As promised, here we are with the next chapter of Celestial Bonds: Rise of Dragon Heart. Now, we get to meet the whole team and have another encounter with the forming Team Natsu. Some of the spells Willow casts are in Latin, so I'll have translations at the bottom.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to the Fairy Tail series. I only own my OCs, including any guilds or types of magic I make up. Some of the spells Willow uses are used by another character on Deviantart called Aki Uriel, so credit goes to her creator, Tsukiyochi.
Now, let's begin.
In a land far, far away lies the Kingdom of Fiore–a small, peaceful nation of seventeen million and a place filled with magic.
Found in every home, bought and sold in every marketplace, for most, magic is merely a tool, a mundane part of everyday life. For some, however, magic is an art, and they've devoted their lives to its practice.
These are the wizards.
Banded together into magical guilds, they client their skills in search of fame and fortune. Many such guilds dot the landscape of Fiore.
But there is a guild not found in any town that makes a statement all its own—one whose legend is just beginning.
Its name is Dragon Heart.
Enjin: Previously on Celestial Bonds…
Sky: We are Dragon Heart.
Josh: (Yawns as he walks in)
Sky: Welcome back, Josh.
Preston: Miss Willow sent a message mentioning she has urgent news to pass along when she returns.
Josh: What do you think it is?
Sky: Something tells me we'll be cutting our stay in Azolla Town short…
(At the Dragon Heart Ship)
The Dragon Heart team waited outside for the rest of their members to come home. Ash, Enjin, and Zafira entertained themselves with Sky's canine spirits while the Celestial Wizard sat nearby, reading a book and listening to his Sound Pod. Next to him was his Canis Minor Spirit, Milo, a black spirit adorned with a green star over his right eye.
While engrossed in his book, Sky wondered what news Willow would bring. Ever since Preston had delivered that unsettling message, a sense of anxiety had settled within him as if something significant was imminent.
"Hey, Sky, you alright?" The teen mage snapped out of his reverie, pausing his music to notice Josh behind him. The older boy wore a black tank top beneath a green and white vest with blue trim and a silver zipper, blue jeans tucked into brown boots, black archery gloves, and brown leather bracers highlighted with gold trim.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Sky smiled, glad the other had brought him out of his thoughts. "Just waiting for the girls to come home."
"What do you think she wants to talk about?" Josh sat beside him.
"I'm not sure, but it's got me wondering if something is about to happen."
"I hate it when you get hunches like that," the other teen deadpanned, knowing Sky's instincts were always spot-on. Sky snorted a laugh, amused by his friend's dramatics.
Suddenly, something drew Summit's focus, prompting her to bark at the sky. Everyone shifted their gaze just in time to witness the winged girl and her cat descend onto the grass nearby.
"Hi, guys!" the cat greeted them.
"Tiger! Willow!" Ash cried happily as he flew over to greet his counterpart.
"Welcome back, guys!" Enjin said as the rest of the boys joined them.
Willow smiled at them as the huskies bounced around her for attention. "Thanks. It's great to be back."
"So, how'd the test go?" Josh asked.
"It went great."
"She passed with flying colors." Tiger smiled proudly at his friend.
"That means we have three S-Class Wizards in our guild!" Enjin cheered.
"Congratulations, Willow," Sky said with a smile.
Willow smiled back, blushing slightly. "Thank you," she replied before becoming serious. "But something I heard on the way back worries me."
"Preston told us," Josh said. "Let's go inside, and you can fill us in."
"Alright."
(Inside)
The team was gathered in the dining room, where Preston treated them to tea and muffins. "A warm welcome home to you, Miss Willow," he smiled.
"Thank you, Mr. Preston," Willow smiled back, enjoying one of the muffins.
"So, what's going on, Willow?" Sky asked, getting down to business. "What's the emergency?"
Willow frowned slightly as she explained, "I have a reason to believe that the Dark Guild Eisenwald is planning something."
"Eisenwald?" Enjin questioned.
"I thought those guys were disbanded?" Josh asked.
"It would appear not," Preston replied.
"What are they up to?" Ash asked.
"We're not sure, but it has something to do with something called Lullaby," Tiger answered.
"Lullaby?" Josh and Ash questioned.
Enjin looked at Sky. "Hey, Sky, isn't that…?"
His eyes narrowed. "It is."
"You've heard of it before?" Willow asked.
Sky nodded. "Lullaby… is a demon from Zeref's books."
Ash and Tiger gasped while Josh and Willow looked at their leader wide-eyed.
"My dad told me about Zeref and his creations as part of my magic studies. Lullaby, specifically, can cause death to anyone who hears its song."
"D-death…?" Ash shook, Zafira hissing as she trembled against her partner's neck.
"A frightful magic item, to be sure," Preston commented gravely.
"What do you think Eisenwald would want with something like that?" Enjin asked.
"Let me start from the beginning," Willow explained. "Tiger and I were on our way back from ERA after my evaluation and stopped by a pub in Onibus…"
(Flashback)
"It was a known gathering spot for local wizards, so I wasn't surprised to see some there, but a group at one of the tables caught our attention because of how agitated one of them was."
"Come on, hurry it up, bartender!" someone complained as Willow and Tiger enjoyed a snack at the bar.
"Hey, relax a little."
"And how am I supposed to do that?!" The person slammed their fist on the table, causing the duo to glance at them. Four men were at the table, all wizards presumably, but the mark on one of their coats raised alarm bells for Willow. "We finally managed to figure out where Lullaby's hidden, but we can't do anything! Because of some seal?!"
"Keep it down, man," the fat one beside him hissed.
"Don't sweat it, you guys," the one with the ponytail assured them. "Let me handle this one. You just head back to the guild, alright?" he said, getting up.
"You sure, Kage?"
"You gonna be okay on your own?" the one with the pharaoh-styled coat asked.
"You don't have to worry about me," he smiled at them. "Just tell Erigor I'll be coming back with Lullaby in three days."
(Present)
"Are you sure the guys you saw at the pub were with Eisenwald?" Josh asked.
"Positive," Willow nodded. "I can't believe it took me so long to recognize Erigor's name…
"It's not your fault, Willow," Sky assured her.
"Um, who's Erigor?" Ash asked.
"He's the ace of Eisenwald," Josh explained. "He only accepts assassination requests, which is how he earned the name Erigor the Reaper."
"He kills for money?!" Enjin asked, horrified.
"When the Council outlawed assassination jobs, Eisenwald decided money was more important than the rules. They were kicked out of their wizard league six years ago, but that didn't stop them. They've remained active as a Dark Guild."
"What do you think they're gonna try?" Tiger asked.
"Given their reputation and what Lullaby is capable of, I'd say they're planning to use it on someone," Sky responded. "The question is who?"
"And why?" Enjin added.
"For those answers, the best place to find them would be at Eisenwald's headquarters," Preston advised. "If I recall correctly, they're located in the eastern woods surrounding Oshibana."
"Alright, everyone. Grab your gear and get ready for takeoff," Sky instructed, getting up. We'll get there faster if we fly."
"Well, so much for Azolla Town," Josh said, disappointed to leave so soon.
"We'll keep this place in mind if we ever decide to put down roots."
"I'll pack a lunch for you all," Preston offered. "The road to Oshibana will be a long one."
"Thank you, Mr. Preston," Willow said.
"My pleasure. Now, magic speed, everyone."
(Later)
A few hours later, Dragon Heart departed from Azolla Town and located a clearing to land close to Oshibana. Upon arrival, the team climbed into Auriga and headed toward town. Sky drove again, with Josh in the passenger seat and the others seated in the back.
"How much further?" Josh asked the driver.
"We should be coming up on the city now."
As they crested the next hill, the skyline of Oshibana came into view. The dirt road transformed into cobblestones upon entering the city limits. After another turn, Dragon Heart drove east until they reached the town's outskirts, adjacent to a forest of lifeless trees. Sky hit the brakes, bringing Auriga to a stop as they arrived at their destination.
"I guess we know how Eisenwald got its name," Enjin remarked as they all piled out of the vehicle.
"We better go on foot," Josh suggested. "No offense to your spirit, Sky, but they'll see us coming down the road in red and orange." Auriga honked a couple of times to say 'none taken' before disappearing.
"Alright, Dragon Heart. Let's move out!" Sky led the team into the dark forest, knowing that time was of the essence.
As Dragon Heart continued on the path, they soon arrived at the Eisenwald Guild Hall. This moderately sized building, resembling an ancient church, stood amid a forest of lifeless trees.
"Anyone see anything?" Ash asked as they slowed down, moving cautiously toward the guild hall.
"No, but we don't know how many members Eisenwald has," Josh said.
"Or how many are here," Tiger added.
"Everybody, stay sharp," Sky instructed as they neared the entrance. He glanced at the flying cats. "Ash, Tiger, can you two peek in some windows and see who's here?"
"On it!" Ash nodded.
"Yes, sir!" Tiger replied before the two took different levels of the building. Tiger was at the top, and Ash was searching at the bottom.
Every window they inspected revealed dark, empty rooms. Only four minutes into his search, Ash finally noticed something that took his breath away.
"Ash, what is it?" Sky asked.
"Chief! I just saw five big somethings hanging from the ceiling!" the flying cat reported when they returned to them. "I think they might be people! They need help!"
Sky looked at the building and shut his eyes briefly before opening them again. "I don't sense anyone else in there. We can drop the stealth mode." Without another word, the Celestial Wizard kicked the door open and charged in, his teammates right behind him.
They hurried to the location where Ash had spotted the figures. Sure enough, he was right. Five individuals—three humans, a goblin, and a chicken man—were tied up and suspended from the ceiling, appearing weak and battered.
"Don't worry. We're here to help," Sky assured them. Using his magic, he created a series of translucent, starlight-silver platforms to climb up to the nearest hostage and untie him. Josh summoned some Wind Magic and flew to another hostage along with Ash and Tiger.
"Angeli Alae!"* Willow cast a spell, summoning a set of pure white angel wings that allowed her to help with the retrieval.
"Easy…" Sky eased as he brought one of the men down to the floor and removed his bindings. "You're safe now." Willow came down with an identical man, probably the other's twin. As soon as they were free, the brothers hugged each other in relief.
"Angelorum Psallam,"** Willow said, holding out her hands. Light passed over the twins, healing their injuries.
"Hey, Boss!" Josh got Sky's attention as he got the goblin down. "These guys have Eisenwald brands.
Willow looked at the goblin before turning to the twins sympathetically. "Did your guildmates do this to you?"
"They're not our guildmates…"
"Not anymore…" the twins replied, finishing each other's sentences. The chicken man squawked sadly as Josh got him down.
"What happened?" Enjin asked them.
"We tried to leave the guild," the third man said once he was free. "Erigor was taking things too far. I didn't need my crystal ball to see that."
"We were hiding out in the forests near Magnolia until a couple of days ago," the goblin continued for him. "You know the story from there."
"Where is Erigor now?" Josh questioned.
"Kageyama got back to him earlier about finally breaking Lullaby's seal," one of the twins replied.
"So, if he's not in Onibus, the next stop is Kunugi. You have to pass through there to get to Oshibana," the other twin added.
Sky got to his feet, thinking of a plan. "Okay, let's head to–"
"Chief!" Ash cut him off, pointing out the window. "Look! Toward the city!" Moving to look for himself, the Celestial Wizard saw a stream of black smoke rising just beyond the woods.
"Well, that's always a good sign," Josh quipped when he saw it.
"We need to get to town!" Sky said.
"First things first," Willow said before summoning her magic again. As she gestured with her fingers, a light surrounded them, forming a barrier that separated Dragon Heart from the Eisenwald Wizards. "You boys may have drawn a line with Erigor, but you still have to answer for defying the Council in the first place."
"Aw, man," the goblin groaned.
"Behave yourselves, and we'll pass along word that you left the guild willingly and cooperated with us to stop your former comrades."
"That should take some time off your sentences," Tiger added.
"We are thankful for this act of mercy!" the four who could talk said together as they bowed gratefully.
Willow chuckled a bit before turning to the others. "Come on, guys!"
"Let's move!" Ash cried as they ran outside.
Sky hung back for a minute, making the former Dark Wizards look at him confusedly. "You know, after you guys do your time, you should consider looking at legitimate guilds. I know the Council can be a pain, but you'll find people who actually care about you… certainly more than Erigor did." They stared at the young leader in awe of his kindness before he ran after his guildmates, leaving them with something to think about.
"Everyone! U and A!" Sky commanded as he ran out. He created more platforms for him to run on without breaking his stride.
"On it, Chief!" Ash said, grabbing Enjin's shirt to carry him while Zafira and Tiger flew alongside them. Willow summoned her wings once more while Josh used his Wind Magic. Together, the group headed for Oshibana, keeping their eyes on the black smoke in the distance.
(Back in the city)
Dragon Heart arrived in town to find smoke billowing from the train station. A crowd had gathered outside as the conductors worked to soothe the anxious onlookers.
"Think that's Eisenwald announcing they're back?" Josh asked.
"I don't know, but let's find out," Sky answered.
"Hey, Sky, does that shock of pink look familiar?" Enjin said, looking at what caught his eye below.
"What?" The older boy stopped and looked down from his platform. Near the front of the crowd, he recognized a familiar pink-haired boy and a blond girl. "Yeah, that's them."
"Them who?" Willow asked.
"Natsu and Lucy," Enjin explained. "We met them on a job recently. They're from Fairy Tail."
"And Natsu has a cat named Happy! He's like us, Tiger!" Ash added.
"You're kidding!" Tiger gasped.
"And it looks like they're here for the same reason we are," Sky noted when he saw them and two others enter the train station.
"Then we better get in there, too," Willow suggested.
"Couldn't have said it better myself, Willow," her leader agreed before giving orders. "Follow the fairies!" Quickly, the group descended and landed in front of the station, surprising the bystanders.
"Who are these guys?"
"I don't know."
"Do you think they're here to help us?
"Hey, they have wizard guild marks!"
"Everyone, please remain calm," Willow turned to the crowd, speaking calmly but urgently. "We heard there was trouble, and we've come to help. I must ask that everyone please leave the immediate area and evacuate for your safety."
Heading her words, the crowd began to disperse, heading home to grab supplies so they could leave town until the danger passed. "Hopefully, this will keep them out of the range of Lullaby's song," she said to the boys.
"We can only hope," Chase said.
"The Eisenwald Guild's inside!" Sky informed his team after speaking with the conductors. "Let's go!"
"Right!" the others responded.
(Meanwhile)
Inside the station, Erza, Gray, and Lucy, who was dragging a motion-sick Natsu, rushed through the halls searching for Erigor and his group. Erza had been at the same pub as Willow and had heard about Lullaby. She returned to Fairy Tail and enlisted Natsu and Gray to help her, while Lucy was dragged along to keep the boys from fighting.
"A small army unit stormed in earlier, but they have yet to return. I'm guessing they've been caught in battle with the Eisenwald forces." Erza filled the others in on the information she had received (read: beaten out of) from the conductors outside. Lucy whimpered slightly, nervous about the idea of a fight.
Further down the hall, the blond gasped when they found a group of unconscious soldiers on the ground. "They've been completely wiped out!" Happy said.
"They were up against an entire guild of wizards. A small contingent like this would never stand a chance against such a powerful group," Erza said as they slowed to a walk.
As the wizards entered the main terminal, they were greeted by a cold, sinister chuckle: "Welcome! Step into our parlor, Fairy Tail flies!" Inside, the gang found the entirety of the Eisenwald Guild waiting for them. They snickered scornfully, thinking this would be an easy win.
"Whoa, there's so many of them!" Lucy said fearfully.
Erza paid no mind to the grunts and glanced past them. "You fiend! I take it you're Erigor?" A man with a scythe chuckled again from his spot on top of the train as the groups braced for a face-off.
"Come on, Natsu, we need your help!" Lucy tried to shake Natsu awake after setting him on the floor.
"Good luck! Between the train, Magic Mobile, and your shaking, it's a motion sickness triple combo," Happy remarked.
"I'm not a vehicle!"
Kageyama glared at the Dragon Slayer. "Hey, you! It's your fault that I got in trouble with Erigor! Get up!"
Natsu blinked, starting to come around. "I know that voice…"
"We're not threatened by any of you! Tell me what you're planning to do with Lullaby!" Erza demanded.
"Oh, you haven't heard yet?" Erigor grinned mockingly. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew as Eisenwald's leader levitated above them. "What do all train stations have?"
"He flew!" Lucy gasped.
"It's Wind Magic!" Happy realized.
He landed on a loudspeaker post, allowing Erza to deduce their plan. "You plan to broadcast the Lullaby song?"
Erigor barked a madman's laugh. "Thousands of nosy onlookers have flocked to this station to get a glimpse of the action. Who knows? If I raise the volume enough, I may be able to extinguish the entire city with my melody of death!"
"What reason do you have to commit such a heinous crime against the innocent people of this town?!" Erza glared at him.
"This is a cleansing of all the fools out there who fail to appreciate the rights they hold so dear! Who remain willfully ignorant of the plight of those who have had their rights stripped away! They've committed the sin of turning a blind eye to the world's injustice. Therefore, the Reaper has come to punish them!" he declared.
"But killing them isn't going to help you get your rights back! It's only going to make it worse! That's the whole reason you were kicked out of the wizard league in the first place!" Lucy argued.
"At this point, we've given up trying to regain our rights. We want power. Then we will be able to wash away the sins of the past and take control of what happens in the future!"
"You guys are completely insane!"
"We're rolling in a new age of darkness!" Kageyama crouched down, placing his hand on the ground. "'Course, by the time it gets here, you flies will be long gone!" He summoned his magic and sent three shadow hands at the team, aiming for Lucy as she froze in fear.
"Clypeus Coeli!"*** A voice yelled before the shadows hit a translucent white shield and broke apart, making everyone's eyes widen.
"What the–?!"
Dragon Heart appeared before the Fairy Tail Wizards, ready for a fight.
"It's Sky and Enjin!" Lucy smiled brightly.
"Ash and Zafira are here too!" Happy cheered.
"And it looks like they brought some backup with them," Natsu added as he got to his feet.
"You know these guys?" Gray asked them.
"They helped us rescue Macao on Mt. Hakobe," Happy answered. "They call themselves Dragon Heart."
"Dragon Heart?"
"I've heard of that group," Erza said. "They're known for specializing in Dark Guild extermination. They've taken down whole guilds all over the kingdom."
"Wait, these four guys took out entire guilds like Eisenwald?!" Lucy yelped in shock.
"That's seven, blondie!" Tiger called down to her. "The three of us are wizards, too!"
Erigor glared at Dragon Heart. "I've heard of you pests. What are you doing here?"
"What do you think? We're here to break your flute before you can cause any damage with it," Chase replied.
"How do you know about Lullaby?!" Kageyama gasped.
"For a feared Dark Guild, you guys aren't very bright," Sky crossed his arms.
"Next time you want to keep a plan secret, don't discuss it in the middle of a pub," Willow added bluntly.
The group in question fell over comically as Erigor glared at them for being so careless. "It doesn't matter! Even with your so-called guild's interference, you won't be able to stop our plan."
"We'll see about that!" Enjin called out.
"I leave them to you! Show them the terror of the Dark Guild Eisenwald!" Erigor ordered his men before vanishing in a gust of wind.
"He disappeared!" Lucy and the cats gasped.
"Natsu and Gray, go! I need you to stop him!" Erza instructed, getting the boys' attention. "If the two of you work together, not even Erigor the Reaper can defeat you. I'm leaving him in your hands." However, neither liked the idea as they both glared at each other. "What did I say?!" Erza yelled at them.
"Aye!" Quickly, they slipped into their buddy act before running off.
"They ran off!"
"They're going after Erigor!"
"I got it!" One of the Dark Wizards called. Using black bands he had around his fingers, he tied flat, black cables around the balcony on the second floor and hoisted himself up to the second floor. "I, the great Rayule, will take them down!"
"I'm coming with you! That pink-haired dimwit's gonna pay!" Kageyama said before disappearing into his shadow.
"Enjin! Josh! Go with the boys! We need to stop Erigor before he uses Lullaby!" Sky instructed his teammates.
"On it!" Josh agreed.
"Let's go!" Enjin added as the boys ran after the Fairy Tail Wizards, Zafira flying behind them.
"We'll catch up with them once we've finished off the rest of the men here, okay?" Erza said to Lucy.
"Two girls against an entire magical guild?" the blond squeaked, becoming scared again.
"That's three girls, a boy, and two cats," Ash pointed out.
"I like those odds," Sky commented, ready for battle.
The Eisenwald Wizards started snickering. "Momma always told me not to hit girls, but I can make an exception."
"I'm sorry, ladies. You're not gonna be as cute when we're done with you!" A wizard with a square tuft of hair and whiskers like a mouse chuckled as he cracked his knuckles.
"But without my stunning beauty, I'll be totally helpless!" Lucy said dramatically, putting on a "pretty face."
"This is no time for daydreaming, Lucy!" Happy cried.
"Let's do this!" Erza declared as a red magic circle appeared in her outstretched hand. A bright light formed before it transformed into a weapon.
"It came out of thin air!" Lucy gasped. "A magic sword!"
Sword in hand, Erza faced the Dark Wizards. "If you insult the Fairy Tail Guild again in my presence, I swear none of you will live to see tomorrow!"
The men didn't care about her threat and charged at her anyway, most of them with their own swords. "We're not scared of you!"
"We've got tons of magic swordsmen in Eisenwald!"
Despite the numbers against her, Erza swung her sword swiftly, shattering the opponents' weapons. With a fierce battle cry, she leaped towards another group of wizards, sending them flying with a single, powerful strike.
"I'll show you!" another Eisenwald member called, firing a blast of Light Magic at her. Two others fired as well, but the swordswoman was faster. Erza leaped upward, avoiding the attacks. Instantly, her sword vanished, and she adjusted her grip as a different weapon appeared in her hands.
"Now it's a spear!" Lucy observed.
Erza wielded the spear with the same power she used for her sword, defeating the wizards who attacked her. She swiftly switched to twin swords, positioning them downward before executing several swings to knock back more foes.
"It turned into twin swords," a fat wizard with green hair observed the battle.
"I've never seen anybody able to requip as fast as this chick," Whiskers said.
"What's requip?" Lucy asked.
"Magic weaponry isn't all that different from your Celestial Magic, Lucy," Happy explained. "The user can summon different weapons they keep stored in another dimension. And when the wizard switches between weapons, it's called requipping."
"Wow! That's incredible!" Lucy was amazed.
"Yeah, Josh and Sky can do the same thing," Ash added.
"You ain't seen nothin' yet. Erza's just getting warmed up," Happy told them.
"Erza?" Green parroted, recognizing the name as he watched the redhead hold up a giant ax.
"Come on, guys, we can't let her have all the fun!" Willow smirked slightly.
"Right!" Sky requipped one of his keys.
"It's time for us to kick butt, too!" Lucy agreed, taking a key from her belt.
"Why do you have to go and try to steal the spotlight from her?" Happy asked.
Ignoring him, Lucy held up Cancer's key. "Open, Gate of the Giant Crab! Cancer!" In a flash, the scissor-wielding crab-man appeared.
"You need me to fight these dudes, baby?" he asked the blond girl.
"Yeah, take 'em out with style!" Lucy gave him a sly smile.
The man's sudden appearance didn't deter the Eisenwald members, who went on the attack. "I ain't never seen such a stupid haircut!"
"You look like an idiot!"
Cancer's eye twitched in annoyance at the criticism. He barreled through the Eisenwald members, snipping sounds echoing as he progressed. When he finished, their weapons clattered to the ground in pieces, and he had cut more than just that…
"My weapon!"
"What happened to my hair?!"
"We're all–!"
"Bald?" Lucy finished cheekily.
"So cruel!" they cried.
"Like your new style, baby?" Cancer asked.
Ash and Tiger laughed out loud while Willow tried to stifle her laughter with her hand. "I'm beginning to think that's his shtick," Sky commented with an amused grin.
"I must say, that was impressive," Erza complimented the display.
"Oh, thanks, but it was no big deal," Lucy said modestly before giving herself a thumbs-up. "Alright! I totally scored points with her!"
"That's what you were going for?!" Happy asked incredulously.
"However," Erza added as an afterthought, "this crab spirit of yours, the way he calls you 'baby,' I find it rather insulting."
"Points unscored," Lucy moaned.
"Whoa! B–bam!" Cancer added.
"Now, let's get back on track," Ash suggested.
"Ladies first," Willow smirked before her form started glowing as she activated her magic. "Angel Magic!" A brilliant light surrounded her, and as it dimmed, her appearance transformed. Willow now sported a more androgynous style, clad in a sleeveless, two-piece bodysuit in flame-red with orange accents, gold trim, a high collar, and knee-high white and gold boots. Their hair was pulled back into a ponytail, with the highlights absent. Like their wing spell, they boasted white, angelic wings. "Seraphim Soul!"
"Whoa, what was that?!" the Eisenwald wizards began questioning.
"I've never seen anything like that before!"
"An angel?"
"Why does she look like a dude?"
Ignoring their comments, Willow took flight as another magic circle appeared. "Holy Fire!" Brilliant flames shot from the circle, knocking back some of the Eisenwald wizards with enough force to clear the train. Willow landed among the fallen Dark Wizards, looking like an avenging angel.
Even Erza, Lucy, and Happy were impressed by her power. "Angel Magic?" Erza murmured as she recalled what Willow called it.
"I've never seen magic like this before," Lucy commented.
"As the name implies, its magic centers around angels," Tiger said.
"You're familiar with Take-Over Magic, right?" Ash asked Lucy.
"Yeah."
"Well, part of Willow's magic lets her transform into different angels, like Take-Over Magic. Each of her forms grants her different powers. This one is called the Seraphim Soul, which bestows her Fire Magic."
"Angels… The Archangel!" the fat wizard gasped, recognizing her.
"My turn," Sky said, holding up his summoned key. "Open, Gate of the Little Leo! Leo Minor!" With a swish of the key, Kion appeared as he had before.
"You called, Boss?" He smirked.
"We've got some idiots to clobber, Kion," Sky smirked back.
"Then let's get started." With that, spirit and wizard jumped into battle together, Sky drawing his sword as he did. Giving a mighty swing and a warrior's cry, Sky knocked down as many Dark Mages as Willow did.
"Praecipua Impact!" Kion fired his signature move at more of the Eisenwald Wizards, taking them out.
"Oh, wow," Lucy watched the other Celestial Wizard in awe. The way he and his spirit worked in sync made her hope she could do that someday…
"Incoming!" Happy cried as a few Eisenwald members slipped around the others and charged at the blond girl.
"I've got 'em!" Tiger declared, taking a light blue orb out of his backpack. "Potion Grenade: Ice!" Throwing the orb, it broke apart in front of the Eisenwald thugs, covering the floor beneath them in a layer of ice. The Dark Wizards slipped on the ice, spiraling into the wall with a loud crash. "Take that, Eisenwald!"
"What was that?" Lucy asked in amazement.
"One of my battle potions!" Tiger explained proudly. "I may not be as strong as my guildmates, but I have my own way of helping!"
"Make way for the fastest cat alive!" Ash transformed into his human form and initiated his assault on the Dark Guild. Wherever he moved, Dark Mages were sent sprawling or collided with one another. When Ash came to a halt, a few Eisewald Wizards attempted to strike him, just as they had with Erza. He unleashed his Wave Magic, causing their attacks to dissipate upon contact with his force field. Ash charged forward again, taking out those wizards with rapid punches and kicks.
"Wow, he's so cool!" Happy cheered, wondering if he could do that too.
"That should take care of them!" Ash said as he rejoined Tiger, Lucy, and Happy.
"You're a little too quick, Ash," Sky mentioned, pointing toward the Eisenwald Wizards still standing.
"Feels like they brought their whole guild with them," Willow commented, readying a ball of fire.
"Annoying," Erza commented before a magic circle appeared under her feet. "But I'll wipe them out." Calling on her magic, Erza's armor and clothes began to glow brightly before spreading to the rest of her. Another magic circle appeared before her just as the glow got even brighter.
"Wow! Her armor's disappearing!" one of the Eisenwald Wizards yelled as they stared at her with hearts in their eyes. Willow threw her fire at them, knocking them out.
"Boys," she muttered.
"Is she requipping her armor?" Ash wondered as he and Sky watched.
"Most Magic Swordsmen only have the ability to swap their weapons, but Erza's able to swap her armor for wizarding armor that enhances her abilities," Happy explained as Erza's requip formed, pride in his voice as Lucy stared in awe. "It's a talent that only she possesses. That's what makes her magic special. A technique called… The Knight."
When the light faded, Erza was wearing a new set of armor. It consisted of plated armor covering her chest, a large metal flower over it, and a large billowing skirt with metal plating in the upper area. Her stomach and neck were uncovered, and she had large metal wings that appeared to be made of individual blades and a wing-like headpiece.
"Oh, wow!" Lucy fangirled as the Dark Wizards stared at how pretty she looked.
"I thought only Josh could do that?" Tiger asked his leader.
"He's the only one we've seen who can do that," Sky corrected. "That doesn't mean he's the only one. Besides, her style is different from his."
"Still, it is rare for a Requip Wizard to swap armor as fluidly as she can," Kion pointed out. "Most need a minute to gather the magic necessary."
"Now, dance, my swords!" Erza commanded as a circle of swords appeared around her, glowing as they began to spin.
"I knew it!" Green-haired confirmed as the redhead's weapons spun faster. "It has to be her!"
"Circle Sword!" Swinging the swords in her hands, Erza sent the circle flying toward the remaining Dark Wizards. When the attack hit, all but Whiskers and Green were sent flying.
Sky whistled, impressed. "Oh, wow. She took most of them down with a single swipe!" Lucy gasped, seeing all the Dark Wizards on the floor.
"Aye!" Happy cheered.
"Alright, you're dealing with me now!" Whiskers shouted, charging at Erza with glowing hands.
"Don't do it, Byard!" Green called, trying to warn his guildmate. "Do you have any idea who that woman is?!"
Just before Byard could get to Erza, she effortlessly swung her sword. In one strike, the Dark Mage collapsed behind her, vanquished.
"She's the Queen of the Fairies! Titania Erza!" Standing inside a circle of fallen enemies, Erza requipped again and changed back into her usual armor.
"Oh man, I think I'm in love!" Lucy swooned over the powerful woman.
"Forget this! I'm outta here!" The green-haired person cried, running away.
"Ash and I will go after him," Sky turned to his teammates. "Willow, you and Tiger make sure these jerks don't go anywhere."
"On it!" Willow nodded before her guildmates, and Kion ran after the Dark Wizard.
Erza turned to her teammate. "You should go with him. I can tell Sky is a formidable wizard, but I don't want him to encounter Erigor alone."
"Who, me?!" Lucy asked.
"Just do it!" she commanded.
"Whatever you say!" the blond squeaked before running off. Happy flew behind her while Willow and Tiger watched them go with a sweatdrop. "I don't wanna make you angry!"
The Angel Mage was about to deal with the Dark Wizards when Erza groaned and dropped to one knee. "Erza!" she gasped, kneeling in front of her.
"Are you okay?" Tiger asked.
"I'm fine," Erza tried to reassure the Independent Mage, but her response sounded strained. "I just need a minute."
Willow stared at her for a moment before nodding. "Alright, let me bind the Eisenwald idiots, and then I'll see if I can restore your energy."
"'Bind?'" Erza questioned.
"You'll see," she winked before getting to work.
The fairy queen watched her leave, giving her a slight smile before turning in the direction the boys had gone earlier. "Please, boys… don't let me down."
(With the boys)
At the same time, the wizards from Dragon Heart and Fairy Tail hurried through the station in search of Erigor. While Josh and Enjin focused on the search, Natsu and Gray complained about having to work together.
"I can't believe she's making us work together! What was she thinking?" Gray complained.
"Obviously, she wasn't thinking! Everybody knows that fire and ice don't mix!" Natsu replied.
"Yeah, and why does she have to be so freaking bossy?!" Gray asked, glaring at the Fire Wizard.
"She should ask us to do stuff instead of ordering us around!" Natsu stated, glaring back at the Ice Wizard.
"I don't need your help! I can handle Erigor all by myself!" They stopped and yelled simultaneously before getting in each other's faces. "Are you copying me?!"
"Ahem," they turned to see that the Independent Mages had also stopped, Josh giving them an annoyed look. "If you guys are done, we have a madman with a death flute to find."
Turning back to the corridor in front of them, they saw two signs pointing in opposite directions. "Which way do we go?" Natsu asked.
"Hey, Natsu, you're a Dragon Slayer, right? Think you can pick up his scent?" Enjin asked the pink-haired wizard.
Natsu walked to the front of the group and started sniffing around, the others watching tensely until he stopped. "Sorry, guys, I got nothing."
"It's probably his Wind Magic," Josh theorized. "He could be anywhere by now and not leave so much as a trace."
"I guess we'll have to split up," Gray said.
"Okay, Gray and I will take the right tunnel," Josh instructed. "Yakeru, you and Natsu take the other tunnel."
"Wait a minute, why am I going with you?" The Ice Mage looked at him.
"Because if you and Natsu go off together, you'll just be arguing the whole time."
"He's got a point," Enjin agreed.
"Alright, fine."
They reached the end of the hall and turned away from each other, the teams facing their assigned directions. "Guys… We're up against an evil freak who's getting ready to unleash a deadly spell." Gray spoke up, causing the other mages to glance at him. The Ice Wizard turned to the other team with a grin. "If you two find him, give him a thrashing."
Natsu grinned back. "You don't have to worry about that. I've got a bone to pick with that jerk for messing with Fairy Tail. I'm gonna burn him to a crisp."
"Do what you want with the man, but make sure that flute is turned to ashes with him," Josh added.
"You got it!" Enjin agreed.
"Then, let's move!" With that, Josh took the lead as he ran down the hall.
"Later." The Ice Wizard followed him while the Fire Wizards went in their direction.
"Do you guys know what Erigor plans to do with Lullaby?" Josh asked the Fairy Tail Wizard as they raced down the hall.
"He said he was going to broadcast the song and kill everyone outside, maybe even the whole town."
"He'll need to access the station's PA system for that."
Knowing where to go, they ran until they found the broadcast studio. They kicked the door open, breaking it off its hinges, but found it surprisingly empty. "There's nobody here."
They walked inside, unaware of Rayule hanging from an opening in the ceiling. "Maybe we were wrong about him broadcasting it over the station's PA," Gray suggested.
The Dark Wizard chuckled sinisterly before launching an attack. Sensing the other wizard, Josh grabbed Gray and jumped out of the way of the black bands.
"Thanks."
"No problem," Josh said as they turned to face the Eisenwald Wizard.
"That was a pretty good guess, pal," Rayule said, lowering himself. "But our plan isn't as obvious as you might think."
"So tell us what the plan is, and you won't get hurt." Gray grinned as Josh glared at the Dark Wizard. The three wizards stared each other down, ready for a fight.
(With Erza, Willow, and Tiger)
Once they captured the Dark Wizards, Willow, Tiger, and Erza stepped outside to the station's entrance. The red-haired wizard wanted to evacuate the citizens, but Willow informed her that the evacuation had already been completed.
"Nice work, Willow," Erza thanked the Angel Wizard. On the roads, they saw people piling into wagons and magic vehicles to leave the area. "Soon, everyone will be out of range of Lullaby's song."
"No problem," Willow said before turning to the conductors still there. "Have the soldiers evacuated?"
"Yes, ma'am," one of them said. "They just left."
"Good," she nodded. "I suggest you men do the same. We wizards will handle the situation from here." Understanding, the men did as she asked and left.
The convoys of people were fading into the distance until they were out of sight. "Now that we've cleared everyone from the train station, I wonder what Erigor's next move will be," Erza wondered as the breeze picked up.
Suddenly, Willow's eyes flashed silver. It happened so fast that Erza missed it, but Tiger saw and turned to his friend. "What is it, Willow?"
The angel's eyes widened as she whirled, gasping and capturing the wizards' attention. They, too, gasped in surprise at the sight of the station engulfed by a massive vortex. "It's some kind of wind barrier!" Erza said.
While they watched in dread, they remained oblivious to Erigor's emergence behind them, chuckling wickedly.
(With Gray and Josh)
The guild wizards and Rayule were in battle when the Dark Wizard threw some black tape at them. The boys managed to dodge just in time.
"There's no escape…" Rayule gloated as he swung his bands again. "From my Urumi!"
Gray slammed his fist into the palm of his hand, making a stance as a blue magic circle appeared. His eyes closed in concentration; he opened them again to cast his spell. "Ice-Make: Shield!" He threw his arms to the sides and created a shield of ice that blocked the incoming attack.
"Rock Wall!" Josh held out a hand as a white magic circle with an image of the six elements appeared. Out of nowhere, a stone wall emerged, shielding him from Rayule's assault.
"These punks use Ice and Earth Magic?" Rayule asked in surprise.
As he leaped over the wall, a magic circle like Erza's emerged, and a bo staff formed in his hands. "Hyah!" Josh started employing different staff techniques to hit the Dark Mage. While Rayule dodged some, Josh's speed prevailed, ultimately sending the Dark Wizard crashing into the wall.
"Whoa." Gray exhaled while observing the assault. He thought Josh could match Erza's strength, perhaps even surpass it…
Rayule slid to the ground as the Dragon Heart Mage pointed his staff threateningly at him, the Ice-Make Mage coming up beside him. "This is your last chance to tell me what you're planning. If you're not going to broadcast the Lullaby song over the PA system, who's your real target?"
Rayule covered his face as he started laughing. "Erigor's magic-sealing barrier should be activated by now."
"Erigor's what?" Gray questioned.
"He's created a wind barrier that will keep you insects from escaping." As he explained, the barrier was fully formed around the train station.
Willow, Tiger, and Erza were outside, staring down Erigor as he hovered above them. "I always wanted the opportunity to fight the queen of the fairies and the archangel. But unfortunately," he mocked before raising a hand. "I don't have time to play with you right now." A bright light appeared from his palm, forcing the girls and cat to close their eyes. Suddenly, they were pushed back through a magic circle, emerging on the other side of the funnel.
"Erigor!" Erza yelled before running toward the wall of wind.
"Erza, wait!" Willow tried to warn her but to no avail. The Knight Mage attempted to push her way through but was thrown back, hitting the ground as the Angel Wizard ran to her side. "Erza!"
"Are you okay?" Tiger asked.
"It's useless!" Erigor called to them. "There's no way you'll ever be able to break through my magic-sealing barrier! You see, it's one way only! If you try to escape, the wind will tear you apart!"
"What is the meaning of this, you scoundrel?!" Erza demanded as she got to her feet, holding her arm.
"We've wasted enough of our time on you Fairy Tail and Dragon Heart flies! Now, if you'll excuse me…" The Wind Wizard flew off with those last words, leaving the group trapped in the terminal.
"Come back here!" Erza yelled after him. "Curse you, Erigor! I will find a way to stop you!"
Willow put a hand on her shoulder, making the other girl turn to her and see her determined expression. "We will stop him!"
The redhead stared at her before conceding. "Yes, we will. This is now a joint Fairy Tail and Dragon Heart mission."
The Angel Wizard nodded in agreement before glaring at the barrier, contemplating the man who put it up. "If Erigor wasn't targeting the station, then who is he really after?"
"A good question," Erza said. "And we need to find the answer quickly."
(Back with Gray and Josh)
Gray slammed Rayule against the wall while Josh kept his staff ready, both angry that they had been tricked. "Why don't I get straight to the point here, buddy?! Tell us what the plan is, or else!"
Despite the threats, Rayule was still smirking. "We knew you pests would cause problems, so we lured you here and trapped you. The only reason we took over this station is to block traffic to the final stop. We didn't want any trains getting into Clover Station."
"Yeah? Why?"
"'Cause that's where it's going down. Clover's just beyond the giant canyon, and this train line is the only way in and out of town. Unless you're able to fly like Erigor."
"So, the Lullaby target's in Clover?" Josh questioned.
"You know what else is there right now? Think hard, and you'll get it." Rayule said as his tape started moving.
"Look out!" The Dragon Mage backflipped out of the way, but Gray noticed a second too late and could only block with his arms as he was hit. The mages landed next to each other, Josh glancing at the other. "You okay?"
"Clover…" Gray murmured, more concerned about what the Eisenwald Wizard said. "That's where the conference is being held!"
"Conference?"
"They're targeting the guild masters!" The Ice Mage explained, causing Josh to gasp in horror before turning an angry look at the Eisenwald Mage.
Rayule laughed as they put two and two together. "Ya finally figured it out, huh? Well, it's too late to stop us now!" He launched another attack at them, but Josh was faster.
"Water Barrier!" A dome of water surrounded them, causing the Urumi to bounce off it.
"What the–?" Rayule gasped in confusion. "I thought you were an Earth Mage!"
"I'm an Elemental Mage, punk! The six main elements are mine to command!" Josh glared at him through the water.
"You Eisenwald thugs must be pretty brave, taking on such a powerful group of wizards," Gray remarked.
"Dumb is more like it."
"Those ignorant old fogies won't even know what hit 'em once Lullaby's song starts playing. There's no way Erigor's plan will fail!" Rayule said, trying to attack again, but the barrier held. "You and your little fairy and dragon friends are stuck in the station, so there's nothing you can do about it. Soon, we'll have our revenge on everyone who tried to keep us down. When we're done, they'll be completely wiped out!"
Suddenly, Gray released a burst of frigid air as the Water Barrier started boiling. It burst apart, taking Rayule by surprise. "That's not gonna happen!" they growled, giving the Dark Mage menacing glares.
The Dark Wizard's legs and arm slowly froze, encased in ice, as Gray approached him. Josh stood behind him as the wind seemed to respond to his rage. "Now, get this straight. When you mess with the Guild Masters, then you mess with all of us! They may be old fogies, but they're the closest thing we have to parents!" Rayule started sweating as Gray grabbed his face, ready to finish the fight.
"And the next time you gloat about a plan like that," Josh hissed. "Don't tell it to the guy who lost his guild master to bastards like you!"
"Just come out and fight already!" While this happened, Natsu ran through the station with Enjin and Zafira as they looked for Erigor. They didn't notice a shadow moving behind him as Kageyama poked his head up with an evil laugh.
"Looks like it's about time for me to strike."
Erza was staring at the wind barrier with Willow and Tiger beside her. "We will stop you."
"Now, where did that fat one run off to?!" Lucy demanded, running around with Sky for the Eisenwald member as the cats flew behind them.
"We'll find him!" Sky said determinedly.
"You better, or else Erza's gonna strangle you," Happy mentioned, getting a frightened yelp from the blond.
Back at the broadcast studio, Gray and Josh were walking out of the hole in the wall, the cold wind circling them in their anger. "When I get my hands on them, I'll show 'em Fairy Tail can be much more terrifying than any Dark Guild," Gray said as they left.
"Just be sure to leave some for Dragon Heart," Josh added.
They left to regroup with the others, leaving Rayule behind as a frozen human ice sculpture. Meanwhile, Natsu, Enjin, and Zafira were still on the move, unaware that Erigor was gone or that Kageyama was still following them.
(Epilogue)
Enjin: Wow! Erza's the first wizard I've seen besides Josh, who can requip her armor.
Preston: It's a rare talent among Requip Wizards. According to an interview in Wizard's Digest, Lady Erza has over a hundred different kinds of armor that she can swap and match with various weapons to suit her needs.
Enjin: I don't think I've ever seen Josh do that.
Preston: Yes, well, Master Josh's armors rely more on magic than weapons, but they are by no means less powerful.
Enjin: Oh, I know it!
Both: Next Time: Fighting the Wind
Enjin: Do you think we'll see any of Josh's armors soon?
Preston: I'm sure Master Josh will have a chance soon enough.
*Angeli Alae: Angel Wings or Winged Angels
**Angelorum Psallam: Psalm of the Angels
***Clypeus Coeli: The Shield of Heaven or Heaven's Sheild
****It's the symbol from Bakugan.
That ends the second chapter. I hope the battles were okay; I'm still working on them. I hope to be back with the next chapter soon, but I'm working on With You and Moonlight Phantom. I will be back soon with more.