Hi everyone Azza here.
TheRayvenwolves – Ah but you see that would be the Scarlet coloured Babanana haha I actually plan on bringing that up later on once the gang reach civilisation again.
Fang Dragneel – Um I don't really know when I said Erza was fodder unless you are referring to where I placed her on the power scaling thing in which case that is far from fodder since she is in the High Tier.
The way I view Erza is she doesn't have an armor that is actually capable of fighting the monsters on the higher tiers like August, Irene and many other ridiculous powerhouses. I love Erza as a character but I simply can't be biased towards her and she has to have limitations I mean she is easily on the level of many of the Spriggan and Leichart 12 just not the top top tier ones.
If this wasn't what you meant though then please let me know what it was because after your comment I went back and tried to figure out what you meant and this was the only thing I could find haha.
Now then this chapter was one that I found myself easily completing since I've wanted to do it for so long now the words just came to me and before I knew it I was done so that is why it's coming up so soon after the last two, well that and I was up until like 4am because I lost track of time …
Anyway enough from me and on with the story!
I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.
A Meeting Of Swords And Shields
/Several Days Later – Vistarion/
Zeref sighed as he sat on his throne looking out the window, since returning to the kingdom Irene was very insistent that he quote "do your damn job" and he really couldn't be bothered right now in the slightest.
Today was the day all the Leichart and Spriggan were to finally meet up once again for the first time in over half a decade so it obviously caused quite a stir throughout the Empire, still he knew the people would just see it as another excuse to throw a festival in his name and call it the Emperor using his golden touch to make Alvarez even better than it already was.
"Let them have their festivals," he sighed as Irene and August walked through the doors to the throne room.
"My Lord the Shields are all present and most of the Swords have arrived with only three still not within the castle proper," August said as Irene snapped her fingers and a piece of paper was in her hands.
I couldn't help but notice that Dimaria is on this list is there a specific reason for that?"
"I was wondering when you would catch onto that Irene," Zeref said with a small smirk. "I have improved upon Dimaria so that she now possibly rivals Bloodman in power."
"Most interesting my Lord are you sure she will not abuse such power," August asked cautiously?"
"Of course not August I am in control of all the books save one for obvious reasons you know that better than almost anyone."
"My apologies I only wished to be certain in case my assistance was required," August said as he bowed his head.
"It is fine I'm glad you take your job so seriously it makes things go a lot smoother around here," Zeref said sincerely. "By the way August how is Brandish doing?"
"As reckless as ever but she's learning at a rapid rate as usual I am grateful you allowed me to spare her and raise her to become one of us."
"Well she has proven time and again her strength and where her loyalties lie, combine that with the fact that she became a Shield and you have a good decision. Plus I know how you see her as a daughter don't even try to deny it August," Zeref said adding the last part on to see the normally stoic mage falter for a moment as he turned away.
"Anyway onto other business Invel won't shut up about how he wanted me to pass along word that the plans are ready in the war room for you," Irene said as she spat out Invel's name like it was something disgusting scrunching her face up as she did so.
"Invel tries his best in his own way Irene as you all do don't belittle him for his unique approach to things."
"He could stop rubbing his Chief of Staff position in other people's faces maybe then I'd cut him some slack," Irene said dryly as even August cracked a rare grin.
"Anyway we shouldn't dally here bullying poor Invel when he isn't even around to defend himself so let us proceed to the war room," Zeref said as he rose from his throne and walked over to Irene and August as they took positions on his left and right flanks respectively and the trio began to make their way down the hall walking into a large open room with a round table in the centre with a map of the world on it.
The moment Zeref walked in all talk ceased with three others darting inside just as the doors closed and the room was locked down with only Zeref and his Sword and Shield inside.
"I am glad you all managed to make it to this meeting on such short notice because this is one that none of you could have afforded to miss, today we discuss the plans for the invasion of the Kingdom of Fiore," Zeref's voice boomed.
A snake humanoid stepped up to one of the twenty four podiums and Zeref motioned for him to speak.
Viper Of The Confounding Melody
9th Sword Of The Alvarez Empire
Vipr Eelstor
"My Lord if I may asssk why are you sssso concccerned with the invasssion of Fiore after all they are nothing compared to our combined might?"
This drew snorts from further down the Leichart end as another member stepped up.
Grandmaster Of The Paragon Enigma
5th Sword Of The Alvarez Empire And Commander Of The Varnik Squad
Varnik Duscharn
"And jussst what do you find ssso amusing Varnik," Vipr hissed as Varnik simply shook his head.
"You have no idea the power hidden within the mages of Fiore Vipr for you have not been there to experience it for yourself, Lord Zeref was right in wiping out Scarlione first because in Fiore are some of the biggest opponents we the Swords and Shields may ever face."
"Ssssurely you jessst Varnik?"
"I assure you he does not," another voice piped up.
Country Demolisher
7th Shield Of The Alvarez Empire And Commander Of The Brandish Squad
Brandish Myu
"I've seen firsthand what some of these so called weak Fiore mages can do Vipr and you also forget that Fiore will have Lord E.N.D fighting for them or did that slip your mind?"
"Indeed though I believe he goes by the name Natsu Dragneel does he not," Varnik said as many of the others looked shocked that Zeref's greatest creation will be against them.
"He is able to be defeated though do not worry about that."
The Restless Shinigami Princess
4th Sword Of The Alvarez Empire And Royal Executioner
Phyrra Ashar
"You fought him before he gained access to the powers of the Devil though Phyrra he's on a whole other league now you should've seen some of the crazy stuff he did in Draconia!"
Embodiment Of The Luna Diviner
8th Sword Of The Alvarez Empire
Yasmin Clearwater
"Oh yes I indeed read the reports Yasmin reports that were lacking action on your part might I add," Phyrra shot back with a sneer as many in the room sighed and shook their heads.
"Leave her be Phyrra she is correct Natsu is far above most of us at this point even I would be hard pressed to beat him in a fight," Irene said as she stepped forward to her podium.
"Impossible there is no way he could beat you," Phyrra snapped as Irene shrugged.
"He beat a relic of the old times and an actual Titan right after I struggled against the Vampire Queen who was wielding only around 25% of what Natsu's Devil Aura is capable of and in all honesty I'd say he's gotten even stronger since then."
"But according to the reports Dragneel is currently missing is he not," Invel asked as he decided to join the conversation.
"Actually we have received recent reports that he may be very much alive and currently aiming to rescue the foreigner from Vistarion Minar," August said as Yuriel stepped up to the podium.
"There isn't a chance in hell he's breaking the old man out of my prison!"
A strange muscular lion like humanoid stepped up to the podium shaking his head.
Defender Of The Eastern Plains
10th Sword Of The Alvarez Empire
Leo Mekita
"I do not wish to offend you Yuriel but there is every possibility that Dragneel could very well indeed break the outsider out of the prison if he is as strong as those on the Alvarez expedition claim he is."
"Surely the reports had to be exaggerated just a little I mean come on Devils from other worlds what a load of nonsense!"
The Adjudicator Of The Iron Wall
12th Shield Of The Alvarez Empire And Commander Of The Wall Squad
Wall Eehto
"Oh look the machines databanks broke again oh wait they never worked to begin with," Brandish sighed as several other members burst out laughing.
"Hey don't you dare underestimate me I am the elite Machias, Lord Wall! Never underestimate me Brandish or you'll come to regret it!"
"How many cities can you crush under your boot Wahl," Brandish asked lazily as Irene brought the meeting back to order.
"We are getting off topic here the point is they have a number of powerful mages on their side," Irene said as August cleared his throat.
"Actual Irene I think the main topic of discussion should be the mages of significant note because without them I alone would be sufficient, Natsu Dragneel is similar to myself if he is pushed far enough and will require immediate attention that much is for certain however let us all table the discussion on him and review some of the other targets."
"I agree with August I know of at least four who warrant our attention that I've met personally," Brandish added as August nodded in thanks.
"Very well then, Serena if you would put up a projection of the dossiers you have acquired."
The Great Eight Dragon God
3rd Shield Of The Alvarez Empire
God Serena
"Of course though keep in mind that some of these people have disappeared for the last five years in order to train from what I was able to gather so I would scale them higher than the reports."
Serena placed the first document face down onto the table and a picture of Natsu appeared.
"Now I know we have all already debated Natsu Dragneel however for strategies sake let us put the squabbling aside and look at the facts please?"
"I agree with Serena so everyone remain silent," August said as the room shifted into an uncomfortable silence. "Of course you may ask VALID questions that aren't just blatant denials of the facts being presented."
"Thank you August, now then before you is Natsu Dragneel better known to us as Lord E.N.D. Before his disappearance he was to be placed among the Ishgar Four among the Wizard Saint ranks since Warrod Sequen was retiring however thanks to Varnik, Granvill and Phyrra he was made an outcast though I believe this will be overturned as soon as word of an invasion begins reaching Fiore."
"Based on how he brought you to your knees five years ago Serena do you believe he qualifies as the strongest mage on the continent?"
"Undoubtedly August, based on reports that he is in full control of his E.N.D abilities, boasting multiple Dragon Slayer Magics, the ability to use the highly destructive Crash Magic, the ability to use the Devil's Aura a skill only Lord Zeref possessed up until he acquired it and his most notable feats in Draconia as supplied by Irene Natsu Dragneel's capture or execution will be paramount to turning the tide of the entire war."
"He is only to be captured," Zeref cut in as everyone looked at him in shock. "I have plans for him and do not wish for him to be killed at this time and that is all I shall say on the matter."
"Well then as you all heard it is a capture order, we have a limited amount of people who could fight Dragneel with even fewer if it were in a one on one situation so this will need to be handled delicately."
Removing the paper he then placed down another one that prompted Brandish to groan.
"Not him …"
"I see you have had a previous encounter with this man Brandish, for those of you who don't know this man's name is Gildarts Clive and he is also in the running for one of the strongest on the continent. Information about this man is scarce however according to reports by the Magic Council every time this man appears he has grown exponentially since the last sighting in terms of power and ability. Considered to be the Ace of the Fairy Tail guild Gildarts Clive is in my personal opinion a Grandmaster of the Crash Magic school being virtually unrivalled in its use."
This garnered the attention of August who said nothing opting to gain as much info as he could.
"His current whereabouts are unknown however if an invasion takes place he will surely arrive onto the battlefield at a crucial moment, during the Scarlione conflict he was one of the sole factors preventing us from outright conquering the country so be on guard when encountering this man. I would also like to point out that had he chosen to accept the offer of being a Wizard Saint he would easily be among the Ishgar Four."
Taking the paper off he placed another one down this time getting a small chuckle from Varnik.
"That kid was pretty skilled last time we fought."
"Yes this man goes by the name Jellal Fernandes and is the leader of an independent guild named Crime Sorciere, a user of True Heavenly Body Magic Jellal years ago was responsible for the Tower of Heaven incident involving the use of Lord Zeref's R System but was defeated by Natsu Dragneel. It should be noted that at that time he divided his power in half and with only half his power Jellal was able to become the youngest Wizard Saint in history before Natsu and even had a seat on the Magic Council."
"Is his location unknown as well," Varnik asked as Serena nodded.
"He is wanted by the Magic Council for crimes against Fiore so he moves periodically, it should be important to note that he has many powerful mages within his guild that are also threats," Serena said as several smaller images appeared below Jellal's.
"Many of these mages were formerly a part of the Dark Guild Oracion Seis, each of them are highly skilled being wanted by the Council for countless crimes and all have bounties of over one million Jewel. Now the other two women here are former mages of the Dark Guild Grimoire Heart, Meredy is an opponent that has the potential to kill any of us provided she is willing to sacrifice herself using her Link Magic however the real threat that I foresee besides Jellal is this woman here named Ultear Milkovitch."
"That's the Time Mage if I remember right," Varnik said as Serena nodded.
"An absolute master of stealth and deception she was able to gain a seat on the Magic Council, manipulate Jellal Fernandes and hold a position as one of the Seven Kin of Purgatory within the Grimiore Heart guild at the same time. Her Arc of Time Magic is also quite formidable and according to Lord Zeref himself she actually has the ability to rewind time itself using it and I don't have to tell you how much of a bad thing that is."
"Keep in mind Serena that should she ever rewind time it would result in her death most likely or at the very least she will age to that of a fossil," Zeref added as everyone nodded.
"Anyway back to the leader Jellal from the reports I acquired from the Magic Council he has become quite powerful with the order for soldiers to capture on sight being rescinded and replaced with inform the Council so they can send a few of the Wizard Saints out to defeat him."
Satisfied with his explanation Serena removed the sheets and placed another one on the screen.
"So we're finally getting to Natsu's little gang are we," Irene said amused as a picture of Elise popped up on the screen.
"Among the Fairy Tail guild there are several mages who are significant threats with this woman Elise Faulkner being one of them. Trained by the actual God of War Elise has True God Slayer Magic and is able to utilize the God's Aura and ascend into a God state putting her close to the War God herself. An absolutely brutal fighter Elise is capable of massacring an entire army by herself especially if she enters what the Council referred to as a Bloodlust state where she continues to slaughter on the battlefield until there is nothing left standing. Now you all know the workings of God Slayer Magic but hers is different because it isn't elemental based instead it is like she is literally a walking manifestation of war itself."
"So what are the recommendations," Brandish asked remembering Dimaria's fate.
"No Sword or Shield below rank 5 should challenge her or else you will meet your end she is far too powerful to be taken so lightly. Also another important bit of information is that the War God Eliza sees her as a daughter so if she is killed there is the possibility that the God of War herself may take to the battlefield in which case it will be up to the top two Swords and Shields or even Lord Zeref himself to intervene."
"So basically what you are saying Serena is that the Fairy Tail guild will contain the bulk of the forces we must face," a new feminine voice said as she stepped up to her podium.
Empress Of The Crystalline Throne
2nd Sword Of The Alvarez Empire And Commander Of The Knights Of Crystalline
Maya Valkyrion
"Well they are the biggest threat in terms of guilds but they are by no means the only credible threat after all the Wizard Saints are also a credible threat, anyway let us move on to the next person of interest-."
"Perhaps we could put this on hold for the moment Serena someone very vital to the war effort has just arrived back in Alvarez," Zeref said as everyone turned to face him.
"And who would that be Lord Zeref," Serena asked as a massive shade rose up from the floor behind Zeref.
Personification Of All Things Dark
Personal Operative Of Emperor Spriggan
Codename: The Darkness
"Before you all flip out this is The Darkness who I created a few years ago, don't bother trying to attack because he doesn't have an ethereal body to attack. Anyway The Darkness here is a master of spreading chaos, fear and despair and I had him messing around with the Fairy Tail guild for a few years."
"Indeed that was my task as Lord Zeref tells it however I return with information vital to the war regarding Natsu Dragneel."
"Not him again," Wahl groaned as he was silenced by a glare from Irene and August.
"Natsu Dragneel has indeed returned and is currently regaining his magic after a merger with Divine Magic, once this regeneration is complete he will be just like Lord Zeref himself … a Hybrid."
Everyone was deathly silent with all eyes on Zeref who seemed amused at the situation as he stood up from his chair and began to pace.
"Yes that will definitely improve his chances of achieving his ultimate goal of that I am most certain, you said he was regenerating his powers?"
"Indeed you see I had taken control of a young man named Gray Fullbuster and the two ended up engaging in a battle, Dragneel wasn't using any magic which was uncharacteristic given his past exploits until he recoiled as if being struck in the head and then began using his E.N.D abilities and limited use of Devil's Aura."
"He'll be back to full power quite soon then I know what he's currently going through, Divine and Demonic Magic are never meant to cross paths with one another and his body is currently reworking itself to allow harmony within him. Once his body is completely restored he will be able to face me on equal ground."
Several jaws dropped at Zeref's statement but he just shrugged it off with his usual smile.
"Do you doubt my words?"
"Of course not my Lord we just can't fathom anyone coming close to your level of power," Phyrra gasped as August snorted in amusement.
"That is utter foolishness to think in such a narrow minded way, our Lord might indeed be the strongest now but never forget that he too was once weak as were we all and all it takes is the will of magic itself and some hard work to be rivalled or bested no matter who you may be."
"Truer words have never been spoken August I couldn't agree more," another member of the Leichart said as he stepped forward.
Arbiter Of Forced Evolution
1st Sword Of The Alvarez Empire And General Of The Leichart 12
Sentomaru
"Trust in ones skills must never be doubted that you can be sure of however many of you fail to realize that once attaining power one must strive to maintain it lest they find themselves on the receiving end of defeat. August is a prime example of never faltering and look where that got him the man is second to the Emperor himself!"
"Thank you for your kind words Harkon and yes I suppose I am a good example however I feel the greatest example of all would be Lord Zeref himself, even with his duties our Lord leaves for years at a time in order to explore and learn new things all the while working tirelessly to perfect his arts."
"And that is something the rest of you should be doing as well," Irene added. "Recent defeats in lands such as Scarlione are unacceptable, the only threat we should falter before is Achnologia and that is only until the promised time of his impending destruction."
"All of you especially those on the latter half should take heed of our words, our Empire is on the cusp of performing what no previous Empire has ever done gaining control over the entire globe! Many of you are lazy and shirk your duties assuming that the power you currently possess will be enough to get you by well let us the Alvarian Four be the first to warn you that such notions of satisfaction will not allow you to maintain such a prestigious position as one of the Emperor's chosen Swords or Shields," Maya barked as many of the Swords and Shields simply nodded with a few of the younger cocky ones dismissing the idea unaware that their reactions were being noted by the top four.
"Scarlione proved that despite our overwhelming power it simply isn't enough, we cannot afford for the invasion of Fiore to drag on for over twenty years like the Scarlione conflict did. Now we know that even many of you on the latter end of the Swords and Shields are indeed doing the best you can and that is all we ask however you all remember Dimaria's fate in Scarlione and what she has become now," Harkon said with a low growl.
"The girl was far too arrogant and brash with her abilities and completely useless against an opponent who wasn't entirely affected by them, Dimaria is a prime example of what you must all strive not to be or else you WILL share her fate," Irene said as she emphasised the fate that awaited them.
"Also bear in mind that Serena only showed us a few of the powerful mages Fiore has at their disposal and I saw the pile and to be honest it was surprisingly thick, if even a tenth of that pile has mages on even the Faulkner girls calibre this invasion may be in trouble from the start-."
"That's nonsense nothing can stop the Alvarez war machine especially with Lord Wahl at the head!"
"And this is precisely what we are talking about," August said icily as Wahl froze in his seat. "You have no idea what awaits you in Fiore, many of us don't, however I can tell you this with certainty that I can spot at least five people in this room who I don't believe will live through this. You are on that list Wahl."
"I resent that-!"
"Just shut up and accept the facts Wahl and learn to stop flapping your useless mouth for once."
Embodiment Of Tartaros
6th Shield Of The Alvarez Empire
Bloodman
"You are always so quick to open your mouth but unlike the rest of us you never actively seek to lead campaigns in Lord Zeref's name, before you talk trash of any kind you should have some footing to back yourself up."
"And don't even try to throw other Shields in like Jacob or myself because every job he's been sent on has been executed to the letter and as for me I had to lead campaigns of my own before obtaining my current position," Invel said clearly not impressed with Wahl's current attitude.
"Thank you for your vote of confidence Invel I am glad I could prove myself," Jacob said as he bowed formally.
The Dignified Assassin
8th Shield Of The Alvarez Empire
Jacob Lessio
"Well the facts speak for themselves Jacob you possess a unique skill set among us and you put it to good use," Invel said as Wahl just ground his teeth in frustration when Zeref coughed to get their attention.
"You have all begun to squabble again so let me reiterate the point the Alvarian Four were trying to say, you are all powerful mages however you must all train as if your position could disappear tomorrow which it could if I find someone worthy enough for it. Dimaria was lucky I did not remove her entirely since she is so devoted to the cause however she is forced to pay for those mistakes even now. Learn from the mistakes of your peers and your underlings and use them to grow stronger, do it fast and prepare yourselves for the battle that is to come."
The gathered Swords and Shields in the room all nodded in Zeref's speech each finding some sort of wisdom or advice to take from it.
"Now then I believe now would be a perfect time to break for lunch and we'll meet back here later today to discuss the opposition some more, August and Sentomaru I want to see you two in the throne room at once."
The two Generals nodded as the doors were unsealed and Zeref, August, Sentomaru and The Darkness made their way silently to the throne room where August sealed the door as soon as they were inside. As soon as Zeref was seated he sighed.
"Alright so tell me what were your opinions?"
"Wahl will be the first to die, arrogant and as intelligent as bag of rocks he seems to foolishly believe himself capable of handling anyone that gets thrown his way," August sighed.
"The same could be said of Phyrra despite how highly she ranks among the Leichart 12, Phyrra often looks down upon almost everyone including her own peers and believes herself superior due to her Shinigami abilities not realizing that the enemy in Fiore is more than equipped to kill someone like her," Sentomaru added as Zeref nodded his head slowly.
"I can understand Wahl since he has always been slow but I don't entirely believe Phyrra to be in the same category are you quite certain on that assessment?"
"As August mentioned for Wahl Phyrra is also arrogant and believes herself the second coming of yourself with no one strong enough to beat her despite the Alvarian four literally being right near her. I forsee her cocky attitude getting her killed on the battlefield however at this time I would not recommend stripping her of her position."
"Ah I see the two of you have misunderstood my intentions my idea wasn't to strip anyone of their position rather this will help me better plan the attack on Fiore and just who I should send where. The Swords will be the invasion force as you both already know and Fiore will have counters set up at various port towns and cities across the country which is why I want to know who the liabilities are."
"Those two would be the biggest I'd say aside from the weaker four of both Spriggan and Leichart but that was a given from the start," August said as Sentomaru nodded in agreement. "Also Neinhart will need to be protected at all costs since you plan on enacting the first official use of the Historia of the Dead spell."
"Yes I've been pondering how to handle that since Neinhart will need to be present in the battle for the Historia to work, allow me to think on that matter some more. Now then the main reason I called you here was because the two of you have a special task to perform so that this invasion works properly I am of course referring to the tri pronged attack we discussed."
"The Swords and Shields are being divided up into groups if I remember correctly with some going by sea and some coming across the Scarlione border now that it is under our direct control is that correct," Sentomaru asked as Zeref nodded.
"Indeed however the third route has not yet been opened and I have no time to waste sending forces to take it so as of right now here is an official assignment for the two of you. August and Sentomaru you are both to gather two million soldiers and crush the neighbouring country of Bosco, there will be no treaties or surrender I want the entire country, its guilds and its Government completely wiped out. There must be absolutely zero chance this front can be stabbed in the back and this task must be completed within one week from today is that understood?"
"Are we to take the other Spriggan and Leichart who will be invading from the Bosco border with us," August asked as Zeref shook his head.
"I am sending the two million soldiers with you two for this very reason, I suspect that the other two fronts will be heavily fortified and the others will find themselves crashing against the defences with minimal progress being made. With my two most powerful mages coming in from behind the enemy who wouldn't have suspected an attack of any kind you will be able to completely throw the enemy off guard and utterly crush whatever feeble resistance they may be able to mount and meet up with the other two forces."
"Very well my Lord was there anything else you required," Sentomaru asked as Zeref shook his head. "Very well then are we allowed to be excused from the rest of the meeting to begin preparations to depart at once?"
"Before you leave speak with Serena and get copies of his dossiers after all you never know if you'll run into one of the people on them," Zeref said as the two nodded and left the throne room leaving Zeref to ponder the impending war.
"Maybe I'm going a bit too hard on Fiore after all I have all these books that will be getting a good workout too?"
Shaking his head Zeref rose from his throne and slowly began making his way back to the war room not looking forward to the petty arguments the Swords and Shields will no doubt have now that August and Sentomaru are gone.
"Life as the Emperor sure is a pain …"
Ok so no I didn't reveal all the Spriggan and Leichart but I've revealed most of the important ones excluding the obviously important ones like Neinhart who is coming later. (Because of course the guy that uses Historia Of The Dead has to get his own thing right?)
Anyway I hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!