Author's note : After a slightly longer break than usual, I'm finally publishing Chapter 10!
I think I'll also take two months instead of one before releasing the next chapter. That way, I can get ahead on the upcoming chapters and their translations. Plus, there are still a few things I need to sort out before continuing the story. We'll talk more about it later, but just a heads-up, the next chapter will come with a big trigger warning.
On a different note, I'm really getting fed up with all these scam messages and reviews, it's so annoying. When you're desperately hoping for feedback and instead get three scam reviews in a row, it's just so frustrating. They're really starting to drive me up the wall. I know there's nothing you can do about it, but I just needed to rant xD. I find it absolutely absurd that the website hasn't already taken action against those scumbags. I don't understand what more proof they need to realize they're scammers… This is so obvious...
Edit: I just took a look at the reviews on other fanfictions to see if they were all getting spammed by these scammers, and I'm honestly really, really sad to see just how much they've taken over the site. I'm not really talking about myself here, since I publish in two different languages and on other platforms, I still manage to get feedback. But if you enjoy a story and see that the writer is only getting these f***ing scam messages, I beg you to take a moment to let them know you liked their work. I can't even imagine how disheartening it must be to receive nothing but messages like that, and how frustrating it must feel to watch scam attempts pile up on your story without ever getting real feedback. I'd be really sad to see fanfictions stop and fade away because of these scumbags. Probably some of them already did...
Anyway, enjoy Chapter 10!
xxXCrimson-Wolf-MoonXxx : Helloooo !
I'm so happy to see you again!
I hope you're doing well, and please don't worry at all about the delay, it's already incredibly kind of you to take the time to leave a comment. ^^
Personally, I'm not a huge fan of Lucy either, or at least I don't really care about her development in the manga. In fact, I almost feel like she doesn't evolve at all. But I do like using her in my stories because she's the only one "normal" enough for readers to identify with. She's just different enough from the others for her reactions to be interesting to explore and to add something to the story. I often use her to bring out emotions that would be harder to convey through Gray or Erza while staying true to their personalities.
Natsu's place in everyone's life is one of the things that interests me the most, I love all the relationships connected to him, no matter what they are. Developing this aspect is something I truly enjoy because, to me, his personality embodies all the qualities I value the most. Add to that his pure and naive side, and he becomes my favorite character of all time. Of course, he's also extremely important to Zexion, and you'll see that for yourself soon enough. ^^
I'm really glad you like my descriptions! I completely agree that they're crucial for setting the mood, but sometimes I feel like I go into too much detail that might not be all that useful and just end up making the chapter unnecessarily long (not that I needed help with that! xD). But I'm still really proud of them, no doubt about that! I just want to avoid losing readers because of it. :p
The part with the Watcher is definitely my favorite in this chapter, probably even more so because I know who they are and why they have such an impact on Gray. But just so you know, I'm not the type to go easy on my characters xD. Natsu even more so than the others, but they're all going to go through hell. You haven't seen anything yet. :p
Now onto Chapter 8! It's almost entirely dialogue, packed with tension and even more unanswered questions. Sometimes, I wish I could experience the story as a reader who doesn't know what's coming next, just to see how it all feels from that perspective. Even though I did my best to make sure the tension between Xehanort, Zexion, and the revelations in their conversation came through clearly, I can never truly gauge the impact when I read it myself. And even when you tell me the suspense was palpable throughout, I can't fully grasp just how intense it actually is. But knowing it worked as intended makes me really happy, because that was exactly the goal here.
I won't say too much about the connection between Natsu and Deliora for obvious reasons, or even about Zeref's possible involvement, but it's important to remember that this story was written long before we knew anything about Zeref. At that point, all we knew was that he was a dark mage who had lived long ago and that he created Deliora and Lullaby, that's it. I can't go into details just yet, but… let's just say I was pretty inspired when coming up with my theories back then. We'll talk more about it when the time comes. Chapter 11 should give you a few hints, but it'll still be very vague at that point.
As for Xehanort's vengeance, his journey is going to be anything but straightforward… I hope you'll enjoy seeing how it unfolds. He's definitely not your typical antagonist.
Haha, I knew you'd love the part where Erza defends Natsu! Honestly, I felt like she hadn't been highlighted enough in this chapter, and considering her personality, I thought it made perfect sense for her to step in, not just to protect Gray, who's being worn down more and more by Xehanort's words, but also to shut him up when he keeps insulting Natsu. It just felt like the perfect role for her here.
I'm really happy with the description of Natsu's wanted poster, and the way you reacted to it is exactly what I was aiming for. That contrast between what he's clearly been through and his determined expression was something I really wanted to emphasize, and it clearly made an impression on you, so that's perfect. And when you finally find out just how much he's suffered… I can't wait to dive deeper into all of that.
As for Happy… I'm not saying anything. xD
And finally, Chapter 9… I'm glad you felt engaged throughout the long dialogue and didn't find it frustrating, even though the story is still advancing slowly despite all the revelations.
I'm pleasantly surprised that you feel so strongly about Zexion, considering he's just an OC. Knowing that makes me so happy, and it's a relief, too, because he's been taking up a lot of space in recent conversations, and I was worried readers might get tired of following his thoughts and development too closely. I always try to make sure he doesn't overshadow the others, but since he's the only one who actually knows the truth, he naturally plays a major role in revealing key information, at least for now.
Like I mentioned at the end of the last chapter, when it comes to exploring Natsu's character in depth, addressing the fact that he has no past before Igneel is one of my top priorities. The manga completely glosses over it, and that really frustrates me. Even later, when he finds out he was supposed to be dead and that Zeref brought him back to life, it barely seems to affect him. He looks shocked at the moment, which is great, but after that, he never really reflects on it, as if it doesn't matter. It's beyond frustrating. So, I try to give him as much depth as possible, while also indulging my love for angst and drama. Poor Natsu, I'm not sure that's actually any better for him. xD
That's all! Thank you again for your amazing comment. T_T I really hope you'll enjoy this chapter too and that you'll have time to read it! But seriously, don't stress about the timing, it's already such a huge gift that you leave such detailed and thoughtful feedback.
Hope to see you again soon!
kuroshiragami0 : Thank you once again for your review, hope you'll like this chapter!
Mitsuki Katagiri, Frostbound Reverie and Lisa-Katagiri : You'll probably never read this but just in case... Just leave me alone at last. I won't fell in your trap, you're just making me want to stop writing and I bet I'm not the only one in this case. You're polluting this website.
Chapter 10: The fallen dragon
When Gray descended into the inn's lobby the next morning, he found the two girls and Zexion standing in a corner of the room set up as a lounge, their eyes fixed on the screen broadcasting the latest news. Even from a distance, he could sense the tension in the air—a subtle, lingering unease that seemed to hang between them. None of them noticed his arrival, as all three had their backs turned to him.
"Yo," he said once he reached them, barely holding back a yawn.
He sensed something was off when no one responded to his greetings, an underlying tension weighing heavily on each of them. Erza's fist was tightly clenched at her side, Zexion stood frozen in place, and Lucy was trembling almost imperceptibly, as though the slightest shift might disturb a fragile equilibrium. Finally, the celestial mage turned to him, her eyes wide with shock.
"G-Gray," she stammered, her face pale.
"What's going on?" he asked anxiously, his stomach tightening at the look of dread on her face.
The celestial mage refocused on the screen, prompting him to do the same. Gray followed her gaze, his heart thundering with unease, and he had to stifle a gasp as the images of devastation unfolded before him. The depiction of the genocide of a small, peaceful Lüditz village unfolded on the screen in a carnival of horror. Through censors meant to soften their traumatic impact, the images showed homes reduced to ashes, charred bodies scattered across the streets, and the crucified corpses of women and children hanging against on the walls. A cold voice narrated the unfolding tragedy, recounting the events with a chilling lack of emotion.
Gray's heart, already heavy with horror, skipped a beat as he stood frozen, unable to tear his gaze away as he listened to the somber narration of the facts.
"The Oasis of Notia was the site of a genocide during the darkest hours of last night," the voice explained. "The authorities of Del-Fharis, the neighboring village, have estimated the losses to be over a hundred victims, including women and children. No survivors were found."
"N-Notia?" Gray repeated to himself, horrified.
The ice mage expected no response, but saying the name out loud suddenly made him realize everything it entailed. Xehanort's words echoed in his mind, and his eyes widened in shock.
'If you want more information about what's going on, you can always head over to the Oasis of Notia. You'll find something interesting.'
It couldn't have been just a coincidence.
"Watchers were sent to the scene, and the investigation findings are unanimous," the narrator continued, causing Gray to flinch. "Following the murders in Ascalön, Natsu Dragneel has once again been identified as the perpetrator of this tragedy."
"What?!"
His outraged shout rang through the room, instantly silencing the space. Everyone including the other patrons turned to him, their attention caught by his reaction as he struggled to process what he had just heard. He paid no attention to the sudden focus on him and kept staring at the screen, his eyes wide, the weight of fury building within him. He felt as though his heart might implode with rage as the explanation continued.
"This wanted criminal, notoriously known for his acts of violence, continues to spread fear. As a result, his bounty has been reassessed to fifty million Ludions. The nation is in shock and mourning."
His frozen gaze locked onto Erza's, and the horror and anger mirrored in her eyes felt like staring into a reflection of his own emotions. Beside them, Lucy still hadn't moved, and Zexion had lowered his gaze, his jaw tight with rage. No one spoke, trapped in a suffocating silence, as if the stillness was the only shield against the overwhelming weight of their dread.
"What a terrifying man, isn't he?" a voice suddenly declared behind them, causing them to jump in surprise.
Struggling to break free from their stunned outrage, they turned, tense and alert. The tension in their muscles eased as they recognized the man standing before them as the innkeeper, and their guard slowly lowered. Only Zexion managed to regain enough composure to respond.
"Yes," he agreed, his voice slightly trembling, "it seems his cruelty knows no bounds."
The bitter taste his own words left on his tongue made him want to vomit, speaking of Natsu in such a way sickening him deeply. It had to be visible on his face because he felt Lucy's sympathetic gaze settle on him. Beside her, Gray fought to control his rising anger, while Erza grew rigid, her muscles taut, ready to react at the slightest hint of further slander directed at the Dragon Slayer.
"Are you here to return your rooms?" the innkeeper continued as if nothing had happened, an odd smile on his lips.
"Exactly," Erza confirmed, swallowing her unease. "We were just about to leave."
The innkeeper didn't respond, but his enigmatic smile suddenly faded, as if he had just recalled something important.
"Leaving Lüditzen?" he finally asked, his detached tone contrasting with the mischievous demeanor he'd shown earlier. "You don't seem like locals."
"Yes," the storyteller admitted under the worried gaze of his companions. "We were planning to head to Notia, but..."
A subtle unease spread among the Fairy Tail mages as they heard him reveal such important information. Zexion wished he could reassure them that he had carefully weighed every possibility, but he knew that only his actions would speak to the truth of his decision. He held his breath as he watched the innkeeper's reaction, which appeared unimpressed by his declaration.
"If you're headed that way, be careful," he warned abruptly, as though struck by a sudden thought. "I've heard that a dark guild is active in that area right now."
A heavy silence settled over the group, the words stirring memories of their previous conversation with Xehanort. If the dark guild mentioned by the innkeeper was the same one he belonged to, then their goal was undoubtedly to target Natsu in some way. A wave of fear washed over every member of Fairy Tail at the thought of their friend possibly facing these formidable enemies at that very moment.
A cold sweat trickled down Gray's back, and a tight knot of anxiety formed in his stomach as Lucy grew pale, her concern evident in the subtle tremor of her lips. They shared a worried glance with Erza, whose eyes had grown hard at the thought of what Natsu might be facing if their fears were confirmed. Each of them felt the rising urgency, the need to protect their friend becoming more pressing with each passing moment.
More alert than ever, Zexion grasped the gravity of this new piece of information with even greater clarity. Having witnessed firsthand what Xehanort's guild was capable of and fully aware of the true extent of the situation Natsu was in, he was perhaps the only one who could measure the dangers involved and make the safest choices for both him and them. He had to get to the bottom of it at all costs.
"What's its name?" he asked, with more urgency and tension than he would have liked.
The following moment was excruciating, everyone holding their breath as though the slightest inhale might influence the impending answer.
"Dragon Lords."
Shattering what little hope he had left, those two simple words struck Zexion like a thunderclap, even though he had anticipated them. As his companions tensed beside him at the mention of that name, the storyteller had to summon every ounce of willpower to suppress the panic threatening to surface and not to betray the truth only he knew. He needed to end the conversation swiftly and warn them. They had no idea just how dangerous that information truly was on every level, and they needed to set out immediately before it was too late.
"Where?" he demanded even more urgently, drawing the attention of the Fairy Tail mages.
"Near the ruins of Lester, I believe," the innkeeper replied, oddly unaffected by the tension of his interlocutors. "The remnants of an old prison a few kilometers from Notia."
Confirming all his fears, the information prompted Zexion to cut the conversation short, confident in his ability to make the right decisions. He didn't even take the time to consult his allies, who were still grappling with the weight of the recent revelations.
"We need to leave," he finally stated, his nerves fully concealed. "Thank you for the warning."
"One last thing."
Despite his impatience, Zexion gave a brief nod, urging him to proceed. The innkeeper reached into his pocket, retrieving a pristine sheet of paper, which he promptly handed over.
"You should take a look at this as well," he explained as the storyteller took the paper, his gaze questioning. "These posters have been circulating in the capital since this morning and will soon be spread throughout the country. This man was spotted in Lüditzen yesterday, he might still be in the area."
Surprised and curious, Zexion glanced down at the sheet he had just been handed. His focused expression quickly gave way to concern as he realized it was another wanted poster, and then to shock as his eyes settled on the text. Like Natsu's, the top of the poster displayed a name that heralded the start of new complications.
Zexion lifted his gaze, staring blankly at the innkeeper as if trying to uncover some hidden truth in his expression. When his silence drew the attention of the Fairy Tail mages, they stepped closer, attempting to peer over his shoulder. Without a word, Zexion passed the poster to them with a hesitant hand, not even looking at them. Gray took it, his brow furrowing as he studied it.
It took them several seconds to grasp the reason behind the storyteller's anxious reaction, as there was only an empty square where the photo of the wanted individual should have been. Their eyes then fell on the name, and the same wave of emotions that had gripped Zexion washed over their faces.
'Gray Fullbuster'
The ice mage's eyes widened as they locked onto the letters spelling out his own name, his heart skipping a beat. A wave of confusion and fear coursed through him, visible in his trembling hands as they gripped the paper tightly. Paralyzed by shock, he couldn't bring himself to read further, his voice caught in a silence born of disbelief.
"It seems this individual is connected to the infamous Natsu Dragneel," the innkeeper continued, not giving them a moment to fully grasp the magnitude of their discovery, "and we don't yet know his face. They suspect several of his allies have infiltrated the country, he might not be the only one. This criminal is the worst abomination Lüditz has seen in decades. Be careful."
The word was spoken calmly, yet it reverberated within them as though it had been shouted. Natsu's outrageously defiled name shattered the hardened armor of their thoughts, and anger surged back through their bodies with a powerful intensity, fully grasping the innkeeper's words and the weight they carried. Gray looked up from his own wanted poster, seeking some form of reassurance from their interlocutor, but the effort only deepened his unease. Lucy and Erza had both turned their attention away from the poster to observe him, their tension palpable, as though the smallest word could unravel the fragile thread keeping them grounded.
The innkeeper remained entirely unaffected by the intensity of their emotions, as though he had precisely anticipated this reaction. They could almost sense a perverse satisfaction in his demeanor, his eyes glinting with a cold, sinister amusement contrasting with the warm, inviting tone of his voice. There was something about the man that sent shivers down their spines, his very presence unsettling and oppressive.
"Very well, thank you for the advice," Zexion replied with exemplary calm, despite his own simmering anger.
He was about to end the conversation, but paused just before speaking. Summoning his resolve, he decided to delve deeper into the tragedy that had struck Notia, despite his deep reluctance to discuss his friend as if he were truly responsible for the massacre.
"What do you know about this... criminal?" he asked at the last moment, struggling to utter the final word, knowing he was speaking about Natsu.
"Not much more than anyone else, I suppose," the innkeeper replied with a shrug. "From what we've heard, he's from the Kingdom of Fiore and came here for reasons unknown. He wields a rare form of fire magic, which he uses indiscriminately against anything that stands in his way."
Up until that point, the description had seemed to capture the essence of their impulsive and reckless friend perfectly. A wave of nostalgia nearly brought a wistful smile to their faces, though their minds were clouded by the knowledge of how this country had tarnished his honor.
Erza summoned her courage and stood beside Zexion during the interrogation, observing how the strain was beginning to take its toll on him. Maintaining the conversation's steady pace seemed increasingly challenging, and with Lucy and Gray emotionally unable to offer much support, she was the only one with the clarity of mind to step in and support the storyteller through this arduous test of will.
"What are his crimes?" she asked, not entirely sure she wanted to know. "Is he really that dangerous?"
"He is," he affirmed with a hateful gaze. "He first caused trouble here, in Lüditzen, but our technology detected his magic and the Watchers managed to drive him off before he could kill anyone. That's how his bounty was first put on him, initially for unauthorized use of magic."
They tensed in anticipation of what was to come, the vivid mental image of the events described haunting their thoughts. The way Natsu had been targeted and use as a scapegoat for crimes he hadn't committed gnawed at them with a deep sense of injustice. Aside from the mistake he made in using magic in a country where it was forbidden—a consequence they expected from Natsu's impulsive nature—none of his actions justified the relentless assault on his name. They held no resentment toward the legal consequences of breaking the law; Natsu could only blame himself for that. Yet, the overwhelming wave of unjust hatred the country had unleashed upon him was something they couldn't accept.
They also had to consider the possibility that his encounter with the Watchers was the very reason the fire mage had been driven to use magic. Now knowing the horrors those beings were capable of, it wasn't unimaginable that, like them, he had witnessed an injustice that forced him to take action. In truth, it seemed more likely than not.
With all of this weighing on their minds, it became even harder for them to maintain their composure in the face of the grim and absurd list of crimes attributed to Natsu. Erza attempted to analyze the situation with a clear mind, seeking to understand the motivations behind this smear campaign, though her patience wore thin as she listened to the innkeeper's offensive explanations.
"Two months later, he was found guilty of murdering a high-ranking officer in Lüditz's military, and then of slaughtering entire families in Ascalön," the innkeeper continued, sending a chill down the spines of his listeners. "It's even been confirmed that he was the one who killed a young woman found dead near Fiore's border five months ago. And now, there's the massacre at Notia…"
Each new detail plunged them further into rising indignation, as the meticulous recounting of his alleged crimes created an unbearable dissonance with the image they held of him. It betrayed the very core of his personality, tarnishing his dignity by stripping away the qualities that defined him—especially his unparalleled sense of justice, which Lüditz sought to obliterate. Natsu was someone who did not take life lightly, and they were portraying him as a heartless murderer.
The list of his supposed atrocities seemed to stretch endlessly, and with each word, their confusion gave way to a smoldering anger, darkening their expressions with threatening, determined resolve. The torment of not knowing where to direct their fury was unbearable—they yearned for a target to channel their frustration, their minds fixated on finding those responsible for this scheme. They weren't sure if they truly wanted to understand how and why Lüditz had chosen Natsu to bear the weight of someone else's sins, but they were determined to hold someone accountable and see justice served. The honor of Fairy Tail mages couldn't be trampled on with impunity, let alone that of innocence incarnate. Someone would have to face the consequences.
"Is this really the first time you've heard of him?"
The question snapped them out of their stunned silence, though their anger remained etched across their faces. The innkeeper watched them intently, never blinking despite their obvious agitation, as if this reaction held no surprise for him. He even seemed to take a twisted pleasure in the emotions they displayed.
"No," Zexion responded with a hesitant voice, barely holding back the urge to defend his friend by denying the terrible accusations. "But I haven't really looked into it until now."
The tension in the storyteller's voice was unmistakable, signaling that it was long past time to find a safe place to release their emotions without drawing attention. If someone as composed as Zexion was on the brink of breaking, it was critical to end the conversation before someone less patient lost control. Beyond the immediate need to escape the overwhelming pressure of the present moment, they couldn't afford to compromise their anonymity.
"We really need to go," Zexion urged again. "Thank you for all the information."
The storyteller reached into his purse to retrieve the money for their rooms, quickly taking the innkeeper's hand to place it in his palm along with the keys.
"Here are the keys to our rooms and the payment," he said, his impatience barely hidden. "Thank you again."
Without waiting for a response, Zexion turned his back on the innkeeper and began to walk away, giving a brief nod to his companions, who returned it.
"Take care," the innkeeper called out cheerfully as they prepared to leave. "That monster could still be lurking around."
This time, the emphasis on the word was deliberate, sending a sharp jolt that froze them in place. The venom it carried seeped into their very bones like a call for insurrection, to which Gray reacted instantly, turning back to face their interlocutor. Lucy and Erza followed, though with more composure, while Zexion stood motionless after coming to a sudden halt like the others.
At first, the innkeeper and the Fairy Tail mages locked eyes in tense silence, a chilling unease settling deeply within them as they observed the unsettling contrast in his expression. His slight, innocent smile never reached his eyes, which gleamed with a mischievous, defiant light, intensifying their growing anger. He didn't flinch at their sudden movements and watched them expectantly, as though he had anticipated their reaction and was deliberately inciting them to express their fury.
It was the breaking point for everyone. The tension became unbearable, the air thick with a stagnant electricity ready to detonate at any moment, like a storm poised on the edge of destruction. The atmosphere crackled with raw intensity, searching for an outlet, urging for an act of violence to finally release the suffocating pressure holding them captive. Silence stretched taut, like a fragile thread threatening to snap in a storm of fury.
The innkeeper was still smiling despite their obvious tension, a clear reflection of his disregard for their feelings.
Erza only recognized what was about to happen when she saw Gray take a step forward, and a surge of urgency washed over her. She swiftly placed a trembling hand, still brimming with unfulfilled rage, on the ice mage's arm just before the inevitable eruption. Gray turned to her at the unexpected touch, barely halting himself from releasing the emotions he had kept bottled for so long. His tense muscles relaxed in an instant as their eyes met, his own widening slightly in a mix of surprise and concern.
Titania's gaze flickered with a complex mix of repressed anger and deep, shared pain, intertwining her emotions with a compassionate understanding that left him disarmed, vulnerable beneath the intensity of their silent connection. More powerful than words, her gaze silently pleaded with him to resist the same impulse she fought so desperately against, and he felt his inner flame dim in response to this desperate glow. His shoulders sagged under the weight of their mutual suffering, even as the unfulfilled pressure of his lingering anger tightened around his still-beating heart. He closed his eyes briefly, commanding the emotions to retreat, and slowly relaxed his clenched fists, allowing the tension to dissipate.
When she finally spoke, breaking the physical connection with him, Erza's voice carried no trace of the emotional depth her gaze still conveyed.
"Let's just get out of here."
Gray nodded weakly, releasing the remaining tension from his posture. Casting one final cautious glance at the innkeeper, who was still watching them, he turned to follow Erza as she moved toward the door, with Lucy and Zexion close behind. The group, doing their best to suppress their impatience, stepped through the threshold and into the sunny streets of Lüditzen.
The moment the door closed behind them, an immense weight seemed to lift from their shoulders. The shift from the inn's cramped confines to the open air brought a sense of release as they stepped into the lively, colorful bustle of the capital's streets, leaving behind the suffocating tension of the previous conversation. The mages of Fairy Tail trailed behind Zexion, his brisk pace making it clear he was determined to put as much distance as possible between them and the inn. They could easily sense the urgency and nervousness in his every step, unconsciously spreading his growing anxiety to theirs. He seemed oblivious to the fact that he was steadily pulling ahead, ignoring their calls and showing no sign of slowing down or acknowledging them.
He eventually paused to ensure they were still following, then gestured toward a secluded alley hidden from prying eyes before slipping inside. As they caught up, nearly out of breath from trying to match the storyteller's frantic pace, he waited silently in the alley's shadowy corner.
"Hey, Mr. 'I-can-walk-faster-than-my-shadow,' we've called you like fifteen times!" Gray said, catching his breath and growing irritated. "Are you trying to leave us behind or wha—"
"We need to head straight to the ruins of Lester," he cut in abruptly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We can get there in less than three weeks if we move fast."
"What?" Lucy asked immediately, confused and a bit worried. "Why would we go to the hideout of a dark guild?"
"Because they know where Natsu is."
This statement silenced any objections, as the mere possibility of finally pinpointing Natsu's exact location was enough to convince them to take any risk. Since arriving in Lüditz, everyone they had encountered who claimed to have seen the Fire Mage after he left the guild had provided only vague guesses or deliberately ambiguous hints.
With mounting evidence from various sources indicating that he was in danger and the target of malicious intent, the need for a clear and definitive answer grew even more pressing. The uncertainty was becoming unbearable, each passing moment feeling like a missed chance to prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control—and to shield Natsu from falling deeper into danger, ensnared by the schemes of Xehanort and his guild.
"Are you sure?" Erza asked, a mix of worry and hope in her voice.
"Absolutely," he replied firmly. "If we lost track of Natsu after he left Ascalön, I'm certain it's because of them, one way or another. I don't know what they're planning, but we need to get there before they have a chance to act."
The brief silence that followed, as each of them retreated into the fiery depths of their own resolve, was all the confirmation his directives needed. If Dragon Lords was truly behind Natsu's disappearance and the perils he had faced since leaving, there could be no room for doubt. They had not forgotten that this guild had coldly massacred an entire people and had no hesitation in placing the blame for their own atrocities on the shoulders of the survivors. They also questioned whether they shared some responsibility for the crimes that Natsu had wrongly been burdened with. All the more reason to find their lair and make them pay for their disgrace.
"This is Xehanort's guild, isn't it?" Lucy asked hesitantly, her voice tinged with hope that she was wrong.
Deep down, they already knew the answer, but they couldn't afford to risk misjudging the situation by allowing a false deduction to mislead them. Zexion didn't wait long before responding, quietly exhaling to center his restless thoughts.
"Yes," he confirmed, doing his best to keep his thoughts from drifting back to his childhood friend and their difficult conversation from the previous day.
"And it's them Natsu fought at Geffen?"
Once again, the storyteller didn't leave any room for doubt and confirmed it, nodding slightly.
"Yes."
Uncharacteristically, his lack of details hung heavily in the air, thickening the atmosphere with tension. No one could discern whether Zexion was eager to end the conversation in order to reunite with Natsu, or if he was concealing another unspoken truth tied to the guild and its deeds.
"They've been chasing him from Fiore, right?" Gray asked, his tone impatient due to the other's reluctance to speak. "And don't just say 'yes.'"
The storyteller watched him for a moment, impassive, before a playful spark flickered in his olive eyes.
"...Yes, that's right."
Zexion's expression remained neutral, but his eyes was still sparkling with that mischievous glint as he eagerly anticipated Gray's inevitable, impulsive response to his deliberate provocation. However, it never came; Gray held himself back, knowing that Zexion was openly mocking him.
"You're messing with me?" he growled, unable to completely hide his irritation in his voice.
"Just a bit."
The storyteller barely suppressed a smile as Gray rolled his eyes in exasperation, inwardly cursing Zexion's habit of provoking him, much to Lucy's amusement as she struggled to hold back a laugh. Erza quickly restored order, shooting a commanding glance at her distracted companions. Lucy swallowed hard, Gray let out a resigned sigh, and Zexion forced a more serious expression, unwilling to delve into the dangerous depths of Titania's personality, a topic Natsu had warned him about more than once.
"We didn't know it at the time, but Dragon Lords always intended to stop Natsu from reaching his goal, even before we met them," he explained, finally satisfying their thirst for details. "I think they attacked Geffen to force him out."
"Damn it, what do they want from him in the first place?" Gray snapped, growing increasingly frustrated by the relentless persecution their enemies seemed to be unjustly directing at his rival. "Why would they stop him from saving the people cursed by Deliora's fragments? Or rather, why does it even bother them?"
Zexion hesitated, unsure how to share the truth while carefully concealing the details they absolutely shouldn't know until he was certain it wouldn't worsen both Natsu's physical and emotional state. What he already knew about it was heavy enough to keep him awake at night; he couldn't bear to burden him further by sharing the details without his consent. At this point, any additional weight could crush him entirely, leaving him unable to recover, and he couldn't take that risk.
There was no way to predict the consequences of such revelations, let alone control them. The mere fact that his guildmates had come all this way, to see them again after everything he had been through, would be torment enough. Natsu's heart couldn't withstand confronting them with the knowledge that they knew everything he despised so much, and facing their judgment of the truth. Not without being prepared first.
"Because they want to regain their power, among other things," he finally admitted, uncomfortable with the idea of making it seem like the situation was only about the Deliora fragments. "If the curse is lifted, the fragments would lose all their power."
Beyond the hatred Xehanort and his guild master held for Natsu, there was a deeper purpose driving Dragon Lords' relentless persecution and pressure on him, but that didn't negate the truth of his claim. Collecting the fragments and harnessing their power played a crucial role in their objective, even if it was only a part of a larger, more elaborate plan, with Natsu at its heart.
"But can we really afford to rush into the lair of a guild like that?" Lucy questioned, unsure if it was wise to face a powerful dark guild with just the four of them. "If they're after Natsu and know we're here, it could easily be a trap."
"It's a possibility," Zexion admitted, "but we can't afford to wait for more information. If Dragon Lords is there, you can be sure Natsu isn't far. We need to find him before they try something else against him."
The thought of all that this despicable guild could have already done to him wrenched her heart with anguish, and the overwhelming desire to prevent them from causing him further harm was enough to drive Lucy to take whatever risks were necessary. That same determination reflected on the faces of Gray and Erza. If Dragon Lords was in those ruins, that's where they would go.
"By the way, do you have any idea why Dragon Lords attacked Notia?" Lucy then asked. "What do they gain by making Natsu the public enemy number one of the country? It's them who did this, isn't it?" A sudden hypothesis then crossed her mind, chilling her to the bone. Her complexion turned pale. "D-Do you think they could have forced him to..."
"I don't know, Lucy," Zexion replied with an uncertain voice, betraying his worry. "But I'm sure Dragon Lords is behind this, and Natsu had nothing to do with it. If it really was him, it had to be against his will."
A chilling shiver ran through them as their hearts tightened in a violent grip. Not for a single moment did they believe Natsu guilty of such genocide, but they hadn't considered the possibility that he could have been coerced into it in some way. Knowing him, he would have never surrendered to a threat; death would have been his only choice over deliberately taking innocent lives. This meant that for Dragon Lords to manipulate him, they must have found a way to control his mind, even temporarily. The only other option was that the dark guild had killed those people themselves and framed the Fire Mage. Given their liabilities, it wouldn't be surprising.
Neither of these options were reassuring, but the first was undeniably the most horrifying. The idea of Natsu being forced to massacre innocents against his will twisted into waking nightmares, instilling a palpable terror to every heartbeat. If he truly carried that burden, the moral devastation wrought by such a monstrous act must have been immeasurable, tearing at their hearts with an indescribable pain at the thought of his torment. They hadn't believed their concern for him could deepen after the series of harrowing revelations since their arrival in Lüditzen, yet it did.
The hope of seeing him again soon was the only thing keeping them going, even as their morale approached its breaking point. They couldn't bear the wait any longer, yet despite the anguish stirred by everything they had learned, there was a growing sense that they were drawing closer to him. Step by step, they were nearing the end of these five—nearly six—long, agonizing months. Natsu felt closer than ever.
"We should go," Zexion suggested. "I've already gathered supplies for the journey, and we have a long way ahead." He turned to Gray, who felt cornered by his serious and stern expression. "You should hide your face until we leave Lüditzen," he advised him seriously. "People here might recognize you after what happened yesterday, and now that you're wanted too, it's better to avoid unnecessary confrontations and not alert the Watchers who could be tracking you."
Gray opened his mouth to respond but found himself speechless. He wished he could offer a valid excuse for his negligence and the recklessness he had displayed when facing the Watcher, but none came to mind. He had let the past reduce him to a pathetic, powerless, and terrified shell, and his careless reaction—born of his own wretched weakness—had now placed everyone in danger. Nothing could excuse the lack of judgment that had driven his actions, not even if that creature had been Deliora himself.
Zexion noticed his unease and softened his expression as he retrieved a black hooded travel cloak from his belongings.
"Here," he said, handing it to him. "Use this for now."
"Thank you..."
The ice mage reached for the garment with a hesitant gesture but lingered, holding it in his hands without putting it on, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.
"Do you know how…" he began to ask, hesitating and unable to finish his sentence or look the storyteller in the eyes.
"The major cities of Lüditz have technology that detects any use of magic," Zexion explained in a surprisingly compassionate tone. "When someone uses magic, they leave behind a unique energy signature that it can detect. If it has their information stored, it can identify the user and track their location to send forces to enforce the law. Just using your magic was enough for it to detect you, even if you didn't cast a single spell."
"I see…"
His deplorable mistake laid bare, Gray struggled to come to terms with the harsh reality, his stomach twisting with shame and guilt. The vivid memory of Zexion's warnings about using magic in Lüditz, particularly within the city, resurfaced, and in a single day, he had undone all their efforts. He felt helpless, pathetic, and foolish.
Zexion furrowed his brow with compassion, watching Gray's dejected expression and his stubborn refusal to meet his gaze out of shame.
"Don't be too hard on yourself," he comforted him, surprising everyone as he drew his evasive gaze to him. "It was inevitable that we'd be wanted eventually, and the Watchers aren't ordinary beings. None of us would have reacted differently in your place."
Gray met Zexion's gaze this time, and the understanding glint in Zexion's eyes, paired with his comforting words, eased his guilt considerably. Despite his stern nature, the storyteller had offered a detached form of forgiveness unlike the more personal expressions his friends might have offered out of simple friendship, giving Gray a rare opportunity to forgive himself. In these circumstances, Zexion's forgiveness felt more meaningful than any other, and had their relationship been simpler, he might have already thanked him outright. However, unable to resist the discomfort of Zexion's unusually compassionate and understanding demeanor, Gray looked away, feeling uneasy. Thankfully, Zexion didn't push for a response or reaction to his words.
"That said, this machine isn't supposed to be able to identify someone who hasn't been added to its database," he continued, furrowing his brows. "You don't come from Lüditz, it shouldn't have been able to give your name without further investigation, unless it was added manually. Someone must be behind this, and it's likely that your names were added as well."
Dragon Lords was, of course, the first name that came to mind to explain this strange occurrence, suggesting that the dark guild already knew about them before they even arrived in Lüditz, and they wondered if this had been the case even before Natsu's departure. It felt as though Dragon Lords had been orchestrating these acts against Natsu for far longer, as if they had anticipated his eventual departure from the guild and his journey to Lüditz. That possibility was terrifying, as it implied that Dragon Lords had been watching them all along, and had already plotted to use Natsu for their own purposes whatever those might be.
If this machine could detect them and uncover their identity and location, it was only a matter of time before the entire country would mark them as targets. They stood no chance against Dragon Lords without the use of magic, even though it appeared that this technology was limited to urban areas.
"What about you, Zexion?" Erza asked, curious.
"It has known about me for a long time," the storyteller replied, shrugging. "I was registered at birth like all Lüditz citizens, even if my paren—"
The word instantly caught in his throat, and while the Fairy Tail mages expected to see his emotions masked by indifference, they were instead met with a stark, unrestrained wave of fear in his eyes that froze them in place.
"Zexion?" Lucy called out, her voice filled with concern for his pale complexion and sudden silence.
The storyteller turned his gaze toward her with a barely perceptible tremor, as though her voice had pulled him from a deeply reflective state, likely dredging up long-buried memories.
"S-Sorry," he stammered slightly, looking far too fragile for their liking. "I was thinking about something else."
A discordant note rang out in the background, causing the trio to stiffen with discomfort at the sight of him stumbling over his words. Whatever he had meant to say about his parents touched something deeply serious, and no one dared to press further. Fortunately, Zexion took it upon himself, eager to relieve the weight that had been crushing his heart since the unintended mention of the greatest trauma of his life.
"Let's leave, we've wasted enough time talking. Let's not linger here any longer than necessary."
The rest of the group nodded in agreement and set off once Gray had donned the cloak provided by Zexion, pulling the hood low enough to obscure his face, rendering it nearly unrecognizable from more than a meter away. Erza and Lucy flanked the ice mage on either side to deter anyone from getting too close, while Zexion took the lead, guiding the group toward the northern exit of the capital.
The journey continued in silence, the oppressive atmosphere amplifying every sound. They overheard snippets of conversations, many centered around the Notia genocide and the incident at the Ashen Wyvern. Natsu's name was mentioned repeatedly, with townspeople speaking of the fear and disgust he stirred, steadily crushing their hearts with each mention. Resisting the urge to act was a torment they endured.
"He attacked Notia this time," they heard someone nearby declare again. "I hope they catch him before he kills more people…"
"It's said he was already sentenced to death in his own country before coming here," another added, sounding disgusted. "That's probably why he fled here."
It was the ninth time, but this one was unlike any before, leaving them sickened to their very core. The three Fairy Tail mages exchanged horrified, questioning glances, their faces pale. Had Fiore really gone this far? Did they truly intend to sentence Natsu to death?
Nothing felt more uncertain than the truth of this hypothesis, especially with Lüditz's tight grip on information and its compulsive need to demean and discredit Natsu at every turn. But if it were true… why? He had defended and saved Fiore countless times, yet this was how he was being repaid? Sure, he had a reckless and destructive nature, and the Council had grown increasingly frustrated with him over the years, but to the point of sentencing him to death? Something just didn't add up.
Another possibility was added to the growing list of reasons that might have driven Natsu away, and they couldn't help but wonder what would happen upon his return if it turned out to be true. Chills ran down their spines as they imagined their friend being unjustly arrested and executed, making the situation even more terrifying. They realized that simply finding Natsu and bringing him back to the guild wouldn't be enough to solve the situation—there was a deeper, more sinister conspiracy at play than they had anticipated, and they had no means to counter it with their current knowledge.
Noticing that his companions had stopped to observe the group of Lüditzians who had just spoken, Zexion came to a halt as well and turned back toward them.
"Zexion… Is it true?" Erza asked with a voice trembling with anger and worry.
The storyteller lowered his gaze and closed his eyes sadly, offering them the answer before a single word could escape his lips.
"Yes… it is," he confirmed sadly, loathing the expression of pure horror it brought to their faces.
This confirmation ignited a deep well of unease, horror, and rage in their eyes. Lucy opened her mouth, prepared to voice all three emotions at once, but Zexion stopped her.
"Not here," he cut in, noticing the few curious glances that had turned towards them.
He didn't need to say more; Fairy Tail silently nodded in agreement, to which Zexion responded with a subtle acknowledgment.
They resumed their journey in silence, their strength waning as the group of Lüditzians pressed on, unaware of their presence.
"If it's not Fiore, then we'll be the ones to finish him once and for all," the first man said in a calm, detached tone that made their stomachs churn. "As soon as they get their hands on him, I can't wait to see his execution."
"It'll be a great day for everyone," added the second.
"Yeah, that monster just has to croak," the third concluded. "The world will only be better off without him."
This tenth occurrence reignited their fear and anger as if it were the first, yet they somehow managed to keep moving in silence. As Lucy bit her lip and Zexion clenched his fist, struggling to hold back the urge to intervene, Gray and Erza couldn't help but glance once more at the people responsible for the deep revulsion gripping their hearts. Once again, Erza's comforting hand on Gray's arm urged them to meet each other's gaze, silently offering strength to resist the overwhelming anger threatening to consume them. Gray turned away from the source of their distress, his jaw clenched, following Erza's silent command. They finished the journey with their eyes fixed on the distant ground, fists and hearts tight with emotion.
Leaving the bustling heart of the city, they descended via the cable car and reached the lower districts of Lüditzen at ground level. The once vibrant streets, filled with laughter, fell into a hushed stillness as they moved away from the populated areas toward the city's outer walls. The lively hum of the city gave way to a heavy, oppressive atmosphere marked by the sight of a looming, dark stone building on the horizon and the two figures standing watch at its entrance.
When Erza inquired about the unsettling place, Zexion explained that it was Lüditz's most secure prison. It held the most dangerous criminals and those sentenced to death, with public executions occurring occasionally—though rarely. According to the storyteller, no one had been executed in years, as this ultimate punishment was reserved for those whose crimes were beyond comprehension and for those deemed enemies of the entire nation.
As expected, their thoughts shifted once more to Natsu, wondering what fate awaited him if the country ever managed to capture him. Their breath caught in their throats as they stared at the massive prison.
Zexion paused, aware of what had crossed their minds after his explanation. Fairy Tail did the same, coming to a halt as he turned back to face them.
"They must never get their hands on him, and that includes the Council," he said suddenly, his tone serious and weighty. "He'd be executed without a second thought."
The atmosphere thickened with the anxious anticipation of his companions, who watched him with growing anguish, the weight of his words pressing down on them like an inescapable sentence. The thought that Natsu could one day be confined in this bleak prison or a Council cell facing execution filled them with revulsion. Zexion softened his voice despite the gravity of the subject, hoping to ease their growing fear rather than confine them to it.
"The information hadn't been made public yet when we left," he continued, his voice heavy with gravity. "But… the Council has placed Natsu under arrest and sentenced him to death for treason. They tried to intercept him after our battle with Dragon Lords, but he managed to cross the border before they could."
"W-Why?" Lucy stammered, her eyes filling with tears, horrified by the injustice and what it meant for Natsu's future. "Why are they doing this?"
The silence that followed was heavy with meaning, each breath caught in anticipation of Zexion's response, which never came. The despair in her question hung in the air, her tears reflecting a deep sense of injustice and confusion with every word. Gray and Erza stood frozen, unable to find a response that could ease the storm of pain and bewilderment tearing through her emotions—and their own. Zexion's silence eroded Lucy's resistance, leaving her consumed by the overwhelming, devastating whirlwind.
"First Lüditz treating him like a monster for crimes he didn't commit, and now the Council of Fiore branding him a traitor and wanting to execute him? What the hell is going on here? Has everyone lost their minds?!"
Lucy was nearly screaming, her desperate pleas reaching out to the unseen for answers. The overwhelming injustice of the situation, the absurdity of the accusations against Natsu—everything felt like a waking nightmare where each crushing revelation piled on with no hope of relief. The world seemed to collapse around them, each revelation shrouding their already fragile reality in deeper darkness.
"What did he do to deserve this?!"
"Nothing, Lucy," Zexion said, shaking his head sadly. "The problem isn't what he did."
"Then what?!" the Celestial Mage shouted, overwhelmed by her confusion. "Why is everyone targeting him like that?!"
Even Zexion had no answer to her question, his gaze falling, heavy with sorrow. He knew why the Council and Lüditz had chosen to brand Natsu as a criminal, but that wasn't the answer Lucy was searching for. She needed a reason, an explanation for the cruelty directed at him, and there was none. Nothing could justify the senseless persecution Natsu was enduring.
This time, the silence seemed to bring a sense of calm to the celestial mage despite the unshed tears still present in her eyes. She lowered her gaze as well, realizing she had let her emotions take control of her words, and that the answers she sought would not come this way. Gray remained speechless, Lucy's words mirroring his own questioning, while Erza furrowed her brow in sympathy, struggling to contain her own distress. Zexion lifted his head to observe his companions, at a loss for what to say.
"Sorry, Zexion," Lucy finally apologized, feeling ashamed for directing her anger at the storyteller when it wasn't his fault. "I didn't mean to take it out on you…"
"I understand, don't worry about it," Zexion replied gently.
A shy smile played on Lucy's lips in quiet thanks, while Zexion once again directed his gaze towards the prison building, lost in thought. Gray watched them, his muscles tight with the weight of the grim possibilities should they fail to prevent Fiore or Lüditz from capturing Natsu. Despite her own anxieties, Erza quickly stepped in before their doubts could consume their optimism. With a steady gaze, she crossed her arms, her armor clinking faintly.
"We won't let them get their hands on him anyway," she declared with confidence, striving to ignite determination in her friends' heart by conveying her own. "And neither will Dragon Lords. There's no use thinking about it now. We just need to find him and protect him, nothing more."
Her initiative had the desired effect, drawing determined looks toward her, which she used to bolster her own resolve. The ability to provide them with courage, much like Natsu would have, filled her heart with a gentle warmth, swelling with affection for him.
Just a few more weeks, and they would finally see him again. She was confident.
Zexion looked at them one by one and gave a resolute nod, his gaze reflecting deep admiration for their unwavering determination. They were ready.
"Let's go," he suggested firmly. "The ruins of Lester are several weeks away from here. There's no time to waste."
The rest of the group nodded in agreement and they set off, more determined than ever.
Lüditzen gradually receded into the distance, obscured by the jagged dunes of the desert as they followed the sandy trail of Madahine Road, supposed to lead them near the ruins of Lester. Gusts of wind whipped up swirling, copper-hued sand, while stunted trees dotted patches of hard soil too inhospitable for cultivation. A line of red rocks stretched across the horizon, and to the east, the ruins of a village emerged—likely abandoned since the distant era of the "Decline." The landscape was stark, desolate, and devoid of any wildlife, save for a solitary bird drifting on the breeze.
The first few miles of walking were the easiest to manage. Neither fatigue nor thirst had set in, and supplies were still abundant. Occasionally, Lucy would complain, lamenting that she couldn't summon Horologium to cover the long journey, though her mood quickly lightened as Gray gave an exaggeratedly exasperated sigh in response. Ahead, Zexion and Erza chatted casually, discussing various subjects as if the heavy conversation from the previous night had never occurred. Slightly behind, Gray appeared deeply focused on organizing his emotions, seeking calm and solitude as he observed the few islands drifting in the sky, vaguely wondering what magic could be sustaining them. At the rear, Lucy trudged along, her weariness evident as she battled the endless stretch of sand and rocks unfolding before them.
They walked for over two weeks, stopping at various camps for the night and briefly pausing during the day to replenish their strength. While Lucy sat on a small, uneven rock, massaging her numb feet, Zexion and Erza focused on navigating their route using a map and compass they had acquired in Lüditzen. A short distance away, Gray leaned against a large rock, his gaze fixed on the sky, lost in thought. When it was time to continue their journey, the ice mage barely registered Lucy's desperate calls of his name. Instead, it was the peacock-colored winged creature hovering above them that finally caught his attention.
"It's a griffin," Zexion explained before he could ask. "They're quite rare creatures, but they can sometimes be used as mounts."
"Then why did we walk all this way?" Lucy groaned dramatically, sighing heavily. "My legs are sore just thinking about all those miles of walking through the sand..."
"Sorry, Lucy," the storyteller said with a subtle smile. "We don't have the resources, and they aren't exactly found on every street corner."
Lucy sighed in frustration once again, oblivious to the mischievous glint in Erza's eyes as she prepared to intervene.
"I'm so sick of walking…," the celestial mage complained, dragging her feet behind her. "If only I could summon Horologium, I wouldn't have sand in my shoes..."
"Stop complaining," Gray interjected with a sly smile as he noticed Erza furrowing her brows with stern disapproval, "or I know someone who'll make you want to walk again."
Erza's eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and exasperation, her expression growing stern and merciless.
"Did you say something, Gray?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Nothing at all!" he quickly replied, waving his hands in surrender. "I value my life..."
"And why do you think you're risking it?"
"I'll tell you if you let go of that plank of nails."
Gray's fearful expression and Erza's piercing glare immediately cut off Lucy's complaints. She whipped her head away with an exaggerated pout of mock fear and moved ahead, pretending to regain her energy by absurdly lifting her legs high and flailing her arms in a comically dramatic fashion.
"What a lovely walk, isn't it? So beautiful with all this sand! Ha, ha, ha!"
Zexion let out a soft sigh, though a faint smile curved his lips, drawing a quiet laugh from Erza. She glanced at Lucy with warmth, noting how her exaggerated antics gradually gave way to a genuine smile, reinvigorated by the lightheartedness enveloping them despite the circumstances and the looming proximity of their destination. She cherished seeing them so cheerful and relaxed, especially after the emotional turmoil they had faced since arriving in this foreign land. These fleeting instances of levity and carefree joy brought back memories of the guild—its fiery arguments, playful teasing, and boundless energy. She missed those times deeply.
Since Natsu's departure, the guild had become a hollow stage where everyone went through the motions, playing their roles without true conviction simply to hold themselves together. Without him, Fairy Tail struggled on, its brilliance dimmed, and despite the mages' efforts to uphold the same spirit they had before the incident, the guild was gradually consumed by an ever-deepening sense of worry and dismay.
Thinking of them filled her with a profound sense of guilt and regret as she wondered sadly what might have transpired since they'd left Magnolia without a word. They had never imagined their search would take them to another country or keep them away for so long, and Erza loathed the thought of their friends consumed with worry because of them. They had disappeared overnight without explanation, and now, a month later, they still hadn't sent any news. Surely their friends suspected their disappearance was tied to their search for Natsu, but that knowledge did little to ease the anguish they caused. Their friends were already struggling with the loss of the fire mage, who had always been their brightest light, and now they had to bear their absence too—less devastating, but just as weighty. They hadn't left the guild for good like Natsu had, and their friends knew they intended to return unlike him, but their sudden absence must have left a deep void and gnaw at them with worry.
She couldn't bear to imagine how lost they must feel, especially if Makarov had continued to turn a blind eye to the situation, leaving them to face their fears alone. She sincerely hoped that the Master had managed to lift himself from his sorrow and bring them together again against pain and adversity. They needed him as much as he needed them, and she prayed that the old man had freed himself from the cycle of guilt that had consumed him ever since Natsu left. Now that she understood more of the truth behind this sorrowful event, and knowing that Makarov had been aware from the start, she could comprehend the reasons for his behavior, but he needed to allow the guild to help carry his burden. Before Fairy Tail shatters, crushed under the weight of its own distress. They needed him to guide them, just as much he needed them to bear the weight of his responsibilities.
Her heart tightened, the feeling of having abandoned them becoming unbearable. They had to hurry and set things right—it was a crucial necessity. The prospect of a future where they would be forced to watch Natsu die was terrifying, but she had to stay strong and resolute, ensuring that Gray and Lucy never lost hope for a happy ending.
It was her duty to guide them, to ease their doubts while masking her own. Even consumed by fear, she had to believe in their success so that theirs wouldn't consume them.
They were going to succeed. They had to.
Author's note : Alright, here we go!
I know I'm repeating myself, but I can't shake the feeling that the story is dragging again. At the same time, everything in this chapter is important, so it needs to be there. But maybe I'm lingering too much on details that aren't entirely necessary, I don't know. Every time I plan for a chapter to start and end at certain points, I end up having to split it into two or three… and the story just isn't moving forward! T_T Just for context, everything I've written so far originally fit into just five chapters before the rewrite.
Anyway, in this chapter, I focused a lot on Lüditz's perception of Natsu and how the other characters react to it. In fact, that's basically the whole theme of the chapter, which is why I feel like things aren't progressing much. That doesn't mean I don't like the chapter, though, there are quite a few moments I really like. Plus, there were some crucial plot points that needed to be addressed, like the technology that detects magic usage and, of course, the real reason behind Natsu's bounty: the Council's involvement in his departure and the death sentence hanging over his head… Fun times, huh?
I also really like Lucy's little breakdown at the end, when she finally cracks under the weight of all these revelations and the injustices surrounding Natsu (which, by the way, are only the first of many).
So yeah, this chapter doesn't really move the story forward, but it continues setting the tone and world-building. Speaking of which, I'll say it again here: the next chapter will include the first (but definitely not the last, consider yourselves warned) major trigger warning of this fic. There will be graphic descriptions of violence and a lot of both mental and physical pain. You'll probably pick up on it right from the first few lines, but I'm giving you a heads-up anyway. I'll also include a warning at the beginning of the next chapter just in case.
That's about it! Hope you enjoyed the chapter, and see you next time!