A/N: ... It's been sometime, hasn't it? I don't really have much to say or excuses to give. I've spent the last year focusing on my Kodomo No Omocha story. But, I've had recent inspiration and I just started writing. And then this happened. So, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! (P.S. You may wanna re-read because even I had too.)
War of Fire
-O-
Chapter 6: Introductions
Lucy stared with wide eyes at the two supposed leaders of the Resistance. When she pictured the Resistance, she did not see a woman half her height and a man nearing his death bed at the forefront. But, here she was, standing with pride and confidence.
The old man, Makarov Dreyar, was now wearing a gentle smile that made it hard to believe he was the same man who was just interrogating her before.
"This... this is the Resistance?" She asked once more for clarification.
Mavis Vermillion, the so-called leader of the Rebellion, smiled earnestly. Her pale features were overshadowed by the brightness in her green eyes and the small smile on her lips. It was incredibly hard to believe that this woman lead the fight against the Empire.
"Yes." She replied.
"And you two are the head of the Resistance?" Lucy needed to wrap her mind around this.
If these two really were the commanders of the Rebellion, what were they doing interrogating her? She was just a runaway mage. Why did they spend their time speaking with her when they could be doing other things?
Why was she so important? And why did they say it was fate to finally meet her?
"I know all of this may seem strange to you, but rest assured, we have been awaiting your arrival."
Lucy's jaw dropped, the Commander of the Resistance herself, causing more confusion than clarification.
"Now, let's leave this dreadful room and move somewhere more comfortable, shall we?"
The door opened without a single motion and the leaders of the Resistance walked out the door. Makarov Dreyar allowed for her to exit first, the room behind them now turning into a wall of hard, dark rock.
Still filled with apprehension, Lucy kept herself guarded and scouted her surroundings.
"I suppose running away from the Heartfilia Residence and living on the run for the past two years causes one to grow weary of their surroundings."
The blonde-haired mage bit down on her lip and heard a chuckle from in front of her. Mavis Vermillion turned to her with her bright emerald green eyes and smiled candidly.
"This is a cold world. I suppose one can never be too careful."
Lucy nodded reluctantly. Up until a few years ago, Lucy was not subjected to the cruelty of this world. Living in higher class, she was surrounded by wealth and luxury. With her mother being an ambassador and representative for the people and her father owning one of the biggest railroad companies in the country, Lucy never had to worry about living in poverty.
But, she knew how corrupt and disgusting those of the top percent were and acted.
She had seen their deceit and lies. The crooked politicians with their vast money and the discrimination amongst ranked mages in Zeref's circle and the local government's corruption and exploitation of their tenants.
Lucy had seen it all.
She didn't understand when she was a child.
As an adult, it wasn't something Lucy could stand to continue seeing.
"I have never known this world to be anything but." She replied sullenly.
Makarov Dreyar scoffed next to her. "This world was beautiful once. As a boy, our king was a thoughtful and kind ruler. Mages were free to join guilds across the country and practice as they wished with reason. People lived without fear of being taken, robbed, or killed. The world was not perfect. But, there was opportunities to live a peaceful life."
It sounded like a fantasy, Lucy thought. These words this man spoke seemed so foreign. But she supposed with his age, he lived in a world before Zeref took reign.
"We will return to those days, dear Makarov." The small but fierce commander spoke with confidence as they continued down a dimly lit hallway. "The Resistance will prevail. We will win and free the world of Zeref and his dictatorship."
There was such sincerity and nobility to her voice. She spoke with confidence, with a regal air that made one want to believe in her words. Despite her appearance, her tone of voice, this woman spoke with a type of reverie that made Lucy want to follow her.
She imagined that the Resistance followed her with the undying loyalty.
"I do have to say though," The pale blonde started, "I am impressed with your actions against Bora of Prominence."
Her face soured immediately at the thought of that vile man. That man used his magic for corruption instead of fighting for the freedom of their country. And he had no remorse against who he hurt. All he cared about was money.
"I can't take complete credit of defeating him. Natsu did most of the work. If we're being honest, without Natsu's intervention, I would be half way around the world right now." Chills ran down her spine as she thought about what her future would have entailed.
"You give yourself little credit, Lucy. While our efforts have been towards the Empire, we have had notes on Bora the Prominence for some time. Our focus is the Empire, but we have different divisions within the Resistance. One of them focuses on external affairs." Lucy couldn't help but admire the authoritative yet comforting tone that the commander of the Resistance spoke with. "While the Emperor is our main priority, there is much evil that has spawn from Zeref's rule. Bora was one of them."
The blonde clenched her fist tightly.
She couldn't get the frightened look of those women out of her mind for days.
"Nonetheless, Natsu wouldn't have been able to defeat Bora without your intervention. You saved those girls, Lucy. You should take credit where credit is due."
"Thank you, Commander."
Lucy bowed her head with gratitude.
It was an honor to receive a compliment from a person in a high position of power.
"Oh dear, please rise. We are comrades now. No matter my position, we are companions." She turned to the other lead of the Resistance, who has remained relatively quiet since they left the interrogation room.
He nodded with a small smile on his face.
"Now, are you ready to explore your new home, Lucy?" The blonde-haired mage smiled, feeling much more comfortable after her commander's comforting words. Someone who held that type of genuity wasn't part of the Empire.
Excitement bubbled in her chest as a jubilant smile crossed her face. The hallway came to an end and Lucy was greeted by a bustling atmosphere. Despite being held underground, the base was live with activity. They stood atop the guard rail, looking above the hardworking members of the Resistance.
Her eyes shone as she watched everyone move with haste.
She could see the hardness in their eyes, what war has forced upon them. She could see their rigidness and the determination and fire in their eyes to rid the country of Zeref and his empire.
But what most drew Lucy in was the fluidness of their systematics. While they were hard at work, she still felt a warmness. She could see children running around, pretending to be freedom fighters. She could see refugees coming together with the resistance members, building relationships. She could see the smiles on the faces as food was being served to the relentless freedom fighters that gave it their all.
Lucy imagined that if guilds were still around, this would be what it felt like.
"I didn't realize you took in civilians." The blonde mage said, watching as the members of the resistance escorted them to what she assumed was the bed quarters.
The commander's emerald green eye's fell as she watched with sad eyes.
"We take those displaced by the Empire." This time, it was Makarov Dreyar that spoke. He watched with keen eyes as a grim line rested under his mustache. "We give comfort and solidarity to refugees who have lost everything."
She clenched her fist, thinking of all the families she has seen in her travels that lost their homes and lives to the hands of the Empire.
"We offer an opportunity for those to join our cause." Mavis spoke in her gentle voice as her eyes wondered down to the children. "Those who fight are offered placement for their families, hence the children." She smiled.
"We have children who have only ever known the Resistance and when they are old enough, join the cause after their parent's footsteps."
"And for those who don't want to be involved, we relocate them to a safe place, a safe haven you can say." Makarov followed, his hands behind his back.
Lucy appreciated that the Resistance didn't force the refugees to join the fight against their will. While it has been nothing but her dream to join the Freedom Fighter's, she knew that not everyone could do what they do.
She had heard rumors about the dwindling numbers of the Rebellion and how they were losing more than gaining. She wasn't sure if this was true, but for the celestial mage to hear that they did not force people to join warmed her.
"Shall we continue?" The Commander ushered her along as they walked along the guard rail and down into the stairs to the central area of the base.
The mage didn't notice before, but Mavis wasn't so much walking as she was floating. She was barefoot and stepping a few inches off the ground with every step. There was a splash of color with every step she took. It made Lucy a bit weary, knowing that despite her child like appearance, this woman was a powerful mage.
As for Makarov Dreyar, she could sense the immense power he held. He may have appeared like an old, defenseless man, but he was without a doubt, powerful in all forms. Lucy knew that these two were not mages to trifle with, especially the Commander.
When they stepped on the floor, one by one, the freedom fighters began to notice their Commander's presence. The floor that was once bustling with activity, stopped dead center to look at their leaders.
She could hear whispers as they gazed with admiration and wide eyes.
"Whoa, it's the Commander!"
"Is that her? I've heard rumors of the child like appearance, but I've never seen her before!"
"It's Makarov Dreyar! He's a lot smaller than I heard him to be."
"Who's the girl?"
"Is that a new recruit?"
"Wow, aren't we lucky to get to see her?"
Lucy gulped, feeling the intense stares at her.
Mavis smiled and waved all at her faithful companions that continue to fight under her. Makarov nodded his head at the shouting of his name.
But it was mostly silent as the Commander made her way through the crowd.
Until a group of children broke through the crowd and landed at the feet of the woman.
Mavis Vermillion stopped in her step and went wide eyed at the children who were laughing, playing with wooden swords and shields.
It was a small girl who first realized what they did as she looked up at the Commander. "Who are you?" She asked. Some audible gasps with other chuckles scattered across the room.
The pale green-eyed woman smiled. "My name is Mavis. What is yours?"
"Aymui!" She replied with a toothy grin.
"Oh! Oh! I'm Sota!"
"And I'm Ray!"
The children began to talk animatedly with the Commander of the Resistance. Lucy giggled at their innocence. They had no idea who she was and how important this woman was. When they get older, they will realize the importance of this encounter.
"Oh my! Children!" A frantic mother made her way through the crown and grabbed her children. With wide eyes, she bowed at Mavis. "Oh, Commander. I apologize for their disruption."
Lucy could see the distress in the woman's eyes. She could see her fear, her fatigue. This woman had been through hell.
Mavis gave a sincere smile as she reached a hand out.
"Oh, please. No bowing to me. Rise." The woman rose and the children stared in awe as a bright light emitted from around the pale blonde.
"It's very nice to meet you children. Please, enjoy your youth. But, be sure to let these wonderful people work." They all nodded with vigor and Mavis turned her attention towards the mother.
"Please, do not fret. They are children. We must let them take what innocence they have and run off with it." A giggle from the Commander.
She turned her attention towards the rest of the Resistance base.
"It is great seeing you all." She started with a soft voice that seemed to echo throughout the base. The blonde wore a warming small. "Thank you for relentless work you give every day. We wouldn't be able to fight against the Empire without each and every one of you."
Her soft features turned to that of confidence and her eyes lit brightly with conviction.
"Our efforts will not be in vain. We will defeat the Emperor and take back Fiore. We will win and bring justice back to our country. The sun will shine on us again, my fellow comrades."
A joyous cheer erupted in the halls as the freedom fighters pumped their fists into the air. Men, women, and children alike cheered with greater reverie as the Commander spoke strong words. Makarov Dreyar gave a small smile as his people were filled with positivity.
Mavis said her goodbyes to the children and the mother.
Within moments, Lucy, Makarov, and Mavis were at the other end of the central hub of the base. The blonde blinked, not sure how it happened.
This woman continued to amaze her.
"This is where we part ways, Ms. Heartfilia." The dull, green eyed woman turned to her with a girlish smile. "After all, a resistance does not lead itself." She winked and Makarov chuckled huskily.
She placed a gentle hand to Lucy's forearm. The blonde was suddenly overwhelmed with her magical power. "I do look forward to the contributions you bring to the Resistance." Her form began to glow in a transparent green. "I hope we see one another soon."
She gave a small, earnest smile.
"Makarov, I leave her to you."
He nodded in response.
In a matter of seconds, Mavis Vermillion disappeared without Lucy getting another word in.
Lucy's jaw dropped, eyes wide with the sudden disappearance.
She looked back towards the older man and back to where her Commander once was.
"How did she do that?" In total awe, Lucy began to calculate and formulate ways that the pale blonde was able to disappear. Since they had met, the celestial mage had been attempting to figure out what exactly their Commander's magical ability was.
It was nothing that Lucy had ever read in her mother's books or the books she was able to get a hold of during her travels.
"The Commander's magic is a mystery, to even those in the council." The council? Lucy thought to herself. "Very few know the essence or even the capability of her magical power. Only those very few fortunate have ever been blessed with the ability to see the full essence."
Lucy nodded, understanding why the Commander of the Resistance must keep her magic shielded. If the Empire ever got word about what her magic was entitled too, then that would mean great trouble for the rebellion.
"You mentioned a council?" She asked, and Makarov nodded.
"Yes." He coughed, then encouraged her to follow him. Lucy quickly ran next to him. "Similar to that of Zeref's Spirrigan 12, the Rebellion houses the Commander's Council of Mages. While Mavis makes the final decision, the council has heavy weigh and input."
"The council is made of powerful mages that have years of experience fighting against the Empire. Some of the serving council members were part of the Magic Council and the Ten Wizard Saints before the rise of Zeref."
Lucy's eyes grew as wide as saucers as Makarov shared this information with her.
"The Ten Wizard Saints!?" She exclaimed and Makarov chuckled at her reaction.
The blonde had read all about the Ten Wizard Saints and the Magic Council during her childhood and her travels. The Ten Wizard Saints were prestigious mages who were granted their titles through the Chairman of the Magic Council. Some were headmasters of their respective guilds while others were part of the council itself.
The Magic Council was the ruling body of the entire magical world. While the King was the governing body of the people, the magic Council dealt with all matters in regards to magic. They held guilds and mages responsible for reckless behavior and law breaking. They were able to charge mages and guild's with crimes against the country of Fiore. The only way that mages could prevent serving time was through forgiveness of the King or Queen of Fiore.
The Magic Council was also responsible for keeping powerful artifacts out of the hands of both registered and dark guilds. Along with their council, they had a military division that kept ordinance amongst the cities and towns. The Rune Knights were often sent to deal with disorderly conduct and for arrest of any mages who broke the laws. They kept order and stability throughout the entirety of the magical world.
That was until Zeref destroyed the Magic Council.
Stories passed down and her books stated that Zeref delivered a powerful blow to the Magic Council's tower, killing every member in an instance along with the Rune Knights. There were very few survivors. This came after the annihilation of Crocus.
"Yes, the Ten Wizard Saints were a powerful group of mages who held great prestige across Fiore." He spoke and Lucy nodded.
"I've read all about them! The books stated that they could level cities with their power."
"You've done lots of reading, haven't you?" Makarov humored her as he smiled at her.
Lucy blushed with slight embarrassment.
"Well, with how busy both my mother and father were, I had a lot of time to read. I was very intrigued by the world before the Empire. I was fascinated with the world of magic. I wanted so badly to have magic before my celestial magic manifested." Lucy remembered when she was able to use her mother's key, summoning Aquarius accidently.
"Although, once my magic manifested, mother was keen on hiding me from the Empire. She didn't want them to know about my magical powers."
He hummed, nodding.
"Your mother was a highly respected woman across Fiore, even down here in the Resistance." Makarov remained silent for a moment. "The world went into great mourning when she passed."
Her heart fell heavy. The day of her mother's death was forever engraved into her. Lucy's life changed forever after her mother's death. It was then that she realized how cruel this world could be.
"But she was not wrong to hide you from Zeref." He stopped in his steps and looked over at her. "Celestial magic is a rare form of holder magic. Because of your mother's position, she was untouchable."
"But if he was to get a hold of celestial magic, the Resistance would have no chance to take down the Empire."
That statement made Lucy gulp.
Since the manifestation of her powers, Lucy had been warned her whole life to keep her magic at bay, to hide her keys from everyone around her. Her mother counseled her to hide her powers, her father forbade her from using her magic and after her mother passed, Aquarius was always chastising her when summoning either her or Taurus.
But she never understood why.
Now she had an idea.
"Did you know my mother?" She asked, and he looked away from her. "Because it seemed like both you and the Commander did with how fondly you spoke of her."
"We crossed paths with your mother often. She was a great companion and she was a strong voice for the innocent."
And that was all he said before they continued walking. They walking silence a bit longer before they reached a corridor.
"Follow me this way, Ms. Heartfilia." He spoke as they walked through the second door.
Walking into the room, there was a large living space with a few couches and a coffee table. Not decorative, but roomy enough. On the couch, there was a woman sitting with a small child, a girl with a cowgirl hat on her head. She had dark hair and a cute, old western outfit on.
The woman was absolutely beautiful.
She had snow white hair that cascaded down her bodice and striking blue eyes that sparkled with the lighting of the room. She had a soft skin tone and a bright smile. From what Lucy could see, she had a nearly perfect body figure as her purple dress hugged her curves.
Lucy found herself blushing at her beauty.
"Ahem." He cleared his throat, and the woman broke her gaze on the child and shifted her eyes to the new pair in the room.
"Oh! Master Makarov!" Lucy's heart melted at the sweetness in the woman's voice. Her eyes immediately went to the blonde. The small child smiled at the older man.
"Grandpa!" She jumped off the couch and jumped into the arms of the man next to her. Lucy went wide eye at the informality between this child and a leader of the Rebellion.
"Well hello little Asuka. How are you today?" He carried her in his arms and she grabbed at the grey hairs at the side of his head. Mirajane smiled at her, then down at the older man and child.
"Great! I get to hand out with Auntie Mira while Mommy and Daddy are working hard!" He chuckled ant padded down on her head.
"Well doesn't that sound like a great time." She nodded with excitement but when she caught Lucy's gaze, she hid behind the older man and suddenly went very quiet.
Lucy continue to smile despite the child's sudden quietness. Makarov noticed her change in behavior and put her down.
"Asuka, I have some work to do and need to talk to Mira. Do you mind stepping into the playroom?"
The girl nodded shyly and Makarov put her down and the white-haired woman gave her a doll that Lucy did not see initially. The girl clutched the doll close to her chest and ran off through the door on the other side of the room.
Once the girl was out of site, Makarov turned his attention to the woman, who was now standing.
"Mirajane. This here is Lucy." He introduced and her eyes lit up. The blonde smiled nervously. "Lucy, this is Mirajane Strauss. She is in charge of the men's and women's quarters along with recruitment development."
"Oh! A new recruit! Welcome!" She clapped her hands together and greeted her with enthusiasm.
"If you would, please assist Lucy in her accommodation to the women's quarters. " The white-haired woman, Mirajane, nodded. "And the usual." He rolled his hand and she nodded once more.
"Absolutely! Come! Follow me, Lucy." The woman grabbed Lucy by the hand and pulled her towards her. The blonde yelped slightly as she lunged forward. Her heart started racing and she felt her anxiety build up once more.
She had only spent time with Natsu, Happy, and two leaders of the Resistance.
While Mirajane seemed nothing but kind, she was a bit apprehensive with meeting everyone else.
The blonde looked back at the older man and he smiled gently at her, giving her a small wave. She returned with a nervous smile and he ushered her off.
Mirajane opened the door and urged her to walk in. When Lucy turned around to look at Makarov one more time, he was gone.
"Are you ready, Lucy?" The white-haired woman asked, and Lucy swallowed the frog in her throat.
Was she?
She couldn't answer that truthfully. But, she had to pretend she was because she knew her journey was just getting started.
A/N: So, not a lot happening, but Lucy has officially made it to the Resistance! This chapter is a lot of background information but I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless. I can't say for sure when the next chapter will be out, but if I stick to my ten page limit, it should be long! (definitely less than a year).
Anyway, thanks for reading! Hope you guys are ready for the ride! Reviews, comments, and criticism are always encouraged!
- Dark Waffle