Chapter 30
Allied Force
"Speech"
'Thoughts'
"Magic"
Flashback
Location / Date / Time Skip
News of Laxus expulsion quickly spread through out the guild and the magical world. Natsu was royally pissed off that he couldn't get the rematch he wanted. But that was only part of it. Once asked how the blonde could use Dragon Slayer magic, Makarov begrudgingly answered. Laxus' father implanted a dragon lacrima into his son because he thought he was weak.
Regret over the decision consumed the master. At one point he almost considered leaving the guild, but the members talked him out of it. Hell, even the Thunder Legion started getting more personable with the other members.
Erza, however, had other things on her mind. After Mystogan's reveal, she questioned Makarov about it, but he had no answers for her.
She wasn't the only one with issues. Lucy's dad had found her and told her that all of the family company had been bought out from under him. He wanted to start again and begged Lucy for money, but she refused to help such a greedy man. The next day, she head that a dark guild had taken over the trading company he wanted to work at. She stormed the place and beat the wizards, only to realize that he wasn't there yet, and she still had to pay rent.
8 Islands Restaurant
"Welcome." Lucy, in the restaurant uniform said with a smile. "I'd be so happy to take your order." Both men ordered and Lucy wrote it down. "Would like some desert with that?" Another customer asked for service and Lucy suddenly snapped. "Why am I waitressing!?"
"Lucy..." Natsu walked over with a tray of food. "You're working a job."
"What part of this looks like a wizards job to you?" Lucy asked back. "And why am I stuck in this outfit? Granted, I make it work."
"The staff here at 8 Islands all use magic." Happy said, walking over in a little tux and tie. "So it seemed like a good idea for all the waiters here to use magic as well."
"And we're here to help you out, remember." Natsu said with a drumstick in his mouth.
"Natsu, stop eating the food." Laki requested as she walked over in the same outfit as Lucy. Someone reached out from a booth and almost grabbed her leg. "Get off me!" She slammed her tray on the perv's head, knocking him out.
"I blame you for this." Lucy said to the purplette.
"Hey, I offered to share my winnings from the pageant, but you said no." Laki said as she swatted another pervert.
"Besides, the uniforms aren't that bad if you asked me." Gray said in his underpants.
"Then try wearing it." Lucy said as Laki cracked her knuckles behind him.
"Hey, this is to pay you're rent, remember." Gray said back, making Lucy sigh in defeat. "Hey, check it out." The two looked over as Erza sauntered over to a table and unknowingly flirted them into ordering the whole menu. "Well, whatever works I guess."
"I'll do my best..." Lucy said, a little intimidated by the red head.
Hours later, the sun was beginning to set and the job was complete. "Wonderful job you did today, kids." Yajima, the owner said behind the restaurant. "I'm pretty surprised by your hard work. Come back here any time."
"Thank you." Erza said, still in the outfit. "We learned a lot today."
"And what was that?" Happy asked. "You like clothes."
"I learned I'm never going to be a waitress." Laki said in disgust. "Too many pervs reaching for you."
"If this is what Mira does everyday, I feel sorry for her." Gray said.
"At least she eats well." Natsu said, patting his stomach.
"Natsu, I asked you not to do that." Laki said.
"I thought you meant just that tray." Natsu chuckled.
"Why would she only mean one tray?" Lucy asked back.
"By the way, Yajima..." Erza spoke up. "What is the state of the council?"
"Well... I'm not a member any more..." The old man said.
"The Magic Council!?" Natsu and Gray asked in fear.
"Did you two really forget that Yajima was a member?" Lucy asked.
"After Zet, or was it Zegard?" Yajima mumbled as he tried to remember.
"You mean Jellal?" Erza asked.
The proper name jarred the old man's memories. "After he and Ultear betrayed us, I parted way with that group. I'm not normally one for rumors, but I hear that they're putting a new Council together. Our action caused you kids a great deal of trouble. I am truly sorry."
"It's fine." Erza said back. "I heard that you were the only one who stood opposed to firing Etherion. Your conviction is nothing to be ashamed of."
"Politics just aren't for me." Yajima said as he flipped a pan of food. "Cooking is so much more fun!" His smiled dropped as he jumped off the barrel and walked over to Natsu, Gray and Laki sitting on a bench, scaring them all. "Listen very carefully, you three. I expect this new Council to be very different. I took a lax attitude to your guilds hijincks, but this new one won't be as kind. Do you understand me? They won't tolerate your senseless destruction!"
"Yessir!" All three said as they nodded at a blinding speed. The group packed up and left as Yajima waved them off.
"Say hi to maki for me!" The owner shouted. Once the carriage was out of sight, Yajima looked up at the sky. 'Ultear, I wonder where she is now?'
Grimorie Heart
"Master, the Oración Seis are making the pit move." Ultear said as she turned to the throne on the bridge. "How shall we respond?"
"Let them do as they please." The master said from the throne. "Those on the other side will not stand idly by. We will use this opportunity to locate the remaining keys to Zerefs seal. And if fortune favors us, some of our rivals will be eliminated in the process."
"Such as Fairy Tail?" Ultear asked with a smirk, making Hades smile.
Fairy Tail Guildhall
"What is this?" Lucy asked as she looked at a web of names floating in midair.
"It's a chart listing all the dark guilds." Mira said, prompting Reedus to add that he drew it.
"There's more than I thought there were." Erza said.
"And they seem to be awfully active lately." Mirajane explained. "So we need to strengthen our relationships with other guilds."
"What's with the big circle?" Gray asked, looking at the three names in the center of the graph.
"I know what it is." Juvia answered. "It's the Balam Alliance. The three most powerful dark guilds in the world. The Oración Seis, Tartaros, and Grimoire Heart. Each controls lesser guilds that carry out the dirty work they feel is beneath them. And yet, there is one on this chart that is independent; Raven Tail."
"I recognize the name Eisenwald..." Lucy sadly said as she looked at the one with an x through it.
"I'd be surprised if you didn't, that the guild that Erigor belonged to." Erza added.
"So Eisenwald was just a subguild under this Oración Seis?" Laki asked.
"To think some of these guilds use to be legit." Macao added from the side.
"A lot of the guilds Gajeel and I destroyed as part of Phantom Lord were controlled by the Oración Seis." Juvia bragged. "Except for Fairy Tail, but were all good friends now, right?"
"Word of advice, don't remind them." Gray said.
"Hey, do you think they'll get mad at us?" Lucy asked, shaking in fear.
"Calm down, Lucy." Wakaba said back. "From what I hear, they only have six members."
"Sounds like small potatos to me." Macao added.
"Don't act cocky." Mirajane said in a warning. "Those six members make up one of the most powerful guilds out there."
"Speaking of the Oración Seis..." Everyone turned to the entrance as Master Makarov stood there. "I just got the word, we must destroy them."
"Welcome back, master." Mirajane said, unphased by the statement. Everyone else fell over in shock at her reaction. "Did you have a good time at the conference?"
"What do you mean by that?" Erza asked as everyone stood back up.
"The Oración Seis was the focus of much of the conference." Makarov explained. "They pose an urgent threat that cannot be ignored anymore. Therefor, they must be dealt with immediately. We will stop them before they can harm any more innocents."
"Let me guess, we drew the short straw." Gray said.
"Fairy Tail will take them out on our own?" Juvia asked.
"Not quite." Makarov walked down the steps as everyone looked at him. "This enemy is far more powerful than any we have faced before. It's too dangerous to attack them alone. If we do, the entire Balam Alliance will focus on us. Which is why we will be making our own alliance."
The whole guild stared in shock of the statement. "Fairy Tail, Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale, and Cait Shelter. These guilds will send members to represent them in the allied force. Together we will work to destroy the enemy!"
"We don't need any help!" Natsu shouted back. "We can handle them no problem."
Erza slammed her hand into Natsu's head. "Don't be foolish. Master Makarov is wise to think of the long term consequences."
"Wait, hold on a second." Lucy spoke up still in fear. "Were talking about six people, right? Just how strong are they?"
Worth Woodsea
"I can hear it..." A man said as he scratched a purple snakes chin. "That wonderful sound of light crashing to the ground."
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Cobra." Someone said from behind. "But, it's not like speed's a bad thing."
"Racer..." The now named Cobra said. "The magic we seek is under our noses. Trust me on this."
"That ancient magic, the one that can turn light into total darkness, oh yeah!" Another male added.
"Nirvana..." A woman added.
"The legendary magic will soon be ours." A deep male voice said.
"Are you sure we should put all our bets on this?" Racer asked. "Is Nirvana really all that?"
"Look." The man raised his skull topped staff to the forest, which had dark clouds swirling around it. "The land itself is dying. The magic we seek is near by."
With Fairy Tail Representatives
"Remind me, why I am here?" Lucy asked as the carriage carried them to their destination. "It's not like I can help you guys."
"Hey, I didn't want to be here either." Gray said from next to her.
"The five of us are here for one reason." Erza spoke up. "Because Master Makarov put his faith in us, so let's not disappoint him."
"I know, but Gajeel and Juvia would have been a better pick." Lucy said back.
"They're busy with their own jobs." Laki said as she rested Natsu's head on her lap.
"Are... we... there... yet...?" Natsu asked in pain.
"Soon enough..." Laki patted his head in comfort.
"Why does it seem like we're always picked for this stuff?" Lucy asked.
"Consider this an honor." Erza said back. "Today will be our fist meeting with the delegates from the other guilds. It's important that we all focus on building a better relationship with the other guilds."
"There it is!" Happy shouted. The group looked forward at a pink building covered in hearts. The carriage stopped, the group got off and opened the doors to pitch black.
"Another creepy mansion..." Lucy complained.
"Its the second home of Blue Pegasus' master, Bob." Erza explained.
"Oh, him..." Gray thought in a mix of fear and disgust.
"Are we there yet?" Natsu asked.
"We're already here." Laki said.
"Yes, they're here at last." A voice said, confusing them. A spotlight shined in front of the steps, showing three men in suits. "We're so glad you came. We are the Blue Pegasus elite; The Trimens."
"Oh, no." Laki shook her head as they sounded off.
"Hundred Night Hibiki." The dirty blonde said.
"Holy Knight Eve." The pure blonde said.
"Still Night Ren." The black haired one said.
"The Trimen..." Lucy stared in shock. "They're so cool."
"More like disgusting." Laki said back. "I'm not a big fan of men leading women on thinking they can date them only to have a fling with them."
The three surrounded Erza and started flirting with her. They pulled out a couch and set it up before pulling out a table and leading Lucy over to it. The trio sat down, only to shoot off due to the wooden spikes on their seats. "Let's get one thing straight. There will be no perversions while I'm here, understand!?" Laki asked with a glim of murder in her eyes.
"Well, hello miss Olietta." Eve said with a smile.
"Not interested." Laki said, punching him in the face.
"I like the challenge." Hibiki said.
"No." Laki said back. "Besides, I already have someone in my heart, and he's in my guild."
"Who is he?" Natsu asked, scaring her.
Laki rubbed her hands together nervously as a blush covered her face. "Uh, well, it's uh..."
"Calm down men." A new voice said as the man walked down the stairs. "Give these ladies some breathing room."
"What's with that voice?" Lucy asked.
"Yes, Ichiya." Ren said back.
"Ichiya..." Erza asked in fear.
"Its been too long, my dear Erza." The man said.
"Yes... a long time." Erza said back. "I didn't think you would be here..."
"How I've longed to see you, my honey." The ugly man said. "Worry not, Ichiya is here you."
"My honey!" Lucy and Happy asked in shock.
"We didn't know she was your girlfriend, Ichiya." The playboys said. "We're so sorry. Forgive us."
"You know that is not true!" Erza shouted, scaring Lucy. "Laki, sic him."
"You idiots!" The fourth Pegasus member shouted. "We have work to do!" The three picked up the couch and table and carried it away. "I've heard all about you people, Erza, Lucy, Laki, and the other two." He shot over to Lucy and started sniffing her until Laki grabbed him by the hair.
"Let's get one thing clear." Laki said, holding him as far away as possible. "Touch any of us, and you'll sink to the bottom of the nearest lake. Is that clear?" He merely grabbed her arm and started sniffing her. "Get off me!"
"He's creeping me out..." Lucy said, shaking in fear.
"Me too..." Erza said walking away. "I'd never choice to work with him. But he is a gifted wizard."
"Listen up, you Playboy wannabes..." Gray finally spoke up. "You'd be wise to keep your hands off these ladies, we clear?"
"Crystal." Ichiya jumped off Laki's arm and landed in front of the Trimen. "Now take your leave." The arrogance angered Gray even more.
"Are you punks trying to pick a fight with me?" Gray asked.
"Wanna find out?" Ren asked.
"A fight!?" Natsu asked. "Count me in!"
"Everyone, please calm down." Erza ordered, only to freeze when Ichiya started sniffing her.
"What did I just say!?" Laki grabbed him and threw him at the door until he was caught and frozen.
"Is this flying bafoon really how you great us?" Lyon asked. "Lamia Scale deserves more respect."
"Lyon?" Gray asked, making Lyon do the same.
"So you went and joined a guild?" Natsu asked with a smile. The ice mate threw Ichiya at Gray and he ducked.
"What is wrong with you?" Gray asked.
"He attacked me, Gray." Lyon said back.
"That's our boss you're talking about." Ren said.
"You and your men should just turn and leave." Hibiki added.
"Does that mean women can stay?" A voice asked as the carpet started to move. "Marionette Attack: Carpet Doll!"
"Wait, I know that magic..." Lucy up and stared at Sherry, now in a pink dress. "Sherry?"
"I was hoping you Fairys hadn't forgotten us." Sherry said with a chuckle. "But do try to forget who I was."
"As crazy as ever..." Lucy mumbled.
"I have been reborn by the power of love." The pinkette said.
"More!" Ichiya shouted as he hoped over to Erza. "I must have more of your scent."
"Stay back!" Erza shouted, holding a spear.
"Let's go, Lyon." Gray growled through his teeth.
"My pleasure." His rival said back.
"Lets go..." Natsu egged on the Trimen who glared at him.
"I could never love you..." Sherry said to the blonde.
"Feeling mutual." Lucy said back.
Tensions were high in the room until a staff slammed onto the ground. "Enough!" Everyone turned to the entrance to a bald man in scaled clothing. "We're here to form an alliance and destroy the Oración Seis. This is not the time petty squabbles among ourselves."
"Yes, Jura..." Lyon said with a nod.
"Jura?" Erza asked.
"The ace of Lamia Scale... Iron Rock Jura." Hibiki mumbled.
"Who?" Natsu asked.
"He's one of the Ten Wizard Saints." Laki explained. "So he's a big deal."
"So five from Fairy Tail, four from Blue Pegasus and three from Lamia Scale." Sherry bragged at the numbers. "Funny how confident you're guild is its abilities."
"I wasn't even included." Happy complained.
"Three guilds have shown up." Jura said. "The members from Cait Shelter have yet to show up."
"About that, I've heard they're only sending one." Icyiha said from atop Erza's spears.
"Just one?" Erza asked.
"A single wizard!?" Gray asked shocked. "We're up against a powerful group and they're only sending one member!?"
"Oh, man..." Lucy mumbled in a panic. "If that's true, how strong is this guy gonna be."
A short cry caught everyone's attention. They turned to the front and stared at a girl with long blue hair on the ground before she stood up. "Sorry, I'm late." She nervously said. "I come from the Cait Shelter guild. My name is Wendy. It's nice to meet you all."
"She's a kid!" Lucy asked in shock.
"A little girl?" Lyon asked as he stared at her.
"Wendy..." Natsu and Laki stared at the girl in curiosity.
"Alright." Jura spoke up unphased. "Now that all the guilds are present, we can begin."
"Hold on a second!" Gray shouted. "We need to figure this out!"
"What is Cait Shelter thinking?" Sherry asked aloud. "This isn't the job for a little kid. I can only image how bad their guild is if they sent her by herself."
"She's not alone!" Another voice shouted as everyone looked behind Wendy. "Never jump to conclusions, you gaudy trollop."
"Calm down." A third voice spoke up. "You can't blame them for thinking they sent only one member. They can't see us." Happy gasped two cats walked up behind Wendy. One was white in a short dress with a pink bow on her neck. The second cat was another female, this one a dark green with a short red skirt and top with a pink trim.
"Cats..." Lyon mumbled.
"Just like Happy." Natsu added.
"Are they both talking?" Lucy asked.
"I'm not gaudy." Sherry mumbled back.
"That's your issue!?" Lucy asked.
"Carla, Rose." Wendy spoke up. "You two followed me here?"
"I wanted to stay behind because I have faith in you." Rose spoke up before motioning to Carla. "But this one was worried about you and dragged me along."
"Pretty kitties..." The Trimen said.
"Are you seriously trying to pick up a cat?" Lucy asked. Carla turned and looked over at Happy before his eyes turned into hearts. She turned away and a shiver ran down his spine.
"Hey, Lucy..." The male cat said as he grabbed her boot. "I'll give you all my fish if you tell that white vision I'm not neutered."
"Stop looking up my skirt or you will be." The blonde warned. "Wait, you Liiiike her, don't you?"
"Here that, Carla." Rose joke. "You got yourself an admirer." The white cat turned and huffed in disgust.
"Don't do my schtic!" Happy shouted at the blonde. "But if you do, don't be so creepy."
"I'm sorry..." Wendy spoke up. "I know I'm not what you expected. I know I'm smaller and younger than a lot of you. And I'm not much of a fighter, but I can use all kinds of support magic. Please let me join the group! I'd be so embarrassed if I went back!"
"Show some confidence, child." Carla scolded. "If you don't show any back bone, they'll never respect you."
"Lighten up, Carla." Rose said. "It's the first time she's ever been with someone outside the guild."
"I'm sorry." Wendy mumbled.
"I swear, you two will drive me to catnip." The snow colored cat said.
"I can't help it!" Wendy shouted.
"Forgive me." Erza walked forward. "I was caught off guard. Rest assured, no disrespect intended. We're glad to have you aboard, Wendy."
Wendy gasped at the red head. "Wow, you're Erza, right? I can't believe it's you."
"You're not the monster I'd expected." Carla added.
"Yeah, she seems normal." Rose agreed.
"Surely you've heard of Happy the great Catmander?" Happy asked as he walked over. "Well, I am he." Carla turned away in disinterest. "She loves me! This must be fate!"
"If it means you being rejected, than that is correct." Lucy said.
"I don't need comments from those who know nothing of women." Happy scolded the blonde.
"Hate to break it to you, but I am a woman." Lucy said dejected.
"Hey, you're the Green Woman, right?" Rose asked as she reached Laki. "Finally nice to meet you."
"Thanks..." Laki said, confused.
"I can't wait to see what that girl is gonna look like grown up." Ren said from the side.
"Looks like Hibiki doesn't want to wait." Eve chuckled as the dirty blonde lead the petite girl to the couch.
"Ahem..." Laki coughed from behind, scaring the man. "Did my words go in one ear and out the other?"
"No, well, uh... you see..." Hibiki mumbled as he backed away with every step Laki took.
"You sense it too?" Ichiya asked Jura. "That girls parfume is unique. She's no ordinary child."
"I sensed that almost immediately." The Wizard Saint nodded. "The magic she posseses is different from our own. Seems Erza has noticed her power as well."
"I was just... trying to make comfortable, thats all..." Hibiki said, pinned to the wall by Laki's Splinter Shot spell. Another shot sent a log between his legs, scaring him even more.
"Give me one reason I should believe you?" Laki asked as she took aim again.
Gray walked over to Natsu, who looked deep in thought. "Keep that up and your face will stick like that."
"It's weird." The pinkette mumbled. "I feel like I've heard that girls name before, but I can't remember where."
"Really?" Gray asked as Natsu deepened his thoughts. "Stop doing that. It's creepy."
"Hey, can you remember her for me?" Natsu asked.
"How would I do that!?" Gray shouted. Natsu turned back to the girl and she smiled and waved.
"It's unladylike to smile at strange men, Wendy." Carla said.
"I was just being friendly." Wendy nervously said back.
"Excuse me!" Rose shouted, making everyone look at the cat. "Look, I hate to interrupt this little meet 'n' greet, but we came here to do a job. So unless we want to the bad guys to win, I suggest we get to it."
"Agreed." Ichiya nodded. "Our first order of business, determining the location of the Oración Seis. Right after I go to the bathroom." He slicked out of the room, leaving the girls in disgust.
"And I'm back." Ichiya popped back. "Now, pay attention. To the north lies the Worth Woodsea. An ancient people sealed a powerful force there; its name, Nirvana."
"Okay, those poses are getting really annoying." Gray said.
"Nirvana?" Laki and Natsu asked.
"Never heard of it." Lyon said.
"Jura, do you have any ideas?" Sherry asked the Saint.
"No, I do not." He shook his head.
"This conversation is boring." Happy, holding a fish, walked over to Carla. "Wanna naugh on my mackerel?"
"Heavens no." Carla turned away in disgust.
"Come on, Carly." Rose teased. "Throw him a bone."
"I told you not to call me that!" Carla shouted.
"Other than its name, we don't know much about this magic." Ren spoke up. "And its destructive nature."
"Also, the Oración Seis want it badly." Eve added.
"Destruction magic?" Natsu asked.
"Bad feeling confirmed." Lucy mumbled.
"We assume that's why they've gone to the Worth Woodsea." Hibiki continued to explain. "They are desperate to get their hands on whatever this magic does."
"And so, we must destroy the Oración Seis!" The Pegasus members all shouted.
"Isn't that a given?" Laki asked.
"So done with the posing." Lucy mumbled to Gray.
"Kinda growing on me." He confessed.
"We have the advantage in numbers, but we cannot underestimate them." Hibiki warned. "We may well be in over our heads." He snapped his fingers and a keyboard appeared.
"Archive Magic?" Lyon asked. "Don't think I've ever seen it before."
"And it does what?" Sherry asked.
Screens popped up, showing pictures of six people. "Storing information, such as these photos of our enemies." Hibiki explained. "Don't ask how we got them. First up is the snake wizard, Cobra."
"Beady eyes. Mischievous smirk." Natsu mumbled. "I don't trust him."
"That's the pot calling the kettle black." Lyon and Gray said at the same time.
"Next is a wizard who probably uses some sort of speed magic, based on his name." Hibiki continued. "Racer."
"I don't know what it is, but this guy rubs me the wrong way." Gray spoke up.
"Same with me." Lyon added.
"Next is a wizard who's willing to wipe out an entire army, if the price is right." Hibiki changed pictures. "Hoteye."
"The guy kills for money?" Sherry asked.
"Turns my stomach." Jura added.
"She's gorgeous, but just as deadly." Hibiki said about the only girl. "Angel."
"Beautiful but deadly type?" Lucy asked. "How cliche is this girl?"
"We don't know anything about this next member other than his name." Hibiki continued. "Midnight."
"An odd name." Erza said. "I wonder if it has something to do with his powers."
"Finally, the leader of this group." Hibiki pulled up the last picture. "Brain. And that's it. Alone, they can wipe out whole guilds and together, they're unstoppable." The screens shut off and dissipated. "We have thirteen to their six, but that's the only advantage we have."
"Question, can I stay here and not die?" Lucy nervously asked.
"Can I please go home?" Wendy asked on verge of tears.
"We have a job to do, child, so no!" Carla scolded.
"Are you not upset that they didn't count us?" Rose asked.
"Since they didn't count us, wanna go find some trash to raid?" Happy asked, making Carla turn around in a huff.
"Calm yourself my friends." Ichiya spoke up. "We have more than just fisticuffs. Mayhaps we can find the enemies strong hold."
"What are you talking about?" Natsu asked.
"Their hideout." Ren explained. "So far, we haven't found it. But we know they must have one."
"So, once we locate it, we gather the Oración Seis inside." Ichiya said.
"How?" Gray asked.
"We beat them up, duh." Natsu said.
"A little too excited, don't you think?" Lucy asked.
"What's the next part?" Erza asked. Ichiya pointed up, making the girls follow his finger.
"Then we blast them to oblivion!" He shouted. "Curtesy of Christina, the pride of the Blue Pegasus guild."
"The magic bomber?" Sherry asked. "I thought it was just a myth."
"Is that really necessary?" Lucy asked. "There's just six people."
"That's the force needed against this enemy." Jura said, scaring Lucy. "Remember, under no circumstance should you ever face one of them alone. Our best bet is to divide and conquer."
Lucy and Wendy were shaking in fear. "This is a nightmare..."
"Too much pressure." Wendy added.
"Stop acting like children!" Carla shouted.
Natsu slammed his fists together. "I'm all fired up!" He bust out the door and ran into the woods. "Let's go demon hunting! Who wants to fry first?"
"Natsu, slow down!" Laki shouted.
"As head strong as ever." Erza complained. "Sometimes I wonder if there's anything in his head."
"Who wants to bet he didn't hear the plan?" Gray asked.
The other members of the guilds followed out the hole in the door. "Just great..." Hibiki complained. "Now we have to fix it."
"Alright, let's get to work." Erza said.
"Are we seriously playing catchup to him?" Gray complained.
"Not a problem." Laki said as she took off.
"Do we have to?" Lucy cried as the other members ran after Natsu, forcing her to follow them.
"Just as infections energy as ever." Lyon said with a smile. "Ready, Sherry?"
"Yes." The two ran after the first guild members.
"Stay together!" Jura shouted.
"Hunting demons, and an Angel." Hibiki said as the Trimen ran after the others.
"Are you seriously thinking about hitting on the enemy?" Rose asked from the ground.
"Pull yourself together!" Carla shouted at the shaking Wendy.
"Don't worry." Happy said. "I'll protect you."
"You'll be the death of me." The cat grabbed the girl's hand and lead her away, leaving Happy alone.
He flew after the group leaving Ichiya and Jura alone. "I'm getting to old for this." The Saint complained. "Regardless, the operation has begun. We should join the others."
"Slow your role, shinydome." Ichiya said. "Is it true that you're a real wizard Saint?"
"That I am." Jura nodded.
"It's an honor to fight along side someone as powerful as Makarov." The short man said.
"No, no. I'm no where near as skilled as he is." Jura said. "It's an honor to old the title, but it is given to whomever the council deems worthy. Saying I'm as powerful as Makarov is like saying the rain is as powerful as the ocean. You can guess which applies to me."
"I see..." Ichiya pulled out a vial. "That would make things much harder if you were as powerful as that fossil." He popped the lid off and a sickening scent overcame Jura. "This particular parfume causes an opponent to lose their will to fight."
"What have... you done?" Jura collapsed to his knees.
"Piri, piri." The troll popped another vial and pain shot through the wizard Saint. "Yes... drown in pain and torment. Enjoying the little effects of my fragrance?" Jura fell on to his back as Ichiya's voice mutated. "No, I meant parfume." He exploded into a puff of smoke and two blue beings appeared.
"We're finally normal again!" The one in orange pants chered.
"That midgets head was disgusting." The one in black added. "He's a freaking pervert."
"Perverts are gross, brother." The orange one nodded.
"No complaining." A woman said as she walked forward. "You're not done yet."
"No... why are you here?" Jura forced himself to his stomach. "Angel."
"Are you as stupid as you look?" She asked. "You've been fooled. We copied your ally, right down to every thought in his perverted mind."
"Now we know your whole plan." The black one bragged.
"Can't hide anything from us." The orange one teased.
"Two down, and only ten to go." Angel teased with a wink as Jura collapsed from the pain. "Let this be a lesson to you, children of light. There's no stopping the Oración Seis."
With the Others
Natsu looked up and noticed the massive forest ahead of him. "There it is."
"Slow down, charcoal head!" Gray shouted from behind.
"Not a chance." The pinkette said back.
"That's an order." Erza added. "You can't rush into this one alone."
"What, you feeling afraid that I might show you up?" Natsu asked.
"Say what!?" Erza asked, infuriated.
"Bad move." Laki shook her head.
"Stop running this instant!" The red head ordered, scaring Natsu off a cliff.
"Natsu!" Laki shouted as she reached the edge.
"Well, he's stopped moving." Gray chuckled.
"If he's not dead, I'll kill him myself." The red head huffed,
"So, not much has changed with him." Sherry said as she and Lyon reached the two.
"To think I once crossed fists with that fool." Lyon mumbled. "A little embarrassing now."
"I can't believe those jerks ran off and left me behind!" Lucy complained. "What happened to ladies first!?" As if on cue, the Trimen all showed up and started hitting on her. "Creepy!"
"Hey guys!?" Rose shouted ahead of them. All three turned and Rose let go of the branch she was holding, whacking them in the face. "Think with the right head for now."
"Stop dragging your feet, Wendy." Carla scolded. "Hurry up."
"I'm trying." The bluenette said.
"Have no fear!" Happy shouted from behind. "I can help protect you!"
"Man, that hurt." Natsu complained with a bump on his head as his run continued. "What is with this forest? It's gotta weird smell."
"Hold on, something's not right..." Erza said aloud.
"Yeah, it's like the deeper we go, the spookier it gets." Gray agreed with a nod.
"Don't know about that, but this wood is growing really weirdly." Laki observed.
"Keep your guard up, understand?" Lyon asked Sherry.
"Understood." The pinkette nodded.
"You guy's finally caught up." Natsu teased as they reached a clearing.
"Just how sturdy are you?" Gray asked as a shadow over took the sun. Natsu looked up and Gray crashed into him, sending both to the ground.
"Cheap shots, is that it?" Natsu asked as both stood up, forehead to forehead.
"If I wanted a piece of you, I'd take you head on." Gray said back.
Erza got inbetween them and forced them apart. "Stop it." All eyes looked up as a blue and white air ship flew over them. "That's the magic bomber, Christina."
"Gimme, gimme!" Natsu said, practically drooling.
"Definitly lives up to the hype." Gray added.
"Pretty sure they're compensating for something." Laki mumbled, making Rose laugh.
"That is so cool..." Lucy mumbled next to Wendy.
"Horses can fly too?" Happy asked.
"Please don't open your mouth again." Carla requested.
"Alright, let's split up and start looking for their base." Erza ordered.
"I call pilot!" Natsu shouted.
"How are you gonna fly when you can't stand on it?" Gray asked. An explosion rocked the side of the ship, shocking everyone. More blasts went off before it crashed to the ground in a burst of fire.
"This can't be good..." Lyon said.
Smoke rose from the crash site as Natsu sniffed the air. "Gray..."
"I know..." The ice mage said back. "We've got company."
Wendy panicked and hid behind a large rock. "I can't do this..."
"Don't hide!" Carla scolded. The smoke began to clear as six silhouettes walked out of it.
"Its them..." Lucy mumbled as the last of the smoke faded. "The Oración Seis."
"Some lowly maggots have gathered." Brain said in disgust.
"Sorry, but short stuff won't make it to the party." Angel teased.
"And don't expect that baldy either." The black pantsed one said.
"We took them down." The orange one cheered.
"Beaten!?" Lyon asked.
"Not possible." Hibiki added.
"There's terror in their voices." Cobra mumbled. "I can here it."
"The sooner we're done with this, the better." Racer said. "I'll run you over so fast, you're head will spin."
"In this world, money determines strength, oh yeah." Hoteye added. "Save a penny today, and it will turn into a fortune in the future-"
"Shut up." Cobra and Racer said.
Midnight merely snored on his floating carpet. "Is it wrong that I'm terrified of the sleeping one?" Lucy asked.
"Yeah, it is." Laki said back.
"I didn't expect you to show yourselves." Erza confessed.
Natsu cracked his knuckles in anticipation. "Ready?"
"As always." Gray nodded.
"Waitng for an invitation?" Cobra taunted.
"That face is enough for us!" Both shouted as they shot forward.
"Deal with them." Brain ordered.
"Got it." Racer disappeared before appearing in the air between the two. "Motor!" He spun his legs and sent both crashing to the ground.
"Natsu, Gray!" Two Lucy's shouted at the same time. Both turned to each other until one pulled out their whip and struck the original.
"Why am I whipping myself?" The real Lucy asked confused, making Angel smirk.
"Eat this!" Laki shouted as she summoned a seal. "Wood Dragon Roar!" Shards of wood shot out of the seal, only to be destroyed by a beam of light that hit Laki as well. "What was that?"
"Sherry!" Lyon shouted as the two ran forward.
"Right." She nodded in agreement.
Hoteye opened his eyes. "I see you." He teased as the ground beneath the two turned to mud. "All you need is money! Oh, yeah!"
"What is this, quicksand?" Lyon asked in disgust.
"This is revolting." Sherry complained. "Grab my hand, Lyon."
"I'll deal with Angel." Hibiki said as the Trimen raced towards the feather clad wizard.
"No, I will!" Eve shouted.
"What does 'deal with' mean?" Ren asked. Racer shot towards them and took them all out one at a time.
"If you're slow, you'll be eatin my dust." The blonde warned.
"Requip!" Erza shouted as she donned her Heaven's Wheel.
"Not bad." Cobra commented.
"Dance, my blades!" Erza launched her swords at him, and he dodged all of them with ease. "That's not possible. Is he reading me?" Racer appeared behind her and she barely blocked his kick.
Natsu forced himself up and wiped his mouth clean, looking at Midnight. "Seriously!?" He shouted annoyed. "Wake up and fight!"
"Requip!" Erza shouted again. "Flight Armor!" Now donned in cheetah patterned clothing, she swung her twin blades at Racer.
"That's it." Racer mocked as he dodged her blades. "I like fast women."
"It's no good." Cobra said from behind. "I can hear your next move, Titania." He swung his leg and kicked her in the gut. "Just give up now."
'He is reading me... but how?' Erza thought in frustration as she landed.
"You look confused." The snake wizard mocked. "Can't figure it out? I told you I hear everything."
"Wakey, wakey!" Natsu shouted as he took a breath. "Fire Dragon Roar!" The flames shot out at Midnight only to curve around him. "What the? He should be barbecue by now?!"
"Careful..." Racer appeared behind him and delivered a kick, followed by a series of punches. "Wake him up, and it'll be your nightmare."
"Ice-Make: Lance!" Gray chanted as the blue creatures turned into him, and used his own spell against him.
"Ice-Make: Eagle!" Lyon shouted as a flock of the birds shot towards Hoteye.
"Marionette Attack: Mud Doll!" Sherry animated the soft dirt into a puppet and it joined the birds charge.
"Money beats everything!" Hoteye shouted back as a tidal wave of soft earth crashed down onto the two Lamia wizards.
"Wood Dragon Whip!" Laki turned her arm into a branch and flicked it at Angel. She jumped out of the way as another whip hit Laki repeatedly. "What is going on!?"
Brian smirked at the sight as Erza kept swinging her swords at Cobra, only to have them be dodged. "So, this is the famed Erza Scarlet."
She sung again and this time, Cobra grabbed her blades. "I can hear it all, ya know. It's a symphony. Your muscles contracting, every breath that you take, and all your thoughts." Images of her childhood went into his head, forcing him to jumpe back in shock. "What the? You were there?"
"An opening!" Erza shouted, only for the ground to erupt beneath her.
"I saw that, oh yeah!" Hoteye mocked.
"Cobra!" Racer shouted as he kicked Erza. "Pick up the pace!"
"Cubelious!" The snake, having stayed by its masters side, launched off and bit Erza in the shoulder before slamming her down.
"Erza!" Laki shouted. The action caught the snakes attention and it sunk its fangs into Laki's thigh, forcing her to the ground in pain.
"Just cause you're fast doesn't mean your safe from Cubelious' venom." Cobra said as his snake returned to him. "Enjoy the agony of waiting for death to claim you both."
Brain looked out at the beaten force and smiled. "Absolutely pathetic. Prepare for oblivion!" He pointed his staff at them and a purple magic seal appeared. Green energy swirled towards the center as everyone could only watch in horror. "Dark Rondo! His eyes caught a glimpse of blue and he stopped the spell.
"What gives, Brian?" Racer asked.
"Are you gonna cast that thing or not?" Cobra added.
"Wendy..." Brain mumbled, looking at the rock.
"Do you know her?" Angel asked.
"There's not a doubt about it." He said, ignoring the question. "That's Wendy. The maiden of the sky."
"Maiden of the sky?" Gray asked.
"What does that mean?" The girl asked as she hid.
"I was gonna ask you." Happy said before turning to Rose. "Do you have any idea?"
"First time I've ever heard her called that
"To think we stumbled upon her here." Brain said with a smirk. "This is quite a find, my friends. Grab her!" He pointed his staff and a green hand flew out and grabbed Wendy.
"Unhand her, now!" Carla shouted as she chased the hand.
"Striking us while we're down?" Natsu groaned as he tried to stand up. "That's not fair."
"All is fair if you have the cash for it." Hoteye summoned a seal and the ground morphed like a wave of water.
"Carla!" Wendy grabbed onto the rock to slow herself down.
"Grab my paw!" Carla/Rose shouted. All three reached out and Wendy grabbed a paw. Unfortunately, it was Happy's.
"Help!" The blue cat shouted as both were absorbed into the staff.
"I have no use for the rest of you." Brain said as the seal returned. "Be gone! Dark Rondo!" Blasts of green energy shot out of the seal and flew towards the downed forces.
Well, the alliance has fallen apart, Laki's been poisoned, and Wendy's been captured. So yeah, it looks bleak for the heroes. On the plus side, Laki gets herself an Exceed and a little something else later in this arc.
This chapter was REALLY fun to right for me because I just imagined what I would do to the Pegasus members, and magically, it worked perfectly with Laki's character. Seriously, you don't think she would put spikes on the couch?
Just saw Zoro vs Erza and I only have two questions. One; Does ANYONE think you can call this an true victory unless they included ALL of Erza's armors, including the Flight Armor? And two, they knew Erza would don the Clear Heart Armor because, what? It's Fairy Tail? That's not logic. Still a good fight, but I still hate One Piece.
Beta read by Natsu is Awesome.