As the group hurried towards Clover Town and the guild masters' meeting, they soon discovered more confirmation of the enemies' plan in the form of Erigor flying up ahead. ''Oh, so you're all out? I must admit, I didn't expect that-least of all so soon.''
''If you think you can keep us down, you got another thing coming!''
He sneered at Natsu's words ''Someone's cocky, think you can take me on?''
''Hell yeah!'' The dragon slayer leveled a blazing fist.''You guys keep going, he's mine!''
Lucy bit her lip, judging by the power Erigor used so far, he was not to be underestimated. Hell, he'd even raised that big wind barrier to keep them in the station, Riku's magic allowing them to circumvent it and get here. But they still needed to take care of Eisenwald and find Lullaby, they'd already confirmed that the flute was being exchanged between different members just to throw them off.
''Very well, come on!'' Erza led the others ahead.
''And where do you think you're going?'' Erigor made to launch a spell at them only for Natsu to get in his way.
''You're dealing with me now!''
''And me!'' Happy flew to his shoulders, Natsu grinned back, not the least bit surprised.
''Let's go!''
''So safe to say the rest of them are scattered ahead, huh?'' Gray wondered aloud.
Lucy had to agree with that line of reasoning ''Yeah...they've clearly had this all planned out.''
Riku stopped a moment later, his eyes narrowing. It was faint but he caught a few unfamiliar scents that given their situation, had him on guard. He held up an arm to stop his friends before requipping his sword.
This was enough to tip Erza off, her eyes immediately followed his line of sight, landing on the numerous boulders around them as she also prepared a blade of her own. Belle was similary unsurprised, having long since grown accustomed to her partner's enhanced senses.
''Oh, so the welcoming comittee's already here?'' Gray smirked. Lucy's hand hovering above her keys. ''All right, we shouldn't keep 'em waiting!''
''Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!''
Erigor cracked a smirk before simply flying away from the charging Natsu, who was in the air with Happy's help. ''Too easy. Storm Shred!''
A spell circle flashed, unleashing a barrage of wind blades flew out towards Natsu and Happy. The latter quickly hurried on to dodge, but Erigor waved a hand, conjuring a gust that almost threw the exceed off balance, resulting in them being hit. Natsu quickly used his flames to boost them before they hit the ground, letting Happy recover.
''You all right?''
''Y-yeah, sorry...I didn't see it coming.''
''Don't sweat it, buddy. We're still good.''
''Not for long!'' Erigor flew at them quickly, his scythe aimed as he took a swing at the duo. Happy flew away in time and Natsu tried to hit their enemy with a Fire Dragon's Claw but Erigor avoided the worst of the strike by defending with his weapon. Natsu punched him then but Erigor held up his scythe again in response, only to be unprepared for the oncoming kick to his side which sent him reeling. Natsu made sure to press on, striking with a Fire Dragon's Wing Attack then.
Erigor grit his teeth, refusing to show any sign of pain as he moved up his hands in an odd pattern, sending a forceful gale that threw the surprised Natsu and Happy down. He smirked ''Is that it?''
The rest of the Fairy Tail group realized that their conclusions were looking more and more to be right on the money. In fact, the enemies seemed to know that they had been found out but even then didn't come out of hiding, resorting to blasting the group with magic instead.
Lucy hurried away to dodge a blast of lightning coming in her direction while Erza side stepped a round of flames coming at her. Gray aimed at an area he was certain some of the attacks came from before casting Ice Make: Lance, the out cries that followed this told him he hit the mark. Belle was able to find more of the attackers with a little help from Riku and she wasted no time in using her wind magic to create a storm that swept them off their feet.
The remnant enemies seemed to decide that there was no use hiding and so changed strategies, charging at the group with weapons at the ready...
Happy grimaced as he watched Natsu continue the battle. He kept flying with his partner as much as possible but his magic had run far too low to continue. Natsu didn't let that deter him though, keeping up the fight all the way.
He was still put plenty of the defensive, due to the enemy's speed and ability to fly. It also didn't help that Erigor had a weapon with such a long reach or that his wind could put out Natsu's fire.
Natsu grinned upon succesfully nailing Erigor with Fire Dragon's Claw before kicking him and attacking once more.
''Fire Dragon's Roar!''
''Hmph, I might have underestimated you but that still won't change a thing.'' Erigor punctuated the statement by avoiding the attack. ''It's time I fight seriously. Storm Mail!''
Erigor spun his scythe around, a magic circle flashing into existence then as he crossed his arms. This caused many air currents to surround him, effectively creating a veritable armor of wind around his body, to their surprise.
''Whatever this is, it won't stop me! Fire Dragon's Talon!'' Natsu called.
He was stunned when his flames were put out the second he was near Erigor, who laughed. ''Did you think this was for show? Your magic would be useless on me now. Flame cannot defeat wind.''
He wasn't too surprised when his enemy pressed onward, his spell fending off any danger perfectly.''You're lacking a whole lot of power without your flames. Too bad for you, I don't have such a problem. Storm Bringer!''
A spell-circle appeared around Natsu and in seconds, a powerful tornado was generated, stunning him and sending him flying. Erigor held his scythe at the ready and flew towards him, thinking he couldn't fight only to be takenaback when Natsu jumped away in time. He charged at Erigor to attack again, only to be forced because of the Storm Mail, to his growing frustration.
''No matter how many times you try, it'd be the same thing.'' Erigor struck back then, the wind from his armor spell adding to the damage from the punch before he pushed Natsu away. ''It's time for the soaring wind magic that cuts everything, Emera Baram!''
He proceeded to fire a concentrated blast of wind blades that even cut the railway tracks near Natsu as he tried to dodge but soon he was caught in the midst of it. An alarmed Happy called out to his partner, the cloud of dust obscuring his sight.
When it cleared, Natsu pulled himself up, glowering at Erigor ''...I have to admit, you're pretty good to get out of that in one piece.''
There had to be something that can be done here. Happy grimaced, anything to help end this...
It was then that the blue cat happened to note how something seemed to be affecting the wind around Erigor, it was seemed to be flowing somewhat erratically. This gave Happy an idea.
''Natsu, this isn't any good.'' Natsu probably wouldn't let him hear the end of this but the situation called for new measures ''We shouldn't have let the others leave. Look, just drop this and let Gray take over, you're never going to win.''
The dragon slayer's expression would've been hilarious in any other situation. But it wasn't long before his anger reignited, stronger than ever. Gray? As if the ice mage was better than him!
''NO WAY!''
Happy couldn't help but grin, his suspicion proven accurate. Natsu's flames grew even stronger before he went at Erigor again. His emotions were powering up the flames, of the many things Master Makarov taught them was the influence of emotions on magic and there it was in full display.
The wind user was confident that he could stop this, only to find that for some reason, he couldn't control his power. ''What's going on?!''
But there was no time to wonder as Natsu's fierce attack continued. He hadn't realized that his wind magic was totally weakened by Natsu's flames, with how it was all drawn away from him. And Natsu was clearly making the most of this.
He jumped back ''Fire Dragon's Sword Horn!'' Erigor gasped as Natsu rammed him a second later, wreathed in flames. This sent him flying before he hit the ground hard, down and out.
''You did it, way to go!'' Happy enthused.
''Shows what you know, huh? What was that back there?''
The feline fought the urge to roll his eyes at how predictable his partner could be ''Come on, we don't have time-the others...''
''Oh, right! Where'd they go...?''
Around the same time...
Erza dispatched an enemy wielding a big hammer with a few skillful strikes from two blades. Gray froze one who tried to attack him while Riku went into a spin, slamming his sword on the ground a second later. The blade released a powerful energy wave that pushed all the enemies on his way back. Belle created rays of light magic to strike them down.
''Gate of the Golden Bull, I open thee! Taurus!''
The powerful ax-wielding zodiac spirit appeared with a moo ''I've got your back, Lucy-san! I won't let anyone hurt your nice booody!''
Lucy chose to ignore the last remark ''Take those guys out!''
''With pleasure!'' Taurus grinned, charging at the enemies before them. He swiped his axe, forcing them all back before he kept going. Those who tried to counter strike all failed as Taurus was hardly fazed by their blows, he easily dodged or tanked any weapon coming at him. He swiped with the flat side of the axe this time, slamming one enemy and throwing him into the others. The spirit then looked at the last enemy nearby as he scrambled to a tall rock. It almost seemed like he was writing on the ground or something...
The next thing they knew, a magenta spell circle flashed before a big, blue scaled wyvern-like monster appeared, with the Eisenwald mage now on its back.
''So he's a Pict-Mage...'' Gray frowned in realization while Lucy stared on in shock.
On command, the monster let out a roar and charged at them. Taurus picked Lucy up and hurriedly jumped away while Riku opened a gate for him and the others, which they all jumped through.
Taurus was dumbfounded when they appeared next to him a moment ''How?!''
But it was hardly the time as the enemy was still on their heels, now sending out blasts of magic at them. Riku held up an arm, a purple spell circle appeared before, quickly replaced by another gate, this one was completely black and bigger than what was previously used. In seconds, the blasts changed directions as if an unseen force drew them all towards the spell, which disappeared. This was Dark Dragon's Negative Gate.
''Nice going! Ice Make: Ice cannon!'' Gray leveled the ice construct on his shoulder before firing the blast, which hit the wyvern on the head. Taurus struck next, with Erza and Riku moving in tandem to attack afterwards, leaving the creature to hit the ground hard. It soon faded away, leaving its creator dazed and helpless.
''Oh, look what we have here.'' Gray smirked as the man recoiled, knowing he had no where to go.
When Natsu and Happy caught up to their friends, the first thing they heard was...
''So how about a smoooch as thanks, Lucy-san?''
''How about no?!''
Now this would have really been confusing, but they both recognized the first voice, which immediately clued them in to what was going on. Thus, the sight of Taurus [ractically fawning over Lucy seconds later was easily brushed aside.
Gray had heard how strange Lucy's spirits could be but he was just now beginning to believe it ''I'm guessing that's usual?''
''Yeah, way, way too usual...''
''I knew that guy was a pervert.'' Happy deadpanned.
Riku looked back at them 'We were just about to go look for you two.'
''Really? What happened? Did you guys find Lullaby?''
Belle shook her head ''Riku couldn't find any trace of Lullaby's scent. I'm guessing Erigor didn't have it either.''
Natsu clicked his tongue, the fact was he had no luck there too ''Yeah, it was just like those bozos in the station said after all. So we still don't know where the thing is...''
''Bottom line is if we go to Clover, we can catch them, right? So the plan hasn't changed.'' Happy reminded.
''Exactly,'' Erza affirmed. ''As it so happens, we were able to find how the group we defeated arrived here.''
She gestured to a big wide rock, bringing attention to the car lying in its shade. Natsu stiffening at the sight. Gray immediately giving him a flat look. ''We don't have time to waste, so suck it up, you're coming too.''
The teen looked at Riku for help, who only shook his head, guessing that Natsu was thinking about the platform 'My spell's not nearly as fast as a car, Natsu. I don't like this either but he's right, we're pressed for time.'
''Aw, man...!''
''Oh, would you grow up?'' Lucy had heard just about enough ''Riku's not complaining so you don't have a leg to stand on. Anyway, this is really important, take it seriously.''
''That's right, now go. Or would you like me to act on the warning I gave you both in Magnolia?'' Erza demanded.
Natsu cringed, having a very bad feeling what that would entail. ''I'm going, I'm going!''
With that, they were soon all in the car but it wasn't too long before Natsu looked a lot like he did in the train.
''Seriously?! The car's not even moving yet!'' Lucy exclaimed.
Belle sighed ''With Natsu, it's like even the thought of being on transportation is enough to get him sick.''
''...Unbelievable.''
Gray took the driver's seat ''All right, everyone ready?''
As it so happened, the remaining member the team was tracking was none other than Kageyama. He hadn't thought they'd have to use the emergency plan (the switching hadn't changed the fact that he was supposed to be take care of Lullaby because his magic gave him a good advantage at stealth) but then again, he never expected that they would have to deal with Fairy Tail. As much as he hated to admit it, with members like that he could see why the guild had such fame.
It was night time when he made it to Clover, soon being able to arrive just out the hall where the guildmasters were.
He heard a laugh from somewhere nearby, making him look over to find an old man in an orange and blue outfit reading an issue of Sorcerer Weekly that had a bunch of pictures of young women.
Makarov grinned to himself as he flipped a page. He had been deciding what to do after getting a letter from Mira about Natsu, Gray, Erza and Riku forming a team. Quite frankly, it had him plenty worried. This group included some of his biggest troublemakers and for all Erza's behavior, sometimes she could be as bad as them. He wasn't too concerned about Riku, knowing the boy could handle himself just fine.
Truth be told, when he got the news the first thought that came to mind had to do with the trouble he expected from this team. He had sent a letter back to find out just what was going on at the home front when he remembered the magazine he had earlier and well...he really wanted to read it.
But it was moments later that he noticed Kageyama...
When the team arrived, it didn't take them long to spot the dark mage holding Lullaby before Makarov. And it was clear he was about to play it.
''Gramps!''
But just then, Kageyama winced, realizing that his injuries had caught up to him. After all, not only did he have to fight for a good part of the day but he also had to deal with Erigor's punishment since the man blamed him for alerting Fairy Tail of their mission. He knew the injuries from his battle with Natsu were hardly as bad as the ones Erigor gave him.
It was aggravating, his attempts to explain that it really wouldn't make much sense to blame him fell on deaf ears. And if that weren't bad enough, his guildmates just laughed at the whole damn thing-not one of them considered helping him. Sure, he knew Erigor was feared in the guild but he had acted to help them more than once in the past (even when the issue had to do with their guild's ace) so it was disappointing to say the least.
IHe was doing all this for people who treated him that badly. Would it really change anything? No...no, it had to...right?
''Are you all right?''
Makarov's voice snapped him out of his thoughts, quickly mustering a positive response. The man didn't seem convinced, understandably so. Kageyama could imagine how bad he looked right now, he could barely stand. About to press the future mruther, he happened to notice his guild's newest team hurrying over.
''Oh, good timing, you all. Would you help me with him?''
''No way, you don't know who he is!'' Happy fired back.
''Now, now it's fine-I'm not sure what happened but it's no reason to leave him like this, is it?'' Makarov could tell Kageyama was badly injured and if he didn't get any help, it would most definitely put his life at risk.
Riku didn't like this either but it wasn't exactly time to explain what they had been through. If they left Kageyama in this state how would they be better than him or his comrades?
The thought spurred him into action.
Kageyama's eyes widened as Riku helped him sit up ''W-what're you doing?'' His hands tightened almost reflexively around Lullaby. ''You...you're not stopping me!''
He was stumped when Riku seemed to ignore him, tearing out a part of his shirt before pointing at Kageyama's torso, making the man glance over. He was not surprised to see that one of his wounds had re-opened and was now bleeding. ''...Why do you care?''
Riku sighed before opening a gate around Kageyama, leaving the man to yelp as he was lifted into the air. The brunet calmly wrapped the makeshift bandage around the injury before canceling the spell.
Makarov smiled at the brunet, approval clear in his eyes before looking at Kageyama, who was scowling as they had been able to take Lullaby a few seconds ago. ''Do you always expect a person to need a reason to help others?''
''Yeah, we're not just going to leave someone like this.'' Belle added.
''Quit acting tough, you're not getting anywhere like that.'' Gray pointed out.
''S-shut up! I'm not...I'm not going to stop here!'' Kageyama snapped.
''That plan can't be worth this, what good is it going to do?'' He stilled at the former's question.
''Let's say for a moment you do pull this off, what do you think is going to happen afterwards?'' Erza thought all Eisenwald's scheme would lead would be an even worse life of crime. ''After all that death, do you honestly think everything is just going to improve? How do you expect to deal with all the guilds who'll hunt you down? Lullaby won't solve your troubles. Life is far from that simple.''
Kageyama's fist clenched as those words sank in, he knew...he knew they were right. But still...
Makarov couldn't miss the malicious power he was picking up from the flute. Experience had long taught him not to dismiss his instincts, knowing this thing was a lot more dangerous than its appearance would have one believe.
Come to think of it, Mira had mentioned they went to stop a dark guild's scheme...
He was starting to formulate a clearer picture of the situation ''I wouldn't go relying on accursed objects like that one, vile magic like that never brings any good. Just because you think something is right doesn't always make it so. Don't railroad yourself into believing you only have that one path forward. Is what you're doing now really throwing your life away?''
Kageyama lowered his head, shaking. Their words were really getting to him. And he could see that even if they hadn't been happy with it, part of the reason Fairy Tail helped him was Makarov himself. They trusted him explicitly...and the fact was, no matter how long he'd been in Eisenwald, he couldn't say the same.
The question wouldn't leave his mind, was this mission worth his life?
''Gramps, he's...'' Natsu began, wondering how to even explain the day's events.
Makarov held up a hand ''It's all right, we can talk later. I think I've got the general gist of the situation.''
''As expected, you old dog.'' They were joined by two men, one was tall and wore sunglasses with a hat, the second was fat and bald. He looked like a crossdresser, even wearing lipstick to boot.
''Who are they?'' Lucy asked.
''That's Master Goldmine of Quattro Cerberus.'' Belle said, nodding at the first man. ''The other one is Blue Pegasus' Guild Master, Bob.''
She raised an eye, seeing the second man trying to flirt with the boys. ''...Really?''
Makarov looked back at Lullaby ''Now, about this thing...''
Then, suddenly Lullaby's eyes lit up. An ominous aura surrounding it as a disembodied voice spoke began. ''Honestly, humans really are pathetic. It takes something like this to pacify them...I've had enough! I'll just devour you all myself!''
At the declaration, the power around the flute grew much more and it turned into a three eyed monster that towered over everyone.
''Whoa, what is this?!'' Happy recoiled.
''Oi, you're the ones who knew about this thing!'' Gray told Kageyama.
''No! I'm just as shocked as you. I only knew about its song!''
''It's living magic.'' They looked at Bob in surprise. ''I've heard that the demons of Zeref have a variety of abilities, even different forms. You can sense that power, can't you? It looks like the forbidden Black Magic.''
''Yeah, all the info we have on his work and actions is centuries.'' Goldmine grunted. ''I'd say we're looking at Lullaby's true form.''
''Now who should I eat first?'' Everyone who had been in the building and were now looking in on shock and varying amounts of fear at the demon towering above them.
Erza looked back at the rest of the group ''You have to get everyone to safety!''
''I don't think so!'' Lullaby raised its head, a spell circle appeared before it fired blasts of power in many directions, one even destroyed a mountaintop.
Erza requipped a sword before slicing at the blasts in her way and similarly Natsu overpowered others with a Fire Dragon's Roar. Belle deflected the rest with Mirror Water. Then she along with Natsu, Gray and Riku charged at Lullaby. Erza requipped her Heaven's Wheel Armor while Riku prepared his sword and Gray created a bow and arrow of ice before firing the attack at Lullaby's head.
Natsu ran up Lullaby's arm and nailed its head with a Fire Dragon's Claw. Erza proceeded to unleash Blumenblatt. Riku created a big black beam that hit Lullaby repeatedly, this was Dark Dragon's Moonlight Blast.
Lullaby snarled ''Damn you!''
It fired several magic blasts at them but Riku stopped this cold with Dark Dragon's Negative Gate. The others attacked then...
''Fire Dragon's Wing Attack!''
''Pentagram Sword!''
''Ice Make: Battle Axe!''
''They work so well together...'' Lucy trailed off, looking on in awe.
''...Amazing...'' Kageyama uttered. That was something everyone agreed to, they could hear the guild masters talking about how good they thought the four were doing.
Happy had a thought ''Lucy, why aren't you fighting?''
''Erm, well...My spirits aren't exactly available right now, plus I'm not sure how they can help against that thing.''
''Excuses, excuses...'' He returned teasingly.
Lucy scowled ''I don't see you fighting there, cat! Besides, how come you're not asking Belle?''
''I'm running pretty low on power so I don't think I can do much now.'' Her training had helped boost her reserves but of course, everyone had their limits.
''Oh...'' Now the blonde felt bad, especially after thinking of all what Belle pulled today. ''...I didn't mean it like that...''
''Ah, don't worry about it. Happy just gets way too much of a kick winding people up.''
When Lullaby made to advance towards them, it turned out that the demon couldn't. Why? It ran into a barrier created by runes. And this brought attention to another factor, the barrier even kept a lot of the damage from the battle at bay.
''He even got to set up something like this?'' Kageyama uttered, sounding impressed.
''Your kids really are something else, Makarov.'' Goldmine stated.
''Yup, don't you ever underestimate them.'' The man made no effort to hide his pride ''You're always going to be in for a rude awakening.''
Gray began to smirk as he looked at Riku ''Good thinking.'' Lullaby snarled as it looked back at them. ''Now then, try this!''
With a wave of his hand, the ice mage froze the demon's legs. Lullaby struggled as the ice shook from its efforts ''This won't stop me!''
Riku leveled his great sword before drawing on his magic. He was cloaked in a black aura and he charged at the enemy, he landed a series of powerful strikes enhanced by his magic. He finalized these moves by an extra powerful slash that created a multitude of blasts of darkness that struck Lullaby then. This was one of the newer techniques Riku developed since picking up the sword, Demolition Wave.
Lullaby grunted in anger, they could feel the power gathering around it ''I will finish you...!''
''Is it going to try to use the cursed song?'' One of the observers wondered.
''This rune barrier protected us before but can it stop something like this?'' Another added.
As they began to fret, wondering what to do. Lullaby let out a roar, but it now sounded more frustrated ''I...I can't! Why?!''
''We punched many holes into you by now. No way your trick is gonna work!'' Natsu informed.
''Damn you!'' The demon swiped at the boy, who jumped up to dodge, seeing Lullaby fire up more blasts next at the four of them. They defended to the best of their ability before Gray went back on the offense.
''Ice Make: Lance!''
Lullaby let out another roar as the barrage struck then but it couldn't retaliate as Erza kept the assault up by using her Pentagram Sword, striking the demon hard with a numerous of blades. Riku blasted their enemy with Abyss Claw. At the same time, Natsu created two spheres of fire in his palms, merging them into Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame.
Lullaby crashed down hard, soon fading away back to the flute form. This elicited cheers from many of those present.
''They did it!''
''Yeah, way to go!''
''Damn, that was impressive!''
Happy and Belle went to their respective partner with their own congratulations while Lucy and Makarov smiled, more than pleased with the result.
''You look pretty relieved, Master.'' She noted.
''Oh, you have no idea...once things settled, I was almost sure we'd have to deal with more trouble and damage to everything in sight.'' Makarov deadpanned. Riku's rune barrier was an unexpected boon in that it also left the meeting hall protected, much to general relief.
Given their guild's history with destruction of property, Lucy thought it was hard not to understand the man's concerns. ''...That makes sense. But hey, everything worked out.''
This sentiment seemed to be shared among many as they were full of praise for the Fairy Tail group, some even elevating their opinion of the guild. Including Kageyama, who had decided to take reponsiblity for his crimes before starting a fresh new page, feeling inspired because of the day. They hoped he would do well.
Mira thought this new team could eventually turn out to be the strongest in the guild and it was looking more and more like she was right. They were certainly off to a very good start.
Well, that's that.
I hope it was good. By the time I realized the way I spun things required a few more adjustments, I was half-way done with the chapter but there we go. Next chapter starts back at the guild and more of the interactions there before launching into the Galuna Island Arc.
Oh, before I forget to mention this again, the gates Riku uses for teleporting are actually derived from Dark Dragon's Negative Gate. It's something that came along with training and trying to make the most of his magic. But that's a recently discovered ability so he's careful about using it, hence why Riku didn't try to take Lullaby with another gate right away.
Hmm, that's all I had to say but if there's any questions, feel free to ask. Thanks for reading and I hope you keep it up, till next time!