SURPRISE!
Merry Christmas everyone! Thought I'd go ahead and upload this week's chapter early as Christmas treat.
I still owe some of you responses to your comments on the last chapter, I promise I didn't forget! Just wanted to upload this before it got any later.
Also, a very special thank you to Valeska001 over on A03 who beta read this!
Enjoy!
KEEPING SECRETS, CHAPTER 27: THE GATHERING OF THE CLOUDS
The next three weeks went by agonizingly slow for Natsu. Invel assured him things were coming along accordingly, but as the day of the invasion crept ever closer, Natsu's mind couldn't help but worry about the storm ahead. The weight of having to face his guildmates- his family- sat heavy on his shoulders, only further fueling his apprehension.
However, when he remembered why he was doing this- catching a glimpse of hope in Zeref's eyes as they talked or seeing a small, knowing smile from August- it all became a bit easier. They were his family too, after all, and he refused to let them down. Besides, his nephew was always quick to lend an ear if he thought Natsu was struggling.
He spent quite a bit of time with Zeref, who was busy coming up with strategies for the upcoming invasion. He would show Natsu all sorts of things, like notes, maps, intelligence reports on different mages they'd likely be facing- a lot of them Natsu's former allies, sadly- and attempt to explain why he was placing this platoon here or this airship regiment there, and the like. It was at some points interesting and at some points boring, but either way Natsu held his tongue because it all put Zeref in a good mood- this was his 'simulation game' after all- and that was far superior to him falling into a depression about... well, anything.
Jackal clung to Natsu like glue, nearly driving the dragon slayer insane with his overzealous attempts to 'be there' for his boss, in an attempt to emulate the way Natsu had described his guildmates to the etherious. In spite of everything, Natsu knew his odd friendship with Jackal had grown into something real. 'He had grown on Natsu like a fungus', as Rustyrose has so eloquently described it. All that said, Jackal still made for a good sparring partner when he needed to let loose. And he was slowly getting better at video games too. Or at least he wasn't throwing temper tantrums anymore...
Speaking of Rustyrose, the man had integrated into the empire quite well despite having been in a self-imposed isolation for quite some time. Whenever he was running errands for the Winter General- who seemed ever so determined to run him ragged- he spent most of his time hanging around Natsu and Jackal, the latter of which he finally recognized as being one of the demons he'd seen in Tartaros on the day he had come to confront them. His mood further soured when the etherious mentioned Rusty being thrown off of Plutogrim after his pathetic plea to Kyoka to reform the Ballum alliance.
That said, Rusty had eventually struck up a friendship with Neinhart, of all people, their shared love of being overly dramatic (in a 'tasteful way' and not in a 'God Serena way', Neinhart so pointedly reminded Natsu) evidently connecting the two. Now, if Rusty was in the hallway with Natsu, and happened to come across Neinhart, the two would start staring at each other, and say something about one approaching the other... they seemed really amused by that, but Natsu didn't get it.
Rustyrose also joined Natsu's sparring sessions. With Arc of Embodiment, Rusty was able to send a variety of opponents with differing skill sets Natsu's way, which definitely livened things up a bit. August had also taught Rusty his memory spell, allowing Rustyrose to effectively make use of Natsu's past opponents. It certainly amused Natsu when Rusty's Arc of Embodiment Zancrow and Precht began expressing their disbelief Rustyrose was spending his time around this 'Fairy Tail novice,' only for Natsu to pound them into the dirt- again.
Rustyrose explained his recreations of others were based on the image and memories of them he had in his head- meaning whenever he 'created' someone with Arc of Embodiment, even after they'd been dispelled and then re-summoned, they retained their memories from prior manifestations. Natsu noticed this upon multiple sparring sessions with Precht and Zancrow especially, as their insults became less and less frequent. Natsu had to admit taking his frustrations out on the former master of Grimoire Heart- especially with all the terrible deeds he had done in the name of his brother and his attempt to gain access to the One Magic and even abandoning the first master's son- brought forth a sort of dark glee as Natsu obliterated the faux-Precht over and over with his flames.
While Rusty's personality was generally less agitating than Jackal's, Natsu could do without his over dramatic personality, as it often drew too much attention for Natsu's liking.
Such as the day when he and Jackal were having breakfast in the palace's cafeteria, shortly before a scheduled meeting with all of the Twelve in preparation for the invasion. The doors to the cafeteria flew open, and Rustyrose stood in the doorway, head held high and arms dramatically outstretched.
"Rejoice, fellow denizens of the ultimate magic world! Today I join your ranks permanently!" He declared, his jacket billowing behind him as if he had summoned a gust of wind just for effect.
The hustle of the cafeteria seemed to pause as he made his declaration, but resumed upon its conclusion, seemingly unimpressed by his display. At their table, Jackal and Natsu exchanged looks before both rolling their eyes.
"Do you ever think he'll shut up about the ultimate magic world?" Jackal groaned.
"Doubt it." Natsu deadpanned as the subject of their irritation joined them with his own tray of food.
"Your Highness, Jackal." He said, tone much less enthusiastic addressing the second person at the table. "I have excellent news- as of today, Lord Yura has appointed me your chief of staff." He said, beaming at Natsu.
"Oh, well, congratulations." Natsu said as he took a bite of some bacon. "Wait, why do I need a chief of staff? Don't I have Invel?"
Rustyrose chuckled. "Well, Lord Yura is His Majesty's chief of staff. During your time here, he handled a lot of matters related to you because, well, you were new to the empire, and things were fairly straight forward. But, in the future, depending on differing responsibilities you and His Majesty might have, or if you find more people under your direct supervision, Lord Yura thought it would be a good idea to reduce his own workload and give you someone you could trust to help you stay organized." Rusty said while sounding quite pleased with himself.
Before Natsu could dare to ask what 'responsibilities' Invel had in mind for him, Jackal interjected, "Yeah, but boss has me! He doesn't need you to keep him organized!"
Rusty sneered at Jackal. "You and the word 'organization' should never share a sentence."
Jackal opened his mouth to retort, but a new voice entered, cutting him off- "Yeah, gotta agree with the new guy. Sorry Jackal, you're about as organized as a tornado in a paper factory." The three of them turned and found Dimaria sitting down at their table, with Ajeel and Brandish behind her.
Jackal gave Dimaria a look of offense. "Hey, I thought we were friends!"
Dimaria smirked. "We are. And that's why I'm only reading this to our table and not over the palace's intercom speaker." She chuckled and pulled a crumpled piece of paper out of her pocket. Clearing her throat, she began "'Dear Fairy Tail'..." She furrowed her brow in confusion, before starting to snicker. "Wait, are these supposed to be words?!" Dimaria burst into laughter, with Ajeel joining in shortly after.
Jackal was not laughing, and his eyes widened as Dimaria began to read from the paper. He reached into his back pocket and gasped upon finding it empty. He lunged for Dimaria. "Hey, gimme that back! It's private!"
Still laughing, Dimaria let Jackal have his letter back. "I think my point has been made." She said smugly. Jackal scowled as he attempted to fold the paper a bit neater than normal and put it back in his pocket.
"I think it's pretty sweet you got your own Invel now, Natsu!" Ajeel added. "Look, he even came with his own oversized coat and serious guy glasses!" Ajeel's laughter was quickly joined by Dimaria.
Even Brandish snorted. "You the same guy who thought slapping his own name together made for a great supervillain alias?" She said flatly, causing more snickers to sound off from around the table.
However, if the look of confidence on his face was anything to go by, Rustyrose was unfazed by them. "Indeed, I am Rustyrose!" He suddenly stood, and spread his arms as he usually did when getting dramatic, and continued, "My name is a reminder to both myself and to the society that had rejected me- to myself of where I came from, and those who left me for dead that I had overcome their schemes! But at the same time, the combination served as a fitting reimagination of myself-"
"Alright, first thing I'm bringing up in the meeting today- a ban on anymore with a monologuing addiction joining the Twelve or any other high ranking government position." Ajeel said with determination, causing the table to erupt into laughter again, and Rusty to sheepishly sit back down.
"Good luck getting my brother to agree to that," Natsu said, a smile slipping onto his face, his spirits lifted a little from all the joking.
"Speaking of your brother, I'm a little shocked he gave the okay to let... Rusty, right? Here join our ranks. I know you used to be one of His Majesty's followers on Ishgar, and I thought he usually, well you know..." Dimaria mimicked cutting her throat.
Brandish furrowed her brow. "I didn't know His Majesty had followers in Ishgar."
Ajeel also looked puzzled. "Yeah, me either. You're telling me there's a pro-empire faction over there? That's sweet!"
Dimaria nearly choked on her waffles. "Uh, oops. I forgot I wasn't supposed to say anything."
Natsu looked at her incredulously. "How do you know, Dimaria?"
Dimaria smiled nervously and scratched the back of her head. "Well, Chronos may have filled the blanks in for me after y'all had that little chat..."
"You gonna fill us in or just keep talking cryptically between each other?" Brandish said, eyebrow raised.
Dimaria looked back and forth between Ajeel and Brandish and Natsu. Natsu sighed and said, "Let me say it. That way you can't get in trouble over it later."
Dimaria bowed her head and clasped her hands together. "Thank you, Prince Natsu, I owe you one! Did I mention, by the way, how you're not only the kindest, but the best-looking prince the empire's had?"
Natsu snorted before looking at Ajeel and Dimaria, a mixture of pride and pain in his eyes. "My brother's got a reputation in Ishgar by his birth name... and not a good one." Natsu sighed. "His full name is Zeref Dragneel."
Both Spriggans regarded him with wide eyes. "Wait... are you telling me His Majesty is the black wizard Zeref?" Brandish said, her shock actually coming through in her voice.
Natsu nodded, his face serious. "Yep. There's a lot of myths and bs about him that get spread around over there, but he's the black wizard everyone knows about..."
Nobody said anything for a moment, until Ajeel started laughing hysterically. "You've gotta be kidding me! I thought that guy was just some Ishgarian legend! You're telling me our emperor and founder- the guy that practically helped raise me with grandad- is Ishgar's boogeyman?" The desert king wiped tears out of his eyes from his laughter. "If they were afraid of us before, I bet they're shitting their pants over there now that they know just who they're dealing with! I knew he was strong, but like, the strongest mage ever? Tell me that part ain't made up at least!"
"You're taking this a lot better than I thought you would." Natsu said, a bit amused by Ajeel's reaction.
"Pfffft, I get he's considered like the evilest guy next to the devil himself over there, but that just shows me how out of it they are in Ishgar. I've known the emperor since I was a kid, and I've seen him do a lot of stuff, and make a lot of hard choices as a leader. But I can't say I've ever seen him do anything diabolically evil."
Brandish looked a little more surprised than Ajeel but nodded. "Same here. I've known him for years- he always seemed so quiet, patient, and thoughtful- kind, even, at times. It never once crossed my mind he could be the dreaded black wizard Zeref." Brandish actually smiled and chuckled to herself.
"Didn't think it would phase you Randi. And if you weren't intimidated by the thought of the emperor being your brother-in-law, guess the fact he's the black wizard too won't deter you from going after Natsu here."
Brandish turned bright red and sat perfectly still for a moment. However, after said moment, her face contorted in rage and her hand shot up, presumably to shrink Dimaria. Dimaria simply smirked and clicked her teeth together and was suddenly on the other side of the room, and Brandish succeeded only in shrinking the other woman's chair.
"Oh, come on Randi, I was just playing!" Dimaria said light heartedly.
Brandish's jaw tightened, and her hands were clenched at her sides as she rose from the table. A slight blush still haunting her face, she said, voice low but laced with a dangerous edge, "I'm headed to the meeting. Later." The nation destroyer briskly made her way out of the cafeteria, ignoring the stares coming from the others at the table.
"Ummmm... did I miss something?" Said a clearly bewildered Rustyrose.
"Brandish has the hots for the boss." Jackal explained, still munching on an apple.
"But Prince Natsu here is still smitten for someone back in his guild in Ishgar." Dimaria explained, coming back and taking Brandish's empty seat.
"Ghhh... that's not-" Natsu tried to correct her.
Rustyrose, however, simply nodded his head. "I see." As he watched Brandish walk away, he smirked a bit and said, "Well, respectfully, Your Highness, if you're not interested... Perhaps I can fill the hole in Lady Brandish's heart."
Jackal began to laugh. "You and Lady Brandish? That's rich. What's your plan, write her pages of awful poetry and expect her to fall for you? She needs someone tough, like me!"
Rustyrose laughed. "Like you?! Oh please! My poetry would certainly be more appreciated than the fleas you'd undoubtedly give her!"
Jackal gasped. "I don't have fleas, you rat bastard!"
"Shut up!" Natsu yelled. "You two are making me wish I was anywhere else right now..."
Jackal and Rustyrose both stopped their yelling and muttered incoherently under their breath. Ajeel and Dimaria, who had quietly watched the exchange with amused smiles on their faces, burst into laughter.
"You know," Rustyrose said, attempting to slip back into a serious tone as he glanced down at his watch, "if you really want to be somewhere else, the meeting with the Twelve and the emperor is about to start."
"Fantastic. I'm outta here. See you guys there." Natsu said, waving at Dimaria and Ajeel before he stood up and began walking towards the cafeteria's exit.
"Right behind you, Your Highness." Rustyrose said, falling into step with Natsu.
Jackal's eyes widened upon realizing he was being left behind. Quickly scarfing down the remaining food on his plate, he attempted to catch up to the other two, yelling, "Wait for me guys!"
Dimaria and Ajeel continued their snickering at Natsu and his 'loyal entourage' as they finished their meals. "Better than dinner theater." Ajeel chuckled, causing Dimaria to break into laughter once again.
Larcade sighed and rested his head on his hand, elbow propped against the table. He had received an urgent message from Fa- His Majesty, ordering him back to the capital. No doubt the plans for the invasion of Ishgar were finally beginning to be set into motion. I wonder how Uncle Natsu feels about all of this... or if he's even here. All that bravado about how he wouldn't pick between the empire and his guild... but now... The etherious smirked, knowing he'd been right when he told his uncle that he was making things too simple when it came to the potential conflict between the empire and Fairy Tail.
However, moments later, Larcade felt something akin to guilt rise up in him. I don't know why I'm celebrating. It's not like him leaving would change anything between Father and I. Plus, it would leave Father devastated… and I admit, uncle isn't bad all the time-
Larcade's train of thought was interrupted as the doors opened and a face he would have been happy to never see again bounded into the room striking a dramatic pose. With one hand raised to the ceiling, one hand clutching his heart, and a massive smile on his face, God Serena bellowed, "Hello, my magnificent comrades!" As he came out of his pose, his smile disappeared, and he peered down his nose. "And Larcade."
Larcade huffed in irritation.
Resuming his theatrics, God Serena said, "The time is nigh, and the downfall of Ishgar is at hand! Together, we will strike the eastern continent and lay waste to their archaic Magic Council and pompous rulers!"
Larcade laughed. "You seem very excited to destroy the place that used to be your home. I wonder how my uncle will feel about your declarations?"
God Serena sneered at Larcade. "And you seem eager to poke at His Highness's open wounds at every turn! Truly, your exile has taught you no humility! Un-magnificent!"
Larcade let out another disbelieving laugh. "Exile? I was on assignment for you buffoon! Perhaps if you paid attention to His Majesty's orders as much as you did your amateur theatre classes, you'd know that!"
"Bah! Your attempts at comedy are as un-magnificent as every other aspect of your personality! If His Highness-"
"If His Highness what?" Natsu's voice cut in.
Larcade and God Serena spun on their heels, finding Natsu behind them. God Serena gasped and flamboyantly bowed. "My prince! You honor us with your presence!"
Larcade regarded Natsu with a smirk. "Hello, uncle. Nice to see you're still with us. I thought after hearing the news that'd we'd be invading Ishgar, you would have run back to your guild."
"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence, little nephew." Natsu said flatly.
Larcade smiled. "You misunderstand, uncle. I am merely impressed- and pleased- your words about not abandoning Fa- His Majesty were genuine."
"The prince's words are always genuine! I suppose a serpent that presents himself as an angel of light would have no concept of such virtue!" God Serena declared.
"Don't think you sound impressive because you can understand simple symbolism-"
Natsu grasped Larcade's and God Serena's shoulders. "I've not had a very good few weeks, and you two are NOT making things better! Get along!"
God Serena gasped again. "My humblest apologies, my prince! I wouldn't dream of making things harder on you! Larcade and I simply got a little too passionate about our opinions!" He playfully slapped Larcade on the back.
Larcade offered a sheepish smile. "Indeed, uncle. Our friendship is stronger than ever!"
"I'm pleased to hear that, I thought I was going to have to take you both outside the council room for another lesson."
Larcade and God Serena's faces paled at the new voice, and they both turned to find Irene smirking down at them. Larcade immediately sat back down and God Serena made his way to his seat on the other side of the table, free of his usual fanfare.
Looking pleased with herself, Irene made her way to her own seat, but not without quipping, "Putting the two of you on long term missions on opposite sides of the empire was one of His Majesty's best ever decisions." Turning to Natsu she said, "Good to see you again, Your Highness. Sorry your glorious return to Vistarion didn't go as planned." Amidst her joking Natsu could detect actual sympathy in her voice.
"Thanks Irene." Natsu said, smiling slightly. However, his smile vanished when he thought about sharing Irene's portion of their plan with her- he didn't know how she would take it, especially given Natsu's promise to help her mend her relationship with Erza. I wonder if she'll understand… or if it'll just make things even worse.
Slowly, other members of the Twelve filed in. Ajeel and Dimaria, still snickering from their conversation in the cafeteria- one of Wall's dolls, the macias himself no doubt still in the shipyards working- and Jacob and Bloodman filed in shortly after. Brandish was already sitting in the room when Natsu entered. Which meant they were only missing his brother, August, Yajeel, Invel, and Neinhart...
Zeref, August, and Yajeel entered moments later. Zeref furrowed his brow upon entering, glancing around the room. "I'm surprised Invel isn't here yet. It's not like him to be late."
"I believe Neinhart is lurking around the palace somewhere too, Your Majesty." Yajeel added.
"That he was." Invel's voice cut through the room seconds later as he entered, dragging Neinhart by the back of his robe. Upon witnessing this, laughter filled the room, along with one very disapproving "How indecent!" from Jacob.
Invel unceremoniously dropped Neinhart next to his chair before making his way to his own. "Eh-hem." Neinhart cleared his throat as he fumbled into his chair. With a plastered smile on his face, addressed the emperor; "My humblest apologies Your Majesty, I think I confused the meeting time for my scheduled massage time..."
"Spare us your excuses, Neinhart. It has been years since we have ensured all Twelve of us have gathered like this. That alone should have told you how important this meeting is. Your blatant attempt to blow it off is unacceptable defiance of His Majesty's orders." Invel stated, voice cold as ice.
"It's alright, Invel." Zeref said, voice calm and a small smile forming on his face. "Still, thank you for ensuring everyone is present here. Let's move forward with the proceedings."
"I don't see what the big deal is. We're obviously here to talk about the invasion, and after what I've seen so far of Ishgar's strongest defenders- no offense, Natsu- we'd only need a small force anyway." Ajeel said, leaning back in his seat and throwing his feet up on the table.
"We'll get to that." Zeref continued. "But you are right, Ajeel. This meeting has been convened because we're ready to begin our final preparations for our invasion of Ishgar."
"What a hassle." Brandish muttered.
Which wasn't unnoticed by Zeref, however the smile didn't slip from his face. "Now now, Brandish, you agreed to follow my orders, remember?"
"Of course." Brandish said. "My personal feelings and what I do are two different things. Even if it's a pain, I'll follow your orders. But I have to say, I agree with Ajeel. My encounter with Fairy Tail didn't leave me impressed with their strength. Sorry, Natsu."
"If that's the case, this invasion should be over in the blink of an eye!" Neinhart said happily, smiling and resting his hands behind his head.
Natsu chuckled. "It's interesting you guys say that- about Fairy Tail's strength. You know who else thought that? Eisenwald. Phantom Lord. The Oracion Seis. Grimoire Heart. Tartaros." Jackal and Rusty flinched when Natsu named their respective guilds.
Grin fading and voice hardening as he leaned forward, Natsu drove his point home: "And you know what all of them have in common? None of them exist anymore."
"Oh, did we strike a nerve, Uncle?" Larcade asked playfully.
Natsu went to fire back, but someone beat him to it. "The prince's words are not to be taken lightly." August's sharp tone cut through the room as he glared at Larcade. "It is a fact that Fairy Tail is known for achieving victory, even when the odds are stacked against them. It would be foolish to not account for that in our strategies."
"I concur, August," said Invel. "We should also account that during their encounters with Brandish and Ajeel, Fairy Tail was caught off guard and in unfamiliar environments. This time, they will come expecting a fight. And on their home turf, no less. Those two factors alone will make for very different opponents than what you witnessed on Caracole Island and the outskirts of Vistarion."
"Indeed." Zeref said, nodding, his expression thoughtful. "Fairy Tail is resilient... I would expect nothing less of a guild I helped create." His smile grew upon seeing shocked stares from several of the Twelve.
"What about you, God Serena? Ishgar was your home as well. Will it be painful for you to be opposing it now?" Yajeel asked.
Upon being addressed, God Serena stood and struck a pose. "Painful?" He asked, voice unexpectedly serious.
He threw his arms up and a massive smile broke out on his face as he declared, "NO!" Bringing his arms back down, he added, "But thank you for asking."
"What a jackass." Brandish deadpanned.
Ignoring her, God Serena added, "My only concern is our magnificent prince- it is his friends we must face in battle! Truly, fate is cruel!"
Natsu sighed and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Thanks, God Serena, but we have something worked out that should... help make that a bit easier."
"Are you expecting us to go easy on your friends? This is war, Your Highness." Larcade said. There was a sharpness to his usual smug tone, yet his tranquil smile remained. "If you're not ready to face them, perhaps you'd be better off staying here." As he reclined as much as his chair would allow, he added, "I hope you can see why I was so adamant about asking you about this very scenario after our match. These are things you should have considered long ago, uncle."
"How about we listen to what the prince has to say before making any more condescending remarks." Irene's voice cut through the room like a blade, as the Scarlet Despair narrowed her eyes at Larcade.
Invel nodded and gave the etherious his own icy glare. "I agree, Lady Irene. Natsu's presence here has already proven his loyalty to the empire. We can speak of subjects from a factual and strategic matter, but that is the last personal comment about this I want to hear from you, Larcade." Invel's voice, as usual, left no room for argument, the room's temperature seeming to drop several degrees at his words.
"Yeah, can it, golden boy!" Jackal yelled, a massive smirk on his own face. He earned a glare from Invel and Rustyrose alike.
Larcade sighed and held up his hands in surrender, tranquil smile disappearing as his face morphed into something that almost looked like sincere remorse. "I suppose I let myself get too emotional again. I'm sorry, uncle."
Natsu stifled a laugh as he heard August mutter under his breath, "We know you're sorry." Clearing his throat, August addressed the room, tone shifting to one of complete authority; "I have no doubt we are prepared for this invasion, Your Majesty. Though I would like to point out... we must consider the looming threat of Ragnarök as well."
Invel adjusted his glasses. "It is my hope we will execute this operation so swiftly that Acnologia will not even bother to appear. However, the black dragon's unpredictability nessicates a contingency plan."
"If Ishgar would agree to it, I don't think a temporary ceasefire would be unwise." Zeref said, with a thoughtful look on his face. "Combining our three dragon slayers with their six would greatly enhance our chances of defeating Acnologia, should he make an appearance."
"Do not forget, Your Majesty, I have honed my magic with defeating Acnologia in mind." Larcade added, hopeful smile on his face.
Zeref inclined his head slightly. "Of course, Larcade. Your magic would not be unappreciated. Though the actual chances of Ishgar trusting us enough to form an alliance, even a temporary one, is slim at best. If Acnologia does arrive, it will be when our confrontation is at its peak. We can only hope King Toma and his allies would recognize that leaving the black dragon of the apocalypse unchecked will lead both Alvarez and Fiore being reduced to nothing but ash."
Ajeel looked a bit miffed. "Huh? What are you guys talking about? Swiftly? Cease fire? Isn't this supposed to be a conquest?"
"Not from my understanding." Wall said, his voice laced with amusement. "From what I do know, our primary target is the body of your former love interest, Your Majesty. Really makes this all quite scandalous and delightfully sinful."
"Allow me to correct your understanding, Wall." Zeref addressed the macias. "Fairy Heart is a source of magic, not a person... Its vessel may complicate things for me personally, but that does not alter the focus of our mission. Nor is it our only goal." He nodded at Natsu.
"This invasion has several purposes." Natsu said seriously. "And as such will have several moving parts. Everyone will have a role and you each must ensure your role is carried out without fail."
August nodded. "We are but pieces in this game."
"Fascinating interpretation..." Jacob said.
"Magnificent indeed." God Serena added.
"With that said, His Majesty, His Highness, August, and I will begin explaining the strategy we have crafted. Listen carefully, because like His Highness has already implied, there is no room for error." Invel said.
"Wait, I've got a better plan!" Ajeel declared, slamming his palms on the table. "You should just let me handle everything! I won't let you down!"
"Have you listened to a single word His Majesty has said?" Rustyrose asked, his irritation evident in his voice. "This is far too large and complex to let one person charge in like some reckless fool."
"Ha. We don't need a big operation. If Ishgar's strongest warrior was God Serena, I can absolutely decimate them all by myself!" Ajeel declared, undeterred.
"No, Ajeel, I cannot allow that." Zeref said, voice calm, but tone deftly serious. "We will launch an all-out assault- and in doing so, we will send an unmistakable message to both the International Council of Mages and any foolish Ishgarian kingdoms who would think striking us first would be a good idea."
Irene crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes in thought. "I understand the logic of an all-out assault, Your Majesty... but please tell me we're not simply throwing everything we have at them at once."
Zeref laughed, his expression displaying his amusement. "Irene, do you truly think so little of me? Of course not. Natsu and August have devised a strategy- refined with input from myself and Invel- that will take our foes by complete surprise."
August nodded. "Indeed. Going forward, we will divide you into groups based on your assignments during the invasion."
"And each group will be privately briefed." Invel added. "This ensures that in the event of unforeseen circumstances, the broader strategy remains classified. Simply carry out the orders you are given, and our victory will be assured."
"I knew this was gonna be a big hassle." Brandish said. Before anyone could criticize her again, she said, "But I think I speak for everyone when I say we're ready to do our part."
Natsu, Zeref, Invel, and August spent the next several hours briefing the Twelve on their assignments for the invasion. No one seemed to object to said assignments, but Natsu did note the flicker of apprehension in Irene's eyes upon explaining her role.
Sighing Natsu said, "Look, I- we- know this isn't ideal for you. It's just this is our best chance of taking them by surprise."
Zeref nodded, and said, tone serious but laced with understanding, "You have been loyal to me for many years Irene. I will not force you to do this. And I think I speak for everyone when I say we understand if you want to refuse. We can reformulate our stra-"
"No, I'll do it." Irene said, meeting Zeref's eyes, determination blazing in her own. "You're the emperor, and you're the prince." Her gaze shifted between Zeref and Natsu. "I swore to follow your orders... and I will. Off the top of my head, I can't think of a better way to surprise the enemy than this. But," Her expression hardened, and her eyes snapped to Natsu. "if and when you are able to salvage things with your guild... I expect you to still uphold the promise you made to me in Devereaux."
The room fell silent, and August, Invel, and Zeref all looked at Natsu, their curiosity barely masked; Natsu meanwhile, didn't flinch or look away. He nodded his head resolutely. "Of course. You can count on me." His voice conveyed his conviction, but it was notably lacking its usual fiery pep.
When everyone had been adequately briefed, the weight of the long hours caught up to Natsu. He lay his head on the table, exhaustion etched into every fiber of his being.
"Natsu... are you having second thoughts?" Zeref asked, quietly. Slowly lifting his head and looking up at his brother, he could see the worry plainly displayed in Zeref's eyes... and in the ever darkening scarf around his brother's neck.
The dragon slayer exhaled deeply. "No. It's too late for second thoughts. I just hope... everything goes according to plan… or at least close enough. The only way I'll get over this uneasy feeling is when this invasion is over and done with." While his voice sounded like exhaustion, his voice left no doubt of his determination.
His words hung in the air like a thundering storm cloud. Slowly, the others exchanged brief glances before they all nodded. Invel adjusted his glasses and spoke: "Then I believe it is time to contact our allies in Caelum."
Zeref's lips curved into a faint, calculating smirk. "Indeed. Tell them everything ready on our end. And once they confirm they are prepared as well…"
His eyes glinted with the weight of his determination, "We go to war."
Well, here we are folks. Next chapter the war begins!
You will see a little of FT's point of view next chapter :3
Also I don't have a single word of it written... probably no chapter next week but hey, I could surprise you (and me)!
Have a great holiday and I'll see you next time!