Hey guess! Two chapters so close to each other, wow! I just finished this one actually. We are getting close to the final like... 2-3 chapters before they enter the White room. I accidentally updated the story without this but uh, I fixed it lol. Again, I still have to figure out a schedule for this but with how fast I am getting through these chapters it will probably be a 3-4 day gap in-between chapters. Which is better then I could have hoped for.
Man, I really am motivated to write this. You guys seem much happier with this story then you do with my other story. v.v oh well.
Note: I may or may not be getting to that in the next few days. I was asked to beta a story and It's a 36 page 5 chapter story.. So, we'll see what happens when that's done.
Unnoticed in the throng of members sat one calm card mage. Cana lifted the barrel beside her and took a generous gulp of alcohol. Placing the barrel back on the table in front of her she slinked her way past people and stood before the list of names.
"I'll go, I hear the beer in that area is brewed with a special wheat that makes it more potent. I can also use my cards to keep track of everyone and their movements. My help cards can alert the others to trouble and I was working on a new card type. This would be the perfect time to test it out. It works fine with objects so that could help transport stuff in and out of the village." Cana smirked and signed her name.
"That would be helpful should you have to evacuate the villagers post haste," Master Makarov leaned over and picked up the list of names. "This list will do perfectly. The rest of you will stay here and build small defences around Magnolia should the enemy make it past us and head towards a bigger target. It's not likely, but it would be best to warn the Mayor of a potential attack and to issue a curfew. No need to panic the town just yet. Place sentries and everyone will be having a shift every 3 hours. That way, those at the top of the roster will have more sleep, The moment they leave, march to it.
"I suggest we set up a roster now, to get everyone's prefered times for watch and Mirajane can draw up a quick time slot sheet to sign your names in. Do not be discouraged if you find your prefered slot taken, we need all hands on deck. Those at the bottom go home and rest. Even if it's a 3 hour watch I want all of you fully alert."
Everyone cheered, excited to do their job and assist in the defence of Magnolia. The air practically hummed with unspent energy, like a coil waiting to spring. Mirajane set about setting up a perimeter around a map of Magnolia using a light pen, whilst Team Natsu and Co. met-up and began to plan.
"We'll meet up at the train station in an hour, Pack what you need, take into consideration the weather, spare weapons, but make your packs are light enough to run with and not bulky enough that you can't hide it away when necessary. We'll discuss a plan of attack on the Train, I will procure us a map of the area. Maybe we can use it to plan escape routes and areas for open fighting. Places to hide and see all the ways into the village. I'll meet you at the train station. Wendy, Cana, Juvia, Levy, come with me to the Dorm, we can all pack together. Lucy, assist Natsu with his packing. Meet us when you are down your own packing. I trust the rest of you to be there as soon as possible. Hopefully we aren't too late." Erza and Co. left the guild and headed to their dorm, Fairy Hills. A girls only Dorm.
"Come on Natsu, the sooner we get this done, the faster Wendy can cast Trolia." Natsu gagged and almost melted at the thought of going onto the train. Lucy sighed deeply and dragged him across the floor and out the guild doors. Gray following behind closely. Despite his supposed rivalry with Natsu, he actually lived not far from him. Mostly just to bug Natsu with that knowledge, and to keep an eye on him. Should the need arise.
Not that it did.
Mostly it was just to annoy him.
It worked. Very well in fact. Natsu complained and groaned for days when he found out before Erza threatened him. He shut up about it, and hasn't said a word since.
That was at least 7 years ago.
The rest departed, going their separate ways, and before long an hour had past. Erza and the girls had arrived first. Lucy, Natsu, and Laxus showing up shortly afterwards and surprisingly together. Lucy looked smug, Laxus looked indifferent and Natsu.. Well, let's just say he was sporting more than 1 bruise and looked like a kicked puppy.
"Let me guess, Natsu got beat up again? And I missed it?" Gray popped up from behind the salmon haired teen and slung his arm around Lucy's neck. The latter snickered and nodded.
"Sorry Gray." She let out a small giggle at Natsu's pout.
"Watch it Ice ass, I can still kick your ass any day." He scoffed and dodged the punch thrown his way.
"You wish Flame ass, you're not looking so hot right now." Gray danced backwards and away from Natsu's lunge. Natsu recovered and kicked at Gray's legs, a gleam in his eye missed by his icy opponent. Gray fell for the faint and took a step back and with his eyes cast downwards for a split second; he missed Natsu swing around and thrust his arm forwards.
"ENOUGH!" Natsu's fist stopped just inches from Gray's jaw. Both boys now sporting a look of horror. The angry radiating from behind Natsu was enough to make him tremble in fear. Erza sounded really angry.
Only, when he slowly turned around, it wasn't Erza he was facing. Instead it was Lucy. Her golden hair drifting about her head as her eye twitched. Her mouth was set in a narrow line, lips gone pale as the blood cut off. Natsu for a moment was stunned into silence at the raging blonde as he processed a single thought.
'Damn, she looks like hot when she's mad'
Gray, seemingly forgotten in Natsu's mind, blinked before glancing over at Erza. She was practically glowing with pride at Lucy, and Wendy was giggling just behind Erza.
Laxus just shook his head and wondered over to Erza, wishing the mission was over already so he could be away from the idiot fire brat and ice idiot. Cana nodded her head at him and then turned back to talking with Juvia about something. It must have been something very naughty as Juvia was currently red as a tomato, despite her love for blue. (Blue outfits, blue hair, blue boots…. Uh, blue everything I guess. Wow… She really loves blue..)
"*cough, anyways, cough*
"Oh my~"
"Gihi, salamander got scared by Bunny Girl, that's hilarious!"
Gajeel and Mirajane chose then to make an appearance. Most gave a greeting whilst Natsu grumbled under his breath about 'stupid iron dumbass, she didn't scare me..' Lucy rolled her eyes at him before turning to Erza.
"Looks like we're all here, did you want to plan on the train or here?" Erza took a second to contemplate before speaking.
"The train would be best. We can book a private booth and talk there. We could spread the map out on the table and plan our attack there. Gajeel, Laxus, and Natsu Wendy has promised to cast Trolia on you three so you can participate in planning. Wendy if you please?" Said girl smiled and nodded striding over to the other group. Natsu smiled and thanks Wendy when she was done, Laxus following suit ending with Gajeel.
"Heh, thanks squirt." He grinned and patted her head.
"You're welcome." She replied politely.
Erza coughed and brought attention to herself, in her hand was tickets for each member of the group.
"I grabbed us each a ticket for a private booth, it's near the middle of the train. We should get on the train soon; there are only few minutes before it takes off. Let's get seated." She turned and strode down the platform towards their train. They followed behind her conversing with each other, unknown to them they were being followed. When they boarded the train their stalker raced away from the platform and followed a narrow road winding out of town, cutting through the forest along the way.
They were to report back to the village and alert them to the guild members headed their way.
"Excellent. Is it the members I had hoped for?"
"Yes."
"Good, in reward for your service your sister is free to go."
"Thank you."