Hello,
Thank you for all your support. You have been wonderful.
I have put up a spinoff story on my profile dedicated to the Tome of the Phobos, so please check that out.
djinn – Hello again. Yeah, No Name was actually a spur of the moment addition to this story because I want to push away from the original narrative. Thank you as always.
danielsnow – Hi, thank you for reviewing. As I said before writing Erza was very difficult, but I'm glad I was able to create a realistic depiction of her. Sparring would be an interesting thing to do, especially with Mirajane in the mix. Maybe in later chapters I can write that.
In regard to Cana…I need to confess something. I was actually going to do a little scene with her at the end of the fourth chapter, but I completely forgot. It was as soon as I published that chapter that I remembered. It was especially bad as the next couple of chapters did not involve Cana so sorry about that. I added the scene I was going to do near the end of this update.
human dragon – Thank you so much, your support means so much to me.
Guest – I guess you did. I'll get you at the next cliff hanger. I guarantee it.
Enjoy the chapter :)
Chapter 6: The Fear Eater
2nd Floor Room, Oshibana Station
"Henry McCarty?" Night Terror uttered in shock.
The young man he let go a couple months ago looked different. His hair had grown longer, his skin had become paler, and it was clear that he hadn't slept in a while.
Henry looked up at Night Terror in hatred and laughed at his surprised reaction.
"Yes, it's me," he grinned wildly, "didn't think you would see me again, didn't you?"
"No. No I did not. What are you doing Mr McCarty? I told you to live a peaceful life," Night Terror demanded as he got over his shock.
"Oh, I did," Henry chuckled madly, "but then I met my master, and they gave me my true purpose. To take revenge on the Night Terror."
"Who are they? Who is your master?" Night Terror barked angrily.
Henry shrugged mockingly, "Don't know, don't care," he replied, "all I know is that they reeaaaaaalllllyyyy hate the Phobos. They learned all your little secrets and used your powers against you. They were so happy to have vanquished the clan. Imagine they're hatred when they realised one little rat got away."
"Secrets?" Night Terror repeated before it dawned on him, "They know Fear Eater. They took your fear away so they could use you," he said in horror, "that is a forbidden spell. No Phobos is allowed to use it."
"Precisely," Henry cackled, "no Phobos can. Does it scare you, Night Terror? Knowing that somebody not part of the clan can use your powers and they are using it to knock you off your ivory tower," he mocked as he grinned like maniac, "Everything is scared something. What are the Phobos scared of?"
The building rocked suddenly, and Night Terror could feel an intense amount of magic starting to surround the building.
Henry sighed, "It looks like the idiot Erigor is moving onto the next phase of his plan. I must be off. Goodbye, Night Terror," he said as he dropped another smoke bomb onto the ground.
Night Terror coughed and was temporarily distracted. He heard the smashing of glass and, once Night Terror cleared the smoke, saw that Henry had jumped out of the window.
Night Terror growled but didn't pursue.
His clan needed him.
Station Entrance
Natsu, Lucy, Grey, Erza and Happy were gathered by the entrance, unable to escape due to the wind barrier Erigor had set up before he left. They tried to wake up and unconscious Kageyama, who was the only member of Eisenwald that could dispel the barrier, but he had been injured by a member of his own guild for fears that he would betray them.
Night Terror exited the shadows and nonchalantly caught Natsu in his claw after being repelled by the wind barrier again.
"Damn it, I'- oh hey Night Terror," Natsu greeted as he just noticed that he was in metal grasp.
"Greetings Mr Natsu. I take it that attacks are ineffective," Night Terror said as he placed Natsu down.
"How did you know I was attacking it?"
"It is the first thing you do for any task you are met with." Night Terror responded.
"Fair enough," Natsu shrugged.
"Night Terror," Erza called out having noticed his presence, "Erigor's target is the Guild Master meeting," she informed, earning a deep growl from Night Terror.
"I see," Night Terror said as he approached the wind barrier and swiped a claw against it.
Night Terror hummed. He could easily pass through it, but he didn't want to leave his clan members behind. Not after what happened earlier. He needed to find a way for them to escape and then he could go after Erigor.
"Night?" Lucy asked in concern.
Night Terror instantly snapped out of his thoughts, "My apologies I wa-"
He stopped suddenly when he sensed a great amount of power coming from Happy. He snapped his head towards the blue cat who helped at the sudden attention. He knew what the power was but was surprised that Happy had it. He must have been too distracted to notice.
"Mr Happy," Night Terror started.
Happy gulped, "Aye sir."
"Do you have a Celestial Spirit gate key?" he asked in confusion.
"What!" Lucy shouted as she turned to the cat.
"That's it!" Happy cried as he reached into his bag, "that's the thing I needed to tell you."
He pulled out a golden key and showed a shocked Lucy.
"That's Virgo's key!" Lucy shouted as she pulled Happy's mouth, "You can't just go stealing things!"
"But Virgo herself said to give it to you," Happy retorted the best he could with his mouth in Lucy's grip.
"We don't have time for this crap," Grey muttered in annoyance.
"Virgo," Natsu muttered, "you mean that maid guerrilla from Everlue's mansion?"
Night Terror slapped Natsu's head, sending him crashing into one of the marble walls.
"Do not be impolite," Night Terror scolded.
"She said that since Everlue was arrested, his contact was broken. So, she visited us and said she wanted to contract with you, Lucy," Happy explained as he handed the key to her.
Night Terror smiled from under his hood. A Celestial Spirit who wanted to form a contract after one encounter must mean she had an effect on the spirit. He was glad that Lucy was not like the other Celestial Spirits mages he had met.
"Excellent timing, Mr Happy," Night Terror said catching everybody's attention, "I believe that Miss Virgo is capable of Dive magic. She is able to dig us out of the station," he explained shocking everybody.
"Hold do you know that?" Lucy asked.
"The Phobos are well aware of Celestial Spirit magic. It has been recounted in one of our Tomes," Lucy nodded in understanding while Erza gave him an inquisitive look.
She was unaware that he was knowledgeable of other magic.
"Let us not waste anymore time. Miss Lucy would you do the honours," Night Terror asked.
Lucy nodded and held out the key in front of her.
"OPEN GATE OF THE MAIDEN: VIRGO," she proclaimed as she placed a key in a gate that appeared before her.
Out of the gate came a petite woman with short pink hair, fair skin, and blue eyes. She wore a maid outfits outfit and had shackles on both her wrists.
Virgo bowed politely to a shocked Lucy once she had come through the gate.
"You called, master?" Virgo asked.
"Who are you?" Lucy stammered in shock.
The last time she had seen Virgo she had been…very different. Lucy could still picture the tall, overweight, and brutish version of Virgo that she met at Everlue's mansion.
"Hey Marco, you really slimmed down," Natsu told her, seeming unsurprised by Virgo's transformation.
"My name is Virgo," the spirit corrected calmly, "I apologise for the trouble I caused you earlier."
"Slimmed down?" Lucy screamed at Natsu, astounded by his lack of surprise, "you look like a completely different person."
"I change forms according to my master's wishes," Virgo explained.
"Really?" Natsu said, "I think I prefer your old form."
"In that case…"
Virgo was shrouded in a bright light and instantly turned into the brutish form, startling Lucy and Grey. Night Terror and Natsu, however, hummed in interest.
"Quite extraordinary," Night Terror commented.
"No, go back to your other version," Lucy demanded.
Virgo was shrouded in a bright light once more and turned back to her slim version.
"Understood," she plainly said.
"You see what I mean by guerrilla," Natsu pointed out to Night Terror.
Night Terror swiped Natsu into the wall again.
"It is still impolite," he scolded once more.
Virgo watched as Night Terror hurled Natsu into the wall with interest. She saw how much it hurt and her cheeks turned red slightly. Virgo turned to Night Terror with an unreadable expression. An expression that made Night Terror nervous for some reason.
"Can we postpone the contract until later," Lucy asked Virgo.
"Understood, master," Virgo agreed.
"And can you stop calling me master," Lucy requested.
Virgo tilted her head, "Then shall I call you queen?"
"No."
"Then, princess?" Virgo continued.
Lucy thought for a moment before smiling proudly.
"Yeah sure," she happily agreed.
"Ahem," Night Terror cleared his throat, "if you are quite finished?" he deadpanned, making Lucy remember the situation at hand.
"Err…sorry," Lucy sheepishly said, "Virgo can you make a tunnel out of here."
"Of course, princess," Virgo said before the ground opened from underneath her, indicating that she had started to make a tunnel.
Once everybody had made it outside, they saw the devastation caused by Erigor's magic. A whirlwind surrounded the station causing gusts of wind to blow down the streets of Oshibana. Virgo insisted that she held down Lucy's skirt to keep it from blowing up. Night Terror did the same with Virgos' maid uniform blushing underneath his hood.
Night Terror placed a screen of darkness in front of them, preventing the wind from hitting them. Since the wind has been remedy, Virgo turned to Night Terror and gazed at him with a blank look.
"You are a Phobos," Virgo stoically said.
"I am. One of the last ones," Night Terror answered.
"My apologies, your people were very noble. It was unfortunate what had happened to them," Virgo told him with a small bow.
Night Terror nodded solemnly, "Thank you for your concern, Miss Virgo," he paused for a moment before deciding to ask her something, "I was wondering if you have any information on the Celestial Sprit known as Miss Aries," he requested.
Virgo shook her head, "I am not at liberty to reveal any information about other Spirits without their permission."
"Understandable. I…worry about her," Night Terror said.
Virgo nodded sadly.
"If I may, can inquire about your spar with Taurus the other day?" she asked politely.
"You may. I hope he was not harmed."
"No. But he did tell me about what happened," she said as the expression that had made Night Terror nervous appeared on her face again, "How you threw him across the field…"
She took a step closer; Night Terror took an anxious step back.
"…how you caught his axe so easily…"
She took another step; he took another step back.
"…how you bounded him and chocked him…"
She took another step; his back hit the house behind him.
"…how you made him feel helpless," she finished as she stared up at him.
Night Terror gulped as he stared at her face. She had a completely neutral expression, but he could see a certain sparkle in her eyes that he did not like.
"Err…well…err," he stammered.
"Virgo, thanks for your he-" Lucy stopped as she saw that the Spirt had cornered Night Terror, "What are you doing?"
Virgo spun around and bowed, "Will that be all, princess?" she asked as if nothing just happened.
"Err…yes. Thanks for all your help," Lucy said with a frown.
Virgo bowed her head and looked at the whip on Lucy's hip.
"Will you punish me, princess? For carrying out your orders," Virgo requested hopefully as she stared at the whip.
Lucy gave her a perplexed look.
"Err…no. Why would I do that?" she asked in confusion.
Virgo turned her head towards Night Terror who hasn't moved from his spot yet.
"Would you let the Night Terror punish me instead?" she requested a little too eagerly.
"That will have to be a no, as well," Lucy said.
Virgo nodded her head at her. Lucy couldn't help but see that Virgo seemed a little disappointed.
"Of course, princess," Virgo plainly said before she returned to the spirit world.
Night Terror and Lucy stared at the spot the Celestial Spirit had stood with confused and nervous looks.
"What did Miss Virgo mean by 'punish'?" Night Terror asked as he shivered a little.
Lucy shook her head, "I think it's best to not to know."
Night Terror nodded and looked around the area.
"Where is Mr Natsu?" he asked seriously.
Lucy spun around trying to find the pink-haired mage. Erza and Grey overheard him and turned to Kageyama who was lying on the ground. Natsu insisted he carry him out of the station, but it would seem he and Happy had left.
Erza growled in annoyance, "That idiot he must have gone after Erigor all by himself."
"And it looks like Happy went with him," Grey added.
Erza turned sharply to Night Terror, "Can you please go after him. We will follow with Kageyama," she requested.
Night Terror nodded, "Of course, Miss Erza."
He then proceeded to melt and disappear into the shadows. Once he was gone, Erza turned to Lucy.
"I overheard Night Terror and Virgo, he fought one of your Celestial Spirits," she stated.
Lucy nodded, "Yeah, it was a while back."
"I see," Erza muttered in interest, "explain to me what happened on the way."
Railway Line to Clover Town
Natsu grunted as he was blown back by Erigor's Wind magic. He had managed to get some hits on Eisenwald member, but now Erigor had covered himself in his wind in a skill called Storm Mail. Natsu wasn't able to use his power since Erigor is pushing air at a fast rate making it impossible for his fire to be ignited.
Natsu could only watch and grit his teeth angrily as Erigor mocked him.
"Don't you get it," Erigor jeered, "Flames cannot stand up to a headwind!"
Natsu growled.
"Flames can never beat wi-"
Erigor was cut off as Night Terror emerged from the shadows and smacked his head with his claw, easily passing through Erigor's wind. The dark mage landed roughly on the tracks the painfully, dispelling Storm Mail.
"I hate it when they talk too much," Night Terror muttered as Erigor shakily rose to his hands and knees.
"Night Terror," Natsu greeted energetically, "where's everybody else?"
"Miss Erza, Miss Lucy and Mr Grey are taking the Magic Four-Wheeler. They should be here any minute," Night Terror answered.
"You," Erigor spat out, "how did you get past my wind?" he demanded as he got onto his feet.
"It is amusing that you would think that the Phobos will be stopped by a mere breeze," Night Terror mocked.
Erigor chuckled, "You must be the one No Name wanted to kill. I see that he failed."
"Indeed. And I will make sure you will join him in his failure," Night Terror countered.
"Ha! I've killed many men who think they could defeat me…"
Erigor jumped in the air and swung his scythe towards Night Terror.
"…what's one more soul to reap!" he shouted in sickening glee.
Erigor thought he had beaten him. Sliced him in two and ripped away the stupid robe.
But no.
Erigor didn't see Night Terror catch his scythe. The same scythe that could cut through solid objects and taken the lives of many.
Nor did he see when he raised his other clawed hand and clasped his neck tightly.
The Night Terror had incarcerated Erigor and the dark mage didn't even see him move.
"You may have killed many men, Mr Erigor…" Night Terror coldly said before he shattered his scythe with his clawed hand, "…but I am no man. I am the Night Terror."
Erigor could only watch in horror as his precious scythe fell to pieces before him and how Night Terror slammed him onto the tracks.
Erigor had been defeated.
"Woah!" Natsu cried out in awe, "that was awesome!"
"Thank you, Mr Natsu," Night Terror said as he laid the unconscious Erigor on the ground.
"I totally didn't know you were a girl," Natsu continued.
….
….
….
….
"I beg your pardon," Night Terror uttered in confusion.
"You said you were no man. That must mean you're a girl," Natsu clarified.
"No, no. I meant man in a general sense, like mankind. I am male," Night Terror explained tiredly.
Happy, who had exhausted himself from using his flying magic, walked up to Natsu.
"Then why did you say you weren't a man if you are male?" Happy asked.
Night Terror sighed, "Because Erigor said that he had killed many men. So, to counter that I would-"he saw their confused expressions, "never mind," he muttered bitterly.
They heard the sound of an engine and turned to see that Erza and the others had arrived. Night Terror could sense that Kageyame was in the back as well.
"Night Terror, Natsu, Happy," Erza greeted as she jumped of the vehicle, she gazed down at the defeated Erigor and nodded in appreciation.
"Excellent work you too," she complimented.
"I hardly did anything, Miss Erza," Night Terror informed, "Mr Natsu should deserve your congratulations."
"Yeah right," Grey muttered, "Flame brain probably just got lucky."
"What was that Stripper!" Natsu shouted as he pounced on Grey.
While Erza broke the two up, Lucy approached Night Terror.
"They're at it again," Lucy murmured good naturally as she watched the fight.
"You will get used to it," Night Terror said, "It is quite endearing when you think that they have been doing this since they were children."
Lucy nodded as she imagined what they were like as children. Her mind casually drifting to what a young Night Terror would have looked like. Although, she supposed he would look the same, but smaller.
Lucy giggled at the thought before she turned back to Night Terror.
"So, what happe-"
Before she could finish, the sound of an engine rumbled to life and Night Terror only moved her away before she could be run over by the Magical Four-Wheeler.
She gasped when she saw Kageyama had gained consciousness and was not at the wheel, driving away to Clover Town. She glanced Erigor and saw that Lullaby had been taken.
"Oh no, he's going to use it," Lucy shouted as everybody watched Kageyama drive off.
"Damn it," Erza muttered, "we need to go now," she ordered.
They were about to go after him when Night Terror calmly called out to them.
"There is no need to rush," he told them as he casually pulled Erigor's body into the darkness.
"No rush? He's going to use Lullaby to kill the guild masters," Grey shouted at him.
Night Terror shook his head and started to casually walk to Clover Town.
"I do not think so, Mr Grey. It would seem that everybody's kind words had sunken into Mr Kageyama's head. It is quite a shame that I did not contribute,"
"What do you mean?" Natsu asked in confusion.
Night Terror turned back to the group.
"I sensed his fear. He has gained a new fear. A fear so terrible that it could be lethal."
"And what's that?" Erza questioned.
"Doubt, Miss Erza. Mr Kageyama's doubts in his own cause."
En Route to the Guild Master's Meeting
"Night Terror my feet are tired. Can I ride on Mabel now?" Lucy complained as she began to drag her feet.
"Miss Lucy, I already told you that you can ride on Mabel on the way back. Miss Erza needs her rest," Night Terror told her as he led Mabel along a dirt road with Erza slumped on the horse's back.
"I don't mind. I think I can walk the rest of the way," Erza tiredly said.
"I'm sure you can, Miss Erza. However, we are almost there, and something tells me we all need our strength once we get to the meeting," Night Terror countered, making Lucy sigh.
"Can't you make more shadow horses?" Grey asked, "like the ones that pulled the Magic Four-Wheeler."
"Unfortunately, not. I would lose control over the darkness. Keeping four horses in formation is fine, but individual horses are harder," Night Terror explained, "Also it is good exercise."
Night had fallen by the time they reached the Guild Masters meeting place. They had walked the rest of the way, trying to get their strength back from all the fighting.
As they climbed up one last hill, they peered down and saw, in the distance, Kageyama with Lullaby to his lips. In front of him was Makarov waiting for him to play.
"There he is!" Grey shouted.
"Gramps!" Natsu cried.
"Master!" Erza yelled.
"Shh," hushed a man from seemingly nowhere.
He was an elderly, overweight, bald man who wore a purple spaghetti-strap shirt and a pair pink and purple stripped shorts. Around his neck was a hooped necklace and was often seen wearing makeup and a pair of small wings.
This was Master Bob. Guild Master for Blue Pegasus who specialises in Phasing magic.
"Maighstir Bob," Night Terror greeted politely while Natsu, Grey and Lucy screamed in horror.
"Oh Night Terror," Master Bob greeted back, "it has been a while. I see you are still mysterious and spooky as ever. Can I not take a peek at your adorable appearance?" he said as love hearts emitted from him.
"I must decline once more," Night Terror replied, having met the guild master many times and grown used to his flirtatious personality, "but I am sure Mr Natsu and Mr Grey will love to be doted on by you," Night Terror said as he pointed to his guild mates.
"What?" Natsu and Grey chorused before they were hugged by Master Bob.
"Can you guys keep it down over there," ordered another man who appeared abruptly, "we're just getting to the good part."
He was a man in his fifties with shoulder length blond hair and fair skin. He wore a pair of sunglasses, a black pointed hat, and a spiky dog collar around his neck. He was also the Guild Master for Quattro Cerberus.
"Good evening, Maighstir Goldmine," Night Terror greeted as well, "have we missed anything?"
"You guys are just in time," he casually informed with a bright smile.
They watched as Makarov talked to Kageyama, convincing him that what he was doing was not right. As the talk continued, Night Terror could sense Kageyama's fear change as he succumbed to doubt. Finally, he dropped Lullaby and surrendered.
The Fairy Tail members rushed to Makraov, happy that their master is safe.
"Master Makarov," Erza happily called out as she slammed his head into her armoured chest painfully, "your words touch me so deeply I was almost moved to tears," she told him as Makarov cried in pain.
"Maighstir," Night Terror greeted as Makarov was released from Erza's embrace.
"Leanabh," Makarov greeted the Phobos warmly, "it is unusual to see you with other members."
"Indeed," Night Terror coughed in embarrassment, "it was…unintentional, but welcome."
Makarov nodded gratefully before he wore an expectant expression.
"Well, did you bring it?" he asked eagerly.
Night Terror nodded and from under his cloak he brought out the box he was supposed to deliver. Makarov, Bob and Goldmine crowded around the box and waited keenly for him to open it.
"Yes, he has it," Makarov cried happily.
"The best part of these meetings," Bob added.
"I have been waiting for so long," Goldmine said with a grin.
Lucy got closer to the box, interested in what caught their attention.
Night Terror slowly opened the box. A bright light poured out of it and lightened the Guild Master's faces with glee.
"It's so beautiful," Makarov said in awe.
Lucy peered over and saw that it was in fact…
… a chocolate cake.
"A cake?" Lucy deadpanned, "It was just a cake all along?"
"Not any cake," Makarov as he cried tears of joy, "it's the most delicious chocolate cake in history."
"Really?" Erza asked, instantly interested in the cake.
"It is a Phobos recipe. I only make it for the Guild Master's meeting as it takes me an entire day to make," Night Terror explained.
"A whole day!" Lucy shouted, "Do you the scare the cake into becoming delicious?" she asked jokingly.
"Of course, not…"
Lucy sighed.
"…I scare the ingredients into becoming delicious. It does not work after you bake it."
"It shouldn't work at all!" Lucy shouted angrily.
Night Terror chuckled as he handed the cake to Makarov who startled drooling.
"I thought you would be pleased to know that the Phobos create the most delicious and most terrified cakes in the world," he said.
"Do you know how stupid that sounds?" she screamed rhetorically.
Suddenly, Lullaby's three eyes started to glow a purple light and an evil laugh filled the air.
"I GROW TIRED OF THIS!" Lullaby declared as it began to grow.
Everyone gasped in surprise, except for Night Terror who internally berated himself for not dealing with it first.
A bright purple glow lit up the night sky and once it disappeared a wooden giant was in its place. It was taller than the mountains that surrounded and had a demon like head with three purple eyes that glared down at them.
"I SHALL FEAST ON YOUR PITIFUL SOULS!" Lullaby proclaimed.
"We're in a pickle," Bob calmly said.
"It must be a demon from the book of Zerith," Goldmine stated as he frowned in concern.
In panic, the Guild Master's left their meeting house to try an escape from the monstrous being as it towered over them.
A horn was blown from atop of a nearby hill and everybody turned to see an army with banners that bore the crest of Fiore.
'They must have been informed that Eisenwald was attacking the meeting,' Night Terror thought.
"No demon is going to scare off the Fiore army," cried the commander, "CHARGE!" he ordered as he pointed a sword at Lullaby.
"YOU DOUBT MY POWER! I'LL PROVE IT TO YOU!" Lullaby declared as it shot a magical beam near the army.
The beam hit the mountain behind the army, obliterating it into nothingness. The army took one look at the mountain that was no longer and decided to retreat.
'What was the point of that?' Night Terror thought with a sweat drop as he saw the army fleeing.
"NOOOOOOOOO!"
Everybody turned to see Makarov kneeling with tears in his eyes. In front of him was the cake which was now completely destroyed. It must have been knocked out of his hands by the force of the magical beam.
"Oh dear, how unfortunate," Night Terror said, not too fussed over a cake.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING!" Makarov cried as Bob, Goldmine and even Erza wept at the sight of the destroyed cake.
Makarov stood up sharply and pointed at Lullaby with tears in his eyes.
"CHILDREN AVENGE ME!" he shouted.
"How good is that cake that it is worth revenge?" Lucy questioned with a sweat drop.
"This has been a rather strange day," Night Terror commented.
"FOOLISH HUMANS! YOU THINK YOU CAN DEFE-AGHH!"
Lullaby started but cried out in pain tendrils of darkness wrapped around its limbs and started to pull them apart.
"Would like some advice, Mr Lullaby?" Night Terror asked rhetorically, "never attack a Dorchades at night," he turned to Erza, Natsu and Grey, "I hold Mr Lullaby down. Are you three ready?"
Erza nodded and requiped into a different armour.
"Ready," Erza confirmed before the trio attacked the wooden monster.
They slashed, burned, and froze Lullaby as Night Terror held him down easily. He was rather disappointed that it wasn't stronger. Meanwhile, the Guild Masters watched the impressive display of powers and marvelled at Fairy Tail's strength. Makarov smiled proudly as Lucy looked on with awe.
Soon it was time to finish Lullaby. Erza turned to Night Terror with a small smile.
"Would you like to do the honours," she asked.
Night Terror nodded and leaped towards Lullaby's neck. With his claw outstretched, Night Terror swiped its wooden neck. Nothing seemed to happen at first before Lullaby's head broke away from its body and fell to the ground.
Night Terror landed on his feet casually and walked back to the stunned crowd.
The Guild Masters were in awe of Fairy Tail's power, never seeing a demon of Zereth defeated by a mere four mages. As everybody celebrated the victory, Makarov walked up to Night Terror.
"Good work, Leanabh," he congratulated the Phobos, "It's nice to see you working with others for once."
Night Terror rubbed the back of his head timidly.
"It…felt nice, Maighstir," he admitted.
Makarov chuckled, "You better not get a big head over this. Otherwise, Mì-fhortanach will punish you for your pride," he joked.
Night Terror frowned in concern, before a loud crashing sound rang out through the valley. Everybody turned to see the decapitated body of Lullaby fell on the Guild Master's meeting mansion, completely destroying it.
Everybody stared in horror and then glared at the Fairy Tail mages. Makarov wore a shocked expression as his jaw dropped at the thought how much this would cost him.
"Maighstir, what did I say about using Mì-fhortanach's name jokingly," Night Terror lightly scolded. He had told him many times not to use her name.
Night Terror called up his shadow horse and turned to Lucy who looked terrified of the angry mob.
"Miss Lucy, would you like to leave," Night Terror asked calmly.
Lucy nodded and climbed onto Mabel. They both rode off into the night.
"Hey, where are you going!?" Natsu shouted after them.
"Take us with you!" Grey added.
Night Terror and Lucy ignored them.
En route to Magnolia
Night Terror and Lucy rode in silence through the countryside. Lucy knew that Night Terror has had a tough day and she didn't want to ask him questions too soon. However, not talking about it was unhealthy so she bit the bullet and began her inquiry.
"What happened today?" Lucy asked calmly.
Night Terror sighed sadly, "My apologies, Miss Lucy. I feel reluctant to tell you. It is a weight that I shall not burden you with."
Lucy sighed, "Night," she firmly said.
He looked around to see her concerned face.
"Please," she encouraged.
Night Terror stared at her for a couple of seconds before turning to the front.
He began to tell her how he was attacked by a person called No Name who he later revealed to be somebody he saved a while ago. He told her how he had a master who had stolen the secrets of the Phobos and used it to destroy the Island of Fear. He also told her how Henry had his fear taken away by his master so he could attack Night Terror.
"Had his fear taken away?" Lucy questioned before she gasped in shock, "Do you mean Fear Eater? That's really dangerous!" she exclaimed.
She remembered reading about the story of the Fear Eater.
An sgeulachd mu neach-ithe an eagal
Or the Story of the Fear Eater
Long ago,
A Phobos belonging to the kin of Dorchades encountered a daonna merchant on his back to the Island,
The merchant needed to cross a wide, but shallow river to get to the town to sell his wares.
However, the merchant was scared of the water and feared drowning.
The merchant wept as if he did not cross the river, he would not sell his wares,
However, his fear of the water was strong, and it overpowered him.
The Night Terror took pity on the merchant and approached him,
He promised the merchant that he will take away his fear of the water so he can sell his wares,
The merchant sprung up in joy and agreed to the Night Terror's idea.
The Night Terror cast a spell which allowed him to take on the merchant's fear,
The fear left the merchant and was consumed by the Night Terror.
When the merchant looked towards the river, he felt no fear to it,
The merchant promptly crossed it and thanked the Night Terror for his kindness,
The merchant then ventured to the town to sell his wares and the Night Terror carried his journey back to the Island.
However, once the Night Terror reached the coast he was stricken in fear,
He feared the water and was terrified of drowning,
Since the Night Terror had consumed the merchant's fear, he had become terrified of the water as well.
He knew there was no reason to be scared since he had taken the journey plenty of times,
But no matter what he did, he could not will himself to get closer to the ocean,
He had become trapped on the outside land.
He raced back to the merchant so he could return the fear,
However, he was appalled to hear that the merchant had died.
Now that he was not restricted by his fear of the water,
The merchant believed he could brave the rapids further up the river,
The merchant drowned quickly and perished a preventable death.
Seeing that there was no way for him to return the fear nor return to his homeland,
The Night Terror fell into despair and decided to spend his remaining days on the coast,
He sat upon a rock and stared out to where the Island was,
And perished soon after, never to return to the home he loved.
(Excerpt from the 'Leabhar a 'chinnidh phobos written by the kin of Dorchades, Acquired and translated from Timorin by Victor Soul.)
"Fear Eater is a forbidden spell. No good comes from it," Night Terror said, "If Henry's master is using it, then I cannot bare to think of the tragedy."
"Is it even possible for somebody outside the Clan to use Fear magic?" Lucy asked.
"It is not impossible. The Great Fears were once from the outside lands. However, what I do not get is how did person acquire such knowledge," he answered, a worried frown on his face.
He stopped Mabel outside Lucy's apartment. Lucy dismounted and turned to Night Terror.
"Everything is going to be alright," she reassured, "you have the whole guild to back you up."
Night Terror nodded, "Thank you, Miss Lucy. You are too kind."
Night Terror then rode off down the canal and Lucy watched him leave. She smiled sadly to herself before she remembered something that annoyed her.
"Damn it!" she cried, "I was supposed to ask him who mì-fhortanach."
Magnolia
Night Terror stepped into the side alley off a side street in Magnolia, the events of today replaying in his mind. The alley was small, dark, and unnoticeable to the residents. They were unaware that at the far end of the allay is where Night Terror's house was.
He approached his front door and was about to open it when he sensed somebody behind him. Somebody he was familiar with.
"Miss Cana," Night Terror said in surprise as he turned around.
Cana stepped around the corner and walked down the alley towards Night Terror, a sad expression on her face.
Cana Alberona was a slim eighteen year old woman. She had long dark brown hair, slightly tanned skin and purple eyes that looked down at the ground. She usually wears a bikini top and a pair of long brown trousers, but she decided to wear a white blouse for her visit to Night Terror. Cana was a powerful mage who specialises in Card Magic and was notorious for being a heavy drinker at the guild. However, Night Terror could see that see that she hasn't consumed any alcohol recently.
"Hey Night," she greeted lazily, trying to hide her nervousness, "it's…been a while, huh."
"Indeed," Night Terror sadly said, "are you feeling depressed again?" he asked.
Cana nodded solemnly.
"Mr. Gildarts?" he questioned further.
She nodded again.
"Would you like to discuss it, or would you rather prefer the company?" he inquired.
"Company," she whispered in reply.
Night Terror nodded in understanding, "Of course, please come inside. I'll make us a pot of tea," he calmly said as he opened the door for her.
Cana gave a small smile and walked in.
"Thank you, Night," she said as she walked by him.
"It is no problem, Miss Cana," he reassured her as he walked in after her and closed the door.
Unknown Place
Henry kneeled in a dark room. He's mask had been removed and he looked down at the ground, tears starting to form in his eyes.
"I'm sorry master," he apologised, "I failed."
He didn't see his master, but he knew they were there in the room.
Looking down at him.
Judging him.
"Oh, dear sweet child," the disguised voice replied, "you did not fail your mission."
Henry looked up in surprise.
"B-b-but I didn't kil-"
"Your mission was not to kill the Night Terror. It was to send him a message by giving him the Phobos metal."
"A message?" Henry questioned.
"Yes, a message that his peace that he enjoyed so much will come to an end. You have carried out your mission perfectly," the figure explained.
Henry chocked out gasp. He didn't fail his mission; they won't kill him.
"But what about my revenge?" Henry sputtered, "you promised me I can have revenge on him."
The figure sighed in exhaustion.
"Stupid child, you never wanted revenge on the Night Terror," the figure calmly told him.
"What?" he asked in shock.
"I only told you that you wanted revenge when I took your fear away," the figure explained.
Henry was about to question when he felt something enter his mouth and nose. It was untouchable and cold like mist. However, once the mist like substance entered him, he began to fear again.
Once Henry's fear returned to him, he remembered his true ambition. To live a peaceful, quiet life. The type of life Night Terror had ordered him to have.
"You see," the figure spoke, "since you have come into direct contact with the Night Terror and developed a fear of him, you became useful to me. Since he warned you to stay away from him and I took that fear away, you had accepted a fake desire to take revenge on him. A perfect candidate to carry out a mission."
"Okay," Henry gasped out.
He didn't really care about what was going on. He just wanted to get out of there.
"I completed the mission. I can leave, right?" he asked.
"Oh, but I thought you wanted peace," the figure said calmly, "I can give it to you."
"You can?" Henry asked, feeling hopeful.
"Yes, my child," the figure promised, "are you ready?"
Henry hesitated for a moment, but then nodded.
"Good, then I'll shall begin."
Henry felt a hand clasp over his forehead tightly. He gasped at how cold the hand was and how strong its grip. He tried to pull away, but he was too late.
"I'm sorry child," the figure coldly said, and Henry knew that the figure was smirking in glee, "but the only way you can have peace…is through death."
And that was the last thing Henry heard before he felt himself fall apart. He cracked, crumbled and soon he was nothing but dust laying on the hard, cold ground.
And cut.
That's the Eisenwald arc done and dusted.
So, a few things to say:
Nobody can deny that Night Terror is a masochist's dream. His scary, has metal claws for hands and uses dark tendrils to bind people. This was all unintentional BTW. I'm not certain if there are going to be any sort of romance between Virgo and Night Terror in the future, but she is definitely going to be asking Night Terror to punish her, much to his horror.
Mì-fhortanach (literally misfortune) is based on the Greek goddess Nemesis and she is a pivotal role in Phobos mythology. I haven't decided if she is a goddess or just a spirit.
The cake idea was inspired by a scene in Terry Pratchett's and Neil Gaimen's book 'Good Omens' where Crowley, a demon, uses fear to grow his flowers. They are the most beautiful and most terrified flowers in London.
I really, really, really, really hope you can read the dialogue said by the figure. I'm looking at it now and I am worried you won't be able to see it. If not please tell me and I will fix it ASAP.
Finally, Cana has (finally) made an appearance. The two's relationship will be explained in future chapters.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter and I'll see you next time.
Thanks :)