Those receiving their Second Origin release were laid down in the cellar. Nobody wanted their screams to drift up to the level above, in case Imperial soldiers came through the village and heard a mass of people seemingly being tortured.
Natsu, Wendy, Lucy, Gray, Juvia, Gajeel, Levy, Elfman, Lisanna, and Cana all received the Second Origin releases. Erza, Mirajane, and Laxus did as well, but were not feeling the effects of it. Freed, Bickslow, and Evergreen declined such an opportunity, figuring they'd get in good training with Laxus soon enough. Plus, Evergreen was still feeling quite shaken from her time beneath Magnolia.
Erza sat at the doorway to the cellar. The crying had mostly gone down since the initial round of it. Tayaka was down there with everyone to make sure the spell went off as planned. Occasionally, Erza heard Tayaka shouting to them that she was sorry for what she was doing.
For such a young woman, she tried to carry the weight of the world deftly on her shoulders. Maybe that woman, Ultear, had been the same way.
Gray did not mention her that much, but had a haunted look upon her face whenever her name came up as they prepared to receive the enhancement. Someone close, a former…girlfriend?
Still, her power was impressive. Either she'd trained into it over the last few years or Ultear had given her whatever remnants of power she had left.
"I found her crawling toward me in Magnolia, when things really…when it was over for the town," Tayaka explained while everyone got ready. "I could tell that it was the end for her, but I was frozen solid. Couldn't run away. She didn't have a spell on me or anything, I just knew I shouldn't leave. She handed me this sphere, and I felt a rush like never before. She smiled at me, and told me that I would change the world. She told me I wasn't the symbol of Magnolia's vengeance, but of its continued life."
"And then she died?" Gray had asked.
"No. Then she stood and walked back to a burning building," Tayaka explained. Given the dark shadow upon her face, it was obvious which building it was she returned to.
"I'm proud of them, you know?"
Mirajane stood across from Erza. Somehow, someway, she found a pair of pajamas. Did they fit her? Not quite. They were a tad small—the pants shrunk up her calf and the shirt was a touch tight about her torso. They probably belonged to Flare Corona, who spoke to Gildarts in the other room about the Giants of the Sun Village that she was from.
"It's not easy, having this performed," Erza said.
"You had it done?"
"No. I suspect I had my Second Origin unlocked at some point in the Tower of Heaven, but, I've not quite known it was there to tap into."
Mirajane nodded. "I feel the same way. When I finally used Satan Soul, I sensed that there was something more there. Now that I understand what it is, that it's there for me to save people and not harm them, I believe I can put it to use."
"Such a strange thing, how our body interprets magic power," Erza said, quietly. "I'm sure there are many challenges ahead that will require the use of the Second Origin. I want to feel bad for them all down there, but…"
"It's like growing pains," Mira said. "Everyone's gotta deal with it to mature."
Erza didn't pity them for their experience, but pitied all of them for having to go through this in the first place. Even if they'd missed out on the seven years and there was nothing urgent going on afterward, would everyone still want their Second Origin unlocked?
Yes, Erza thought. They would. At least, her close friend would. They'd never tolerate the idea that they fell behind in any regard when it came to the wizards and world around them.
Someone bumped the door behind Erza. She moved away from it, allowing Tayaka to come up. Her hands throbbed, sweat poured down her face. She had a rag tied up around her head to keep her hair slicked back. She was so precious, Erza thought.
"I think," she said, raising her hand to allow the orb that once belonged to Ultear to float around her. "Things are going well."
"Did the spell go off fine?" Erza asked.
"Yes, for the most part," Tayaka said.
Mira raised an eyebrow. "For the most part?"
"I'm still new to this. I had trouble controlling it for some who were a bit more resistant or hesitant to it."
"Lucy and Wendy?" Erza and Mirajane asked.
"The blonde and blue hair little one? Yes."
Erza pursed her lips and nodded. Willing as those two were to help the guild, such support tended to come with a bit of a cowardly streak with it.
"I had to push through it, I hope it doesn't hurt them too bad," Tayaka said. She swayed. Erza caught her arm. It was so fragile, so small.
This one she did pity. She had a destiny thrust upon her in place of living a normal life. She could not idly live under the Empire's rule, she had to run from it, ever fearful that they would discover Ultear's successor.
"Get some rest," Erza said.
Mirajane extended a hand. Tayaka took it. Erza and Mira exchanged nods and Mira took the little girl off to find a comfortable bed. Flare joined them, checking on Tayaka dutifully. She was a good one, that woman. A bit odd-looking at the jump, but she had a passionate and careful heart.
The screams died down one by one, eventually, as sleep came to claim them. Erza sighed, praying that the release worked. They'd all sleep well that night, allowing their bodies the time to recover and rest up, as well as adjust to the new implementation of magic in their system. When she heard Natsu snoring, and nobody interrupted him, Erza stood.
It was deep into the night by the time that'd happened. Few were still awake. Mirajane was, in all likelihood, staying with Tayaka as comfort. Gildarts was passed out on the couch. Makarov was as well. She sensed one figure still awake, one who stood just outside the cottage by himself.
"I'll admit, I'm not used to seeing you awake so late," Erza said.
She startled Romeo, who tried to hide his expression behind his scarf. It wasn't patterned like Natsu's, but the mere fact that he wore it made him resemble the young Dragon Slayer Erza remembered.
"I have to be on watch for now," he said. "Normally it's Flare's turn but she's taking care of Tayaka, so, she's able to sleep for now. She'll probably be cranky in the morning."
"You all care for one another so well."
Romeo nodded. "I'm trying to treat it as if it were a guild. Seeing people like Max and Laki make that pretty easy, you know?"
"I do."
Romeo balled his fist. "Max was telling us about how you met Hisui and fought some of those Empire guys. Did you…did you get any of them?"
"Gildarts defeated Orga. Minerva escaped."
"Of course Gildarts did, he's the best!"
Erza smiled. She stepped up to stand next to Romeo, surveying the remote village untouched by the stain of the Empire.
"We're proud of you, Romeo," Erza said. "What happened these last seven years is nothing short of a nightmare. But here you are, stronger than ever."
Romeo reached up and touched his shoulder where the guild mark should have been. Why did those who were away from Tenrou Island lose their guild mark, yet those within the Fairy Sphere keep it? What magic tethered it to them?
"Not strong enough," Romeo said. "Not nearly."
"No, you have been. Tayaka is still alive."
"Not enough for—!"
Erza brought Romeo in for hug at once, cutting him off. Romeo tried to resist, but succumbed, wrapping his arms about Erza's waist.
"Thank you," he said between sobs. "Thank you for coming back."
Erza rubbed his head, still unable to see past the little boy she used to know. "Of course we did. I'm only sorry we came too late."
Mirajane returned in the morning having apparently bartered for some fine new clothes for everyone at the local mart, finding things that the storeowner had no interest in. That day, everyone took turns bathing. Makarov couldn't help getting a good laugh out of Juvia who offered to be Gray's shower.
There was a nearby creek that everyone took turns bathing in, then changed into their new clothes. Most were different styles than they were used to, but fit the kids well. Even Makarov got some new digs that he quite enjoyed—they weren't nearly as regal as the outfit he was used to, but he could Requip into it at any time. Plus, these were new times.
All of the kids and he gathered back around noon, when everyone was dressed, refreshed, and ready to knock some heads. It was difficult keeping them within the tiny space, particularly since they all wanted to beat each other up. Thankfully, the S-Class wizards took point and calmed them down enough for Makarov to gather their attention.
"We still have no word from Hisui on any actions we must take," Makarov said. "Which means we must chart our own course for now. She has put her trust in us, and it is best that we utilize this trust to do as much damage as we can. So. What shall we do?"
"Get Magnolia back!" Natsu shouted, and the idea was immediately shut down by everyone boring their eyes into him, save for Makarov, who paid him no heed.
Gildarts stepped forward. "I'll be heading out on my own. I want to see if I can round up any old allies and contacts to see if I can make headway."
"And I'm going with him," Cana said. "Who better to train under than the big man himself, eh?"
Gildarts smiled warmly at that. Makarov nodded. Gildarts was more than capable on his own, and Cana had an excellent bag of tricks that she could deploy should it be necessary. Plus, she carried the power of Fairy Glitter.
"We'll stay in touch, then," Makarov said.
"Then we'll go off and do our own thing, too."
Laxus came forward. Evergreen, behind him in still a green outfit though it was not of her fanciful style, looked much improved already.
Makarov hummed, mulling it over. Before Laxus could detest Makarov's patience, the old man raised a hand.
"Then I shall give you an objective, and a vital one at that. I overhead, between Hisui and Mest, that there are still surviving members of Blue Pegasus somewhere out here. We must find and connect with them, as, knowing them, they've been stubborn enough to be a powerful thorn in the Empire's side."
"Great," Laxus said. "But I didn't want to go on a little quest, old man. I wanted to see what I can do."
"And you'll do far more damage with allies, outside of the Thunder Tribe, than on your own," Makarov said. He tapped his fists together behind his back, letting his next words simmer in his mouth before saying, "And I think I'll go with you."
"You'll what?" Laxus asked, dropping his powerful demure for a moment.
"I'll join you. Bob will take our matter a bit more seriously if I were to be in attendance. Plus, don't you think it's time we've had some time together, as grandfather and grandson?"
Laxus grumbled something about having had plenty of time already, but didn't say no, and that gave Makarov a toothy grin.
"What would you have of the rest of us then, Master?" Erza asked. "We're ready to fight."
"I know that," Makarov said.
The rest, save for Mirajane and Levy, were headaches, pure and simple. Maybe Wendy had a pure enough heart not to be cause of so much stress, but she was always seen right at the heart of a nightmare standing tall as the rest of them.
He saw through them, beyond the visage that he normally glimpsed these wizards. His children, yes, his dear family certainly. But warriors. Stalwart fighters to protect those that needed it and heralds of light in the darkest situations.
Makarov sighed. It, the gravity of not just the situation but the reality of Fairy Tail. The structure that he, his father, Mavis Vermillion…Macao…what they'd built was torn asunder by the horrors of the Twilight Empire. He'd categorized his wizards into classes, but that no longer held water. There were only rebels and the different tiers of the Empire's Five Divisions.
And that meant that he was no longer a Guild Master officially.
"Listen to me now," Makarov said. "I can give you guidance but I am in no way, any more, your leader. We listen to Hisui, driven her will to free her kingdom from beneath the heel of the Twilight Empire. If you choose to ignore my wishes and do what you think is best, that is purely up to you and ultimately I cannot argue with it. However. I would like to give you, those who are unclear of your path, one final quest as your Master."
Everyone tensed, listening in. The room was still, as the final command of the Fairy Tail guild master was set to be laid upon them. Maybe, Makarov thought gravely, it was the last time they'd all be in a room together. So, he had to make this last one count.
He had to make it worthy of Fairy Tail, the Fairy Tail that'd kept such darkness as the world faced at bay for so long:
"I want you to give the Twilight Empire every ounce of hell that they deserve."
The room shot into an uproar as everyone cheered for the command. It startled Flare and Tayaka, but spurred even Max, Laki, and Romeo, those downtrodden survivors who valiantly held the line for the Fairy Tail legacy, into whooping and hollering.
Makarov grinned.
Rebels, yes. But they were all still children at heart for now.
Everyone gathered at the front of Flare's cottage, giving their farewells. Gildarts and Cana were already gone, off on their father-daughter adventure, slipping away first. Laxus and the Thunder Tribe were eager to get going while Makarov bidding everyone a fond farewell, hoping for a speedy reunion brimming with good news.
As the Thunder Tribe crested over the hills, Natsu couldn't help that feeling of sudden determination and excitement. They'd turned a page, it felt, from their time escaping the island. They had enough time to recover, get stronger, and even change their clothes.
"Alright, I'm feeling fired up now," he said to Happy, who floated next to him. "I could knock a few Imperial heads around right now."
"And where would you even get started?" Lucy asked. "Do you have any idea where they are?"
"I can sniff out that Minerva lady!" Natsu exclaimed.
"Hardly a pursuit," Carla said.
"Yeah, Master told us to raise some hell," Gray said. "We need to make a big explosion."
"I thought Hisui said we need to lay low?" Wendy asked. "So, wouldn't it be worth it to figure out, I don't know, sneak attacks?"
"Maybe," Natsu said, pondering the idea. It would let him be a ninja again, one of his greatest skills.
Romeo approached the group. "Hey, Natsu. I think I have an idea for you guys, if you, at least, want to give the Empire a little headache and test your strength. Come inside, let me show you."
He lead Natsu and the others back inside. Flare and Tayaka were over on the side drinking tea and enjoying some quiet conversation.
Romeo had everyone who remained gather in a circle around him, where he unfurled a father ratty poster, laying it on the ground in front of them.
"This is the Grand Magic Games," Romeo said, pointing down at it. "Used to not be that big of a deal when we were a guild, but really picked up as a means of celebrating Fiore until the Empire took over."
"Oh yeah, I remember them covering this a bit in Sorcerer's Weekly a few times," Lucy said. "All the top guilds used to come together in a tournament, right?"
"Yeah, that's how it was," Romeo said.
"Only, there's no guilds anymore," Gray said.
"Listen," Romeo said. "The Games are coming up. It's not too late for you all to enter. Every year, the Empire puts up a major prize for the winners. A rebel has never won, it's always some Imperial. One of their Dragon Slayers."
Natsu tilted his head up. Gajeel sneered.
"Go on," the Fire and Iron Dragon Slayers said.
"Imagine what it would mean if we won," Romeo said. "You guys are strong enough. You—you have to be." He rolled up the poster. "Natsu? Please."
"Oh, you don't have to ask me twice," Natsu said. "I'm in."
"That makes two of us," Gajeel said.
"Three," Elfman said, stepping up. "A real man doesn't back down from a chance to show off in front of the Empire."
"Well I'm not going to let you guys just jump all in," Gray said. "Sounds like a good way to piss off the Empire."
"Then I shall enter as well!" Juvia exclaimed.
"And someone needs to keep you all in line," Erza said, folding her arms. "Count me in as well."
"Ah, dang it," Lucy muttered. "I guess I'm in, too."
"And if Lucy can do it, then so can I!" Wendy said.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Lucy barked.
Natsu grinned and let out a loud laugh. Romeo hugged him again.
"That settles it, then!" Natsu roared. "Fairy Tail's in the Grand Magic Games! Tell the Twilight Empire to bring their best, we'll beat 'em all no problem!"
"Aye, sir!" Happy exclaimed, jumping into the air beside Natsu as everyone gave their own final cheer, sounding out to the clear skies above toward the rest of the Empire, warning it of its coming reckoning.
END ARC 1: "THE DEATH OF FIORE"
Hope you're all enjoying this little retelling of the post time-skip Fairy Tail story. Things are just getting started, make sure to stay tuned as things heat up in the next arc!