Chapter 45: Diamant Blanc

Dreamer and Levy sat across from each other at a table in the guild hall. Mirajane slid to sit beside Dreamer. Kinana joined as well, drawn by the intense aura that had settled between them. Levy opened the book in her hands and laid it out on the table, opened to a dog-eared page depicting a sketch of a strange device.

"How did you find this, Levy?" Dreamer asked. She reached out and touched the edges of the page, delicately, as if they would turn to dust at her fingertips.

"You see, I was getting ready for bed and I was washing my face when I looked at the old jewelry box my grandma gave me," she spoke quickly, the excitement clear in her voice. "I opened it up and saw this." She dug into the pocket of her pajama pants—which were light blue fleece with a cartoonish sheep pattern. She sat a red velvet box on the table beside the book and nodded expectantly at Dreamer.

Unsure of where this was going, she opened the box. Inside was a necklace with a diamond pendant.

"Oooh, that's cute, Levy!" Mira squealed, totally missing the point here. "How come you've never worn it?"

"Because it belonged to my grandmother," Levy answered, with a small smile. "By the way, Dreamer, do you know that you've got something—" she pointed at Dreamer's forehead.

"That's not important," she said quickly. She ran her thumb over the cut edges of the diamond. "I'm sorry, Levy, I don't get it." She lifted it out of its cradle and watched it refract the light above them.

"Where do you think this necklace came from?" Levy asked.

"How am I supposed to know?" she frowned. Mirajane held a hand out, eagerly. She took the necklace from Dreamer and examined the diamond.

"It's a Diamant Blanc necklace, silly!"

"Oh, is that all?" Dreamer frowned. Diamant Blanc was the most famous jeweler in Fiore. No, probably on the entire continent. She had no idea how the company had anything to do with finding Resmond. Other than the fact that they sold diamonds, and were probably where he'd obtained most of the diamonds that Macbeth and Piper discovered had been smuggled.

"I knew it was a loose connection," Levy said, taking the necklace back, "but I was curious, so I went to the guild library and looked them up. That's where I got this book."

Dreamer, Mira, and Kinana all leaned closer, ready to hear the main point.

"The History of Diamant Blanc." She tapped the book. "The company has been around for over two-hundred years, but it was actually started by a group of wizards who called themselves 'The White Diamond.'"

"Wizards?" Kinana voiced the surprise in the room.

"Were they a guild?" Mirajane asked.

"Not exactly." Levy turned the pages of the book to an image of a group of wizards gathered in a cavern, with walls that sparkled with diamonds.

"These wizards…" Dreamer narrowed her eyes at the page. "They… used Diamond Make magic, didn't they?"

Levy nodded vigorously, glad that she was catching on. "Yes. The group studied diamonds and found a way to harness the natural magical energy inside of them and convert it into an energy that could be absorbed by a wizard's soul. It's the same way any Maker Magic was founded."

It was a basic magical fact that most wizards were taught in training. While magical abilities and energy came from the soul of the wizard, it wasn't originally like this. Alchemists had to learn how to utilize primal magic, hundreds, maybe even thousands, of years ago. It was only through absorbing magical energy from the elements that magic energy became a part of genetics, intricately woven into the spirits of mankind. Eventually, spells were perfected to gain control of inherent magical power. In theory, any wizard could learn any spell, though each person was predisposed to use specific types with more ease. It was the concept that, for example, since Macao used a type of fire magic, Romeo was born with a natural inclination toward fire magic as well. He could potentially learn different spells, but not with half as much ease as fire magic, and with a much lower success rate. There were exceptions to this rule, of course, such as with the dragon-slayers, or any kind of summoner—but it was a general truth of magic genetics.

It was for this very reason that Syllestra had been born with the ability to use Diamond-Make magic, inherited from Resmond. Dreamer had never taught her any spells or allowed anyone else to teach her magic. All it took was one time, when Syllest saw Gray use ice-make magic, for her to discover she too could create things with her hands.

"Anyway," she continued, "since this was only the beginning of Diamond-Make magic, the wizards had to keep finding diamonds and harnessing the energy from them. Since diamonds are rare, this was a challenge for them. To remedy this, they developed a machine that would create small earthquakes, splitting the ground so that it would be easier to find diamonds."

"The Nikolana Device," Dreamer whispered.

"Right," Levy said. "But…"

There was always a "but" when it came to any kind of powerful ancient artifact.

"One of the alchemists was doing independent research." She turned to a page of a black hooded figure. Even though it was a simple sketch, with no face under the dark hood, chills went through Dreamer's spine. In her imagination, it was Resmond beneath that hood…

"He discovered that the energy of diamonds could be enhanced, with the addition of dark magic." Levy sighed. "Without the knowledge of the other wizards, he infused the diamond powered device with dark energy. This increased the range of destruction the device was capable of. It didn't just create small earthquakes, it was capable of destroying earth for miles around it. And what was worse, the larger the size of the diamond powering it, and the greater amount of dark energy, the wider the range of destruction. At its deadliest, the Nikolana Device could destroy the entire continent without breaking… And the impact would cause tsunamis that would probably destroy the coasts of neighboring continents too. We're talking global-scale destruction."

There were a few gulps. Mirajane's hands wrung nervously on her lap. Kinana played with the hem of her dress. Dreamer clutched the table with white knuckles, eyes closed as she took in this information.

"Realizing they had made a mistake, the other wizards decided to destroy the device. But the dark wizard had created a spell that protected it from destruction. Unable to combat the spell, they decided to seal the device away instead."

The next page depicted a group of wizards holding their hands to the sky, energy wrapping around the large machine.

"They encased it in white diamond, using all of the magical energy they had harvested. They sacrificed their lives and all of the energy within them, to create a magical seal that would prevent the device from ever being exposed.

"The dark wizard tried to cut through the diamond with his own power, but his Diamond Make magic was tainted with darkness. Only pure diamond would ever be able to cut through the spell they'd created.

"Apparently, the jeweler Diamant Blanc was founded by one of the children of the wizards who'd sacrificed themselves. Most people believe the legend was just made up to make Diamant Blanc seem more mysterious—as a marketing technique."

"I see…" Dreamer scratched the wood on the table, a sense of dread eclipsing her. "So… Resmond wants to cut the diamond encasing the Nikolana Device, so that he can use it for destruction." She wondered just how much he intended to destroy. A country? The whole continent from Fiore to Pergrande? And for what reason?

As if he needed a reason.

"It also explains why he's been collecting shipments of diamonds," Levy agreed. "He probably plans on using those diamonds to power the device."

"But why does he want Syllest?" Mirajane asked.

"This is just a theory…" Levy took the book and closed it. "But… If Resmond has ever used dark magic, then his diamond-make is probably tainted. The rules of the spell surrounding the device say that only "pure diamond" can break the case. Syllestra is young…" she looked uncomfortably at Dreamer. "She hasn't been trained in any other kind of magic, so her diamond-make magic is—"

"Pure," Dreamer finished for her.

Levy nodded sadly.

"It's possible he intends to use her magical energy to break the diamond around the device."

"Isn't she his daughter?" Kinana said, as if horrified. Apparently Mira had filled her in on the details. "He would just use her like that? How much magical energy would it take to break a seal on something that large? Would he really put her in danger?"

"Yes," Dreamer said, darkly.

Blood. A baby crying for her mother, the mother murdered unnecessarily at the hands of a man with no heart.

"He wouldn't even hesitate."

"We won't let that happen, Dreamer." Mirajane hugged her, massaging her shoulder comfortingly. "Fairy Tail will keep Syllest safe!"

She didn't respond. She stared at a groove on the tabletop, listening to the hammering of her own heart. After a long moment, she looked up at Levy again.

"The Nikolana Device," she said slowly. "Does that book say where it might be located?"

Levy gave a tiny nod, her hazel eyes filling with uncertainty and concern. "Iceberg…" she said. "In a cave in the northern mountains…"

Magnolia: Beneath the Sola Tree...

"NO!"

Dreamer yanked her hand out of Jezran's grip. Her face was flushed with panic, her chest heaving with short breaths. There was wild desperation in her pink eyes. "I'm not going to sit around and wait for him to attack! We have to go! NOW!"

It was the next morning. She had gathered Team Derelict Heart together under the Sola tree, to tell them about what Levy had discovered. Warm sunlight filtered through the leaves on the four of them. Jezran, wearing a brown suit with a dark blue tie, his top hat casting shade over an old mustached face. Piper, in a sleeveless white shirt that hung loosely over a spiked belt and ripped jeans—piercings catching sunlight on the ear below the shaved half of his head. He was stroking his sky-blue goatee and looking at Dreamer with concerned emerald eyes. Macbeth, in his old black vest and yellow pants, bare shoulders bearing both the Oracion Seis, and Fairy Tail insignias. His face was expressionless, arms folded over his chest.

Then there was Dreamer. She'd taken no time on her appearance this morning. It was clear she hadn't slept all night, either. Dark circles surrounded her panicked, pink eyes. She'd thrown on a hooded vest and leggings, and hadn't bothered to brush her hair either. None of that mattered to her.

"Dear me, child…" Jezran frowned. "You are suggesting we simply waltz into the Iceberg mountains and stage an attack without any information on the matter."

"We have information!" she snapped. She held her hands out, begging Piper or Macbeth to come to her aid. "We know the device is there and what Resmond is planning! We have to act now before he comes for Syllest!"

"You must think logically, dear me," Jezran countered. "It is only a theory that Resmond's plans revolve around this Nikolana Device. Furthermore, we know him to be a clever and thorough man. There is a very real chance that he will have a plan set in place for this very scenario. Dear me, Dreamer, he likely expects you to come barging in on him!"

"Piper?" She petitioned him, tears welling in her eyes. He coughed awkwardly, averting his eyes from hers.

"Dreamy… I hate ta disappoint you's, but… Pops is right. For all we knows, Res has a damn army waiting for us. We can't go in blind."

Her face showed betrayal. "I thought you would at least support me!" Her words had a physical effect. They made the dice-mage flinch. "Macbeth?" As a last resort, she looked to him. She took a step forward, reaching for one of his hands. Her magical energy swirled behind her eyes.

Support. Willingness. Obedience.

Macbeth cut his eyes away from her, as if he knew what she was trying to do. He also quickly slid his hands into his pockets, blocking them from her touch.

Tears rolled down her cheeks.

"We're supposed to be a team!" Her voice was frantic. "Why won't you help me stop him!? We have to stop him!"

The three men were silent for a moment, none of them comfortable with her tears.

"Dear child," Jezran spoke up, gentler this time. "We intend to help, I assure you. Please, if you will… Allow me the honor of scouting ahead. I will conduct reconnaissance to determine what we are up against. I will return and we will make a further choice from there."

She shook in sobs. "How long will that take?! What if we don't have that kind of time?!"

"Dreamy, you's gotta calm down. Don't forget, we're all on your side. Not just Team Derelict Heart, but alls of Fairy Tail. We ain't letting anything happen. Come on, we gotta do this the smart way."

"Maybe I'll just ask Natsu's team to go with me," she snapped. "They won't have a problem rushing in…" She knew she was being ridiculous, but… She didn't know how else to act. Not when Syllest was on the line.

"It ain't happenin,' doll." Piper shook his head.

"Please, Dreamer." Jezran looked at her with kind, pleading eyes. "Allow me to investigate."

"I'll go with you."

Three sets of eyes turned on Macbeth in surprise.

"That is a remarkable idea," Jezran said in approval. "With both of us on the trail, we will cover twice as much ground twice as quickly, dear me."

"Then I'll go too," she stated. "Three people will make it that much faster."

"That simply will not do, dear Dreamer," Jezran shook his head.

"Why not?!" She clenched a fist. A warm breeze ruffled her hair.

"Come on, Dreamy," Piper stepped forward. He reached to her arm, cautiously, like approaching a rabid tiger. She didn't push him away, so he rubbed her arm comfortingly. "If you's go with them, you'll confront Res, even if it ain't safe. Your emotions will get the best of you." He took a step closer, delicately taking her hand in his. "Plus, you's gotta stay here and protect Syllest, don't you?"

She swallowed and looked down at Macbeth's boots.

"If we all leave, whose gonna stick around in case Res comes here? You's oughta stick around, doll."

She wiped her eyes with her wrist, sobbing like a chastised child.

"I… I just… Oh, Piper!" She let out a loud sob and threw her arms around him, burying her face in his white shirt. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close with his wiry muscles.

"Sh, it's okay, Dreamy…" He continued to rub her shoulder in comforting circles. He glanced up over her cream-colored hair to look at Macbeth. The other man met his eyes evenly, but showed no emotion nor intent to oppose Piper's arms around Dreamer. "You's gotta put your faith in Pops and Mac."

"What about you?" She sniffled and looked up at Piper. He gave a cheesy grin.

"I'm stayin' here with my girls, of course!"

She looked back at Jezran and Macbeth. They stood still and silent, waiting for her approval.

"Y-You have to promise to stay in contact with me. Every day."

"Oh yes, dear me." Jezran nodded, hands folded in front of him. "We will use the card system again."

"Macbeth…" She turned, pulling partially out of Piper's embrace, though one arm remained around her shoulder. Her eyes flicked back and forth between pools of red. "You have to promise you'll be safe."

"Worried about me, Dream?" He raised an eyebrow, lip tugging in a slight smirk.

"I-I'm worried about both of you." She fought a blush and looked at both teammates.

"We will be quite sneaky, I assure you," Jezran smiled.

She let out a slow, shaky breath. "…Okay. If Master approves, I'll let you go."

"Everything's gonna work out, Dreamy, just you's wait." Piper ruffled her already messy hair. The morning sunlight shone down on Team Derelict Heart as the decision was made. Come nightfall, Jezran and Macbeth would be boarding a train to hunt for The King of Diamonds.

The Fairy Tail Boys' Dormitory: Piper and Macbeth's Room...

Macbeth folded his magic carpet and stored it in the pack he'd prepared—on top of a few pairs of warm clothes. He suspected he and Jezran would be gone for a few days, at least. It paid to be prepared.

The door opened and Piper walked into their shared room.

"Pops is ready to go when you's are," he stated.

He closed the pack and straightened up, satisfied. He slung it over his shoulders and turned to face Piper. The gambling-wizard was looking absolutely smug, lips tugged in a grin above a patch of sky-blue hair.

"Have fun on your trip," he gave a wave before going to the window and opening the black curtains Macbeth had put up a while ago. "Finally, sunlight!" He stretched in the afternoon rays, then ran a hand through the long part of his hair. "Don't worry, Mac. I'll look out for Dreamy for you's."

He scoffed and rolled his eyes, before heading for the door.

"What? No creepy-ass threats? You's ain't gonna warn me not to's lay a finger on her? Ain't gonna tell me I'll be livin' my worst nightmare if you's come back and she's hooked on my arm?"

He reached for the doorknob. "If I said any of that, it would imply that I care." He opened the door. "And I don't."

"I'll take that as you's givin' me your blessing then!" Piper laughed out loud, stretching his bare arms toward the ceiling.

"Do what you want," he paused in the doorway. Without looking back at the blue-haired man, and with a smirk painted on his lips he said, "Friendly advice, Piper?"

"Huh?" Piper dropped his arms. "What's up?"

His black smirk widened. "She moves a lot when she's sleeping. It can be annoying, so be prepared if you find her in your bed."

Before Piper's could respond, he was out the door.

After a moment of being totally stunned… "WHAT THE HELL YOU'S MEAN, MAC?!" Piper ran to the door, face red and steam rolling from his ears. "HOW'S YOU KNOW THAT?! MAC?! GET BACK HERE, DAMMIT!"

But Macbeth's coat-tail was already slipping around the corner.

Later that evening, at the Magnolia Train Station...

Dreamer faced him, while they waited for the last train of the afternoon to be ready for boarding. She stared at the straps on his boots, quiet, shaky. Finally, she looked up at Macbeth, her cherry blossom eyes swimming with emotion.

"Please, be careful."

They stood facing each other, only inches apart. The train station wasn't bustling, but a few people sat on benches, reading newspapers. Jezran sat on a nearby bench, reading as well. He cast them only one knowing glance before pulling spectacles out of his pocket and humming to himself.

"Are you going to miss me, sweet Dream?" His voice was low and teasing. He tilted his head down as he spoke to her, causing a curtain of white and black hair to fall. She noticed that his hair had grown since she first brought him to Fairy Tail, and he seemed to be favoring its natural curls over straightening it daily. She certainly wasn't going to complain.

"I…" Her instinct was to deny it. Instead, her cheeks took some of the color from her eyes and she whispered, "yes."

"Dream…" He tilted his head forward a bit more, until his curls brushed her cream strands. He lifted his fingers to her jaw, but not forcefully. He tucked hair behind her ear so that he could bring his lips closer.

His closeness made her heart stampede in her chest. His scent—so reminiscent of chamomile, comforting and consuming. The skin of his fingertips on her jaw. His warm breath on the sensitive flesh of her ear…

"If I find Resmond," he whispered. "I'm going to inflict so much pain on him, that the torture of hell couldn't even compare."

His words were horrifying. And yet… The passionate fire behind them still made her shiver with excitement. He was promising her this, not out of his own sadistic desire, but for her.

"Thank you…" Her voice quavered. "But, Macbeth…" She instinctively nuzzled her face against his hair and collar. "Don't put yourself in unnecessary danger, please… I would rather have you come back safe, than you kill Resmond at the cost of your own life."

"You have so little faith in me," he pulled back and poked her nose. "I am Midnight, the infamous Night Terror. Resmond can't kill me, not in his wildest dreams." He smirked widely, confidently. It made her giggle.

"You're right." She smiled up at him and wiped a stray tear from her cheek. "Goodbye, Macbeth."

"Goodbye, Dreamer." His eyes remained on hers for another long moment.

"W-Well, what are you staring at? Go!" She blushed brightly, wringing her hands together in nervousness.

"I can't. The train isn't here."

"O-Oh, yeah…" She swallowed and tugged on her hair. "Then, I-I'll go!"

She didn't move. Neither did he. His eyes were as intense and unmoving as ever. Why does he always have to STARE?

"What are you waiting for, Dream?" he teased, one eyebrow raised.

"I…" She had no idea!

"Are you anticipating another kiss?" His smirk was pure evil.

"Wh-What?! No!" She flailed her arms in panic. "I-I… N-No! And don't say that! We didn't even kiss! You just put your lipstick on my head to embarrass me! It doesn't even count!"

"Oh?" He cocked his head slightly, eyes gleaming. "Should I give you a kiss that would count, then?"

"NO!" She shoved his chest, blushing from head to toe. "I'm definitely not walking around with your lipstick on my lips!" She gasped at her own slip up. "A-And that's not the only reason I don't want you to kiss me! I-I mean…"

The look of pure amusement on his face was enough to scar her for weeks.

"Whatever! GoodBYE." She huffed and turned on her heels. She heard his low laugh as she walked away. She bid a farewell to Jezran, then paused before she reached the steps of the train station. She turned and gave Macbeth one last warm smile. He must not have been expecting this, because his eyes widened slightly and… well, it could have just been the reddish light of sunset, but it sort of looked like… he was blushing too.