Chapter 41

TaleBearer42Day- Mate, it was written in the last paragraph that he spared him for one reason or another. That was meant for you to speculate what the reason is. Did he do it because of the reasons that the Wood Elves didn't kill Archaon/Diederick or was it for another reason? Come on, man. That was made for you to speculate.

Yes, why not? Pretty much all the tabletop game units are going to come in as they're the official units. I don't see why you would think they wouldn't.

The vortex in Ulthuan, I'm assuming you're talking about that, doesn't work like that. It just drains magic from the world to prevent Daemons from making large-scale incursions like they used to. One can use that magic, sure, but it's not going to do that unless someone purposefully uses it to do so, and even then, they had to deal with the High Elves.

Austin- I'm not going to do that crossover. I currently don't have any plans to do any Crossovers or more stories involving Warhammer right now.

Makarov

"Jose, stop this!" Yelled Makarov as he defended himself from an attack from Jose before retaliating with an enlarged fist that Jose dodged with ease.

"Why should I!?" Demanded Jose as he unleashed several shades to attack Makarov, who effortlessly defeated them all with a wave of his hand, infuriating Jose. "Your guild is destroying mine!? Why should I give up when most of my guild has been defeated by yours!?"

"Because there's no point in all this!" Yelled Makarov, patience running out with Jose. "Just like how there's no point in this war in the first place other than appeasing the pride of two old men! We dragged our guilds into our conflict Jose. Ours! There was no reason at all to include our guilds in it at all, other than to appease our egos!" Jose rose an eyebrow at that before demanding Makarov to explain how he came to that conclusion, which Makarov granted.

"While I was recovering from the attack placed upon me the last time we met, I spoke with an old friend of mine." Said Makarov, recalling the conversation he had with Porlyusica before he left to finish the fight between Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail.

Sometime ago

Porlyusica

"So, may I ask why this war started in the first place?" Asked Porlyusica as she saw Makarov putting on his Guild Master robes. "I know that Phantom caused it, but I want to hear it from your mouth."

"*Sighs* A member of Phantom Lord attacked three of my children." Said Makarov. "He didn't just attack them though. He beat them all brutally, even branding one of them with the symbol of Phantom Lord. Not only that, but they kidnapped Naestra. I assume you know who that is, yes?" Upon seeing Porlyusica nod, Makarov continue. "Though I originally wished to avoid conflict with Phantom Lord after they attacked our Guild Hall, I couldn't ignore what they did to my children, Porlyusica. Naestra, may have convinced me to restrain, but since she was kidnapped…well." Porlyusica just sighed at that and spoke to Makarov.

"So you thought it would be wise to be the ones that start a war over Phantom?" Asked Porlyusica with narrowed eyes. "They may have tried to provoke you, but your guild was the first to initiate the war. The Council will hold that against you." Makarov sighed at that, knowing she was right. During his recovery, he had time to think about his actions and realized that he feel for Jose's trap, more than he already did.

By escalating the conflict in such a way as his guild did against Phantom, the Magic Council will certainly look down in annoyance and anger at Fairy Tail when they could have easily just sent word to them about Phantom's actions. Even if Phantom was clear to them that Phantom started all this, they'll hold Fairy Tail accountable for escalating the conflict.

"I know." Said Makarov before looking towards a field of grass. "I suppose I'm still that reckless fool that I was all those years ago. Charging in without any thought to the consequences. Letting my emotions get the best of me. And, perhaps most worrisome of all, letting my pride affect my decisions and strategies. We had no plan when we attacked Phantom Lord. We just went in to fight them and defeat Jose. Nothing more. If Jose was more prepared, we would have surely lost."

"You certainly got that right." Said Porlyusica as she walked close to Makarov, standing right next to him. "Fortunately, Jose is just as reckless and prideful as you. Be grateful for that." Makarov nodded at that before looking up at Porlyusica glaring down at him with disappointment.

"That I am," Said Makarov. "Just add that to the list of mistakes that I've done throughout my life. It's not the most severe, thank god, but it's up there in terms of potential harm to the guild. Just like Ivan and Laxus." He then looked at Porlyusica with sadness. "And you." Porlyusica glared hardened a bit at that, but behind that glare was a hint of sadness and pity for him. Before he could say anything, Porlyusica turned around and began walking away.

"You should go now." Said Porlyusica. "Your guild needs you now. I imagine that Jose has already capitalized on your absence." Makarov exhaled at that before departing, leaving Porlyusica alone.

Presen

"Having a friend can certainly help one figure out the mistakes they've committed and learn from them, even if it's too late to prevent the consequences from occurring." Said Makarov as he blocked another attack from Jose. "Where are you friends, Jose? Surely, they would have prevented this from occurring, yes?"

"I have no need for such companionship, like your Guild." Announced Jose with a sick smile. "I don't need such weakness like you." Makarov narrowed his eyes at that in pity.

"Jose." Said Makarov in pity as he stood atop a pile of rocks from their fight. "You could have been one of the greatest wizards in our time, perhaps even eclipsed my own reputation at all. But you let your pride and hate for Fairy Tail blind you to other ways to earn respect and prestige for yourself and your guild. For that, I truly feel pity for you." Jose was stunned at that for a moment, unbelieving what Makarov just said, before speaking out in rage.

"Save your words, Makarov!" Yelled Jose as he glared at Makarov. "Once I defeat you and take that Heartfilia girl, nothing can stop my guild from proving our superiority!" Makarov just hummed at that before asking another question.

"And what do you intend to do with Lucy?" Demanded Makarov. "Do you intend to complete the mission that her father sent out for her?"

"*Laughs* Of course not." Said Jose with a smile. "I plan to use her as a way to gain the Heartfilia fortune! With the Heartfilia fortune in my hands, Phantom Lord will become more powerful than ever before." Makarov narrowed his eyes upon hearing that. Jose will actually do such a thing? Betray the trust between guilds and the common people to gain more power? Such a thing was something a dark guild would do.

His disappointment with Jose growing, Makarov realized that there was no point in trying to have Jose see the errors of his ways. As a result, he glared down at Jose before speaking up.

"Jose, I'm giving you one final chance to see the error of your ways." Said Makarov as he placed his palms close together to form a perfect circle between them. Soon, golden energy began to gather in his palms, creating a blinding light that caused Jose to wince a bit before recovering. "Surrender now, and I'll do everything in my power to lessen the punishment given to you and your Guild." Jose glared at Makarov at that, refusing to accept any help from Fairy Tail.

"No, I refuse!" Yelled Jose as he gathered up his own magic power. "I will never accept any help that you offer! No matter what, I'll never accept anything from you!" Jose was about to launch an attack on Makarov when the Guild Master of Fairy Tail cast a spell that completely engulfed the room the two were in and was seen from all across Magnolia. Even Porlyusica saw the spell from where she was in East Forest.

"Fairy Law!" Yelled Makarov before a scream was heard from Jose and the bright light grew even brighter, causing all remaining combatants to stop and look at the bright light. Even the shade that was wrecking the Fairy Tail Guild Hall stopped to see the bright light from Phantom's headquarters. It soon screeched in pain as it faded from existence, a byproduct of Jose being affected by Fairy Law. No cheers were made at this as everyone was too focused on the casting of one of Fairy Tail's three sacred magics, knowing who cast it and wondering why they did so.

Soon, the light ended as Makarov finished casting the spell. Once he did, he looked at Jose, scared beyond belief to the point that he couldn't move. Inhaling a bit, Makarov spoke.

"I didn't want to do this to you, Jose." Said Makarov as he looked at his fellow Guild Master in pity. "But you left me no choice. Your actions against both my guild and the magic community as a whole warranted such a response. Have you not considered what would happen if you went through with your plan with the Heartfilia family? The trust between the magic community and the rest of Fiore will be destroyed. People will be suspicious and fearful of us, even more so than before. For how could they trust the legal guilds when we do something as heinous as what you've been planning on doing." Makarov then sighed. "Now, I believe this puts an end to the conflict. If it doesn't, then the arrival of the Rune Knights will no doubt ensure it. No doubt the ruckus we caused between our guilds will warrant their attention. Despite everything, I hope that your Guild won't suffer from your actions, Jose. They're all good people deep down, I know it. And, even though it may cause dissident in my guild, I'll do what I can to make the Magic Council see that as well. They're children and teenagers mostly, Jose, they don't deserve prison time for our mistakes. That's more than I can say for you, however." With that, Makarov began walking away, leaving Jose alone, still frozen in place. "For what it's worth, I truly did believe you could have been a symbol for the younger generations. A hero and icon for them, which was more than I have been during my time as just a member of Fairy Tail." With that, he left. Just as he left the room, he spotted, to his surprise, his grandson, leaning on a wall. The man having gone to the upper floors of the robot when he sensed Fairy Law was cast.

Looking back at Laxus, Makarov looked at Laxus in concern and longing while Laxus looked at him in contempt and annoyance.

"Tch. You should have done that the first time you attacked Phantom." Said Laxus as he looked away from his grandfather. "Then maybe I wouldn't have dragged my ass here to help fix your mistake." Makarov sighed at that, knowing that Laxus was right but also wrong.

"Fairy Law isn't something that should be used recklessly, Laxus." Said Makarov as he looked at his boy. As he did, he noticed Naestra, Arahan, Gray, Natsu, and Elfman making their way toward them. "Though it doesn't kill its opponents, it's still a dangerous magic that should only be used as a warning or as a last resort." Laxus just scoffed at that, not believing that at all.

"Whatever." Said Laxus before standing up. "Can't believe I came here to save your asses, only for you to save the day instead and make my efforts look pointless. Like usual." Makarov and Naestra looked at Laxus in pity at that while everyone else glared at him for that.

"Laxus." Started Makarov only for Laxus to stop him.

"Just shut the fuck up and let me leave in peace." Said Laxus before leaving in a burst of lightning.

"Pathetic man child." Said Arahan with contempt, causing Elfman to nod in agreement.

"No man would complain of a greater man finishing the job." Said Elfman. "A real man should feel pride with what they did, no matter how small."

"Yeah." Said Gray as he crossed his arms while Natsu was scratching his head at Laxus' behavior, not understanding it. "Can't believe he's such an asshole. No offense, gramps." Makarov sighed at that.

"None taken." Said Makarov sincerely. After all, it's his fault that Laxus was what he was right now. Looking down at the floor, Makarov wondered what he could have done in the past to prevent Laxus' behavior today.

"Master." Said Naestra as she saw this. Seeing and sensing the self-loathing and disappointment from Makarov. "Do you wish to talk with me after the Magic Council has arrived?"

"Thank you for offering, but no." Said Makarov. "I…have someone else to talk to about Laxus. If I need you, however, I'll let you know ahead of time." Naestra nodded in understanding before asking a question that everyone had.

"Did you defeat Jose?" Asked Naestra. Once Makarov nodded, a smile was plastered on Natsu's face before he began cheering.

"Alright!" Yelled Natsu. "We did it! We won! That'll teach those Phantom jerks to mess with Fairy Tail!" As Natsu was celebrating, Naestra looked at Makarov.

"Is the war over, then?" Asked Naestra, causing Makarov to smile.

"Yes." Said Makarov. "No doubt it is." Sighing in relief, Naestra looked at her sister and nodded. Knowing what her sister was conveying, the two departed, leaving the men alone. While the younger guys were wondering what was going on, Makarov knew. They had someone out there that was worried about them. Much like him with everyone else in the Guild. Seeing the two have just a warm relationship with their son, made Makarov slightly bitter and jealous because of his own relationship with his son and grandson. Squashing those feelings down, Makarov had the boys follow him out of the robot and to the rest of the guild, knowing they needed him right now. Both to calm them down and to tell them what to do next. After all, the Rune Knights were coming and they needed someone to talk to that wouldn't go ballistics.

Few hours later

Rune Knight detachment

Just like Makarov and a few others knew, the Magic Council sent a detachment of Rune Knights to Magnolia once they learned what was going on with Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord. Though they arrived too late to contribute to the fight or put a stop to it, they weren't too late to conduct an investigation and make arrests on those that were at fault for causing the war in the first place. One of those people that they were investigating was Naestra. As one of the pivotal people in Fairy Tail and one of the main causes of the war due to her kidnapping, the Rune Knights interrogated her first along with Makarov, Jose, and Gajeel once they found him.

"So you mean to say that Phantom Lord's Dragonslayer didn't kidnap you, but instead brought you to Phantom Lord's Guildhall to heal you?" Asked the Rune knight investigator as he looked at Naestra, causing the elf to nod.

"Yes." Said Naestra, her hood up so that she can avoid the revelation of her being an elf to the Magic Council at the moment. She really didn't need that headache right now with everything else right now. "However, it was likely done with the intent of causing a war between the guilds. I'm one of the few voices of reason in Fairy Tail. My kidnapping, combined with the assault on some of our fellow members, caused my guild to act erratically." The Rune Knight made a note of that in a notebook before asking another question.

"So you think that your guild is innocent in this war?" Asked the Rune Knight, causing Naestra to shake her head.

"No." Said Naestra, surprising the Rune Knight. "Though Phantom is responsible for provoking us, we're at fault for escalating the conflict. We should have just sent word to the Magic Council of everything that Phantom Lord did to us. That way, we would be free of any charges against us by either Phantom or the Magic Council."

"God knows your guild needs it." Said the Rune Knight as he made a note of Naestra's confession. Seeing that he had no further questions, the Rune Knight spoke up. "Alright, you're free to go. Send in the next one!" With that, Naestra got up from her chair and left the tent. Macao soon took her place, something he disliked on account of having to be questioned by the Magic Council. With Macao gone, Naestra looked around to see the camp that the Rune Knights made across the battlefield between Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord. Alongside the Rune Knights, various members of Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail were being interrogated by the Rune Knights or being patched up by them for their injuries. As she surveyed the area, looking for her sister and her son, both of whom were waiting for her around the camp, Naestra spotted Lucy and Natsu speaking to each other, and judging by Natsu's reactions, he was surprised with whatever Lucy was saying.

"You're telling me you beat Gajeel on your own with just Loke and a Lizard!" Yelled Natsu, both in shock and disappointment. The latter because he wanted to beat Gajeel. Lucy just flashed him a big proud smile before speaking.

"Well, I didn't do much, honestly." Said Lucy with a shrug. "That lizard really did all the work. And he did it without magic too. That's the insane part." Upon hearing that, Naestra was intrigued and so walked towards them.

"This lizard helped you defeat the Iron Dragonslayer?" Asked Naestra, intrigued. Upon hearing that, Lucy looked at Naestra and nodded.

"Yup." Said Lucy as she recalled the lizard. "He was so cool. Like he was totally silent the whole time and never spoke once. And the way he made Gajeel look like a fool with how he dodged his attacks and counterattack. Oh, it was just great." Though Naestra was happy with what Lucy said, she had a feeling that wasn't the whole story. Something about this lizard just raised her curiosity and worry as well. Perhaps a description can provide the answers she's looking for.

"Pray tell, what does this lizard look like? He needs some thanks after all for helping protect you, am I right?" Asked Naestra, causing Lucy and Natsu to nod in agreement.

"Oh yeah, he needs thanks." Said Natsu with a smile. "Anyone that protects a member of Fairy Tail is a friend by my book! Plus, he might be a fun person to fight!" Though both females looked at Natsu incredulously at that, Lucy answered Naestra's question.

"Well, he was then, but not too thin." Said Lucy as she recalled the lizard. "He had eyes like a chameleon, and he was orange. Oh, and he had a golden blowpipe with a bunch of glass orbs attached to a sash around his body." Upon hearing all that, Naestra widened her eyes in shock. Those descriptions made the elf realize who it was and it stunned her beyond belief. Something that was noticed by Lucy and Natsu.

"Are you okay?" Asked Lucy in concern, wondering why Naestra reacted the way she did. Natsu, however, guessed correctly what was wrong.

"You know this lizard?" Asked Natsu, causing Naestra to snap out of it and nod.

"Yes." Said Naestra. "We never met before, but I know of him and his reputation."

"Wow, really?" Asked Lucy in shock. "How come you never mentioned him before?"

"Because I never thought that he would actually be here." Said Naestra as she tried to process this. Not only were the Dark Elves here, but the children of the Old Ones were here as well? She…cannot fathom this.

How could Ariel not foresee this? Not only were their corrupted kin here, but the Lizardmen were here as well. Why were the Lizardmen here? Did they know about Diederick? If so, are they going to kill him? Do they not know what would occur if Diederick is slain? It stands to reason, the Lizardmen were stubborn in their ways, just like the Elves are. As Naestra tried to process this, Natsu sensed her worry and asked a question.

"Naestra, is this lizard a bad guy or something?" Asked Natsu. The way that Naestra was behaving right now, not through bodily motions, but through her smell and eyes, left him slightly worried. He has never seen her react this way before and it was concerning to him. Hearing the question caused Naestra to take a deep breath before looking at both children.

"He's…not exactly someone that can be easily defined as good or evil." Said Naestra simply, causing both teenagers to blink. "At least in what we all define as good and evil. He's like my sister and me. He does bad things for the greater good of all, even though it will cause some to shun him."

"Really?" Asked Lucy in shock. "But he seemed so nice." Naestra shook her head.

"Believe me, Lucy, his people aren't good in the most typical of definitions for it." Said Naestra. "I know because I've encountered his people a few times. They're not exactly the most…tolerant when it comes to things that they despise." Before either teen could speak, they all heard the voice of Arahan yelling out for her sister. That caused Naestra to give the teens a look of apology before departing to find her sister, leaving them perplexed by what she said.

"Man, I wonder what caused her to say such things." Said Lucy, wondering about that lizards' species now that Naestra said they aren't as nice as she thought they were. The lizard was aloof and silent, sure, but doing bad things? That didn't seem like him. Natsu just shrugged before spotting Gajeel being escorted away by some Rune Knights, causing him to run-up to the Iron Dragonslayer, eager to give him a thrashing for what he did to their Guild Hall, forcing Lucy to go after him to prevent him from doing anything stupid. While this was happening, Naestra was wondering what this meant now that the Lizardmen were here as well. And if herself and Arahan needed to keep a tighter eye on Diederick now that one of, if not the best, Lizardmen assassin was nowhere in Earthland, whose reputation is known even to the Asrai, despite a great ocean between their lands and those of the Lizardmen.

With a sigh, Naestra found her sister and son. She quickly went to them, both because she was eager to be with them after recent events and because she needed to tell them about Oxyotl and his presence in Earthland.

Meanwhile

Karond Kar

Lokhir Fellheart

"I've returned!" Yelled Lokhir Fellheart as he stood at the bow of the Blessed Dread. Finally, after weeks of raiding Cathay, his ship and its fleet were filled to the brim with treasures and slaves from the human nation. With their holds full of both valued commodities, the Dark Elves began making their way back to Naggaroth, where Lokhir's sister was no doubt waiting for her elder brother to arrive so they can discuss a potential threat to their house.

Seeing the ports and harbors of Karond Kar, Lokhir smiled as his fleet made it to their personal docks and ports. Being the head of one of the most lucrative and successful families in Karond Kar, there were ports dedicated to Lokhir's personal fleet. Both for their own protection as well as to ensure that their slaves and plunder don't make their way to the rivals of the Fellhearts.

Once his Black Ark docked, Lokhir ordered his men to begin offloading the slaves and treasures from Cathay so that they be handed over to the appropriate hands. Lokhir handed this task over to Vestea. He had something important to attend to. A family matter. As he made his way off the ship, the Dark Elf messenger that had come aboard his ship to tell him about his sister's message came up to him. Seeing the Druchii, Lokhir laughed.

"Come to face my sister with me?" Asked Lokhir with a smile hidden behind his helmet. The messenger simply spoke to Lokhir.

"Your sister will no doubt wish to see me after I failed to convince you to return immediately back to Naggaroth." Said the messenger. "I know that your sister is not the most patient of individuals, so I may as well come with you when you meet with your sister so my fate will be decided." Lokhir chuckled at that. This one had some backbone and integrity it seemed. Most Dark Elves would try to shift blame to something or someone else so as not to face punishment from their superiors. With good reason, admittedly, the Dark Elves are known for their cruelty and intolerance for failure.

"Then let us find my sister." Said Lokhir as they walked. "No doubt she is aware of our arrival and will be waiting for us here."

"She is." Said a female Druchii voice, causing Lokhir to look to his right to see his sister coming towards him with four guards, causing him to smile.

"Sister." Said Lokhir as the female Druchii stopped before him with a hint of annoyance behind her eyes, no doubt because of how he refused to return home immediately after receiving her message. "It's good to see you again. Let us discuss the return of the Dreadwaters."