Towering walls loomed in the distance far before Erza and the others even arrived at the gates. They were barren of any life around them, but with each step that brought them closer once the gates came in sight, they slightly opened more. So, Erza thought, whatever spy that'd been latched onto them probably got on ahead and leaked that Fairy Tail was arriving.

Or, she sensed, they hadn't even needed a spy.

The atmosphere around the city had an undeniable thickness to it. Nothing palpable or that she, with her magic ability, could touch. But the presence of overwhelming magic was clear, and it was bearing down on the Fairies. Wendy, the most sensitive of the group to that sort of thing, had been walking closer and closer to Erza as they approached, as a result. Natsu, Gray, Gajeel, and Elfman all had to stand a bit taller and prouder as if against it. Kip didn't seem bothered by it much, either.

He was in the back of the group with Gray and Juvia, still keeping to his cloaks. Erza stood alone at the head of the pack, hand resting on the hilt of the sword she'd clipped to her hip. She was thankful to have her armor on.

It was as if thousands of eyes attempted to pry into the minds of the Fairies, or just observe them and whatever actions they'd take. The massive towers at the edge of the wall, no doubt mere guard towers, drew Erza's attention in that regard. Brilliant lacrima caught daylight into the tower that surged power down and through the rest of the tower, possibly the wall itself, as there didn't appear to be a mechanism that opened the walls.

Above and to the east a bit, one of the high-speed trains ramped up the slope of the natural walls Crocus had. The rails soared into the air probably about a hundred, no two hundred, feet, to level with whatever station they were headed for in the city.

It was nearly impossible to see more of the city from their vantage point. Erza had skirted the edges of Crocus in her travels before and couldn't remember if the walls had always been this large. She was certain that the inlaid sigil, a symbol for the word Spriggan, was new. As was the carving in the wall: that of a young man in a flowing robe holding a single book.

"Zeref," Natsu said.

"Yeah," Elfman muttered. "I recognize that creep from Tenrou."

"It's incredible you've seen the Emperor," Kip muttered. "What, next you'll tell me you met Acnologia?"

The silence gave him his answer, and he sighed. Maybe he was regretting his choice of companionship after all.

The gates completed their opening sequence. A brush of cold stroked across Erza's cheek but didn't send a chill through her bones as it did Wendy, the Exceeds, and Kip. Gray joined Erza at the head of the pack, surprisingly still wearing his clothes. Even his breath was visible in the overwhelming chill that emanated from the well-dressed man who pushed his spectacles up to greet the Fairies.

He stood at the precipice of the city's entrance, icicles flecking away from the walls as if they had to react to his magic.

"Welcome," he said, at last raising his gaze to match the Fairies. "To Crocus, capital of the Twilight Empire in Ishgar. It's an honor to meet more members of the vaunted Tenrou Island survivors. My name is Invel, the Winter General of the Twilight Empire."

More.

So, Invel had likely already met Lucy. That made sense; she was a valuable asset to them in Clover Town, no doubt this wizard had a similar interest that Axel had. Hopefully not so similar, but Lucy was one of the few Celestial Spirit Wizards. Any would want to meet her, study her.

"I am Erza Scarlet," Erza said. "My friends and I have come to complete the Grand Magic Games."

"Incorrect," Invel said. "You and Natsu Dragneel are here to complete the Grand Magic Games."

"We travel together," Erza said.

"You were invited to Crocus, Erza, and Natsu, and that's all," Invel said. He folded his arms behind his back. "No other wizards are to compete."

"But watch?"

Invel raised his chin and pushed up his glasses again. He kept a completely level voice, even though that icy demeanor may have been as aggressive as any wild beast.

"There are many small villages around Crocus that will likely have viewing access of the final round," Invel said.

"You can't keep us out."

"It's been a few years, Erza, and things have changed around here. Perhaps once your wizards would have been happily welcomed into this fair city's walls, but there's no denying not only your reputation but your status in the eyes of the heart of the Empire."

Erza gripped the hilt of her blade tighter as the walls of the gate seemed to change. Not necessarily shift, but they were alive somehow. Invel didn't stand alone.

Dozens of wizards clung to the wall, autonomous, waiting for his single command. The lacrima in the tower continued to prime as it sucked forth the power it needed to power the illusion of the gate, ready for a massive blast. A micro Etherion, and there were just those two towers they could see.

"The rest of the country may think you're a bunch of inspiring symbols, either for or against the Imperial cause," Invel said, "but we remember your valiant resistance in the caves off the shores, not to mention your many rendezvous with Hisui."

"We're here for the Games and Games alone," Erza said.

"You are," Invel said. "You may think yourself incredible on the field of battle, Erza Scarlet, but if you want to get your little friends into the city you'll need to try harder than that. Natsu, Erza, come with me. The rest of you should leave while you can."

"If we're such big rebels," Gray said, "then what are we doing out of chains?"

Invel trained his focus on Gray. "Because, Fullbuster. The Twilight Division is amused by what you've done so far. The Emperor is as well." Invel then raised his hand, and with an icy finger, pointed to the back of the group. "Save for you, ragged one. You are not a Fairy we recognize."

Said ragged man moved forward, keeping his head bowed in his shambled shape.

"I," he said, his voice slightly altered, as if the vibrations coming out of his throat were off, "am not of Fairy Tail, but a mere hungry traveler they picked up along the way."

"We cannot deny your entrance," Invel said, "though we may need to see a form of identification."

"I have no need of cold hospitality," Kip said. "I'll toss in my lot with the others, particularly if you said there are other villages around. They, more than likely, will be kinder to me and mine than you, Winter General."

Invel didn't take to the insult but lowered his hand in the form of a gesture to Natsu and Erza.

Erza hesitated, not wanting to leave the others behind, particularly when so many wizards and weapons were targeting them. The gates would close and then what? A massacre?

No. Of course not. The wizards there, the ones she had to leave behind? They were some of the strongest in Fiore. In the world, even. They survived an onslaught from an army of Fourth Generation Dragon Slayers, Gray and Elfman forced even Sting to acknowledge their strength.

Fairy Tail wouldn't break at the gates of Crocus.

"Come, Natsu," Erza said.

"And Happy?"

"Only," Invel said, his voice cutting through again, "Natsu and Erza."

Happy's ears drooped. Wendy wrapped her arms around him and Elfman picked him up and onto his massive shoulder.

"Come on, Happy," Elfman said. "We'll see Natsu soon."

"I know," Happy said, his voice low.

Natsu tugged on his scarf a little as he met Erza at the head of the company. Invel stepped aside to show them into the city. She took her first step, Natsu following her.

"Good luck, you two," Gray said. "Don't kill each other."

Erza and Natsu grinned at that and stepped by Invel into the great capital of the Twilight Empire: Crocus.

The gates shut with a bit of frost disappearing off the walls. The illusion of keeping the autonomous wizards hidden reemerged, and that wave of power Gray sensed washing over them from the lacrima towers also dwindled. Kip sighed when the gates sealed up. Gray rested his hands on his hips.

"Well, now what?" Gajeel asked as Gray thought it.

"The Empire is probably expecting us to go bust through the walls at any second," Carla said. "Their guard is still up."

"I doubt they ever put their guard down," Gray said. "Especially around here. There's not going to be an easy way of getting into the city, is there?"

"Certainly not a subtle way," Carla said.

Gray kicked at a rock in front of him. Damn. They should've expected the Empire to turn the rest of them away and come up with a backup plan. Maybe they could've pretended to be Imperial loyalists after all the fighting in Clover Town, but that four-eyes guy wouldn't have fallen for it. Gray rubbed his hair.

"We'll think of something, my love," Juvia said.

"We can fly over the walls," Happy said.

"They'll be looking for that, too," Carla said.

"What they're probably hoping for," Gajeel said. "Is for this right now. Invel pointed us to some villages and I'm willing to be they're full of those robots, or more soldiers. Maybe even someone from that Twilight Division."

"Or," Carla said, "they want us to continue deliberating right here."

"She's right, we're sitting ducks if we just sit around," Gray said. "We need to come up with a plan under some cover."

"Look, everyone," Kip said, at last shedding the meager persona he'd been wearing in front of Invel and the rest of Crocus. He was standing straight, his robes no longer looking so tattered under that confident expression, "I think the path forward is pretty obvious. So, come on, follow me."

"Hang on," Gray said, snagging Kip's robes. "You don't think it's a little suspicious that you just roll up at the same time we're not allowed into the city? And you're the one that Invel doesn't have a problem with?"

"Because he doesn't have any reason to recognize me," Kip said.

"Still," Gajeel said. "Frosty is right. It's too big of a coincidence."

"What if I can promise a way not only into the city but a way to find out more about your powers, Gajeel, Wendy?"

"How?" Gajeel snapped.

"There's a graveyard of dragons beneath the city, something the Empire is keen on keeping hidden," Kip said. "When I tried getting into Crocus once, long ago, I found it. I got scared and ran away but I'll bring you back. It'll lead us straight into the city from there, I know it."

"Again, how can you know that?"

"You have to trust me. I can't show you here, not when the walls can see me so easily."

Gray set his jaw. He glanced down at Wendy, as the others did as well. The little Dragon Slayer balled her fists.

"I trust him," she said. "Kip? You can get us in?"

"I promise," Kip said. "If I were an agent of the Empire, I would've had a fully vested interest in letting you all in. That's where their power really is. Of course, I'm still going to get you in, but on our terms, not theirs."

The Empire bringing the fight to Fairy Tail would only lead to disaster. Fairy Tail had to be sneaky, and land a powerful sucker punch if they had any chance at getting in and out of the city with Lucy.

"Show us," Gray said after a moment.

No, he couldn't fully trust Kip, but Wendy was there for them. Wendy was the purest of them, and not necessarily the most naive anymore, either. Not since the world fell. Besides, Carla, arguably the smartest among that bunch, would've said something if it was a bad idea or if she didn't trust Wendy's instinct.

Kip led them out of the direct line of sight of the towers, and the pressure boring into Gray's soul let up just a bit. The Exceeds padded to the ground as the group stood in a semi-circle around Kip, who tapped the stone comprising the small hill hiding them from view.

"Yeah, that'll do," Kip said.

"What'll—"

BOOM!

Kip kicked the stone with ease and a hole opened in it that drilled so far into the ground it was impossible to see the ground. Kip raised his arms and set them down. The ground reformed at their feet, adjusting and groaning until it reformed into steps, or at least a manageable walkway down into the earth.

"Come on," Kip said. "I think I built the path well enough."

"Look," Gray said, stopping Kip. "I figured you were a wizard. But what you just did…"

"I was trained to be a wizard of the earth," Kip said. "Plus, I really like digging holes. I might not be of much use once we get into the city itself, seeing as they've completely taken over there, but I may be able to destabilize a few things. But I promise the Empire won't see us coming from here. The Dragon Graveyard is forbidden to everyone, even someone like Invel." He gestured. "It may take us until tomorrow morning to get into the city proper, if I'm honest because we have to be extremely careful the closer we get."

Gray nodded. Kip stepped into the cavern, and Elfman joined him.

"Alright," Gray said. "Let's go."

"I just wish Natsu was here to light the way," Kip muttered. "We'll need to stick close together, lots of conversation to make sure we don't lose track of one another. The floating cats should be held onto. Don't want them drifting away."

"We can control our flight," Carla said as she drifted into Wendy's arms.

"Just mind your heads," Kip said.

Juvia clung tight to Gray's arm, and though his instinct was to try and nudge her away, they plunged into heavy darkness and he allowed her to hold onto him. They were being led by a stranger underneath a city teeming with people ready to kill them, and first, they had to make a pitstop at a graveyard of dragons.

What could go wrong?

Roaring crowds lined the city streets while an escort of powerfully armored Quartum Army members guided Erza and Natsu down Crocus. Petals of so many kinds of flowers descended on them as champions of the Grand Magic Games, hailing them as the two great wizards of the year, the two that would tout the strength of the Empire for time to come.

And of course, it was two members of the exonerated Fairy Tail guild.

Sting watched with folded arms while Yukino sat next to him. Rogue was on the opposite side of Yukino watching with complete disinterest. They stood in Domus Flau, there several hours before the final event was set to begin. Natsu and Erza would stay at a small suite to relax for a bit, probably be healed from their journey, before getting thrown into the pit against one another. From their vantage point, Sting could see the entire city. It was supposed to be splendid and great and incredible, but given the hyper-negative energy emanating off of Yukino, it was hard to enjoy anything.

Still, the city had done a wonderful job of celebrating the competition. If it were any other year, Sting would've happily gone down to congratulate the winners. For most of them, it'd just be another of his Dragon Slayers and some wizard set to die in competition. This year…well, there was still a Dragon Slayer involved, at least.

Natsu and Erza, by the looks of things, didn't seem all that pleased about the parade. There was a band way ahead of them ushering them along, a dance team. It was a whole event, a massive display for the people of Crocus to see how important the Grand Magic Games truly were.

The stadium would be packed full of the world's elite as they bore witness to the two best wizards duking it out. Finally, it wouldn't be them getting to see some Dragon Slayer they helped support militarily. It'd be one of them.

It'd be members of Fairy Tail.

Sting wished he could amend the rules of the Games such that the true winner would move on to face him. But, if he was honest with himself, he didn't care if Erza won. Who was she, anyway? Some old-world wizard, in the overall scheme of things.

Natsu was another Dragon Slayer, one that everyone said was the strongest.

"I'll crush him," Sting said. "And the rest of the Fairies."

"Good luck with that," Yukino said, quietly.

"We can't step in," Rogue said. "This must play out on its own."

"Natsu will be stuck in Crocus," Sting said. "He can't avoid a fight with me. This is our city. We make the rules around here."

Except, he didn't. Because the truest power above them had to make all the decisions, and the Emperor was awfully quiet on all these fronts. Sting wasn't even sure if the Emperor was going to attend the games like he normally did. Maybe August would fill in for him.

Still…

"I'll prove I'm the greatest," Sting muttered. "You wait, Natsu."

Yukino stood. "I'm going to our suite, gentleman. I'll be meditating, please do not disturb me."

Sting said nothing but Rogue did acknowledge her, letting her go. He glanced over at Sting as if waiting for him to say something, but he remained silent, only able to watch Natsu get closer and closer.

Natsu wriggled his nose at the building they'd been led to. A lot of hoo-ha and fanfare all to be brought to just another stone building? Sure, it was close to the massive stadium towering overhead, but that didn't make the building itself all that special. He thought the parade was going to lead to something cool, or worthwhile, like a statue or something.

There were plenty of other fancy-pants places they passed along the way to have stopped at. Natsu and Erza weren't even sure what they were doing. The rows of people simply guided them there and then one of the guards showed them the door.

Inside was nothing too special. Cozy, sure, but also a bit stuffy for Natsu's taste. Too many plants and books, and nothing wide open where he and Happy could play. Then again, Happy wasn't around. Erza checked out the main living room.

"I doubt we'll be staying here long," Erza said. "So we may as well put our feet up to relax."

"Weird that they'd have us staying in the same place," Natsu muttered.

"Better to keep us together under the same watchful eye," Erza said. "That way one of us can't get loose somehow."

"They sure do think the worst of us."

Natsu took to some of the refreshments and snacks that'd been laid out in a well-woven pattern. It was ruined by the time he had two handfuls in his mouth. Erza studied the makeup of the room, maybe looking for traps or points of weakness. Eh. Whatever. Natsu could blow the place up if they felt the need.

He finished munching on his snacks and he was about to sit in a comfy couch when his nose wrinkled once more, this time to a familiar scent bathed in a rather ugly one.

"What is it?" Erza asked as the scent grew stronger.

But it was coming from…inside the building?

"You see? I told you we wouldn't be late. I thought it best to avoid the front door so we wouldn't be caught in the crowds."

Natsu's skin crawled at the recognition of that voice. Axel.

Which meant that scent was…

"Lucy!" Natsu exclaimed. Even Erza beamed as she turned to the stairs where the two figures were coming down, Axel keeping Lucy awfully close to him.

Their smiles slightly faded as Lucy's clothes were clearer: the same ugly grays and blacks of the rest of the Empire. It was hardly her style, too. She didn't even have a little pigtail, her hair was just down, draped over her shoulders. Her keys were nowhere to be seen, either.

"Where're your clothes?" Natsu asked. "Your actual clothes?"

"She has no need of them anymore, not as a member of the Twilight Empire as she has become," Axel said.

"Lucy can speak for herself."

"She can, but, I can also speak on her behalf," Axel said and squeezed her arm. Lucy flinched at the feeling.

She wore a long-sleeved black dress that flowed down to her ankles, something one of the jerk people like her dad would want her to wear. Natsu balled his fist.

"What've you done to her?"

"Nothing she didn't ask me to do," Axel said. "I promise."

"He's telling the truth, Natsu," Lucy said. Her voice was the same as before, too. Though it'd been only about a week, Natsu could still only recognize her by her voice. "I wanted this. I had to protect all of you, and if this is the way it has to be, so be it."

"That isn't true," Natsu said. "You can leave, Lucy. When the tournament is over, come home with us."

"You don't have a home," Axel said. "Lucy has everything she'll ever need right here. Clothes to last the rest of her life, Imperial power at her fingertips, and a good Dragon Slayer to tuck her into bed at night."

Natsu's flames almost ignited but Erza was quick to step in his way and snuff out his flames.

"What do you want?" Erza asked.

"I wanted to see you both when you got to the city," Lucy said with a wane smile. "I've missed you guys."

"We'll be in the stadium to watch the match later," Axel said. "I'm sure it'll be a good one."

"Lucy…" Natsu muttered.

A knock at the door interrupted his thought. Even Axel glanced at it in surprise. Natsu sniffed out Invel right away, as well as yet another familiar scent. But with Axel distracted…if he moved fast enough…

The door glided open, indeed revealing Invel, as well as another small woman in Imperial clothes, but these were far more official, similar to something Invel was wearing, or something the old Magic Council could wear.

"Levy too?" Natsu shrieked.

The blue-haired woman bowed her head to Natsu and Erza. Lucy completed her walk down the steps and joined the other Fairies, even as Axel held a grip on her.

"Levy?" Lucy breathed.

"Forgot to tell you about that," Axel muttered.

"Glad to see you two made it to your stay, Natsu and Erza," Invel said. "Our newest recruit wanted to come see you both."

Levy kept her arms behind her back, but couldn't keep her eyes from any of the Fairies, particularly Lucy.

"Levy, when did you…" Natsu started.

"It's good to see you, Levy," Erza said.

"You as well, Erza," Levy said. "I wanted to wish you both luck tomorrow. I may not be able to attend the event, but I know you'll put on a great show."

"What the hell are you doing with that guy?" Natsu burst.

Axel chuckled. "Temper, temper, Natsu."

"You shut up!"

"I would maintain your energy for the fight ahead," Invel said, doing that stupid thing where he pushed his glasses up.

Natsu's muscles tensed. He was trapped on all sides, as even Erza didn't want to make a move, though her hands were clearly trembling.

"They're right, Natsu," Erza said. "Save it for later."

Natsu seethed through his clenched jaws and remained where he was.

Levy bowed before them both. "I'll see you all around. Give my best to the others."

"What would Gajeel think?" Natsu snapped as Invel moved to shut the door.

Levy spared him one last look that told him exactly what Gajeel would think. Then, she was gone, Invel's power play over.

Axel led Lucy back to the upstairs area.

"We should get going, too, Lucy, we don't want to miss out on our spot in the suite. Kiyl will want the best spot, like usual."

Lucy gingerly tapped Natsu's hand with her own before being pulled away. Natsu decided against watching her go. He wouldn't be able to help himself if…

No! Forget that.

He spun around.

"Lucy! You remember that you're a Fairy Tail wizard, right?"

Axel snarled as Lucy stopped on the stairs. She balled her hand, the one with the guild mark on it, though it was covered by a glove of the Empire.

"Always," she said, and Axel shoved her along the stairs. Erza caught Natsu's shoulder.

"Whatever game it is the Empire is playing," Erza muttered, "we have to let it run its course. Our part is this next fight. From there, our path is clear, do you understand?"

"I don't understand any of this," Natsu said. "Lucy and Levy both with the Empire?"

"You know that's not true."

"Then what are they doing?"

"Surviving."

The word cut through Natsu like any of Erza's real swords. He lowered his arms, at last letting the tension in them release.

"I won't say not to think about it, but let it fuel you for the fight ahead," she said. "Levy being here makes things a bit more complicated but I'm not as worried. I'm sure she has her own plans here. Maybe we can meet up with Mirajane and Lisanna later to learn what those are."

Natsu nodded. "This is all so messed up, Erza. And why didn't Lucy have her keys?"

"They're afraid of her, Natsu."

Natsu set his jaw, listening as a door upstairs closed. "Yeah. Cuz they should be."

"Axel? I'd like to arrange something with Levy. She's a dear friend of mine, and I think the two of us can really start making an impact within the Empire."

The Diamond Dragon Slayer paused as they continued their walk up the secret, administrative path up the Domus Flau arena, headed for the executive sweets.

"Really? You've never mentioned her before."

"She was my closest friend at Fairy Tail."

"What about Natsu?"

"I can reach out to Invel instead, then."

Axel resumed his walk. Lucy waited for him ahead. She leaned down and, dreadfully, gave him a kiss on the cheek. He grabbed her ass and continued to walk forward. She slipped out of his hold.

"Sure," he said. "I can make that happen."

Lucy nodded, putting her hands together, and for the first time in days, felt a little more blossoming hope in her heart. First her dad, and now Levy?

If only, she realized glumly, she didn't have to walk up the arena with this Dragon Slayer. But she had faith in those two, and the others, that they'd figure it all out.

Fairy Tail was in Crocus. Chaos was the only natural course to come. Lucy had to stay her own course, though, but was happy to know that Levy, of all people, may be able to join her on it, soon.