Sandi Hernanda: Thanks a lot!
Makarov frowned as the team finished briefing him in, closing his eyes for a moment before looking back at the lacrima which displayed their images. What he said next threw the team for a loop.
"Phantom, huh? Of all the timing...''
Happy blinked ''What do you mean?''
Erza frowned ''Did something happen?''
"They attacked us a few hours ago.''
"What?!'' Natsu and Lucy cried while the rest looked on in alarm.
Hope frowned in concern ''Is everyone all right?''
"Yeah, just a few injuries but we're already patching up.'' The man assured. ''Remember when Freed and Levy agreed to work on some wards to defend the guild? We knew something was up when those bastards set them off so we were able to react in time. One of the bastards used some sort of weather magic to make a storm and they tried picking us off in the chaos. Half of us went to make sure none of the townspeople would get hurt and the other fought them off.''
He went on to explain how a trio almost caught Levy off guard before Mira intervened to save her. Similarly, Lisanna was able to block one of the initial attacks with her Meliae form and the Raijinshuu encountered Phantom Lord's dragon slayer, Gajeel Redfox and fought him to a standstill. Just as Levy and Alzack managed to capture a couple of enemies, they were all petrified. This also let them learn that Sol, a member of Phantom Lord's strongest-the Element 4-had been present. The man had used his magic to allow Gajeel the chance to escape the battle so they could continue the battle but that was when Makarov found them, soundly defeating the pair. The enemies had retreated after that.
In turn, the team told him about the Phantom members terrorizing the town to steal the staff-leading them to this point...
"We were deciding what to do and it looks like our best choice is nipping this problem in the bud.'' Lucy explained. ''I wanted to find a way to warn the Council but Erza doesn't think it'd help.''
"That's right.'' Makarov admitted, to her surprise. ''Phantom's master, Jose, is another Wizard Saint. He's about as sneaky as they come and I know he had to deal with some members causing trouble. But he sorted it out just like that with hardly any trouble to Phantom Lord, he's powerful with a silver tongue that makes him all the more dangerous.''
"Oh...''
"Those guys escaped before we could the knights here so we thought we could capture them again and explain everything. Our client and the people back in the town said they'd help clear things up too.'' Gray stated. ''We don't even know what they're going to do, Gramps. That staff looks like way too much of a tempting target for them to just quit after one setback. They obviously don't care who they're going to hurt for their goals.''
"I'm not about to argue there. Normally, I'd say fighting other guilds is the last thing we should do now but I also think that the people in that town have been through enough. Something has to be done. That being said-to the present reckless hotheads...'' Makarov directed a pointed glance to the fire and ice mages in the group. ''...we're treading into dangerous territory, don't overdo it.''
"Why're you looking at me like that?!'' Natsu demanded.
Gray rolled his eyes ''It's obvious, Ash Brain. You're totally going to mess up if no one reigns you in.''
Lucy cut in before he could retort ''He was looking at the both of you. And for the record, you're totally proving his point-so cool it!'' The two harrumphed and turned away from each other.
Erza and Happy sighed, they really weren't helping their case here...
"I see we're going to have reign them in.'' The first stated, with the cat nodding. She was angry at Phantom too but they had to handle this with care or it could hurt the guild.
Hope glanced back at the lacrima. ''...We'll be careful, Grandpa. This isn't about fighting Phantom, we just want to make sure the town stays safe.''
"We'll keep that in mind.'' Endymion added.
The man smiled and nodded ''I'll leave it to you. Good luck.''
Having scoped the area out earlier, Endymion was able to lead the team towards the Phantom members' base in the forest. It was hidden so well that one would likely miss it if they didn't know what they were looking for.
The area seemed quiet but Hope and Endymion knew not to take appearances as they are so they scanned it thoroughly. Their caution proved to be warranted as they quickly discovered a number of traps hidden around the base.
Erza yanked Natsu back before requipping a sword to cut down a few oncoming projectiles. ''This is why we have to be careful.''
"Gray, fire an ice arrow that way.'' Endymion instructed, indicating said direction with his wing.
Nodding, the creation wizard aimed the projectile, freezing a part of the earth nearby. He heard an odd sound afterwards which made him go closer to examine it, discovering a trap that would've landed them in a hole filled with lacrima. Gray had no desire to find out what would've happened then. ''Damn, those guys were thorough.''
"Yeah, didn't anybody find this place before? All those traps would've been suspicious...'' Happy trailed off.
"I'd say they probably did but the traps could have scared them off for all we know.'' Lucy reasoned. ''You saw some of the things we avoided thanks to Hope and Endymion, I think people would normally avoid dangerous places like this.''
They were able to reach the base before long, finding a couple of the Phantom mages from earlier at the entrance along with others. Natsu squinted ''Hey, I remember this scent. I found it after they told us the creeps escaped.''
Erza hummed in thought ''As we thought, their comrades helped them...'' Her eyes narrowed. ''...what're they doing?''
One of the men had a lacrima in hand, it shone before displaying a man's face. They were too far to hear all the conversation but Natsu (as his senses enhanced due to being a dragon slayer) had been able to fill them in. He relayed how they were telling the man about what happened lately. The man believed that the staff may actually be useful but he warns them not to mess up again or they would pay dearly. They nervously promised not to.
"Hey, they're calling him Boss. He has them scared stiff...'' Natsu noted.
Erza's brow furrowed ''Did anyone get a good look at the person they were talking to?''
Natsu and Endymion nodded before they proceeded to describe what they saw. She frowned ''I thought so-that was Jose.''
"So he knew what they were up to all along-he probably wants the staff for himself.'' Gray scowled.
Lucy huffed ''And he doesn't seem to care what would happen in the process-they're acting just like a dark guild!''
"You said it.'' He agreed. ''We were right to keep following this too. The staff's apparently way too much of a tempting target for them to leave things be.''
"Yeah, is it really that strong?'' Natsu wondered. ''I know it protects the town and all but still...''
"The client said something about it unlocking potential too.'' Happy recalled.
"I think it's true.'' They looked at Hope curiously.
The cat blinked ''Wait, back when you fixed it...''
Lucy seemed concerned, thinking along similar lines ''I thought you were pretty quiet before-did it affect you?''
The boy nodded and Endymion landed on his shoulder ''We're not sure just what it means but the staff seems to have influenced Hope's magical core.''
"Hey, wait! You never said-so you're okay?'' Natsu demanded.
Erza looked just as worried ''You were sick for days after the bind on your core was broken. Are you sure you're all right, Hope?''
The boy seemed a bit taken aback but he smiled and nodded ''It's just a bit strange but I don't think it's bad...''
Lucy was bewildered at this new bit of information. 'Bind?' She mouthed to Gray, who shook his head and mouthed 'Later.' The blonde frowned but decided to leave the subject be for now.
It was certainly alarming, Lucy had come across the subject of binding magic once in a book. It was an old idea that fell out of practice many years. People would use some old methods to restrict the target's magic core to varying degrees depending on the circumstance. It was horrible-people would know the magic was there but they couldn't reach it and they'd suffer consequences. At worst, it could cause death. It was a practice started on the worst of criminals-which left her to wonder-why would anyone do such a thing to Hope?
She didn't get to think on it for long as the boy brought their attention to the matter at hand. ''What should we do next? The base is even bigger up close and I know there's traps inside.''
"Let's just stick to the plan, we already know those assholes won't quit. We've gotta stop them.'' Gray stated, the others nodding back.
The Phantom members were about to retreat to their base when a myriad of swords fell around some of them while others ran, leaving them trapped.
"The hell-?!'' The speaker was suddenly nailed to the wall with an ice arrow. He tried firing a spell in the arrow's direction but nothing happened. The next thing he knew, one of his nearby comrades who was still scampering to get away jumped back as a wall of fire suddenly flickered into life. A fast moving figure zipped past them, knocking the Phantom mage down.
"Hehe, now that's what I'm talking about!''
Happy flew up while holding Natsu, who reared up a fist as his partner charged once again. He punched another enemy, boosted thanks to Happy's momentum as Erza flew past them in her Heaven's Wheel armor, unleashing Blumenblatt.
"What the-?! Fairy Tail?''
"They're here?!''
"But how?!''
The enemies seemed to be panicking, the ones who had been in the base had apparently no idea who the team impeding their scheme was. A few were particularly scared when they saw Erza, who quickly struck them down.
Before they quite knew it, something shifted in the walls. Three holes were opened before cannons appeared, shooting a number of beams at the three Fairy Tail mages. A smokescreen rose, obscuring them from view.
One of the conscious enemies grinned ''That's more like...huh?''
His eyes widened as he spotted something flash amidst the smoke. A golden shield of light protecting them with ease. The next thing he knew, a hail of ice blasts fell on the area, knocking his trapped comrades out. When the smoke cleared, the three conscious enemies could see the rest of the team present.
"Why you-!'' One of the enemies charged, his body growing in size to the point that his muscles doubled. He leaped in the air with a fist at the ready but found himself face to face with a newly summoned Taurus. The spirit avoided his strike and gave a sharp kick that left him cringing. Growling, the man attacked again and they continued to clash.
The other two tried to cast spells, sending blasts of elemental magic at a wide range. Hope created a sword of light which sliced through the attacks in their path before Gray and Erza retaliated. With a few swift attacks, they were done.
The knight mage stared at the building before their eyes ''The others ran inside-come on!''
Gray yelped as Hope pulled him away in time to avoid another trap ''I've heard of being armed to the teeth but this is ridiculous!''
Happy thought he summed it up perfectly. The base wasn't too big per se, seeing as it was clearly meant to be hidden here. There were just so many traps and set ups that it was enough to make your head spin. The cat didn't know how they would've gotten around this place without Hope and Endymion and he was sure the others would agree.
"You know, the way some of those things activated...the timing's a bit too convenient.'' Lucy remarked.
"It's safe to say they're likely watching us from a different location.'' Endymion nodded. ''There's so much magic here that it's hard to track them down-we've made some good progress though.''
"Good! Then...'' Natsu was about to head over to the nearest door but an odd sound caught his attention. It took him a few moments to realize it was coming from the walls. The next thing he knew, a slab of rock shifted, revealing four large armored golems that stepped out to face them. ''-what?!''
One of the golems raised a fist to strike, Erza quickly ran in front of him and requipped her Adamantine armor to block the attack. Natsu slammed the golem on the head with Fire Dragon's Burst Impact but despite its head being destroyed, the golem continued to attack. Dodging the oncoming fist thanks to his enhanced reflexes, the teen went on the offensive once again.
Happy unleashed a round of explosive feathers that stopped the second golem's attack and Gray froze the third one. Endymion waved a wing, four beams struck the golems a second later before Gray cast Ice Make: Lance. Hope leveled his pistols, firing two shining bullets which suddenly broke apart, creating a hail of blasts. One of the pistols glowed moments later as Hope concentrated on it, changing into a blade. The boy struck hard and true, slicing one of the golems' arms clear off. Natsu and Erza finished things with a Fire Dragon's and Photon Slicer.
The knight mage lead the group forward as she pushed the next door open. Endymion flew next to her, reporting that there were no traps up ahead. Natsu began to rush forward, missed a switch that suddenly activated moments later.
The next thing anyone knew, an array of electric waves almost struck the dragon slayer. However, the attack was halted thanks to Hope using Stop Flow, allowing him to get away safely.
Erza wasted no time in smacking the teen on the back of the head ''What were you thinking?!''
"Gah! Endymion said it was safe-how was I supposed to know that was there?!''
"When did I say that? I swear, it's in one ear and out the other with you...'' The phoenix groused. ''... We've already established that this place is littered with traps, simply rushing ahead was always going to turn out badly. One would think you'd learn by now.''
"That's entirely too optimistic.'' Gray deadpanned.
"Aye, Sir.'' Happy agreed at once, ignoring Natsu glaring at them in return.
Lucy noted Hope staring ahead, seeming perplexed ''What's wrong?''
There's something over there...'' His brow furrowed. The sight magic may have helped them alot with the traps but the ambient magic in the base made it hard to discern them sometimes. ''...I'm sure it's another trap but...I can't really tell what it is.''
Endymion followed his line of sight ''...Ah, I see. There's a couple of runic arrays hidden rather well. I think it maybe some sort of illusion but either way, be careful.''
Gray looked at his rival ''Hear that, Ash Brain? Or do you want me to repeat it?''
"Shut up!''
They encountered more of the golems and a fight quickly ensued. Gray wrapped things up by freezing the last two solid before snapping his fingers, making them fall apart.
He started when a shining sword flew right over his shoulder, striking the wall where a small cannon had just emerged, destroying it. The creation wizard let out a breath, giving Hope a thumbs up to which the boy smiled, quickly retrieving his weapon.
When they entered another hall, the first thing they saw were a number of lasers preparing to fire. Lucy moved fast, summoning Sagitarrius who shot the devices down at once.
"Hey, he's good!'' Happy marveled.
"Indeed.'' Erza gave a small smile as Sagitarrius thanked them for the praise. ''That's the key from Galuna Island, isn't it?''
Lucy nodded happily ''I never thought I'd run into another Zodiac spirit so soon. It took me so long to find Taurus after all-but this feels great. He's reliable.''
"I'm glad to be of service, Miss Lucy.'' The spirit bowed.
Gray tilted his head a little ''It's kinda hard to remember that he's actually strong with how he keeps fawning over her.''
Lucy really couldn't blame him. Taurus wasn't exactly subtle after all. Saggitarus' expression showed that he understood ''Taurus has his...quirks but I can assure that he is a good ally to have at your side.''
"Well, it's hardly the first time we've seen something like that.'' Hope remarked.
Erza nodded ''We do know someone who's plenty like that.'' She gave the confused Gray a dry look. ''Gildarts for a start.''
"...Point taken.''
Happy snickered in agreement while Lucy raised an eye. She'd only heard snippets about the S-class mage but was he really...?
Her thoughts were cut off when Sagitarrius called out to her, pointing out one of the Phantom members in a distant room. The group proceeded to chase the woman, who panicked and fled.
Minutes later, she went down a hall and suddenly disappeared. They were about to go after her but Hope stopped. The area seemed to ripple for a moment-Gray's eyes went wide as they were suddenly back in the former hall they had just left. He was beginning to wonder if they were going back in circles when Endymion flew past them. In moments, he came back dragging the Phantom mage with one of his talons with her seeming dazed.
Happy remembered what he mentioned about an illusion ''They'll have to try harder to pull the wool over your eyes, huh?''
The woman grunted ''This was supposed to be our hideout. What do you brats even want?!''
"What, did you think we'd just let you get away for terrorizing that town?'' Gray demanded.
"Is that...is that all?! That staff's a treasure wasted on those idiots-we...''
Erza glared daggers at her ''You people are despicable. We're putting this to a stop now-where are your comrades?''
She sneered ''I don't know and even if I did, you're not getting a word out of me! You soft hearted morons don't...'' The words died in her mouth as Erza's expression turned dangerous.
"So that's how it is?'' She took a step forward, her brown eyes narrow with anger. ''I believe we need to have a little talk.''
The following 'talk' didn't bear the result they wanted but it proved to be informative. It seemed this team of Phantom Lord mages sought the staff to increase their rank and standing in their guild, believing it would be a great weapon for their master. This base was intended to be a hide away built by Jose, in case things do go bad for him and the guild so he would lay low here.
She couldn't tell them where the rest of the Phantom members were though. They had gotten seperated when they rushed in here earlier so she had no knowledge of their whereabouts. Left with little choice, the team continued their path, taking down all the oppostion their enemies could muster.
Everything seemed to be going well until they found their quarry, attempting to activate another set up. Saggitarius put that to a stop by nailing one of them to the wall with a few arrows, making him splutter as he tried to break free. Natsu knocked the second out with an Iron Fist, whirling around to face the last one.
The enemy was backing away fearfully ''C-come on now, guys-it doesn't have to be liked this...we were just going to leave...''
"This is why you guys are here? Jeez, you're a bunch of pathetic bleeding hearts.'' The other Phantom mage added.
"Silence! You'll be leaving the town and its people. Anything else is unacceptable.'' Erza snapped.
The second enemy sneered ''Think you've won yet?''
Then, to their great surprise, an exact look alike of him appeared. It suddenly leaped into the air, Endymion stiffened as he realized where it was going ''Lucy, watch out...!''
The girl let out a startled yelp as the doppelganger grabbed her, pushing her to a wall. Saggitarius was already to help when Hope froze the man but Endymion was already telling them to get her away from there. Before anyone could question this, the wall suddenly glowed and the Phantom mage disappeared.
Erza stiffened as the realization hit her ''It's teleportation magic-Lucy...!''
The girl tried to move but the spell was already activated as her friends hurried over to help. In a flash, they were all gone.
"Well, well, you've arrived at last.''
The silky voice left everyone on edge, having realized that they were in a completely different place. It was a wide hall with many seats and tables around. The area was somewhat dark but they were clearly surrounded with Phantom Lord's flag was proudly displayed on the walls. They quickly realized that the spell had taken them to the enemy's headquarters.
The present Phantom mages were led by none other than the guild master, Jose Porla. ''To think you'd go through all this trouble for a simple town-you fools really too soft hearted for your own good. Then again, that's to be expected from Makarov's brats. A pathetic leader for a pathetic guild, trash belongs with trash I suppose.''
"Say what?! Fairy Tail's a hundred times better than Phantom would ever be!'' Natsu retorted.
"Hah, empty words! Your guild will soon be finished...'' Jose sneered. ''...after all, you gave me everything I wanted on a silver platter.''
The teen continued to glare at him while Hope stiffened, the words ringing alarm bells for him. Did he mean...?
It was when Jose ordered his mages to attack that Hope made his move. With Endymion's help, he warned his friends to cover their eyes. The phoenix had no idea what Hope was up to, he trusted his partner so he quickly relayed the suggestion. Hope swifly cast Accel Force on himself before creating a large sphere of light in mid-air. Before anyone knew it, it shone, blinding anyone nearby. In seconds, Endymion took over, whisking all their friends out of the building.
"What...''
"What the hell just happened?!''
Jose growled ''Damn that brat...!''
Saggitarius blinked twice as Endymion landed, seeing that they were a safe distance from the Phantom base. ''Would someone explain what just happened?''
"Yeah, what the hell, Hope?!'' Natsu demanded angrily.
Erza cursed, leading him to think she was just as upset as he was but Endymion spoke then. ''We've been had...Hope, that was very well done."
Erza exhaled. ''Yes, thank you, Hope. For saving us and even protecting the guild.''
He gave a small smile ''I had to do something...''
Happy looked between the two ''What's that mean?''
"Look guys, we were deep in enemy territory and the guild master himself was there.'' The boy started. ''I'm not denying our strengths but Jose's a Wizard Saint. People like him should not be underestimated. Remember what he said before? He was clearly waiting for us. If members from a guild suddenly appear in another guild's base after fighting members of said guild, what it would look like?''
Lucy shared an alarmed look with Happy, realizing that they dodged a bullet there. The first managed to answer ''Like the first guild was attacking the second and we'd be the advance force.''
"But that's not what happened though!'' Natsu exclaimed.
"Yes, but it's likely how Jose could spin the situation.'' Endymion pointed out. ''Infighting between the guilds is strictly forbidden, remember? The Council is especially firm on this rule-guilds have been disbanded in the past for breaking it.''
Gray grimaced ''Our client and his friends could try to defend us but who knows if that would work in that situation. The guild's rep isn't the best with the Council either-it'd definitely count against us. We can't keep relying on the good will a few of our members muster. If that creep planned this far ahead, he'd definitely have contingencies to help him too.''
Erza scowled ''Having met the man myself, I can certainly believe that. He's a snake of the highest order.''
"Grandpa said something like that too'' Hope put in. ''Jose hates Fairy Tail and he'd do anything in his power to get at the guild. A plan like this takes very little effort for him and even if he doesn't get us disbanded, he could try squeezing whatever concession he wants when he has the upper hand. We shouldn't let it come to that at all.''
Saggitarius nodded ''I see. The man would have far less ground to stand on now. You're quite clever to put all this together so quickly.''
"That's Hope for ya!'' Happy chirped, eliciting an amused look from the boy.
"We better brief Gramps in.'' Gray told the group.
Erza nodded ''Something still troubles me about all this-why now...? Just what could he be planning?''
"About that...there's one thing I still can't understand.'' Endymion admitted, drawing their attention to him. ''A lot of those Phantom mages had their attention mostly on Lucy. Jose was more subtle but he continued keeping an eye on her as well.''
The girl looked unnerved ''Are you sure...?''
He confirmed, admitting to having kept a close eye over the area just after they arrived. ''Can you think of anything that could explain this-any reason they'd have an interest in you?''
For a moment, Lucy was tempted to flippantly say that her beauty bowled them over but she knew it wasn't the time for such talk. ''Well...''
Saggitarius looked concerned as the color suddenly drained from her face. ''Miss Lucy?''
I...I have an idea but I'm not sure...'' She shook her head. ''...I thought...maybe my father...''
The spirit's expression flickered with understanding while the others were confused. ''...That...might not be far off from the truth.'' At Lucy's surprise, he added. ''I knew who you were right away. You look almost exactly like your mother. I met her in passing but...Cancer told me about your family.''
"Oh...''
"Whoa, back up a few!'' Natsu looked bewildered. ''You're saying Luce's family could be behind this? What the hell?!''
The blonde lowered her head ''...The thing is...''
The listeners could only look on in shock as their friend explained her terrible family situation.
Lucy was from the Heartfilia family, a wealthy group which lived in a distant area. Her childhood was somewhat lonely but she had a loving family. However, it practically ceased to be since her mother's death. Her father had grown distant and cold-he only wanted her to be an heir that would further his business, he might as well have forgotten he even had a daughter.
A year ago, Lucy had enough, so she ran away from home. She'd had every intention of cutting ties with her father.
"Oh, Lu-chan...'' Levy trailed off sadly.
"I...I wanted to think he wouldn't do something like this but I've heard the sort of things he could do when he has his eye on a goal.'' The girl admittted morosely.
She frowned ''Wait, you mean...''
Lucy nodded ''We told Master everything right after we came back. He pulled a few favors to get some information-his friend confirmed it a few minutes ago. My father hired Phantom Lord to force me back to that awful home.'' Her fists clenched ''I'm sorry-I'm so sorry! I never thought he'd sink this low...I just hated it there so much but if I hadn't left...''
"Don't be ridiculous, child. You couldn't have known.'' Makarov cut in sternly. ''The only person who should be sorry is your father. He failed you on every level.''
"Yeah, besides, you said you wanted to be a Fairy Tail mage for a long time. Do you really regret it now?'' Natsu demanded.
"N-no, but...''
"But nothing-screw your old man! You got nothing to be sorry for and I'm gonna say it until you believe it.'' He returned stubbornly.
"He's right, Lucy. It's perfectly understandable to want to leave a terrible place like that.'' Lisanna chimed in.
The girl still looked guilty ''But...if I hadn't come...you guys wouldn't have been targeted. Just because the first attack was stopped...'' She shook her head. ''...I'm not sure there's any point even if I do go back. Phantom's gunning for you because of me!''
"If you're trying to make us mad at you then try harder.'' Gray snarked, smirking at her teasingly then.
"How could you have known any of this would've happened?'' Mira pointed out reasonably. ''Did you want us to hate you? Were you expecting us to abandon you?'' She smiled warmly as the blonde stuttered. ''Now imagine if it was any of us in your shoes-would you resent the one being targeted?''
Lucy's answer was immediate ''What? No-of course not...!''
"Then why do you think we'd do that to you?'' The former model queried.
"Yeah! Phantom Lord has been our rival for a long time-it's practically part of the guild's history.'' Levy shrugged. ''We don't pick fights but Jose would've done anything to get at the guild. We're your friends, Lu-chan, we'll have your back.''
"Exactly. It's that simple.'' Erza nodded, smiling at the stunned blonde.
"And if you think I'd just let you go back to a home like that, you've got another thing coming, young lady.'' Makarov added, wagging a finger at her. He had already begun making plans to deal with Jose. If the man thought he could hurt Fairy Tail, he had another thing coming.
"You're one of us, Lucy. Phantom can't change that. Fairy Tail doesn't leave anyone behind and that's not about to change now.'' Hope stated.
"Aye!'' Happy flew, landing on her head. ''You're stuck with us.''
Lucy began to smile, her eyes watering at the support she was receiving from everyone. To think she'd only known them for such a brief span of time-here they were willing to fight for her...
"I think some of us know too much about asshole dads...'' Laxus started. His dark expression faded as Hope gave him a worried look, patting the boy's head with a small smirk. ''...but anyway, this is how the guild works, one big family. You'd have an easier time talking Phantom into finding a peaceful solution than convincing these guys to back down now.''
The girl couldn't help but giggle at the quip ''I can see that...'' Her smile widened. ''...thank you-thank you all so much.''
Makarov nodded ''That's better-now, let's get ready. If Phantom wants to play with fire, they're going to get burned. Let's show them what Fairy Tail's all about!'' His grin widened as numerous voices roared in assent.
Phantom Lord wouldn't know what hit them.
Well, let's stop here.
I hope it was good. Honestly, Jose just strikes me as the wily, sneaky sort who'd work to get away with whatever he wants. Phantom Lord as a whole always seemed shifty as hell to me. Oh and he seems like the type who tries to be ready for anything-hence that base. It's a hidey-hole for him to use in emergencies. He wasn't expecting Team Natsu's appearance when it did but he decided to milk the fact that Lucy was right there to his advantage. So yes, if things had gone differently, the situation could've been messy for Fairy Tail.
To be honest, I don't know if it's just my own opinion on Jude but it's easy to picture him as the sort who'd do whatever it takes for the sake of his goals. Even if he has to go through people-and he's determined to get Lucy back now. Jose isn't about to leave things be either of course-the real battle starts in the next chapter.
If I remember right Phantom Lord was the guild founded after Blue Skull was taken down, I think. Anyway, Layla had all the zodiac keys for at least a short while, right? I can picture her at least meeting a few of them easily.
Welp, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!
