My starters are getting quite boring, huh? On to reviews… I have none

The words that bring me to dark, cold reality…

Disclaimer: Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mahima. It's just that me and a lot of other people wished we owned it.

CHAPTER 9: Harmony of a Crow & Dove

When Erza kicked down the door Kagura knew. She knew Erza had her memories back. None of them asked the question the wanted answered, for they both knew they wouldn't receive a response. Kagura's question was "how." Erza's question was "why." At that moment it didn't matter how Erza's memories returned or why Kagura lied to Erza five months ago. Kagura drew her sword.

"Erza,"-"Kagura," they both spoke each other's name at the same time. Then once again at the same time they both queried, "What now?" It didn't take long before their swords clashed, giving them their answer.

Erza could tell she was losing. It was a one-sided fight. Gasping, Erza say that Kagura wasn't fatigued at all. "Stay with me," Kagura commanded abruptly. It wasn't a question. Even so, Erza responded-

"I refuse." Kagura grimaced. She leapt forward to where Erza was crouching slashed her sword in a "X" shape and Erza jumped away. At first it seemed like nothing happened, but in one more second Erza dropped onto the floor with really deep cuts on her right thigh, left shoulder, across her collar bone, above her left eye, and she had a large cut from her right shoulder blade to her left shoulder blade.

"Impressive. Most people wouldn't be able to dodge that, let alone survive that. This is my last offer to you for you to choose whether to stay or not. Remember what you said to me. You are what you are now because of the choices you have made. I know you want to search for Jellal, but it's up to luck whether you find him or not. People like us do not rely on luck; we have to make choices that will benefit our well-being. The chance I'm offering you is not luck!"

With her left eye closed with warm, sticky blood, Erza made eye contact with Kagura with her left eye and with a low tone of voice declared, "Luck is not going to decide whether I find Jellal or not because I will find him! Ever since I've gotten this fake eye of mine I swore I would see Jellal with it. My blood will melt away the snow surrounding him, and we will both walk away from it alive! That is the choice I make!"

A dark atmosphere filled the room causing Erza to shudder. "Choice? That is nothing but an impractical wish. You will die by my hands and so will that monster you care so dearly for! You could've had the choice to join me and live! You chose death!" Kagura's eyes were pitch black and filled with hatred Erza knew was not directed at her, but Jellal. Erza knew that Kagura thought that Jellal had once again taken away something that was hers.

Erza whispered, "I belong to no one, but if I did… I belong to Jellal."

Rage filled Kagura's eyes as she raced to her bedroom and tore Archenemy off the wall. Then she yanked the scabbard off. Erza appeared behind her, leaning against a wall for support. There was a trail of blood behind her. "Kagura, Don't!" Erza shouted her warning.

Kagura raised the blade above her head and swung it down with much force. Erza raised Demon Blade Crimson Sakura horizontally to counter it. The two swords connected and a shockwave was created blowing apart the entire house. There was a bright flash of light and nothing can be seen.

The smoke cleared from the debris. Both women were panting and Kagura had her blade up over her head once again. Erza struggled to slide her sword off the ground. While Kagura's clothes were only ripped and she had a few scratches, Etza had deep wounds all over her body. Kagura's blade started coming down once again on the bruised, bloody, and beaten Erza, but Erza used the last of her strength to once again slash her blade through the air. Her sword seemed to have missed Kagura's, but then Kagura's eyes went wide and she fell to the ground as her sword shattered into fragments as her hands left it.

Kagura's eyes watched as the shattered remains rained down in front of her. She was speechless and she felt as broken as her sword. The sword she was going to use to kill her enemy, the enemy of everything alive. Kagura could still not understand how someone as clever and skilled as Erza could choose to defend him. Erza walked over to Kagura.

"Why… Why did this have to happen to me? Why do you strive to save an unforgiveable devil? You are so strong, but not even you could have the power to save that demon," Kagura's whisper seemed like a shout to Erza. Erza took a deep and replied-

"We both made a decision and stood by it. What has happened-," Erza gestured to the scenery surrounding them, "was the consequences of these choices. On the contrary to what you said, I am weak; I couldn't stop Jellal the day he left. I am making up for that now. I am fine with being weak. As long as I have the power to save and protect those important to me I'm alright with being the weakest person in the world." Erza paused before sighing, "I contradicted myself, didn't I? I'm sorry." She also added, "The reason why I was able to defeat someone of your extraordinary skills was not because of my physical strength or ability, it was because of my undying resolution to free my friend from the invisible chains that bind him."

A silence passed through them before Kagura whistled a tune and said, "I have just called my crow. He will lead you to the princess' palace. The princess is an old friend of mine. Ask for her white dove. That is how I found out Jellal is working under the orders of the Snow Queen. With the crow and dove together, they can safely guide you to the Snow Queen's palace. The princess will tell you more. One more thing-," Kagura pulled a plant that oddly wasn't crushed during their fight out of her pocket, "Give this to the princess, I promised her some a while back." Kagura chuckled before saying, "It's Catnip." Erza took the plant and then an eerie looking crow landed on her shoulder.

"Thank you… for everything, Kagura. I assure you that the true Jellal is much kinder and-," Kagura cut Erza off.

"I will help you, but I will never forgive him, understand?"

Erza gave a small nod with sadness evident on her face. Then she started walking away in the direction where the princess' castle lay. When she got there what she saw was... unexpected.

Erza looked up to where one of the castle's ears was blocking the sun. She then covered her left eye, because her fake eye, for some odd reason was able to discern the difference between illusions and reality. Not that this really surprised her though, it was already a miracle that she could see through it. Looking at the castle now, not even the slightest detail seemed to distort. To her nonbelief, Erza came to accept that a castle shaped like a cat's head was standing before. "What have I gotten myself into?" Erza huffed before strutting inside.

"I must be hallucinating. This is no way possible." On the inside Erza was gaping at what surrounded her, but on the outside she retained her stony demeanor. All around her were colorful ornaments and decorations of cats. She noted that all the servants wore at least cat ears and tails, if not masks or full cat suits. A servant approached her.

"Can I be of service, nyaaa~?"

"Eh… *awkward cough* Yes, I would like to speak with the princess of this castle."

"I'm sorry, m'lady is busy, nyaaa~."

"Kagura sent me."

With that statement, somehow the servant's fake cat ears perked up. The servant then stuttered, "O-of c-course. Come w-with me, nyaaa~." Erza was almost left behind wondering why the servant added 'nyaaa~' to the end of all his sentences.

It took four servants to open the hefty doors leading to the main chamber. One of the maids mentioned how the King and Queen were away on business so the Princess was left in charge. The interior of the chambers held much more cat related accessories than the hallways and corridors. Sitting on a plush chair which Erza assumed was the throne sat a happy looking woman with cat ears on her long hair and whisker marks on her cheeks. Hearing the doors open, the Princess gazed at her guest. The room was eerily silent.

Moments passed with the Princess studying Erza, Erza studying the Princess, and the maids and servants fidgeting. Finally the princess opened her mouth to speak. "Welcome, I am Princess Millianna, nya~! I see that Kagura sent you since you hold her crow." Millianna pointed at Erza's right shoulder. Erza looked at her shoulder and her eyes widened in faint surprise. She had not noticed that Kagura's crow had perched upon her shoulder. Erza scolded herself for being so inattentive.

"So what brings you here, nya~?" Princess Millianna asked, clapping her hands together. Erza walked forward and kneeled before the Princess.

"Princess Millianna, I am Erza Scarlet and pardon my sudden request, but I wish to borrow your dove. I shall need both the dove and crow to safely guide me to the Snow Queen's castle, where some unfinished business of mine lies. It is of great importance to me."

Millianna listened to her request with complete seriousness. She was bouncing from foot to foot and tapping her lips with one of her index fingers. Finally, she clasped her head and exclaimed "Waaah! I just don't know, nya~! Wally!"

A blocked man walked in and did not bow in front of Millianna, but walked right to her side and put one of his rectangle shaped arms around her shoulders and pulled her closer to himself. "What is it, my Millianna? Is it this red head?" He gestured towards Erza.

"Yes, well no, well both, nya~!" She wants to go to the Snow Queen's Palace and to do that safely she needs my dove, but the castle is extremely dangerous, nya~!"

Wally looked like he was in deep thought for a couple moments before he said, "Let her prove herself. She will fight me." Milliana looked up at him with admiration.

"I agree," Erza stated, getting up. "When would you like to hold our duel? Also, Millianna, Kagura told me to deliver these to you." Erza walked over to the Princess and handed her the stalks of catnip. Millianna looked even more overjoyed.

"Nya~! The duel will be held tonight after a great feast! Maids, prepare a room for Erza-san, nya~!" Millianna was shaking with glee at the thought of preparing a feast and watching her beloved Wally in a fight. She thought he was so strong and courageous.

As the maids scurried, trying to pull Erza with them, Erza exclaimed flustered, "That, I mean this isn't really necessary, your Highness!"

"Of course it is! You're my guest! Now have fun, nya~!" As Erza was finally coerced out of the room she saw Wally take something from the arms of a nearby servant and hand it to Millianna. She wondered what it was when she heard-

"Oh, Wally, you're so sweet, nya~! What a cute little kitty! Kitty, kitty, kitty, nya~!"

"Princess Millianna must really like cats," Erza thought

The feast soon came and Erza was given a beautiful purple dress with roses near the bottom on the left side of the dress near a slim slit. Her hair was elegantly done in a high bun. Two maids came to fetch her for the feast. Erza held her head up high as she entered the room which held a long table which seated many nobles and aristocrats. She could hear them whispering at her entrance.

"Who is that fine young lady? A newly wed governess?"

"My, my, how sophisticated. She might still be single, my son. Seduce her while you have a chance."

"Is that the princess?"

Erza was pleased with these reactions. As she walked to the far end of the table at the other side of the room where she would sit on the right hand side of the Princess, all the men stood to show their chivalry. One of the nearest men saw where she was going to sit and pulled the sit out for her. Erza gave a small curtsey to him in thanks before she sat down and he smoothly pushed the chair back. There were even more whispers when the other guests saw where she was sitting, but they soon were interrupted by the blaring sound of trumpets. The Princess was entering.

Wally did the same for Millianna as the young man did for Erza. Then he seated himself on Milliana's left side. Millianna then raised her goblet to make a toast.

"Welcome to my castle, ladies and gentlemen. I am very thankful that all of you accepted my invitation's on such short notice, nya~. Now the reason I am hosting this feast is because my fiancé, Wally-," Millianna paused so that everybody could murmur their approval.

"So that's it," Erza thought. The way they acted earlier that day had left her guessing. Everybody soon settled down so Millianna could continue.

"-is going to have a duel with this young lady right her, Erza Scarlet." Upon hearing her name Erza rose from her seat and as her gazed bored down upon the long rows of guests. There were very collective gasps and many people paled visibly. More whispers could be heard-

"A woman participating in a duel! What kind of barbarous place does she hail from?"

"I cannot think of any better way for her to shame all women."

"Duel, as in a swordfight or jousting? Is she really a lady?"

Erza was long used to these kinds of comments and it no longer made her feel any humiliation anymore. However, it seemed Princess Millianna was not used to such insults. Anger flashed on her face as she commanded in a harsh tone, "Silence!" The room fell deathly quiet.

Millianna continued in a deliberate tone, "Once this feast ends Wally will face Erza in a one-on-one combat match. Neither weapons nor any type of sorcery will be permitted. The winner will be the one who is able to knock their opponent to the ground unconscious, but not fatally hurt. There will be no breaks or intermissions for the competitors. None of the witnesses shall interfere. Besides Erza and Wally, the rest of us are spectators. Are my instructions clear?"

Every guest gave their solemn agreement. Before ending the toast, Millianna stated one last thing, "The winner may establish their own prize. That is all. Now cheers, nya~!" Everybody raised their respective goblets. Nobody spoke because they were too shocked because of the announcement and of Princess Millianna's sudden flare of anger. It was rare that Millianna got angry. Childishly upset, yes, but pure rage, no.

Wally noticed how little Erza ate out of all the different dishes before her. With an upset face Millianna asked, "Do you not like the food, nya~?" Before Erza could speak, Wally answered,-

"I doubt that is the reason she is eating so little, Millianna. She is probably trying not to get bloated before our duel."

Millianna shot up from her chair with glee. "So that's it, nya~! Erza-san is so smart, nya~!" Every guest leaned forward and stared at the Princess. Some were even as dignified as to have their mouths gaping open. Erza took a small sip of the rich wine in her goblet. Then she said,-

"Precisely. Too much enjoyment will replace all the hard work I've lived. It has not been an easy path for me nor do I want an easy life. Having an easy life is a benefit granted by another person's suffering. So, I toast that any suffering I go through will help you to live an easy life. That is, once I win the duel."

"What you said was sounded super deep, Erza-san. Now I'm confused, nya~!" Millianna looked to Wally for clarification. Wally cleared his throat and said,-

"Now, Erza, you seem over-confident. Do not underestimate me." Wally perfectly understood those words and for Erza's sake he changed the subject. There also was the added bonus of Millianna praising him on his bravery and strength. The feast ended relatively, since nobody had an appetite but the Princess. While Princess Millianna escorted Wally to his own private dressing room, guards escorted Erza to hers.

Before Erza laid a rack of armors. "The Princess ordered me to tell you this: You may wear any armor you so choose, but beware, once you enter the arena you're stuck with that armor. You can't change once you walk out of this room and into the arena…nya…" Erza tried not to chuckle at his hesitance in speaking the word "nya." He had such a serious attitude that it seemed very awkward.

Trying to keep a straight face and unwavering voice, Erza replied, "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you." The guard gave a brisk nod and told her he would be back in half an hour to take her to the arena. After bidding him goodbye as he walked out the door and closed it behind him, Erza turned around to examine the armors more carefully. The wrong armor can mean defeat, and vice-versa. The armor also had to be defensive, but not too heavy, since no weapons/magic would be permitted and she would have to be fast.

Most of the armors Millianna had in stock were resistance types such as the Fire Empress Armor, Lightening Empress, and Sea Empress Armor. Then Erza heard an announcement.

"Attention, ladies and gentleman, the match will start in ten minutes."

"Ugh… That means I only have five minutes until the guard comes to escort me." Erza then just grabbed the armor that was right in front of her and hoped that it'd do. She had barely gotten it on when the guard had returned. Without either of them saying anything they walked together to the arena.

Erza had to go up a long flight of steps to reach the top of the arena, which was the surface she and Wally would battle on. When she got to the top she saw that Wally was already there waiting for her. He seemed to be wearing something that resembled a bullet-proof vest. He also wore knee high combat boots, long, rough denim jeans, a muscle shirt, and sunglasses. The hat he wore earlier was settled atop one of the posts that formed a gate around the arena. He cracked his muscles.

"So, Erza, you have chosen the Black Wing Armor?" he called out. Erza shrugged.

"So that is what this armor is called. I did not have time to check its name. Hopefully, it provides helpful for a fight such as this." A referee then walked to the center of the stage and held when of his arms up. Any noises the crowd may have been making ceased. The referee shouted the rules in a loud, clear voice,-

"The two competitors shall be Erza Scarlet vs. Wally Buchanan. There is no time limit, no magic, no weapons, and no fatal or serious wounds shall be inflicted. When one of the competitors becomes unconscious, that is when the duel shall end. I warn you now not to interfere. The winner shall state the prize they wish to receive and if Princess Milliana finds it reasonable, she shall grant it unto him or her. Now the duel starts in 5…4…3…2…1…Begin!"

"Ladies first," Wally smirked. Erza ran forward while gritting her teeth. She despised being underestimated. She assumed Wally predicted she would be angered by that comment and that she would act rashly. Erza was determined to prove him wrong. She started with a long fist to make him take a step back before hitting him with a hammer fist making him fall over slightly where she kneed him in the gut. Just in time she saw Wally slid his foot behind her and attempt a sucker punch. Erza's eyes widened in recognition as she saw that this fight could end right there, but then an idea came to her.

"If he expects me to back up and trip over his foot, then he's going to be in for a little surprise." Erza leaped into the air and angled her body so that it looked like she was doing a backflip. Wally straightened up and prepared himself to attack where Erza would land, that is, if she was doing a back flip. Erza gave a smirk. It was her turn to predict how he was going to react.

The way Erza's body was angled in the air caused a slight breeze to push against the Black Wing Armor's wings and Erza glided through the air coming up behind Wally and striking the near his neck on the right side with an axe kick. With the sudden force, Wally collapsed onto his knees while clutching his injured shouldered. Erza's rolled on the ground and knelt into a fighting stance, so that she could analyze Wally's state, but still be ready to attack or defend if necessary.

"I'm…gah…sur…prised you…*cough* found out how to…use the Black Wing Armor so fast…" After all the hits he had taken, Wally was finding it difficult to breath. He wouldn't be surprised if one or two of his ribs are broken, but broken ribs weren't fatal in and of themselves.

Trying to surprise Erza he did a back flip which would've landed him right in front of Erza, but he pushed himself with one of his hands before he completely land and did another flip to end up behind Erza. Before she could turn around and react he hit her head with a roundhouse kick. She skidded across the arena, but shakily got up with much effort.

"This girl is tough. That most definitely would knock almost everyone out. This is more interesting than I thought it'd be. Too bad I have to end it soon, or else there's a good chance of her winning," Wally thought, racing over to her to try a sucker punch. Just as it almost connected with her gut, Erza caught his fist. Then she quickly stood up pulled him forward, jumped up, wrapped her legs around him, and tossed him across the arena (like what Ultear did to Gray on Tenrou Island.)

By the time he got up they were both coughing up blood. "Oh no, nya~! Poor Wally! How could you hurt him that much Erza-san!?" Millianna fretted. She had never seen Wally ever end up in a condition like this.

Erza and Wally were staring each other down from across the arena. Then Erza spoke, "You know if you hadn't let me go first you probably would've won by now."

"That was my error. I must apologize for underestimating. Now by looking at our physical states, I would say we both only have the strength to keep going for a few more attacks. How about we make this one the last?" After studying him a moment, Erza nodded. They ran toward each other at full speed.

Wally tried to kick one of her knee caps and punch her beneath the jaw, but Erza preformed a butterfly kick to avoid those attacks. Then she aimed her foot for the tendon of his right foot, but all of a sudden her balance was thrown off. Wally a punched through one of her wings and was now swinging her towards the ground. Blood spurted out of Erza mouth as her head made contact. Erza felt herself fading out, but before she did clumsily stood up and with her remaining strength put her two hands together into a fist and knocked it into Wally's temple. He fell unto his knees before falling unto the ground. With Erza weakly standing over him the ref came over.

"Knockout! Our winner is Erza Scarlet!" Nobody cheered, but admiration was not what Erza came for. Millianna quickly scurried onto the stage and over to her dear Wally. She placed his bloody head unto her lap.

"I'm sorry, Millianna," Erza whispered. Millianna looked up at Erza with tears in her eyes and said, "It's okay Erza-san. I made the rules and everything. Congratulations, nya~. So what do you want your prize to be?"

Erza gave her a thankful smile before responding in a loud clear voice so that all the spectators could hear, "I wish for my prize to be your pet dove."

Millianna gently placed Wally's head back onto the ground, stood up, and announced, "My dove is yours. You may use her as you so desire. Please treat her kindly, nya~." She gestured at a nearby guard to go and get her dove. Then Millianna whispered, "Good luck, at… you know… Getting to the Snow Queen's Palace and completing your task, nya~." The guard returned with a snow white dove in a magnificently crafted silver and platinum cage. Millianna took it into her hands.

Kagura's crow then appeared and perched itself on Erza's right shoulder. The dove cooed at it and the crow cawed in respond. For some reason their calls soothed Erza, as if there was a balance between good and bad. Millianna opened the cage and whispered some hushed words to the dove. The dove seemed to understand and fluttered to Erza's left shoulder, where it perched itself. Millianna then addressed Erza.

"Before you depart I insist that you supply your needs here, nya~."

"I couldn't possibly take you up on your generous offer, Princess Millianna. I can leave with what I've got already."

Millianna's face scrunched up. "Nonsense, nya~! I'll supply you with clothing, food, and medical supplies! Come with me, nya~!" A guard carried Wally in princess style while Princess Millianna dragged Erza by the wrist (which was an easy thing to do in Erza's current state) to get the supplies. Once they reached Milliana's room, she gave Erza a very large yet simple messenger bag. Then Millianna noticed Erza sorry state. "Erza-san! You need a new outfit and you have to get your wounds tended, nya~!" She then pulled Erza into a bathroom.

When Erza stepped out she was wearing a Heart Kruiz Armor over a white blouse, a blue skirt, gauntlets, and a little over knee-high black boots that had a heel. In her right hand she clutched her sword. She wore very few bandages, and that was only because she insisted to Millianna that she didn't need any. When the two girls reached the bed they saw it had been packed with food, water, and two first aid kits. Next to the messenger bag sat Wally, smirking. "I got everything packed for you. Least I could do." Millianna squealed and ran over to hug him. Erza picked up the bag and draped it across herself.

"Thank you, for everything. I hope you two will remain very happy." Erza headed out of the room at a brisk pace, the crow and dove trailing behind her she hated goodbyes. Once she reached outside and went some ways into the forest, the two birds started to act strange. They started to fly around each other in a circle. Then they combined into one huge bird that had no face and seemed not to have any describable physical form, just the outline of what a huge bird would be. It seemed to be the embodiment of light and darkness.

The new creature stood before Erza. She understood that she would have to go on it. She carefully secured herself a place on its back. It soared into the sky and shot of at an incredible speed. Erza could see nothing but the heavens at the rate they were going. Then suddenly they landed on an island surrounded by white, freezing waters. They had reached the Snow Queen's Palace. Just as Erza was about to head inside, the creature gave an agonizing screech as it split apart to its two original forms. They landed on the ground with a soft thud. Erza ran over to them.

Both the crow and dove were dead. Tears started streaming from Erza's left eye. "They gave up their lives so I could make it here safely…. So that I could save Jellal." She buried the crow and dove beneath the snow and thought, "At least you two are together." Erza then walked through the doors into the Snow Queen's Palace.

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