Welcome to Fiore Pt. I
Gray tried his best to think of the right words he wanted to use to explain himself to Pina, something that seemed to be of concern only to the ice mage. As far as he knew, Natsu didn't care for it anymore since he told the redhead of the truth and Brandish wasn't even phased with the possible setback that this could cause which meant more work for her in the long run. All the ice mage knew was that there is a way to fix this and he knew he could figure it out somehow, but the various points he was making in his head were pushed to the side when he heard a familiar laugh coming from within the parlor. As the maid opened the door for him, Gray was shocked to see Makarov and Mirajane in the room laughing alongside everyone that came from across the Gate.
"We expected to see you when we arrived Gray, but you left before Lucy brought us to the parlor." The aging master said as the ice mage drew closer to the group, Makarov glad to see the young man was still all together after the things he's heard about his brats going through. "Nevertheless, it's good to see you, my boy."
"Sorry about that, Master, got called away by Brandish but it feels nice to be back," Gray replied as there was another concern he had to deal with in time since who knows what the woman had in mind for him.
"Might as well come and join us for a while, we're waiting on Natsu and Laxus to come back after seeing the Queen," Lucy said as she offered a seat next to Pina, unaware of the unease that the redhead had on her face at the idea of the ice mage sitting next to her.
"Why'd they go see her?" The ice mage asked as he decided to lean against a nearby wall instead and before Lucy could answer him, Natsu barged into the room with Laxus not far behind.
"Good news, she said it was alright for all of you to explore Fiore if you want to. As long as you have someone with you, anyway." Natsu added that last bit nonchalantly as he noticed Lelei's eyes light up at the announcement while some of the others still had unease about going far from the Gate.
"It is quite the treat to explore your world, but I don't think it wise for us to leave when there is so much that we need to prepare for," Shuriyuri said as it wouldn't do either herself or Sugawara any good to get distracted while Ambassador Myu continues to grow her counterpoints about their activities.
"Nonsense, allowing yourself to stress over fine-tuning various points you have yet to create will do more harm than good to your cause," Makarov said as all eyes turned to him, though the Japanese woman grew curious of his words. "Mistakes occur when you try to perfect every detail, especially those that could be out of your control."
"Words I shall take into consideration, but this is a matter that is far too important to put off even for a few days." In truth, Shuriyuri couldn't even think about exploration given to the way she felt that the Ambassador herself had been entrenched in some idea of underlying goals they had.
"A shame, but I for one shall not pass up the chance to see where these powerhouses call home," Rory said as she got to her feet in subdued excitement, which couldn't be said about Lelei as she showed an eagerness on her usually stoic face.
"After taking into consideration the words of my knights, I have decided that we shall go on this excursion as well." Pina, who had been relatively quiet since the guild master had arrived, spoke up as an amused smile stretched across the old man's face.
"The more the merrier! This will be a trip you won't be disappointed in." Makarov said as he gave one more look over towards the JSDF, wondering if they may change their minds yet. "I understand if your work comes first, but perhaps your soldiers would be free to join us?"
"Thanks for the invitation, but we're under orders to guard our envoys. Wherever they go, we go." Itami answered and was surprised by the look of defeat that Tuka gave him, but these were his orders and they carry more weight since they're all another world apart. "I'm sure you girls will have a great time without us, besides it's Gray who'll be responsible for you three."
"True, but wherever Father goes then I go as well," Tuka said which rose a curious brow from Makarov at her words since the old master was made aware that elves live for many years and at her age, her human father would've already passed by now.
"They take some degree of orders from us, Mrs. Shuriyuri, why not let them go with Fairy Tail?" Sugawara spoke up since they've been treated with great hospitality and he needed Itami to stick close to the princess while they were in Fiore. "Best to have some form of representation outside of the capital and what better way than by having the members that have fought alongside Fairy Tail."
"Do you think it wise to send our escort away and leave us defenseless?" Shuriyuri questioned and though it was obvious that they shouldn't do such a thing in a foreign land, Sugawara saw it differently.
"I wouldn't say we're completely defenseless, we'll be staying in what should be the most well-guarded place in all of Fiore." Sugawara retorted as it made sense that with a world filled with magic, the Queen has no doubt the best practical and magical protectors within the country.
"Which you would be right about as two of the Four Kings of Ishgar are stationed in Crocus after the attack." Makarov chimed in and the title alone drew plenty of curiosity from many of the group as these men had to have been quite famous to hold such titles. "Suffice it to say, danger to your persons is highly improbable."
"Added to that, the lieutenant and his squad would at best be stationed in a parlor as you and I review discussion points. I must say that we'll be busy for so many hours that it would pretty much be the equivalent of them going, given the likelihood of rarely seeing them around." Sugawara knew that these matters were delicate in a sense and that what must be said should always be reviewed continuously, which amounts to hours spent on two talking points at times.
Itami had no idea what Sugawara was trying to get at with trying to convince Shuriyuri, but he wouldn't outwardly oppose him since he for one actually wanted to see a real magical guild. Plus, it allowed him to get away from the Japanese woman who didn't seem too fond of him as of late. Itami watched as she slowly and begrudgingly agreed with Sugawara's words, much to his surprise as the soldier had no idea how they managed to convince her with just a few words. Shuriyuri was a steadfast woman so it was curious to see her fold so simply, but Itami wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth now that it meant that he and his team could go along with the others.
"Well lieutenant, there you have it. Do be sure to not cause too much trouble on your trip and remember that you all will represent not only the JSDF but all of Japan." Sugawara said towards the escort as the soldiers saluted to him in turn, Itami feeling exhausted with having to be a representative again.
"They'll be in good hands, Mr. Sugawara, no need to be concerned with anything," Makarov said as Mirajane stood back up and made her way behind the aging master. "Let's make the most of our time and head out as soon as I give my respects to the Queen."
The old master bowed his head slightly before he and Mirajane left the parlor, Lucy deciding to tag alongside Natsu to find Happy before they left. Gray watched as the pair left and did his best to not stare at Pina for long, mainly from being caught by the others' gazes since she wouldn't even look in his direction. The ice mage still wanted to explain himself to the redhead, but it seemed as if she was doing her best to surround herself with her knights and it turned out that Laxus had something to say to them as he walked up to the quartet.
"I don't need to remind any of you about this, but I think it helps to have a heads up." Laxus began as the four young women looked up at his imposing figure. "You're coming into this under our protection, so that means no one will give you trouble but keep in mind that there are still people out there who'd want to cause some because of your background."
"What would you have us do if that becomes the case?" Bozes asked as the taller blonde gave them a once over.
"Hope no one is stupid enough to do so since you'll be sticking to the side of a Fairy Tail mage, but if someone is that reckless then do your best to let us handle it," Laxus replied as his gaze stayed on Pina, who was the obvious target that would be harassed. "Raising a weapon against someone from our world will only further damage your reputation, even if it's in self-defense."
"Very well, we shall defer to you for any problems that should arise from our visit." Pina firmly said as if she were trying to stand at Laxus' level, while the dragon slayer simply nodded to her claim.
"Good, then get yourselves ready. You heard Gramps; we'll leave for Magnolia once he gets back." Laxus said as he went back to his seat without another word and everyone went back to their conversations.
Rory watched on with an amused smile at how the room had transformed with such livery at the prospect of traveling that the strange sensation of pure negativity had almost slipped past her senses. Such negativity was all too familiar to her, but she grew curious as to why it all seemed to swirl around Gray before it was absorbed into his right arm. He and Natsu were still so fascinating to her and yet, her curiosity expanded to how their world operates with such unique powers managing to exist so easily. Rory couldn't wait to learn more about all of it, just like their little mage girl who began to show far more expression on her face than ever before.
The conversations seemed to only last for a few minutes before Makarov and Mirajane had returned, which was the signal for the newcomers to make their way out of the room. It didn't take much to know that they'd be traveling back to Magnolia the same way that the pair had first arrived, so it was only a short trip through the castle to find the landing zone. As the group waited for their designated Pelican to arrive, Itami tried to reaffirm with both foreign dignitaries that they were cleared to travel with the group and though Shuriyuri had some pushback on the idea like she had before, Sugawara repeated himself that the squad had clearance. His confirmation reaffirmed just as the Pelican began its landing sequence to pick up its passengers.
The old master and Mirajane were the first to board, the girls eagerly following right behind them with the Imperials on their tails. Itami's team was the last to board as they gave a farewell salute to the dignitaries as they marched into the Pelican, Laxus looking out for the Japanese before giving the order to take off as royal guards came to their sides. It wasn't a first for most to experience flight, but it was one in the sense of how smooth the takeoff was and how easily they began to traverse the skies over Crocus. Even though they began to fly further away from the castle, it would be a while before the imposing shape it had would really be diminished, which was well after they exited the militarized zone. Soon enough, the very city began to shrink on the horizon as they flew off and onwards to Magnolia to experience what life was for Fairy Tail.
From vast plains to scattered forests, rolling hills that would at times surround a valley, the group of otherworldly visitors watched the scenery transform as they flew towards their destination. The excitement was palpable within the passenger bay of the Pelican and many of the group wondered what fantastic mages and magic awaited them, a state of being that was shared by most save for the exception of one. Rory had been caught up with the mood inside the Pelican until she had taken notice of the almost hidden somber expression Gray had beneath the stern visage he wore as he looked out onto the horizon. Those who haven't seen the expression may have come to the conclusion the ice mage was troubled, but Rory wasn't one such person. That was the recognizable face of a man who's been hardened by loss, but could never move past it. The Reaper had seen such a face only a handful of times, but the result would always be the same, so the question remained as to what path will the young man follow.
She pondered on the idea as she gazed upon the different villages and small towns they flew past, the tracks and roads being the only constant that followed them since they first left Crocus. This world was a wonder to the Reaper as the familiar sense of chaos she had grown accustomed to had grown faint, she could still sense it although it wasn't as prevalent as it was back home. There was another difference when she compared it to Itami's world as chaos was knowingly there to Rory, even if she didn't see it, so her stance of an Apostle to Emroy wasn't so out of place. Peace was well and good but it makes for a boring life and a dangerous lifestyle when actual danger appears, though this was merely Rory's opinion of Fiore's world and she had to admit that its people seemed to keep themselves in check even during peaceful times. Her musings had occupied her mind for longer than she had thought as she had just taken note of Laxus making his way towards the pilots.
"Pilot, land us near the eastern entrance," Laxus ordered, knowing that there wasn't an area if any at all, for the Pelican to land safely within Magnolia.
"Yes, Sir." One pilot replied as they circled the area for a clearing that wasn't busy with civilians and carriages exiting the city.
The group could feel the craft slowing down and a new level of excitement welled within them now that they had arrived at Magnolia. As soon as the Pelican finally landed on solid ground and the bay doors opened, the first ones off were Happy and Natsu, the pair being more than happy to see one of the three entrances of their hometown. Civilians mingled about as they entered or left the city, many stopping to stare at the flying craft before breaking out in cheer at the sight of Fairy Tail. That came as a surprise to everyone from beyond the Gate who hadn't really kept in mind that their hosts were part of the number one guild in all of the country. Itami watched on as people waved and cheered at seeing Natsu who smiled back at them, mentally comparing the pink-haired young man to a celebrity from his world which the Lieutenant had come to realize that the other Fairies on board also shared such a status.
It was surreal to Pina that the people of Magnolia greeted the Fairy Tailers like heroes and had advised her knights to carry themselves in a humble manner, which the others also seemed to follow suit as they were led into the city. The redhead couldn't believe all the joyful faces of the citizens going about their day, which she had no doubt believed that welcoming their mages home becoming a highlight of their day. A part of Pina couldn't help the fact that her knights weren't as welcomed throughout their Empire as these mages were, since they received such a reception only in the Imperial Capital and nowhere else. They were beloved from all generations; elders welcoming them home like long-gone relatives to children excitedly asking how the battles were on the other side. Pina could only imagine the goodwill that the Fairy Tail guild had built over the years to be this accepted and as she continued to ponder on that idea, Itami examined his surroundings with an interested eye.
There was obviously a difference between the Special Region and Fiore, that much anyone can guess but for an otaku like Itami, the Special Region seemed to follow the fantasy world far closer. Fiore had numerous advancements in technology, but for two worlds that were set in fantasy, the Special Region held itself to it in a higher degree as it had a diverse format of the walks of life that inhabit it. Fiore seemed to only have a predominantly human make-up as even though the citizens came in many shapes and sizes with a curious quirk about them, they were still human nonetheless.
"Check it out! Sorcerer Magazine has a piece on the rescue op!" Natsu exclaimed as he ran up to Laxus with a magazine, showing off an artist's rendition of the event taking place with Magic Council soldiers, the army, and two familiar Fairy Tailers on the cover.
"News sure does travel fast," Lucy said as she examined the cover of the heroic FEF in action, but had to admit that the artist did well to omit anything too intense for the readers.
"I wouldn't say that, Lucy, since the reporter came by to interview the Master a couple of days before the magazine published," Mira explained as the blonde had forgotten that there was time dilation at play between the worlds.
"If I may, isn't that you in very revealing clothing, Ms. Strauss?" Kurokawa asked as she had taken notice of an all too recognizable woman on the magazine's back cover.
"Why yes, it is," Mira answered honestly and the others tried to get a closer look at what the medic was referring to. "It was the monthly photoshoot last week and they were going to headline that week's issue before they got word of the operation."
"Why do you wear such revealing clothing, if you can even call it that, monthly?" Rory didn't understand why she'd pose in such a provocative manner willingly in a periodical that would be seen by hundreds.
"I was modeling a summer collection of swimsuits, of course, some of the other ladies also joined since two of our other models were busy fighting in a war." Lucy looked sheepishly away from the white-haired woman, while Natsu flipped through the article of the rescue.
"So does your world's tabloids triple as news and a swimsuit magazine aside from gossip?" Kuribayashi asked towards the blonde wall leading the group back towards his guild.
"Does it look like I read that crap?" Laxus barely looked over his shoulder to acknowledge her question as the petite soldier shrugged her shoulders at his reply.
"Given to the fact that the magazine is called "Sorcerer's Magazine" I would assume you mages read up on things from it."
"Others do, I don't." Laxus simply replied without another word and Kuribayashi was starting to see why he was the second in command of the FEF's special forces.
"Don't mind my grandson, young lady," Makarov said as Mira pushed him a little quicker to keep in step with the soldier. "The tabloids have gotten on his nerves on too many occasions that the less he deals with them, the more likely they don't need to buy new equipment."
"I guess those guys are vultures in any world, huh?" The petite soldiers said as the fame of being part of their guild comes with the attention that some, no doubt, can't really deal with too well. "I'm guessing they came after you guys when they learned a couple of your people were joining in this war effort?"
"In a surprising twist, they didn't. In fact, many were busy helping the clean-up detail of Crocus even on the day of the first crossing." Makarov could remember the amount of effort and a sense of coming together as he watched droves of people doing their best to restore the beauty of the kingdom's heart.
"And now that it's all finished with, they're back to usual business."
"Quite so, but it does pose the question on whether or not any of their articles have managed to reach the furthest reaches of Ishgar before crossing the seas themselves." Aside from those that would want to take advantage of such a chaotic time, there was someone the aging master was hoping hadn't gotten word yet.
"Seeing how this world is, I don't think you need to worry about that for a while," Itami interjected as the girls had decided to take control of the magazine after Natsu had finished going through it. "I'm kind of jealous since news can spread to the rest of our world in real-time and then you have all eyes on you."
"Believe me, Fairy Tail is very used to the idea of always being watched." Makarov chuckled as Mira giggled, the Japanese obviously out of the loop about their past. "But enough about that, you're all here for some "cultural exchange," so go on and have a look around as we make for the guild."
At his word, the group spread out a bit more to look at the various stalls selling numerous different baubles and magic toys for kids. Small bistros and cafes allowed the smell of food to waft through the air with no shortage of Lucy pulling Natsu back to the group before he sat down and asked for a menu at a few of them. Lelei had grown an interest at one stall that sold rings in various colored bands and adornments, watching the shopkeeper show off a few of the rings to potential buyers. The teen watched as he shot blue sparks with one ring, write out words that floated in the air with another, and finally showed off a gold ring that summoned a small rodent creature that scurried around his palm before resting on his shoulder. She had heard about artifacts that produce magic like staves or weapons, but Lelei had never seen such things being created for the amusement of children.
Her curious mind was so fascinated by the simple children's toys that were being sold right off the street, that a short sense of surprise welled up within her when Tuka began to pull her along. Only now realizing that she had strayed far behind the rest of the group who were further ahead of the pair, lucky to catch up as Rory had stopped Mira to look at a dress shop window. The Reaper enjoyed the new clothes she picked up in Japan as no tailor in her world had ever made such cute clothes before and now, she laid eyes upon a dark blue, almost midnight, dress in the shop window. The display model wore it in tandem with a pair of stockings that went up to the mid-thigh, the dress ended with a frilled skirt just above where the stockings began and had been topped by a crimson jacket with light gray accents.
Rory didn't know why she had such an interest in the dress, but a part of her wanted to have it as an everyday type of clothing besides her priestess robes. As the Reaper examined the dress further, Mira had been trying to remember where she had seen this shop before as it was one that she had been to before, but not for herself. It clicked in her mind once the elder Strauss had noticed another displayed dress that was adorned with a few bows on the arms and legs.
"Now I remember this shop, Wendy likes to come here to buy new clothes," Mira said to Rory who had now just realized that the young dragon slayer liked to wear pretty clothes, given the fact that the Reaper had never seen her in anything besides a uniform.
The rest of the group had figured that they'd be sidetracked for a bit and went along with it as they began to look at what was around them, Lucy doing her best to keep Natsu from getting food while Happy decided to stick with Lelei this time around and be her guide to his hometown. The Imperials watched their group mates wander around the area to look at shops and the like, though none of them were in the mindset to explore given to who they were to the common people and the threats that could be sent their way. Pina had chosen for her and her people to stand in the vicinity of both Dreyars for their own protection, which neither seemed to mind as Laxus wheeled Makarov to a nearby bench to sit next to him. Everyone was enjoying themselves from the way things were in the redhead's eyes, even the tall blonde seemed more at ease as he sat alongside his grandfather in silence although not everyone was present.
Pina had realized that Gray had broken off from the group and thanks to Kurokawa and Kuribayashi, she had learned that he was making his way further up the road. Though she had lost sight of him in the crowds, she had taken notice of what laid further ahead of them as the looming building rose in the distance. Her knights had taken notice as well and were impressed by what they could make out of the craftsmanship of the building, drawing the eyes of the two Japanese women.
"You know, it never really crossed my mind as to what the people of this world believed in," Kuribayashi said as she eyed the cathedral off in the distance, easily recognizing a house of worship even though it wasn't difficult to figure out in the first place.
"With what they said about the various magics they have at their disposal; I could understand why religion may not be at the forefront when thinking of these mages," Kurokawa said since it was rather interesting to know that religion still had a place where magic itself can create miracles.
"Think Gray's heading for the cathedral?" It was a thought that the petite soldier had since he didn't seem distracted by anything around, just trying to make his way through the crowds on a straight path.
"Who's to say that he is, I wouldn't begin to assume his beliefs as everyone has their right to their own life," Kurokawa said since it wouldn't do any good to make needless assumptions at the current time, not to mention that the guildhall of theirs lies just beyond the cathedral.
"Well said, young lady, though I would be willing to agree with your squadmate about Gray," Makarov said as he too had noticed Gray breaking away from the group, though he knew the ice mage wanted himself to be seen leaving so that they didn't have to worry about his disappearance. "He may be on his way to visit old friends; it has been some time since his last visit."
"Gray has friends in the Church?" Panache spoke up in what felt like the first time since their arrival to Magnolia, much like the other Imperials who had kept relatively quiet since they entered.
"Not exactly..." Laxus said evenly, leaving room for everyone else to figure out his words which didn't take very long for anyone.
"We're they..." Pina began, but the blonde shook his head as he looked off towards the cathedral, remembering his own history with the religious structure so many years ago.
"Killed in the attack? No, they died years before the Gate ever showed up in Crocus." The usual gruff and almost uncaring tone in Laxus' voice faded as he replied to the redhead as he thought about those no longer with Fairy Tail.
"One thing I'm sure you've all learned by now is that almost all of Fairy Tail has had to come to terms with loss and we've all grown both stronger and closer because of that," Makarov said as his brats always rose to the occasion and surpassed it to avoid the sense of loss again. "Though some of us heal at our own pace."
"If you don't mind my asking, how long has it been since they've passed on?" Hamilton understood what it meant to lose someone and for honesty's sake, she was still recovering after Norma's death.
"It's been four years, but to some of us, it still feels like only a week ago," Laxus answered, doing his best to let this conversation come to a halt since it was a topic he didn't feel like staying on.
"I suggest leaving the matter as it is. We've acknowledged what happened, but these are things that have to naturally pass." Makarov advised since it wouldn't be of any help for those who are in pain to have everyone pestering them and questioning if they are alright.
"The Master's right, for now, how about I show you around the local shops that may have some things you'd be interested in," Mira said as she began to push Makarov's wheelchair towards a collection of shops and the old man knew that he had to surrender to his fate.
It became a moment of store hopping with the group, many separating to cover several shops and yet still nearby that they were comfortable with breaking away from the main group. The JSDF were the only ones of the group that would've preferred to head straight for the guild, particularly Itami who wanted to see if any of his otaku knowledge held weight in this world more than that of the Special Region. The Japanese man had actually been quite lucky that Natsu was the one urging the group to start making pace since they had been in the city for well over an hour and were barely approaching the cathedral.
It wasn't long before the visitors stood before the religious building and were impressed by the architecture and scale that it had. Pina was the first to take in their surroundings and had quickly found the solitary figure of Gray, seeming to be lost in thought as he rubbed a small box in his hand. The blue-furred cat was the one to bring him back from his thoughts and was surprised to see everyone admiring the cathedral, the redhead noticing him put the box into his pocket as he rubbed the cat's head. Pina quickly shifted her gaze away from the approaching ice mage and moved her attention towards the pink-haired dragon slayer who kept signaling them to continue down the road.
His reason wasn't all that hard to figure out for anyone as another large building that towered over most of the ones around it, could be seen off in the distance. Pina noticed a massive flag waving with the wind at the center peak that was adorned with the same symbol on Gray's pauldron and Natsu's right shoulder.
"Come on, you guys! We're really close to the guild!" Natsu exclaimed as he couldn't keep himself in one spot, his excitement of returning home akin to that of a child at a festival while the others laughed at his attitude.
"Slow down, Natsu." Lucy reprimanded as they weren't going anywhere any time soon and she would very much like to have the chance to walk the streets of her home over the dirt roads of the Special Region.
"Let him be, Cheerleader. He wants to make sure everything is the same way as he left it." Laxus said as the pink-haired slayer's over-eagerness held minute signs of worry with every step they made. "Ironic considering he's the one that's changed ever since this war began."
"War tends to do that to people, Laxus, but I can't help but think that I haven't done much to really help him with this change," Lucy admitted as she's felt like she's been on the sidelines of the conflict Natsu's having with the way he acts in this war and the ideological one he's had with Gray.
"I don't think there's anyone out there that really could break through that thick skull of his, besides two people." The tall blonde said as he gave a glance over towards his grandfather who was having what seemed to be an avid conversation with one of the JSDF soldiers. "We're lucky one of them is with us already, but who knows where the other one is."
As the words left the slayer's mouth, the tolling of bells began to ring about the city from dozens of positions stationed up high. The group of visitors grew nervous about what that meant as they watched the people of Magnolia quickly scatter to specific walkways and sidewalks, almost like it was routine for them as the bells kept ringing away. Rory had noticed that the bells themselves had even given the over-excited dragon slayer pause before a grin split his face and began a mad dash towards the guild building. Of course, everyone was confused by his actions and curiously looked over towards the aging master as he nodded his head when he picked up the rhythm that the bells rang in.
"Looks like Natsu's right, we best get a move on," Makarov said as he nodded towards Mirajane who began to quicken her pace, the others also falling in line after them. "It would seem that we have ten minutes at best to cover the rest of the distance before the city starts its preparations."
"What's the city getting ready for?" Tuka huffed as she did her best to keep up with Itami, watching as the people began to secure loose items to buildings and place others closer to them.
"The Gildarts Shift."