In the large city of Era, the seven council members wherein another meeting this time, they discussed the Lullaby incident's events.
"I can't believe this." Org said, massaging his temples. "How could a dark guild rise completely under our noses."
"It is a strange anomaly, isn't it." Someone spoke up; this man is the holder of the ninth seat on the council. He is a tall middle-aged man and his name is Leiji. "I thought the dark guilds were destroyed after the second trade war."
"It appears we were misinformed." Belno spoke up.
"If so, how many dark guilds could there be?" She asked, confused.
"I say we should do an investigation, for all, we know there are as many dark guilds as there are stars in the sky."
"I agree." Siegrain spoke up. "But we also a bit of gratitude to the wizards who stopped Eisenwald in their tracks. "I hear that they took their own whole guild before our rune knights could show up."
Org let out a laugh.
"What are you suggesting, Siegrain, that were in debt to a bunch of hooligans." The elderly man spoke.
"No, what I'm saying is I think we should meet our so-called heroes face to face." Siegrain said with an evil smirk on his face.
We return to the city of Magnolia, where we find Lucy sitting at a dest a quill in hand and a piece of paper in front of her as she started to write.
Hey, mom, waits until I tell you about the crazy week I had first. I ran into this weird wizard Natsu who you won't believe this is a dragon slayer just like from those stories you'd tell me when I was little. I also meet two other wizards named Erza and Gray. Together, we stopped a plot to kill all the Guild masters, a dark guild called Eisenwald had attempted to get their hands on Lullaby,y a death flute, but we were able to stop them in the nick of time. It's still hard to believe that I was at the center of such a big ordeal, and to top, it off no one knows it was my kind of sucks, but Natsu told me not to talk about too much. I feel scared thinking about it sometimes, but I should be fine. All of the Eisenwald members were caught, and Kageyama went willingly. I guess Gray's words got to him; what troubles me, though, is they never found that Eirgor guy, though, which means he's out there somewhere plotting revenge. I just hope Natsu's around when that happens. I can't explain why, but I feel safer when he's around. I guess it's because we've been there so much in our short time knowing each other. He'll keep me safe, I know it, so no need to worry about me, mom. I'll be fine. P.S don't tell dad about any of this, please.
Lucy let out a sigh of relief as she put the letter in an envelope and stood up to go to the chest behind her; with another sigh, she opened it up and put the letter on the chest; she was interrupted when she heard a knock on her window.
Lucy turned confused.
'Who would be knocking on my window?' She asked herself as she went up to open the window to find Natsu hanging from the ledge.
"Hey, Lucy." He said, giving off a big grin. "Mind if I come in."
Lucy's face fell as she saw her partner acting as if that was normal.
"Why didn't you use the door?" She asked, stepping aside so Happy could fly Natsu in.
"Cause it would have taken too long." Natsu said. "I'm kinda in a rush, so hurry up." He said in an unintentionally demanding tone.
"Why?" Lucy asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Duh you're going to miss Mira's world-famous pancakes."
"Aye!" Happy shouted. "They're almost as good as her grilled salmon." Happy said, drooling. "That's the only cooked fish I'll eat."
"Okay, but."
"No, buts just hurry up!" Natsu shouted.
Lucy really hated being rushed; she like her mornings to be slow and quiet, which wasn't the case here as she was dragged to the fairy pub at inhuman speeds.
Natsu slowed to catch his breath as he walked her to the counter.
"Was that really necessary, Natsu!" She shouted as she sat at the bar. "I mean, I can cook, ya know."
"I bet you can, Lucy, but come, it's not a trip to Magnolia without having Mira's famous pancakes."
"Aye." Happy said, jumping "come on, Lucy, you have to try them."
As if on cue, Mira popped up from behind the counter.
"Oh hey Lucy, I see Natsu got you here in time." Mira said with a gigantic smile; she then pulled out a small pancake with two eggs and a piece of bacon on the side
"I made this specifically for you." Mira said.
"Mira, you didn't have to." Lucy said, a slight blush forming on her cheeks
"Oh come on, you deserve it." Mira told her.
"Hey guys." Two voices called out.
They turned to see Gray and Erza sanding behind them, smiling.
"Oh, hey guys, how's it is hanging?" Lucy asked, smiling. "You come here for breakfast."
"This place sells food." Gray asked.
"what kind?" He asked.
"Oh, today's special is some pancakes." Lucy told them. "According to Natsu and Happy, they're a legendary delicacy."
"Hm, I'll give it a try." Erza said, sitting down next to Lucy Gray soon followed, thinking in his head that he might regret it.
"You two are in Luck; it just so happens I have two left." Mira said, smiling as she handed them the plates.
"Let's dig in." Natsu shouted as he started devouring his pancake.
Lucy, Erza, and Gray all stared at their pancakes for what seemed like hours until they all dug in at the same time, and as soon as they took the first bite, their taste buds did a jump for joy.
Like Natsu, they soon began hailing their food at inhuman speeds.
They all let out a sigh as they pushed the plates aside and patted their stomachs.
"That was wonderful." Erza said.
"Best meal I've had in a while." Gray said, licking his lips.
"Totally worth it being rushed out of bed." Lucy said, grinning.
"I need a bathroom break." Natsu said uncharismatically as he stood up to go to the restroom.
"Jesus, he just ate." Gray said. "Where is that food going."
"I have no idea." Lucy answered.
"Actually, the reason Natsu eats so much is due to his magic." Mira answered.
"Really." Lucy asked, shocked.
"What is the flame-brains magic anyway?" Gray asked
"It's lost magic that Igneel taught him." Happy told the Ice wizard. "It's known as dragon-slayer magic."
Gray almost spit out his drink.
"Wait, Natsu is a dragon slayer?" Gray asked, completely lost for words. "I thought they were a myth."
"Whose Igneel was that his father?" Ezra asked, completely unfazed by that revel.
"Well, in a way." Lucy answered. "Natsu was raised by Igneel actually, but he's not his real father." Lucy told him. "You're not gonna believe this next part, but Igneel's actually a dragon." Lucy said, smiling.
This got a reaction from Erza as she nearly dropped her cup. "Wait, as in a real life dragon."
"Aye."
"I don't believe it." Gray said. "There's no way."
"You can believe him or not, but I sure do; it actually explains a lot about though." Lucy replied. "Nasu isn't exactly a pro when it comes to normal human stuff."
"You can say that again." A voice called out; the group turned to see a tall, slim, young woman with an ample bust and tan skin. she held a flask in her hands and gave off a wink.
"Oh, hey Cana, good to see your back. How'd the job go?" Mira asked, smiling
"It was going great." Cana said, smiling.
"Then a guild showed up and ruined it." she said with a frown.
"Oh, that's too bad." Mira said as she placed a hand on the woman's shoulder.
"Hey, Cana, how's it hanging!" Nasu shouted as he came back to his seat.
"I'm hanging all right." Cana said, smiling. "I hear you got a new partner."
"Oh yeah." Natsu said as he motioned to Lucy.
"this is my new partner Lucy," and these are some wizards we just worked with Gray and Erza." He said. "And Lucy this is Cana, an old friend of mine she currently holds the title of Magnolia's heaviest drinker."
"And proud!" Cana shouted.
"Nice to meet ya." She said the group.
They all smiled and waved as Cana bid farewell and ruffled Happy's ears, and walked off.
"So." Lucy said, trying to start a conversation. "Mira are there any jobs today."
Mira shook head as Lucy felt her heart rip in half. This life was too hard, but she'd have to wait.
"Actually, if you guys, I don't mind, I think we should head on one more mission." Erza spoke, grabbing everyone's attention. "I've been tracking that mysterious wizard, and I think I might be better suited if I had some help."
"Yeah, that could be fun." Gray said.
However, Mira and Lucy eyed Natsu with an I told you so as Natsu shrunk into his seat.
"Um, I'm not sure." Natsu muttered.
"Why not?" Erza asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Um, you see." Natsu muttered, trying to find a way to get out of this situation.
"A guy like that would have us away for a while, and I gotta watch after Mavis." Nasu said, half lying.
Mira had to hold back her laugh as Erza sat down her cup.
"You mean that lady that was with us the other day?" She asked. "She seemed to be able to take care of herself."
"Well-" Natsu was interrupted when the pub door slammed open, and a walking frog entered the building. It seemed to look around, getting a taste for it's surroundings.
it walked up to Erza with an odd look on its face.
"Are you miss Erza Scarlet?" It asked.
"Yes." She answered. "Is there something wrong."
"And are these your companions?" The frog asked, eyeing Natsu, Gray, and Lucy, who hide behind Natsu
"Yes."
The Frog then nodded before backing up. "on behalf of the magic council, you four are under arrest."
Silence then filled the whole area as Erza stared at the frog with disbelief. "On what charge."
"That's not for me to say." The frog answered as Rune knights soon appeared behind it and cuffed the four wizards.
Before anyone could retort; they were dragged out of them and into one of the carriages outside. The only sound was hearing Natsu scream as the rune knights forced him on the carriage.
Cana walked up to the now alone Mira, who had picked up Lucy gate keys, hoping the celestial wizard didn't lose her contracts. "What was that about."
"I don't know." Mira told her. "But it can't be helped. We can only hope for the best."
Happy looked down, a frown forming on his face. "Be okay, buddy, I won't be there to bail you out."
In the council chambers
Erza, Natsu, Gray, and Lucy were guided through the halls they were all the sunlight coming in through the halls as they all faced the floor Erza was the most thought when she had them for help. She had no idea she'd get them into this mess that meant they'd run into him
Erza thoughts were confirmed when she saw the man leaning against a pillar. His arms were crossed as he smirked as he saw the armored wizard
"Siegrain?" Erza asked, shocked that he had appeared while the frog had knelt shaking. In contrast, Erza had backed up a look of disgust formed on her face. At the same time, Nasu, Gray, and Lucy started in confusion
Siegrain rose from the pillar and started walking towards her, his smirk yet to vanish.
"It's been a while, Erza." He said as Erza got more defensive. "No need to be so aggressive. I mean you no harm." He explained. In contrast, Erza started to lower her guard.
"This is only a projection; my real body is in Era right now." He said, smiling. "And everyone behind those doors there projections too."
"Now I see this all your doing." Erza asked. "I can understand me, but why did you drag them to." she motioned to Natsu, Lucy, and Gray, who were still confused.
"That's not nice." Siegrain told her.
"I stood for you and your companions, but the geezers wouldn't stand for it." He explained. "You see, you're a scapegoat."
Erza's face widens in shock. "So that's why we're here."
"Correction, that's why you here." Siegrain told her. "Since you and your friends aren't a part of a guild, those geezers felt that it was right to blame all you."
"That's not fair." Lucy spoke but quickly hushed when Siegrain looked at her.
"Actually, since you don't have guild protection over you, it is fair." Siegrain told her. "You'd be amazed at how much the council talks about Magnolia, the only place not under guild protection, and if it weren't for that silly charter you city has with us, I'd bet they force those wizards to make a guild."
Siegrain leaned in closer before whispering in her ear.
"Wouldn't you agree, miss." He whispered the last bit in Lucy's ear, and her entire face froze. "How."
This got Natsu angry for some reason; he didn't like this guy.
"Leave her alone." He spoke out.
Siegrain laughed.
"And you must be Natsu Dragneel." Siegrain stated. "I must say it's a pleasure to meet face to face; the way Magnolia talks about you is certainly pleasing to hear."
"Hey?" Gray asked. "Can we get this over with."
"Oh, and how's you master Gray?" Siegrain asked.
"Leave her out of this." Gray said, shooting daggers at Siegrain.
This caused siegrain to chuckle. "You solo wizards do love being alone. I'm surprised you got this far."
"Leave them out of this Siegrain." Erza barked as Siegrain turned his attention back to Erza.
"I had to introduce myself; now I only met you here to give you a message, my dear Erza." Siegrain then grabbed Erza's cheek and whispered in her ear. "You better keep quiet about-you-know-what for both our sake."
Erza's entire body froze; she slightly nodded her head as Siegrain backed away.
"Good, I wish you luck." He said as he faced Natsu.
"And as for you, I already know your little secret and about Mavis too."
Before Natsu could answer, Siegrain disappeared into the next room, leaving the five of them in the hall, the employee slowly raised his head.
"You know some pretty important people."
"He's pure evil." Erza muttered.
"What?" The employee asked.
"Nothing." Erza answered a she looked to Natsu, who was currently panicking. Lucy had a sort of panic on her face too.
'What are they hiding?' She wondered to herself.
Court chamber.
Erza, Natsu, Gray, and Lucy stood in front of the magic council; a naval soon sounded starting the trial. Siegrain sat next to Ultear, and Yajima all had calm and faces as they started hinting a bit of pity for the wizards on the other side was master's Michello, Belno, Yuri, and Leiji Org had sat in the middle, and above him was the chairmen the holder of the first seat of the council.
Defendant's Erza Scarlett, Natsu Dragneel, Gray Fullbuster, and just Lucy." The employee asked, confused as Lucy quickly nodded her head. "Anyway, you four are hereby charged with property damage to Oshibana station, as well as the train tracks leading to Clover."
Erza, Gray, and Natsu nodded as each of them did their fair share of damage. However, Lucy was trying to figure out what she had destroyed, then she remembered that Virgo had dug a hole in the station, and that was her spirit after all.
"We also have a few accounts of public indecency on Gray Fulbuster." The employee spoke, shocking Gray.
"There are several eye-witness claims of him taking off everything but his underwear." Belno said as she read the paper. "Kids these days."
Ultear let out a laugh as she looked at the woman.
"I think we should just let them off with a warning." She said. "They're only children, so no need to make a fuss on that."
Belno muttered something about no standards but was quickly overlooked as the chairmen rose from his seat. "I think we all have come to terms with the punishment."
All the council members nodded as the wizards as Org rose from his seat. "We've decided to let your kids off with a slap on the wrist."
Lucy and Gray let out a sigh of relief as Natsu and Erza faces started to pale as one of the employees walked out with a whip and cracked it.
"All right, line up!" The employee shouted.
Lucy and Gray's faces paled as Natsu and Erza gulped, fearing that the next few seconds of their lives would be absolute hell.
Outside the courtroom
Erza, Natsu, Gray, and Lucy walked out of the courtroom, rubbing their now blood red wrist.
"When they said they'd let us off with a slap on the wrist, I didn't think they'd literally slap our wrist." Lucy moaned as she walked outside the courtroom.
"Well, at least it's over." Erza told her. "Honestly, I'm glad we're not in any real trouble."
"Yeah." Gray said as he rubbed his wrist. "I had no idea this was a mock trial."
"Could have fooled me." Natsu said as he stopped rubbing his wrist. "Hey, I think the pain's starting to go away."
"Well, lucky you." Lucy as she continued to rub her hand. "But it does explain why I kept my gate Keys; I'm going to have to sort this out later, though."
As the wizards left, Siegrain watched them from afar. 'It was a pleasure to meet you, Natsu Dragneel, son of Igneel; I hope our next meeting is a little more pleasant.'
He said as he watched the four wizards walk out of the building. 'I can't wait, soon the tower will be complete, but first, I should lay some obstacles to buy me some time.'
Ultear soon appeared next to him, smiling. "So it's time we begin our plan?" She asked in a quiet tone.
Siegrain gave a cold smile.
"Yes. yes it is." He looked to the distance. "Soon a new world order will begin."
The next day
Natsu, Erza, Gray, and Lucy had returned to the pub the next day happy, shouted with joy, and crashed into Natsu's arms.
"I'm glad you guys are okay." Happy said as he turned and hugged Lucy. "So what happened at the council."
Natsu explained how the council used them as a scapegoat to make sure people knew this event didn't go unpunished.
Mira frowned at this. "I can't say I approve, but what's done is done."
"Yeah." Lucy agreed. "I'm just glad my spirits weren't too mad at me."
Erza, however, remained quiet. She was still reeling from her conversation with Siegrain; he had always left such a bad taste in her mouth.
"Well, I'm just glad it's over," Gray said, taking a seat. He was already in his underwear, causing most of the women in the pub to stare.
"Um, Gray." Mira said nicely. "Nice skivvies."
"Huh." Gray looked down and noticed he didn't have on his clothes.
"Aw damn it." He moaned.
"hey Erza, you okay?" Natsu asked, pulling the Scarlet wizard out of her thoughts. "I'm fine."
"Come on, don't let that seagrass guy get under your skin." Natsu said, getting his name wrong.
"It's Siegrain Natsu," Lucy said, correcting her friend. "But Natsu's right; how about we see if they're are any jobs."
Mira's face then lights up.
"You're in luck, Lucy; yesterday, we got in a whole lot of jobs." Mira said with a wink.
"Really." Lucy said happily. "Natsu, let's hurry up and pick one."
"Ehh doesn't matter to me, Lucy." Natsu told her. "Just make sure it's A-class job."
"Awesome," Lucy said, "So what do ya say, Erza."
"Huh." Erza blinked. "Sorry, it's just I feel really sleepy." She said as she slowly started to fall to the ground.
"Erza." Lucy shouted, but soon her legs started to wobble as she almost fell but was caught by Natsu.
"It's him." Natsu said as he sat Lucy down at the table.
One by one, the people in the pub started to fall over, spilling drinks and dropping their food on the ground as they all started to go to sleep; soon the whole place was asleep except for Natsu and Mirajane as they tried their best to keep their friends from hitting the floor, but even they seemed to be affected by it as a figure came in. he had a dark blue cloak and his arms and legs are mostly covered in wore a dark blue bandana with a silver forehead protector. A green mask that obscured the bottom half of his face on his back was several magic staff held by a dark green strap going across his main body.
"Hello Mystogan." They both said as the wizard walked up to them.
he stopped and eyed Happy, who gave up trying to resist the spell and fell asleep; he ruffled the cat's hair and pulled out a small blue bag, and set it next to the feline.
He then stared at Natsu and Mira. He handed a paper to Natsu and sat one on the desk for Mira to look over.
"I'll be back." He said as he started to leave before Natsu grabbed his arm
"What's this?" Natsu asked as he should him what appeared to be a job request.
"An S-class mission." Mystogan answered. "You and your new partner should take it might interest her, to say the least." He freed himself from Natsu's grip and started to leave. "And she should get promoted to S-class if she's working with you am I right."
"Wait, Mystogan!" Mira shouted. "The...sleep spell."
Mystogan chuckled.
"Of course." He then started to walk out, counting down as he began to reverse the spell on all the wizards. "Five...Four...three...two...one."
As he disappeared, everyone started to wake up; they all started to register what happened.
"Damn Mystogan."
"That sleep spell is impressive."
Lucy slowly started to come to as she let out a yawn.
"What was that?" She asked as Gray and Erza both rose to their feet.
"That was Mystogan." Natsu answered as he looked over what Mystogan gave him.
"Who?" Lucy asked.
"He's one the strongest wizards in Magnolia." Mira told him. "If you don't mind, I have to head upstairs for a bit."
"Yeah, me too." Natsu said. "I need to check this out."
The two soon left, leaving a perplexed Lucy. "Okay, what got into them."
"They're always like that when Mystogan comes back." Happy told her.
"Who is this Mystogan?" Erza asked. "Was he the one who put all of us to sleep."
"Aye." Happy answered as he looked through the bag, Mystogan gave him. "The only three people to see have seen his face are Natsu, me, and Mira."
"Why doesn't he want anyone to see his face?" Gray asked.
"I don't know." Happy answered as he took a bit out the fish. "All I know his name is Mystogan, a major powerhouse."
"Yeah, right." Gray said. "Someone that powerful would have been on the radar a long time ago."
"It's true." Cana said, coming up to the Ice wizard. "Mystogan, one of the three strongest guys around here."
"Wait, so who are they there's two." Lucy asked, freaking out a bit.
"Happy pretty much answered that question." Cana told her. "Natsu and Mirajane."
Gray nearly choked on what was left of his drink. "No-way that flame-brain."
"Yep." Elfman said, coming up. "My sister, Natsu, and Mystogan are the only three S-class wizards in Magnolia."
Lucy couldn't believe what she was hearing. Mira was an S-class Wizard and Natsu; then again, she had seen Natsu's power close hand.
"Alright, I'm back." Mira said as she came down the stairs. "Everyone all right." everyone in the pub nodded as Mira let out a sigh of relief.
"Hey Mira?" Lucy asked. "Is it true that you're an S-class wizard."
Mira nodded.
"Yep me, Natsu, and Mystogan." She said, "We're sorta like the guys who keep Magnolia safe."
"Hey Mira, what did Mystogan give Natsu?" Happy asked.
"You'll find out later, Happy." Mira said, clearly exhausted by recent events.
later that night
Lucy walked alone through the streets of Magnolia with all she wanted to find a job, but Natsu had avoided her, saying that he had to prep for something
She had made it to the temporary hotel that Natsu had bought for her a few nights back; he was so nice
When she entered, she was greeted by Natsu, Happy, and Mirajane, who was sitting on her couch
"Kyaa!" Lucy screamed. "Why are you guys here."
Nasu cleared his throat. "Lucy, you know how the job system works, right."
Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, there are D-class missions, which is normally for beginners, C-class missions for wizards who are still getting the hang of working. B-class missions are mostly for solo wizards. Not too hard but doesn't require too many wizards, and there are A-class missions which normally require teams of wizards but skilled wizards can complete it on their own." Lucy told him.
"Good." Mira said, smiling. "Well, you see, Lucy above A-class mission are jobs called S-class quest."
"Like an S-class wizard?" Lucy asked.
"Aye." Happy said, butting in.
"S-class jobs are dangerous where one wrong move can be fatal." Mira told her. "It's not for the faint of heart."
"Okay, why are you telling me this?" Lucy asked.
"Cause we're going on an S-class job." Natsu said, shocking her.
"What, no, don't you think it's a little soon for that." Lucy said. "I mean I've only been at this for a week."
"So you don't want the zodiac key that is an additional reward." Natsu said, smirking.
Lucy turned around and shoved Natsu into the ground and took the job; she read something about a cursed Island, but that didn't matter as she says that one of the rewards was one of the twelve zodiac keys. "Okay, I'll go."
"Alright." Mira said, jumping, "I'm going to go and inform them. Be sure to talk to Mavis before you go."
"Huh, why?" Lucy asked.
"So I can wish you luck, silly!" A voice called out, which turned out to be Mavis; as she appeared, the symbol appeared on Lucy's hand again. "Good luck. I know this is sudden, but this is a big event for you."
"Yeah." Lucy said, smiling.
"We'll head out first thing in the morning." Natsu said as he began to leap out the window.
"Use the door!" Lucy shouted as Happy grabbed him, and he flew out the window.
Lucy let out a sigh as Mavis and Mira laughed. Tomorrow was the dawn of a new adventure, but what secrets would it hold for our heroes.
Miles away on an Island, a group of people stood in a circle around what appeared to be a strange altar. They all started chanting as a large purple beam came down.
Behind them was a man who had an ornamental helmet obscuring most of his face. Bearing a resemblance to a skull, this helmet sported a front part which covered his upper face, revealing his mouth and nose, with a line of sharp teeth beneath it, and his eyes not being visible from the eye slits of the mask, which was adorned by a spiraling motif. The helmet also had striped horns pointing frontwards and with a large crest made of spiky fur, falling on his back. Below this was a large white cape, with a wide collar, golden edges and fur trimmings over the shoulders, held closed by belt, adorned by a stylized snake with rectangular coils, and its corresponding buckle, with more belts and buckles, placed a few centimeters away from one another and below the first, being left untied.
"How much longer?" The man asked. The air around him began to freeze as he got closer to the ceremony.
"Not much longer, my lord." Someone answered; she had her hair tied in pigtails, her choker tied into a ribbon, a purple and pink short spaghetti dress with light pink trimmings, black leggings, and high-heeled sandals. Her dress appears to have two long and thin wings at the back. "All for the name of love."
"Ruff soon, you will have your revenge." Another man spoke out; he had canine ears, and the only top he was was a necklace with a sock in it; he wore blue saggy pants that covered most of his feet.
"All for the cold emperor." Another man answered; he had enormous eyebrows and sported a green coat reaching down to his knees, sporting black sections in correspondence to the sleeves' outer part and on the sides' lower parts, below the plain dark belt with a rectangular buckle which, together with the two vertically striped, overlapping hems placed on the front, kept the garment closed. Yuka's pants were dark and loose, while his plain shoes were light-colored.
The man started to laugh. "Soon I will avenge you, Master Ur."
'If only you could be here, Gray.' The cold emperor thought to himself. 'I know you would love this.'