Author's note : Alright, here we go, things are about to get serious!
I really love this chapter, even though some parts are quite descriptive. It was important to set the scene and overall atmosphere for better immersion and future understanding. I especially love the ending, but we'll talk about that later. For now, enjoy the read! A special thanks to Crimson-wolf-moon, Lunaris and Kuroshiragami who left a review to each chapter without exception. You're the best!
kuroshiragami0: Haha, no problem it was just funny ^^. Hope you'll like this chapter too!
xxXCrimson-Wolf-MoonXxx: Take your time, there's no rush! I'll appreciate your comments just as much whenever they come ^^
I'm glad it didn't bore you! If this chapter didn't, then none of the others should either. The story takes a little time to fully settle in, so the beginning can feel a bit slow, and I was worried that some aspects wouldn't be all that interesting. I thought people might prefer if I jumped straight to the main action without these introductory steps. So, it makes me really happy that this isn't necessarily the case :)
You're going to learn a little bit more about Zexion in this chapter, even though it's still not super explicit. A bit later on, there'll be more for you to sink your teeth into, but I hope this is enough to pique your curiosity even more :) I'm really glad that you're interested in him and that having an OC doesn't pull you out of the story or away from the other characters.
I was sure you'd appreciate that little scene with Erza and Natsu's scroll, especially since you're so fond of their relationship ^^. I love adding in these little details, they wouldn't change the overall story if I left them out, but they really strengthen the bond between the characters, and I just love that.
I'm also glad the Astrals' Passage felt believable to you. It's something that could totally exist, at least in this world, and it's not there for nothing, you'll understand everything in due time :p.
I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this chapter! Thanks again for all your thoughtful and encouraging feedback, it really motivates me a ton :)
Enjoy the chapter!
Lunaris: Of course you have more questions, and you'll have even more here xD. Answers will come gradually ^^. I'm happy you liked the battle, I needed Zexion to realize how Fairy Tail is like ^^.
I hope you'll like this chapter too! Thank you so much for leaving me a review each time!
Chapter 7: The Watchers' Order
After a ten-minute walk, the night fell over the plain. The thick layer of smoke shrouding the moon and stars was intermittently pierced by the glow of their hastily lit torches and the distant, barely perceptible lights of the city. Their destination was close, but still several days away. When visibility dropped to less than a meter, they halted in a patch of dry grass, slightly off Mahen Road to prepare for any potential danger.
Erza kindled a fire while Gray assisted Mirajane with unloading their heavy gear. Elfman gathered a substantial amount of wood to keep the flames going through the night, and Mirajane, having brought supplies from Geffen, began preparing the meal. Zexion took up a position at one end of the camp to stand guard, and Erza and Elfman joined him once their tasks were complete. Noticing she had no immediate tasks, Lucy crouched by the fire with Mirajane. The embers pulsed with life, and occasionally, a burst of sparks soared up and scattered across the surface of the wood, vanishing into a radiant crevice.
Lucy stared into the flames, struggling to fend off the pull of her restless dreams. Silence reigned in the hollow of the valley, with the embers smoldering quietly. Half an hour later, Mirajane announced that the meal was ready. They gathered around the fire and ate in silence until Mirajane finally spoke up.
"Zexion, what exactly is that passage we took?"
"It's the passage that every spirit uses when they're summoned," Lucy answered in place of the storyteller, who was just about to speak. "It connects the spirit world to ours. It seems that those Summoners' creatures use it too, and I don't really understand why." Lucy lost herself in thought for a moment, searching for an explanation for this peculiar fact. She began to wonder if the Celestial Mages and the Summoners had more in common than she had realized. If the celestial spirits and summons used the same passage to materialize in the real world, it couldn't be mere coincidence. "In any case," she continued as she moved on from her thoughts, "we shouldn't have been able to go through there. A human isn't supposed to be able to use it."
Lucy turned to Zexion, who cleared his throat with a deliberate sound, his eyes reflecting the crackle of the flames with a glimmer of knowledge.
"It's easy to enter the Astral Passage, but getting out is not so simple," he said in a neutral tone. "Without Lüditz's scrolls, it would have been impossible. By charging one of them with Lucy's celestial magic and throwing it across the border, we created an exit. Plus, time moves slower inside the passage. What seems like several minutes there is actually just a second in our world." The stump he was sitting on let out a long creak as he rested his hands on his knees, watching the flames of their campfire flicker in the gentle breeze sweeping across the plain. "The barrier only detects living matter," he continued, anticipating any further questions. "An object can pass through it safely, regardless of its magical power. It will only repel something if it detects a threat."
"Couldn't Loke have created another way for us to get out?" Erza asked. "If he managed to create a portal to join us, why couldn't he do the same from the other side?"
"Impossible," Zexion replied, shaking his head. "He can only appear where his key is located. As long as Lucy was inside the Astral Passage, he couldn't create a portal elsewhere."
"I see."
Though they were itching to ask him why he seemed to know the name of the summoned dragon they had fought, no one dared to. Their new companion seemed closed off to personal questions, and although he managed to conceal it well, signs of emotional fatigue were visible on his face. They accepted this scant information and fell silent for the rest of the meal. Once he had finished eating, Zexion thanked Mirajane for the meal and set his bowl and utensils aside.
"I'll take the first watch," he said as he stood up.
He retreated to the far end of the camp and settled down with his back against a stump, obscuring his face from view. Although they would have liked to engage in more conversation, their weary bodies insisted on rest.
"I'll take the second shift," Lucy offered, hoping to have a chance to talk with Zexion without raising suspicion. "I've used less magic than you."
"Then I'll handle the third," Mirajane added as she gathered up everyone's leftovers.
"Alright," Gray said with a yawn. "We should get some sleep now. We'll need to get up early tomorrow."
Noting the deepening darkness of the night, Erza felt it was time to close out what had been a grueling day. The crossing of the border and the relentless battles with the summons, particularly the last one, had drained their mental and physical reserves. This first day had already left them exhausted, and she knew the hardest challenges were still to come. Until Natsu was found, they would need to conserve their strength.
"You're right," she agreed, standing up. "We're all exhausted, and we can't afford to waste more time. We need to reach Lüditzen as quickly as possible."
"Even if everything goes smoothly, it'll take at least a week to get there," Mirajane informed them after a brief consideration.
"Alright then, let's get some sleep. We'll leave at dawn tomorrow."
Erza nodded firmly, and with these thoughts guiding them, everyone spread out their blankets near the fire. The wind suddenly picked up, signaling the onset of a cold and restless night. They quickly drifted into the embrace of their daydreams, which for the past five months had replaced true sleep.
Three hours later, Lucy jolted awake, gasping for breath. Her throat was parched, her face drenched with tears and sweat. She glanced at her companions, who appeared to be sleeping soundly beside her. Curling her knees to her chest, she buried her face in her damp hands, Natsu's name trembling on her lips.
Since his departure, she had been unable to enjoy a full night's sleep. Each time she awoke, it was as if her heart was crushed by the weight of her dreams, though she couldn't remember what had stirred such intense anguish. Her anxiety for Natsu would resurface, and she would spend hours in painful contemplation of him, until sheer exhaustion finally allowed her to drift back to sleep. Though they had finally picked up his trail, the hope of seeing him again soon did little to soothe her nightly distress. The fear of their next encounter and uncertainty about his fate were overwhelming.
The comforting presence of her friends helped her regain her composure more swiftly than usual. She rose to head for the travel basin, which had been lightly filled with water to quench their thirst.
Exhausted and disoriented from her abrupt awakening, she stared at her reflection in the water, her eyes fixated against her will. The moon's clear, ominous image shimmered with an unsettling clarity, overwhelming her with a sense of unreality. Her heart nearly stopped when, unexpectedly, a second face appeared beside hers—Natsu's, smiling as he always did, though covered in blood. Startled, she spun around, half-expecting to find him standing behind her. It wasn't until she faced nothing but empty space that she realized this vision had emerged from her frazzled mind.
It took her several moments to regain her composure, and she sighed at herself in self-mockery for her own foolishness. That's when she noticed Zexion standing still at the far end of the camp. Fearing the prospect of slipping back into the cold grip of her nightmares, she seized the chance to join him and sat down beside him.
"You should take some rest," she suggested, "I'll take the second watch."
"Thank you, Lucy, but that won't be necessary," he declined politely. "Sleep has been a rare commodity for me lately."
A branch snapped in the distance, and the flurry of wings from a multitude of birds shattered the fragile silence of the night.
"What are you thinking about?" Lucy asked, hoping to break through his shell with gentleness.
Zexion finally lowered his gaze from the horizon, only to close his eyes again shortly after, lost in thought.
"I was just wondering if all the Fairy Tail mages are like this."
"What do you mean?"
"This bond you share... if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it possible."
He opened his eyes again, deliberately avoiding Lucy's surprised gaze, who had clearly not anticipated such a sudden confession. Until now, he had evaded any personal questions that might reveal his emotions or weaknesses, consistently steering the conversation elsewhere. She couldn't fathom why he suddenly chose to open up a little, but his change in attitude reassured her. By learning more about him, she hoped to build a foundation of trust that would benefit them both.
"Natsu has always been my only true friend," he went on, "one of the few people I've ever esteemed in my entire life. I always thought he was an exception, the only one who wasn't like everyone else, and now here you all are..."
He sighed in despondency as he placed a hand on his forehead, visibly troubled. Lucy wasn't quite sure what he meant, but she was deeply touched by his evident affection and respect for Natsu. She felt a deep sadness at how alone Zexion seemed and was surprised to see proof of the close bond between the two men. If she had harbored any doubts about this before, they were gone now. His tone and expression spoke volumes, far more than his words ever could. She could easily imagine how Natsu's warmth and light might have eased the storyteller's cold, lonely heart, possibly even creating a sort of emotional dependency. She was feeling something similar herself. Natsu had become such an integral part of her life that his absence now made it difficult for her to move forward, especially with the lingering fear of the danger he might be facing while far from them.
Zexion crossed his arms to appear less vulnerable, but he couldn't muster the courage to meet Lucy's gaze and kept his eyes fixed on the horizon. His furrowed eyebrows and deep contemplation left Lucy unsure of what to make of his demeanor.
"Human nature has always been selfishness and hatred. It makes no sense. You make no sense to me."
His words themselves silenced Lucy this time, leaving her unsure how to react. How much sorrow and darkness must one endure to cultivate such a grim view of the world and humanity? To be so deeply disturbed by even the slightest hint of light and virtue? She didn't dare imagine what his past was like, having had so few important people in his life and believing human beings to be so bad. Deep down, though, she wasn't so different from him. Before meeting Natsu and joining Fairy Tail, Lucy had known nothing of true friendship and had lived in solitude. She had never experienced a father's love, and her mother had passed away too soon, leaving a profound void in her heart.
"I don't claim to understand exactly what you've been through, but I can guess that you've experienced some painful things to reach this point. It might surprise you, but I was a bit like you once."
Zexion turned to her for the first time since their conversation began, a clear curiosity in his eyes about what she was thinking.
"My father was wealthy and obsessed with money," Lucy began, feeling his attentive gaze on her. "He had arranged my marriage long before my mother passed away when I was eight, and I always believed my future was set and that I had no say in it. But as I grew older, I realized that no one had the right to dictate how I should live, and I rejected the loveless life that was being imposed on me by running away from home."
The memory brought both sadness and a measure of satisfaction. Although she wasn't proud of abandoning her father despite his insensitive actions towards her, her decision to run away was one she never regretted having had the courage to make, for it had brought her an exhilarating life brimming with unconditional love and support. Fairy Tail had granted her everything she had never even dared to dream of.
"What I mean is," she continued, "before meeting Natsu and joining Fairy Tail, I hadn't had a trusting relationship with anyone except my mother, and she passed away far too soon..."
Thinking about her mother and the circumstances of her death was enough to bring tears to her eyes, even if she managed to hold them back. One of her deepest regrets was not being there when she passed away. She had been with her every day after her illness was diagnosed as incurable, yet she died far from her, and even from her father. According to him, her lifeless body had been found on their doorstep, as if someone had simply left it there. Since then, Lucy had constantly wondered if the illness had truly been the cause of her death, or if something—or someone—else was responsible. She had never found proof, but the suspicion lingered, especially since the dragons who had raised the Dragon Slayers vanished on the exact day of her mother's death. The coincidence was too striking to ignore, and she feared what the truth might reveal.
"Without her I felt so empty," she continued in a fragile voice. "If I hadn't joined Fairy Tail, I might have become someone entirely different, and that terrifies me. It's thanks to them that I learned what a real family is and was able to shake off the dull view I had of life. Like you, their joy, their kindness, and their generosity touched me deeply. At first, I couldn't understand how they could be so naive; they seemed to take nothing seriously, as if having fun and fighting were the only things that mattered. I was so wrong..." She cast her gaze downward, focusing on her hands as she reflected on what she knew of their respective pasts, striving to keep her emotions in check. "Natsu, Gray, Erza—everyone… they've all endured far worse than I ever have. When I learned about their pasts, I began to realize just how unique they are. What I had mistaken for naivety and immaturity was actually courage and a determination not to let anything or anyone hold them back. Since then, I've admired them so much; they move forward in life without looking back, supporting each other in all circumstances, and never giving up. It inspired me to follow their example."
For the storyteller, this depiction was the epitome of Natsu, and by extension, his entire guild. It reassured him about the nature of humanity, even as it stirred a pang of envy for his friend's place within such a community. He had stayed away of his own accord despite Natsu's repeated invitations so he couldn't truly fault anyone, but his decision had been driven by fear of unleashing events that could engulf everyone in chaos. He wished that the circumstances which had driven him to this choice had never come to pass, that they could both have been liberated from the crushing weight of this obscure destiny. Where he could lead a normal life—however normal it could be given his past.
Lucy sensed that her words had struck a chord, noticing how he turned his gaze away from her, using the encroaching twilight to better conceal his emotions. This encouraged the young girl to delve further, pleased to have finally breached his eternal shell of impassivity.
"They showed me what a real family was," she continued, gratified to have managed to make a connection, "and I wanted more than anything to be a part of it."
Lucy recalled those early days with a mix of nostalgia and humility. The Guild members' immediate and selfless welcome had been like a destabilizing storm. She remembered the confusion that had overwhelmed her as she found herself among people ready to accept her unconditionally, whereas her past had always taught her to be wary. They had embraced her with disarming openness, indifferent to her past or her flaws, breaking down the walls she had erected around herself with such ease that it had been almost terrifying. The intensity of their acceptance had left her deeply unsettled.
And in the midst of it all, there had been Natsu. The way he'd held out his hand to her had filled her with happiness, and the fire mage had never stopped showing her his affection ever since, radiating benevolence and cheerfulness. His actions, his smiles, and his attentions were like promises, and the mere idea of being able to grow alongside him and this loving guild had both disturbed and delighted her. She then had to adapt to this new reality, where trust was not a rare commodity but a daily given.
It was thanks to Natsu if she had been able to get all this. She would forever be grateful to him.
A sweet smile flitted across her lips, her heart wrapped in her affection for him.
"Natsu welcomed me into the guild and onto his missions instantly," she continued, both moved and pained by the warm memories of him. "He didn't even know who I was, yet he trusted me right away without trying to learn more about me. Now that I know him, I understand why—after all, it's Natsu. But at the time… it was disturbing. Everyone else did the same, and honestly, I didn't feel like I belonged."
"Welcome to the club…"
Not expecting an intervention from him, Lucy turned to Zexion, and their eyes met for the first time since the beginning of their exchange. She was not surprised, however, to see him instantly abandon eye contact, understanding that his last words had escaped him against his will and that he did not wish to pursue the subject further. She preferred not to force the issue by asking any questions, instead continuing to talk about herself to keep him from withdrawing, once again gazing into the distance.
"All the adventures I've shared with them taught me that their bonds were much older and deeper than the ones they had with me. I felt like an outsider, even though they showed me more than once that they cared about me. It wasn't until my past caught up with me that I realized I was already a part of their family."
Without hesitation, despite the hint of nostalgia in her voice, Lucy told him about Fairy Tail's battle with Phantom Lords, leaving no detail unspoken about how it had made her feel. The way they had protected her and defended her rights without once wavering had changed everything. From that moment on, she had finally found her place and had never felt different again.
When she came to mention Gajeel, Zexion became even more attentive. Without revealing that he had known him long before she did to avoid complicating the situation, he wanted to know more. He hoped to uncover some of the motivations behind his actions, particularly his decision to join Natsu's guild despite being aware, like all Dragon Slayers, of their common destiny to help fulfill his. Zexion was convinced that Gajeel had joined Fairy Tail to get closer to Natsu, as if he knew even then, unlike the other Dragon Slayers, what they were all destined for. None of them, not even Natsu himself, had known what that destiny entailed until the truth came crashing down on him five months earlier. He felt that Gajeel had deliberately let everything happen without reacting, without ever warning anyone. So, the iron mage had never told anyone, fleeing from the future he knew was coming and which was taking shape right now, to avoid facing reality.
Not that he could blame him. He himself was an expert at running away, but unlike Gajeel, whose actions stemmed from a genuine wish to help everyone and Natsu, his own selfishness was the sole driver behind his poor choices.
Unfortunately, he didn't get the confirmation he had hoped for. At no point did Lucy's confidences provide him with any clue about the Iron Dragon Slayer's secrets. He was surprised, however, to learn how cruel and violent he had been towards the celestial mage when she recounted how Natsu had come to her rescue after she was captured by Phantom Lords. That part of the story had been unknown to him.
"I thought I could never truly be like them or fully become part of their family," Lucy continued, "but after all this... I've never felt more at home. I'm sure that one day, they'll do the same for you, and before you even realize it, it will be as if you've always been a part of the guild."
The stellar mage had sought to encourage and reassure him, Zexion knew full well, but in truth he felt more anxious at the thought of such a thing happening. It wasn't that he didn't want to be accepted by these respectable people, on the contrary, but he feared getting emotionally involved and having to betray them afterward. He didn't yet know what he'd decided to do about Natsu's fate, but there was still a chance that his final decision would be one that Fairy Tail could never forgive him for.
If a climate of mutual trust finally settled in... changing his mind would no longer be an option. He would never have the courage to turn against them and break their hearts if it came to that.
'I don't think you realize what that guild is really like. Watch out or they might rub off on you.'
Gajeel's warning made even more sense now that he thought about it more carefully, Lucy's words only reinforcing his. Though he dreamed of finally deserving the respect of others and, above all, Natsu's unconditional friendship, he shouldn't become attached to them while his heart remained so undecided. Perhaps his feelings would become clearer once they found Natsu, but in the meantime, it was in his best interest to keep his distance and remain cautious.
Yet he couldn't deny that his current interaction with Lucy was comforting, and it pained him to see someone as gentle and compassionate as her undervalue her own qualities. He would have been wiser to stay detached, but he couldn't bring himself to do so when she was so kindly trying to reassure him.
"I think you're underestimating yourself, Lucy."
He recalled the long hours spent listening to Natsu recount his adventures, where Lucy was spoken of with palpable admiration. Natsu's pride in her transcended mere words, offering a glimpse of the deep affection and significance she held in his life. The vivid descriptions and passionate praise had crafted a clear image of their bond, making it almost tangible. Even though he had never met her in person, the stories and details Natsu had shared painted a vibrant portrait of the young mage. He could almost see Lucy through his words.
"You're the one I know the least compared to the others, but far from being the one I've heard the least about," he confided with a nostalgic smile. "Natsu and I lost touch before you met him, so I only learned about you when he visited me a few months ago. But that didn't stop him from talking about you for hours. I thought he'd never stop…"
Lucy was caught between laughing at Zexion's despondent expression and weeping with emotion. She could easily picture their exuberant Natsu, chattering endlessly with playful enthusiasm, overwhelming the poor storyteller who had no chance of interrupting the torrent of words. This image brought a tender smile to Lucy's lips and a mist of nostalgia to her eyes. Knowing that Natsu had spoken of her with such warmth reassured her profoundly about his feelings and regard for her. The certitude that he had never meant to neglect her when he left was worth more to her than all the gold in the world.
Unfortunately, recalling his colorful personality only served to highlight what they had lost with his absence, reigniting her anxiety. Seeing her navigate through a whirlwind of emotions, creating a tumultuous state that was beginning to disrupt her emotional equilibrium, Zexion decided it was best not to let her dwell on it too long.
"What I mean," he clarified, "is that you contribute just as much to them as they do to you. You've got nothing to envy about them, believe me."
Although she could not fully believe this statement, Lucy was deeply moved by Zexion's attempt to set aside his usual aloofness to offer her comfort. She was starting to catch a glimpse of his true self, and despite the lingering shadows around this enigmatic man, he had earned her complete trust.
"Thank you, Zexion."
"It's nothing. It's just the truth."
Interpreting his final remark as an awkward attempt to hide how affected he was by their conversation, Lucy responded with a serene smile. She felt much more at ease now, prepared to return to a restful sleep free of nightmares. She rose to her feet, brushed off her clothes, and after confirming that Zexion had no plans to sleep just yet, she thanked him one last time and quietly slipped away.
Once back under her blanket, light-hearted despite her head full of words and memories, it took her no more than two minutes to fall asleep.
The radiant dawn arrived all too soon.
Exhausted and drained from their increasingly short and restless nights, they summoned their remaining strength to tread once more on the arid steppes of Lüditz. This vast, featureless expanse stretched endlessly in every direction, though the lights of the capital glimmered faintly above the tops of the sparse juniper trees lining Mahen Road. The trail of arid vegetation extended for over two kilometers, a coppery carpet winding between the gentle slopes of the hills. The orange sun was cautiously beginning its ascent over the dunes of the Lanudia desert, barely discernible through the hazy air.
It took the group four days to reach their next destination. They paused when they arrived at the intersection, knowing that it marked the beginning of their true journey and the dangers that awaited them.
At the roadside, a wooden sign pointed in two directions. In elegant calligraphy, it displayed the names of the paths: one for Mirajane and Elfman, leading to their destination, and the other to the capital. Lucy gazed down the Nycroc Road, which vanished into the distance, and felt the weight of the separation laying ahead. Struggling to find the right words, she was relieved when Zexion spoke up, diverting attention and sparing her from having to voice her emotions.
"You're heading to Prontera, right?" he asked Elfman and Mirajane, furrowing his brows. "Why? As far as I can tell, there's nothing there that would interest you."
"It's just a stopover," Mirajane replied. "We need to catch a Hildegarde to get to Ascalön."
Zexion remained silent, his demeanor immediately shifting as he fixed his gaze on Mirajane without truly seeing her. His abrupt withdrawal seemed to signal an effort to shield his emotions, as though the mention of the town's name stirred up something he wished to keep hidden.
"What are you planning to do, Zexion?" Erza asked, trying to break the awkwardness that was beginning to settle in. "Are you coming with us to Fürg, or would you rather go with them to Ascalön?"
"I'll be going to Fürg," he replied without hesitation despite his distant demeanor. "But once you're in Ascalön, get in touch with Ariana, she'll be able to help you. Tell her you're coming from me, and she'll understand."
They were eager to ask him about this person, but once again, the storyteller's impenetrable demeanor deterred them. Mirajane and Elfman merely nodded in agreement, silently expressing their gratitude for his helpful advice.
As the silence lingered, everyone sensed that it was time to part ways. For a few moments, no one knew how to react, until Lucy threw herself into Mirajane's arms, hugging her with all her might. Mirajane embraced her in return.
"Take care of yourselves," she said. "We'll see each other again soon."
With tears welling in her eyes, Lucy reluctantly pulled away and gave a solemn nod.
"Yes. Please take care of yourselves as well."
The young woman offered her a smile and, with a final wave, the Strauss turned and began their journey down the path. Gray and Erza bid them farewell, their hearts aching with concern for what lay ahead in the weeks to come. They struggled to push away the thought that this might be their last parting, focusing instead on the significance of their mission to keep their resolve. Nothing and no one could sway them from their purpose.
They watched until their silhouettes dwindled to mere specks of light in the middle of the vast, sun-drenched expanse.
After five days of relentless walking, Lüditzen finally emerged on the horizon. The colossal buildings loomed through the dust and dirt whipped up by the wind. The scorching sun signaled the beginning of the afternoon.
Delayed by an early-morning sandstorm, Zexion and the Fairy Tail mages had just entered the Lanudia desert. Though brief, the storm had been so intense that the capital had shut its gates, barring anyone from entry. They had sought refuge in a nearby cavern, shielded by the thick rock walls and the damp chill that the cool winter night had brought. This unwelcome delay weighed heavily on them, each member despondent as they thought about how, while they were losing valuable time waiting for the storm to abate, Natsu was out there, pursuing a dangerous quest that likely exceeded their wildest imaginings. Unable to remain idle, they had ventured out as soon as the gusts had subsided.
They had been fortunate in their misfortune that the storm was so brief. According to Zexion, such a tempest could last for days, even weeks. The thought of being stranded for such an extended period was almost unbearable. The few hours they had waited felt like a reprieve from the heavens.
They paused at the edge of a cliff bordering the capital, breathless at the spectacle before them.
They had never seen such a structure. Perched on an island above a bottomless chasm, the city seemed to float in the sky, upheld by some mysterious force of nature. At its center, a magnificent cherry tree rose majestically, dominating the entire city with its grandeur. Its blossoms gently scattered their petals over the rooftops, mingling with the sun's rays to form a sublime, shimmering canopy. Cascades of grey water with purple highlights flowed through the earth, vanishing into the depths of the shadowy void below.
On either side of the southern and northern façade, massive cables the width of a barrel supported large steel cages. These enormous enclosures ascended into the sky, reaching a small, elevated platform of a bridge that connected them to the main part of the city. Clearly, these were the conveyances transporting passengers up the hill.
Beyond the island's breathtaking structure, the landscape was equally unique: a vast desert cleaved in two by the formidable chasm stretching southward into the horizon. In the distance, several other verdant islands floated, likely uninhabited. The sky was clear and unblemished, promising a tranquil day beneath the relentless sun.
The marvel was absolute. The kingdom of Fiore boasted no structure of such grand scale or mechanical splendor. Not even the Tower of Paradise seemed to rival the vastness of this construction; they had never imagined that such edifices could be crafted by human hands. For the first time since embarking on this journey, they were witnessing the true form of the Kingdom of Lüditz. Technologically, the Lüditzians were far more advanced than they had ever anticipated, and this stark realization left them apprehensive, fearing that this disparity might work against them.
Zexion was the only one unfazed by the sight, his impassive expression suggesting a familiarity with the area. He explained that most of Lüditz's advanced cities featured such technology, including the U-Bahns. In response to the "Decline" from four hundred years ago and its subsequent lack of magic, Lüditz had leveraged technology as their strength, using it as a formidable means to protect their lands from potential invaders.
Armed with this new knowledge, the group resumed their journey along a sandy path leading down to the fortified ramparts of the capital. After an hour's trek, they arrived at the elevators that would transport them to the heart of the city.
Lucy gazed up at the sky, where the city loomed imposingly above her. A sense of awe and insignificance washed over her as she took in the opulent skyscrapers that seemed to pierce the clouds. The cable railway stood before them, a magnificent and implausible feat of engineering defying conventional physics. To any outsider, the idea of such a colossal structure functioning seamlessly would seem implausible, yet the elevator ascended and descended on its enormous cables with effortless precision.
The access to the lifts was jam-packed with Lüditzians, all trying to reach the city after being delayed by the sandstorm. The sheer volume of people made progress nearly impossible. With considerable effort, they pushed their way through the throng, only to be stopped by two guards dressed as civilians, whose task was to verify the papers of anyone wishing to enter the city. One of them, a medium-sized man with a receding hairline, gestured for them to halt. He looked utterly bored by the monotony of his job as he extended his hand towards them with a weary sigh.
"Hello," he said in a monotone voice, "do you have a pass?"
The question was directed at Erza, who was leading the way, but as she was unable to give an answer she instinctively turned to Zexion. Fortunately, the storyteller seemed to have anticipated this moment as he pulled out a parchment from his coat and handed it to the guard. The latter unfurled it after untying the red ribbon securing it and read it carefully. Once he had finished, he rolled it back up and returned it to him.
"Everything's in order," he declared, stepping aside. "You can go through."
To avoid drawing attention, the group complied in silence and followed Zexion to the gangway leading to the cable car. Once they were out of earshot of any potential eavesdroppers, Gray seized the opportunity to ask the question that had been burning in their minds.
"How did you get that?"
"I've had it since the last time I came here, five years ago. Natsu has one too."
"Really?" he asked, raising an eyebrow suspiciously. "How come?"
"Because I gave him one," Zexion replied without even looking at him, shrugging as if it were obvious.
Once again, he skillfully dodged the initial question. His answers didn't explain how he had obtained the pass, which was undoubtedly rare, yet he made his interlocutors feel like they'd gotten what they wanted. His strategy proved successful as no one pressed further on the matter. Internally, Zexion sighed to himself with relief, glad to have sidestepped potentially complicated revelations that he preferred to save for another time.
Slightly anxious, the group finally climbed aboard. More in awe than anything else, Erza gazed out of the bay windows as the scenery flashed past. As they ascended, the objects and people below shrank, almost causing a sense of vertigo. The sudden stop of the lift jolted her from her reverie, and the doors opened to invite them out. They navigated an interminable corridor, following the other passengers until they emerged into the open air. They found themselves in a vast square dominated by a magnificent cherry blossom tree, named the World Tree. Its grandeur was so overwhelming that its top was lost from view.
Noticing the awe on his companions' faces and knowing the significance the legend of this tree held for their objectives, Zexion decided to share some information. However, he chose his words carefully, opting to provide just enough detail without divulging too much at this stage.
"This tree is called Yggdrasil," he began to explain. "In Lüditzian mythology, Yggdrasil is depicted as a giant cherry tree with three roots, connecting three different worlds: Eresia, Midgard, and Niflheim, with Midgard being the world we live in. According to the legend, these three worlds are in constant communication, linked by the endless power of the World Tree. It's said that the Tree of Life, represented by an ash tree, is the entity responsible for the appearance of Yggdrasil, which it created to honor the memory of five chosen ones known by the sacred name of Sanctimagi."
"Sanctimagi?" Lucy repeated, fascinated by his story.
Zexion nodded but paused before continuing, careful to choose his words precisely and, above all, to avoid divulging details that might cast those he knew were involved in the legend in a negative light.
"No one knows for certain whether they actually existed," he clarified, though the truth was more complex. "The legend states that five humans from Midgard were summoned by the Tree of Life to save the world from the tyranny of a powerful enemy. After their success, the Tree granted humanity the ability to travel between the three worlds, a power bestowed by the cherry tree before you." He paused, satisfied with the precautions he had taken to prepare them for the truth without revealing too much outright. "It may just be a legend, but there's no evidence to prove it's false," he concluded. "Not everything may be true, but Yggdrasil is more than just a tree. I suppose you can feel that as well."
No one needed a second thought to rule in his favor. From the moment they laid eyes on Yggdrasil, its unsettling presence had ensnared their very beings, and they had been unable to look away. For several seconds, they felt their minds being drawn into its dominance akin to a black hole's gravitational pull, losing their ability to think clearly. The cherry tree's sheer majesty was so consuming that it rendered them momentarily speechless, captivated by its magnificence and aura.
Lucy felt the experience even more acutely, to the point of nearly fainting as she gazed upon the colossal life-form. Its presence was both terrifying and reassuring, its magical power utterly unfathomable. She was almost drenched in sweat, feeling as if the tree's essence were seeping into her, probing her own magic as though the tree possessed a consciousness and was attempting to reach out to her. She could even sense her celestial keys subtly vibrating in response to its supremacy. An enigmatic connection had formed between her and the World Tree, a bond she couldn't understand and which frightened her deeply.
She questioned whether she was the only one feeling overwhelmed by its presence. While Gray and Erza were undeniably tense and awestruck, they didn't seem nearly as disturbed as she was. Perhaps her heightened sensitivity to magic was at play, but she had a sense that there was something more to it.
One thing was clear: Yggdrasil was anything but ordinary.
Even Zexion, despite having seen it before, seemed uneasy. Seeking to escape her own unsettling sensations, Lucy tried to shift their focus.
"Where should we go next?" she asked Zexion, who turned to her along with Gray and Erza.
"The Ashen Wyvern Tavern is a great place to gather all sorts of information," he replied, nodding toward the west side of the city. "But first, we should book a room at the inn if we want a place to stay tonight. It's close to the tavern."
"Perfect," Erza agreed confidently. "Lead the way."
Zexion nodded and complied, with Gray, Lucy, and Erza following closely behind. As they exited the secure, orderly expanse around Yggdrasil and entered the bustling streets of the capital, the sudden surge of activity was overwhelming—especially after ten days of the desert's arid tranquility. They soon grew accustomed to it, the lively bustle adding a nice touch of whimsy and novelty without encasing them in an uncomfortable narrowness. The dynamic yet friendly chatter around them enhanced the streets' relaxed atmosphere, infusing the surroundings with a unique sense of vitality.
At first glance, Lüditzen seemed like just another large city, but this impression quickly dissipated. As soon as they left the residential area and entered the shopping district, Lüditzen's technological prowess was thrust before them. Lucy, Gray, and Erza stood in awe as their eyes were drawn to the array of mechanical marvels adorning the street they had just turned onto.
The stalls were brimming with devices featuring intricate mechanisms, blending finely crafted gears with glowing crystals pulsing with energy. Automated carts glided smoothly over the cobblestones, their sophisticated propulsion systems transporting goods between stores with astonishing fluidity. Store signs shimmered with radiant runes, shifting colors and forms to catch the eye of passersby, while animated posters continuously played vibrant advertisements.
Craftsmen displayed an array of intricate objects: watches with moving dials, mirrors that showed idealized reflections, and small, polished metal golems that performed simple tasks for their owners. Fruit and vegetable stalls featured fresh produce kept in refrigerated boxes operating without any visible trace of magic. Further along, a fountain appeared to defy gravity, its waters spiraling upward in elegant arcs, controlled by a clever system of cogs and fluid mechanics.
Inhabitants moved about, using multi-functional tools that seemed as though they had just emerged from a master craftsman's workshop. Guards patrolled the streets, their metal breastplates emblazoned with the dragon emblem of their nation.
Erza, dazzled by the spectacle, spotted a building at the end of the street from which bursts of light and the hum of machinery emanated. Atop the structure, an immense clock reigned supreme, its timekeeping unmatched in precision. The clock's hands moved with an intricate mechanism that seemed almost alive.
Lucy was captivated by a workshop where a craftsman demonstrated the latest remote communication devices to an enthralled crowd. These devices, reminiscent of Lacryma spheres but far more advanced and entirely mechanical, represented a leap in technology. Meanwhile, Gray observed with intrigue as a blacksmith, manipulating flames with levers and handles, forged rare metals into weapons of exceptional quality.
The Grey City lived up to its name perfectly. Technology had overtaken magic, transforming the city into a realm where every street corner unveiled a new mechanical wonder. For Lucy, Gray, and Erza, it was a world apart—both bewildering and captivating—where each discovery underscored just how much their own country had yet to learn.
Despite the curious glances they cast around, the locals seemed oblivious to the fact that they weren't Lüditzians, or at least chose not to pay them any mind. This was particularly odd, given the kingdom's stringent isolationist policies. Foreigners must have been rare, if not nonexistent, in a realm where crossing borders was forbidden, yet no one appeared to take notice of their presence.
"Let's use the crowd to our advantage," Zexion advised, taking the lead once more as he noticed his companions were still captivated by their surroundings. "Try not to draw attention to yourselves and proceed as if everything is normal. It could be risky if anyone discovers that we're not from here."
He didn't wait for confirmation and continued on, with the rest of the group trailing behind despite their strong desire to explore every shop and delve deeper into the technological marvels around them. They couldn't help but wonder if any of these innovations, like the remarkable mechanical communication Lacryma, might prove useful on their journey. Nonetheless, they chose to follow Zexion's lead, keeping their curiosity in check and their questions to themselves.
As the evening chimes of the capital's steeple rang out, they left the shopping district and entered what was known as the tourist district—though, given the city's long-standing isolation, it hadn't seen tourists from other countries in years. They booked two rooms at the inn: Zexion and Gray shared one, much to Gray's disgruntled grumbling, while Lucy and Erza took the other. After depositing their modest belongings, they headed without delay to the bar Zexion had recommended, just two streets away.
From the outside, the Ashen Wyvern presented an intriguing fusion of tradition and innovation. The facade, constructed from sturdy stone, was adorned with draconic motifs intricately carved into the rock, a nod to the country's reverence for dragons. Above the entrance, a polished metal sign gleamed beneath the light of hanging oil lamps, its elegant letters shifting and moving to display the bar's name.
Narrow but tall windows, framed with vibrant stained glass, allowed a warm, inviting light to spill out, offering glimpses of the lively scene within. Laughter and song spilled through the partially open door, beckoning passersby with the promise of a cheerful, festive evening. Occasionally, a contented customer would emerge, a blissful smile gracing their face, enhancing the image of a welcoming and friendly place.
"Don't draw attention to yourselves, even if someone tries to provoke you," Zexion warned, pausing on the threshold. "And under no circumstances should you use magic."
He was satisfied with their nod of acknowledgment and entered the bar. As they crossed the threshold, they were immediately immersed in a lively, upbeat atmosphere. The expansive main room boasted dark wooden walls and exposed beams, exuding a rustic charm. Large copper lanterns dangled from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden light that gently illuminated the scattered wooden tables.
At the far end of the room stretched a long, narrow counter of polished wood. Behind it, shelves cluttered with bottles of various shapes and colors sparkled in the lantern light. Barrels of beer and cider lined the wall, awaiting the next round for the eager patrons. The barman, a burly man with tattooed arms, moved with deft efficiency, filling mugs and glasses with remarkable speed.
Waiters and waitresses wove through the tables, balancing trays piled high with hearty dishes and frothy drinks. The buzz of conversation filled the air, interspersed with bursts of laughter and impromptu singing from groups of patrons. In one corner, a small stage showcased musicians strumming lively tunes on traditional instruments, their melodies blending seamlessly with the vibrant, festive ambiance.
Discreet yet omnipresent screens were mounted on the walls, displaying scenes from everyday life in Lüditzen. Occasionally, these broadcasts drew the attention of clients, offering glimpses into the city's rhythm and routine. In a quieter nook of the bar, a group of players huddled over a complex card game, their focused expressions standing in stark contrast to the lively revelry surrounding them.
The air was rich with the sweet scent of smoked wood, intermingling with the mouthwatering aromas of the hearty dishes being served. The lively chatter blended stories of the day with nostalgic tales of the past, creating a joyful cacophony. The atmosphere was one of inclusiveness, where patrons could come to forget their worries, celebrate their successes, or simply relish the camaraderie of those around them.
The Fairy Tail mages exchanged looks of relief, comforted by the lively and inviting ambiance of the bar. Despite Lüditzen's technological marvels, it had managed to retain the warm and welcoming spirit they had hoped to find. The scene, bustling with joy and camaraderie, evoked a wave of nostalgia. It reminded them of the vibrant, festive atmosphere of their guild, a feeling they had sorely missed since Natsu's departure.
Lucy pondered how she would gather information amidst the lively chaos. Turning to Zexion, she saw him indicating a vacant table that had become visible through the ebb and flow of the crowd. The group made their way to it and settled in, placing their orders for food and drink.
"By the way, Zexion," Erza asked once their server had left with their order, "Lüditz must have its own currency, right? How are we going to pay?"
"I still have some savings from my last visit here," he assured her, tapping the pouch he wore around his waist. "Enough to keep us fed for several weeks."
"Okay. I was thinking those communication spheres we saw might be useful, but I suppose..."
The storyteller shook his head, confirming her silent assumption.
"I don't have enough for that. Unfortunately, we'll have to make do with just the essentials."
Disappointed but recognizing that it was already a luxury for Zexion to provide them with what they needed to survive in this unfamiliar land, Erza shifted the topic.
"Who should we ask for information about Na—"
"Wait," Zexion interrupted, raising a hand to signal her to stop, "don't say his name here."
"What? Why—"
This time, the abrupt opening of the bar door cut through the conversation, drawing the attention of every patron. Despite the expectation that conversations would soon pick up where they left off, a tense silence enveloped the room, lingering through seconds that seemed on the verge of stretching into minutes. Even the minstrels had ceased their music to watch the man standing on the threshold of the now hushed space.
There he stood, a dark and imposing figure draped in a black uniform reinforced with leather and metal plates. His hood obscured his face, revealing only his piercing eyes and an expression as unyielding as it was merciless. The armor plates on his shoulders and torso bore the insignia of some government order, symbols that commanded both respect and fear, judging by the petrified expressions of the patrons. His uniform accentuated his rigid, disciplined posture, and his imposing presence made even the bravest shudder. The metal-reinforced fighting stick slung across his back and the dagger at his belt hinted at the promise of violence for anyone foolish enough to defy his authority.
His magical power, as dark as the void, emanated an oppressive aura that seemed to drain the warmth and light from the air around him. An invisible pressure hung heavily in the room, making every breath feel labored and heightening the sense of dread that his mere presence evoked. His sinister power sent icy shivers through the crowd, penetrating to the very bone, while his penetrating gaze seemed capable of delving into the thoughts of anyone who dared to meet his eyes.
Even the Fairy Tail mages could not remain indifferent, the grim pressure leaving them paralyzed and drenched in sweat. The man's presence was so heavy that it rendered them speechless, their throats and muscles constricted. Despite the flood of questions racing through their minds, the terror he inspired was so profound that no one dared to move.
He advanced silently, each step of his boots resonating with an ominous rhythm on the tavern floor. His piercing gaze swept across the room, alert to any hint of trouble. The very air around him seemed to grow thin, suffocating any attempt to whisper or escape. Every movement was deliberate, laden with unspoken threat. When he finally spoke, halting in the center of the room, his deep, emotionless voice reverberated through the walls, sending chills through everyone present.
"Any resistance to the Watchers will be met with punishment. The fugitive must surrender immediately."
The silence persisted, stretching taut despite the imperious presence of the newcomer, likely one of the feared Watchers. His icy gaze swept over the few patrons who had failed to resist recoiling from his terrifying aura. The rest had lowered their eyes in a vain hope of escaping his merciless scrutiny, striving not to attract his attention. For the next twenty seconds, the only sounds were the muffled murmurs and voices from the screens scattered around the room, broadcasting inconsequential snippets of information.
Zexion gestured for his companions to keep a low profile, demonstrating by hunching his back while maintaining a wary watch over the room. Though taken aback by his rare show of deference and uncertain about the intruder's identity, Lucy, Gray, and Erza followed his move, watching the scene with apprehension. The man's power and malevolence were undeniable, and his magic seemed to emanate death itself. It would be reckless and futile for them to challenge him without a good reason.
With their minds racing with questions, the Fairy Tail mages remained motionless, alert for any sign of impending danger. After a tense thirty seconds of silence, the Watcher lifted one of his metal-gloved hands, prompting the first significant reactions of fear among the patrons. Some customers buried their faces in their hands, hoping invisibility might spare them, while others sprang to their feet and retreated until their backs pressed against the walls, their bodies trembling uncontrollably. The intruder, clearly accustomed to eliciting such terror, paid them no heed.
He gripped the hilt of his stick, which began to pulse with dark magic, its runes glowing with a sinister blood-red light.
Gray's heart almost gave out instantly. Still drenched in sweat, his eyes widened as he recognized that ominous sensation his body had been storing for years.
It was the same.
The foul scent of black magic emanating from this stranger was a haunting reminder of Deliora. Gray fought to suppress the phantom smell of blood threatening to overwhelm him, struggling against a tide of memories and emotions. His body began to tremble instinctively and he hastily shut his eyes to calm his rising panic, drawing his allies' attention.
Lucy and Erza furrowed their brows in concern despite their own discomfort. Unable to provide verbal comfort without risking unwanted attention, Lucy chose instead to place a soothing hand on his back as she leaned closer slightly, trying to make eye contact with him. The ice mage remained oblivious to her gesture, lost in the throes of his instinctive fear. His gaze was now fixed on an unseen point on the table, his lips slightly parted and his breathing ragged.
"Gray… what's going on?"
Realizing that he was in no condition to respond, Lucy turned her full attention to the source of their shared discomfort. She had never before been so profoundly oppressed by anyone's presence.
The Watcher moved deliberately through the tavern, his staff humming with a low, grim resonance. He came to a sudden halt next to one of the barrels, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on a specific spot behind it. Without uttering a sound, he aimed his staff at the barrel, and a forceful, invisible shockwave erupted, hurling the barrel across the room and smashing it against the wall. The shockwave revealed a terrified young woman, cowering in fear.
"Please!" she implored, tears welling up in her eyes. "I haven't done anything wrong! I didn't mean to—"
Her assailant didn't allow her to finish her plea, swiftly advancing to seize her by the throat with one hand and lift her off the ground as if she was weightless, her feet dangling in the air.
"Silence," he commanded in a chilling voice.
The woman's desperate attempts to pry his hand away were futile against his iron grip, which remained unyielding. Zexion sensed Lucy and Erza tensing up beside him, poised to act at any moment, especially as they noticed that Gray's condition was not getting any better. Meeting their alarmed and determined gazes, the storyteller shook his head, signaling them to hold back.
"Don't do anything stupid," He silently mouthed the words, hoping his message would be clear despite the chaos.
Zexion could see no sign that they had heeded his warning, and his anxiety grew that they might react impulsively, risking their safety. Unlike himself and the locals, his new allies were unaware of what it meant to confront a Watcher or the severe repercussions such an act would bring. Given their strong sense of justice, as reflected in every action of Natsu's he had observed, Zexion's fear was all the more warranted.
The Watcher tightened his grip around the young woman's neck, her choked screams muffled by the iron pressure of his fingers. Abruptly, he cast her aside into the center of the room. She rolled to the floor and collided forcefully with the legs of a table, splintering it on impact and eliciting a cry of pain. With a gasp of panic, the occupants of the table scattered immediately and retreated as far as possible, without even a moment's hesitation to assist the woman on the floor. They pressed themselves against a wall and buried their heads in their trembling hands, desperately trying to shut out the injustice unfolding before them.
The executioner moved towards the spot where his victim had fallen, lifting his stick once more. A fresh wave of black magic surged from the staff, casting a new wave of terror over the crowd of paralyzed onlookers.
The ensuing scream was so agonizing it seemed to shake the very air, resonating through everyone's core like a thunderclap. The young woman's body writhed and convulsed under the relentless torment, each successive howl tearing through the room with a chilling intensity. Her contorted figure and desperate cries created a harrowing scene of suffering that left Lucy and Erza momentarily paralyzed, their faces etched with pure horror. As Lucy nervously fidgeted with her keys, Erza rested one hand on the table and the other poised on the tilt of her weapon, ready to rise at any moment. Watching their mounting agitation and barely-contained rage, Zexion was desperate to find a way to calm them, but the level of stress and anger engulfing them seemed unmanageable.
Only Gray seemed completely out of it, locked in the dread that the unrelenting waves of dark magic had intensified. The young woman's agonized screams echoed in him with cruel flashes of past trauma, each one striking him like a relentless barrage. Her suffering seemed to merge with the sinister magic seeping into his consciousness, amplifying his torment and drowning him in a potent, paralyzing fear.
The initial wave of attacks came to an end, but the Watcher showed no signs of stopping. His deliberate, menacing steps resonated throughout the room and pierced Gray's heart, each one intensifying the ice mage's trembling dread. As the Watcher seized the young woman by her hair and yanked her off the floor, her tear-streaked face was brought into full view. The sinister magic was poised to strike again as the man leveled his staff at his target, the demented cycle about to resume. Gray distinctly heard a sob trying to escape from the young woman's constricted throat, and something inside him snapped.
The tragedy that had claimed his parents and decimated his village surged up his throat, tightening so painfully that it felt like a knot of air was choking him. The grisly images of two disemboweled bodies and the colossal shadow of the creature responsible flashed vividly in his mind.
He couldn't bear any more of this.
"Stop it!"
His voice rang out through the silence as he sprang to his feet, slamming his fist down on the table with a clatter that drew everyone's attention. All eyes shifted to him, including those of the Watcher who remained stoically indifferent. Lucy and Erza saw Gray's move as a signal and stood as well, ready to confront the threat despite the lingering effects of the intruder's oppressive presence. Zexion could only watch in dismay, stunned by their reaction and unsure how to manage the escalating situation. It was only when Gray's raw, seething rage unleashed an icy wave of magic, chilling the air and extinguishing all the candles, that Zexion finally rose. The room was plunged into darkness, the warmth evaporating in the face of Gray's piercing, frigid aura.
"Gray, no!"
But the ice mage was beyond reach, absorbed entirely in his fury. Erza's attempt to calm him by placing a hand on his arm went unnoticed, her gesture lost amid his single-minded rage. He and the Watcher locked eyes in a silent standoff, their unspoken confrontation thick with menace. The oppressive silence between them grew heavier, each of their glances a silent, unyielding threat.
Before the ice mage could even make a move, the Watcher had vanished. The Fairy Tail mages were momentarily stunned, a mix of surprise and panic flashing across their faces as they desperately searched for any sign of where their adversary might reappear. Erza barely had time to draw her weapon before the Watcher's silhouette materialized directly in front of Gray. Despite the looming threat, Gray remained motionless, his focus locked in a trance of unrelenting fear.
The ice mage was rooted to the spot, his eyes widening in sheer terror. The Watcher loomed before him, their faces mere millimeters apart, the intensity of his gaze so penetrating it felt as though it could peer into the very depths of his soul. Up close, Gray could discern his emaciated, rotted features obscured by the hood, the putrid stench of dark magic from his breath sliding down his face. It was as if Deliora himself was standing before him, ready to shred him apart just as he had done to his parents.
His heart was pounding so violently in his ears that it drowned out all other sounds. Gray felt as if it might explode from the intensity of his fear when the Watcher's cold, metallic fingers clasped his chin with a sickening sweetness. The Watcher's lifeless eyes bore into Gray's, their gaze piercing through his terror.
"This despair...," he began, his usually emotionless voice now tinged with a hint of morbid excitement. "I recognize it. Still as delicious as ever..."
Gray's mind had ceased to function, overwhelmed by fear, yet his heart absorbed the Watcher's chilling words with brutal clarity. The true meaning of those words eluded him, buried beneath layers of visceral terror that had been relentless for minutes.
The Watcher's fingers abruptly withdrew from Gray's cheek, leaving him disoriented. It was only when a voice pierced through the fog of despair clouding his mind that he began to grasp the situation.
"Gray! Please, snap out of it!"
Suddenly, Gray's mind snapped back to reality as Erza's firm, pleading voice reconnected his drifting thoughts. Now fully aware of his surroundings, he saw his two friends standing between him and the Watcher, driven by an instinctive urge to shield him from any further psychological torture this monster might attempt. Erza brandished her weapon at their adversary, while Lucy wielded her whip in a show of brave defiance, doing their best to seem menacing in the face of the monstrous figure who had left them all disoriented. Though the effects of the Watcher's dark magic were not as blinding and penetrating for them as they had been for Gray, its morbid influence continued to distort their senses, making it difficult for them to act with their usual precision and clarity.
"L-Lucy, Erza…" Gray's voice wavered so much that it was a struggle for the two women not to glance back at him, worried about his condition. A moment's lapse in their focus could give their enemy the chance to strike.
The two sides locked eyes in a tense standoff that stretched on for what felt like minutes. The tavern's patrons observed the scene in stunned silence, their shock at the Fairy Tail mages' intervention momentarily eclipsing the terror instilled by the Watcher's arrival.
Without warning, the Watcher shifted his intense gaze from Gray to Zexion, who stood at a distance. The storyteller felt a shiver of fear as the Watcher vanished and reappeared directly in front of him.
"You," he hissed, "your scent… you smell just like him."
Zexion wanted to ask who the Watcher was referring to, but fear had seized his voice. He had never been this close to a Watcher before, and their monstrous presence was every bit as terrifying as the rumors suggested. These beings were far from human.
"That's enough, Watcher. You've already said too much."
The door had creaked open silently, almost unnoticed amidst the oppressive presence of the Watcher. Standing in the doorway was another man whose commanding voice, for reasons unknown, had brought the Watcher to a halt.
Despite his youthful appearance, the man's face was marked by fatigue and resolve. His short blonde hair framed eyes of piercing yellow, set off by a dull gleam as though perpetually veiled in shadow. His tan skin, characteristic of most Lüditzians, contrasted sharply with the light hue of his unruly hair. At first glance, he appeared to be roughly their own age.
He wore a long red coat that fell almost to his ankles, left open to reveal an ebony breastplate of supple leather, intricately stitched with white silk threads that accentuated the contours of a seasoned soldier's muscles. A thin metal belt cinched his waist, from which the scabbards of two short swords were sheathed, crossing behind his back at kidney level with their hilts jutting out to the side for swift access. His black pants, crafted from a durable fabric ideal for both combat and travel, were paired with knee-high boots of the same color, reinforced at the toes with flexible metal plates.
Following his intervention, the Watcher took several deliberate steps back, still facing away from the newcomer. He stood motionless, his expression unchanging, as if awaiting further instructions.
"I'll handle the rest," the newcomer insisted. "You're dismissed."
Without a hint of retreat, protest, or acknowledgment, the Watcher vanished in a swirl of black smoke, lifting his malevolent presence from the tavern and its occupants.
Author's note : I can't wait to publish the next chapter! It's going to be full of revelations, even though they'll raise more questions at the same time.
But first, let's talk about this chapter, I've got a few things to say! :) First and foremost, very important: my sister drew a gorgeous fanart of Lüditzen, and I wanted to share it with you all. Since the site doesn't allow links, I've posted it on my Twitter (gzousupreme) if you want to check it out.
I completely made up the part about Lucy's mother's body being found at their doorstep, and this detail is really important to the plot, which I can't wait for you to discover. I wanted to highlight Lucy's relationship with Natsu a bit more while also giving you some additional info about Zexion. I hope you liked their conversation, because personally, I really do.
Then there's the Yggdrasil legend, which is EXTREMELY important and central to the story. I'm guessing most of you are already familiar with the legend from Norse mythology, but just know that I mainly took the names (not even all of them) and the general idea of the tree connecting multiple worlds. There won't be many more similarities beyond that. I hope it doesn't feel like rehashed material using this legend for the story. I've dropped a few hints (not enough for you to figure everything out yet, of course :p) to prepare you for what's coming. I think you're going to like it *rubs hands*. I hope it was clear enough that Lucy is particularly affected by Yggdrasil, more than the others. But I'm not going to say why, of course!
The scene in the market district wasn't crucial for the plot, but I wanted to give Lüditz more depth and really bring out its atmosphere, to give the characters (and by extension, the readers) a real sense of being somewhere completely different. I'm quite proud of my descriptions, but I hope they didn't bore you, because there are quite a few of them. Same goes for the bar description.
And finally... the ending! I LOVE that part. The Watchers' Order didn't exist in the original version of the story, and I'm really glad I added it in. You haven't seen much of it yet, but more is coming ^^. For now, my goal was to make you feel just how terrifying they are, and of course to draw a parallel with Deliora (which, as you can probably guess, isn't a coincidence). I'm really curious to hear your theories about this and whether I achieved what I was going for.
See you next month for chapter 8, which I also love! From here on out, we're diving into chapters I absolutely adore, and the suspense is only going to keep building. I hope you're ready for it *rubs hands again*.
Until next time, thanks for reading! And if you're enjoying the story, please take a few minutes to let me know ^^.
Thank you!