Chapter 33

The Opportunist- I understand the want to get the other races here, but it's just too soon to have other races now. For example, I was going to do a teaser with Oxyotl at the end of the last chapter, but then I realized it didn't make any sense at all for him to be there for a Zeref demon. However, I can assure you that we'll be having more come in the Edolas Arc. Just be patient. They'll come in time.

Something like Narnia, hence why Curseling is coming in. I mean, the realm of Chaos fluctuates time so much that it's almost impossible to gauge characters' real age once they enter that crazy realm.

Just use the site's private messaging option. It works well enough for me. And no offense taken.

Ren64- No offense taken. In fact, I actually want stuff like this for my stories. I rarely get reviews, so it's nice to know what people are actually thinking when they read my stuff. Also, I realize the last chapter will affect things significantly, but that was planned after the chapter was released. In fact, I have several ideas on where to go with Ultear and Meredy.

Magnolia

Orchid High School

Morning

"Well, everything appears to be in order." Said the principal of Orchid High School as she looked over the files for both Diederick and Daxter. With the two teens were their parents. All of them. Arahan grumbled to herself as the principal of Orchid High, a blond-haired woman in her thirties named Rosemary. Twirling one of her front long bangs, Rosemary read the transcripts of both boys, trying to determine if they're both worthy of entering her school. As she did so, Naestra recalled what happened prior to entering Orchid High.

Today was the day that the three had a scheduled meeting with the principal of Orchid High School that will determine if Diederick was allowed into the school or not. The meeting was scheduled at the same time as Daxter and his parents, something everyone agreed to do in order to save up time. In addition, Naestra and Arahan made everyone at Fairy Tail promise to not be rowdy while they were gone, or else they'll be very displeased if they're forced to once again leave their son alone in order to deal with a rowdy guildhall. Needless to say, everyone got the message.

After eating a good breakfast, both Naestra and Arahan took Diederick to his chosen school for his high school years, where they meet up with Daxter and his parents, after which they meet up with the principal for the meeting in her office. So far, everything looked good and it seemed that both Daxter and Diederick will be able to enter the school. But unexpected circumstances have happened before and the Twilight Sisters were prepared in case Diederick was not allowed in the school.

"I must admit, everything appears to be quite good." Said Rosemary with a smile after she finished reading the transcripts. "Your grades are in more than acceptable parameters. There is nothing that signifies behavioral issues with you nor any societal issues. And there are even several recommendations from your teachers and principal for you to attend this school. Impressive."

"So does that mean that I'm accepted into your school?" Asked Diederick with hope in his voice. Same with Daxter. Rosemary just smiled before nodding her head.

"And the same goes for your friend here." Said Rosemary, causing Daxter's dad, a man by the name of Johnathan Ironcrow, to yell out in happiness for his son, causing everyone to look at him.

"Sorry." Said Johnathan with a smile. "Just excited that my son got accepted into his dream school." His wife, Rose, smiled at her husband's antics. Naestra also smiled while Arahan rolled her eyes. Smiling herself, Rosemary then spoke up.

"If that is all then let me congratulate your sons into being accepted into Orchid High." Said Rosemary with a smile. She saw the smiles on both Diederick and Daxter before she spoke up. "I expect great things from the both of you."

"We won't let you down, ma'am." Said Diederick, causing Rosemary to nod. With that, she asked everyone to leave as she had another interview to do soon, which they soon did. Once they exited the entire building, did Johnathan speak up.

"Well, how about we all go to a nearby restaurant for a celebration?" Asked Johnathan with a smile. "There's a place with some really great beef I know of."

"That is an excellent idea." Said Naestra with a smile. Erza may be out on a quest, but she took the more destructive elements of the Guild with her. So, Naestra and Arahan can leave the Guild Hall alone for some time. That and Mirajane promised to punish anyone that dared to interrupt their time with their son. She may not have access to magic anymore, but she was still someone not to be trifled with. "Where is this place you speak of?" Johnathan smiled and was about to tell them when they heard some yelling.

"Naestra! Arahan!" Yelled Elfman as he ran towards them, causing the two elven maidens to look at Elfman in surprise. Upon seeing the distress in Elfman's eyes, Naestra spoke up.

"What happened?" Asked Naestra as Elfman came to a stop, panting a bit. After recovering enough to speak, Elfman spoke.

"The Guild Hall. It's been attacked." Said Elfman, causing everyone around him to widen their eyes in shock.

"What!?" Demanded Arahan as she looked at Elfman. Who would dare to attack Fairy Tail in the town they were located in? "What do you mean?" Elfman just spoke two words and both Naestra and Arahan understood them.

"Phantom Lord." Said Elfman, causing both Naestra and Arahan to either narrow their eyes or sigh in resignation.

Later

The basement of Fairy Tail Guild Hall

"I'm glad that everyone was not harmed from this attack." Said Naestra as she looked at Makarov drinking a mug of beer. The man simply nodded before going back to drinking his beer, a bit tipsy from the amount of alcohol he's been drinking. Looking around, she found the usual Fairy Tail members, aside from team Natsu, the team that Natsu and Happy made with Erza, Lucy, and Gray, were there. They were all grumbling to each other about what happened and how Phantom was either going to pay for this or getaway for the attack on Fairy Tail. Amongst them was Arahan, angry about the attack and also angry that they can't attack Phantom back for this afront. As much as Naestra can understand the want to attack Phantom for this attack, she knew it would do more harm than good.

Because of the power that guilds had due to the number of mages in each one, a war between guilds can be disastrous on not just the waring guild but Fiore as a whole. This was proven in a war called the Second Trade War that caused the deaths of countless on both sides. The Magic Council, thus, had put into place the Interguild Dispute Interdiction Treaty, which prevented Guilds from going to war with each other, regardless of the reason. That meant any retaliation from Fairy Tail to Phantom Lord will only end up making things worse for them instead of Phantom. And this really angered Arahan and many others in the guild. Naestra, on the other hand, knew that war was not the answer to this situation. Though the others may not like it, Naestra knew it was worse for the Phantom Lord guild that they sent an official complaint to the Magic Council. The Council, if done correctly, would be more than happy to act against Phantom on behalf of Fairy Tail. If there was anything that would get them to do anything, it was a threat to the peace in Fiore. Many may not like her plan on account of Fairy Tail's history with the Magic Council, but it was a far better alternative than to wage war with Phantom Lord and get into trouble as a result. She was about to tell Makarov her plan when she heard some yelling.

"I can't believe this!" Yelled Natsu as he made his way down to the basement with the rest of his team. "Phantom attacked us and you're all sulking down here!? We should be going out there and returning the favor against them!" Arahan gave a grunt in agreement while Naestra sighed before speaking up.

"No, Natsu, we cannot." Said Naestra causing Natsu to glare at her. "I do not know if you know this Natsu, but there are laws placed that made inter-guild wars illegal. If we go to war with them, we'll be seen as the villains instead of the victims." Natsu was about to protest this when Makarov spoke up.

"Listen to her, Natsu." Said Makarov, clearly drunk from his drink. "Naestra knows a lot more than a lot of us. Besides, she's got a brain bigger than all of us and can actually think ahead when she has to. Naestra, you got anything in that pretty head of yours?" Not being offended at all from her master's drunkenness, Naestra spoke her plan.

"The Master and I will send a letter to the Magic Council to inform them of Phantom's transgressions." Said Naestra. "Because Phantom attacked us without reason, we can accuse them of attempting to threaten our ability to serve both the people of Fiore and the Magic Council by attacking our guild hall. If we make a strong enough case, we should be able to persuade the Magic Council to help us in our plight." Natsu didn't look pleased at all with the plan. To him, it was cowardly to rely on the Magic Council for help. Plus, the Magic Council may not do anything against Phantom appropriate for what they've done to them. At most they probably have them pay for the damages to their guildhall and that's it. No real punishment for them at all. Plus there was the fact that may make them seem weak and may cause Phantom to attack them again.

"But Naestra that won't stop them from attacking us again." Protested Natsu as he looked at Naestra, who sighed. "It may even give them the impression that we're weak and we're not weak!"

"To the ignorant, it may seem that way." Said Naestra as she tried to make Natsu see her way of thinking. "But to those that have an actual mind, it's a significant threat bringing the Magic Council into this is a serious manner. The Magic Council is many things, Natsu, but when it comes to things that threaten peace, they'll act." Before Natsu or even Gray by the looks of it could protest, Makarov spoke up.

"You should listen to her Natsu." Said Makarov, drunk from the amount of beer he drank. "She's right. If there's anything that'll get those party poopers in doing anything for us, it's a threat to peace. Plus the possible damages that'll happen if two guilds ever face off against one another, regardless of their power. Besides, we might get lucky and the Magic Council may force Phantom more money than what is needed to pay back the destruction they did to our guild." Before any of team Natsu could argue or agree with him, Makarov suddenly got up and ran away, leaving his mug behind. Sighing, Naestra looked at team Natsu and spoke up.

"I know this is hard, but we need to be the smarter guild on this." Said Naestra as she looked over at team Natsu. "If the Magic Council does little to punish Phantom, then we have no choice but to comply lest we become the victims of the Council's wrath instead of our attackers. Rest assured, all of you, I will try my very best to force the Council to see that Phantom Lord is punished for this offense. I promise." Natsu, upon hearing that, calmed down a bit.

"Still, it's wrong that we can't fight back against them." Complained Natsu as he looked at Naestra. "They started all this, I think we should finish it." Shaking her head at that, Naestra responded back.

"I understand the want to teach Phantom a lesson personally." Said Naestra looking over at Arahan, who was currently talking with Erza. "But there comes a time to act rationally, and that time is now. Phantom, as much as it pains some of you to admit, is a legal guild as such it's under the authority of the Magic Council. Therefore, it's in our best interest to use that authority against them. At least try to see if it'll work. Please." Sighing, Natsu looked at Happy and Lucy, wondering what their opinions were before looking over at Naestra and nodding.

"Okay." Said Natsu as he crossed his arms with a pout. "But one more attack from Phantom and I'm going to straight to their guildhall and beat them all up. Alone if I have to. They can't get away with treating us like their punching bags." On that, Arahan agreed and gave a look to her sister that said so. Naestra sighed at the aggressive nature of both Natsu and Arahan before speaking up.

"I understand." Said Naestra. "You do what you believe is right, Natsu, as I do mine. All I ask is that you give me the chance to mine first. Is that fair?" Natsu looked down at the floor before nodding in agreement. "Thank you. Now, if you're alright with it, my sister and I must leave to go tend to our son. He's currently with his best friend and his family in a restaurant. We promised we would be there after checking up on everyone. If that is alright." Upon hearing that, Natsu shook his head along with Lucy and Gray.

"No, there's no trouble." Said Lucy as she shook both her hands and head. "We know that today was a very special day for your son and you wanted to spend the day with him."

"Yeah, to be honest, we're sort of surprised you both aren't angrier towards Phantom for ruining it." Said Gray. Arahan he could see charging to Phantom for daring to attack them on a special day for her son and perhaps Naestra too depending on how sad Diederick was over the attack. Naestra gave a soft laugh at that.

"We are angry over it." Clarified Naestra. "We're just in better control over our emotions than most people give us credit for, especially my sister," Arahan growled at that but otherwise kept silent. With that, Naestra bid everyone goodbye before leaving with her sister in tow. As soon as they left the Guild Hall, the two looked at their damaged guildhall, which was full of giant iron pillars all over it. The damages were extensive to the point nearly nothing in the guild hall was usable for anyone until it was repaired. Though it may not seem easy to identify the culprit, both Naestra and Arahan knew who was responsible for the arrack. Phantom Lord's top wizard. The Dragonslayer knew as Black Steel Gajeel. The Iron Dragonslayer.

Unlike most in the guildhall, they knew of who is a member of Phantom Lord, especially their top wizards. And amongst them was a Dragonslayer, similar to Natsu. Instead of fire, however, his magic focused on Iron instead. Odd magic, but considering the Sisters have seen wizards use the winds of Chamon, or the lore of Metal, it's not odd for them. They never actually physically encountered the Gajeel before, but they knew his reputation.

He was a ruthless Dragonslayer that was as destructive as he was temperamental. Much like Natsu, but unlike their Dragonslayer, he was without mercy nor any sort of redeeming quality it seemed. He was as just as ruthless to others, whether they be civilians or fellow guildmates, as he was to his enemies. Something that reminded Naestra much of Arahan. Then there were the elite wizards of Phantom Lord known as the Element Four. Four mages utilized different elements that were, according to some, equal in power to Fairy Tail's S-class mages. Arahan scoffed at such a notion, but Naestra kept her guard up. They didn't know how powerful these Element Four mages actually were and to underestimate them would mean defeat.

As they walked, Arahan spoke to her sister, finally intending to speak to her about how she felt about the whole situation.

"Much as I detest the idea, I agree with our Dragonslayer." Said Arahan as she looked at her sister. "We should fight back and teach Phantom Lord a lesson about respect and humility." Naestra sighed at that, knowing this was going to come up from her sister.

"Sister, as I said before, a war between the guilds is both illegal and disastrous for all, even those not involved." Said Naestra. "Regardless of if Phantom Lord truly rivals us in power, war is still not advisable. They have more resources and members than us, making war truly long and that is something neither of us desires. Besides, the Magic Council will threaten both guilds if we declare war first, even if Phantom Lord provoked us to. Let us use the Magic Council to help us in this endeavor first before we resort to rash actions, Arahan. They're in place for a reason." Arahan just scoffed at all this.

"The Magic Council is either full of weak, spineless cowards that rather hide behind their legions of worthless men than do something remotely useful or have suspicious individuals like that Siegrain." Said Arahan. "They would do nothing of real worth against Phantom Lord until they do something truly drastic."

"Untrue, sister." Said Naestra. "They may seem like it to you, but I know for a fact that the Magic Council has the strength to force Phantom Lord to submit to their demands, especially if they've done something that could mean war between guilds. Like Makarov said, the Magic Council will be forced to act on behalf of Fairy Tail if it means the alternative is a war between two Magic Guilds." Arahan scoffed at Naestra's words again.

"You have too much faith in the Magic Council, sister." Said Arahan as they continued to walk to the restaurant that Johnathan spoke of.

"And you have too little faith in them." Said Naestra as she ended the conversation before their son and the Ironcrows' can hear their argument. Smiling at her son, she embraced him before they all entered the restaurant together, intending to have the celebration they planned before Phantom decided to attack Fairy Tail's Guildhall.

Later

"That was some good food!" Yelled Johnathan as he exited the restaurant with a happy grin on his face. Rose laughed at her husband's antics while Arahan scorned him. The food was detectable, Arahan won't deny that, but the man didn't need to scream it out loud.

"Act your age, old fool." Said Arahan as the boys and Naestra exited the restaurant as well. Johnathan laughed upon hearing Arahan's words, scratching his dirty blond hair with his left hand.

"You really are a mean-spirited woman, but goddamn don't I love you for it!" Yelled Johnathan, causing Arahan to twitch in irritation and glare at him and Rose while she laughed at Arahan's reaction. Daxter groaned out in embarrassment while Diederick laughed a bit.

"I knew him having even one drink of wine was going to end in disaster for us." Said Daxter as he looked at his father's rose-tinted cheeks.

"Well, at least he's not causing big trouble for all of us." Said Diederick as he saw Arahan restrain herself from actually physically beating up Johnathan while her sister conversed with Rose. Eventually, they all said their goodbyes, and they all left for their respective homes. While they were on the way to the forest, Diederick spoke.

"What happened at Fairy Tail, mother?" Asked Diederick as he looked at Naestra. "I heard about what happened. Who would dare to attack the guildhall?" Deciding to tell the truth, Naestra spoke.

"It was Phantom Lord, Diederick." Said Naestra as she looked at her son. "Their Dragonslayer, Black Steel Gajeel, attacked our Guildhall. Filled up the upper and ground floor with Iron Pillars, making them unusable for us until they're removed and the damages repaired. Whether he was acting alone or not, we don't know. What we do know, however, is that we will not allow this to go unpunished. I'm intending on sending a letter to the Magic Council along with Makarov to inform them of the situation and try to convince them to intervene before things can get worse."

"Because guilds can't declare war on each other, yes?" Asked Diederick. He recalled there being a law against legal guilds in declaring war on each other on account of a devastating war many years ago called the Second Trade War.

"Indeed." Said Naestra. "If we declare war on Phantom, our guild will suffer as well. Therefore, we must be smart and rein in our impulses."

"By that, you mean Natsu?" Asked Diederick, knowing he was the one that tended to think first without any care to the consequences. Naestra nodded at it.

"Along with the majority of the guild apparently." Said Naestra, remembering how many people looked at her in disapproval. Not that she blamed them. Phantom attacked their Guildhall. A place that was both a symbol and home to many of them. A place where they can interact with friends and have fun with each other. In addition, if Phantom had attacked while people were still inside, she wasn't sure she can stop anyone from attacking Phantom in righteous rage. "Fortunately, Makarov agreed with me and no doubt I need to assist him in writing that message to the Council. I'll probably return at around dinner. Arahan, can you please take care of Diederick until I get back?" Arahan sighed at that before nodding. Thanking her sister, she hugged Diederick goodbye before departing, tightening her hood in the process.

"Why would Phantom attack the Fairy Tail guild?" Asked Diederick after Naestra was gone from their sights. "It doesn't make sense. Don't they realize this could get them into trouble?" Much as Arahan wanted to say that it was because the Phantom Lord Guild were fools that needed to be taught a lesson, she knew that wasn't the case. Jose, the current guild master of Phantom Lord, wouldn't have attained his position as guild master by being an idiot. If he did, he would have been infamous amongst the wizard community as a result if he displayed the foolishness as his guild had just done, or at least Black Steel Gajeel with his attack. No, there was something more. Something that would have provoked him to do so, regardless of the risks to his guild.

"No idea, but it's likely that this isn't the end of Phantom's ploys." Said Arahan with confidence in her tone. Diederick sighed at that, knowing that, deep down, she was right.

Meanwhile

Unknown location

The dark elf known as Lilea was currently pacing around a room that resembled the architecture of the Druchii of Naggarond. Right now, she was currently thinking of ways to get back at Fairy Tail for her humiliations and failures, both past and present. Unfortunately, her siblings ordered her to find more ways to acquire more slaves from Fiore to Bosco covertly because of her prior failures. That left her with limited resources to use for her revenge and it frustrated her to no end. As Lilea was pacing around, trying to figure out how to obtain both goals, the Dark Elf assassin Xylas appeared before her.

"Mistress Lilea." Said Xylas as he bowed in respect to her. "I bring entertaining news." Upon hearing that, Lilea ordered him to speak.

"What is it?" Asked Lilea as she turned to Xylas who looked back at her, his expression unreadable, but Lilea could see that he was amused over something.

"There appear to be developments occurring at the coast of the Caelum Kingdom." Said Xylas. Curious, Lilea asked what kind of developments. What she got surprised him. "It seems that someone is nearing completion of the R-system's tower on an island. The only surviving tower." Lilea was surprised to hear this, having heard the stories behind the R-system's tower.

According to the history of the humans, the R-system towers were a series of towers intended to revive the dead. Said to be one of Zeref's many legacies, the towers were created by dark wizards in ancient times in order to revive Zeref. However, the Fiore Magic Council stopped them and destroy all but one tower as they were never able to find it. The Dark Elves of the Dreadwaters, however, did and kept it secret from the Magic Council as the potential it can offer them was great indeed, utilizing every means possible in order to do so.

When they first learned of it and who was currently in control at the time, a cult that worshipped Zeref, they allowed them to live, even secretly provided them slaves, in order to hasten the construction of the tower so they can take it for themselves. Unfortunately, the cult fell by its own slaves, and the tower's construction was put on hold. The Dreadwaters could have resumed construction, but between the fact they wished to remain hidden from the rest of Earthland and the fact they didn't wish to expend resources to finish construction, especially after they learned the ridiculous requirements needed to revive even one person, the Dreadwaters abandoned the tower, focusing on more profitable ventures. Some were disappointed at the decision, but let it go. Others were hoping that someone else will find the tower and finish construction for them so they can use it to revive some prominent family members of the Dreadwaters so they can help return the Dreadwaters to glory. Before the Fellhearts came and disgraced them.

Well, it seems that someone actually did so.

"How is this possible?" Asked Lilea as she asked Xylas. "Better yet, how were they able to avoid detection from the Magic Council and the Caelum Kingdom?"

"That information, I'm afraid I do not possess." Said Xylas honestly. "However I believe that this is an important opportunity for you. One that can bring you much praise from your siblings if you bring them the R-system tower." Lilea grew silent as she thought much over it, wondering if it's worth pursuing.

On one hand, Xylas was right. Attaining the R-systems tower for her family would instantly make her siblings forgive her for her previous failures, perhaps even giving her more power over their family operations in slavery. But on the other hand, if the R-systems tower wasn't as they thought it was, if it couldn't revive the dead, and if any of the kingdoms figure out the existence of the Dreadwaters, then her head would probably be sacrificed to Khaine finally. Plus, Xylas served her older siblings first and foremost. For all she knew, this was a ploy from her siblings to get rid of her after her many failures. Or perhaps this was a test? To see if she was still capable enough to be around. As she thought long and hard about what to do, she came to a conclusion.

"Deploy assassins to the tower and its surroundings. Have them observe the tower and its handlers from a distance only. Until I'm certain that nothing will stop us from profiting from the tower's finished construction." Ordered Lilea, causing Xylas to bow.

"As you command, mistress." Said Xylas before leaving Lilea alone. Once she was certain she was truly alone, Lilea remembered her past failings and vowed to learn from them. To ensure that she doesn't make the same mistakes again.

Meanwhile

Lustria

In the deep and lush forests of Lustria, a single figure was looking at the stars, gazing upon them to see what omens and visions he must endure and then act on if he wished to save the world from the machinations of the Chaos Gods.

This individual was neither man nor elf. Rather he was a reptilian humanoid with orange pigment mixed with brown. A golden blowpipe at his back along with an assortment of leather straps and glass bombs, the orange lizard swished his tail as his sizable, chameleon like-eyes gauzed at the stars. Eventually, something within the stars made his tail stop and for the being to close his eyes in contemplation. Staying still for a full hour, not moving in the slightest, the Lizardmean suddenly opened his eyes before jumping down from the tree branch he was on. Landing on the jungle floor, the lizardman began making his way to a city of his own kind, to gather supplies as well as recruit followers for the next mission offered to him by his visions.

Since someone had recently voiced their want to have other characters in this story, so here are some other Warhammer characters to keep you all satisfied. Also, as said before you're getting more in the Edolas Arc. I'm not saying more other than that.