"THIS. ISN'T. WORKING." Cynthia groaned as the removal of the Earth Gem she swallowed resulted in nothing but horrible failure.
"Yup. It's stuck." Happy sighed.
"You should really stop eating things while people are explaining what they can do…" Wendy let out a heavy sigh and a nervous smile.
"It's only happened twice!" Cynthia flailed her arms around in a comical manner.
"What are we gonna do with you…" Alex sighed, placing her hand on the side of her head. This was her sister alright...
"She's certainly a handful at times…" Carla replied while shaking her head from side to side, though a gentle smile was on her face. "But she's not that bad."
"Not that bad! I'm an angel!" Cynthia huffed.
"Now I think you're taking that a little too far…" Lucy said while pointing a finger up, giggling just slightly. It was after Lucy's statement when a lacrima screen appeared above the town, catching everyone's attention. "What's that…?"
"A lacrima screen of some kind…" Said Ace who appeared out of nowhere as he usually did.
Suddenly, Aiden's image appeared on the screen, giving the town a wide grin. "Why hello, people of Magnolia, Fiore!"
"Oh you've got to be kidding me…." Cynthia's heart dropped and her expression changed. "How is he...!?"
"Dad…?" Alex blinked a few times at the sight of Aiden. "What's going on?"
"This bastard again…I knew it…" Natsu growled, clenching his hand into a tight fist as he waited whatever it was Aiden was going to say.
"If you're unaware, I am the one behind last year's incident, Fiore's End. All of my plans were going accordingly until some pesky mages managed to halt the project and defeat me. That's right, I'm talking to you, Fairy Tail and White Eclipse...those who were involved before. Your actions may have saved this country once, but again? I do not think so. I want the original team from Fiore's End to come to my base. You can't miss it; it's not too far away from the tower the event started. If you don't come…well, I'll let you figure that out…" After that, the lacrima screen cut off and a loud murmur soon took over the festival and town.
"He's still active…I knew it…" Cynthia clenched her fist, almost shaking from the mix of emotions inside of her at the moment.
"Man, can't we have a single day of rest…?" Waiston groaned.
"He wants another round? Heh, fine with me…" Gray smirked, his shirt suddenly coming off on its own. "I never got the chance to punch that bastard for all the hell he put Wendy and Cynthia through."
"Giheh…Same here…" Gajeel grinned, now filled with anticipation. "There's a lotta things I'd like to do to him!"
"He wants the original team?" Ace blinked, looking around to see who that comprised off. "I heard of the Fiore's End incident but not too many details…it was shut out by the Magic Council so other countries only know a little bit of the situation."
"I'm Fiore's End," Cynthia replied to Ace. "When I lose control, I have the ability to destroy this country, at least, that was what I was made for…But Wendy and the others help keep me sane. I haven't had an episode in a while...I've been getting better at controlling myself."
"The original team…?" Erza placed her hand under her chin before recalling Fairy Tail's team. "That was me, Natsu, Lucy, Wendy, Gray, Mira, Elfman, Laxus, Cana, Juvia, Gajeel, the exceeds, and Warren…and Gildarts appeared at the last minute…"
"I think I'll be joining you kids again for this round…" Gildarts said with a serious facial expression.
"Don't forget about me!" Cynthia huffed.
"What…?" Wendy immediately turned at Cynthia's suggestion to be put in. "N-No! I won't allow that! What if the same thing happens again!? I can't lose you like that! Not again…"
"W-Wendy…" Cynthia lowered her head before picking it back up, a determined expression on her face along with her flames flaring around her body. "I know you're scared of that, and I am too…but I have a feeling it won't happen this time. This time, I won't be the damsel in distress; I'll be fighting alongside you all! I'm certain it'll be okay, because you'll be by my side!"
"She's certainly brimming with confidence…" Mirajane said with a gentle smile.
"We are the inseparable duo!" Cynthia proudly exclaimed.
"I don't remember coming up with that name…" Wendy commented, but there was a sheepish grin on her face.
"Just go with it…" Cynthia whispered.
"Another round, huh…" Reve let out a sigh. "I knew going there would be a pain in the ass but I didn't want to go back anytime soon…Alright. Luke, Cyg, Tak, Selene, Aira, Royal, Jaxon, Waiston, and Zalen, suit up."
"Wait, why me?" Jaxon asked with a confused look.
"Oh yeah, memory loss…" Reve sighed. "We'll explain on the way, just get ready to head out. It's gonna be a long day…"
"Two people who were originally in the guild aren't here anymore…" Zalen pointed out while adjusting his glasses. "Arc and Heather."
"That's right…" Reve sighed once again, rubbing the back of his head as he looked around. "We shouldn't go in with less numbers than before. "Huh…"
"I'll be going," Taya said while taking a step forward. "I missed out on the fun last time, and I don't want to again."
"So that's one…" Reve said before looking around. "Anyone else?"
"We're fine with that we have now," Sidney stated.
"Are you sure…?" Nami asked.
"Positive. Now, let's get going. Clearly he didn't learn his lesson the first time," Sidney said before already starting to walk off.
"Wait, Jura-san, Lyon, and I were there too! Does that include us…?" Chelia asked with the upmost curiosity.
"Rogue, Yukino, and I swooped in at the last second, too!" Sting said with a grin. If it was a fight Aiden wanted, he'd gladly!
"I think he just wants them, Chelia-dono," Jura responded. "But that doesn't mean we cannot go later. While he may be expecting us, this is not something we can leave idly by either."
"And I don't think it's the safest place to go…" Raven said.
"Don't even think about it!" Cynthia huffed to Chelia, giving a disapproving nod.
"Fine, fine…" Chelia sighed. But she felt bad and rubbed her arm awkwardly. Nobody knew how Aiden was out and about; last they heard he was severely injured and under medical care in the Council. But back then, when she lost control of herself for time. "I...um..." She felt nervous.
"What's wrong?" Wendy asked. Chelia shook her head for the time being.
"It's nothing..." She couldn't hide it forever. But it just felt so ill timed right now.
"What about BP…?" Luke chimed in. "They kinda helped with transportation and saving the guild's hide…"
"Men!" Ichiya exclaimed, sparkles appearing around him. "If we must make the dangerous trip with you, I will gladly go along! I must protect my honey, after all~"
"I'd rather you didn't…!" Erza replied while backing away, pushing her arms out to push away Ichiya who was about to make an advance on her.
"Man, a lot of people really helped then, huh…?" Cynthia smiled somewhat, giggling lightly after.
"Now then, we should really get going…" Erza said. "We don't have too much time to waste…"
"Don't forget us!" Alex shouted, catching the attention of the group preparing to leave.
"I wish I could forget about you all…" Kagura mumbled.
"Don't be like that…!" Daryan pleaded before getting serious. "Em…anyway. We're going with you."
"…Pardon?" Mirajane blinked a few times.
"Man?" Elfman was in the same position, questioning Cosmic Star.
"You never know, a little back up couldn't hurt," Gaia said. "Besides, he's expecting the same group. We all know that scientist is no fool!"
"Hm…" Laxus grunted before giving a shrug. "Fine, do what you want. Just don't get in our way, understand?"
"You can count on us!" Hiruka exclaimed. After that, the group left for the trek to Aiden's lab.
"It looks as though things are about to get serious…" Jellal mumbled while watching the situation from around the corner.
"What should we do? Who knows what that mad scientist has in store for them…?" Ultear stated.
"I think we should help them." Meredy nodded firmly after. "There are a lot of strong mages here so if anything happens I'm sure they'll be able to handle it. Plus...something about this worries me."
"I agree…" Jellal nodded, moving his hood up to cover his face. "Let's go."
Ace watched as the group left, placing his hand under his chin. "Hm…This is gonna be a long day indeed, isn't it…?"
"I have that same feeling as well…" Levy nodded in agreement. "I want to go with them…"
"Hmph..." Chelia puffed her cheeks out in a stubborn fashion as the group left. "I still can't shake this feeling that they're going to need our help again..."
"Men..." Ichiya nodded in agreement to Chelia's statement. "A scent of uneasiness lingers in this situation...I always follow my nose, so I believe we should act in the best interests of them, and not him."
.
.
It was a long trek, but eventually Fairy Tail, White Eclipse, and Cosmic Star reached a large laboratory. It was clear they made it to their destination. "Here we are…" Cynthia gulped, feeling quite anxious now.
"I'm glad you could make it! Welcome, welcome!" Aiden said as he descended to the group on a floating platform. "It's been quite some, hasn't it?"
"Dad…?" Alex blinked. "Is that really you?"
"Oh…?" Aiden blinked, spotting his eldest daughter right beside his youngest. "Now this…THIS is a surprise…I thought I only ordered White Eclipse and Fairy Tail to arrive."
"We don't trust you. Simple as that!" Gray shouted. "Now get down here so we can get your ass!"
"Oh, please, it wouldn't be too much fun if things ended here and now, right?" Aiden asked with a slight grin creeping onto his face. "I want to introduce you to some of my newest creations!"
"Still as mad as ever…" Erza narrowed her eyes at Aiden.
"I'll smash it down!" Natsu said with a shout, pounding his flaming fist together. "You're gonna pay for what you've done!"
"Heh…" Aiden's grin turned into a sadistic smirk. The platform he was on floated high into the air as he pulled out a switch. "I want you all to meet something." He pressed the switch, causing the ground to tremble. The ground split apart, and from it came a large machine dragon, similar to the one Faust used in Edolas. "The Artificial Dragon!"
"I've had it up to here with dragons…" Gajeel began to grumble.
"If you can beat this, then we'll talk!" Aiden chuckled before his floating platform carried him off into the large laboratory.
"Oi, oi! Get back here!" Natsu shouted as Aiden left, immediately attempting to give chance to the mad scientist, but the Artificial Dragon stood in his way. The pure might of the false dragon managed to cause him to back away a step. "Gah…!"
"How are we gonna get past this hunk of junk!?" Cygnus shouted.
"Heh…" Gaia grinned, walking forward. "You all go on ahead, I'll handle this thing." And before any objections could arise, the ground began to tremble once again as a magic seal appeared above Gaia. Suddenly, her appearance began to change drastically. Fangs sharped, limps grew bigger, capping it off with her eyes changing into a reptilian-like state. When it was over, Gaia the Earth Dragon stood in front of the Artificial Dragon, letting out a loud roar that could be heard all throughout Fiore.
"She transformed! Oh, I love it when she does that!" Alex squealed.
"Her presence has gotten stronger…" Sidney mumbled to himself before vanishing in a puff of smoke.
"GO." Gaia ordered before butting heads with the false dragon in front of her.
"You heard the lady!" Shadowlore shouted. "Let's go go go!"
"Aye…!" Lucy nodded frantically, she and the others making a beeline for the front entrance.
.
.
"I hope she'll be okay…" Wendy said while looking back behind the large door that just closed. "Whoa!"
"I didn't close it!" Luke put his hands up.
"Welcome…" Hollow said as he slowly approached the group, arms behind his back. "Welcome all to Aiden's laboratory."
"AAH!" Lucy let out a near shriek of fear, hiding behind Natsu. "N-Not you again…!"
"Whoa, whoa…warn us before you scream like that!" Cygnus shouted, shaking his head while patting his ear a few times. "I'm not trying to go deaf, just so you know!"
"S-sorry!" Lucy said, slowly moving back to where she was in front of Hollow, now giving a slight glare. "I thought I defeated him in Hyde's tower…!"
"Ah, yes…Lucy Heartfilia…" The emotionless male before the group merely gave a nod. "I remember you well. You were so close to death, but unfortunately I was unable to pull the job off in my state back then. Now? I don't believe your power of friendship will provide you with such a victory."
"This thing almost killed you?" Reve merely let out a laugh. "I don't see much…" Within a second, Reve used his Quick Draw technique, pulling out a pistol and fired it off immediately, landing a headshot. Hollow's head flew back and he stayed motionless after the hit. "Bang."
"One shot…" Takeru mumbled. "And you and you had problems with this…?" He asked Lucy, who seemed to suck in her breath and waited anxiously.
"Now now…" Hollow said as his head moved back to its original position, the hole in his head closing. "I'm trying to be a polite host here. You wouldn't want to make me angry, Reve Volver."
"What the hell…!?" Reve's eyes widened as Hollow recovered from a head shot with such ease.
"Okay, I'm starting to see how you could have trouble with him…" Takeru said while attempting to hold in his surprise.
"He's not human…he's some sort of creation…" Lucy said while taking a step forward. "I'll take care of him…"
"Are you sure that's a wise idea?" Yakuza asked with wide eyes. "I mean, he just took a head shot!"
"We don't have time for debates right now!" Lucy demanded.
"Oh, I most certainly agree…" Hollow said while extending his hand. For some reason, Lucy froze in fear despite having dealt with this before. The near death situation was playing in her head again so her eyes just widened. Hollow unleashed a fast bolt of lightning almost unseeable to the naked eye.
(I…I can't move…) Was the only thing Lucy could think to herself as the lightning neared. "…!"
"Lucy get down!" Natsu shouted before tackling Lucy down to the ground and the lightning flew over the pair, crashing into a nearby wall and reduced it to nothing.
"Natsu!" Lucy finally managed to breathe out.
"You're not getting away with that!" Erza exclaimed while requipping into her Lightning Empress Armor, lunging towards Hollow without delay.
"Erza…I'm not your opponent…" Hollow calmly said while placing his hand down.
"I AM!" Knightwalker exclaimed, bashing into Erza with the help of her Velocity Spear. Knightwalker skidded to a halt while grinning maliciously at Erza. "Long time no see, Scarlet!"
"Knightwalker!" Erza sneered.
"Hey, hey, don't forget about us now…That's not Manly!" Elfman shouted.
"Big Stamp!" Yeti Blizzard exclaimed, jumping from above Hollow and slammed the ground with his large foot, causing a large avalanche to appear and sweep everyone away but Erza and Knightwalker. "This fight ain't for you!"
"You again!?" Gray shouted while trying to fight through the blizzard.
"You aren't sweeping us away!" Yakuza and Waiston grunted, beginning to inhale the snow, but it was too much for them to handle and the group was split up among several different doors by the snow. The doors then closed, leaving Erza alone with Knightwalker, Hollow, and Yeti Blizzard.
"Tch..!" Erza looked from side to side, grunting at the 3 on 1 situation. "All three of you against me?"
"Like hell," Knightwalker replied, taking a step forward while placing her spear before her. "We're going to settle this here and now, Scarlet."
"We've got places to be and things to do, you see…" Hollow gave a bow before walking off with his after image effect.
"Hahaha! Later, loser!" Yeti Blizzard exclaimed before jumping away through the ceiling.
"I needed to get you alone," Knightwalker said while changing her spear to her Cannonhead Spear, grinning sadistically towards Erza. "This is going to be our final fight, Scarlet. Each of our fights has resulted in a tie, and I refuse to be branded as an equal to you. This is where it ends."
.
.
Natsu: "Grah?! Why are all these bastards back again!?"
Apollo Flame: "Oh, I thought you'd be happy to see us again! Allow the brightness of my sun to lighten up your day!"
Lucy: "Eheh, I'd rather you didn't…"
Shadowlore: "I have the sinking feeling we were just tricked into something…"
Next time: Casting Roles!