Their wishes got louder and louder with each passing second. The shield was more than halfway completed, but she calculated they would reach her just before the magical dome could protect anyone. Time. I just need time.
Lily stormed through the doors and unceremoniously let go of Cana over the awaiting wizards; he was exhausted. The card mage quickly returned the Sabertooth members to their original states. The guild burst into movement then as the injured were carried to the beds or cloth covered tables the fairies had hastily prepared for them.
A crying Wendy jumped into action, healing those that looked closest to dead. Porlyusica remained calm but firmly shot order after order to those assisting, instructing them as she too bandaged and administered medicine.
In a corner, Natsu held Lucy and whispered soothing words in her ear. The poor girl was on the verge of a panic attack.
"Yukino... she isn't with them," she managed to get out. Mascara messily ran down her cheeks, her body shaking.
"She must be on her way, too, right? She is okay. She has to be. Tell me she is okay!"
Natsu couldn't find any words to answer her with but the look in his eyes was answer enough for Lucy.
Her shrieks echoed up the guild's high ceilings.
Mirajane tried her best to tune out her guild mate's cries. As much as she wanted to cry as well, there was no time to waste. The few surviving members of Sabertooth needed immediate attention.
Erza approached the crying girl and gently guided both her and Natsu to one of the backrooms where her screams wouldn't be so easily heard. Minerva hadn't been with the others either. While Erza accepted her friend might be dead, she decided to keep hope alive in her heart. Just like Mira, Erza knew they had to keep their heads on their shoulders until the situation improved.
Bisca rushed to help the injured as soon as they came through the door. Alzack wanted to but he had other concerns in mind. He listened to Cana tell the master why Willa hadn't returned to guild with them. He held his sobbing daughter as he watched the city being enclosed by a light purple, transparent sheet of magic. If Cana was right, they would be safe inside it. Not yet, though, he thought. It was too late to grab his family and go by now, so he just watched clear purple climb higher on the sky.
They would see her soon. I can't move, can't stop, until it's done.
She looked behind her to the city she had come to call home. One more minute.
The enemy came into sight then, still a distance away from her. They immediately knew she was the source of the suspicious purple dome forming over their target. She stood her ground firmly as an archer aimed at her head.
She tilted her head slightly just as the arrow passed her. She could hear their anger at her audacity to evade a deadly hit. Their leader yelled at them to capture her, alive preferably, but dead if necessary.
A small army of mages ran at her. 10 more seconds.
She heard their attacks coming. There were too many to avoid. Prioritize.
Dodging the ice shard aimed at her stomach and the magic bullets aimed at her head, she braced herself for the metal arrow that was intended for her heart but would pierce her shoulder.
The shield finally met at the top and became active a heartbeat after her nerves registered the painful new accessory.
She took a step back entering the safe zone. The next attacks all fruitlessly landed on the protective barrier. She remained there watching them, reading them. When she heard what she was looking for, her wings materialized behind her again.
The next few hours would be critical for some of the survivors but all that Fairy Tail could do had been done.
Eleven, Makarov counted with a heavy heart. Only eleven made it.
He contacted the magic council which, as usual, did absolutely nothing. Unhappy with the council's reaction, he proceeded to contact the other guilds in Fiore. As expected, they were shocked and saddened to hear about Sabertooth. The conference lacrima call quickly took on a different mood, though.
"Would they attack other guilds or was this personal?"
Makarov shared the little information he had with the other masters. "We don't know yet. However, the enemy did follow the ones that escaped all the way here, to Magnolia. Would they have been willing to fight Fairy Tail also? I don't know."
The Blue Pegasus master became visibly panicked at this. "If they were unafraid to follow them to Magnolia and face you, then they would be unafraid to attack any of us. What do we do?!"
"Calm down," Makarov said firmly. "The most important thing to do is remain calm. Now, a few minutes ago a protective shield enclosed Magnolia. Space might be scarce, but any guild that feels unsafe or is attacked is welcomed to seek refuge here."
His tone softened with sadness. "Please ignore any pride that might hold you back against your instincts. We have lost so many wizards, so many great individuals and friends..."
The call went quiet until the Lamia Scale master spoke with a quiet voice. "Are you confident in that shield? We could be more of a target by uniting. The shield would need to hold against anything. Are you confident it will?"
Makarov looked her straight in the eyes. "Yes."
The masters looked around at the others. "Lamia Scale is on its way."
"So is Blue Pegasus!"
"Quatro Cerberus will go, too"
"Convincing my girls to share quarters with a bunch of rowdy dogs will be difficult... but Mermaid Heel will leave for Magnolia in an hour," the Mermaid Heel master said giving the Quatro Cerberus master a playful look.
Relief washed over Makarov. "Thank y-"
He was interrupted by loud noises coming from the main floor. Porlyusica's stern scolding was the only discernable sound.
"Fine! Ignore me now, but don't ask for my help later!"
His door was slammed open seconds later by a blonde young woman.
"Willa!"
Instead of hanging up, the other masters assessed the situation unfolding before them.
"Master. I'm sorry to interrupt but there's important information I need to share with you."
"You're hurt. Get that arrow out and the wound taken care of before anything."
The other masters were going to urge him to let her speak first. She beat them to it.
"I'll be fine. Really."
She then addressed not only Makarov but the other masters as well.
"I managed to listen in to their captain's plans. They aren't going just against Sabertooth. They plan on wiping out the most powerful wizard guilds in Fiore, as starters. From what I could gather, the enemy is some sort of equalist cult that wants to get rid of any magic wielding person. The weapon with which they bombed Sabertooth takes three days to recharge, though. They were planning to use it on Fairy Tail but I think they will switching targets. The shield worried them. They want the chance to test it before using the weapon on it. The captain sent a message to their commander suggesting they use it on our closest ally, Lamia Scale, so as to not waste the shot."
The masters processed her words. The Lamia Scale master spoke first.
"If we leave, would our citizens be in danger? We can't put them at risk and then desert them."
Willa thought about it for a moment. "I believe the probability of an attack on civilians is low. Wizards are the target. If you leave, they are most likely to chase after you like they did Sabertooth."
"Very well, then. We leave for Magnolia this instant."
The old woman moved to end the call on her side.
"Wait. Be careful. They might be expecting you, all of you, to come here. Also, make sure your absence is clear. If they don't know you're gone, they will still attack. Civilians would get injured as a consequence. So, make it clear you left, but be sneaky enough to get here safely."
The masters reflected on her words and nodded.
"Is that all Willa?"
She hesitated. "For now."
He gave her a look. "Alright. Thank you. Now go take care of that shoulder."
"Yes, master."
She excited the room, her wings trailing limp behind her. One of them had feathers matted together by blood.
Wendy and Erza were the first to ambush Willa after she left Makarov's office.
"You need help."
Willa sighed. "Yes, I do. If you'd be so kind as to remove the arrow, Erza, I'd appreciate it."
Erza gave her a solemn nod and motioned her hands at the stairs leading to the guild hall.
"You better get comfortable."
Willa noticed the look on Wendy's face and instantly felt for her.
She gave Wendy a one-armed hug. The blue haired dragon slayer clung to her with tears running down her eyes.
"We will all be okay. You were amazing today," Willa whispered, placing a kiss on the girl's forehead.
A sad smile formed on Wendy's lips. "I wish more had made it."
Willa only tightened her hold around the little healer. So do I.
A wave of concerned faces welcomed her to the first floor. One approaching face had a hint of anger, though.
"What the hell were you thinking going out there by yourself?! You could've gotten killed. You're lucky to only have a bad shoulder."
Laxus towered over Willa, his fists stiffly by his sides. He reminded Willa of a kid throwing a tantrum, but she thought it best not to laugh.
"Uh huh. Let me guess, I was supposed to hide behind the bar while you fried their asses right?"
"Well-yes!"
She rolled her eyes at him.
He let out a frustrated breath.
"Don't do that again!"
She game him a soft smile and leaned into his chest as she wrapped her good arm around him. He was like an overprotective brother to her.
"I make no promises."
He huffed at her again.
"I didn't even know you could had magic!"
Mirajane jumped in at that. "Did anyone know she could do magic?"
The wizards around her looked at each other shrugging.
A dull throb saved Willa from having to explain herself at the moment. "Hey guys, how about taking this arrow out now?"
When Sting regained consciousness, the stub on he left was wrapped in clean bandages. He looked at the body to his right.
"Rogue? Are you awake?"
Rogue stirred, then his eyelids fluttered open.
"Sting. We made it," he said taking in his surroundings.
"Do you remember getting here? I remember nearing the city from the woods but my memory jumps to waking up a few seconds ago."
Rogue was given a sedative upon arriving the Fairy Tail guild. Even with all that had happened, though, he would never forget the angel that had flown in to save them.
"We were rescued... by her."
Rogue weakly pointed at Willa from across the room. Sting saw a blonde girl sitting on a wooden bench. She had long, platinum blonde hair, purple leather pants and a white sleeveless shirt with bloodstains. Sting had never seen wings on a human but thought they suited her.
He recognized Erza as the redhead inspecting the arrow protruding out the blonde's shoulder. There was a small circle of wizards standing by, both watching and looking away, as Erza poked the arrow. Although the only response was a small ear twitch, Sting judged the action must've hurt.
"She saved us?
Rogue was entranced by their guarding angel. He felt a tug on his chest; something was different. He could feel the dragon inside reacting to her presence.
"Stop messing around, Erza. Just pull it out in one strong pull."
Willa placed a piece of cloth on her teeth. Erza began pulling the arrow out from behind trying not to flinch at the pain she was causing her friend.
Rogue's instincts told him to go to her. She's in pain. She needs you.
He tried to shake the thoughts off uselessly.
Willa heard his need then. Ignoring Erza and the arrow, she looked straight at Rogue.
He couldn't make out what it was but something in her eyes made him stop the debate he had going on in his head.
The arrow finally came free and the wizards around cheered. Willa tore her eyes away from Rogue to thank Erza for her help. Wendy rushed over with bandages and several jars from Porlyusica. Willa smiled but shook her head at the girl.
"Save it. It will be more useful on others."
"I don't understand..."
Willa patted Wendy on the head. "You'll see."
She held a hand to the open wound and walked over to the sink behind the bar. She splashed some water on her shoulder to soften the dried blood and took off her shirt to wipe the mess. Bleach won't do this any good.
"Hey! What are you looking at, perv!"
Willa smiled at Laxus electrocuting Gray for staring at her. "Some is feisty today..."
She pulled a back-up shirt from under the register. "See? All better. Now stop acting all macho. Don't make me tell on you with Freed..." The last part she whispered so only his dragon hearing would catch it.
Laxus' face turned a deep red. "If it wasn't for that bad shoulder of yours..."
"Uh huh," she giggled.
"Hey, Willa, aren't those wings wasting your magic?," Carla asked curiously.
Willa looked behind her at her wings. She had forgotten they were out.
"Uh, no. They are not like yours."
"Oh?"
Laxus eyed her curiously now, too. "How long have you had them?"
"Since I was a little girl."
Willa smiled at the memory, a trace of sadness in her eyes.
"Having them out is their natural state. So, it costs magic to retract them."
After saying that, the wings fluttered then vanished.
"So what exactly is your magic?"
Willa looked down.
Her mother's voice echoed in her. Your magic is dangerous. You must be careful about others and their intentions.
"I read minds."
It wasn't the whole truth, but Willa thought it best to start small.
"You read minds?"
"Yes. I'm not a telepath like Warren, though. I can't share thoughts. It's a one way street for me."
Carla considered this.
"You have a much bigger range it seems."
"Yes."
An embarrassed blush crept up Erza's face. She had taken a seat next to them, listening to the conversation.
"So you hear... everything?"
Erza had always assumed Willa had magic- It's a wizard guild, after all- but she hadn't imagined it was mind reading.
"Technically. I can block people out if I want..."
"Do you often block people out?"
Laxus felt the room getting hot. There were many thoughts he hoped she hadn't heard, most of them about Freed.
Willa smiled mischeviously.
"I give people their privacy when appropriate."
Everyone turned their heads towards the small man coming down the stairs.
Willa was glad to see he was headed towards her.
He stopped midway and turned towards the guild.
"Dear members of Sabertooth, we are glad you are here, although deeply saddened by the circumstances. We wish you a speedy recovery. That being said, the enemy is still out there. We don't have much information to go on, but we do know they are targeting all wizard guilds in Fiore."
Gasps could be heard across the guild.
"Fairy Tail, we must now prepare for what I'm sure is going to be a very difficult time for all of Fiore, but more specifically for us. I've talked to the other masters and we have decided it's safest for both wizards and civilians if all the guilds stayed in Fiore until the enemy is eliminated. Finding lodgings for them and evacuating civilians will be our responsibility. For now, please remain calm and await instructions. Thank you."
Makarov approached Willa.
"There's something you want to talk about?"
"Yes, Master. I believe Sabertooth's master should be involved in the conversation as well."
They headed to Sting's bed. He was awake, talking to Rogue who didn't seem to be listening.
His eyes fixated on the blonde walking in their direction.
"Master Makarov," Sting nodded. "Thank you for all your help."
"Of course. Our deepest condolences."
Sting attempted a smile but failed.
"We haven't been properly introduced, yet. I'm Willa."
"Nice to meet you. Rogue here tells me you were the angel that saved us," Sting replied, glancing at Rogue.
"It was actually Cana that brought you here to safety. And Lily. I merely accompanied them there."
"Based on the arrow you had sticking out of your shoulder not too long ago, I'd say you did more than accompany them. Thank you."
Willa hesitated.
"So," Makarov started, "what did you want to talk about?"
"I-I believe there may be more survivors than the ones here."
A lump in his throat prevented Sting from interrogating her.
"Why? What did you hear?"
"The weapon I told you about. It's magical. Like a magic bomb. The captain was mad because they couldn't get 'fresh batteries' in the last day of the chase. I can only deduce they captured survivors and have been using them to recharge the bomb."
The guild was loud behind them but the silence weighted heavily in front of them.
"I know what you're going to say and the answer is no."
"Master, please..."
"No! You cannot go on your own again. What if they killed you? Or worse, what if they captured you?"
His voice dropped further. "Who knows what they would do with someone like you..."
"Master, it would be just as bad to send our best wizards and they be captured."
Makarov remained quiet until Sting spoke.
"You have done a lot for us, but I have to ask you to do one more thing. If there are others, we have to save them."
His voice broke several times. Fortunately, his plea did not fall on deaf ears.
"Alright. But you have to report frequently. And the first sign of trouble I want you back here. Your first priority is the survivors, but any information you can gather will be helpful.
"Thank you, Master. I'll get ready."
"One more thing."
"Yes?"
"You have to take an S-class wizard with you."
Willa let out a sigh.
"It's not optional, Willa."
Makarov saw her eyebrows comes together then suddenly cocky smile broke on her face.
"Fine, then. I wish for Mystogan."