We had finally made it the rendezvous point after a tense journey, which mostly consisted of Lyon making stabs at me about my motion sickness. I've tried explaining to that guy a thousand times, I can't help it. But we eventually arrived there. The second home of Blue Pegasus' master, Bob. We had sent Lyon and Sherry in ahead of us, to check if any of the other allied guilds had arrived, whilst Jura stayed as I surveyed the perimeter.
"I can sense no other man-made vibrations around the perimeter, other than the ones from inside. There are no enemies here." I told Jura, standing from where I had been previously kneeling with my palm placed against the bare ground. It was a technique I had picked up soon after Jura helped me to become more connected to the earth. This particular technique, Earth Sense, allows me to focus on certain areas around me to pick up any vibrations that aren't naturally made by the earth itself. I could also pick up certain energy signatures within the earth that equate to large amounts of Magic energy, which is useful for providing insight of danger. The technique could still be improved upon though, I had learned to tell animal signatures apart from human signatures, but I had yet to be able to sense the different patterns in the vibrations each individual makes.
Therefore, I can't tell an enemy from an ally. I could only check up to see if there was any signatures outside, because all of the allied forces would be inside the mansion.
"Finally, you're done. It's about time, we can finally go inside." Iwa spoke up from where she floated in the air, the wind flapping the bottom of her forest green shorts and grey shirt.
"Watch what your saying cat." We then heard commotion from inside. "But it does sound as if a fight will break out if we don't dispel the tension from inside." She said, as they walked to the door to see a lot of tense stare downs. Lyon was facing down against a tall guy who looked around the same age as him, with messy black hair, and Sherry was staring off against a blonde girl. She noticed several others, but only really cared about the impression he guild mates would give about Lamia Scale.
"Enough!" Jura cried out, slamming his staff against the ground, "We are here to work together as a group to destroy the Oracion Seis."
"Seriously, do none of you have a shred of class or respect for other guilds. Don't fight in someone else's home, especially that of a guild masters, and especially if they aren't here." I called out sarcastically, looking pointedly to Lyon and Sherry.
"Ciella's right, this is not the time for us to fight among ourselves." Jura continued.
"Yes Jura." Was the only reply, which came from Lyon.
"That's Jura?" The red haired girl standing further into the hall gasped. I recognised her, anyone who has read Sorcerer Weekly would be able to recognise Titania Erza. Wow, so Fairy Tail sent along some real powerhouses if Erza was anything of an example.
Behind Erza, I recognised the short, orange haired man to be Ichiya, and behind him, was the Trimens. God, they annoyed me. I visited Blue Pegasus only a few times when I took jobs that were based on their town. Honestly, I would really rather forget those times.
The Trimens, otherwise known as Hundred Night Hibiki, Holy Night Eve, and Still Night Ren, were massive flirts.
So, quickly moving passed them, I focuses on the last person in the room. Pink hair. Not as bright as Sherry's though, more pale. He had sharp features, but a childish glint in his eye. This had to be Salamander, the Fire Dragon Slayer. I was hoping that he'd come along on this mission, he was always someone that I'd wanted to meet. He was apparently very powerful, and rumour was that he was the one to defeat my brother in the battle between Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord. He also had a bright blue cat that stood on its hind legs like Iwa was currently doing. He had a white path on his belly, and the end of his tail was white as well.
"So that's really him?" Ren spoke up, before Hibiki continued.
"Lamia Scales top man, Iron Rock Jura."
"Who?" Salamander asked. Was he really that ignorant? But then he seemed to take a sniff at the air, before his eyes landed on me, "That scent." He whispered to himself. So maybe he's not completely ignorant, after all, he will have the senses of a dragon slayer.
"That guy is one of the ten wizard saints." The blue cat explained to him, looking up at his partner.
"Yeah, which means he's kind of a big deal." Well, blondie got that right. From studying under Jura, I had seen he was extremely powerful, yet, for my years of being his student, I've never witnessed the full power he possesses.
Sherry was quick to speak up after the blonde girl.
"So, we have four from each guild, how many do we really need to take down six people."
I sighed at this, but didn't say anything. Jura had already explained everything to us, I'm sure she would be reminded of the task at hand at some point.
"Aww, why do they always forget me." The blue cat wailed.
"It seems we have representatives from three guilds." Jura spoke up once more, "the members from Cait Shelter have yet to arrive."
"Yes, and about that guild, I heard that they're only sending one." Ichiya told us, from where he was swinging on the end of the spear Ezra was holding. The guy really must have done something to creep her out.
"Just one member?" Ezra questioned.
"That's insane, we're supposed to be up against a powerful group here." Te black haired guy said incredulously.
The vibrations in the ground peaked them, but I couldn't pick up clearly, too much interference from not being on bare soil.
"One? If that's true..." Blondie started, that's when I heard footsteps behind me, and turned as she continued, "just how crazy intense is this guy gonna be?"
I had fully turned in time to see a small blue haired girl wear inning a blue and yellow dress trip over her own feet whilst crying out.
After hearing the cry, everyone else turned to see the little girl picking herself up.
"Ow." She cried, before brushing herself off, and looking up.
We all just stared at her in bewilderment.
"Hi." She said shyly, "I - uh - I'm sorry I got here so late. I've come from the Cait Shelter guild. My name's Wendy, it's nice to meet all of you."
The silence of our shock was the broken by the blonde girl.
"She's a kid?"
"A little girl?" Lyon questioned.
"Wendy, huh." Salamander said under his breath.
In the confusion, everyone was all mumbling under their breath, but I was focused on something else. The scent of this girl, it was like the one on Salamander that I had caught earlier, as well as the distinct scent I remember my brother possessing as well.
"Now, then, since all guilds are present, we can begin." Jura stated, seeming to be the only one unfazed by this whole endeavour.
"He's not even fazed by this!" The black haired guy cried out.
"Obviously not." Lyon retorted.
"Jura hardly gets fazed by anything." I said back, watching the unbelieving look on this guy's face.
"What on earth's Cait Shelter thinking? Sending a little girl on a mission like this." Sherry asked, "They must really be hurting for member if they sent her here on her own."
Okay, Sherry, I love you like family, but seriously, sometimes you get on my nerves, is what I wanted to say to her at that moment. Her scrutinising attitude could really do with a talking to.
"She isn't alone." Another voice came out of nowhere, "you shouldn't jump to conclusions." A pure white cat, walked up to stand beside the blue haired girl, dressed in a pink skirt and yellow shirt with pink cuffs and a pink bow around her neck, and another tied at the end of her tail. She had a stern, motherly look on her face.
"What is this?" The black haired guy asked.
"A cat." Lyon answered the obvious.
"Woah, she's just like Happy." Salamander said.
At this, I heard Iwa sigh, well, she had been silent the whole time. One could've not noticed her.
"And none of you seemed to have even noticed me." She spoke up, finally drawing attention to herself from everyone.
"They can talk to." The blonde girl cried out. I seriously need to learn these guys names.
"Oh Carla, you followed me here?" Wendy asked her feline partner.
"Of course I did," the cat, Carla, stated, "you're far too young to be travelling unaccompanied child."
"Pretty kitty." The Trimens all said in unison.
"You flirt with cats to!" I can see this was going to go downhill very quickly. If seems that tensions are still running high from earlier.
Everyone was still looking to Wendy, when she started talking again.
"I'm sorry, I'm probably not what you expected. I know I'm much smaller and younger than most of you, and I may not be much of a fighter, but I know all kinds of support Magic. So please... Let me join the group I would be so embarrassed if you sent me home." She cried, pleading with us. We all stared in confusion again, why did she think we would send her home? I suppose the guys didn't really make the best first impression on her.
"You'll never gain their respect if you can't show confidence child." Carla scolded her.
"I'm sorry Carla," Wendy apologised.
"I swear, you'll drive me to Catnip."
"I can't help it."
Erza stepped forward towards the shy girl, "forgive me, I was caught off guard. Rest assured, no offence was meant. We're glad to have you aboard Wendy."
"I'm sure you'll be a great asset to the team Wendy. Everyone will be able to contribute something, no matter how little it is. I'm sure we would be thankful for your support." I assured the girl, and watched a smile grow on her face.
"Oh wow, you're Erza and Ciella right? I can't believe it's really you." Wendy gushed. I was quite startled, I didn't really think she'd know who I was.
"You're not quite the monsters I was expecting I'd have to admit." Carla spoke up.
I sweat dropped at that, and heard Lyon snicker behind me, before turning to glare at him.
"So Lyon, mind introducing me to this acquaintance of yours." I said, motioning to the black haired guy.
"Oh, this is Gray, the person I studied under my master with." He said distastefully.
"Oh, so this is the infamous Gray is it. Nice to meet you. I'm one of this idiots guild mates, Ciella." I held out my hand for him to shake, noticing Lyons annoyed glare out the corner of my eye I chuckled. He can be so easy to irritate.
"Hey, I've heard of you. You're Jura's student aren't you?"
"Wait, this girl has been taught by Jura?" The blonde appeared out of nowhere.
"Yeah, I'm surprised I'm known that much, not many people know I'm the person who Jura took under his wing." I said surprised, how did people know who I was by my name?
"Are you kidding, anyone who reads Sorcerer Weekly knows that Jura took on a student by the name of Ciella." So that's why that reporter who came to the guild was asking so many questions. I must've missed that issue.
"I'm Lucy, by the way." Lucy continued, introducing herself.
Suddenly, Salamander came up behind me.
"Hey, I have to ask you something. Why do you smell so much like that Iron head, Gajeel. By the way, the names Natsu."
Sighing, I knew this was going to come up eventually. Well, they are in his guild after all, might as well tell them.
"That's because, well, he's my brother."
Silence came over the three of them, as their eyes widened.
"WHAT!" They all shouted at the same time.
"Yup, I'm his sister. Ciella Redfox. Nice to meet people who are from the same guild as my dopey older brother." I said cheerfully.
"But, if you're his sister, then that means you must be..." Natsu began, but trailed off. In my head, I knew exactly what he was trying to say.
"Yeah, you're right. I'm a dragon slayer to. The Earth Dragon Slayer. But only second generation. I had a Lacrima implanted into me as a child."
Once again, for the second time in my life, I was immediately bombarded with questions.
And once again, I was saved by Lyon of all people.
"Okay guys, give her some room to breath."
They instantly stopped, seeing the annoyed look I was giving them.
I happened to look behind me at that moment.
"Maybe you guys should help do something about that." I gestured to where Wendy was sitting uncomfortably as the Trimens pampered her.
They all left then, going off by themselves and I turned to face Lyon. "Thanks for that. It seems you do have your uses."
He shoved my shoulder playfully, glaring, "Shut up." Was all he said. And j laughed at his antics, before glancing to see where Iwa had gotten off to. She was laughing to herself, watching Happy trying failing to get Carla's attention. Smiling to myself, I thought about the fact that it seems she's finally found some of her own kind. This could possibly be the start of a great friendship for her.
Everyone was silenced however, as Ichiya stood on a small rug, lights in each corner shining up dramatically at him as he spoke. "Okay, now that all the involved parties are present, I think it's about time we get the mission briefing underway."
"You gonna brief us through interpretive dance?" Lucy asked sarcastically, picking up on the weird hand movements Ichiya was performing.
"Our first order of business; is determining the location of the Oracion Seis." He paused for a few seconds, "Right after I go make a letter of the alphabet." And with that, he waddled off, out of sight.
I heard the Trimens begin clapping behind us, and Gray said disgustedly, "Great, if he's making the letter 'poop' I'm out of here."
"Thanks so much for putting that image in my head Gray." I sarcastically retorted from my spot beside Jura.
"We're rooting for you teacher." The Trimens encouraged in unison.
"Hey, pick a title will ya." Lucy said.
Those guys were really starting to get on my last nerve. If they continue like this, I swear Earth Dragon Roar them into the next century.
After a while, Ichiya was back and standing in the same small rug again, except the Trimens had come to stand behind him.
"Much better. Now please, pay close attention. To the North, lies the Worthwood Sea, where the ancients once sealed a powerful force. A Magic, called Nirvana." He said dramatically.
I really was starting to get tired of those poses.
"Those poses are getting really old." Gray spoke exactly what I was thinking.
"Nirvana?" Lucy and Natsu questioned together, eyes wide.
"Never heard of it." I heard Lyon say.
"Jura, do you know what it is?" Sherry turned and looked past me at said man. But only sighed, before admitting, "No. I do not."
"But it sounds ominous." I input.
"We don't know much about this Magic other than its name," Ren began to explain, "and that it's destructive in nature."
"And the Oracion Seis want it badly." Eve continued.
"Destruction Magic?" Natsu breathed.
"Okay, bad feeling confirmed." Lucy spoke up fearfully.
There was a bad feeling to this. If the Oracion Seis got there hands on this type of Magic, there's no knowing what the outcome would be.
"We don't even know what kind of magic this is gonna be, how destructive it's gonna be. We have no idea what might happen if we allow them to obtain this Magic." I spoke up, voicing my concerns.
"But how are we going to find something, if we don't even know what we're looking for?" Iwa whispered to me.
"Because we're here to take down the Oracion Seis, in order to stop them from finding it." I explained back to her, seeing a look of understanding form on her feline face.
"We assume that's why they've travelled to the Worthwood Sea. As Ciella mentioned, they're desperate to get their hands on such a powerful Magic." Hibiki continued to explain the situation.
"To prevent that from happening," Ichiya spoke up,
"We must destroy the Oracion Seis." He and The Trimens all stated at the same time, and I swore I could've seen glitter coming from their bodies. That was weird.
I heard Lucy and Gray mumble something to each other, before Ren began to speak again.
"We may have the advantage in numbers, but remember,"
"We cannot underestimate them." Eve finished.
"They're incredibly strong, we may be well in over our heads." Hibiki then snapped his fingers, and a glowing screen was produced in front of him, and he began typing away at the characters at the bottom of it.
"That's Archive." Jura said.
"I don't believe I've seen it in use before." Lyon voiced his thoughts. He was right, you don't see many archive users these days. But it really is useful sometimes.
"And what is it for exactly?" Sherry asked.
Suddenly, three more screens with pictures appeared in front of us.
"Storing information." Hibiki gave his answer to Sherry. "Such as these photographs of our enemy. Don't ask how we got them."
We looked at the first photo, it was of a maroon haired man, maybe just older than me, who displayed a smirk and smug expression on his tanned face. A bright purple, giant snake was with him.
"First up is the snake wizard. Cobra."
"Beady eyes and a mischievous smirk, he looks like trouble to me." Natsu spoke up.
"Talk about the pot calling the kettle black." Lyon and Gray said in unison, and I looked at them, slightly freaked out.
The next photo was of a guy who had his back facing the camera, so we couldn't see his facial features properly due to the shadows. What I could discern was blonde, spiked up hair, a long nose, red jacket with white down the back of the sleeves, white trousers and gloves.
"Next is a wizard, who judging from his name, likely uses speed Magic. Meet Racer."
"I don't know what it is, but I don't like the looks of this guy." Gray admitted.
"I don't either." Lyon agreed.
"Well, speed doesn't mean anything when your feet are stuck inside some rock." I smirked.
After that, we were shown a large man who was long orange hair, and very sharp, almost block like facial features. He seemed to be wearing traditional bankers clothing, and held a book close to his chest.
"Then there's a wizard who's willing to
Wipe out an entire military unit, if the price os right. Devine eyes Hoteye."
"The guy kills for money?" Sherry asked.
"It turns my stomach." Jura spoke up. Please calm down Jura, I really don't want to see you get pissed.
After that, the picture of a woman with short white hair, that had a blueish tinge to it. She wore a revealing feathered dress, reminiscent of a swan, or an angel, that was paired with long blue gloves.
"She's gorgeous, but just as vicious." Hibiki continued to explain, "this is Angel."
Seems to be a very fitting name.
"She the beautiful but deadly type huh? Is this chick for real." Lucy said from behind me.
The photo that came next, was of a young man, who seemed to be asleep. His head was bowed down against his chest, black and white strands of hair shadowing his face. He was sitting on an ornate rug, which looked as if it was floating. I wonder just who this guy is.
"The next member is such a mystery, all we know is his name. Midnight."
"That's and odd, does it correlate to his power?" Erza asked herself.
"Even so, I just love cracking mysteries." I spoke up, punching my hand into my fist.
The sixth and final picture revealed a man much older than the rest, this guy must be the master then. His white hair was slicked back, revealing his dark skinned face, that had several black marks adorning it. His fur lined coat was open, revealing what looked like a guild mark across his abdomen and chest. In his hand, he held a freaky staff with a decorated skull on top of it, which had a crystal in between its teeth.
"Finally, the commander of the Oracion Seis. Brain. There you have it, alone they can wipe out entire guilds. And together they're unstoppable. We have thirteen to their six, but that's our only advantage." Hibiki finished off his presentation, giving is time to take in this information.
"Question." Lucy said shakily, "Can I volunteer to stay behind and not die on this mission." I rolled my eyes at this. She would be fine. I'd actually recognised the name earlier. Lucy of Fairy Tail. Apparently she was a powerful Celestial Wizard. They were rare these days. But they aren't to be underestimated.
"I don't want to die either so can I please go home." Wendy also said, in the same tome of voice as Lucy.
"You cannot, we have a job to do child."
I ignored after that, and thought to myself. The Oracion Seis. They were apparently very powerful. But we had our own power at our backs. I'm sure that we could do this if we all worked together.
"Curb your fear my friends." Ichiya's voice rang out, "There is more to our mission than mortal combat. With your help, perhaps we can find the enemies stronghold."
"They're stronghold?" Natsu questioned.
"Yeah, you heard the man." Ren spoke up, "we've looked everywhere but we've had no luck."
"Here's the deal, they've got to have a temporary base in the Worthwood Sea." A picture of said forest came up with Eve's statement.
"And once we've located it, our plan is to gather the Oracion Seis inside." Ichiya explained.
"How do we do that?" Gray asked casually.
"We beat 'em up and drag their bodies there." Natsu said enthusiastically, jumping up and down.
"He's a little too excited about this." Lucy sweat dropped.
"What's the next part of the plan?" Ezra asked.
Ichiya pointed to the sky, well, what would be the sky if we didn't have a roof over our heads.
"Then, we'lol give them a one way ticket to oblivion. Courtesy of Christina, the pride of the Blue Pegasus guild."
We all gasped.
"If heard about the Magic bomber, but I'd heard it was just a myth." Sherry spoke up.
"What! Woah, is that necessary, there's only six of 'em." Lucy cried.
Juras voice boomed out, "That's the type of enemy we face."
"Sir yes sir." Lucy jumped back, frightened.
We were all surrounding Jura as he addressed us.
"Remember, under no circumstances should you face the enemy in solo combat. Our best bet is to separate them and devote two wizards to each fight. Ciella, when we get to Christina, I want to use your Earth sense to try and find any other signatures. Any others that aren't the ones around you should be them, if we find them, we should find the base."
"Yes Jura. I'll do my best to locate the enemy." I informed him.
"If anyone can locate them, it's Ciel." Iwa cheered whilst flying up into the air above me.
"Shut it Iwa. There's no guarantee it'll work. I've not fully perfected the technique yet." I said, lowering my head. "But all I can do is try, do I will."
Once again, I heard Lucy's cries. "This is a total nightmare."
"I can't take the pressure." Wendy agreed.
"Would you two stop acting like children." Carla scolded in a stern voice.
Natsu punched a flaming fist into his opposite hand.
"Let's go. I'm all fired up."
With that, he blasted the door down and ran off straight away. Honestly, does that guy have no regard for other people's property, or working as a team? Erza, Gray and Lucy tried running after him to slow his down. Everyone expect Ichiya and Jura joined them outside the mansion.
"Overkill much?" Ren complained, rubbing his head.
"Yeah, no kidding." Eve continued.
"Just great, we're going to have fix it." Hibiki moaned.
"No offence, but I think we have bigger thing to worry about than a broken door." Iwa piped up, flying over the heads of the three male wizards.
I sighed before looking up at my partner. "Iwa, if you keep continuing to use Aera, you're going to use up all your Magic energy."
She only shrugged. One of these days she's going to regret using up all of it.
"Enough gawking. Move." Erza ordered.
"I guess we're playing catch up with that dork." Gray said, looking down the road Natsu ran off on.
"Aww, do we have to?" Lucy cried, she seemed to be doing that a lot. With that, the three of them tore off, Gray shouting to Lucy, "would you quit crying?"
"Their energy is as infectious as I remember." Lyon spoke up from beside me. "Ready Sherry? Ciel?" He tore off as well, Sherry and I following closely behind.
"Yeah!" Sherry cried out.
"Let's go kick some Oracion Seis butt. Race ya!" I shouted, tearing in front of Lyon.
Third Person P.O.V
"I'm too old for this." Jura sighed, watching everyone speed off ahead of him.
"Mehn." Ichiya's voice came from behind him.
"In any case," Jura turned around to face the short man, "the operation is underway. We should join up with the others."
"Slow your roll, shiny dome," Ichiya suddenly spoke up, pointing to Jura, "I've heard through the grapevine that you're one of the ten wizard saints. Would this statement be true?"
"Indeed I am." Jura nodded his head.
"It's quite a privilege to fight alongside someone as skilled as Master Makarov." Ichiya struck another pose as he said this.
"I wouldn't go that far." Jura intervened, holding up a hand. "Though I am honoured to bear the title, it is given to whomever the Council deems worthy, equating myself with Makarov is tantamount to comparing the heavens to the earth. I'm sure you can guess which applies to me."
"I see," Ichiya continued, turning around and pulling out a small vial, "That might be the best new I've heard all day."
With that, he popped the cork off the vial.
"If you were as powerful as that fossil, it would make my job far more difficult."
A purple must with golden strands running through it invaded the air around Jura, and he suddenly collapsed in pain.
"What is that smell." He questioned desperately, holding his nose to keep the foul smelling fog out.
"This particular parfum causes an opponent to lose their will to fight." Ichiya explained as Jura collapsed onto his knees, "Ichiya, what have you done?" Jura cried out.
"Idiot. You fool." Ichiya's voice became distorted, like another's voice was merging with his. He popped the cork off of another vial, and red attacked Jura, causing him extreme pain.
"That's more like it, drown in relentless pain and torment. Are you enjoying the potent effects of my little fragrance." When he saw Jura collapsed in the ground, he corrected himself, a childish voice merging with his once more.
"Oops, that's not right, I meant parfum."
In a puff of blue smoke, Ichiya disappeared, and his place two small blue creatures bounced together in the air.
"Yay, we're back to normal." One of them squeaked.
"Yuck, that midgets head was filled with perverted stuff." The other squeaked with a slightly deeper tone.
"Don't remind me brother. That guy could be so gross."
"No complaining, you're not done yet." A smooth feminine voice spoke up as a young woman walked out of the forest.
"Piri, piri." The two blue creatures cried.
Jura lifted his head, to look at the intruder.
"No, not you, why are you here? Why didn't Ciella sense you?" He questioned in pain.
"Aww, isn't it obvious? You've been duped darling." Angel said in a patronising voice, "we copied your little comrade, from his dumpy body to every thought in his perverted mind."
The two blue creatures floated next to her, one each side of her head.
"Now we know your plan."
"You can't hide anything from us."
"And as for that little student of yours?" Angel spoke up again, "I just stayed as still as I could until she was inside. I assumed that being inside and not having contact with bare earth would interfere with her being able to sense what was happening. It seems I was right."
"No." Jura croaked out.
"Yes. Two down and only eleven to go." Angel explained.
As Jura let his head fall to the ground, the blue creatures, also known as Gemi, and Mini, the Gemini twins, cried out once more, "Piri, Piri."
"Let this be a lesson to you children of light; there's no stopping, the Oracion Seis."
Preview
Oracion Seis Arc: Chapter 5 - Enter The Oracion Seis
As the Christina bomber is bombed out of the sky, the alliance of the guilds have their first confrontation with the Oracion Seis. The battle ensues, but what will be the outcome, and how will events lead from there? Will Jura and Ichiya reenter the scene? And how will Ciella act as one of the representatives is put in danger?