Sorry for the really really long wait. I deeply apologize, and I thank all of you who have patiently waited so much, but this is a long chapter, at least longer than what I usually update, so hopefully that'll make up for it… /:) My life is just extremely busy. I know this apology doesn't make up for the time that you had to wait, but at least I updated!
Also, the further you read you'll notice it'll go along the plot line of the Oracion Seis arc in one of the episodes. If you want to see the fight scene visually just watch episode…53? It'll be slightly different, of course. Just to let you know, there are a lot of characters in here, and I'm hoping I didn't screw the names up. If I did, just let me know.
I don't own Fairy Tail or any of its characters...
Please R&R and enjoy!
~Remedy~
Chapter 12
"If our love is a tragedy, why are you my remedy?"
It was just before dawn. The sky was still dark, and the stars were still twinkling. Farther east of the sky, a bright orange peeked through the darkness. The grass was wet with dew and glimmered as the moon still shone brightly in the sky.
A tall, cloaked figure swiftly jumped from tree to tree to the Fullbuster Palace, the Mercurius Castle. His cloak violently flapped against the rushing wind as he traveled speedily. Silently, the figure landed in the beautiful garden. Looking up, the palace towered over him as his eyes darted over it, spotting Queen Ur's study with his inhuman eyes. Without a second to waste, he disappeared in a flash and reappeared on the balcony. As the figure raised his fist to tap the glass, they opened for him. He saw the Queen sitting in her chair with her back to him.
"Welcome back," she greeted, whirling around in the chair to face him. "I didn't expect you to come back so soon."
"But then again, here you are waiting for me."
"It was just a hunch." A smile graced the Queen's lips. "It's good to see you, Jellal."
"And it's good to see you fine and well, my Queen."
"Did you find anything?" Ur asked hopefully.
"Not as much as you wanted, but I suppose it will be enough."
"Alright, go on."
"The only thing I found out was that Sabertooth and Oracion Seis are working together. Sabertooth was promised with many wishes from Midnight, and they are blindly following their orders," Jellal explained. "They were ordered to kill you. Minerva is leading Sabertooth, and they will attack soon."
"Sabertooth..." Ur mused with a wry smile.
"What's wrong?"
"They're in the palace."
"I take it you're not alone."
"I'm not. Let me fill you in," Ur suggested calmly.
"All the guilds are here because Oracion Seis destroyed their guilds including the city they resided in. In a couple hours, I'm sending a group of hunters after Oracion Seis to finish them once and for all. I would send you, but I need you here. Also, the Blue Pegasus guild will be using Christina to their aid."
"I hope you wouldn't mind me asking, but who is being sent on the mission?" Jellal aked curiously.
"I already sent Jura and Lyon for a slight head start to meet up with the other hunters in a strategic position. Here's the list of names." Ur handed the blue-haired man a small slip of paper. He slipped off his hood, his tattoo intricate as ever. His eyes skimmed over the names.
"Erza?" Jellal blinked. The last time he'd seen the beautiful red-head was some years ago, and he couldn't help but feel his heart skip a beat.
Ur smiled. "She'd be very happy to see you."
Jellal scoffed. "Probably more enraged since I didn't say goodbye last time."
Ur sweat-dropped. "For once, I have to agree." She patted Jellal's back with small force. "Well, you're the only one that can manage her! So don't die, alright?"
The blue-haired man stared at her before having a caustic smile grace his lips.
"Such encouraging words..."
"Everyone ready?" Erza asked. She stood ready with her arms crossed and fully dressed in her special hunting armor.
Lucy facepalmed and muttered a few incoherent words while the rest of the hunters sweatdropped. Behind Erza was a huge bag of luggage that towered over her form. The hunters stared at her then looked at each other before staring at her oddly again. The red-headed huntress arched an elegant brow as if daring them to question. Automatically, all the hunters, with the exception of Lucy, Natsu, and Gray, backed away, fear flashing across their visages instantly.
"Lucy?" Erza said, both brows raised now.
"Uh, well, Erza… I don't think you need that much…" Lucy nervously suggested.
Gray watched the scene in amusement. More like he watched everyone's facial expressions because they were so damn hilarious. He watched as Lucy bravely stood her ground when Erza's form loomed over her speculatively. She stared into Lucy's eyes, searching for whatever she was looking for, then nodded her head and "hmmed" in comprehension.
"I understand."
And with that she disappeared then reappeared with almost nothing.
"Now," Erza said, "are we ready to go?"
Natsu's odd stare switched from Erza to Lucy in an instant. When Erza started walking out of the castle, everyone followed keeping a good distance from the S-class huntress. Gray just shook his head, walking close to Lucy. His eyes narrowed when he saw Natsu lean in too close for comfort near the side of her face. Lucy, completely oblivious, leaned in closer to Natsu. Gray felt his possessive side itching for him to punch Natsu in the jaw. He felt his fingers twitch and clench into a fist. Not wanting to start anything, he sighed and walked in front, so he wouldn't have to see the pink-haired idiot or feel overflowing jealously at their closeness when he and Lucy just met several days ago.
"How the hell did you change her mind?" Natsu asked, bewildered. "Is it because it's your birthday?"
"Maybe..." Lucy replied, staring off into Gray's back. She raised a brow. When did he move from her side?
During their travel, Lucy ended up by Gray's side, unconsciously brushing her fingers with his. The raven-haired vampire blinked, registering the tingling sensation that shot through his fingers to his whole body. It took all his willpower to suppress a shiver. He risked a glance at her only to widen his eyes fractionally when he saw her smile innocently at him. Too innocently. She just flashed him a devious smile and stuck her tongue out. That's when he realized she was teasing him, knowing how much she affected him.
A soft growl erupted from him, so only she could hear.
"Lucy."
"What's wrong, Gray?"
"You're…breaking my concentration."
She giggled. "That's the point."
Gray dragged his palm across his face. "I swear… You'll be the death of me."
The blonde's eyes glinted mysteriously. Gray curiously watched his mate almost form a pained countenance. As quickly as he spotted the expression, it was gone.
"I probably will be," was all she said.
This triggered Gray's memory of last night. It felt great that she stopped denying her feelings for him, and just let go and let her defenses fall. She needed someone to rely on, and that was him. The one thing he hated to see was her vulnerable state. It frightened him a bit. He was used to seeing a strong-willed girl, but then again, he didn't know her that well. It was almost a week. It was fast, for humans, but that's how it was for a vampire when he found his mate. To them, it was slow. Hell, he should've had her the first or second night.
There was one thing he couldn't forget though...
Her tears.
Because of that man. Midnight.
Gray snapped out of his deep thoughts when he caught a whiff of Jura and his brother, Lyon. Reaching the end of their travel, he and Erza led everyone to where they were supposed to meet Jura and Lyon. It wasn't until a few minutes later after walking through the dense forest that they spotted the two in a large clearing. Before they even made it, Lyon was the first to greet them.
"Took you long enough," the silver-haired vampire smirked.
Gray just rolled his eyes.
"Is everyone here?" Jura asked. His eyes scanned over the group, mentally counting the number of people.
Erza nodded. "This is everyone."
"All right," Lyon said. "Let's go."
Just as the group of skilled hunters were about to set out, they all heard light footsteps and heavy panting. They all turned around, surprised to see Wendy running up to them.
"Wait everyone! Wait for me!" the small bluenette cried.
The group stopped and watched the young huntress catch up to them. Just as she reached them, she somehow tripped over her own feet, landing right on her face in front of them. Lucy shook her head with a small, amused smile. Sherry, from the hunter guild Lamia Scale, giggled before kneeling next to the girl to ask if she was all right. To her surprise, Wendy sprang back on her feet in embarrassment.
"What are you doing here, Wendy?" Natsu asked.
"Last minute, Queen Ur said that I should go," she mumbled shyly, playing with the hem of her vest. "You guys can't go against Oracion Seis without a healer."
Hibiki sighed. "She's right. This is Oracion Seis we're talking about. We'll need all the help we can get."
Jura nodded. "The more the merrier."
The giant elaborately decorated oak doors of the library opened just a smidgen. Ultear emerged from the doors quietly and gently closed the door behind her. She clenched her teeth as she passed by several hunters, barely controlling herself. She passed by Minerva, who just bowed her head mockingly causing Ultear to frown. She heaved a sigh as she made it into her mother's study moments. Her eyes widened when she saw a familiar blue haired vampire.
"Jellal?" the princess whispered.
Ur and the blue-haired vampire stopped talking and looked at her. Jellal mirrored her surprise before smiling gently. That was all Ultear needed to see before she ran to him and gave him a bone-crushing hug.
"I haven't seen you in forever!"
Jellal slowly wrapped his arms around her.
"Where have you been?"
"Traveling."
Ultear smiled. "Meredy would be happy to see you, you know."
"I'm afraid that the reunion will have to wait until the fighting is over," Ur said.
Jellal sighed, letting go of Ultear. "Right. Well, what-"
Everything muffled in Ultear's ears. She walked to the window behind Ur's desk and wonderingly gazed at the bright blue sky. The sun glazed over the royal garden, illuminating everything to a lovely glow. She stared into the fountain, frowning in deep thought. The only reason that Jellal would've come back would be for a reason. And she had the inkling suspicion that it had to do with Oracion Seis because that was the only thing that was going on right now. Her eyes narrowed when her thoughts wandered over to Sabertooth. Everything about that guild screamed deceit, especially that Minerva character. And that's when her suspicions were confirmed.
"We'll just have to be ready. Sabertooth will strike at any moment," Ur said.
"Sabertooth?" Ultear echoed, almost smiling because deep down, she just knew it.
"They're working for Oracion Seis," Jellal informed.
"For some reason, it doesn't really surprise," was all she replied.
Minerva gazed boringly into the fountain. She sighed lightly, almost groaning in frustration because of waiting. She wasn't exactly the most patient person in the world, but it was there unlike Sting. Minerva snapped her eyes to the fidgety hunter. who was pacing around and growling under his breath while Rogue just silently watched him from a few meters away, imperceptibly shaking his head in disappointment. She rolled her eyes, but she was innerly seeing herself joining Sting.
"Sting," she called.
"What?!" he snapped, his face contorting in anger. He immediately stopped pacing.
Minerva glared at the use of his tone. "Stop dancing around. It's annoying."
Before Sting could say anything he would regret later, Rouge stepped in and placed a hand on the blonde's shoulder. Sting careened his neck back over to look at his partner with disbelief.
"Rogue?"
"What she means to say is you'll arouse suspicion if you keep acting so edgy."
Sting slumped onto the grass and let go a frustrated sigh. "When do you think it'll be time? I hate waiting around like this."
Minerva smirked. "Right about…now."
Her eyes narrowed into a maniacal gleam. Blades slipped from her long sleeves into her hands, and she lunged to the nearest guard.
Queen Ur, Jellal, and Ultear ceased their conversation as they heard a cry of pain from the window. Ur peered out the window and grimaced when she saw her loyal guards covered in blood.
"It's time."
Jellal disappeared in a flash. About to leave, Ultear was stopped by her mother.
"And where to you think you're going?"
"To fight, of course."
"Your-"
"Mother," Ultear said, "it's time I make up for everything I've done."
And with that, she was gone.
Ultear sprinted down the hall. She gritted her teeth when she heard the sound of fighting. Metal clashing with metal, cries of pain and exertion, even the palace shook in protest. She jumped down the stairs onto the first floor. She dodged as a body sailed over her. She reached the main fighting ground. She watched as all the guilds fought against Sabertooth. She saw Meredy already duking it out with a man named Rufus, Laxus against Orga, and Jellal and Gajeel against the Twin Slayers, Sting and Rouge. That left her with...
Ultear reflexively shifted to her left, a blade sliding across her cheek, creating a small cut. Her eyes caught bloodthirsty green ones.
"Miverva."
"Princess."
She expertly dodged the twin blades and retaliated with punches and kicks. It didn't really have much of an effect like she wanted because of the damn dress she was wearing. When she pushed Minerva back enough, she took her dress in her hands and ripped it off, leaving her in a black bra and really short black shorts. She also kicked off her heels and was left barefoot. She had more freedom with her body, but now she'd be more exposed to Minerva's blades.
The two clashed, Minerva slashing away with her blades and Ultear dodging. It came to the point where Ultear was backed into a wall, but she was still able to dodge a blade aimed towards her head, embedding deeply into the wall. Minerva struggled to pull it back out, and Ultear took that as her chance. She quickly rolled out behind the Sabertooth huntress and hurled a powerful roundhouse kick on her ribs. Minerva went flying and crashed into the dining hall.
Ultear easily pulled out the blade and dashed in after her. She jumped backwards onto the dining table as Minerva lunged at her.
"Lucky hit," she growled.
Ultear smirked. "Believe what you want."
The only thing that could be seen from the fight was a blur of black and purple including the sparks of the blades when they parried and clashed against each other. Every so often, one of the two would be blasted in the other direction and crash into something.
To Ultear's dismay, the cut from earlier on her cheek started slowing her down, which put her at a disadvantage. Minerva slashed and elbowed her in the gut. Ultear blasted into the dining table, the silverware and plates flying into the air before crashing onto the ground. The vampire princess struggled to get up when Minerva stood above her and had her blade pressed to Ultear's throat.
"Such a shame," Minerva said. "I expected more of a fight out of you."
"I'm not done yet, you bitch!" Ultear snarled.
She swiped the blade out of Minerva's hand and got up and punched the huntress in the cheek. Minerva flew back and skidded a few meters, barely dodging her own blade that was aimed for her head. She shook it off and stood up. She pulled out her blade from the wall behind her and pointed it at Ultear.
"It's too bad. I was going to keep you alive so you could watch everything your family built crumble. That treaty will mean nothing."
"Why are working for Oracion Seis?" Ultear demanded. "You're human. If you destroy us, the treaty will be ignored. Any vampire would drink every drop of your blood."
"Midnight offered power, of course. Something I couldn't refuse."
"He's only using you to do his dirty work. He's lying to you. He'll kill you once it's all over."
Minerva smirked. "I've decided. I'll let you watch your mother die before I kill you myself. You're brothers are as good as dead, anyway, going after Midnight and all. He'll enjoy ripping your dear Gray to pieces."
Ultear's eyes narrowed psychotically. "What did you say?"
"You heard me."
Ultear felt her back burning. Her eyes glazed over, and she felt herself getting lost in the recesses of darkness in her mind. Magic seeped out of her seal and slowly circled around her in dark purple wisps before it completely broke. Her magic chaotically swirled around her and filled the room, relishing its freedom.
Minerva took a cautious step back. Her body felt high magic pressure coming from the vampire. Last she heard, the princess was under control of a seal, but it looked like anything but that.
Ultear fought the darkness that crept back to the surface. She felt it slowly trying to wrap around her heart, but she wouldn't let it. Not this time. She envisioned herself before anything happened. When her family full trusted her, and we're carefree and smiling around her. In her mind, she saw a small light. It felt warm and peaceful. It felt good. She felt it slowly course through her body dispelling and replacing the darkness. Her heart happily welcomed the light. Her eyes lost the glaze, and she glared at Minerva. Instead of a dark purple, her magic changed to a warm white.
Minerva's eyes widened, for once, in fear. She watched in horror as the blade was enveloped in white light and disintegrated to dust. Ultear's white magic exploded and flew across the entirety of the palace. All fighting ceased as the weapons from Sabertooth disappeared into nothing but dust.
"W-What is this?"
Ultear smiled. "My magic: Arc of Time."
She walked toward Minerva. Before the huntress could react, Ultear unleashed a powerful punch filled with magic, which sent poor Minerva flying through the wall into the main scene of battle. Everyone gazed in surprise. Ultear slowly walked into the scene with her magic still powerfully surging around her. Jellal and Meredy's eyes widened.
"The seal," Meredy whispered.
"Broke," Jellal finished.
"N-No! Back away!"
Minerva pathetically scrambled backwards into a decorative table. A magic circle appeared on Ultear's palm. Suddenly, the table aged until it fell and dropped the vase onto Minerva's head. The Sabertooth huntress sat their for a second before slumping on her back unconscious.
Silence filled the room.
Ultear's magic slowly died down until there was nothing. She turned and smiled at Jellal and Meredy, causing them to be filled with relief. The darkness was gone.
The Sabertooth guild fell to their knees, and that's when the guilds started cheering.
Queen Ur walked down the steps to Ultear. Mother and daughter gazed into each other's eyes before hugging each other in joy and relief. Ultear was back, and she was staying with them for good.
"The fighting is far from over," Ur said.
"I know," Ultear said. "But let them rejoice in this victory."
"Hopefully, Gray, Lyon, and the others, will be doing fine," Meredy said.
"We just have to believe in them," Ur said softly.
Jellal looked around the room and gazed at each of the hunters' faces. He gave a small side smile. "I think we all do."
"Let's just hope they're doing all right so far," Ultear whispered.
"Now that we got everyone, let's go," Lyon said. "We're close to the base of Oracion Seis. I can feel it."
Sherry looked out in the distance to the dense forest before grimly nodding in agreement. "I can feel it too," she murmured. "The air feels heavy in this forest."
"Okay, now that all the involved parties are present I think that's it's about time to get the mission briefing under way," Ichiya suggested, posing nonetheless.
"Are you going to brief us through interpretive dance?" Lucy asked sarcastically. Nastu chuckled under his breath, earning himself a glare from Erza. As much as she disliked Ichiya, he needed to be heard.
"Our first order of business is determining the location of the Oracion Seis," Ichiya said. There was a slight pause. "Right after I use the restroom." He shuffled away into the dense forest.
From deep within the forest, two small floating creatures with blue colored bodies and small antennae watched Ichiya trail away from the group. Their black beady eyes that contained small white pupils followed his figure disappear in the shrubbery.
"Ah, that's much better. Now please, pay close attention. According to the map Lucy found at Eisenwald, to the north lies the Worth Woodsea, the supposed base of Oracion Seis." Ichiya posed again.
Natsu sweatdropped. "The poses are getting old."
"Tell me about," Lucy muttered.
"We don't know much about this area other than it's name," Ren said.
"And that the Oracion Seis supposedly reside in the area," Eve said.
"The reason we think they choose to reside in this area is because not many hunters dare to venture into this area because once they go in they never are able to find their way back out," Hibiki explained. "It allows them to freely plan whatever schemes they have with no worry, such as killing the royal family, so the treaty will not be enforced."
"And to stop them, we must destroy Oracion Seis," Ichiya said, posing once again.
"So over the posing," Lucy sighed.
"I think they're starting to grow on me," Gray said with a crooked smile.
"We may have the advantage in numbers, but remember we can't underestimate them. They're incredibly strong," Ren said.
"We may well be in over our heads," Hibiki remarked. With the snap of his fingers a grid and keyboard appeared in front of him. He began nimbly typing his fingers across the keys.
Gray raised his brows. "That's Archive Magic…" he murmured.
"I've never seen it in use before," Lyon commented. He scrunched his brows. "But that means you're…"
"A vampire?" Hibiki finished with an amused smile. He shook his head. "I'm a half-blood."
"Just like Porlyusica," Wendy remarked.
"I've never heard of a half-blood having magic," Erza said.
"Depends, I believe it's fifty-fifty," Hibiki guessed.
"But that means one of your parents was a pure blood…" Wendy said.
Hibiki shrugged. "My parents are a mystery to me, too."
"Okay, hold on," Natsu said. "What do you guys call it: magic or powers?"
Gray shrugged. "Either really."
Lucy turned to him curiously. "So what's your magic…er power?
"Ice Make."
"Are we really having this conversation?" Lyon face palmed.
"And Archive does what exactly?" Sherry asked, getting back on track.
Various screens appeared in front of Hibiki and showed several images, each with a different person. "It stores information, such as these photographs of our enemies. Don't ask how we got them."
Lucy focused on the first image. It showed a tan, slim man with spiky crimson hair, a tuft covering his forehead and two bangs framing his face. He had snake-like features: slanted eyes like Natsu's and canine teeth, which he showed off by smirking devilishly. His outfit consisted of a white coat with purple lining, and several silver studs lining up the chest, the high collar, and the sleeves. Underneath, he wears a black shirt and is also clothed in crimson red pants held by a studded belt, and his shoes were a neutral brown. In the background, Lucy took note of the giant purple snake with green-slitted eyes.
"First up is the snake rogue, Cobra," Hibiki clarified.
Natsu scowled. "Beady eyes and a mischievous smirk… He looks like trouble to me."
Gray and Lyon sweatdropped. "Look who's talking."
Hibiki swtiched to another image, and it took Lucy a few seconds to adjust her eyes. The next man's back was facing her, but Lucy was able to make out some of his features: he was tall, had blonde spiky mohawk with the closely shaved portion black, extremely long jutting eyebrows, a long face with a sharp, hooked nose, his smile appeared to be a reduced Glasgow. He sported a red and white racing suit. The jacket mainly red, and the back has Oracion Seis's symbol. His pants are mainly white and are somewhat loose, which is held up by a belt. Lastly, he wore dark running shoes, white gloves, and some glasses. Lucy frowned, noticing the background. It looked like he just destroyed a village or guild because fire and rubble were everywhere around him.
"Nest is a rogue, and, judging by his name, he likely uses speed magic. His name is Racer," Hibiki said.
Gray's brows furrowed. "I don't know what it is, but I don't like the looks of this guy."
"I don't either," Lyon agreed.
Lucy readjusted her eyes for the next image. This time the figure was a large, imposing man with his body consisting of geometrical forms with sharp angles. He had long, wavy orange hair reaching below his shoulders. His eyes were a bright blue adorned with long eyelashes but seeming to lack eyebrows, making his forehead appear rather large, and interestingly, he had thick, red feminine lips. He has a massive torso and arms and relatively thin legs. From the image, the man looked like a preacher with the way his black shirt hung loosely on his body, maroon pants, white boots, and a maroon-beaded necklace around his neck. The book he was carrying really did the trick, but Lucy guessed it was not the Bible. Surrounding the large man was a defeated military soldiers.
"Then there's a rogue who is willing to wipe out an entire military unit…if the price is right," Hibiki continued. "His name is Hoteye."
Sherry glowered. "That guy kills for money?!"
"Turns my stomach," Jura snarled softly under his breath.
This time the next image was a woman of small stature, about the same height as Lucy. She had short silvery hair with even bangs covering her forehead and a indigo ribbon wrapping her head, indigo eyes, and pale skin. Her hair is a short bob with two tresses to frame her face, and she has a strand that curls at the top of her head like a halo. Her attire resembled that of an angel: a short dress made up of white feathers and two bird-like wings on the back of her dress. The dress split from her navel up, which revealed much of her cleavage. The revealing V-cut was lined with long feather that wrapped around her shoulders to form some type of collar. She also wore long indigo gloves and dark blue stockings with boots. Lucy squinted her eyes and noticed two wing-like tattoos on her collarbone.
"She's gorgeous but just as vicious. Her name's Angel," Hibiki said.
"The beautiful and deadly type," Lucy mused. "Is this chick for real?"
The last image sent a shiver down Lucy's spine. Her muscles tensed, and she suddenly felt sick. Seeing this out of the corner of his eye, Gray slipped his hand in hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze with Lucy returning the gesture in thanks.
"The next rogue is such a mystery. All we know is his name: Midnight," Hibiki finished. "Apparently, he's the leader in all this."
"That's an odd name," Erza commented with a frown. "Does it correlate to his power?"
"Guess we'll find out," Natsu grinned.
"I've fought with him once before," Gray said.
"Was it during Grimoire Heart?" Erza asked.
"Yes. He uses Reflector Magic. That was some time ago. I don't know if he's learned anything else," Gray explained.
"It's better than knowing nothing," Jura said.
"Alone, they can wipe out entire guilds, and together they're unstoppable. We have twelve to their six, but that's our only advantage," Hibiki informed.
Ichiya took the spotlight. "No need to fear my friends. There is more to our operation than mortal combat. Perhaps we can find the enemies stronghold."
"Stronghold?" Wendy echoed.
"Yeah, you heard the man," Ren said. "We've looked everywhere and have had no luck."
"Here's the deal," Eve started, a geographic image popping up in front of him, "they've got to have a temporary base in the Worth Woodsea."
"And once we've located it, our plan is to gather the Oracion Seis inside," Ichiya explained.
"How do we do that?" Sherry asked.
"We beat them up and drag their asses there!" Natsu shouted.
Lucy sweatdropped. "You're a little to excited about this…"
"What the next part of the plan?" Erza queried.
Ichiya pointed upwards. "Then we'll give them a one-way ticket to oblivion, curtesy of Christina, the majestic pride of the Blue Pegasus hunter guild."
Sherry widened her eyes. "I've heard about the magic bomber, but I thought it was just a myth."
Wendy blanched. "I-Is that necessary? They're are only six of them!"
"That the type of enemy we face," Jura declared, his face shadowed in the lighting. "Remember, under no circumstance should you ever fight against the enemy in solo combat. Our best bet is to separate them and devote two hunters or vampires to each fight."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Let's go! I'm all fired up!" Natsu yelled with giant grin. He darted off into the dense forest before anyone could say anything. "Time to go hunt me some demons. Ready or not, here I come!"
"Where the hell do you think you're going?!" Lucy shouted after him.
Erza shook her head. "Always acting without a thought in his head…"
"Sometimes I wonder about his mental health," Lucy sighed.
"What do you guys want to bet that he didn't even here the plan?" Gray asked with an amused smile.
The group of hunters and vampires stood in the clearing, analyzing the damage Natsu has already done rampaging through the forest.
Ren scratched the back of his head. "Overkill much?"
"No kidding…" Eve frowned.
Hibiki sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just great…"
"Enough gawking, move!" Erza ordered, running off.
"Guess we have to catch up with that idiot," Gray said.
"Natsu, I swear…" Lucy groaned.
"W-Wait for me!" Wendy cried.
They ran after Erza.
"Their energy is as infectious as ever," Lyon remarked with a smile. "Ready, Sherry?"
"Yeah, let's go!"
The two followed after Lucy and Gray. The Trimens shrugged and sprinted after them. Jura stood behind, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead.
"Wait!" he called. "Stay together!"
The young hunters and two vampires paid no heed. Jura sighed. "I'm getting too old for this…" He turned around to see Ichiya. "In any case, the operation is now underway. We should join the others quickly."
"Hold on, I heard that you're one of the great Ten Hunter Saints," Ichiya said. "Would this statement be true?"
"I am."
"It's quite a privilege to be compared alongside someone as skilled as Makarov."
Jura gave a light smile and shook his head. "I wouldn't go that far though I am honored to bear the title. It is given by the council to whoever deems worthy. Equating myself with Makarov is like comparing the heavens to the earth. I'm sure you can guess which applies to me."
"I see. That might be the best news I've heard all day." Ichiya flipped out a vial and unscrewed the cork, a heavy scent escaping it. "If you were as powerful as that old man that would've made my job much more difficult."
Jura widened his eyes. "What is that smell?!" He clasped his hand over his nose, collapsing to the ground in vain.
"It's something that I was given to by my master. She told me it causes the opponent to lose the will to fight.
"Ichiya! What…are…you doing?!"
Said man's body illuminated and morphed into two small blue creatures. One had wore orange shorts with his mouth shaped like a "v" while the other wore black shorts with his mouth like a "^". They turned to each other and talked in high, squeaky voices.
"Yay, we're back to normal," the one is orange cheered.
"Yuck, that midget's head was filled with perverted stuff!" the other said.
"Don't remind me brother. It was so gross!"
"No complaining," a soft female voice chided. "You're not done yet."
Jura looked up, his face contorted with exertion. His brows furrowed. "No! Why… Why are you here?!"
Before him was none other than Angel.
"Aw, isn't it obvious? You've been duped darling," Angel taunted. "We copied your comrade from his dumpy little body to every thought in his perverted mind."
"Now we know your plan," one of the blue creatures said smugly.
"You can't hide anything from us," the other said.
Jura gazed in absolute horror. "No…"
"Yes," Angel smirked. "Two down and only ten to go."
Back in the opposite direction of the clearing, where Ichiya went off to for his bathroom break, he lay against a tree trunk completely beaten up. His shinty hair was disheveled and dirtied by nature, his attire was ripped, and on top his poor little head a large bump was forming. From the powerful hit, Ichiya lay unconscious, unable to help his comrades when things took a turn for the worst.
Angel stood before Jura with her arms on her hips. The two blue creatures floated near the fallen hunter in curiosity before floating back to their master, saying a cute, squeaky "we did it" simultaneously. They defeated one of the Ten Hunter Saints.
Angel giggled. "Let this be a lesson children of light," her eyes darkened, "there's no stopping the Oracion Seis."
Back to the group of hunters, plus two vampires, they burst out of the dense forest and were still running after Natsu. They appeared to be on a cleared path that lead to a wide cliff edge, which helped gaze across the entire forest. Natsu radiant grin disappeared once he reached it. He gazed out a saw the forest went as far as the eye could see.
"Now where the hell could they be hiding," he asked himself.
"Slow down, numskull," Gray snarled.
"In your dreams!"
"That an order!" Erza barked. "You can't rush into this impetuously!"
"What the matter? Are you afraid that I might actually show you up this time?
Lucy sighed. "Now you've done it…"
Erza's eyes narrowed. "Say what?! STOP THIS FOOLISHNESS RIGHT NOW!"
Natsu squeaked, halting in his steps. However, he stumbled and tripped and began rolling uncontrollably before he went flying off the cliff. There was a brief pause in the air as he seemed to register that he was airborne and about to fall three hundred feet. His face paled to a ghostly white, and the pink-haired hunter let out a scream as he fell into the thick forest below. Gray and Lucy snickered quietly, jogging to a stop, with Sherry and Lyon coming to a stop as well. The raven-head peered over the edge with squinted eyes.
"Well, he stopped moving his feet," Gray remarked, his voice laced with mirth.
"If he's not dead, I'll kill him," Erza growled.
"Is he going to be all right?" Sherry asked.
"I think the fool will be fine," Lyon smirked.
Natsu groaned, lifting his achy body off the forest floor. Once he stood up, he stretched his muscles and cracked his bones here and there. He dusted the splinters of wood and swept out the leaves off his hair. He gazed around and noticed the forest felt…different. It looked different too. Barely any sunlight was passing thought the leaves, vines wrapped around trees and were hanging from branches, and a lot more moss was on the ground and covered rocks.
"Natsu!" a voice called.
Said hunter turned around and saw the whole gang running his way. Once they reached him the first thing that Natsu received was a punch to the face by none other than Erza and a sympathetic pat by Lucy.
"How'd…you guys…get here…so…fast?" he croaked, recovering from the mega punch.
"We don't have this necklaces for nothing, Natsu," Erza scolded, fingering the Fairy Tail pendant from her golden chain.
"Oh yeah…"
Lucy shook her head, rolling her eyes all the more. Why did Natsu have to be so…Natsu?
Wendy looked around, a small frown appearing on her visage. "There's something off about this forest."
"No kidding," Sherry agreed. "It's like the deeper you go in, the spookier it gets."
"Keep your guard up," Lyon ordered.
Everyone hummed in agreement as they picked up their pace again. Using the necklace's speed, with the exception of the vampires, everyone quickly made it into a wide clearing. They stopped as a giant shadow loomed over them.
"Whoa," was all Natsu said, and it spoke for all of them.
Above them was the giant airship Christina, the pride of the Blue Pegasus hunter guild. It was in the shape of a…well, pegasus with the colors of blue, purple, red, white, and yellow. Its metal wings were outstretched to their full length, which gave more of an ethereal or majestic feel.
"That the Airship Bomber, Christina," Erza said in awe.
"I want one!" Natsu decided.
"It definitely lives up to the height," Lucy observed.
"All right, let's split up and start searching for their temporary base," Erza commanded.
"I call dibs on flying the horse bomber thing!" Natsu clarified childishly, raising his hand.
"Not happening!" Hibiki refused.
Suddenly, Christina's right side exploded with black smoke trailing out. Several more explosions, one after the other, happened across the back of the airship. Everyone gasped as the famous Magic Bomber tilted to the side and began spiraling down in front of them. A few seconds passed before Christina hit the ground creating a giant explosion that shook the earth. Everyone watched in terror as smoke billowed from the destroyed airship, forming in front of them.
"This doesn't bode well," Lucy said, her expression tight.
"I can't do this!" Wendy whimpered, hiding behind a boulder that was conveniently there a few yards behind.
Gray took a whiff of the air, his visage immediately turning fierce when he caught several different scents and one he recognized well. He stepped in front of Lucy protectively and got in a fighting stance. He glanced over his shoulder and met Lucy's eyes.
"Don't leave my side."
The beautiful blonde huntress nodded, placing her hands on the hilts of her ronin knives. Gray focused his attention back to the smoke.
"Lyon…" he called.
"I know. We've got company."
Five silhouettes could be made from the smoke. They kept getting closer and closer until, eventually, the black smoke was behind them and their appearances could be seen.
"Yeah, it's them all right," Lucy said. "The Oracion Seis."
Lucy immediately took in Midnight's presence. The one thing different was he was holding some strange staff. It had a skull at the top with a feather headdress, and it appeared to be biting on some glass orb or crystal ball. Other than that one small detail, he was the same. He reeked of bloodlust. Not just him, but all of them.
"I'm afraid short stuff isn't going to make it to the party," Angel informed. "And neither is that bald hunter saint."
Sherry widened her eyes in shock. "You defeated…"
"Impossible…" Hibiki uttered under his breath.
"There's terror in their voices," Cobra smirked. "I can hear it."
"The quicker we wrap this up the better," Racer said. "I'll run you over so fast it'll make your head spin."
"Money determines strength in this world, oh yeah!" Hoteye stated. "If you save but a penny today, it may become a fortune in the future. Furthermore…"
"Enough with the preaching, Hoteye," Cobra and Racer sighed.
"I'm going to have to admit," Erza began, "I didn't expect you to show yourselves."
A silence settled as both sides analyzed each other.
Natsu cracked his knuckles and launched himself at the rogue cult.
"Wait, Natsu!" Hibiki warned.
"What an open invitation," Cobra smiled smugly.
"Take him out," Midnight ordered.
"You got it," Racer said.
His body flickered and disappeared from his spot. He flashed across the clearing the same way, and suddenly appears above Natsu. The pink-haired hunter looks back in shock, but before he can react properly Racer delivers a powerful roundhouse kick that sends him flying.
"Natsu!" Sherry wailed in concern, but her voice sounded…doubled? She looked beside her and saw herself, and she flew back as a her copy struck her in the gut with a fist. Her clone giggled, her expression smug and sinister.
"Surprise," it purred.
Lyon blasted towards Hoteye. However, the giant man simply closed his eyes and reopened them to show, instead of a bright blue, a blinding orange, and the same color outlined and resonated from his entire figure.
"I see you~" Hoteye chorused.
The ground beneath Lyon's feet liquified, and he immediately sunk in waist-deep. Like a wave, the ground rounded over him and blocked the sky. The momentum of the wave pulled him to the side and almost upside down. He quickly sunk down to his neck.
"What the hell is this stuff?! Quicksand?!"
"I'll take care of Angel!" Hibiki asserted.
"Hey, no dibs!" Eve protested.
"What do you mean by take care?" Ren intoned.
Before they could even get in the fight, Racer flickered over and demolished all three of them. They collapsed to the ground, defeated, the force and speed of the kicks too much for them. Racer clucked his tongue in disappointment.
"If you're slow, you'll be eaten by dust."
Erza launched herself towards Cobra. She transformed her regular sword into two twin swords. She slashed here and there, but Cobra kept on dodging with ease and eventually pushed her back. Racer took that chance to come up behind her, but Erza sensed it and blocked his kick with her swords. Her swords illuminated and changed form. They were still twin swords, but they changed to a different type to help raise her speed. She attacked Racer with more vigor and velocity.
"Now that's more like it!" Racer grinned. "I like fast women!"
"It's no use," Cobra sneered. "I can hear your next move, Titania!" He appeared and kicked her right in the gut. "You might as well give up now."
Erza narrowed her eyes and landed with grace from the hit. He is reading me, but how?!
"You look confused. Having trouble figuring it out?" Cobra taunted. "I told you, I hear everything."
Meanwhile, Natsu began fighting with Midnight, but nothing was hitting him. It was as if a barrier was formed around the rogue because each time he knew he would be able to strike him for sure, his kamas would bounce harmlessly off of him. With each swing, he began losing energy, and that's when Racer decided to show up. He appeared behind Natsu and kicked him up in the air and attacked several more times. The pink-haired hunter helplessly collapsed to the ground unable to fight.
Racer flickered his way over to Lucy but was intercepted by Gray.
"I don't think so," he growled, blocking Racer's attack.
"Let's see, are you fast enough?" Racer asked, flickering all around him.
Gray quickly glanced at Erza's swords and copied them out of ice. He matched Racer's speed, but the two weren't able to land hits on each other.
Erza once again lunged at him with a battle cry, but even with her gained speed Cobra was able to dodge everything comfortably.
"Even with speed, it won't save you from this," Cobra warned with a feral grin. His snake hissed and extended his fangs, biting into Erza's shoulder. She shrieked out in pain and fell to the ground defeated. Seeing his job was done, Cobra moved on and was ready to attack Gray from behind, who was too caught up in his fight to notice the advancement.
With a final effort, Erza threw her swords and yelled, "Lucy!"
The blonde caught them and immediately intercepted Cobra's attack. Her eye's narrowed dangerously, and she started attacking Cobra but a little differently. She guessed that when Cobra said that he could hear everything, she thought he meant he could read minds, so what she did was in her mind she would plan where she would go, but it would be the total opposite when she actually attacked. This surprised Cobra enough that he left himself wide open for a split second, but that was all she needed.
Gotcha! Lucy thought, launching at him with a battle cry.
Hoteye interfered by slamming a pillar of liquified earth into Lucy's stomach. Before he could cause real damage, Lyon engaged in combat with him once again. Lost in the air, Lucy struggled to regain composure from the massive hit. Cobra quickly took that opportunity to let his pet snake sink his fangs, but Gray, seeing this, pushed back Racer and flashed in front of Lucy. It was such a split second decision that Gray didn't have enough time to block the bite. It sank its venomous teeth into his arm. He screamed in agony and fell to the ground beside Erza, defeated.
"Gray!" Lucy screeched in horror.
She recovered in the air just in time to block Racer's attack.
"Not bad," he murmured. "But can you keep up?"
Blinded in rage, Lucy began to swipe around mercilessly. However, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Midnight raise his unique staff. A magic circle appeared and was aimed towards the boulder. Lucy wondered briefly why when she recalled Wendy hiding behind it.
"Shit! Wendy!" she yelled.
She knew she wouldn't make in time. Unless…she waited for the right time for Racer to hit her. With his force and velocity and in the right direction he would be able to send her there just in time. With perfect timing, Lucy angled herself so that her back was to Wendy while Racer sent a side kick to her stomach, and she went flying in Wendy's direction. Lucy landed and skidded to a stop facing right in front of the small bluenette, who was shivering in fear. Just as she got there, Midnight released his magic and a green energized beam formed into a hand. It sailed towards her and gripped her from behind. The grasp was so powerful, it knocked the breath out of her. She dropped Erza's swords and screamed as the hand crushed her.
"Lucy!" Gray shouted. He forced himself to stand, limply cradling his arm and swaying side to side because of the poison.
Midnight widened his eyes, expecting the blue-haired girl to be in Lucy's place. His surprise was replaced with a small smirk.
"How convenient," he murmured.
Midnight lowered the gripping pressure, which stopped Lucy's agonized screams, but another hand appeared and ripped off Lucy's necklace and let it fall to the ground. Suddenly weakened, Lucy fell limp in the grip but remained barely conscious. The arm began retracting towards him.
"Striking while we're down…" Natsu growled. "Now that hardly seems fair…"
"All is fair in money and war," Hoteye retorted, closing his eyes.
"Gray!" Lucy yelled, reaching her hand out.
"Lucy!"
With his final strength, Gray dove with an outstretched hand. It was like everything was in slow motion. Their fingertips brushed before she was abruptly pulled back. He was so close, but she disappeared within the magic. She was gone.
Hoteye opened his eyes. A magic circle appeared on his palm, and the ground beneath Gray and everyone else liquified and churned like a raging sea.
"As for the rest of you," Midnight said, "I have no use for you."
Another magic circle appeared on the skull. Green beams of energy blasted toward all the hunters and two vampires. They had no way of escaping or any forms of shelter, but to their luck Jura appeared. He jumped in the middle of all of it and plunged his staff into the ground, yelling some chant. The tip of the staff glowed and shot into the sky and helped form a light orange barrier. The green magic pattered strongly against the barrier but never broke through. Once the onslaught was over, Oracion Seis was gone.
"Just in the nick of time," he murmured.
"That…was amazing," Sherry praised.
"We would've been as good as dead if you hadn't shown up," Hibiki said.
"All right, let's take them down!" Natsu bellowed. He paused. "They're gone?"
"They've been long gone already," Lyon confirmed.
"They wiped the floor with us," Ren stated, a bead of sweat on his forehead.
"They're a lot stronger than we are; we never stood a chance," Eve went on.
"The Oracion Seis…" Sherry started. "They're a powerful bunch. Only six of them…and look what they've done. They destroyed Christina, and we're in disarray."
"They have more power than the rumors let on," Wendy said softly.
"And they went off with Lucy!" Natsu snarled. "Those bastards! We got to find her!"
While everyone was recuperating, Gray stood numbly where he last saw Lucy. The sun scorched down on him and gleamed off of something a few yards away. He walked towards it and picked it up. His eyes widened realizing it was Lucy's necklace. Not just any old necklace, but her Fairy Tail pendant that gave her strength and speed of a vampire. Gray's entire being lit on fire. He didn't know if it was from fear or the venom, but all he knew was Lucy was completely defenseless in Midnight's grasp.
Gray's hand clenched around the pendant.
"I will find you. I swear. I won't let him take you away. Not ever."
His vision swam and eventually blackened. The last thing he heard was his name being called.
I'm going to admit this right now. The reason I haven't been updating this story recently is because I'm not exactly...fond of it. But I guess that's how every author feels at some point, especially a first story. So…since this is a first story, I'm definitely going to finish it. Don't worry. I hate leaving things unfinished, so this baby will be done…whenever it will be done...
Once again, I thank all who have waited for an incredibly, stupid long amount of time. I'm honestly trying my best, but I guess I'll have to try harder :)
Thank you, everyone!