The escapees were given room to sleep in the cellar while Hisui decided she's remain outside, taking watch shifts with the rest of the Three Stars. Everyone in Fairy Tail was under strict orders to try and get rest for the evening, even though it was only sunset.

Hisui gathered the officials of Fairy Tail: Makarov, Erza, Mirajane, and Gildarts. She was aware of other prying ears like Natsu, Gray, Lucy, and Wendy. Mest was still gathering his rest, as much as he could, having used up what burst he could to help rescue those in Magnolia.

Makarov and Erza were still looking a little worse for wear after their captivity under Minerva. They detailed their experience there. Hisui had mentioned to the Three Stars to keep a close watch on Evergreen, who was with Elfman talking about what'd happened. Hisui would need to do her own digging once they wrapped up their discussion.

"And that's about it," Erza said with a sigh. "Thankfully, Natsu and Lily did a good job of obliterating the facility, so we shouldn't need to worry about that."

"It'll draw some of the Empire's attention to Magnolia, for the time being," Hisui said. "Though, I have absolutely no doubt they'll be on the lookout for all of you. For the time being, it'll be best if you all lay low."

The Twilight Empire would not stand for another embarrassment at Fairy Tail's hand. Few, if any, ever got to escape a direct encounter with a General of the Twilight Empire, let alone two. Fairy Tail got away by the skin of their teeth. Hisui had no doubt, if the Captain of the Hunter's Division were on their case, none of them would still be alive.

Besides, this victory, however minute it may seem, was nonetheless a win. One of the Breaking facilities was destroyed, and it was one the Emperor probably took pride in having, given it was at the home of his once enemy, Fairy Tail. There was one fewer place for the wizards of Fiore to fear.

All because, out of the blue, people from a time long past, an era most held close their hearts only in memory, appeared and caused havoc. And because Hisui got to them first.

"No," Makarov said. "We cannot sit idly by while others are put through the same tortures as Evergreen. I imagine there are countless wizards out there being hunted down by the Empire that can use our help."

"Nothing is as simple as that," Hisui said. "It isn't a matter of storming facilities and blowing things up. The Empire was cocky this time. They'll not be so careless again."

"So we're expected to wait until they forget about this?" Gildarts asked.

"Recover your strength," Hisui said. "You're useless to this world if you're too tired to do any fighting."

"That will not take long," Makarov said. "We can be of great use to you."

These wizards were seven years out of touch, yes, and compared to their peers, several of whom were absorbed into the Empire or left for dead, they'd lost seven years. But it didn't mean they'd been weakened. After all, this was still the first group in months to get a true victory over the Empire.

Hisui had, for the last few months, not finding a way to win against the Empire but knew how not to lose. She got in and out of towns, freeing who she could or disrupting supply chains to the capital. Destroying magical artifacts, derailing diplomatic trains en route from Bosco and Stella. Those were all a far cry from confronting Orga and Minerva and then blowing up a Breaking facility.

"You are of use to me," Hisui said. "But I have to caution patience."

"How can you do that?" Erza asked. "For seven years we lay in stasis while the world fell apart and you wish for us to sit around some more?"

"Erza's right," Mirajane said. "We've been away too long, any more time is too much time."

Hisui wanted to bestow a mark of pride on the wizards for their desire to help everything. They were so quick to do so, after all, just as eager as any other keen rebel would be.

However…

"The simple matter is most of you are too weak to be any real help to the rebellion. If you have to constantly run away from a mere General then we have no chance to overthrow Zeref."

That silenced the room. It was the truth, plain and simple, and a hurtful one at that. It was a truth Hisui had been frustrated to face all the time. Jura was her strongest ally, and even he likely would not match up well enough against one of the Captains in the Five Divisions. Jellal was once one she could rely on but his disappearance marred any plans of hers to ask for his aid.

"Even if we have the strength to save just one soul, don't you think that's enough?" Erza asked. "Isn't that the point?"

"We may not be enough to topple Zeref," Makarov said. "But we are enough to be a shield between he and others."

Why weren't they getting it? How much plainer did she have to put things so they would get around their thick skulls that they were too weak? All of them were too weak?

It'd been seven years! Seven years for others to get ahead of them, to rush on and find their own strength, possibly even unlock their…

Second Origin.

Gildarts and Mirajane plead their case while Hisui bowed her head and let out a little giggle that turned into a full laugh. The others stopped their whining while she worked through her laughing fit. She wiped a tear from her face, then composed herself.

"Sorry," she said. "I've been a fool to forget something so vital to our operation. We try to hide it, as it's a tool the Empire has at their disposal and would be loathe not to steal from us."

"What is it?" Makarov asked.

"We've a wizard capable of performing a Second Origin release," Hisui said. "She's hidden away from the Empire, such that I dare not hint at her name nor her location."

"That would be of great help," Makarov said. "Most of our wizards would benefit from it!"

"Master, that process is incredibly painful," Gildarts said. "Do you think they'd handle it?"

"They better," Erza said.

"They can," Mirajane said at the same time.

"If you can do this," Hisui said. "As well as acclimate to the world we live in, then I believe we can move forward with proper plans of defeating the Empire. It'll be hard work, and it will be a long road just to get to a proper starting point."

"But it will be worth it," Makarov said. "Trust us, Hisui, we wizards of Fairy Tail are made of sterner stuff than most."

Hisui nodded in affirmation. In their brief time together she'd seen it.

Still, even with Second Origin, how much of a boost would it be, really? Fairy Tail had to prove themselves, but to do that put them right at risk. She sighed.

The burden of leadership. She'd not felt it in some time. Hisui faced difficult decisions every day, but they mostly revolved around her own actions. These influenced the lives of over two dozen people coming back into a world they hardly recognized. In a way, she was the one who could sympathize the most.

She was flung into the Crocus dungeons for three years while everything around her fell apart; to that point, high up in the castle as she was, things were troubling but not for her. She attended her duties all the same, bearing witness to courts and the Grand Magic Games and monitoring their diplomatic treaties and contracts.

Then, it all ripped out from under her, and she wallowed in the dark until, when she emerged, the Fiore Kingdom had no place on a modern map, and she alone carried the name as if she were the villain.

"Natsu," Hisui said, and someone outside stumbled, "summon Max and Laki for me."

"How'd you know they were there?" Gildarts asked.

"Please," Hisui said. "I was a princess once. I was trained to detect spies."

Natsu did as he was asked, but still did not bring Max or Laki into the room, maintaining the facade that he wasn't there at all. The couple had clearly been winding down for the night, as the first touches of sleep blundered their eyes and they sucked in yawns as they approached.

"I have a favor to ask you both," Hisui said.

They stood to attention at the sight of Master Makarov and Gildarts, who acknowledged them warmly.

"What is it?" Laki asked.

"I need you to take them globe shopping," Hisui said. "Whenever they're ready."

Erza leered, trying to decipher the code. Hisui wanted to explain, but Hisui refused. They'd understand in due time.

"Absolutely," Max said.

"I'm sure he'll be happy to see them," Laki said.

"Who?" Erza asked, and nobody responded.

"I believe, last I heard, our dear little giant is also there," Hisui said.

Max and Laki lit up at that. It did Hisui proud. Once, they'd all been strangers, the rebels. Too see her band of freedom fighters excited to see one another did her heart justice. It instilled a fragment of hope.

"We can be ready to go in the morning," Makarov said. "Right?"

The others nodded. Hisui grinned.

"Eager, are we? Very well, then. You're all dismissed to get some rest. You've a short journey tomorrow, but for many of your guild, it will not be the journey that brings the heartache."

The Fairies let her be, save for Makarov, who remained standing near her.

"What is it?" Hisui asked.

"I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for all that you've lost," Makarov said. "We will do everything in our power to serve your rule diligently when it is all restored."

"Restored to what?" Hisui asked. "It's all gone."

"Nothing that can't be rebuilt into something new," Makarov said. "So long as one person still believes in you, Hisui, you can still have a kingdom."

"Thank you, Makarov." She wiped a tear from her eye that'd arrived suddenly. "Now get to sleep. Tomorrow will be painful for you."

"I have no need of unlocking my Second Origin."

"Yes. But your children do. And I can't imagine you'll have an easy time watching them writhing in pain."

"That's true," Makarov said. "But a little part of me might enjoy seeing those rapscallions get a little taste of the pain I feel whenever they're in danger."

Lucy woke to sunlight glimmering through the dusty window of the little cabin's living room. Wendy was fast asleep on Lucy's stomach, while Carla rested atop Wendy's chest. Levy was next to Lucy, her arm around Lucy's boobs. Some of the others who had already roused—the S-Class wizards, Thunder Tribe, Gray, and Juvia—were checking for anything they could bring with them.

Max and Laki gave some of the wizards the run down that they'd be heading out to a village not too far, perhaps a half-day away. Lucy did not look forward to the long walk but was excited to hear about this Second Origin thing, a way of catching up, in terms of magic power, with the rest of the world.

Potentially.

She roused and it stirred Wendy and Levy. Levy bashfully removed her hadn't about Lucy's chest while Wendy sat up straight, almost spilling Carla onto the ground. Lucy stretched and rubbed her eyes.

They had a quick breakfast—having had a decent meal before all going to sleep the night before, the first time they'd eaten in so long that Lucy didn't realize just how hungry she was. Everyone checked their things and then headed out, assembling just outside the cabin while Mest redid the magic locks on the house.

The Three Stars went on ahead of Hisui and Mest to give any potential Imperial spies something to chase as a decoy.

"I cannot thank you enough for your help," Makarov said. "Your wisdom and guidance in this new era has been nothing short of incredible, Hisui, and I look forward to the day we meet again."

"It will be under better circumstances," Hisui said. "I trust you all to do fine with the Second Origin. For now, I have to go back under shadow. I've been exposed for far too long."

"Do you have to go, though?" Wendy asked. "Can't you stay with us? We can protect you."

"Yeah, come on, there's so much we still don't know," Gray said.

"No," Hisui said. "This is for the best. We must continue to splinter the Empire's attention, as that also means they've split their power apart. Besides, this a quest only for you all. I expect some of you may come to hate me for a bit during it, but, trust me. It's worth it."

"Did you do it?" Lucy asked.

Hisui's already faint smile waned. "Unknowingly, during my training in the Crocus dungeons, yes."

Erza held a hand out to Hisui. "Then good luck. May we meet again, Hisui."

Hisui clasped it. It was affirming, Lucy thought, to see Hisui shaking hands with Erza while the latter wore her armor. A princess once more shaking hands with a proper knight as it was meant to be in the Fiore kingdom.

Mest nodded to everyone, then to Hisui, and at his touch, the two were gone. For the first time, Fairy Tail was left to its own devices.

"Alright, everyone," Max said, waving them on. "Let's head on out."

They listened and followed, moving at a decent pace at the start as they fled from the coast. They walked off the main roads, taking backroads and beaten paths through the countryside.

Max and Laki held hands for much of the walk. Lucy couldn't believe how beautiful it was that they'd found something there, in all of this chaos and darkness. That love could still exist in such a strong state.

Hisui and Mest weren't necessarily cold but weren't the kindest of people to be around. It was in her friends, her family, that Lucy could still cling to what they had before.

For many members of the guild, this was the farthest out in the kingdom they'd ever been, so it was nice for them to get out and see the sights. The Empire hadn't leveled mountains or ruined the countryside, so there were still pieces of the world left from before.

Lucy wanted to sidle back and talk to Mirajane about her thoughts on how cuddly Elfman and Evergreen were being, something that the others, before, had only slight inclinations on. The two couldn't stay away from one another, and they weren't even being that overt about it. The feelings were obvious, but tender enough that only Mirajane was allowed to say anything.

Lucy, for the most part, stayed by Natsu, Wendy, and Levy. If she dared drift by Gray, Juvia would bore her eyes right through Lucy, so that was a person best left alone for the time.

They stopped halfway through the walk to give everyone a bit of a break, but, Wendy cast an Enchantment on them all once they'd caught their breath and they pressed on. She, with Makarov's help, also cast one to increase their speed. Lucy found herself moving much faster with no extra effort. Natsu took advantage of this, running far ahead and had to be chased down by Gildarts to get brought back.

They arrived at the village before dusk, Wendy's spell having worn off but it was critical to their arrival time. There was no fanfare for their arrival, too, as doing so could cause undue attention. There didn't appear to be an Imperial presence nearby, but, none of them wanted to risk anything, especially Max and Laki.

"Come on," Max said. "We can take you straight there and get started for the night. It's going to be a long one, I bet."

Fairy Tail moved down a slight hill into the village, a meager one of a few huts and a single thoroughfare guiding visitors to various shops and stops. One door swung open, violently, and a boy came sprinting to meet them. He had dark hair and mismatched clothes, as well as a scarf wrapped about his neck.

For a moment, if Lucy were to look out of the corner of her eye, she'd think it was a younger Natsu wearing a wig. She hardly recognized the boy as Max and Laki ran to greet him, the three embracing like a family.

"That's not their kid, right?" Natsu asked. The full entourage came to a halt.

"Don't think so," Gray said. "Looks way too old for a seven year old."

"I'm so glad you're back," the boy said, his voice sinking into Lucy's heart.

Oh.

"Romeo?" Mirajane asked before Lucy could.

The young man stepped back. He was firm of build, stout, but still had that same boyish softness in his expression Lucy remembered. His eyes fell on Natsu, and without another word, he rushed the Dragon Slayer and threw himself into Natsu's arms. Natsu stood stunned for a second, rubbing Romeo's head.

"Is it really you?" Natsu asked.

Romeo glanced up at Natsu, tears streaking his face. "Hi, Natsu. I'm so happy to see you again. It's been too long."

Natsu heaved the boy up in a hug and several members, Lucy included, rushed to embrace him. They were there for some time, all wrapped around Romeo as he said hello to everyone again through a multitude of sobs.

When they were ready once more, they stepped apart from each other. Romeo walked side-by-side with Master as he told him about the magic he'd been developing and strengthening under Max and Laki's tutelage.

He'd struck out on his own for quite some time after the Empire invaded, after his father passed away. It was fate, he believed, that guided him back to Max and Laki, and they'd pretty much stuck together ever since.

They arrived at a larger home, one that was probably deeper underground given the slight rise the hut had above the ground. Great, Lucy thought, more tunnels and dirt.

"Hey, they're back! And with friends!" Romeo called.

Max and Laki let some of the others in the room.

"Is this the little giant's home?" Mirajane asked.

Lucy had been somewhat looking forward to meeting this little giant. How much bigger than everyone else would they be?

Someone turned about from where they were in the room, about to head downstairs. A woman with crimson hair and a wild, yet also tired, look in her eyes smiled at the gathered bunch. She wore a dress to match the color of her hair, a tight-fitting, plunging one that was open sleeved and had a long slit to expose her legs.

"Oh, welcome," she said, and curtsied. "It's good to see you all. My name is Flare, Flare Corona."

"Flare just finished teaching me a new spell," Romeo said, igniting his hand in a flame that was surprisingly warm. Lucy pursed her lips, as it was only so surprising because Romeo could barely conjure a good flame the last time Lucy saw him. "She's the one that spotted Max and Laki out the window."

Max and Laki greeted Flare.

"Are you the little giant?" Erza asked.

Flare blushed. "Y—yes, I am. I was raised by the giants of the Sun Village, but…" Her gaze went long out the window. "Then the Twilight Empire found us, and, I ran."

"You survived," Max said. "To carry on their legacy."

"It's good to see you both back," Flare said. "Tayaka was getting concerned."

"Who is Tayaka?" Natsu asked.

Max gestured. "Anyone who needs to get their Second Origin unlocked should follow me. Our Arc of Time wizard is down here."

"Ultear," Gray muttered. "She's here?"

Juvia gasped. "Hiding among our friends? She was with Grimoire Heart."

"Guess a lot's changed in seven years," Gray said, and surged forward.

He moved quickly with Max, Laki, Romeo, and Flare into the basement. Lucy followed, along with several members of the Tenrou crew. Makarov, Laxus, and Gildarts stayed behind upstairs.

The basement was huge. It opened up to twice the size of the house upstairs in terms of width, hiding far more comfortable furniture and provided just as much light with the various candles and bright lacrimal that'd been put within the walls. Lucy stood in awe of the place, amazed that this ragtag little bunch could throw something together.

In the back of the room, off to the side in a tiny nook, was a young girl. She had her legs crossed in front of a tiny sphere.

"Is Ultear here?" Gray asked. "I don't see her."

"No, Gray," Max said, and the little girl stirred. She had to be about Romeo's age.

"Ultear is gone," she said, rising to her feet. Long brown hair descended to her elbows. She wore a white dress. Magic drifted from her gloved fingertips. "She was killed by the Twilight Empire."

Everyone gathered near the girl.

"Then who are you?" Gray asked.

"My name is Tayaka," she said. "And before Ultear died, she passed me her magic, and told me that, one day, I would change the fate of this world."