(Edited 18/09/24)
I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.
A Meeting Of Swords And Shields
*POTD*
Three days had passed since Zeref had returned to the Alvarez Empire. Three days had also passed since Irene had foisted his job as Emperor back onto him, before abruptly warping far to the East to enjoy some rest and relaxation at one of the numerous resorts scattered across the Empire.
But he knew she's be back today. After all, today was the day all twenty-four Swords and Shields of the Alvarez Empire were to finally convene in a single location. This was a rather historic moment for the Empire, as it had been seven years since all the Spriggan and Leichart members had convened in one place.
To the population of the Empire, this was certainly cause for a great celebration.
Outside the nearest window, Zeref could see the civilian population going absolutely crazy, throwing a city sized party in their honor. He could hear the chants of his alias, the cries of how great Emperor Spriggan was, and scoffed.
"Let them have their parties and festivals," the Emperor muttered, tapping his fingers idly against the armrest of his throne. "Mine will be much grander than anything they could ever hope to conceive…"
"Are you really planning your own party? Or, are you just being your usual broody self," Irene asked playfully, as she happily strode in alongside August, who shot her a curtly raised eyebrow.
"Irene's most improper address aside… I'm here to inform you that all the Shields are present and waiting within the conference chamber Lord Zeref."
"And the Swords?"
"All but three have arrived. Yuriel is set to arrive shortly, and both Harkon and Aster are within the city limits."
"Before we begin the meeting, I do have a question," Irene chimed in smoothly, a piece of paper appearing in her hand in a flash. "I couldn't help but notice that Dimaria is on the list of those scheduled to attend?"
"Noticed that did you? Yes, Dimaria will be attending," Zeref smiled lightly. "I do believe I've done all that I can to restore Dimaria to how she was prior to her defeat at the hands of Elise Faulkner. Powers and all…"
"Y-You managed to recreate her powers using nothing but Etherious," Irene asked, clearly impressed. "To recreate the power of a Time God…?"
"Gods fall, Irene. But fallen Gods don't merely vanish into nothingness. Remember that."
"I must ask Lord Zeref, do you not believe Dimaria will abuse this power," August asked curiously. "Would she not be dead set on achieving vengeance first, before serving in your name?"
"Your concerns are valid August, but accounted for," Zeref replied easily. "In fact, I'm hoping Dimaria does immediately lash out at Elise Faulkner, as she'll serve as a suitable distraction."
"I see. My apologies for questioning you Lord Zeref," August bowed lightly in response. "I merely wished to be certain in case my assistance was required?"
"No harm done, August. I'm glad you take the security and safety of my Empire so seriously," Zeref replied sincerely, which had August standing up a little bit straighter. "By the way, I heard you were with Brandish these last few days…?"
"Indeed. She's as reckless as ever, but shaping up to be quite powerful," August replied with a curt and honest nod. "I can see here rising in rank if she keeps up the hard work."
"Excellent. I'm glad to see you've finally accepted one of your students as a genuine success," Zeref smiled, amused at August's slight embarrassment. "Please keep me updated on her progress?"
"Of course Lord Zeref."
"Moving onto other matters," Irene cut in smoothly. "I should mention that Invel has supposedly completed his plans, with them all ready to go in the war room?"
"The way you said Invel just now… Jealous?"
"Of him? Pfft! Not on your life," Irene scoffed. "I just wish he'd stop rubbing his position as Chief Of Internal Affairs in all our faces, as if it somehow makes him better than us!"
"Invel tries his best Irene," Zeref sighed, feeling a headache coming on. "He's just got a little bit of a…unique perspective on things?"
"Unique. Bah! It'd be more unique if he'd stop rubbing his position in all our faces," Irene replied dryly, eliciting an amused chuckle from the Emperor.
"I do believe we shouldn't dally here much longer, bullying poor Invel when he's not even around to defend himself," Zeref smirked, slowly rising from his throne, making his way down the steps as August and Irene fell into practiced step behind him. "Let us proceed to the war room."
*POTD*
As the trio approached, Zeref slowly closed his eyes, hearing the sound of arguing echoing down the hallway. He truly did like his Spriggan and Leichart Twelve… But they drove him up the wall at the best of times.
Sighing, Zeref entered the room, momentarily taking in the large, black walls and the massive circular table at the center that had twenty-four Lacrima situated within them. These Lacrima could be used to either project information into the central projection Lacrima, or, to project one's voice to the rest of the group.
The moment Zeref's presence was noticed, a deathly silence fell over the room, music to the Black Wizard's ears as he sat on a smaller throne situated at the front of the room in an elevated position.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, your silence is much appreciated," Zeref spoke up, as August cast a spell, locking the entire room down under thousands of runic wards and other nasty protections. "I first wanted to express how glad I am that you all managed to attend this meeting on such short notice. I know many of you run vital sectors within our Empire, so I'm proud that each and every one of you took the time to attend."
Zeref's cheerful demeanor faded instantly, his eyes darkening which had everyone immediately on edge.
"This is not a meeting a single one of you could afford to miss," Zeref continued, his tone commanding the group, reminding them who he truly was. "Today, we discuss the preliminary invasion plans for the Kingdom of Fiore!"
Upon declaring the topic of their meeting, a black and yellow scaled, snake-like humanoid slithered forward, tapping the projection Lacrima, a low hissing sound coming through it before she began to speak.
"My Lord, if I may asssk… Why are you sssso worried about the invassssion of Fiore? You yourssself ranked them as the weakessst of the Issssgarian countriessss, after all?"
One Of The Twenty-Four Arms Of Alvarez
Ninth Sword Of The Alvarez Empire
The Stone Fang Of The Naganai
Chair Of The Gorgon Collective
Aediles Of The Department Of Festivals And Games
Queen Of The Naganai
Bashae Eelstor
"A fair question Bashae, for I did indeed state that at our last meeting when we were discussing Scarlione, didn't I," Zeref replied, before looking further down the table. "But I think there is one better suited to answer the question that I. Of course, I'm referring to our friend who spent over a quarter of a century within Fiore…"
"Lord Zeref is correct. I spent a quarter of my life dealing with all matter of things within Fiore. With respect to many of you, you all have no idea of the power hidden within these Fioran Mages."
One Of The Twenty-Four Arms Of Alvarez
Fifth Sword Of The Alvarez Empire
Former Leader Of The Bharam Alliance
Commander Of Varnik Squad
The Paragon Enigma
Varnik Duscharn
"Sssurely you jessst, Varnik!?"
"With respect Bashae, you have not been to Fiore and experienced a fight with the Fiorans first hand," Varnik replied coolly, taking a drag from his cigar. "Lord Zeref was right in wiping out Scarlione first. Within Fiore lie some of the greatest foes we, the Arms of Alvarez, are ever likely to face."
"You're lying," Bashae hissed, her tongue flitting in and out rapidly.
"I assure you, Varnik isn't lying when it comes to the power some of the Fioran Mages," another voice chimed in from across the table. "I've seen firsthand what some of these supposedly weak Fiore Mages can do. And, let's not forget that they will also have Lord E.N.D among their number?"
One Of The Twenty-Four Arms Of Alvarez
Seventh Shield Of The Alvarez Empire
Commander Of Brandish Squad
A Student Of The Wizard King
A Student Of The Scarlet Despair
The Country Demolisher
Brandish Myu
"It is also worth considering that many of these accounts are nearly a decade out of date," Varnik chimed in, adding further weight to his own argument, whilst dipping his head in thanks to Brandish. "The fact is, whilst most of Fiore's armed forces are pathetically weak, their Guild Mages rival even those of Alakitasia's former top Guild, The Black Hand."
"You're giving those Fiore Mages far too much credit Varnik," a voice to his immediate left spat. "We all know who you two really fear fighting! E.N.D! Well, he's able to be defeated, we managed to in Crocus!"
"That is reckless nonsense," Varnik scoffed. "Stop embarrassing yourself and just admit Dragneel is a legitimate threat?"
"I said it once, and I'll say it again! E.N.D can be defeated," the woman hissed, banging a hand on the podium. "I'm telling you all that he isn't as powerful as you believe him to be!"
One Of The Twenty-Four Arms Of Alvarez
Fourth Sword Of The Alvarez Empire
Commander Of Phyrra Squad
High Praetor Of The Imperial Centumviri
The Shinigami Princess
Phyrra Ashar
"Need I remind you that the two of us together couldn't even stop him when he was wielding just the powers of Etherious," Varnik asked incredulously. "How do you expect to fight him now, when he's grown exponentially stronger?"
"You act as if all of us haven't grown stronger too!?"
"You also act as if he isn't a weapon designed to constantly adapt and grow stronger," Varnik countered evenly, angering Phyrra further.
"But Phyrra, you fought him when he didn't even have access to the Devil's Aura," another female voice pointed out, as Phyrra glared further up the ranks of the Leichart. "Even all those years ago back in Draconia, he was already in another league. I can't even imagine how strong he is now!?"
One Of The Twenty Four Arms Of Alvarez
Sixth Sword Of The Alvarez Empire
Commander Of Yasmin Squad
Dux Praefectus Of The Imperial Loci Inquisitiones
The Lunar Legate
Yasmin Clearwater
"Oh yes, I've read the Draconia reports," Phyrra sniffed in reply. "Reports that were lacking in action on your part, weren't they?"
"Leave her be, Phyrra," Irene chimed in forcefully, silencing the woman across from her. "Yasmin is correct. Natsu is far above the vast majority who are seated at this table. In fact, I'd say that, if his level of growth remained consistent since I last saw him, that he'd be around my level at the bare minimum-."
"That's simply impossible," Phyrra snapped in response, receiving little more than a shrug in reply.
"Natsu beat a relic of the old times, and an actual Titan, right after I had to output more power to defeat the Vampire Queen. I have no doubt his power has grown, and its something we all need to be ready for."
"The reports indicate that Natsu Dragneel has been missing since the Draconia incident, don't they," Invel chimed in curiously, adjusting his glasses, as August stepped up to speak.
"Actually, we now have new intelligence that suggests he is very much alive, and within Alvarez," the Wizard King replied, shocking many in the room. "It appears he'd aiming to rescue the foreigner from Vistarion Minar?"
"There's not a chance in Hell anyone is breaking Makarov out of my prison," Yuriel huffed in response, his massive arms crossed as he leaned back in his seat. "Vistarion Minar is impenetrable! None have ever escaped-!"
"Which is precisely why you're being warned, Yuriel," another voice chimed in slightly to Yuriel's left, as a twelve-foot tall, orange furred lion-humanoid stepped up to the podium. "I do not wish to offend you Yuriel, but there is every possibility that Dragneel will be the one to damage your perfect reputation-."
"There's absolutely no chance of that! And who are you to speak to me about security!? All you do is run around in the open plains, hunting and killing all day!?"
The lion-humanoid growled slightly, running his paw through his mane and readjusting an ornate headdress woven into said mane.
"Watch your tongue Yuriel…"
One Of The Twenty-Four Arms Of Alvarez
Tenth Sword Of The Alvarez Empire
King Of The Eastern Plains
Champion Of The Rafuushan Race
The Savage Berserker
Leonidas Mekita
"Threaten me all you like, it makes no difference," Yuriel sniffed, smirking as the massive cat, snarled down at him from his place among the table.
"Act smug whilst you can Yuriel. I'll be there to mock you relentlessly when Dragneel has crushed your little dream prison!"
"Not going to happen," the Gortar smirked, as the Rafuushan huffed and resumed his seat, as another from the side of the Shields stepped up, eliciting groans from many across both sides.
"Surely these reports are exaggerated!? I mean come on guys, there's no way some random scrub from Fiore is gonna be that powerful!?"
"Someone shut him up before he embarrasses himself again," Varnik muttered, as several others laughed.
"Oh look, the machine's data banks broke again," Brandish chimed in. "Oh wait, they never worked to begin with, did they?"
"Hey! None of you better underestimate the power of the first Machias! My Magitek is quickly becoming the backbone of the Alvarez Army!"
One Of The Twenty-Four Arms Of Alvarez
Twelfth Shield Of The Alvarez Empire
First Of The Machias
Slayer Of The Vorven Race
Head Of The Alvarez Magitek Research And Development Sector
Commander Of Wall Squad
Adjudicator Of The Iron Wall
Wall Eehto
"One day he'll shut up," Irene sighed, shaking her head. "Listen, we can argue this later! What we need to do is focus on the facts, and the facts agree that Fiore is going to be a problem!"
"You must be going soft Irene!?"
"Shut up Wall…"
"Wall," August muttered, instantly silencing the robotic menace. "Silence."
"…"
"Good. Please, continue Irene?"
"Of course," Irene sighed, shaking her head. "We're getting way off topic. The point we all need to accept is that they have many powerful Mages on their side, with some capable of going toe to toe with the likes of us."
"I concur with Irene," August nodded stiffly. "I think that the main topic of discussion should be the Mages we deem to be worthy of our attention. Let us table Natsu Dragneel for the moment and review some of the other noteworthy combatants on the Fioran side?"
"Then let's have Serena bring up the dossiers on those he deems to be the major threats," Irene nodded, as she looked next to her. "If you would?"
"Heh. Before I put any of them up, keep in mind that a fair few of these guys have been missing for almost a decade, so what I've got now should be taken with a grain of salt?"
"Outdated as the information may be, it is still relevant," Zeref chimed in smoothly. "By all means, show us."
One Of The Twenty-Four Arms Of Alvarez
Third Shield Of The Alvarez Empire
The Great Eight Dragon God
Former Wizard Saint Rank One
The Purported Strongest Mage On Ishgar
God Serena
With a curt nod, Serena placed a document down upon the projection Lacrima before him, revealing an all too familiar figure, one that had Brandish make a retching sound.
"Not him…"
"Settle down Brandish, I know you dislike him, but we have to address him," Irene giggled lightly, amused at her disgust for the man. "Continue Serena."
"For those of you who don't know, this man is known by many monikers across Ishgar. Considered a Grand Wizard in a league of his own, the greatest master of Crash Magic, and one of the few known survivors against Achnologia during the Scarlione campaigns. I am of course referring to the legendary Gildarts Clive, S Class Mage of the Fairy Tail Guild," Serena spoke firmly, as August hummed to himself.
"He's the one that kept preventing our forces from outright sweeping Scarlione, wasn't he?"
"That he was. His current whereabouts are unknown, but he's known to always show up right as he's needed," Serena replied, as several members of the group studied him closely.
"It's also important to note that he was Natsu Dragneel's mentor," Varnik chimed in, which surprised many. "His strength is something far beyond many of us here, including myself."
"I don't doubt that he'd easily have been among the Ishgar Five had he accepted the offer of joining the Ten Wizard Saints of Fiore," Serena agreed. "This man is considered one of the greatest threats to our invasion, and must be left to the upper four of either the Spriggan or Leichart Twelve. No exceptions."
"I agree," Zeref spoke up from his seat. "Having seen him in action, and knowing that he's gone off to train… I dare say he's going to be one of the greatest obstacles to our invasion."
"Then its settled," Serena nodded, removing the paper, before placing another down that had Varnik chuckle in amusement. "I'm not surprised you're laughing, seeing as how he very nearly killed you?"
"I wouldn't go quite so far as to suggest I nearly died," Varnik replied in amusement. "But the kid was strong, and I don't doubt he's grown exponentially since we parted."
"For those of you who are unaware, this man is Jellal Fernandes, currently the leader of an Independent Guild comprised of multiple strong former Dark Mages. Before that, he was able to become a Wizard Saint whilst halving his power through the use of True Heavenly Body Magic, and a few years ago, he fought against Varnik and Granvill during the Eclipse Plan."
"There's more to him than that, Serena," Varnik chimed in. "He became the youngest Wizard Saint in history whilst only using half his power, and the Mages working under him now are former members of the Oracion Seis and Grimoire Heart, two of the Guilds I worked to prop up under the Emperor's orders."
"The latest reports from the Magic Council have rescinded any capture order, and he is only to be challenged by the Ishgar Five. Based on that alone, he's undoubtedly grown much more powerful."
Serena removed the photo of Jellal, placing another one down of an all too familiar woman.
"She seems familiar somehow," Invel hummed, adjusting his glasses, eyes narrowed dangerously.
"This is Ur Milkovitch, a member of the Ishgar Five. Initially believed to have died, sacrificing herself to cage the Demon Deliora in a tomb of ice, she was mysteriously revived on Galuna Island," Serena explained. "Already considered a Grand Wizard even back then, it has become common knowledge that her resurrection found her fused with the Demon of Destruction Deliora, and her Magical Power Index has grown exponentially over the years."
"Yes, that was rather curious," Zeref mused to himself, tapping the armrest on his throne. "I do believe that her merging with Deliora was brought about by several contributing factors. Her ice form that caged Deliora had been half melted prior to Ultear using her Arc Of Time Magic, which reforged both their forms in a hasty and chaotic manner. Somehow, during the merging, pieces of their being overlapped, and now they are one being…"
"Ur was already among the top five Wizard Saints, but her power was still growing stronger. I do believe she will be a major threat during the invasion, due to her mastery over Ice Make Magic, her access to Etherious Aura, and the fact that somehow, despite all odds, she is working alongside Deliora."
"I think its time we discussed the obvious troublemakers we'll be dealing with, don't you," Irene asked, as Serena removed Ur's photo from the projection Lacrima.
"Fair enough. You'll all be receiving copies of the full dossier anyway," Serena shrugged in reply, as he slid a picture of Natsu over the Lacrima. Now, I know we've all discussed him numerous times over the years. But for the sake of future strategical planning, let us go over him once again."
"I agree with Serena," August nodded stiffly. "Let us not devolve into rabid fools, and discuss this man like the reasonable adults we are? VALID questions are perfectly fine, but not the denial of facts."
"And, the facts are, Natsu Dragneel is the strongest Mage on the Ishgarian continent as of right now. For years, Natsu was known to us as Lord E.N.D, the Demon King and Lord Zeref's greatest creation. Even prior to his most recent disappearance, he was already boasting power to rival the top four Swords and Shields."
"During the Draconia incident, Natsu was far beyond Serena's power," Irene cut in smoothly, annoying her colleague with her bluntness. "Only the top two of either the Swords or Shields will be capable of handling him."
"Yes… Well regardless, Natsu's capture or execution will be paramount in bringing the tide of the war in our favor," Serena continued. "Boasting at least four Dragon Slaying Magics at their highest level, allowing him to even transform into a Dragon, Crash Magic nearly on par with Gildarts Clive, Devil's Aura, near infinite regeneration and body manipulation through his Demonic form, True Heavenly Body Magic, as well as several rare spells known as Fairy Law, Fairy Sphere and Fairy Glitter, he could slaughter entire Legions in a matter of moments."
"Natsu is to be taken alive," Zeref cut in smoothly, all eyes snapping toward the Black Wizard, who smiled coldly down at his subordinates. "That won't be a problem…will it?"
"Er… So, only Irene, August, Maya and Sentomaru can deal with him outside of Lord Zeref," Serena replied weakly, as he quickly removed Natsu's photo from the Lacrima. "Moving right along…"
"Ah! We're finally getting to Natsu's little gang, are we," Irene smirked, enjoying seeing Serena sweating.
"Y-Yes. Among the Fairy Tail Guild, there are several Mages I do deem to be significant threats to our plans. This woman is Elise Faulkner, and is a First-Generation God Slayer trained by the current War Goddess Eliza," Serena replied quickly. "An absolutely vicious fighter when pressed, she is capable of massacring an entire Legion with her bare hands and wields the power of God's Aura. No Sword or Shield below Rank Five should even attempt to engage her in direct combat. But, that's not even the worst of it…"
"There's more," August hummed, somewhat intrigued by the girl.
"Should Elise be killed in combat, there is a high possibility that the actual War Goddess herself might take to the battlefield, in which case only Lord Zeref, August or Sentomaru will be able to even do anything…"
"It seems like the Fairy Tail Guild will contain the bulk of the forces our rank must face," a new voice chimed in almost directly across from Serena. "Elise Faulkner. Erza Scarlett. Mirajane Strauss. Laxus Dreyar. Gildarts Clive. Ur Milkovitch. Natsu Dragneel. Gajeel Redfox. Wendy Marvell… I can see them all, they shine far too brightly, it casts a pall upon Fiore itself…"
Stepping up to the podium was a beautiful woman who stood at an absurd eighteen feet tall, and was dressed in a long flowing royal garb. Her skin was as white as snow, her clear grey eyes holding a sparkle to them. Her knuckles each held a different gemstone, her forehead possessing protrusions of crystal that formed into a crown, sparkling like a rainbow as her silver hair flowed freely behind her, with long, pointed ears peeking through on either side, studded with more gemstones.
One Of The Twenty-Four Arms Of Alvarez
Second Sword Of The Alvarez Empire
Queen Of The Aelven Race
Commander Of The Knights Of Crystalline
Ruler Of The Crystalline Throne
The Gemstone Elemental
Maya Valkyrion
"Well, you aren't wrong," Serena replied slowly, eyeing Maya somewhat warily. "Even Lord Zeref knew prior to this meeting that Fairy Tail would show us the highest level of resistance. Though, that doesn't mean we should discount many of the other dossiers I've got on other notable S Class Mages such as Kagura Mikazuchi, Bacchus Groh, Sting Eucliffe, Rogue Cheney… Oh, and the other Wizard Saints, as well as others who refused the position, like Bathory Hyberion or-."
"I do believe we can put your report on hold for a moment Serena," Zeref cut in smoothly, motioning both both he, and Maya, to retake their seats. "Someone rather vital to my plans has just arrived back in Vistarion…"
"Someone vital? And who would that be, Lord Zeref," Serena asked, only for the entire room to tense as a massive shade rose up behind their Emperor.
"Lord Zeref would be referring to me…"
An Operative Of Emperor Spriggan
The Personification Of The Dark
A Shade Borne To Manipulate The Hearts Of Men
The Darkness
"For those of you who are unaware, this is The Darkness, a being I created years ago to cause havoc amongst the Fairy Tail Guild," Zeref explained, with many of the Spriggan and Leichart immediately realizing what their Emperor had done.
"It is as Lord Zeref tells it. However, I must inform you my Lord that my task is now complete, and I come bearing vital information to the war regarding Natsu Dragneel."
"I see… Go ahead, please fill us all in?"
"Natsu Dragneel has indeed returned, but his Magical Power and Aura is significantly weaker. I lingered following my expulsion from Gray Fullbuster, and learned that he vanished shortly after the Draconia incident after a merger with God's Aura very nearly killed him."
"Go on…"
"Currently, his power is rapidly returning to him. Once this process is complete, Natsu Dragneel will be the same as you, Lord Zeref… A Hybrid…"
The entire room fell deathly silent, with even the usually loud Wall Eehto sporting a strangely stern look, all eyes slowly moving toward Zeref, whose gaze was covered by his fringe. The Black Wizard smirked, his eyes now glowing Crimson Red and Galaxy Blue, as he slowly rose from his seat.
"This is excellent news indeed. I have no doubt he'll be back to full power quite soon," Zeref replied, clearly overjoyed at the news. "I know what he's currently going through. His body is rebuilding itself from the ground up to allow a perfect Balance of God and Devil, the two Auras, to operate in perfect unity. Once the process is complete, he'll be close to being able to face me on even ground…"
Several jaws dropped at that statement, which only had Zeref bursting into uncharacteristic laughter.
"Do you all doubt my words," the amused Black Wizard smirked, with many of them quickly shaking their heads.
"O-Of course not my Lord," Phyrra gasped nervously. "Its just that, well, we can't fathom anyone coming close to your level of power!?"
"If you truly think that way, then you are a complete and utter fool," August scoffed. "Our Lord might indeed be the strongest now, but never forget that, like each and every last one of us, he too was once just a weakling. All it takes is the will and drive to succeed, and one could rival the best. No matter WHO it may be!"
"Truer words have never been spoken August. I couldn't agree with you more," an aged, deep voice spoke up directly across from August, as another member of the Swords rose up.
The older man had long, silky white hair with a full beard and mustache that flowed freely down his chest. He wore a white kimono with a pink and red flower motif along the front portion, which led down into a blackish fire motif at the bottom. He also wore a pair of wooden sandals, two black armbands with numerous runes etched into them, and a bronze necklace that bore a closed pendant of some sort on it. Upon the back of his kimono were kanji that translated to the words PURE and PROGRESS, along with more of the flower motif.
One Of The Twenty-Four Arms Of Alvarez
First Sword Of The Alvarez Empire
General Of The Leichart Twelve
The Oldest Human On Earthland
A Walking Counter
The Arbiter Of Ceaseless Evolution
Sentomaru Abuchi
"I suppose it does makes sense for someone with abilities like yours to say that, doesn't it," Serena joked, as Sentomaru rolled his eyes in response. "After all, its not like you and August aren't trying to exceed Lord Zeref's power yourselves, is it?"
"I've no real interest in doing so at this point in time," Sentomaru sniffed in reply. "But even should I one day exceed Lord Zeref's power, it changes nothing. I pledged to serve in his Empire, and lead the Leichart Twelve, and that is what I shall continue to do."
"Agreed. I also have no intention of usurping Lord Zeref," August agreed immediately. "He raised this Empire up from the much Alakitasia once was, and has a vision to do the same for the rest of the known world. It is, and should always be, our greatest honor, to be part of such a project!"
"All of you, especially those who reside among the latter half of both Spriggan and Leichart, should take heed of our words," Maya added, rising to stand next to Sentomaru. "Our Empire is on the cusp of performing what none of the fabled Empires of old ever managed to do!"
"To gain control over no just one, but multiple continents, is the next step in Lord Zeref's plan," Irene continued, as Zeref moved to stand in-between his four top officers. "Conquering Ishgar is but the next step in the ultimate plan to put an end to Achnologia! To finally rid our world of that beast, and to forge a truly unified Empire!"
"So remember," Zeref smiled, as he drew everyone's attention back toward him. "Fight with all you have, and remember what it is we stand for as an Empire. Remember what it means to be a proud member of the Alvarez people!"
The members of the Spriggan and Leichart all seemed to agree with Zeref and his top officer's little speech, though it was clear from the looks of some of them that they had totally differing interpretations on what being a proud member of Alvarez actually meant.
"Now then, I do believe this is a perfect time to break for lunch," Zeref smiled, clapping his hands together to snap everyone back to attention. "We'll all meet back here in two hours to discuss more of Serena's dossiers. August and Sentomaru, I'll have you both come with me to my throne room."
"As you say, Lord Zeref," August bowed, with Sentomaru following suit. "I'll see the rest of you soon."
With that, the Swords and Shields quickly dispersed, as Zeref slowly exited the room alongside his two Generals, The Darkness floating along behind them.
*POTD*
Once the quartet had returned to the throne room, August sealed the room, whilst Zeref assumed his place on the throne. With a tired sigh, he looked up at the two old men, a small smile on his face.
"Alright gentlemen… Thoughts?"
"Wall will be the first to die. His intelligence is unquestionable, as is his arrogance," August spoke up immediately. "I could tell throughout the meeting he took none of the warnings seriously regarding any of those Serena listed."
"The same could almost apply to Phyrra as well," Sentomaru chimed in. "Despite being among the top four, she consistently looks down upon everyone, friend and foe alike. Due to her Death God Slayer Magic, she believes herself superior, not realizing that there are multiple Mages in Fiore who have the ability to kill her. Or, at the very least, counter her Magic."
"I can understand the issue with Wall. He's been arrogant ever since he wiped out the creators of the Machias. But I'm surprised to hear you speak such a way of Phyrra? Are you quite certain on that assessment?"
"As August mentioned for Wall, her intelligence is unquestionable, as is her arrogance. Some days, its almost as if she believes herself to be the second coming of you, with none being her equal, even when one of us could be standing two feet away," Sentomaru sighed in response. "I could foresee her arrogance getting her killed on the battlefield should she not take this war seriously. However, I also wouldn't suggest stripping her of her position either."
"Strip her of her position? Ah, you both must misunderstand what the purpose of this conversation is," Zeref chuckled softly. "The purpose of knowing your opinions on your colleagues is not to strip them of their rank, but to better plan out the attack on Fiore. The Swords will be the invasion force, as you both know, and Fiore will naturally set up defenses at each and every port, town and city across the country. Knowing who is a liability, and who is competent, will be critical in structuring a good invasion plan."
"Well, Wall and Phyrra would be the biggest liabilities I'd argue, aside from those among the bottom four of the Spriggan and Leichart Twelve," August replied with a curt nod. "Also, we must ensure Neinhart is protected at all costs during the war?"
"Yes, I've been pondering how best to handle that situation," Zeref hummed in reply. "Neinhart will need to be physically present on the continent for his Historia Of The Dead Magic to work. Allow me to think on that matter some more…"
"As you say," August nodded, happy Zeref was planning for it.
"All that aside, let's move onto the main reason why I called you all here! Now, with Scarlione gone, we must adjust our three-pronged invasion plan slightly," Zeref continued. "Because of this, I have a special task for the two of you specifically that needs to be completed before the invasion of Fiore?"
"What are your orders, Lord Zeref?"
"The Scarlione border is now a naval one, which means the invasion there shall be by boat and airship. The other front will be from the sea that directly divides our two continents in a series of naval and air invasions. However, the third front has yet to be opened, which is where you both come in," Zeref explained quickly. Sentomaru. August. I shall be giving you both two million soldiers, two hundred ships and one hundred and thirty airships."
"For what purpose my Lord," August asked curiously, raising an eyebrow at the dark smirk the Emperor sported.
"Your task will be the complete and utter annihilation of the neighboring country of Bosco," Zeref spoke firmly. "There will be no treaties. There will be no surrender. There will be no survivors. I want its villages, towns, cities, Guilds, its Governments, its royal family, and everything in-between slain to the last. There must be absolutely zero chance this front can be knifed in the back, or for unforeseen aid to reach Fiore through them. Am I clear?"
"You wish for the entire nation to be slain to the last," August clarified, to which Zeref nodded stiffly. "Are we to take the other Spriggan and Leichart who will be joining the invasion with us?"
"Serena will be joining you to keep command of our forces I'm sending you both with. I know the two of you work better on the ground. Beyond that, I need the others to help push through the expected fierce resistance on the other two fronts," Zeref explained. "With the bulk of my Spriggan and Leichart focused on two key points, Fiore won't be expecting my two most powerful Mages to come crashing through the Bosco border with another army."
"Very well my Lord," Sentomaru nodded, understanding Zeref's idea perfectly. "And what is the timeline for all of this?"
"You'll be deployed as soon as I've spoken to Serena, and then your Legions shall wait out in the Sea of Ghosts until I give you the approval to attack Bosco. From there, you have twenty-four hours to completely annihilate the entire nation."
"We'll get it done my Lord," August replied, the two older men sharing a look. "Was there anything else?"
"No, that will be all for now," Zeref sighed, as the two older men shared another look.
"Are we allowed to be excused from the remainder of the meeting so that we can prepare for the voyage," Sentomaru asked, with Zeref nodding after several moments of thought.
"I don't see why not. Serena will have the relevant dossiers you'll want to review before hitting Fiore."
"We'll make sure to review them," August bowed, as both older men slowly turned and made their way to the throne room doors.
"So August…"
"Sentomaru…"
"Gambling house?"
"You're on."
Zeref barely stifled a chuckle as the two men left, glad that they could retain their sense of humor after what he'd just asked of them.
"Maybe I'm going a bit too hard on Fiore," he mused, looking over in the direction of his sealed library. "After all, these books will be getting a nice workout across Fiore too…?"
Shaking his head, Zeref slowly rose from his throne and moved to look out upon the expansive city of Vistarion. On one hand, he knew that his decision to wipe out Bosco was sound. But he also knew that it wasn't one he himself would have made if he had any choice…
"I'm allowed to feel bad about it. You don't get to take that away, not when I'm doing as you ask," Zeref whispered softly, before clenching his right fist, his Aura flaring briefly. "It will succeed, one way or another. We know that…"
With a huff, Zeref turned on his heel and stormed out of the throne room, making his way back to the war room. He knew he had to get his mind into order before the others returned.
Without August and Sentomaru, they were likely to bicker pointlessly. A headache that not even the mighty Lord Zeref could cure…
"Life as the Emperor sure is a pain sometimes…"