Aisha's POV:

It had been almost a year since meeting Makarov in Vistarion, during that time I had been researching the Empire and its links to Zeref. What I found out had shaken me to my core, there were traces of his magic all over the Empire. The corruption had even infested the capital, the Emperor had to be at fault for this. He had ruled the Empire for hundreds of years and taken it from Vistarion to the entire continent; there was no other reasonable explanation for this. I had passed the information to Makarov and I had somehow managed to avoid suspicion by the rest of the Twelve.

Before I could finalise my plan with Makarov, I had been called to a far-off region of the Empire to gauge the armies we were sending for the invasion. During this time, the Emperor returned and had a fight with Makarov. The Emperor hadn't managed to kill the master because some fairy tail wizards broke into the Grand Palace and rescued him. Afterwards the Emperor summoned the Twelve to Vistarion and when we arrived there he greenlit the war and we were sent on our way.

Now I was standing on top of a flying ship heading towards Ishgar, we were the vanguard of the invasion. Everything had come full circle, I killed Ailenor when he was head of the Vanguard now someone like Laxus might kill me. The weather was poor, and it had been getting colder and colder the closer we approached.

I finished my cigarette and tossed it over the side down into the abyss, I was about to do the unthinkable. I don't know if I can go through with it but it was the right decision. I walked on the deck towards the Captain's quarters. A few of the Hijaarans standing guard at the door saluted me, one of them opened the door and I walked through and found Ajeel hunched over a map of Magnolia. As I walked in, he looked up at me.

"I'm so excited Aisha, we're going to destroy this whole fucking continent. Then afterwards, I'll kill Acnologia." Ajeel stood up fully, towering over even me.

"Remember to follow Invel's plan, I will go in first and go straight for the guild hall. You and the rest of the ships will try and take out the barrier for the main force to enter." I sighed and sat on the table, Ajeel was far too rash. I will have to do my best to make sure that he doesn't get himself killed. Especially if he decides to fight Acnologia himself.

"I will, but who says I can't have a little fun before they arrive. He'll be arriving with the main force anyway. We've got command for the Vanguard and we'll do what we like first." Ajeel had his trademark smirk on his face.

"That may be true but keep your head on, I don't want to bury my brother." I rolled my eyes, crossing my legs and looking up into his eyes.

"We won't be burying anyone, unless we're lucky then we'll be burying God Serena." That did elicit a laugh from me, he had been right about him being difficult. He was an ungodly level of arrogant but he wasn't as weak as Ajeel made him out to be. He'd be a valuable pawn for the Emperor to use against Ishgar. I guess you could say the same about us, that is all we are, pawns.

"Before we get close enough for me to take my squad in, there is one other thing we're going to do. Before you say anything, we're doing it."

Ajeel rolled his eyes, he already knew what was coming. "Aisha, we don't need to pray to some dead gods before every single battle."

"Yes we do, now if you love me. You'll join me in this prayer, and don't worry I will say the words for us."

I cleared my throat and got off the table, I got down on my knees and put my hands together. Ajeel didn't get on his knees but he at least stayed quiet and closed his eyes.

"Mai-at and Anu-ai, may you watch over us in the coming battle. The sons and daughters of Hijaara march to war and we ask for your holy blessing. We do not ask for forgiveness for the deaths that will surely come, all we ask for is you to bless us and take us into the Oasis of the Underworld when we return to the dust."

I gingerly got onto my feet, rubbing my nails on my palms. I was nervous, I haven't been this nervous since I was 15 and was drafted into the army to fight the Tribes. I opened my eyes and saw Ajeel standing there, not saying anything. Which was a positive change.

"Now that is done Ajeel, it might be a while before we see each other again. So please, for me and grandpa. Stay alive." I smiled and walked over to him, wrapping him in a tight hug. Ajeel gave me a gentle hug back.

"I'll be alive, make sure you stay above ground. We're going to have a party in their guildhall when this is all done."

I let go of Ajeel and smiled at him, I turned around and walked back out of the door and saw my squad standing there. There were six members and they were all veterans of the war back in Hijaara. Amine stepped forward and saluted me, a smile on her face.

"Ready to enact the plan Princess?"

I smirked and nodded. Ajeel, I hope you can forgive me for this. This is for the good of Hijaara and the Empire as a whole, I will stop this war. Even if it means fighting the Empire.

I walked over to the bow of the ship, I could travel much faster using my sand cloak. With this sand cloak I could use the sand abilities of my squad to absorb them to travel with. That'll get us through the barrier with my guild mark.

I flew off the ship and made my approach to Magnolia going as fast as I possibly could.

Makarov, you were right. I'm coming soon.