In the last chapter, Willy was taken in custody of the magic council.

But what will happen to him? Find out... now!

Chapter 54

Imprisoned

After the carriage doors shut, I sat down next to Jellal. Then we felt the carriage shudder and jolt and also heard the sound of clattering of wheels turning and the footsteps of the army meaning that the carriage that we were in was now on the move. I know that I told Wendy to be brave, but at this point, I was beginning to feel a little scared. It made me wonder what Lahar had in store for us and was Jellal really going to be executed?

I stared at the floor my hands slightly trembling a little. Then I felt a hand being placed on top of on mine causing me to look up. The hand belonged to Richard who was smiling calmly at me.

"Fear not, young lad," he said. "There's no need to be so afraid. It may look bad for now, but as long as we have love in our hearts, there's nothing we can't overcome nor fear. Oh yeah!"

"Th-thank you, but... that's easier said than done," I replied. "I... I feel so afraid right now. I know I was just telling Wendy not to worry, but... I can't help but wonder what's going to happen to us? What if... what if we'll end up being... executed?"

"I doubt that would be the case," said Jellal. "Since you two were members of the Oración Seis, I doubt you two would face execution. If anything, I'm the one who's facing such a charge."

"But Jellal, surely they would go a little easier on you," I said. "I mean you helped us take down Nirvana."

"It doesn't matter," said Jellal solemnly. "I've done some terrible things and that still makes me guilty in the eyes of the law."

"It's still not fair," I protested. "You don't remember anything that you did in the past and they're just going to punish you anyway by execution?!"

"It may not be fair, but that's how it is," said Jellal. "If that's what must happen to me, then I have no choice but to accept it. No matter how I or anyone else thinks so."

I didn't say anything more, for I didn't what to say or what to think as the carriage continued on it's to our unknown destination.

NO POV

Meanwhile, in the ship belonging to Grimoire Heart, Ultear came up to Hades who was still sitting on his throne.

"Master Hades," said Ultear bowing respectively. "I'm so sorry to disturb you my lord, but I've just received word."

"What is it, Ultear?" asked Hades. "Is it as I expected?

"Yes it is indeed, master," replied Ultear. "The Oración Seis have fallen and Nirvana was destroyed by hands of Fairy Tail and the Allied Forces."

"I suppose those do-gooders are as capable as I anticipated," said Hades brushing his beard. "However, our objective still remains unhindered."

"I agree, sir. The destruction of Nirvana was nothing more, but a ripple in the vast ocean of our scheme," spoke Ultear. "Obtaining the keys to Zeref's seal. However..."

"However what Ultear?" asked Hades raising a brow. "Do not try my patience."

Ultear now feeling uncertain continued. "I feel as if Nirvana's destruction may cause an even greater disturbance. A disturbance so great, that it will render our goals unreachable if left alone."

Hades chuckled. "Well, this is interesting as is rare. This isn't like you, Ultear. You're not feeling uneasy are you?"

Ultear smiled. "Not at all. In fact, I'm looking forward to it. In fact, I have other news that might be of interest to you, Master Hades. Something having to do with Zeref"

"Speak," said Hades.

"I should warn you that this may be just a rumor, but I felt like that you should be the first to know," said Ultear. "There's a person in this world that has a powerful magic dwelling within. A magic that is similar to or rather just like Zeref's and rumor has it, that this person might be a key to unsealing him, or least have some connections to him."

Hades now stared intently at Ultear his interest peaked. "Go on," he said an evil smile forming on his lips.

Meanwhile, as for the Allied Forces, everyone was still feeling depressed after seeing Jellal and Willy being taken away by the Magic Council, but things would only get more depressing from there, especially for a certain dragon slayer. It started when the Allied Forces decided to stay with Cait Shelter for a bit to recover their strengths. After they fully recovered, Roubaul the master of Cait Shelter reveals two startling truths about Cait Shelter and Nirvana.

The first was that the members of the Cait Shelter guild weren't descendants of the Nirvits. They were in truth the actual Nirvits themselves. Around four hundred years ago, Roubaul himself created Nirvana in the hopes of getting rid of the darkness and stopping wars. It worked, but it ended up with a different result. It was true that Nirvana turned the darkness into the light, however, the Nirvits themselves became steeped in the darkness that Nirvana took in order to maintain balance making the Nirvits fight and kill each other leaving Roubaul the only remaining survivor.

Speaking of Roubaul, he then revealed another startling truth. He himself was dead a long time ago and was nothing more, but a spirit watching and waiting for someone capable of destroying Nirvana while he remained alone. Then one day seven years ago, a young Jellal happened upon Roubaul carrying an unconscious and young Wendy and asked Roubaul to take care of her. Seeing a fierce determination in Jellal's eyes and not wanting to turn him away, Roubaul agreed and then created a powerful illusion Cait Shelter and all of its members so Wendy wouldn't be lonely meaning that all the people in Cait Shelter were nothing more but projections.

Wendy was shocked and deeply saddened as was Carla, but Roubaul consoled her by telling her that she no longer had any need of fake friends for she and Carla had found real ones. Then feeling happy that Nirvana was destroyed and having his burdens lifted, Roubaul fades from existence finally being able to rest in peace. Wendy was stricken with grief, but Erza comforts her by telling her to bury her sadness in the comfort of being with her friends and invites her to be a part of Fairy Tail. Afterward, all the members of the Allied Forces returned to their respective guilds with Wendy and Carla being new additions to Fairy Tail.

When they got to the guild hall, they were immediately welcomed by all of the other members warmly. Erza then introduced the two newest members of the guild.

"A lot of has happened since we left, but long story short, Wendy and Carla are Fairy Tail's newest members," she said. "So make sure to treat them well."

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," said Wendy politely bowing.

Every one of the members went gaga over Wendy and Carla seeing from how cute she was. They were even more thrilled upon hearing that she was also a dragon slayer. The guild members immediately began throwing a welcome party for them. While everyone else was busy partying, Erza went to speak with Makarov.

"Hello Master," she said.

"Ah, Erza. Good to see you and the others back and," said Makarov. "Thank you for bringing two precious and powerful members to the guild back with you and good work. Maybe now things will quiet down a bit now that the Oración Seis is out of the picture."

Erza frowned. "Actually Master... there's something that I need to talk to you about. Something important that I'd rather not discuss here."

Makarov was a bit surprised, but he agreed. Then he and Erza went to the upper floor of the Guildhall, so they could be alone. After making sure that they were alone, Makarov spoke to Erza.

"What is it, Erza?" he asked. "What could be so important that you needed to speak with me alone?"

"Because I don't want people to hear me," said Erza. "It's about what happened during our battle with the Oración Seis. During that time, I encountered someone who I didn't expect to be with them. Someone... that I thought that was long gone and never to be seen again."

"And who was that?" asked Makarov.

Erza paused impressively and dramatically. Then she took a deep breath and spoke in a low spoke so that only Makarov would hear her.

"Willy Falconer."

Makarov eyes wide with shock and he stared at Erza. "...what?!"

"Yes. I found out when I was fighting one of their members," explained Erza. "One of their members Shark intervened in the battle and it turned out, Shark's true identity was... Willy Falconer."

Makarov was even more shocked than before and even slightly angry. "Willy was with the Oración Seis!? But why?! Has he become an enemy?!"

"No master! It's not his fault," said Erza hastily. "The Oración Seis were controlling him with a spell forcing him to do whatever they wanted. Luckily, the spell that was controlling him has been lifted and he was able to return to normal... but..."

"Go on, Erza," urged Makarov.

Erza sighed. "He's lost his memories most likely due to being under the spell," she continued. "The only thing he remembers is how to use his spell he was taught. He doesn't remember anything or anyone."

"I see," said Makarov. "At least we now know that Willy's alive and well. Speaking of which, where is he now?"

"I'm afraid the Magic Council has taken him into custody," said Erza solemnly. "Most likely, Willy is being sent to a branch of the council as we speak."

"Damn it," cursed Makarov. "Those blowhards from the Council always were a pain in my backside. Makes me remember the time you were taken in custody, Erza," He sat there stroking his beard in thought. "Does anyone else know about this?"

"No. The only ones who know about him are all the members of the Allied Forces," said Erza. "Including me, Natsu, Gray, Lucy, Wendy, Happy and Carla. Do you have something in mind?"

"Yes. I do," said Makarov. "First things first, you must not tell anyone about this. Especially Elfman and Mirajane."

"But is that wise Master?" asked Erza worriedly. "Mirajane and Elfman have been looking for Willy ever since they found out he disappeared. They have a right to know about this."

"I understand that, but we can't tell them. Not just yet," said Makarov gravely. "If anyone in the guild found out about, it would cause a huge ruckus. Mirajane and Elfman especially would be worried. In fact, I want you to tell Natsu and the others not to tell anyone either. The last thing that I want is a repeat of what happened when you were taken into custody. Is that understood?"

Erza was a bit reluctant, but she nodded. "Of course Master," she said. "If that's what you wish, but... is there anything that we can do to help Willy?"

"To be perfectly honest with you, I'm not sure, Erza," said Makarov. "I can safely say that it doesn't look good for him. However, I think I know someone that might be able to help him."

Erza wasn't sure who Makarov meant, but then she realized. "Wait... do you mean..."

"Yes. And I can say for a fact that this person is not going to stand idly by. Especially since Willy is alive. Which is why I must send a message right away," said Makarov as he walked away from Erza. "In the meantime, I want you to tell Natsu and the others what I told you tomorrow morning. If they choose to say otherwise, refer them to me."

"Understood Master," said Erza.

WILLY'S POV

I don't know how long we've been moving, but I would have to assume that it had been a long time. Needless to say, that the whole trip has been rather"uncomfortable. My legs felt a little numb and tired due to sitting for so long, I felt tired, hungry, and most of all very thirsty. It had been a while since I had a drink of water or anything to drink for that matter. It made me wonder how long it had been since we left Natsu and the others.

"A cup of water would really sound pretty good right about now," I thought to myself. "My throat's feeling kinda dry and I really would like to get out of this carriage now."

I would soon get my wish for right then with a jolt the sounds of carriage wheels turning stopped causing me, Jellal, and Richard to look up.

"It seems that we stopped," said Richard.

Then the carriage doors opened and we were greeted by Lahar's scowling face.

"Come on you three, out," he ordered.

Having no other option, the three of us stepped out of the carriage. As I stepped outside, my vision had some trouble adjusting to the sunlight due to being in the carriage, but it managed to fix itself. When I was able to see, a startling sight might my eyes. Before us was a large building. It was pretty large in appearance, it seemed to be sitting in the middle of a lake. The lower part had several strange brown pipes protruding from the lake and holding up the larger part of the building which was a large green prism with two large purple rings with a large red sphere all seeming to be made out of glass and crystal. The landscape of the area seemed to be very rocky and surrounded by mountains.

As soon as we were out of the carriage, we were then restrained by strange creatures that looked just like humanoid frogs and were taken towards the building. As we grew closer and closer to it, I began to grow more scared and nervous.

"Wh-where are we?" I wondered aloud.

"If I had to make a guess, that must be a branch of the Magic Council," said Richard. "Although I don't know where in Fiore this branch is."

"How observant of you, Hoteye," said Lahar. "This is one of the many branches of the Magic Council and this is where you three will be staying where you'll be put on trial for your crimes."

The frog people pairing in twos, lead us toward the building until we were inside by using a path that led across the lake towards the building. Once we were inside, we stood on a strange platform in the shape of a magic circle. Once we stepped on it, we were immediately teleported to a big and spacious room with various blue rectangular glass prisms with pyramids on the ends floating around. In those prisms were various men and women, all looking miserable or not having a care in the world. They had to have been the different criminals locked up in here. There was also more various frog beings floating on strange platforms wielding staffs.

"These will be where you're new homes for now on," said Lahar. "Please enjoy your stay."

One of the prisms floated down towards us and opened up. Then the frogs escorting Richard walked to it, undid his handcuffs, and then pushed him inside of the prism causing him to stumble a bit, but he managed to say upright. He then looked back at me and Jellal.

"Well my friends, this might be the last time we see each other face to face like this, but don't lose hope," he said smiling. "For as long as you need love, there's nothing you can't overcome. Oh yeah!"

The opening of Richard's prism closed and began to float up to the air. Another prism then came down and the two frogs who were escorting Jellal undid his handcuffs and pushed into the prism making him fall to it.

"Hey! There's no need to be rough!" I complained.

"Oh shut your mouth," said one of the frog beings. "When it comes to criminals like you, we can be as rough as we want."

"It's alright Willy," said Jellal as he got to his feet. "I'm fine. There's no need to be concerned. Well then, I guess this is where we part ways for now. I don't know if I'll ever see you again, but I pray that you be safe and regain your memories, Willy. Be strong."

The opening to Jellal's prism then closed and then it floated away to another part of the room. The third and last prism then came down and then opened and the two frogs escorting me then unshackled my handcuffs pushed me into the prism as the opening shut behind me.

"And by the way, your magic will be rendered useless as long as you're in there," said Lahar. "So don't try to do anything stupid."

The prism with me inside then floated upwards until I was high above the room almost touching the ceiling. If I didn't have vertigo, I would have gotten a little sick from how high I was. In fact... now that I thought about it, I felt a little sick as the prison went up, but that quickly disappeared when it stopped. Having to have nothing else better to do, I sat down on the bottom of my prison and hugged my legs putting my head in between them.

As I sat there, my heart was beating like I just ran a mile and I felt scared once again. It made me have a strange feeling. A strange feeling that I've experienced something like this before. I didn't have any idea why I was feeling like this, but one thing was for sure; I didn't like it.

NO POV

The next day after having a huge welcome party, Erza saw Team Natsu as well as Happy and Carla and told them what Makarov wanted them to do. Naturally, they were less than happy.

"You're kidding me! He wants us to keep quiet about Willy being with the Magic Council?!" demanded Natsu.

"That's right," said Erza nodding. "No one in the guild can know about this. Not even Mira and Elfman."

"But... doesn't Mira have a right to know if Willy's safe?!" asked Lucy. "I mean you said she and Elfman were looking and waiting for him for six years!"

"I'm well aware, but the Master doesn't want the guild to worry," said Erza. "Not to mention he doesn't want a repeat of what happened when I was taken by the council." She then looked at Natsu narrowing her eyes. "Right Natsu?"

Natsu gulped and looked away scratching his cheek. "Oh yeah... I forgot about that..." he said sheepishly.

"What is Erza talking about?" Wendy asked Lucy.

"Oh yeah. You weren't around when it happened," said Lucy. "She's talking about the time that she was arrested by the council awhile back when we saved the Guild Master's League from Einsenwald. They were planning on using the Lullaby flute to kill them, but luckily we were able to stop them. However, the Magic Council ended up filing charges against her for property damage."

"Those charges were nothing more, but a farce Lucy," said Erza. "The Magic Council was only giving a show to the public to let them know that if anyone breaks the law, they'll be punished. It would have gone a lot smoother, but..." She glared at Natsu. "Natsu here decided to show up and break into the courtroom and go on a rampage pretending to me. Because of that, I had to sit in a jail cell!"

Natsu bowed to Erza now sweating buckets. "I'm sorry OK?! I already apologized to you over and over again!"

"Honestly," sighed Carla. "This is the boy who defeated Zero? I'm starting to wonder an idiot like him ever managed to accomplish such a task."

"Now, now Carla. Don't be mean," chided Wendy.

"In any case, whether we like it or not, we can't tell anyone about Willy," said Erza. "So I want you all to keep quiet about him. Is that understood?"

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.

"But Erza, just one question," said Gray. "I know what we have to do, but what about Willy? What's Gramps gonna do about him?"

"Master Makarov has contacted someone," said Erza. "Someone that he thinks will no doubt come to Willy's aid."

"Did he tell you who it is?" asked Lucy.

"No, but I know exactly who it is," said Erza. "It's someone who was close with Willy along with the Strauss siblings back when they were kids. This someone also taught Willy everything when it comes to fighting and using his magic. I also met this person once, but that was a couple years ago."

"But... who are you talking about Erza?" asked Gray. "Stop keeping us in the dark and tell us already."

Meanwhile, just outside of the branch, two mysterious people wearing black cloaks hiding their faces and clothes were walking into town heading towards the branch. One of them was tall and the other was rather short.

The tall one let out a sigh. "Thank goodness, we managed to get here with no trouble, Master," the tall one said in a male voice. "Although, it would have been faster if we had flown."

"Oh come now, there's no sense in exhausting our magic for trivial things," said the short one who spoke in a female elderly voice. "Besides, you could use the exercise."

"I think I've had my fair share of exercise from training with you, Master," chuckled the short one. He then looked towards the building. "So that's one of the branches of the Magic Council huh? Looks a bit stranger than I expected."

"Yes. I must admit that it looks a bit... superfluous, but our opinions don't really matter, do they?" chuckled the short one.

The tall one chuckled and looked up at the building again. His tone then became serious. "Master, is that really where he is? Is he really there?"

"According to what my friend Makarov said, yes he is," said the short one. "Plus, I can feel it. It's faint and suppressed, but I can feel his magic power coming from that palace up there."

"So... he is alive," said the tall one. "I'm glad... It's been so long since I've seen him."

"I know," said the short one. "We've haven't seen him for a long time and now we're going to see him again after all these years. I only wish it wasn't under these circumstances."

The tall one then turned to the short one. "Master, are you sure we'll be able to help him?" he asked. "If what Makarov said was true, then he'll have no idea who we are nor if we're friend or foe."

"Fear not my boy," said the short one as she started walking ahead of him. "We will help him. We will restore his memory, clear his name, and then get him out of this place. After all, he is my precious student and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let the Magic Council imprison him when he's innocent. Plus, I've been meaning to see a certain someone."

"Who is this someone, Master?" asked the tall man as he followed.

"I'll tell you later," said the short one. "For now, let's get inside."

"Yes Master," said the tall one.

Then the two cloaked figures headed towards the branch with the goal of fulfilling their mission.

Now from here on in, it's going to be an original idea!

But will Willy be able to get out of prison?! And who are these two mysterious figures?!

Stay tuned! Until then...

Dragoman out!