Strange Glow
"I told ya we were going to be staying overnight. Those old timers do love to hear themselves talk." Soler said. Erza only sighed,
"I knew that they were going to explain the situation but to go off on several tangents was disgraceful," she added. Soler only nodded,
"Yep, they love to talk. But those guest rooms on the council building were incredibly comfortable. Also, why didn't you want me to carry you back to the guild this morning? You know I could have made it back way faster than that cart." he asked.
"I had us take the cart because you always tend to mess up my hair by the time we get to our destination. I rather not have to re-brush my hair again because of you," she explained. Soler rolled his eyes,
"Yeah, yeah whatever," he responded. The two wizards were walking through the town of Magnolia heading back to the guild. As they got closer to the guild a thought passed through Erza's mind,
"Soler did that messenger bird you sent to reach the guild yesterday?" she asked. Soler shrugged,
"Pretty sure it did. Natsu didn't show up during the meeting so I'm guessing it did. We'll know when we get inside." he said reaching for the doors. When the two walked in they could immediately feel something was off as there was a weird intensity in the air. The two glanced around the guild to notices a certain few members were missing and it was none other than Natsu, Gray, Lucy, and Happy.
Hmm, something must have happened. Soler thought.
"Master, what's going on?" Erza asked the short man who was sitting by the bar. His face was scrunched up in frustration,
"Master in a bit of a situation because of Natsu and Happy," Mira said speaking for the frustrated man. Soler had walked up to the counter by now,
"What did Natsu do?" he asked. Mira sighed recalling everything,
"Natsu thought it'd be a good idea to take on an S-Class request by himself," she answered. Soler groaned while Erza slammed her fist to the counter,
"He did what!?" she exclaimed. Mira just nodded,
"Natsu was able to sneak off with the request and he dragged Lucy along with him. Mast sent out Gray to stop him but none of them have come back yet and they left yesterday." Erza was fuming she was so mad at the fire mage,
"Of all the stupid, hairbrained, idiotic-" Sole just let Erza mumble on so he focused back on the problem.
"But how was he able to get the request? Only S-Class wizards are allowed on the second floor," he asked. That question got the disappointment to come back as she frowned and looked up to the second floor,
"Because a certain someone didn't stop Happy from taking the request when he so clearly saw him," she said making sure her voice was able to be heard.
"I told ya, Mira, I didn't see the little furball at all." a gruff voice responded. Soler really groaned knowing exactly who voice that was,
"Great he's back," he said. The lightning mage of Fairy Tail Laxus peered over the railing with his signature smirk,
"Well, well look like the trash has come back into the guild. Isn't there a dumpster home you should be sprucing up?" he said. Soler only smirked back,
"Look at that Makarov's grandson is here. Isn't there a shadow you should be trying to step out of?" Soler questioned back. That got the man upset that topic being a sensitive spot, so in a streak of lighting, Laxus stood before Soler giving him a death glare if he's ever seen one. Laxus was bigger than Soler but the smaller teen didn't back down staring him in eyes with no fear at all. Electricity surged throughout the guild as the incoming battle between two of the guilds strongest seemed just around the corner.
"Sorry I don't think I heard you right. Mind saying that again you punk," demanded Laxus.
"Oh, I just don't seem to remember what I said. I think you might have to re-jog my memory," responded Soler. But before the two could trade blows Erza stepped between the two defusing the situation,
"Enough! Your squabbles can wait, right now the guilds title is on the line because of Natsu. Mira what job did he take?" she asked.
"It was the Galuna Island request."
"The Galuna Island one? That one's been up there for quite some time and if I remember it had something to do with some strange glow that's been happening there. Master, I request that Soler and I go and bring them back for the right punishment they deserve." Erza demanded. Soler looked at her confused,
"Wait, Soler and I? Since when did-"
"We will make haste and leave immediately at your permission." She continued. Completely ignoring Soler. Master Makarov looked at her and nodded,
"Yes I know you two will succeed so you have my permission," he answered. Erza nodded and bowed,
"Thank you, Master. Come, Soler, we have wizards to bring back!" Erza grabbed Soler by his hood and dragged him out much to his confusion. With the two gone the tension in the air quickly left and the rest of the members went back to what they were doing. Laxus though started at the open doors still ticked from Soler mouthing off to him but with him gone he decided to let it go and go back upstairs alone.
*A Few Hours Later*
"Hmm who would have thought I'd be riding a pirate ship today," Soler said as he gazed out over the sea. Soler and Erza were currently on a pirate ship on the way to Galuna Island. It still amazed Soler on how quickly Erza was able to get them on the way to the island and the amount of luck it was that once they made it to Hargeon Town a group of pirates were trying the raid the city. The two mainly Erza made quick work of them and she ordered them to take the two to Galuna Island to start to make amends for their past deeds. For some reason, the whole crew fell for Erza after that and have been listening to her every order ever since. Soler looked over to Erza and see that she was still staring out ahead with the same angry stare she's had for the whole trip.
Man her face has been stuck like that for a while. I hope her face doesn't freeze like that. Soler thought.
"So I wonder how they're doing on the job? I haven't been around Lucy long enough but she seems like a pretty capable wizard so they shouldn't be having to much trouble. Plus with Gray there the jobs probably almost done ya know. Even Natsu's recklessness shouldn't be getting too much in the way especially if Happy is keeping him from getting out of to much trouble." Soler said aloud. He waited for a response from Erza but she didn't even move to signify that she heard him.
Wow, she's really mad. I'm kinda glad that waves of anger not pointed towards me but man do I feel sorry for the others. One of the pirates came scurrying up to her,
"Miss Erza we'll be reaching the island shortly," he said.
"Good work. Prepare to dock immediately," she responded. The pirate shuddered in joy at her command and went to go get prepared. Soler looked out and sure enough, the island was approaching though he didn't see anything weird about it. Though it was night out he was sure he thought there would be something off about it.
"Hmm well, we'll be on the island soon enough. I kinda wonder how much damage Natsu has caused." Soler pondered. Again no response from Erza her gaze focused on getting to that island. Soler sighed,
Welp time to get this argument over with. Soler walked up next to her and just started out to where she was staring,
"So pal. How's it going?" he asked. No response or motion from the red. Soler sighed once more tired of the quiet routine,
"Ok that's it, Erza listen. I know you're mad at Natsu and them for taking up this request and all but could you at least get mad at them once we get there and asset the situation? I mean they could be almost done with the request and then when we get you'd be all huffy for no reason ya know." he said. That got her to swivel her head to look right at him and letting feel the full force of the stare she's been giving,
"Are you saying that they don't deserve to be punished for breaking guild rules?" she asked. Soler stood his ground with her,
"No, I'm saying that we should at least hear them out before giving punishment. They could be doing better then what you're giving them credit for," he answered back. Erza fully turned to look at him not,
"Whether or not they've done good on the request does not matter. They broke rules that were established since the founding of the guild and have put the guilds reputation on the line. No matter the progress they've accomplished they will be taken back to Master who will give them their punishment." Erza responded and with a huff she turned away and went back to staring ahead. Soler internally signed,
Like talking a wall. Her hearts in the right place but she's not letting her mind think everything through. No point in trying to push it now I guess. For now I just hope that Natsu and the others have actually done some good by the time we get there.
It was daybreak by the time they reached the island. The pirates docked the ship and Erza and Soler quickly left the ship and ran along the beach.
"You sure you felt magic being used?" Erza asked.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure. It felt like a mass amount was being used at one so ti was probably some battle. It was this way for sure." he explained. The two quickly ran and soon enough they heard the sounds of a scream and weird roar. They turned a corner to see a giant rat about the size of a two-story house wearing a maids apron and bonnet and was charging at a blonde woman who Soler instantly recognized as Lucy.
"Shit Erza." the mage charged faster than Soler for once Erza charged at the rat and knocked it away with a swift kick sending it flying.
Not bad Erza. Soler made his way over to the two women and by the looks of it, Erza was already trying to give a bit of her own justice.
"Erza wait hear me out. There's a lot more going on here than we thought." Lucy tried to explain. Somehow Erza had captured Happy also and was holding him by the tail. Soler ran up to them,
"Man not a bad kick. Oh, nice to see ya, Lucy. You too Happy." he said.
"Aye." Happy said weakly. Lucy turned to Soler,
"Soler please listen. There's this guy named Lyon whos trying to resurrect this demon named Deliora with the moon drip spell. We think that's what's turned the people here into monsters but we have to stop him before he finishes the spell tonight." She quickly said. Soler pondered on the new information,
Deliora? Moon Drip? Lyon? Hmm there is more going on here than I thought. He thought. He snapped out of his thoughts when Erza pointed her sword at Lucy and was giving her a death glare,
"None of that matters. You and the others broke Masters trust. We're going to gather the others and take you all back to get judged by Master and you best be lucky of you all leave with you're lives." she said grimly. Poor Lucy and Happy were sweating bullets after that but even though Erza might have exaggerated a bit Master was going to have a field day with them. But to Soler what was most concerning is this talk of resurrecting demons and this Moon Drip spell. Plus this Lyon guy sounds somewhat familiar for some reason he's sure he's heard that name before just like Deliora but he just can't remember where.
"No, you shall take us back to Gray and Natsu so we may leave. Is that clear Lucy?" Erza asked her death glare ever so present. All Lucy could do was a nod in fear and the group left to go get Gray and Natsu.
Currently, Soler was sitting on a crate in a tent waiting for Gray. Lucy had led them to some camp that was filled with demon looking people. They didn't worry Soler or Erza much since they knew beforehand about the villagers. They let them used the storage tent and said they would tell Gray to go there once he has awoken. Now He and Erza sat waiting will Lucy and happy were tied up sitting on the ground next to Erza since she was still holding them captive with the rope. They had all been waiting for just a few minutes now and the sun had fully risen into the sky so Gray should be along at any moment. Footsteps could be heard approaching and everyone looked at the entrance to see Gray walk in. Soler sat up more ready for the show that was about to happen between him and Erza but he could help but notice he shirtless again but he had bandages on his body also. The moment Gray saw Erza he grimaced,
"So Master sent you here now too?" he asked. Erza's glare at him could kill the strongest of men but that gave him his answer,
"Listen Erza I was all for taking them back but Natsu kinda kidnapped me and dragged me here so ended up helping hoping it would be quick. But now things have changed and I can't walk away from this until I see it through." Gray said. Erza still didn't speak but instead, she let go of the ropes holding Lucy and Happy and walked passed him,
"We come here to bring back the idiots that went against the guild's rules. We shall find Natsu and leave this island," she spoke calmly and clearly. Grays looked at her dumbfounded,
"Even though you know everything that's happening here, you're still going to turn your back to these people? Have to see what's happening to them?" he questioned.
"I have and that changes nothing. There request is posted in the halls of several guilds. Those more worthy of completing this request can take it." she responded back. Anger rose in Gray,
"How can you say that? Are you really so heartless?!" he shouted. Erza glared at him now her patience was being tested. She re-quipped at sword in her hand,
"Have you decided to go against the Master too? Then you will face judgment as well." she pointed her blade at him. The air was thick, full of emotion from the two wizards. Things had gotten so intense Soler had fully sat up and was watching with full interest. If he thought things were heating up before when Gray grabbed Erzas swords things just caught ablaze. He grabbed the blade and pointed it at his chest where his guild mark was and gave Erza a challenging glare,
"Do what you must. But I refuse to walk away from something, especially when helping is the right thing to do!" he shouted back. Soler could tell even through her harden stare Erza was shaken by Gray;swords. The room was deadly silent as no moves were being made by anyone. Erza and Gray stayed in that position for another few moments until Gray let go of her sword. Soler watched with a sly smile as Gray walked passed Erza and out of the tent leaving Erza standing there.
Damn Gray, when did you get so cool? Soler thought. Soler got down from his box and went over and set Lucy and Happy free much to there enjoyment.
"For now we'll deal with things going on at the present," he told them.
"Thank you, thank-"
"That doesn't mean you're out of trouble yet you two." The cheering stopped at that which made Soler laugh,
"Don't worry about the future, go find Gray and tell him Erza and I will catch up in sec.?" he told them. Without question, Happy and Lucy scurried out of the tent leaving Soler and Erza alone. He turned to Erza to see her looking to the ground and her fist balled and trembling. He shook his head and walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder causing her whole body to tense. She looked up to see his smile,
"Erza I know how much pride you have in the guild and in Master, but it's our job as S-Class wizards to set the example ya know. I mean how do you think the gild would look if we just left this job undone? Plus I don't think that the villagers know our policies so we'd probably be in the clear." he said. In her heart, she knew he and Gray were right but her damn pride stood in the way of seeing it. Erza nodded after a few moments,
"Your right we should focus on finishing the job. Their punishment can come later," she responded. Soler patted her shoulder,
"Exactly my point. Now let's get to it then Titania." he walked passed her and held open the tent flap. She smiled and walked out with Soler following.
*An Hour Later*
Currently, our group of wizards is running through the forest heading to the temple to stop the final moon drip ceremony.
"So wait you're saying that you're master cast this ice shell spell to trap Deliora," Erza said to Gray.
"Yeah, she used the spell to stop him years ago. I thought that I saw the last of that demon there but Lyon moved him here to free him." He explained,
"Why would he do this? Wouldn't it be going against your masters last wishes?" Erza asked. Gray sighed,
"He's doing this to prove that he was surpassed Ur. But he doesn't know something which is why I need to get to him and tell him before it's too late." Lucy looked at Gray confused,
"Tell him what?" she asked. Gray stopped his running with the others following suit. He leaned against a tree struggling to answer her question. Though the others were confused Soler understood what he was trying to say. On his off time, Soler likes to read up on magic, since he himself struggles with it and is always curious on the types of spells there are out there. One of the books he's read was on ice type maker magic spells. He was very surprised to see how many different spell could be formed through that type of magic, but the spell ice shell showed up and it was a pretty powerful spell. The caster entraps there opponent in solid ice and the stronger the will of the caster the longer and more difficult it is to get out of the ice. However…
"The caster of the spell, body is sacrificed to trap the opponent.." Gray said earning shocked expressions from the others who didn't know.
"That's why I have to get to him. To tell him that Ur is still with us!" An explosion interrupted the tense moment. They all looked to see smoke rising from somewhere deeper in the jungle,
"That's the direction of the temple," Lucy said,
"If it's an explosion then that means Natsu's there." Happy chimed in. Just at that moment, the entire group got surrounded by people wearing robes and holding crescent moon shaped scythes.
"None of you will interrupt the cold emperor!" one of them shouted. Soler sighed,
"Looks like your friend has his own followers," he commented. Erza drew a sword and slashed an opening,
"Gray go and stop Lyone. We'll stay here and hold off his followers." Erza said. Gray nodded and ran off to the temple leaving the rest to fight. Erza, Lucy and Happy got into fighting stances while Soler stood there looking annoyed. Erza noticed and looked at him confused,
"Soler take arms and get ready for the battle," she said. Soler though looked away and pouted,
"This sucks!" he responded earning more confused gazes from Erza and the other two,
"What do you mean by that?" Erza asked,
"Man, Natsu, and Gray get to have all the fun while I'm here being forced to battle these weaklings," he responded. Erza just sighed,
"I don't have time for this. Just suck it up and fight. You never know one of them could be a challenge." Soler looked at her clearly annoyed but her equal changeling gaze made him sigh and form two spears,
"Fine I'll fight these guys. But they better be a challenge."
***30 Minutes Later***
"Oh my god this is stupid!" screamed Soler as punched another follower. Erza deflected a strike an knocked three back,
"What are you complaining about now?" she asked. Soler threw three of his spears behind him and they all exploded causing more followers to go flying.
"What am I complaining about? I hope these guys would be something of a challenge for me, ya know so I could push myself. But instead, like I predicted, these guys are weak! Hell only about five of the people in the group are actually mages, and they are weak!" he shouted that at the group of followers. While he raged another massive explosion was heard,
"Ok, that's it. I'm going to go check and see what Gray and Natsu are doing. You guys can handle this." Soler said and before anyone could stop him he dashed off to the temple leaving Erza, Lucy, and Happy. Erza only shook her head,
"I swear sometimes he can be as bad Natsu," she complained to herself.
Soler quickly found the temple and was surprised to see that it was still in good shape. From all the explosions, and him knowing Natsu, he could have sworn it was going to be in a lot worse condition. He ran inside and going not too far inside he noticed a hole in the ground. He looked down the hole to see it lead to some cave systems below, but what made him more inclined to jump down, was that the holes edges looked melted.
Natsu. He thought before jumping down. He landed in the cave system and was immediately met with the sounds of battle echoing from further in. He followed the sounds, with them getting louder the closer he got. He was soon able to make out voices as he neared the fighting,
"Damnit! I keep smashing that orb but you just keep repairing it. That's not fair!" he heard Natsu shout. Soler entered the clearing and his eyes widened when he saw the massive monster trapped in ice sitting in the background. There was a strange purple light shining down over it also.
"You honestly say its unfair for me to use my magic?" Soler's attention switched back to the two other people in the area. He saw Natsu glaring up at a rather small man whose height was comparable to Makarovs. He wore a red mask that had some sort of green hair flowing from the back of the mask and was long enough to drape all the way down his back. He was holding some glass orb in his hand,
"With my Arc of Time magic I can reconstruct this orb as many times as you destroy it." he boasted.
Arc of time magic? That's a lost form of magic if I remember. How does this guy know that type of powerful magic? Soler thought. Natsu fumed in rage having destroyed the orb several times already,
"Ah just fight me like a man!" he shouted sounding like another man they both knew. The smaller man just laughed and let the orb go, it hovering mid-air,
"I am fighting you like a man. You just won't die like one!" he shouted back and pointed at Natsu sending the orb rocketing right at him. Natsu prepared for the attack but right before it hit him, it stopped mid-air much to both wizards confinement.
"Sorry to interrupt you boys, but the magic you use has peaked my interest." the two looked up to see Soler with his hand out staring down at them. Natsu smiled at seeing him, while the other man also held a slight smile too,
"Alright with you here this fight will be a breeze." Natsu cheered. Soler jumped down and landed next to him,
"Well you're not wrong there pal, but I didn't come alone nor for a good reason," he responded. It took Natsu a few moments to put the pieces together but once he did, he immediately started trembling,
"If y-you're here t-then that means Erzas here too." he stammered. Soler nodded,
"Yep and we were sent by Master to bring you guys back for punishment. Well, Erza is more than me," he admitted. Something inside of Natsu broke after hearing that. Not only was Erza here to drag him back to the guild, but she was to take him back after he broke the rules to master who was probably madder than she was. The fire wizard was more than dead meat when he returned to the guild. All the while this was happening the other man was trying his hardest to get his orb to return to him but, it just wouldn't move.
"Sorry pal but your little orb here isn't going anywhere. Especially since I've stopped it's flow of time," said Soler looking at the man. He grimaced now knowing Soler's abilities could cancel out his, but tucked the knowledge away for future reference.
"Well then the White Blur of Fairy Tail makes an appearance, and I'm guessing Titania's here too," he said Titania with a spat. Soler took notice but saved that for later,
"Yeah she is pal, but I don't think that she or I should be your biggest concern right now," he said with a smirk. The man looked confused but that didn't last long because a fiery fist punched him in the face and sent him flying. Natsu stood triumphantly on the spot where the small man used to stand.
"ALright! I finally got a punch in on him!" he shouted spewing fire. Soler only smirked and let his release of the orb go, catching it before it hit the ground. Natu's moments of victory was cut short since the entire area began to rumble violently,
"What the hell is going on?" Natsu said. The two looked over to Deliora and saw that the purple glow had faded and now the ice was starting to rumble and crack.
Shit, we were too late! Soler thought. The two watched as the ice fell off piece by piece revealing the demon. As its head got free its eyes glowed back to life and it let out a horrific roar, forcing Soler and Natsu to cover their ears. Soon the rest of its upper body got free and it roared even louder, happy at its new freedom. Soler and Natsu both glared at the demon but both also realized something,
"Damn it, it's freed!" They looked down to see Gray approaching behind them. He looked more banged up than when Soler last saw him. Gray looked to the newly revived Deliora with strong hatred in his eyes,
"Is back. I have to put a stop to it right here and now before it can do any more harm!" Soler watched as Gray got into a stance and crossed his arms before him. Soler recognized the stance and he immediately stood in front of him.
"Gray calm down. Everything is going to be fine," he said.
"Why do you keep trying to stop me. I have to do this! I have to refreeze Deliora before it's too late. Stay out of my way!" Gray responded back his magic starting to swirl. Soler looked stood his ground not phased by his words. The demon Deliora roared drawing all the attention back to it. The demon had finally noticed the humans in the room and it was ready to get rid of them, raising a fist in the air primed to attack. Gray panicked even more wanting to freeze this demon quickly, yet Soler stood his ground looking up at the beast with a calm expression. Natsu, on the other hand, saw this as a challenge and fire flared to life on his fist,
"So you want to play after just waking up huh? Well that's fine with me. Let's play!" he shouted throwing a punch. Deliora followed suit being riled up from the dragon slayer and punched right for him. The two powerful attacks clashed with a magnificent display, power of the two easy to feel. Soler and Gray watched the clash waiting to see to came out on top. The wait didn't last long, as the two broke apart, Natsu landed back down in front of them and Deliora rose back up. Everything went silent after the clash and now everyone was just waiting around for the next move. Then a crack appeared on its hand and creeped up its entire arm. Gray watched in shock and awe as the thing of his nightmares crumbled before his very eyes,
"H-How? But…"
"It was already dead Gray," Natsu said,
"Ice shell is more effective the stronger the will of the caster. In short for Deliora to just crumble as it is means that you had an incredible master." Soler added. The ice mage feel to his knees his hand clutching his chest and tears flowing from his eyes,
You saved me again Ur. Soler and Natsu watched with silent smiles as Gray cried for his master one last time.
Some hours passed and soon the Fairy Tail wizards were leaving Galuna Island. The job was completed, Lyone was stopped, and the ruler breakers were apprehended. Now everyone rode the pirate ship back to the port and then back to Fairy Tail.
"Who would have thought that the villagers were actually demon people all along," Lucy said.
"Well if you did your research before charging in you'd have known that there was a demon tribe on the island for centuries. Only in the past few years were human ever recorded on the island." Soler explained.
"Hmm, that makes sense," Lucy responded.
"The fact none of you knew that only added to the fact you weren't ready for this job." Erza chimed in. Gray rolled his eye,
"Yeah, yeah we get it," he said to himself. Even with Erzas scolding the mood was light-hearted amongst them, it was kinda hard for it not to be with Natsu vomiting off the side of the ship. Soler smiled as he looked on to the nearing Hargeon Town his spirits high, but for some reason, he had an odd feeling in his chest that made everything is not as calm as it seems.
And done! I don't got much to say here but leave a review and tell me what you think! Oh also dont forget my Tumblr page!If oyu have any questions, thoughts or prompt ideas sent me it there! This is Solerwolf...later!