And here's the next chapter. Sorry guys but I have some bad news. I'm going on a small trip tomorrow with my brother to Chicago so I won't be able to update till August 18. Sorry for this but I will get back to this as soon as I can.
Luca: That's alright! Reading this one on it's own is good too.
Rez: Yea she's definitely more brutal but who said that was a good thing?
Guest: Yep, now we know what Kera has been up to, and that means we're heading to the main plot of this story ;) And she definitely got more scary.
Brainy girl: I guess you're speechless ;)
Marty: Well Kera definitely changed so she's unpredictable for the others. She's also not herself anymore which the others can't take.
Anonymous Person: Well glad you enjoy the story and also thank you for pointing out the few mistakes. I don't have a beta reader so I overlook my chapters myself and sometimes I just get too tired and overlook a few mistakes. But still good to hear that you enjoy the story and are going to read the others too!
ian12091995: No, but I haven't decided yet if I will put that little twist in. And if I would do it, it won't be in this story, maybe in the next story that will turn back to the normal timeline. This is just a 'what if' story. Just something for fun ;)
In what seemed to be a castle, soldiers kept on walking around. There were hundreds of them walking around making sure not one intruder got in. In the far back room a woman stood in front of a window while a soldier stood behind her.
The woman had long blonde hair that went down her entire back while her red eyes were looking outside the window. She was wearing a red kimono robe. One hand was rested against her chin while the other was against the windowsill. "So Eldur has been killed?" She asked.
The soldier nodded as he stood up straighter. "Yes, a couple of our spies scouted the area. They said that he and his entire followers were wiped out."
The woman stayed silent as she kept on looking out the window. A small smirk was plastered on her face. "How unfortunate. He was… always a little naïve and brash." She snorted. "One less to worry about. And one less to demolish when I rise up." There was a pause before she spoke again. "Who was it?"
"Excuse me?" He asked not understanding what she had said.
The blonde turned around and glared at the soldier. "I asked… who was it that killed him?"
He flinched slightly seeing her glare and tried to quickly answer her. "It… um it was t-the D-Dragon Queen. Our spies said they saw the Queen of Dragons destroying the place."
The woman frowned. "The Queen of Dragons you say… she might have gone to get the stone. That doesn't matter, but it might cause us more trouble. She will surely come here as well. Make sure the other soldiers are prepared for an attack. Also bring me Severina. I need to talk to her."
The soldier bowed before her. "Understood Lady Lucretia." With that said he left the room.
Lucretia turned back to the window to look outside. A dead land reached forward, no life to be seen. "The Queen of Dragons…" She spoke the name rolling off her lips with a hint of curiosity behind it.
She glanced at the flower sitting at the windowsill. She caressed the flower and immediately it turned from its lush red color to a death black. The pedals fell to the ground as it slumped over dead. Lucretia smirked slightly. "Let's see how strong and resilient you really are."
"Where are we headed next?" Natsu asked as he leaned against a tree. After talking with Kera they were able to talk her into letting them help her. It was a little difficult but they finally convinced her. Though she was still a little reluctant.
Kera was wrapping a bandage around one of her arms were a small cut resided from her little fight with Erza. "There's another base a long way down south. It'll take us a while but we'll get there in a few days if we hurry. His name is Draccus and he's a heavy drinker. Almost like Bacchus but his magic relies a lot on brute strength. He's able to punch down an entire building."
"Holy crap!" Gray shouted hearing that.
Kera nodded. "So distance is key in fighting him which won't be a problem for me." She said finishing wrapping her arm.
"You can always tell them about…"
No! They don't need to know about that.
"Very well, it is your decision."
Kera sighed as she shook her head slightly.
"What?"
The brunette turned around and saw Erza had spoken up. She raised an eyebrow obviously confused. The red head rolled her eyes. "It's obvious you were talking to Crystol. What she say?"
"Oh that… nothing you need to worry about." She said simply before walking through the forest.
Erza groaned in annoyance. She could already see that this would get very annoying. When she thought that the old Kera wouldn't tell her everything then this version of Kera would tell her probably squat.
Lucy walked over to Erza and put a hand on her shoulder. The red head flinched slightly but the blonde just smiled at her. "Just give it some time. She'll come back around."
Erza sighed as she rubbed her forehead. "Yea… I believe so too… just… don't know how long it will take."
"Like I said, give her some time. Maybe by being with her friends again she might remember a few things, maybe even who she was before." Lucy suggested with a soft smile.
"I hope so…" she glanced at the brunette who was walking ahead of them. "Because this is definitely not the Kera I remember… the one we grew up with."
"She changed I know, but we can fix this. We'll help Kera with whatever she has to deal with and we'll head back to build up Fairy Tail. We've gone through worse." Lucy told her and this time Erza had to agree. They had fought wizards and demons, almost dying fighting to save the world and their loved ones. This… this shouldn't be difficult, but somehow… somehow this is the most difficult thing Erza has to go through… even worse than fighting an opponent with no senses at all.
But why? A battle is definitely more difficult than something like this… so why does she feel like she can't win this one?
"Jo Kera, how the hell are we even supposed to get south so quickly? This Draccus guy isn't going to stay there forever." Natsu called which caught the brunette's attention.
Kera stopped walking and thought about this. For a moment she looked at her hand obviously pondering about something, yet she clenched her hand into a fist before throwing it away. "There is a town nearby. They might have horses we could borrow or other animals we can ride."
The pink haired Dragon Slayer didn't like that idea at all. "Uh… on second thought I'll just walk."
Kera turned around and glared at him. Natsu flinched and took a step back. "There is no time to ponder about this Natsu. Either you will ride an animal or I will strap you down on one of them myself or bind you up and drag you across the floor." She sneered.
Normally when she threatened one of her friends there was a glint in her eyes that showed a little bit of amusement. She never really meant any of her threats… but this one… Natsu actually felt terrified. He knew she would do that to him if he wouldn't listen. And it shook him to the core.
The others looked shocked as well. This was so unlike her. Well she obviously changed but still…
Of course no one said anything about it and Kera simply rolled her eyes. She turned back around and kept on walking through the forest. Natsu slumped back and crossed his arms over his chest. "I liked her better before this whole fusion crap…" He muttered.
"You and me both." Gray muttered as he walked past him. Juvia and Wendy quickly followed leaving Natsu, Lucy and Erza behind.
How the hell were they supposed to do this? Bring Kera back to her normal self? They had no idea how. Erza sighed as she looked over at the blonde and pink haired idiot. "So… anyone have a plan?"
Both Natsu and Lucy had a grim expression on their face. "We thought you had one." Lucy told her truthfully. Erza sighed as she rubbed the back of her head. This was going to be really difficult.
"She's completely different. I don't know what part of her is still her old self and which is new. I can't even see the old Kera in her." Erza told them.
"Don't give up Erza." Natsu spoke giving her a warm smile. "She might be scary at the moment but deep down there's still a part of the old Kera we know and love. I just know it."
Erza smiled at him back. "Thanks Natsu… I needed that."
"Now come on, let's get back to the others before they think something's wrong." Natsu said. The girls nodded quickly before running back to the others.
Kera was walking through the forest while talking to Wendy. Gray and Juvia were walking behind them not sure what to do. Looking over at Kera and Wendy it seemed that the brunette wasn't acting so hostile towards her. That was good. Maybe there was still some of the old Kera inside of her.
Erza was walking just behind the two and she could hear what they were talking about. It seemed Kera was turning the conversation over to Wendy. "So how is your magic? You got stronger?"
Wendy nodded with a smile. "Yea! I can activate my Dragon Force now whenever I want to! Also my healing has gotten stronger too!"
Kera smiled softly. "That's great to hear Wendy. Always train when you can. You'll get stronger and gain more experience that way."
The little girl smiled. "I will. So have you been training a lot?"
The brunette laughed a little at that. "Yea I've been training a lot. Like you my magic has gotten stronger. I can even do a few new things."
"Like beat the crap out of innocent people?" Gray murmured from the back as he heard this. What he didn't know was that Kera had head him and shot him a death glare. Erza saw this and grew worried. That did not look good.
Kera saw Erza and immediately turned back around. Erza frowned. It hurt a little that she didn't trust her anymore or even didn't want to talk to her anymore. She hoped that it would change soon enough.
"So how far is this town?" Lucy asked trying to change the topic.
Kera sighed. "It shouldn't be far, though it would take a little bit more time by walking over there."
"We got horses to ride." Juvia pointed out as she pointed down the road. Kera stopped walking and turned around. "I know, I'm walking right towards them." She stated simply before walking back to where she was headed in the first place.
Juvia stood there a little shocked. "How… how did she know?" She asked glancing at the others. They all just shrugged simply, confused as well.
Walking a few more feet the group was able to see the animals tied to the trees. They were being restless and they were trying to get away. They were more restless than when they left. Kera walked towards them but the others weren't so sure. "Uh Kera." Lucy called. "I don't think that's a good idea. They seem like they'll kick anyone who gets near them."
Kera didn't say anything at all as she got closer to the animals. She walked to one of the wild horses staying in front of it, making sure the animal saw her. The horse tried to get away but couldn't since it was tied to the tree.
The others watched closely as to what the brunette did next. Kera grabbed the horses head and laid a hand on its nose while looking the horse in the eyes. For some reason it calmed down while snorting a few times. Kera smiled slightly. "Thank you for letting us ride you."
The horse snorted again while nodding its head slightly. Erza was actually amazed. "How did you do that?" she asked.
Kera didn't turn around as she started playing around with the saddle. "Animals calm down around me. I show them that I'm not a threat, show them my aura. That way they calm down."
The others were again speechless. Kera untied the animal and quickly got on the horse, grabbing the reins. She moved the horse around and the animal was not fighting against her. "It seems we only have three horses. One horse has to carry three." She said simply.
Wendy turned around with a smile. "No worries. I'll ride with Natsu and Lucy." She said while the other two were already getting on their horses. Lucy helped Wendy on their horse while Gray and Juvia got on their horse. Erza looked around noticing that everyone was on a horse except her and there was only one option left.
Turning around she saw Kera sitting on her horse while giving her a hand, an emotionless expression on her face. Sighing she took her hand and got onto her horse behind her. Without saying anything Kera turned the horse around and urged the animal to move. The others quickly followed behind making sure they didn't lose her.
Lucretia was sitting at her desk looking through some papers as the door opened up. She didn't look up as she spoke. "It was about time you got here."
"My apologies but my soldiers were a little vague with your request. Some of them are real idiots." A woman spoke which made Lucretia chuckle. She set down her papers and saw a woman with bright red hair standing in front of her. "Severina." She greeted with a smile while standing up.
"Lucretia, is there a reason why you asked for me?" The woman with red hair asked. She was wearing a black jacket with black pants and black boots but wearing a red shirt that showed her cleavage. "I had to deal with one of my spies. He didn't do his job right and got beat up. Idiot went alone."
Lucretia smirked slightly as she stood up from her desk. "We both know that we're the two strongest wizards in this entire organization."
Severina raised an eyebrow at her. She crossed her arms over her chest. "Where are you going with this?"
"Do you know who attacked your little spy?" Lucretia asked walking around the room. Severina glanced at her with narrowed eyes. "No… he didn't say anything. He was barely able to speak. He failed at his job, went against orders so he didn't get the prize to live."
The blonde chuckled. "You know your way with people Severina. But to let you know the person that beat up your little spy and is standing in our way is… well… the Queen of Dragons."
The red haired woman turned around raising an eyebrow at her. "You serious?"
"Very serious my dear sister." She said with a small smirk. "She is the one who took care of Eldur and his followers. She is a thorn in our side."
Severina crossed her arms as she took a step back. "So what do you think we should do?"
Lucretia smirked. "I have some of my best soldiers plan an ambush for her. If that doesn't work… well we'll let her deal with the others first. I doubt she'll find our place fast." She looked out the window and chuckled. "After all, not even those idiots dare to attack us."
"You really believe that Domiel, Draccus, Fernon and Zalus will be able to stop them?" Severina asked raising an eyebrow at her.
"No, they have no chance against her. She's too strong. But when she comes to us we'll be ready for her." Lucretia explained while giving the red haired woman a smirk. "After all we are the strongest. Nothing can beat us."
Severina smiled slightly. "Ah Lucretia, you sure are confident in this. I will send some spies out to keep an eye on the situation. I will let you know if they come closer. With the others gone we can easily get what we want."
Lucretia nodded and walked towards the other woman. "Exactly, we'll let her do the dirty work for us and when the time comes right." She started chuckling. "We'll have another trophy. That is… if you can get it done."
Severina let out a short strong laugh. "You don't have to worry about that. No one can withstand my magic. And neither will the Queen of Dragons."
It's been a few hours since the group of wizards left on the horses. Since they had animals to ride now they didn't have to head for a town. Kera was at the front leading her horse and the others to the next wizard Draccus. The quicker they get rid of them the quicker they can go back home.
Erza glanced at the brunette in front of her. "Will you talk to me or are you just going to pretend that I'm not even here?" She asked raising an eyebrow.
"I'm not ignoring you if that's what you're asking. I do acknowledge your presence." Kera spoke simply without even turning her head.
"Seriously?" Erza asked moving her head so she could see the side of Kera's face. "Acknowledge my presence? That's it? Kera, I'm your sister."
"And I need to finish this. I can't let anything get in my way." Again she didn't move her head. Her gaze was locked up front and this was irritating Erza to no end. Was she not worth to look at?
Erza gritted her teeth slightly. "You changed Kera and it's not a good change. Yes you might have gotten stronger but you paid a deep price."
"I didn't have to pay anything." Kera stated simply again. Erza was about to smack her up the head.
"Losing your personality? Ignoring your friends? Not being yourself? That's a steep price Kera! You don't even care about anyone else anymore!" Erza slightly yelled at her.
Kera suddenly snapped around and glared at the red head. "I did not lose anything. I gained power and I got stronger to protect the people I love. I don't care what I have to sacrifice to keep them safe. I'll even give my life or soul for it."
"Don't you understand that you don't have to do this!?" Erza snapped back. "You are not responsible for our safety. We can protect ourselves and you shouldn't be sacrificing anything! We can fight together!"
The brunette groaned slightly. She did not want this to go like this. "I'm doing this for you god damn it!"
"You shouldn't!" Erza growled. "I should have gotten to you quicker than I did. Maybe I could have talked some damn sense into you and stopped this entire fusion crap! We're a family and we help each other!"
"Yes well I was tired that you guys had to fight my battles. I should be fighting them on my own and not sit somewhere, probably injured, letting you all carry my burdens!" Kera growled her golden eyes flashing dangerously. "I don't want to see you guys get hurt because of me. I should be fighting myself especially since I'm the Queen of Dragons. I should be the strongest wizard beside Zeref himself."
Suddenly Erza reached forward and grabbed the reins pulling the sword sideways, leading the horse away from the group. The others looked a little confused but Natsu quickly shook his head. "I'm not following them."
"Neither am I." Gray stated simply and they just stopped their horses, waiting for the two to come back, letting them talk their problems out.
"What the hell is your problem?" Kera asked as Erza pulled her down from the horse. She could clearly see that the red head was furious.
"My problem!? You're the one who doesn't give a crap about your life or your friends! I can understand that you want to get stronger and protect us but it doesn't mean you have to fight alone! How many times do I have to tell you that!?" Erza yelled at her.
Kera rolled her eyes simply and Erza gritted her teeth. She threw a punch at her but Kera ducked the attack. She grabbed Erza's arm and tried throwing her against a tree but this time the red head was ready for it.
Erza was able to grab onto Kera and shove her to the ground. The brunette pulled her with her and the two were fighting on the ground for a moment. At some point the two were at a stalemate as neither was giving up.
"Like this." Erza called. "We don't fight like this. Yea we sent some punches but not like this. This is ridiculous Kera, we argue, we fight, it's like we don't know each other anymore." She pushed the brunette off of her and was surprised that she didn't fight back.
Kera simply lied on the ground not saying anything. Erza instead sat upright looking at her little sister. "You used to love hanging out with your friends, you accepted our help. This isn't you, this isn't good for you. If you keep on doing this then you'll be going down a dark and lonely path. I know deep down inside of you, you don't want this to happen. I just know it!"
The brunette turned her head away and grumbled something. Erza got up while slightly glaring down at Kera. "I don't want to lose you Kera but… but if you ignore us and won't let us help you… there's nothing much for you left. You can't talk to Crystol for you entire life!"
A moment of silence past the two, where no one spoke a word to each other. Kera was still lying on the ground completely still while the red head was giving her a heated glare. "What does Crystol think?" Erza suddenly asked. "If it's true and you fused your soul with her she should be able to feel your emotions. What does she have to say about this?"
"She's right Kera… this is not good for you. I am here to give you guidance… but also to protect you. What you are doing to yourself is not good. You can't live your life alone and always traveling."
I can sure as hell try.
"One year doesn't have to change anything." Erza spoke softly.
Kera snorted and turned her head around. "One year changes everything."
"Maybe…" Erza said looking down at the brunette. "But that doesn't mean those changes can't be reversed. Maybe there's a way to get your old personality back."
Kera sighed and rubbed her head. She had enough of this conversation and she wanted to get going. If she were doing this alone she'd be almost done by now. But no… she had to bump into her friends and now she was stuck with them.
What am I thinking? Kera thought slightly. They're my friends. I used to do everything for them. I did this for them… what happened to me?
Something caught her ears and she turned around quickly. Erza grew confused as she saw Kera react like this. "What's wrong?"
Frowning Kera got up and grabbed the horse. She motioned Erza over as she led the horse back. Making sure it didn't look suspicious Erza followed her. Kera kept an eye out. "We're being watched." She whispered.
Erza frowned as her eyes wandered around but she made sure it didn't look like it. If they were being followed and watched, it didn't mean anything good. "Let's get back to the others quick."
"Yea…" Kera muttered as she tried to look for the spy.
But for some reason there was no sign of him, but she knew he or she was there. They need to get to the next place quickly.
Well that's that. Hope you guys enjoyed it and it was a little longer than usual! So what did you guys think? Let me know! Also things are heating up pretty fast! Also the enemy has been revealed! Well let me know what you guys thought about this chapter!
Until next time!