Well Everyone here it is, the final chapter for the Phantom Lord arc. Its been a fun ride and a good learning experience. From this point forward future arcs will be better paced and battles will be shortened (except for important ones.) so we can move the plot along a bit faster. So in other words we'll be writing less like Bleach and more like Fairy Tail in terms of pacing.
That said it also looks like Fairy Tail in the manga is just about to wrap up its final battle in the next chapter. While I wouldn't call it perfect, I think its been done well enough that I can safely say that I enjoyed it about as much as other final battles I've seen. I'll admit, I'm very sad to see my favorite series ending, especially so soon after Bleach, another personal favorite of mine, but that's life.
I wish to thank all of you who have left us reviews so far. Each and Every single one of them has been a helpful inspiration and motivated us to keep on writing every step of the way. Your all so great and I cant wait to hear what you have to say in the future.
But without further delay, lets begin!
Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo and Shounen jump. Fairy tail is owned by Hiro Mashima and weekly shounen magazine. I own NOTHING. This is all just for fun.
For Fairy Tail the last day had been a nightmare, a darkness having threatened to drag them down into the depths of despair and leave them there to rot. However, they had not gone quietly into that night. No, they had fought with what many of them had thought their last breaths, the entirety of the guild standing shoulder to shoulder against the cruelty and hatred of Jose Porla and Phantom Lord. In the end had they triumphed, Makarov Dreyar having appeared with Fairy Law serving as the light at the end of the tunnel for those under his care.
Now was a time of healing, the many injured during the course of the battles once more under the roof of their guild hall in Magnolia. Wendy Marvell was doing all that she could to tend to any and all the wounds that she could, dutifully working alongside one of Fairy Tail's greats, the retired Porlyusica. One dabbled in healing magic, the other more traditional methods, but both were doing all that they could. As Porlyusica applied an ointment around what had once been a bloodied breach through Gray's body, Wendy was holding her illuminating hands above Juvia Lockser. The injuries brought upon her by her guild master began to close, leaving Wendy to sigh in relief as her shoulders slumped down.
"Thank you..." Juvia managed to say, prompting a smile from Wendy.
"She's in stable condition, child" Porlyusica suddenly said, causing Wendy's back to jolt up into a straightened position, "Don't just diddle daddle; get to the next patient."
Porlyusica was stern and perhaps a little off-putting, yes, but neither lessened the innate kindness that Wendy would radiate off of her from time to time. There was something simply calming about it, a familiarity that Wendy could not simply explain. So she took what Porlyusica said to heart, understanding her concerns, and moved on to another in need.
They had been taking care of the most serious of injuries first and foremost, those that could prove fatal if not treated their top priority. It had made the last hour extremely stressful, but Wendy was coping thanks in part to Porlyusica's presence. Now all that remained before they could attend to the less serious injuries was the one person that Wendy wanted to help most of all: Bambietta Basterbine.
The Quincy had been keeping herself stable by drawing on the magic around her, having asked that she be taken care of last, and Porlyusica and Wendy had complied. Now however had the time come and Wendy was willing to make the most of it. She moved over to Bambietta, the woman stretched out on a bench. Her coat and cape were gone, her shirt pulled up beneath her chest so that the wound Jose had inflicted could be seen. Both Levy and Lucy were by Bambietta's side, the both of them crouching down and trying to talk her through the pain.
"Bambi," Wendy said as she stood by her side, "I'm sorry it's taken me so long, but-"
"You know my opinion on apologizing," Bambietta managed to say despite the pain coursing through her body, a smile on her face. She reached up and placed an index finger against Wendy's lips. "No saying sorry when you don't have any reason to."
Wendy nodded her head and moved her hands over Bambietta's waist, right where near the wound that Jose had caused. Once more did magic form around Wendy's hands, the healing enchantment of wind flowing around Bambietta. The Quincy's body began to heal then, its natural process not merely hastened by Wendy's magic, but temporarily enhanced. Where nothing but empty space had been left did muscle and skin regrow, internal materials replenishing and repairing themselves. Wendy watched as the process went along smoothly, much moreso than anything she had managed for Laxus. It was, after all, much easier to work under these circumstances then in the midst of a battle.
"Wendy..." Bambietta felt her body enter a state of relief then, Wendy's magic clearly surpassing Blut Vene's ability to lessen and hold back the pain of the injury. This was far from the first time Bambietta had been healed in battle. Even with the power of an elite Quincy, those who had been christened Stern Ritter of the Vandenreich were no strangers to pain. The invasion of Hueco Mundo had gone smoothly, yes, but injuries had happened to Bambietta and her group. It had been left to the only one of their team able to shake off threatening injuries with disturbing ease, their combat medic using the dead flesh of otherwise expendable Quincy to heal the Stern Ritters' own. A disturbing ability, yes, but one that Bambietta and her comrades had felt a necessary one. However, she knew in her heart that what she had said to Giselle in jest back on that day was more fitting for the Sky Dragon Slayer and her ability to heal. "You're a little angel, you know that?"
Wendy smiled in response to the compliment, though she was a little embarrassed. "I'm just glad everything's over..."
"Yeah," Lucy whispered, her eyes glancing away towards the doorway of the guild hall. "Almost."
Bambietta very clearly heard that, giving her a reason to worry, but for now she did not want to address the mysterious concern until she and Lucy were alone. "Yeah, me too, Wendy.
"And Master Makarov was so amazing!" the Sky Dragon Slayer suddenly exclaimed, her voice quickly quieting as she regretted the outburst. She knew she had to concentrate fully on her magic after all. "I mean, the way he saved us..."
Now it was Bambietta's turn to smile, the Quincy honestly happy. In that moment had Makarov reminded her of the man she had once followed, of how Yhwach's arrival on the battlefield had bolstered the fighting spirit of his loyal Stern Ritter. Yet Makarov was above even that. There was no darkness in what he had offered, not now or ever, and Bambietta had at last begun to understand that wholely. Makarov was their savior, yes, but he was more than that. He truly was a father to those he had taken under his wing, wizard and Quincy alike.
"But that spell..." Bambietta said, the one question on her mind. "What the heck was that?"
"Fairy Law," Levy answered, her voice almost withdrawn with reverence. "One of the three great magics created by Fairy Tail's founder, Mavis Vermillion. It's meant as a deterrence magic, one that targets only those that the caster knows is in their heart is an enemy."
"And is capable of defeating a Wizard Saint in an instant. Holy shit." Bambietta's eyes widened at first with awe in light of Fairy Law's reputation, then widened further at the realization of who she had cursed in front of. "Don't ever repeat that, Wendy."
"Okay," Wendy said, trying her best to keep Bambietta pleased while she was being healed.
"In fact," Bambietta continued, "pretend you never heard it."
Wendy cast a false expression of confusion. "Heard what?"
"Good girl." Bambietta could not help but chuckle a little bit. "So, once I'm rested and renewed, how about we all go bug Makarov to teach us Fairy Law? Then the Bamb Squad will be invincible! We'll wreck entire dark guilds with a single spell!"
"I don't think that would be a good idea," Levy interjected.
"But it doesn't hurt anyone you don't want it to," Bambietta replied. "And there's no collateral damage, so the Magic Council will love us!"
"Bambi's got a point," Wendy said.
"Yeah," Lucy offered up. "That would be an improvement over Fairy Tail's reputation..."
"It's not a magic meant to be used lightly," Levy explained. "The more people the caster views as their enemy when using the spell, the more of their life will be drained alongside their magic capacity. Use it against the wrong enemies and it could kill you and them."
"Oh." That went entirely against Bambietta's creed in combat. "Okay then, so I'm just going to stick to detonating things the old fashioned. The Explode's way more fun anyway."
Laxus Dreyar had been the first to be healed, a fact that was fine by him. After Wendy had finished working her magic on the damage that Jose had done to him, he had made certain to retreat upstairs to the guild hall floor reserved for S-Class members only. It was in ruins, having taken the brunt of Gajeel Redfox's attack on the building from above. Remnants of his assault were still evident, metal cylinders from the ceiling protruding down and through the floor itself. Yet Laxus remained in the desolute solitude. He had no desire to stay amongst the others. The Thunder Tribe was not here and he was no longer the young adult who had spent any time beside Mirajane Straus or Erza Scarlet. No, he was fine on his own if he could not have around him those who shared his views on Fairy Tail.
His upper body covered in bandages, a fur-lined coat hanging off his shoulders, he simply sat alone. Splintered wood all around him, he did not pay it any mind. At least he tried not to. As he sat in the silence, his eyes would occasionally dart about, taking in the carnage that had been brought down on his guild's home. It was doing nothing less than to cause his blood pressure to rise, the lightning wizard becoming offended at the very sight of it.
"What a mess."
Erza looked to his side then, hearing both the feminine voice and the sound of footsteps on the stairs. He was all but ready to tell Erza Scarlet off, but was instead greeted by a sight of a person he did not know. Oh, he recognized her as a member of the guild, but he did not know her name. Regardless, he was annoyed.
"Go the hell back downstairs," Laxus simply said. "I don't care how much of a sorry state this guild is in, I won't be having a rookie setting foot on privileged ground."
"My, my," the woman said as she still continued to advance on to the S-Class floor, her own eyes taking in the devastation before settling on Laxus himself. "Even though we won, Phantom Lord still tarnished Fairy Tail's guild hall. Such a shame."
Laxus' body began to tense up, the man trying his best to contain his building rage. "I won't ask twice. Go back down those stairs, rookie."
The woman looked at Laxus with a sly expression. "Or?"
"Or I'll throw you down myself," the man said as he pulled a cigar out of the box on the table before him. "Down the stairs or over the railing, it doesn't make a difference to me."
Holding the cigar with one hand, Laxus began to reach for the book of matches on the table, all the while waiting for the woman to take him up on the chance he had given her. Then, without warning, did his cigar become lit, a small flame burning at its end and letting smoke move up. Laxus looked at it momentarily, then to the woman. Her right hand was held out towards him, her thumb and index finger close together, as if she had just snapped her fingers.
"Figures," Laxus said as he put the cigar in his mouth. He spoke through grit teeth as he began to stand then. "You and Natsu both... I guess it would take a fire user to be hotheaded enough to try and piss me off on purpose."
"I've no interest in fighting you," the woman replied. "That was just a show of my good will towards you, Laxus Dreyar."
"I can light a cigar all on my own, thanks," Laxus said. He did not take his seat, but neither did he make any further moves to start a battle with this member of his guild. If nothing else, he was curious. He had made a comparison to Natsu, but she was far from the same as the young man, quiet and calm to his loud and brash temperament.
"Yes, but can you fix this poor unfortunate guild on your own?" the woman asked him. She pulled the left shoulder of her red dress down, showing the guild emblem of matching color upon her skin. "We both want Fairy Tail to get what it deserves, right?"
Laxus sat back down, letting his annoyance simmer for the moment. "And what's that?"
"Why, a guild master that would have ended the Phantom Lord before it escalated," the woman said as she moved by Laxus' side, a finger of one hand running past his chest as she circled around him for a moment. "A guild master that would have struck down Jose Porla before Magnolia was threatened. No, before Shadow Gear was hurt. Before Fairy Tail's pride was desecrated."
Laxus listened well, his curiosity peaked. He did not like the thought of a wizard beneath the S-Class rank being on the top floor, no, but he did like having one who agreed with his every thought by his side while his true friends were away. "I don't think we've officially met, Miss-"
"Stella," Emberella said, fully willing to give her false name if nothing else. "Stella Upland."
"Upland, huh?" Laxus watched as she moved around his other side and came back into view. "Well, I appreciate your high opinion of me, but I don't think the old man's going to step down and let me fix the guild up."
"Come now," Emberella said as she sat down across from Laxus, "we both know you're not going to wait for that chance anyway. I know ambition when I see it, Laxus, and your eyes are just full of it."
"Oh, you're an intuitive one, aren't you?" Laxus asked, putting his cigar down in an ash tray. "It still doesn't mean you belong up here, even if we agree."
"I'm so much more than you realize, especially in regards to magic," Emberella replied. "I just need a chance to show off how much this floor... and you... need me."
"You can see it in my eyes, but I guess we're even," Laxus countered. "Because I can hear the ambition in your voice."
"Like I said," Emberella began to say, "I just want Fairy Tail to get what it deserves is all. Whatever it takes."
"The devil's in the details," Laxus replied, not missing a beat. He leaned forward, his arms resting on the table as he looked at the woman he knew as Stella Upland. "How about I let you in on a little secret."
Emberella leaned forward as well, elbows propping up on on the table as her fingers locked her hands together. "Do go on."
"I've never been one for patience," Laxus continued, "and after today's events, I've lost what little I had left. If the old man isn't going do what's right for the guild, then I need to."
"Oh," Emberella said softly, "so I was right about the ambition."
"Damn straight," Laxus replied rather calmly. "But that only goes so far. It'd still be five against the whole guild."
"A civil war, is that it?"
Emberella tried her best to keep from grinning delightfully. This was going better than she had ever expected. She had thought she would need to push and prod the guild master's grandson; she had thought it would take time to work with his anger and arrogance enough that he would come to a conclusion that benefitted her, but he was almost there as it was. All it would take was a little push to give him the confidence to move forward. Then Emberella would be able to watch as Fairy Tail destroyed itself.
"What if," the woman began to whisper, "I said I could get you the one spell that would tip the odds in your favor?"
Laxus' eyes lit up, though the mage tried his suppress his baser instincts and remain composed. "I'd say you'd have yourself a deal."
Outside the guild hall it was nothing but dark. Night had fallen upon the town Fairy Tail called home, the long day having at last come to an end. However, while those who needed care were inside, there was but one who opted to remain distant.
Jin Kariya stood alone several yards away from the building's entrance, the Bount's hands within the deep pockets of his long coat. He remained silent as he looked up towards the stars, his mind wandering. The man was so lost in thought that he did not even register the fact that someone was approaching him. The presence of magic energy, the sound of their footsteps, even the shifting of the air to make way for them; none of it took Kariya's notice.
"Why don't you come inside?"
It was the voice of Erza Scarlet, an individual that Kariya had not expected to come to him at this or any other time. Still, despite his surprise, he did not allow it to show through his emotions. "I can take care of my own wounds, Erza."
The S-Class wizard could see that clearly, magic swirling through the air and into Kariya's stomach. The wound had received earlier was all but gone, leaving behind nothing more than a damaged shirt. "That's not what I meant."
"Then what did you mean?"
"The conflict was between our guild masters," Erza simply replied. "And now it's concluded. Whatever you may feel, we are no longer enemies. There's no reason to keep you out here alone when both our guildmates are inside."
"You make it sound so simple." Kariya lowered his head as he closed his eyes. "Honestly, you never cease to astonish me, Erza Scarlet."
There was a moment of silence between the two, one that was eventually broken by Kariya. Not by words, but simply by the man beginning to walk away.
"Where are you going?" Erza asked, the wizard taking one step closer to Kariya. "What are you going to do?"
Kariya stopped for a moment, the man not even turning to look back at Erza. "This was a war between the top ranked guilds of Fiore. No doubt the Magic Council will come to investigate. They've already sent an emissary to arrest Jose Porla. Perhaps Fairy Tail will be found guilty and receive a modicum of punishment for participating in the conflict, but it is Phantom Lord that will suffer the most. I suppose they may well disband the guild. And I... will have lost yet another place I considered my home."
Erza knew of only one answer to that. "Fairy Tail could be your home."
"And I suppose your guild master would be as forgiving as you." Kariya shook his head. "As I said, the Magic Council will look into this matter personally. There will be inquiries; there will be questions you may not want me to answer. Questions they will give me no choice but to answer."
Erza's expression hardened somewhat.
"If you wish for light to be shed on the Tower of Heaven, then I will stay against my better judgment," Kariya continued. "If you want my silence, then I must go. I leave this choice to you, Erza."
Erza lowered her head for a moment, her disdain at the position she had been put in evident. "Go."
"As I suspected," Kariya simply replied. "Erza, you made me realize something in our battle. I cannot live in the sins of my past. I can only hope that you will someday feel you can do the same."
Erza raised her expression up a bit, staring at Kariya's back. "Again, where will you go?"
Kariya's shoulders shrugged for a moment, the man knowing full well. "I am the wind, Erza Scarlet, and therefore I have spent my entire life drifting from home to home. However, if I am reborn in this world... If I am ever to hope to make up for my sins... Then there is someone out there I must find. Perhaps... she is experiencing a second chance as well."
The wind kicked up then, Kariya's coat fluttering about. His feet lifted off the ground and he begin to move upwards. However, he stopped once more and simply hovered there. He turned to looked back at Erza, his crimson eyes wavering for the briefest of moments.
"Titania Erza of Fairy Tail, I..." Kariya's voice paused, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I wish to thank you."
Then Kariya was gone, the Bount flying into the night sky and leaving Erza behind. The wizard stood there for a moment, watching as he faded from sight. "I wish you the best, Jin Kariya. Perhaps someday we will both find peace."
Totomaru of the Conflagration slowly awoke to find himself propped up in a reclined chair. He looked about then, his vision hazy at best. This was certainly not the guild hall he had called home, but it was a guild hall nonetheless.
"Where... am I?"
"You're at Fairy Tail, idiot."
Focusing his eyes, Totomaru could see two others sitting by his side, Liltotto Lamperd and the Salamander himself, Natsu Dragneel. Both looked relieved to see him waking up, but the former also looked perhaps a bit annoyed with him.
"The last thing I remember..." Totomaru's voice trailed off for a moment, his memories coming back to him quite vividly. "Master Jose struck me down."
Totomaru's expression grew sullen then, the wizard understanding at last the depths of his master had stooped to.
"You were a mess when we found you, man," Natsu interjected. "But Wendy and old lady Porlyusica were able to patch you up."
"I take it Fairy Tail was victorious then?" Totomaru asked, the wizard looking down and taking notice that his torso was wrapped in bandages.
"Heck yeah!" Natsu proclaimed. "But it would have been a whole lot easier beating that Ice-Make Dragon Slayer if you had been by my side!"
"I am sorry." That was all Totomaru could offer up.
"You damn well should be." Liltotto's voice broke out then, the Quincy's irritation evident in her voice. "I told you not to go after Jose. I knew what would happen and... you almost died, you idiot!"
Totomaru looked at Liltotto then, noting that barely contained anger upon her face yet he could tell it was not quite as basic as it appeared. "I'm-"
"I said you'd end up lying on the floor in a pool of your own blood and that's just what happened!" Liltotto shouted. "I never... want to see something like again, you idiot!"
Totomaru really did not know what to say, but tried nonetheless. "I'm sorry."
"Damn it." Liltotto, meanwhile, did not know how to respond herself. Vivid memories all her own were plaguing her now, of a mad king on his dark throne looking down at her.
"Liltotto Lamperd."
The Quincy felt a hand on her shoulder, the Quincy turning around and finding herself looking up at a familiar face. "Erza?"
"I was not there to witness what you did directly," Erza began to say, "but the others have spoken of it in great length."
Liltotto looked around nervously, the Quincy not entirely used to being the center of attention in such a manner. Whereas Bambietta thrived on such things, Liltotto was much more apt to staying out of sight for most part. "Thank you?"
"Oh, you should have seen it, Erza!" Natsu suddenly exclaimed. "The Jose jerk had me and Bambi on the ropes and Lil here suddenly busted out these wings and a halo and smashed him into the castle and then sent him sailing back out with this crazy glowing arrow! She was a regular pint-sized powerhouse!"
"Pint... sized?" Normally Liltotto would have grown annoyed at that description, but the Quincy found it hard to get upset at it when it was Natsu who had said it. It was almost endearing to hear it said so happily. "It was nothing, really."
"Nonsense," Erza declared. "You were able to stalemate one of the Wizard Saints, even if only for a time. That is to be commended. When things have settled down, I promise to speak with the master about you taking the S-Class trial on Tenrou Island."
Liltotto blinked. "The what?"
"No way!" Natsu, however, was not nearly so confused or restrained. He looked at Liltotto and smiled warmly. "Man, the guild you and Bambi were in must have been something special if Erza wants you to join the elite here so fast!"
Natsu suddenly shifted his gaze back towards Erza.
"Hey... Me and Bambi fought Jose pretty good too. So where's our shot at the top?"
"I suppose you do have a point," Erza said, nodding. "I'll mention it to Master Makarov. Though I imagine it might be some time before he can consider setting up this years trials after everything that's happened."
"Erza," Liltotto said, her voice low at first, "I didn't get to thank you back on the battlefield."
"You'll never have to," Erza replied. "Fairy Tail is my family, and I'll do anything for all of you."
Liltotto looked up at Erza then, her eyes widening. For the briefest of moments her sight played a trick on her, leaving the Quincy to see not the one known as Titania, but instead a slender young lady with pale blonde hair.
"You're my sister, Lil. It's my responsibility to go in your place, so don't go thanking me for something that I need to... want to do."
"Okay, but when I see you again, I'm going to do just that anyway!"
"Erza!" Liltotto leapt up from her chair, hugging the wizard. "I'm not letting taking any damned chances, not again. So... thank you."
"If you must." Erza brought one hand around Liltotto's shoulder blades, trying her best to comfort her.
Natsu and Totomaru, meanwhile, simply looked on in confusion. "Did we miss something?"
"Context," Totomaru replied to the Dragon Slayer. "I think."
"Salamander."
Natsu turned around, catching sight of an individual both familiar and unfamiliar to him. "Oh, you. The Ice-Make Dragon Slayer."
"I'm not-" Kusaka sighed. "Yes, it's me; Sojiro Kusaka, the Ice-Make Dragon Slayer of Phantom Lord."
The Soul Reaper stood before Natsu, his body showing signs of damage that was healing, but he was clearly not in the best of shape. Totomaru was quick to notice it as well, his guildmate looking like he was unsteady on his feet. "Kusaka, shouldn't you be resting?"
"Yeah, man," Natsu added. "Just take it easy until Wendy or Porlyusica can take a look at you."
"No, I'm fine," Kusaka countered. "Salamander- No, Natsu... I just wanted to say-"
Kusaka's legs buckled, the Soul Reaper losing his balance. He pitched forward, leaving Natsu no choice but to prepare to catch him. He need not have concerned himself however, as two others appeared like a flash and caught the man. It was the twin Arrancar, their cerulean and scarlet hair a sign of their presence.
"Master Kusaka," Yin began, "are you all right?"
"Just take it easy," Yang added. "We're here for you."
"Yin, Yang..." Kusaka looked at those who were at his side now, just as they had been since they had first met. He closed her eyes for a moment, recalling well his argument with Natsu as they had fought. "You both are just too good for me. I'm sorry, truly."
"You have nothing to apologize for, Master Kusaka," Yang replied.
"You're mistaken," Kusaka said, his tone evidence of his melancholy nature. "I used the Oin and-"
"That wasn't you," Yang interrupted. "Not the one we've known for so long, and besides... this world is a second chance for us all."
Kusaka looked to Yang and then Yin, noting the understanding upon their faces, just the same as he heard in their voices. "Thank you." He turned to Natsu then. "Leave it to a fool to reveal just how much of a fool I am. You were right, Natsu Dragneel. You were right."
"I suppose a broken clock can be right at least once a day," Yin said.
"So when's the Salamander guy going to be right a second time today?" Yang asked.
"Aww, you guys are too much," Natsu said, the Dragon Slayer sheepishly rubbing the back of his head before realization dawned on him. "Really, you're- Hey! You're making fun of me!"
"And there's the second time today," Yin said.
"That was sooner than I thought," Yang continued.
"Yin, Yang," Kusaka scolded, "please mind yourself around him. If not for him, I wouldn't..."
Kusaka too a deep breath before continued, the Soul Reaper pulling the twin Arrancar in closer to him.
"I don't believe I've ever been quite this happy. Not in a long time."
Both Yin and Yang's faces went red, the Arrancar's voices joining in unison. "M-master Kusaka?"
"So what will you do now?" Totomaru suddenly asked, his tone quiet. "The lot of you joined our guild looking for a place to call home, but... it's all over. No doubt the Magic Council will disband Phantom Lord for what our master has done."
"As they should," Kusaka replied, his tone harsh. "Jose Porla's madness may as well have buried Phantom Lord."
"Yes." Totomaru's head lowered.
"However," Kusaka said, his voice rising the faintest bit, "just because a organization was rooted in corruption and cruelty, it doesn't mean that it's own members can't find a future worth living for. And that is why I will do what I always have; I will wander."
Kusaka turned then, Yin and Yang helping him walk towards the doorway of the Fairy Tail guild hall. Natsu was quick to yell then, the Dragon Slayer trying to get his attention. "Hey! You could at least wait until you've been patched up before you go!"
"Oh, I'll be fine," Kusaka said as he and the Arrancar stepped out the doorway. "After all, I'm not alone, Salamander."
The doorway shut then, leaving Natsu to smile a little. "At least he finally noticed."
Totomaru's shoulders fell then, the wizard growing further withdrawn with every passing moment. Realization had truly dawned on him, the man lost in the moment's despair. "Everything, it's gone. Master Jo- Jose Porla cost us everything."
"Stop whining," Liltotto suddenly said as she stood looking at Totomaru, her moment with Erza having concluded. "So what if the guildmaster you looked up to betrayed you and everything you believed in. Get over it."
"Hey, Lil," Natsu whispered as he moved close to her. "That's a bit harsh, don't you think? Erza, you're an S-Class, you tell her."
Erza shook her head. "Let her be, Natsu."
"What do you know?" Totomaru shouted, his voice raising as he looked at Liltotto not with despair but a fair amount of anger. "The place that took me is is gone and all because of one mad old fool! How could you possibly-"
"Don't you dare say that to me," Liltotto whispered, an unnerving tone evident in her voice. "I've lost everything too. But you know what, I found something better. Me and Bambi both. So stop crying about the past and just join Fairy Tail!"
Totomaru blinked, his disbelief paramount. "What?"
Natsu was no different. "Him?"
Erza, meanwhile, simply smiled warmly, her notion of what Liltotto was getting at proven correct. She placed a hand on the Quincy's shoulder and moved closer to her side as she spoke to Totomaru. "I believe what Liltotto is saying is that she wants you consider joining Fairy Tail. I cannot speak for the master, but I would welcome you."
Totomaru did not know what to say. "After everything Phantom Lord- what I did? You'd... take me in? But I was your enemy!"
"And that time is past," Erza countered. "The conflict is over, Totomaru. And it was between Jose Porla and Master Makarov. We fought our battles, but it was not truly our fight. We need to move forward. And-"
"Totomaru," Juvia said, the water wizard suddenly approaching, "I wish to join Fairy Tail as well, but I don't want to leave you behind. I don't want you to be alone, so... won't you come with me?"
Despite her approaching him, Totomaru could see Juvia's eyes wavering, his comrade sneaking peaks towards Gray Fullbuster. The fire element wizard suddenly laughed a little bit, Totomaru trying to hide it as best he could. "Oh, so that's how it is."
"What's so funny?" Juvia asked, once more glancing towards Gray.
"It's nothing," Totomaru answered. "Well, it's just... I've never seen you look quite so happy, Juvia. Not even on the day Jose made you one of the Element Four."
Totomaru thought about it then, looking all around. Despite what Kusaka had said to him, the wizard was still seeing the past. However, he did not feel it was a crime to live in it, at least under the particular circumstances he now found himself in. Around him was a guild who's members were happy and content, their familial bonds clearly inseparable despite not being of blood. It was just as Phantom Lord had been once upon a time.
It was in that moment where the past of Phantom Lord all but merged with the present of Fairy Tail that Totomaru could see his future so very clearly. The two guilds, despite their rivalry, had been no different at the start. Yet while Fairy Tail had stayed on that course, Phantom Lord had strayed from the path under Jose's guidance as he had lost his way.
"I... I would like to join Fairy Tail." It was all Totomaru could say then, the wizard finding himself perhaps a little overwrought with emotions.
"Well, I suppose that can be arranged for you and Juvia both!"
The two elemental wizards of Phantom Lord both found themselves startled by the sudden sound of the voice and were quick to find Makarov Dreyar within their midst. The man, short of stature as he was, was no limited in how happy he looked. Though his face was wizened by the long years, no doubt a sign of the stress of being the guildmaster of an organization that was not always on the Magic Council's favor, he still wore a smile.
"If you two wish to join my family," Makarov said, "then I see no problem with it."
"Oh..." Juvia looked at Makarov to Grey and back again. She tried her best to stay calm and composed, her entire body fidgeting a little bit, and she bowed slightly. "Thank you... Master Makarov. I promise to never sully the reputation of Fairy Tail."
"Well, that's greatly appreciated," Makarov said, the Wizard Saint's voice falling into a hush. "Though how many of Fairy Tail's own have made me that promise?"
"Master Makarov, I thank you," Totomaru said, the young man trying to find the right words. "It's like... You remind me of... I'm sorry." The fire wizard quieted down then, knowing what he had been about to say would be considered nothing but an insult after all that had happened.
"Of Jose," Makarov finished, the Wizard Saint knowing full well what had been on the tip of Totomaru's tongue. "You can say it; there was no insult behind those words. Your guild master was one of the greatest wizards in the land, Totomaru. He deserved his rank within the Wizard Saints, even if he and I did not always see eye to eye. I just wish... things could have been different between he and I at the end."
His shoulders drooping once more, Totomaru spoke quietly. "Jo- Master Jose, what happened to you?"
"Much better!" Bambietta was sitting up now, the Quincy stretching her arms up over her head as she felt the muscles in her back grow taut for a moment. Looking towards Wendy, she quickly gave the Sky Dragon Slayer a hug. "And you are life saver! Don't let anybody tell you different!"
"I'm... glad you're just okay," Wendy squeaked out, the Dragon Slayer scarcely able to remember a time she had been hugged so tightly.
"Sorry." Bambietta eased up immediately, pulling away from Wendy. "I just..." Bambietta grew solemn for a moment, the Quincy looking at Wendy, then Lucy and Levy. "I just wish I had always been a good enough person to have friends like you all."
There was a silence then, the trio of wizards unsure of what to say in response. Bambietta was no different. There was a bit of selfishness behind her statement, not of simply wishing she had been worthy of good friends, but of also being worthy of possessing bonds that would not lead her astray when she needed help the most.
"Bambi?" Wendy said quietly. "You are okay, right?"
"Yeah," Bambietta replied, the Quincy doing her best to smile. She reached out and ruffled the hair atop Wendy's head playfully. "Never better, thanks to you and everyone else. So don't any of you worry, I'm the happiest woman in this world; make no mistake."
Bambietta's forced smile became an honest one then, the Quincy's burst of depression fading like dust in the wind.
"Bambietta Basterbine."
The Quincy looked up then, Wendy, Lucy and Levy turning their gazes. They all could see Erza standing at the doorway of the guild, Porlyusica at her side. The S-Class wizard was holding the door open with an armored hand, as if waiting for Bambietta.
"We would like to speak with you alone."
Wendy turned away from Bambietta and looked towards Erza. "B-but Bambi didn't do anything wrong, Erza!"
Bambietta admired Wendy's sudden impulse to stick up for her, but the Quincy had inkling in the back of her head. She had tried to kill Hanza Nukui the first chance she had with the Explode. It had not worked out, no, but it was not for a lack of trying. She knew that Erza had given the okay to go to the extreme against Jose, but that had happened after the altercation with the ninja had concluded. If, by some chance, Erza knew about that, then Bambietta could understand what this talk was going to be about.
"It's okay, Wendy," Bambietta said as she began to stand up. "I just guess I'm in for a scolding is all."
"Erza," Wendy said as she stood in front of the Quincy and impeded her path, "don't be mean to Bambi."
"Uh, Wendy," Bambietta muttered, "I appreciate the gesture, but-"
Erza blinked in clear confusion, the S-Class wizard looking to Porlyusica. "Did I... come off the wrong way?"
"You have many talents, Erza, but I'm not entirely sure socializing is one of them," Porlyusica sighed. She looked at Erza warmly then, the older woman pointing a finger at her silver-plated breast. "I sometimes wonder how deeply in your heart you buried that energetic young girl you were when we first met."
Erza's expression feel a little. "Porlyusica-"
"Think nothing of it," Porlyusica whispered as she stepped out the doorway. "You are who you need to be."
Erza turned back to face the others, leaving the door open as she moved towards them. She knelt down beside Wendy and allowed her Requip magic to send the gauntlet on her right hand away in a flash of light. Erza put the bare palm down on Wendy's shoulder and spoke softly.
"I admire your bravery, Wendy," Erza said, trying to sound as gentle as possible. "You've only been in Fairy Tail a short while, but I can see a bright future for you here or at Cait Shelter. But I can assure you that Bambi isn't in trouble. Porlyusica and I simply want to talk to her, but it's nothing you ever have to worry about."
Wendy looked into Erza's eyes, the Sky Dragon Slayer calming down then almost entirely. "You promise?"
"Of course," Erza honestly answered. "You have my word, Wendy."
"All right," Wendy replied. "You can talk to Bambi then."
"Huh."
Bambietta did not know what to make of the scene that had played out right before her eyes, but neither did Lucy or Levy. Nonetheless, the Quincy was quick to follow Erza as she stood up and walked back towards the doorway. Soon enough she and the wizard were outside with Porlyusica, their only lights coming from either the neighbor windows or the stars above.
"So," Bambietta said, the Quincy curious as to what this truly was about if she was not in trouble, "how's everyone out here doing?"
"We're fine," Erza replied. "I believe the more pertinent question is how are you, Bambietta?"
"Hey," Bambietta began to reply with a self-assured shrug, "like I told the gang inside, I'm the happiest woman in the world."
"You speak honestly?" Erza asked, her words as sharp as any blade.
Bambietta looked at the S-Class wizard and Porlyusica both, the Quincy feeling their eyes on her. Even if the latter did not possessed the imaginary Veil magic she had spoken of so long ago, Bambietta did not feel like she could remain untruthful.
"No." The Quincy took a deep breath, feeling the darkness still worming its way through the core of her soul. "No, it's not perfect, but... I've never been happier. With myself or my... my family."
"I'm glad to hear that," Erza replied.
"Besides," Bambietta continued, the Quincy too flustered by the suddenly demanded conversation, "perfect's boring as fuck. I'll take Fairy Tail and all of it's fun rough edges over that any day!"
Erza and Porlyusica looked at Bambietta than, the older of the two raising an eyebrow to that statement.
"Huh," Bambietta muttered under her breath. "Guess I should have quit while I was ahead."
"Fairy Tail's still just as lively a guild as ever then," Porlyusica finally said. "Poor Makarov. He's come full circle."
Erza was quick to move towards Bambietta then, the wizard clasping a hand upon her shoulder unintentionally hard, leaving the Quincy to inwardly flinch. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear that, Bambietta Basterbine."
"Ah, great," Bambietta replied, the Quincy trying to cover up any wincing with a smile, Blut Vene spreading through her shoulder to counteract Erza's unintentional grip of steel. "So your happy and I'm happy. Yay."
Bambietta's subdued joy quickly gave way to something else as she looked at at Erza and Porlyusica both, the older woman within sight over the S-Class wizard's shoulder. Bambietta's head lowered, the visor of her hat obscuring her eyes.
"I'm pretty sure I've said this to both of you," Bambietta began to say, "but now that I have you two in the same place together..."
Erza felt Bambietta's shoulders drop slightly, leaving her to worry that she was growing withdrawn. Yet her fears were put to rest when the Quincy looked back up, a wide smile evident on her face that contrasted her eyes as they watered at the edges.
"Thank you."
It was all Bambietta had to say at first, the two words expressing more meaning than she ever thought was possible. Erza's hand slipped stayed atop Bambietta's shoulder, the wizard smiling faintly. "You don't need to-"
"You two gave me a second chance," Bambietta continued, cutting Erza off completely. "Lord knows I didn't deserve it after all the crap I've done, the life I wasted, but you two did it anyway. And-"
Bambietta's face burst into an expression of surprise as her words were cut short, though not by Erza speaking in return. No, the wizard felt that actions were louder than words, and so she took hold of Bambietta and held her tight. It was not as she had done before, Bambietta's head not colliding against a breastplate, but it was still an uncomfortable embrace.
"That's enough, Bambietta Basterbine," Erza said at last. "Whatever you were once before, I have seen you look to change. You came to me remove the blood lust form your sword. You did not take Gajeel Redfox's life. So I will hear no talk of Fairy Tail being too good for you."
Bambietta chuckled slightly, Erza having understood precisely what she had been intending to say next. Still, she was not simply going to let get away with that without a little snark. "What? I'm an open... book... to you?"
Bambietta's flippant attitude was interrupted before it began, the Quincy's words trailing off as realization dawned on her. Erza pulled back from Bambietta, taking note of the look of confusion on her face. "What's the matter?"
"A book to say thank you," Bambietta whispered. "I almost forgot thanks to that Phantom Lord nonsense! need to get that book to Levy!"
Erza watched as Bambietta all but disappeared from sight, Hirenkyaku taking her out of sight. Erza smiled ever-so slightly, knowing the Quincy meant well. "It is as you said, Porlyusica. Fairy Tail is as lively as ever."
"And that girl is no different," the old lady said. "And for that I'm thankful. Another who came to me betrayed and yet found happiness in this guild."
Erza sighed. "That was a long time ago, Porlyusica."
"You are happy as well, yes" Porlyusica asked, not willing to let the subject pass.
"Of course," Erza said, trying her best to push out of her mind the memories that Jin Kariya had brought to the surface during their battle. "Fairy Tail has given me a true home, just as it has for Bambietta. I knew I made the right decision to bring her to you."
"Speaking of that," Porlyusica began to ask, "what ever gave you the impression I could bring her back from the state she was in?"
Erza could hear it, a sense of confusion in the retired Fairy Tail member's voice. It made no sense to her. She had felt confident in Porlyusica's ability to heal, something the woman had not argued when Erza had come to her with the living corpse that Bambietta had been at the time. Yet, in that moment, Erza felt a sense of confusion wash over her thoughts as well. "I... I don't know."
Then, as if it had never happened, both Erza and Porlyusica all but forgot what they had been speaking of, as if some unseen force was pushing them away from the subject.
Time passed, even if only the slightest amount. Makarov Dreyar was no doubt congratulating his guild for preservering in opposition to the oppressive nature of despair that Jose Porla had dared try and inflict upon them, but Natsu Dragneel had not felt the need to hear it. He knew that Fairy Tail had pulled through and he did not need to hear anything else of it, much as it would have warmed his heart. No, he knew precisely what had happened, but another did not. So Natsu had stepped away, Happy having flown out by his side. The two friends understood how things had concluded. Fairy Tail had won the day, not a sacrifice made, and it felt good. Great even, but news such as that had to be shared with one other. It had to be shared with the one member of their trio who could not hear the news for herself.
That was precisely why both Natsu and Happy stood side by side within the woods that bordered Magnolia. Before them stood a small, wooden structure, one that the traveling S-Class wizard had helped Natsu and one other build over the course of a summer. It had been meant as a place to play pretend for the young Dragon Slayer, but it had become much more than that in his memories. It had become a home to Natsu, just as the guild hall was, just as his actual house was. It had been where he had all but raised Happy from a kitten with the aide of one other, but that time was long since passed. Now the quaint little pretend home was simply a tomb for times Natsu and Happy would forever cherish, though it was not alone.
Not a yard away from the structure stood a marker, a gravestone, a name quite familiar to Natsu and Happy both etched upon it. It was not the official grave site of the person in question, but Natsu had built it nonetheless, remembering well how much they had adored the sunsets at this place.
"Hey, Lisanna," Natsu said softly, the Dragon Slayer trying to keep his emotions in check. "I'm sorry I haven't been around in awhile, but it's been kind of busy, you know? Evil musical instruments, the Moon dripping onto an island, I had to fight a talking hawk... but I guess that's just business as usual, right?"
There was a silence then, even Happy unable to break it. Natsu took a step closer to the grave and placed one hand atop it.
"Fairy Tail got into a bit of a scrap," the Dragon Slayer continued, his voice struggling to remain strong. "Had to fight a whole guild gone bad, but you should have seen it. We took out their best and even saved Magnolia from a Jupiter Canon and a big robot. And your brother, he... he took down one of their S-Class. You'd have been proud, Lisanna. And then gramps saved us all from the guildmaster. So... no one died. Not this time."
Happy looked on, knowing it was best to let Natsu be for the time being.
"I know if anyone had, you would have greeted them with open arms," Natsu replied. "But we're... fine. We even got some new members. I think you'd like them, especially Lucy. Bambi's kinda high energy, but she's cool. And Lil's the quiet type, but I'm sure you could have gotten her to open up more. That's just the kind of person you are. I just..."
Natsu's voice trailed off, the wizard finding nothing else to say. His nose crinkled for a moment, something he did not want to admit running down from one of his eyes. The Dragon Slayer slowly began to fall to his knees then, his fingers sliding down the stone and running past Lisanna's name.
"Fairy Tail's gotten so much bigger, but it still feels so small without you," Natsu whispered, his voice at last cracking. "You, me and Happy were going to find Igneel together..."
Natsu's pitched forward slightly, his forehead resting against the cold stone. His face trembled as he tried to compose himself to the best of his ability. Happy knew better than to stay quiet then. "Natsu, are you-"
"I promised myself I'd never cry here," the Dragon Slayer interrupted, the back of one hand running across his eyes. He slowly stood up, taking a deep breath. "Lisanna deserves better than that."
Natsu looked down at the gravestone once more, his eyes still somewhat blurry. He did his best to smile, hoping that somewhere Lisanna would see it clearly.
"You don't have to ever worry about me," Natsu whispered, leaving Happy to wonder if it was directed at either himself or Lisanna. "I'm... fine."
Natsu slowly turned from the gravestone then, looking to make his way back to the Magnolia and the guild hall. His eyesight was beginning to clear up, allowing him to better make his way through the forest without relying on his keen sense of smell. That was when he saw it. There was a quick burst of movement, a figure dressed all in white clearly sliding behind a tree.
"Huh?"
Liltotto Lamperd felt her heart beating deeply within her chest, all in response to her present situation. This was not at all how she had intended for it to go. She had simply taken notice of Natsu leaving the guild hall abruptly was all. She had looked to follow him, to make sure he was all right. That had been her only intention. She had never expected to find him out in the woods that represented a part of his past he clearly longed for, all the while baring his soul.
The best laid plans scattered about, Liltotto was now hiding behind a tree she had quickly ducked behind, hoping that Natsu would simply walk back to the guild none the wiser of her presence.
"This... wasn't something I was meant to hear," Liltotto whispered. "Natsu, I'm sorry-"
"For what?" the Dragon Slayer cheerfully asked as he and a flying Happy poked their heads out from around the tree and looked at Liltotto.
Liltotto, caught up in the moment as much as she was, screamed. She fell back from the tree and landed on the forest floor.
"Whoa!" Natsu exclaimed. "Easy, Lil! Me and Happy didn't mean to scare you."
"Aye, sir!" Happy exclaimed. "And people call me a scaredy cat..."
"Anyway," Liltotto said as she picked herself back up, "I'm sorry for overhearing you... talk again. About that. I just saw you leave and I... I was worried is all."
"It's all right," Natsu said with a smile before looking away. "But you probably think I'm weird now, huh? You know, with me talking to the dearly departed and all." Natsu's expression grew sullen. "She probably can't even hear me..."
"Standing in awe of that which cannot be seen..." Liltotto whispered as if to herself as much as Natsu. She reached out with her senses, the power of a pure blooded Quincy at her beck and call, but Liltotto felt nothing but the magic around the forest. There was nothing spiritual there. Whether that meant this world had no afterlife like the one she knew so well, or that Lisanna was simply not held to the mortal coil by unfinished business, she did not know. However, she had neither the heart nor the desire to tell Natsu any of that. Liltotto instead took hold of the Dragon Slayer's hand, her face growing warm as she did so. "It's not weird at all, especially not from where I'm from. I'm sure Lisanna's listening, Natsu. Waiting for the day when you can tell her all about Igneel."
Natsu perked up then, his smile slowly returning. "I guess your right."
"Now then," Liltotto said, "let's get back to the guild hall. Master Makarov wanted to give a speech about the whole Phantom Lord thing, but he's kind of waiting for you and Bambietta to be there. Lord knows where she ran off to."
"Wait..." Natsu blinked, a look of worry beginning to slowly etch itself upon the Dragon Slayer's face. "Gramps is waiting for us? Oh, he's going to be so pissed! Happy, get me there quick!"
"Aye, sir!" The cat took hold of the back of Natsu's vest and, Happy's wings flapping as hard as they could, he rocketed Natsu right out of the forest.
"Huh." Liltotto looked down at her empty hand. She turned and looked back at Lisanna's grave, a calm expression evident on her face. She knew she was truly alone in the forest, but despite that did Liltotto do something she felt was most illogical. "I'll keep him safe and happy. I promise, Lisanna."
Then was the Quincy gone, the only trace left of her presence in the woods a few leaves kicked up by Hirenkyaku.
Jose Porla had been on top of the world. He was one of the the ten greatest wizards in all of Fiore, the title of a Wizard Saint having long ago been bestowed upon him. He had been the master of one of the most respected guilds in the kingdom, an honor he enjoyed greatly. The past had been nothing but a series of successes for him and he had been close to securing the future for both himself and Phantom Lord.
Now, however, had it all been torn asunder. He had failed to capture Lucy Heartfilia, failed to conquer Fairy Tail. Worse, he had been defeated by Makarov Dreyar of all people. It was an affront to his very being, but he had to deal with it for now. The Magic Council had come for him and he needed to pay for his crimes accordingly. That was why he was presently walking across a dirt path away from Magnolia, a pair of cuffs binding both his wrists and his magic. The material of the strange metal was one that the Magic Council had employed for ages, a material forged from special stones capable of sealing even the strongest of magic energies. It was demeaning to Jose Porla to be restricted as such, but he let any resentment roll off his shoulders. This would not last, he knew that much. He had known ever since the arrival of those the Magic Council had sent to apprehend him.
Seigrain and Ultear. The two of them walked side by side with Jose, keeping a close eye on him. It was a clear a sign to Jose that what awaited him in Era was not a true trial, but something else instead. He would be given back his guild in time and be allowed once more to see his future through to the end.
"I suppose I should be grateful for the arrival of you two," Jose said, his crooked smile never fading. "We'll get this mock trial taken care of and you'll both arrange for a light slap on the wrist for Phantom Lord. I suppose we can blame Phantom Lord's actions on Jason Joker. The missing do make such wonderful scapegoats. Then I will return home to Oak Town and my guild. And then... Makarov and his precious children will pay for what they've done."
Seigrain and Ultear both stopped then, the man in white with cerulean hair watching as Jose took a few steps ahead of them. "I'm afraid it's not going to work quite like that."
Jose stopped in his tracks, the wizard turning around to face Seigrain and Ultear both. "What the devil are you talking about?"
Ultear raised a hand, an orb forming within its palm. The essence of time magic spun out and away from her, making contact with the stone cuffs that held Jose's power at bay. They were sealing the power within their target, but where not made for or prepared to counter the magic of another. The handcuffs crumbled away then, becoming nothing but dust.
"Oh, I see," Jose said with a grin. "We're going to go back and fight Fairy Tail together in a surprise attack. I'll get my revenge on Makarov and you'll get your precious Erza Scarlet."
"You're a fool, Jose Porla," Seigrain replied, the man not missing a beat. "Though I will agree with you on one thing: the missing will make a perfect subject for casting all the blame on."
Jose felt his heart drop within his chest. "What? You can't be serious. We're both Wizard Saints. Even if you do kill me, the resulting battle draw attention to you."
"Yes, yes, it would be a calamity," Seigrain interrupted with a dismissive tone. "But you've yet to recover from Makarov's casting of Fairy Law. And I have the lovely Ultear by my side. How do you think this will play out?"
"And he has the gall to speak of you killing him as an if instead of a when," Ultear added. "What gall this puppet has."
Jose raised an eyebrow at that. "Puppet?"
"Yes, a puppet," Seigrain added. "Ultear may specialize in ice magic, but she has more tricks up her sleeve then any on the Magic Council but myself know of."
"That's impossible!" Jose shouted. "Such a magic would require the caster to be close by the puppet's side at regular intervals!"
"Yes, and I could not afford to have Ultear step away from myself for the length of time it would take to keep you at our beck and call without leaving the Magic Council to grow suspicious," Seigrain continued. "Allowing her the time to return to and from Galuna Island was problematic enough. But that was where Jason came into play. A pawn with a charm containing a portion of Ultear's magic was enough to keep you in check for the most part. Though ever since he disappeared, you've proven to be a problem."
"We had your mind and your body, but I suppose a Wizard Saint of your caliber will always have his pride," Ultear added. "Your hatred of Makarov and Fairy Tail did not mix well with the lingering control Jason left behind."
"We had a deal, Jose Porla," Seigrain continued. "I would allow you to do as you wanted so long as you brought me Erza Scarlet. Yet time and again you tried to kill her. Do you have any idea what that would have done to my plans?"
Jose shook his head. "We can work this ou-"
"No talking," Seigrain interrupted. "Either run from us or fight. Either way it will make the perfect cover for the Magic Council when it comes to your death."
Jose looked at Seigrain and Ultear both, knowing that while he outclassed the former in terms of rank, he could not fight them either of them alone in his current condition. Challenging them both would simply be a suicidal course of action. Running may have been no different, but he was a desperate man tempted by chance. So Jose turned and ran, leaving Seigrain and Ultear both to watch as he went into the woods for cover.
"Stay here, Ultear," Seigrain said as he began to take a few steps forward. "An act of 'self defense' such as this should not take long."
To run as he was was an act Jose Porla had considered beneath him, but things had changed. He had gone against Makarov and he remembered well how that had turned out for him. That had been a fight between Wizard Saints that, while he had not won, he had survived.
Seigrain, however, had made it very clear that the battle that was pursuing him now was one he would not survive. The young Wizard Saint wanted nothing more than to cover his tracks and wipe the slate of his underhanded dealing clean, even if it required Jose's death.
So Jose ran, his boots scraping and stumbling along the forest floor. The light of the moon shone down and helped guide him along, yet it did not matter. Jose had no destination to return to. He was simply running away from something, not towards something. There was Magnolia, yes, but he would not dare lower himself to asking Makarov to aide him. It was too far a distance to travel, both for his feet and for his pride to fall.
"Damn it!"
The Wizard Saint stumbled and fell, a foot having caught on the gnarled root of a tree. He hit the ground hard but was quick to pull himself up. Yet as he did so, Jose found himself staring up at an individual standing right before him. At first he feared it was Seigrain, but he did not recognize them.
"Who..." Jose began to say, knowing nothing else worth asking. "Who are you?"
Jose suddenly felt a strange power pressing down on him, one that began to force himself into unconsciousness. IN the end he received no answer, simply rest.
Levy McGarden, much as all those who called Fairy Tail, listened intently as Makarov began to speak. He had waited patiently for the trio of missing members to return, but he could not hold himself to silence any longer. He would simply have to speak with the likes of Natsu, Bambietta and Liltotto later.
"The past few days have been hard on us all," Makarov continued to say as he stood atop the counter, Mirajane by his side. "Harder than I would have ever liked. I wish to apologize to you all for getting dragged into the petty squabbles between myself and Jose Porla. However, I have never been prouder of this guild than I am now. Erza Scarlet, you led Fairy Tail through the darkest of times in my absence. Wendy Marvell, while you have not been here very long, you-"
"Sorry to keep everyone waiting!"
Levy and all the others turned to the side and caught sight of both Natsu and Liltotto in the doorway. The former was looking around perhaps nervously, the other simply holding a hand up against her face. Makarov simply looked at them both and shook his head.
"I shall begin again," the older man said as he cleared his throat. "My children, I wish to commend you all. The past few days have been hard on us all. Harder than I would have ever liked. I wish to apologize to you all for getting dragged into the petty squabbles between myself and Jose Porla. However, I have never been prouder of this guild than I am now. Erza Scarlet, you led Fairy Tail through the darkest of times in my absence. Wendy Marvell, while you have not been here very long, you acted with the maturity I wish all our wizards possessed. Natsu, you-"
"Levy!"
Makarov sighed, his speech interrupted once more. All looked to the doorway, none more curiously than Levy herself, her name having been called out. She caught sight of Bambietta standing there, the Quincy looking flustered, a bag held tightly against her chest with one arm.
"Bambi, what's-"
"Uh oh," Bambietta interrupted, the Quincy taking note of how all eyes were on her, especially Makarov's. "I done goofed, didn't I?"
"Join the club," Natsu replied with a shrug.
Makarov was about to say something, to chastise Bambietta before starting his speech over again, but he stopped when he saw the bag in her arms. Despite all that had happened, he recognized it as the one Bambietta had been carrying when she had found Levy after her confrontation with Gajeel Redfox. "It's fine, Bambietta," Makarov said at last. "My speech can wait."
"Hey, why isn't she getting more of the evil eye like I just did?" Natsu shouted, stopping only when Liltotto gently elbowed him in the ribs. "Okay, okay..."
"Uh..." Bambietta did not know what to do then. All eyes were still on her, something that she would like under most circumstances, yes, but not this one. Not saying another word, she quickly stepped towards Levy with Hirenkyaku, then used it once more to take her outside in two blinks of an eye.
"Kids these day," Makarov sighed. "I suppose I can wait a little longer."
Bambietta and Levy both stood beneath the pale moonlight, the Quincy cradling the paper bag she had brought with her against her chest with both arms.
"What's up?" Levy asked, the wizard trying to regain her composure as she had quickly found her surroundings changed thanks to Bambietta's speed.
"I just wanted to thank you for everything," Bambietta whispered. "For everything. And then... everything went to hell. But..."
Not able to find the words in that exact moment, Bambietta reached into the bag and pulled a large, hardcover book out. Her arm extended out and held the novel before Levy.
"I still want to say it," Bambietta continued. "Your the first person I ever had to a real friend, Levy, so... thank you."
"Bambi, you didn't have to do anything," Levy replied. "You just..."
Levy blinked, her eyes having caught sight of the title that was printed on the book's cover.
"That's 'The Zephyr Through the Doorway,' right?" Levy slowly reached out and took hold of the book with one hand. "Bambi, you... you got me the latest book in the Clandestine Edifice series? How did you know I loved them?"
"Well, uh," Bambietta stammered a bit. "You helped me with my Lucy predicament, and she kind of helped me with my Levy one. Ironic, right? And... that's not all."
Bambietta slipped a hand back into the bag, taking hold of something.
"After all that happened, I figured I should make up for lost time, so... Well... I found the only bookstore in Magnolia open at this hour, so... here's what was my first pick."
Bambietta pulled out another book, holding it out before Levy. The wizard looked at the title then, her cheeks beginning to glow red. "That's... 'Fifty Shades of Gradient.' Bambi, that's... Wow."
"It says it's got some nice katanas in it, so it should be full of plenty of action and adventure!" Bambietta said with a proud smile on her face, the Quincy not knowing quite what she was talking about. "And the nice lady running the bookstore said it's so good that it's going to get a stage play in a few months! Maybe you, me, Lucy, Lil, Erza and Wendy can go see it when it comes out! It'll be a girls' night out!"
"That... might not be the best idea," Levy stammered underneath her breath. "But..."
Levy stepped forward, one book in each hand, and hugged Bambietta.
"Thank you, Bambi."
"Nuh uh," Bambietta replied. "All of this was to thank you, Levy. So don't go thanking me. I will argue this until the sun rises."
"I don't doubt you would," Levy said as she let go of the embrace. "So I'll just stick to letting you thank me."
"I seem to be doing that a lot lately, but..." Bambietta smiled. "Fairy Tail's more than earned it."
"So..." Levy began to say. "About your Lucy predicament..."
"Yeah. That." Bambietta's eyes closed slightly. "I... almost spilled my guts to her during the big fight. But then that douchebag Jose had to go and try and literally spill my guts."
"What about telling her after Makarov's speech?" Levy asked. "I mean, now's as good a time as ever."
"It was so much easier when I was running off the high of a battle," Bambietta mused. "Now I'm... thinking too much. And second guessing myself."
"The worst she can say is no," Levy offered up.
"But she'll still be my friend," Bambietta whispered. "Right?"
Levy tried to remain as encouraging as ever. "Why wouldn't she be?"
"All right, but not tonight," Bambietta replied. "Tomorrow I'll do it."
Levy raised an eyebrow at that. "You sure you're not stalling?"
"By my pride as a Quincy, I assure you I'm not," Bambietta replied. "Tomorrow it is, no matter what."
"Bambi!"
Both Bambietta and Levy turned, catching sight of Wendy and Carla stepping out of the guild hall.
"Oh, no," Bambietta said as she looked down at Wendy. "Now Makarov's got to wait for all four of us."
"I'll apologize to him when I go in," Wendy said. "It's just-"
The Sky Dragon Slayer looked away nervously, all the while holding her hands behind her back.
"Out with it, child," Carla spoke up. "You said this was important to tell Bambietta."
"Thanks to everything that was happening, I didn't get a chance to bring this up earlier, but..." Wendy looked up towards Bambietta. "I didn't get out of Phantom Lord's guild hall on my own. Totomaru and Juvia found me outside, but... it another person got me out of there. They said they were one of your friends, Bambi."
Bambietta simply stared at Wendy, her eyes remaining unmoving, the ability to blink lost on her. "She had a crazy hair color, right? Please tell me it was cotton candy pink. Please. Or even lime green. I'll more than take lime green."
"She wanted me to pass along a message," Wendy continued. "I think it was... Gigi says hi?"
Seigrain found himself amidst the woods outside Magnolia, the Wizard Saint growing irritated. He knew there was no chance of Jose Porla escaping in his condition, but the time wasted on searching for him was an annoyance nonetheless.
"That puppet is proving a nuisance," Seigrain said as he moved through the woods. "If only he had stood his ground, our business would have been concluded then and there."
Moving several more yards, Seigrain caught sight of what he longed for. Highlighted by the moon itself, Jose lay on the ground, the man clearly having fallen. Yet there was something else. Someone else. An individual standing before the grounded Wizard Saint.
"How unfortunate it is for the three of us that you simply did not face your death like a man, Jose Porla," Seigrain said as he approached the two individuals. "Now you've gone and dragged a unsuspecting civilian into our quarrel. Though it pains me to do this, they must die as well. Neither of you can live to see the sunrise. But fear not, both of your deaths will contribute to the shining future I will bring to this world."
"Are you by chance a prophet?" The tall man who stood before Jose looked up, eyes peeking out from ragged, dark hair and peering at Seigrain. His was a worn face framed by a rugged mustache. The man's long hair billowed about thanks to a slight wind, his black cloak doing the same.
"What?" Seigrain stopped in his tracks, the Wizard Saint having not expected anything but pleas and begging from the stranger.
"I asked you a question," the man asked, his tone displaying a miniscule hint of annoyance. "Are you by chance a prophet?"
"Watch your tone, peasant. I am Seigrain Fernandes of the Magic Council. I am Seigrain Fernandes of the ten Wizard Saints of Fiore." Seigrains' eyes grew narrow. He did not much care for a man who looked so ragged and worn daring to speak to him in such a manner. What he said next he had no fear in revealing, the fool before him nothing more than a dead man walking. Any pity he felt for slaying this man alongside Jose Porla vanished then, Seigrain bringing his hands up before him. "May the seven stars bring judgment upon you!"
The older man simply looked at Seigrain. "Only seven?"
"Seven Star Sword!" Seigrain remained undeterred, seven magic circles of a golden color forming around him. An arc of power pierced through the lot of them, binding them together. "Grand Chariot!"
The blade of power flew up from Seigrain before coming down violently upon the man before him. The magic power burst apart then, kicking up dust and debris. It faded soon enough, leaving Seigrain to prepare himself to stare at the bloodied remains of the man foolish enough to speak against him.
"Impressive," the man said as he simply stood in newly formed crater in the ground. "I must commend you for your power."
Seigrain could see it then. The man he had attacked was not simply standing in the crater his magic had forcibly created. No, he was hovering in the air, right where he had been standing at the start. "That's not possible! Your body shouldn't even be intact after being hit with the force of a falling meteor!"
The older man began to walk towards Seigrain then, his dark boots moving atop nothing but thin air. Seigrain could vaguely make out magic particles forming beneath the man's heels, but he paid it no mind. What truly caught his eye was the magic particles flowing towards the man's right hand, the energy forming into a curved sword.
"You are but a Wizard Saint, young one," the man replied, a vindictive grin forming beneath his mustache. "While I am a god in the flesh."
"I don't care!" Seigrain brought his hands up above his head, the Wizard Saint drawing to his hands all the magic coursing through his body as he could. "I did not spend years of my life working towards my goal just so a stranger such as yourself could end it all here!"
The older man watched as a magic circle burst forth from Seigrain's hands, the golden light fading almost as soon as it began. Wind kicked up from around, all of it moving as if the air itself was being guided towards the Wizard Saint. However, what was most curious to the older man was the shadows that were spread across the forest floor by the light of the moon. While once they had been facing one direction, they were now all bending towards Seigrain. It was as if all the light was flowing towards the Wizard Saint himself.
Yet it was the power itself that caught the older man's attention. Past all the spectacle the magic was causing, it was the most basic aspect of it that made him curious. "You've caught the eyes of a god, Seigrain Fernandes. Do not disappoint me."
"I will plunge you into infinite darkness with the light itself!" Seigrain shouted, an orb of darkness swirling about above him, a sea of stars forming in its endless abyss. "Heavenly Body Magic! Altairis!"
Seigrain threw his arms forward, the swirling vortex of darkness and speckled light flying towards the older man.
"It's over, you pitiful excuse for a god!" Seigrain shouted as his magic attack tore the ground asunder as it made its approach. "Altairis possess the gravitational force of a black hole! It would tear asunder the heavens as easily as it will you!"
"You wizards know more of the stars than I would have expected," the older man said as he stood his ground and raised his free hand up. "This brave new world is quite curious."
Altairis collided with the palm of the man's hand, leaving him to watch as its awesome power tore at his flesh. It was not enough to deter him however, and his feet stood upon the magic particles he had fashioned as footholds. Still, despite his fortitude, he could not help but find the power thrown at him by the wizard impressive.
Yet it was not enough. With some degree of effort, the older man closed his hands. The gravitation pull of the Altairis spell began to gave way under the pressure until, at last, it simply burst apart.
"Madness!" Seigrain shouted, his composure all but lost.
"A wizard who commands the power of living and dying stars," the older man said as he lowered his free hand and began to walk forward once more. "What allies we could be, but conflict is always such a bitter affair. Perhaps this would be a more interesting contest if your power was not divided as it is."
Seigrain felt his body grow cold. "How do you know of that?"
"I know a great many things," the older man answered. "That is all. Bring your other half here."
Seigrain could not and would not risk his entire plan on this unnecessary fight. A part of Seigrain tried to convince himself that even if Jose spoke out against him, he could deny it as the ravings of a madman. Surely the Magic Council would trust his word over those of a wizard who had threatened to destroy an entire town.
"Heavenly Body Magic! Meteor!"
Seigrain's body became encircled in a golden light, his feet rising up from the ground. Then, without uttering another word, he flew away from the older man, his body arcing between trees. His plan was simple. If he could not win on the basis of power, then he we simply take hold of Ultear and escape through his superior speed. It vexed him, to rely on running just as the man he had considered his and Ultear's puppet had. It was a bitter irony, but one he would gladly accept now.
Yet then did Seigrain gasp, the Wizard Saint feeling an unbearable pressure upon his right arm. He glanced to his side and was left with a most troublingly sight. The older man was by his side, having matched his speed on foot, and was holding him tightly by the wrist.
"You disappoint me, Seigrain Fernandes," the man said as he raised his sword high. "For that you will pay most dearly."
Ultear Milkovich stood on the road side, the woman waiting most patiently for Seigrain to be done with things and kill Jose Porla. She did not understand his interest in doing it personally, but was willing to relent if it curbed his desires. Still, the time it was taking was irritating her. Time was something she simply did not appreciate wasting.
Then, quite suddenly, did she hear a scream echo throughout the forest before her. It was a voice quite familiar to her. "Seigrain?"
Ultear did not understand what had happened. There was simply no way that Jose Porla had injured the man in the condition he was in, and yet her ears could not have deceived her. Ultear prepared herself to step into the words, to find out what had happened, but she found the action unnecessary.
Seigrain appeared before her quite suddenly, the man being thrown to the ground by an unseen force. Yet there was something missing, Ultear could see that quite clearly. "Your arm!"
As Seigrain lay on the ground, his eyes closed and his breathing unsteady, Ultear simply stared at the bloody stomp that was beneath his right shoulder. Blood poured out on to the ground, staining the dirt itself.
"How disappointing that he passed out. A wound such as that would have been child's play back home."
Ultear turned her gaze towards the forest and found herself looking upon a worn and rugged individual, a dark cape hanging from his shoulders, one that obscured the pristine white uniform underneath. Yet what she truly notice was the bloodied sword in one of his hands, Seigrain's severed arm hanging from the grip of the other.
"Jose Porla is worth more to me alive than he is to you dead," the man said as he dropped Seigrain's arm on the ground. "He will serve me well, but I assure you that he will not speak out against your agenda."
The man turned then, not even sparing Ultear another glance. He took once step forward, then stopped.
"Ultear Milkovich, whether or not that man will bleed out is of no consequence. His other half will simply have to give thought of his recovery. You, however, I will leave be. Tell the Magic Council... No, not just them. Tell your true master and all of the Balam Alliance to stay out of Quincy affairs."
"Who... Who are you?" Ultear asked, her fear palpable.
"I am Yhwach," the man said as he looked her way with harsh eyes one last time. "And when the time is right, my will shall spread across this world like wild fire."
Well, I bet none of you saw THAT coming now did you?! That's right my dear readers, I've decided to bring in none other than the one who brought the 13 court guard squads down to its knee's, the one who killed the captain commander, the slayer of the soul king, the Quincy Kaiser, one of my all time favorite villain's, Yhwach into the mix!
As you can clearly see, he's just much to be feared here as he was in his own series. What are his plans? Not just with Jose but for all of earthland? How did he get here? How did ANYONE get here?! Well Ii can safely say the answer to that last question will be answered within the next two chapters or so. I'm very eager to hear what you all have to say when its all finally revealed. Its...interesting to say the least.
Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to your thoughts on this and everything else that happened in this chapter in the reviews. I cant wait. :)
Anyways before I go, here is the MPF's for this chapter.
Seigran: 6825
Ultear: 5000
Yhwach: ?
