Axis drifted loosely in the dark. He floated through the endless abyss, with no direction or goal in mind. Wherever he was taken was where he would go, like a cloud in the ever-blue sky.

Then he fell, gravity suddenly taking hold and plummeting him down like a comet breaking orbit. He could not control his fall so, much like before, he let the universe guide him to where it wanted him to go.

He felt his light body collide with something. That thing was hard and cold. It was also smooth to the touch. No sign or feeling of comfort could be derived from the thing- at least not to him. Actually, feeling such a thing induced him with some sense of instinctual panic, though he couldn't tell where from the depths of his soul that feeling came from.

The abyss brightened, leaving him lying on a table in the center of the most nondescript room his mind could conjure. The walls and floor were gray, and the ceiling was impossibly high. He could see a window at the top of that ceiling, and he could make out the bright blue yonder lying just beyond.

Axis tried to reach out to that place- that freedom- but something prevented him from doing so. A binding, tying his limbs flat to the table. It was tight, maybe even too much as he couldn't even wiggle his poor arms and legs.

Some people entered then, the sight of them and their off-white uniforms flaring that same instinctual fight-or-flight from before. Unfortunately, in his position, he could do neither. He could only watch as the people came closer to him at the table.

One of them, quite tall compared to the others, carried with him something odd. A small vial. The vial wasn't even as large as Axis' forefinger, and the carrier handled it with the utmost care. Inside the vial sloshed a dark liquid, and Axis could only guess what it was,

The tall man had a mask that covered his lower face. His eyes were open for Axis to see, but that didn't mean what the boy saw was any less disconcerting. The man's eyes were gaping and empty, much like a dead fish, yet they were filled with curiosity and joy. It seemed the man took pleasure from Axis' current predicament.

"Log number fifteen," someone said just out of sight. "Starting procedure."

The man laughed at the voice- so hard, in fact, that he dropped the vial to the floor. The dark liquid pooled under his feet before attaching itself to the man. It climbed up his legs and started to completely cover the man starting with his uniform.

As the man cackled and the liquid took over his being, his form itself began to malform. He grew larger, his arms notably becoming gargantuan in size. His outfit and skin started to be dyed a nasty shade of green. His head elongated with fangs protruding from his mouth.

Axis tried to scream as he now lay defenseless in front of the Gorian-Sabretooth tiger hybrid, but a muzzle found its way onto the boy. His shackles did not break from his panic-filled throes. He lay in horror as the monster locked eyes with him.

"It hurt… it hurt… it hurt!"

Fangs bared and eyes filled with pain-filled rage, the monster pounced.

…

Axis shot up, his fist welling with familiar power as it transformed into its draconic form. He scanned his surroundings in a frenzy. Realizing quickly that what he had seen was just a nightmare, and that the creature had not decided to return in the dead of night to exact its revenge, Axis laid back down on the ground.

Dawn was starting to peak over their small campsite, giving light as the fire had long since gone out. Elfman and Lisanna were still sleeping, and thankfully they had not witnessed Axis' panicked state. He didn't want to worry them anymore- especially since Lisanna was still on the upswing from her sudden sickness.

Mira was missing from her usual spot next to her siblings. It didn't take long for him to locate the wayward Strauss sibling, however. It seemed she had woken up before him and was sitting a little ways away from the campsite. Her back was turned to the rest of them. Axis was going to call out and wish her a good morning, but he stopped once he fully took in Mira's body language.

She was hunched over in place, and what Axis could see of her expression was not pretty, It was filled with malice, ugliness, and hatred for the one thing that she beheld such emotion. She was focused solely on her demon hand, no doubt thinking of all the misfortune it had brought to her and her siblings.

Axis looked down at his own hand- still transformed. While his power had brought some misery to him, it had no doubt also brought joy and freedom. Mira herself taught him that, and he wouldn't soon forget it. This power was a part of him now for better or for worse.

Axis sighed, transforming the hand back. He rose back to his feet and walked over to their dwindling supply bag in search of breakfast. With dawn just arriving, he figured he should probably stay up lest he sleep in too much. That is to say if the boy could even fall back asleep.

Honestly, he didn't even want to try.

Takeover: Dragon Soul

Part One:

A Place to Call Home

Page 6:

Magnolia Town

"This way! This way!" Lisanna jogged up the dirt road, the excitement practically oozing from her being. "We're getting so close, I can feel it!"

"Slow down, Lisanna!" Elfman's ever-present caution for his sister made itself known. "You're not fully better, yet!"

"Are you sure?" The small girl retorted. "Cuz I feel great!"

"Ah, let her enjoy her recovery," Axis remarked. "I'm sure it must feel great to run around all carefree like that."

Elfman eyes Axis' slight limp. "Is your leg still hurting?"

Axis nodded. "Yeah, though it's getting easier every day." He patted his injured leg, the one he suffered from ever since his battle with the monster a few nights ago. "I'm thinkin' I'll be fine in a day or two. Till then, I'll just have to deal with using this walking stick."

"Come on, slowpokes!" Lisanna mockingly stuck her tongue out. "Axis, that stick makes you look like an old man!"

"Alright, that's it!" Axis suddenly transformed his legs and boosted towards the youngest Strauss sibling, who yelped in scared surprise. "Come here, you runt!"

"Ah! The old dragon's gonna do me in!" Lisanna screamed with mirth as Axis pretended to chase her. The duo started laughing as they played in the middle of the road, not a care in the world.

Elfman smiled at the sight, half finding it silly and half relieved that things had finally gone back to normal. He'd be the first to admit that he didn't exactly trust Axis the moment they met him. In fact, he really disliked him. His presence started to annoy the white-haired boy, and it all blew up in his face a few nights ago. But now, after everything they've been through and done for each other…

"Do not worry, dear sister!" Elfman joined in, now chasing after Axis. "Your knight has arrived. I will slay the old dragon in your name!"

Lisanna guffawed. "That's kind of lame but I accept the help!"

Mira, who had assumed her usual position in the back of the group, felt her heart warm. Much like her brother, she was glad things had come full circle, and that her siblings were laughing and having fun once again. But now that they had weathered their previous troubles, that came with the returning coldness of her arm.

It was a feeling she just couldn't shake. The previous few nights with the fight and Lisanna's sickness had proved a good distraction, but now the hatred was returning to her soul. All she could do was watch her three companions run and play. She wouldn't dare join, lest she ruin the mood with her current sourness.

…

"It's…so pretty!" Lisanna gasped in wonder.

"It is a pretty big town," Elfman gulped. "Which means there's gonna be a lot of people."

"Heh, you mean a lot of pockets to take from." Axis snickered.

"..." Mira said nothing, her stomach turning at the thought of going through a town this size with her condition.

The town they had come across was huge. Massive, even, in comparison to a small farming town like Allbright. It sat right at the edge of a shining blue lake, making the location and the view indescribably pretty. The town was filled with warm and vibrant colors making it feel cozy, yet inviting.

Large canals lined the streets, separating the town into bordered sections. Bridges spanned these canals, connecting the few different sections together. They could even see some boats floating down the canals- most likely for tourists or transportation.

Most notably, there was a large ornate building in the town's center. A cathedral most likely, and it dwarfed any and all buildings in its vicinity. Its two massive spires pierced the sky, and it looked somewhat imposing even to their far vantage point.

"No stealing, please," Elfman pouted. "We can find work in a town like this."

Axis slapped the boy in the back. "Don't worry, man. I was only kidding." What Elfman didn't see was the devilish smirk Axis hid well.

"Axis…" Elfman whined, unconvinced.

"What are we waiting for? Let's go!" Axis rushed down the hill- well, as fast as he could manage to go. He had stars in his eyes, and the Strauss siblings recognized the deviousness behind them.

"Wait up!" Lisanna rushed after the boy, not wanting to be the one lagging behind.

"Oh, man!" Elfman followed next, already getting a headache at the predicted antics.

Mira watched them go, feeling almost alien to the rest of them. Of course, she wanted so badly to follow but something stopped her. That cold feeling squared solely on her demonic arm was like a barrier she couldn't pass. She hadn't gone into the previous town, so she could sit this one out as well.

She ducked her head and stood there, overlooking the large lakeside town. Of course, it was very beautiful, and she imagined it would have such nice food, customs, and sights to see. But she couldn't. Yeah, she'll just-

"Mira! What are you waiting for?"

Mira looked up in shock as Axis suddenly appeared in front of her. He reached out and grabbed her human wrist. He started pulling, and suddenly she was getting dragged away.

"We can't have fun without ya, now can we?"

Mira looked at the hand that was dragging her along. It was rough and kind of uncomfortable, and yet she couldn't bring herself to stop it. She found herself getting wound up in the momentum. Suddenly, she was getting a little excited.

She nodded. "Alright."

…

"When I said there would be a lot of people, I thought I was exaggerating!" Axis shouted as loud as he could, hoping his friends could hear him over the throng of townspeople. He acted as the vanguard, trying to cut a path through the crowd for him and the others.

"I've never seen so many people in one place before!" Axis could hear Lisanna's voice over the crowds behind him. "This is crazy!"

"Try and keep close together! Don't get split up!" Elfman held both Mira's and Lisanna's hands in his own, trying to keep the group together.

In their early exploration of Magnolia Town, the four had stumbled upon the main town road. It seemed that this was where most of the town's culture was centered, with many markets, shops, and cafés lining the sides. It looked very warm and calming, but that was until the midday shopping crowd came pouring in.

The group of friends was trying to cut their way through the tide of market-goers, though their small frames made it difficult to carve a path. They had linked arms to not lose each other, but still, it was getting a little claustrophobic.

"How much further until we're out?" Lisanna tugged on Axis' arm. "It's getting hard to breathe…"

Axis tried to stand on his toes, but he still couldn't see the opening. "I don't know! I can barely see anything!"

"Ow!" Elfman yelped as someone stepped on his foot. "Is there an alley we can duck down? We have to get out of here!"

Axis looked back at his entourage. All of them looked supremely uncomfortable, none more so than Mira. She already didn't do well with crowds, and this situation looked like it was overloading how much she could take.

Axis frowned. "This is ridiculous. Everyone get close to me and hang on!"

The group collapsed on Axis' position, each of the Strauss siblings getting a strong hold of their blue-haired magician. Elfman was notably worried.

"What are you going to do?" he asked suspiciously.

Not one to miss out on a good opportunity to scare his mild-mannered friend, Axis smirked devilishly. "I'm getting us out of here!"

Lisanna smiled excitedly while Elfman's stomach dropped, likely because they noticed Axis' legs reject their human form. "Uh, Axis?"

A mischievous glint adorned the boy's azure eyes. "Don't lose your grip!"

Elfman's eyes widened. He tried to stop whatever Axis was planning on doing, but it was too late as the group of four went rocketing into the sky. "AXIIIIIIIIIIIIS!"

Elfman's plightful shout was lost to the winds and the sound of Axis and Lisanna's joyous laughter. At least those two were enjoying themselves, he thought.

Their impromptu flight only lasted a few seconds, much to the relief of the younger boy, as they came crashing down onto a rooftop just to the side of the main street. On impact they all went tumbling away from each other- not hurt but most definitely disoriented.

"Ha ha ha! That was so fun!" Lisanna giggled to herself whilst the adrenaline still flowed through her veins.

"Ugh, never again…" Elfman choked back some bile in his throat.

Mira shook her head in an attempt to cure her sudden dizziness as she sat up on the roof. She saw a hand enter her field of vision. She looked up to see Axis offering aid with a warm smile.

"Kinda fun, right?"

Mira, despite not giving a strong feeling strongly whether she approved of Axis' plan or not, caught Axis' infectious mood. She accepted his offer, now smiling herself.

"Just a little."

Their moment of relief was interrupted as they heard shouts coming from the main street. Axis looked back down to where they had escaped from, seeing a bunch of people knocked over from his powerful leap. Some were raising their fists in his direction.

"Dame Fairy Tail wizards! Make a mess somewhere else!"

"Yeah, go destroy your guild hall or something!"

The independent indignations were lost as multiple more angry voices joined in. They all had their focus on the blue-haired mage, and apparently, this wasn't the first time a wizard had made a mess of things in their town.

"Maybe we should go," Elfman suggested, backing away from the edge.

"Yeah," Lisanna agreed. "There's so much more to see!"

"This place is so big, though," Elfman whined. "It's gonna take forever to get around."

Axis smirked. "Maybe I can 'fly' us around some more?"

"Absolutely not!"

The friends shared a chuckle, bar Elfman, and they began their search for a non-magical way down from the rooftops. Axis tapped his chin, thinking.

Fairy Tail? Is there a wizards' guild in this town?

His gaze drifted towards the cloaked girl in their group, specifically the secret she kept beneath the cloak.

Maybe…?

…

Kardia Cathedral. It was the tourist hotspot and staple of Magnolia Town. Sitting close to the town center, it dominated any and all buildings surrounding it. For a kid like Axis, it was as if he was standing at the foot of a giant.

"It breaks into the sky…" Axis stared up in wonder.

"It's amazing!" Lisanna stood beside him, copying his awestruck posture.

Elfman shifted his backpack. "I wonder how long it took to build something this big. Years? Decades?"

"Elf, let's go inside!" Lisanna grabbed Elfman's hand and led him to the large, imposing doors. There was a small entrance, however, that allowed tourists to go in and explore if they so choose.

As the pair entered the cathedral, Axis hung back with the remaining Strauss sibling. He noticed that she remained rooted to the spot, even avoiding looking at the church.

"You're not going in?" he asked with some concern, noting her more reserved than usual nature.

"No," Mira answered him without taking her eyes off the ground. "I don't do well with churches. It reminds me too much of that night."

She gripped her demon arm harshly, and Axis then understood what she meant. "Yeah, I gotcha."

The two stood in silence, mulling over their own devices. While Mira's gaze was on the stone plaza, Axis held his to the sky. It was a nice day, the blue ever-brilliant with some fluffy white clouds rolling between the horizon lines. Not a care in the world, drifting wherever they wanted. In that infinitely huge sea in the sky above, they were utterly…

"Free."

"Hm?" Mira hummed nonverbally to Axis' sudden declaration, but she didn't get a response.

Axis' hands formed fists, watching the white ships sail across the blue yonder. His heart pumped and his chest yearned. He felt his power well with excitement. The freedom in the sky called to him, and he was going to answer.

"Stay here for a bit," he said, not giving her a chance to answer before leaping towards the cathedral at top speed.

Just before he ran into the exterior wall, he kicked off the ground with his already transformed legs. He launched upwards at great speeds, clearing a good portion of the building already. Noticing a small notch in the wall, he transformed his arms and latched on.

There was a small foothold a few feet to his left. He swung from his grabbing point a few times both left and right to gain some momentum, before letting go and letting it carry him to the foothold. Then, with just enough space, he was able to crouch down and jump once again.

After a few minutes, he managed to make it past the majority of the cathedral. Now on the ascent to the top, there were many more available footholds since the roof coned inwards. Eventually, he made it to the top.

Even from the main roof, the town of Magnolia looked significantly smaller. He chuckled when he saw Mira back down at the plaza, more confused than anything at what Axis was doing. Her black cloak really stood out in the middle of the town's relatively light color palette. He waved down at her, just to be nice.

After catching his breath, he studied his final challenge. One of the cathedral's spires, and it was piercing the sky. The roof of the main building made a convenient ramp straight to it. So he took off, gaining as much speed as possible before shooting at the pillar. Then, he'd touch the freest place in the world.

He dug his claws into the stone wall, not even minding the small marks left behind. He climbed the flat vertical space like a ladder, digging into the bricks with each mark of ascension. With every vertical progression, he gained more speed. His magic started to act into overdrive, pushing him to go further and faster.

He flipped onto the final slope. But he didn't stop to assess once he was so close. Pumping whatever magic he could into his legs he made one last sprint up the final slope, the topmost point of Kardia Cathedral in his sights. And once he reached that, he gave everything for the biggest jump he could manage.

"I'm right here!"

His voice reached no one but himself, but it was not intended as a communication. He soared into the sky, arms reaching for the clouds above him. They looked closer with every second. And if he could just go a little higher…

That freedom you seek?

Axis cringed. A voice, no, a memory. From a time in his past long forgotten.

You will never reach it. So play your part and stay in line.

Then he fell. He had no more left to give, and it was not enough. He desperately clawed at the air, trying to touch the clouds still so high above. But he was nowhere close.

His fangs closed in a pained grimace. His heart broiled in restrained anger. Once he fell back down to the spire he rested on the slope, his hand gripping the top point for support. He slammed his other hand into the roof.

"Not there… it's not enough."

A pang of jealousy now went through him as he watched the cloud roll away into the sky. A place he yearned to be, yet he couldn't reach.

He sighed and let his anger pass. Well, if he couldn't reach the sky now, he would just have to keep getting stronger until he could. Then, he'll prove whoever that voice belonged to wrong.

His fangs faded and his expression softened. It looked like Lisanna and Elfman had exited the cathedral, and now the three siblings were all watching him from below. Looks like they wanted to move on, and who was he to hold them up?

But before he began his descent back to the surface, another building caught his eye. It wasn't quite as tall as Kardia Cathedral, but it put up a good effort. It was very oriental in design, with a varied color scheme that stood out against the massive blue lakeside backdrop. It was quaintly situated on the lakefront, giving it a nice and peaceful beachfront position.

Its name was plastered confidently at the front, inviting all who looked at it to know exactly what building it was.

Fairy Tail? That was the wizard guild, right?

He curled an eyebrow.

Isn't that spelled wrong?

Even still, that was the guild he had heard about. He had never come across an actual guild hall before, but a place with that many wizards must be knowledgeable about all types of magic.

He looked at Mira, standing beside her siblings and still refusing to get anywhere close to the church. Then he looked back at the guild hall, an idea forming in his mind. He smiled, beginning his descent. This might be the chance he needed to finally pay her back.

…

"You've got to be kidding me! You let it get to Magnolia?!"

The off-white uniform-clad forms of Hadich and Monroe recoiled from the shrill voice emanating from the communications lacrima. Hadich, covering one ear to recover from the noise, magically lowered the output volume of the sphere.

"Zumi, what the hell do ya mean we let it get here!" Monroes raised his voice to the one on the call. "We weren't the ones who let the thing loose in the first place!"

Zumi released a groan. "Ugh, I know! But you could've at least done your jobs better and found it earlier!"

Hadich leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "All this moaning and groaning won't change the fact that the beast is in Magnolia and it's heading straight towards the strongest guild in Fiore."

"Debatably strongest."

"Whatever." Hadich sighed. "What's the plan? It took us six months to track the thing down, but there's just no way we can get it back under Fairy Tail's eyes."

"Especially if it joins." Monroe shuddered. "The Fairies are well known for the strength in their bonds. A guild like that would try and rescue their endangered comrades no matter the cost."

After a few moments of quiet mulling, the lacrima lit up. "Keep watch for now, and look for an opening."

"You sure?" Hadich questioned, stroking his large beard. "Delaying ourselves only makes the situation more dangerous."

"Then I'll let the boss know. That brainiac always has a plan."

Monroe rubbed the back of his bald head. "I guess that's for the best. We ain't really that good at strategy. Just the fun bits."

"Don't rush in like idiots! Just wait until I contact you again."

"Alright, alright!" Monroe waved dismissively.

"We'll let you know if anything changes." Hadich gave the last word before cutting off the lacrima. He sat up from his chair and lay down in the hotel bed. "This is turning out to be a nightmare."

"Guess we're turning into babysitters, now." Monroes chuckled tiredly. "Boss better come up with something quick, cuz I need a vacation."

"Agreed."