"I see. Thank you." The guard bowed before his majesty and turned upon his words. He treaded along the red carpet to the large doors that closed behind him.

In the castle of Mercurius, Hisui, Toma, Arcadios, and Darton were all present and standing where their respective positions were mean to be. The minister and the loyal knight were frowning at the news they heard, but that wasn't to say that the ones they abide to weren't as affected.

"This is most disturbing indeed." Toma grimaced.

"I understand, father." Hisui agreed. "To think hosting that conference would put upfront such an impact for everyone around us. I hate to say it, but maybe we should've thought this through."

Darton closed his eyes and looked down. "Your majesties. With all do respect, you are not to blame. The situation that has transpired at the time was something completely out of our hands. Not one of you is to blame."

"He's right." Arcadios said. "It was an act completely out of our hands. Although, if I can stand to be personal for once, I'd wish the Council was a little more lenient to its own usage of handling predicaments."

"We've opened up so many trade routes and expanding generosity from our fellow Ishgar countries. The Cambire Foundation's extensive efforts have been nothing short of an asset to further that of what others need, and yet we've received nothing but cold shoulders in return from our Western world." Hisui couldn't feel anymore deterred than she was already. "What are we doing wrong you think?"

Toma sat in his chair with a discerning look on his face. "We have something amidst on our hands that needs to be thoroughly addressed." He started. "At the moment, we have neutral political terms with a majority of Ishgar, as we do with the world. Our invitations after this victory has led us to some new viewpoints and legitimate negotiations…however, what troubles me of all people is our efforts with Alakitasia."

Hisui looked down. "Yes, that is troubling, father."

"We've been trying to set up a political alliance with them for the past three months now. I fear that they may not want a treaty with us after all." Darton groaned

"Perhaps they are rebuilding their economy, your majesty." Arcadios pointed out.

"You have a point, Colonel Arcadios." Hisui stated. "We're still cleaning up from the casualties and the mess that the invaders made when they came to us for battle. It took us a great deal to align ourselves and Fairy Tail to the rest of the world about their secret. We were fortunate that the matter was settled to no one's fault."

Toma closed his eyes once more in deep pondering. "Hmmm…perhaps so. They could be rebuilding after the loss of their emperor. Maybe a little more time is what they need."

As they were pondering about the continual failures of their open invitations to Alakitasia, the door to their room suddenly opened with the same guard as before, of whom was accompanied by two more following behind him. The four people in the room turned to look at them.

The three knights immediately stopped in place and looked at them all. "Your majesties." They all dropped to a knee in a bow. "Our most humble of apologies. Forgive us, but we have a very important set of news we've just uncovered."

Darton's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What is it?

"It's regarding the minister that we've have in custody. We were able to get in a full interrogation completed with deep news."

"The minister, you say?" Arcadios inquired.

"Are you talking about the one that Fairy Tail was able to apprehend last night?" Hisui asked.

The head knight nodded. "Yes. Regarding the black market and the illegal trade dismantled at the time, we've found out why this has been happening." He looked up, his glare ever so serious. "However, I fear that you may not like what you are about to hear…"

The room fell silent with Hisui and Toma's stares growing even more anxious with each second that lead on.


The stakeout team on the docks stared ahead at the figment in the half-moonlight. The small ship she stepped on wasn't even moving, as was the world around them as the client's green hair radiated, in stark contrast to her casual deadpan expression. Of course that's also to say others don't share that same appeal.

"Who the heck is that?" Dereece asked.

"Yeah, and why is she wearing a bikini? Don't tell me it's bikini season already." Joey asked. He found himself looking at Brandish further, more specifically the oversized caboose she had going for her. 'Oh god, I think I just might…'

"Joey, shut up. Let the professionals ask the questions here." Duncan scolded his 'Captain'.

"Sorry." Sulking briefly in his pointless question, he glanced over to see Juvia, Wendy, and Carla, "Why is your hair covered in gum?"

"I don't wanna talk about it." Carla huffed.

Amongst all the shocked individuals present, Lucy had to be the most bewildered. She stared ahead with nothing short of dilating brown eyes. It's been so long since she had seen the person before her eyes, and now here she was, looking at her with that same frown as before. "Brandish…?" she asked again. "Is that really?"

"Yes, of course it's me." She answered in a matter-of-fact tone. "Hello Lucy." She looked towards her hair. "I see that you've been doing well."

Lucy was caught off with the gum referred to. "O-oh this? It's just, well…"

"Yo, how've you been?" Natsu smiled and waved casually. "Been a while, hasn't it?"

Brandish turned towards him. "You too, huh?" She looked back at everyone present before her. She knew from a reading of familiar magical energy that there were similarities somewhere in the area, but she didn't peg for it to be because of this. Even her shock was behind her deadpan face. Ultimately, a sigh escaped her lungs. "Why am I not surprised?" she tiredly said. "…then again, that is to be expected of you and your guild, meddling in affairs that don't benefit you in the end."

"Brandish, we're glad you're here and all…" Lucy's face grew uneased. "But…what re you doing here?"

"Yeah, last I checked, you were heading off somewhere else with that crazy chick in your hand." Natsu noted. Natsu wasn't wrong, but Brandish looked like she didn't seem to care.

"It's a long story that I'd rather not bore you with. Let's just say I came here for important business, let's leave it at that."

Nic stepped forward. "By any chance, does this 'business' involve a certain group of mages hired?"

"That's classified."

"Gee, that's funny, considering we beat some mages on our way here. And they all had a certain place in mind." Gray noted. "Does midnight on the far pier ring a bell?"

Brandish's eyes shifted. She knew it was too late to back out now. "How'd you guess?" she half-heartedly asked.

"That's classified." Gray answered.

Brandish sighed. "So we're doing this now?"

"Brandish, please, just tell us what's going on?" Lucy asked, her tone more pleading than before. "Why are you here? And why all this? Don't tell me you're still mad at us."

Brandish's overall mood dared not sway. "On the contrary. I'm far from mad." She said.

"Oh…that's good, I guess."

"I made it clear the last time we saw each other, didn't I? I have no means of seeing you as an enemy. However, I am mad of one thing, but that anger is not towards you or your friends."

Lucy and the others looked at each other confusedly. They could tell by some happenstance that Brandish must've meant what she said, but that wasn't to say they weren't intrigued by this bit of news. To get these answers, they looked back and gave a more affirmative face.

"I can tell you want to know more then. Alright then." She paused. "Right after I have returned home to Alvarez, it wasn't long before everyone found out about my past affiliations regarding myself in your stay. You can imagine the reactions they had."

"What happened?" Happy questioned worriedly. He was afraid of what he might hear, and no one could blame him.

Brandish remained quiet for a short while before her glare hardened. "…after learning everything that I had done for you, I ended up exiled from Alakitasia."

Lucy's eyes widened as she gasped.

Everyone else had more than an assortment of shock rising up from them. For those who shared a history with her like Natsu and Happy, they had expressions no different from Lucy. As to where those who had less of a personal affiliation like Nic and Erza, they had neutral, but understanding expressions plastered.

"Wait, hold on, what was that?" Gray asked.

"Did you say…you were exiled?" Sophie repeated. 'That isn't all what we thought.'

Lucy finally managed to wake from her shock. "…wait…exiled?" she stammered. "But we thought you were…"

"I've been branded a traitor to my people because of my actions. I've failed to accomplish the one thing we of the Spriggan 12 were designed to do; help our Emperor Spriggan retrieve Fairy Heart and annihilate anyone who stood in our way. As such, I've been exiled for aiding the enemy in question."

"No way…" Lucy was at a loss for words. To think that Brandish could be at home now doing something productive, or maybe relaxing soaking. She know she of all people would. She didn't even stop to consider what happened to her friend. She could feel her guilt poisoning her own heart full of ache.

Joey looked at Dereece with worry. The best friend returned the unsound stare and looked ahead again.

"Five months ago, I was kicked out for the circumstances that I failed to uphold or defend. No excuses came from failures after all. After being unfairly sent away, I hence been doing what I can to make by, and not too long after, I've discovered the empire has come to a turn. I suppose you can say it's…a drag."

"What are you saying? Is it possible that they've recovered from the battle?" Erza questioned.

"It's more than that." Brandish responded. "The Alvarez Empire has a new ruler who took the throne before anyone knew it. A dictation that even the likes of Invel nor I could've calculated."

Gray had to cringe at the name. He thought back to the face of the man who sent a chill through his spine and forced him and Juvia to bitterly waver away from each other.

"And who might that be?" Nic asked.

Brandish stopped in her tracks to think for a moment. She didn't see why not. She told them a lot already. No sense in going out of it now. But as she turned towards them, her glance grew hollow.

"I doubt anyone would be knowing of this…but I'm afraid one of our other fellow remaining Spriggans took the wrong leap, over his lust for an 'encore'. His name…is Neinhart."

Erza's eyes widened upon recollection. "Wait…Neinhart?" She thought back to when she, Kagura, Jellal, and Bellona all took to the ship to battle the only Spriggan who seemed to be enjoying himself, bright purple hair, as well as a maniacal face. It was hard to believe that laughable expression could make such a grim impression.

"Neinhart, you say?" Nic didn't know nor meet the guy in question, but when he looked towards Erza, he could see the serious look on her face. He could tell that this guy could make a shiver go down your spine.

"Neinhart?" Natsu questioned. "Uh…"

"That guy you punched in the face." Brandish answered.

Instantly he went wide-eyed, thumping his fist into his open hand. "Oh yeah! I remember that guy now! Man he had some pretty weak wind, huh?"

Lucy looked at Brandish with shock. "But wait, that doesn't make any sense! How could someone like him gain that much power anyway?!"

"That's not important now." Brandish responded. "What matters is what that creep of a man and his empire has been undergoing for the past month." She shifted her attention towards Nic, and then looking towards Duncan. "You two put on quite a show. You've certainly intrigued some powerful people out there. But unfortunately, I think some of us took the message the wrong way."

"And what way might that be?" Vanessa responded. She could read with her aura that the dread in the air was beginning to rise, and she wasn't liking it one bit.

"Remember, the Alvarez Empire is a military empire consisting of hundreds of guilds whose powers have been owned to their maximum potential. If Pokémon were taken in to do battle, exactly what did you think that this empire would do to fulfill its purpose?"

"I'm getting' a bad feeling about this." Gajeel looked down towards his girlfriend. "Levy."

Levy put a hand to her chin, her brow furrowed upon consideration. "The Alvarez kingdom was a force that had at least 2 million men in its rankings. It had a very vast population that spent much of its time in prosperity until the war, where much of its power was lost. So then…" she started making sense. "To fill those numbers and gaps, they'd need…!" She gasped at the conclusion she made.

Nic went wide-eyed at his own conclusion as well. "Wait, you can't mean that…"

"You caught on fast. As expected." Brandish responded. "Yes. The kingdom has been under a revolution by taking as many Pokémon that they could find. They've been taken from many other countries and getting as many weapons and items to boost their strengths in their enslaved work. He intends nothing more than to recreate the very army that you have decimated, and destroy everything and anything that stands in his way."

"They've been WHAT?!" Joey and Dereece exclaimed in unison, hunching over after spattering some. Suddenly, they were caught off and flinched when figures zipped by them. Everyone got on guard for that matter.

As Brandish stood in place ever so casually, the space around her was filled by Orion, who was battered and bruised. The same could be said for the others. Griffon was supported by Matilda, and Broly was looking undeterred, of course still splattered with red tomato paste in some spots.

No one said anything as a long, passive, and yet ominous breeze whip up a lot of hair for everyone. They all could an intense power come from the air, and it was making it hard to break the tension between them.

"You've all been warned. Alvarez may very well have their way with you this time. Make your next move carefully if I were you." Brandish said. "And who knows when that'll be."

Lucy began to take a step closer. "Wait, Brandish-!" She reached out to her, but a bright flare came from Aniya as she held a very small stick in hand. The flash was so bright it caused Lucy to cover up. Everyone behind covered up as well from its bewildering intensity.

The massive white flare went on several minutes before it finally ended. As it eased, Lucy slowly opened her eyes, making a few blinks before she finally gasped. She hurriedly whipped round, but the spots on the edge of the dock were all vacant. Everyone looked to find that she and the mercenaries were in fact gone.

"They're gone!" Happy exclaimed.

"The bastards slipped from us again." Natsu growled.

Lucy was looking out at the waves, the breeze picking up again as she stared with sadness and grief over her friend. "Brandish."

Nic looked ahead as well, but unlike Lucy's sadness, he had a less than ecstatic expression. "This is even worse than I thought." He grimaced. "Alvarez…" Very slowly, his own fists began to ball, and sure enough, they were tight enough to mold clay.

Seeing everyone's grief on their faces, Joey looked at Dereece once more with worry rising. Duncan, however, showed indifference.


Elsewhere, another place at the same time was working under the half-moon. Many of the people were fast asleep at this time, but many more night owls were awake to work under the cover of darkness. The efforts were put in as cargo holds on ships and carts were unloaded at the back of a large domain.

One by one, hundreds of men were unfolded the bridges that unfolded to allow the men to move down with cages and wooden crates carrying either majestic animals or precious battle items. They all took various entrances into the domain, where they were sentences to two distinct locations. The ones carrying the items went to one way to a possible storage area, while the ones carrying the Pokémon were all going down a single path that trekked to the bottom of a very long staircase with many as a hundred guards; two for each elongated cell with magical staves in the events of an outbreak.

One pair of workers moved into a large set of iron bars, where inside, they crouched and sat the cage containing the basic creatures like Rattata, Pidgey, Bellsprout, even Sentret onto the ground next to another cage that was there for a few days, with a single Nidorina in it that was napping quite uncomfortably.

"Hahahaha! Look at these guys!" One worker mocked. "Man do I feel sorry for these wimps. I don't even know why we got them anyway!"

"This was a big steal for us. Fortunately when we whip them into shape, maybe you'll think twice before calling them out like that." The other worker smirked.

"Maybe, but they'll be taking orders from us now! That right?" He shot a dark look at the Pokémon, all of whom shook in their cage at his demeanor. The worker snickered at the bullying tactic.

Stepping up to talk, a familiar person had hands folded behind his back. "Is that the next order accomplished, I take it?"

The calmer of the two workers turned to salute. "Sir, it is. We are still unloading, but we are expecting no resistance with the precautions you have advised."

"Understood. Resume your work." The man turned away to show his pair of glasses briefly reflecting the lacrima lighting, until he walked into the darkness.

He made way through the domain until he made way inside a large room, his footsteps growing hollow with the very high ceilings and decorations everywhere. It looked to be a very expensive throne room with a massive set of windows with a chair looking to be atop of a flight of stairs, turned to look at the moon.

At the base of the steps, Invel stood tall and did a small bow before the throne. "Your majesty, the latest shipment of Pokémon and materials has been successfully distributed thus far."

On the throne, a creature whose face was concealed by shadows where the moon doesn't shine had a mediocre smirk. "About time."

"The number of successful Pokémon estimated on this shipment has reached nearly 200. That increases our numbers by another 10%." Invel looked up to the throne. "Shall we get started with training immediately?"

The gauntlets of the man on the throne tensed as his grip on the armrest tightened. "Yes. We need them at their fullest. We need them, in order to crush that sniffling Fiore to nothing but ash!"

"My sentiments exactly." A pair of classy shoes made way out of the shadows, revealing a familiar someone who had a bleak and unamused look on his face. He adjusted his tie with his fingers, making it shimmer his rings shimmer while his familiar scowl showed the face of Jacob. "I need a nice drink before we get started."

"Your alcoholic preference aside, I agree full-heartedly, Jacob." Stepping out of nearby shadows next was a woman in armor, who revealed herself to be Dimaria, and she looked pleasant, if rhetorical ever was needed in this situation. "Those filthy Ishgarians are going to pay dearly for what they did to Randi."

"Jacob. Dimaria." Invel noted.

A cackling, bloodcurdling laughter came from a crooked figment in the shadows. "Finally. All this waiting's making my skin itch again." The figment slowly stood up, revealing himself as a male. In what moonlight was available, the figment was seen to be of average height, with onyx eyes and a mouth seen, but the rest of his face was concealed by bandages or otherwise mummified wraps. What was evident, however, was his massive blood red spiky hair slicking back like a prickly massive porcupine. His shoulder were bare to reveal one with a long scar, and another having the Alvarez mark. For bodily attire, it was tough to make out due to his arms covered in bandages. His forearms had black sleeves with red edging that went to the hands, which had thick black gloves with spikes on the knuckles. The fingers especially had extra coating. He adorned a black vest with belts containing a variety of knives and daggers he kept safely tucked away. A brown belt was fastened with silver rings over them to shimmer in the moonlight. It held up his leather pants that had more thick belts with rings with keychains and small knives. The knee caps had silver spikes, and the boots he wore were atrociously massive with silver edging, black laces, and massive knee guards that were heavily thick. And all of that was fastened by bandages to be kept in place. "This world…must have its flesh torn off!" he grimly declared as he stared up at the moon.

Dimaria looked over, giving the man a scoff. "Oh, Sindge." She half-heartedly noted. Hearing his laughter never made her day worth getting up for.

"The stars and planets have told me of those who walk beneath its radiance." Another man walked out, with him wearing brown loafers. The man came forth with a complexion to tell he was well within his late 50s, if not early 60s. He had a less than average height, putting him below Dimaria. He had gray hair beneath a massive top with an eccentric yellow symbol adorning it. He had on a monocle that was over the left eyes and a fat nose over his massive gray moustache and fat lip. He adorned what looked like a priest attire with yellow edging, accents, and a massive mantle was adorned over the shoulders that went down up front and back, with the front being a bright yellow moon and the back being a new moon. What was most shocking, however, that how around him, there were six small hemispheres of different colors in a perfect ring over him. This man was known as Pluto, another newcomer to this unholy group. "The blue moon doth tale of a land most becometh of retribution."

The figure on the throne looked up, his smirk no different. "So you say."

A massive yawn went through the corridor, meaning someone was drowsy. "Uuuh, is it time yet?" A woman groaned. This one was next to walk in, or rather shuffle in. She was a woman of average height, although some could argue taller than Dimaria. She had yellow eyes with sharp sclera in them. She had long red hair like Erza would, but was longer, and was in a small braid at the end; the bangs went and converged over the nose, while the others were fastened behind the ears by two dark purple pins. She had bare shoulders with long skin-tight dark sleeves with yellow edging. The hands were bare, but the nails were red. She adorned a large black bra with yellow accents on it that showed a humungous load of her caboose, but the straps were fastened to the shoulders quite well. Her midriff was bare, allowing a sky-blue dress skirt to flow beneath. In fact, behind her, a monstrously long skirt followed. The skirt measures another twenty feet at a bare minimum. Her waist swayed as she shuffled along the ground, her feet unseen by the others. This was another person who has come to the great ranks that many dreamed of. Lia, a beauty in deep woah. "I hope the time comes soon. I've been wondering how…" She slowly licked her lips, her tongue shown to be surprisingly long. "…tasty, they might be."

A pair of high heels went through another area of the chamber, revealing another woman walking in, and by the pace she was taking, she seemed frustrated. "Honestly, to call us here on such little to no notice. Have you no sense of consideration?"

"Watch it, Miss Glynda." Invel warned through a stoic tone.

Glynda, yet another member added to the new ranks. She was a woman who had a slender complexion and a sassy figure to boot. She adorned spectacles with dark green framing around her slanted navy-blue eyes. Her eyebrows were as thin as her sense of patience could bare. She had Prussian blue, long hair that bounced on her shoulders. There was one bang that bent up and over her right side to almost conceal it entirely, as well as give her figure a more seductive appeal. She had pink lipstick, with a beauty mark below her lip on the left side. She had a slim, shimmering, leathery dark blue top that hugged her body, with a black mantle over the shoulders and chest with neon green edging. There was a Prussian blue cape that dazzled with midnight blue sparkles along it that followed her, and on the bottom half in her deep blue-green high heels, her legs were covered by deep leggings that went up to the small black shirt she adorned. All in all, much like Lia, she had beauty, but the aura she gave off was far from carefree. She sat a hand to her as she looked pass Invel. "Well you can't condone my opinion on the matter. It's not to say that my point." She looked up at the throne. "Right, Neinhart?"

"That's Emperor Neinhart!" he snapped. "An besides…where's the fun in that?"

Glynda sighed angrily, with Lia looking at her unamused. "Well someone sure didn't wake up on the right side of the bed." She chimed.

"Miss Glynda's expectations aren't for the faint of heart." Invel noted.

Jacob took little heed in the many new women that came into the room. His attention, however, drew to a small sound that made him glance from the corner of his eye. He saw someone else appear from the shadows, this one Jacob recognized quite well.

"Decker, so you have arrived as well."

He man noted had white hair that had a long, sleek bang that ran over his right eyes, but over his head was a dark brown hat with blue band with white edging. He had sleek, dark eyes with a dark blue mask over his mouth. His body consisted of a red ninja scarf that was tattered along the ends, with an appearance that made him otherwise look like a ninja. However, unlike Dobengal in Sabertooth, this one's ninja costume was a brighter shadow of blue, with no signs of nets anywhere. Instead, there were bright red braves on the forearms with a sari spilt in two on the sides to cover the knees. They had dark gold on them, with the rippling insides having a pattern of dark blue and bright red. The shoes were dark gold with the shin guards having two spikes on each one. On his shoulders, the pauldrons had the same design and spikes pointed inwards. Decker offered no sound, instead staring ahead with a steady gaze.

"That makes ten of us altogether." Invel noted. "What we have now is Ajeel and Naga."

On the throne, the silhouette's facial expression widened. "Is that so…?"

Suddenly, the room's tremendous pressure alone began to rattle and quiver. The atmosphere began to tremble with the airspace vibrating at an incredulous rate. This got noted by everyone, who didn't seem at all fazed by this exponential magnitude.

"Looks like he's coming." Dimaria noted.

The room's quaking began to cease at long last when the center of the room was cleared away. A bright purple light enveloped the bottom of the flooring, where its dark beams glistened with such a force that could blind anyone who was careless. From the hole, a cyclone of purple flames spun out, expelling everywhere in a voluminous manner. The swallowed up everything, reducing everything around to a Netherlands' terror.

Within that turmoil of negative incineration, a dark silhouette with a wyvern like arch on his body was seen in the dead center. He slowly raised his head, his head eyes refracting light that he created.

Without having to turn around, Neinhart could already tell who it was that showed themselves. "Took your time this time, Naga. I'm surprised you didn't wait until later."

"The violet and ominous flames in the transparent cyclone dissipated, allowing the air to dissipate into thin energy. Standing in the center of them all, the man known as Naga had perhaps the most abysmal of any form of appearance out there. He had the appeal of a humanoid wyvern, or rather a mythical creature known as a Naga itself. He had a very tall and muscular appearance, where his entire body had purple veins shooting all over and resonating from the large ovular dark purple gem on his forehead. He had a massive white headpiece that surrounded the gem; it had two horns curing around the head skyward, with two smaller horns arching around the cheekbones. The horns had dark red veins shooting up the middle to fill the tops like spears. His eyes had red contacts over them, possibly a side effect of his magical pressure. His teeth were sharp and hutting forward, but otherwise shut. He had two massive cape-like wings with decrepit edging behind, which were folded with his power not released. He had a high collared dark purple coat with no sleeves, with the coat as decrepit and tattered as the wings themselves. He had gray boots that held up baggy black tattered pants that went up to a brown belt with a golden edged buckle with a dark purple center-like jewel. Beneath the coat was a thick set of armor that connected to the coat to keep both sides together, with the designs looking like downward plated scales.

The human in question looked up, seeing the throne with his own eyes. I must say, Emperor Neinhart, you really surprise me." He said. "I never would've thought the timing couldn't have been any better myself."

Glynda scoffed. "Speak for yourself."

Coming in next from another part of the area was someone with hands in his pockets and hunched forward, while another one was barely keeping up with a staff to support his elderly body. The men were Ajeel and Yajeel, respectively of notice by the younger in front of the other.

"Uuuugh. Could you be anymore slower. Gramps?" Ajeel groaned.

"My apologies, grandson. My elderly bones are trying as best as they can." Yajeel followed behind, using his staff to make him follow as fast as possible. "But to have such a meeting like this…"

Ajeel looked away in a snarkish manner. "Tch, yeah, I know. Talk about a pain in the ass."

The two eventually made it to the steps, where they stood with the renewed members of the Spriggan 12. They all stood at the base while Neinhart was waiting in his seat, looking up at the half-moon still that shined brightly upon their world.

"Now then…" he said quietly. "Are we all here?...no, not quite. It seems our entertainment is short of its entertainer." The maniacal glare in the darkness shifted off to the side. "Now isn't that right…?"

In the corner of the room, a pair of wrinkly hands shifted over a ball of a crystal ball. The faint glow it had faded, and the picture that was scene regarding many figures in one place was complete. The woman beneath the cloak had her head concealed, but in the moonlight's hidden grasp was the look of a green-eyed woman with red sclera glowing like two small devil eyes. In her mouth was a small cigarette that smoked very lightly, allowing a fume to go up from the side of her mouth.

She removed the cigarette from the side of her mouth with two fingers, enabling the corner of her mouth to expel a small plume of smoke. The smoke arose and dissipated, directly under the moonlight like a geyser holding up an object. "The prophecy is complete. 'Upon the half-moon's radiating shine, the likes of two forces come to realize their clash is to come'." She reiterated. "I believe those were my very words you and everyone else has been keeping in mind.

Neinhart smirked maniacally. "Like a bell's tole." His smirk turned to a somberly smile as he looked down at the ground. His wicked demeanor was seemingly calming down. "Finally, Lady Irene, I hope we have rebuilt to your expectations. I dear hope for that blessing." With those words, everyone behind was smirking. "Those Ishgarians certainly put on one hell of a show…of course I truly wished that the story went in another way. It's too bad that you didn't live to see the empire I have created with your power." He snapped his fingers beside him, in which a dark, floating silhouette of a woman formed over him. The woman's familiar frame glared down at Neinhart, saying nothing as her brown eyes seethed into him the only answer he seemed to interpret. "You asked to take care of Lady Erza and her friends, right?" His voice was starting to quake with slight deranged characteristics. "In the name of you and our glorious late Emperor Spriggan…Fiore and Fairy Tail's nonsensical preaching upon the world alike shall all burn, now that we have the power to do so once more. The gift the gods have given us. This…is our retribution! My fellow Spriggans! MY GLORIOUS WEAPONED CREATURES! MAKE YOURSELVES KNOWN TO THE WORLD OF OUR RENEWED POWER!"

His laughter started with a small cackle, which broke with his eyes shrinking. He raised his head, smiling wide as he laughed up to the ceiling. That spine-chilling laughter echoed all throughout the building, and the empires sleeping wake.


Morning shined down on Fairy Tail's guild hall the next day. However, rather than upbeat cheers and casual mornings, the guild doors were rushed open with Laxus followed by the Thunder God Tribe.

"We came here as soon as we got the call." Laxus answered.

"Yeah, sorry guys." Bickslow apologized. "Mest sure picked a lousy time to be taking some Zs."

Nearby on a table, a guilt-ridden Mest had his face in his palm as he sighed. He couldn't feel anymore shameful than he was already. His Ralts was banging his head against the wooden table like a woodpecker.

Bickslow realized the predicament and put his hands up in a panic. "Uh, g-geez man, you don't have to be so glum. It was just joking!"

"How rude." Evergreen scolded.

"We were glad overnight trains were operable." Freed said. "I thoroughly insisted Master Laxus to communicate with his Thought Projection. But after hearing the news, he insisted we rode trains overnight get back as soon as possible." He shot another look at Laxus, albeit with a scolding look much like Evergreen was giving Bickslow. He had to warn and watch out for Laxus' health, as was his job, but the Dragon Slayer had to go overboard and insist based on the emergency at hand. He also knew taking the trains even now was a mistake, because Dragon Slayer motion sickness left him for a loop. He still had signs of nausea on his face as of now.

The guild was gathered around via an emergency distress Erza gave to them while they were on the way back. She and everyone were able to rest up a little on the way back, but the revelation left too much for them to sleep on. The guild was lounging as they were caught up on everything that went down.

"I never thought that the culprit would turn out to be Brandish of all people." Vanessa admitted.

"And here I thought I was the only one who thought of that." Sophie answered. "But what concerns me more was her reasoning behind it."

"She was really exiled, huh?" Natsu pondered, his arms folded. "That bites."

"In more ways than one." Nic added. "I don't think any of us were prepared for this."

Erza stood beside him, her arms folded as well. "I can agree there." She put a hand to her chin, looking away in scrutiny. "But something doesn't add up."

"Is it why she was preventing all those shipments to Alakitasia?"

"Precisely. She said she was loyal to her country, right? But she isn't an enemy. She's even went out of her way to hire highly trained mages of extraordinary caliber to make sure that doesn't happen. So exactly what is the purpose behind her actions?"

"You think she was telling the truth?" Gajeel asked.

Pantherlily looked contemplative. "It's hard to say, let alone believe."

Lucy couldn't believe it either. She couldn't possibly comprehend it. She wasn't even sure of it herself, but what she knew at this point, it was meant to warn them. If only she had met Brandish under better circumstances sadly.

Natsu looked off from the side, seeing Lucy's saddened expression.

"I know I wouldn't trust her with a basket full of wine." Cana shrugged.

"I don't think that's how it goes. I believe it's 'all eggs in one basket'." Sophie corrected. Cana merely shrugged.

"Well if you ask me, I wouldn't believe it so lightly." Macao intervened. "Don't get me wrong, I think I get where you're coming from, but after what we went through, I wouldn't think twice of pointing fingers at someone who we had scuffles with."

"Yeah, sounds the most basic way it goes." Wakaba said.

"Yeah, sounds fishy to me." Jet remarked.

"Sounds like a death warrant all over again." Droy muffled with a drumstick in his mouth.

"She wasn't lying!"

The shout silenced everyone. The guild went quiet as Lucy's hitch in her breath was a sign of her gasping. She looked towards Natsu, who stood in front of everyone with a face full of defense.

"I think I could smell a traitor and liar when I know one. She was telling the truth. Those guys really did kick her out for being our friend."

"Natsu…" Lucy muttered softly.

"So then she's been on the lamb this whole time." Happy said.

"It would make sense." Carla voiced calmly. "From our experience, their tactics in handling each other isn't the most soft-hearted out there. I'm surprised they allowed her to live to begin with."

Wendy frowned. "She seemed to be handling her life well at least. But still…"

"Don't look at me, I don't even know what I'm supposed to feel right now." Gray commented, having no shirt on for the last ten minutes now. "Juvia, what about you?"

Juvia looked down with worry. "It's hard to say. I wish I knew, but with our run ins with her hired smugglers makes it hard for me to tell what her motives are."

Sophie found a realization. "She did say that Alvarez was taking in and enslaving Pokémon to maximize their use."

"Using Pokémon as tools and weapons to rule a military kingdom." Vanessa said coldly. "I knew they were deplorable for treating their own with ill-respect, but this crosses a line."

"Yes, my thoughts exactly." Erza declared. "Which is why I think we know the case as it is."

Nic's brow furrowed. He looked towards Lucy with confirmation. "She said she wasn't an enemy, yet she was betrayed by her nation. As painful as it is for her, I think she knows what she's doing is for the best."

"How are you so sure?" Gray asked.

"Well when you think about it, all those ships she and those mercenaries have been after have been going to Alvarez, right? They need as many items and Pokémon as possible, right? And guess who has that what they don't? They want it that badly that they go as far as stealing." He turned towards his wife. "Didn't you read in the news last week that Fiore still wasn't able to get in contact with Alakitasia?"

Erza nodded. "Indeed."

"They don't want us to know what they're doing. They want a full-scale war once more, but this time they intend to use Pokémon and items to their advantage. And Brandish has been secretly short-handling their smuggling in return."

"So then…she's actually helping us." Happy realized.

Nic nodded. "We've suffered enough as it is…" his gaze grew even more resolute. "But I can imagine what those Pokémon are doing under their control. And if I'm being honest…it's making my blood boil."

Everyone around could feel and understand Nic's drive. First it was stealing goods the Cambire Foundation was putting time and effort into making; secondly, the illegal and disrespectful measures that a military empire would be doing to Pokémon that could very well be another Trainer's. That alone is a violation of its choice and free will. And no one was going to take that lying down.

"Alright, I think I get it now." Gray explained. "So Brandish turned on them because they turned on her. She's helping us and stopping the empire from expanding."

"In short, that's what's happening." Erza said.

"Those jerks." Natsu growled. "So one time wasn't enough for them, huh?"

As everyone was contemplating over the predicament, a less than informant group stood off to the side. The Freaks looked at each other without the slightest clue given.

"What do you think they're talking about?" Joey asked.

Dereece gave him a dead serious look. "Joey, this sounds serious. We've been through this. No stupid questions allowed. This really sounds important."

"And since when does the so-called Captain ever think of the definition of 'serious'?" Duncan retorted.

"Hey!" Joey scolded.

Taking notice of Joey and the others, Mirajane turned and somberly smiled at them. "Oh, right, you weren't around when it all happened, were you?"

Lisanna turned towards them with surprise. "That's right. I forgot they just joined us a little while ago."

"My, well doesn't a month add up fast." Kinana chimed.

"Yeah, good times and all that stuff. Now what's this about this Alvarez Empire again?" Joey clarified. "Is this like a rivalry thing going on or something?"

Nic closed his eyes s he began. "It's a long story. We'll try to be as brief as we can for you."

Nic and everyone there told them everything that transpired with the Alvarez Empire incident, including the enemies, their level of strength, and how the emperor happened to be over 400-years-old up until a little while ago. As far as they could go, they told them in simple words, and by the time it was all surmised, The Freaks showed their shock.

"W-w-woah, slow down now." Dereece nervously motioned. "So…so let me get this straight. You guys went at war with this big nation with the world's most powerful mages, who were all designed to destroy Acnologia, and you were the head honcho's younger brother?!" He pointed at Natsu with shock.

"Yeah, kinda."

"A-and this was all because of this Fairy Heart or something that this Black Wizard Zeref wanted, right?"

"In short, yes." Erza answered.

"It was a grievous time none of us were prepared for." Mirajane somberly said. "And that war, it's also where our former masters…"

The atmosphere in the guild began to turn sour full of grimace. Everyone in the area was looking down in slight grief, and some eyes could be seen misting from bittersweet goodbyes. The Freaks looked around to catch the mood befalling them, especially Laxus. Even Joey wasn't that stupid to elude from such a hint.

Realizing he made a mistake, Joey began to fret. "Oh…I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up anything that would-"

"No, it's fine. Honestly." Mirajane dismissed.

"But I…"

"Hey, chill." Gray insisted. "What happened, happened. Can't change that."

"Yeah, you're part of the guild now. You have a right to know. Besides…" Laki trailed off in small mourn. "I know those two are doing better now anyway."

Everyone around was still looking sad, and the mood was centered around Laxus especially. He didn't seem too happy about recollecting his Grandpa's goodbye, but it's as Gray said. It happened, and nothing could be done. He still couldn't believe he got the job. He sighed it all off to ease himself, no use in mourning forever, especially when an example was to be set.

"So then these guys are that powerful." Duncan said, getting the guild back on topic.

"Yes, the most rigorous amongst any creatures we had to stop. It took us everything we had to drive them away." Erza replied. "I find it hard to imagine that they could regroup their efforts in such a short span of time."

"Yeah, considering most of their numbers were blown off the face of Earthland." Max noted.

"How in the heck did they mobilize so fast?" Warren inquired.

Elfman stood nearby with crossed arms. "Doesn't make sense to me. We're still picking up scraps while they're welding cannons for all we know."

"It's gotta be the Pokémon." Nic deduced.

"You sure?" Wendy questioned.

Nic nodded. "I would imagine that would be the case. There's more than enough in terms of numbers where PokeEarth was. I wouldn't be surprised if they were doing just that."

"But…" Lucy took note of something else. "Something else is messed up here. It's this new emperor that Brandish was talking about."

"Neinhart, was it?" Sophie repeated.

"Yeah, how'd that creep rise up so quickly?" Natsu asked. "Doesn't even make sense."

"None of this makes sense at all." Lucy said. "He was powerful against Brandish, but a guy like him doesn't seem like someone I would put my weight on so easily."

"Yeah, considering he couldn't even hold his own up!" Happy intervened. "He was punched down like Natsu's punching bag."

"The man certainly has a shrewd manner, I'll say that much." Erza noted. "From what I've seen personally, he uses his magic to trick and use an opponent's memories against them and bring them to life."

Juvia gasped. "He can do that?" She was wondering how Keyes came back to life while they were battling in Hargeon. Now she knew.

Vanessa wasn't too far away. She was also inquiring at times how Neinhart's power brought Imaci back to life. Now she knew well.

Nic leaned against the wall, looking down in discern. "It sounds like he's a skilled manipulator who pulls strings. I can imagine how he must have done that to overthrow the remaining Spriggans, or maybe coax their empire as a whole."

Erza nodded in agreement. "He was never a man of head on conflicts. When I fought him, he forced me to face the deceased from before. I can tell you that isn't the kind of fighter I respect."

"There's so many questions, but how do we handle this?" Vanessa inquired.

"Yeah, it's not like answers are just going to come walking through the front door." Jet's note was cut off when something upfront got his attention.

The sound of the saloon doors opened, and the closest person turning was Kinana. When she turned, however, she looked shocked at who it was that entered.

"Who's there?" Laxus turned, but he realized who it was that entered unannounced. Everyone else turned to find who it was that was entering their guild. As they all turned, the figures drew to the center. Where they were the big picture for the morning.

Standing in front of them all, Crime Sorciere's appearance with all its members stood before its allies, all of whom had varied reactions.

"I believe someone has something they wish to say." Bellona teased.

Lucy looked shocked. "Crime Sorciere?"

"What are they doing here?" Happy asked.

Nic and Erza looked shocked at them. Everyone else was surprised as well, some in good ways, with others conspicuous. Still, through it all, Droy leaned into Jet's ear. "Way to jinx it, man."

"What?!"

Erza stepped forward, meeting her old friend. "Jellal, what are you doing here?"

The blue-haired man stared at the redhead, his gaze ever so calm.


In the Magic Council's building, the mood of the situation at hand was finally making sense to where they could breathe again. However, their breathing was far from calm, especially for some of the more gruff members.

"Damnit! How did we not know?!" Alfredo angrily banged his fist against his desk, quite possibly the fiftieth time overnight.

In front of the Magic Council and their expansive seating arrangement, two lacrima screens were in front. A jointed meeting showed Toma and Hisui, with the other showing Arthur with Marie. When Toma got word of something that came up that his guard told him, he made an emergency call; and surprising enough, Arthur was on the line as well. A jointed conversation was breaking down, and right now, not one person was happy with their side of the story.

"We've done a full interrogation on the minister as were my staffs' intentions." Hisui noted. "That minister that Fairy Tail was hired by was paid a great sum of Jewel if he agreed to this illegal shipping of Pokémon and items supplied by the Cambire Foundation."

"I believe Eliza from Jefferey's course informed me about this mess." Arthur noted. "She was the one sent in our stead to give a full report regarding our misplaced necessities."

"Then it looks like we've all carried a different piece to this unforeseen act of terrorism." Hyberion said, setting his wine glass down gently on the small wooden cupholder. He folded his fingers in front of his face and stared ahead with a serious glare that rivaled a vampire eying his prey. "We've been running investigations on nighttime shipments, the Cambire Foundation was hacked, and to make matters worse, our political run-in with Alakitasia was answered with bribery. When you put that all together, the puzzle is solved."

"Just how many more have been conned by these outsiders?" Maryam questioned.

"Enough to make us question each other." Montgomery groaned. "At this point, they're taking us out from the inside."

"Maybe, but we were fortunate those young ones gave us some addresses of those port black markets." Jeff absent-mindedly chimed. "We've got people on the way there already to bring them in."

"Was it necessary to let them go?" Justice turned towards fellow councilman Ruge. The Shambolic Mage offered no words as he retained his humble demeanor.

Wolfheim sneered. "Tch, if anything we should've locked you up for even thinking we should just take the information and nothing else."

Ruge shrugged. "they knew more than us apparently. Besides, it's not like asking nicely isn't going to change anything either." She smiled. "Besides, knowing him of all people, I think he's taking this matter to people perhaps more capable of doing so."

Justice narrowed her eyes. "What?"

Another loud thud made the whole cabinet shudder, but no one was startled.

"This is blasphemy!" Alfredo angrily exclaimed. "I won't stand having a threat like this hovering over like a watch owl! I say we head on the offensive immediately, and sent every mage on Ishgar with our Rune Marines to put these uprisers in their place once and for all!"

Maryam sighed tiredly. "Of course you of all people would suggest such a thing."

Arthur remained passive on his wheelchair. "Not to be rude, Alfredo…but an idea of that caliber is as terrible as your choice of virtue."

Alfredo looked up, angrily scowling up at Arthur. "I would watch my mouth if I were you. May I remind you that it was your foundation's job to handle background checks? What makes you think you have any room to talk about a threat that is none of your business?"

Arthur remained calm, if not humbled by Alfredo's choice of words. But that wasn't to say that he knew how to deal a few kicks of his own to the shins. "…maybe so. But then with your mouth, no wonder Charlotte told me she wished she ran a bullet through your face."

The council grew quiet in shock. Many of eyes widened at the subtle lash back by Arthur. Even Marie looked boss while adjusting her glasses in sheepish embarrassment. Jeff sat on his desk with Poliwag looking clueless, but the man raised an intrigued brow.

The veins around Alfredo's eyes began to show. "What was that?"

"Charlotte told me everything about the Alvarez incident on her way back. I asked her and Marie to look into the files and ask around about this Alvarez kingdom, so I think I know exactly what you're talking about."

Alfredo was looking angrier by the second. "You dare stick your nose where it doesn't belong?"

"I believe that this is our fight, too. It is our goods after all. And besides, from extra files Charlotte pulled up, weren't you a Rune Knight Sergeant who took part in the war as well? I believe it was your entire platoon that was wiped out effortlessly, right? And the only way you happened to make it out was 'tactical retreat'…am I right? So I think I should be telling you this instead, I would watch my mouth if I were you."

The council felt the air dampen as a shadow cast over Alfredo's eyes. His teeth gritted at the bitter cold defeat he had suffered. He could still feel the intense fear in his stare when he saw all his men laying around him like a horde of dead animals. When he felt such monstrous potential from a reaper, he could only scurry for his life. The shame was too great to bare.

Marie coughed abruptly. "Um, sir!" she hinted.

Arthur nodded. "Right, apologies, Marie." He looked back at his fellow councilmen. "The point I'm making here is that rushing in full force like you're suggesting is an act blinded by rage. We'll only be responding a threat with another threat. It's suicide."

Alfredo's teeth clutched tight, before he snapped back at Arthur. "We beat them before, and we'll do it again, now that we have our own Pokémon!"

Arthur's eyes narrowed. "Are you saying you want to put creatures of their own free will into combat against potentially life-threatening enemies that seek revenge?"

"And what if it is? People and animals are no different from each other. They take orders however they can if it means guaranteeing victory."

Arthur's narrowed eyes bared sharpened sclera. "What pitiful nonsense!" he snapped.

"Sir!" Marie gasped.

"The Cambire Foundation and our world alike has no such respect for principles as those. Using Pokémon for weapons in battle, making use if them as soldiers, and to top it all off, there's enough of abuse as it is from where we come from. If you really wish to go that way, you'll be no different from the enemy."

"And yet they fight and hurt in place of people on PokeEarth." Maryam rebuffed. "Hypocritical if you ask me."

Arthur and Marie both scowled internally at Maryam's retort. In a way, she was right. Pokémon do the battling and the Trainer gives the commands. It's like a general ordering his soldier in that aspect. But that still didn't make it okay.

Arthur took a minute to cool himself down. Before he could rise to anger like Alfredo, he had to remind himself of what was at stake, and he rather not be baited by the likes of sore losers. "You're right. We do have that in our world." He answered. "But our bodies aren't as strong as yours here in Earthland. And besides, we don't have magic, but even so, we still make do with the Pokémon as our aids when we need them the most. Rather than throwing the blame at each other, we need to be compromising."

Justice leered. "If I may say something. I think Alfredo is onto something here."

"Justice, not you, too." Ruge groaned.

"All I'm saying is that we need as much power as possible. We weren't as strong, but that doesn't mean we should pick up pieces and learn from our previous mistakes."

Leiji sighed. 'And yet it's repeating all over again. I don't even know why I came out of retirement.'

"It's true organizations in our world exist." Arthur said. "They have goals undermining many parts of the world, and they end up misusing Pokémon. We've seen it first-hand what poor Pokémon under poor Trainers and organizations suffer at the Cambire Foundation, and what you're implying is to be just like them."

"Yes, that is not what we are willing to enforce." Hisui intervened. She and her father were still onscreen, observing with their input timed perfectly.

"Princess Hisui." Hyberion noted.

"With all do respect, councilmen Alfredo and friends, what we are aiming for is a positive change to Pokémon. To have them cooperate in fighting that are of grim consequences unlike the example Nic and Duncan showed, then the impression will impact everyone else. The world will turn on us again."

Toma stepped up. "My daughter speaks the truth. Alvarez is a group of menacing mages. Responding to their setup by mimicry would make us no better than them."

"Then how exactly do we stop this mess before we all…you know, die?" Jeff nonchalantly asked.

"There is one way I most certainly know." Hisui noted. "There is one group that I know can pull something as stopping like this off."

Montgomery leaned forward in his seat, glaring at Hisui. "Wait, are you saying…?"

Wolfheim's glare hardened. "Hmph, don't make me laugh."

Hisui nodded. "You may not agree, but I am putting the very faith that I have into Nic Pularis and Fairy Tail. If anyone can stop them, they're worth betting on at these times."

Another thud shuddered the room, this one being of the same origin as the last thud.

"Ha! Now I find that laughable!" Alfredo rebuffed. "Fortunately for you, there are better things to laugh at than a group of mages who weaseled out of hell alive."

"Maybe so, but it was them who ended the war." Toma noted.

"And yet were also the ones who started it." Justice noted. "Don't think that we haven't forgotten about the Fairy Heart incident. They may have ended the greatest threats on the face of Ishgar, but they held back confidential information that we could've used."

"I disagree." Toma snorted back. "Nay I remind you that we're all at fault regarding our secrets kept. Miss Maryam." He turned towards her. "I believed you called Sir Arthur hypocritical, yes?"

"That I do."

"Well then, I suppose my daughter and I withholding the Eclipse Gate means something about our own secrets that hindered us. And let's not forget Phantasm, let alone Face, am I right? Weapons that you were responsible for that lead to the whole continent devastated."

Ruge snickered. "Oh, he's got us beat there."

"Silence, Ruge!" Wolfheim snorted before facing the screens. "What the point I fail to elude from is that I am not putting my faith in a group of whippersnappers that held the power that we don't have! Now where's the logic in that?"

Toma's eyes narrowed. "So this is about jealousy then?"

Wolfheim growled angrily.

Jeff sat back with his Poliwag in his lap. He stroke it, letting his tail wag happily. "Alright, everyone, let's take five. Take five." He received inquired leers from everyone else.

"Councilman Jefferson." Hyberion noted.

"Look, I think we need to look in their perspective is all. Okay, so maybe we were a little…awful. And let's be real here, if it weren't for Nic's delightful group, we'd all probably be dead. Sounds accurate in my stand point at least. All our armies across Ishgar didn't hold a candle, I don't see why we should hold back mages more than capable for the job than officials."

Hisui smiled. "Thank you for the support."

Maryam shot him a look. "So you're saying we should just do nothing and let Fairy Tail deal with this?"

Jeff shrugged. "Sure. What do you think, little guy?" He looked down to his Poliwag, who looked up at him with his small pink lips forming a smile.

The Poliwag shook his head. "I don't wanna fight. Too scary."

Jeff grinned. "See? He knows."

"That's a Pokémon." Leiji deadpanned.

"And it has a brain as capable as our own. We just need to use it to learn from our mistakes, and I think going directly at war will only cause the same results."

"Well said." Ruge said. "It's not that I don't like the idea…but my fellow Wizard Saints were of no use in the other countries. Their manpower and their Spriggans alone were of something you can send a hundred thousand men at and you still wouldn't get anywhere near them before you're blown away. You would know, right former Sergeant Alfredo?" He shot a smirk at Alfredo, who was darkly leering at Ruge beside him. He could tell that behind that underlying insult held a truth in his words.

Hyberion let out a grieving sigh. "The motion is noted."

"What's that?" Justice inquired.

"My sentiments exactly." Arthur chimed in. "You all may be skeptical, but I could see it almost in an instant. Nic upholds great faith. I have no doubt this matter can be solved in another way. You said Crime Sorciere is heading to them now, yes? Well then I say it's already in their hands."

The councilmen all looked at each other with inquiry. They mumbled and leaned into each other for a short while, passing on mumblings like telephone. They talked for a short while, until at last they faced forward with stern, cold faces. Especially Wolfheim and Alfredo.

"If that is what you see will be the answer to this crisis, then we will abide to your wishes." Hyberion finally answered.

Toma nodded. "Yes. We, too, support this decision."

"We'll just have to put in great faith for our allies to pull together and settle this." Hisui said.

Arthur nodded. "It'll save lives. You're doing the right thing."

Hyberion lowered his head. "I just wished this matter could be solved more peacefully."

Hisui's own face nodded. "Unfortunately, chairman Hyberion…peace isn't for the faint of heart."

"So it is."

The video connections finally cut off, leaving everyone to tend to their own business once more.

In Arthur's office, the lacrima turned off, leaving him to give a relieved sigh.

"Sir, if I wish to admit my guilt, I just wish we could do something more to help this case." Marie said, looking away in sheepish guilt.

Arthur folded his fingers again. "Believe me, Marie, I feel the same way." He looked out at the fields once more, now seeing that there were only a few staff members out there compared to the past few days. Jefferey was working on background checks and making double sure everyone was being interviewed a second time. He knew Eliza would be going through records as well to make sure they wouldn't be lying. Charlotte and Travis were both buckling down on disciplining the trainers inside their courses right now. He sighed once again. "What has come to us now?"

"Sir…"

He looked ahead, his gaze growing serious. "I suppose we may only have one chance at this…but I can't help but wonder how this will all go. I want to see just how well mages and Pokémon truly work together in times like this." His fingers tightened. "Otherwise our efforts would've been nothing but a means to an end."


In another part of Fiore, the sky was cloudy along a secluded isle. Along the rocky shores, waves crashed up every so often to make water spout and spray. The waves were so harsh that even a Wailmer wouldn't get too close. However, on a small alcove where the water was less rocky, a cool breeze ran through while a sizeable boat was in the center.

"Ow! Hey, stop touching me there!"

"Well then hold still and I wouldn't have to touch it there!"

"I was when you-ow!"

"I said hold still!"

"You did that on purpose!"

The Peace Jaegers were residing on the boat, where their client was withholding them for the time being. They all were licking their wounds from last night's battle, and while the winds were loud, Griffon's whining was noticeable even from miles away. And it didn't help that Matilda's claws were getting into the burns inflicting.

"Alright, here we go." Matilda wrapped another roll of gauze over Griffon's arm. At this point, he almost looked completely mummified in the whole upper body, compared to the few bandages on her cheek and wrapped round her abdomen. She finally stood up, looking down with a grin. "There, that should do it."

Griffon laid on the deck over a mat, his body unable to move. "Well that could've been done a lot faster if you didn't poke me every 5 second!" he snapped. "Ow!"

"Ow quite being such a crybaby. You'll be fine." She turned towards Broly, who was behind not too far away and shadowboxing with his shirt off, allowing his intensely string physique to show. "Speaking of which, I'm surprised you were taken to, Broly."

Broly drew back his fist and let out a loud grunt as he punched forward. A small wind exerted, which would've knocked anyone down in his way. Upon hearing her, he turned with sweat on his face. "The guys really got their acts together. What can I say?" He turned around, throwing another volley of punches at thin air. "I just need to train harder!"

Orion was up on the mast, looking down at his comrades as they were dealing with their downfall. The winds blew like a ghastly wave, and yet around him, his hair or coat hardly shifted. It was nothing short of contradictory.

But as he noted the wounds Griffon suffered, and Broly training, he couldn't help but fixate on his fight. "BREAK FREE~!" He could still remember that last spell Gray used, and it was powerful. As he looked down at his gloved hand, he could see the varied shades of gray and black that were worn down over the years. He began to reflect on his own magic, though not that deep enough.

'To think that there would be another Devil Slayer in this world.' He thought. 'But that magic, it was far from perfect. I could still sense the doubt feting on his magical energy. That time alone was a fluke. If his magic energy is that high, and yet his Devil Slayer powers are so low, could this mean that he's suffered that mark?'

Before he could take his thinking process to another step, he looked to another part of the boat. Down beneath him, at the mast's base, he could see Aniya sitting all by herself.

"…" She was completely silent; in fact, she looked despondent to say the least. Orion could sense it from where he was.

He could feel it all. In fact, he could almost see it without looking directly at her. He's seen it before, and the image and guilt weren't pretty. Sure, she was his comrade, but he never bothered for personal reasons. Still, this didn't happen too often, usually only when she woke up from night terrors, and that only happens maybe twice a month.

Quietly, she began to mutter to herself. "Why…can't I remember?" Her memory was hazy from last night. All she knew was that she was getting ice cream, and the next thing she knew, she was out in the middle of nowhere with an odd but soothing feeling inside her head that made her headache ease. 'I know I wasn't hungover. I was having ice cream, but then something happened to me. If I were violated, I would've known…but this, this just feels…weird.'

Another grim image of a snake-like figure popped into her mind. She could see how wide its mouth was and how everything looked dark. Her eyes narrowed and her grip on her forearms tightened. Whatever happened, it had something to do with that. She just knew.

Orion's glance down at her finally turned away, facing the alcove's rocky peaks where Wingull were nesting.

Liz was closer to the bow of the boat. The sea breeze was nice, but the girl enjoyed her tunes equally as much. Of course a certain Water Mage she encountered earlier damaged her headphones. She was working on fixing them to the best of her abilities. She was on hands and knees as she was using very small globs of gum to take in the water and let it air out from there. It was taking time, but now she was board out of her own mind.

Although, when she looked up, the bubble popped inside her mouth and she continued chewing. She brushed her hair to the side and bent down again, resuming her tune fixing.

While everyone was busy working on their damages, Brandish was standing at the very front of the ship, sharing out at the small inward cave that was made by two slanted rock formations. She was glaring ahead as the clouds in the sky reminded her of that day months ago

Brandish stood amongst her peers inside the empty throne room of the palace Zeref once resided. A domain that was once home to the infamous Black Wizard, now nothing more than a decorative display that no one could've touched. If they could, it would be nothing but an insult that even Invel's magic wouldn't require freezing in place.

The remaining Spriggans, Ajeel, Brandish, Jacob, Invel, Dimaria, and Neinhart were standing in the empty room. Even Yajeel was present. While Invel had been doing his same job while Zeref was gone before the incident, the news didn't stop the public from throwing a panic.

Outside, people were going about, and up above in the window, one could see them buying goods and merchandise, but it wasn't the same. There were a lot more women out with children since many of their fathers were lost. Truly a grim time.

"Look at them." Were the first words that left Yajeel's mouth. "They seem to be moving on. But look at us. Our beloved Spriggan reduced to half."

Nobody said anything. What could they say? They were designed to crush Ishgar to pieces, and they almost succeeded, but they still ended up losing, and with a price too great. Their strongest members perished, including August and Zeref together. Brandish couldn't help but frown deeper.

Ajeel looked away in annoyance. "Don't remind me, gramps." He huffed.

"Those Fiorians, I can't believe that even my Stealth was ineffective." Jacob grimly said.

"You had your eyes closed the whole time." Ajeel retorted. "Did you even try?"

Jacob angrily turned towards Ajeel, meeting his glare. "Well that says more about me being taking on Nic personally than manhandled by one of his fruitless pets."

"At least I can handle seeing a naked tramp."

"I would watch my mouth if I were you."

"Or what? Touch me and I'll reduce your hands to prunes!"

The two mages were sharing a dark tension between them. Both didn't seem at all pleased with each other's appearances at the time. It was enough that they lost, but what they were suffering was sheer insult to injury. And to make matters worse, nobody stepped in to say otherwise.

Yajeel sighed. "Enough, Ajeel."

After a moment's glare, Ajeel turned away first. "Whatever." He huffed.

Invel maintained his sophisticated gleam. "Barking at each other like children after losing a toy."

"But that toy took our emperor with it." Yajeel noted.

"Exactly why I called us here."

Neinhart was staring out the window still. He seemed to be paying attention, at lest to how Invel saw it, but the man looked far too distant to care.

"And just what might that reason be exactly?" Brandish inquired bluntly.

Invel turned towards her, giving a sharp stare that rivaled freezing her eyes if implied. Brandish could feel an odd intensity arise in the air, one that rivaled ice itself. When she looked around, she could feel the many cold stares that were starting to edge towards her. The Command T Mage was starting to feel something amidst about these circumstances. She narrowed her eyes at Invel the best she could.

"We're here to finally evaluate your betrayal to the empire." Invel said.

Brandish's eyes slowly widened from shock. No matter how big she could make things, she never would've made something this big. "…my what?" she gasped.

"I think she shrunk her own ear drums by mistake. I think she needs to hear it again. You messed up big time, you tramp!" Ajeel voiced in a loud, rude tone.

"Grandson." Yajeel scorned in a groan.

Brandish looked around one more time. She saw that everyone but Neinhart was looking at her with obnoxious stares. She thought this was a joke, but she realized that this wasn't Fairy Tail. A short while back in the empire and reality struck her at the wrong time.

"Explain this to me." She demanded.

Invel adjusted his glasses. "Myself and my colleagues have been thinking about this ever since we have come back, and while I am resuming my job in the stead of our fallen emperor, I feared for what the others have witnessed. Is it wrong to say that the enemy and you have been in close contact during that time period?"

Brandish looked down in slight guilt. "…"

"So it would seem the claims are true."

"Invel, I can explain." She defended quickly.

Invel turned away. "If it'll ease this case on our hands."

She took a step forward. "The enemy took advantage of me for a short time. Within that period, I was brought to see the war that was waged had no defined purpose. We have lost so many, and for what? Our majesty's cause was for a genocide, not a revolution."

Invel's glance shifted towards Brandish from the corner of his eye. "No defined purpose, you say." He looked at her for a short while longer before he turned away in full. "So you say. Go on."

"I was on enemy lines, and what his majesty had told us was exaggerated." As she went on, she was unaware of the grip tensing on Dimaria's forearms as she remained silent. "What they were doing was far from what his majesty had told. True they had an interesting power, but the darkness that he told did not lie in them. It lied in-"

Invel put his hand up, giving Brandish a pause. The green-haired mage looked with a beating heart as suspense filled between her and the Ice Mage. He continued looking away with a vision that made him indescribable.

"My apologies, Brandish…but did you say they had no darkness inside them?" he asked.

She nodded. "I did."

"Then tell me of Gray Fullbuster and E.N.D."

The girl on defense felt the weights fall onto her again. She stared at Invel once more, the events of the war and what she saw after Nic's damage to them had done.

"That is a farce. Every human has darkness inside them. The fact that you said darkness is not inside Nic Pularis is another thing entirely." He grimly glared at her. "He was the epitome of darkness that forced Gray's actions to turn on him. Exactly what kind of light-hearted humans do that?"

"The kind that you would take advantage of."

"Advantage of you say?" Invel looked back at her directly, his glare hardening. "You're mistaken again, Brandish. I merely showed him the truth. People who have trouble accepting the truth are those who are trapped in darkness. They are beyond the reaches that prevent calamities like the fall of Irene and August."

Jacob stepped in from the side. "And I heard that she tried to negotiate pointless peace with August in the enemy's stead." He smirked. "Now what do you call that?"

"Jacob…"

A snicker came from Ajeel. "Heh, now that I think about it, I hardly saw you at all on the battlefield. You were making buddy-buddy than messing with all those Fairy Tail punks to their deaths, right?"

"But I was just-!" Brandish gasped in realization. She realized that she slipped up, in more ways than one. When she looked over at her last line of defense, all she got was a friend distantly looking away. "Dimaria…?"

The Time Mage stayed close to the pillar, unable to look her friend in the eye.

"Seems the jury has spoken."

The voice got everyone's attention. When they all turned, they saw that Neinhart's arms were folded behind his back. He was looking out ahead of himself while acknowledging what it was that he knew all along.

"Neinhart." Brandish angrily huffed.

The mage smiled mischievously over his shoulder. "Well I'm not wrong. I saw it with my own eyes after all. You betrayed us for those misfits; the ones that dared to raise their voice to Lady Irene and all our powers. What do you that says about you?"

"My thoughts exactly, Neinhart." Invel said.

Brandish gasped at Invel. She could feel her feet getting cold.

Neinhart slowly turned to face Brandish. "I was there. Dimaria was there. And I think we were more than aware of what was going on with you, Brandish." He began to slowly pace himself forward modestly. "Don't get me wrong, dealing with those guys can be entertaining at first…but it's not so fun after a while." Even in the faint light of the abandoned throne room, Brandish's eyes widened at what she saw. "Right?!" His voice arose at the last remark, and he could see the shaking fear in those large eyes of hers. She could see the tattered scar on his cheek where Natsu beat him in. It was still healing, but by now, the bare skin was fully covered by skin graft. "Now tell the truth! We all know by this point! Do you consider them the enemy, or not?!"

Brandish was unable to find the words. At this point, it was all too clear that any words coming out now would be insult to injury.

Neinhart snorted, which grew into a voluminous laughter. He cackled loudly in a mocking tone, one that made anyone uncomfortable. "I knew it! You really have grown too soft for your own good!" he exclaimed. "I think someone who doesn't share clear views with us should be dealt with promptly."

"Yes, wholeheartedly." Jacob glared.

Ajeel raised a brow. "Oh? A punishment? Well that seems right up an alley."

Yajeel lowered his head. "In accordance to this, I suppose a proper punishment is to be carried out for Lady Brandish."

"Yajeel…" Brandish began to take steps back, her fears on the rise.

"A punishment of death for a fellow Spriggan seems to be a suitable punishment." Invel suggested. "However, perhaps a little harsh given what she has done for us all these years."

Neinhart stepped forward in front of everyone, smirking wide. "Well I think I got just the right thought." He chuckled. "Well, Brandish, since you like those yellowbellies so much, why don't you join them. Because as far as I can see, traitors such as yourself are a bother to the empire!"

"Neinhart-!"

"Quiet!" he snapped. "The way I see it, you betrayed not just Lady Irene, but everyone in this room. I think a death worthy of you is highly considered…but I think I have a much more entertaining prospect in mind." He took one more step forward, his smile darkening to where he almost looked like a sinister ghost. "I say…we sentence you to exile."

Brandish put her foot down. "Exile, Neinhart?! This is ridiculous! You don't even have the authority!"

His eyes narrowed at her. "Oh, do I…?" His eyes glowed for a moment before fading. "Well what about him?"

Brandish wasn't sure what he meant by 'him', just the room's atmosphere grew bitter cold as a chill rn up his spine. Behind, a dark silhouette reveled himself.

"Brandish."

The voice made her eyes shrink to small pupils. 'That voice…' She slowly turned around, time slowing down as her eyes met someone behind. Her heart hitched deeply as she saw an old man with a cloak and a staff in hand. His calm glare towards her gave him a fatherly disposition.

There was a silence around them as all the Spriggans saw it. They stared ahead with some raising their heads in wonder.

Brandish turned around, staring at the man in question. As if by remote, she shakily began to reach out towards him. "G-Grandpa August…?"

"Brandish." He replied.

Brandish shakily reached out for him, but a sudden force blew her forward. She fell on her stomach, thudding in shock as the image of August faded away. She laid on the ground, groaning in pain as Neinhart held his palm out.

"You see? Weakness!" he sniped. He watched her slowly rise to her knees, seeing her cough from the gusty bullet that struck her back. "But that look was priceless! Hahahaha!" he mockingly laughed.

Brandish looked over her shoulder, her leer as deep as lead. "You…!"

"This show had no place for failures with wasted talent." He sneered.

Brandish prompted to get up and turn. "Neinhart, that's i-!" In the blink of an eye, she found herself turning, but she fell down again, this time with her hands behind her back. Her chin hot the ground, making a loud bony thud. "Gnnngh. What the…?" She looked over her arms, seeing something oddly familiar. She had her hands tied behind her back, and it happened so fast.

'Magic Sealing Stone? But how…?' She looked over, seeing the one culprit that could be possible that was standing a few feet over her with a menacing glare of disappointment. "Dimaria!"

Invel turned towards Neinhart with a frown. "Neinhart, I do believe you are forgetting who has the authority here. I advise you stand down any further."

Neinhart turned and gave him the wily smirk. "Oh? Why would I forget? Of course I didn't forget. After all…" he snapped his fingers. "He's right there, right?"

Invel eyes widened when he felt an odd, and yet familiar presence in the area. He could feel a shadow loom beside him that smiled mournfully with dull eyes. When he turned, however, the Ice Mage was shaken by the fact he was looking into a dark corner where the curtains shifted. When he looked back at Neinhart, he showed signs of wear.

"Now then, I think this can work out quite nicely for all of us." He slyly said. "Don't you think?"

"Neinhart!" Brandish struggled to break free on the ground, but all she did was toss and turn. It was no use. "Just what do you want?!"

Neinhart's head turned towards her. This time, however, she could feel a chill run deep down her spine when she saw the grim look of his face. His eyes were having a bleak shadow over them as his chin arose. "…entertainment." He answered. "Who cares about what happened now? It's not like you or anyone else here can pull strings that I can!" He turned away, calling out to the guards nearby. "Somebody get this tramp out of my sight! She's nothing but trash!"

"Neinhart!" Brandish struggled more, but two guards quickly came at his call. They rolled in as fast as possible and began to drag her away. He kicked and screamed out as the others watched her get dragged along. "Neinhart! You egotistical maniac! What's going on here?!" she screamed. "Somebody tell me!"

Neinhart smirked maliciously while everyone else watched her go. Dimaria refused to look her in the eye still.

"Invel! Jacob! Ajeel…Dimaria!" she cried. "No…NOOOO~!"

Brandish looked up at the sky again, staring at the blanket of gray that reminded her of that treacherous day. "What a drag." She sighed.


A new day has dawned within the revolutionized empire. As one would think, people were going about their business the best they could, but even the most frequent of bystanders were beginning to feel dread whenever they went outside, and it wasn't because of the weather. The forecast was overcast for the day. The answer lied in the massive palace that overlooked everything. They couldn't explain it, but lately it's been having this odd, ominous appeal towards it.

Through the long corridor, a stave was held onto by a pair of freckled wrinkly hands. Yajeel shakily made way alone down the hallway to the closed door. There were no guards posted, just as Neinhart wanted. Just space all to himself.

When he got in front, he shakily reached for the expensive handle. The door slowly opened without much sound, and as it opened, so did the other door. There on that far end of the room, there lied the current ruler of the empire, who was sitting on his throne with gesticulation that signaled boredom. He approached slowly, his cane's echoing silenced by the red carpet he walked down. He reached the end in a matter of minutes and lowered his head.

"Your majesty, you have summoned me?" he stated. He waited for a proper response, but he was left for his question to hang loosely in air. "Your majesty?"

One couldn't tell if Neinhart was half-asleep or paying attention. He sat on his throne rather restlessly as he overlooked the cloudy skies. A sigh escaped his bored expressive mouth. "How does the emperor put up sitting on something like this all day?" he muttered. "It's so boring."

"Beg your pardon?" Yajeel asked, having heard nothing but faint whispers.

A small "Hm?" escaped Neinhart as he perked up. He turned to glance behind his throne, seeing the elderly advisor present. "Eh? What do you want now? Can't you see I'm busy?"

"So I've noticed." He nodded meekly. "You called me here for something important, did you not?"

Neinhart raised a brow, before he caught onto his track of mind. "Oh, right~, that." He mused. "Tell me about this training that's going on right now. Are those animals looking stronger yet?"

Yajeel bowed. "As Invel had been watching over them the entire time. He told me to inform you that last week's recruits have gotten significant results since the training has begun."

"And…of everyone else?"

"The rankings and the choice of Pokémon they have made have been finalized based on your design, your majesty."

From the corner of his lips, a smirk made way on Neinhart's lips as he folded his fingers. "Good. Very good…"

An odd but also very discomforting silence fell on the two as Yajeel waited anything from Neinhart. However, he was met with silence. The man wasn't even moving from his seat. He was spacing out like someone who woke up from the best dream ever. It was a short while before anything could've been said.

"…well then, if there is nothing else, I think it's best that I be on my-"

"I think we're ready."

Yajeel fell silent in his tracks. "Pardon?"

"You heard me, old man. I said that I think we are ready." He repeated.

Yajeel had a bad feeling of what he meant by that. He didn't peg for it to be any kind of blessing given the tone he carried. "Your majesty, I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what you mean by-"

"Don't play coy with me, old man!" he snapped accusingly. "You know exactly what I'm talking about!" He got up from his throne, facing the man at the bottom of the steps. "I'm tired of sitting on this throne waiting for results. It's time that we take matters into our own hands, and move forward to final mobilization at once." He whipped around gain, facing the windows and not a humble Yajeel.

"Your majesty, we need to think this through." He pleaded. "Is this what you want?"

Neinhart glared from the corner of his eyes. "You dare question your emperor, when he gave you a clear answer to what he wants?"

Yajeel would've said something if it meant procuring the good name of Alvarez, but he was remembering that this wasn't Zeref. Neinhart wasn't like the previous emperor, who was at least willing to hear him out. But Neinhart was an antisocial, selfish prick, who scoffed at anyone else.

When he thought about it, he didn't like it, but he sighed in defeat. "And do you truly believe that the Pokémon are willing to help us in our cause?" he sounded so hollow, as if the answer wouldn't matter in the end.

Neinhart gave another snort as he glanced back at the window. "Hmph, it's been long enough. I say those animals are good enough."

"But what of the new shipment from last night? Are you serious about-?!" A gust breezed past him, leaving Yajeel to stay immobile as he stared at the palpitating wind pressure gathering around Neinhart.

Winds began to course around him as he angrily glared forward and away. By his abominable aura, he looked like he wanted to murder somebody, him in particular.

"Then get them trained faster." He warned through his gritting teeth out of impatience. "I don't care how it's done as long as they're up to speed. We need all their power, to revitalize our nation that was smeared by Lady Erza and her misfits that dared to make us look weak! I'M FED UP WITH WAITING!"

Yajeel knew that at this point there was no turning back. The winds around the room began to dial down as the man's temper began to simmer down. He was looking to be on the verge of a breakdown if nothing was to get done soon. If he didn't do something, he may very well kill somebody.

Yajeel sighed in defeat. "Very well, as you wish."

Neinhart finally subsided his flare and looked ahead. "Good. Now leave."

"But when do we…?"

Neinhart groaned angrily at Yajeel's insistence. He looked angrily down for a few moments before he turned towards Yajeel. "Fine. We'll begin the attack the night of the new moon! Now, I said…leave."

Yajeel paused for a few moments before he ultimately turned away. He walked with his staff back out the door that shut behind him. Neinhart whipped around to glare at the window again.

"Pffft, stupid old man. Oh well, at least I have something to look forward to." He smirked excitedly for when the time comes when he could show the world his truly divine might.


Yajeel slowly paced down the hallway once more, taking note of Neinhart's incredulous demand. While it wasn't desperate, it was a long the lines of a tyrant's impulse. If anything were to be done about him, it was out of his hands by now.

As he made his way towards Invel, he took notice of Ajeel nearby. He saw him with another Pokémon, one that looked like a freakishly large orange ant. It had a round orange head with snapping jaws and black eyes with white star-like irises. In comparison to the head, the body was smaller, having stubby orange limbs.

"Ajeel?"

The creature looked sheepishly at Ajeel as he glowered over it. "So is this really what you can do?" He had just seen all of his moves, and while it held some resemblance to his own, it still wasn't anything so impressive to the likes of him. "Tch, this is just sad. I get a freaking ant that can crawl at the pace of my old man! Maybe he should've gotten a slowpoke like yourself."

The Trapinch lowered its head in shame at his new master's words.

Yajeel came from behind, looking at the scene with modesty. "Ajeel." He got his attention. "You should try and be a little nicer to your colleagues. Maybe you'd feel better about yourself."

"Grandpa?" Ajeel looked at him before he dismissed the idea. "Why would I do something like that? It's not like can do anything."

"You never know, grandson. Sometimes it's the least you'd expect that makes a difference."

Ajeel rolled his eyes. "Yeah, heard that before."

There was a small silence that fell while the Ground-type Ajeel had looked up at Yajeel, who looked down at him. The two didn't have anything in common, except for possibly one emotion: Displeasure. Yajeel looked back at the ground as he pondered.

"What do you think of all this?"

Ajeel raised a brow. "Huh? What do you mean?"

"Everything. Lord Neinhart's ambitions. The neglect we are giving each other. Treating these Pokémon. Everything. We're all so caught up in our wounds inflicted that we are all blinded by rage. We only wish to make others share the wounds we were inflicted, but that does nothing more than bring greater wounds to ourselves. Soon as you know it, the world feels nothing but grief and pity for you."

Ajeel squinted at his grandfather. While he did had a hint of what he meant by what he meant, that wasn't to say that he didn't agree. Sure he respected him – to a degree – that wasn't to say that he held his own beliefs. As far as he was concerned, he was still pissed at Nic and Fairy Tail. "Well it's better than just sitting around and doing nothing like you." He shrugged. "I don't know about you, but I've been meaning to get back out there again. And this time, I'm just itching to grind my sand into their bones and disintegrate them from the inside!"

Yajeel offered nothing for the sake of his grandson. He's always known him to be strong; one of the strongest mages ever known alive. He had power, but there was still much needed wisdom that words alone wouldn't be able to break through his sand body.

Finally, he sighed before choosing to walk away. "Sometimes the real enemy is the one you have to find in yourself."

"Huh? What's that you're saying?" Ajeel questioned rudely. "You must be deaf if you can't understand what you're saying."

"Never take the life you make now for granted, boy."

He left to make way down the hall, leaving Ajeel to look away. When his grandfather was out of sight, he began to speak to himself. " 'The real enemy is the one you have to find in yourself', 'Never take my life for granted'…" He wasn't sure what any of that meant, but for now, he shrugged and chose to focus on himself and his goals. "Whatever."


Yajeel made way out to the palace's midway courtyard. The doors shut as he walked through the beautiful yard, all alone, with nothing but an overcast overhead and fountain water for music. When he made it to the far reached of the courtyard's reaches, he looked straight ahead at the massive imperial city that was being looked over. His eyes then drifted down to the citizens, seeing many trying to buy and sell goods as usual. But one thing felt missing, something that everyone had that they didn't; even Alavrez's military had this.

Pokémon.

Yajeel's gaze lowered, a mourning sign following. "Dear Emperor, what has happened? Look at this dear home that you have left behind. At one point, I see a sovereign realm, and have seen my whole life. But now when I look at it…not one person smiles." He paused for a moment to allow his thoughts to race around the empire's citizens below. "To allow something as treacherous as this to befall a kingdom, would one call it such a thing anymore? What can an empire gain out of displeased citizens, nothing but hate and depression. Hate, a very stinging emotion; and depression, an infectious lack of drive. With these two factors, it's what makes a world, our very land, one truly of pity."

He looked up towards the sky, seeing the many birds flying overhead. Some were so far up, and many other were Pidgey, or perhaps Pidove that were in flocks. They were free, as should be human and spirit alike. He loked back down, thinking how the renewed Spriggan 12's drive was anything but free. Neinhart especially was far from free. He claimed he was going to make the empire great again, but it was for a lost cause. And Invel wouldn't do anything about it, and if he did, odds were a Historia might intervene to allow Neinhart to get a backway out of this.

'Hate truly is a regrettable emotion that overwhelms the easiest of minds…' His attention drew skywards when he heard a caw. When he looked up, he saw that in the skies, a fellow Wingull flew down, perching itself on the end of his staff. The man watched him pick at his wings as he roost for a short while before speaking. "My friend, how have you been?"

The Wingull looked down, smiling at Yajeel. "Hi, mister!" it cawed. "It's great to see you again."

Yajeel chuckled. "Yes, it's good to see you as well." He looked ahead of himself to stare at the empire once more, his gaze growing subsequently serious. An urge grew inside of himself as he thought about his grandson, and how Elfman and Lisanna were surprisingly nice. They truly weren't bad people, but his empire was.

He knew now what he can do.

"My friend." He reached into his pocket, which held a spare envelope inside of it. He looked at it briefly before giving it to Wingull. "I have something I'd wish you could do for an old, frail man such as myself…"

He told the Wingull what to do and waited a few minutes as the letter was written in place. With no one around, the message was given to Wingull's beak and it took off with the wind. He sailed into the air as far as possible, making way far over the empire and out of Yajeel and everyone's sight.

He lowered his head, sighing once more. 'We need a miracle in this land, and I fear this may very well be our only shot. Only you can be the bridge between these two nations, child. I'm counting on you.'

Watching from behind the door, his grandson was leaning against the ridging, his frown full of inquiry and slight anger at what his grandfather was pulling.


Everyone was surprised to say the least, that much could be said. It wasn't exactly easy to compensate the fact that supposed convicts found their way out of a jam on multiple occasions, taking advantage of even the Tartaros incident. But even after the Alvarez and Acnologia incident there some spots that were iffy for others to handle.

"Well I didn't see this coming." Gray said.

Jellal grinned. "The feeling's understandable. I trust that you all have been well?"

"Of sorts." Nic grinned. "Gotta say, your timing's not too shabby."

"Sounds like modesty coming from someone with that sort of gift." Jellal teased.

Nic rolled away sheepishly. He wasn't wrong though, it just happens. Not that it's in his power anyway.

Laxus stepped forward, folding his arms. "Not to be rude or anything, but what exactly did you think would happen just by barging into our guild? We're not exactly in a welcoming mood, no offense."

Bellona stepped forward and nodded. "Our apologies. This was a last minute situation. We came over just as soon as we finished settling a matter with the council."

"You guys talked to the council, too?" Happy gasped.

"Man, here I thought Nic started taking big gambles." Gray noted, much to Nic's raised brow. Coincidentally, it's what made Gray sweat drop as well.

Jellal nodded. "So I've heard." He looked elsewhere, more specifically at an old friend. "Erza, been a while it has."

Erza returned the nod. "Yes, it most certainly has."

"I take it you're doing well?"

She smiled. "Indeed." She meekly snickered. "Although I wouldn't go as far as say everything's heading down the way we imagined it would be right now."

Jellal returned the snicker as well. "You can say that again."

"Now that Zeref and Acnologia have been fully dealt with, all we can do now is continue our eternal purge of forces across this land." Ultear informed. "In a world that is full of revolution, even the brink of collapsing is far from impossible."

"Still the same as ever I see." Gray joked.

Ultear returned the smirk, though with her face turned away and shooting a glance at him. "Well that's not to say about you. Like being naked around other women still I see."

"Huh?" Looking down at his wardrobe, Gray realized he was without a shirt…again. All he did was sigh, and Ultear mockingly chuckled at him. "Yeah, yeah, just rub it in."

Nearby. A certain someone was watching the two get along since the moment they've met. The Water Mage that was Juvia was on the verge of gritting teeth with angry white eyes and shaking fists fixed on her arms. 'First my darling gets hit on by that gum tramp, and now his master's student has returned?! Why does fate always have to do this to me?!'

"Wow Vanessa, you look really well!"

The sound of a familiar pinkette cut Juvia off from her daily dose of rivalry issues for a short while. Her attention drew away from the scene to Meredy and Vanessa behind, the two girls catching up after such a long time.

"I could say the same to you." Vanessa replied. "Is that a new cloak?"

"It is. I kinda like this shade."

"It suits you."

"Thanks! How's Goodra been?"

Vanessa held up her Poke Ball. "Well would you rather see for yourself?"

Juvia watched the scene and looked back at Gray and Ultear. When she took a moment to stop and think, really Gray wouldn't really leave her for Ultear, even though she had a much more curvaceous figure, straighter hair, far more supple lips, and a lot of other stuff that was beginning to make her fear for the worst once again. Needing a distraction, she turned towards Meredy, getting out her own Poke Ball. "Meredy, did you want to see my Pokémon too?"

"Oh, Juvia!" Meredy chimed. "Yeah, I'd love too!"

"Heh, so this place is still kicking I see." Sawyer mocked. "You can smell the booze a mile away."

Cana held up a mug by the bar. "Thanks for the compliments." She winked.

"My friends, we meet each other once more! Oh what a splendid occasion!" Richard rejoiced.

Nic crossed his arms and grinned. "Well I don't know about 'splendid occasion'...but it's nice to see that you're still doing well, Richard."

"Ah, Nic! I trust that you have been doing astonishing well as ever." He replied.

Nic looked up and away. "Well, to be frank, more or less." He glanced back at Richard. "I don't mean to get personal, but how have you been with your search for Wally?"

Richard seemed more humbled than of regret, thankfully. "Well unfortunately, we of Crime Sorciere are taking our steps. I'm afraid my search for my brother has still lead little to know."

Nic softly grinned. "Well I know he's out there, somewhere. Just do what you did before and stay positive. That's what we all have to do this time around."

Sophie smiled. "It'll be fine. I'm sure he made it out alright."

Both weren't sure themselves. In all honesty, they still don't know who made it out of the war several months ago. It was a long ways from wherever they were, but imagining the worst wouldn't do any good. For Richard's sake, they chose to leave it at that.

"Well if it isn't the blondie." A familiar voice called that made Lucy and Natsu turn towards its origin. Not to their surprise, they saw Sorano present.

"Oh, you!" Lucy chimed. "It's uh…"

"It's Sorano." She pouted with puffy cheeks. "I thought you'd be smarter than last time, but I guess I was wrong."

Lucy sheepishly dropped a bead of sweat in nervousness. "Oh, uh…r-right. Sorry."

Natsu raised a brow. "Hey, you're that Angel chick that nearly drove me and Wendy to death!" he angrily fumed. "How come you didn't warn us?!"

Sorano had puffs of smoke coming from her face as she retorted. "Then you wouldn't have come along for the ride! You'd still be on a boat to who knows where!"

Natsu crossed his arms and turned away. "Well I still don't see why it had to be a vehicle."

"Well probably because you can't exactly walk underwater, Natsu." Lucy said matter-of-factly. "Let's just be glad you didn't lose your guts otherwise we'd be getting complaints for weeks."

Sorano raised her nose to the ceiling. "Exactly right! I can see who's the most sensible one in this little pair."

Natsu looked at Sorano confusedly, but Lucy's face deepened to a bright red of shrieking embarrassment. Sorano turned away and stuck her tongue out with a wink. Happy couldn't help but hold back a snicker.

"What's going on again?" Klefki asked. "Oh! I bet it involves keys!"

"Well the key's gotta go in somewhere." Sorano chimed.

"Say what?!" Lucy spatted. Sorano laughed, while Lucy was rendered completely speechless. Fortunately for her, Natsu wasn't that decisive, but he knew some kind of joke was made.

"The heck's going on about this key going in some place?" he asked.

"Nothing! Nothing important!" Lucy shrieked.

"Woah, geez! Okay! Okay!"

While one lover's quarrel was happening somewhere, another kind of love was being made close by. A little farther away from the rest, Erik was looking into the eyes of Kinana. The two distant mages looked at each other admirably, with Kinana looking more than happy with a pleading stare at Erik, who softly smiled down onto her.

"Erik." She said softly.

The Poison Dragon Slayer gave a toothy smile at his "Cubellios" as he remembered her. It's been so long since they've last seen each other, if a few months meant anything. But even after the incident with Acnologia and regrouping in Magnolia, it wasn't to say that they weren't trying to keep in touch when they could. "Cubellios, I can hear your voice clearly now. Such a wonderful sound."

Kinana looked down sheepishly. "Oh, r-really? Thank you." She looked up at him. "S-so you've been well then?"

Erik kept his smile. "Of course. Been busy with my own guild and all…but every time I hear voices from afar, I always seem to pick up on yours. It's always faint, but at least I know it's there."

"Erik…"

Watching from close by, Macbeth chimed a soft smile of his own before turning away. "Truly love is a bright motivation. And it certainly is entertaining to say the least."

"Can't argue there." Duncan huffed. "So then you're allies, right?"

"Yes, of course." Macbeth nodded. "To meet your acquaintance is appreciative."

Joey leaned into Dereece, still glancing at Macbeth. "Pssst! Eh, not to be rude…but does everyone in this world have some kind of style going for them? This guy's wearing lipstick for crying out loud."

"Oh, and like you don't wear maid and dress outfits in the bathroom?" he countered.

"The reason behind that is simple, Dereece."

"Let me guess, it's to maintain your figure, isn't it?" He sounded like it was obvious, in which it was.

Joey beamed. "Yes…" He raised a brow. "Well…kinda. Maybe. Shut up! You know nothing!" He looked away with a huff, where his eyes drew towards the bodacious Bellona right beside Jellal, both talking to Erza. "Woah…"

Dereece groaned with a face palm.

After a while after everyone was finally finished catching up, Laxus stepped up towards Bellona. "Hate to cut the reunion short for you guys, but this isn't exactly the reasonable time to kiss and make up. You told us that Alvarez is docking up for an army, didn't you?"

Bellona's glance shot at Laxus. "We're positive this is what's happening. The signs were as clear as we could see it."

"Yeah, I'm with her in this one." Erik said, taking a moment to break the talk from his and Kinana. "We've been looking at the same ship faction for at least a week now, and let me tell you, it's kinda annoying."

"And while you were investigating that, we happened to run into Brandish at the same time." Nic said. "Sounds more than a coincidence if you ask me."

"That so?" Jellal asked.

"Yes." Erza said, slight guilt running up. "She…was exiled from Alvarez."

"Exiled?" Bellona repeated. "What for?"

Everyone began to recap what events they were transpired with compared to the ones that everyone else has been occupied with. They all began to understand slowly, and by the end of the explanation, Crime Sorciere was standing in front of the guild members.

"Woah, okay there. So you're telling me that this ex-Spriggan or whatever hired a group of mages to help her stop as much smuggling on these ships as possible, which just so happens to be the exact ones we have been looking at this whole time." Sawyer repeated, recapping what he could process. "…well ain't this just great. Going in circles, like I can do in my sleep."

Erik snickered. "Not wrong. Happened once."

"So then we're dealing with another type of guild of her hire." Jellal said. "If that's the case, and she's helping us, wouldn't that make them our temporary allies as well?"

"Allies? With those guys?" Natsu exasperated. "I'd sooner ride a train than spent a minute siding with them!"

"Yeah, sorry, but being buddy-buddy with guys that really smacked us around at one point isn't really easy with us." Gajeel noted.

"Well hey, it's not like we share the same sentiment ourselves." Sawyer said. "How do you think we feel?"

"It's true that we may have been enemies at one point in our lives, but now times have changed." Macbeth said. "If we are to overlook what actions have brought us out of the darkness, we must first pass the judgement we each carry for another."

"Macbeth is right." Jellal noted. "We need your cooperation as much as you do ours. If we are to put an end to this smuggling and save Pokémon, all of us have to put our pieces together and bring an end to Alvarez' ways."

Everyone looked at each other, but Nic, Erza, and a few others agreed almost instantly. They stared at Crime Sorciere knowing stakes like these were as important as could be. Gajeel agreed, though he would've preferred not to after Macbeth's attack back in the Infinity Clock incident. But like everyone else, that was a long time ago. No use in crying over spilled milk as if it were their own blood. Even Elfman seemed to be agreeing.

Natsu smirked. "Well alright then, guess we're gonna have a big party then." He balled his fist, making veins show. "I'm gonna make sure I beat every one of them in for what they did to Brandish."

"Now hold on." All excitement from everyone was stopped cold when Laxus' voice rung like bells. The Lightning Dragon Slayer took a moment to allow them to settle down.

"What? Wait, why?" Natsu asked.

"Now don't get me wrong, guys. These guys were a pain in the ass before, but they haven't exactly did anything to make us want to attack back, you get what I'm saying?"

Mirajane looked down at the ground, a hand to her cheek. "I see. If we attack first…"

"Then that'll put us at fault." Lisanna finished. "The council and the Cambire Foundation might be mad at us."

"Maybe not." Nic said. Like Mirajane, he was looking down at the ground, arms folded and pondering. "It's not my kind of thinking since I never paid much heed, but the world and public would get the wrong idea about what we mages would do with Pokémon." He leered at everyone. "They'd lose their trust in our way of thinking. Our judgement wouldn't matter because we'd be at fault a possible misunderstanding. And I'm not say that it is one, but they might not know that. We've been in enough battles to know that the first strike sets up the attacked next move."

"Which is why I say until we are absolutely certain that they are going to attack us, the motion is that we remain on standby." Laxus stated.

"Say what?!" Natsu fumed in outrage. "That's not fair! I wanted to kick their asses now!"

"Well not all of us are that eager to blow down forts like you, idiot." Gray retorted.

Natsu grunted. He moved away and glanced off to another direction. He may not like it, but he, himself, was wrong. When he stopped to think about it, the others brought up a point, one that he couldn't argue about. He would've went head on, but that happened too many times and he misunderstood his chances. Greatly in most cases. Ultimately he grew morbid and grunted. "Well yeah…guess you're right."

"But that's not to say that we should be prepared ourselves." Erza countered, saving Natsu from complete despair. "We may not be willing to make a move without proof, but we also don't know when Alvarez might make their move either. We should at least retain caution from here on. For as far as we know, they could be as ready as in a month, maybe a week. We don't for certain."

Nic nodded.

"I got that but remember guys, these are just wounded dogs growling." Laxus referred. "We step forward without them charging first, we'll get bit."

Nic glanced at Laxus next. "We've already got bait for that. Don't forget, the Cambire Foundation is in Fiore. If they came here to completely destroy, they'd have to think because we still have supplies. Besides, we still have Brandish out there. She'll make a decision of what she'll do."

Lucy looked down mournfully. "I sure hope so."

Jellal looked towards Bellona and nodded. The two turned away, beginning to leave for the doors. "Then it's in our best interest that we get going." Jellal said. "We have a lot of work to do ourselves, you know."

"You're leaving so soon?" Gray asked.

"Oh don't worry about us." Ultear looked back, smirking sweetly. "I assure you, you'll see us again soon, I'm sure."

"Yeah, I can feel." He groaned. The way Ultear looked at him was almost too sincere for his liking. He could feel embarrassment rise up from seeing her smirk and walking away. He could feel a chill run up his spine when he thought Juvia was looking back at him. He stiffened.

"Well it was fun catching up, guys!" Meredy chimed, waving back as she walked way. "Make sure you keep in touch with us, okay?"

"You can be certain that you have our support for this fight." Jellal said. "But make no mistake. Whatever Alvarez is doing, we can't let them misuse these creatures that can make the biggest impact Earthland may forever know." He continued walking, with Bellona nodding in agreement with a smirk.

Kinana watched as Erik turned to leave, her smile so sincere. "Erik…"

Erik left with his guild, waving back without looking. "I'll hear your voice later, okay?"

Kinana let go of her urge to stop him, instead smiling with acceptance. "Okay."

"Till we meet again." Bellona and Crime Sorciere left the guild hall, walking out with little to no other words to be said, leaving the others to stop and wonder of their moves to be made.

A short passed before they all caught on, leading them to dread of what was to come.

"So we just wait." Carla deduced.

"Seems to be the case." Pantherlily answered.

"A war?" Joey looked back at Dereece and Duncan, the former looking equally as worried, whereas Duncan began to narrow his vision.

As everyone else worried, Nic looked out the door, staring at the saloon doors ever so incredulously. Erza took notice of his intense stare, her worries rising a little for her husband.


The door to the washing machine shut with a loud click, being left for Nic to reach for the shelves above and grab the detergent. Having it in hand, he poured it into the insert and filled up to the limit. He sat the detergent back on the shelf and set the settings to a cold wash for the clothes. As soon as he heard water spritzing inside, he took in a big sigh and exited the laundry room.

"Good grief." He exasperated. It was enough that he did his own laundry, and his own set was hardly as much as a few pairs of anything. He could get by just fine the way he was now. It was Erza who had the laundry problem. 'She wears so much I'm surprised our washing machine didn't explode yet.' As amusing as it would be to think, it wouldn't be pretty to see Erza if her laundry didn't smell as nice as her.

Finally having done the laundry, he exited his house out the back, where the little cottage-like cabin domain had a roof and support beams with smooth rock under its space. He passed the small domain to sit out of, he sat on the small step beneath. He sat in between two rows evenly spaced out and growing Leppa Berries on one side and Sitrus Berries on the other.

He looked towards the sunset sky above, silence befalling him as he frowned.

"Nic? You didn't do my reds with my whites, did you?" a voice called from inside. "Nic?" Erza exited the house next. She opened the door to the backyard and looked around. She turned left and right, before she finally noticed the space ahead occupied by a black coat with black hair.

She made it her business to wander over and beside the step Nic sat on. She looked at him to find him so spaced out that it made it look like his heads were in the literal clouds above. She looked up as well, seeing enigmatic sky radiating beams of sunlight soon to fade over the tree line.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, just thinking a little." Nic answered.

"About what?"

Nic put his elbow to his knee, hunching over. It took him a moment for him to try and explain it, but he was never good at that. "…do you always get a case of déjà vu?"

Erza blinked at Nic's question of answer. She chose not to sway as she faced the open fields and pond outback. "That's hard to say. We do the same stuff every day. Go on jobs, we sleep…" her eyes narrowed at the last note she was catching onto. "We battle."

Nic continued looking at the sky. "It's a passion for a lot of people like ourselves. I don't think I can go a whole day now without having a least a few minutes to let loose and stretch out my fibers."

Erza grinned at the statement. "I can agree. Battling really is a lot of things that I've learned over these years, especially from you."

Nic arms folded over the other. "Siebold of the Elite Four once told me something, that battling is an artwork of its own." A smile fell on his face at the recollection of the Elite Four member all those years ago. He still remembered his Arbok against his Barbaracle. "It's beautiful, but underlying that beauty is something deeper." That same grin slowly frosted over by a frown. "There's no one point of view to anything, and that's saying something to interpretation. We battle for a lot of reasons, don't we? We battle because we want to, but also we need to." His gaze cascaded to the field out ahead of them again. "…no. We battle, because we love it. It's something that's a part of us, a part that brought us together."

Erza grinned and nodded at Nic's testimony. She felt the same way he did. She never would've appreciated Pokémon if it weren't for being open to Honedge a long time ago.

"I love to fight, I can admit to that. But not a fight that means to see bitterness and death spilled from my foes. That's a moral we conscious Trainers tend to not forget. Art and battling…they're both able to be interpreted however one sees. I'm not going to force Alvarez nor anyone to see the way I see Pokémon battling, or rather the way we see Pokémon battling; but the way they see it is the kind of interpretation that makes everything about the masterpiece collapse to look like nothing but a mess." His gaze grew persistent, his brow furrowing as he stared at the setting sun with its radiance gleaming in his blue eyes.

"I don't appreciate war, it takes away a lot of things we hold dear…but it's what also brings others closer. We won't win this with just ourselves. I know that. But whoever joins us or is against us better learn eventually the means to using Pokémon is to beside them."

A warm, tingly feeling pressed against his cheek, the supple feeling making his heart almost skip a beat when it was revealed to be Erza kissing his cheek. Once she had her fill, she pulled away and smile. "Just like how we beside each other." She said.

Nic managed to calm himself and give his wife a smile. "Right."

"It's true we may have lost Master Makarov and our First Master…but we've gained just as much out of this than what others realize, and we'll use that newfound experience, so that we can win this and share our views with everyone in the end."

Nic couldn't agree more himself. Now it was his turn to sympathize with her. Though they do love battle, but hate war, the two clashing forces blossoms brings out two outcomes in the end: A winner, and an understanding. Against Alvarez, it was more about understanding than it was the victory itself. Even if it took them another year, they wouldn't sit around to see Pokémon enslaved by those befitting to that meaning.

Freedom of expression only goes so far until those willing to seek justice use their instincts to do the good things for others. That's the ideal simplified for Nic and Erza.

The redhead stood up, turning towards Nic. "Speaking of battling, we need to catch up on some of it. We do need to stay in shape if we're to pull through after all."

Nic smirked at Erza's leisure. "You had me at 'battling'."

The two made way to the center, just in front of the pond where calm, clear pond water was shuffling. The two pulled out their Poke Balls, ready to get some exp in.

Erza threw first. "Slurpuff, up front and center!"

Nic threw second. "Kecleon, go!"

The white energy expelled from the Poke Balls in front of each Trainer. In front of Nic was Kecleon, whose body was in a relaxed battle stance. Slurpuff's stubby arms were up, ready for action.

"You ready?" Nic asked his wife.

Erza gave an amused chuckle. "Like you need to ask." She reached forward, readying her first move. "Now Slurpuff, Cotton Guard!"

"Sweet!" Slurpuff's red eyes grew serious as a white aura encompassed her body. That aura slowly bloomed cotton puffballs that grew to a point until they vanished altogether. A thick, red aura enveloped Slurpuff, fading as her Defense rose drastically.

Nic reached out ahead of him. "Go, Kecleon!"

Kecleon tilted her head as she crouched. "Oven already preheated!" She crouched deeper, creating a gust that spilled in her spot as she lunged in a green blur at Slurpuff. "Let's get cooking~!"


Juvia tapped on Gray's apartment door. She waited for an answer to come, but nothing happened. "Gray, are you there?" She tried again, but with the same results as last time. She was trying for a few minutes a little earlier when she happened to be coming down his street. She seemed a little worried about something, and for once it didn't involve a rival stalking him. It was something more…pressing that was getting her attention.

"Gray?" She made one more attempt at a call, but ultimately failed to get him out of his apartment. "Maybe he's not home. I guess I should try to-"

"HRAH!" A loud shout was followed by the sound of crystalizing, one that was all too familiar to Juvia.

She gasped in shock. "Gray?"

"HNGH!" The sound was clearer than before, and it sounded like it was coming from behind the complex. Behind it, a weak glimmer of icy light illuminated behind it, which was noticeable upfront where Juvia stood. It happened again, followed by another weak light.

Making it her business, the Water Mage followed her liquefied gut and made way around the building to its open lot behind it. As she drew closer, she could feel how cold it was getting, almost to where frost was starting to show along the alley. With hurried running, she finally made it to the backside of it, where she turned and saw the one responsible for it.

Her stare grew stale as her body relaxed. To her ease, she saw that it was Gray, surrounded by nothing but ice. He was standing on ice even; everything was frosted over at least, explaining why it was so cold.

Gray was bent over without a shirt as expected. He had his hands to his knees and trying to catch his breath after expelling Magic Power for well over an hour. It was taking him everything he had to try and remaster his Ice Devil Slayer powers, but it wasn't anywhere as easy as he thought it would be. He didn't think to know that his magic levels were still the same as ever, but something about him just didn't feel the same. It was like that same weight that was holding him down that he was attempting to lift. He was able to lift it once before, but he didn't know how to keep it off. As much as he used his casual Ice-Make, he needed his Devil Slayer powers if he was to get out of a situation. But there was one problem. He can't. Ever since Nic went Giratina on his demonic form and tore the devil right out of him, he wasn't the same. He wasn't able – or perhaps capable of – performing any of his Devil Slayer techniques; not even that tattoo was visible anymore. It never showed, and neither did that power. When he fought Orion recently, another Devil Slayer who seemed to have full mastery and sanity over his soul, was he able to pull off that first spell in almost a year. He had to that again, but the trick he was trying to get around of was how to do that again, or rather, get that feeling.

He glared ahead, beads of cold sweat condensation on his face. 'That spell I just used…I know what it was.' With one big hitch in his breath, he stood up once more, looking determined. 'That was my Devil Slayer powers I felt. I thought I lost them for good after what happened. But I guess I was wrong.' He looked down at his fist, staring at his palm. 'I don't know what happened to make me lose my guilt for a sec…but I know that spell happened because of it. Even if it was a fluke.' His fist slowly turned into a tightened grip. 'It happened because I was able to let go. If I can just keep it that way, then maybe it'll come back. But, do I really want that…?'

A pair of footsteps walked closer. "Gray…?"

Hearing the familiar voice, the Ice Mage turned around, seeing his girlfriend-in-question standing a few meters away with a worried look on her face. "Juvia?" he questioned. "Yeah, what is it?"

A sudden instance was rushed when a pair of arms found themselves draping around his waist. He went wide-eyed when he was pulled in by a force that drove him into Juvia's front. The Ice Mage was at a loss for words as his naked upper body was in contact and in an affectionate hold of Juvia. Sure it's happened before, but something about this was catching him completely in a less than discomforted mood.

When he looked over, ignoring Juvia's hat, he was seeing how she was holding him tight, but not in a charming way like she always has. This one was more of discomfort, like he had lost someone important to him and he wasn't the one to feel depression.

"Gray…" she started. "It's gonna be okay. I promise you, I won't do what I did before to make you walk down that path. Please…just let me be there this time."

Gray didn't get what she meant at first until it struck a few seconds later. He recalled how they committed the double suicide to prove their loyalty and love towards another, and when Juvia "died", he snapped in half like Natsu did when Lucy didn't wake. He could feel how guilty she was for letting that happen, and it's what made him frown.

As Juvia held onto him, Gray's arms slowly found themselves behind her back. The rain woman held on as he did to her. The cold air around them was oblivious as their beting hearts filled the other with deep warmth.

"Yeah, me too." He answered. "I won't do that again. Not ever."

After a few moments of silence, the two finally pulled apart.

"Alright then. Come on, let's get some practice in. I don't wanna show up unprepared after all."

Juvia nodded, pulling out a Poke Ball. "Right!"


Within the lair of The Freaks, via Joey and Dereece's stay, Duncan was called to them, despite his personal intentions to be anywhere else. Still, he chose to stick around and see what was happening. Although it wasn't what he had in mind.

"So Duncan." Dereece started. "You really think of all this?"

Duncan held onto his kendo stick as his hat shield his eyes. "Hmph, well if you ask me, everyone's getting worked up over nothing." He explained. "If the enemy didn't bring the fight to us yet, why fret over it to begin with? Sounds like a waste of breath to me."

"Well, these do sound like some scary people we're dealing with." Dereece reasoned. "You heard what they said, those guys conquered this whole continent before they got to the guild. Maybe we should try and sit back and let the pros handle this one."

Duncan did an eyeroll. "Suit yourself, I really don't care."

"S-so you're all for it then?"

He turned towards Dereece. "I just said I don't care. If you care so much, why not just whine about it all day until they get here?"

Dereece raised a despondent. "Well you better be hearing whining from me than the other guy. You think I have it rough with stress, just try Joey."

The two teammates turned their heads in unison, looking at who could be best described as the king of stress himself.

Joey was sitting at the foot of his couch in the living area right beside the island/kitchen area. He had his knees up as he held a tub of vanilla ice cream in his one hand and continued dipping a spoon into it and into his piehole. He was shoving it in as he was whimpering, if not dementedly laughing. It was hard to tell with a mouth full of ice cream.

"Mhmhmhmhm!" He questionably exclaimed. He opened his mouth to insert more ice cream. "W-we're actually be fighting! Fighting for Nic-senpai…in an actual fight that might get us killed! I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO FEEL!" He munched on even more ice cream, munching sadly and swallowing what he can. "And this ice cream is so damn good!" he added.

While Joey was stress eating for what my be his final time in his standards, his associates were looking less than impressed with how their "Captain" was acting.

"How sad." Duncan groaned.

"You have no idea." Dereece answered.

As Joey despaired, whining about stuff mumbled about "Nic-senpai" and "attractive and charismatic" and "death" for several more minutes, Duncan finally stepped in. He walked on up to Joey as he reached near halfway with the tub of vanilla.

"Look, if you're just going to be like this the whole way, then just sit there and finish that ice cream." He retorted. "This isn't the time to be a big baby."

Joey struggled to swallow before he finally achieved it. "What? You're crazy!" He stood up. "No, I gotta prove to the guild and Nic-senpai I can be as useful as anyone else can! If you're saying I'm a wuss fine, but after I finish this tub, I'm ready. Just wait and see!"

Duncan groaned tiredly for his Captain's behavior. It was degrading to say the least. Committable, yes; sensible, no. Duncan was ready for battle since ever. But Joey, the way he was eating his stress was not only unhealthy, but it was also just sad to watch. He turned away. "Whatever keeps that hed of yours on your shoulders. I'm going out to train."

Duncan walked away and left the complex, leaving Dereece to be Joey's lifeline.

"Joey, are you sure about this? They can kill us!"

Joey swallowed again. "I know, Dereece…I know." He paused. "But Nic and Erza, even Vanessa went through this. Plus you saw how tough everyone was when they beat Acnologia in our world. If we don't help, who will?"

"Uh, actual mages?!" he exasperated.

Joey raised a brow. "Now look who sounds like they wanna sit and eat ice cream all day, I'll let you borrow my maid outfit if you want…though I think you may want to stay away from ice cream for a while there, buddy."

Dereece sulked his head down in a deep groan. "Somebody just dig my grave already."


As the sun had lost its luster upon the land, it set along the glistening sea where the isle and cove met. The sun's remaining beams illuminated the wood of the ship's bow, where there, still lamenting given the look on her face, Brandish stared with disinterest.

As cool winds that passed through and surged all day were receding, the Wingull that flocked the alcove finally went to their nests. The sea-dwelling creatures such as the Corsola and Shellder took their final plunge into bedrock and sand beneath the water.

Orion walked up from behind the banned mage, giving her a serious look. "The time for us to resume our duty. What is it that you ask of us to do?"

Brandish looked back, seeing that it was just Orion present. She looked farther out, seeing Griffon was still napping, and Matilda was no different, albeit snoring like a wild animal. The only other person who looked ready was Broly, who was seemingly napping while leaning against the mast's pillar. "Your allies don't look the part. Would you rather wait for them instead?" she asked.

Orion shrugged nonchalantly. "It's fine. Our overall health does not concern the other. That's part of the agreement of being a Jaeger. It's either you're up for it, or you're not, but regardless of the circumstances, it's our own independence in the end that deems us fit."

Brandish looked absentminded at Orion's proclamation of individuality. She thought for a moment back to Fairy Tail and how in their experience, had to rely on the other frequently. However, seeing Orion willing to do a job alone if he had to made her sigh.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Nothing."

As Brandish wandered off in thought to think of what could be done, a caw from the air brought her back to really. She looked up, noticing something coming in from the skies above.

She and Orion could see what looked like a Wingull just like the others. It sailed lower as the breeze dialed down, where it flapped its wings until it slowed enough to where it gently sat itself in front of Brandish.

Brandish looked down at the Wingull to see that there wasn't anything wrong with it, but she did take note of the envelope that was inside Wingull's mouth. She knelt down to reached for the note, which the Wingull didn't fight over.

"A messenger?" Orion asked.

Broly walked up from behind, standing beside Orion with hands to his hips. "So what's up? We got work to do?" He saw Brandish taking a note from a Wingull that roosted in front of her. "Well, what do have here?" he smirked.

"Hard to say." Orion guessed. "Could be a threat letter for all we know."

Broly shrugged. "If it were that, they would have to know where we live first." He looked towards the client again. "So what's it say?"

Brandish furrowed her brow as she looked at the one side. On it was nothing; not even a seal or an address of where it came from. But she had a hunch of what it might be. She opened the slip tentatively, where there, she saw that it was a piece of paper; a letter.

Quietly, she began to read the letter:

Young Brandish or to whom this letter gets to,

I, a representative of Alvarez bids you a fair warning to what is to befall. It is with a heavy heart that I admit to which that Emperor Neinhart has finally made the call. He, as well as what Alvarez has agreed to unceremoniously, are to make their move the night of the new moon.

Brandish's eyes widened. 'Neinhart, he what…?'

I know this is a lot to ask of you, young one, and I did not have enough time to make this. I may not be of similar grounds, but we share a common enemy who we once respected as our associates. The very land that we once roam has turned to darkness by the blight of revenge. It's easy to repair buildings, but it's not as such to hearts and pride. The pride that I speak of is that of an Alvarez citizen and minister who wants to see his nation great again. And to do so, I ask you to make this bridge connect these two roads that have been walked. The decision is yours, but I know somewhere, you will make the right decision. For everyone.

Yajeel

Brandish finished reading the letter, in which she stared at it tentatively. In a way, she was holding life and death itself. The look on her face showed nothing but discomfort for what she had read. 'Neinhart…that maniac.' She thought angrily. 'So he intends to attack on the night of the new moon. That's not even in a week. He must be truly impatient. As expected of him.'

"What is it?" Orion asked. "Anything to worry about?"

Once again, for possibly the umpteenth time in a row, Brandish gave another tired sigh. "What a drag."

After a few minutes of attempting to get everyone's attention, the members who were looking spacy were brought in to hear out what Brandish had been told. Suffice to say that most if not all seemed more than understanding, like it wasn't a big deal.

"I see." Orion said. "So that's where it stands then."

"So then our efforts have been for nothing then." Matilda scoffed. "Well ain't this a kick in our pants."

Liz blew another bubble of gum, having her headphones on her ears after repairing them all day.

"So then this means Fiore's gonna be in some hefty big trouble." Griffon remarked.

"That's an understatement." Aniya retorted. "As far as I'm concerned, we did our part. I say we make like a bird and fly away."

"That's not our call." Orion rebuffed firmly. "We do as we must. The world's problems don't concern us. We are to be paid to do as the job carries. That's part of the peace we deem. So if we are paid to fight, then that is our quest."

Aniya sighed angrily. "Do we really have to? There's like only six of us."

"And it doesn't matter. If we die, we do so having to achieve our own peace. We accept the consequences and embrace death knowing we lived our lives to what we have wanted them too."

"Well said." Broly smirked as his hand was to his chin.

Matilda glanced over towards Brandish, who was looking ahead with a contemplative look on her face. She stepped forward to get a little distance between them severed. "So, what's it gonna be. No pressure, right?"

The ship fell silent as the Peace Jaegers looked towards Brandish as the exiled mage was standing on her two feet and facing away. When she thought about it, she didn't want any part of this war to come. It was a waste of time and breath to her, and rather than fight, she'd rather take her leave. But if she did that without informing someone, then they would be subjugated to hell. It was her decision to make, and a lot was on the line. She could tell Fiore or a guild, or she could do something else about it and stop them herself, or the third option, flee and have no part in a one-sided domination. She rather not see a big mess made, especially one made by herself. But no matter how she saw it, there was going to be one in the end. Alvarez wants anything but a peaceful resolution after all.

But on the contrary, when she thought back to an event, she recalled Natsu's punch that blew Neinhart away. That was her overconfidence and miscalculating the chances they had against Fairy Tail. She was always known for having pride in Alvarez, just like Yajeel, but after the war and getting to know Lucy, it felt like something inside of her was doing backflips, and it wasn't her stomach. It was more directed to her heart.

Whether she wanted to accept it or not, she was very disappointed in Alvarez' actions. It had to be said that she wanted to see Lucy and her friends again, and she did, but she wanted to feel proud. She was on the run for a few months and ultimately made the decision to "beside" Fairy Tail and hire the Peace Jaegers to stop as many shipments as possible. And now war was waged once more.

Another image of Lucy's sincere smile appeared in her mind, making her close her eyes and sigh.

"So what's the verdict?" Orion asked.

Ultimately, she made her decision. She turned around and look at her peers in the eyes with a dead serious glare. "Peace Jaegers…I have a new job I wish to hire you for." She started. "This country is at risk, and my friends are here. We shall align with them, and stop Alvarez once and for all."

"Wait, hold on." Griffon said, still bandaged like a mummy. "By 'friends', are you saying those guys that we ran into?"

"Yes."

Aniya immediately fumed in anger. "Are you freaking serious?1 No way am I gonna work beside those guys! They're crazy!"

Griffon meekly raised his arm. "Yeah, sorry. Hate to say it, but I don't think that pink-haired firebreather would wanna see my face anytime soon. I'm not disagreeing or anything, but it's the truth."

Matilda beamed with a look of interest. "I won't be the first to say that it's not the best decision…" a big smile crossed on her face. "But truthfully, I've been aching to see that girl's Krookodile again. That guy just riles me up!"

"Is that really what you're going for?!" Aniya retorted.

"Aniya." Orion said solemnly. "It's up to you if you wish to help or not. But if you do it because of what they did to you, then do as you see fit. But know this, your peace with death won't be taken lightly."

Aniya looked down with angst. "W-well I…" She hated to admit it, and she most likely never will given her qualities, but the main reason she didn't want to do so revolved around the fuzzy feeling she had last night. She knows what they did made her feel uncomfortable and bring back unpleasant memories of the past, but wasn't at liberty to say.

Brandish looked at them bluntly and unamused. "I'm paying you to do your job."

Broly smirked. "Heh, well I'll be damned. Seems like a fun idea to me." He said. 'I wonder if those guys will be part of all this?'

"Liz?" Orion turned towards the Gum Mage. She stared with indifference at everyone, blowing a bubble that popped and resumed chewing. "Then it looks like we have our job. If you wish for this, then I'll do what I can to assure you find your peace. That is the job of the Peace Jaegers."

Brandish looked at them in understanding, seeing and guessing that Aniya and Griffon were going to be sulking for a while. But nevertheless, she gave a nod of thanks and turned away back towards the fading sunset. This time, however, it was a gaze of resolute than hollow.

"Bring to me the Communication Lacrima."

Orion reached into his coat pocket, pulling out a small orb. He handed it to Brandish, who looked into it and frowned.

After a few minutes of fiddling with it, she gave a despondent stare as the screen inside its lustrous smooth rock was showing brief static. It wasn't until a few seconds later that the picture showed Freed.

"Yes, hello?" he asked. "This is Fairy Tail. What can I do you for?"

"Do you have a master, or perhaps know of someone by the name of Lucy Heartfilia?"

Freed's suspicions arose. "That depends, who wants to know?"

"I do." She said sternly. "There is something that I wish for you to pass onto anyone you know…"


A few days went by in the blink of an eye for most people for Fiore. However, that blink was so fast for some that they didn't have time to prepare. For a certain group taking charge, it was a matter of doing what they needed to do. For those who were setting adrift for daylight hours, those who arose with the sun were up and ready, and that was no exception for those ready for battle.

Hargeon port, sunrise, and slowly making way with the sun rising on their sides, the air felt suspenseful and heavily dramatic as a figure walked in the beaming sunlight. Right behind him, an armored companion followed, both walking towards the docking area with many more following. Pink hair was seen next, followed by raven hair joined by blue hair. Others soon to follow was someone with bouncy boobs, with a blue feline flying across the ground. Many, upon many others joined in one the march towards the port, where soon, the beaming sun lifted to reveal the mages of Fairy Tail.

"If it's a war Alvarez desires…" Erza started.

"Then it's ours to end." Nic finished.

Fairy Tail, the first guild to arrive at the port. Many of the mages there ready for departure were sent for one reason: Stop Alvarez before they reached Ishgar. The other morning, Freed told everyone what Brandish explained to him and how she had proof that Alvarez was to attack soon. Now with a reason to fight and go to them, Fairy Tail readied its combatants that wished to go. Of course not all of them went. Some stayed behind to man down the fort, including Laxus himself. With approval by the guild and convincing to Arthur and the Council's acquisition, they allowed for this unconstitutional attack. The mages who chose to go comprised of Team Natsu, the Exceeds, Gajeel, Juvia, Vanessa, Sophie, Elfman, Lisanna, Mest, Nic, and surprisingly four others. The Freaks for one, and the other being Kinana, much to everyone's surprise.

Natsu ram his fist into his open palm, a serious look on his face. "So this is what we've got then, huh? Then let's make it work."

"Aye, sir!" Happy exclaimed.

"Is this really happening?" Wendy asked.

"I'm afraid so. There's no way out of this for any of us." Carla pointed out. "If we don't act, who will?"

"Better safe than sorry. Those soldiers we have didn't stand a chance before." Gajeel stated.

Pantherlily nodded. "It would be better to send the best that we can offer in place of numbers. Fighting fire with fire is the most ideal solution to this kind of crisis."

"But there is one difference this time." Sophie reminded. "The fate of many Pokémon and lives alike are at risk."

"Which is why we're going." Vanessa confirmed. She looked over, seeing that beside her were The Freaks.

Looking over, Joey was looking to be on the verge o sweating, but he held his ground as confidently as he could. It took a lot of willpower and enough reason – and excessive whining – to get his best friend to agree, but he looked just as ready. Dereece looked no different, though he seemed more reserved. And as expected, Duncan was looking as indifferent as ever.

"We should've stayed behind, man. You sure about this?" Dereece whispered harshly.

Maintaining his composure, Joey swallowed a lump. He could feel his heart beating so fast that it may as well jump out of his chest. "I-I'm okay." He nervously answered. "We…we can use the experience, right?"

Dereece grimaced again for the potentially fatal mistake Joey has made, but knew nothing could be done about it.

"So is this where we're supposed to meet?" Lucy asked.

"This is where we agreed to, I hope." Juvia confirmed.

Happy looked around, turning left and right and about. "I don't see them anywhere."

"Maybe they're running late or something." Elfman said. "Better not be a joke just to ambush us."

"Calm down, Elf. I'm sure it's nothing like that." Lisanna eased. She turned away to look over at Kinana, who looked as ready as anyone else. "Though I have to say, Kinana. I'm surprised you actually thought of coming along."

"Yeah, why the change of heart all of a sudden?" Natsu asked. "Never pegged you to be the fighting kind of girl."

Kinana nervously dropped a bead of sweat as she glanced away, scratching her cheek with her index finger. "Well, a-actually…"

Sophie smirked at Kinana, knowing full well of her intentions. She pays attention all too well. 'She wants to see Erik again.'

Gajeel looked towards Mest, giving him a glare. "So what's your reason for coming along?"

Mest crossed his arms and beamed nonchalantly. "This is my choice, too, you know. I'm coming along to make sure we have an escape plan in case things don't go our way." He reasoned. "Besides, you need my insight since I've been there before. Their geography needs navigating you know."

Gajeel shrugged. "Whatever floats your boat."

Mest began to ease up from any suspicion. He was less than enthused about going against Alvarez again, and he most certainly wanted to avoid confrontation. His experience with last time certainly didn't go the way he thought, especially regarding August.

Natsu shot him a leer, making his nerves heat up again. "Hey…just so we're, you make anything rash like before, and I'm burning you to a crisp, are we clear?" His threat had a deep, bloody warning to it, like he knew well of Mest's intentions. He wasn't going to let that happen again, not on his watch.

Mest nodded solemnly. "I'll keep that in mind."

Nic looked ahead at the docks, where there was a large Alvarez shipped that seemed abandoned, or otherwise incapacitated. As he stared at it, it didn't elude him that voices were coming from close by.

"Hey, I think I see them!"

"Yes, as do I."

"Hey guys, what's up?!"

"Hi~!"

Looking over, the Fairy Tail group cast their attention to the next party that entered the docks. Natsu looked pretty excited to see the crew again. "Hey, Sting. Good to see ya."

Sabertooth, the second guild to enter Hargeon's docks. To ensure they gain even more of an advantage, everyone agreed to get in as many others as they could to ensure their victory. Natsu was reluctant at first, but after some brief reflection, it was for the best in mind. The mages that were joining in from the guild comprised of their master Sting, Rogue, Minerva, and Yukino. Lector and Frosch also entered for good measure.

Lucy looked at Yukino with modest surprise. "Yukino!"

The white-haired mage blinked before recognizing her old friend. "Oh, Lucy. Good to see you here!" she waved.

"Happy! Lily! What up, guys?!" Lector rejoiced with the two other Exceeds. Frosch joined as well, as did Carla in her human form.

"Haven't seen you since the conference. You look well." Pantherlily smiled.

"Aye, we've been great ourselves!" Happy noted.

Lector smiled. "Yeah, I can see. You all look super strong. Those Alvarez jerks are gonna wish they've never chose to go to war a second time this time around." He beamed with lustrous pride, before he turned towards Carla. "And Carla, fancy seeing you here as well. Love the wardrobe."

"Nice to see you, too, Lector." She greeted.

Happy shot at leer at Lector, making the Exceed feel an odd chill running down his spine. Pantherlily made it his business to put a paw on his shoulder to keep him in check.

"So what's Sabertooth's master doing here?" Gray questioned. "Seems pretty irresponsible if you ask me."

"It wasn't my idea, I can say that much." Rogue modestly admitted.

Minerva displayed equally as much modesty. "We verbally insisted we'd go, but after overhearing the incident in the conference, he's been rather anxious." She explained.

Sting smiled jovially. "Come on, guys, lighten up." He insisted, but his face then turned to grow a little more serious. "It's true that I didn't make the best decisions before when they showed up, but I'm not backing down like I did before. This time…I know I can do this."

"Yeah, that's the way!" Lector cheered.

"Fro thinks so, too!"

"So then does this mean that you all have Pokémon, too?" Lisanna asked.

Minerva smirked. "Yes. Though I wish to reserve for a more appropriate time."

Erza grinned. "Well we're pleased to have you with us. Your help is truly appreciated."

"Hey, it's what friends are for, right?" Sting smiled back. He looked off to the side, his hearing picking up more footsteps. "Speaking of…I think we have more of us coming around."

More heads turned to stare at two more figures coming from close by.

Guilds number three and four: Lamia Scale and Mermaid Heel. Like Sabertooth, they offered mages for the campaign to stop Alvarez in their tracks. Unfortunately, however, due to incapability and how much they had to offer at the time, the only ones who volunteered or were willing to represent were Lyon and Kagura. Both mages walked side by side as they closed in on everyone else.

"It's Lyon!" Wendy chirped.

"And that Kagura chick from Mermaid Heel." Gray noted. "Looks like they weren't holding back this time."

Lyon approached them with a grand and prideful smile. "Gray." He said calmly.

The fellow Ice Mage smirked. "Where's Jura? Would've pegged your guild would've sent him along with you."

Lyon boasted a nonchalant chuckle. "Typical of you." He chimed. "I take all this time to get here and you can't even muster up a single hello. Well I suppose there are better things to do than waste breath on pointless commentary when the threat of war is at stake."

Gray half-grinned. "Geez, sorry man. Just yanking your chains."

"It's fine. And I'll have you know that your emergency came at quite the unfortunate time. You see, Jura couldn't make it because he's been on a job."

"Man, that sure blows." Gray chimed sarcastically.

"But worry not. Now we may not have Jura, but I, too, have acquired my own Pokémon for this upcoming fight. And I can assure you that it's not to be taken lightly."

Kagura made it her business to meet up with Erza first of all people. She approached the married woman with her stern gaze and held her composition. "Erza." She greeted.

Erza smiled. "Kagura." She said happily. "Glad you could make it on time."

Kagura nodded in return. "My apologies if my person isn't enough. I'm sure Millianna would've at least been willing to see you off."

"Just knowing she's safe and you're here is enough for me." Unable to hold back her excitement at seeing her "sister" again, the pushy redhead closed to give the purple-haired mage a tight embrace, one that the receiver wasn't prepared for.

The swordswoman blushed strongly at the hold. "L-let go of me! This isn't the time for making up for lost time!" she sheepishly squealed.

"All the same, great to see you again."

Kagura was struggling to break free, but she was met with a smirking Nic. It only served to make her embarrassment rise higher. "S-stop looking!" she shrieked.

"What's wrong? Not a fan of hugs?" Nic chimed.

"Don't add salt to the wound!"

Joey looked around, admittedly surprised. "Wow, there's a lot of people here. And they all got some pretty neat designs on them, too." As he paneled left and right, he was seeing how the color schemes were going admittedly well with the individuals. Being part designer, he had to admit such a quality was impressive. And in most cases, he was seeing than just ample room that Kinana and Minerva were showing. "Ohlala."

Dereece rolled his eyes. "Anyways, are there anymore coming that we know of?"

Mest turned towards him. "I've heard that Blue Pegasus is sending someone as well. They should be here soon."

"Hang on, is it Ichiya?" Natsu asked.

Mest shook his head. "No, unfortunately not. You see, Blue Pegasus is going through a shift in guild masters right now. Bob is currently stepping down and taking sir Ichiya under his wing. It won't be long until he's the new master now."

"Man, that sure bites." Gray grimaced.

"So I guess that goes for the Trimens then, too, right?" Lisanna inquired.

"Sounds like it to me." Elfman answered. "And it sounds like someone who can't give us a ride on their airship."

"Unfortunately, no." Erza said, breaking away from Kagura at long last. "I spoke with Freed and Laxus before we left. We may not have aerial transport with us, but they are sending someone who has been remarkably talented." She noted.

"That so?" Duncan asked.

"Yes. From what I've heard, he was another Pokémon Trainer, much like you all." She referred to The Freaks.

"For real?" Dereece gasped.

"You mean that another Pokémon Trainer is here, too?" Joey was awfully curious of this certain individual that they might meet. From his experience with other Trainers, he prayed that it wasn't anyone who liked showing up in beds with creepy Venipede.

"Yeah, I heard about that, too." Pantherlily added. "According to what I heard, he said he came from a similar region called 'Kanto'. That's as rough as what I could translate."

"Kanto, huh?" Natsu smiled. "Sounds interesting. Wonder what the guy's like?"

Wendy turned in another direction. "Look, I think that's him over there!" She pointed west, where everyone's eyes and ears turned towards the spot where they saw someone stroll in.

"Who's that?" Joey asked.

Everyone watched as a pair of shoes carried someone on leg at a time. The man came in with an exaggerated stride that made him less than dramatic than he was comical, yet in a suave fashion. The man was around average height with messy yet point short brown-orange hair with one bang between the eyes, with the rest barely over the forehead. The atmosphere around him was supposedly playing some suave beat to enunciate his exaggerated charm as his brows were slanted, with clean, brown eyes and a nice smile. He was light-skinned and seemed to be slim, if not reasonably in shape to run if needed for someone looking to be 19, if not 20. For attire, he adorned a dark blue dress shirt with a folded collar over black dress pants and regular with and gray shoes. And for accessories, he had on black sunglasses that hid his eyes away and a silver watch on his right wrist.

Everyone said nothing as the guy strolled in and stopped a good distance away. He took a pose as he lowered his sunglasses to wink at the crowd. "Hello, ladie-AH! OH GOD! STUPID SUN! AAAHH!" He flipped his sunglasses on as he flinched away. With him facing east with the sun rising in the distance, it didn't help at all to be looking at ladies and the sun alike, even though both were hot.

Joey looked at Dereece confusedly before looking back at the despairing guy.

"And…this is our guy?" Gray deadpanned.

Wendy nervously sweat-dropped. "Uh, maybe he just lost somewhere else."

"Let's hope that for our sakes." Carla sighed.

Sophie took liberties in making way towards the man who continued to wail about from the accursed sun. She stopped and looked at him like nothing was happening. "A-ni ya-khol la-a-zor le-kha? (Can I help you?)"

"Aw man…" Making his head stop spinning, the man pinched the bridge of his nose as he tried to collect himself and looked up at Sophie. "Phew, sorry about that. I thought I was going blind from seeing so many ladies in one place. Though if that happened, I would've gone blind years ago." He teased.

Sophie dropped a bead of sweat. "Uh…thank you."

Rogue turned towards him. "Are you with Blue Pegasus?"

The man shifted his attention and sunglasses to look at the Shadow Dragon Slayer. "Oh, sorry, Got a little distracted." He turned around to lift up his shirt, revealing a reasonable physique, though not as impressive as Natsu, Gray, nor even Nic. On the lower back was a bright red Blue Pegasus mark, confirming his allegiance. "Do I check out okay?"

Sting nodded and looked towards the others. "Yup, this guy's with us!"

Carla sulked her head. "Good grief."

Lyon stepped forward. "Well the pleasure to meet you, sir. I trust that you have a name you go by?"

The mage looked at them and smirked. "Why I'm glad you asked." He took another prolonged pause, one that made everyone look at him in question. "I am known by many names. D-Lord. The Sickening. The Unthinkable. Some call me Mister P even…but you can call me…Kevin." He said in a dramatic tone.

"…Kevin?" Lucy asked.

"Kevin."

"…Kevin."

"Kevin." He looked over at Lucy, seeing her admittedly big juggs. It was thankful he was wearing sunglasses to conceal his vision otherwise he may get questionable stares, more so. "Well it's nice to see you all." He looked over at Kagura, where he looked to her legs, but when his eyes went to the skirt, he frowned. "Meh, skirts." He muttered.

"What was that?" Sting asked.

"Nothing! Nothing." He answered. He looked over at Minerva, seeing not only her own caboose, but looking at her own dress from the lower body down, the heat for him turned on. 'Oh yeah.'

"Is he okay?" Lisanna asked.

"I don't think I want to know." Elfman said defensively.

Having wanting to move along with any awkwardness, Nic went over and stood in front of Kevin. The Blue Pegasus Mage looked at Nic and gave a generous smile. Oh, Nic Pularis." He reached his hand out. "Pleasure to meet you."

Nic reached out, accepting the handshake. "A pleasure as well." He let go. "So I've heard that you were in Kanto, right?"

Kevin nodded. "Yeah, you can say. I'm from the Kanto region. It was night when lights traveled across the sky. I was coming home from my part-time market job in Vermilion City when…well, you can get the idea."

Nic nodded in understanding. "I see, so you were coming home when you were struck by a light."

"The same thing happened to us! Right, Dereece?" Joey looked towards Dereece, who confirmed without say.

Kevin shrugged. "Well in any case, I'm here now, and I gotta say…I don't even know where to start with this world!" He looked around everywhere, especially paneling right and left with ladies. "There's this odd air I can't get enough of, Pokémon…and whole lot to see."

Nic didn't have to question what the last part was; he could tell as clear as day by the way his eyes were rolling. In all, he couldn't blame him really. I'm sure Joey feels that way, but at least Joey was kept in check. This guy was all over the place in regards to the "sights" Minerva, Kinana, and many other girls had to offer. Still, he did his best to keep his respects. "Well I hope that you're willing and ready to face the consequences to come."

Kevin nodded. "Don't worry. I won't let you down."

"It seems we are all here then." Another voice said. "Good."

Everyone turned to the voice that came from the north, where Nic and Fairy Tail came from. From there, they saw Crime Sorciere walk towards them, no different than from the other day.

"You've made it." Erza greeted.

Jellal smiled. "We wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Well to be frank, the world may very well be at stake anyway." Bellona chimed in.

Once more, in the crowd, Joey was spacing out. 'The world's at stake…and I'm going on a life and death quest alongside Nic-senpai and his guild!' He bit his lower lip and balled his fists tight, looking like someone who was trying to contain waste from squeaking out. 'Just the thought of saving a world myself just makes my heart skip beats!'

"Well hello~?" Kevin was quietly muttering to himself as he was looking at the girls of Crime Sorciere. For Meredy, he couldn't tell where she lied in age, so he chose to dismiss her. But when he looked over at Ultear and Bellona, seeing their thighs and wide hips made him feel things best left out of context.

"Looks like this is everyone we were able to contact, right?" Nic questioned.

Erza nodded. "Yes, this should be all of us. As far as campaigning goes. I was hoping the Cambire Foundation could spare some elite Trainers if possible, but then again, it may not be the place for them to venture."

"You have a point."

Kinana looked towards Erik again. Seeing him once more made her smile return to her face. "Erik…"

Erik looked over and smirked at the purple-haired mage.

Yukino was looking shocked as she saw Sorano once again. The elder sister of the white-haired mage looked over to have her blue eyes meet Yukino's brown ones. The two siblings had soft expressions on their faces as they could see how distant they were, yet so close.

"…hey." Yukino greeted.

Sorano mustered a wink. "Hey there. Ya miss me?"

Looking from the side, Minerva recognized Sorano once more. "I remember you. You were that…individual who supported us in the war."

Yukino sweat-dropped. "Yeah…ehehe…" When she thought about it, it's no wonder why she stayed distant.

"So then I suppose we should wait until we meet them again." Natsu said.

Happy turned to look at the Alvarez ship in front of them. "Well I don't think we'll be waiting for long."

Not anyone's surprise, their attention drew towards the reason behind this gathering. Appearing in front of the ship and staring them down, the fully recuperated Peace Jaegers, with Brandish standing before them.

"Brandish!" Lucy gasped happily.

"I see you've heed my contact." She answered. She looked t the many faces that were before her, seeing those willing and able to compromise for this adventure. "So this is who was able to volunteer their lives. Not as graceful as I had imagined."

"Well we may be small, but we got might to spare!" Happy exclaimed, with Pantherlily giving a subtle nod right beside him.

"Damn straight. You can count us out just yet." Gray smirked.

"Yeah, we haven't even begun to show off what Fiore's made of." Gajeel teased.

Brandish half-grinned. "So I see." The Jaegers started walking around her to congregate. "Everyone, I hope this isn't the wrong time, but I would like to introduce the ones who I had help from."

"So these are them, huh." Meredy eyed the Peace Jaegers as they followed Orion's lead. They all walked up and stood several feet in front of the large group gathered. The pinkette's attention drew towards Liz, who was chewing gum.

A silence fell between the two groups as they stared at each other. Orion crossed his arms as he stared coldly at Fairy Tail specifically. They too returned that grim stare, though more so from Gray. Natsu was leering distinctively as well, but unlike everyone else, those two were the only ones that seemed troubled.

"Greetings to you all, and thanks for accepting our cooperation." Orion greeted. "The Peace Jaegers here, at your service."

Vanessa stepped forward. "Come to think of it, we've never learned the name of your association."

"That's because we never gave it, sweet cheeks." Matilda winked. "Oh don't give me that face, I'm just playing."

Nic stepped up next, giving them all a clean and relaxed posture. "So the Peace Jaegers then?" he repeated. "Then I guess we should introduce ourselves then."

"There's no need for that." Orion rebuffed. "We've done research on you and your guild yesterday, so we are aware of the many names you and others carry. You are Nic 'Luminous Pularis." Orion looked at the others beside him. "And Erza Pularis, as well as Vanessa Pularis. Fairy Tail's renown Salamander, also known as Natsu Dragneel, and Gray Fullbuster. Hope I didn't come off as condescending there."

Nic nodded. "It's all well and good." His attention went towards Aniya, who stood on the far end of her pack. The others seemed casual, but she looked hesitant to even look Nic in the eye. He didn't blame her though, but there wasn't anything to be guilty for in the end.

The person to step up next was Natsu. The Dragon Slayer got in front of his guild, glaring at them all. "Hey, you."

Griffon looked ahead, his body having healed.

"Listen, I may not be willing to completely overlook what you did…" Natsu's glare darkened. "But make no mistake, I still don't like the way you do things."

Griffon nodded in acceptance. "Dually noted."

"Good." He turned his back towards them. "We've got a common enemy, so I'll allow this. But make no mistake." He looked over his shoulder, staring angrily at the group in general. "If you hurt any of my friends while on this trip, you're gonna pay dearly. That goes for all of us here, too."

"Natsu…" Happy nervously urged.

Orion kept his arms folded and nodded. "Understood. But keep in mind this as well, consider what your enemy thinks about what they're doing as well. By then, we'll come to respect your ideals."

Natsu's leer met Orion's but otherwise, the note drew flat there.

Broly walked up to Joey and The Freaks, having a grin on his face as he drew in. Dereece and Duncan kept their caution and tensed, while Joey took a step back. Still, despite that, Broly bared no ill will. "Ah~, so I see you guys are joining in as well then." He commented casually.

Duncan's glare hardened. "Yeah."

"Woah, easy now man. I'm not gonna do anything bad to you." Broly teased lightly at Duncan's aura. "Seriously, I was honestly surprised knowing you three would be here. Must be some twisted stroke of fate or something." He reached out to them gentlemanly with a hand. "Name's Broly, pleasure's all mine."

The Freaks were hesitant to agree to shake hands with the Barrier-Make Mage, but it didn't take long for Joey to step up and give Broly a grin in return. He looked up, shaking his hand gently.

"Joey, nice to finally be on the same side." He greeted.

Broly gave a charismatic smile towards the young man. "Yeah, kid. Same here."

"How can he seriously trust him this easily?" Dereece whispered to Duncan, but all he did was shrug.

"Don't ask me, you're his so-called best friend. His naivety is on your watch."

Matilda stood with beaming pride. "Well now, guess this is gonna be a fun ride!" she chimed happily. "We should've brought some booze for the trip!"

"Maybe later. Right now, we gotta address the situation." Griffon insisted.

"He's right." Orion motioned. "Now listen well, all of you. We not see each other eye to eye just yet, or in some cases not at all in the end, but that doesn't change the fact that however this goes down, we're here in the behalf of Brandish's request. We will give 100% of our cooperation in full to get this job done. In return, we expect you to at least consider what will happen in the worst-case scenario. Around us and Alvarez, you can never let down your guard. That's how close you re to death right now."

Everyone glared ahead with determination and understanding. They came here because of those risks. Odds were some of them may not even come back at all. If not, then it would be no one's fault but their own.

Hand arose in the pack. "Uh, quick question!"

Orion turned towards Wendy. "Yes, what is it?"

"It's nothing important." She shook her head. "It's just…well, how do we intend to get there anyway?"

At the mention of transportation, Natsu, Gajeel, Sting, Rogue, and Erik all went wide-eyed.

Brandish turned her head to look up at the massive Alvarez boat. "This ship is one that we were able to stop as of last night. We were able to procure what items and Pokémon were available…however, for this assignment, I asked one difference."

"And what might that be?" Gajeel asked.

Brandish looked towards them. "If we're going to Alvarez, there's no doubt security. They may as well have inspections for ships that are imported. If we're to infiltrate, I asked the Peace Jaegers to keep the Pokémon aboard."

"Is that necessary?" Wendy nervously asked.

Erza folded her arms. "It's hard to say, but at least that'll give us some sort of plan to follow in case something onboard goes wrong."

Nic nodded. "Alright then. But what about the crew?"

Matilda gave him a wink. "Oh don't you worry about that, we took care of that part, too!" In reality, what she and the Jaegers did was pummel them to bits on end. They roughed them up pretty bad at that, but also for good measure, they were tied by Liz' gum and were thrown into a private cabin on the ship.

"So then I guess that's it then?" Ultear established. "Then I say we should start as soon as possible."

Brandish nodded. "Yes." Once more, she sighed. "Come, everyone, it's time to make things right for a misplaced country."

Everyone started walking up onto the ship that they allegedly commandeered for a ride. The regular boats they had would be nowhere near as fast as Alvarez', making this not only efficient, but at the same time give an illusion. Soon enough, everyone was fixed up and board up on the walkway. Nic and Erza went first, along with the rest of Fairy Tail. They all filed behind one another up onboard, and soon enough half the people were on the ship.

When Kevin was walking up the walkway, he filed behind a distance behind Vanessa. Despite her thin blue cotton jacket covering up decent part of her, he could still make out her thick, meaty thighs and the large massive buns that were the prize. 'Dear god almighty…' Look no touch, that was the rule he followed.

Finally, to be dragged in the back were the Dragon Slayers. All six were dragging their heels s they slowly got up on the ship. They were tempted to stay off; Natsu even tried to sway Happy to fly him, but he'd never make it to Alvarez before they sunk. In defeat, they all held onto their stomach and sulked in unison with despairing dread clouds over them.

"The poor things." Matilda pitied.

Aniya huffed. "Serves them right."

Liz half-heartedly blew another bubble that went back into her mouth.

Once everyone was aboard and made themselves comfortable on the massive deck space they had, Orion made way into the main chamber where the controls were. Eventually finding and operating auto-pilot, he st the course and exited the ship's main room, reconvening outside.

"It's all been arranged. The ship's on its way right now."

"Good." Brandish faced the high seas, ready with a half-hearted expression. A nice, cool, breeze in the seawater brushed through her. She remained vigilant on her path that she has chosen, and she would've had another way if possible, but after reflecting, this was for the best.

Beside her, Lucy walked up to her. The Celestial Mage turned towards Brandish and gave a reassuring smile, one that Brandish soon found to be infectious. Her own soft smile crept on her face and she faced forward; her, Lucy, and her Klefki floating beside ready to take off.

"This is it." Joey said nervously. "This is really happening."

Broly nodded. "Yup. Welcome to the big leagues, kid."

Nic immediately found his spot at the very front of the ship, overlooking everything running about. The man who has made a name for himself was silent as he stared ahead with readiness in his eyes. He meant what he said before about hating war, but loves to fight.

"I don't appreciate war, it takes away a lot of things we hold dear…but it's what also brings others closer. We won't win this with just ourselves. I know that. But whoever joins us or is against us better learn eventually the means to using Pokémon is to beside them."

Those words bounced around in his mind as much as the sea breeze pounded his face. As he was lost in his train of perpetual thinking and resolution, he felt something touch his hand. He looked down to find that his hand was held by Erza, who had a smile of confidence and closure. Nic offered one back, his words as deep as a Fissure attack would be. 'We won't give up.' He faced ahead, his glare hardening. 'Not by a long shot…' "Alright then…Alvarez, we're coming for you."

The massive docked boat finally towed through the waters, setting sail west for the turning point of their collaborative adventure towards Alvarez.


PHEW! Man am I beat! Took me a freaking week just to write this one chapter! It wasn't long before I was able to make 2of these in one week, now look, I can barely crank out one now. This calls for the one thing that I spoke of before. That's right! Vacation! And as I have been doing traditionally, I will be backing off and leaving my FanFiction at home, so that I can stay away and clear my mind and rethink of a few matters. So next update may not be until 2-3 weeks. Remember, on top of family vacation, I have From Depths We Rise that I have to pay attention to.

Just a little side note, I have been playing Pokémon LeafGreen again after such a long time, and last night I finally got my Lv 55 Dragonite that knows Wing Attack, Thunder Wave, Ice Beam, and Flamethrower.

This would also be a good time to warn you of my new OC from Kanto, Kevin. He will be playing a small part of the story as support, but on another note, I will warn you of his tendencies are more Rate-M, at least to what you were picking up on. But it's more for comedic intentions than anything else.

If you guys were wondering how in the heck I chose Neinhart of all people to become the new emperor, well it's because of the way his personality is; defiant, arrogant, and he believes his power is above the other Spriggan out there, as per the manga and wikia. So I played along the typical tyranny bent on retribution. On that note, I have lined up the new Spriggan 12 with OCs the way I designed them, as well as a lot more that will be assisting them in this upcoming arc.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, the interactions, as well as the twists and chronology I fiddled with, and I hope to see you again with a new chapter! Till then! :)