Chapter 13
Ghosts
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or its characters, only my own OC's, Energy Magic, and Ideas
.:+:.
"Mordren!"
Mordren hissed, his body growing rigid at the low and annoyed voice that rung out in front of him, at the very moment his boot intruded on the threshold of the door. His grey eyes moved upward to meet glinting orange ones, as he slowly moved inside the room and toward the man who stood not far from him, his hands on his hips and lips pulled into a slight scowl.
"You are late, again!" Gweo snapped, the man's hand rising as he twirled his index finger in the air animatedly, Mordren cringed a little, expecting something heavy and hard to fall on his head in the next instant. He hissed, nearly dropping his papers and books when a heavy block of wood meant to hold papers down suddenly fell atop his head with a painful thump. It fell to the floor with a bang, and he simply stood still, his head throbbing as he weakly nodded to the seething man.
"I know Talarrk, I apologize.." He mumbled,
"Apologize all you like, it will not change the fact that you are late!" Gweo snapped impatiently, his fingers snapping beside him as the block of wood disappeared from Mordren's feet and landed lightly in the other man's outstretched hand. "One would think you could manage punctuality in your line of duty, I'm not sure why I enlisted your services in the first place..." Mordren sweatdropped,
Because he had needed the extra coin that came with this small job, regardless of how unpleasant and impatient the supervisor could be. And he had practically begged for it, and he knew he was late all the time and that wasn't the best impression... But he was trying, it was simply hard. Paying for board was a struggle, and he wasn't sure what he would do without this job, he'd probably have to leave Kelen altogether.
Besides, even with all the annoyance and the impatience on Gweo's part... Mordren had begged for this job, but not really. Gweo was actually one of the few people in Kelen that could ever be considered a friend to Mordren- though Gweo would deny it, probably. Gweo was one of the very few people in the entire college that didn't scoff at him immediately, and write him off because of his lack of noble standing.
"I appreciate your... patience, Talarrk..." Mordren murmured softly, dipping his head in a small bow to the other man, who simply huffed at it, but it seemed to simmer him down- just a little.
"Tch, very well, let's just get right to it then... and you can quit with the Talarrk thing, Mord." Gweo growled, snapping his fingers as the weight lifted from Mordren's arms and the things he had been carrying suddenly disappeared in a small puff of pale light, before he tilted, a weight falling on his shoulder as a bag appeared there, weighed down heavily by the things suddenly packed away inside it.
"Ah, right... sorry." Mordren mumbled, "... and sorry again, for being late, Gweo..." Gweo's only reply was a huff, before he snapped his fingers again and a roll of parchment appeared before him, and unrolled itself to face the man.
"Leave it be, Mord. I know you... try." Mordren smiled weakly at that, but Gweo just sighed and went on. "You have deliveries to make in the lower markets today, the addresses are listed for you. Do be quick about it, once you're back I have some more things for you to deliver in Fiel." Gweo listed off the duties easily, and quickly without bothering a glance in Mordren's way. He waved his hand and the paper rolled up again, promptly moving toward Mordren as he scrambled to grab hold of it.
Mordren tucked the paper away in the inside of his sash for safe keeping, sweatdropping slightly but relieved he had avoided any lengthy amount of tension.
"Ah, but before all that- there is a delivery that needs to be made quickly, you haven't a moment to spare!" Gweo added, Mordren's attention snapped upward toward the man again in surprise, before he stumbled, a large wooden box falling into his hands and tied with string, and topped by a hefty stack of neatly folded letters. Gweo turned away, now reviewing a separate piece of parchment in a room lined with stacks of papers, scrolls, letters and packages. Every which way floated papers and boxes on their own as other members of the school worked away, sorting and snapping their fingers to send things this way and that.
"It's to be delivered directly to the inner sanctum of Okeal." Gweo explained, Mordren went rigid, eyes wide and sweatdropping.
W-What..?!
"O-Okeal...?!" He stammered breathlessly, though Gweo didn't seem to take any notice he had said a thing.
"Corrialein has been holding a meeting since early this morning, and the package and those letters are to be delivered to the inner sanctum before every member leaves. I believe the meeting should be over soon, so best to hurry." Mordren stared, his mind racing in surprise and shock.
He was going there? To the head of the country? A monument that houses every noble and dignitary in this country, every person of power? The people who ran this country?! He had never even believed he would see those walls, he's never thought he'd set foot- ever.
Gweo waved his finger over his shoulder, small wisps of pale blue rising up around Mordren's feet and spiraling to encase him, and keep him from moving. "Better move quickly, Mord!" Gweo called easily, before the stacks of papers, and packages were lost to Mordren's eyes and nothing but blue and a sudden nauseating feel of lightness encased his body, and his feet left the ground altogether.
"... why do you look ready to pass out?" Gweo grumbled lowly, eyebrow quirked as Mordren stumbled inside the room, nearly knocking over one of the many stacks of papers and... things. "I realize you had more deliveries than usual today, but it cannot have been that taxing for you, Mord."
Mordren felt faint, his knees shaking as he settled into a seat and held his head in his hands, staring at the floor- he felt like his whole world had spun on it's heel. In one damn day!
"... y... you didn't mention to me... that I had to deliver things to... Lady Reyan... Gweo..." Mordren stammered, eyes wide and settled on the floor. Gweo blinked, hands on his hips and head tilting as he stopped a few paces in front of Mordren- who looked so shaky he seemed more a leaf than a man.
"Did I not?" Gweo deadpanned slightly, "I wasn't aware it would be an issue Mord. Why should it matter, anyway? The Lady's name was on the Delivery, yes?" Gweo frowned slightly, "Don't tell me you got lost? Or lost the mail?"
"N-No... I gave it to her... I set it in her... off...ice..." Mordren stammered, "I just... I... wasn't ready... to... y-you know... meet... her..."
Mordren's hands trailed down to hold under his chin, remembering her finger drawing underneath his jaw, the sensation like electricity that ran through him- and now raced through his body again at the sheer memory.
Gweo blinked, eyebrow raised and sweatdropping as he watched Mordren seem to melt right in front of him. His face flushed an eyes glinting,
"... good Gods, Mord... please tell me you didn't act like this in front of Lady Reyan." Gweo sighed, snapping Mordren from his own head as the other man looked up at him with slightly dazed, pale grey eyes. "You've turned into a giant... puddle, Mord."
"...p-puddle...?" Mordren stammered, smiling halfway and utterly nervous. Gweo sighed, his head falling back and his eyes falling closed in tandem, and exasperation.
"... you're usually a mess Mord, but this is..." Gweo sighed, before cutting himself off as his eyes opened to trace the ceiling far, far over their heads.
"Tell me you at least made all the other deliveries!" Gweo snapped, his thoughts breaking away from where his head had gone and his eyes moving back to Mordren, who stiffened at the sudden question.
"... other... deliveries..." Mordren echoed, paling a little as Gweo stared.
"... you are kidding me." Gweo growled, a vein ticking on his forehead as he lift his finger in air, his jaw clenching as he started to twirl his finger. Mordren flinched, looking panicked and terrified all at once.
"Mord! You came back here to melt instead of doing your job?!"
"I-I'm sorry, Gweo! I-I'll go right away!"
"Damn right you will! Be grateful I don't transport you to an active volcano!"
"... I got a letter today, Mord."
Mordren halted in the doorway, stiff as a board and hands wringing together in nervousness. His eyes locked to Gweo, who had his back turned to him and his voice so low and level it was terrifying.
"Sealed with Lady Reyan's mark, no less."
Gweo turned around, his hand lifting as he held the letter out in front of him, eyes level and steely as Mordren sweatdropped slightly. He honestly could not tell if Gweo was angry or not, and the not knowing was the worst part.
"A letter detailing that you have been released from assisting me to deliver things from Okeal and Kelen and all places in between." Gweo said flatly, "Given you will be busy now, studying underneath Lady Reyan herself."
"U-uhm... yes... about..."
"What the Energess sees in you, is a damned mystery, Mord." Gweo cut him off easily, "You're bumbling, forgetful, oblivious, clumsy-" Gweo tossed the letter into the air, and it disappeared in a flash of light.
"-smart as hell, but too damned foolish to know nor admit it. You rub people the wrong way and you are spineless as all hell. There isn't an ounce of confidence in you." Gweo hissed, shaking his head as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
Mordren stiffened, his eyes widening a little as he stared.
Did he... Gweo just said I was 'smart as hell' ?
"... This is Kelen, there are a whole slue of people here who actually know Magic- Lady Reyan could have the pick of anyone, and she's choosing you..?"
"... ah, s-she... she said something about me having a... ah, unique Energy Signature... I think..?" Mordren stammered,
"... yes, I noticed that the second I met you, Mord... I'm just surprised she'd be taking you based on that." Gweo sighed, Mordren blinked, eyes widening a little more.
"W-what do you mean you knew, Gweo..?!" Mordren stammered, he never got an answer though.
"... makes me worried she wants you because of how you reacted..." Gweo muttered, nearly all to himself. "... knowing her, she's picked up on something no one else can about you... but still, I'm a little concerned what's gonna happen..."
"G-Gweo..?" Mordren stammered, his mind reeling and lost. "W-Wait, you're concerned about what...? Y-You're not mad I'm not going to work for you anymore?"
"Hmm?" Gweo hummed, seeming to finally pull away from his thoughts for a moment. "Of course I'm mad you're ditching me, Mord! I've got no one else to deliver things, you know."
Mordren flinched a little, smiling nervously as Gweo huffed.
"But it's not as if I can argue with an Energess. If she wants to train you, Mord- Gods if I'll get in the way." Gweo grumbled, his hands falling on his hips as a vein ticked on his forehead. "And of course I'm worried, you damned fool! Lady Reyan is not kind on the people she trains, she's ruthless, she's harsh, she's a Force of Damned Nature and you are going to be at her every beck and call, Mord. Training with her could literally kill you."
Mordren stiffened a little, sweatdropping heavily at the assertion that he had thus far already thought on. After all, Lady Reyan lead armies- she trained warriors and soldiers and she only trained the very best. There had been rumor of her methods, and her harshness- and Mordren has already been utterly aware (and afraid, mind you) of what may be in store for him. Having it mentioned aloud did nothing to alleviate his fears, but the blatant concern in Gweo did have him reeling.
"And don't forget what happened the first time you met her! You delivered a few parcels and you were melting into a damned puddle, Mord." Gweo went on, "Look at you now, you're clearly still flustered and about ready to melt again. How are you going to handle being near her day in and day out?"
"W-what do you mean...?" Mordren stammered, Gweo simply settled him with an utterly flat stare that was steeped in exasperation.
"See? Oblivious." Gweo sighed, Mordren blinked.
"...heh..?"
"Whatever, Mord. Just promise you'll keep your head, yes?" Gweo huffed,
"... Y-yeah... I'll do my best..." Mordren stammered, rubbing the back of his neck a little. "... uhm... thank you, for worrying over me, too..."
Gweo huffed.
"You may be a fool, Mord. But you are still a friend, regardless of how much you piss me off." Gweo growled, "And don't forget I am literally the only friend you have in Kelen. So even if you're off with Lady Reyan and whatever she has planned for you, don't think you can simply throw me aside." Mordren sweatdropped slightly, smiling just a little.
"I swear by all four of the Gods, you will need me. I may not know for what, but you will need me. That I can swear, so don't forget it." Gweo grumbled, those orange eyes of his piercing, Mordren smiled a little more.
".. heh, I won't, Gweo.."
Frea had fallen to her knees, her body trembling and gasping as the image flashed away, Mordren and the fires that consumed everything died... and Reyan still lay there. A ghost, unable to be touched, as Frea found her fingers fumbling to try and reach her, a wash of emotion, pain and sadness so deep and sharp tearing through her body.
She'd never seen anything... she couldn't fathom... how could it all have gone... s...so wrong...?!
This hurt, all of it hurt... She knew these people, though she had never known them. She'd witnessed their lives, felt their pain, their feelings... all of it, so deeply ingrained in her mind and her body, and seeing her murdered like this... she was crying, and she couldn't stop herself.
Frea's head snapped up, someone else had come into the vision... a man, scared and bleeding, a man she recognized... Gweo, Mordren's old boss, when Mordren still worked to deliver things in Kelen... Mordren's one and only friend, once upon a time.
Gweo rushed forward, looking haggard and frazzled as he threw himself down beside Reyan, his eyes wild and brimmed in tears. To his chest he clutched a small, battered piece of parchment, looking absolutely terrified as he reached a shaking hand out toward her, "M-my Lady..."
Reyan's chest was suddenly heaving, moving from stillness as she took in painful, desperate gasps of air. Frea felt her heart leap, and Gweo jumped nearly out of his skin at the sudden display of life in a woman who's body was barely holding together, and lying in a pool of her own blood. Those dull, green eyes fluttered open, waves of incredible pain ramming into Frea as Gweo took Reyan's hand in his, his tears falling silently.
"My Lady!" He exclaimed breathlessly, his eyes searching her expression for some sign of cognition. "... please... You sent me a message, you... you hid me from Mord... why... Lady Reyan...?"
Both Frea and Gweo stared, their eyes falling to a faint glow of gold, seeing a small Magic Circle of some incredibly intricate design suddenly flare across the skin of her stomach.
"... the last... of... M...my... Magic..." Reyan's voice was so low she could barely be heard, Gweo leaned in as Frea remained rooted to her spot, eyes shining. "... i... I cast... The Lifeward... Spell..." Her eyes fell closed, a single stream of tears running down her cheek. "... it will keep me alive... Until... He's ready... To e...enter... This world..." Gweo went utterly still, sweatdropping as his face paled. "... Y..you must... protect him... when he comes...m... my... son..."
Frea's heart fell into the depths of her stomach, her hand clapping over her mouth as she stifled a strangled gasp, her breathing quickening so much she felt she was about to hyperventilate. She felt sick, her stomach twisted in knots for so long suddenly twisted tighter.
"... m...my Lady...?" Gweo stumbled for words, Reyan was fading fast though.
"... It... doesn't... m...ma...tter... if Mord... What he... any of..." Reyan gasped, her voice fading by the second. Her arm moved up, shaking and hardly able to move as her hand rest lightly on what blood covered the skin on her stomach. "... This... my ba..by... boy... he des...erves... to live... no matter... The cost..."
"... y... you... must..."
Gweo looked horrified, his eyes riveted to her as Reyan fell back into what awful, horrible stillness she had trapped herself in with that Spell. She would endure months, unaware, never awake- and yet in so much pain it would have been a blessing to die... and yet she forced herself into it without any second thought to herself. Gweo felt her hand fall limp in his, his eyes flashing as his tears started falling faster.
"I-I promise, my lady!" He whispered, his voice cracking painfully as she pressed his nose against her hand, "I-I swear... I will not... fail you... M... m-my lady...!"
A single last tear fell from her already closed eyes, splashing against the bloodied stone.
Frea felt like her heart had been ripped from her chest, she couldn't breathe, not for what wash of emotion rammed into her and coursed through her body, making it hard to breath, her mind racing as the image shattered before her very eyes- and she was plunged backward into the waters of the Reach again.
Frea was snapped from a dream filled with memories old and not her own by a rush of unbelievable pain.
She took in a short, shuddering breath before biting down on her tongue to try and keep herself quiet. She hunched in on herself, laying on her side as she gripped tightly to the pillow on her bed and buried her face into it, eyes scrunched closed against the burning, violent sensation that felt like all of her bones were being pulled out of her body through her skin. Searing, unbridled agony that gripped tight of every inch of her person and didn't stop for what felt like it could have easily been years- it got colder, somewhere in her center, darker.
Another small piece of her soul consumed entirely, the Darkness spreading further again... Shit.
She was shaking by the time the pain dulled down enough to breathe properly- though she was gasping slightly, still trying to keep quiet.
Moon was asleep in a small ball near the window and the wall, Frea could hear her snoring, feel her Energy Signature there. She didn't want to wake Moon up, let alone when she felt like this-
Something of a small mercy that Moon was just a heavy sleeper, she supposed.
But fuck... That was an awful way to wake up, even if it had snapped her out of a nightmare... Sort of nightmare. More fractured memory than anything, more of Mordren's memory, things she'd seen before... Or though she had, a lot of it had gotten jumbled and distorted.
Frea buried her head in her arms and under the pillow, her eyes glittering and specked at the corners by moisture.
That was the worst the pain had been yet, and sudden too... She'd gone nearly two days without feeling like that. And of course it would happen again today, and be that bad.
She recalled the notion of 'the world hates me'.
It took a few long minutes of laying very still in bed, her breathing slowly evening out again and the pain becoming a dull throb wrapped over her entire body. Her heart went back to something of a calm tenor, and Moon kept on sleeping as Frea stared at the opposite wall- and that faint sliver of dawn light that broke through the window and shone on it.
A great way to start off a day that was already going to suck.
"... Moon." Frea mumbled softly, her hand rubbing between Moon's ears gently as she nudged the Exceed to wakefullness. Moon grumbled sleepily, her ear twitching.
"... Moon, we need to head to the Guild Hall." Frea sighed, "... I told Porlyusica to meet me there this morning... I don't want to keep her waiting..." Frea mumbled, her eyes flitting away from Moon and toward the window- the sun was nearly over the horizon now.
She bit the inside of her cheek,
On any normal day she'd have just let Moon sleep, or taken her still asleep and all to the Guild herself. But given she didn't feel she could make it to the Guild Hall on her own right now-
"... Moon." Frea murmured, her tone a bit firmer, a bit louder. Frea recalled mentioning needing to get up and get to the Guild Hall to see one such pink-haired Healer just yesterday, and she was entirely sure that Moon had heard her say as such. She'd held off waking Moon up, since waking up earlier and it just sucking-
Frea took in a low, slow breath, sweatdropping slightly- her body still hurt, even now. It had been an hour or so since she'd been snapped from her sleep to end up just feeling like such utter shit.
But she was getting fidgety now, anxious and on edge- she felt the minutes were ticking away like seconds and she really felt like she had no time to waste. She had to see Porlyusica before being dragged off anywhere, and she didn't look forward to getting snapped at if she kept the Old Lady waiting- not when she was sure to be scolded and snapped at for several other things already today.
Frea sighed, sweatdropping a little more as she let her head tilt back toward the ceiling for a moment.
"... come on... she can't yell at me that much, right..?" Frea mumbled under her breath, grimacing a little at the idea. "... kynna..." She hissed lowly,
Frea stiffened, her eyes opening wide and her heart jumping as her hand moved up to cover her mouth in utter shock upon hearing the word make it past her lips in that same language she-
Her eyes glittered, her attempts at rousing Moon faltering as she stared at the floor, turning her back on Moon for a moment.
"... I did not... seriously..?" Frea hissed under her breath, how? She must have learned and forgotten that since she-
... things kept trickling back, and she had been trying to ignore them. But it seemed her mind betrayed her then, her voice too- because that was a word she knew, in a language near no one else knew anything of. A language she knew more of than anyone she knew, and a language she knew more deeply than she realized until her memories started to trickle back in, in all their pain and hurt and guilt. And now a word in that language appeared on her lips and in her voice so easily, so naturally she hadn't even thought about it- she said it on instinct and it felt like it belonged there.
Frea bit the inside of her cheek, swallowing hard. She wasn't prepared for how uneasy it made her feel, or how sad... and most definitely not how happy it did either, proud maybe, that she still did remember at all.
She paused a minute, her eyes flashing as she glanced across the room and toward her bag set on her desk- sweatdropping slightly.
She'd emptied it out, what little things there were left in there before fighting with Mordren. The Energy Magic Book, for one- spare funds, a change of clothes, necessities of the like she usually kept packed for missions. She had thought little of her belongings following the fight, but once she'd cleared her head enough to care- she'd noticed there was one thing missing, and not finding it in her bag likely meant she'd lost it in what devastation her mountain was now... And she doubted she'd find it again.
There was a slight ache in her heart at the thought of it, but there was little she could do and she did her best to let it be.
Frea let her hand fall away from covering her mouth, her eyes softening a little as she shook her head, before gently patting Moon's head again.
There were more pieces, bits and sections of words and phrases she at some point in her life had known so well- things she'd heard, been told, had said to her- things she said back. They were there, in some corner of her mind, she could feel it- and sometime soon she would need to bring it all back in full. Let it become as natural to her again, as it had once been- a small part of herself that had been lost and buried in her own head, and likely only remained in this world today inside of her. A sad thought, to be sure- and one she needed to leave alone for now.
But maybe this day was a little less bad.
"Moon." Frea murmured again, this time she earned a half-way cracked open eye from Moon, who looked annoyed, just faintly, at being woken up.
"..hmmm...?" That might have been a word, but it came out as a tired humm instead as Frea smiled.
"I'm supposed to meet Porlyusica at the Guild this morning." Frea murmured softly, "... which means you need to get up. And probably... ah, carry me there, if you feel up to it." Frea added, almost sheepishly a moment as Moon's eye dropped closed again with a sigh.
"... how early... even is it...?" Moon yawned, slowly uncurling from the ball she had been in, and laying on her back to look over toward the window drowsily.
"A little after sunrise." Frea replied softly, her chin leaning in her hand as she smiled a little more. "... Sorry to wake you up so early, but I did promise to meet Granny soon..." Moon yawned, rubbing her eyes wearily as she nodded slightly, rolling over and up to sit on her heels.
"... It's alright... I remember you mentioning... It last night.." Moon yawned, blinking as her paws fell into her lap and her eyes moved up to land on Frea still sitting patiently on the edge of the bed.
Moon blinked, her eyes widening in surprise as Frea finally came into full focus for her.
"You're dressed." Moon mumbled, her head tilting slightly to see Frea fully dressed and ready to go- and in an outfit she hadn't ever seen the Energy Dragon Slayer wear before.
She had on light blue jeans and white slip-on shoes, with a dark jacket whose sleeves reached her elbows, with pale grey stripes across the sleeves, and was left open halfway in the front. Underneath the jacket Frea had on a dark mesh shirt that buckled about her neck,
A few places on the bare skin of her arms were still wrapped in small portions of bandages, but apart from that- with her hair still neatly braided and in clothes that were not meant for sleeping in- Frea looked almost entirely normal for the first time in so very long. Almost as if she was fully up and healed and was on her way to start some new adventure or job- and it was a change Moon hadn't expected.
"Mhm." Frea hummed with a small nod. Moon's eyes narrowed a little, while Frea certainly looked better- Moon swore she looked tired still. And more than that, she had the odd feeling that Frea was dressed as if she expected to go somewhere- other than the Guild Hall, that is.
"... You look good." Moon murmured softly, Frea blinked, her eyes glittering slightly in surprise at the comment.
"Thanks." Frea hummed, casting Moon a small smile. Moon smiled back, before sighing and getting to her paws.
"Alright, let me get ready and we'll head to the Guild."
"Cool."
"Morning, Granny."
Porlyusica's eyes opened at the sound of Frea's voice behind her, the Old Lady turning in her seat toward the Energy Dragon Slayer as Frea moved inside the hall with a small, slightly tense smile. Porlyusica blinked, her red eyes narrowing slightly at the girl and the stiff way she was walking- a tell that her injuries were bothering her at least a little still- but more so at the way she was dressed. Moon floated at Frea's shoulder, waving Porlyusica's way in greeting as the Old Lady huffed, her arms crossing over her chest.
The Guild was empty, besides them. Frea had intended that, though- that being the reason she asked the Old Lady out so early. She could feel the Energy Signatures of Mirajane, Master, Lisanna and Elfman drawing closer somewhere in Magnolia's streets (these four being, usually, the first people to arrive of the Guild near always..).
But for now it was simply Frea, Moon and Porlyusica standing alone in the Main Hall, of a very silent building.
"Thanks for being here so early, Porlyusica." Frea murmured softly, "I appreciate it."
"Hmph." Porlyusica huffed, sounding somewhat annoyed and somewhat cross already. Frea sighed internally,
Porlyusica's arms uncrossed from about her chest as she held one out toward Frea, a small data-disc the size of an apple in her hand as Frea blinked,
"I assume you wanted this for a reason?" Porlyusica muttered, Frea took it from her softly with a small, tense nod.
"... I'm thinking I might need it." Frea replied softly, Porlyusica raised a brow while Moon's head tilted.
"For the same reason you asked me to bring this, I assume?" Porlyusica grumbled, her hand falling into her bag to produce a flask filled with some silverish liquid that Frea frowned at a little, looking about as thrilled as Porlyusica was in that instant. Moon's eyes flashed as she cast the flask a look, before settling her stare on Frea.
"What are you planning on getting yourself into, girl?" Porlyusica's voice was low and harsh as she snapped the question shortly. Frea sweatdropped slightly, her eyes glittering as she seemed to bite the inside of her cheek a moment.
"... I'm pretty sure the Magic Council is going to come and arrest me today." Frea replied softly, the words earning wide eyes and tense expressions from both Moon and Porlyusica alike.
"What?!" Moon snapped immediately, flipping her wings to bring herself around to face-front with Frea, ears flat against her head and bristling slightly. "You cannot be serious?! Why is this the first I'm hearing about it, Frea?!" Moon's tail flicked angrily as she hissed, "And how can you even know that?!"
"... I didn't mention it sooner because I was pretty sure of how you were gonna react." Frea replied calmly, though she looked somewhere between nervous and exasperated. "... And for knowing, Aisha and Chase have been keeping me updated on how... Ah, agitated.. The Magic Council is. I knew they were coming soon and I just... Have a feeling, about today." she sweatdropped slightly, her eyes glinting as Moon frowned.
"What is that potion for, Porlyusica?" Moon rounded on the Old Lady next, who huffed slightly.
Porlyusica didn't answer right away, she set the flask down on the bar counter with a grumble, shaking her head and looking agitated to no end-
"It's a Strengthening Draught." the Old Lady replied lowly, "The same one I gave her when she was dying, in which she so recklessly went straight off and challenged a Dark Wizard not two minutes later."
Frea sweatdropped at that, seeing Moon's frown and the annoyance flash across her face.
Of course Moon had heard of this particular tale already- back when Frea had returned from being 'dead' the first time around, only to hide the fact she had been dying due to lingering Magic from Kasumi's Spells. Back when she took on Senna (as what Porlyusica was referencing...) and failed to inform the Guild about her situation until after she had nearly been dead, out on a mountain-top fighting Rified with Laxus in tow.
Not exactly a shinning example of honesty on Frea's part, to be sure... And Moon hadn't been thrilled with how Frea had handled the situation (no one in the Guild had been, really...), when she had the tale recanted to her a few weeks into joining the Guild.
"No!" Moon snapped curtly. "You are not going to Era, not a chance! Not if you're thinking you're gonna be running around like an idiot!"
"... Look it's not gonna be like last time." Frea replied quickly, "I'm not expecting to be fighting or anything like the sort, I am expecting for today to be a really, really long day of arguing back and forth... And I just wanted the potion to help keep me going through it fine-"
"You got dizzy going up the stairs yesterday, Frea!" Moon cut her off, Porlyusica blinking at the comment and settling a narrowed stare on the Dragon Slayer. "Do you really think I'm gonna let you go off to Era under any circumstance? You're still injured, badly- strengthening potion or not. That's not gonna change."
Frea sighed, her eyes falling closed as she crossed her arms about her chest and silence fell between them for a minute.
Moon wasn't the sort of person to get this worked up this fast unless she had reason- and she did... She was worried and Frea knew that.
She also already figured everyone would fight her on how today was going to go.
"... But I'm trying to avoid a fight..." Frea mumbled softly, nearly all to herself as Moon blinked.
"... Look, do you know how long the Council usually waits to arrest people?" Frea mumbled, her eyes opening to land on Moon who's eyes narrowed slightly at the question. "... They don't. They barge in, demand what they want, arrest who they want- and they fight and arrest whoever goes against them. They don't care." She shook her head slightly,
"It's honestly something of a miracle that they've held off as long as they have. A few days would have been wishful thinking, a week or two nearly incomprehensible- but a month, and over that?" Frea murmured, "I can only imagine how wound up they are, how agitated- annoyed- they've probably been gnawing at the bit the entire time. That means when they come here, they will not be patient- at all. They are not going to hesitate to start a full-out battle if I, or anyone else refuses to comply to what they want."
Moon and Porlyusica both seemed to deflate a little at the words, their agitation simmering just slightly.
"The Guild has always had issues with the Magic Council, so they won't hesitate to slap some crime on us or other- they're probably itching to find a reason to lock all of us up anyway. I don't want the Guild getting in trouble with the Magic Council because you're all trying to keep me from being taken to Era... I don't want to cause a fight, and I don't want any of you to start one either." Frea murmured lowly, "I'm not asking your permission, and I'm sorry. We can't just ignore the Council anymore, and I don't plan to. I have to answer their questions and whatever else, there is no way around that."
Both Moon and Porlyusica scowled, but Frea didn't let up anyway.
"Look, I know you don't like this. I don't blame you, but I'm not going to argue it either. If the Council comes to take me for questioning today, I'm going to go with them and do my best to answers any and all questions. I know it's gonna last a long while though, that's why I wanted the potion. Even if I'm just standing around answering their questions... it's gonna be a really, really long day- the longest I'm probably gonna have since Mordren."
Frea's hands fell on her hips, her eyes steely and expression resolute as she held Moon and Porlyusica in her steady gaze. Moon and Porlyusica alike seemed to stiffen at mention of his name, she could see the tenseness in their frames grow the more heavy as she continued talking, her words all the more firm, and leaving no room for argument.
"Snap at me, be pissed- whatever. I'm not changing my mind on this, so you can sit there and brood about it or you can help me out." Frea grumbled hotly, "Because regardless of what you want, this is happening. And I'm doing it my way."
There was a heavy silence that settled between the three of them, like a cloud. Moon and Porlyusica stiffened, their eyes narrowing as Frea stood in front of them, straight-backed, hands on her hips, firm, her expression hard and determined as all hell- arguing. Actually arguing for the first time since it all, Frea had been so compliant and acceptant of everything-
Moon sweatdropped, swallowing a little as she felt her anger deflate against her will.
... Frea hadn't looked this much like... well, Frea- since before Mordren. This was the first time Frea had looked anything like how she was, how she used to be- before Mordren... broke... her...
... she looks... just like she always did... before she got so hurt...
"Grrr... you are such a stubborn, foolish girl!" Porlyusica snapped hotly, earning both Frea and Moon's eyes in an instant.
The Old Lady stood straight up from her seat, the stool skidding backward behind her as Frea and Moon flinched slightly- Frea's resolute expression failing as she smiled nervously.
Porlyusica snapped the flask from the countertop and thrust it forward toward Frea with a huff, her red eyes glittering and frowning deeply.
"Take the damned thing, and you'd best be sure I will lock you up in the Infirmary for a month if I find you do anything reckless!" Porlyusica snapped, dropping the glass as Frea fumbled to catch it in her hands whilst still holding tight of the data disc- blinking several times at the sudden change in direction. "Go and face the Council if you're so damned set on it, but you had better not do anything that will jeopardize your health! And I want you back here in this Guild for a look-over once you return, understood girl?!"
Frea nodded stiffly, sweatdropping heavily. "Y-yes ma'am!"
"P-porlyusica..." Moon mumbled, her head tilting at the pinkette. The Old Lady simply waved a hand at the Exceed with an aggravated huff,
"You know as well as I do there is little to be done once this fool sets her mind to something." Porlyusica growled, Moon frowned slightly, her ears dropping against her head. "Best leave it be, and be ready to pick up after whatever mess she's sure to stir up."
Frea blinked, sweatdropping slightly at the comment. "... hey..." She mumbled, but was ignored as Moon sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose with a shake of her head.
"... tch... unfortunately... you're kind of... right.." Moon grumbled, she glanced up and toward Frea, her eyes glittering as she crossed her paws over her chest. Frea blinked, the flask still held lightly in her hands, looking a little dazed as Moon shook her head at her. "... Frea I really don't like this plan, but... I'll go with it, just because I know you're so serious about it. And you do have the best interests for a peaceful resolution in mind- which is a surprise, coming from you- but it's a nice one too."
"... What the hell do you mean its a surprise...?" Frea grumbled, eyes narrowing slightly as Moon smirked, just a little.
"Just promise you'll be careful, whatever happens with the Council, alright?" Moon asked softly, Frea nodded.
"Yeah." She replied, her eyes flashing. She nodded a little more, before tilting her head to the side with a bright, relieved smile at the both of the other two ladies in the hall.
"Zennei...!" Frea hummed, before coughing, her face going bright red as she shook her head several times- breaking herself off rather abruptly.
"S-shit... I-I meant thank you...! Thank you both!" She stammered quickly, looking flustered as all hell as she growled at herself, cursing a few choice things under her breath as both Moon and Porlyusica stared in wonder.
That... That sounded almost like...?
"... Ah... Well, you got the two of us to roll with it." Moon smiled, deciding it best not to question the oddity in the conversation given how embarrassed Frea seemed about it. (Oh but she would definitely be questioning her plenty later on just what 'Zennei' meant, and where it had come from at all...)
"-but how are you planning to convince everybody else to go along with this? And not start a fight?" Moon asked, Frea paused in her grumbling underneath her breath, her eyes narrowing slightly as she sighed.
"... Right.. Well... I was sort of just hoping they'd do what I asked..." Frea replied quietly, Moon's eyes widened a little at the answer.
"... Do you really think that will work?" Porlyusica deadpanned,
"Well, it was either that or meet the Council before they even reach the Guild Hall." Frea replied, "Which- once the Guild finds out I went with to Era behind their backs, probably won't end so well.."
"... Yeah, you're probably right about that." Moon relented.
"... I'll just take it in stride." Frea mumbled, "... And do my best not to let things get out of hand..."
Master is going to be pleased...
"... Are you OK...?" Levy asked softly, her head poking around the corner of the bookshelf Frea was standing on the other side from her. Frea looked up in surprise at the question, and the sudden appearance of the bluenette where she had only faintly taken note of her Energy Signature in the room.
The library was empty, besides Levy, Frea and Moon- who was sitting up on the shelf a little higher up and hadn't left Frea's side all morning. Frea had ducked inside the library after a rather tense debate between herself and Master Makarov- who she had told about the probability of the Council coming today, and who had not liked it anymore than Moon nor Porlyusica had. It helped a little that the latter two had already agreed to her terms on the matter, and Mavis too, once the First Master had made an appearance. So, though grudgingly, Master had relented to letting Frea handle the situation how she wanted. Though she could tell he was itching to oppose any attempt at letting her be arrested, he'd relented under the vow he'd be there to see her to Era and all times in between personally- and bud heads with the Council (legally) where he needed.
...which... She doubted he or anyone else would be allowed to just tag along. She'd mentioned as such and he didn't seem to care.
Now though, she'd been hiding away in the library for the last hour as the Guild filled and the sun rose. Waiting-
"...huh...?" Frea mumbled, blinking a few times as Levy smiled slightly.
"Well... You've been mumbling nonstop, and you seem kinda... Fidgety." Frea sweatdropped slightly, as Levy stepped around the bookshelf. Frea bit the inside of her cheek, Levy's head tilted slightly. "Is something wrong?"
Frea glanced away for a second, her hand running along the back of her neck while the other rest in her jacket pocket. She quickly checked no other Energy Signature's were close enough to be in ear-shot,
"... Ah... Well..." Frea mumbled softly, "... I'm... A little nervous, honestly."
Levy perked up a little in surprise, "About what?"
"... Ah... I'm pretty sure the Magic Council is going to come and arrest me today...heh..." Levy visibly stiffened at the words, her eyes flashing. "... And I'm worried the Guild's gonna start a fight, when they do..."
Worried on that, and the idea of just talking to them in general- because that idea still made her heart pick up and her stomach churn.
"... Cause I'm going to try and go with them, without starting and fights, or arguing about it..." She finished softly,
"... What?!" Levy's sudden exclamation made Frea jump a little, "But Frea..?! You can't just... Be OK with them arresting you! You know they've officially charged you with putting Fiore in danger, right? They've labeled you a criminal, if you go with them you might get thrown in jail!" Frea paused, blinking a few times. "You might not make it back! And you're still in poor health, getting imprisoned isn't going to help with that. It's really a bad idea..!"
"..uh... Levy.." Frea mumbled,
"The charges they've placed against you are ridiculous! You can't expect any of us just to sit back and watch you hauled off when you don't deserve it! Not after all you went through!" Levy went on, ignoring Frea as she seemed to puff up slightly. "Of course the Guild's going to fight this, why aren't you?!"
"... I don't want the Guild in trouble, and I don't really think any of the charges are going to stick after I explain what happened." Frea replied,
"But you know the Council hasn't exactly been fair nor just with you before." Levy shot back, "They may just use this as an excuse to lock you up anyway!"
"... But is fighting them about coming in for questioning really gonna help my case?" Frea asked, Levy paused. "They're already pissed about waiting so long, if I fight them now- why would that help? Causing conflict for any reason is just gonna make everything worse- even more so if the Guild gets involved in it too." Frea sighed, "... Besides, the fact that they didn't show up first thing this morning, and have waited long enough for the Guild to fill up means they are counting on the Guild to start something. But I can't let anyone jump into a fight. Even though you're right, everything you said is everything I've already thought about and the Council is probably planning something... But fighting isn't going to help anything."
Levy seemed to deflate a little, her eyes shining as she bit the inside of her cheek.
"... you... You're probably right, but..." Levy mumbled, her eyes flicking upward toward Moon, who caught the somewhat searching look and shrugged a little.
"We already had this fight with Porlyusica and Master in attendance, and Frea won... Of course." Moon mumbled, "... Not that I'm thrilled, mind you... But Frea does make some good points. And I trust her not to do anything stupid," Moon smiled a little nervously, "... Grant you I'm still not sure just asking the Guild to stand down will work."
"... I have to try, at least." Frea murmured lowly, Levy frowned a little, her eyes flashing uncertainly as she glanced down at her feet a moment.
"... I don't like the sound of this either, Frea." Levy said at length, her voice quiet. "And I know you're making sense, and being logical about it... It still just doesn't sit right."
"I know." Frea replied, "And I get it... But things need to go my way or it'll all just blow up into a bigger mess. I don't want that."
"... But you know... that asking all of us in the Guild to just sit back and watch you get escorted to Era without doing anything... That's going to feel an awful lot like what happened with-" Levy cut herself off, a spark of shock coming off of her as she moved her hand over her mouth, letting out a startled gasp as she went stiff. She seemed to have started talking without realizing it- and caught herself too late.
"I-i didn't mean it like that...!" She stammered quickly, Frea's eyes flashed a little as her face gave away the slightest hints of pain and sadness for a few seconds. Frea's eyes fell closed as she held her breath a moment,
Levy was right though. Like before, the bluenette had voiced another thought that has run through Frea's head about a dozen times before now.
Mordren forced them to sit back and watch, utterly powerless as she stood near alone and died. Asking them to sit back and do nothing now with the Council- that was going to be achingly familiar and Frea knew it.
A bit less dramatic, comparing a Council Summoning with battling an ancient, incredibly powerful Dark Mage- but still a sore spot.
"... Sorry..." Levy apologized quickly, Frea shook her head a little.
"... It's fine." She mumbled softly,
Frea broke off, her eyes snapping open as she tilted her head to the right, her eyes locking in that direction- but not at all paying attention to the room nor the shelves. Her focus was in her head and the sudden surge of Teleportation Magic that flared not all that far from the Guikd Hall- accompanied by the sudden appearance of about twenty or so Energy Signatures she did not know. And then more, too many she cared to count, out further, in a circle of sorts-
She blinked, stiffened slightly on instinct as her eyes narrowed. She recognized Lahar, and Doranbolt mixed in among them... And Jura...?
"... I think I'm probably going to need to be the one apologizing pretty soon." Frea said quietly, her sudden tenseness having been immediately noted by both Moon and Levy instantly.
"You mean..?" Levy mumbled, her eyes flicking in the direction Frea seemed to be looking on instinct. Moon hopped down from the shelf and hovered at the Energy Dragon Slayer's shoulder.
"... How many?" Moon asked lowly,
"... Twenty or so close to us... But they've placed a bunch more on a perimeter around the city itself too." Frea grumbled, her eyes flashing as she took in a small breath.
And so starts everything going downhill...
"...tch... Please let this go OK..." Frea mumbled under her breath, her feet turning away from Levy and back down the isle toward the exit. Levy moved to follow Frea quickly toward the door,
"W-wait how do you know about the ones surrounding the town..?" Levy asked quickly, "Y-you didn't use Energy Sense, right?"
"My senses have heightened." Frea replied shortly, her eyes locked ahead and toward the door coming into view. "I can feel the Energy Signature of everyone in Magnolia, easy."
"... seriously?!" Levy stammered, Moon grimaced slightly at the affirmation.
Frea's hand fell on the doorhandle as she pushed it open, her spare hand brushing against her coat pocket and feeling the data disc still safely tucked away inside.
Her eyes passed over every head and immediately landed on the door, glinting silver as she bit the inside of her cheek.
Lahar and DoranBolt I understand... But what's with Jura all of a sudden..?
She didn't look over to see that Master Makarov's eyes had landed on her and her sudden appearance in an instant. He knew what look of seriousness in her meant immediately, his own expression and figure adopting the rigidness and posture that Frea already had.
Chase and Aisha saw it to, the look on Frea's face as her eyes locked on the door- the worry and discomfort in Moon and Levy behind her. After all- they had been aware of the Council likely to come knocking, and it seemed now they were nearly there.
"Hmm?"
"Oh, Frea!"
"Morning!"
"You look nice, all dressed up and everything ~"
"How are you?"
"Good to see ya!"
Frea stiffened slightly, aware of the greetings called out to her by the people in the Hall who noticed her there- and aware she hadn't the time to return them genuinely.
She took in a silent, long breath, her composure straightening slightly as she started toward the front doors, eyes narrowed and shoulders rigid.
"Uh...?"
"... What's up...?"
"Frea!"
Natsu had moved to be right in front of her, grinning toothily as he smirked at her- Frea halted as he appeared, not a few feet from the door now as she blinked at him.
"What's up?" He smirked, his head tilting to the side a little when Frea grimaced just slightly at being stopped so close to where she wanted to be.
Great timing Flame-Brain..
Her eyes flicked passed him and toward the door- they were close enough now she could smell them.
His eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze following hers as his nose twitched- the smile failing in an instant and replaced with a scowl.
"You gotta be kidding me." He hissed lowly, Frea felt his anger flicker off him instantly. He moved to turn around, his hands balling into fists at his sides and eyes flashing dangerously, "These assholes..."
Frea's hand snapped forward, gripping tightly about his wrist as she pulled him back from moving to turn and head toward the door.
"Don't." Frea growled lowly, her silver gaze flashing as his attention snapped back toward her. She pulled him back a little further, forcing him to stumble back to stand at her shoulder before pulling herself in front of him slightly, her hand up to gesture for him to stay still as she looked ahead to the door. Natsu blinked, taken aback slightly at just how firmly she had moved him-
"Frea-" Natsu hissed,
"Just do what I say, Natsu." Frea replied shortly, her voice low and cold he shivered slightly at the sound of it.
"What the hell is goin' on?" Gajeel growled, by now realizing something was off as he stopped behind Frea and Natsu both, his red eyes narrowed. He paused though, because the scent of steel and unfamiliar people mixed with the scent of Era hit his nose too- and he bristled.
"Same thing for you, Gajeel." Frea shot back lowly, her tone of voice catching Gajeel as off guard as it had Natsu. He stiffened slightly, his eyes snapping up to catch one steely silver eye as she glanced backward at him, and so utterly serious it was almost terrifying.
"Don't you dare do anything, don't even move." She ordered lowly, earning a blink of shock from him.
T-that look..
The Guild was losing it's usually light chatter by the second, more people getting to their feet and more people looking tense as they saw the three Dragon Slayer's halted in front of the door- and soon heard the march of boots and armor coming closer from outside, seeing their armor glittering through the window.
"Tch... don't tell me that's.."
"They're here in force, huh?"
"Bastards.."
Frea felt people all around getting to their feet, felt their tempers rise like a storm of dry electricity painting the air of the Guild Hall. She could hear them moving closer, getting closer to the door- ready for anything, ready to resist, ready for a fight.
"They're just gonna march in..?!"
"This is bullshit."
"They ain't gettin' away with nothing."
The sunlight flooded the room, the doors swinging open with the scent of the outside world and all the Council Knights and Soldiers lined up in neat little rows in the Guild's courtyard and front steps, stern faces and hands clasped tightly around their weapons as they faced the Guild of Fairy Tailers that inched closer, tense as all hell.
The air was like a storm around her, her shoulders tensing slightly as she let her hand move backward a bit closer toward Natsu- so close her fingers grazed his chest.
"Members of the Fairy Tail Guild." A tall, thin-face man at the front stepped forward, his eyes glittering and his voice ringing around in the deadly silence.
"We have come to arrest the Wizard known as Frea. She has been summoned by the Magic Council and is due for a hearing. The Hearing is to be held to discuss and decide punishment for her crimes and involvement with the Energy God Slayer; Mordren."
She felt anger wash over her senses so heavy her world tinged red in a swirl of suddenly bleeding color.
"Anyone who attempts to resist this will be detained, and placed in the Magic Council's Prison." The man went on, his eyes glinting dangerously as he eyed the people in the Guild-
His eyes landed on her, standing at the front as he smiled wryly.
"We have been given orders to arrest her, given any means we see necessary."
Damn it, she could hear the challenge crawl into his voice.
"Like hell."
"If you want her you'll have to go through all of us."
"We won't let you arrest her, not for such nonsense charges."
"Just try it!"
Frea hissed, the clink of metal sounding as Knights and Soldiers alike moved, readying their weapons. Lahar and Doranbolt beside the man speaking sweatdropped, looking utterly resigned at the situation- and what ensuing conflict was about to break out.
So much rage
Frea felt Natsu shift under her hand, her fangs grinding down on one another as she growled, her eyes glittering.
"If you're looking for a fight you've got one!"
"Frea has done nothing wrong!"
"She saved all of our asses!"
"She doesn't deserve any punishment at all!"
"This isn't fair!"
So much worry
"Tch, I'd be happy to arrest of all you."
"It won't be that easy, asshole!"
They pressed closer, Natsu and Gajeel among them- Frea hissed.
She stepped forward, moving sideways to plant herself directly in front of Natsu and halting- immovable and not budging a single inch even as he bumped into her back in surprise at the sudden action.
"Frea-" Natsu stammered,
Frea's arms moved up, her movement making the Council people all the more nervous as their eyes locked on her warily-
She held them out on either side of her, her palms facing the Guild behind her as Natsu heard her growl, low and utterly... angry.
He blinked, eyes widening a little when he noticed the way her body was trembling in front of him.
"Quit it! Do not move!"
Her words were cold, sharp- her voice cut straight through the commotion and the mutterings and shouts all around the room in a single instant, the order halting everyone in their tracks as they stared at her in utter, undeniable shock.
The Council-men halted too, eyes wide and taken aback by how quickly her voice seemed to snap every Fairy Tailer into obedience.
"..F..Frea...?"
"...what are.. you...?"
"... you're not serious, Frea...?"
"Shut up and listen to me!" Frea snapped, her head turning as she looked back into the Guild, her eyes a chilly, stone-cold fire as she bared her fangs at the lot of them.
"It's my turn to order you around, and I am ordering you- do not fight!"
They recoiled, wide eyes and jaws dropping slightly.
"You'll make it worse by fighting. All of you knew this was coming, for a long while now. There's no avoiding it." Frea hissed lowly, her words sharp enough to cut and they felt their hearts drop.
"Sit still and keep quiet, I'm handling this."
The Guild felt the breath catch in their throats, eyes widening a little at the shadow that passed across Frea's face for just a split second- the fire in her eyes, the unwavering of her voice- the sheer command, unflinching, no room for arguing even though they wanted to.
It was an uncommon thing for Frea to gain such control and unquestioning silence over the entire Guild like that. She could make herself heard easily, but it was rare she ever managed to silence them so absolutely.
This was the part of Frea they hadn't seen in so very, very long- the tall, strong, firm, utterly commanding side of her that was in itself terrifying.
The S-Class side of her that demanded authority and respect over everyone else.
"I'm going with them, and I'm going to their damned Hearing." Frea hissed, her hands falling to her sides as she stepped forward away from Natsu, her eyes leaving the Guild and locking on the Council-men, all of whom standing in the same stillness as Fairy Tail. "They can question me all they like, I have nothing to hide and nothing to pay for either. They can have their bolstering, if I can clear this mess up without causing a fight, then I will. But that means you can't start one either, got it?"
The Guild stiffened, their shoulders hunching and jaws clenching at the utterly low question.
"You need to stay out of it. The Council's waited a month to come and get me, which has been more than enough. This whole mess needs to end now, and I need you to trust me to handle it. All of you."
Frea sighed silently, she could feel apprehension, dismay, worry, fear- all of it washing up against her and making her head hurt.
"We have to play by their rules, that way this doesn't get any more complicated than it already is." Frea murmured, her voice dropping a little as a small portion of the assertiveness died away, just a little.
There was a brief pause, a pause filled in nothing but silence as the Guild behind her just gazed at her back, still and lost on what to say, nor do. There was the section of themselves that wanted to disregard her orders and do what they planned instead- and then there was the section that wanted to listen to her. Had to listen to her, though they didn't understand why they felt like that.
"Y-you plan to come easily...?" Lahar asked slowly, breaking the silence as he gazed at Frea, who let her eyes move toward him, nodding stiffly. Neither he or any of the other Council Knights looked like they could believe their eyes nor ears.
"Do you guys promise to stay cool?" Frea asked, her attention diverting back to the very silent Guild behind her. This time she turned their way, her hands falling on her hips and sunlight bouncing off her earrings for a split second.
She found every set of shinning eyes, every frown and worried expression- every annoyed and angry one too as she waited on an answer.
Her eyes landed on Natsu right in front of her, blinking once as he grimaced, his eyes glittering and fists clenched at his sides.
The whole Guild saw it as she turned to them, they saw it and they felt their pulses pick up.
The injured, frail sight of Frea they had grown used to seeing for a long while now had suddenly melted right in front of their very eyes- and been replaced with the same Frea that they knew so well;
The powerful, fearless, resolute Frea.
"... tch..."
Their eyes fell, their postures rigid as they glanced at the floor, at the roof, hissing under their breaths and losing conviction by the second. And hating themselves for it,
"... damn it... she's a pain sometimes..."
"... but crap..."
"... she's... right..."
"...shit..."
"We do not like it." Erza spoke up, her eyes narrowed and keeping her composure like always- not that Frea couldn't tell she wasn't worked up anyway. "But you are right... fighting will do no good."
"If you're alright with doing this, Frea... we won't stop you." Mira murmured quietly, her hands held together in front of her and blue eyes sparkling. "... and we won't get in the way.."
"We won't fight, if that's what you want."
"We promise."
There were reluctant voices of approval all around the hall, Frea nodding slightly as the tenseness in her shoulders seemed to fade a little.
"Frea..." Natsu mumbled, she blinked at him, smiling slightly.
"I'll be fine." She assured softly, he sweatdropped.
"You're a pain in the ass, Silver." Gajeel grumbled lowly,
"I know." Frea murmured quietly, relenting with hardly a thought to the comment- though her eyes never found him. She was watching Master Makarov move through the parting crowd toward them instead, the Old Man looking serious but calm regardless.
It's uncanny, how well she get's the Guild to follow her lead, sometimes... Master thought, his eyes landing on Frea for half a second as he halted her her side, and his eyes landed on Lahar.
"You've made my job much less unsavory than it could have been."
Frea and Master alike blinked, their eyes falling behind Lahar toward the figure that was easily pushing through the rows of Council Knights toward the door. Frea let out a small breath while every other Fairy Tailer's eyes widened in shock at the unnoticed arrival among those of the Council,
"Thank you for that." The man smiled at Frea, dipping his head toward her as he stopped beside Lahar's right side. "I suppose I should not be surprised you would be so level-headed about this, you are quite the intelligent young woman after all."
Frea nodded slightly, her eyes flashing.
"Ah.. thanks.."
"W-wait..?!"
"Jura?!"
"Why are you here?!"
"I am surprised to see you as well...?" Master said quickly, eyebrow quirked up at the other man,
"Jura was asked to accompany us and escort Ms. Frea to Era." Lahar explained quickly, "The Chairman was convinced that there would be resistance, so Jura was sent to quell any rebellious behavior, and ensure Ms. Frea was collected." Frea sweatdropped slightly,
"Seriously..?!" Several in the Guild stammered,
Jura sighed, "It seems I will not need to do that, however. Seeing as how you have already agreed to come without issue."
"... But why send you?" Master Makarov asked, Jura crossed his arms about his chest.
"The Chairman has summoned the other Wizard Saints for this Hearing, Makarov." Jura replied, his voice dropping slightly. Frea felt Master stiffen at the same time she did, her eyes widening at the news, and her heart dropping into her stomach.
"Truth be told, the Chairman originally intended to send someone else to collect you, Frea." Jura told her softly, his eyes flicking between her and Master. "But Saige managed to convince him to send me instead. He reasoned I would spark less agitation than someone else, when all of you learned why I had been sent. He would likely have been right on that end, if someone else had come besides me."
"Saige...?" Master breathed, eyes wide and taken aback at the sudden news as Frea's eyes flicked away for a minute. "... why on earth would he? What could possibly be the reason he shows any semblance of interest now?" Master asked quietly, looking a little unnerved at the idea of the other Wizard Saint's sudden stake in the situation- with no warning, or reason Master could think of. Frea took in a small breath, her eyes falling closed a moment.
Old Geezer...
"Your guess would be as good as mine." Jura replied, though he did cast Frea a sideways glance for half a second.
"... that's somewhat disconcerting." Master grumbled, shaking his head. "But why wasn't I made aware the Wizard Saints were called?" He asked lowly, his eyes flicking to Lahar who sweatdropped slightly.
"... you have been barred from this Hearing, Makarov." Lahar replied lowly, looking uneasy as Master's eyes widened. "You are forbidden from being in Era at all for the duration of the Hearing, due to conflict of interest... given your relationship with Ms. Frea."
Frea glanced up, her eyes flashing a minute as she bit the inside of her cheek- sweatdropping when she felt Master's agitation reach an all-time high.
I was afraid of that...
"That is outrageous!" Master Makarov snapped immediately,
"Master." Frea murmured softly, earning his eyes in an instant as she shook her head at him. "... I warned you they probably wouldn't let you come, please don't fight over it."
"I am not about to let you walk in to face the Council's madness alone." He growled, she blinked, before swallowing slightly. Of course he was worried, just like everyone else-
"... I'll be alright, Master. I can handle this, I promise." She smiled gently, "Besides, I'm not gonna be all by myself, I'll have Jura there with me." She smiled a little more, tilting her head in Jura's direction- who nodded solemnly.
"I will keep a ready eye on her, Makarov." Jura promised stiffly, Master's jaw clenched along with his fists.
"See?" Frea hummed, "Besides, I've dealt with the Council plenty enough time's on my own. This isn't so different."
Well... it's a lot different, especially if what Jura said about the Wizard Saints being called in is true...
"I'll be back before you know it." Frea promised, loud enough the Guild could hear the affirmation too. "And I'll be sure to give you a call when we're done, alright?"
He grimaced slightly, his eyes glittering as he looked up at her and her smile.
There it was again, that look.
"... you'd better be careful, brat."
Not so exciting, but crucial none the less in the next chapter.
Separated them out a little for length, so be spoiled just a little- cause you are technically getting two updates all at once!
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