MeepioKek: Thanks! I'm glad you like it so far.
Things seemed to be calm in town at first, making one wonder if the place really was to be targeted by a dark guild...
''You guys have it rough, huh?'' Lucy glanced at Riku, who was shaking his head to clear it after the bout of motion sickness. This side effect sounded like a real pain.
He waved a hand 'At this point, I think we're used to it.'
''You mean you're used to it.'' Gray corrected, after all Natsu seemed to fall apart every time around transportation. ''Anyway, good thing you told Happy to go back and get the moron, Belle. Imagine how much of a pain it would be if he was left behind.''
''Yeah, Natsu always did seem like he could use a helping hand in times like these. Aren't they taking a little too long though?''
''Yes...'' For a moment Erza thought she saw something black obscure some windows, but it vanished in an instant. ''...I wonder what happened.''
Just then, an announcement rang out, declaring that the train was about to head off again. This left them scrambling to figure out what to do but before they could decide, the train was already leaving.
As it happened, their friends simply had little say or room to do anything. For as Happy was busy helping Natsu, they encountered a man who recognized Natsu's guild mark, immediately attacking. Just as Natsu had been about to fight back, the train started moving. And unfortunately, this left the fire dragon slayer practically incapacitated and Happy with choice but to try and pull him away.
''Lucky me! I get to have a little fun kicking around brats from a legal guild before everything starts!'' The man, Kageyama, unleashed another spell. Happy yelped and quickly flew off as tendrils of shadows lashed out at them.
Their opponent smirked and waved a hand, the shadows condensed and formed a number of knuckles that knocked them both down.
''That's more like it.'' Kageyama sneered, kicking Natsu's side. ''That's where weak punks like you belong, beneath us!''
''Stop it-ah!'' Happy was lifted into the air by another shadow tendril.
''You want to help him so badly? Be my guest, you'll get his same fate.''
A spell circle manifested as he cast another spell but just then, a dark purple gate opened up before his eyes. The next thing he knew, spiralling winds surged forth and send him crashing into one of the seats.
Happy smiled at the sight of their savior ''Belle!''
The female cat wisely kept her attention on their opponent as she cast again ''Solar Ray!''
She aimed her paws carefully and a golden spell circle appeared, creating a fast white ray that Kageyama failed to dodge in time, making him cringe.
He scowled ''Shadow Knuckle!''
Belle readily countered ''Gale Force!'' A green spell-circle appeared beneath her and her friends, raising powerful winds that forced the shadows away from them.
Kageyama cursed, noting his surroundings ''I'm running out of time...'' He created a dome of shadows to protect himself from another Solar Ray before using said shadows to create a hand and grab his enemies, leaving Belle and Happy to get Natsu away from there.
Suddenly, the train came to a complete halt. Happy's eyes widened ''What's going on?''
Belle began to smile as she pointed outside, making him follow his line of sight until he saw a wall of ice blocking the rail way.
Gray smirked as the train stopped ''That did it.''
Sudden as all this was, they had managed to intervene in time. Erza procured a magic four-wheeler, basically something like a car that ran on magic. While Riku manipulated his magic in a way that let him fly by making the darkness into a platform of sorts. With the power Erza supplied the vehicle, they were able to catch up to the train. What really made the whole thing better was that people had the time to disembark and since the train left so quickly, it was only them here.
The next part worked as well as it did thanks in a big part to Riku and Belle. Riku's dragon slayer magic came with the handy ability of being able to teleport someone or something with in a rather decent range. Once they were close enough to ensure it would work, Riku opened up a gate that let Belle land in the room where their friends were and from the looks of it, she was handling things just fine.
And that wasn't all...
''Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!''
One of the doors was sent flying as Natsu blew it away and Kageyama barely managed to dodge in time. Natsu stepped out of the train, followed by Happy and Belle.
''You're not getting any more lucky shots, you bastard!''
Kageyama glared back, though his expression changed into one of alarm when Natsu happened to notice something that had fallen from him. It was an odd wooden flute, having a carving of a three eyed skull.
''Hey, wha...''
''Dammit!'' The man tried to force him back with a wave of shadows before hurrying to pick it up.
Natsu quickly dodged the the spell, raising an eye at the sudden panic in Kageyama's eyes. What was that about?
Happy blinked ''Natsu, what happened?''
''Just now, I saw...''
Then, the wall of ice was struck by numerous wind blades that destroyed it. Everyone looked for the source and they found a man with spiky gray hair flying above them. With him were a couple of men with similar smirks.
''So those are the flies holding you up, Kageyama?''
''Erigor-san!''
''Erigor?'' Erza's eyes narrowed, so this was Eisenwald's ace, also known as the Shinigami.
''Where are the others?''
''On their way, I just made sure of it.'' Kageyama replied at once.
''Good...'' Before anyone knew it, the new arrival dropped something and it caused a flash that forced everyone to look away. A moment later, they were forced back by a strong burst of wind.
When they looked back, both dark mages were gone.
While their departure had been sudden, it didn't mean the end of things. No, Natsu and Riku were able to find their scent and point the group in the general direction.
Just when it seemed things were looking up, Natsu picked up on a snag in the problem. He eyed the vehincle nervously ''...Do we have to ride that thing?''
''We don't have a choice, you guys could only find some trace of a smell and they must have used some kind of magic to get away. Who knows where they'd be now?'' Lucy pointed out.
''Riku, that gate...?''
'It doesn't work if I don't at least know where I'm going.' Riku payed the groan that followed this no mind as a thought occured to him. He'd never tried the platform for anyone except himself but maybe...
Natsu immediately wondered how this would help only for the brunet to lift a hand, the platform rising along.
Natsu's jaw dropped in shock ''You can fly?!''
'Somewhat. It doesn't get very high but I use it when I have to.'
''How long have you had this? Why didn't you tell me?!''
Riku's expression made it clear that he considered this an overreaction 'You didn't ask.'
''That's cool! I wanna try something like it!'' Natsu enthused.
''Getting the magic like that probably takes a lot of control, Ash brain.'' Gray very much doubted that Natsu could pull this kind of thing off, knowing him. ''Don't go rushing into this stuff.''
Erza sighed in exasperation ''Well, with that settled-Riku, can you try taking him along? We'll have to rely on the two of you to lead us in the right direction anyway.''
They wound up reaching a radio station in the furthest part of Oshibana. And it was evident that something was wrong as a few people hung about here and there as others hurried away.
But the biggest factor to prove this was the presence the Rune Knights, the enforcers of the Magic Council.
''They already beat us here...'' Happy trailed off.
Erza hurried over and grabbed one of the knights' shoulder ''What's going on?''
''Eh? Why should I tell you...'' The poor man didn't get much further than that as Erza hit him on the hard enough to knock him out.
''Just like that?!'' Lucy exclaimed. Clearly, this was nothing to the redhead as she was quick to ask another knight, only to knock them out a second later as he apparently didn't answer fast enough.
Gray sighed ''Come on, let's straighten this out.''
He went on as they caught up with Erza, getting one of the knights' attention ''Just ignore her. We're Fairy Tail wizards, we happened to catch word that something was up with Eisenwald so we came to stop them.''
''Ah, I see...'' The knight nodded. ''...well, most of our troops went inside, we're here to guard this place and make sure to defend any innocents. But we haven't heard anything from them yet.''
''Leave it to us.''
He spluttered at the confident declaration ''Wait, but it looks like the whole guild is there...!''
''We can take 'em!'' Natsu declared before rushing right in the station.
''O-oi!''
''Of course he goes on and does this...'' Belle shook her head.
Lucy sighed, glancing at the knight ''Anyway, you've done your part. Now we'll do ours.''
''Aye, let's go!'' Happy called.
It didn't take them long to find out why the other knights hadn't relayed any news to their comrades. For they all lay there, defeated and scattered around the area. Once they caught up to Natsu, it was to find him facing a large amount of people that had to the members of Eisenwald. They were headed by Erigor and Kageyama.
''So all the flies are here...'' The first spat. ''...you fool, you really did alert them to our mission!''
Kageyama cringed, Erigor had certainly let him have it because of this suspicion earlier ''I-I'm sorry!''
''Who're you calling flies?!'' Natsu demanded.
''Who do you think?'' He returned. ''I don't know whether to call you brave or stupid, rushing in like this to face all of us. Do you really think you can win this?''
''Of course we can!''
The declaration raised laughter from many of those present, to the fire dragon slayer's ire.
''I guess they really must be stupid. They're in over their heads after all.'' Kageyama leered.
''Just what are you scoundrels planning? Why do all this?'' Erza demanded.
Erigor seemed to be thinking his response over ''Hmph, well since things went so far, I might as well tell you. We've had enough of you people from legal guilds, always living it up so we've decided to take action...We are simply cleaning up those fools who live their lives enjoying their right, not knowing that there are people who have been revoked of their rights. Living a life oblivious of the unfairness of this world is a sin. That's why we've gathered here. With Lullaby's song, the Shinigami had has come to punish those ignorant fools.''
Now Lucy realized why Lullaby sounded familiar ''You're going to make people listen to that thing?!'' Eyes traveled to her as she continued. ''I've heard of Lullaby before, a cursed song of death. Anyone who heard its song was said to have been killed!''
''What?!''
Riku frowned, thinking that the dark guild's actions made sense now. That odd flute must have been Lullaby, it would explain why Kageyama panicked upon dropping the thing.
And the reason they seemed invested in the radio tower was likely...
The realization was also sinking for Gray ''You're going to play that damn thing over the speakers?''
''That's never going to get you your rights back!'' Happy pointed out.
''Didn't I say it before? We're taking action and this is what we choose!'' Erigor smirked as he began to fly. ''You've come to your deaths, you foolish flies!''
''We have to stop him!'' Erza exclaimed.
But before they could do anything, the members of Eisenwald got in the way. One of them called ''You're gonna have to deal with all of us too, you brats!''
''You can try, but you'll fail!'' Another added. Besides, win or lose, the more time they spent here, the more Erigor had.
The group was very much aware of this, Happy grimacing ''We can't stay like this...''
''But what do we do?'' Lucy wondered as the enemies drew closer.
Erza had an answer ''Natsu, Gray, we'll clear up a path for you. Go after Erigor.'' The redhead glared as the two rivals scowled at each other ''I said go! This is not the time or place for your antics!''
''Seriously, sort our your priorities for once. You heard what that guy wants to do!'' Belle added.
A number of the enemies fired magic blasts at them. Riku opened up another gate that swallowed the blasts coming on his end. Belle decided to use the fruits of their training and used Requip magic to bring out three staves before casting ''Three Layered Magic Circle: Mirror Water!''
The staves aligned before her, creating magic circles that blocked all the blasts nearby and reflected them back at the Eisenwald mages.
''Whoa, nice!'' Happy exclaimed.
''Man, Mystogan's magic sure is handy...'' Gray trailed off.
When a few enemies tried to rush them next, Erza met them head on. She requipped a sword and took the attackers out with a few placed strikes. Seeing this forced another group of enemies back, apparently deciding to bombard them with spells instead as they were quick to conjure a number of elemental spells then.
They never got far as Riku concentrated his magic on his arms, they were covered with darkness a second later, forming the semblance of claws. He swiped his hands in the air then, this created big claw shaped blasts that seemingly appeared out of nowhere, catching the enemy unaware and hitting them hard. This was one of the techniques Riku derived from his dragon slayer training, called Abyss Claw.
Belle thrust one of her staves, it released powerful waves of magic that forced back those in its way. Riku proceeded to use Dark Dragon's Roar, unleashing a spiraling blast of darkness that hit many enemies, clearing out a crowd.
He looked back at Natsu and Gray, who knew that the two had done this on purpose to help them get started. Thus, no words needed to be said and the rivals headed off in the direction they had seen Erigor take.
The Eisenwald group tried to stop them, only to find, to general surprise that they couldn't go after them. For the second they tried, their path was blocked despite seeming like there was nothing there. And no matter how hard they tried, nothing worked.
''What's going on?!''
''This makes no sense!''
Closer inspection revealed a set of odd looking letters, leaving those nearby alarmed as they began to understand. Someone had set up runes before and trapped them here.
''Wait, Rune magic?'' Lucy blinked, missing Erza and Belle's knowing looks. Such an ability was incredibly useful but she had no idea they could even work that fast. .'
''If we're stuck here, we're going to make you regret it!''
''Those are big words, let's see you try and act on them. Requip!'' Erza was covered with golden lights for a few moments. When it faded, she was revealed to be clad in a new armor, this one all silver with a circlet around her head. Plated armor covered her chest barring her stomach and she wore a large metal skirt with metallic wings on her back. ''Heaven's Wheel Armor!''
''Whoa, what's that?'' Lucy wondered, idly noting how some of their enemies seemed stunned, admiring Erza's beauty.
''Erza's the best with Requip magic, she taught me all about it.'' Belle explained. ''She's got special armor and weapons in her personal dimensions, all unique to her. Her variety of Requip is called The Knight.''
Erza flew up, requipping more swords before charging at their enemies, sending the swords at them ''Blumenblatt!''
The powerful strike sent all those in its path reeling, knocking them down at once. But she wasn't done ''Trinity Sword!''
Lucy watched in awe as none of their enemies seemed able to stop the knight mage. ''Wow, incredible!''
Riku looked on with a growing smile as his old friend's prowess became clear for all to see. After what happened to them before joining the guild, they wound up learning about Requip magic and worked on it together. Erza had taken it far more than just that. Her talent and hard work had led to her becoming one of their guild's strongest. She was truly admirable and he made it a goal to strive to her level.
He didn't think he'd be exaggerating if he said that none of their enemies had a prayer against her.
''Wait, that armor and this fighting style...she's Titania!'' One of their conscious enemies realized with alarm.
''W-what?!''
''No wonder she's tough!''
Another member tried to push them forward ''Che, come on, we can't let that stop us! Let's take her buddies down, they can't be all be like her!''
''Yeah, we can't let them win!''
A few charged at the group head on while others made to blast them with magic. Riku proceeded to requip a great sword, it had a white and gold pommel with some purple runes inscribed with in it. The blade itself was black, glowing with power once Riku willed his magic into it. He met the attackers head on, knocking their weapons away with a few placed strikes with his sword.
''He can use that huge sword with one arm?'' Lucy stared.
''Ah, that's nothing for Riku.'' Happy chirped.
The brunet leveled his sword as he concentrated his power, he was gone in an instant. It appeared that a black missile had struck their enemies, Riku was that swift and strong, they couldn't stop him. He finished his attack with a final swipe, his sword releasing a burst of power that knocked the rest of the ones targeting him out.
''All right, Riku!'' Belle beamed.
Erza gave a pleased hum ''As expected.''
''Amazing...'' Lucy trailed off. Seeing all this just proved her friends' earlier words true, they were truly strong. Quality vs Quantity indeed...
She found this heartening to say the least, which prompted her into action. ''I'm not just going to watch. Gate of the Giant Crab, I open thee! Cancer!''
A big, golden spell circle and with a bell-like chime appeared what seemed to be a red, humanoid crab wearing a striped shirt and black pants and shoes with sunglasses.
''Take those guys out!''
''Understood, ebi!'' Cancer returned at his summoner's command, holding up a pair of scissors. In seconds, the celestial spirit had not only destroyed their enemies' weapons and clothes, but even cut their hair down to nothing, leaving them to all cry out in dismay as they collapsed.
Erza began to smile ''Not bad.''
''All right, points scored with Erza!'' Lucy beamed, it was quite pleasing to hear that from her. Cancer's satisfied expression proved that he agreed.
''That's what you were going for?!'' Happy exclaimed.
Cancer smirked ''As always, I've got you covered you, baby.''
Erza's brow furrowed ''I can't say I care much for the way he addresses you, though.''
Both spirit and summoner slumped at this as Lucy mumbled ''Points un-scored...''
''Anyway...'' Belle spared her a flat look. ''...shouldn't we get a move on?''
Natsu and Gray had to go separate ways once the former realized each of their enemies had taken a route of their own.
The first continued charging through the area, punching away any structure in his path. He was oblivious to Kageyama watching from a distance incredulously, believing this method to be excessive.
''Does this guy even know what he's doing...?''
Gray on the other hand was taking a more subtle approach, not wanting to take any chances when he had no idea where their enemies were.
He opened another door and frowned ''Empty again...''
The words died in his mouth once he caught a shadow above him because of the light coming from outside the room. This made him back off quickly and just in time as black tendrils struck the area where he had just been.
''Good instincts.'' An Eisenwald member leaped down to face him, smirking. ''But it won't matter, I, Rayule will be the one to defeat you!''
''You guys are all just as good at big talk...'' Gray leveled his aim. ''...Ice Make: Lance!''
Rayule quickly hopped away from all the icy blasts ''Big talk, huh? Let's see that mouth run when I'm done with you!''
A short while later, when the team reconvened outside the radio tower after Natsu and Gray defeated Rayule and Kageyama, they were caught off guard by the sound of Erigor's laughter.
''What, you're still up and about? Well, it doesn't matter at this point...''
''What's that supposed to mean?'' Erza demanded.
He smirked ''All your efforts won't amount to a damn thing, that's what. I'm off!''
The group hurried towards him but the next thing anyone knew, fierce winds pushed them back, making them stop as they took in the sight of a huge wall of spiraling winds around the station. But this along with everything he said...
''Wouldn't that mean...?'' Belle started.
''Yeah, their aim was never the station in the first place...'' Lucy nodded with a grimace.''...we've been had.''
Riku's eyes widened as a thought occured to him. Looking over Erigor's actions, they really didn't add up. But thinking it over...
Natsu cursed ''Fine, let's go!''
He tried to rush through the wall but was rebuffed by the force of the spell, Happy frowned ''That's too dangerous, it'll just keep hurting you!''
''Well, we can't stay here!''
''Just pushing through it won't do any good, we've got to find a way out!''
Erza's eyes narrowed, she did have an idea of a way that could solve this predicament but it depended on someone. ''Riku, do you think...?'' Her old friend's increasingly alarmed expression made her pause. ''What's wrong?''
He looked at them 'I just thought-Erigor said something about reclaiming their right and getting back at people from light guilds, didn't he?'
''Yes, what about it?''
'I think I figured out what he's up to. Something that would let him get such a big blow on all guilds at once with Lullaby...he's going to the guild master's meeting.'
Unexpected as it was, the brunet's conclusion actually made a lot of sense. After all, for someone who seemingly despised light guilds like Erigor did, the meeting must have made for a perfect chance. And the timing was far too suspicious...not to mention the location of the meeting was actually close by...
He had been leading them around but his true target for this entire scheme was the guild masters. This revelation pushed the importance of their success to a new level.
''That bastard, he can't get away with this!'' Natsu scowled.
''We'll make sure of that. Riku, I'll make sure to open a hole to the other side, would that be enough for a gate?'' At his nod, Erza produced two shimmering spears that flew at the wind wall. Erza willed them to keep pressing forward with her telekinesis magic, Riku immediately acting once he got a good view of the rest of the station. And they were out in moments. ''Now, let's hurry.''
Well, let's stop here.
I hope it was good. I don't want to make it too long anyway, just a way to kick things off before I finish things up next chapter. I skipped Natsu and Gray's fights because they aren't really all that different from what went on in canon and I don't see the point of repeating them now.
Anywho, thanks for reading and I hope you keep it up. Till next time!