Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail.
Chapter Seven: Guilds Under Siege
Back to where we left off….
"WHAT IS THAT?!" Erza shouted as she avoided a huge stomp by the giant chicken.
"BAKAWWW!" the monstrous poultry shrieked as it stamped down on the Wizards, smashing train cars like they were twigs. Truly it was a monster. In fact, it was a little hard to call it a monster chicken to begin with. Only its head and its feet were that of a chicken. Its body was long and serpentine and large draconic wings flapped on its back.
"Why is there a giant chicken here?!" Gray shouted as he and Natsu dodged another attack.
Jumping up onto a traincar, Erza looked over at the huge chicken-foot shaped hole in the ground, her teeth clenching when she caught a glimpse of Envy's body…or what was left of it. "How cruel…" she said.
"Says the woman who ran a sword through a child," came a voice from atop the giant chicken. The three looked up to see another of the Seven Deadly Sins, Greed, riding atop the giant monster's back. "Poor, poor Envy…and I actually liked her," the shamanic demon said, shaking his head at what remained of the little girl's cadaver.
"How could you?!" Natsu shouted from below. "She's was your comrade and you just crushed her!"
The dark-skinned man raised an eyebrow before shaking his head. "Comrade? Don't make me laugh." He crossed his arms as he stared down at the Dragon Slayer who was shaking in rage. "Don't mistake us for another of your petty little Dark Guilds. None of the Seven considers the other six to be comrades. We are all in this for ourselves. It just so happens that our interests happen to intersect. But before we discuss this further…." He tapped the monster chicken's neck with his staff. "Dinner, Jī."
To the horror of the onlooking Fairy Tail Wizards, the monster chicken turned around and buried its head in the hole where Envy's body laid. Happy had to look away to keep himself from throwing up as the monster ate what was left of Envy's body. Erza's hands balled into fists as she and Greed locked eyes. "You're sick! She's just a little girl!"
"Correction. She's just a little girl's corpse. Be grateful that it's my pet doing the feeding…" he said ominously, "Gluttony likes to play with his food before eating it."
"I'VE HAD ENOUGH!" Natsu shouted, disgusted at the man's lack of respect for the dead. "You're going down right now!" Summoning fire beneath his feet, Natsu rocketed up towards the demon. "FIRE DRAGON'S-"
Erza's eyes widened in alarm when Greed pointed his staff at him. "NATSU, DON'T!"
"WING ATTACK!" Natsu shouted, his arms ablaze as he neared the shaman.
"Hmph…" the shaman went as he bejeweled staff pulsed. The blue sapphires on the staff and his belt glowed, summoning a deluge of water and hurling it at Natsu. The Dragon Slayer was pushed backwards until Happy caught him. "You expect to fight me with just one magic? You are even more foolish than your appearance led me to believe." He tapped the chicken again and the creature started to flap its wings. "But that is for another time. Pride asked me to confirm the status on Envy's mission. So for now, farewell…."
The group watched as the giant monster flew away with its master in tow. Happy and Natsu flew down to the ground and the four reconvened. "That guy…" Natsu said, dripping wet. "What the hell was that guy?"
"It's obvious that he's got multiple magic in that staff of his," Gray said, "I mean, his name's Greed, after all."
"Regardless," Erza interrupted. "We should return to Master Makarov and inform him of what's happened.
Later….
Fairy Tail Guildhall
"I see," Makarov said as he listened to Team Natsu's account of what'd happened. The group had met up with Gajeel and Elfman and together they returned to their guild. To everyone's relief, Wendy had healed Lucy, who was resting in the infirmary after her terrifying run in with the demon, Envy. "All things considered, we should be happy things didn't go south. That girl's power could've bested everyone. We owe Lucy a big thanks for that big brain of hers," he said as he lit his pipe. "So that's one down, six to go."
Elfman crossed his arms. "You make it sound so simple, Master. Natsu and the others only bested one because of a fluke. I doubt the other six will let their weaknesses be exposed so easily.
"Hey!" Natsu interjected. "What do you mean we won by a fluke? We fought our butts off!"
The large man got right up into Natsu's face. "Real men shouldn't rely on aiming for a sole weakness!"
"Why I oughta-"
"Enough!"
Both Wizards yelped when two giant hands bonked them on the head. "That's enough out of you two," Makarov admonished. "We've enough to worry about and the last thing we need is for you to bring the guild down on our heads because of some petty quarrel." Makarov sighed and took a long puff of his pipe. "Still, the situation worries me…."
"How so, Master?" Erza asked.
"This other demon, Greed. From your account it's possible that he was there watching the fight the entire time. If that's the case, why didn't he help Envy? From your scuffle at the cathedral, it doesn't sound like they're not used to fighting as a group. So then, why did he stay his hand? Especially after you defeated Envy and had your guards down?"
"He did try to crush us with a giant chicken," Gray pointed out.
"Can we even call that thing a chicken?" Natsu asked, spooked by the monster's appearance. "'Cause that's one ugly chicken. It looked like something out of a nightmare."
"Hmm…" Makarov closed his eyes. Erza's description of Greed's beast sounded familiar. However, age was hampering with his memory and he couldn't quite put his finger on it. "I suppose we'll learn in due course. We killed one of their comrades so we have to be ready for the Seven Deadly Sins' counterattack."
Cana chugged her barrel of booze before setting it to the side. "I'm so pissed off! Why'd they go after Lucy?"
Erza turned to her comrade. "Out of all the wizards in Fairy Tail, Lucy is by far one of the smartest, if not the smartest, Wizards in the guild. Remember, it was Lucy who figured out Envy's key weakness. And undoubtedly they'd learn of our exploits as soon as they reintegrated themselves into the world. It'd only be natural that Lucy'd end up as a prime target."
Gray nodded, understanding where Erza was coming from. "That makes sense. We shouldn't let her be alone from now on. None of us should be by ourselves now."
Makarov let out a puff of smoke and smiled. "About that, I received word that we won't be the only ones tackling the demons."
As if on cue the doors to the guild open and everyone turned. Natsu and Erza smiled when they saw who'd arrived.
"Sting! Rogue!" Natsu cheered as his fellow Dragon Slayers from Sabretooth walked in.
"Kagura!" Erza exclaimed as the woman from Mermaid Heel entered the guild.
Sting highfived Natsu. "Long time no see, Natsu. Guess you really stepped into it this time, huh?"
Makarov's laugh made Natsu cringe. "Yeah, yeah, Gramps gave me enough of a hard time." He looked around and saw no other reinforcements. "Just you guys? Where's the others?"
Kagura sat down next to Erza on a bench. "My guild's gathering its members as we speak. Most of Mermaid Heel's members are on missions right now. We've had to cancel our contracts and recall everyone. It'll take a while to assemble everyone."
"Same for Sabretooth," Rogue said as he sat down next to Gajeel. "The three of us came together since we met on the road here."
"Lyon, Jura and Sherry from Lamia Scale will be coming as well," Makarov said, much to Gray and Wendy's delight. "And from what I've been told, Master Bob will be sending a few members of Blue Pegasus to team up with us."
Erza turned her back to everyone and slowly started to pray. "Please don't let Ichiya come…please don't let Ichiya come…."
"What about Quatro Cerberus?" Erza asked. "We could use the extra muscle?"
Elfman snickered. "Don't you mean Quatro Puppy?"
It was then that Makarov's expression turned stern. "I'm afraid I've yet to receive a reply from Master Goldmine. Although to be fair, the man was a little lax when it came to answering messages so…."
"Master," Erza said with an earnest look. "Shall I contact Jellal and Meredy and ask them for assistance?"
The two stared at each other for a minute before Makarov nodded. "If you're sure that your friend can help us, I don't see the harm." He was a little against asking for the help of Jellal. Sure, the man had helped them, albeit poorly, during the games but he was still wary of asking a man who'd plotted to kill his friends even if he was brainwashed.
When the midnight bell rang, Makarov stood up and stretched. "It's getting late, folks. It's time we hit the hay. Remember," he said, panning out to everyone. "All of you, be on your guard. We have no knowing of the demons' next plan of attack but we're sure that it will be coming. Don't be foolish and go it alone."
As the Wizards started to walk out of the guild, Makarov walked into his private study and pulled out a communications Lacrima. He tried one more time but wasn't able to get in touch with Goldmine. "Hmm…this is very upsetting," he said. "What could've happened to you, Goldmine?"
Meanwhile….
Castle Molkihar
The knight in shining armor listened to Greed's tale, shaking his head as the shaman informed his fellow demons of Envy's demise. "I see. These Fairy Tail Wizards are quite something." He shook his head and gave his fallen comrade a moment of silence. "Farewell, Envy…."
The demons were gathered in the ruined castle's throne room. Sloth was (still) asleep on his couch while Lust and Gluttony stood by. Wrath was nowhere to be seen; which was to be expected as he was out fulfilling Pride's orders. The hooved woman walked over to the two, her eyes staring at the shaman. "Tell us, Greed. It sounds like you were there the whole time. Why didn't you help the poor girl out?" she asked.
Glaring at the horned demon, Greed simply scoffed. "I thought Envy had this well under control! Everything happened in the blink of an eye. Besides," he turned back to Pride. "If Envy was weak enough to be taken down by a handful of ragtag Wizards, she wasn't fit to join us, now was she?"
Pride slowly nodded, his silver armor glinting in the moonlight. "A fair argument. Although if they were able to take down Envy I'd hardly call them "ragtag", Greed. Regardless, these wizards have proved to be a thorn in our sides. We must remedy that and avenge our fallen friend."
Gluttony grinned, his teeth stained with blood. "Shall I go and invite them to my dinner?" he asked eagerly.
Pride opened his mouth to respond but the five demons were taken aback when a new voice made itself known. "Perhaps I can take care of your little Fairy problem."
The group turned to see someone slink from out of the shadows. Pride scowled when he recognized him; it was the other man from the cathedral. "Ah yes," he said as the intruder stepped forward. "I remember you."
Jango bowed before the knight, his shaved head glinting off the moonlight peeking through the ruined roof. "I am humbled that you'd remember someone such as I," he said before looking up.
Lust wrinkled her nose as she walked around the thief. "And what are you doing here, you sneaky little rat?" Jango cowered when she walked in front of him, her gaze filled with menace. "You are not worthy to stand before us."
The thief threw his hands up in defense. "Then make me worthy!" he said quickly. Turning to Pride, he dropped to his knees. "My lord, I beseech you, make me into a demon like you!" he pleaded, putting his hands together as he begged before the demonic knight. "I have been shamed by those wretched fairies. My own guild has turned its back on me! Please, let me have my revenge on Fairy Tail!" he lowered his head and started to grovel at the man's feet. "I beg of you, my-"
"Enough," Pride said, rolling his eyes as he cut him off. "This pathetic begging makes my ears hurt. Lust was right; you aren't worthy. Not even to lick the dirt off my boots." Jango looked up in fear as the man stared down at him. But to the thief's surprise, Pride started to smile. "But…perhaps fate can correct our assumption…."
The other demons, minus a sleeping Sloth, raised an eyebrow as Pride divulged a shiny red apple from his person. "Really, Pride?" Gluttony asked as he sat back in his chair.
Pride merely gave his old friend a sly smile. "I am but a humble knight, Gluttony. Who am I to judge someone such as him?" he said with a smooth, humble tone. "Besides…we are one short of a full set. And is not a thief the embodiment of Envy?" he pointed out.
Gluttony merely shrugged. "As you wish."
Jango smiled in relief as Pride offered the apple. "What must I do with this?" he asked as he held the apple in his hand.
Again, Pride rolled his eyes. "It is an apple. Eat it."
Understanding the gist and not wanting to offend the demon with a sharp sword further, Jango brought the apple to his lips and took a big bite out of it. The others watched as Jango scarfed the whole apple down, laying the core at Pride's feet. Jango looked up at the knight with hopeful, expected eyes…only for them to widen to their limit when he started to choke. "Guhh! Glckkk!" he sputtered, hitting the floor. His eyes turned black as the sinful apple took hold of his body.
When he rolled over onto his back, Lust poked him with a hoof before confirming what they already knew. "He's dead," she said before laughing. "Well, that was disappointing…."
Pride merely shrugged and smiled. "Not every enterprise ends in satisfaction."
Lust dismissed him with a hand. "Please, every woman is aware of that." When she heard a dragging noise she saw Gluttony with his hand on the dead Jango's leg. "Really? Now?"
"I'm hungry," Gluttony matter-of-factly said before dragging the corpse away to have a private midnight snack.
The horned demon merely shook her head before turning back to Pride, whom was sitting down on the stone throne. "So what now? Shall we avenge Envy's death? You know how much I adored the little minx," she said.
Pride chuckled before propping his head up on his hand, smirking. "You may go, Lust. I know you've been dying to get your hands on Lucy Heartfilia."
Purple lips formed a sinful smile. "Oh yessss…" she slurred, her forked tongue snaking out. "I will have such fun with my cute little friend. Hahahahah…."
Watching Lust leave, Pride reached into his pockets and pulled out a small communications Lacrima. Activating it, he contacted the only person who hadn't been present for the meeting. "Wrath."
"Pride," came a voice from the other end.
"How goes the war?"
"War? Sarcasm doesn't fit you, Pride. This is no war. This hardly even counts as sport."
"Oh?" Pride's lips formed a most evil smile. "Surely there must be one worthy of your skills in this new generation of Wizards," he said.
"This generation is soft. These Wizards have skill akin to an ant's."
"I see. Either way, continue with your assault. And make sure to pay Fairy Tail a visit while you're at it," he said. "Pride, over and out."
"As you wish, Pride. Wrath out."
Meanwhile….
Quatro Cerberus Guildhall
"As you wish, Pride. Wrath out." The hulking warrior threw Goldmine's broken body through a wall as he finished speaking with his leader, the Guild master landing like a broken ragdoll. "Out of patience for these dogs."
All around him, the guildhall of Quatro Cerberus burned. Defeated members of the guild lay dead or dying before the massive demon. Sheathing his blood-drenched sword, the man began walking out of the blazing building, stepping over Bacchus as he exited. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled pile of papers.
They were posters promoting guilds.
Taking the Quatro Cerberus poster, Wrath threw it into the burning building and let it catch afire. He looked down at the next target and smiled. Perhaps they would give him more of a challenge then these dogs did.
Pocketing his hit list, he began walking into the direction of Blue Pegasus….
To be continued….
A.N.: For those of you wondering, Minerva will not be appearing in this story as it takes place BEFORE the Tartaros Arc. During this period Minerva left Sabretooth and joined the dark guild, Succubus Eye so canonically she would not fit into the timeline of the story.
