A coach made its way through the streets of Era, headed towards the Magic Council's HQ. It stopped at the main entrance just as the guards there stood at attention. The vehicle's driver proceeded to open its door allowing its sole occupant, Councilwoman Belno, to disembark.
The green haired dark eyed woman glanced back at the coach just as Hope got off the driver's seat. He walked over to her just as the coach left ''Thank you for your hard work. As impressive as ever, White Paladin.''
The boy gave a small smile ''I'm glad I could help, Ma'am.''
He had been hired by the woman to be a bodyguard as she went to a trade conference in Bosco. While some of her colleagues had tried to contest the choice, most protests were ignored due to two facts. One, Hope had helped the Council well over the years. Two, his unassuming appearance would lead people to dismiss him being any possible threat, making the work that much easier.
That was precisely what happened. While there had been some trouble from those who didn't want the deal to go through, Hope had been able to deal with the worst of it effectively. Most of the fools behind the chaos never even saw it coming.
Belno raised an eye, noticing a certain figure's absence ''I take it your partner's opinion of us is still the same?''
''Ah, well...'' Hope trailed off. She was exactly right. Endymion had made his disdain of the Council perfectly clear over the years. If it wasn't for the fact that cooperating with them was beneficial, the phoenix wouldn't have had any of it.
To be fair, Hope couldn't blame him. His own opinion of the Council wasn't all that stellar either. He would freely admit that the ones they had encountered at first were less than pleasant. Some of the members had been good to him though and they got along fairly well. At this point, they were the only reason he tolerated this kind of work.
''Say no more. I understand.'' Belno assured. ''Wait here, I'll bring your reward.''
Hope's thoughts drifted as he watched her for a few seconds. He wasn't sure how much they knew about his and Endymion's situation but they tried to keep the information to a minimum. Someone high up in the government had discovered the results of the experiments in the past and they tried to replicate it. Hope and Endymion's timely intervenation had been what put an end to that insanity, thankfully with little harm to any innocent. Still, the incident had certainly left them wary. While some of the council was reasonable, he didn't think he could fully trust them.
The boy happened to catch a pair of familiar figures passing by. One had a young man with messy blue hair and brown eyes with an elaborate red mark over one of his eyes, the other was an older man perhaps closer to Makarov's age with grey hair and sharp eyes. They were Councilmen Siegrain and Org respectively.
The first noticed Hope as well, bringing him to the latter's attention as he gave a mysterious smile. Despite his seemingly pleasant demeanor, something about Siegrain had always rubbed Hope the wrong way. There was also the fact that he had yet met anyone who immediately raised Endymion's hackles in a long time. The last time someone got on the phoenix's bad side so much, it had been Hope's old guardians. And that was really saying something...
Org gave a slight nod of acknowledgement which the boy returned in kind. The stern man had always been gruff but fair to him. In fact, he had even spoken up for Hope more than once when some of the other council members derided the boy. Though he made his disdain of Hope's choice to join Fairy Tail clear, he mostly left it at that.
Hope was distracted by Belno's return, the woman proceeded to give him the promised amount of money before handing him a book. ''Belno-san...?''
''Consider this a little extra-I can imagine how difficult it was to put up with what some of those fools said at the conference.'' She cut in.
They had to deal with a particularly abrasive pair of business men who had been nothing short of condescending towards them. To say they had been insulting towards Fairy Tail would've been an understatement. ''They were certainly an infuriating pair of windbags with quite an ego to boot. It's a wonder they haven't been clobbered before.'' She spared the amused Hope a small smile. ''Let's just say I had far worse choice words for them in mind but you handled yourself excellently.''
''Thank you.''
Natsu was heading to the guild with Happy in tow when a familiar but delicious scent caught his attention.
Grinning, the teen headed up to the source, a smith's forge, swallowing up all the fire in an instant. Happy rolled his eyes at his partner's behavior, knowing what was about to happen next.
His suspicions were proven when the blacksmith grabbed Natsu by the scarf without missing a beat. ''Ahem, our deal?''
Natsu laughed sheepishly ''Right, right...'' He proceeded to re-light the fire in the forge and the man let him go.
The middle aged bald man with sharp brown eyes was a close friend to many in the guild. Marco was one of the best blacksmiths the pair had ever met. A user of Iron Make magic, the man put his skill to use in making numerous items. He was widely acknowledged as the best craftsman in the area.
''Now what's this I hear about you tricking that poor girl?'' Marco arched an eye.
''Hey, it wasn't like that!''
''Riiight.'' Marco drawled disbelivingly. ''So you didn't string her along on a job under pretense of getting a lot of money only to admit that you originally found her because the client wanted blonde maids?''
Natsu and Happy fidgeted under his scrutinizing gaze but he merely smirked ''That's what I thought.''
The two of them had gone with Lucy on a job to destroy a book called Daybreak the other day. It belonged to Duke Everlue, a corrupt noble who thought nothing of abusing his power. Daybreak had actually been intended to be a memento for the client made by his father and Lucy was the one who discovered the truth. As they hadn't fulfilled their objective, they had turned the money down. A fact that very much displeased Lucy, given that it was what they promised her in the first place.
''Well, we wanted to go with her, Hope and Endymion but they got hired by that councilwoman.'' Natsu stated. At Marco's raised eye, he added. ''We were going to ask the three of them together to be a team with us but then when that happened...''
''You went for whatever else you could think of.'' Marco guessed and he nodded. ''Honestly...did you at least apologize?'' He sighed as their expressions gave them away. ''I should've known...''
''Oh but we can give her something to help make up for it!'' Happy said brightly, taking out a bright golden key.
Marco blinked ''Wait, isn't that a...?''
''Aye! It's a Zodiac key-we ran into a spirit there and we promised to give the key to Lucy.''
''How about that...?'' Marco smiled. ''Oh and you should be able to get started on your original plan soon.''
Happy blinked ''You mean...?''
''Yeah, I ran into Makarov a while back. Hope and Endymion made it back late last night.''
Lisanna raised an eye as she finally found the source of the commotion that seemed to come out of nowhere ''I should have known...'' She smirked as Bickslow looked back at her, grinning. ''...only Bickslow would make this much chaos and hang back to enjoy it.''
''Heh, what can I say?'' He returned as his puppets continued playing around them.
''Sure, let's pretend that was a complement.'' She snarked back but he just chuckled.
''You should be used to all the noise and chaos by now.''
Lisanna gave him a dry look ''How do you think I kept my sanity so far?''
''Point taken.'' Bickslow laughed. ''So I hear Hope's still doing a damn good job dealing with the Council?''
''You can say that again.'' She returned, smiling as she saw the boy walk in. ''I'm still not sure how he does it...come to think of it, he and Levy are pretty much the only Fairy Tail mages the Council actually likes, huh?''
''Yup, they're the black sheep.'' Bickslow nodded sagely.
The girl raised an eye ''Shouldn't it be 'white sheep'?''
''I know what I said.'' His grin returned as Lisanna snickered.
''Ah, you're back.''
A curious Hope followed Endymion's line of sight, noticing a familiar figure not too far away ''Laxus-nii!''
The blond cracked a smirk as the boy smiled at him ''Hey, Chibi.''
They really had come a long way since their first meeting. Laxus got along excellently with Hope, who he had all but taken under his wing, treating him as if he would a sibling. This was the start of him and the Raijinshuu growing closer to others in the guild.
''You know, I remember going to one of those fancy guild meetings with Gramps before. It was over in Bosco too but man was it boring as hell.'' Laxus mused. ''A bunch of the people I saw were damn full of themselves. Oh and and the less you can say about some of Gramps' friends the better.''
''I heard that!'' Makarov barked.
The blond merely rolled his eyes ''Yeah, yeah, do I need to remind you of what happened when we ran into Blue Pegasus' boss?''
''...Now you're just setting the bar really low.'' The man said grudgingly while Hope hid a smile. After all anyone with eyes would say that Bob was...eccentric to put it lightly.
''Well, they were certainly quite the characters.'' Endymion remarked.
Makarov snorted ''I'll bet. Anyway, I got word from the Council-nice going, looks like you did a good job once again.''
The two thanked him in return and Laxus spoke up ''So I've been wondering about this new member...''
''Ah, Lucy!'' Mira smiled upon seeing the blonde nearby.
The girl returned her smile ''Hey, Mira-san...'' She paused, noticing Freed. ''...who...?''
''This is Freed, Freed Justine. He and his team just came back so we were catching up.'' Mira explained.
''Oh wait, I heard of you!'' Lucy realized, suddenly noticing Bickslow as he laughed with a few men nearby. ''You're with the Raijinshuu! Natsu was just telling me how you guys took some really intense jobs...''
Freed chuckled ''We did. We heard a few things about you as well, nice to finally meet you.''
Lucy smiled and shook his extended hand ''Likewise.''
Happy was listening to Evergreen tell him and a few others about their recent job with occasional input from Laxus and Bickslow ''Wait, so that guy thought he could tame the sea monster?''
''It was ridiculous.'' She snorted. ''The idiot just tried tormenting it over and over, thinking he'd get it under control but the whole thing was pathetic. I thought they'd be a threat for a minute but all he did was make a good distraction. Honestly, he and his group were a complete joke.''
''I'd be surprised if some criminals give you any trouble...'' Elfman remarked. Evergreen almost smiled at this but then he added. ''...you're all super Manly!''
Happy rolled his eyes as she smacked the spiky haired young man with her fan. ''What was that for?! I was complementing you!''
''Shut up!'' She barked.
''As usual, he has to dig his grave in deeper...'' Gray trailed off.
''Aye...'' Happy was distracted when he saw Lucy and Freed joining them. ''...oh hey Lucy, I forgot we were supposed to give you this!''
The girl's eyes widened at the sight of the golden key in his paw ''Happy, where'd you find a Zodiac Key?!''
''It's Virgo's!'' He returned brightly, explaining how the spirit sought him and Natsu out so they could pass her key to Lucy. ''I think you really impressed her the other day so she believes you'd be a good master.''
''Really?'' Lucy smiled as she gazed at the item. ''Thanks, Happy, this is great!''
''So those gold keys are special?'' Gray clarified as the cat beamed at her.
She nodded, pocketing it ''There's only twelve in existence and the Zodiacs are the strongest spirits. Just finding a few is incredibly lucky...'' The girl started as she noticed Bickslow's puppets flying around her. ''...ah, what...?''
''My babies are curious about ya, newbie.'' Bickslow informed, leaning back in his seat.
''Babies?'' She echoed and Freed introduced her to his closest friends.
Laxus arched an eye ''Huh, for someone with your kind of reputation you're pretty unassuming.''
Lucy blinked ''What reputation?''
Gray snickered while Hope looked at her ''Well, ah-stories of your adventures are already out and about.''
''That's an understatement.'' The ice mage added. ''They think you're a damn force of nature from the looks of it.''
''What?! How'd that happen?''
Happy gave her a dry look ''Aquarius.''
Lucy facepalmed ''...Of course.''
It was sad that this was all he needed to say...
...but it really was enough. She knew just what that meant. Lucy and Happy were the only ones who had seen the mermaid spirit summon that massive tidal wave in the port town. No wonder people assumed she did it.
''Oh and they think you defeated the vulcan alone and you destroyed that duke's house with a couple of attacks.'' Gray chipped in.
She made a face ''That's just...''
The sound of the doors flying open made the two start, leaving them to look over only to see Loke standing there ''Erza's coming back!''
Lucy had been around to see it but she could still hardly believe her eyes.
Fairy Tail had effectively transformed after Loke's declaration. It was so fast...almost everyone seemed to have flipped out, trying to get everything in order. Gray sought out his clothes, Natsu, Elfman and a few others tried to put the few chairs and others things they had tossed in their brawl back in place and so on.
Quiet was not a word one would usually associate with Fairy Tail but that was exactly what took place here. Everything just seemed to calm down...
''Okay, what...?'' Lucy managed, noticing how only a few like Hope, Endymion, the Strauss Sisters remained unfazed. ''...what just happened?''
''Erza inspires fear and order as easily as breathing.'' Hope stated.
''No kidding!'' She could definitely believe that if mere news of her arrival caused this. ''Erza...she's Titania, the Fairy Queen, right?'' He confirmed. ''Still, this is nuts...why's it only you guys who're so calm?''
''They're overreacting, don't let them get to you.'' Endymion offered.
''Like hell we are, you guys never react enough!'' Natsu exclaimed. ''Erza's a monster!''
''Yeah, she can break a mountain with one fist!'' Happy added.
''What?!'' Lucy cried.
''Stop it, you're scaring her.'' Freed chided the two, but they merely insisted that it was only true.
''The part about her being a monster's true though.'' Bickslow piped up.
Laxus rolled his eyes at the Seith mage's comment. ''This is ridiculous...''
''I'll say, as if she's that scary.'' Evergreen huffed.
''Wait, so what kind of person is she?'' Lucy demanded. This was really freaking her out! What kind of person could this be?
''Ignore the theatrics, Lucy.'' Endymion didn't get any further as the door opened once again...
Erza walked in, clad in the Heart Kreuz armor her friends knew she favored, her gaze stern. Oddly enough, she was towing a white item decorated with some jewels on a cart.
''Welcome back, Erza.'' Mira smiled, Hope and Lisanna also greeted her.
The redhead smiled back at the three ''I'm home...'' She trailed off, noticing the general atmosphere. ''...I've asked this before but do they really think they're fooling anyone?''
Lisanna grinned while her sister and Hope laughed. It never ceased to amuse them that their friends always tried to pretend they behaved despite it doing them no good. ''I know, right?''
Erza cleared her throat ''Now, listen up-I've heard quite the terrible talk on my way back. All about the trouble surrounding Fairy Tail-Master may stand for this but I most certainly won't. Natsu!'' Aforementioned teen stiffened. ''Quit picking a fight wherever you go. Gray, do something about that stripping!''
The ice mage blinked, realizing that his clothes were indeed gone ''Oi, when did this-?!''
Erza tuned him out ''Vijeeter, take the dancing outside. Nab, pick a job already. Loke and Elfman, it's about time you learn to restrain yourselves! Actually, that could be said for almost everyone here. You know better than to cause all this trouble and fighting!''
''Whoa...'' Lucy stared as she continued berating the others. ''...she's like a one woman disciplinary committee...''
''That's Erza for ya.'' Happy chirped.
''Macao...'' Erza sighed. ''...honestly, I don't even know where to begin with you...''
''Hey, you don't have to say it like that!'' He protested.
''By the way, Erza, what is that supposed to be?'' Freed nodded at the white item she had been dragging earlier.
''Hm? Ah yes, it's a fang from a monster I defeated. The townspeople were so grateful that they decorated it for me. I thought it'd look good in my room. Quite kind of them, wouldn't you say?''
''I suppose...'' He looked bewildered. ''...I can't imagine why you'd want to use it though.''
''Oh, that's easy. She has no taste.'' Evergreen said flatly.
''What was that?'' Erza demanded darkly.
If the brunette was at all affected, she didn't show it ''I think it's a terrible idea. Honestly, who in their right mind would want that?''
''That doesn't mean...''
Hope cleared his throat pointedly, having a bad feeling about this ''Erza? What was that about causing trouble and picking fights?''
Erza had the grace to look embarrassed at that ''Ah, of course. Apologies, I forget myself again.''
''...She's just as bad as the rest of them, isn't she?'' Lucy guessed. Laxus nodded, his expression similarly deadpan.
The new arrival gave her a curious look, noticing her guild mark ''Oh, you're a new member?''
''Y-yeah, my name's Lucy, Ma'am!''
Erza seemed amused ''No need to be so stiff. I'm told I come off too strong so I'm sorry if I scared you. Welcome to Fairy Tail.''
The girl smiled, glad to know she could be this nice too ''Thanks!''
''Mira, is Master here? There was something I wanted to address with him.'' Erza admitted.
The girl shook her head ''He left for the guild master's meeting a couple of hours ago. You just came back. Why don't you take it easy now?''
Erza sat with Hope, Mira, Loke, Cana, Endymion and Laxus and they soon began exchanging a few stories...
''...And then that businessman starts going on about how Fairy Tail's full of nothing but a bunch of drunken brutes who know nothing except chaos and destruction.'' Hope explained, telling them a bit about the conference. ''There was also something about how they wondered why the guild wasn't shut down yet and how he was glad he didn't have guilds where he came from and it was just another example of the Council's incompetence.''
''It was rather irritating.'' Endymion chipped. ''I don't even know how the man avoided making any incidents, he was very unpleasant in general.''
''So how'd you deal with it?'' Mira wanted to know.
''Oh, I didn't-Hope handled that one very well...'' The amused phoenix thought back.
The cocky businessman merely sneered, knowing fully well that he could get away with his words as few would dare stand up to him. Not only was he related to someone high up in his homeland's government, he had also amassed quite the wealth to help him come this far. Many looked on with distaste but the man raised an eye when he noted how Hope appeared unfazed.
''If I may, Sir...'' The boy started. ''...you're someone the higher ups in your home count on, right?''
''Yeah, that's why I'm here now. I'll be taking care of things for them, what about it?''
''Well, from my understanding many people here try to learn what they could to make the most of this time for their respective home.'' Hope stated. ''Surely someone of your status would know better than to make such unnecessary remarks. You wouldn't want to insult someone who could help you or your people down the line, right? I mean that's just going to come back and reflect badly on you later on and you definitely wouldn't want that, right? There's plenty of stories about how little incidents in places like this cause plenty of trouble. You're definitely more responsible than to act so ignorant, no?''
The man stiffened a little, not missing how a few of the other big shots were smirking, clearly enjoying this. Even his own guards didn't bother hiding their amusement. There was no way he could respond without it backfiring on him.
''I would think you'd know better than to assume about things you don't understand, like Fairy Tail. It's one of the best guilds after all.'' Hope went on. ''If you don't mind, I'd suggest making the most of this opportunity-it's not often you meet people from so many places at once. Isn't it best to make a good impression? Not that I have to tell you, surely?''
''Y-yeah...'' He managed, knowing he was granted a chance to save face. ''...very well then!''
''You go, kiddo!'' Cana grinned.
''Very well done.'' Erza agreed.
Laxus looked amused ''Nice work.''
Loke chuckled ''Yeah, now that's what I call handling it with style.''
Hope just laughed ''Thanks. It was about the best I could think of.''
Erza was just going to the second floor when she noticed Natsu and Gray fighting once more. ''...I see you're still the same as ever. Do we need another lesson on how to treat your friends?''
The two looked unnerved, knowing fully well that said lessons involved a lot of pain for them. As such, there was only one way they could get of this.
''N-no, Ma'am!'' They cried.
''Don't worry about that stuff, we're best friends!'' Natsu exclaimed in an unusually bright tone.
''Yeah, we're just foolin' around, you know how it is! I'd take a bullet for this guy!'' Gray chimed in, giving a forced laugh.
''...That's so fake it's painful to watch.'' Lucy remarked.
''We tried telling them before...'' Endymion trailed off as Erza smacked the duo for their attempted lie. ''...as you can see, it has yet to do them any good.''
Moments later, the phoenix idly noted how the knight mage was checking their records. She seemed to be looking up information about other guilds. But why?
''So wait, Aquarius is a mermaid but Virgo's basically a gorilla?''
Lucy almost choked on her drink at Cana's query ''Where'd you hear that?!'' She noticed how Natsu was nodding then. ''Hey!''
''What? You saw what Birdo was like-what else can you call that look? It was freaky as hell.''
''I...guess you've got a point.'' She conceded. ''Actually, now that you mention it-that was weird...I always pictured Virgo to be different...she's known as the Maiden, after all.''
''...There's no way in hell you can call that a maiden.'' He pointed out bluntly.
She nodded. ''Guess I'll ask her about it later. But hey, speaking of weird things, why does Loke keep running the second he sees me?''
''Beats me.'' Cana shrugged. The ginger haired playboy admitted that he found Lucy beautiful but he quickly recoiled seconds later. ''He tried to avoid the subject when we asked.''
As Cana went to get a drink, Erza arrived with Gray, Hope, Endymion and Happy in tow. ''There you are. Oi, Ash brain, Erza wants to talk.''
Natsu blinked ''About what?''
''A favor, if you will.'' She returned. ''I wasn't certain earlier but...I overheard a conversation between a few mages on my way back. One of them seemed familiar but I couldn't be sure as to why.''
''So you figured it out?'' Happy inquired.
Erza nodded ''They were members of the dark guild Eisenwald. I saw some posters warning about their members when they started committing crimes recently. I didn't catch the whole conversation but they mentioned something about a big plan that's apparently starting soon. They also mentioned the word Lullaby but I have no idea what that's about. It seems they were all headed to Clover Town. I may not know what's going on but it can't be good so I want your help to stop them.''
''You got it!'' Natsu returned readily.
''Yeah, we're all over this.'' Gray added. Hope, Endymion and Happy nodded and she smiled gratefully.
''H-hold on, are you guys just going to jump right into this? It looks like this is an entire guild we're talking about here.'' Lucy pointed out.
''Ah, we can take 'em.'' The dragon slayer returned.
''You don't have to come if you're that worried.'' Gray stated.
''Well, you're my friends, even if I'm scared I don't want to let you guys go into this alone. There has to be something I can do to help!''
Erza was impressed, she didn't see anything wrong in being afraid. So long as one didn't let the fear get in their way and she was clearly doing it for the right reasons. Likewise, the others smiled at their newest comrades. ''The sentiment is appreciated, Lucy and you're right, everyone of us can help.''
''Aye, we can do this!'' Happy chirped.
''But we shouldn't go charging into this recklessly. Lucy has the right idea, there's no telling what we'll be dealing with. Let's do our best to prepare.'' Endymion advised and they nodded.
A thought occurred to him ''...Hope, that guild master's meeting takes place in that old hall we saw before, right?''
The boy looked confused at the odd query but he nodded ''Master said they've been using that place for...'' His eyes widened as he realized what his partner was getting at. ''...wait, but then...''
''Yes, the timing's too suspicious-it's hard to believe that this wouldn't related.''
Gray raised an eye ''Back up a few, guys. What're you thinking?''
''That hall's near Clover Town. I think you actually have to pass it to get there.'' Hope informed, he could see the realization sinking for the others too.
''They're going after the masters...'' Lucy trailed off, eyes wide. ''...it'd be just like a dark guild to target an event like that. Erza only saw a few members, right? Clover Town might be a rendevous point.''
''That would make sense.'' Erza agreed.
''Then what're we waiting for? We can't let them get Gramps and the others!'' Natsu called.
''We won't, but wait...'' Hope stopped to think, speaking after a short while. ''...how about we go in two groups? The four of us...'' He gestured at himself, Endymion, Natsu and Happy first. ''...can see if we head any of them off first. We might even learn something about their plans. I'll see if we have any more information about Eisenwald before we leave. Me and Endymion should be able to spot suspicious activity and Natsu can help. With any luck, we could use the opportunity to find some information too. Marco-san did give us that lacrima that lets people travel at really high speed for a short while, I think it should work.''
''Yeah, Ash brain here does fall apart on trains.'' Gray added, ignoring the glare Natsu threw his way. ''What about us though?''
''I think there were two main routes to Clover Town.'' Hope looked at Endymion for clarification and the latter nodded back. ''...But we don't know which they'll use, there's always the chance that they'll take the train. My guess is they would try to be discreet but they would avoid large groups in the same route.''
''How come?'' Natsu blinked.
''It would only make sense to avoid bringing any attention their way at this point but what do you think would happen if people see a whole bunch of them heading off together?'' Hope returned and he nodded in understanding. ''Now that's only a shot in the dark but whittling down their numbers would definitely help. Well, most of what happens from that point would depend on what we come to find but...Erza, do you still have those communication lacrima?'' She nodded. ''What about those paired teleport lacrima?''
''Yes, I have those too.'' She had found them very useful. Especially the teleport lacrima, which let the user travel with the first lacrima to where the second lacrima was. ''But why?''
''I was thinking maybe we could give at least one to our friends...'' He started.
''Hold on, you saying we need help?'' Gray demanded.
''Yeah, come on, Hope-I was down with all you said before but no way, man!'' Natsu exclaimed.
Lucy frowned ''Are you guys serious? This isn't about your stupid pride!''
''I'll say. Do you even understand the situation?'' Endymion demanded but the two rivals were already starting to argue.
''If you'd let me finish...'' Hope said, giving them a hard look that made them falter. ''...I meant we could leave the lacrima at the guild for an emergency measure The main problem here is that we're basically going in blind. I'm not denying our strength but you guys shouldn't underestimate the enemies either. That's just too dangerous.''
That took care of any complaints they might have had, understanding that the boy was simply being logical. No one would be angry at him for thinking of the team's safety after all.
''Well said.'' Erza returned. She had faith in her abilities but there were limits to what she could do and she knew it. There was a reason she had asked them for help after all.
She placed a hand under her chin ''Although, I suppose it's best if we do go with small numbers. At least at first-they might simply retreat if they notice many of us together.''
''Right...'' Hope agreed. ''...we'll be much worse off if that happens. Taking action right away is the best we can do...''
Lucy had a question that couldn't wait anymore ''So wait-Hope, you came up with all that stuff on the fly?''
''Ah, more or less?'' He offered sheepishly. ''It was just an idea...''
''Well, I'm impressed. You already figured out how to go about this and interfere with Eisenwald's ranks, plus you even thought of a possible back up or even an escape route if we need it. This sounds great!''
''Agreed. Well done.'' Endymion added. ''I don't see any problem with using this plan, do you?''
''Not at all.'' Erza replied, glancing at the rest, who agreed. ''There's no need to worry, your ideas certainly have done us well in the past. I dare say the same will happen today.''
''Aye, it'll be just fine!'' Happy smiled.
''Yup, no problem!'' Natsu added.
Hope began to smile ''Thanks...''
Erza stood ''I'll explain the situation to Mira and prepare the lacrima. You all prepare what you need-let's set out soon.''
''Right!''
A while later...
''Whooooa!'' Natsu cried as the high speed lacrima brought them miles and miles ahead in a flash of bright light. He looked around the clearing, seeing Clover Town not too far away. ''This is awesome, so much better than the stupid trains! Why don't we travel like this all the time?''
He suddenly cringed, feeling pain surge through him. Hope and Happy seemed just as uncomfortable. ''What the-?''
''And there's your answer.'' Endymion flew up. ''It's far from comfortable, besides traveling at such speed puts quite a strain on your body. It has a few limitations but most importantly, this could be rather dangerous if not used with care. We're lucky it works in this situation.''
''Gotcha...so that's the town-you see anything?''
''...Not yet.'' Endymion replied after a moment. ''Although, it's a bit early to be sure...''
One of Eisenwald's members headed down a street, making sure to keep his guild mark covered. The man had been meeting up with some of his comrades as planned but a few of them seemed to have disappeared, had they gone on ahead?
As he entered an alleyway, he was surprised to find a couple of the missing members out cold on the ground. ''W-what...?''
He recoiled, hurrying to find a different path. Had he not been in such a rush, he would've realized that he was heading right into a trap.
The man came to a secluded area where the rest of his comrades where, all trapped within golden barriers. The sound of footsteps made him start and turn around in time to see Natsu rushing up to strike with a Fire Dragon's Iron Fist, sending him flying.
The dragon slayer smirked as Endymion landed on his shoulder, the latter having been keeping lookout ''Worked like a charm!''
''As if, you little brat!'' One of the captive enemies cried. ''You can't keep us in here forever.''
''Yeah, we'll be out soon!'' Another added.
''Plus, if we can't get out than you can't do anything to hurt us either!'' A third one called.
''You wanna bet?'' Natsu gave a knowing grin, glancing at their friends on the top of a nearby building.
Happy was seated next to Hope, both close enough to hear everything. ''Ready?'' The latter asked.
''Aye!'' The first snapped a salute before he proceeded to fly.
Hope waved a hand, the top parts of most of the barriers seemed to disappear. Happy leveled his wings, which shone as he concentrated a certain amount of magic in them ''Bombs away!''
A few feathers flew into each barrier, to their enemies' confusion. The next thing they knew the feathers exploded, catching them off guard. All the intended targets collapsed one by one, knocked unconscious.
This left one enemy remaining, still trapped. He looked unnerved as the four turned to him ''W-what do you want? You couldn't have left me out for nothing.''
''Well, you'd be right to believe that...'' Hope started as they walked closer. ''...we need some information so this works perfectly.''
''No way! I'm not telling you lot a thing!''
''I wouldn't be too sure if I were you.'' Endymion returned calmly.
''Yeah...'' Natsu smirked, clenching a fist. ''...you and your buddies are all goin' down. You guys are just going to be the first in line!''
Well, let's stop here.
What do you think? I wanted to try taking things at a different angle once again. I realized that even if Hope dealt with the Council plenty, I never did get around to showing what it was like. To clarify, he doesn't like the lot of them. He originally started this out when he was still a free lance mage. Oh and as for the lacrimas I mentioned, the high speed one works in short bursts but it's hard to tell where one is going and it can also wear you out. The teleport lacrima attract each other sort of like a magnet. They have a sort of a limited range but the more you keep around, the better they work. They work pairs, so one takes the user to where the other would be.
Quite a few council members a tend to give Hope a hard time because they don't like Fairy Tail. A couple of council members were pretty interested in trying to replicate the experiment. But the others stopped them, knowing it would not end well. Cooperating with them does help the guild, which is the only reason Hope keeps it up. Org, Belno and Yajima are the ones he's the most friendly with. Hope and Endymion are wary of Siegrain and rightfully so but they keep things civil as long as he does.
Here, Erza overheard far less about the plans so there's a lot she's not sure of. Team Natsu does more or less go charging into danger but they're up against an entire guild. I know quality Vs quantity usually works out in the favor of quality but it felt like it would be better for them to have some sort of plan. Now I just wanted to set up for it all but the real action starts from the next chapter.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it, till next time!
