Hello! So, first off I owe you guys a big massive apology for the no update month but I have a good excuse. I had to give in two big assignments to my Uni to lower my grades so I have focused a lot on that. But, anyway enough of the excuse as I will be updating my usual two weeks from now on! So, here is the next chapter and hope you review. By the way this starts a little before Lucy, Ren and Happy are travelling to Fairy Tail and all the other events that happened in the last chapter. The reason for this will be explained at the end.
Disclaimer: I own nothing of Fairy Tail but Scarlet Destiny is all mine! :)
Outside Of Scarlet Destiny Home.
"I guess we'll be going our separate ways for today." Lucy said with a small smile at Kuro, shifting nervously next to Ren who had a passive look on his face. Both of them along with Happy were getting ready to leave to meet with their mission partner, Nastu, to start looking into the 'Lacus Animarium' thing.
"Yeah, and good riddance to him too." Ren scoffed with a smug look as he looked at Kuro who instantly gained a rid tick mark on his forehead.
"Watch what you say Fish Boy or my foot will be in your mouth very soon." Kuro warned cautiously sending Ren a similar smug grin. A tick mark appeared on Ren's face and a destructive argument was sure to happen but Lucy intervene just in time,
"Stop fighting you idiots!"
Both boys glanced at Lucy and let out a sigh knowing very well that they couldn't disobey her. She could be seriously terrifying when she wanted to be despite her appearance. Although, the main reason Ren and Kuro listened to Lucy's order was because she was their mission partner. And, they had to respect her because if they didn't then the team would not work at all.
"Aw, Lucy!" Happy started to complain "Why did you make them stop? I was hoping they would start fighting... Last time was so colourful."
"Shut up." was Lucy's automatic response.
"You are lucky though Ren," Kuro started feeling distaste his tongue at saying those words "you at least got paired up with Lucy and Happy you already know. I'm paired up with two strangers, one who apparently strips unknowingly and the other blindly in love with him."
"Hey," Lucy started in a soft tone "Gray may have a stripping problem but is also strong. Juvia may also have love heart's permanently sketched into her eyes when she looks at Gray but that does not mean she's weak at all either. You three could actually get along."
Lucy was trying to soften the blow that Kuro was sure to feel for being paired up with the three of them.
"Yeah, Lucy's got a point. At least you're not in some really weird group. Before Mia, Miyah and Lily left to meet Gajeel I'm pretty sure Lily warned both of the twins not to worry if they see Gajeel eating forks and knives." Ren said with a sweat drop.
"Whatever. Although, I respect Jared as our Master... I have no idea what he was thinking putting this team together." Kuro informed them.
"Okay. So, as much as I like seeing you in despair I, Lucy and Happy really need to Fairy Tail guild to meet up with that pink-haired man." Ren announced before turning to Lucy "So, we should really get going now unless we want to be late."
"Yeah, we should go. See you later Kuro." Lucy said before turning to Ren.
"Aye, let's leave. Kuro have fun!" Happy said with a mocking voice before sprouting wings and flying upwards.
All three of them turned around from Kuro and started to walk in the opposite direction that Kuro had to head in if he wanted to meet Gray and Juvia. Kuro stared at their backs not one emotion on his face. He let out another stressed sigh. There was no way going back. Might as well suck it up.
He turned around so he was facing the stone street that was opposite the one that Lucy, Ren and Happy had gone down. With another gigantic sigh, he stuffed his hands into his black trousers pocket and started to walk down the path.
Kurosu Yami, mostly known by Kuro, was known never to argue against anything. If he was given an order by someone he respected he would follow it to the world's end. This was just how he was. Loyally ran through his blood. Most people knew him as one of the most loyal people ever to exist.
He would never hurt even one of his guild members seriously no matter what. They had taken him in at one of his darkest moments and never failed to make the best out of any situation. Scarlet Destiny accepted everyone for who they were, no more and no less.
This was one of the reasons why Kuro had been so favourable to Lucy when she fist entered the guild. She had been at her lowest moment much like how he had been when he first entered Scarlet Destiny though his reason for being in such a position was a completely different reason then Lucy's.
One thing Kuro could not take was betrayal. He couldn't stand people who betrayed others. Maybe it was because of how loyal he was but he hated people who betrayed others. He knew why he hated those type of people though. It was because of what happened to him in the past. The betrayal that had been forced on him in the past.
Although, he refused to think about it. And, those who knew him were wise enough never to bring it up. It wasn't good to bring up the incident in front of the shadow mage. It would only end in the worst way possible.
At first, when Kuro had entered Scarlet Destiny he was nothing more than a little kid. Because of the unspeakable betrayal he would not trust anyone. He would not let anyone in close. That was until Ren had entered Scarlet Destiny few months later.
He was loud, annoying, stubborn and aggravating even at a young age much like he was now to Kuro. Kuro and Ren had not got along even back then. Though, through all the fighting and near destruction of the guild due to their massive amount of fighting, Jared knew that Ren was good for Kuro. Because Ren seemed to be the first person Kuro had opened up too. The one person who managed to gain any reaction from Kuro's otherwise stoic personality.
That's why he made the both of them mission partners. Jared wanted Kuro to open up more and trust someone and people did say that you never truly trusted someone unless you were in a life/death situation with them. So, both boys had to spend more time together.
Finally, through all this Ren had managed to break through the shield that Kuro had constructed around himself to protect from another betrayal. They became best friends. Sure, they fought like cat's and dog's but they were so close to each other. They were practically brothers. Ren was the first person Kuro had trusted since the betrayal in his past. And, they trusted each other completely. Kuro had forgotten what had happened to him.
Then years later they gained another team-mate within Lucy and Happy. To Kuro, Lucy was like the little sister he never had. They got along since they weren't brazen like Ren or jumped into fights like it was second nature. And, when Kuro had seen the look of betrayal in Lucy's eyes did he remember for the first time of the betrayal he had to endure.
It was one of the reasons he had been so angry back then when Lucy had revealed her story. It reminded Kuro of what had happened before. That was why he was determined to make sure Lucy would turn out okay. It was why he accepted her as his mission partner and made sure that she wouldn't go down in the path of revenge. Because Kuro knew very well that if it wasn't for Ren, he would have gone blazing down that avenger path.
That's why he was so against his mission partners from Fairy Tail that Jared had put him with. Gray was Lucy's previous mission partner and therefore they must have been very close. And, Kuro knew that this close betrayal would have hurt Lucy a lot. He didn't want to work alongside someone who definitely caused Lucy pain. As for Juvia, initially one might think that she was not that close to Lucy since they weren't in a team or anything but they were guild mates and would have had a relationship.
He didn't want to work with such people. But, he had no choice. He wouldn't disobey Jared. Not since all the things that the boy had not just done for Kuro but for everyone in Scarlet Destiny.
Suddenly, a yell breaks out which causes Kuro to pop his eyes open and just in time. He was about to walk in to a solid, thick, red wall. He really should stop walking with his eyes closed but when he did it was the best time he could gather and think about all his thoughts.
Turning back he yelled out a thank you to the person who had warned him about the wall before walking a few spaced back and going back the right route towards the shop where he was supposed to meet Gray and Juvia. They had decided yesterday that they would meet up here and start the search from there.
Finally, he had turned around a narrow corner arriving at a large area. The are was full of busy people like bees that seemed on a mission to get food for that night or for some other reason. This was one of the big market places in Magnolia. A source full of knowledge that would help Kuro and his recently appointed team to find 'Lacus Animarium'.
Quickly, skimming the area Kuro's eyes finally rested upon two people who were sitting on one of the tables and chairs of a small café shop. Neither had anything on the table so Kuro was sure that they didn't order anything to eat but have just been waiting for him.
Biting the bullet, Kuro weaved past the group of cards almost like a slithering shadow until he finally reached to his Fairy Tail mission partners. Gray eyes seemed to be moving along the crowds of people as if always checking his surroundings. Juvia on the other hand was staring hazily at Gray like he was the centre of her universe. Unknown to Kuro, Gray was exactly that.
Finally, Kuro arrived at the table causing Gray to look up at him and Juvia to tear her gaze from Gray and stare at Kuro.
Silence followed next. Kuro was never one to start the conversation. That was Ren. He usually ended it.
"I guess we should fully introduce ourselves since we never did to that yesterday with all the...arguments... I'm Gray Fullbuster." Gray introduced himself.
"Juvia Lockser." Juvia said after Gray.
Taking a deep breath, Kuro followed suite,
"My name is Kurosu Yami but most people just call me Kuro."
The conversation died down almost like the Grim Reaper had come and harvested it.
"Well," Gray started as he stood up from his seat "Guess we should start looking around."
"Yes, Gray-Sama." Juvia said looking back at Gray with admiration.
In his mind Kuro let out a string of curses. This was much more worst then he thought.
He, Gray and Juvia were still in the market place and were asking shop to shop if anyone knew anything about the guild 'Lacus Animarium'. All the answers were the same. A big fat no. This had become boring and dragging ever since the first house.
There was no real conversation between Kuro, Juvia and Gray. While Juvia fawned over Gray Kuro had settled into background almost like he wasn't there. Kuro was actually wishing that he was on this mission with Ren because he knew the water dragon slayer would mess it big time which would make things interesting.
"I think we should stop for a little while," Kuro spoke up finally stopping in the middle of the street suddenly nearly causing the people to walk behind him to smash into him "It's obvious we're not getting anywhere."
"We haven't even been looking long." Gray snapped back seeming just a tad bit angry at Kuro. The whole lulling sequence of questioning and getting a refusal was starting to affect him in not a good way.
"Maybe not but where we have looked had led us nowhere. I think we might need to change strategy if we're even going to begin finding 'Lacus Animarium'" Kuro replied.
Gray knew Kuro had a point. So far things were not looking up. But, things weren't making that much sense. How can they ask so many people about a dark guild that was raising up in the charts in the Magic Council eyes as dangerous not be seen by anyone? It made no sense.
"Fine. I guess we can sit on one of those table over there." Gray said as he pointed to a shop close by.
"That is a very good idea, Gray-Sama." Juvia said smiling.
It was a food restaurant, not that big, but the inside was packed. There was a wooden table with three chairs around it empty waiting to be take. The three of them did not hesitate to do so.
It had only been a second after Gray had taken his seat last that he stood up with a sought of thoughtful look on his face.
"Wait a second... I'll be back soon. I'm just going to check out the food restaurant behind us. It's packed and there's a chance someone might know something."
Kuro was going to reply back to Gray that it was highly unlikely, but before he could the boy was already half to the shop. Kuro sighed and leaned back against his chair. Oh well.
Things became even more suffocating silent. Kuro's eyes glided over to Juvia was who was staring at the shop with a hint of a blush on her cheeks.
"So...You like Gray huh?" Kuro spoke up deciding there was no point of just staying silent. He might as well learn about the people he had been paired up with.
He must have caught Juvia of guard for as second since her face exploded with red when she finally realised what Kuro had asked. The red had not died down one bit as she opened her mouth to answer,
"Juvia 's heart belongs to Gray-Sama." Juvia agreed to Kuro knowing she wouldn't be able to hide her undying love for Gray. She didn't want to either.
"Huh? And, does Gray feel the same way?" Kuro asked.
That was a mistake. He should have not asked that question. A big looming, dark look appeared on Juvia's face as she suddenly smashed her head down on the wooden table with a big thud.
"Gray-Sama does not see Juvia's feelings yet. He will though."
"Uh..." Kuro had no idea how to reply to that
"Ah, and love rivals too! They are going to take Gray-Sama away from me!" Juvia wailed loudly.
"H-hey, I'm sorry. Don't scream that kind of stuff out loud!" Kuro hissed noticing the strange looks they were getting from pass byres that heard Juvia's cry. He was used to people shouting out strange things, curtsy of Ren, but it didn't lessen the embarrassment he felt when it happened.
Juvia lifts her head of the table but the traces of the sullen look she has is still there. Kuro could not help but feel that he was the cause of this. Really, it was usually Ren that said the wrong thing.
"You know, maybe instead of being so...straight-forward as I've seen you been since we've been going around this place, you should take it down a notch?" Kuro suggested having no idea how he was giving love advise to someone so suddenly. He was hoping it would at least making her a bit more up beat since he wasn't particular keen on seeing people upset.
Juvia stared at Kuro for a second before her eyes narrowed dangerously on Kuro's,
"Why are you giving Juvia advise?" Juvia questioned before a look of dawn appeared on her face as if she realised something "Don't tell me...You have feelings for Gray-Sama?!"
Kuro choked on his breath and coughed loudly at the question. His black eyes were wide and he felt like his heart was going to jump out of his heart. The one thing on his mind was to reject! Reject everything she asked!
"W-What?" Kuro blubbered "No! No! No! I do not have feelings for Gray! One I just met the guy and second... I don't swing that way!"
Juvia still stared at Kuro, her lips down-turned like she didn't believe him. Her eyes narrowed further if that was possible.
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure! I'm sure! I don't swing that way!" Kuro said more forcibly.
Juvia leaned back her seeming to be satisfied with Kuro's answer for now. Although, it didn't look like she fully believed. On the other hand, Kuro believed that the girl before him was insane. That was the only reason why she would ask, or more like state, that he had feelings for Gray.
"Plus," Kuro started believing he should add more since he really didn't want Juvia to get any more crazy ideas "I like this girl from my guild."
Juvia's eyes blazed with interest when he said that.
"Really? Juvia want's to know who?"
"Uh..Well," Kuro started almost shyly as he raised a hand up to the back of his head "Her name is Nyx Sosa. She was the guild that had the blackish/purplish hair in our group yesterday. She's a very kind girl and always trying to be polite when she can."
"Are you two d-dating?" Juvia asked with a little shyness.
"I wish," Kuro mumbled loud enough for Juvia to hear "I try to talk to her and all but when were in the same room or a few feet away from her I basically, how Ren would put it, chicken out. I can't talk to her and I haven't that much either. But, I've known her for some time and the crush I have on her grows. I feel like a coward for not talking to her but I can't help it. The minute we are few feet away the only thing or transmission my brain does is repeating the same word.. 'Run'...So I do."
"Juvia can help you with that!" Juvia announced loudly.
"...What?"
"Juvia knows how to be forceful when it comes to love as she does so with Gray-Sama. Juvia could teach you how to catch this Nyx Girl."
Kuro sweat drop when he saw the blazing fire within Juvia's eyes. Literally. Then there was also how Juvia had worded the sentence. Kuro didn't even want to begin to think about what 'Catch this Nyx girl' entitled to.
"Uh...Yeah... I'll think about that offer." Kuro replied slowly while in his mind he was saying that he was never going to take up on that offer.
Suddenly, another thought came into his mind. A thought that didn't make any sense. Juvia seemed nice, despite the fact of her weirdness and insanity, so it didn't make a lot of sense on how she was one of the people who did, or at least agreed, for Lucy to be kicked out of the guild. The girl before Kuro didn't seem like someone who would willingly betray her friend and hurt her.
"Juvia," Kuro started "Why did your guild kick Lucy out and hurt her so much?" He made sure not to directly state her because he didn't want to think he was accusing her of something.
Silence. The expression on Juvia's face instantly turned to one of anger so fast it caused Kuro's jaw to drop slightly in surprise.
"Because love rival Lucy killed Elfman." Juvia said strictly.
"You and your guild keep saying that!" Kuro said a little too loudly causing a few people to look at the pair of them "but I don't believe it. We've got to know Lucy and it just seems like it is something she would never do."
"Juvia knows and believes that Lucy killed Elfman." Juvia replied simply through gritted teeth.
"How!?" Kuro shouted back getting more aggravated by the second. He wanted to know why she and Fairy Tail were so adamant on Lucy killing Elfman.
Before, Juvia can reply another voice enters the scene,
"Juvia! Kuro!"
Both of them turned towards Gray who is standing behind them, hands folded over his naked chest. It seemed he had removed his shirt back in the food restaurant. His expression was thunderous giving away that he had caught the tail-end of their conversation. And, he was not happy about it at all.
"Gray-Sama, you are back?"
Gray doesn't reply to Juvia but instead he turns to Kuro who is staring back at him with no emotion on his face. As for Kuro, he knew adopting a poker face was the best option now seeing how angry Gray was. But, why was he so angry? Why was all this anger towards Lucy?
"We don't talk about Lucy and what happened. You know that Juvia." Gray says despite the fact his eyes are still on Kuro. He didn't sound angry at Juvia as his expression suggested, just sounding a bit annoyed at her.
"Hey, it's okay, I brought it up. It still doesn't make sense why you all are angry at Lucy and believe she did something that I'm positive she didn't." Kuro said knowing very well that it would ruffle his feathers. Though Kuro also wanted to gauge Gray's reaction to what he said.
Like Kuro expected, Gray's eyes flashed with rage and his arms tightened even further around his chest. He looked very angry and like he would lash out at any moment. But, then Gray took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a second almost like he was trying to relax. Kuro could see the anger ooze out of the boy's body.
Finally, Gray popped his eyes open and let out a large sigh. Seeing as he knew he shouldn't reply to that he walked closer to the table and took back his seat. It seemed he had let go of the incident. For now.
"Let me guess, no one knew anything?" Kuro asked a somewhat smug tone in his voice.
Gray nodded his head and his hands balled into fist.
"None of this makes any sense. We asked a lot of people if they knew anything about Lacus Animarium but they all kept and saying no. But, come one! This is a main place in Magnolia! Someone must have seen a person wearing Lacus Animarium guild mark." Gray said with annoyance in his tone.
Kuro knew Gray was right. Logically, someone should have heard something. A whisper of a rumour. But, no one has at all. It was strange. Like Gray he knew very well that something was not right in all this. Why did no one know about Lacus Animarium?
Suddenly, a thought zapped itself into Kuro's head and his eyes widened when the idea started to form. He had finally realized the answer to Gray's question.
"Maybe it is because we are looking at the wrong place." Kuro said suddenly which causes Gray and Juvia to look at him in confusion.
"What do you mean?" Gray questioned.
"Think about it," Kuro started "Nobody here says they know anything about Lacus Animarium and they are telling the truth! All this time we have asked the wrong people about the dark guild."
"How is that?" Juvia questioned much like how Gray did "Your and our Master agreed that we should be asking people in the main parts of Magnolia if they heard anything about Lacus Animarium."
"Of course they would," pause "Initially, you would think that main parts where people gather would have rumours about Lacus Animarium. They would know and have secrets about the guild. But, as we all know Lacus Animarium is a mysterious, secret guild and it looks like they would keep it that way. So, why would they do something or let someone in a big place like this know about them?"
Silence.
"Your right." Gray said in surprise "they wouldn't. Lacus Animarium want's to stay a secret so they would never do anything here where they will be caught. So, no one here would know anything about them since they haven't done anything in these places."
"Juvia understands this," Juvia agreed nodding her head "Although, has no idea what to do."
"We should do what we were sent to do. Ask people about the guild. But, instead of going to pack places like this why don't we go to places in Magnolia where no one really goes to. The silent, quiet places. There we might have a more of a chance to discover things about Lacus Animarium because they will most likely do something in places people don't go too." Kuro explained.
"Okay!" Gray said out loud as he stood up from his seat "let's go. I have a few places in my mind that we can check out."
"Yes Gray-Sama." Juvia said with love hearts in her eyes.
"Sure we can go...But... first can you put on some clothes." Kuro said with a sweat drop noticing that Gray's trousers were now missing as well.
Gray let out a startled yelp like he didn't realize at all that he had stripped. Kuro shook his head side to side a curious look in his face. He kinda wanted to know why Gray stripped all the time. It was beyond weird.
"I will. But, let's just go to one of the places that I have in my mind, it's not far from here. It will like taking a detour and we will also be going towards Fairy Tail where I can get some clothes. We can also tell the others about what we found out."
Kuro and Juvia nodded their heads and got up from the table. They each took a couple of steps to their destination when they all suddenly stumbled to a stop. Juvia knelt over, her hand crossover her chest onto her shoulders feeling something wash over her, pulling her down. Gray was gritting his teeth, fist clenched as he tried to think of something, anything other than this sudden overwhelming feeling.
Kuro had also halted to a stop, his teeth gritted together, every nerve alive like they have been fried by lightning. The feeling that came over the three was so sudden, suffocating and not all that good. It wasn't just them feeling it too. Other people around them had also stopped bent over like Juvia, and some were even on the floor. Kuro knew this feeling. Felt it many times before.
"What is this?" Gray said slowly through the feeling that was extremely uncomfortable.
"I know this... It's Z-Zolo! He must be realising some of his magical power!" Kuro answered causing Gray to jerk his back to him. The feeling was starting to fade and he could move his body a bit more. He was surprised Kuro had even answered him.
"Why is one of your guild members realising their powers like this?!" Gray asked shockingly.
"I don't know... Zolo doesn't usually do this, hell the only time he does this is when he wakes up and when..." Kuro gulped knowing now exactly why they were feeling Zolo's power "And when he is trying to scare one of his opponents in a fight."
Gray and Juvia didn't know what to think about someone having this kind of magical power. It was better not to. So, they decided to focus on the last part of Kuro's statement.
"Is someone fighting Zolo? Is he in a battle?" Juvia asked between breaths.
"I think so," Kuro started "but not with who you think. I remember him saying earlier he wanted to test that girl, Titania, in your guild powers."
"He wants to fight Erza willingly? Does this guy have a death wish?!" Gray asked in awe.
"Well...Zolo does love death," Kuro said jokingly. The magical power that was suffocating was all but gone now. People were getting up at the floor wondering what the hell had just happened.
"We have to go to them." Kuro started "Zolo can't fight Erza. Too much mayhem and it will definitely cause Jared problems."
"I agree with the mayhem part. Fine where are they?" Gray said knowing very well that he and Juvia had no idea.
"Well, judging by how we felt when Zolo released part of his magical power I think they are very close. Somewhere on our east side."
"We will go now." Juvia said getting ready to go into direction.
"No, if we walk it then there's no way that we will get there in time." Kuro spoke up.
"Well, then how the hell do we get there?!" Gray questioned.
Kuro paused for a second thinking about it. In the end he knew very well that there was only one way to get there in time before something big happens.
"There is only one way," Kuro started dead panned "You guys are going to have to go the Kuro expressed way."
"The Kuro what way!?" Gray shouted in alarm.
"Hold on tight if you don't want a rocky ride."
Before Gray or Juvia could reply to that suddenly shadows rose all around them in a circle. Both of them stood shock at the sight of countless lines of shadows that surrounding the three of them closing in on them. They had no idea what it was but they were sure that Kuro was it's doing. With no warning at all the shadows shot down so they enveloped Gray, Juvia and Kuro in a shadow like dome. Kuro knew very well that only through his shadows that they could get to Zolo in time. And, they had to get there.
Unbeknownst to Gray and Juvia after the shadows enveloped them they dropped to the ground leaving the place where they had stood in view. But, no one was there. It seemed as if to the people who had seen the sight, Kuro, Gray and Juvia had been engulfed in the shadows and wherever they went, all three of them went with them. Not one of the three people were in sight. They had all disappeared.
And done! Whew, what a chapter! So, what do you think? I loved writing this part especially Kuro and Juvia interaction when she thought he was into Gray. What do you guys think? Should Juvia still think Kuro is into Gray and declare him her 'love rival'!? :D And, what do you guys think about the glimpse into Kuro's past?
Also, if any of you are wondering, the reason I did this chapter like this is because I want to give every one of view of how members of Scarlet Destiny interact with members of Fairy Tail. And, I also want everyone to be present for Zolo and Erza's spar. So, I am going to bring everyone together like this doing chapters where I start with scene's between the teams that end with them going to Zolo and Erza spar. So, Zolo and Erza fight has been pushed back until later. Is that okay?
Please Read the following...please read the following...please read the following...please read the following:
1) Don't worry just one of these today. So, since this story is a big hit within Fairy Tail archive I think it's about time it had a proper cover instead of just my profile picture. So, I was wondering that if anyone who has artistic talent could help me and draw me a fantastic cover! I would do it myself but like I said before my art talent is non-existence. So, please, if anyone can draw me a front cover I would really appreciate it and all credit will go to them! So, if you want too then when you post it up on-line after drawn you can send me a link in a review/PM to see it and if I like it, it will be the official cover of 'Scarlet Destiny'! Oh and for all those who do this when you do send me a like to the picture remember to send the link with space between each letter or it won't send to me.
Okay, so please review for this chapter and tell me what you think! I really want to know.
Till next time...See yh!
