fan of Gildarts and used him as a measuring stick of strength. Sort of like the final boss in a video game, but first Natsu had to surpass smaller members of the guild, like Erza and Laxus.
"Hey Natsu, what brings you here?" Gildarts asked in an inviting tone.
"Hey old man, so what happened on that mission? You never fail." Natsu asked.
Gildarts sighed, "I found a Black Dragon. The bastard is strong, it defeated me with little difficulty." he said shocking Natsu. Gildarts continued to speak before Natsu interrupted, "I know what you are thinking. Don't you dare think about going after it. It's not exactly friendly and I doubt it knows anything about Igneel." he explained as he stood up.
"How tough was it?" Natsu asked.
Gildarts revealed his wooden leg, "This is how tough it was. I'm lucky the rest of me is still intact." he said before covering up again.
"Fine, I'll guess I'll listen to you just this once." Natsu said giving into Gildarts' advice.
"Good to hear, I guess you have matured. Probably thanks to that girlfriend of yours." Gildarts said with a snide smile.
"What girlfriend? What are you talking about?" Natsu asked, sounding annoyed and embarassed.
Gildarts laughed at his reaction, "Don't pretend you don't have a girlfriend. I bet while I was gone, you and Lisanna finally got together." he said as he continued to laugh.
Only for Natsu to stop his laughing, "Lisanna is dead." he said making things serious again. "There was an accident during an S Class quest Mira was on two years ago." he explained.
Gildarts' eyes faltered, "I… I see. And how are Elfman and Mira holding up?" he asked.
"They're good, but Mira lost her ability to use Take Over magic. So she's been working as a barmaid while Elfman only just learned to how to control a full body takeover. I think Mira is also trying to learn how to regain her magic." Natsu explained.
"A lot has happened then. Anything else I should be worried about?" Gildarts asked.
Natsu scratched his head for the next piece of news, "Well that jerk Laxus tried to stage a cup." he said.
"A cup? What does that mean?" Gildarts asked.
"You know, a cup! He wanted to betray everyone and takeover the guild. He even had these lacrima ready to blow up Magnolia if Master didn't surrender to him!" Natsu answered, sounding angry.
"You mean a coup. I guess that's why I didn't see the brat. I was starting to think he was getting ahead of himself before I left." Gildarts said scratching his beard.
"Yeah, well let's just say I had to team up with Gajeel. He's a Dragon Slayer too, but from Phantom until we shut it down." Natsu adds.
"Phantom is finally gone? I'm happy to hear some good news for once." Gildarts responds happily.
"That and, a new mage. Master didn't make her S Class but trusts her as if she was S Class." Natsu says, further intriguing Gildarts.
"A woman is it? Is she cute?" Gildarts asked.
"She's 17 you perv." Natsu said with a glare.
"Damn." Gildarts cursed before hearing the rest of the story from Natsu.
The next day
After everyone adjusted to having Gildarts return to the guild. Things returned to normal despite a few people asking the man about his trip during the past two years. Meanwhile Cana was giving Gildarts a few glances every so often without him noticing her. For some reason, the young woman felt saddened despite not interacting with Fairy Tail's Ace.
All the while, the Strauss siblings were heading out to attend a Church sermon. With Elfman bringing an umbrella as it was raining really hard today. Whatever those two were doing, it seemed better than staying around the guild where things were getting more rowdy now that the servants came back.
Especially with Taurus making a surprise visit to challenge Asterios.
"Put 'em up! I'll show you who the real bull is!" Taurus said putting his arm on a table.
Asterios grunted as he sat down and gripped Taurus' hand. With both having their hands touched by Kiyohime's fan. As she refereed the arm wrestling challenge they engaged in.
"Begin!" Kiyohime announces.
The two spirits representing the constellation of the bull put all of their strength into this match. With Taurus unleashing his own magic to maintain his appearance and strength. In an attempt to push back the monstrous strength of Asterios. Although it did not appear to be looking good for him. Especially for the fact that the Berserker was getting more support.
"You can do it Asterios! You're our hero!" Euryale cried out.
Asterios grunted loudly in appreciation for the support. Meanwhile Taurus grinned at the cute older sister of Medusa.
"Hey, you got a cute girlfriend. I bet she's going to be smoking hot when she's older." Taurus said as Asterios lost composure.
"Euryale perfect how she is!" Asterios said using the few words he could muster.
Causing the minotaur of legend to use all of his strength to flip Taurus over into a nearby table. Causing the Celestial Spirit to crash shatter it with his giant size. Which ironically, belonged to Gilgamesh who was enjoying some fine wine that he served himself. The King of Heroes sighed at the sight of the giant cow lying in front of him.
"Disgusting, I did not order ground beef." Gilgamesh said as he continued drinking.
As the rowdiness continued, Frankenstien's monster could be seen handling the orders with Moriarty running the bar. For some reason, he recruited Mordred and Artoria Lily to help with the flux of orders. Although, it looked like everyone wanted to talk to Artoria Lily the most on the account of how precious she seemed to everyone. Luckily Medea wasn't around to kidnap the child and stuff her into a dress like she does every tp other lily servant.
"Ara ara, everyone is so hungry today." Artoria Lily said as she brought orders to the bar.
"They are dear, however I'm afraid it's not hunger they feel." Moriarty said confusing the child.
"I don't know if being a child and the target of affection for drunks is a good thing." adult Artoria said coming in with a maid outfit.
Moriarty turned his head to face Artoria, "I didn't say that kind of maid outfit." he said.
"Oh?" Artoria asked as she looked down.
Artoria lily giggled, "You need to follow directions future me." she said teasing her older self.
Mordred sighed as she arrived, "A lot bullshit and I didn't even get tipped." she said.
"Then give them a bright smile and ask them about their day. Like this." Lily said as she gave Mordred a bright smile.
Mordred could not help but to try and look away from the child servant. By now, it was very obvious that she had a low opinion of Artoria in general. Only it was different with the child version of her "father" as this was someone who was too innocent in this world. After a minute of being pestered by the child to smile. Mordred's face painfully contorted into what Lily assumed to have been a smile.
"You're getting there Mordred. You're going to make lots of money in no time!" Artoria Lily said encouraging Mordred.
"My face hurts." Mordred muttered.
Fran then appeared with a bag of ice and tried to nurse Mordred's face cramps. Moriarty sighed as he continued to work on orders. Why did it have to be a busy day when Mirajane was gone?
"I suppose the rowdiness never ends for whatever reason." Moriarty said before hearing a glass bottle fall down and shatter.
The mathematician shook his head as he prepared to clean up the mess. Only to hear another bottle shatter. As his mood started to become worse by the minute. He noticed various things starting to shake and not just the many bottles of alcohol. Moriarty doubted it was the fault of Gildarts as he was sitting down and enjoying a drink of his own and the rest of the guild didn't enter another brawl.
"What is going on?" Moriarty asked before Lucy ran out the door. "What has her feeling frantic?" he asked before feeling himself being recalled back to the Throne of Heroes along with the others.
What the guild wouldn't notice is the fact that they were transported to another world. Not in a standard isekai adventure but in the form of being trapped in suspended animation through a giant lacrima. Leaving everyone unaware of the events about to unfold.
A few seconds later, unknown space
Lucy opened her eyes and found herself inside of Horologium. She slowly walked out of the grandfather clock celestial spirit and bowed her head in appreciation.
"Thank you Horologium." Lucy said, a bit shaken from the sudden event.
Lucy noticed the strange magical fluctation and ran outside with Natsu beside her. Only to see some sort of storm in the sky taking effect and engulfed all of Magnolia. Where she ended up waking up inside of Horologium just now.
"You are welcome Lucy, it appears that your bond with the celestial world is still as strong as ever." Horologium said before disappearing.
When she was confronted by a familiar face, "Hello Holy Maiden." they said.
Lucy's eyes widened, "Jellal!?" she asked.
"Not quite, that is my name but I'm not the Jellal Fernandez you know." the man said before revealing his attire. "I go by Mystogan in the guild." he said adding to the surprise.
"This is quite a lot to take in." Lucy said feeling a headache coming.
"It is, but I need you to listen closely as well as take one of these." Mystogan said, revealing a glass vial of red pills.
"Is there a blue pill by chance? I really don't want to get involved with reality manipulation." Lucy asked.
Jellal shook his head as he understood the reference, "No, I'm afraid not. Magnolia and possibly all of Earthland may be in trouble." he said handing a pill over to Lucy. "I'm not sure if you need these where you are going, but you're still a mage. With the modern era using Ethernano which requires internal and external magic. I'm not sure if your mana will stay in place or burn rapidly." he explained.
"O-kay." Lucy said sounding confused.
"Where you are going is a place called Edolas. For now, all I can say is they're planning something big involving the theft of Earthland's magic and as well as going after the Dragon Slayers." Mystogan adds.
Now Lucy was concerned, "Where do I find them and how do I stop this?" she asked.
"I'm afraid that's all I can explain for now Lucy. Good luck!" Mystogan says as a bubble takes Lucy away.
"Hey wait!" Lucy tried to say only to be taken away to a new world.
Mystogan sighed as Lucy left, "I can only hope a handful of your are enough to help stop my home and my father." he said to himself.
Edolas
Lucy woke up again, finding herself in a strange place. She really started to mentally curse her luck. Although during times like these, Lucy tries to remember that things were hectic when she started collecting servants. With having to prove herself despite being the incarnation of a princess who was close to them in the past.
"At least I don't have to worry about crossing through the pyramid of Ozymandias or Gil trying to take my head off… or Nicrosis attacking me when she the thought I was kidnapping her." Lucy said, remembering how funny it was to leave the Egyptian Servant restrained afterwards.
Jokes and stressful memories aside. Lucy had to worry about her predicament involving hanging off of a mountain by the back of her shirt. The blonde girl took a few deep breaths and concentrated as she started taking control of her magic again. When suddenly, her Dress of Heaven appeared and her wings extended out from her back.
"And here we go!" Lucy yells as she flies into the sky. "Now, time to find Natsu and everyone else." she said as she scouted from the air.
A couple of hours later
After a long, grueling experience of searching the nearly endless forest. Lucy landed at the outskirts of a nearby town called Louen. Opting to gain less attention as she explored, Lucy reverted to her base form and wandered around. Asking around if anyone had seen Natsu, Gajeel or even Wendy for that matter.
Resulting in nothing, but odd looks from the locals. At least things weren't bad just yet. Seeing as this was literally a new world. Lucy managed to make a few bargains due to her lack of currency in Edolas. Letting her obtain an encyclopedia to better understand the new world. Still, it didn't mean that Lucy made any real progress so far.
"Okay, I guess I can't ever expect to find myself on a normal job. Instead, dealing with a possibly apocalyptic level disaster." Lucy muttered to herself, fearing what might be happening to Earthland. "Wait, maybe Gil can help! His Lily form can use clairvoyance and he'll give me less of an attitude!" she said mentally cheering herself.
Just as Lucy proceeded to seek out Gilgamesh Lily. She was surprised by a rough grip on her arm. Where Lucy realized she was being assaulted by a strange group of armed men in matching uniforms.
"There you are criminal!" yelled the guard.
"Who the heck are you!?" Lucy asked.
"The Royal Army of Edolas and we know who you are, Lucy Ashley of Fairy Tail!" the guard said as he pulled on her really hard.
"Ow! At least get my name right! It's Lucy Heartfilia!" Lucy yelled.
"I don't care enough to learn your name!" the guard yelled rudely.
Lucy glared at the rude guard, "How about I teach you manners then!" she yells as her Dress of Heaven reappears.
The guards blushed at the exposed outfit, "Don't let her seduce you men!" one of them yelled.
"You wish I was doing that! Random Ball!" she yells as she blasts the guards around her.
With no effort, the guards were scattered by the blast. Like bowling pins upon being hit like a strike. Luckily the army appeared to be weak grunts or possibly a scouting party.
"Well that was easy." Lucy muttered.
"Lucy!" yelled several voices.
"Wha?" Lucy asked before seeing Natsu, Wendy, Shirou, the cats and… "Me?" She asked.
With great surprise, Lucy witnessed an identical copy of herself standing just a few feet away from her. Although she seemed to have this more immature tough girl aura surrounding her. Along with the fact that she looked like a cosplayer of a motorcycle gang member.
"What is this?" Lucy asked.
"This is Scary Lucy. She's like you, but a whole lot angrier and impatient. Like Mira when she was a kid and she even picks fights with Levy!" Happy explains.
Lucy sweat dropped, "Wow… I always thought if I met an alternate version of myself. It would be a preppy girl who always gets turned into a damsel in distress." she said.
"Well we can't have whatever we want floozy." Other Lucy said as she crossed her arms.
"Excuse me?" Lucy asked, putting her hands on her hips.
"I didn't expect to have a doppelganger that dresses like that." Other Lucy said.
"Um Scary Lucy, I don't think…" Happy tried to say.
"Not now, just look at me. Do I really dress up like this?" Other Lucy asked.
"Says the girl in leather." Lucy said taking the high ground.
"Pfft, better than exposing everything I don't have." Other Lucy said laughing at her counterpart.
"You're in trouble now." Natsu said.
"Eh?" Other Lucy asked.
A few seconds later, at a cafe
Lucy groaned as she rubbed her temples, "Really Black Lucy? Now was a good time?" she asked.
Only to hear her evil self giggle in her mind as well as taunt her. Lucy really hated having a balanced personality where her dark self can just come out whenever she feels like it. If anything, she preferred her second stage of her dark self since that one is more serious. Unlike the first one who acts like a yandere sometimes.
"Did you really have to tie her up?" Natsu asked.
"I don't think Lucy-san is at fault with that." Wendy said, having been terrified by Black Lucy.
Meanwhile Edolas Lucy was on the ground, tied up and with a rag stuffed into her mouth. The reason, Black Lucy said that her other self was too vulgar and needed a lesson in manners. This is the result of her first attempt at discipling her counterpart. And Edolas Lucy was not liking it one bit as she struggled to get free.
"Anyways, what have you guys been up to? I've been looking for you guys after I ran into Mystogan." Lucy asked.
"Mystogan? That jerk is the reason we're trapped here?" Natsu asked.
"Natsu-san please don't get mad! He's a nice guy!" Wendy said trying to defend him.
"How would you know Wendy? You never met him and it's not like that guy is social." Natsu says.
"But I have! He showed me his face, he's actually Jellal!" Wendy exclaimed.
Natsu sweat dropped, "Wendy, I know I'm not the smartest guy in the world. I'll admit that much." he started to say.
Happy nods, "That's true, but I think what he's going to say is obvious." he said supporting Natsu.
"But that wouldn't make any sense since Mystogan has been in the guild for years. We literally met Jellal when he tried to kill Erza for some sacrifice. After that, we thought he was dead until you revived him." Natsu explains as he didn't understand Wendy's logic.
"Aye, then Jellal surrendered to the Rune Knights and got taken away. He may be tough, but I doubt he can break out of prison." Happy says.
"Actually guys, Wendy is right." Lucy spoke up.
"Eh?" Natsu asked.
Lucy sighed, "I don't know how to explain this, but I did see Mystogan. He took off his mask and said he was Jellal but not the Jellal we don't know." she said. "He also knew a lot about this Edolas place. So while it's a stretch, maybe this is an alternate dimension where we have copies of ourselves." she said.
Natsu and the rest turned their heads to stare at Lucy Ashley who was still struggling.
"I guess that makes sense." Happy said.
Charle sighed, "I suppose that means Poor Wendy was wasted her time. Even if that Jellal regained his memories, he still would not recognize Wendy." she said.
Suddenly a rainy cloud appeared over Wendy's head, "I feel bad now." she said sounding depressed.
"But at least you found your Jellal. So that sort of fixes it." Shirou said making Wendy feel less depressed.
"Thanks Shirou." Wendy said feeling slightly better.
"Anyways, did you guys have a plan of some kind? I was just roaming around." Lucy asked.
"Before we get to that, how can you use magic?" Natsu asked.
"Oh that? Mystogan gave me some kind of pill. Did he give you guys one?" Lucy asked.
"No." everyone answered.
Lucy sighed, "I'm sure we can figure something out. For now, I think we might need to move before more guards show up." she said.
Suddenly Edolas Lucy got free, "I've been trying to say that while you guys were talking like this is some tea party! This place is filled with soldiers from the Royal Army!" she yelled.
"Am I this loud when I'm angry?" Lucy asked.
"Slightly less aggressive. That's why we call her Scary Lucy." Happy answered.
"Stop calling me! Now let's go!" Edolas Lucy said as she lead everyone somewhere else.
Hotel, a while later
After arriving at a hotel and renting out a room for the night. The group decided to rest as the sun started to set. With Edolas Lucy saying that it would be only more dangerous to travel during the night. Along with having to repeat what she told Natsu and his group as to help her keep up with the world's events.
"So how far is the Royal Capital?" Lucy asked as she came out of the bathroom.
"I would say about a full day on foot. Which is why I wanted us to rest for the night." Edolas Lucy said. "Because apparently, not all of us can fly." she said looking at her counterpart.
Lucy scoffed, "Hostility is an ugly look." she replied. "Besides, now isn't the time to fight." she said as she dried up.
"Yeah, like experiencing hwo similar you guys look." Happy points out.
"They're the same person from different worlds tomcat. What did you expect?" Charle asked.
"I know but it's so hard to tell which one is the real one. Which one is Holy Lucy and which one is Scary Lucy?" Happy asked.
"Holy? What kind of nicknames is making up?" Edolas Lucy asked.
"It's one of my lame titles." Lucy said with a giggle. "Actually thinking about it now." she said as she pulled out one of her golden keys.
"What's that?" Edolas Lucy asked.
"Gate of the Twins: Gemini!" Lucy calls out as doppelganger of herself appears.
This really shocked Edolas Lucy, "Another copy?" she asked.
"Yup, an exact copy! Just look!" Gemini said as they prepared to flash Lucy's breasts. Only to stop once they briefly saw Lucy's eyes flash into gold, "Never mind." they said.
Having witnessed the kind hearted person Lucy is compared to Angel who used them as puppets and fodder. Gemini, Scorpio and Aries all abandoned Angel after her arrest. Prompting them to ask Lucy to form a contract with her. Only they quickly detected Black Lucy and witnessed her one day. Where Lucy's darker half proceeded to chase Natsu and Gray around for nearly destroying one of her manuscripts.
"Don't do that Gemini, that's just perverted." Lucy said.
"Yes ma'am, understood ma'am!" Gemini said fearing Black Lucy's arrival.
"Wow, at least you know how to lay down the law." Edolas Lucy said feeling some respect for her counterpart.
Shirou yawned in the background, "I'm going to bed now." he said.
"I'll be right there to tuck you in a minute Shirou." Lucy said.
"And what are you? His mom?" Edolas Lucy asked.
"Well he's my kid from the future." Lucy answered.
"EH!? Then… then who's the father?" Edolas Lucy asked.
Lucy glared at her counterpart, "That's a private affair." she said.
"Yeah and I'm like his male role model!" Natsu exclaims.
"I wouldn't call you that Natsu." Lucy said knowing the truth and being unsure of Natsu now compared to his adult self.
Suddenly Edolas Lucy started looking back and forth between the two. Where she started noticing the way the two talk before studying Shirou as he left.
'No! He can't be!' Edolas Lucy thought as she noticed the detail around Shirou.
Lucy's eye color and a bit of her face mixed with spiky copper red hair. Only the style still looked like it was developing as the boy grew. Lucy also seemed a bit defensive around Shirou and Natsu having a friendly relationship of some sort. At least on Natsu's part to be closer to the boy for Shirou to look up to.
'Those two got together!? Then that means!' Edolas Lucy thought as she started shaking.
When Lucy Ashley suddenly pictured herself in a wedding dress with her own Natsu from Edolas. Edolas Lucy finally snapped out of her fantasy once Earthland Lucy and Natsu noticed her red face.
"Hey are you okay?" Lucy asked.
"I'm going to bed!" Edolas Lucy said as she ran off on her own.
"What's her problem?" Natsu asked.
Suddenly Gemini changed slightly, "You guys don't want to know." they said looking more like Edolas Lucy.
"Is something wrong Gemini?" Lucy asked.
Gemini grimaced, "Something I don't want to talk about." they said having seen Edolas Lucy's fantasies.
It didn't help that Edolas Lucy secretly had romantic feelings for Edolas Natsu.
The next morning
Edolas Lucy left… without leaving the group any way to pay for the hotel. But she did leave a note, stating her reasons about leaving them. Although they were more about Edolas Lucy saying that she didn't want to get caught and had faith that the group can reach the Royal Capital on their own. Regardless, they still had this mess to deal with.
"She stiffed us." Lucy said.
"And the problems just keep on rolling." Happy said with a sigh.
"I say we make a run for it." Natsu suggests.
Charle refused to agree to that idea, "Like a bunch of hoodlums? What are we now? Criminals?" she asked.
"Everyone thinks we're a part of this world's Fairy Tail who are considered criminals." Shirou interjects.
"That doesn't mean we should encourage it." Charle countered.
"It's not a crime if you don't get caught." Natsu said making Charle's eye twitch.
Lucy sighed, "I think we might just have to do that." she said pulling out Ventus' Class Cards. "Oh wait, not all of us can use magic unless… Natsu do you think you can still eat fire even though you can't use magic?" she asked.
Natsu shrugged, "I don't know." he answered.
"Then let's test this theory. Otherwise we might need to run as fast as possible." Lucy said, preparing in case she starts a wild fire.
Outside, a few minutes later
Lucy sighed in relief, "I'm glad that worked, but that did take up a lot of magic." she said stepping out from the shadows.
"Ninja." Natsu whispered.
"Ninja." Happy also whispered.
"Can you stop that?" Charle asked, sounding annoyed.
"Ninja." Wendy whispered.
Apparently, Sky Dragon Magic is very similar to wind magic. So it also took up some magic to give Wendy enough power to use a class card.
"None of you are even ninjas!" Charle yells as it was accurate.
Wendy was using Stheno's Class Card, Happy used Li Schuwen and Natsu took the Phantom of Opera. On the account that he looked scary and wanted to surprise people. Despite being told by Lucy to be quiet and sneak as she hanged onto him and Charle hanged onto Wendy. Although it seemed that they felt like acting ninjas regardless as to how they were dressed.
"Why do you kill the fun Charle?" Happy asked.
"Why did you start acting less mature?" Charle asked back.
Charle did start to notice that Happy was a lot less chivalrous and sophisticated after defeating the Oracion Seis. Although it appeared that some of Diarmuid's advice is still in his head, Happy was still his old self. Which Charle did not always respect as it involved him asking her on dates and offering her raw fish.
"So mean." Happy muttered.
"Enough complaining, what is our next course of action?" Charle asked Lucy.
"We could ask someone like Iskander for a ride." Lucy suggested.
"But we might get a lot of attention that way." Shirou spoke up.
"I suppose you're right." Lucy said to her son.
Before noticing the sounds of a loud vehicle in the sky. Where everyone saw a large airship flying towards the town. No doubt belonging to the Royal Army themselves.
"What about that?" Natsu asked.
"It belongs to the military." Charle points out.
"Yeah, there's always a risk to everything but if we get it. They won't get suspicious if one of their guys show up." Natsu argues.
"That could work." Lucy said seeing Natsu's reasoning.
"You have to be kidding me." Charle said with surprise.
Lucy shook her head, "I know it sounds like a major risk. Only it will help in the long run. Especially since we can probably steal uniforms or just slip by with the Assassins Class Cards." she said thinking Presence of Concealment will help them again.
Natsu grinned, "Then let's get that airship!" he said as he lead the way.
"Natsu being excited to ride a mode of transportation? Are you sure you are not secretly Edolas Natsu?" Happy asked.
"I don't need to worry about anything if Wendy heals me. Because her magic is the most awesome one!" Natsu says making Wendy blush.
"Now you got the girl all flustered!" Charle yells as they chase down the airship.
A few minutes later
The airship finally landed and Royal Army guards were pulling out supplies from it. Seeing as it would be a while to load and unload supplies. The group worked on taking cover and planning out a way to steal the airship.
"Actually, how would we fly that thing? I sincerely doubt any one of us would have any skill in operating such a vehicle." Charle said voicing her concern.
"I'll just summon a Rider or someone with a riding skill. They literally build up a schematic regardless of the era they are in." Lucy explained.
"How does that make any sense?" Charle asked.
"You really want a 10 hour lecture Charle?" Happy asked making her go silent. "Trust me, I get confused about the souls and ghost part." he says making her sigh.
"Okay guys, just use Presence of Concealment and sneak inside. Where you can disable the guards…" Lucy said before Natsu interrupted her.
As the Dragon Slayer ran at the guards, "I am the Dragon of the Opera! Fear me!" he screamed.
Hilariously enough, some of the guards dropped what they were doing and got scared. A few them stumbled around before running as Natsu approached. For some reason, his screaming and sudden appearance in such a scary outfit terrified them.
"Run away! Scary ghost man!" one of them yelled.
"I am the Dragon in human flesh!" Natsu yells as he proceeds to assault the guards who didn't run.
"He's probably got a lizard snout and everything underneath!" another guard yelled.
"Pull it together! It's just some costumed freak!" Yet another guard yells before Natsu knocked him unconscious.
"Do not challenge the mighty Natsu!" Natsu yells before clawing some else.
"AHHH! I'M BLEEDING FROM MY FACE!" Natsu sweat dropped as he looked at his claw.
He then wiped his razor hand of any blood on it, "Um, and… scene?" Natsu asked.
Lucy face palmed, "I guess this was more reckless than I thought." she said not expecting Natsu to run headfirst like he normally does.
Happy then jumped out, "I'll hold them off! You guys start up the airship!" he yells.
"Tomcat, you will just…"
"KYA!" Happy yells as he kicks a guard in the face.
"Just have faith in him Charle! Happy has the power of a martial arts master!" Wendy said picking up her cat.
"She has a point." Shirou said as he drew his blades.
"HIYAH! Happy Sensei looks down on you lazy people!" Happy yells as he does bashes his elbow against another guard before kicking one that was behind him. "Kekeke, I think the real Li Schuwen should take me on as his apprentice." He said mimicking the Master of Bajiquan's mannerisms.
When suddenly, the airship started to take off. No doubt the pilots realized that there was trouble. Prompting them to prepare for an escape regardless of their task. Likely as an emergency precaution for criminals and bandits.
"It's getting away!" Wendy yells.
"Hold on, maybe I have something to restrain it or… hey!" Lucy yells as she starts getting surrounded.
"Get away!" Shirou yells as he slashes through the guards.
"Unhand that girl!" Charle yells as one tries to grab Wendy.
Only for Shirou to hit him with several arrows, "Hands to yourself!" he yells at the guard.
"Thanks Shirou!" Wendy said.
"When did all of you show up! There weren't this many guards before!" Natsu yells as he blasts a crowd of guards away.
Just as things looked dire with the Royal Army surrounding the group. They were suddenly saved by this mysterious wave of earth heading towards them. Causing the Royal Army to be sent flying back as the random attack was revealed to have come from someone driving the equivalent of a magic vehicle.
Then the door swung open, revealing a pink spiky haired young man at the driver's seat. Looking mysterious as his goggles covered his eyes and the shadows within the vehicle distorted his appearance.
"Get in." the man said.
"Stranger danger!" Shirou yells.
"There's not time for that crap!" Natsu yells as he tosses everyone inside and jumps in as the car drives away.
Leaving behind many angry guards who left to notify their superiors about their escaped targets. Meanwhile, everyone was trying to adjust with the little room available in the vehicle while trying to relax. Now that they had escaped that blunder of a plan.
"Thanks stranger, just who are you anyways and why pick up some random guys like us?" Natsu asked before the motion sickness started kicking in.
The man smirked, "I'm just a friend of Lucy and I owe her a favor." he said removing his goggles.
Revealing his appearance to be exactly like Natsu's. Likely meaning that he's the Edolas counterpart of the Fire Dragon Slayer. Which is ironic considering that Natsu now wants to leave the vehicle as it's the reason behind his sudden illness. Unlike this Natsu who is operating the vehicle like he's auditioning for the role of a getaway driver for an action movie.
"Seriously? You better not vomit in here." Edolas Natsu said.
"No promises." Natsu said as Wendy got to work with the little magic she had left.
"Just because I owe my Lucy, it doesn't mean I have to tolerate you guys. I'm just going to get you guys from point A to point B and that's it." Edolas Natsu said.
"I think that's acceptable." Lucy said.
"It beats walking and we won't have to worry about gaining any more attention." Charle said.
"I can still protect you Charle my love!" Happy said.
"I do not need protection regardless of your martial arts skills." Charle said.
"Haha, you admitted that I'm skilled." Happy said before disabling his Class Card. "Still, I can't fly but I can use some magic. I better save Li's power for later." he said.
"At least you know how to plan ahead." Charle said respecting that aspect of Happy.
Then Natsu recovered once Wendy was done, "And all we have to do is kickback until we get there." he said.
A long while later
Edolas Natsu stopped the car, "This is as far as I'll take you." he said before shoving everyone out. "You're on your from here." he said.
"What the heck man!?" Natsu asked.
"I'm already low on mana as it is." Edolas Natsu said pointing at his magic fuel reserves. "It's not pretty, but hopefully you guys don't die or…"
Edolas Natsu was suddenly interrupted by his counterpart. Who decided to rip him out from his car and dragged him to a large rock. Most likely to inflict pain onto his annoying cocky self.
"Listen here Night Rider. You get us to the capital or else you'll be seeing what else magic is used for!" Natsu said channeling some fire into his fist.
"Please don't hurt me! I bruise easily!" Edolas Natsu pleads as tears fall down his face.
"What?" Natsu asked.
"I swear, the capital isn't even that far! It's right over there!" Edolas Natsu said pointing at the edge.
Everyone walked over to the edge and saw the grand city that is the capital of Edolas. At the same time, Edolas Natsu decided to hide behind a rock like a coward.
"See? It's just right there! Now please leave me alone!" Edolas Natsu pleads.
"This guy is super pathetic." Happy said.
"Yeah, we should bury him in the sand." Natsu suggests, making his counterpart scream in terror.
"Just leave him alone Natsu. He's just pretending to be cool when he's actually super lame." Shirou said.
"And now a kid is insulting me?" Edolas Natsu asked.
"I'm just going turbo charge his stupid car so he can leave us alone." Lucy said as she transferred a little mana to recharge the car.
Natsu sighed, "Fine. Go home jerk!" he yells as he tosses Edolas Natsu inside.
"Haha! Now I'm back! See you losers later!" Edolas Natsu says sounding cocky again as he drives off. Only to stop ten seconds later, "AHHHH! It broke down!" he yelled before the engine restarted again. "Haha, now it's good." he said before it stopped again.
"Did you break something Lucy?" Happy asked.
"No, I just adjusted it. That thing is going to stop every now and then." Lucy answered.
Natsu laughed, "A good prank. Now let's go, if what Mystogan told you is true. Gajeel probably got his butt stock out here and probably a few other guys too." he said.
Shirou nods, "Yeah, we better hurry too and hopefully without falling." he said seeing as the capital was on a floating island.
Wendy looked at the floating islands more clearly, "This reminds me of that other book. The one about the humans who went to the world that's like a jungle with blue cats and flying islands. The also had these bird dragon things they ride on." she explained.
"Sounds like a good book." Lucy comments.
"I'll just wait for the movie." Natsu said.
At the capital, some more time later
Everyone stared at the capital in awe. The citizens were happy, full of life, energy and even had fine clothing. The streets were not that bad either as they were clean and safe from the looks of things. Even the architecture looked beautiful compared to the previous city. Since this is the capital of Edolas, there was no doubt that the ruler wanted it to remain prosperous.
Yet at the same time, it was corrupt and filthy on the inside. Lucy knew the stories of her servants hundreds of times over and had an idea of what kind of government was being run. Too bad for her, she didn't have Niccolo Machiavelli to give her a more clear and philosophical explanation of this type of government. Then again, someone like him had good ideas but lacked the ambition or skill to fulfill them. Even Natsu could see some hints of corruption as his years as a Fairy Tail mage gave him the experience to see run down cities.
It was a good thing that the King of Fiore had enough resources to make sure there were only a few looking like that. Unlike whoever is ruling Edolas and keeping the magic to themselves if they're willing to exterminate wizard guilds.
Then there was Wendy who lacked such knowledge, "This place is so pretty! I just want to go everywhere!" she said.
"Stay close child, we do not need you getting lost." Charle said.
"We are deep in enemy territory. You better not get lost Wendy." Shirou said.
"Okay." Wendy said holding his hand. Shirou then turned bright red, "Are you feeling sick Shirou? You are turning red." she asked.
"I'm good, the air is just too hot." Shirou lied.
"Aye, the air is too hot." Happy said sarcastically.
"Hey what's going on over there?" Natsu asked as he saw a crowd form up.
The group decided to walk over towards the crowd. Where they saw several guards keeping everyone at bay. Only to gasp at the sight of a giant lacrima sitting behind the guards.
"Is that a lacrima? I've never seen one that big before!" Happy asked.
"It has to be but… could that be from Earthland?" Charle asked.
"It didn't sound like they were getting their magic from elsewhere." Lucy answered.
"Everyone please stand back, King Faust is about to give his speech." a lead officer within the guards said as an old man appeared.
Every citizen immediately cheered as the man raised his head up and extended his arms. As if he were welcoming the citizens of Edolas with an embrace. Before lifting up a large spear with intentions that have yet to be revealed.
The king then spoke up, "Citizens of Edolas! Our Anima team has worked hard and brought you this lacrima! Granting us power for another decade!" he said as everyone cheered.
All around the group, they could see citizens crying tears of joy. Men, women, children and the elderly all praising the king for granting them the power of magic.
"That's where our friends are stored!" Natsu shouts, but luckily he wasn't heard due to the crowd cheering.
"And there's still a piece missing." Carla said pointing at the top of the giant lacrima.
"So that means they haven't finished with their collections?" Lucy asked, receiving a nod.
As they spoke, Faust continued his speech, "And soon, we will grant you even more my people! Enough to last us eternity!" he announces as he strikes the lacrima with a halberd.
Where he proceeded to laugh with great joy as the crowd started to cheer even more loudly. Some people even got emotional and teared up while the children retold their parents what their king just announced. Everyone in Edolas cheering as if Faust granted them salvation as if it was not at the cost of lives from another world. Lucy was almost afraid to believe that Edolas would not care so long as they prospered. With Natsu trying to maintain composure as to avoid running up there and beating up Faust with an inch of his life.
Striking the lacrima as if he had just discovered gold and laughing. While sounding joyful for his citizens, it was really the greedy king feeling happy for himself. Something that the group from Earthland's Fairy tail could not handle watching.
"We have to stop them! This isn't right!" Shirou said.
"But what can we do?" Wendy asked.
Lucy started to tear up, "This is wrong!" she said as she subconsciously grabbed Natsu's hand.
In return, Natsu embraced her, "We need to go Luce. I don't think I can hold it in any longer without breaking someone's face." he says as he tries to comfort Lucy.
Lucy nods as the group leaves the area. Trying to ignore the laughter of the citizens, completely blind as to what the consequences of their actions are.
At the same time, no one noticed a cloaked figure speaking to a reporter with a familiar face in the distance. Both talking and focusing on something other than King Faust's speech.
"So the next morning then?" asked the reporter.
"Most likely, today is too hot. Plus there's going to be all the guards doing double security at night, right?" the cloaked figure asked.
"More than likely. The day would make it easier to spot you, but I can cause a distraction." The reporter answered.
The figure nodded, "Good, I'll meet back with you later. At least now, I can scout out the place and find a good vantage point." he said. "Let's go partner." he said to another cloaked figure who walked close by.
As the reporter watched the figures leave. He briefly glanced at the first figure's hand. Noticing the red glowing seal mark on his hand.
"Magic is amazing and all, but at what cost are we willing to take it?" the reporter asked as he watched as King Faust left and the citizens continued to watch the lacrima in awe. "Whatever it is. I would rather not rip apart another dimension." he said as he tipped his hat and left the area.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Omake - Set Issues
Lucy smiled as she adjusted the Dress of Heaven, "I swear, I'm not for being too OOC but at the same time. It kind of helps for everyone to develop in some ways without turning into a sophisticated person." she said as she looked in the mirror.
"You got that right Luce." Natsu said playing with his new swords.
Suddenly Shirou came out, "Natsu, I am your son." he said.
"No. No it's not true! It's impossible!" Natsu cried out.
"Search your feelings, you know it's true." Shirou said.
"It can't be! I would name my son, Igneel II!" Natsu said making everyone laugh.
Only for a wall on the filming set to shatter. Due to someone being sent crashing through the wall. Prompting the film crew to help that individual out.
"Damn it Satsuki! Did you throw another intern!?" asked the director.
"This pig had the decency to ask about the material used for my undergarments! Such vile acts will not go unpunished!" Satsuki yells as she pulls out Bakuzan.
"Who gave her the real Bakuzan!? All of you are only allowed to handle props!" the director yelled.
Lucy sighed in the background, "I guess Satsuki is going to ruin the time schedule again." she said.
"I demand retribution with your head!" Satsuki yelled.
"She's worse than Erza." Natsu said as he was shaking in fear.
"Satsuki put the weapon down! You're going to hit Mr. R0tatcid's wall of servants!" the director yelled as Satsuki ran by the special wall.
R0tatcid's Favorite Servants (favorite in general)
Karna
Himiko
Richard I
Gilgamesh Lily
Mordred
Percival
Diarmuid
Nikola Tesla
Quetzalcoatl
Hohenhiem
Old Man on the Mountain
Merlin/Prototype Merlin
Parvati
Erishkigal
Nagao Kagetora
Tawara Touta
Cleopatra
Edmund Dantes
Satsuki decided to shatter it during the crossfire. Destroying the many photos held on that wall. Along with the few that were about to placed on it as well. Luckily Satsuki didn't hit Aclux's wall of favorite Fate servants. But hopefully someone could calm Satsuki down before she destroys the entire studio.
Although Gilgamesh was very annoyed that he was not on that wall. With Ishtar complaining that she's not on it either while her little sister is. IT's also good to note that no one told these two that everyone on this wall is secretly given bags quarts Christmas gifts every year.
End of Omake
NOTE: I remember someone asked me about my favorite servants a year ago and I still got into Fate back then. So I still didn't know some terminologies and facts back then. So who's your favorite servant? Let me know in the comment. It doesn't have to be about skill or who is better in FGO, just your favorite in general.