And here it is! The last chapter before part 2 starts! I have uploaded all but this chapter on ao3 now this one will be going up in a minute or two. From there I will start on chapter 2, which stars the Bleach universe. Here comes Ichigo Kurosaki!
ao3 link: archiveofourown /works/9829586
(just add the www and com, add dot org, remove the spaces and bam! you'll be there!)
"What happened here?" Levy asked, her eyes trailing over the ruins of the village.
"What happens to most villages that have been overrun by bandits. There wasn't enough to sustain us and feed them. So, in an act of dominance, they did what they do best." He replied. Lucy gasped.
"They took what you had, didn't they? They took everything they could and left." He nodded at her words and rolled his shoulders. He slowly stood up and placed his hands in his pants pocket. His eyes watched the water ripple in the fountain sadly.
"Yes, and many lives too." He shuddered. "Women. Children. It didn't matter to them, we were nothing in their eyes." He flicked his eyes towards them. "But that is not why you are here. What happened here, happened many years ago. The past is the past for a reason, let us not dwell on it any longer." He gave them a small smile.
"So, then why are we here?" Mirajane tilted her head to the side, her cerulean blue eyes staring into his hazel eyes. The question hung in the air, silence filling it's place. He suddenly turned away from them and his gaze turned skyward.
"What do you know of other universes?" He asked, still gazing at the sky. Song birds tweeted and sang, their calls filling the air. Fluffy white clouds lazily moved overhead. The moon, almost clear despite it being only early evening, stood out proudly against the sapphire blue sky. It was a sight to see, and the older male seemed to be drinking it in.
"Like Edolas-"
"No. Different. Edolas is simply an alternate reality to our own." He cut Gray off. The latter taking a step back at the man's outburst. Levy mulled the information over in her head. It made sense that it was an alternate reality from the one they were currently in. From what Gajeel has stated, he has a counterpart in Edolas what was different but the same to him. Erza had one too. Lucy had met up with the Fairy Tail Guild of Edolas along with Natsu.
"So, there are other universes out there, one's we can't see or get to. One's they have different laws and rules. And they exist." Lucy answered his question, having formed the same thought process as Levy.
"Smart, good. You'll need that where you're going." He tilted his head down to look at them again. He shot them a smiled before retracting his hand from his pocket and showing them a small golden coin.
"And where would we be going?" Erza narrowed her eyes and at and shifted her stance slightly, ready to draw a weapon should the need occur. Gajeel and Natsu had the same reaction to his words. Natsu clenched his fists and his left foot slide back, allowing him to shift his weight and center of gravity. His eyes flitted about, looking for a threat other than the one present before him. Gajeel wrapped his thick arm around Levy's waist and pulled her closer to his side.
"Wait." Cana cut in.
"Yes?" He glanced in her direction.
"You sent the request didn't you? You knew we were here, you knew what Natsu and Gajeel would find. And yet, you did nothing to stop them. Why? Why bring us here?" She asked, crossing her arms over her chest. Her mouth was set in a frown. He let out a chuckle before answering.
"Because your help is needed to save the multiverse." He answered with a shrug of his shoulders. Upon hearing this, the group of young mages all took a step back.
"O-our help?" Wendy questioned timidly. Lucy's face fell into a frown, Natsu just stood there blinking.
"Yes." He said, simply staring at the group as their brains worked overtime to process the man's words.
"Why us?" Laxus asked, breaking the thought processes of the group.
"Because she said so. She said you would be willing to help, to save lives." He responded. Laxus frowned and his brow furrowed.
The group took a few more minutes to mull over the information before someone spoke up again.
"This mystery lady, came here and told you that we would show up. And they we would be willing to help? Help with what? And who's this lady?" Gray inquired of the man. The man sighed and shook his head.
"She didn't say, but when some lady appears to you in front of an entire village, asking for your aid in a task.. Well, you tell me how you would react. She promised me, my sister would be set free if I did as she asked. I was with my sister but a few minutes before I came here. Though she did say one thing."
"And that is?" Laxus grunted.
"That you wouldn't be alone. There would be others there to assist in whatever it is you'll be doing. The rest she said she would explain when you got to where ever this thing leads—" He looked down at the coin before looking back up at her. "—and I'm sure you'll find all the answers if you ask her yourself." He held his hand over the fountain, waiting for an answer from them.
Erza coughed and waved the group over to her, she strode some ways away before stopping and facing them. Gray was the first to speak.
"I don't know about this Erza. This might be a trick." He muttered under his breath, attempting to stay quiet.
"I agree with Gray-sama." Juvia piped up, staring at him with hearts in her eyes.
"I agree, but if there is some way we can get at least a little bit more information from him we may be able get a better understanding as to what we are needed for." Erza said, her arms crossed over her chest, Her left hands curled under her chin.
"She's right, we simply don't have enough info yet. Let's talk with the old man a little more and go from there. Maybe you should contact my Grandfather beforehand. LEt him know what we know, and maybe he can get us some more information." Laxus said. ERza nodded and reached behind her into a side pocket and brought out the Lacrima. Pushing a little magic into it, they waited until someone answered.
"Hello?" A woman's voice called out and a purpled haired female faces appeared.
"Kinana, can you get the Master for me?" Erza asked in a hushed voice. A frown graced her face before it disappeared from view for a second. In it's place was Makarov's wrinkled one.
"What is it? Have you made contact with the man Natsu and Gajeel saw?" He asked, taking in Erza's face. It was pinched tight, like she was in pain or confused.
"Yes master, we have. He had some rather odd things to say." She glanced at the old man just standing there with his hand held over the fountain. The golden coin glittering in the sunlight.
Gray quickly explained all the information they had been given. The master's face grew still as he contemplated the situation. Several seconds passed before he turned his gaze to Erza.
"Erza, would you be so kind as to give the Lacrima to our mystery man. I'll see what else I can glean from him." She nodded and walked back to him.
"Master Makarov would like to speak to you." She handed him the Lacrima. He nodded and looked into the Lacrima.
"What can I do for you Makarov?" He asked quizzically. He ad expected them to ask for a second opinion, he would have done the same.
"I have a few questions in regards to our current situation. As you seem to be well aware, we were sent a request asking for help. This request was not very detailed, but what really brought it to our attention was the 2 S-class mages and a Celestial wizard the request asked for. You wouldn't happen to know why that second was very specific do you?"
"I may have an answer for you, but I don't know how much help it would be. When The Lady in Blue first came to speak with me she spoke of a reward for those that aided her. I'm not sure what exactly the reward is, but she did hint that the reward she would be giving would be something with a high value. The reward is meant to entice those requested, at least that was my guess. A Celestial wizard uses a rare form of magic that has a low percentage of wielders. Perhaps the reward is a rare key? As for the others, I am at a loss. Each wizard has their own desires and dreams. It would be up to The Lady in Blue to tell you more on that." He replied.
"That will do for now. Is there anything you can tell me about this, what did you call her? Lady in Blue?" Makarov stroked his chin in thought, questions sitting at the tip of his tongue.
"Yes, but only because she gave me no name. In all honesty, I hadn't even thought to ask for her name." He paused. "She came to me three times before I was convinced to send the request. The first time she came was to ask for me aid. I didn't know anything about her, or what she wanted so I was a little sceptical. She simply smiled and told me to think it over." He shuffled his feet and the arm holding the coin dropped to his side. A sigh of relief escaping his lips.
"And the other times?" Makarov asked.
"Right, the second time she came to see me, I was able to get more information from her. It seems that danger is brewing and she needs help stopping it. She wouldn't tell me what exactly was happening, just that it had the potential to end life as we know it. I was still sceptical but I was more inclined to listen to her this time around. She confessed that she couldn't do it alone and a group of warriors from all walks of life would need to band together to stop the oncoming threat. I spent the next two months mulling this over before I came to a decision. I needed proof that she was telling the truth." He sighed deeply and sat down. "Now… I wished I hadn't asked her. The things she showed me would make any man weep. The pure and utter destruction, the raw power I saw… It gave me nightmares for a month afterwards. But, after she showed me.. That, I knew what I had to do. I agreed to help her in any way I could.
And now, you're here. I feel like she knew it would be you. I saw you at the train station. When I heard you talking, I knew you had found the request. I came back here and she was waiting. She also knew you were here."
The group remained silent, knowing that their master would be able to see what they could not. Though that didn't stop them from drawing their own conclusions from the info presented.
"If she knew that we would take the request, does that mean she knows we're here now?" Lucy asked. He simply nodded.
"Yes. Though I'm not sure how. She said she can't come here. That you had to come to her."
"I have only one more question before we proceed." The guild master said.
"Anything."
"What exactly, did this Lady in Blue, mean by we would be needed?" Makarov addressed the older man.
"A battle. Or battles, I should say." He said. Gray blinked.
"A battle, what kind of battle?"
"One that would determine the fate of everything. All life, all worlds, all of it." He said ominously. Lucy, Juvia, and Wendy all gasped at the same time. Levy let out a strangled noise and hugged herself.
"This just got interesting Gihi." A wicked smiled, pearly white teeth flashed, and Gajeel shoulders shook with barely held in manic laughter. The gleam in his eye promised pain and suffering to those he called enemy.
"Erza, Laxus, Mirajane, you're all S-Class, you have the authority. The decision lies in your hands." The three nodded at each other. Laxus waved them away, the rest staying behind to talk amongst themselves. Lucy spoke animatedly with Levy, their partners faces scrunching up in confusion as their mouths moving a mile a minute. The prospect of a whole new universe to explore greatly excited the two females.
Juvia just took the time to stare at Gray.
The latter trying hard not to notice here, as he carried out a conversation with Cana. Cana, sneaking drinks from a flask, spoke about trivial things with Gray and Wendy. Ever the gossiper she began to question Wendy about Romeo and their budding romance. Gray kept his questions simple and butted in when Cana began to get a little, well.. Cana-like. The Guild Master and the older Man began a small chat.
"What do you think?" Mirajane asked, her eyes flicking back and forth between her two companions. Laxus had his arms crossed over his chest, Erza in a similar position. Her mouth was twisted into a frown.
"I will admit that I am conflicted. This mission. The information, or what little we have. I am unsure what to do. I would like to meet this Lady in Blue but, if she cannot come here then how do we meet up with her? And if we meet up with her, how will we know we will be allowed to leave?" Laxus glared over their heads at the elderly man. His conversational tone was light and airy, not unlike how it had been when they first approached him.
"I have a few concerns too Erza." He said, turning his heavy gaze back to the two females.
"I can say the same, but I think we should do it. If we don't, what happens if what he said is true? When that danger reaches Magnolia's outskirts, can we stop it on our own?" Mirajane's voice asked laced with worry. Erza searched her face for any hint as to what else was on her mind. Mirajane had a lot of compassion for others, her instinct to protect others had only increased over the years following her sister's death and subsequent return from Edolas. Erza could only agree with her line of thinking. Her own instinct was near to her level.
Laxus could see the cogs turning in their heads, not unlike his own. The danger that had presented itself was high. The likelihood of someone losing their life in the battles to come almost made him say no. But, that little voice in the back of his head whispered to him.
'What's one life versus a whole universe? Will you make that choice? Will you let them die to save one?'
Laxus sighed to himself. No, he wouldn't.
"I guess we all agree on this then?" He spoke, almost startling Erza and Mirajane. They had been working out a way to convince Laxus to say yes. Erza smiled, he had come a long way from the angry man they had known those years ago.
"Yes." She said before turning away and walking back over to the team assembled for the job. The look of determination on her face let the others know of their decision. Natsu let out a whoop while Gajeel smirked. Gray nodded and stood up straighter. Juvis stopped looking at Gray and moved closer to the group, standing next to Cana and Wendy. The latter both wearing identical smiles. Lucy and Levy smiled at each other before looking back at Erza.
"Master, we have decided to help. Whatever is happening I promise we'll stop it, we won't let you down." Erza told the Guild Master. He smiled and nodded.
"Then go my children. Make Fairy Tail proud, I'll alert the others here to the situation. When you get back we'll be waiting." He said as the group let out a small cheer. "Good luck." He left them with those parting words and cut the connection to the Lacrima.
The group all turned to face the older Man. He was smiling at them.
"Here—" He handed the Lacrima to Erza, who put it back in her bag. "—You may end up needing this. Who knows. Are you all ready or do you need a second to gather all your things?" He asked.
"I'm good." Gray.
"I'm all fired up!" Natsu.
"Yeah, I have everything." Cana.
"Yupp." Lucy.
"Yes." Erza.
"I think we all are." Mirajane.
"I hope we aren't too late to help out." Wendy.
"I hope so too." Levy.
"Heh, I bet you're wrong." Gajeel.
"Juvia will follow Gray-sama anywhere!" Juvia.
"..." Laxus.
"Very well then." The older Man turned and tossed the coin into the fountain with a plop. For a few seconds there was nothing. Then, the water shot up and began to form a swirling vortex in front of them. A white light filtered through, as the water slowed to a stop.
"After you." He said gesturing to the portal. No-one moved for a second before Erza cautiously stepped forward and reached out to touch the light filtering out. Her fingers passed through before she retracted them and turned to face the others.
"I will go first, I'll wave you forward if I deem it safe." The nodded and she stepped through.
The light blinded her when she first stepped through, it seemed to come from every direction. Her arms come up to shield her eyes, allowing them to adjust to the brightness before her.
When she opened her eyes, a large white room stood before her. Long red drapes covers the east and west walls from ceiling to floor, their colour dulling the glare of white from the ceiling and floor. Hints of bright white shown through the gaps between the curtains. Her gaze turned away from them and to the long light blue clothed table in front of her. The cloth was draped over what would be a chesnut brown polished oak table. The table spanned the length of the room, with medieval style chairs completing the set. The plush cushions spoke of comfort and back support. She counted over 100 chairs, before her gaze settled on the only other occupant in the room. A woman, was seated at a large throne. A crown of gold, with two large purple gemstones and a larger green gem lay encrusted into the metal lay on her head. Long flowing black hair rested against her body, it's length to her elbows. Bright green eyes watched Erza closely, their youthfulness betraying her true age. Her size comparable to that of a Giant, a long baby blue silken dress sat on her skin. It's floor length skirt sat at her waist where a tight corset pushed up ample breasts. Her face was blank save a small smile, and with a slide of fabric around her shoulders her arms lifted from their position on her lap.
"Welcome, Erza Scarlet, to The White Room in the Time of Meetings." A velvet voice echoed around the room, it's source being the Lady sitting at the opposite side from where Erza was standing.
"How do you know my name?" Erza narrowed her eyes at her. A small chuckle escaped The Lady in Blue.
"I knew you would come, you and the others. I have watched your guild closely. Waiting for the right time to ask for your help." She replied softly, voice filled with fondness. The tender look in her eyes caused Erza to drop the fighting stance she had adopted after the first words had been spoken between them. Her eyes remained narrowed with suspicion.
"You knew? How?"
"I was shown a vision. One that could end everything, or could save it all. In this vision, I saw you and your family fight to protect the innocent. That is what you do isn't it?" She smirked.
Erza nodded minutely.
"There, is your answer." She paused and cast her eyes over Erza's shoulder. "Will you wave them in or…" She trailed off. Natsu burst through the portal nearly ramming into Erza.
"Erza are y- AGH!" He fell to his knees, the bright white of the room blinding him. He covered them and scowled. Erza sighed and shook her head.
"Natsu I said I would wave you in if it was safe. Why didn't you wait?" Her hands fisted and she placed them on her hips, staring down at the pink haired boy squinting up at her. His eyes adjusted to the brightness and he scowled up at her.
"You were taking too long." He replied standing up and looking around the room. His eyes found the Lady in Blue and his jaw dropped.
"Wow she's huge-OW." Natsu rubbed his shoulder. Erza had anticipated his reaction and slammed her fist into his shoulder. Her glare cut off any protest he was going to make. She turned and bowed to the Lady in Blue.
"I apologise for his comment. He doesn't think before he opens his mouth." She ground out through clenched teeth. A grimace splashed against Natsu's face. He was in trouble.
"That is quite alright. I know he meant to harm by it, I am quite tall yes?" She chuckled.
Erza sighed and turned to the portal, sticking her hand in it and making a waving motion with her hand. The rest of the group stepped through one by one, Lucy sighing at the look on Natsu's face. He looked at her sheepishly fearing that she would yell at him for jumping in after Erza.
"I can't believe you just went through on your own." She scolded him and he cringed at the harsh tone of her voice. Lucy mad get mad often at him but he rarely saw her actually get mad.
"Sorry Luce.." He whined. Gajeel snickered and look away whistling when Natsu shot a glare in his direction.
"Welcome Fairy Tail to The White Room in the Time of Meetings. Come, sit, there is much to discuss. All will be revealed when The Others arrive." She smiled. "They will be here shortly."
The group looked at Erza who was making her way towards the front of the table, taking a seat when she arrived.
"Please, sit together, we wouldn't want to have you separated from your companions." She gestured towards Erza and smiled at them as they took their seats. Food and drink seemed to appear from thin air on the table.
"Eat anything you like. There is food and drink aplenty." She turned her gaze to the wall opposite her waiting for Other guests to arrive.