Natsu groaned in annoyance ''What's going on with this town?!''
Lucy sighed ''Looks like this is a lost cause...''
Sadly, that assessment was looking to be rather accurate. As they agreed the previous night, the group left to find some information about the strange incidents. However, not only were the people they first found claiming not to know anything, others had pointedly avoided them ever since they group was after.
The duo turned as Gray and Mystogan walked over ''No good?'' Natsu prompted, noticing Gray's frown.
''No good.'' The ice mage affirmed, scowling. ''What the hell are they playing at? Alvin made it clear that they'd all want something done about those incidents...the least they can do is give us something to go on!''
''I have to agree-their behavior is so strange. I'm beginning to think we were right about them being too scared to help.'' Mystogan remarked, thinking back to their talks on the previous night.
Lucy frowned ''Yeah-but why...?''
Cana harrumphed as she walked away from a house, rejoining Riku, Belle, Happy and Erza ''I think we're just going to have to forget this. Those blockheads just won't listen. That guy back there pretty much made it clear that he doesn't want to be involved. It kinda sounds like he's one of the bunch who believes Alvin's doing something to cause this mess.''
''Those conspiracy theories again? It's not like they can prove anything, can they?'' Happy frowned.
Erza exhaled ''Well, there's no point dwelling on this now. We'll just have to...'' The words died in her throat as a familiar chime reached their ears. Her eyes narrowed ''...brace yourselves.''
As she expected, it was another of the strange incidents. The area around the castle seemed to glow for a moment before waves of power washed over the area, destroying a few windows as the earth shook around them. A number of eerie, wraith-like figures flew over the town as dark clouds formed in the air. The skies rumbled ominously with lightning before it flashed, striking random areas.
Happy yelped as one came dangerously close to them but Riku opened up a gate to negate it. ''W-what gives?!'' He spotted a figure trying to avoid the lightning nearby. ''Hey, look!''
Cana threw five cards that formed a pentagram in the air, creating a shield of magic over the man who she recognized as Roland, the town's mayor. This was her Pentagram Shield, thankfully it was strong enough to keep the man safe as the lightning died down.
The man exhaled in relief as he saw that peace was returning ''Thanks-as usual, this all comes out of nowhere...''
''No prob, what were you up to? We hardly saw anybody out and about.'' Cana remarked.
''I was looking for you all, actually. Alvin told me you were looking to find some more information about the situation in town?'' Roland returned, tilting his head.
She nodded ''It just seemed like we were missing out a whole lot. Except no one wants to actually tell us a thing-we even thought to ask about the castle but they just clammed up.''
The mayor sighed ''Yeah, it's been like that ever since this whole mess started.''
''Couldn't you help us somehow? Surely you must know something...'' Erza started.
''I would if I could.'' He admitted, guilt and sadness coloring his tone. ''You see, my adoptive daughter died recently and...I didn't take it well-I'm still...'' He shook his head. ''...before I knew it, I lost touch with everyone in town. Alvin's been trying to help me but...it's been rough.''
''I can imagine-I'm sorry for your loss.'' She returned.
Roland gave a slight nod ''You all wanted to know about the castle, right? Well, I can at least help on that front. My daughter and I came to learn quite a lot about it.''
Belle had a thought ''Wait, but then...'' This was a bit of stretch but she couldn't help connecting the dots. ''...Alvin said the only other person who knew a bunch about the castle was...is your daughter...?''
''Right, Alvin did say he mentioned her...'' The man trailed off. ''...my daughter Relena was the tour guide who was found dead a few weeks ago.''
Once the group got together, the mayor proceeded to fill them in on what he knew. The castle belonged to a powerful mage, the one who went on to become the founder of the town. It was not only a home for him and his family but also a shelter in times of troubles. He had spared no expense in ensuring it would be strong, thus all the traps and enchantments all over the building. Roland had wondered if they could make use of it, thus his and Relena's efforts to learn what they could.
In the end, their work paid off. The castle had indeed proved to be a safe haven when they needed it in the past. Something which as he belatedly realized, added more to the fear caused by these strange incidents.
Roland had been devastated by Relena's death. To make matters worse, the poor man hardly had any time to mourn before the incidents started. As such, he only recently came to realize how the townspeople were beginning to act strangely. Unfortunately, no one would speak to him either. All he did get was a few warnings to keep his head down.
Erza arched an eye ''Is that all you were told?''
The man nodded, looking troubled ''They wouldn't explain no matter how much I tried to ask. I think they know something about what's going on but they're too scared of the consequences of taking action.''
''That would make sense.'' Lucy agreed.
''I'm sorry. If I hadn't been such a failure...''
''Oh, we don't blame you!'' The girl cut him off. ''Please don't think that, anyone would be devastated after such a loss.''
''Yeah, we know the feeling-it ain't your fault.'' Natsu added, to which Riku, Happy and Belle nodded.
The purple cat noticed her partner's pensive expression ''What's wrong?''
He looked at her 'I was wondering about why people just blamed Alvin for all this. Remember how some of the ones we've met would barely even talk to us because we worked with him?'
She blinked ''Oh, yeah...'' Belle turned back to the mayor and relayed the dragon slayer's words. ''...Marcus said it's basically some conspiracy theory.''
Roland scowled ''That sounds about right-Alvin came to expand his business here and it would've done the town a lot of good. Even now, he's trying to do the right thing. I wouldn't be surprised if this is all just more of those fools' jealousy.''
''Jealousy?'' Happy echoed.
''Oh, he didn't tell you? Alvin and Relena were a couple. I don't think those who were interested in my daughter got over it.''
''That...would explain his behavior yesterday.'' Mystogan mused, thinking back.
''Yeah, no wonder he looked sad...'' Happy trailed off. So the rumors were just people being envious of Alvin and they took it that far? That was a low move.
''Actually, about Marcus...'' The mayor started, leaving them curious. ''...I've hardly seen much of him so I can't help but wonder...what was he like?''
Gray raised an eye ''Well, he seems all right. Can't say that we came to know much about him ourselves, though.''
''Ah...'' The man nodded. ''...I was just thinking-he actually settled down only recently too. He seemed to know plenty about the area but we hardly know much about him. He always seems to keep everything to himself. I always wondered why he seemed so invested in learning more about the town though...''
That was indeed curious and the timing of his arrival...it was enough to make one wonder-did Marcus have any connection to all of this?
Soon it was time for them to return to the castle with Alvin as they agreed, thus they were on their way...
''Ah, so he told you about me and Relena?'' Alvin smiled sadly when they filled him in on the talk. ''Sorry, it's not that I wanted to hide it...it's just hard, you know?''
''It's okay.'' Cana assured. ''We get it-we just wanted some more info before going back in there. Things make plenty more sense about the castle now.''
Gray nodded ''So where's Marcus at anyway? Seeing how he was so into this yesterday, I figured he'd be all raring to go.''
''That's the thing, I don't know...'' Alvin scratched his head. ''...I tried looking for him before but I think he left his home early.'' He looked unnerved. ''You don't think he'd go back there on his own, do you?''
''Seeing what the place was like, I would hope not.'' Mystogan stated, stopping with the others as they arrived at the gate. ''At any rate, we'll just have to find out.''
Happy looked around ''I keep expecting something to pop around from any corner.''
''Me too...'' Lucy seemed unnerved. ''...and knowing this place is basically some magical fortress just makes the feeling worse. I'm not sure which is worse, knowing we'll find trouble or not knowing what's waiting.''
''Aw come on, don't be wimps!'' Natsu slapped her shoulder. ''We'll be fine, just you wait!''
She gave him a look ''What you call wimpy, I call a sense of self-preservation...''
Alvin couldn't help snorting with mirth at this while Gray shook his head ''Don't bother with this lug, Lucy. I doubt he even knows what that means.''
''Shut up, Frosty!''
''Make me, Pyro!''
Cana cleared her throat as the two continued to glower at each other ''Ehem, boys? Forget something?'' She jerked a thumb at Erza, who was glaring at the two pointedly. The two predictably recoiled and pretended like nothing was happening.
Alvin looked rather amused ''You guys sure are a colorful bunch.''
''That's Fairy Tail for you.'' Happy declared with a smile.
Lucy gave the man a curious look ''You know, I forgot to ask before but you sure seemed to take Happy and Belle's presence easily. I remember a bunch of people who could hardly believe their eyes.''
''Well, I can understand the feeling but I've seen a cat like them before.''
''For real?!'' Natsu cried as the others looked on in surprise.
''Yeah, Relena was just practicing her magic when it pointed him out. We were pretty surprised too but the little guy made it clear that there were more like him around.''
Happy and Belle were equally bewildered by the news. They had never seen another cat like them despite having traveled to many places over the years. Needless to say, this was all coming out of left field.
''So what happened to that cat?'' The latter inquired.
''Well, he stuck around for a bit but he kept traveling. He said he wanted to find a place he could call home so we helped him get on his way.'' Alvin returned, seeming curious at their reactions.
Erza picked up on this ''We've known Happy and Belle ever since they were little but we met them by pure chance.''
''Ah...'' He nodded in understanding. ''...you know, thinking back-he did say he met a few other cats but it was in a bunch of different places...''
''How about that...'' Natsu seemed intrigued. ''...so we could meet 'em at one point. Wouldn't that be cool, guys?''
''Aye! It'd be great!'' Happy smiled.
Belle nodded ''I'd like that.''
A familiar chime resounded, making the three stiffen as they knew what was coming.
Indeed, the hall they were in began to give an omnious glow. A number of the armored suits lining the hall twitched as the light surrounded and then, slowly but surely they began to life.
''What the-?!'' Gray spluttered.
The armored suits clutched their weapons and moved towards them, Erza quickly equipped a sword to block a big axe coming her way. Gray froze a couple of suits that were going to attack him and Alvin before Mystogan surrounded their client with two staves that conjured a magic shield. He waved a hand and three staves released blasts of blue lightning to repel more of the attackers.
Lucy quickly dodged a sword that almost hit her, thinking fast, she knocked it out of the armor's hand with her whip. Riku blasted it and a few more suits with Dark Dragon's Moonlight Beam. Cana's cards shone with magic before she threw some, making them release a burst of power that pushed the targets back while Natsu melted a few others into scrap with his flames. Likewise, Belle kept some suits away from her and Happy and blasted them with rays of light.
They continued the fight for a bit until the power surrounding them seemed to fade and the remaining suits fell apart.
''Never thought something like this could happen...'' Cana trailed off.
''Yeah, that was weird-what the hell is going on with this place?'' Gray frowned.
As they kept going, Alvin found himself looking to get their opinions on something ''So-what's it like being in your guild? I mean, some of the things that are being said about Fairy Tail...well, they're...''
Cana gave him an amused look ''Don't bother sugarcoating the truth-it's as crazy as the stories say.''
''You...probably shouldn't say that with such an expression.'' Lucy remarked.
''Hey, it's only true. What do we care what others say? We do things our way after all.'' The brunette returned.
'Can't argue with that. Fairy Tail's always going to be one of a kind anyway.' Riku remarked with amusement.
''Ain't that the truth,'' Cana agreed, chuckling. ''It's true that it can be pretty overwhelming. Most of us can attest to that, eh, Belle?''
''Yeah, a little too well...'' The purple cat trailed off, thinking back.
Seeing how she wanted to stay with him, Riku had decided to introduce Belle to Fairy Tail. The cat found herself rather curious to know about her new friend's family, moreso when he made a point of warning her that they could be overwhelming to stay the least...
Even when forewarned, nothing could've prepared Belle for the real deal.
It was certainly a sight to see, all the people and hustle and bustle. Many came to a pause when they noticed her. That was when things got very awkward even as Riku explained what happened and asked them not to crowd her.
''Too cute!''
''Hey, doesn't she look a little like Happy?''
''How about that...?''
Riku had been expecting something like this. That trouble would occur the second he introduced the little cat to the others but still...that didn't make it any less annoying.
Jet yelped as Riku fired a small bolt of darkness at his feet ''What was that for?!''
''Seriously, that's what you ask? I know you guys aren't that bright but come on! He just said the cat's really shy and the first thing you do is crowd her?'' Mira drawled.
The fact that Belle was hiding behind Riku, clinging to his shirt only proved Mira right. The boy gave them an unimpressed look but Mira had effectively summed up what he had to say. He sighed ''...Come on, it's okay. I know they're loud but they're not going to hurt you.''
Belle slowly peeked from behind him, making some squeal at her adorable looks again. She blinked when Happy flew to her ''Hi!'' Her eyes widened as he grinned. ''Wow, you're just like me, huh? Awesome! I'm Happy-what's your name?''
''B-Belle...Riku gave it to me.''
''Nice! Hey, you don't have to be nervous. If you're Riku's friend than you're ours too." Happy chirped.
Belle looked at Riku, who nodded with a small smile. She began to smile at the two of them in return...
Things had thankfully gotten better but there was no denying that Fairy Tail could be overwhelming.
''I can see how it'd be a bit much to handle...'' Alvin trailed off when she finished retelling the story. ''...still it sounds about as colorful as I heard. Guess that's a guild for you.''
''Are you interested in the guilds?'' Erza inquired.
''Eh, yeah-sort of. I mean, learning what I did just proves that they're fascinating. I know would've tried to get in one if I was a mage.'' He admitted. ''Relena told me one of her caretakers back at the orphanage where she grew up was a retired guild mage so she's come to learn plenty. It made her want to learn more about her magic.''
''Really? What kind of magic did she have?'' Happy asked, curious.
''We weren't sure at first but it turned out to be Life magic.'' was the answer.
The cat seemed puzzled ''Life magic?''
''I read about that-it's rare.'' Lucy remarked. ''No wonder she found that cat-people who use Life magic are great sensors.''
It wasn't long before they arrived at the same area where they had been teleported yesterday. The area didn't seem too different but they could see signs that the statue they fought yesterday seemed to be better off.
''Hey, who fixed it?'' Natsu frowned, noting how much of the damage they caused was gone.
''It must be some sort enchantment.'' Mystogan reasoned. ''Perhaps a regeneration spell of some kind-they likely needed a strong guard back then.''
''Yeah, makes sense...'' Gray glanced around. ''...the guy who made this place was supposed to be really...'' He blinked. ''...hey, what the...?''
Following his line of sight, the group noticed something they missed earlier. A translucent shield blocking the path up ahead-even stranger, they found a few burns marks and signs of damage on the ground surrounding the area.
''Hey, I'm pretty sure we didn't cause this...'' Natsu trailed off.
Cana nodded ''We didn't go anywhere near that part yesterday, that big lump of rock barely gave us any room to move...and this looks pretty recent-someone must have been here. They probably got booted out too.''
''But who? There's no way it could've been anyone from town...right?'' Belle asked, thinking of how this place scared the people.
Happy scratched his head. ''So hey, how do we keep going?''
Erza looked around ''...I'd say we'll just have to break through-I don't see anything that could possibly help here.''
''All right-lemme try!'' Natsu's fist ignited before he tried to punch the shield but it wasn't unaffected.
''Lame! Guess that's all we can expect from you, lizard breath.'' Gray taunted.
''I don't see you doin' anything, ice princess!''
''Hmph, just watch!'' Gray fired an ice arrow at the shield, only to stiffen when he had a similar result to his rival, who smirked. ''...Not a word.''
But the others also tried and failed, leaving everyone understandably confused. Cana grimaced ''What's the deal with this thing?''
''Should we try hitting it harder?'' Natsu inquired.
''Why is that your answer to everything? Knowing you, you could totally bring the place down on us!'' Lucy exclaimed.
The teen was about to retort only to be distracted when Riku approached the shield, seeming thoughtful. ''What's up?''
Riku figured that they tried force but failed, so it was time for another approach...
Erza blinked as he reached to touch the shield, requipping a staff in his hand ''Riku, that's not going to...'' The words died in her mouth as she saw that his hand actually got through it. ''...work?''
''Wha-how?'' Alvin stared.
Riku seemed a bit bewildered too 'I just figured brute force was no good so I was about to try a spell...I didn't expect this to happen...'
''That's so weird...'' Happy mumbled.
''I dunno...it looks like a good idea to me.'' Cana remarked, making him blink up at her. ''Look at it this way, if you see a shield-the first thing you do is try to get through it, right? People would try to get around it but there aren't that many choices here-if you can't get through, it probably helped convince people not to come through here before.''
Lucy nodded ''Makes sense to me, not many would think of using a shield like this. Simple, but effective.''
They kept going, entering the path beyond the shield. Frowning in thought, Riku stopped to see if he could sense anything ahead. It took some effort but he was able to detect something in the earth...
Suddenly, beast-like beings made of thunder appeared in mid-air and flew at the group. Riku gathered darkness in his hands, centering it before him as it manifested a black and purple barrier which negated the attack. This was Dark Dragon's Requiem Shield.
A myriad of lightning bolts surged surged at the dragon slayer who quickly cast Dark Dragon's Negative Gate, the spell absorbing the blasts. He leveled his hand, conjuring a spell of darkness which he launched at the ceiling. It pierced an area up ahead, revealing it to hold a lacrima.
''Well done, Riku.'' Erza praised.
''Yeah, nice work. How'd you even...?'' Cana blinked.
'Most of that was just reflex. I tried sensing ahead but it's harder than I thought...all it did show me was the lacrima.' was Riku's reponse.
''It figures they'd be a trap right after that set up...man, the maker of the palace was one paranoid bastard, huh?'' Gray mused.
Later on, Gray would look back and see just how accurate his remark was. Hell, it was a gross understatement.
They were forced to deal with quite the elaborate set ups from that point on. A rolling boulder that forced them to change course, a chandelier that almost fell on them, a corridor where fire suddenly erupted and so on...
Cana panted ''What the heck is up with this place?! I get that it was supposed to be fortified but this is nuts!''
''I'll say...man, no wonder Relena needed those maps at first...'' Alvin trailed off.
''Wait, maps?'' The card mage looked at him.
''Yeah, she and the mayor had a couple of old maps of this place-I never got around to asking how they found them.''
''Why didn't you tell us before? Did you at least get them now?'' Lucy demanded, thinking of how useful those would've been.
''I thought of that...I was all set to prepping those maps after I sent the request but I just couldn't find them.'' Alvin admitted, to their surprise. ''That's why I didn't mention it before. I couldn't find the maps no matter how hard I looked. The mayor tried to help too but it was no good. He even tried looking in Relena's room-we figured it might have been stolen but it didn't look like there was anything out of place.''
''This just keeps getting fishier...'' Happy mumbled.
Mystogan hummed in thought ''...It's beginning to add up to a rather unpleasant picture.'' Everyone looked at him and he began explaining. ''Think about it, this place has not only remained firm for over a century but look at all the magic at work here. It was also a good source of revenue for the town-then there's those rumors about this place possibly holding great treasure. I'd imagine it'd be enough to lure quite a few people, wouldn't you say?''
''Oh, man when you put it like that...'' Gray stated while some of the others exchanged alarmed looks. The pieces really were coming together.
''The maps go missing right after Relena was killed and then those incidents-I'd say they have to do with the magic in this castle.'' Lucy crosed her arms. ''The timing's entirely too suspicious-all of this happens one after the other? There's no way it's a coincidence, it makes so much sense...and if we're right...it probably explains Relena too...''
Alvin scowled but he was also seeing the possibilty ''You mean she was killed just because of this supposed treasure?''
''I believe so. It stands to reason, given all what's happened so far.'' The masked mage returned.
Lucy pursed her lips, something about the missing maps was bothering her. After hearing all this-she was coming to a theory that she dearly hoped was wrong. It was just...looking at the townspeople, it was hard to ignore the possibility...The real problem was that she couldn't imagine how else this may have gone.
But the question remained, if she was right then why...?
''Then getting to the bottom of this is even more important than ever.'' Erza declared.
''Yeah! Let's do it!'' Natsu exclaimed.
Happy flew in front of Alvin, noticing his scowl ''Hey, what's wrong? You look really mad...is it because of what we were talking about?''
He exhaled ''Yeah, I can't get it out of my head...I know it's mostly a guess but the facts really are adding up well. We finally have answers to what's really been going on here. That someone could've killed Relena just because...ugh, it makes me sick...''
''I know just what you mean, it's despicable.'' Erza stated. ''The fact that someone would condone such a thing-treasure or no, this is inexcusable.''
''Yeah, just the thought makes me want to deck the bastards involved...'' Alvin ground out.
''That's what we're here for, pal. We won't let them get away with it.'' Natsu assured.
A familiar omnious sound reached their ears, making the group brace themselves for what they knew was coming.
The area around them gained a soft glow, more of the strange ethereal figures appeared, floating past the group. The ground shook beneath them as the winds suddenly intensified. Alvin grabbed Happy as he was caught by surprise before he could be blown away and likewise Natsu held Belle as she struggled against the wind. Just then, he happened to glance at the door they had just used, noticing a glow surrounding the hall they had just passed. It looked like this incident was bigger than the ones they had seen since their return here.
Thankfully the glow faded winds soon died down, to their relief. ''Glad that's over...'' Lucy sighed.
'...It was a little tame compared to what we've seen today, don't you think?' Riku asked.
''Tame?! What do you mean tame?'' She demanded, bewildered.
''Actually, he has a point. We've only seen one of those yesterday but they've been rather frequent since we came...judging by what the mayor told us, most of them aren't that violent.'' Erza stated.
The blonde blinked, realizing that was true. The incidents they had seen so far caused earthquakes, lightning bolts, a lot of fire and plenty of cold winds. If the situation had been this bad before, she figured the town would've been in much worse shape. ''You're right...but what does this mean...?''
''Man, you guys are something else.'' Alvin remarked as they entered a new area. ''I never thought we could make this progress already.'' Especially after all the trouble they had when a couple of other guilds tried before. ''It's really impressive how you seem to adapt to all the chaos we've been dealing with so far.''
''All part of the job, we're gonna see this through to the end.'' Cana declared, to which the others nodded.
After traversing a few more places and dealing with more traps and enchantments, they came across a huge door. It took them an equally big room, which seemed oddly plain. But when they stepped in, the doors suddenly swung shut. A magic circle appeared on the ground up ahead and the room lit up, a side of the wall flipped, revealing a great steel golem clad in armor and holding a big lance hidden there.
''What the...?''
Happy recoiled as the golem dashed, brandishing its weapon ''It looks even stronger than the one from yesterday!''
As if to prove the point, the golem's lance released a beam which forced them to dodge at once. It thrust the lance at the nearest target but Lucy summoned Taurus, who proved able to hold it off. As the spirit struggled to push it back, Natsu and Erza attacked. The latter requipped a big hammer which she rammed against the golem to push it back while Natsu blasted it with a Fire Dragon's Roar.
Cana threw some cards that exploded on contact but the golem pushed on to swipe with its weapon only to be blown back by another strike of Erza's hammer. It proceeded to strike much faster, Mystogan used five of his staves to create an energy shield that repelled the rapid attacks before quickly directing the staves together, lining them up around the golem.
''Five layered magic circle: Sacred Song!''
The golem was struck by a strong beam of magic that sent it reeling, damaging the lance and throwing it away. Despite that, it appeared more than able to keep going.
Gray scowled ''What the hell? Even that barely did a thing?''
''I think Marcus said something about how that golem from yesterday was made from magic resisting material.'' Alvin recalled. ''Seeing how this one looks like it, it might be the same case here.''
''So what do we do?'' Lucy wondered as Taurus blocked the golem's incoming fist.
''Even magic resisting material has its limits. Mystogan's spell caused a fair of bit damage.'' Erza reasoned. ''I believe the only choice we have is to go all out, sooner or later, it will fall.''
Natsu smirked ''My kinda plan, let's hit it!''
And so the battle continued at such a pace, the group fought back with all they had as the golem kept attacking. They soon realized that Erza was right-even if it was made of magic resistant material, it was still taking damage over time making this a battle of attrition.
Belle stayed back to watch out for Happy and Alvin but she was also able to support the group with some spells when she saw an opportune moment.
Gray trapped the golem in an icy cage which it broke in seconds but it was then blasted by Riku's Dark Dragon Moonlight Beam. The dragon slayer blocked the golem's consequent counterstrike with his Requiem Shield before unleashing a Demolition Wave attack. Lucy, who had to dismiss Taurus earlier, called on Saggitarius who unleashed a myriad of arrows. For a moment something seemed to shift on their adversary, which was when they noticed something...
''Was that's a lacrima in its chest?'' Cana wondered as the armor shifted, closing the open area.
''Oh, I see!'' Alvin exclaimed. ''It's an old set up I've seen in some business-the lacrima regulates the power that thing uses. It's really strong because of it but it also has a limit. If you overload the lacrima, it'll shut down-you guys came really close just now!''
''Music to my ears, then...!'' Cana picked up more cards while the others prepared their attacks.
''Let's end this now.'' Erza declared, donning her Lightning Empress armor. ''Cana, Riku, with me!''
The two nodded and the redhead jumped, unleashing a myriad of lightning bolts. Cana threw some cards which also releasted lightning. Riku requipped some staves before lining them in a formation, casting Wild Hurricane. The three attacks combined into a fierce tempest of gales and lightning that caught the golem in the middle.
''Awesome!'' Natsu exclaimed.
''All right then, Belle, let's keep up the pressure.'' Mystogan said.
''Okay!'' The cat prepared a spell as the masked mage cast Gravity Drive, encasing it in a strong field that forced its movements to a stop while a number of beams hit it hard, the impact enforced by the gravity. Within moments, the golem fell to its kneess, not moving one bit then.
Happy glanced at Alvin questioningly and the man smiled ''It worked, it'll be out for a while. You guys were amazing.''
Natsu, Lucy, Gray and Happy cheered at this while the rest smiled. Seeing a door they hadn't noticed in the earlier skirmish, they headed over, seeing it lead to another gateway.
Just as they were about to enter, another of the strange incidents happened. This time seemed rather intense as the usual glow blinded them and the earth shook rather violently. Thankfully, it came to an end before no one was hurt but then...
''Hey, where's Alvin?'' Natsu blinked.
''Over here.'' An unexpected voice responded, making them start and follow it to the source.
It was Marcus and he was holding their client at knife point.
Alvin barely had any time to react, having been accosted when the chaos started. But now that he could see who had caught him, his natural reaction was ''Wha-what're you doing?!''
Marcus gave a dark smile ''You guys are really something else, you came so far...thanks to you, I'll have exactly what I need.''
''What's that mean?!'' Gray demanded. ''What the hell are you playing at?''
''...I get it. We were right all along.'' Cana scowled. ''You did come here on your own all along. I remember how ticked off you looked when we left-but how'd you get this far without being noticed?''
''Well, it wasn't easy...especially not with your friends' enhanced senses. But my benefactor gave me quite a special little gift to make it happen.'' He stated, glancing at a ring they hadn't seen before on his finger. ''I thought I had to keep up the first plan when you messed things up but this worked so well...even I'm amazed! The other two guilds never even tried this hard. I thought it was a lost cause. You found the place I wanted to get to all along!''
''So you're one of those who believes in this rumored treasure...'' Erza concluded.
''Oh, it's real. Heck-even back there...that golem can make for a damn good weapon with just a couple of tweaks.'' Marcus declared, grinning. ''This palace's maker had some excellent tastes, he got all sorts of treasures and handy stuff here. Acquiring the information wasn't easy but it'll be worth it.''
The redhead's eyes narrowed dangerously ''...Who are you, really?''
''Glad you asked! Marcus Zeibel, former member of Typhon Claw.''
''That's a dark guild.'' She stated, to some of her friends' surprise. ''I heard it was disbanded by the Rune Knights...but looking back, their guild master apparently escaped from prison.''
Marcus sneered ''As if those fools can do anything against the boss, they only lucked because we had so many cowards! Hearing about this place though, it was brilliant-we couldn't possibly miss this chance...''
Riku noticed Mystogan step closer to him, gesturing discreetly as he grabbed one of his staves. Knowing what that particular one could so, he gave a slight nod, realizing his friend's plan. He grabbed Cana's arm, making her start but she looked over, nodding at what he told her as she was brought up to speed.
Luckily, their friends were keeping Marcus occupied as he crowed about his leader. ''...but I'll never give up on him. That's why I was all too happy when he got in contact with me. If he wants the treasures in this town, then I'll make sure he gets them no matter what. Of course, that stupid girl just had to get in the way...''
''What?'' Alvin had a feeling he knew exactly who he was talking about. ''You...don't tell me Relena...''
''She figured you out, huh?'' Cana queried.
''I was too careless-but I made sure she couldn't ruin my plan. It serves her right.'' He sneered.
''You bastard!'' Natsu snarled as a furious Alvin glowered at him.
''Ah-ah...'' Marcus waved the knife pointedly, reminding the teen of their predicament. The teen grimaced, as much as he wanted to hurt him, he didn't want anything to happen to Alvin. ''...don't think I won't use it.''
''So you were behind all this mess the entire time.'' Cana prodded.''
''Hmph. Really though, you people made it so easy...I just did it to keep her out of the way-especially when she wouldn't listen but you and that stupid mayor...You just fall apart because of that girl-it was so pathetic! I was laughing so hard...''
''How dare you even say that?!'' Erza scowled.
''Pathetic?! Don't you even...what does a murderer like you know?!'' Alvin snapped.
''You're nothing but a two bit scumbag!'' Happy stated in disgust.
Marcus ignored them, moving slowly towards the door while dragging Alvin along ''Of course, if I knew the girl was a mage, I might have handled this differently...somehow, her magic apparently integrated with this place. It made the castle's power go on overdrive, it's almost like she's still a ghost wandering about...''
''Hey, back then...those weird phantoms really did look like they were human...'' Gray recalled.
''Yeah-if this is why those incidents started...'' Belle started. ''...seeing how magic can be affected by emotions...you guys think maybe...?''
Cana nodded ''Most of it may have been out of her control but it does explain things...Relena wanted to warn everyone about him that asshole.''
'It explains why the incidents kept getting worse, she never wanted to hurt anyone-she wanted him stopped.' Riku reasoned.
''Everyone? Oh, please...'' Marcus snorted. ''...the people of this town are about the some of the worst I've seen...''
''What's that mean?'' Cana demanded.
''...They were in on it too, weren't they?'' Lucy asked, surprising them. ''I thought something about the maps situation seemed off. The mayor wouldn't have much reason to suspect anything if someone he knew was behind it...When you add that to the general fear around here...''
Marcus laughed ''Smart girl! That's right. All that was needed was a little show of my master's power and it was enough to keep them in line even when he left. The ones I talked to were all too glad to help so long as it kept them out of trouble. Some of them even decided to make a deal with us, wanting to make the most of it. They were all too happy to make sure everyone would keep their heads down...Alvin and that stupid mayor never realized a thing, now that's just sad!''
Alvin felt sick, he may have wanted the truth but nothing could've prepared him for this...
''That's messed up-they actually helped?!'' Natsu said in disbelief.
Erza looked appalled ''Unbelievable...''
''You know for such a tough guy, you're really just full of hot-air.'' Cana taunted. ''You were all too happy to brag but do you really think you're going to get away now?''
''I'd like to see you sto...'' Marcus never got further than that as a quick fist to his side, sent him to the floor, wheezing.
Alvin looked on in surprrise as Mystogan appeared out of thin-air, staring at the downed man ''You...how?!'' He spluttered as Cana smirked, realizing that the girl must have been baiting him. ''Why you little...!''
He jumped back, grabbing the knife. The man never got further than that as an ebony sword shot out of a gate in mid-air, almost cutting him in half. Growling, he was about to continue his attack when Mystogan raised three staves ''Back down now if you have any sense.''
''No, I...!'' He yelled out in pain as an ice blast struck his arm, nailing him to the wall.
Gray stared him down ''You underestimated us big time and that's why you lost. It's over.''
A while later, they returned to town and explained everything to Roland. He was understandably floored but he was quick to demand the truth from his people. It turned out that only a group knew the real truth, the others were fooled into thinking that listening to them would be for the best.
''What the hell made you think this was okay? You totally betrayed everyone!'' Natsu exclaimed as the guilty group was brought before them.
''What was there to do? The man was too powerful!'' An elderly man said. ''We had no choice...we had to...''
''Oh, save it.'' Alvin glared at the group. ''It was pretty clear, you guys thought nothing of working with that murderer and his dark mage of a boss just because it could do some good for you! I don't know how you even lived with yourself. Didn't you know the mayor and Relena for years? They deserved better than this!''
The man lowered his head but another spoke ''She should've just walked away-she was just proof that there was no point standing up to them. Look how much it took the Council to defeat that guy the first time...that wench should've walked away like she was told...she was always like that and it got her killed.''
''Don't you dare talk about her like that!'' Roland snapped. He recalled how the man was among those who wanted Relena for a girlfriend. But when she fell in love with Alvin, he simply discarded her-it disgusted him.
''She wasn't even your own flesh and blood!''
''She was as good as! You're nothing but traitors, the lot of you-but you'll answer for this.'' He vowed.
In the end, Marcus and those who worked with him were arrested by the Rune Knights, who assured that they would get all the information about the escaped guildmaster soon. Roland and the knights made sure to thank the Fairy Tail mages for their help.
Soon, it was time for them to leave...
''So what're you guys gonna do now?'' Happy asked as they arrived at the train station.
''I'm not really sure.'' Alvin admitted. ''A big part of me wants to leave but I'll be making sure the mayor's all right-I'll decide what to do from there. You guys sure you don't want the treasure though?''
Riku shook his head, they had been offered the treasure they discovered earlier in that last room but none of them even considered taking even a little of it. 'I don't think any of us would...'
Erza nodded ''I'd say we refused for the same reason you and the mayor decided not to touch it.''
The man's lips twitched, he didn't want any part of it-not after learning what he did. The reminder was just too much ''You got me there. Still, I know it's been said but thanks a lot.''
''You really shouldn't-not after...'' Lucy stopped when he shook his head.
''No, it's because of you guys that the truth came out. I wouldn't have even known Relena was trying to reach out to us the only way she could. We'll have to face the truth eventually so I think it's best to live a hard truth than a nice lie. I hate to think I might have wound up helping them without even knowing it.'' He insisted. ''We really owe you guys. Good luck out there.''
''Thanks, same to you.'' Belle returned with a smile.
They turned as the train arrived, knowing the time had come...
After they returned to Fairy Tail, they wound up telling the others about the job, them having noticed the group's strange mood...
''That's a pretty sobering story...'' Evergreen trailed off.
''I'll say. Talk about messed up.'' Elfman shook his head.
Erza nodded ''I don't think I've ever been so disappointed after a job in my life.''
''Me too.'' Belle added.
''Agreed. Those three deserved much better than this-one can only hope they would be able to move on now.'' Mystogan stated.
''Yeah, I know I wanted to punch their faces in. Those assholes don't even care that they betrayed everyone in town. Alvin really wanted to do some good for everyone but seeing this...man, it must've been like a slap to the face.'' Gray grimaced.
'I guess the upside was that we brought it all out in the open.' Riku mused, thinking of what Alvin said. 'I'd hate to think of what would've happened if the truth had come out later...at least now they know and they can deal with what comes from that point on.'
''I'd say that's about right.'' Makarov nodded. ''The best you can do is keep that bright side in mind. It may have turned out on such note but you did the right thing, kids. No one can dispute that. Sad as it is, this story can be taken as a lesson. Walk with pride in yourselves and remain strong and just, always be true to yourselves.''
''Right!''
They sat down for dinner a couple of hours later, with Mira deciding to treat them with a few of their favorites in an attempt to boost their spirits...
Natsu happily ate up the plate of chilli the bartender ''Thanks, Mira!''
''Well, I thought you could use a little pick me up after that story.'' She smiled.
''Good call!'' Happy beamed.
Cana happily drank some beer and Lucy spoke up ''You know, I never understood how she can drink so much of this stuff...are we sure it isn't some magic related ability?''
Cana, who had overhead her, decided to speak up ''A lady doesn't kiss and tell.''
''Lady? Who would that be?'' Gray was knocked over by the empty keg she tossed at him, not even looking his way.
'Honestly, what did you expect?' Riku deadpanned.
''Indeed, that was quite rude.'' Erza said primly, taking a sip of her tea.
Happy glanced at Mystogan, seeing him eat despite the mask ''How do you keep doing that?''
''I'm fairly sure you have better things to do than wonder how I go about with the mask.'' He stated.
''Like guarding your food.'' Belle added helpfully.
''Eh?'' He looked back at his plate, noting how one of his fish was missing. The only one he knew would do this was...''Natsu!''
''Hey, you took some of my food first-it's karma!'' His partner retorted.
Makarov rolled his eyes at the growing squabble ''Give it a rest you two, there's enough for everyone!''
''He started it!'' They called out in tandem.
''Good grief...'' Lucy mumbled.
Riku half-smiled as he saw Belle enjoy her fruit salad, ignoring their friends' dramatics. She smiled up at him as he patted her head.
It was nice that they could enjoy themselves after all what transpired today. Times like this reminded him of this place came to be a home for many who needed it, where they came to find family and friends who would always be there for them. Thus he was sure that even if they won't admit, even if said family could drive them up the wall sometimes, like him they were always glad to come home.
Well, let's stop here.
Honestly, this was harder to work with than I thought but I hope it was all right. Relena basically discovered the truth and it got her killed, her magic reacted to her violent death and the result was the incidents. Because she still wanted to tell everyone what happened but it was effectively out of her hands. Most of the townspeople were in the dark and the traitors used to release some rumors and theories that served to trick them. They're all going to get what's coming to them.
I remember how there were a hundred exceeds sent to Earthland so I figured they could've easily spread out over time-I thought I could use that. Well, next chapter is the start of the Tower of Heaven arc.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!